Hey all, so if you aren't following my Twitter, my laptop crashed and I was without it for the past two weeks. I had to replace the hard drive and lost almost everything, save for the backups I had. I also lost the chapter I had typed for Promise, The Boy in the hallway among others. That is the one week worth of work I hadn't backed up. Anyways, I retyped stuff. Glad my brain didn't forget the scene :)

So here you go.

***

Yoongi was exhausted when he dragged his feet through the long corridors of the Jeon mansion. He lived in the farthest room in the secluded wing of the mansion. It was his own den. No one except Hoseok came here since it was far from the others.

While Namjoon was fully capable of handling the legal stuff, he still needed extra hands in urgent matters such as this. Spending countless hours with the Kim & Kim law firm attorneys had considerably drained him of his energy. Each person was assigned to different tasks, and they were determined to leave no stones unturned.

The council test was less than a week away, and they had significantly less time. The new turn in events was unexpected but filled them with new hope.

As a consigliere, it was his responsibility to protect the Jeon family. However, Jimin being Taehyung's possible brother made it even more personal. Not to mention, he had considerably grown fond of the fierce omega with time.

He missed Taehyung and his refreshing peppermint. The alpha was literally the breath of fresh air in his otherwise dull life. But, after the failed relationship with another asshole alpha that now rested six feet deep, Yoongi didn't think romance was in the cards for him. That was until Taehyung crashed into his life with his signature boxy grin and easy-going attitude.

Yoongi should have known better, but the past scars had been deeper than he realized. He had lashed out at Taehyung, cutting off his advances only to realize how foolish it was. He had liked the alpha ever since he met him several years ago. However, Jungkook's anger had rubbed off on him, and he only saw Taehyung as someone who hurt his pack alpha.

Now he was on a determined path to right his wrongdoings. He also owed his life to the Kim family as much as he owed the Jeon family. Mrs. Kim was like a mother figure to him. The first person to show him an ounce of kindness. Mr. Kim had taken him in, a juvenile with no place to go.

Yoongi sighed as he approached the door. His wolf wasn't keen to go inside to the loneliness. He wished he had something from the other alpha. Unfortunately, Taehyung's scent was already fading from the jacket.

His eyes were droopy when he pushed the door to his living space open, and his nostrils flared upon getting a whiff of the familiar peppermint. He glanced around, the wolf inside him perking up immediately.

Did he imagine it? Maybe he was too tired. He didn't notice it sooner.

He closed the door behind him, lifting his chin as he sniffed the air. The unmistakable scent lingered in the living room and led him to his bedroom. He hurried through the small hallway past the open kitchenette and bar.

The wolf moved to the front of his mind, fully alert now, and all traces of exhaustion had drained as a sudden adrenaline rush pumped through his veins. It was one thing to run into Taehyung in his living space but another to know the alpha was in his bedroom, the most private space of an alpha.

If this was someone else, it could be considered a severe threat, but this was Taehyung—the wolf he was courting. It meant a lot to his wolf that their potential mate would come to their lair and step into their bedroom of all places. Because Taehyung hadn't openly accepted his courting except for the silent gestures here and there.

The adrenaline was replaced with exhilaration as he stepped through the doors of his bedroom, wandering eyes finding the hunched figure on the couch that was situated by his wall. Taehyung had a blanket wrapped around him as he sat there, hugging his knees to his chest. He glanced up as soon as he sensed Yoongi's presence.

"Taehyung?"

It took every thread of his control to stay put and not rush to the other alpha. He looked so lost and vulnerable, drowning in his huge blanket. His blanket.

"Sorry," Taehyung mumbled. "Didn't want to be alone." He looked down at his feet. "Just needed to...um...I—"

"Wanted to feel safe," Yoongi finished, remembering how Taehyung associated his scent of rain to safety. A foreign emotion balled in his chest but so did pride. His mate came looking for him.

Taehyung nodded subtly. "I-I can leave if you want." The voice was so low, barely audible if it wasn't for his werewolf senses. "I don't want to be a bother."

"You're never a bother to me, Taehyung." Words rushed out of his mouth before he could stop. "You can take the bed. I'll take the couch."

Taehyung's eyes widened considerably. His mouth opened and closed as if he was at loss of words.

Yoongi forced a smile, swallowing his nervousness. He didn't know if it was right or wrong. Taehyung hadn't given him a concrete answer yet, but he hasn't rejected any of the little presents he left for him. He already had his parent's blessings and even Jimin's. If he didn't he wouldn't have gotten his jacket for Taehyung's nest, would he?

The alpha wondered if there was anything else that could be louder than that action. A nest was sacred, but he never knew of an alpha who built a nest. Perhaps it was as important to Taehyung as it was to an omega. His safe space. Who was Yoongi to judge? He was just one smitten alpha, who felt like a fool to have rejected Taehyung's advances in the first place.

He cleared his throat. "Blankets and pillows are on the lower shelf in my closet." He gestured his head through the door adjacent to the bathroom. "It's through there."

Taehyung's gaze flicked to the said door and the subtle raise in his refreshing peppermint scent was all the response he got.

"I...um...I need a shower," Yoongi announced, deciding to give the alpha his space. "Make yourself comfortable."

He had to force his legs to move and growl at the stupid wolf who wanted to go to Taehyung instead. He was already pushing his luck by subtly asking him to build a nest in his room, on his bed. That image alone made him go weak in his knees.

Honestly, shower was the last thing that was in his mind but he needed to get away before he did something foolish. Yoongi hurried to the closet, pulling the first pair of clothes he saw and rushed to the bathroom. The shower was short but restless.

Most of the time, Yoongi snapped at his wolf to shut it. His wolf was clawing at his chest to go to Taehyung. Taehyung might need time and he didn't want to rush him. So he stood under the water until his skin had pruned and the water turned cold. Only then, he stepped out.

When he entered the room again, Taehyung was on his bed. His heart almost beat out of his chest with how excited he was. His petrichor scent bloomed involuntarily. If he was in his wolf form, he would be wagging his tail and howling to the moon. He cleared his throat and tried hard to not stare. But he couldn't help it.

Taehyung looked so soft and cuddly, sitting in the middle of his bed as if he was waiting for him. He had grabbed some extra blankets and pillows, roughly arranging it on the bed to make it more comfortable, but it wasn't a proper nest. Yoongi knew this because he had seen how cozy and inviting Taehyung's actual nests were. This was a stripped down version of what he usually did, but the alpha would take what he got.

He smiled at the other alpha and strode to the couch—the same one he gave Hoseok a hard time when he picked it up. Because why would someone need a freaking couch in a bedroom? Now, he silently thanked his best friend.

As he settled comfortably on the couch, pulling a sheet over his legs, he stared at the ceiling instead of Taehyung because that was what his alpha wanted to do. He also had to fight so hard to keep his scent neutral. The room now smelled like the both of them—fresh peppermint drowsed in rain. It took all his strength to not let out a rumble of purr that stirred in his chest.

While he was fighting to get hold of his emotions, Taehyung cleared his throat and his gaze snapped to the alpha in his bed.

"Do you wanna...um...maybe join me?" Taehyung bit his lips, not really meeting his gaze.

Yoongi wanted to think before he answered. However, his wolf reacted before he could. It let out a rumble of appreciative growl and the next thing he knew, he was marching toward the bed. He almost let out an embarrassing moan when he climbed beside Taehyung carefully. The alpha scooted to make space and patted the bed beside him.

Both didn't speak as they got comfortable or at least tried to get comfortable, uncertain eyes staring at the ceiling. Yoongi fought the urge to shake his leg, a nervous habit he built over the years. After what felt like hours but only minutes later, Taehyung growled beside him.

Yoongi turned his face, startled by the sound only for his breath to be knocked out when the other alpha threw a leg and an arm over him. A wave of peppermint flooded him. He stiffened, unsure of his reaction. What would he do if he spooked the other alpha?

"What? You don't want to hold me?" Taehyung sassed when he stayed still.

Yoongi's eyes almost bulged out but he wiggled out of the alpha's hold to free his hand so he could wrap it around the other alpha.

"D-Didn't wanna make you uncomfortable."

Taehyung relaxed in his hold with a hum. The silence settled around them this time was so comfortable and Yoongi never wanted this moment to end. If his scent spiked and sweetened a bit, no one commented.

"Rough day?" Taehyung broke the silence.

"Hmm..."

"Wanna talk about it?"

Yoongi shook his head. "Tired."

He felt Taehyung nod against his chest before silence once again fell between them.

"Is it true?" Taehyung asked after a moment. "Is it true that Jimin could be my real brother?"

Yoongi exhaled, lifting a tentative hand to stroke his hair, feeling Taehyung sink more into his embrace. "Does it matter? Does it change anything if you aren't blood related?"

"No," the answer came without any hesitation. "I've always seen him as my blood. With or without our blood bond. It doesn't matter if we don't share the same mother. But I need to know. But it's important that I have to know if we share the same parents. It matters if he is really my brother because it implies so many things we have overlooked." He lifted his head to lock their gazes. "It means someone must have stolen him away from my parents. Someone was the reason he went through all that when it could have been avoided in the first place. That someone who could still be out there and I want to know so I can get rid of the asshole."

This was the same fear they all had. If any of what Taehyung voiced out was true, it meant the enmity was older than any of the young generation. Their enemy was possibly out there plotting god knew what.

Yoongi hummed. "Did Seokjin tell you about this?"

Taehyung scoffed. "Hyung didn't need to tell me things. I did some research while I was away and hyung came to collect Jimin's blood sample again. Along with his blood he also took mom's blood. He looked shaken up though he tried hard to play it off. It doesn't take much to connect the dots you know. We wouldn't have survived alone if I was a fool."

Yoongi sighed. Taehyung was so observant and he was an intellectual. He had to remember nothing escaped his watchful eyes, especially where Jimin was concerned.

"Seokjin accidentally switched a blood sample," he conceded. "Jimin's blood matched with Namjoon's sample."

Taehyung gasped inaudibly.

"He's running DNA tests as we speak. We didn't want to drop this on your parents before we know. Also, there's no record of your parents having a child, especially an omega." Yoongi took another breath. "It's complicated."

"No. It isn't," Taehyung said. He lifted himself on his elbow. "Mom had a few failed pregnancies and it's a sour subject for her. She doesn't even talk about it to Jin hyung. But she has a box in her closet where she stores all the information. We were too young to remember most of it. We could have missed a lot of things."

Yoongi perked at that.

"Only dad is allowed to touch it. If Jimin is indeed born to her then something has happened that my parents aren't even aware of." Taehyung lifted himself in his elbow. "There is no way mom or dad knew about Jimin's existence. Means...there is an enemy we never knew of."

Yoongi's features darkened. They would have to dig the details from the past if they wanted any answers and he didn't know what to expect. He nodded thoughtfully. Before that they had a council meeting to get over with. His hand tightened around Taehyung.

"Get some sleep, Taehyung. Tomorrow we might not be able to get a wink." Because the DNA reports would certainly change everything as they know it and would definitely shake the Kim's den.

Taehyung looked as if he was contemplating something but nodded before lying down again.

"The blood result is the least of our worries," he continued. "We will protect Jimin with everything we got. It'll be a blood bath if they so much as thought of taking him away from us."

Taehyung's chest rumbled with a growl and he nuzzled into his neck. "Can I scent you?"

Yoongi stiffened. "You want to scent me?"

Taehyung tilted his head, cocking an eyebrow. "Is there a different meaning for that?"

The alpha swallowed. He didn't know the last time someone scented him. If he counted that one time Mrs. Kim scented him several years ago when he was sick, it has been over ten years already. He wasn't much for physical affection. His ex was an asshole who thought scenting was for meant for omegas.

But there was this anticipation in his chest when he thought about Taehyung digging his nose into his scent gland and spreading his delectable peppermint into his skin. Yoongi felt a rush of warmth in his chest as he nodded stiffly.

Taehyung dove in without a second of delay. A shiver raked his body when his cold nose made contact with his warm skin. The refreshing scent of peppermint filled his personal space and for the first time he noticed the underlying musky scent that was pure alpha. Suddenly he wanted more of it, even began craving for it.

Yoongi's hands flew to grab Taehyung's biceps. He craned his neck, giving more access to the other alpha while his groomed fingers dug into his skin. His chest rumbled with a soft growl that resembled a purr.

Taehyung's scent sweetened, pleased with his reaction. Yoongi's eyes rolled to the back of his skull when he felt the soft tug of his scent gland into the other alpha's mouth. Warm tongue flicked tentatively over his skin and it took everything in his mind not to whine.

He arched into the other's hold, baring his neck more as he silently demanded. Taehyung took it as a sign of his consent, his kisses growing bolder and the tugs turning into a suction of skin that he was sure would leave a visible bruise tomorrow.

Then something magical happened. He felt something warm spread inside his chest, taking over every fiber of his body. It was consuming, addicting and much more unlike anything he had ever felt before. And Yoongi...he gave in willingly. Before he knew his scent had sweetened and breath evened out as he fell into a dreamless slumber.

If he was awake he would have heard the soft chuckle above him, felt the way the other alpha pulled the sheets over him before draping him in his protective embrace. If he was awake he would have heard the soft whisper of 'You know you don't have to act so tough in front of me. I like you the way you are. I like you so much, Yoongi hyung,' fanning over his earlobe. If he was awake he would have felt the soft press of lips over his temples.

But Yoongi grinned in his sleep, sinking further and further into the warm cocoon that enveloped him.

***

Jimin was fast asleep when Jungkook slid out of the bed and left his room. The omega looked so peaceful in his sleep and he had half the heart to cancel the mission but knew better than to do it. In their line of work, time was precious and often lifesaving. It was always kill or be killed and the first one to strike always had the highest chance of survival.

So he apologized to the omega with a soft kiss on his temple and headed straight to the garage. His phone pinged once with a text and he grinned upon seeing the message. The beta driver rushed to open the door for him while his security guards rushed to his side.

One guard jumped into the passenger seat while the others headed to the vehicles. Jungkook just double-checked his gun and the weapon compartment in his car before giving them a subtle nod.

And like that, the black SUV took off followed by his guards. He still smelled like his omega though he took a quick shower, something he despised but he was too possessive to let others smell his omega on him more than necessary.

As his vehicle careened through the traffic, his thoughts were on the omega. He wondered if he would wake before he reached home. The alpha wanted to be there when he woke up, but this had to be done.

Jimin had shown him utmost trust by allowing him to see him in his most vulnerable moment. It was now his turn to show he was fully capable of protecting him. His omega's safety was his priority and he was sure Jimin would appreciate the gift he was planning. It was sometime around midnight when he received a text from Namjoon. Their prey had taken bait.

Kang Minhyuk had left the high security of his mansion one hour ago to attend a secret meeting near the docks. It was close to the Dragon's territory where Minhyuk otherwise had no business. However, the leader of the Black Mambas had no way of knowing that it was a trap Jungkook laid out for him.

He rolled the windows down, enjoying the chilly night air as they closed in on their location. Thirty minutes later, when their SUV rolled into the warehouse situated close to the docs, a smirk lifted the corner of his lips.

The engine made less noise as it slid beside a familiar palisade and Jungkook exited the car, eyes narrowing at the warehouse looming in front of them. His gaze scanned the surroundings. Finally, he nodded toward Hoseok in acknowledgment, who was talking in a hushed voice over the phone.

"Where is Yoongi hyung?"

"Taehyung was with him so I didn't bother him," Namjoon replied as Seokjin slid out of the palisade. The shining metal of the gun in his hand glinted in moonlight.

"He's gonna be pissed for leaving him out." Jungkook chuckled. Yoongi loved to be on the field.

Namjoon waved a hand. "Trust me. He will appreciate this time with Taehyung more. Also, Jin hyung insisted on coming in his place."

Jungkook smirked. The night had only gotten better.

Seokjin preferred to stay at the hospital most of the time, but he was as deadly as the others. Too bad, the doctor knew how to kill without shedding blood; even worse he could inflict pain that made one wish for a quicker death without breaking a sweat. He could only imagine how furious the usually laid back alpha must have been to pick up the gun to hurt someone instead of saving them.

The alpha was also glad to know Yoongi was getting somewhere with Taehyung, his stubborn best friend who was hell bent on making him work for it.

"Everything is ready," Hoseok announced. "Target is secured."

Jungkook hummed as he headed to the entrance of the warehouse. It was going to be a fun night.

***

Oooo I got a new PC and also took a trip in between. The remodeling work isn't over and is expected to end this week. So it's still hectic. Also, I'm starting another chapter careerwise, so I'd have to make some arrangements but I hope it's gonna work out eventually.And...the edited version of Paradise - A night with Carters is now available on kindle. I go by C. J. Collins there. So if u happen to stumble on me and thought the stories are similar, know that it's me he he...take care everyone.