The moment Jimin saw Taehyung again, he cried out in relief. He couldn't help the sob that stumbled out of his chest and flew into his waiting arms.

It took a while for his sobs to stop and he was now curled up in his bed with him under the sheets, breathing in his comforting peppermint scent. The omega whined now and then.

Taehyung being the understanding person ever held him through it all. Jimin's sobs were reduced to hiccups and thankfully, the nurse left them alone, giving them privacy.

Jimin listened silently while Taehyung explained the situation and what was in his mind.

"I know what you're feeling, Minnie. But with him at least you'll have a choice." Tae squeezed his hand gently. "We grew up together. Jungkook is many things, but a liar is not one of them. He's a man of his words. And Minnie, he will never lay a finger on you without your consent."

Jimin continued to cry in his best friend's arms. What choice did he have? He knew how this worked. Once in, there was no way out. That was how the mafia worked.

However, he considered Taehyung's words. Black Mamba was ruthless. So was its leader. He was a vile man. A filth. Jimin shuddered at the memory of their brief meeting. His heart constricted at the thought. He didn't want to be in the same room as the Minhyuk and he also knew there was no running from the man once he set his eyes on someone.

This JK was his only chance at survival. He trusted Taehyung. If he trusted JK enough to entrust his future to him, then he'd trust him too.

But what he didn't understand was why the alpha would accept him as his omega when they didn't even know each other. Jimin was the one in need. He understood JK owed Taehyung but was it enough to tie his entire life to an omega he barely knew of?

"Taehyungie, why would he do something like this?" he asked in a small voice. This was huge. Even if JK owed Taehyung, it didn't make sense why he would agree to this.

"I took a bullet that was aimed for his heart once," Taehyung said. "He owes me because I did it when it wasn't my place to do so. I don't belong with the Dragons and I don't work for them. I came out of the family when I was young. The only time I visited them was when during holidays or special occasions."

Jimin nodded in understanding. "But isn't this huge to ask him? I mean...You're asking him to mate me."

"It is." Taehyung shrugged. "He owes me his life. You don't know how debts work in the underground world, Minnie. Besides, I thought this through. JK doesn't date and he isn't with any omega. You're an amazing person, Minnie. He wouldn't find someone like you even if he searched the entire universe."

"TaeTae...I don't belong there. My world is different."

"I know, bubby. But it changed the moment that bastard laid his eyes on you. It's not your fault that you're born beautiful. I wish I could end him, but that's not possible. It wouldn't only start a gang war, but there will be bounties on our heads. There is no place in this world we can run. So this is our only choice. The bastard doesn't stand a chance against JK. And going after another alpha's mate is a breach of our code even in the underground world so he wouldn't dare go after you."

"W-What about you?"

"I'll join the gang," Taehyung said. "I've already spoken to my brothers. I killed five members of the Black Mambas. They'll tell them that I killed them to protect you, JK's omega. No one would be able to speak against that."

Jimin frowned. "But you left them because you didn't want to be in this life."

He felt Taehyung's chest rise with a sigh. "I left them for you, Minnie."

It didn't make sense. Jimin's frown deepened. "I-I don't understand."

Taehyung placed a comforting hand over his hand that was on his chest and squeezed it gently. "This isn't the first time I killed someone, Minnie," he said in a gentle voice. "The bastards who hurt you before...They're fish food." His voice was laced with a growl. "I left my family so I could protect you. Being with them meant I'm bound by their rules. My hands were tied, but you were mine to protect. We may not be den mates, but I see you as one. I chose you and I'll always choose you. You're my family, Minnie." His hand tightened around him, patting his back gently when he sniffled. "Now I'm joining them back for the same reason. To protect you."

Jimin sniffled, burying his face into his chest. "I don't know what to do."

"Give it some time, sweetheart. I'm sure it'll work out. As I said, you can trust JK. He's a gentleman when it comes to omegas and children. He will treat you right."

He lifted his head, staring into his soulmate's eyes. "But he hasn't even agreed yet."

Taehyung just smiled. The one he gave when he knew something he didn't. Jimin hated it when he acted like this. But he was too weak to argue.

"You'll be a wonderful mate to him, bubby. I just know you'll be happy."

"I don't know," Jimin whispered. "But I'll try, TaeTae. I'll be a good mate for him. I'll learn to love him and do the right thing."

Taehyung stroked his hair. "You trust me, don't you?"

"You know I do."

Taehyung smiled kissing the top of his head. "Trust me one more time, Minnie."

Jimin sighed. "I'll walk through fire if you told me to. I just...I just need time, TaeTae. I don't know him."

"I know."

"I'm scared."

"Me too."

***

Four days later when Taehyung told Jimin that they should leave, he didn't question him. Instead, he got dressed in the clothes Taehyung brought him and got ready. He just knew JK hasn't accepted Taehyung's proposal.

He didn't know where it left them both, but one thing he knew was that they'd have to leave everything. They'd have to hide. Just like those times before Taehyung landed a modeling gig, working odd jobs for meager wages, sharing a single piece of hard bread or a sandwich to quell their growling hunger, and sleeping on the streets.

Maybe he'd never have the same life again, but at least they had money. Money Taehyung stashed in different overseas accounts. They wouldn't have to starve. Maybe they could have a hideout with a proper roof. They sure wouldn't sleep on the streets. Maybe he'd never dance again or walk the ramp. But that was okay too.

As he followed Taehyung out of the room and into the corridor, he realized he didn't mind going back to the time when they had nothing. He had Taehyung by his side. He was his only family and that was enough.

Jimin hadn't realized how big the place was until Taehyung led him to the elevator. No words were spoken between them as they exited the elevator. Jimin just looped his hand through his elbow and followed him. He kept his gaze trained on the floor, not even daring to look around.

The scent of several wolves alerted him and he flinched, hiding behind Taehyung. His wolf was restless inside him, flicking its tail as it regarded the surroundings warily. His friend stopped in the middle of a luxurious living room. Jimin felt too underdressed for the situation.

His grip on the back of Taehyung's shirt tightened and he suppressed a whimper. He knew his scent was sour but there was nothing he could do about it. He was never good at controlling his emotions. The alpha pheromone in the atmosphere was making his head dizzy.

Taehyung let out calming pheromones and he tried to relax. He leaned forward nuzzling into his back and hoping this was over soon.

"Taehyung-ah..." A woman's voice called. "What are you doing here? Your brother hasn't cleared you yet."

Her expensive perfume overpowered her natural scent and Jimin's nose twitched. This must be his mother. He lifted his gaze to peek at a beautiful woman in front of them. He often caught traces of her scent in the hospital wing but that was it. He didn't meet her yet though.

"I don't wish to overstay my welcome," Taehyung said in an impassive voice. It lacked the warmth he always used with Jimin. "The sooner we leave the better."

"Y-You're leaving?" the woman's voice cracked and Jimin fought the urge to look back at her.

Taehyung's smile was bitter. "We don't have a choice, Mom." He took a deep breath. "We don't have much time left. I'd like us to at least get a head start."

Jimin whimpered at his words and clutched his shirt tighter.

Heels clicked on the marbled floor and the woman moved closer, her scent sour in his nostrils. "You can't leave. You know what will happen if you do," she sobbed.

"I can't stay either," Taehyung replied. "It's no longer safe for us here." He gripped Jimin's arm that was now at his hip. "We need to lay low and get out of the country as soon as possible."

"You can't run from him," her voice was defeated. "Minhyuk will find you. No matter where you run."

"I know."

"Taehyungie..." Jimin felt eyes on him. His wolf was squirming and he clutched the Taehyung's shirt even tighter. "He won't stop until he has him."

"I'll try." His smile was sad this time. "If I can't...then I'll just have to kill him," he whispered. "Better me than Minhyuk."

Jimin choked on a sob and clung to him tighter. They had talked about this briefly and Taehyung had told him that he'd kill him if he can't protect him from Minhyuk. He didn't miss a beat and his expression was determined so Jimin knew he wasn't joking. Sadly, Jimin was prepared for that too. It was better than being taken away by Minhyuk. He just wished Taehyung would make it less painful. Another sob slipped out and he couldn't stop it on time.

"Shh...it's okay." He turned around to comfort Jimin. "I got you."

"Taehyung-ah... You won't even make it out of the country. Minhyuk is looking for you both everywhere."

Jimin recognized the kind doctor.

"It's okay. You've done what you can. I'll handle it from here." Taehyung turned around to face his brother, his hands falling to his sides. "If that's all, we will take our leave."

It was then Jimin noticed the burning scent of sandalwood.

His nose itched and he lifted his gaze, finally seeing the alpha in question sitting at a couch. How did he miss him there? Was he too lost in his thoughts to even notice his surroundings?

"You're a stubborn bastard!" the alpha growled.

His friend only chuckled in response. "Thank you, Jungkook," Taehyung said. "I'll always remember everything you have done for me. I'm thankful. I'm sorry I failed you." He bowed and grabbed Jimin's arm. "I wish things were different, but if I'm given a chance I'd do it all over again." He looked down at Jimin's hand. "Maybe I'll see you someday again. Who knows?" He laughed with a casual shrug of his shoulder. "I'll get going."

They turned to leave only to be stopped by a group of four men dragging in three people. Jimin's eyes widened and his grip on Taehyung's arm tightened. He stood stunned recognizing their faces.

"Please...they would have killed me if I didn't do as I was told," Jimin's manager cried.

"Now you will die because you did as you were told." Jungkook stepped beside him in his peripheral vision.

"P-Please...I-I didn't know. I didn't know he was related to you."

The mafia boss scoffed. "Hmm...We should rectify that." He tilted his head to the side.

Jimin noticed the smug grin forming on Taehyung's face. Taehyung patted on his hand twice, the corners of his lips lifting to form a smirk. Jimin's eyes widened.

Did that mean—

"Perhaps, this would show them what would happen when someone dared to touch my omega." His voice was almost animalistic, red bleeding into his eyes because of his alpha surfacing.

"Please...have mercy. Please..."

"Take them away," Jungkook dismissed them with a flick of his wrist.

When he turned to face Taehyung, his face twisted with anger. He closed the distance in two long strides, grabbing him by his collar and punching his face. Taehyung's face whipped to the side and he stumbled. Jungkook lifted his fist again to land another punch.

Jimin let out a choked cry, stepping between them with his hands pressed flat against Jungkook's chest to stop him. Jungkook's fist stopped mere inches from his face.

"Please..."

"Move, Omega!" Jungkook snarled.

Jimin's knees buckled with the sheer power his wolf radiated but he stood his ground with a loud whimper and shook his head. "I-I w-won't let y-you hurt h-him. H-He's all I have."

His chest heaved as he fixed his furious eyes on Taehyung and took a step forward. Jimin was pressed between their bodies. He stood facing a very furious alpha despite the fear clouding his senses. He was as tall as Taehyung but buffer and broader.

"He's no longer your pack alpha." His gaze flicked to Jimin. "I am."

Jimin blinked, his jaw going slack. Oh, that was right. If Jungkook just claimed him as his omega then he was no longer in Taehyung's pack. They both were in Jungkook's pack now. In his gang.

Oh, God!

"B-But h-he's still my brother," he reasoned. His eyes welled with tears. "Please..." He pushed at the alpha's chest.

"The next time he dares to leave the pack, I'll skin him alive and will make you watch," he growled. His jaw clenched and Jimin shivered under the intensity of his gaze.

Jimin gasped.

"I go where Jimin goes." Taehyung smiled. "Looks like I'm staying here for a long long time, Jungkook-ah."

Jungkook growled. "It's JK for you. You don't have that right anymore."

"Maybe...not yet..." Taehyung gripped Jimin's shoulder. "I'll earn it back."

Jungkook scoffed, dropping his fist. His gaze flicked to Jimin. "Never do that again." His eyes followed Jimin's hands that were on his chest.

Jimin pulled his hand back with a gasp. He watched in stunned silence as Jungkook pivoted on his heel and left them.

"Child! What were you even thinking?" Taehyung's mother was on him immediately, checking him over. "Never touch him or jump in front of him when he is furious. His wolf is uncontrollable."

Oh.

"Oh, my God! You are just as stubborn as my brick-headed brother here," Seokjin hissed as he strode toward them. "And you..." He poked at Taehyung's chest. "You fucking knew what you were doing. You're lucky he didn't kill you."

Taehyung shrugged. "If he wanted me dead, I wouldn't be alive all these years." He pulled Jimin back, mock saluting at his brother.

Jimin could only follow Taehyung wordlessly as he led him toward the elevator.

"TaeTae..." he called once the metal door closed. "What was that all about?" he asked exasperatedly.

Taehyung shrugged. "He just needed a push."

Jimin shook his head. Taehyung could be reckless sometimes and foolish. Purple was blooming along his jaw and he winced at the ugly sight. He cupped his jaw, tracing a gentle finger over his forming bruise.

"You're crazy."

His friend only replied with a boxy grin that made him look younger and carefree. A genuine smile he reserved for when he was truly happy.

"Why would you do that? You played him, didn't you?" Jimin asked, slowly catching up on everything.

Taehyung shrugged. "Jungkook might be angry at me, but he hates to see me hurt." He sighed. "What we have now, Minnie...I used to have that with Jungkook."

Jimin's throat constricted. "You threw that away."

Taehyung's smile was warm when he brushed his hair away from his eyes. "Your hair is getting longer." He patted his cheek.

"Don't change the topic," Jimin sniffled. "Why did you do that?" He couldn't imagine Taehyung leaving him for someone. It'd hurt him badly and he didn't think he'd ever be able to live past that.

"You needed me the most, Minnie."

Jimin's tears flowed freely. He was alone and dying, wasting away in a hospital bed. The school management or the police did nothing. His foster family saw it as a burden and couldn't wait to hand him over to the agency. The overflowing agency couldn't afford to shelter him when they had wolves younger than him to tend to.

No one came for him except Taehyung. When he left the hospital, he had no place to go. He had no home or someone to call family. Taehyung had simply shown up at the hospital entrance with a boxy grin and a bag of their clothes, told him they were going to a faraway place.

And like that, they left. Took a train to Seoul and lived in the streets. Taehyung had left everything behind and had only some savings that got them through the first couple of months. They both found some jobs to get them by but it wasn't enough.

Jimin didn't realize he was crying until Taehyung pulled him into a hug and kissed the side of his head. The memories were too much. They've been through worse. Almost lost each other but still found their way to each other.

"Jungkook will forgive me with time," Taehyung whispered into his hair. "I'm gifting him with what's going to be the best thing in his life," he joked. "Seriously, Minnie, don't worry about us. Underneath all that hard exterior, he's one big puppy with a heart as big as my palm. Just give him a chance. You'll be surprised."

Jimin tried to smile. He really hoped Taehyung was right once again and Jungkook gave him a second chance. Taehyung always refused to talk about his family or literally anything about them. Jimin always thought it must be because he didn't have a good relationship with them. But now he was here, he could tell it was the opposite.

Taehyung loved them and they loved him. It was just harder for his best friend to talk about them. It was overwhelming to learn how deep Taehyung loved him. He didn't know what he did to deserve this kind of love and vowed, he'd be a good mate to Jungkook. That way, one day Jungkook would forgive Taehyung for leaving him.

The alpha was frightening but Jimin would try. He would try and learn to be what Jungkook wants. He sighed as Taehyung led him out of the elevator, his arm wrapped protectively around his shoulder.

"You have nothing to worry about now, Minnie," Taehyung beamed. "It's Minhyuk whoshould be worried now. Just wait and watch."