Not sure if I can update next week but here's an early Christmas present. Merry Christmas!Hope your weekend is relaxing. Love you all. Take care.

***

The black Mercedes Benz eased into the traffic. A famous pop song was playing in the background but the atmosphere was tight inside the car. But leave it to Taehyung to make it worse.

"Is that jealousy I smell?" Taehyung teased his childhood best friend as they careened through the city traffic.

Namjoon eyed them through the rear view mirror with a shake of his head and a small smile on his lips.

"Aww...Never thought I'll get to see my little Googie jealous." He poked the lion with his index finger followed by a little giggle.

The alpha growled. "It's JK for you." There was no bite behind his words though.

"Is my Googie pouting?"

A growl was the only response he received. Namjoon narrowed his eyes at him with a shake of his head but Taehyung ignored him. After all, who knew his best friend better than him? Jungkook's scent changed the moment he began to scent Jimin. It was even worse when Jimin kissed his cheek.

Though his scent remained neutral the scowl on his face said it all.

"Is it because Minnie didn't kiss your cheek?" He pushed his luck a bit more.

Jungkook growled in warning, looking out of the window. The alpha had been grumpy since they left the mansion. He made him sit in the back with him instead of the front passenger seat, unlike the other times. His nostrils often flared in his direction and it was so obvious he was trying to inhale the omega's scent that was emanating from him.

Taehyung was doused in Jimin's scent thoroughly having slept in his nest all night. If that wasn't enough he never left home without scenting each other. He doubted that Jungkook demanded that he tagged along because of Jimin's scent on him.

The meetings Jungkook dragged him to these days didn't require Taehyung's presence at all. But he noticed the way Jungkook often leaned into his direction to take a whiff whenever he was losing his patience. Today's display proved his theory.

"You can scent me if you want to," he continued teasing. "You know just like old times."

Jungkook snarled in his direction, his eyes darkening, and then lunged at him. He snapped his jaw at him, fangs and claws elongated threateningly as he pinned him to the back seat.

"I told you. There are no old times. Don't try to renew whatever you left broken."

"And I told you I won't stop until I've earned your forgiveness." Taehyung's smile widened.

Jungkook's hold on him tightened and he growled dangerously, his anger spiking which was evident through his scent. But whatever he was going to say stopped suddenly. Instead, he unconsciously leaned closer, nostrils flaring as he inhaled the comforting scent of roses.

"Smells so good, doesn't it? You can kiss my cheek too," he said cheekily.

Jungkook lunged again, causing him to bare his neck naturally for the alpha. The pack alphas often bit the neck of the subordinates to discipline them or to force them into submission. It was a normal occurrence.

His fangs sank into the juncture of his neck only to freeze. Taehyung suppressed the laughter that wanted out as the alpha went stiff above him. Jungkook had played right into his trap.

"That's it, Jungkookie." He dared to thread his fingers through his head, turning his neck for better access. "Take a nice, long whiff."

Jungkook's frame shook a little as the little thread of control snapped and he released his neck to dig his nose into his scent gland. A contented sigh drifted off Taehyung's lips as he waited patiently for the alpha to calm down.

Sandalwood bloomed around him, soft growls rumbling out of his chest. Taehyung slid his hand down Jungkook's back, rubbing it in a soothing motion. His gaze locked with Namjoon and his brother nodded with a tight smile.

Taehyung was growing emotional as Jungkook began to scent him just like did when they were children, drowning him in his scent. His own peppermint scent intensified as he relaxed.

It had been ages since Jungkook had done this. It had been ages since Taehyung felt like he was finally home. The pack alpha had accepted him. Whether he did this intentionally or not, his wolf had accepted him as his pack. Scenting was one of the important practices among the wolves. But Jungkook had avoided him for years, angry at him for leaving.

He brushed off the few stray tears and waited for the alpha to be done with him. Maybe it was because of Jimin's scent on him or it was because of their combined scents that were familiar to Jungkook's wolf. Either way, Taehyung finally won. He had the alpha's acceptance and that was all that mattered.

When the alpha pulled back, drunk in his scent and eyes a little unfocused, Taehyung smiled warmly. It took a while for him to catch his breath and he scowled, pulling back when he realized how close they were. With a growl, he scooted back and went to his side, averting his body away from him.

The action was so childish and reminded him of the fight they once had as children. Jungkook was a wolf with pride. He was never one to apologize or take that first step when he believed he was right. Or maybe when he was wrong, he had trouble admitting it without grumbling.

So after a petty fight and not talking for a week, Taehyung had tricked him into making the first move by taking advantage of his weakness. He'd faked an injury and Jungkook had scented him just like this to comfort him only to find out he was tricked. He had pouted an entire day because he'd made the first move and was furious that he was fooled so easily.

It was just a Jungkook thing.

Taehyung straightened, smoothing his jacket with a smile. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

"Fuck you!" Jungkook's growl was a borderline roar and he didn't meet his gaze.

Taehyung boomed with laughter. "Nah...Jimin doesn't like to share."

Jungkook growled, his head whipped toward him and eyes narrowed dangerously.

"And I like Yoongi," Taehyung quickly added. "Well, not anymore but...anyways...you're not my type." He cleared his throat when Jungkook let out another growl. "Easy there, puppy." Taehyung scowled. "You've been a good pup today and guess what?" He grinned. "Good pups deserve rewards."

"You're pushing it." Jungkook's voice was animalistic with his wolf surfacing but it wasn't enough to scare off Taehyung. It wasn't his first rodeo. He exactly knew which buttons to push and how Jungkook would react.

Taehyung rolled his eyes and pulled out a scarf from inside his suit jacket. "I grabbed it from his nest this morning. With his permission of course." He eyed Jungkook, whose attention was solely focused on the red-knitted scarf in his hand. "No one dares to go near an omega's nest without their permission." He waved the scarf in front of his face, his gaze following the moment and eyes going wide. "Since you've been a good wolf..." he trailed off. "I decided to let you have it."

Jungkook snatched the scarf before Taehyung even finished the sentence, lifting it to his nose, his eyes falling shut as he let out a contented purr.

"It goes well with your outfit too," Taehyung added.

The alpha huffed but proceeded to wrap it around his neck with the slightest twitch of his lips.

"Jimin would appreciate something in return too. He prefers oversized hoodies and sweaters. The softer the better. Your size seems to be a perfect fit for him."

The pack alpha let out another contented purr, his scent sweetening instantly. Taehyung smiled cheekily.

Big bad wolf is just a puppy. I knew I made the right choice by choosing you for Jimin.

In the front seat, Namjoon tried so hard to control his laughter. Well, Taehyung couldn't blame him. Because only he could reduce the big bad wolf into a puppy. At least that was the case until a few years ago. Now Jimin was the one who held that credit.

They hadn't even held hands yet. But Jimin already had Jungkook wrapped around his pinkie.

He got comfortable in his seat, reclining and throwing his head back on the seat. He was one step close to his goal. When Jimin walked down the aisle to mate Jungkook, he would be the one to hand him to Jungkook and then stand beside him as his best man. He wasn't going to let anyone else take that honor away from him.

Ever.

***

As much as Jimin loved shopping, it was also exhausting. He'd gone wild, purchasing several pastel-colored sweaters, hoodies, and even the new arrival nesting supplies. Taehyung's mom had dragged him to the jewelry store, encouraging him to choose anything he wanted.

He'd chosen several rings that caught his eyes and even a few earrings. He might have chosen a bracelet for Jungkook that he thought would look great on the alpha. The omega was giddy, wondering if that would make a good courting gift.

Jungkook had already given him a courting gift and the omega wanted to return the gesture. They were exiting the shop when someone called him.

"Jimin-ssi?"

Jimin whipped around, coming face to face with an older omega with a kind smile.

"Seoyeong-ssi," he greeted immediately with a polite bow. "I didn't expect to meet you here today."

The elderly woman was the matron of an orphanage he supported. It had been a while since they met. She still looked the same.

"We were working on a campaign." She pointed at the small booth they had by the side of a children's toy store. "The mall was kind enough to allow us a space."

Two volunteers stood by the booth distributing flyers and collecting donations from the generous patrons. Jimin distantly remembered the approaching charity dance show.

A show he has been a part of for the past three years. It showcased talents from different volunteers but they'd begun receiving large donations ever since Jimin agreed to dance for their function.

"How is your health? Hope you are taking care of yourself."

"Yes, I am. I'm recovering well," he said. "When is the show this year?"

"It's in two weeks. She handed him the flyer. A few guests declined the invite since you aren't there this year."

Jimin eyed the volunteers, realizing it must be one of the shows Tae canceled.

"I'm so sorry," he said, his throat tightening. His scent soured a little. He was mostly furious at the guests who were more interested in him than the welfare of the children.

The older omega smiled kindly. "You've done a lot for us, Jimin-ssi. Please don't apologize. Your wellbeing is important to us."

He worried his bottom lip, his mind racing. The show was being organized in a territory that was closer to the Black Mamba. An involuntary shudder ran through his body. He didn't think it was a good idea.

As he was contemplating, he was suddenly enveloped by the warm scent of sandalwood. He sensed him before he felt the warm touch on his lower back. The omega immediately leaned toward the alpha with a soft smile as if it was his second nature. He felt the feather-light kiss on his temple next.

"Hey," Jungkook greeted with a kiss on his temple.

"Hey..." Jimin smiled at him. "Um...this is Seoyeong-ssi. She's the matron of the orphanage in Damyong. Seoyeong-ssi, this is Jeon Jungkook. My...alpha." His cheeks flared and he fiddled with his fingers, his scent sweetening.

"Oh, my..." The elderly omega grinned. "Nice to meet you, Jungkook-ssi. I'm so happy for you both. Jimin-ssi is the kindest and compassionate omega one could find. You're fortunate to be his alpha."

He could feel Jungkook's unwavering gaze on him. "Yes, I'm indeed the most fortunate alpha. If you don't mind, may I borrow my omega for a minute?"

"Of course." The woman smiled.

Jungkook led him to one of the stores. The owner jumped to his feet and bowed ninety degrees at the sight of him. He waved a hand in dismissal and led him to the office in the back. Once inside, he shut the door behind him.

Jimin noticed the red scarf wrapped around his neck and the omega let out a pleased hum. He eyed the alpha inquisitively as he looked around the office.

Why did he bring me here?

"Alpha...why are we here?"

"Something was bothering you when I arrived," he said. "Is everything alright? Did she say something? Did someone bother you?"

Warmth rushed to his chest. "Oh, no...it's not what you think," he rushed to explain. "Seoyeong-ssi is a kind omega. I've been supporting her orphanage for a while now. They do these annual fundraising shows to raise funds. I've always danced in their show. This year..." he trailed off. "It's one of the shows Taehyung canceled."

Jungkook turned Jimin to face him, hooking a finger under his chin he lifted his face to meet his gaze. "You're having second thoughts."

Jimin averted his gaze. "A few guests canceled when they learned I'm not participating this year."

Jungkook hummed, releasing his chin to cup his cheek. "Is this okay?" His voice was so soft that Jimin found himself melting.

"Yes." His voice was barely audible.

"Do you wish to dance?"

Jimin met his gaze, his omega melting into a puddle inside his chest. "The venue is closer to the Black Mamba territory."

"Do you wish to dance?"

Jimin swallowed. There was determination in his voice and assurance in his gaze. "Yes, alpha."

Jungkook's thumb caressed the apple of his cheek. "No one will dare touch my omega. Not if they value their life," he said. "I'll protect you."

Jimin closed his eyes, basking in the alpha's protectiveness. "TaeTae trusts you," he said, his voice soft. "So do I." He opened his eyes. "You're such a good alpha. Thank you."

Jungkook's scent sweetened. He dropped his hand and stepped back. Jimin's lips twitched when he noticed the visible redness on the alpha's cheeks.

"Come. Let's go." He took the omega's hand in his and guided him outside.

When they went back, Jungkook took him to the stand. Producing a checkbook from his pocket, he signed a huge sum as a donation before handing it to Seoyeong.

"My omega will dance in your show on one condition." He pointed a hand toward Taehyung and Namjoon. "They'll be in charge of the security of the venue."

Seoyeong eyed between the Kim brothers and Jungkook. "Of course," she said. "Of course, Jungkook-ssi. That's absolutely fine. Will you be attending as well?" She grabbed an invitation and handed it to him. "It'll be an honor to have you at our event."

Jungkook looked at Jimin. "Of course. I'll not miss my omega's show for anything."

Jimin's cheeks flared and he bit his bottom lip. Jungkook was giving him whiplash and there was nothing he could do about it. The wolf on the other hand was giddy and was ready to show off. It was mentally ticking off the things they wanted to do for the show.

"Are you done shopping, my love?" Jungkook's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"Huh?" He looked around. "Yes. Yes, we're done. We were just going to grab something to eat."

Jungkook nodded. "Tae said you like Italian. I'll make reservations. Does that sound good?"

"Y-Yes."

Jimin's omega was so pleased that Jungkook was all he could focus on. He didn't see anyone else as he followed his alpha, who had a hand on his lower back. He didn't see the camera flashes or notice the questions thrown his way. He only had eyes for his alpha. Only for Jungkook.