Another long one...

Yoongi’s eyes were situated over the bunch of soldiers which were hovering around a special Commander Beta. His eyes were tackling every skill of the commander who was teaching the wrestling tricks to the soldiers while getting drenched in mud.

The Beta was talented, exceptional even. He didn't expect any less from the commander of the Eclipse. But he didn't expect that the commander would come out so down to earth. He knows it has been only two days that he has found his mate but his mate’s simplicity and respectful nature was constantly striking over the pale wall of his heart.

Maybe it's only the mate bond or maybe it's something else. But for two days, Yoongi couldn't take his eyes off this Beta, the one time he went to guard Royal Omega's room was an exception again.

The Royal omega, an Angel from heaven itself. From his childhood, because of his parents, he developed sheer respect for the elder, like he is someone that he needs to protect for the security of nature and humanity. And this is what he had thought before. Departing from Lunar, he has only one goal that is… to protect Jungkook whom he loves like a little brother and to protect the Angelic omega whom he gives his utmost respect to.

He didn’t expect at all that there would be his mate waiting for him in the eclipse. But it seems like destiny has something else at its core.

With a last thud, the soldier got ragged into the mud and the commander conquered the battle. Though he didn't seem satisfied, there was something on his mate’s face that he couldn't read properly.

“You made the same mistakes I pointed out last time. This is not acceptable, brush up your training." Commander said and held his hand out to help the soldier to stand on his feet.

“Here in wrestling, your feet should be your strength, be quick on your toes, balance your weight on your arms and use it against your rival. Am I understood?” His voice was stoic so that every soldier present on the grounds could hear him properly.

Yoongi was leaning against the wall of a deep well, by this time all of the Eclipsers knew that the handsome red-haired beta from the Lunar had been found to be their Commander’s mate. And all of them found Lunar special, after all that pack gave them such skilful and kindful mates for their Royal Alpha and Commander.

The Commander dismissed the practice and walked to the well, wiping out excess mud from his clothes. His short black hair sticking out in every direction possible and Yoongi found it cute, he stood straight when Commander reached and held the bucket to pull water from the well.

“Let me do it, You are drenched. Just sit down, please.” Yoongi said.

Hoseok looked up and stared at the beta for a long time before his head gave a brief nod. He crouched down on his feet and Yoongi threw the bucket in the water, which landed on the water surface with a splash.

“Your posture was perfect during the wrestling, it seemed experienced. How long are you training the soldiers, if the Commander doesn't mind me asking?” Yoongi asked as his hands got busy pulling the water.

“About 20 years,” Hoseok replied, not giving much thought to it, busy in pulling his sleeves up to his elbows.

Yoongi furrowed in confusion and a question came over the surface of his tongue,” As we are talking to know each other better. I realised I don't know How…. How old are you?” He asked as his hands were holding the bucket over the Commander’s head.

The Commander didn't reply first but ducked his head down and Yoongi didn't hesitate to drape the water on top of his head. Hoseok ruffled his hairs, his long fingers threading into his hairs, letting the mud drained from his hairs along with water.

Yoongi threw the bucket inside the well again when it emptied and the Commander pushed his wet hair back as he replied,” I am 45. And I started working as the Commander of Eclipse when I was 25 years old.”

Yoongi pulled out the bucket and this time Hoseok bared his neck. The water got poured directly on his face, showing the sharp edges of his jaw and full smooth skin, rough edges at the end of the eyes. Yoongi was sure this Beta is not a day over his 30s. But he didn’t know he would blur it out too.

“You didn't seem to be in your 40s though.” He bit his tongue but in vain it was already out.

But he was glad when he saw a chuckle left from Commander’s mouth. Those hearty lips converted into a unique smile and Yoongi liked that view, a lot.

“Was it a compliment?” Hoseok asked as he eyed his mate who suddenly turned red and threw the bucket in the well once again.

Yoongi shrugged and replied while pulling the water.

"It could be."

The Commander smiled and shook his head," I get that a lot about me but thank you, maybe the constant practice is keeping me in shape. I heard that you are 25."

The red-haired Beta nodded his head and poured the next bucket over his head.

The commander shut his eyes and welcomed the water before holding his hands up," It would be enough, Thank you." 

Yoongi placed the bucket back and turned toward the Commander and that's when he noticed something absurd.

The Commander was pulling his sleeves down and if Yoongi wasn't hallucinating, he clearly saw a toothy mark around his mate's wrist. He looked at his mate who was casually sliding down the sleeves.

Yoongi's eyes crinkled in concentration as his mind raced per mile. This should not be what he is thinking.

The conclusion was forming a lump in Yoongi's throat and he never felt this suffocated before. His mouth was ready to throw questions but the Commander beat him first.

"Let's go, do you have any assigned work in the evening? I was thinking of showing you the fields of Eclipse." Hoseok said as he started walking ahead, assuming the Beta should be following him.

And indeed, like in automation, Yoongi's feet follow the path of his mate. 

"I don't have any." Yoongi managed to say.

"That's good then." Hoseok was trying, trying to do something distracting, trying to make his heart understand that this is the reality now, his life's new reality. His mate is here and as far as he knew his Royal Prince, Jimin will never accept him now because the omega can do anything but hurt someone.

There was no acceptance in the first place but the destined rejection was breaking hoseok from inside. But he will keep walking, he is a soldier and soldiers never accept defeat against fate.

He has learnt that from his childhood. Being a son of Lt. Commander of Eclipse, his elders made sure to teach him the cruelty of survival in every aspect of life.

But that pure soul who made the mistake of falling in love with him doesn't know the brutality of life. And this hurts the Beta most. Maybe Hoseok wasn't the first love of the Royal Prince. Maybe the Omega had many love interests as he was the eldest of the pack. But thinking of his omega with another werewolf is making Hoseok crazy. 

He was lost in his thoughts, however, his legs were walking ahead, not even for once forgetting his destination. But as soon as his nostrils filled with the familiar scent, his eyes landed on the soul he was searching for two whole days.

His steps halted. Like someone forced him to keep standing there and filled his eyesight until his heart felt satisfaction.

Yoongi was walking with Hoseok side by side. But when he realised he walked a lil forward, he stopped too. He looked back and found his mate staring in the other direction.

Yoongi followed his gaze and softened when he saw Royal Prince and Royal Luna standing outside the entrance of the packhouse, totally engaged in some conversation.

Jimin was looking a little lost, his usual confidence was lacking over his facial features. And if you asked Yoongi, he was looking a bit tired too.

He looked at his mate again who was still looking at the specific omega with something Yoongi had only seen in Jungkook's eyes for the Royal Alpha.

The emotion was the same and Yoongi is not a fool.

And it terrified him. Terrified to the point Yoongi felt lost. If the conclusion his mind was gaining is correct then it will be hard for Yoongi to live here. 

But he is not someone who will hide it and let it ruin someone's life. He will talk about it, he will confront his mate. And if… if he was right and if his mate will want to reject him, then he will not stop him.

Dread filled Yoongi's heart until it became hard for him to control. His eyes prickled with unwanted tears, hell he wasn't even that deep for his mate yet. So why tears? Maybe it was the attraction of a mate bond or maybe it was the fear of lasting alone again.  

But it doesn't matter.

Yoongi needs answers and only one person can give him that. His mate. 

So he doesn't hesitate to hold Hoseok's hand before pulling him inside the backdoor of the packhouse.

~

"Hyungnim, Please. I will be back before sunset. But I want to learn how to swim in the river.” Jungkook pleaded with his determined eyes. His clothes were changed into new ones, a fresh cloak mask tied around his face. He was filled with new energy and as soon as his alpha gave him permission to learn, Jungkook was quick on his feet.

“Jungkookie, you can go another day, your ankle has just healed and you are going into the water again.” Jimin demurred.

“But why not today Hyungnim? I am all fine now, Please hyungnim let me go.” 

“Not to mention you are sensitive to temperatures, you will start sneezing again.” Jimin objected again.

Jungkook’s shoulders get hunched downward, he wants to learn to swim badly. He has developed this habit in Lunar, whenever he lacks something, he will not stop until he excels in it. 

“I will be all fine after drinking your soupy herbs.” Jungkook still muttered in a little sadness, this will be his last try.

Jimin looked at the omega with his stern eyes before sighing out loud,” Okay, Don't be sad or Eclipsers come after me that I made their Luna sad. You can go, but take some Royal guards with you.” 

Jungkook tried to deny it as he didn't want to bother anyone but Jimin already held his hand up.

“No. They are accompanying you and will teach you as well and bring Yeonjun also. No arguments.” Jimin mind linked Yeonjun who came outside instantly.

“Take care and come back before sunset or the winter breeze will freeze your skin." Jimin reminded Jungkook.

"Yes, Hyungnim." Jungkook bowed, receiving back another bow from Jimin and walked toward the warehouse looking for a horse for himself and Yeonjun. They will be going to the outskirts of Eclipse. Jungkook is excited to learn new things, his whole body was vibrating for the thrill.

Jimin shook his head but a small smile adorned his lips when he saw how excited the omega was. Jungkook is a warrior so it will be fine. 

He went inside the packhouse and his legs didn't stop walking until he was standing in front of that old library. He was sure that his brother would be inside of these aged closed doors.

He knocked lightly but didn't get any response, as always. He braced himself before opening the door and stepped inside.

Truthfully, his brother was sitting on his new chair with a book in his hand. Again.

"Taehyungie?" Jimin tilted his neck and called his brother. But Taehyung didn't even lift his gaze to acknowledge the omega.

Jimin sighed and went to the desk," Did something happen? You are here so abruptly?" 

The Royal omega observed his brother as he closed the book calmly and kept it on the desk before facing him.

"Elder Chung Hee sent me back." The Royal Alpha said.

"Superior? Why?" 

"The former Royal Alpha requested something." The Royal Alpha's words were cunning. 

Jimin sighed but he couldn't help himself," Taehyungie, he is our father." But the look he received from the Alpha made him shut himself right away.

"What is Abeoji requested for?" Jimin asked softly.

"The Magus of Eclipse." 

Jimin didn't believe his ears at first," W-what?" But he didn't get any response which meant his brother was serious and not in the mood of talking. Despite his calm face, his clenched hands on the desk are saying everything.

"B-but that book. That book is already burnt. You had burnt it long ago. Why is he demanding that book now, why? Oh goddess, what does he want now?" Jimin sounded disappointed, clearly unhappy with his father's desire.

"According to the elder, some pages of that book are still alive and hidden in this exact library," Taehyung said and held his hands together under his chin, eyes focussing over the shelves of the books.

"I found them in the wall, the former Alpha hid it in a hollow shell so it couldn't be visible to others." 

"Shouldn't you burn them as well?" Jimin was eager to ask, his eyes were concerning.

"It doesn't matter, Jimin." The Royal Alpha said and opened his book again.

"It does, brother." Jimin nearly shouted.

"That book… That book is mystical, no one knows the true meaning of its words. It shouldn't have existed in the first place. And giving it to father should bring us misfortune, Taehyungie." Jimin was desperately trying to persuade his brother who looked too immersed in his book.

But Taehyung replied.

"He can't do anything now, Jimin. He is powerless. And a powerless werewolf is nothing but a dog." 

"Taehyung!" Jimin shouted this time.

"He is our father and you will not degrade him," Jimin said as the final announcement and The Royal Alpha didn't even bat his lashes towards him. 

Jimin looked up tiredly and sighed. He sat on the chair against the desk before tucking his long hair a little outward. 

"I am sorry. I'm sorry for raising my voice, Your Majesty." Jimin licked his lips in guilt.

The Royal Alpha looked up before averting his eyes to his book again.

They sat in silence, Taehyung was flipping the pages of his book slowly while Jimin was biting his lips anxiously.

"So…." Jimin started.

"I don't wanna come impolite but…"

"As you have found the book. Why are you still here?" The nervousness in Jimin's voice was crystal clear and he felt ashamed of it. He just wished the reason behind his brother staying would not be what he is thinking right now.

Taehyung's one eyebrow went upward in amusement," You want me to leave?"

"N-no I mean I didn't mean it like that." Jimin moved his hands frantically, denying the accusation.

"Uhm… it's just… I- I was prob-"

"I am staying tonight for a reason, Kim Jimin." The Royal Alpha interrupted his brother who looked close to losing his mind.

"What reason?" Jimin asked back in a heartbeat. He was being too obvious, wasn't he? Taehyung will catch him in a second if he is hiding something. Or maybe he got caught already.

"You."

"You are hiding something." 

The words were clear for Jimin to hear better. But the way they squeezed out the breath out of his lungs wasn't good at all. Jimin averted his eyes from his brother who put his book back in the drawer and was facing Jimin only.

That piercing gaze was demanding answers, answers that Jimin didn't know if he had them or not. He can't tell his brother and what did he tell him in the first place? There is nothing to say, nothing to argue, nothing to solve.

"I'm not," Jimin said simply but his eyes were getting damp moment by moment.

The Royal Alpha moved back, head resting on the headrest of the chair," Your mind path is blocked for two days. How would you explain that?" 

With lips pressed closed the Royal omega good up from his seat, his eyes wandered around the scattered books and broken shelves before blinking them rapidly.

"There is nothing to explain, brother. Leave it here." Jimin said and his voice came out as a choked whisper.

He turned around, the things that he wanted to throw in the back of his mind landed at him with full force. He felt tired, tired to keep breathing. 

His hand halted over the knob of the door when his brother spoke," It wouldn't take me long to know what it is. But I decided to ask you first."

It was a statement devoid of any emotion.

"As I said, leave it to be. Please." Jimin replied with his wobbly lips before he stepped out of the library, slamming the door shut behind him. With tear-stained cheeks, the Royal Omega ran to his room, the only safe place for him in the entire Eclipse.

~

The occurrences of a pack whether they were bad or good could be known by two persons. Either the Royal Alpha or the Royal Luna. In Royal Alpha's absence, it was vital that the other half should have known them.

It was late at night when the Royal Alpha knocked on the door which made Jungkook frozen in his spot.

Jungkook just came out of the bathroom, he arrived a little later than he intended from the outskirts but he was content that he was getting a grip on his new ambition already. 

He was drying his hair when he breathed the comforting sandalwood scent. And then surely, he heard a knock on his door.

He turned around abruptly, his hands flew in every direction as someone caught him red-handed. He hides the towel he was using, he doesn't even know why he did that. He pulled out a warm woolly robe from his closet and wore it over his nightwear. His nightwear wasn't inappropriate but the night was chilly tonight and he doesn't want to be a sneezing wolf around his Alpha, which he might already be. And as if on queue…

Sneeze

And then…

Sneeze

Jungkook sniffed and hid his nose in his robe to let it become a little bit warm. But then he heard the knock again and felt so ashamed of himself.

His fingers combed his hair roughly before adjusting himself for the last time. 

"Yes, Alpha." He replied politely, waiting for the door to get opened and to see his Alpha.

The door opened and the Royal Alpha walked inside, he was wearing a grey cloak that was falling on his back as well covering half of his chest over his suit. His shady black hairs were parted in half, showing his almighty forehead to all eyes. The fur of a wild lion was covering his shoulder, his presence alone was awakening a certain warmth in the room.  

"Greetings, Alpha." Jungkook bowed. 

The Omega evaluated the figure of his Alpha with his own eyes. As soon as their eyes met, it sent a sheer of vibrations over his spine and then…

Sneeze

"I'm sorry," Jungkook mumbled quietly. He was so sure that his cheeks might be coloured red, the same as his nose. His eyes watched in their peripheral view as his Alpha starts approaching him.

The Royal Alpha stood away by a respectful distance from the omega. The omega in front of him was looking nervous. Although the time to come wasn't right but the omega was disguised appropriately which he found gracious.

Despite the little sniffles of Jungkook here and there, the room was quiet. 

"May I ask something?" 

Both of them asked at the same time, their voice was so accurate that it felt like a melody to Jungkook's ears.

The Alpha went quiet and Jungkook knew it's his sign to speak first. Pulling a deep breath Jungkook decided to ask, it was an important matter for the pack.

"Yesterday, I attended the court in your absence, Alpha. During the session, the troopers of the borders suggested that the amount of time they spent with their mates is less than others. They were not blaming anyone but they proposed if they could build some makeshift houses around the territory so that they will live there with their mates when they aren't on duty."

Taehyung tilted his head, more concentrated. 

"I found it considerable too." Jungkook gulped but he didn't feel any objection in his Alpha's features so he decided to continue.

"If this would be granted, the packhouse would need to send them a decent amount of supplies of food. Commander Hoseok told me that there is a definite proportion over which the food is distributed per person."

The Royal Alpha gave a nod, approving the words of Commander.

"And he said only Alpha knows it. Commander told me the ratios were prepared by the Royal Alpha alone. I am thinking if I could be able to know them, it would be helpful for me." His eyes were wide when he finished his talk, staring towards his alpha.

The Alpha gave it a thought before saying," Central Royal library, The third shelf of the second row. The book has all the proficiency of supplied ratios."

A grateful smiled spread on Jungkook's face," Thank you, Alpha. It will be bene-sneeze-ficial."

Jungkook pinched his nose to stop the string of sneezes he was going to let out, he could just pray to the moon goddess, his mate will not get weirded by him.

He breathed in relief when he didn't feel that tickling sensation in his nose. 

"That's all I wanted to ask, Alpha," Jungkook said and again bowed a little. His damped hair was leaving wet trails over his forehead and cheeks.

"Has something happened in my absence?" Taehyung asked, speaking briefly right on the point.

Jungkook looked up and pressed his lips together in uncertainty. He knew about what his Alpha was asking but he doesn't know if it will be relevant to tell something that doesn't relate to him. The matter was a little personal for his Hyungnim. But again, his Alpha is a pack leader and they both are brothers. Alpha should know.

"Yes, Something happened after your departure," Jungkook said softly, accepting.

"May I ask what it was?" Taehyung asked as his hand went behind his back. 

"It is related to Jimin hyungnim and I am afraid if It's reliable to convey it," Jungkook said and looked down. He is no one to spread something confidential about his hyungnim but his wolf was approving it to share it with his Alpha.

"An Alpha has to know and a Luna is bounded to share. There is nothing to worry about." The Alpha said the fatal truth as the final assurance.

Jungkook nodded his head in admittance. Whatever will come, Alpha will take care of it. He believes in his Alpha. So… he decided to share.

"Commander Hoseok…" As soon as the name left Jungkook's mouth, the ambience of his room changed darkly. 

"What about him?" The Alpha asked cautiously, his eyes set over the solitude of omega.

Jungkook swallowed his nerves thickly and said," Commander Hoseok found his mate. Yoongi hyung, my guard that accompanied me from the Lunar, was found to be his fated mate." 

The Royal stepped forward, decreasing the distance between them," Did he mark him?" He asked. The voice was much darker as compared to the previous polite one. 

"No… not yet. None of them is saying anything." Jungkook whispered, knowing the sensitivity of the issue.

Jungkook flinched back when he heard a mild growl left pass from his Alpha's lips. His eyes were forbearing but Jungkook couldn't see how his Alpha was clenching his fist behind his back.

"Summon them in the courtroom. I would like to see all of them, right now." The voice was darker than the night and deeper than the ocean. Jungkook almost forgets to bow when the Royal Alpha leaves his room with hurried steps.

Jungkook knew something was going to happen soon, he prayed that everything would be alright however with the rate his heart was pumping in his chest was giving other thoughts to his mind.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜.

Hi, my dear lovely readers.

So what do you guys think?

Would Jimin will accept his love for Hoseok?

or Yoongi will reject his mate way before that?

Our Luna is getting a hold over the courtroom works, I'm so proud of him💜.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜.