Chapter Text
The grand library now empty and quiet, Jimin began his closing routine of tidying up and preparing to lock the doors for the night. Though it was past midnight already, he kept weekend hours late to accommodate the city's hardworking folks seeking a peaceful haven.
Jimin never imagined owning a library, yet here he was - proprietor of the famed Min-K Library in Seoul. As a child, he'd always dreamed of running his own dance studio or being a famous dance teacher. But fate had taken an unexpected turn and this career had found him unexpectedly after injury derailed his dance dreams
Life could be strange sometimes, but hey! at least one dream had come true - he was famous and now renowned all across the country for this landmark library.
After ushering the last patrons out and ensuring he was alone, Jimin headed to the janitorial closet to grab cleaning supplies before starting his nightly ritual, stacking books left on tables, turning off computers, and giving final sweeps through the rows of shelves to ensure no patrons were left behind.
Methodically moving through the building, Jimin fell into the familiar rhythm of his tasks - wiping down tables, sweeping floors, re-shelving astray books. It was calming, allowing his active mind to unwind.
Jimin took pride in maintaining this space, no matter how far it was from his original aspirations. He couldn't predict where life's path would lead next, but he was ready for whatever chapter came.
Focused on his cleaning routine, Jimin didn't notice the front door opening or the bell ringing or hear approaching footsteps over the buzz of his vacuuming. Suddenly a silhouette in his peripheral vision made him startle violently. He turned abruptly to see a hulking man standing a short distance away, covered neck to wrist in dramatic, edgy tattoos.
Inky designs sprawled over the majority of the man's bare, muscular arms and continued upwards, just visible creeping from under his shirt collar and chest and up his thick neck. There was even a single delicate facial tattoo under his left eye. Long inky hair fell around the man's angular sharp features, the dark strands accentuating his pale skin. Under the dim lighting, the man's eyes seemed to faintly glow crimson.
Jimin's gaze swept up and down the unexpected visitor's imposing frame as his cleaning broom clattered loudly to the floor in shock. An involuntary shiver ran through him, sweat breaking out across his back. For a brief, disorienting moment his heart seemed to stop mid-beat.
The man looked like a mafia boss, with his aura screaming danger. His black combat jeans and sleeveless shirt, the kind he'd seen in movies, were a stark contrast to the quiet street. "I-I'm sorry, sir, we're closed for the day," Jimin stuttered, fear and something strange weighing down on his heart. He had never seen someone quite like this before, especially not in his small, nondescript vanilla shop.
The stranger let out a deep, ominous chuckle that seemed to reverberate through the empty shop, causing Jimin's fear to intensify. As he advanced towards Jimin, the young man felt himself being backed against the wall, his breath catching in his throat, sweating rivers.
With an eerie sense of possessiveness, the stranger's hand reached out to caress Jimin's cheek, sending a chill down his spine. Jimin instinctively shut his eyes tightly, turning his head away in fear. The man exuded darkness, from his black attire to his terrifying aura. His eyes, which Jimin initially thought flickered red, now emitted a piercing scarlet glow that seemed to pierce through the room's darkness.
"Look at me, Munchkin," the stranger commanded in a deep, husky voice that sent shivers down Jimin's spine. Jimin couldn't help but comply with that familiar nickname. his eyes shot open, feeling his heart pounding in his chest loudly. He stared wide-eyed at the imposing stranger's face, a mix of fear and curiosity swirling within him.
Only one person calls him that, and it's certainly not this dangerous man. Right?
Jimin scanned the man's features - the trademark doe eyes, small lips with a mole underneath. There was no way he wouldn't recognize him. His gaze was drawn to the new addition, the small tattoo under the man's eye he had briefly seen earlier, the letters 'JM' etched clearly. Jimin's eyes glossed over, incredulous at the sight before him.
"Bubbles?" he mumbled uncertainly. The man chuckled a deep and imposing sound, nodding as he nuzzled Jimin's neck voraciously. He inhaled Jimin's scent, pressing closer instead of giving him space.
Jimin stood paralyzed in shock, unable to comprehend what was happening. Who the hell is this? And what the fuck happened to his little shy Junkookie?
When Jungkook was satisfied, he pulled back, his scarlet eyes darkened with desire, making Jimin gulp as heat spiraled within him. "Missed me, Munchkin?" Jungkook whispered, brushing back Jimin's hair and yanking his head closer, the hold in his hair wasn't painful but it was tight enough to make him gasp.
"W-who are you?" Jimin stammered, his voice quivering with uncertainty. His mind reeled, something deep inside him couldn't grasp the situation and couldn't believe that this threatening figure was his jungkook.
The room seemed to close in around them, and Jimin felt an electric tension in the air. Jungkook's smile remained cryptic as he snaked an arm around Jimin's waist, pulling their bodies even flush together. Jimin's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing like a hamster on a wheel, each thought a blur of confusion and fear. The "What the hell?" mantra echoed repeatedly in his thoughts.
Every detail intensified his bewilderment.
Why was Jungkook here, standing in front of him after two long years of silence?
what happened to him and why is he so different?
Why did his eyes emit that eerie scarlet glow, rendering Jimin immobilized and captive?
Most of all, why was he acting this way?
Jungkook laughed softly at Jimin's frozen shock state, his eyes boring into Jimin's soul as if he could read every chaotic thought. The sound of his laughter was somehow unsettling and unfamiliar.
"I'm your bubbles, munchkin," Jungkook whispered greedily in Jimin's ear, his voice laced with a possessive intensity that sent shivers down Jimin's spine. "Your alpha, my pretty little human." Those simple yet loaded words sent shockwaves through Jimin's body.
He understood the meaning behind those words perfectly well. They were not unfamiliar to him, and he was far from unintelligent when it came to understanding their implications. But what did he really mean by saying them?
If this was some kind of twisted joke, Jungkook had a sick sense of humor. Now was hardly the time for games.
The concept of werewolves wasn't entirely foreign to him. It had always existed as a mythical creature, confined to the domain of children's bedtime stories or tales told during scary nights among adults on Halloweens.
Werewolves were often a hot topic in human conversations, often discussed alongside other myths. Some believed they were real and still roaming among us, while others dismissed them as pure fiction. Some even found excitement in the idea that everything portrayed in fiction must exist somewhere in reality.
And it was one of jungkook's obsessions. he remembers how he had always been fascinated by them, constantly begging Jimin to read or watch them together, or how he would pout adorably when Jimin dismissed it all as fiction, insisting these creatures could be real.
It had been an addiction of his. Over the years, Jimin noticed Jungkook seemed to take the matter strangely personally whenever it was scoffed at or ridiculed.
Thinking back now, Jimin realized that Jungkook had always seemed overly sensitive when it came to this particular subject even toward him, his face would scrunch up in disappointment whenever he scoffed and told him that werewolves didn't actually exist and sometimes he went as far as to stop talking to him for the whole day.
So if Jungkook was still fixated on those beliefs, his claim shouldn't shock Jimin. But seriously, blurting this out now after being gone for ages? Jimin doubted Jungkook could be that inconsiderate or just plain irrational.
But he needed to understand why Jungkook would say something so insane. could he really be serious? he couldn't right? that's just impossible.
Reluctantly jimin lifted his eyes to meet Jungkook's gaze only to gasp loudly, a chill running down his spine. Jungkook's eyes glowed blood red, boring into Jimin's own with primal hunger, as if ready to devour his soul within minutes. His smile widened into something feral and dangerous.
Jimin’s breath hitched, his hands trembling. This couldn't be real. Yet every instinct screamed at him to run from the predator gazing back at him yet his body was frozen as if controlled by something and he had no say in his own movement.
his reactions seemed to amuse jungkook even more, the arm around his waist narrowed, fingers drawing patterns on his skin while the taller tilted his hand almost as if compelling jimin to speak.
when the smaller finally spoke, his voice was barely audible and faltering, " A-alpha? " he stuttered, and as if the simple act of uttering that word was the same as confirming it and made the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the revelation hit him like a tidal wave. His heart raced even faster, in both tension and fear.
Jimin had always imagined how his reunion with Jungkook would be - lots of anger, tears, and longing. even though at some point he lost faith in ever seeing the taller man again. The way Jungkook had abruptly left him with just a letter stating he was going abroad for studies and would come back had left a fresh, gaping wound in his heart that still ached even after 2 years.
But what he never imagined was such a sight and the information that unfolded before him. This reunion was a chaotic mess, or rather, he was a chaotic mess, and Jungkook seemed to enjoy his disarray, his deep chuckles echoing in the room while he continued to caress Jimin's cheek with one hand, brushing away silent tears, while his other hand did wonder in feeling the skin of Jimin's waist and hip bones with an intense proprietorial.
This Jungkook was a complete stranger to Jimin, someone he couldn't recognize anymore. The transformation was staggering—Jungkook had adopted a dark aura that was both dangerous and oddly captivating. Jimin found himself trapped in a whirlwind of uncertainty. How should he behave? How could he react to this mystifying presence that once was his closest friend?
Everything about this situation was strange. Jungkook, inside and out, seemed foreign to him. The familiar bond they once shared had been replaced by an intense, unsettling energy that made Jimin's head spin.
Jimin's mind was a wild flurry of emotions and confusion. He had so many questions and mixed feelings about this unexpected encounter. The past two years had been filled with hurt and longing, and now Jungkook was finally back, but not in the way Jimin had ever imagined or waited.
He was back just when Jimin had started learning to accept the reality of losing his only and best friend.
he was back just when Jimin had reached a point where he had reluctantly come to terms with the idea that his love for his best friend was a case of lost timing, an unfulfilled dream.
As Jungkook continued to caress Jimin's cheek and touch his waist, Jimin's body responded to the alpha's presence in a way he couldn't control. His heart raced, his breath quickened, and he felt a strange mixture of fear and desire coursing through him.
"I missed you," Jungkook whispered, his voice retaining that husky, dreamy quality as if he couldn't quite believe that Jimin was right there in front of him.
He tightened his arms around Jimin once again, unable to resist the overwhelming desire coursing through him. Bending down, he nuzzled his nose under Jimin's ear, taking in a long and intoxicating whiff of his scent. It was as if he was losing himself in that moment, completely consumed by the allure of Jimin's aroma.
Jimin's mind spun as Jungkook's arms left their initial spot, only to cup his ass and pull him even closer if possible. The small yelp that escaped from Jimin's lips only fueled the fire burning within him and the whiffs became kisses.
A moan escaped Jimin's lips as a rush of heat coursed through him, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and desire.
Jimin couldn't deny the undeniable pull he felt toward Jungkook, a magnetic force that drew him closer, making it nearly impossible to resist. He couldn't understand it, couldn't control it. It was as if an invisible strength was heaving on him, making his mind spin and his feet feel like they were standing on shaky ground.
In the midst of this hazy state, questions swirled through his mind. Did he have a scent like a werewolf? could he probably as a human smell a wolf's scent? if not then what is this strange scent that is causing his inside to clench? And why did he feel so hot and his neck itch
Everything was all so overwhelming and he struggled to make sense of the inexplicable chemistry that seemed to arise between them.
In a moment of intense desire and longing, Jimin found himself unable to form coherent words.
"P-please s...stop." he stuttered, his words faltered and voice trembling.
Deep down, he didn't truly know if he wanted him to halt or keep going. The heat coursing through his veins was too overpowering, and all he craved was for Jungkook to take him there - raw and uninhibited.
Yet he knew he wasn't in the right state of mind and as much as the feeling of hurt, fear, and happiness mingled in his heart clutching it close in their claws, he still needed to understand and have some clarity before letting his emotions win over.
He needed explanations, desperate to comprehend what was happening and what happened. Confusion intertwined with fear, creating a fierce storm within his mind.
Jungkook pulled back slightly, just enough to allow their eyes to meet. A gasp escaped the smaller man's lips at the sight, the intensity deriving from Jungkook's gaze. His eyes seemed to darken even further, transitioning from pure white to a mesmerizing shade of blackish color. And in that instant, his once red pupils flared up and pulsated with an even more intense crimson red that sent shivers down Jimin's spine.
"Didn't you miss me too" jungkook asked. tilting his head," I'm not your bubbles anymore ?"
Jimin's heart skipped a beat as he yelped in surprise when the taller man squeezed his ass. His mind raced, desperately searching for words to respond to, but they were all tangled up inside his head and refused to come out.
Jungkook's presence was overwhelming and intense, and the mixture of fear, desire, and confusion was an intoxicating cocktail that threatened to engulf him completely. He felt like he was standing on the ridge of something unknown and dangerous, and he didn't know whether to step back or leap forward.
Jungkook's eyes bore into him, making him feel exposed, scared, vulnerable, and yet strangely drawn.
"Why do you look so terrified?" Jungkook playfully questioned, his voice laced with a mischievous tone. "Were you not aware of your position in my life?" he asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Bending down again, he teasingly bit at Jimin's nape, sending quivers down his spine.
"I-i..." Jimin finally managed to find his voice, though it trembled with uncertainty. "I... I don't understand," he stammered, unable to tear his gaze away from Jungkook's tempting eyes. "Y-you disappeared without a trace, and now... now you're here, but not the same."
Jungkook's grip on Jimin's ass remained firm, his touch igniting a fiery desire within him. "W-why did y-you come..back? Why... why now?" Jimin couldn't help but ask, his breath hitching.
the fear in his gut was immense nonetheless he couldn't do anything, he felt ensnared with no escape.
Jungkook's cryptic smile didn't waver as he continued to hold Jimin close, his fingers tracing seductive patterns on Jimin's hip. His voice dropped to a low and seductive murmur as he leaned dangerously close. "I'm back to claim what once was mine," he whispered huskily.
"It's always been you and me," he added, their faces mere inches apart. "Always was, always will be." those simple words were like a wave of realization to jimin's conscience
It was as if every dormant cell within him had been awakened, and he finally understood the gravity of the situation he had unwittingly got himself into. He found himself trapped in the intricate web of a wolf's game, imprinted upon and claimed by an alpha he had known since childhood but failed to recognize for what he truly was until now. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes.
"I've watched, waited, and now I've found you," Jungkook's voice lowered to a near growl as his black and red eyes fixated on Jimin's face before possessively nuzzling his cheeks, like a starved predator that had cornered its prey. A low inhuman growl rumbled from deep within his throat.
Jimin found himself frozen, paralyzed, every muscle in his body slackening under Jungkook's grip. His legs gave way beneath him, his body lifted by the taller man's hold and He could only tremble helplessly in his grasp.
Jungkook's next words arose more like a snarl, a guttural sound than actual words. "Finally," he groaned. Jimin sensed something sharp grazing his cheek, sliding down his jawline until it settled against the nape of his neck and collarbone.
The sharp pressure tightened around his skin, causing Jimin's eyes to widen as realization dawned on him.
The points indented Jimin's skin, sending waves of pain through his body without even breaking the surface.
Jungkook was toying with him.
Tears gathered in Jimin's eyes, spilling freely down his cheeks. he didn't know if to call this a nightmare or a dream come true, but either way it didn't seem real but It had to be, the building pressure against his neck was horribly real.
another biting pain surged that sent waves of discomfort through his body. Though it didn't draw blood, the intensity of the pressure was still agonizing.
As if reaching a breaking point, Jimin's mind went blank the moment he felt a slight break piercing skin and felt the warm trickle of blood trailing down his collarbone. His vision swam as the pain threatened to overwhelm his senses.
.
Jimin's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding in his chest. A gasp escaped his lips and his head dropped with the same intensity as a metronome signaling "panic", every beat echoing in his skull. The ebony black walls closing in on him only boosted the pounding in his head.
Sprawled on a black Harmonia platform king bed, the unfamiliar sheets beneath him felt foreign and unsettling. Panic clawed at his throat, constricting it with an iron grip. Where was he? , memories flickered in his mind like the dwindling glow of twilight: tattoos etched into pale skin, haunting red and black eyes piercing his soul through the darkness, a searing bite that sent shivers down his spine... and then utter darkness.
Jimin forced himself to sit up, fighting nausea. his eyes scanning every corner of the room in search of answers. This was not his library nor was it his apartment. where was he? It was an alien space that left him feeling like he was suffocating. Fear coursed through his veins, mingling with the adrenaline pumping through his body.
As he settled into a seated position, pain shot through Jimin's neck, throbbing relentlessly. He instinctively reached up to touch the area, only to feel the lingering ghost of a bite pressed against his jugular. Four of them were neat and puncture marks. The memory of sharp teeth sinking made his fingers tremble. The lingering ache made his blood run cold reminding him of just how the situation was real and dangerous.
But it wasn't just fear that filled the air around him; there was something else lurking beneath the surface. The place smelled strangely with an unfamiliar scent - a blend of wood smoke and rain mingled with a hint of wine. It hung heavy in the air, adding to Jimin's unease and leaving him questioning what kind of twisted game he had unintentionally got himself into.
Jimin's stomach churned violently as he surveyed his surroundings, a wave of dread washing over him. Just a few meters away from the platform bed he could decipher what looked like a sectional dark couch, and a small glass table in front, To his left, there was a forebodingly vast kitchen.
The whole Opening looked like an expensive open apartment Suite. The entire space reeked of opulence, but it was an opulence tainted by an aura of darkness, it was really extensive and immense and everything about it screamed black and money.
As Jimin turned his gaze to the right, his movements halted abruptly. A surge of terror surged through his veins, causing his heart to pound painfully against his chest and beads of sweat to form on his forehead.
Directly in front of what appeared to be a wall-sized window, a towering figure snared his panicked gaze - tall, broad-shouldered, casually nursing a glass of blood-red wine and a cigarette.
Jimin's breath hitched in his throat, each gasp coming in shorter and more panicked than the last. His heart pounded against his ribcage as he fixated on the terrifying form that stood before him. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, to escape before those chilling crimson eyes locked onto him again, but a paralyzing fear rooted him to the spot.
His limbs felt heavy and useless as if they were nothing more than dead weight dragging him down. His mind desperately tried to rationalize what he was seeing, trying to convince himself that the stranger wasn't dangerous and wasn't actually an outsider but it fought against a growing realization that this figure in front of him was not his beloved jungkookie, not his sweet bubbles... at least not anymore.
It couldn't be.
The familiarity of the stranger was undeniable, but the changes were too drastic for Jimin's mind to comprehend. The darkness that seemed to emanate from the man enveloped Jimin like a suffocating shroud, he could feel it pressing down on his body, squeezing at his chest and stealing away any semblance of courage or hope.
As if mocking Jimin's terror, the man lifted a glass of wine to his lips. The tattoos etched upon his arms seemed to come alive with the gesture, slithering and twisting like sinister serpents. Jimin couldn't tear his gaze away from how the moonlight danced upon the liquid inside the glass. Its deep crimson hue glowed eerily through the transparent barrier, mirroring the intense redness that had consumed the man's eyes earlier.
A lump grew in the depths of Jimin's throat, constricting his every breath. His entire body quivered uncontrollably, gripped by an overwhelming sense of unease. The man before him held a menacing allure, casting an eerie spell that paralyzed Jimin's gaze. He observed with dread as the man sipped on his wine, the glass clinking gently as it returned to the table.
Jimin's eyes traced every movement, fixated on how the man's other hand reached for his cigarette, he placed it between his lips and inhaled. But when he dared to look up again, a guttural gasp tore from his lips. Red eyes, bloodshot and malevolent, pierced through Jimin's soul with an intensity that sent shivers cascading down his spine.
The man's scrutiny was suffocating, reducing Jimin to nothing more than prey put on display for a predator's amusement. Silently assessing him from head to toe, as if weighing the worth of his very existence. Tears welled up in Jimin's eyes, a mixture of fear and an inexplicable emotion he couldn't comprehend. The trembles coursing through his body grew more pronounced, visible even to the casual observer.
The man's lips curved into a faint smirk, a flash of amusement flashing in his eyes and a glimmer of sadistic delight danced within those crimson orbs, causing Jimin to squeeze his eyes shut in desperation. His hand clenched onto the black sheets so tightly it bordered on pain, knuckles turning ghostly white while tears flowed down his distressed cheeks.
Jimin's heart pounded erratically in his chest, the sound echoing in his ears like a war drum. His breaths were nothing more than shallow gasps as if his lungs were being crushed beneath an invisible weight. He silently pleaded with whatever deity would listen, desperately hoping that when he opened his eyes, it would all be a twisted nightmare - an illusion conjured by a cruel and sadistic mind. But then again... what if it did and jungkook disappeared once again.
The mere thought of Jungkook vanishing once again sent icy tendrils of dread creeping up Jimin's backbone. Panic clawed at him mercilessly, each option before him seeming more futile than the last. There was no escape from this tormenting uncertainty; it swallowed him whole like a starving beast.
None of it mattered anymore. None of it meant a damn thing. Because in the blink of an eye, Jimin's tear-filled eyes fluttered open to an unexpected touch on his cheek – a touch that sent chills racing down his back. His tear-stained blinked reluctantly, only to be met with the figure of the man before him.
It was extremely difficult for him to refer to this stranger as jungkook, How could he possibly do that when it was so hard to believe? How could he trust those piercing crimson eyes that bore into his soul with such agitation? The man's calm demeanor only added to Jimin's unease as he wiped away the tears that stained Jimin's cheeks.
The touch, so delicate and tender, almost reverent, seemed to caress his very soul as if trying to soothe it with whispered pleas not to be afraid. But those whispers failed to reach Jimin's core, for he couldn't let them in when he saw the amusement dancing in Jungkook's eyes at the sight of his fear. It was difficult to believe in the gentleness of those touches.
Jungkook's thumb brushed lightly against Jimin's eyelids, feeling the wetness of his lashes against his skin. Tilting his head slightly, he studied Jimin's features with a different intensity than he had displayed in the library. There was no trace of lust or obsession in his gaze this time; instead, it shifted instantly into a fond expression. It was as if he was committing every detail of Jimin's face to memory, searching for what had changed and what remained the same.
The crimson hue in Jungkook's eyes softened slowly and began to fade away, revealing the familiar brownish doe-eyes that Jimin had known before. And for the first time that evening, Jimin felt his heart tighten not out of fear but out of longing. At that moment, he caught a glimpse of his old Jungkook - a flicker of familiarity, barely there, barely present but still something he could hope for.
the edge of a smile played on the man's lips, "My beautiful Munchkin," he murmured, his voice a low, husky whisper. " I missed you so much"
the familiar nickname yet again cleared jimin's mind a little bit, the sincerity in the voice making his lips quiver. Jimin gripped the sheets tightly, suppressing his emotions and attempting to hide the extent to which he was affected.
"my pretty darling," the man continued, "You must be confused" he murmured, his fingers trailing down Jimin's neck to the spot where the bite marks lingered. jimin hissed as he felt the ghostly touch on the still-tender wounds.
"Didn't you miss me?" The man's hand retreated from Jimin's neck only to be replaced by his warm lips, gently licking over the fresh bite marks. It was an act both possessive and intimate, leaving Jimin teetering on the edge.
"I-I missed Jungkook," Jimin stuttered, desperately trying to steady himself and suppress any audible response elicited by the man's tantalizing licks. Every breath became a struggle in such close proximity. Each second spent in his presence was both intoxicating and excruciatingly difficult for Jimin to bear.
jungkook chuckled softly, pausing his soft licks on jimin's neck for a second, his gentle expression morphing again into amusement," Am-i not your jungkook?" he asked. jimin simply pressed his lips together in response. His heart raced in his chest, not having the answer to that question.
the man leaned up closer, his breath ghosting over Jimin's ear, he spoke with a possessive fervor. "You are mine, Munchkin. and soon you'll understand"
Jimin's mind raced, desperately trying to make sense of the situation. How did it end up like this? And where would it lead him? A mix of fear, confusion, and a strange undercurrent of desire swirled within him, leaving him in a state of emotional chaos.
The man pulled away, his eyes locked with Jimin's. The crimson color briefly reappeared in his eyes before vanishing again. "Start by believing I'm Jungkook first," he said, brushing his hand through Jimin's hair.
"You need to rest. We have to leave early tomorrow," he whispered, his voice a seductive lullaby that threatened to pull Jimin into an abyss of darkness.
With a gentle touch, the man guided Jimin back onto the black platform bed. As Jimin lay there, the room seemed to close in around him as a flood of questions overwhelmed his mind.
Where were they going? And why?
How long would they be gone? And what would happen to his beloved library if he left? Would he ever come back?
Was he even allowed to say no or was this an order?
He found himself in a state of utter confusion, unable to understand anything that was happening around him. It felt as though his thoughts were tangled up in knots, relentlessly torturing him and aggravating the throbbing pain in his head.
The overwhelming intensity of it all left him feeling trapped, almost as if he had fallen under some kind of spell.
As time slipped away, his eyes grew heavy and fatigue set in, slowly but surely lulling him into slumber. The last remnants of consciousness faded away as he succumbed to the relentless pull of sleep. However, even in this fragile state between wakefulness and dreams, there was no escape from the haunting melody that reverberated through the darkened apartment.
The soft melody of a song leaving the man's lips.
The ethereal notes filled the air, carrying with them an inexplicable sense of familiarity that tugged at Jimin's senses. Try as he might, he couldn't quite grasp what it was or why it held such an unreachable grip on his subconscious.
It danced just beyond his reach, teasing him with fragments of half-forgotten memories. Something he knew but didn't at the same time.
And then, within the depths of his slumber came a breather from the confusion. As if transported back in time, he found himself reliving the day he first met Jungkook - a vivid memory rendered in the form of dreams.
Fresh memories flooded his mind, each one more vibrant than the last.
Jungkook was an intriguing character who arrived at his middle school without any previous education. He had never attended elementary school.
On Jimin's very first day of sixth grade, he encountered Jungkook as the very first person. It happened on a crisp autumn morning when jimin arrived early and was exploring the corridors to become acquainted with the place. it was then that he first heard it - the soft melody - he was captivated by the hauntingly beautiful notes that gently whispered through the air. The distant, gentle tune seemed to entice him as if he were the only one who could hear it.
Jimin found himself following the sound as if his legs were moving independently. Eventually, he ended up standing behind a tree at the far corner of one of the school gardens.
There, sitting by a fountain, was a lone figure dressed in a thin and worn shirt along with old jeans that appeared to be handmade. Despite the chilly air, the person seemed completely unaffected by the cold and their surroundings, exuding an air of indifference.
Looking back, it seemed almost fated how seamlessly Jungkook had slotted into Jimin's solitary life. He never pried into the younger's past nor did the younger tell him anything other than he had no one.
jimin with both his parents passing away when he was very young. leaving him to his grandfather who also died early that year. fortunately, he had left him enough funds to support himself throughout middle school and possibly even high school.
Knowing all too well the ache of loss jimin put a blind eye to their pasts. It was enough that Jungkook too had been left alone, forced to fend for himself from far too young.
Jimin couldn't recall now who had made the first tentative overture, only that soon Jungkook's presence had become a fixture in his modest home and equally empty heart. They fit together like missing puzzle pieces, broken edges aligning flawlessly.
Taking Jungkook in, was the best thing that happened to him, it was a true blessing, just as losing him proved to be the most devastating blow.
they lived for many years together, They were an unlikely match - two orphans against the world. But sometimes, when Jimin woke to Jungkook's gentle breathing beside him, he dared believe that together, they just might make it. at least that's what he thought until that night two years ago when jimin found a letter on the nightstand with no jungkook around.
In that instant, Jimin felt his heart shatter into a million pieces, just like the untold love he had for the younger.
The room felt colder that night as if the warmth Jungkook had brought into Jimin's life had vanished along with him. Jimin's eyes fixated on the solitary piece of paper resting on the nightstand asking himself what he had done wrong. how could jungkook just leave like that without telling him?
was he that unworthy?
He waited for several days, then several months, a whole year, and even two years. Just when he thought he should give up and move on, the younger returned.
but no longer resembling the one he knew.
Jimin's sleep had been fitful and restless, plagued by flashbacks and dreams that vanished upon waking, When the morning light finally stirred him from his slumber, he found himself unable to fully rouse, caught in a hazy state of half-consciousness. Though he sensed being lifted, he had no recollection of when or by whom, nor did he understand the reason behind it.
His mind was foggy; for some reason, he kept drifting in and out of sleep, unable to wake up wholly.
He had no grasp of how much time had passed - minutes? Hours? - He remained trapped in a nebulous haze, with each brief moment of wakefulness revealing only the swaying trees above before his eyes closed once more.
whenever sleep tugged him under, his dreams were plagued by visions of running through a darkened forest, pursued by some unseen threat. Desperate to cry out for help, he found himself silenced by some unknown force. At times, it felt like he was being chased by a creature with wild fur, its hot breath brushing against his face.
despite trying several times to stay awake, Jimin's eyelids felt impossibly heavy as if they were glued shut, leaving him incapable of opening them. He couldn't comprehend why he was in that condition. Was it because of the shock of encountering Jungkook again, or was it his real nature? Regardless, whatever it was, it was causing him to feel drained.
At one point, he managed to pry his eyes open, although it took several hazy blinks before his vision cleared enough to fully comprehend his surroundings.
To his surprise, he found himself nestled in a bed made of wooden planks, with a mattress fashioned from furry cloth. The room resembled a cozy cabin tucked away in the heart of the woods. Through a small window on the side, he could see an abundance of thick trees and a dark night sky above.
Jimin sat up slowly, feeling confused and disoriented. How did he end up sleeping in the middle of the woods?
Jimin shakily got to his feet, the fur blanket falling away as he stood up. His legs were weak and unstable as if they hadn't been used in days. In need of support, he clung to the wooden walls and made his way towards the cabin door.
A moment of hesitation washed over him as he reached out to touch the doorknob. What awaited him beyond that threshold in the mysterious darkness of the forest? Was he truly alone? What had Jungkook done to him and where had he taken him?
Summoning courage, Jimin took a deep breath and turned the knob, slowly pulling open the door. To his surprise, instead of a foreboding forest, he found himself surrounded by a bustling community of wooden houses in various shapes and sizes. People occupied every corner. The place looked lively.
Jimin stared out at the strange scene before him, overwhelmed by the sights and sounds assaulting his senses. The cabins were lit warmly from within, smoke curling from stone chimneys. People milled about, tending to various tasks.
The air was filled with the refreshing scent of pine and crackling fire, creating a cozy atmosphere. Leaves gently rustled above. The cabins had unique roofs made of wooden shingles that reflected the moonlight, illuminating the surroundings in a way Jimin had never seen before, having lived all his life in a city it was almost impossible to see the sky above.
Jimin noticed how people scattered around, some sitting around communal bonfires and others busy with various duties. There were individuals carrying objects, while in the distance, a group seemed to be singing a melodious tune that was unfamiliar to him.
Though these people resembled humans in many ways, their light-colored eyes stood out as something peculiar. Their eyes shone an unearthly pale color as they gazed at Jimin curiously.
Jimin couldn't help but feel like he was wandering through a dream-like realm as if he had stumbled upon a place where only mythical creatures resided. He felt like a kid who fell into a hole full of monsters and he was both curious and scared about his surroundings.
among the residents who wore expressions of curiosity mixed with intrigue, others seemed more aware of his presence. Nevertheless, they immediately approached him with warm smiles
In a flurry of hushed whispers, they closed in on him, their steps cautious and deliberate. A small gathering of fools stood before Jimin, unsure of how to react feeling his legs shaking beneath him. Without thinking, he instinctively moved a few steps backward and clenched his fists tightly as if he were preparing to defend himself.
"He's so pretty for a human," remarked a willowy girl, leaning in eagerly to get a better look.
A burly youth nodded in agreement, leaning in to sniff the air around Jimin. inhaling deeply. "And he reeks of our Alpha's scent."
The comments continued swirling around Jimin as the pack moved nearer. Heart pounding, he turned his face away, feeling their intense gazes trailing across his skin.
"Look - a claiming mark!" exclaimed another. Jimin's hand reflexively lifted to his neck, covering the tender bite hidden beneath his shirt collar.
"Surely Alpha hasn't mated him fully yet though?" came the murmured reply.
Jimin stood motionless, his voice caught in his throat as he absorbed the quirky welcome. Although the villagers seemed friendly, there was an undeniable tension in the air that made it hard for him to feel at ease, the aura around them made it difficult for him not to fear them.
his cheeks burned. He longed to flee from their prying eyes and words but found himself pinned by the crowd. Their shining irises and sharp intakes of breath unsettled him.
"I've never seen a human before. Do you think he's scared of us?" a man with striking blue eyes inquired" Can I touch him" he asked attempting to reach out and touch Jimin's face before being restrained by his companion.
"The alpha will have your head if you dare lay a finger on him. And yes, of course, he's scared unless you're blind."
the whispers permeated throughout the gathering and overwhelmed Jimin as his heart pounded against his chest. Desperate for an escape, he pressed himself against the wall of the cabin. However, the curious villagers persisted, closing in on him like a wave of pale-eyed scrutiny.
Just as tears of frustration pricked his eyes, the press of bodies suddenly retreated. A shocked silence descended. Jimin lifted his head hesitantly to see the crowd parting for a woman with jet-black hair and piercing emerald eyes, accompanied by a man with brown hair and striking yellow eyes.
"Disperse at once!" she commanded. The pack obeyed instantly, leaving Jimin alone with a bow.
"Forgive their rude welcome, they are always curious when it comes to humans" she spoke gently. and jimin just stared at her not brave enough to move or say anything.
" This is taehyung our healer. please step inside, he needs to examine you"
Jimin instinctively recoiled when the healer named Taehyung stepped closer. fear and apprehension coiled within him at letting a stranger examine his body. Sensing his unease, Taehyung paused and gave a slight bow, his yellow eyes gentle.
"Please, do not be afraid. I only wish to ensure you are unharmed after your journey here. A quick check, nothing more," he reassured.
.
Jimin sat motionless on the bed in the healer's cabin, knees drawn up to his chest.
It had been five long days since Jungkook had brought him to this unfamiliar village. For those five days, he had been confined to the cabin, only allowed to see Taehyung and forbidden from venturing outside. not that he had any desire to interact with the villagers anyway. All he wanted was to go back home, but that's a wish he couldn't even wish for out of fear that Jungkook would disappear again before fully accepting his return.
To an outsider, jimin's blank expression and steady gaze revealed nothing of the maelstrom inside, - fear, confusion, frustration, and longing. These emotions were all jumbled up inside him, overwhelming him.
Throughout his life, Jimin had always tried to be strong for his grandfather and later took on the responsibility when he met Jungkook at a young age. As a result, he had become immune to fear.
He wasn't immune to fear in the sense that he never felt it, but rather in the way that it rarely showed on his face and in his reactions. He would simply suppress it, pushing through until it became unbearable, at which point he would freeze like a statue and appear lost. However, upon closer examination, one could notice the subtle tremble in his hands, the rapid flickering of his eyes, and the perspiration that dripped from him as if in reverse. These were things he could never successfully hide.
Yet, in this particular situation, being immune to fear or successfully concealing it seemed pointless. Over the course of five days, he had come to learn that werewolves could detect fear in humans by scent alone. Taehyung had unknowingly given away this piece of information.
Still, hiding his fear had become a hobby for him; it had become ingrained within his character
Jimin's fingers drifted absently to the biting mark on his neck. Though nearly healed, it started aching again on his third day in that cabin, and the scar tissue was sensitive to the touch, itching whenever it was brushed by the tip of his finger.
it's a claiming mark, even though he doesn't fully grasp the significance of that term or how it differs from being a mating mark. The villagers' discussions only added to his anxiety, leaving him unsettled and uncertain about its meaning and potential consequences.
A claiming mark of an alpha who hadn't shown himself since he dropped Jimin here, what a joke!
It felt like a cruel prank, as days went by with no sign of the alpha's return. Jimin's initial confusion and fear gradually transformed into simmering frustration and disappointment. After everything, why did the alpha disappear once again? Jimin deserved answers.
But the problem lay within Jimin himself. Though he constantly reminded himself that he needed answers and explanations, he could never muster the courage to confront Jungkook directly. when he is face-to-face with Jungkook, fear takes over and he finds himself unable to voice his questions or seek explanations.
And being confined to the cabin only intensified Jimin's unease., especially when he had no understanding of why and the constant fear of someone barging in to harm him. What if someone broke in with ill intent? it wasn't impossible. Even with Taehyung's occasional visits to monitor his recovery, the healer's vague explanations offer little comfort. Jimin finds it difficult to trust that he is truly safe among his "own kind." According to Taehyung's words.
Apparently, he needed someone to keep an eye on him for a few days. The reason behind this need for supervision remained cryptic, leaving him to wonder why there was a need to do such a thing. He was perfectly healthy, well at least physically. His mental state is another topic.
Whatever the case may be and the reasons behind it, it was clear that Taehyung deemed it necessary for his own well-being and that it was "their alpha order."
The door to the healer's cabin swung open silently, and Taehyung entered with a small smile. Jimin, sitting on the edge of the bed, briefly shifted his gaze towards the entrance before diverting it away to the other side. He pulled his legs more tightly into his chest, creating a protective barrier around himself.
seeing his reaction taehyung pressed his lips into a small smile, "Still not talking, I guess" ensuring that his voice wouldn't startle Jimin once again, it happened more than once before.
"I need to examine you," Taehyung stated as he deftly moved his hands across the shelves, retrieving a few bottles of ingredients and expertly blending them together. "I'll have to touch you again. Is that alright with you?"
When Jimin remained unresponsive and did not answer, Taehyung let out a sigh and cautiously approached him, his footsteps light as he pulled up a nearby chair with care, the wooden legs scraping lightly across the floor as he positioned himself next to Jimin, then he set his assortment of glass vials, and herbs on the table at the side.
Jimin didn't stir as the healer lowered himself down, movements slow and measured. With gentle pressure Taehyung reached out, keeping his touch light and non-intrusive as he placed a hand on Jimin's shoulder helping the unmoving man and guiding him to shift positions before taking his wrist to check his vitals.
"Your breathing and heartbeat are steadier than last night. That's a good sign," he remarked with a small smile before jotting notes in his worn leather journal. The scratch of pen on paper punctuated the silence
Selecting the already prepared and mixed salve, He delicately scooped a generous amount onto his fingers, gently rubbing them together to warm the soothing mixture. As he did so, the potent aroma of healing herbs and earthy mud filled the air, reaching Jimin's nostrils.
"This may sting a little," he warned softly before applying the mixture to Jimin's neck. Jimin flinched when the cold ointment and taehyung fingers met the inflamed bite, letting out an involuntary hiss.
"Shhh I know, just bear with it for a moment, this will help the swelling go down," Taehyung soothed. His touch remained gentle as he lightly massaged the area, coating the raised scar tissue thoroughly.
Jimin remained silent throughout the process, he wasn't aware that the bite had become swollen. He had assumed that since the wound had closed up and formed a scar, there were no further issues to address but now the pain he started feeling for a few days made more sense.
Jimin winced as he bit his lips, enduring the stinging pain while Taehyung delicately treated the sensitive mark. He focused on keeping his breathing steady while the healer worked in soothing circular motions, coaxing the medicinal oils into the damaged flesh until the salve was fully absorbed.
"I can see how confused you are about why you're confined here," Taehyung spoke softly, wiping away the remnants of the salve. The sound of glass bottles clinking together filled the room as he picked them up. "But it was necessary after the Alpha's claiming bite. We needed to monitor your reaction."
A frown tugged at Jimin's lips as he pressed them together. Though he was curious regarding the connection between Jungkook's bite and his current confinement, he hesitated to ask. Deep down, Jimin knew that delving further into this complex web of circumstances would only serve to confuse him even more about things he probably would never understand.
Yet, it appeared that Taehyung didn't share Jimin's reservations. After days of being cryptic and withholding information, Taehyung suddenly decided to reveal more details that Jimin didn't necessarily want or need at the moment. just when he decided he better stay ignorant.
"I understand that you have many questions, and I genuinely wish that I could provide you with more information," Taehyung sincerely expressed as he stood up, carefully arranging his assortment of items back onto the shelves. "The Alpha wanted to personally share all the details with you, which is why I had no choice but to hold back. However, you need to know that it's extremely rare for werewolves to attempt mating and imprinting on humans for extended periods before marking them."
Taehyung rinsed his hands in a basin, the water quietly splashing. "I mean, I said rare but it's so uncommon that it has never occurred before; it's nearly impossible, except in stories and movies from your part of the world."
"I acknowledge that in human stories and movies, the concept of mating between humans and werewolves may be portrayed frequently," Taehyung said, turning to Jimin as he dried his hands on a linen towel. "But trust me when I say that such occurrences are virtually non-existent in real life. That's why we had to closely monitor your physical well-being and changes over the past few days."
Jimin tensed at the mention of "changes," unease coiling in his gut. What did Taehyung mean? Jimin's confusion must have been evident because the healer quickly corrected himself.
"Don't worry," Taehyung chuckled, trying to ease Jimin's worries, "it's not like you'll suddenly transform into a wolf. That kind of thing doesn't happen with a bite like you would expect, plus it rarely happens to humans. It only occurred once centuries ago and it was a long, complicated process with no documented results."
Suppressing the flood of questions that threatened to burst forth, Jimin bit his tongue. If he wasn't turning into a werewolf, then what changes was Taehyung referring to? And what does it have to do with Jimin's nose becoming more sensitive to smells and his neck itching whenever he thought about Jungkook?
He never wished to fall into this much confusion and such a situation, the whole thing was maddening and driving him crazy and everything felt utterly overwhelming, and his fear only served to bind him, depriving him of the freedom to ask questions or react as he wished.
Seeming to sense his frustration, Taehyung approached with a sympathetic look. "I know this is difficult" he empathized. "But please try to remain patient. Eventually, the answers will come eventually." Pausing for a moment, he lowered his voice and added softly, "I'm not supposed to disclose this information, but Jungkook is currently away. It's hunting season, which is why he hasn't been able to come."
Jimin stiffened at the revelation, a wave of icy dread coursing down his spine. What on earth did "hunting season" entail? Would Jungkook be safe during this time? what if he left him again this time for good? The haunting possibility of being abandoned once again gnawed at him, causing his fingers to clench tightly around the furry skin covers while unease washed over him anew.
smelling his distress, Taehyung took a step closer, raising his hands placatingly before gently placing one on Jimin's head and ruffling his hair. This unexpected touch caused Jimin to flinch slightly, prompting Taehyung to swiftly retract his hands.
"Be at ease, he will be alright and back really soon" he reassured with a warm smile as he took a step back. "I might have shared more than I should've, but the mother alpha is scheduled to pay you a visit tomorrow morning," he added before making his way towards the exit.
Just before leaving, he turned around one last time and called out, "Jimin!" Jimin glanced at him curiously. "Remember, you haven't heard a word from me," he chuckled and walked out.
Alone, Jimin's mind once again began to spiral out of control, leaving him feeling alone and vulnerable. The fact that Jungkook couldn't join him because he was busy only made matters worse. If only Taehyung hadn't mentioned that he was away on a hunting trip.
Jimin couldn't help but worry about the dangers lurking out there. After all, if werewolves existed, why wouldn't other creatures? The world was already messed up enough as it is.
And who exactly was this "Mother Alpha"? Surely, she couldn't be Taehyung's mother. If she was, he would refer to her as mom or mother. Jimin just hoped that she would be considerate enough to keep her distance. He had already had his fair share of encounters with wolves and didn't want any more close calls.
The next morning, Jimin was jolted awake by a sharp, searing pain in his neck. Grimacing, he hissed as he sat up and reached to massage the sore area, only to let out a yelp of pain when his fingers grazed over the swollen and inflamed skin. This time, he could feel that the skin was swollen and inflamed, which he couldn't the previous day.
"You shouldn't touch it," a voice said, startling him. Jimin looked up to see the same woman he had seen on his first day here. Her long jet-black hair cascaded loosely down her back and her lips were painted a deep red. Her piercing emerald eyes from before now shone an eerie yellow.
Instinctively, Jimin scooted back on the bed until his back collided with the sturdy wooden headboard. He couldn't tear his gaze away from her intense scrutiny as she stared at him intently while she moved closer
" the flesh needs to stay clean when it's swollen" she added, her voice didn't hold any gentleness unlike Taehyung's but it was low and measured "Does it hurt too much?"
She reached out a hand as if to examine the wound on his neck. Jimin flinched away, his heart pounding. The woman tilted her head, surveying him curiously.
Jimin's voice got caught in his throat as he averted his gaze, fisting his hands around his knees. This woman seemed far more intimidating than any of the wolves Jimin had encountered so far, not that he had met many aside from Taehyung. even from the curious ones who often came to spy on him from outside the cabin window, sometimes in groups of three or four, just standing there watching him whispering among themselves - they did not exude such an imposing aura.
"As you wish," she said evenly retreating her hand," I've been told you refuse to speak "
Her intense yellow eyes bore into him as if trying to extract the answers she wanted without the need for words or questions. Jimin shrunk back further, willing himself to disappear.
" There are answers I seek, things I wish to know about you" she stated, her voice low but rough " But if you keep acting like a caged animal trapped in a predator’s snare, there is little I can do to help."
Jimin shuddered uncontrollably, biting down on his lip with such force that the taste of iron flooded his mouth. A caged animal, she had called him. He couldn't help but inwardly scoff at the accuracy of her words. What else is he ? he is nobody and caged in the middle of a wolf's village.
"Listen closely, human," she spoke in a calm demeanor, crossing her arms and gracefully resting her hip against the table. "You are here by order of the Alpha, which means you have nothing to fear from us," she assured him. "Even if we were inclined to..."
Jimin's eyes widened at the final word, his body trembling involuntarily. Did that mean she wanted to hurt him and just couldn't?
Before she could utter another word, the door swung open, revealing Taehyung entering with a woven basket brimming with an assortment of fragrant herbs. "Stop taunting him, alpha. You're scaring him and it's only making him more anxious," he asserted, offering a respectful bow before progressing towards the table where the woman was leaning. Setting down his basket, he deftly retrieved several empty glass containers.
The woman rolled her eyes dismissively."I was merely trying to get him to open up. You're coddling him too much, Taehyung. he is just a mere human"
"Perhaps you should introduce yourself properly first before subjecting him to your barrage of questions," he remarked sidelong, casting a fleeting glance towards her while he worked his hands on dividing the various herbs into separate containers.
the woman raised her eyebrows at him before looking at the scared figure of jimin "Very well then. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am the former Luna of this pack and also the mother of the current pack alpha."
Jimin blinked in surprise as he looked at her, his mind racing to process the information. Did that mean she was Jungkook's mother? It seemed to make sense, considering Taehyung had referred to Jungkook as his alpha multiple times and if Jimin is certain about one thing, which is that it is similar to the movies he used to watch with Jungkook when they were younger is that alpha's only addressed their leader by their status, not their name.
Omegas, only their partners and the alpha of the pack. Taehyung is not Jungkook's partner so it implies only one thing.
Taehyung gave him a reassuring nod as he continued preparing herbs, seemingly unfazed by his status. "Her name is Jeon Yujin, your mate's mother," he explained gently to Jimin.
the woman kept watching him curiously while all jimin could do was stare at her, trying to find any resemblance between her and Jungkook. Other than sharing the same hair color and fair skin, they looked nothing alike. It puzzled him.
Yujin sighed softly, her gaze fixed intensely on Jimin's face. As if reading his thoughts, she commented "My son got his looks from his father." She appeared mildly annoyed while mentioning that, as though the resemblance of Jungkook to his father was considered a sin.
jimin didn't blame her for that, After all, she carried him for nine months and raised him, so it was only natural for her to feel bitter about it.
Jimin watched as she shifted her attention towards Taehyung, their conversation becoming hushed. This puzzled him, causing his brows to furrow. The situation seemed contradictory - everything made sense yet nothing did at the same time. it was frustrating.
He doesn't fully understand it. Does Jungkook really have a family? biological parents? What on earth is going on?
If Yujin was Jungkook's mother and his father was still alive and somewhere in this pack, then where they had been all those years ago when he took in Jungkook? What were they doing while Jungkook suffered abandonment at such a tender age, with only him and Jimin to raise each other and to rely on for support and love?
Why had Jungkook never mentioned having living parents? Why did he keep that information from Jimin? It left Jimin torn, he doesn't know if he should feel betrayed and hurt or try to be happy for Jungkook while also feeling slightly disappointed.
Jimin felt a pang in his chest. He didn't need to know anyway, especially not when his emotions were overpowering his rational side and hurt consumed him.
not even a second later, Taehyung was by his side, once again placing a comforting hand on Jimin's shoulder. Yujin stood close behind, observing him. This time around, Jimin didn't have it in him to flinch away from the wolf's touch. He couldn't even think far from the sense of betrayal. Not even the fear he was still feeling mattered anymore.
"Don't overthink anything yet - talk to your mate first," he advised kindly, retracting his hand as quickly as it landed. He didn't know what might have upset Jimin further, but he understood the immense difficulty and how overwhelming the situation must have been on the smaller.
Jimin couldn't find it in himself to acknowledge Taehyung's words. Not when the sudden wave of searing pain flared in his neck, forcing a pained groan from his lips.
Groaning in agony, Jimin clutched at the inflamed wound desperately. Taehyung reacted instantly, pulling Jimin's hand away to inspect the bite, only for the smaller to let out a piercing scream upon contact.
Jimin gritted his teeth as the unbearable pain in his neck continued to flare. Taehyung furrowed his brows as he carefully examined the wound, noting that while the skin was still inflamed, there didn't seem to be any visible cause for such intense pain, especially not after applying the salve just the day before, its effect was strong and could provide relief from pain for a minimum of three days.
"It must be internal," Taehyung murmured, hurriedly making his way toward the shelves. He retrieved the collection of freshly prepared herbs he put earlier in various containers and began mixing them together.
"I'm afraid there isn't much I can do for internal pain, as it's related to the bond" he explained with a hint of frustration, all while Jimin continued to scream in agony and desperately clutched at his throbbing neck. "This mixture might only provide temporary relief."
Yujin clicked her tongue disapprovingly as she approached Jimin. She observed him silently for a few moments before firmly grasping jimin's jaw and tilting his head upwards stretching his inflamed neck and causing fresh waves of agony, causing him to sob in even more pain.
"It's Jungkook," she declared under her breath, her other hand prying open Jimin's eye to examine it closely. "His pupils are dilated and vacant ."
Taehyung's eyes widened in understanding as he continued hurriedly mixing herbs. "There is still much you have to teach me,"
Yujin made a thoughtful noise, finally releasing her hold on Jimin's jaw. "Give me that," she commanded, taking the remedy from Taehyung's hands. "Go and inspect what happened."
Without uttering another word, Taehyung nodded and quickly made his way outside.
Once Taehyung was out of sight, Yujin's hand forcefully wrapped around Jimin's jaw once again, causing him to whimper in pain. Fresh tears welled up in his eyes as she forcefully turned his head to face her.
"Open up," she commanded. When Jimin didn't react, too consumed by the pain, she exerted more pressure on his jaw, opening his mouth and tilting his head, pouring the herbal mixture down his throat causing Jimin to cry out in pain and almost gag at the bitter taste.
"Swallow it down," she ordered sternly. " don't choke on it "
Jimin whimpered but obediently sipped down the herbal brew. With each convulsive swallow, waves of searing pain shot through the inflamed puncture wounds on his neck.
Yujin finally released him, and he collapsed back onto the bed, his hands clutching at his searing neck in a desperate attempt to alleviate the pain. Tears blurred his vision as his body trembled.
Whatever temporary relief they were talking about, Jimin didn't feel it. Instead, the pain only intensified, surpassing any verge he thought possible. His cries subdued as the intensity grew, leaving him unable to voice it out. He struggled to breathe, choking on his own saliva, while the excruciating pain caused his eyes to bulge out.
Just then, anxious voices and commotion echoed from afar as Taehyung rushed back into the cabin.
"The hunting party has returned" he informed, panting and out of breath, gripping onto his knees for support. "The Alpha has been injured."
Yujin's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Since when does he come home injured?" she questioned skeptically as she made her way towards the door. "Where is he now?"
"He's in his chambers," Taehyung replied, his gaze shifting towards Jimin who had ceased screaming but appeared ghostly pale.
He is listening. Taehyung pressed his lips together tightly; this won't end well. " he got hurt shielding Woji from a bear"
Yujin's face twisted into a deep frown, erasing any trace of the earlier indifference. "What on earth was that pup doing in the eerie depths of the woods?"
Taehyung shook his head, his voice filled with concern. "I have no idea, but physically he's safe, just severely traumatized," he relayed, observing how Jimin's fragile body began to tremble. "He refuses to see Jimin while being drenched in blood."
Drenched in blood? Was Jungkook hurt? refuse to meet him?
Even through his haze of pain, alarm shot through Jimin. he somehow managed to summon enough strength to push himself upright, although his body swayed dangerously. Agony lanced through his inflamed bond mark but he paid it no mind.
His mind seemed to act on its own accord with his body as it relentlessly chanted Jungkook's name over and over again.
Stumbling forward, Jimin crashed into the table, sending glass containers shattering. He paid no notice, shambling towards the door like a man possessed. All he could process was the blinding pain and his all-consuming need to reach Jungkook.
Taehyung's eyes widened in alarm as he desperately reached out to grab Jimin before he could lurch past and outside. While Yujin observed Jimin's feeble struggles with an inscrutable expression.
" Go get that stupid son of mine " Yujin ordered, swiftly taking Jimin into her arms to prevent him from venturing further. But it seemed that Jimin was beyond reasoning at this point. He thrashed wildly, frantically attempting to free himself from Yujin's grasp, but his weak blows only glanced off her arms.
The herbalist who had been silently watching the scene was forced back in surprise, not anticipating such a loss of reason from a human. Jimin appeared almost feral, which was impossible considering he wasn't even a wolf.
"Go!" Yujin yelled, causing Taehyung to stumble backward. "Bring him, even if he is naked!"
Without hesitation, Taehyung immediately rushed outside, leaving Yujin alone with the wildly thrashing Jimin. His clawless fingers scratched and clawed at Yujin's restraining arms, not even managing to leave a single scratch on her.
Yujin's body strength was no joke, she effortlessly dragged him back onto the bed. "Stay still, boy, before you cause yourself further harm," Yujin scolded harshly, though not unkindly. Jimin was deaf to her words.
she pinned Jimin to the bed, maneuvering his body until his back was facing her. She then slid her hand along the length of his spine, stopping in the middle and applying pressure with her thumb and index finger.
In an instant, Jimin's movements ceased as he became completely immobilized. All he could do was let out agonizing screams and cries.
Yujin let out a weary sigh as she returned him back to a more comfortable position. " well, didn't expect that to be effective on a human."
Jimin's body lay limply on the bed as he panted heavily, beads of sweat glistening on his pale forehead. The excruciating pain in his neck wracked his entire being, leaving him with no choice but to release feeble cries, his voice growing hoarse from the relentless screaming.
Yujin studied Jimin with a critical eye, circling around to the chair on the bedside and taking a seat. She crossed her legs gracefully and leaned an elbow on the table, tapping her fingers on the wooden surface as she waited.
It wasn't long before the cabin door swung open and Jungkook strode in, Taehyung trailing hesitantly behind him.
"Mother," Jungkook greeted calmly as he approached the bed, seemingly unbothered by the blood-soaked bandages wrapped tightly around his torso.
Yujin raised a skeptical eyebrow at her son's."That was remarkably quick. You should have taken your time," she taunted, shifting aside, rising from the chair to allow Jungkook to sit beside the whimpering human.
Jungkook reached out slowly, his fingers grazing Jimin's cheek in the gentlest of caresses. As their skin made contact, an almost imperceptible shift seemed to wash over Jimin. His rapid breaths began to steady, and the tense lines on his face relaxed ever so slightly. The searing pain that had been throbbing in his neck started to dissipate under Jungkook's delicate touch, which glided from his cheek down to his neck.
" mocks the one releasing calming pheromones for a human " Jungkook retorted wryly
Yujin let out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head. Though her stern expression softened just a fraction. She rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue at her son before speaking. "Says the one who put a claiming mark on a human without a mating gland."
jungkook ignored her. With exceedingly gentle care, he lifted the smaller man's head until he was in a sitting position. Jungkook leaned in closer, he guided Jimin's head to expose his slender neck, and cradled him against his shoulder.
at that, Yujin and Taehyung immediately stepped outside, closing the door behind them to grant them privacy.
Jungkook nosed along the inflamed bond mark, giving soothing licks that seemed to instantly lessen the angry inflammation. One arm encircled Jimin's waist, holding him close against his broad chest. His other hand trailed down Jimin's spine until his fingers found the pressure point he sought. He pressed down firmly.
Jimin's body instantly went limp in his arms, his breathing growing rapid and shallow again.
"Breathe," Jungkook murmured, pulling back just enough to meet Jimin's dazed eyes. He tenderly brushed the sweat-dampened hair back from Jimin's forehead. " breathe for me, darling."
Jimin struggled to comply, his glassy eyes fixed on Jungkook's face.
"That's it, just like that," Jungkook praised gently. He continued caressing Jimin's cheek and hair in a soothing motion, All the while, he maintained steady pressure on Jimin's spine until the tension melted away from the smaller man's body and a faint twitch of movement graced Jimin’s fingers.
slowly, Jimin's ragged breathing gradually steadied, and a sense of relief washed over him. The agonizing pain that had relentlessly tortured his body completely faded, leaving him finally at peace.
Throughout it all, Jungkook's eyes never left Jimin's face, watching every subtle change in expression as the smaller man gradually recovered, exhaustion settling in after enduring all the pain.
With tenderness in his touch, Jungkook delicately ran his fingers through Jimin's hair. Each stroke was featherlight, tracing a path of comfort along his cheeks and eyelids. his touch shouting jimin not only physically but also the emotional madness he had gone through, making him remember moments of the past.
Instances when Jungkook was solely his Jungkook, and instances when neither of them could fall asleep without the other running their fingers through the other hair.
As the minutes ticked by, Jimin could feel himself surrendering to exhaustion. His heavy eyelids drooped lower and lower until they finally closed completely, allowing him to succumb to the welcoming embrace of fatigue.