Safe With You | Yoonmin

Chapter 26: The Wolf

| Yoongi |

FOR THE FIRST TIME since Yoongi's return, Hyun-Joo was permitted to enter the cellar, although he was using a poultice on his neck and wrists to suppress his scent for Jimin's sake.

Jimin was awake, truly awake and alert for the first time since his wolf had seized control. Yet Yoongi was concerned. As the omega's eyes cleared and his body gained strength, his distress grew more obvious as well. Yoongi didn't understand the change. Yesterday Jimin had been so meek and trusting -- if a bit dazed -- allowing his friends to feed and comfort him between bouts of sleep. But this morning he could barely look anyone in the eye as he obediently ate two bowls of porridge and sipped the medicinal tea Hyun-Joo had made.

Now the omega sat in the center of the crude little nest on the bed, with knees tucked up to his chin and muscles taught as a bowstring. Yoongi sat just behind him, legs spread and arms wrapped around the younger's shoulders in what he hoped was a reassuring hug.

Poor Jimin's honey and clover scent was sour with anxiety. If this conversation proved too much for him or caused his inner omega to take over, it would be Yoongi's job to subdue the young wolf with pheromones, to prevent him from hurting Hyun-Joo, or himself. Jimin had agreed to all of this of course, but it still broke Yoongi's heart to see how the omega's nerves spiked as the healer stepped down into the dimly lit room.

The beta moved slowly and carefully, making every effort not to startle his patient as he took a seat at the base of the stairs.

Yoongi felt Jimin's shoulders relax slightly at the realization that Hyun-Joo would keep his distance, at least for now.

"Is this alright with your wolf?" The healer asked quietly.

"Yes... I think so," the omega answered, his voice strained. "My wolf isn't very loud right now. It still feels far away..."

Hyun-Joo hummed, resting a hand under his chin. "Can we talk about that? The situation with your wolf?"

Jimin shifted uncomfortably in Yoongi's embrace, and the alpha couldn't help but release a little burst of calming pheromones. He had to be careful though. Too much would render Jimin incoherent, and Hyun-Joo had stressed the importance of having this conversation sooner rather than later.

"Jimin," the healer continued softly, "You know why we need to talk about this, yes?"

"Because... my heat is coming?" Jimin whispered, and Yoongi could see the tips of his ears turning bright red.

Heat is when omega wolves felt most vulnerable, most fragile. Hyun-Joo was extremely worried by this, given Jimin's recent loss of control and borderline feral episodes.

"Yes," the healer answered, "I want to help you prepare for this heat every way possible. And your friends Hobi and Taehyung want to stay here with you throughout. Do they have your permission?"

Jimin nodded again, more confident this time.

"You know that heat is when your wolf will have the most control, apart from time spent in your shifted form. That is why I wanted to speak with you. A moment ago you said that your wolf feels far away? Can you tell us when that began?"

Yoongi felt the omega take in several slow shuddering breaths before answering, "I-In the temple, when the elders... the potion... They commanded me to t-tell them who marked me, and I... co-couldn't, I..."

"I understand Jimin, that's enough. You're doing well," the healer said encouragingly. "Can you tell me what your wolf was feeling before it grew so distant? Maybe that will help us."

"Oh." Jimin's scent soured again, "We were... It was afraid. Confused, I think and..."

"It's okay to be honest, Jimin. Say whatever comes to mind," encouraged the beta.