Safe With You | Yoonmin

Chapter 13: The Storm's Wake

| Yoongi |

TAEHYUNG REFUSED TO LET YOONGI come anywhere near Jimin as they waited for Hobi to return with the healer.

The poor beta was beside himself with grief. He sat on the floor, back to the wall and the unconscious Jimin pulled half into his lap. Taehyung was trying to wrap the furs back around the pale omega's shoulders, holding him close to share warmth as he wept, whispering, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry," again and again.

And Yoongi wasn't faring much better. His initial burst of rage at seeing Jimin had subsided. But now his wolf was simmering just under the surface, urging him to protect the omega, avenge the omega, comfort the omega. Too many conflicting emotions and instincts made his skin burn and his chest ache.

His arms felt empty. It should be him helping the wounded omega, not Taehyung, they seemed to say.

But when he tried to approach, Taehyung's guard went up instantly. The beta's eyes flashed icy blue, a rumble building deep in his throat as he dared Yoongi to take another step. Everything about the young beta's posture was hostile and defensive, gaze flicking between the omega in his arms and the alpha a few feet away.

To be challenged by a beta infuriated Yoongi's wolf, but he fought down the impulsive urge to retaliate. He backed away with hands raised, suppressing his scent to show that he posed no threat.

He had to remind himself that to Taehyung and Hobi, he was practically a stranger. Jimin had talked about the betas for weeks, but they had never actually met until two days ago. And now, with the omega in such a weak and helpless state, Teahyung's apprehension was understandable.

But if Yoongi had to stand by and watch Jimin suffer any longer, he would go mad.

"Please," he asked, straining to keep his voice calm, "There has to be some way I can help. Just... tell me what to do."

"Light a fire then," Taehyung ordered, rubbing his hands along Jimin's arms. "He's nearly frozen."

It was terribly cold in the workshop. Perhaps even colder than outside, if that were possible. The only light came from the open back door which creaked slightly in the wind.

Yoongi limped out the door, squinting at the brightness of the snow. A pile of chopped wood and stick bundles lay stacked against the wall under the roof. He gathered up an armful and brought it inside to the small stove. Taehyung tensed from where he and Jimin lay just a few feet away, watching the alpha's every move.

There was a flint and steel hanging from a hook on the wall just above, and with these Yoongi was able to start a fire. He sat patiently before the stove, feeding split logs and kindling to the flames until the room flickered with soft orange light. Once he closed the back door, warmth began to seep into the room, kept insulated by the high snowdrifts surrounding the workshop.

The alpha glanced about, taking in the shelves of clay pots and tools which were crowded off to one side by the door. Obviously things had been moved to create space for the straw mats, the cot, and several chests and barrels of supplies. It almost looked as if someone had been living here, which was odd.

Amongst these supplies he found a cooking pot which he filled with snow, setting it over the stove to melt. By the time the water was hot he had also found a bowl and several small clean cloths.

Yoongi took the damp cloth and cautiously knelt before Taehyung, "Will you allow me?" he asked softly, gesturing to Jimin.

Taehyung stared him down, his hold on Jimin tightening.

"I'll be careful," Yoongi assured him, "I just want to clean the excess blood, so the healer can see his wounds clearly."

The beta's misty eyes bored into his for several seconds before he gave a tense nod.