Late bloomer

Fate

Everyone went silent in the room, exchanging confused glances with each other, except for the Black Alders, who didn’t appear to be surprised. It took Jimin a few minutes to realize that he was the youngest son and had been chosen to be mated to the beast he had fearlessly stared down just moments ago. When he properly registered the words, everything in the room started spinning and he saw black. What the hell did it mean? How could it be him? He’s just a pup, an un-presented omega. It’s the universal law of all wolves not to mate with an un-presented wolf. Maybe the Black Alders don’t care about that law. They are no better than rugs. Does this beast have a thing for late bloomers, or is it because of Jimin’s stupid staring contest? Does this mean he really has to mate with Jungkook and leave his pack, everything he knew and loved? No, no, it can’t be. Maybe he heard it wrong. Then, he heard his father talking.

“With all due respect, my lord, my youngest is a late bloomer. He is yet to present as an omega. So, I...”

“So what, my lord? He is an omega by birth, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, he is, but the thing is...”

“He is a late bloomer. It’s fine. I heard you the first time, and I still want him.”

“Well, at least you should know that there is no guarantee when a late bloomer will present. It could be one month from now or it could be ten years from now, and you can’t mate him until he presents.”

Jungkook suddenly stood up, pressed his hand on the table, and leaned towards Jimin with a grin on his face. “Don’t worry, my lord, he will present within the next three months.” Then he looked at Jimin’s father. “You know, I’m really good with my instincts and I can already smell his pheromones.” He then made a mocking gesture of sniffing the air, causing his fellow rugs and his warlord father to burst into laughter. Jimin was trying his best to keep his tears in check. He still didn’t want to look frightened or weak, and he could sense the rage of his Alpha brother Taehyung, who was looking at Jungkook as if he was about to strike him. Jimin immediately held his hand. He didn’t want his beloved brother dead at the hands of this beast, as no one would stand a chance against Jungkook.

After the laughter died down, Jimin’s father spoke.

“Well then, it’s settled. You can have my youngest to marry and mate, but please know that he was raised with utmost care and love. So, I beg you, as a father, please take good care of him.” Jimin could sense the tremble and desperation in his father’s voice. He felt his heart sink.

“My lord, my son is the best Alpha your son can ever find. He is the strongest alpha among us all, he has never been defeated, not even once, and he is my heir. As his future mate, your son will have the best of everything.”

That was Jungkook’s father. Although he was a ruthless warlord, he seemed to sense the concern and worry of a father for his children. With that, Black Alders left the council room. It was Jimin, his father, and his siblings only. Jin immediately hugged Jimin, letting go of all the held-back tears. Tae, on the other hand, was furious, as a young alpha should be.

“You can’t let this happen, how could you trade him for the sake of the pack. He is your son and he has not presented yet, I don’t trust that alpha, why would he pick a late bloomer when he could have chosen Jin. I’m sure they have an ulterior motive behind this, we should declare war and fight back, father.”

“Calm down, Tae. I know how you feel. Do you really think I want to trade any of you with my enemies? And also, it all depends on you, Jimin. I’m not forcing you to mate him, son. If you can’t do this, we’ll declare war and fight with all our might until the end.”

Everyone was looking at Jimin. The decision was in his hands. Would he agree to mate the Alpha, or would he say no and be the reason for his pack’s demise because they stood no chance against the Black Alders. With a deep sigh, Jimin spoke.

“It’s fine, father. I will marry and mate him. If that can save our pack, I’ll gladly make that sacrifice.”

“Come on, Jimin, why are you giving up so easily? We may have a chance to win.” That was Taehyung.

“Stop it, Tae. We all know that we can’t defeat them. They will destroy everything we have, they will slaughter thousands of our clansmen and enslave the rest, just like they did with every other clan they fought with. And then, they will take me anyways. So, this is our only hope.” At least Jimin had a chance to save his loved ones by sacrificing himself.

“You are indeed very wise, my son. I’m so proud of you. Alders intend to stay with us for two weeks, and then you’ll have to leave with them. Your omega training will start tomorrow. I know you haven’t presented yet, but we can wait any longer. You should have the knowledge to be his mate once you present.” With that, his father left. Tae held Jimin’s hand, his eyes filled with tears.

“I feel like a coward. As your alpha brother, I can’t even protect you. We only have two weeks with you, Jimin. We may never see you again. Ever.”