Late bloomer

Revelations

Jimin trembled in horror as he took a closer look at the gang. They all looked strong. Maybe Jimin was wrong to guess Jungkook would be able to fight them all. What would become of him now?

“Bring him over here” a rogue ordered

The man threw Jimin before another tall man. He landed on the hard ground, face first, like a rag doll. He squeezed his eyes in pain, then he took a closer look at the rogue before him. The rogue had strong muscular arms, they were bare and visible under the wolf pelt covering his shoulder. He wore several iron arm bands. His facial features were sharp and he had dark brown eyes. The man wore his hair in a top knot with shaved sides. The man was dangerously handsome. He looked at Jimin while sharpening his knife.

“I present to you the next head omega of Black Alders” Gina said sarcastically.

“This thing is pretty, isn’t it?” the man said after taking a good look at Jimin. Then he pulled Jimin up.

“Still a pup! Now that’s odd” He said, sniffing his neck. “I can make a good deal out of this, slave masters would pay a high price for this one, don’t you think?” He looked at his fellows for an opinion, as they nodded in agreement.

“He fucked me in front of him, to teach him a lesson,” Gina said, gesturing at Jungkook. Jimin looked at Jungkook. He could see the veins in his neck and forearms popping as if they would burst at any moment. He looked at the man who was holding Jimin with great fury, but he couldn’t free himself no matter how hard he tried.

“Is that so?, Then I should fuck him in front of you, to teach you a lesson. How do you like that, Jungkook?" He asked, looking Jungkook in the eyes. Then he licked Jimin’s neck, keeping his gaze at Jungkook. His foul breath made Jimin nauseous as his skin crawl in disgust. The rogue clearly knew Jungkook. From the tone of his voice, It was clear that these two men had some beef between them. What ever it was, now Jimin was going to get caught up in this.

“Let him go Jackson, this is between you and me, he is only a pup” Jungkook pleaded after realising he can’t free himself.

“Let him go?, Why should I? I might enjoy planting my seeds in a fresh womb.” He mumbled, biting Jimin’s neck lightly. Jungkook growled.

“After me, all my fellows here will have their turn with him, and then I will let my horses fuck him too, right in front of you. What are you going to do about that, mighty alpha?” He threatened, enjoying Jungkook’s vulnerability. Jimin had to think a way out of this, quickly. The rogue liked bluffing. May be riling him up might work, but if it went wrong it would make the situation even worse. Anyway, Jimin had no option but to give it a go.


“Is that all?” Jimin asked out of the blue. Jackson looked at him, unsure of what he heard.

“What did you say?” He asked.

“Is that all you are going to do to me? Does that make you feel powerful, coward?" Jimin asked sarcastically.

“What the fuck did you say, you bitch? How dare you call me a coward? You know nothing about me, you Alder bitch? He yelled in fury, throwing Jimin in the ground.

“First of all, I’m not an Alder. Secondly, You know you are a coward because you are threatening an Alpha who is tied down, he can’t even move a muscle, would you make the same threat if he wasn’t tied down like this? Jimin asked with a challenging glare. “Thirdly, you are using a helpless, unpresented omega to threatened him" He stated. His target was to rile up the man and may be lured him to engage in a single combat with Jungkook. It seemed like the only way out of the mess they were in.

“You bitch, you, you...” the man struggled with words, unable to control his anger. “You have no idea what he did to me, do you?" He yelled, walking up and down, pulling his hair like a mad man. Then he laughed hysterically and grabbed Jimin from his neck, dragging him towards Jungkook.

“Take a good look at your future fucking Mate, omega. If he gets to live, that is.” He growled. “You may not feel the same way about him after you hear what he did to my mate.” Jimin looked at Jungkook wondering what he would have done.

“He fucked my mate, and then he killed her, do you think that’s heroic omega, he is the real coward.”  Jackson said viciously.

“I didn’t kill her Jackson, she died in childbirth” Jungkook tried.

“And whose child was she carrying?, tell me? Tell me?, you son of a bitch." He yelled as Jungkook avoided Jimin’s gaze. Jimin was astonished by the revelation. Was there an end to how messed up Jungkook was?

“I was only......” Jungkook started.

“Shut up, just shut up, don’t you say anything about my mate, she was precious to me.” Jackson said, his voice almost breaking. Jimin could feel his pain as he noticed the mating bite in his neck. Man rubbed it, tilting his head to the side. He must be going through hell every day. Jackson was clearly not in his right mind. Jimin was once again overwhelmed by the loathsomeness he felt towards Jungkook. He was a home wrecker too. So this was why he was reluctant to talk to Jimin about his past. What more could he be hiding?

“So, do you still think I’m a coward?” Jackson asked Jimin?. “Am I not right to hurt him for what he did to me?” He demanded.

“You are not wrong” Jimin said after a while, and he was honest about what he said. If Jungkook really did that to Jacksons’ mate, then it was wrong and immoral. But now he should twist this situation to his benefit, turning things around. He noticed Jungkook’s head turning to him. He was trying to get Jimin to look at him.


“If he really did it, then it's wrong and immoral.” Jimin said, genuinely. “But still your method of getting back at him is wrong, you should challenge him for a single combat. That’s how a real wolf would honour his mate. Otherwise, you are just as immoral and shameless as he is” Jimin finished, praying that Jackson would take the bait and he did. He freed Jimin’s neck from his grasp. Jimin fell on his knees and rubbed the back of his aching neck.

“Don’t fall for that, this bitch is trying to trick you” Gina yelled impatient.

“He kidnapped you against your will, didn’t he?” He asked Jimin, disregarding Gina. Jimin kept quiet.

“Don’t do it, Jackson. You can’t win with him” Gina tried again, scared. She rushed to the rogue, putting her arms around his neck. “Don’t do it if you have any concern for me?” She begged.

Jackson started laughing hysterically. He pushed her away and slapped her hard. Gina fell on the ground alongside Jimin. She looked surprised.

“Why would I be concerned about a bitch like you? Didn’t you use to fuck him until you were kidnapped?” Jackson asked. "Bold of you to think I gave a fuck about you, you dirty whore,” He said bitterly.

Jackson walked to one of his colleagues and pulled his sword out. Then he placed it on the ground. Afterwards, he picked up a brazier full of burning coal with his bare hands with no concern towards the heat. He scattered the burning coal, making a path between the sword and Jimin. Next he looked at the omega, his expression was dead.

“If you can walk alone this path up to that sword and hand it over to him, I will grant him a trial by combat.” He said. “But if you fail, I’ll stick to my former plan. When my colleagues and I are done with you, I’ll throw the both of you over a cliff.”

“No, no, he doesn’t have to do that, your grudge is with me” Jungkook yelled impatient. “Please let him go, I beg you.” He pleaded.

“You really like him, don’t you?” Jackson asked, his voice was victorious. Jimin understood that the man just wanted to see Jungkook hurt. That’s why he made Jimin suffer, but this was much better than getting gang raped and being thrown off a cliff.

“I’ll do it, but you have to keep your word” Jimin said with determination.

“I swear, in the memories of my beloved mate” Jackson vowed.

“Jimin, you don’t.......” Jungkook started

“Just shut up and do it, will you?” Jimin said irritated. He looked at Jungkook with a new-found disgust. There was no end to how immoral and corrupted Jungkook was. Besides, why was he acting like he has a better way out of this mess instead of focusing on how to win. Not to forget that Jungkook himself branded Jimin raw.

Jungkook went silent as he felt the disappointment and disgust in Jimin’s voice. He sighed deeply. The fact that Jimin had to endure this because of him, ate him alive. He shuddered, helplessly.

Jimin looked at the burning coal in bright red. He should take quick steps so it would do minimal damage to his feet. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he stepped into the burning coal. His flesh sizzled as Jimin bit his lips, the burning pain almost paralysing him. He moved quickly, keeping his eyes on the sword. It was his only hope out of this tricky situation. Jimin fell on his knees as he grabbed onto to the sword at the end of the path, whimpering in pain.


“Well done, I’ll keep my end of the bargain” Jackson said, gesturing at one of the rogues to untie Jungkook. Jimin threw the sword at Jungkook as the alpha caught it. He looked at Jimin, furrowing his eyes in concern who was trying to hold his whimpering. Jimin wiped his eyes, not letting his tears run. Pain was overwhelming

“Ready?” Jackson asked.

“Yes, let’s end this dispute once and for all.” Jungkook said determined. Jimin could tell from his voice that Jackson was going to end up dead. So he didn’t want to take the risk. The minute Jackson ends up dead, his fellow rogues would definitely attack Jungkook altogether. Jimin wasn’t sure if Jungkook could fight them all and win single-handedly. There was nothing else Jimin could do to help him, either. He had done his best. So, he got up and started moving towards the horses at the heat of the fight when everyone else’s focus was on the two fighters. But he couldn’t walk, so he crawled towards Magnolia in all fours like a dog. If he could just get on the top of it and cut it loose, it would just run away from here with Jimin. But unfortunately, Gina noticed him halfway.

“Going somewhere?” She asked as she bent down and scratched the newly formed blisters on his feet with her nails. Jimin screamed in pain. But it didn’t stop Jimin from moving. Then she kicked him in the ribs, making him fall on the ground, face first. But still Jimin didn’t stop. Then Gina stepped on his head, pressing down hard. She laughed maniacally.

“Look how pathetic you are now, omega, Jungkook isn’t going to win, he can't fight all of them” She said viciously, pulling a knife.

Then suddenly, Jimin heard a thud as Gina screamed in pain. Jimin lifted his head to see what had happened. He saw Gina lying unconscious a few feet away from him. Jimin had managed to crawl close enough to Magnolia, and it seemed that Magnolia had Kicked Gina hard with its hind legs.


“Thank you,” Jimin mumbled gratefully. He picked up the knife and climbed up on it, cutting it loose. Magnolia moved like lightening in to the darkness of the night, and Jimin laid on its back, grabbing on to its mains. He heard the fading sound of swords clanking behind him. He didn’t care where Magnolia was taking him, he just wanted to be out of there.



By dawn, they were standing in the middle of no where, surrounded by hillocks. Small hills were covered with a thick layer of moss and small bushes. Jimin fell off magnolia, not having the strength to hold onto it any more. His hands were throbbing and pain in his feet had doubled. He crawled towards a rock and leaned on it. The last thing he could remember was feeling extremely thirsty.


Jimin didn’t know how long he spent that way. He must have passed out. When he opened his eyes, it was dark again. The pain on his feet returned immediately, he straitened his back to have a look at his feet. Someone had dressed his wounds. He could smell the herbs through the dressing. Jimin touched the wound, carefully, and gasped in pain.


There was a small fire burning in his vicinity, and he saw a man doing something. He looked carefully, zooming his eyes. It was Jungkook!. So he had survived. Jimin didn’t know whether to feel relieved or stressed. Jungkook was skinning a rabbit. Then he hanged the caucus above the fire and started spit-roasting it. He was surprised to find the omega staring at him when he turned to check up on Jimin. He hurried towards the omega with some water.


“When did you wake up?” He asked him, brushing the omegas’ hair from his forehead. Jimin slap his hand away, recalling the new-found information about the alpha. Raping someone else’s mate! He kept remembering all the unpleasant experiences he had with him. Jungkook sighed, sensing Jimin’s hostility.

“Here, drink some water” He put his hand in Jimin’s back supporting him to sit up and brought the water cup closer to him. Jimin gulped down water, impatient. He had never felt this thirsty before.

“Slow down, Jimin, take small sips.” Jungkook said, wiping the water dripping from his chin. Jimin stopped when he felt satisfied.

“Do your feet hurt bad?” Alpha asked kindly.

“Doesn’t feel much different from the time you branded me raw” Jimin said viciously. Alpha looked away, feeling awful at the recollection.

“Who poisoned you?” Jimin then questioned.

“ It was Liam, they found the poison with his belongings. His target was you, he thought the strawberry pie you left in your shed was for you to consume later” Jungkook said.

“It’s no surprise, he had feelings for you, he probably wanted to get rid of me so he can mate you” Jimin said recalling the conversation he had with the omega at the hunting expedition when Jimin first met him.

“I never had such feelings towards him, I swear.” Jungkook said. Jimin scoffed.

“Of course you didn’t” Jimin said sarcastically. “We are such an ill-fated union, don’t you think so, Jungkook? Either you or me always ends up getting hurt?” Jimin said irritated. Jungkook sighed.

“I promise you,  this will never happen again.” He assured.

“Really?, how?, if you are not in power I’m just a victim of your father or your rivals or your mistresses, and when you are in power I’m your victim, your hostage. Your warlord father didn’t even bother to do an investigation before accusing me of poisoning you, If it's not for Jhope, then I would have been dead by the time you recovered.”

“My father was not in his right mind, he hasn’t been for a long time now. So, he has decided to abdicate in favour of me, and you alone with Yoongi will have all the power next to me, after we mate.”

“Really, when are we going to mate, It’s been a long time now since I have stopped taking the suppressants, don’t you think I should have presented by now? Maybe I’m destined to be a late bloomer for the rest of my life” Jimin said

“You will present soon, Until then no harm will come to you. My father is not in charge any more, if it isn’t me, then it will be Yoongi.”

“How reassuring” Jimin mocked. “You are full of surprises, aren’t you alpha? You said you had no such feelings towards Liam. Didn’t you?” He asked.

“No, I truly didn’t” Jungkook assured.

“Then tell me, what type of feelings you had towards the mate of that Alpha who wanted to fuck me right in front of you, because he just wanted to get back at you.” Jimin questioned.” Did you just fuck her for the fun of it, or did you take pride in fucking someone else’s mate?”

“There are two sides to every story Jimin, you should listen to mine before judging me” He said.

“Yeah! Right, you sure had your reasons, did your primal instincts take over? Did she seduce you? “Jimin asked sarcastically. “No amount of your pathetic excuses will justify such an immoral deed, alpha.” Jimin finished, looking away from him in disregard.

“I was only eleven years old when that happened” Jungkook said after a minute or two. Jimin stilled at that.

“What? But how?” Jimin couldn’t figure out how an eleven-year-old pup get an omega pregnant.

“I presented as an Alpha when I was ten years old, I know it’s too early, but I guess it happened since my Alpha wanted to protect me from the constant danger, I faced during that period of my life.” Jungkook continued.

“ I was experiencing a full rut cycle when I was just eleven” Jimin’s eyes went wide. Normally, Alpha’s experienced their first ruts at age 14-16. Jimin had never heard of an Alpha going through it at such a young age.

“My father was too busy with his wars, and I didn’t have anyone to guide me or tell me what to do. Jackson was second in command at the time. Jackson’s mate, Alia, always showed me a lot of affection and I craved that at the time. We were constantly moving around, defeating one pack after another. I was not allowed to fight in the field at the time. During one of those raids, when Jackson was away fighting alongside my father, I went into my rut. I was with Alia, and she seduced me, I couldn’t control myself, I didn’t even have a clear idea of what was happening. All I ever fell towards her was a sisterly fondness, but she took advantage of me in my most vulnerable period,” Jungkook stopped for a minute as unpleasant memories plagued his mind. He sighed again and continued.

“When Jackson returned from the war, she was pregnant with my pup. But he turned a blind eye to it. He wasn’t hostile towards me, either. I later learned that he was infertile and couldn’t give Alia a pup. They had been mated for about five years by then. I guess he wanted to raise the pup as his own. But things changed when Alia died unexpectedly in childbirth. He went insane with grief and frustration and started accusing me of raping his mate and killing her. My father eventually banished him from the pack. After that, I never saw him again until the day they captured me” Jungkook finished.


Jimin didn’t know what to make of this information. Jungkook was clearly molested and used by a full-grown omega when he was going through his first rut. And he was then accused by her mate as a murderer and a rapist. All that at the age of eleven. Even though Jimin had never experienced a heat – he recalled how well Taehyung and Jin were taken care of during their first rut cycles. And they were both 14 when they presented. Jungkook took a glance at Jimin.

“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to look down on me and despise me more than you already did” Jungkook added.

“I never looked down on you Jungkook I......., I don’t know what to say,” Jimin stuttered.

“You were on point about me that night, omega. I really had no proper upbringing ever since my mother died, and I guess I was like a feral beast who couldn’t control my self.” Jungkook said with a painful smile. Jimin felt horrible recalling his own words.


“No!, No! Please don’t say that. I didn’t mean it that way. I had no idea you had to go through such horrible things” Jimin said immediately. “How old was she when this happened?” Jimin asked, unable to hide his Curiosity.

“I’m not sure, 22 or 23 I guess, I even remember their mating ceremony, I was probably 7 or 8 at the time.” Jungkook answered. Jimin felt angry at the predatory omega who used a confused young wolf to get what she wanted. It must have been traumatising for Jungkook. Jimin took Jungkook’s hand in his.

“None of that was your fault Jungkook, she was just a predator who molested a young Alpha to get what she wanted, and his mate turned a blind eye to it since he knew he was infertile, then he was just trying to blame you for her demise. You should not regret something you couldn’t help. You are the victim here, not them.” Jimin said, trying to console the alpha. Jungkook gazed at Jimin without saying anything.


“You really don’t despise me?” He questioned


“No, I don't” Jimin put his hand on the Alpha’s reassuring him. “I also understand that it’s not an experience you can leisurely share with someone” he added, understanding how awkward and uncomfortable he must have felt telling Jimin all about it. It's not something one would share with a person who you would want to impress.

Jungkook took Jimin’s hand and kissed it gently.

“Let's eat something, you must be hungry and exhausted” He said, getting up to check the roasting rabbit. Jimin nodded, smiling at him.


The next morning, when Jimin woke up, he was determined to learn everything about Jungkook. He should know, as his future mate, so, maybe he can better handle future situations before judging Jungkook, too quickly. Jimin stood up and walked towards Jungkook who was sitting on the ground, he was preparing an ointment.

“Is this for my wound?” Jimin asked, sitting beside him. His feet were still hurting, but it wasn’t as bad as yesterday.

“It is” Alpha answered with a smile. “So, how do you feel now?, did you sleep well? He asked. Jimin nodded.

“ By the way, are you all right?, were you not injured in the combat?” he asked.

“Not even a scratch,” alpha said proudly. “I defeated them all, single-handedly” Jimin couldn’t help but laugh at the alphas’ smug. It was truly impressive, Jimin knew they were all dead, but he couldn’t feel sorry for them.

“You are not lying, right? Are you hiding any injuries like the last time?” Jimin asked again, he felt concerned. Jungkook looked at him mischievously.

“Do you want me to take off my clothes, so you can check for your self?” He asked, winking an eye at him.

“Oh! What was I thinking, you are still just a pervert?” Jimin said, annoyed, as alpha burst into a fit of laughter. Then he knelt beside Jimin.

“Let's have a look at your wounds” he said quickly taking off the bandages. Then he tore a piece from his tunic to dress the wounds. Jimins’ eyes caught Jungkook’s torso, it was visible through the half torn tunic up to his chest.

“Like what you see, omega?” Jungkook asked, grinning at Jimin when he noticed. Jimin didn’t realize he was staring at the alphas muscles. He felt his cheeks burning.

“I wasn’t looking” Jimin protested.

“Then, what were you looking at?” Alpha challenged.

“Just at your torso, I mean the tunic, the tunic” Jimin corrected himself immediately.

“Really? You like my tunic that much” Jungkook asked raising his eyebrows. Jimin didn’t answer. Jungkook lifted the omegas’ legs to check the badges, and then he kissed his feet. Jimin jumped in surprise.

“Are you out of your mind? Why would you kiss my wounds?” Jimin yelled.

“ Didn’t you just walked on burning coal with these feet to save me” Jungkook asked, pressing Jimin’s feet on his cheeks. Jimin felt embarrassed. He tried to drag his feet back, but alpha kept kissing them.

Why did he really try to save Jungkook? He didn’t do it for Jungkook, he did it to save himself, right? Jungkook has nothing to do with it. At least that’s what he tried to convince himself.

“I didn’t do it for you, I....”

“You did it for yourself” Jungkook completed. “Then why didn’t you wait until they slit my throat. You could have waited for them to fall asleep and easily got your horse back, since you don’t have a scent. But you tried to rescue me, risking your life. Why did you do that?” Jungkook questioned, dangerously invading Jimin’s space. Jimin didn’t know how to answer that. Why did he?. So he looked away from alphas’ gaze. He swallowed, nervous.

Jungkook immediately moved away from Jimin as if nothing happened. He started gathering his tools.

“Let’s start heading back tomorrow” he said nonchalantly.

“Okay. Wait, where is Magnolia?”, Jimin asked, remembering his beloved pet.

“I guess it went back to the camp, it could easily find its way back there. Horses are like that.”

“But she never abandoned me like that before”

“She is an intelligent creature, Jimin. He probably figured you don’t need his company any more”

“Why not?, I could use his company” Jimin said, disheartened. He felt like hugging Magnolia.

“Don’t be sad, you will be reunited with your Magnolia when we go back to the camp.”

Jimin thought about Liam, he wanted to know what would happen to him since he was the culprit.

“So, what will happen to Liam? will he be held as a prisoner or will he be banished.”

“He is dead” Jungkook answered shortly. “After the poison was found in his possession, he had confessed to it. My father had already burned him alive by the time I recovered” Jungkook finished. Jimin trembled at the revelation. Jungkook must be hurt. He sure liked that omega’s company.

“I’m sorry, Jungkook. I wished you had recovered earlier to save him”

“Save him?, why would I want to save him after what he did” Jungkook questioned.

“But he didn’t want you dead, he was targeting me”

“Exactly, we can’t keep someone who will be a constant danger to you. See what happened with Jackson. He gathered a whole clan of raiders to attack our clan just to get back at me. I wouldn’t have burned him alive, though, may be hanging or beheading. Those methods are merciful, I guess. I would have given him that choice in the name of the friendship we shared.” Jungkook said, thoughtfully.

Jimin knew Jungkook wasn’t lying, he was right. Keeping him alive would be dangerous. Even Jimin’s own father wouldn’t be showing that type of mercy towards attempted murder. But still, Jimin felt sorry. The alpha must feel betrayed and regretful. Jimin felt a sudden urge to hug Jungkook and console him. But he dismissed the thought. Then he couldn’t stop himself from staring at the broad, muscular back of Jungkook. He was doing something, his back turned towards the omega. Jimin shook his head violently. What the hell was wrong with him?

It started snowing that night. Since it was so unexpected, they couldn’t even find a shelter. Jimin sat leaning to a rock, shivering. He disregarded all pleas of Jungkook to sit next to him so  he can keep him warm.

“Listen, Jimin, I won’t do anything, I promise.” Jimin shook his head.

“I’m fine, it’s not that cold” Jimin said, trying to keep his teeth from chattering. He was already covered with Jungkook’s bear pelt, but still he was cold. Jungkook just sat there, barely covering his upper body with the half torn tunic as if it was normal weather. He wasn’t even trembling.

“Really omega? I can hear your teeth chattering from here.” Alpha said.

“Maybe you can shift into your wolf, so I can hug it” Jimin said reluctantly.

“What? Shift in to my wolf? So you can hug my wolf but not me?” Jungkook questioned. “My wolf is the same as me.” He said surprised.

“No, it’s not” Jimin protested. “Your wolf is fluffy and cute like a soft toy”

“Cute!, fluffy! Soft toy!, are you being serious? Did you just call my wolf a soft toy? Jungkook asked in disbelief, standing up.

“It is! Its fur is very soft and fluffy, and it’s very hugsy” Jimin justified. If he remembered correct, Jungkook’s wolf had perfect fur, smooth and fluffy.

“What do you mean by hugsy?” Jungkook questioned.

“It means very huggable” Jimin answered. Jungkook gasped in disbelief.

“Are you intentionally trying to insult me and my wolf?”

“I’m not, that’s how your wolf felt like when I rode on its back” Jimin said genuinely. Jungkook shook his head, mumbling to himself.

“Fine, fine, I’ll shift so come here and snuggle with my wolf all you want, as long as you don’t end up dead from the cold, omega” Jungkook said irritated. “But don’t you dare call my wolf fluffy and cute and hugsy again. It's ferocious, you hear me? It’s ferocious and dangerous!” Jungkook yelled, annoyed at Jimin’s impression of his wolf.


Jimin watched, hiding his grin from the alpha. He genuinely didn’t mean to insult Jungkook or his wolf. That was what he genuinely thought. At least when it wasn’t chasing him around the jungle. He had no idea Jungkook would have felt offended for calling his wolf fluffy and cute. But he felt giddy at the Alpha’s defensive response.

The large black wolf lay where Jungkook had been previously. Jimin could see the annoyance even in its eyes. He stopped himself from laughing out loud while walking towards it. Jimin didn’t hesitate to get on the top of the wolf, hugging it. The wolf was so warm, like a heater. He buried his face among its fur, nuzzling. Wolf purred at Jimin’s behavior. Jimin snuggled the wolf, engulfing it in a bear hug while covering his exposed back with the bear pelt. He stopped shivering immediately as the comfortable warmth lulled him into a deep sleep.


Jimin woke up late the next morning, he felt a bit dizzy. He lifted his head up, yawning. Then he suddenly felt a difference. He didn’t feel the fluffy fur but hard muscles under him. Jimin was laying on Jungkook’s bare chest, the wolf was gone. He sat up immediately to face a grinning Jungkook. Jimin immediately stood up and moved away.


“Did you sleep well, Pearl?” Jungkook asked. His voice was so smug.

“You pervert, why would you shift back while I was asleep”

“That’s for calling my wolf fluffy and cute,” Alpha answered. Jimin turned to Jungkook and looked him in the eyes.

“Your wolf is fluffy, cute and hugsy. It’s like a giant soft toy. I would never change my mind about that.” He confirmed.

“Really? Let’s see about that,” Jungkook said with a challenging glare. He stood up and charged at Jimin, shifting into his wolf in the process. The wolf growled, showing its sharp canines, and snapped at Jimins’ face. Jimin didn’t budge. He dead-panned at the wolf standing still. Then it Jumped on Jimin, making him stumble to the ground. It didn’t hurt since the ground was covered with snow. Then the wolf hovered over Jimin, growling, sneering and snapping. Jimin sighed. Did he really think he could scare Jimin with these antics? What a stupid alpha! After trying for about 15 minutes, Wolf backed off and gave Jimin a disappointing glance. It howled impatiently. Jimin didn’t hide his laughter this time.


“If you are done, Fluffy,” Jimin called the wolf by a nickname. “Maybe we can take our breakfast and head back to the camp”


Jungkook sat sulking, sitting as far away from Jimin as possible while taking his breakfast. He refused to talk to him or look at him.

“Okay, your wolf is ferocious and dangerous! Would you stop sulking now?” Jimin said, trying to keep a straight face, but he failed miserably when alpha looked at him with the cutest pout.

“You are so mean, Omega,” Jungkook complained. “You insulted my wolf, and now you are laughing at me. The wolf is the pride of an alpha, and you call my wolf fluffy,” He complained at a giggling Jimin.

“I didn’t mean it as an insult, Alpha. Your wolf makes me feel comfortable and safe. That’s what I meant.” Jimin answered genuinely. “I thought you wanted me to like you!” Jimin added, and Jungkook took the bait.

“I do, but I don’t want you to think about me as some soft, weakling”

“You aren’t a soft weakling, Jungkook. You know that better than anyone. You wouldn’t have survived this far if you were a weakling. That doesn’t mean you have to be scary, big and ferocious all the time. Just put your guard down and be yourself a little, too. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Jimin said.

Jungkook gazed at Jimin silently. He sighed.

“I’m afraid to let my guard down. Everyone used me or hurt me back then, when I was being myself. So I built it to save myself.”

“Do you want to tell me about it?” Jimin asked.

“About what?”

“About your story”

“Are you sure you want to hear it?, I can assure you it’s not a pleasant one.”

“I don’t care, Jungkook. I really want to hear it. I should know all about you if I’m going to be your future mate.” Jimin said. Jungkook sighed again, looking at Jimin.

“Will you ever be my mate willingly, Jimin?” He questioned, catching the omega off guard.

“I don’t know, Alpha.” Jimin sighed, looking away. Jungkook started talking after a while.

“I had a pretty ordinary and happy life until all of that changed drastically when my uncle murdered my mother and my siblings. I had five siblings, I was the youngest among them”

“Why did your uncle do that?”

“My father was the second in command when my grandfather was the head alpha of Alders. My mother was promised to my father in an arranged mating. But later, seeing how strong and powerful my father was, they changed their minds and started considering him a threat. My uncle and my grandfather planned to involve my father in a plot and banish him from the pack. When my father found out about it, he got furious. He kidnapped my mom and mated her by force. She got pregnant immediately with my oldest alpha brother. My grandfather really loved my mother, so he couldn’t punish my father or make up his mind to banish him. Because he would also lose his beloved daughter in the process. So, my father was allowed to keep his position. I honestly don’t think he really wanted to be the head alpha or go against my grandfather or uncle. He was satisfied with what he had.” Jungkook stopped talking and looked at Jimin for his reaction.

“Go on, what happened next?” Jimin encouraged him.

“Although my father mated my mother by force in the heat of the moment, he dearly loved her. I believe she did too. Their bond was strong. My father always helped her with household chores; he even helped her wash clothes in the river. He also loved us very much, we used to wait for him to return home every evening. He would sit by the fire, cuddling us and narrating stories, while my mother prepared supper. It was a cozy and normal home.” Alpha sighed again before continuing.

“But things changed when my grandfather died and my uncle became the head alpha. My father ignored all the animosities and still served him with loyalty. He truly didn’t want any trouble. But my uncle was an insecure bastard. He doubted his own abilities as the head alpha and considered my father a threat. He tricked my father and sent him out of the pack territory to arrange a trade, and since I begged my father to take me with him, he did. In our absence, my uncle killed my mother; his own sister and my poor siblings. He put their heads on spikes and displayed them above the fortress wall. I was too young, so I didn’t see that or understand what happened. I kept crying, asking for my mother. I didn’t learn what happened to them until I was eight and was kidnapped by my uncle. You already know that story”

“Your uncle was a monster, how could he do that to his own sister and his own nieces and nephews?” Jimin exclaimed.

“He really was. My father and I wandered around like feral wolves in the jungle. No other pack took us in, as their fealty was to my uncle. Eventually a pack of rogues took us in, soon my father became their leader, and we lived roaming here and there, looting from travelers crossing our forest. Still, my father didn’t want to avenge my uncle, he greatly feared for my life and thought he would lose me too if he did. But when I was also kidnapped, it was his last straw. He attacked the Alders along with an army of rogues. To my uncle's dismay, many Alders joined my father. They were also tired of my uncle, since he was an awful head alpha. My father dismembered my uncle while he was still alive and displayed his body parts above the fortress.”

“As he should have,” Jimin said in fury.

“My father still didn’t want to start wars or claim other packs, but all the clans around our territory shunned us and refused to do trades with us. They considered us filthy and below them since the incident, and didn’t recognize my father as the rightful head alpha. They didn’t even let us pass through their territory to travel to the port. We were deprived of everything.”

“And your father had no choice but to declare war?” Jimin questioned.

“Yes. Ultimately, my father had no choice but to fight them. He was very clever and tactful. He had a natural ability for warfare, I guess. He didn’t lose a single battle. Then the war got into his head. My father constantly blamed himself for what happened to my mother and his children. He believed he was partially responsible since he mated her against her will. So war became his coping mechanism. After defeating every clan in our territory, he still didn’t want to stop. He gradually built a powerful army and kept moving forward, taking over every pack on his way. We kept going like that for years until we came to your clans' territory.” Jungkook took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

“When war and victory get into the heads, people lose themselves and their sense of right and wrong. The same thing happened to us somewhere in the process.” He added. Then he looked Jimin in the eyes.

“Can’t you remember me, Jimin?” He asked out of the blue.

“What do you mean?” Jimin asked, confused.

“Don’t you remember that boy you met in the port of Scalloway all those years ago? That boy your Alpha brother pushed. That boy you gave your handkerchief to?” Jimin stood up, his eyes going wide with surprise.

“That was you! But he was so weak,  small, and innocent”. He said, in disbelief.

“Exactly, a weakling and easy prey for everyone, that was the time we were roaming aimlessly. I was kidnapped by my uncle on our way back from the temple of the goddess.”

“But that means you are only two years older than me. So, you are just nineteen? How are you built like this for your age?. I thought maybe you were in your thirties.” Jimin said, still reluctant to believe Alpha's words.

“Really, do I look that old? Maybe all the trauma and experiences made me mature and look older than my age.” Jungkook said.

“So did you know who I was when you chose me?” Jimin asked.

“No, it was the scent. My Alpha recognized you immediately, I guess, but I wasn’t sure until I saw you that day on the bridge when we were at the temple of the Goddess.”

“But how did you know my scent? You were a pup, too, back then. How did you smell my scent?” Jimin asked, wondering if the Alpha had a special ability.

“I’m a dominant alpha, just like my father,” Jungkook said. Now, that made perfect sense. Dominant alphas were above all wolves, the highest in the ranking, and were very rare. That explained the alpha's unique and strong build, too.

“Oh! Now that makes more sense,” Jimin said.

“My father didn’t allow me to fight beside him until I turned fourteen. He didn’t take a mate or show any interest in an omega after my mother died. He found his solace in war.” Jungkook continued.

“ After the incident with Alia, I never accepted anyone’s affections. I was scared of being used again in a vulnerable moment. My ruts didn’t return until I was fifteen again. I fucked every omega who I found interesting or who showed interest in me. None of them denied me. I had no love or affection for any of them, but it helped me feel less vulnerable since I had the upper hand. I didn’t want to let my guard down until I met you. I felt scared when you denied me, since my Alpha was extremely attracted to you.” Jungkook finished.

They were silent. Jimin analyzed everything the alpha told him in his mind, sitting next to him. He wondered if his omega would feel the same attraction for Jungkook when he presented and his omega became powerful.


They couldn’t travel back to the camp that day since it would be difficult for Jimin to walk in the snow. The next day, it turned into a blizzard. It was difficult even for the alpha to walk in the deep snow. Instead of going back, they managed to find a spacious cave to stay away from the cold and snow. Jungkook went hunting, he only hunted rabbits since they were easy to cook over a small camp fire. They didn’t have enough clothes to keep them warm. Jungkook didn’t have an issue, but it was really difficult for Jimin. He spent the days covering himself with Jungkook’s pelt, keeping the fire alive. At night, Jungkook always shifted into his wolf so Jimin could sleep hugging it.

On the fourth morning, it had stopped snowing, and the Sun was up in the sky brightly. If this weather lasted for two days, it would melt the snow, so they could head back to the camp site. Jungkook made a pair of snowshoes for Jimin to walk easily without drowning in snow. Alpha first suggested that he carry Jimin on his back. But Jimin didn’t like the idea. It was hard enough already just walking in the deep snow, but carrying someone while doing so. No, it would be exhausting even for a strong Alpha like Jungkook. Jimin also couldn’t keep his legs hanging down for a long time since it made his wounds throb, so he couldn’t ride on the wolf's back either.

The morning they departed from the cave, Jimin felt weird. His head was buzzing, and his whole body was lethargic. He just wanted to stay in the cave, snuggling Jungkook’s wolf as long as possible. But he didn’t tell that to the alpha. Instead, he started moving slowly behind him. He got a whiff of a cedar wood. The scent kept growing, making Jimin feel sleepy and calm. He loved it. So, he looked around, hoping to detect a few cedar trees in the vicinity, but there were none. He bumped into alpha’s back, wondering where the scent was coming from, and fell backwards on the snow. Alpha helped him up.

“I’m sorry,” Jimin answered in a haze.

“Jimin, are you all right? You have been acting weird since this morning.” Jungkook asked.

“I’m just feeling kind of dizzy and idle. Probably because of this cold weather,” Jimin answered, looking around again, trying to detect a cedar tree.

“What are you looking for? You keep looking around,” Jungkook questioned.

“I’m looking for cedar trees.” Jimin answered.

“Cedar trees? Why?”

"I've been getting this fragrance of Cedar since this morning, it keeps getting stronger and stronger. There must be some trees around,” Jimin answered, sniffing the air. Jungkook took a few steps back from Jimin.

“Do you like the fragrance of cedar?” Alpha questioned.

“ I really do. Back at home, I used cedar scented candles to scent my room. It’s so calming and soothing, you know.” Jimin answered dreamily. He walked away from the alpha, looking around. He was sure the trees were very close by. Maybe he can ask Jungkook to get a few fresh branches for him. So he can burn them on the small fire in his shed. Jungkook crossed his hands above his chest and kept staring at the omega.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Jimin asked when he noticed the alpha’s gaze.

“There are no cedar trees around here, Jimin.” Alpha said.

“Then where does the fragrance come from?” Jimin asked stubbornly.

“It’s my scent, Omega. You are sensing my pheromones.” Jungkook answered as Jimin froze. He looked at Jungkook with wide eyes.

“I think you are going into your first heat, Omega,” He said, walking towards a very panicked Omega.