Hunting Season ✓

S I X

"You haven't heard about the rumour?"

Taehyung went quiet at that. He shakes his head, confusion written all over his face.

Jimin sighed, not sure how to put it or what to think.

"I really thought it was all just nonsense. Guess it could be actually true, after all."

Taehyung didn't like the way Jimin was muttering to himself. So he asked, not sure if he wanted the other to explain, but he needed to.

"What rumour, Jiminie?"

The omega didn't want to worry his best friend even more, but there was no beating around the bush in this case.

"Have you never noticed that sometimes the registration lists have more names than submissives actually returning? They cover it up by scrapping the names as if nothing ever happened.."

Taehyung dreads to know where this story is going and how it connects to his previous rambles.

"There is a rumour that there's one pure blood alpha out there, who only participates in the event to kill. He never claims, only tracks down his prey and simply murders in cold blood."

Taehyung felt like a bucket of ice cold water got emptied right on top of him.

He didn't want to believe it, but unfortunately he could connect some dots.

The first thing that came to his mind was the alpha's scent, which he just couldn't put his finger on. The way his entire being just screamed pure power.

The cover up part followed right after. Those dominants back then acted wierd, when he tried to seek information about the unknown alpha.

In a way, it only makes sense. But that is impossible, pure blood alpha's are rare.

Rare, as in eleven big bags filled yellow M&M's and only one blue M&M somewhere hidden between those.

They exist. But the society that they live in makes it practically impossible for a pure blood alpha to be born, since everyone is so pressed on mating the submissives with the dominants.

Then, Taehyung remembered that the alpha didn't go back either. His scent lingered back there in the darkest part of the woods. The entire way back to the audience, the omega hadn't smelled it again.

And trust, if it was there, Taehyung would've noticed. It was very hard to miss. Especially for him.

The blonde omega felt like crying at the realisation.

"So that means I'm going to die. I'm going to die, aren't I? That's what you're saying, isn't it?"

Jimin had to bite on his tongue, forcing the lump in his throat back. He can't answer that question. He simply does not know.

"On the 'bright side..' Every kill he has supposedly made, had been done right away, the first moment he stumbled upon them. He let you go. My question is why.."

Taehyung gulps. He hasn't told him that part of the story yet.

"He─ he used his alpha voice on me.." He started, catching Jimin's attention again.

"He told me I smelled good. Like, really good. I could only imagine what he meant, his scent was breathtaking to say the least. He.."

Glancing into Jimin's eyes, he sighed before continuing.

"He said some unusual things to me. Like, he said he wants to hunt me down, over and over again. He told me to be there again tomorrow."

Jimin's eyes widened.

"That's unusual, to say the least. Traditionally, you only take part in the event once, since most wolves find a mate the first time. And if they don't, they participate another season, but not the next night. That's─ I don't think that has ever happened before."

Jimin's expression says it all.

"But you mustn't disobey his orders! Trust me, if the rumour is true and he is behind it, you really don't want to find out what happens if you don't follow his commands. You hate regular alpha's, he's a thousand times worse. A killer machine driven on pure animalistic instincts. Tae, I'm so sorry.. I should've been there."

Taehyung wiped a stray tear away, sniffling.

"It's not your fault, Jiminie. You didn't know. Hell, I didn't know, until someone announced they were missing a submissive. It all happened so quickly.."

His hatred towards Hoseok intensed by the second. He did this to him. It must've been him. It had to be. The alpha has been obsessing over him, wanting nothing more than to claim the omega for himself.

And Taehyung guesses Hoseok finally realised that he isn't going to be able to do so outside of the event. Hence, why he must've took it upon himself to enlist Taehyung.

The omega can't think of someone else who might've done it. Sure, he hates every single alpha and dominant he comes across, but he doesn't have true enemies. So he doubts its an act done out of hatred towards him.

It wasn't an act to get him killed purposely. No, the person who enlisted him either did it to claim him as his, or, as an act out of 'love' so he'd have a chance at finding a mate.

For a split second he imagines his father to be the one who signed him up.

But he shakes that thought out of his head quickly. No. He wouldn't do that to him. He knows how Taehyung, his one and only son feels. His father loves him dearly. He would never.

His mother wouldn't even think about it. So he doesn't suspect her at all.

Surely his parents want Taehyung to find happiness. A mate to spend his life with, someone who treats him well, someone who loves him. But they wouldn't ever do such a thing to him.

Taehyung felt guilty for even considering it. His entire aura went bitter.

"Go home, Taehyungie. Get some sleep. You need it. You really do. You need time to think about this. Tomorrow the event will go on as normal, you know you have to do what he says. Don't risk it. That's my advice. If you want me to, I'll be there."

The reassuring look on Jimin's face made Taehyung feel slightly better.

"Thank you, Jiminie. You're always there for me."

The omega flicked his best friend's forehead, making him flinch.

"Of course I am, silly! I'm simply returning the favour. I'll always be there."

They bid their goodbyes and Taehyung winks at Jimin once he went past Yoongi, an action that made him blush feriously.

"Good luck." He mouths, smirking at the newly mated couple.

He closed the door and the moment he turns around and his back met the material, tears started cascading down his cheeks.

No sounds came out, he just stares blankly into the forest ahead of him.

What is he supposed to do now?

He is terrified.