Welcome to my next long written fic. This is already on AO3 and was written for beta jikook fest. The reason I don't post written fics here anymore is because the Wattpad crowd is often impatient.

So don't start this if you can't wait (please. updates are super slow, like once a month). 

***

Warrior alpha Jungkook is left blind after an accident but his senses are much sharper than most. He feels guilty that a mate has been arranged for him and has to deal with the whispers of pity of having a blind mate. Beta Jimin always felt like an outcast but longs to find a mate who doesn't judge him but understands him. When problems arise within the pack and their loved ones are put in danger, it's up to them to fight together.

***

❗❗DON'T SKIP THE TAGS❗❗

⚠️Marked Explicit for graphical violence and sexual content ⚠️

This is my first time writing Alpha x Beta pair in a traditional setting. Usually when we mark a book 18+ it automatically means it contains themes unsuitable for minors. It may include violence or sexual content that are intended for the eyes of the adult audience alone.

I aim to make this fic action packed romance, but we are up against a barbaric pack this time. So there will be disturbing themes such as fighting, kidnapping, sex slavery, non-con and so on. These are all mostly mentioned and I won't go in-depth details. However, I felt the urge to leave a prior warning. So don't skip the tags or author notes.

I'll be sure to leave a warning note and mark any potential triggers.

Also, it's my first time writing a full-fledged visually impaired character. Kindly educate me if I write something wrong or make a mistake. This is only a fiction and most of the things are written in a way to provide a dramatic flair. So it might not meet your realistic expectations, but I hope it'll be an enjoyable read for you.

P.S: Annie's "Walking Through the World Gone Blind" is a masterpiece. It's my one forever fic to go, but please don't compare this to that. Annie is a genius, who also have lots of working experience with the visually impaired. This fic would have none of that. I'm only exploring a character, who is blinded due to an accident.

Moodboard by Beta Jikook Fest mods.

***

Silence.

It was wonderful and glorious. So peaceful.

Silence had several meanings. One would even say silence was golden. To Jungkook, it was the calm state of his mind. There was no stray distracting thought—just peace and tranquility. It took off all his worries and Jungkook often thought it was healing.

He cherished these moments of serenity too much. Once upon a time, such moments used to be a luxury. Now, these moments were his only consolation. But this peace was only a façade.

In the heart of the forest, where Mother Nature was most alive and active during the day, he found peace lying on her lap and listening to the music of birds and small animals. It drowned the turmoil in his heart.

The wind howled and ruffled the leaves of the tall tree branches, the bushes gently swayed, and the tingling sound of the stream and the fishes jumping for joy was heavenly. Their bodies would glisten silver in daylight, which was definitely a sight for sore eyes. Not for him, though.

The faint footsteps approaching him pulled him out of his peaceful trance. Ah, there goes his peace. His hands naturally went to his hip, fingers curling around the hilt of his dagger. Jungkook's ears strained automatically, listening to the sound of the familiar footfall. It was a bit heavy, yet even. There was the power behind each step, just like the man's scent. Finally, the hand on his hip relaxed.

"Knew I could find you here."

A strong wave of patchouli combined with the undertones of fertile soil washed over him. Those authoritative and commanding alpha pheromones would threaten or demand submission for any other wolf, but to Jungkook, it was home. His safety net. He closed his eyes, inhaling the scent deeper and drawing comfort from it.

"If you're trying to be sneaky, you failed," he yelled in that wolf's direction.

A smile tugged at Jungkook's lips. Namjoon and stealth never sat at the same table. He could be alerting of his arrival from miles apart. But he was one hell of a fighter—the most strongest and fearsome wolf he'd ever had the pleasure to meet.

"I wasn't trying to," the response came back and the footsteps quickened their pace. It was too loud for his years but it only made Jungkook smile.

"It's been a while, brother," Jungkook greeted.

The newly arrived wolf stood a few feet from him. "You missed the family dinner," Namjoon complained. "Again."

Jungkook opened his eyes, staring at the sky, which was nothing but warped colors. He no longer tried to remember which color it was. It only hurt his head. "Didn't feel like going out."

"We missed you, Jungkook, especially little Hei-Ran. She doesn't understand why her beloved big brother wouldn't show up often. That's an entire month you didn't come to visit. Mother is beyond worried. So is father, though, he wouldn't let it show," his elder brother lamented.

"I'm sorry." Jungkook glanced away. Guilt flooded him.

Footsteps neared him. A heavy weight settled near him, and he heard the rustle of clothes. "We barely see you anymore, and you're not even home most of the time. At least tell me what's bothering you. Talk to me." His voice softened almost like a plea. An outsider would never hear this because Namjoon only reserved it for his family.

Jungkook used to visit his mother and younger sister at least twice a week before, but now the thought of walking through the village alone made him anxious. And he didn't like that feeling.

The younger alpha heaved a sigh and sat up, resting a hand on his bent knee. He glanced in the general direction of his brother. "Everything," he admitted. It was suffocating him, and he preferred staying here in seclusion.

Once upon a time, Jungkook was a celebrated warrior. He was the proud leader of their biggest hunting team and in charge of training the fellow warriors. But now, things have changed. That accident two years ago had left him blind and useless. And useless wolves had no place in a pack. He often wondered if people would have treated him differently if he wasn't the son of their pack's head alpha.

Namjoon didn't have a response to that. How would he? Nothing could change the past. Their father brought several healers from different packs, but no one could heal him and restore his vision.

"I wish I could take your pain away," Namjoon admitted out of the blue. "Trust me. If I could trade places with you, I would."

Jungkook growled. "Don't even talk like that." His hand shot out, gripping his brother's shoulder and squeezing tightly. "Nothing can happen to you, understand? Nothing. This misfortune ends with me."

Namjoon sighed, putting a hand back on his shoulder. "It goes both ways, don't you think?" He gently squeezed his shoulder, trying to convey how he felt. "It's a misfortune, little brother. If it had been me, which I would have if it weren't for you, who jumped in front of danger to protect me, you would do the same too."

The Northern wolves were cunning and ruthless. They had no honor, and the last surprise attack cost the lives of so many. He still remembered the burn of the poison and several days of torment like it was just yesterday.

Jungkook clenched his jaw, turning away. "That's different. You're the future of this pack. I'm expandable, but you're not."

A loud growl cut him off. "No. You're not expendable. Not to us. That's where you're wrong, Jungkook. Pack comes first, but so does a family. Without you, think about what would become of our family. Would Mother even live another day?" Footsteps paced away. The furious hormones tickled his nose, almost making his wolf bare his neck and urging him to submit. "I'm not the head alpha yet. But, even if I were, I'd choose to protect you. You're my brother. On the day you were born, I was the first to hold you. I was five, and mom said I was yelling so loud from outside the door that I wanted to be the one to see my brother first that they let me through. I vowed to protect you, and I failed. How would that make me feel?" Namjoon approached him with a swish of his robes again. "If I have to choose, I'd choose our family over that position any day. You, out of everyone, must know this."

Jungkook's throat closed and suddenly everything that had been bothering him recently seemed to fade away momentarily. His family was worried for him, which mattered the most than his pain. "We have been over this a million times already. So let's not revisit the conversation," Jungkook gave in. "I'd do that again, and if I go back in time, I wouldn't think twice before jumping in front of you."

Strong hands took hold of his shoulders, shaking him once. "Exactly. And this doesn't have to define who you are, little brother. You're still Jungkook. You're still the strongest and bravest wolf I know. Most of all, your family loves you. Mother couldn't even take two bites without telling anyone how much her second son loved the grilled beef. Then, finally, she left the table halfway, saying she didn't have the appetite."

Jungkook exhaled. He knew that. He knew his family loved him, but he couldn't stand the whispers behind his back. The alpha couldn't bear the pity or sympathy that wafted through their scents. "Yet, I haven't brought a single game to the table in these two years."

How could he just sit and eat there when he hadn't contributed as much?

"You brought fish and rabbits."

"I used to bring bucks and boars. Big fucking wild buffaloes." Jungkook clenched his fist.

"Jungkook," his brother exasperated. "We've had this conversation before. You're not useless. Believe it or not. You give me a lot of strength just by existing, and when I take over the pack, I want you by my side whether you like it or not. I won't have it otherwise."

Jungkook had been self-independent since he turned sixteen and built his own cabin. He moved out to live on his own shortly after his seventeenth birthday and took pride in caring for others as his nature demanded. He was a provider and protector.

The alpha had been stubborn even after the accident. He didn't let that bind him and often refused to accept his ration of meat or any food his brother brought to him. Instead, he was intent on catching his own food. It was mostly small animals and fish, but he managed well on his own, except for the winter season.

He practiced honing his other senses to compensate for the lack of sight. In their world, an incapacitated wolf like him was a burden. He was very much capable of taking care of himself. Yet, his disability was like a heavy weight on his shoulders. People forgot who he was once, and they only saw his weakness.

"Doesn't change the fact that I feel useless." Jungkook stood and dusted his pants. He'd become reclusive after accidentally overhearing the things people said about him. "I'm sorry. It's just...why did you come this far?"

"This conversation isn't over, but something came up." Jungkook guessed as much. If anything, his mom would show up at his doorstep as soon as his brother went home. "Father sent me to fetch you."

"Me? Why?" Jungkook frowned. This surely wasn't about missing the family dinner last night.

He stopped attending their pack meetings and gatherings. Namjoon always filled him in on important things later. His brother didn't care even when Jungkook said it wouldn't matter, continuing to tell him everything despite his protests. So Jungkook just stopped protesting and listened.

"A few delegates from the Park pack are visiting us to negotiate an alliance. Father wants you there."

Jungkook's frown deepened. "Why?" he questioned again. "Negotiations are your thing. So why does he need me there? I'm more of a muscle. Or at least I used to be. Also, the Park pack lacks nothing. If anything, they're stronger than us. So what's the purpose?"

Namjoon exhaled, and Jungkook could imagine him running a hand over his face. "The Park pack has a proposal, which Father wanted to run by you before the next meeting. He was hoping to talk to you after dinner last night."

"A proposal, you say?" The alpha frowned.

"We have been rivals for so long, and they want to put an end to it," Namjoon explained. "The Northern wolves are becoming a headache to them as well."

Jungkook turned to face him. "And? How is that our problem? It simply doesn't make any sense, brother. They have more warriors than us, and their losses aren't even that big compared to us. For years, we have been the major target for the Northern wolves. For years, they have only reported losses of goods and warehouses being vandalized while we lose our finest and strongest wolves to them. They never cared before. But us... every year we have to anticipate who we would lose this time."

Namjoon exhaled audibly. "Our winters are harsher compared to them. They also have full and safe access to the trade routes. With this alliance, we could trade our furs and vegetables for grains and other necessities."

"Hmm..."

Right now, they would have to travel through the river for almost seven days to reach the nearest port to trade. Oftentimes they were attacked by rogue wolves or the Northern wolves, who steal their goods. And when their river froze in winter, they would be stuck, unable to do anything else. The Park pack, however, didn't have that issue. Honestly, they were faring well compared to the Kim pack. So they really didn't need this alliance. But, there was more to this.

"I still don't see how this would benefit them," he voiced his thoughts.

"They have a son." Jungkook whipped his head so fast that he felt his neck crick. Namjoon cleared his throat, and Jungkook could imagine him clasping his hands behind his back. "A beta."

Jungkook's eyes widened. "Marriage," he whispered, suddenly everything clicked in place.

"Father is interested though he hasn't given his word to them yet."

"Oh."

Jungkook's throat tightened—a beta. Wolves born to alpha and omega pairs often took after one of their parents. But sometimes, one in twenty or so became a beta. The betas couldn't shift, and their senses weren't heightened compared to the alphas or omegas. They had mild scents and weren't easily affected by the alpha or omega pheromones.

In the Kim pack, they were treated just like any other wolves. They worked closely with the healers as trainers for the pups, kitchen staff, and traders. It didn't matter to Jungkook that his father would choose a beta for him. He hadn't considered marrying someone after what happened. Jungkook went from being the most sought-after alpha to an ineligible candidate. He was only grateful that he didn't have a mate.

"Their offer benefits the pack, but the father was more accepting because they appeared so willing to give their youngest son to you in marriage. This will solidify our relationship and hopefully improve the pack affairs. We will gain direct access to all the merchant routes via their roads and sea. On top of it, we would be better equipped to face our winters."

Or more like they wanted to marry off their beta son to someone in a high position. Males betas weren't a preferred choice of mate to someone of high status in a pack. Being born as a head alpha's son, this beta might have had trouble finding a suitable mate. The Park pack has always been prestigious ones.

Jungkook had to know if that was the case. Then it would simply be a marriage of convenience to them. Opening trade routes and providing other necessities in exchange for the hand of the head alpha's next eligible son sounded like a win-win in Jungkook's book. "Do they know?"

The question was whether they were willing to marry their son even if he was a disabled wolf. Does their honor and prestige matter so much to them that they would overlook this?

"That you're special?" Jungkook scoffed at the word 'special'. "Yes. It doesn't seem to be an issue." Namjoon moved closer to put a hand on his shoulder. "Mother is over the moon that something good is finally happening, and she won't stop talking about this, but father is adamant he won't give his word unless he talks to you in person."

Jungkook gave a tight nod. "But they wanted you to make me see the reason so that I accept."

"The sky failed us last year. Our crops didn't yield enough and we lost three pups to an unknown illness last winter," Namjoon whispered. "It's common knowledge that the Park pack has advanced healers and possesses rare herbs because of their maritime trades. This alliance would allow us to procure these medicines from them. Also, they promised us to lend trained warriors to fight the Northern wolves every year."

"Spoken like a true head alpha," Jungkook commented and took a deep breath. His elder brother understood the assignment and no one could have persuaded Jungkook otherwise. His father knew he would always put his pack above his personal interests. "How does Park's son feel about this?"

"I do not know that, Jungkook. It's customary that you visit his birth pack with a courting gift to present to him if this meeting goes favorable. There's no way they would allow us to meet him before then. So yeah, we don't know how he feels about all this. Also, since when did they ever ask an omega or a beta about what they want?"

Jungkook ground his jaw. "Ridiculous," he gritted out and heard a low chuckle from his brother.

"If you say so."

"What else could it be? There's something you're all failing to see," Jungkook shot back. "Setting up a blind wolf, who relies majorly on his other senses and a beta whose scent is so mild that oftentimes you can't even tell what he is feeling." He scoffed. "And brother, what kind of life do you think I could offer him?"

"A life worth living," his elder brother replied without missing a beat. "I know you can tell apart the wolves just with their farts. Give yourself some credit, Jungkook." Namjoon scoffed. "So, what is it, brother? Wanna join us for dinner tonight? Mother is making your favorite again."

The Park pack didn't know that. No one knew anything and he was willing to keep it that way. Jungkook huffed in annoyance. There was no point in arguing with his brother. No one could win a verbal debate with Namjoon. His brain was bigger than his body. "I need to wash up."

"Then let's go for a swim together. It's been a while."

"I'm truly not going to get out of this, am I?"

"Nope."

Jungkook growled in annoyance. "They sure knew what they were doing when they sent you here," he grumbled, stomping his foot like a petulant child before storming toward the direction of the river.

His brother's rich laughter followed him. Deep and mixed with a rumble that belonged to his wolf. "Race you to the river?"

"What are you? Five?"

"Nope. Just twenty-nine." Then he felt a gush of air and heavy footsteps rushing past him.

Jungkook growled, the competitive fire coming alive within him. But, unfortunately, he knew these woods better than his brother. So, with a grin, he took off, feet pounding onto the forest floor as he raced toward the river.

***

The Kim Family Home

"Second, brother!" Hei-ran's excited squeal greeted him before a soft body crashed into his body. "Mother, the second brother is home!" she yelled.

"Hello, butterfly." His arms wrapped around her naturally. Her soft milky scent was beginning to fade as the underlying notes of lavender became more prominent. She was growing too fast.

The pup, his little sister, turned ten recently and came up to his hip. Her short hands wrapped around his slender waist, and she nuzzled into his stomach. "You came," her voice was muffled into his abdomen. "I lost my tooth and was waiting to show you, but my brother didn't come. Mother buried it in the garden," she complained.

Jungkook felt a pang in his chest when he realized he couldn't really see her smile anymore. He patted her head affectionately. She no longer had pigtails. Her soft hair was longer now, and the tips kissed her shoulders. It was still wet from the recent bath she must have taken. "How have you been, little one?"

"Sad because my second brother doesn't love me anymore," she complained. "I was telling all my friends that my second brother is coming over for dinner, but you didn't come."

Jungkook melted, suddenly wondering how he could stay far from her. It was too cruel of him to push her away. "I'm sorry. I was preoccupied with some work. I'm here now." He picked her up easily.

Hei-ran was such a surprise to his parents, who thought his mother had lost the ability to conceive due to some complications after giving birth to Jungkook. He remembered being so elated upon hearing the news and waiting eagerly to meet her. When she was born, she was so tiny with her tiny hands and legs. That was a memory Jungkook would cherish forever and protect her at any cost.

"Oh, Jungkook! You're here."

Jungkook tilted his head to the voice of his sister-in-law. "Hi," he greeted. "Sorry, I'm late."

"Oh, you're not. We're just getting started."

Though Jungkook knew his sister-in-law was lying, he didn't bother to correct her. Instead, the smell of grilled beef wafting toward him said his mother was all over the place already, and the delicious fragrance of sweets coming from her direction said he was in for a treat tonight.

"Mom! Jungkook is here," she yelled. Then she was pulling him into a tight hug. She was on the shorter side, with her head tucked neatly under his chin. Her protruding baby bump pressed against his hip.

"May I?" he asked, suddenly curious to see how big his nephew/niece had grown in her stomach.

"Sure." She inched back, guiding both his hands toward her belly.

Jungkook's face broke into a wide grin. "He's grown," he gushed. "Hey, little one, I'm your uncle." He rejoiced when he received a kick in response. While it could be a female too, the Kim family had a history of producing male children so they referred the pup as he.

June laughed. "He's doing that a lot these days, but he's exceptionally active today. Maybe he knows his favorite uncle is coming to visit."

Jungkook's smile stayed. His heart felt light as he felt the pup move. It was moments like these, he truly felt sad over his lack of eye sight. He was still working on it.

Aera might have sensed it because she squeezed his hands. "You're going to be a wonderful uncle," she whispered. "I want you to be his Godfather and teacher when he's here. I won't have it any other way.

Jungkook's throat tightened and shifted on his foot, suddenly feeling the urge to change the topic. "Anything I can do to help?" he offered.

"Sure. You can move these sacks to our storage. I was waiting for your brother to come home but it's good you're here." Aera, Namjoon's mate never made him feel out of place. He felt good she tasked him with something unlike his mother, who never let him do anything on his own.

"Oh, what am I carrying?" he asked, slowly dropping Hei-ran on her feet.

"There are sacks of grains and other things to your left. It was a gift from the Park pack to our family," she explained. "Father-in-law didn't want to accept and wanted to add it to our pack granary, but it would be disrespectful."

"Oh." He understood. They were trying to show their goodwill.

"My son just arrived, and you're already making him do everything," his mom griped. He heard a rustle of cloth as she urgently wiped her hands. "Couldn't you have waited until Namjoon came back?" Warm hands circled his torso, and the fresh scent of apples washed over him. She pulled him down to scent him gently. "I missed you so much, my baby." She cupped his face, kissing his forehead. "Gosh, did you lose weight again? Haven't you been eating well?"

Aera huffed. "He looks the same to me, and what do you mean I have to wait for Namjoon? Jungkook does it for me all the time."

His mom growled, earning a chuckle from Jungkook. "Mom, I asked her if I could help. Your son isn't weak."

"I-I...that's not what I meant," she faltered. "It's just been a while since I last saw you."

He reached forward, and she immediately grabbed his hand, placing it over her cheek. Jungkook gently caressed her face, registering the new wrinkles that spoke of her age. "I'm staying late. We can talk all you want. It's just gonna take a couple of minutes anyway."

"Fine," she gave in. "Your father and brother will be back soon. I'll finish the dinner."

"I'll help, second brother," Hei-ran volunteered.

"Those sacks are bigger than you, Hei-ran," Aera quipped. "Just make sure there's nothing on your brother's path, alright? Your elder brother is so forgetful sometimes he keeps misplacing stuff on the way."

Jungkook smiled at her concern. The family house had been maintained a certain way since his accident so he could navigate easily. However, the head alpha's home received so many visitors every day, and things were never in the same place.

The alpha tasked himself with transferring the sacks of grains. First, he removed his tunic and tied it around his waist. Then he moved to feel around the sack, judging its size and weight before lifting them to his shoulder.

Their storage room was at the side of the house. It was big and sometimes used as a mini warehouse since they would have pack members come up to their home and ask for food when they ran out of stuff. The path was ingrained in his brain that he could easily trace it back and forth even in his sleep.

The Park pack had been generous with their gifts. He smelled at least four types of grains among other things. He easily hoisted one sack over his shoulder and another in his free hand. It was on his sixth trip, he sensed eyes on him. Jungkook's wolf stirred, nostrils flaring and ears straining.

"Is that him?"

"Nah, that can't be him. He is blind, remember? This one looks fine to me."

"Must be a helping hand."

They were a good twenty feet away, slowly approaching the head alpha's house and whispering to each other, but Jungkook could hear them so well. He scoffed internally. Hei-ran continued to titter happily about her new friends and all the new things she has learned while he grabbed another sack to carry.

He deposited the sack in its designated space and turned around for more when he was stopped.

"Hey, wolf?"

Jungkook halted, ignoring the disrespect from the strangers. But his wolf stirred inside him and bristled. Two alphas and a beta. The one who spoke had a deep, scratchy voice with an accent that didn't belong.

"We are here to see your head alpha. Go and inform him," the same alpha continued.

"Who are you?" Jungkook asked, standing tall and folding his hands to face across his chest. "You don't belong to this pack."

The stranger scoffed. "We are from the Park pack."

"He's not home," he replied curtly. "And he doesn't meet anyone here. Head to his office at the village square. It's in the direction you came from. You shouldn't be out and about without a Kim pack wolf while you're in these lands." Jungkook turned his head inside.

"We were told he was here. It's imperative that we meet him now," the same alpha said.

"Yeah. If he isn't here, then inform his mate that we are here," the second alpha spoke.

Jungkook hummed. Instead of replying, he went in to grab another sack of grains.

"Is she really pretty like everyone says?"

"I'd like to see as well. They said she's the most beautiful woman and doesn't look a day older than thirty."

His jaw clenched. Normal wolves shouldn't be able to hear that. Jungkook wasn't a regular wolf. If this was one of his pack wolves, he'd have already decked them and taught them a lesson. But they were of the Park pack. Jungkook stepped out with Hei-ran tailing him.

"Hey, we told you to call his mate. So what are you doing here? Can't you hear what we're saying?"

"The head alpha's home isn't open for business," Jungkook said flatly. "And he doesn't appreciate a non-pack member approaching his mate in his absence. Go back."

"Who are you to stop us, huh? In our pack, this is how things are done. The head omega handles affairs in the absence of the alpha," the first alpha claimed arrogantly.

"Yeah. Your head omega isn't capable or what?" another snarked.

Laughter followed his comment.

Jungkook dropped the sack. In two steps, he closed the distance to the wolves. His right fist connected with the first alpha's jaw, eliciting a loud crack and a grunt. The wolf's head turned to the side at the impact and he stumbled a few steps.

The other two, who didn't expect this, lunged at him. Jungkook simply closed his eyes, hearing and sensing the way they moved. His senses heightened two fold, his body battle ready in an instant. He caught the fist aimed for his face and blocked the weak kick to his ribs.

Jungkook scoffed. "Is that all you got?" he growled.

He didn't waste time with them. He pulled the fist he caught, bringing the first alpha wolf closer. With a ferocious growl, he brought his forehead down, hitting him harder on the face. The satisfying crack and the fresh scent of blood told him he had hit the mark. With a hard push, he sent the alpha tumbling to the ground.

The second one tried to claw at him using the opportunity, but Jungkook grabbed his hand. Thrusting his palm outward, he hit the second alpha wolf's sternum. The wolf grunted and coughed. His feet dragged back a few steps, and Jungkook knew he was staggering. He utilized the chance to send a strong kick at the beta, who flew back at the impact and hit something.

"What the hell?" the first wolf panted. "Is this how you treat the delegates of the Park pack? We won't let this slide."

"We won't let this go," coughed the second wolf.

Jungkook could sense them scrambling to their feet. He scoffed. Did they think he was done with them yet? He moved faster, hitting them again. This time he knocked them to the ground and listened to their painful groans and pants.

"Our head omega is the mother of the pack. How dare you seek her out with such intention? Non-pack wolves have no business in the head alpha's home," Jungkook thundered. "Next time, you won't walk to your pack, but someone will have to carry your lifeless bodies home."

"Wow, did you see that?"

"What are they even doing here?"

"Don't they know they shouldn't be here?"

"Alpha Jungkook did well."

There was no way he could hide what was happening from the others. The head alpha's home was located in the center of the village and only a walkable distance from the village square. His family home was easily visible from any spot in the village center.

"I didn't think he would be this good."

"Right?! If one doesn't know his condition, it's hard to tell he's blind. You know?"

"Damn! He's so hot. Look at all those muscles."

The pack member's whispers reached him, accompanied by a few omega's scents he easily recognized. The alpha was well aware of the effect he had on others. He was tall and imposing, with dark ink decorating his torso. Though he was a couple of inches shorter than his brother and had a slender frame, unlike his brother's broader frame, he was an attractive male on his right.

Once upon a time, these same omegas tried everything to garner his attention. The same also was the first ones to leave when they learned of his disability. He wasn't interested in any of those chit-chatters.

Jungkook tuned out the other wolves and returned to grab the sack of grains he had dropped earlier. He heard a muted scoff coming from inside the home.

His sister-in-law murmured, "That's what you get for underestimating our Jungkook—the audacity. I want to smack them hard on their heads with a frying pan. But, wait until my mate gets here. Then, I'll poke their eyes with a piping hot iron rod."

"Whoa! You're exceptionally violent today." Jungkook chuckled.

"Hush now, child. They might hear you," his mother chimed from the side.

"Just because they want to marry their son to our Jungkook doesn't give them the right to act like a donkey's rear, Mom. If anything, that wolf should be proud to marry a prestigious wolf like Jungkook," Aera hissed. "They aren't doing us any favor, but Jungkook would be doing them a favor by uplifting their so-called prestige and honor."

Jungkook only listened, going on about his task. They were a pair, constantly bickering and bantering with each other.

"Of course, our Jungkook is precious. Let's not talk about it in front of him until he has come to a decision. Come on, now. The food won't cook itself, you know." His mother ushered his hot-tempered sister-in-law inside.

"Fine, I'm going."

Jungkook chuckled softly under his breath, continuing with his chore. A few more walks and the sacks were all neatly stacked in their storage. More wolves were assembling in front of their home, talking in hushed whispers. Words would spread like wildfire here. Though they were a big pack with over two-fifty families, everyone knew everyone here. Soon the word would go to his father and brother. There would be chaos.

"Hei-ran, go inform our mother that I'm all done here and fetch some water for me," he told the little girl.

"Yes, second brother."

He heard her clothes rustle and her feet patter as she disappeared into the home. Jungkook quickly finished carrying the sacks and dusted his hands. Then he removed the tunic from around his waist to dust his shoulders and wipe the sweat down his chest.

"What happened here?" a distant yell reached him first before a scent of driftwood wafted toward him.

Jungkook sensed three different footsteps that didn't belong to the Kim pack. It was odd how he could tell them apart just by how they walked, but after losing sight, he spent months studying everything around him.

The initial months after his accident hadn't been easy. He was so lost and confused. With his wolf desperate and always alert, it became his habit to familiarize himself with people's mannerisms. It included how they walked, breathed, talked, or moved.

Now it came as easy as breathing to him. With time, he could tell apart every wolf he had come across, not just by their scent but also by their mannerisms. So even if their scents were muted it was easy to identify them.

"Is this how you treat your guests? The Park pack won't excuse this behavior," the same wolf bellowed. "The deal is off."

"Hyuntae, don't spill your words impulsively. It's not your place to decide that," warned another voice. "You don't even know what happened here. I don't think they would be attacked unprovoked. Also it's not in your right to call off this proposal."

This wolf had a deep voice and sounded more sensible than the other one. An omega. Jungkook noted.

"Are you siding with them now? What's more to see here? They were clearly attacked right in the Kim pack by a Kim pack wolf. What more explanation do you need?" The first wolf didn't seem to back down.

"Hyuntae is right. We won't let this slide. Alpha Kim, we need an answer right now and we demand retribution," demanded the third wolf who spoke for the first time. This one was an alpha.

"Dong-wook, that's enough. Once again, I insist that you calm down and we all talk it out," the omega stepped forward. "Alpha Kim, I apologize for their rude behavior." Jungkook heard a rustle of clothes and guessed he might have bowed. "Can someone explain what went down here?"

"Do we have a witness who can tell us everything?" his father's voice boomed over all of them.

"I can tell you." Hei-ran's skirt brushed against his leg as she came to stand by his side. Her hands found him and tugged. Jungkook reached carefully to wrap his hand around the clay water pitcher. He tipped it toward his mouth, taking generous gulps.

"Oh, hello, young lady. Did you happen to see what happened?" the new omega, who smelled like tulips, asked. His scent was mild, pleasant to the nose, voice calm.

"I did. These three wolves came here demanding to see my mother and disrespected my brother. They said something the brother didn't like. So he taught them a lesson," Hei-ran explained eloquently.

A smile tugged at the corner of Jungkook's lips, and he could imagine his little sister standing proudly in front of him.

"Thank you, young one." The omega inhaled, and he heard the light footsteps move. "Alpha Kim, it appears it was our wolves who behaved inappropriately. I apologize sincerely on their behalf. Please be assured the Park pack head alpha will be informed about their misdeeds, and they will be disciplined as per our law."

"What the hell?! You can't do that," the guy, Jungkook, now recognized as Hyuntae hissed. "How could you take this little wolf's word alone for it? For all, we know she could be lying."

"I'm not sure what you're failing to see here, Hyuntae," the omega's hardened voice stated. "It's obvious that this is the house of the Kim pack's head alpha if you can't tell already. This young lady right here must be the head alpha's youngest with how his scent is all over her. And children don't lie."

"You must be kidding me. Why would they even come here looking for the head omega? We have no business here," Dong-wook said.

"That's something only these three can answer," the omega said nonchalantly. "Why don't you ask them that?"

"No one except our pack wolves are permitted to meet the head omega to address their concern," Namjoon's voice filtered through. "Our next meeting isn't due until tomorrow. The reason they're here to meet my mother without anyone's knowledge alone is enough for us to question their real intentions. When you arrived, we specifically advised your delegates to venture into the pack lands only with a Kim pack wolf arranged by the head alpha." He stepped forward. "So, tell me, are you sure there is no other hidden motive behind the Park pack's sudden visit here?"

"I'm sure the Park pack knows this proposed arrangement benefits us more than it benefits them," came another deep voice, Min Yoongi, his brother's second in command and the advisor. "You could very well be here to spy on us and using this allegiance as a cover. We don't have any reason to believe otherwise."

The omega whose name he didn't know yet exhaled audibly. "I understand. We don't have an exceptional history and our pack has always been stringent with their ways. The Park pack really does not have any ill intentions toward the Kim pack. I request the advisor to take these wolves into custody and do so as you please. The Park pack has nothing to do with whatever they were here to do. Hope that assures you."

"Taehyung, what the hell are you talking about?" Hyuntae growled. "This is why I told everyone we can't bring a damn omega around. Fucking weak and pathetic."

"That's enough, Hyuntae," the omega growled, his soft floral scent pulsing with a burst of energy. "You might be the nephew of our head alpha, but I'm the honorary advisor to head alpha Park's son who leads the negotiations here. I won't tolerate disrespect. I knew the moment these three wanted to tag along they were going to be trouble. They were able to join this group only because they were your friends."

"You—"

Jungkook was there to block the hand before it struck down. He felt the way the alpha's body moved and sensed the change in his scent. He twisted the hand, folding it behind the wolf, who howled in pain. "An alpha, who raises his hand at an omega is no alpha at all," he growled, applying more pressure and snapping his bone like a twig.

The omega gasped again, jumping back.

The alpha screamed and cried out but Jungkook dropped him with a scowl. Then he addressed the omega, "Taehyung, your wolves were here to see if our head omega is as beautiful as the rumors claimed. The Kim pack does not tolerate such vile creatures. Here, we strip them bare and tie them to a pole in the village square before whipping them a hundred times before leaving them out for the entire pack to see."

The omega sucked in a sharp breath. "They brought it upon themselves. We wouldn't stand in your way." He blew out a breath. "But I really do hope this doesn't affect our negotiations."

"We will see about that," Namjoon replied non-committedly. "Yoongi will accompany you to your place to rest. In the meantime, we will take these wolves into custody until we decide what we want to do with them."

"Yes, Alpha Kim," the omega conceded. "I'll go inform our leader and update him about this new development."

Jungkook waited until the wolves were taken away and the visitors were led away.

"Welcome home, son," his father greeted first. "How have you been?"

Jungkook relaxed his posture. "I'm good, father. Sorry to have bothered you."

His father hummed. "It's alright."

"Hey! What are you looking at?" Aera suddenly appeared by his side and yelled. Jungkook caught the tunic that was thrown at him. It was just an instinct. He felt the gust of soft air and heard the rustle in the wind before the soft material hit him. "Hey, you there," Aera continued. "Chop. Chop. Off you go! Stop trying to seduce my brother-in-law. He will never be yours as long as I'm alive."

The fruity and flowery scent that was beginning to waft toward him soured and dispersed immediately. He assumed it was coming from those unmated omegas Aera didn't approve of.

Jungkook chuckled and shrugged the tunic on. His brother's rich patchouli scent enveloped him and it was a tiny bit bigger on him. Namjoon had even broader shoulders than him.

"And you, Jungkook, go inside. Don't catch their eyes even if you catch a cold," she griped. "Opportunistic bitches."

"Aera," Namjoon chastised.

"I apologize for the language, dad. But can you blame me? These bitches were all fighting for his attention two years ago and the first one to bolt after the accident. Now that they saw him fight shirtless, suddenly he's a desirable alpha? Not on my watch," she growled.

Jungkook could imagine her hands flying animatedly in all directions and her face twisting in anger. She was Namjoon's childhood sweetheart and his best friend Yoongi's younger sister. They all grew together. Though she was only two years older than Jungkook, she was protective of him.

His brother scoffed. "Alright, alright, don't be angry. Our baby is going to inherit some of that temper if you don't control it."

His father, a man of few words, only chuckled fondly. Jungkook felt a strong arm draping around his shoulder before his father's comforting pine scent enveloped him. "Let's head inside." He ushered him gently.

In the past, he would have slapped his back harder and squeezed his arm to test his strength. Most of the time, the slap would knock him out of balance when he was young. Jungkook missed those days. He wasn't weak by any chance, but he guessed that almost losing him caused his father to be cautious around him.

The dinner was a lively event. The food was just as Jungkook remembered. His mother had cooked everything so carefully to appeal to his palate. Jungkook ate more than usual, scolding himself for not coming over sooner. But then, when someone lived alone, doubts and insecurities had a way of sneaking inside and dragging them to a darker place.

Hei-ran sat on his lap, refusing to leave even when their mother told her a few times to sit on her chair. She ate from Jungkook's plate, playing with his left-hand fingers. Chatter and laughter filled the table. The vibe was generally so good and comfortable. His wolf was finally at ease and thought peacefully. He genuinely missed this.

After dinner, Jungkook, Namjoon, and their father retired to his small study. Their mother disapproved of the head alpha working at home, but it was his father's personal space to read and relax.

Namjoon poured their drinks—well-aged fruit wine—from their father's secret stash he stored for days like this. Jungkook learned never to take these drinks lightly as he once used to. It was strong.

They chatted about regular pack affairs until the drink settled in, relaxing the atmosphere.

"Jungkook, your brother must have informed you already. There's something I want to discuss with you. It's about your marriage," his father started.

"I'm aware, Father." Jungkook exhaled, gulping the rest of the drink and grimacing as it burned down his throat.

His father sighed. "I won't force you or do anything against your wishes. As the pack's Head Alpha, this alliance is the most beneficial in my eyes and would help us tackle many ongoing issues. With how things are going, this winter would be the hardest. However, they have had a greater yield this year, and this would allow us to purchase as much as we want. Also, as a father, I'm worried about your future, Jungkook."

Jungkook stayed silent because he knew his father wasn't done talking. Beside him, Namjoon squeezed his thigh once under the table in assurance. He could imagine his father rubbing his temples.

"I know you're capable of taking care of yourself, but I'm concerned you'd be alone for the rest of your life. Your mother and I wish you could find a suitable companion to share your life with. You deserve a chance to find love and be happy like everyone else."

"I'm happy now, Father."

"No, you're not," his father said curtly. "You're closing yourself off and shutting us out." His tone turned sad. There was no heat behind his words but concern—a lot of it. "When your mother faced complications during her delivery, the healer said one of you wouldn't make it. The chances of your survival were slim. The moon goddess blessed us with you after five years of trying, and thankfully, you came out healthy and alive."

Jungkook's throat constricted.

"Then, after years when they brought you all bloodied and barely alive, she died a thousand times while sitting beside you. She prayed to the moon goddess to save you once more."

His father couldn't talk much, but Jungkook understood he was laying all his cards out. The liquor must have also loosened his tongue. His parents really wanted him to agree. That much he could tell. His mother hadn't spoken a word yet. Maybe his father and brother forbade her from saying something.

"Park Jimin is a beta. He may not be able to give you pups, but we heard he's kind and is an intellectual. He's a black mark in the Park family tree because he's the first wolf in the past three generations to present as a beta. If their son can't be an alpha or omega, they want to marry him to an alpha from a notable family. You're my son and an eligible candidate in their eyes. They're willing to go to any extent to make this happen."

"It's not that he doesn't have any proposals. He does. He can marry a female omega and start a family of his own. But something happened that caused his elder brother to vow that he would marry off his brother to a better spouse," Namjoon piped in. "I gathered as much from that omega Taehyung. He's got a loose tongue when he drinks."

Jungkook hummed.

His father cleared his throat. "As for the pups, their healer has offered to help. They have tried a new method to impregnate willing omegas during their heat without involving an alpha to help childless couples, which has been a success. They're willing to extend support if we agree to this to carry on your bloodline. And..." he drawled. "They're also willing to help other wolves in our packs."

Jungkook's eyes widened. They really thought that far? But, honestly, there was nothing he could say to reject this proposal. Not that he wanted to. He just wasn't sure.

"I'll leave the rest to you. They will be here for another two days. You can give your answer by then," his father concluded.

Jungkook exhaled. "Okay, father."

"There's a meeting tomorrow. It'd be better if you could join us," his brother said.

"Okay."

As the moon rose high into the sky, they continued to drink, catching up on a lot of things. When Jungkook stumbled into his childhood room, he didn't even remember what time it was. He was out like a light as soon as his head hit the pillow.

***

The Park pack wolves were arrogant by default. So far, Jungkook only found Alpha Seokjin and Omega Taehyung to be pleasant and well mannered. The others either thought they were much better than the Kim pack wolves or they just didn't like them at all.

There were five wolves from the Park pack and four wolves from the Kim pack in the room. From the Kim pack it was Jungkook, his father, Namjoon and Yoongi. On the other side, he only recognized the omega Taehyung and the Park pack Head Alpha's son Seokjin.

In Jungkook's opinion, a few wolves in the room even thought that the entire idea of negotiation to be outrageous but Seokjin was adamant. Taehyung was the only omega in the room and someone with an air of calm. His presence somehow kept the overflowing testosterones in check.

Perhaps his mother should have joined the meeting. The alphas tended to watch their tongue and demeanor in the presence of an omega. Throughout the entire meeting they argued back and forth. First, it was the matter of the Park pack wolves that violated the Kim pack rules. They were confined.

An interrogation revealed that they went there to see if the head omega was truly beautiful as the rumors claimed. Seokjin was furious and told Jungkook's father to handle it in accordance with their pack laws, which earned several objections.

"That's enough!" Seokjin bellowed, slamming his fist on the table to get his point across. "What they did is shameful and the Park pack's next head alpha, I'll not tolerate this behavior. They must learn their lesson."

"It'd be better to kill them instead," one wolf grumbled. "They'll be a laughing stock."

Seokjin scoffed. "They brought this upon themselves despite knowing the importance of this negotiation. I'd do the same if someone tried something similar with my mother. End of discussion."

"Agreed. That would also teach your fellow wolves a lesson about the etiquettes when you're visiting the other packs," Jungkook added nonchalantly.

"I apologize for their unruly behavior. It's really shameful," Seokjin admitted.

"This is getting uncomfortable. Can we switch onto more important stuff?" another wolf, who hadn't spoken yet said.

A murmur of agreement echoed in the room.

"Alpha Seokjin," Namjoon begun. "There's one thing that we still find hard to digest. Why? After all these years, why now?"

"We don't think you're being entire honest with us," Yoongi piped in.

Jungkook sensed their hesitation before he even smelled it on them. He didn't know how. He just did.

Seokjin took a deep breath. "Father is ill," he said. "We always had different ideals and I believe it's time for a change. We have plenty of resources. Our lands are larger in size and have lots of geographical advantages. The Northern Wolves are gaining numbers every year."

"Yeah, their number are alarming. So far we only know they're a nomadic pack but we have no conclusive information about their numbers or who the pack alpha is. We don't know anything about them," Taehyung piped in. "Our pack heard some terrible things in the passing and recently..." he trailed off. There was a beat of silence and Jungkook sensed Seokjin releasing calming pheromones. Taehyung cleared his throat. "We found out they were abducting omegas from other neighboring packs over the years for breeding and..." His voice cracked.

"We believe there is more to this. The Northern wolves are a threat that has to be eliminated at any cost. We are separated from the other packs by the mountains on two sides and the ocean on the other," Seokjin continued with a long drawn sigh. "Our only way of connection to the outside world is through the merchants. So far, we weren't aware how far the Northern wolves have explored. But recent news that came from one of the merchants from the West is...shocking."

"It makes us think that maybe they weren't nomadic wolves after all," Taehyung added.

This picked Jungkook's interest. He leaned forward on his elbows. This was news to them. It angered him that the Park pack knew so much while they lived in the dark. The entire pack's safety relied on this. "Elaborate," he said.

The alpha exhaled audibly. "The Northern wolves were expanding toward the West for over two decades. They were slowly overtaking the lands and eradicating the packs."

"They kill all the alphas and take the omegas," another alpha Jungkook didn't hear speaking until now. "They use the omegas as sex slaves with the sole purpose of breeding."

Someone cursed under their breath.

"They're barbarians with no honor or morale," Seokjin picked up the conversation easily. "And they outnumber us. We are already their targets during the winter season. I'm afraid we won't be immune to their attacks for long."

"We don't stand a chance if we are divided," Taehyung said. "The Kim pack and the Park pack should have each other's back. So when the time comes we are ready."

A heavy silence fell over them, their emotions conflicted and heavy. Jungkook scrunched his nose, his wolf shifted uncomfortably within him. The Northern wolves have done enough damage as it was. He couldn't imagine what would become of their pack if they started taking their omegas. Worry nagged his gut. So did helplessness. What good was he like this?

"The Park pack is bigger than the Kim pack in numbers," Seokjin said. "I'd like for us to work together in this. We can train together and as we discussed before, we will lend you trained warriors every winter to patrol your borders and fight our common enemy."

"Alright, I accept," Jungkook spoke before anyone else did. He would be too selfish to refuse. "I'll marry your brother."

Even though he couldn't see it, he could feel his father and brother's relief flood through him. He could feel the weight of their gazes on him.

His father cleared his throat. "Well, my son has spoken. It's not just about our pack's future but it's his future as well. I'm glad we all agree."

"Do not fret. We are aware of the situation here," one of the wolves with the attitude that rubbed off Jungkook within two minutes of their meeting spoke. What was his name again? Young-Jae? Yong-Sun? Jungkook decided he didn't like that wolf.

"Situation?" Yoongi questioned.

"Well, in order to make things easier for the couple, the Park pack will send rations to them every month at the start. They won't have to worry about anything else. Food, clothes," he listed. "You name it. It's yours. Perks of being the son-in-law of the Park family," he boasted.

"Dong-hyun!" Seokjin growled. However, Jungkook reacted before anyone else in the room.

The dagger struck like a lightning bolt, whisking past the wolf's head, nicking his ear and drawing blood before embedding itself into the wooden backrest of the chair he was seated in.

The wolf seemingly froze for a moment. "What the hell?"

"Jungkook doesn't miss." The alpha easily imagined Yoongi's smirk.

"He just did," the wolf growled.

"That's just a warning," Yoongi quipped.

The wolf scoffed. "He's fucking bli—"

Jungkook twisted his upper body, snatching the dagger from Yoongi's waist, throwing it in the wolf's direction with a sharp precision. This time it plunged into his shoulder, earning a pained grunt.

"The next time, I'll drive it through your thick skull," Jungkook growled and climbed on his feet leisurely.

Dong-hyun gasped. "He—"

"You asked for it," Seokjin said nonchalantly.

"He fucking threw the knife at me. I'm bleeding."

"You're alive," Taehyung quipped.

"Won't be for too long if he doesn't shut up," Yoongi replied pointedly.

"Apologize!" Seokjin growled and his pheromones radiated anger and disappointment.

"Don't need to be angry, cousin," the wolf said in a pacifying manner. "I only meant well."

Just how many cousins does this guy have?

Jungkook has had enough. "Park Jimin won't have to worry about food, cloth, or any necessity while being married to me. I know how to care for my mate and protect him with my life. If you doubt this marriage isn't a good idea, you should rethink your decision. As for the Northern wolves, our pack will do what it takes. An alliance such as this doesn't require a marriage to solidify when we have a common goal."

Jungkook didn't wait for the wolves to speak. Instead, he turned toward the direction of his father and brother. "I'll get going. Tell Mother I'll be home for dinner." With that, he took off. He needed fresh air and worried he would retrieve that knife and aim it between his eyes.

"I apologize for his behavior," he heard Seokjin's uncomfortable apology on his way out. The alpha sounded sensible. It was a shame there were wolves like that in his pack. "Young-Jae, get out. You're not allowed to join us in any of the meetings."

Jungkook tuned all that out and took off jogging toward the woods. He has heard what he wanted to hear and he had said his piece. That was all there was. Maybe Jimin did not have a say in this and Jungkook only felt bad for him. The poor beta would have to put up with all the pitiful whispers.

However, the alpha wasn't going to sit back. He had to hone his skills better so he could protect his mate better. The matter of the Northern wolves was just a thorn in his mind. He needed to clear his mind. Without thinking twice, he took off running into the woods.