Tales of a Wounded Heart | Jikook/ Taegi

Chapter 13

The woods in this part of the South weren't that different from that of the lands the Kim pack had occupied. The geography was a bit different but they shared the majority of the flora and fauna species.

However, the Park pack located on the coast gave them more access to trade and the frequent monsoon due to storms from the ocean enabled some of the rare herbs to grow in their mountains. But then the Kim Pack had their special herbs too.

As for their lifestyle, except for a few differences they weren't much different either. But they were advanced because of their connections with the outside world. The Kim pack was thriving too until the frequent attacks from the Northern tribe forced them into seclusion, because they simply didn't have enough wolves to spare to send them for a fight.

His father chose to protect their members and resources first and cut down on expeditions and explorations to protect themselves from the frequent attack. Instead, he tried to form an alliance with the Park pack to access the safer route only to be turned down every time.

The wolves gathered together early that morning to head for the ritual hunt. The storm had caused a few trees to uproot and several branches thrown haphazardly across the forest floor. Namjoon's wolf turned its massive head to check on its brother trailing behind him.

Jungkook carefully marched through the slippery slopes following his brother and the other wolves. Last night's rain storm had completely erased each scent trail they had left and it was like they were scouting an unfamiliar terrain once again. His tail brushed over Jungkook's face whenever he swished it. Yoongi and two other wolves strode slightly behind Jungkook to ensure he didn't lose track.

The Park pack wolves took the lead since this was their homeland. They marched ahead of them all. Namjoon tossed careful glances behind him every once in a while to make sure Jungkook was following him. Though the unexpected storm threw a wrench in their initial plans, they didn't let that deter them.

Jungkook remained hopeful as ever and looked excited for the hunt. Namjoon could relate. He was elated when he left for the hunt prior to his mating too. Finding a prey won't be an easy task, considering the storm would have chased all the animals far or into a hidden shelter. He hoped to find some wild deer and return home.

A few hours into the trek, they caught a few hares but nothing significant. Seokjin shifted during their short break to suggest they try their luck a bit East from here where there were many caves and said they might have some luck finding a game there.

The pack of wolves continued their trek toward the east. Jungkook occasionally stopped lifting his nose in the air to check if there were any animals nearby. Namjoon found that endearing even after years. He still remembered his little brother training to hunt as a pup.

During the initial hunts, he'd follow Namjoon just like this so as to not get lost. Jungkook was the youngest wolf in their hunting group and adamantly joined them in every trip. Jungkook's paws slipped a few times or he tripped on the slick ground where several branches had fallen. Namjoon was quick to steady him and assure him with a gentle nudge.

Even though Jungkook struggled a bit, he held on stronger and more resilient as ever. He followed despite the hurdles on his path. The terrain grew more rugged as the time went on and they neared the caves.

Namjoon made some vocal sounds to communicate the changes in terrain. They were used to it but it was still hard for Jungkook to navigate. Oftentimes he would step over a sharp edged rock or a slippery slope only to retrace his steps and take an alternate route. The firstborn of the Kim household was proud of his brother for constantly working hard and not giving up. His scent was calm and assuring around his brother.

The jagged rocks and dense underbrush might be challenging but Namjoon could tell Jungkook would view this as a chance to learn and sharpen his skills. He would be memorizing every step and would try to learn how to navigate in such circumstances.