Hii I was gonna update much earlier than this but didn't have time. Hope you enjoy this chap!

Jeongguk didn't know where he was going.

Everything around him was a blur; the crowds around him and the estranged looks he got as he rushed through the hospital corridors. His heart pounded in his chest like a drumbeat of fear. His entire body and soul were overwhelmed with anxiety and panic. Every step he took felt like an eternity, each passing moment filled with an overwhelming sense of dread. His mind raced with a million thoughts, each one more terrifying than the last.

At one point, out of his sane conscience, he grabbed onto a passer-by nurse and asked her where the emergency room was, after which he was guided to the said room. He didn't remember much of it. Everything was a blur and he didn't care. His head spun and his mouth was dry. There was only one goal in his head: finding Taehyung and confirming if he was alright.

He had received the call about Taehyung being rushed to the hospital when he was finishing up his training. He remembered his father's voice but only some keywords like "bleeding", "Passed out", "emergency room" and "unconscious" were registered in his mind. His mind had gone blank since the moment the call ended with a brutal beep and he couldn't recall how he got to the hospital. He probably took a taxi. He remembered handing out money to a driver.

The moment he pushed open the doors to the emergency room, doctors and nurses rushing around him, he looked around to spot a familiar face. When he couldn't, he rushed to the nearest nurse.

"Kim Taehung, a male omega who came here with bleeding? About one-and-half months pregnant" Jeongguk's voice carried desperation. "I'm his mate. Where is he?"

"Over there" Jeongguk followed the direction the nurse pointed, eyes scanning where he might be. Upon walking a few meters, he saw a curtain of a cubicle being opened by a doctor and red hair... Jeongguk gaped, feet working on their own accord as he ran to the cubicle.

He pulled the curtain, his heart in his throat as he took in the sight before him. Taehyung lay motionless on the hospital bed, his face pale and drawn, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

A surge of raw emotion welled up inside Jeongguk, threatening to overwhelm him as he crossed over to Taehyung with a few quick strides. His hands shook as he reached out to touch Taehyung's face, his fingers brushing against the soft skin as tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. He could feel the coolness of Taehyung's skin beneath his fingertips, sending a shiver of dread down his spine.

"Taehyung" Jeongguk whispered, chest tightening with fear. He reached out to brush Taehyung's hair back from his forehead, his touch gentle yet urgent.

He looked around him to see his father standing on the other side of the bed, his expression one of worry and fear.

"Why isn't he awake?" Jeongguk whispered.

"He regained consciousness after I brought him here but the doctors put him to sleep now. They said he was alright and there was nothing to worry about. He will be awake in a while. They said he needed rest"

Jeongguk sighed. His panic and fear eased from his father's words. However, he couldn't relax until Taehyung woke up and spoke to him. Is he still hurting? Would he be fine?

"What happened?" Jeongguk asked. "Why would he bleed out of nowhere?"

"I don't know. But he had been stressing out since the duel got fixed, hadn't he? I'm sure it took a toll on him with the pregnancy. When I saw him bleeding like that...I thought he had..." Jihoo gulped. "Maybe... lost the..."

"The pup" Jeongguk's eyes widened, the realization hitting him. The pup had completely slipped his mind. His only focus had been his omega's well-being, not the pup growing inside him.

Jeongguk's heart raced. "Is the pup okay?"

Jihoo shook his head. "They didn't tell me. The bleeding stopped on the way here and they did a scan too but they didn't tell me anything about the pup"

"Oh..." Jeongguk shook his head. "Oh Luna" he placed his head in his hands.

"Jeongguk..."

"Taehyung would be devastated if something happened to the pup" Jeongguk muttered. "How would he be able to take it?"

"You two hadn't exactly decided to keep the pup, have you?"

"I know that Taehyung doesn't want to get an abortion. I don't either. I love the pup already. But... we didn't come to a decision because of the uncertainty of the situation we're in" Jeongguk sighed. "But losing the pup is a whole another story. I don't know how he would be able to take it. He's an omega and this is his first pup"

Jihoo sighed. "I'm sorry, Jeongguk"

Jeongguk shook his head. "Just... for now, I'm relieved that Taehyung is alright. Then we will talk to the doctors about the pup. For now, I just need Taehyung to wake up"

Taehyung remained unconscious, his face serene despite the turmoil raging within Jeongguk's heart. Jeongguk stood by his side, his heart aching with the weight of his fear and uncertainty.

Hours passed like an eternity as Jeongguk kept vigil by Taehyung's bedside, his thoughts consumed by a relentless tide of worry and despair. His hand tightly clasped Taehyung's, refusing to let go of it. Jeongguk doesn't remember when Taehyung first struck, eyes fluttering open slowly.

"Jeongguk?" he murmured, his voice soft and hoarse.

Relief flooded through Jeongguk like a tidal wave, washing away the fear and uncertainty that had gripped his heart. He felt a rush of emotions flood over him like a crashing wave. He could see the confusion and pain etched in Taehyung's features, a silent plea for reassurance and comfort.

"Taehyung" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "My pup, I'm here"

"Jeongguk" Taehyung whispered. At that moment, Jeongguk felt like he was drowning in a sea of emotions. The fear, the uncertainty, the overwhelming sense of helplessness—it all threatened to consume him as he struggled to hold himself together for Taehyung's sake.

Tears welled up in Taehyung's own eyes as he reached out, wrapping his arms tightly around Jeongguk's trembling form.

"Alpha," Taehyung whispered, his voice choked with emotion as he buried his face in Jeongguk's chest. "I was so scared..."

Jeongguk's arms tightened around him in response, his own tears mingling with Taehyung's as they clung to each other desperately. The weight of the situation hung heavy between them, the unspoken fear of what could have been lingering in the air.

"I know, my love. I know" Jeongguk whispered and they both remained in the embrace. Their sobs were silent as tears streamed down their faces.

"Our pup?" Taehyung's voice wavered as he posed the question. Taehyung's voice trembled with uncertainty as he pulled back slightly to search Jeongguk's eyes for answers. Jeongguk's heart clenched at the question, the weight of their unborn child's future hanging heavy in the air.

Jeongguk's throat tightened with emotion as he struggled to find the right words to say. He couldn't bear to see the fear and uncertainty in Taehyung's eyes. Therefore, he only embraced Taehyunng tighter. He couldn't offer lies as reassurance to his omega.

In the absence of an answer, Taehyung's sobs grew. Jeongguk's heart clenched painfully. However, there was nothing he could do but cling to his omega and stay with him.

"D-Did I lose the pup, Jeongguk?" Taehyung sobbed.

"No, no" Jeongguk whispered, "They didn't say that. Let's ask them ourselves, yeah?"

Taehyung pulled away from the embrace, tears streaked across his face. "They didn't tell you yet?"

"No, but my father said that they said you were alright" Jeongguk whispered, holding Taehyung by the shoulders. "How are you feeling, my love?"

"I'm fine... the pup–"

"You're more important to me, okay?" Jeongguk whispered, hand cupping Taehyung's cheek. He wiped Taehyung's tears with his thumb.

"You mustn't say that" Taehyung sniffled. "It's our pup"

"And you're the mother" Jeongguk whispered. "You're my omega. So tell me, really, how are you?"

"I'm okay, Jeongguk" Taehyung whispered.

"Does it hurt anywhere?"

"Not anymore"

"Did it hurt a lot before? When you were bleeding? My father said you passed out on the way here"

Taehyung nodded. "It did. I couldn't bear it. It got worse. I think I passed out from the pain"

"Oh Luna... I'm so sorry I wasn't with you–"

Taehyng shook his head. "It's okay. I'm really fine, now. Don't worry, okay?"

"You were in a lot of pain..."

"Did I worry you a lot, my alpha?"

"You did" Jeongguk sighed. "This is my fault. The stress got to you because of the duel"

"It's not your fault. It's no one but my parents' and Seojoon's. You were right. The duel really is the only way. This stress, anxiety and uncertainty would only be for a little over a week. But if we decided to run away we would have been stressing our whole lives"

Jeongguk nodded. "That's right"

"Making sacrifices now is necessary to reap the benefits later," Taehyung muttered with a sad smile. "I think we're both making sacrifices right now, for a better future"

Jeongguk kissed Taehyung's knuckles. "We are. I just want to be with you and for you to have a good life"

"I wish the same thing for you" Taehyung whispered and sighed. "Where's dad?"

"Probably outside. I told him to eat something"

Taehyung's eyes widened. "What time is it? How long have I been out?"

"Around four hours. It's night now"

"Oh... Jeongguk..." He took hold of the alpha's hands. "The duel is tomorrow. You missed the evening practice, didn't you?"

Jeongguk shook his head. "Don't worry about it. The evening practice wasn't supposed to be long since today was the last day. I told our friends about the dinner too. If you could be discharged early, let's meet them up. If you're up for it, of course"

"I feel completely fine now. I can't believe the dinner feast had to be cancelled because of this too"

"Hey, don't worry. It's all good" Jeongguk assured. "We can meet them again after the duel. Have a party and all. Get drunk"

Taehyung smiled. "I can't get drunk"

"Oh fuck, I forgot" Jeongguk chuckled.

Taehyung's smile faded. "Jeongguk... I know that there is no way out of this duel but..." He sighed, a look of worry taking over his face. "I can't lose you"

Jeongguk's expression fell. "Pup... why are you saying this... out of nowhere?"

Taehyung's scent turned sour and his expression grew weary. His bottom lip trembled. "My–"

The curtain of the cubicle opened, revealing a doctor and a nurse. The nurse hurried to Taehyung's side and the doctor smiled at Taehyung.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Kim?" The woman asked.

"Feeling okay, doctor" Taehyung smiled at the doctor. "H-How is my pup?"

"The pup is fine," The doctor said. "Your blood pressure had dropped when you came in here and your pulse was weak. We diagnosed a miscarriage but when we did the scan, the fetus had a heartbeat"

"Oh," Taehyung sighed in relief. Jeongguk nodded, feeling a flood of relief.

"But you need rest. A lot of it. You must've been exposed to large amounts of emotional distress recently, which led to his incident. That's the only conclusion we could come to because according to the tests we did, you're physically healthy. No special health issues. So my advice is to not be exposed to any stressful situations until you give birth. If the emotional distress continues, or if you need help managing stress you can't control, maybe seeking psychological help would be good. What's most important right now is that you have a happy mind in order for a healthy birth"

Taehyung nodded.

"Since you're a male omega, and now since you showed symptoms of a miscarriage, you need to be careful and take care of the pup with all you have. The risk of you losing this pup is high, right now"

Jeongguk's heart squeezed painfully and he could feel the way Taehyung's scent turned thick with sorrow and fear. Jeongguk squeezed his hands, trying to offer him some comfort.

"I advise you to get monthly check-ups and take all the medicine your doctor previously gave you"

"I have been taking them, doctor," Taehyung told her.

The doctor nodded. "Good" She looked at Jeongguk. "You must work hard to keep your omega out of stressful situations, okay?"

Jeongguk hesitantly nodded. "I will try my best" he didn't know how successful that would be. Everything depended on the duel tomorrow.

"Okay, that's all. We will need to keep you in the hospital until tomorrow morning. We will take you to a room"

"I can't go home?" Taehyung asked, eyes wide with confusion.

"No, you almost went into a miscarriage, Taehyung. You're in deep waters, still"

Taehyung gulped looking at Jeongguk. The alpha shook his head with a smile. "It's fine," Jeongguk said.

"Good" The doctor smiled. "If there's anything you need, you can contact any of our staff"

"Thank you," Taehyung and Jeongguk said in unison as the doctor and nurse took their leave.

"Jeongguk" Taehyung said the moment the curtain closed back. "You go home and sleep"

"What?" Jeongguk chucked. "I'm not going to do that"

"Yes you are" Taehyung said sternly. "You will go home, have dinner and get a good eight hours of sleep. You will wake up in the morning, do your workout and get ready for the duel. I will be discharged tomorrow and I will meet you at the duel premises"

"Taehyung, don't be ridiculous. I'm not leaving you"

"I will tell Jimin to stay the night with me. I'm completely fine. Jeongguk. I'm in a fucking hospital. Nothing can go wrong. You, on the other hand, need to get ready for tomorrow. That's what's important right now. You need to stick to the plan"

"Taehyung..."

"Jeongguk"

"I will be fine–"

"You will but you need all the energy you have for tomorrow"

"I know but–"

"I was going to tell you earlier what happened before I started bleeding"

"Oh what happened?"

And Taehyung told him.

"What? Pup, he could be lying. Another one of his dirty tricks" Jeongguk said.

"I thought so too. But Seojoon is strong. We have already decided that there is no other way out of this but..." Taehyung sighed. "I wish you wouldn't have to go tomorrow"

Jeongguk sighed. "I can't do that. That's impossible"

Taehyung's bottom lip wobbled. "I know and I know that this is something that needs to be done. For us. But..."

"There are no buts, Tae" Jeongguk said. "This is the only way"

Taehyung sniffled. "I know but I don't want you to die, Jeongguk"

"I won't die, my love" Jeongguk whispered. "I will live for you"

"Don't make promises you can't be sure that you'd keep"

"I promise to make it out alive"

"My father said that he would try to stop the duel" Taehyung whispered, tears cascading down his cheeks now. "That's the only hope I have right now"

"You don't have any hope that I would win?"

"I do. I pray and wish and believe that you would" Taehyung whispered. "But I can't watch you walk into your death. You're my alpha. My whole world. My life revolves around you, Jeongguk"

"My love" Jeongguk's heart ached. He cupped Taehyung's face and pressed his forehead against the omega's.

"I can't watch you walk into that duel when it's quite obvious that Seojoon is also a strong true alpha. It's killing me. It's been killing me ever since you agreed to the duel"

"Taehyung, don't attack my confidence like that" Jeongguk whispered. "I trained and trained. I tore and tortured my body with weights for hundreds of hours, not for you to tell me I can't do it"

Taehyung drew away from Jeongguk "Alpha, no. I'm not telling you that you can't do it. Please, understand my point of view. I'm only telling you that Seojoon is—"

"I know, Taehyung. I know he's strong. He beat me up that day. But I'm stronger now. More ripped. I might be a little shorter than him. He might have more muscles than me. But I had two trainers for the past week. I trained with them for long hours every single day. I'm confident that I have a chance to win tomorrow. I won't let you down"

Taehyung sighed. "I'm proud of you, Jeongguk. And I love you. I love everything you and everything you are not. I will stand with you in every step you take and I do support you in every way possible. I believe in you and I know that you have a chance of winning. Logically, I do. I logically also know that this is actually the best way to end this"

Jeongguk nodded.

"But emotionally, I would give anything to not watch you walk into that duel tomorrow. Because the slightest possibility of losing you tomorrow is killing me"

Jeongguik sighed. "I'm sorry. You're going to have to bear with being killed by those ideas and emotions until tomorrow. Because there is no way out of this"

"How would you feel if the duel gets cancelled? In case my father was being truthful and he somehow finds a way to stop it?"

Jeongguk thought for a moment. "I will be relieved"

Taehyung nodded.

"Because I too am scared for tomorrow. I'm shit scared. I would be delusional to not think that there is a possibility that Seojoon could beat me"

"I know" Taehyung whispered, taking Jeongguk's hands in his.

"I will be happy if it gets cancelled. I will be grateful. I might feel a tad bit of disappointment because I did work hard and suffered a lot in the past week. But that's irrelevant. I don't want to come face-to-face with death. I wish to stay as far away from the face of death and not be in situations where I could be greeted by death"

Taehyung watched him.

"I want to live"

Taehyung's bottom lip quivered.

"So desperately, I want to live"

"Jeongguk" a tear rolled down Taehyung's face.

"I want to start a family with you. I want to see this pup come into this world. I want to marry you and mate you. I want to grow old and wrinkly with you"

"Alpha" Taehyung sobbed.

"You are probably sick of me preaching this but I want all this with you. And you know it"

"I do"

Jeongguk smiled, brushing a stray strand of red hair off Taehyung's face. His eyes glided to the temporary mate mark on Taehyung's neck. So beautiful. Looked no different to a permanent mate mark. It was as fresh as the day Jeongguk gave it to Taehyung. Didn't look a bit faded.

"I want to give you a permanent mate mark" Jeongguk's fingers pressed against the mark, making Taehyung wince from pain. However, Taehyung smiled at him with glassy eyes. "I will give it to you on the first heat you have from now on"

"Okay," Taehyung whispered.

"Let's face tomorrow as we planned. What's meant to be, will be"

Taehyung let out a deep exhale. "Then go home. I will see you in the morning"

Jeongguk sighed. "Fine. I will go after Jimin arrives. He's probably already on the way"

Taehyung nodded.

"But I am going to visit you in the morning"

"What? No, I will see you at the duel. You need to work out and get ready"

"I will do all that. Let's go to the duel together. I need you with me tomorrow"

"Okay then" Taehyung whispered. "Let's go together. Promise me you will get eight hours of sleep?"

"I promise"

"Swear it"

"I swear it. On my father"

Taehyung gasped. "Don't kill your father"

"I will get eight hours, don't worry"

"Fine"

"You must rest a lot too, okay?"

"I promise"

"Good pup"

Taehyung smiled. Jeongguk leaned in to plant a soft kiss on the omega's lips. Taehyung kissed back, pouring all his love and desperation into the tender kiss. Jeongguk drew away soon, only to press small kisses down Taehyung's face and neck, to his scent gland. He licked the mate mark, making Taehyung's eyes fly open, mouth hanging agape as he gasped with bliss.

Jeongguk took a deep inhale, and then another. He kept scenting Taehyung for a few minutes and the omega clutched onto his alpha, hands fisted against Jeongguk's shirt.

"Your scent is finally sweet" Jeongguk muttered, his voice rough. "And I can still smell the milk"

"You can?" Taehyung whispered.

"Yes. A bit stronger than I first smelled it. I think it gets stranger as the weeks go on"

"Yeah and in the ninth month, any passer-by could smell it with my scent"

"That would be nice. Can't wait for the ninth month"

Taehyug grinned. Jeongguk drew away from his neck and captured the omega's lips in another passionate kiss. They were enticed by each other but a familiar voice in the distance had them both snapping back into reality.

Taehyung looked past Jeongguk's shoulder. "I think Jimin and the others are here"

-

01/07/2020

It was eight in the morning and Taehyung had already gotten a scan, showered, changed into clean clothes and now was having breakfast given by the hospital. Early in the morning, he opted for a scan where he was able to confirm the healthy fetus growing inside him. He had taken some photos of the screen and sent them to Jeongguk so that he would see them.

Upon seeing the message, Jeongguk had called Taehyung, assuring him that he had slept well the previous night and was about to start his workout. Taehyung had showered afterwards and slipped into a loose shirt and pants that Jimin had brought the previous night. Taehyung insisted, though he wouldn't let Jeongguk know, that he could stay alone at night in the hospital. However, Jimin was persistent in not leaving his best friend alone. There was a couch big enough for Jimin to sleep in, which was a relief. The upcoming Doom's Day brought everyone anxiety, including all their friends. They all needed a good night's sleep.

Taehyung was finishing up his breakfast with Jimin sitting next to him on the bed munching on a custard bun he bought from the store in the hospital. Taehyung was to be discharged from the hospital at nine, which would be enough time to get to his pack grounds with Jeongguk. He placed his plate on the bedside table, gulping down some water when his phone rang. He picked it up from the table, hair standing up straight when he read the name.

"It's my father" Taehyung muttered, anxiety suddenly devouring his body.

"Answer it" Jimin said, "Maybe it's good news"

Taehyung gulped and slid his finger over the call button. "Hello?"

From the other end of the line, he heard sniffles. "Taehyung"

"Father" Taehyung's heart beat in his throat.

"Seojoon wouldn't back down"

Taehyung sucked in a deep breath.

"I tried. I really did, Taehyung. But he wouldn't listen. I tried bargaining but he's too egotistic. He doesn't even want you at this point. He wants Jeongguk dead. He wants to win this duel and take you as the prize. Not as his omega. He doesn't care for that"

Taehyung stayed silent, listening to his father's plea. It wasn't something he hadn't expected. His hopes weren't too high.

"He will discard you after winning you. And your life would be ruined. He might even kill you. I won't be able to stop him. Don't come here. Taehyung. Either tell Jeongguk to not come here or you run away. Please. I can't watch him ruin your life like that–"

"Father" Taehyung spoke. "If you actually tried to stop this, I'm thankful. But it doesn't mean anything. You did what you did to me. If my life gets ruined, know that it's you and mom's fault. You wanted to sell me off and that's why Seojoon sees me as an object he could win. Remember that. So this is all your doing"

"Taehyung" Minseok let out. "Please... He's going to kill Jeongguk. I know he is. P-Please–"

"Stop" Taehyung whispered, a tear rolling down his cheek.

"I'm not lying. I'm scared for you. I know this is my fault but... I tried to stop him. To help you as I could. But I couldn't. And now he's going to kill Jeongguk–"

Taehyung cut off the line, throwing the phone on the bed. His eyes watered and his lips quivered. He tried to hold it in. but he couldn't. He let out a loud sob.

Jimin's hands wrapped around him tightly and he sobbed. Taehyung didn't know how long he sobbed for. He sobbed as the door to his hospital room opened and Jeongguk walked in. Upon taking in Taehyung's stage, he rushed to his side, replacing Jimin in the embrace. Jimin walked out of the room, leaving the mates by themselves.

"Jeongguk" Taehyung sobbed. "My love"

"Why are you crying, my pup?"

"My father called and said he couldn't stop the duel. That Seojoon will kill you"

"Tae, my love. Seojoon isn't going to kill me"

"I feel like he will. My father had never sounded so scared. I'm scared, Jeongguk"

"So am I but could you not put your trust in me and calm down?" Jeongguk soothingly rubbed Taehyung's back.

Taehyung shook his head. "I can't lose you, Jeongguk"

"You won't" Jeongguk assured. "Please calm down, Tae"

Taehyung withdrew from the embrace. "I can't. I'm panicking. What if my father is right? What if Seojoon–"

"Taehyung, please..."

"Think about this pup" Taehyung whispered, placing his hand on his stomach. "We're having a pup. I'm with your child!"

"Taehyung..."

"Don't leave us"

"Taehyung, please. You're not being sensible right now. I need you to come to your senses. You're too panicked right now. You aren't thinking straight"

"N-No I–"

"We've had this conversation over and over again, my omega. I will go and face him. I, too, am strong. I have a chance at winning. You agreed to it yesterday"

"I can't have you gambling your life like this" Taehyung took hold of Jeongguk's arms. "Don't go"

"Did you really believe that your father would be of any help? When he was the one who caused this mess in the first place?"

"I didn't. But it's fair that I am scared for your life, is it not? It's fair that I don't want you to fight this duel"

"My omega, I'm dressed and prepared. I took my medicine and vitamins. I took my protein. I worked out this morning. I'm ready to kill Seojoon"

"What if he kills you?"

"Taehyung, there is no other way out of this. You agreed too, remember? I'm not going to back down from the duel. It's not happening. We already discussed how we would have to live the rest of our lives in fear if we back down right now. Please, Taehyung. We can't go over this topic again"

Taehyung sobbed. "Don't leave me"

"I'm not, my pup" Jeongguk whispered, embracing Taehyung tightly. "Gosh, your pheromones are all over the place. This is not good. You must calm down. Your pheromones smell like you're having a panic attack"

Taehyung sniffled against Jeongguk's shoulder.

"Look at me," Jeongguk said, cupping Taehyung's face and turning his head towards him. "Calm down"

Jeongguk leaned in for a kiss and despite the small sobs, Taehyung kissed back.

"I love you" Jeongguk whispered amongst the kiss before prepping kisses down to Taehyung's neck.

Taehyung let out a whimper as Jeongguk reached the scent gland and licked it, making the omega whine. He started scenting Taehyung; licking the scent gland and slowly sucking on the skin over it. Small breaths and whimpers escaped Taehyung as he clutched onto Jeongguk, almost desperately. Jeongguk's strong arms securely held Taehyung. Taehyung's head was lolled to the side, baring his neck to the alpha in complete submission. Their scents and pheromones mingled as minutes went by, their wolves synchronizing. Jeongguk could feel Taehyung's heartbeat slow down and his pheromones turn sweet, back to their normal condition.

Jeongguk pulled away with Taehyung's body limb against himself. Taehyung's face was expressionless and Jeongguk pressed a kiss onto his lips.

"Tae" He whispered. "Alright?"

Taehyung hummed.

"Sit up" Jeongguk whispered. "Are you better now?"

"Yeah," Taehyung nodded and flashed Jeongguk a small smile. "Thank you"

Jeongguk tucked a loose lock of hair behind Taehyung's ear, smiling.

"Still wish you wouldn't go"

Jeongguk shook his head with a smile. "My pup..."

"What? I love you"

"I love you too" Jeongguk whispered. "More than you could think. I will keep loving you even if I die"

"You can't die! I won't let you"

Jeongguk grinned. "Okay. Bring me back from the dead if I die"

"That's hard work"

"There is my Taehyung" Jeongguk chuckled, making Taehyung crack a smile as well.

Taehyung embraced Jeongguk and pressed his lips against the alpha. Jeongguk responded with equal fervour, his arms encircling Taehyung's trembling form as he deepened the kiss, their lips moving in a desperate dance of passion and longing. At that moment, all the fear and uncertainty melted away, leaving only the raw intensity of their love.

As the kiss deepened, the air between them crackled with electricity, the tension between them palpable as their bodies pressed together in a desperate embrace. Taehyung's heart raced with a mixture of desire and fear, his body aching for the comfort and reassurance only Jeongguk could provide.

Unable to resist any longer, Taehyung climbed into Jeongguk's lap, straddling him as their kiss turned into something more intimate and intense. Jeongguk's hands found Taehyung's hips, crawling under the loose shirt. In no time, Jeongguk was lowering Taehyung onto the mattress, hovering over him. Their kiss only broke to get rid of the clothes that separated them.

"Is it okay to do this?" Jeongguk whispered.

"I'm sure it is," Taehyung said. "They said I'm healthy"

Jeongguk nodded, getting the assurance he needed. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes, mingling with the passion and desire that consumed them both. They melted into each other with an intensity that defied words, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they surrendered to the pleasure of their union.

Skin brushed against skin, igniting sparks of ecstasy that danced across their senses. Their hands explored each other with fervent hunger, seeking out every curve and contour as they lost themselves in the rhythm of their lovemaking. Moans of pleasure echoed in the air, a symphony of desire that reverberated through the room.

Their wolves bonded once more, their spirits merging in a symphony of longing and devotion. Sweet and spicy pheromones mingled in the air, a tangible testament to the depth of their passion and connection.

"I love you," Jeongguk whispered, his voice a tender caress that stirred Taehyung's soul. A tear slipped from the alpha's eye.

Upon seeing this, the omega felt his heart break into pieces for the umpteenth time in over a week. He sniffled, tears rolling down his face and he kissed Jeongguk.

"I love you too" Taehyung whispered.

Amidst powerful thrusts, Taehyung felt the stretch in his bottom and with one last pump, Jeongguk pushed his knot into the omega. As the omega's eyes rolled to the back of his head with his own orgasm washing over him, he relished the pain and pleasure of Jeongguk's knot; the proof of his lust for Taehyung. And as Jeongguk licked over the mate mark, with a loud gasp that left the omega's lips, he relished the pain and pleasure of the alpha's bite; the proof of his love for Taehyung.

He relished it all as Jeongguk broke free inside him and pulled out momentarily. Relished it as Jeongguk showered him with kisses and sweet nothings, holding him like a newborn baby in his arms with so much love and care.

And all Taehyung could do, as the post-orgasmic bliss washed off him, was sob in his alpha's arms, whispering his alpha's name like a prayer.

"Don't go" Taehyung whispered.

"I must"

"No" Taehyung whispered. A knife repeatedly stuck his heart. "Don't go"

"Tae..." Jeongguk kissed Taehyung's head. "Don't start again"

"I'm scared, Jeongguk"

"I know, Tae. I know" Jeongguk whispered. "Is there no way to keep you from going? To keep you with me?"

"I am with you, my love"

"Please" Taehyung's voice was louder now. "I'm with pup"

"Taehyung..."

"You're going to be a father"

"I know. Let me do this for all of us"

Taehyung felt like a piece of crumpled paper. An object with no use to anyone. There was nothing he could do to protect himself or his alpha or their pup. He was powerless and vulnerable. He was useless.

"Taehyung" Jeongguk whispered. "Stop beating yourself over this"

Jeongguk had always been able to read Taehyung's mind, hadn't he? That's what true mates did, after all.

"Look" Jeongguk spoke again, straightening up and sitting on the bed. He picked up his shirt from the floor and pulled out a shiny golden object. With tear-filled eyes, Taehyung watched the alpha's movements.

Jeongguk shifted close to Taehyung once again and took his hand. Taehyung watched as Jeongguk placed the golden object in his hand.

"What's this?" Taehyung mumbled.

"Give it a try" Jeongguk smiled.

Taehyung's fingers trembled as he grappled with the weighty object. Its metallic surface gleamed in the dim light, its contours unfamiliar yet strangely compelling. With a furrowed brow, he tugged at it. A soft click echoed through the room as the object split in two, revealing a slender, gleaming blade encased within its confines. Taehyung's breath caught in his throat as he gazed upon the silver weapon, its edge glinting with deadly intent.

"Is it silver?"

"Yes" Jeongguk smiled. "Does a significant amount of harm to us wolves. Be careful with it. Don't hurt yourself"

"What..." Taehyung glanced at the beautiful dagger and its casing in his hands.

"It was my mother's" Jeongguk whispered. "Dad gave it to me yesterday. He had bought it from home. Wanted me to use it at the duel but obviously, I can't use any weapons"

Taehyung nodded slowly.

"It's yours now" Jeongguk smiled. "When our little pup is born, let's give it to him or her when they're older. Pass it down generations, you know?"

"Oh"

"But for now, I want you to keep this. It's my gift to you" Jeongguk whispered.

"Oh... okay"

"I once got a slight cut from this when I was like five, I remember and had to stay in the hospital for over a week. It's deadly so..." Jeongguk picked up the casing and reassembled it. "Be careful with it"

"Okay"

Jeongguk smiled and cupped Taehyung's cheek. "I should go now"

"Jeongguk..."

"Tae, this is going to happen. The only thing we can do right now is wish that I would win"

"I hate it" Taehyung whispered, a tear rolling down his cheek.

"I do too but I love you. I love our future and I'm only fighting for that. I'm fighting for us, my omega"

Taehyung sniffled, looking at the object in his hands. "Maybe if we never met... maybe if I didn't bounce into you that day... none of this—"

Jeongguk cut Taehyung off with a kiss. "You were the best thing that had happened to me in my life. My life wasn't filled with many happy moments after my mother died. Every happy moment, I felt like something was missing. But not anymore. Not after I met you. I have been the happiest I have ever been. I can never thank Luna enough for letting me meet you. I'm grateful for every single moment I have spent with you. I'm grateful that I got to be your first time. I'm grateful that you're bearing my pup"

"Jeongguk" Taehyung sobbed. "My alpha"

"My omega" Jeonngguk smiled but his eyes reflected pain. "I love you so much. Unimaginable. Thank you for making me happy"

"Why does this sound like a goodbye?!"

Jeongguk grinned. "I have to say the things that matter, right? This is not a goodbye. I will survive this"

"As long as you survive, I will be happy" Taehyung whispered.

"Of course, I'm going to survive. I want to see our little family"

Taehyung broke a smile and Jeongguk grinned. Their lips met in a passionate kiss and Taehyung savoured the taste of Jeongguk. His alpha.

"You know the first thing I'm going to do after the duel?" Jeongguk grinned.

"Fuck me?"

"You'd like that, won't you"

Taehyung let out a soft giggle.

"Well, yes, that's the first thing. I'm going to go get a tattoo. Always wanted one"

"What are you going to get?"'

"Maybe your name" Jeongguk grinned.

"Jeongguk!"

"I'm serious" Jeongguk shrugged. "I will also get clouds. Something I wanted since I was a kid"

"Why clouds?"

"I want my life to be as free tyas a cloud. I want to be able to float away as I like"

"What about me? You're tied down to me, are you not?"

Jeongguk chuckled. "Not like that. It's more about being free. Like a cloud. Not literally be able to float away as I like. And even if I float away, I will take you with me"

"You'd better" Taehyung pouted.

"You're the most adorable" Jeongguk whispered, kissing Taehyung's pout away. "The prettiest, most gorgeous omega in the whole world" He pampered Taehyung with kisses, making the omega whine.

"Stop!" Taehyung tried to shake away from the kisses but Jeongguk pressed a final kiss onto Taehyung's lips, making the omega stop the struggling. Taehyung melted into the kiss.

"I need to get going now" Jeongguk whispered as he pulled away. "Come with me"

Taehyung looked down at his lap. He turned the cold, metallic and heavy dagger in his hand. A deep sigh left his lips.

"Alpha" Taehyung whispered. "Promise me that you will come back to me"

"I promise"

Taehyung gulped, his eyes moving to Jeongguk's beautiful obsidian orbs that held Taehyung's whole universe. The alpha smiled the most beautiful smile a person could ever have and Taehyung felt butterflies erupt in his stomach. Luna, he loved this man.

"Now come with me to the duel, my omega. I need you there with me"

🌸

The duel's next! Who's excited (or scared)?