Words: 8k+

Jimin always found the woods to be beautiful and serene. Today was no different. Even though he grew up here, woods being the part of his daily life, still it never failed to enamor him with its timeless beauty.

There was something just so peaceful about Mother Nature. His brother would say that whenever he missed home and their mother, he would spend some time in the woods. Because that made him feel closer to their home.

"Mother Nature is the same everywhere, Jimin," Seokjin would say with a soft smile. "We're never truly alone. She protects us and nurtures us. She's alive just like you and me. That's why we're told we should respect her and give back what we take from her. We're the only true danger to our own kind. I feel like I'm home whenever I'm with her."

Jimin realized it was true in every sense. The tall, towering trees with their thick trunk covered in mosses and canopies so high that it covered the skies most of the time. The sunbeams filtering through those interlocked branches.

The cool, crisp air carried the earthy scent of the surrounding trees, the combination of damp and dry leaves, and the fresh water nearby— just like Jungkook's scent. If he missed Jungkook like he did right now, all he had to do was to get to the forest and close his eyes, then inhale deeper.

It might sound funny to anyone other than Taehyung. He began to miss his mother the next day. But then he also knew this was his new reality. Having Taehyung beside him was a relief. It certainly alleviated some of the home sickness.

Unlike Taehyung, Jimin has never been out of his pack's borders. The only place he stayed the night was at Taehyung's place with him. So this was both nerve-racking and also exciting.

He only met Jungkook recently and while he was the best alpha he could have asked for, it was a bit surreal that he was leaving his home to go live with a group of strangers. Such was the fate of most omegas who marry into another pack. The beta wondered what he'd have done if it wasn't for his best friend, who was moving packs for him.

Fortunately, Jungkook was an amazing individual and so were his pack mates—at least the ones he has met so far. They warmed up to him and even joined Taehyung whenever he wanted to pull a prank on Yoongi.

Currently, Taehyung was swimming in the river as the alphas all engaged in catching fish a few feet away. He stood watching it all as the others were busy setting up a camp after riding without a rest all night yesterday.

According to Taehyung, they crossed the place they were attacked yesterday afternoon just as they had planned. It made sense why they wouldn't wanna stop and risk getting attacked again.

Namjoon looked tense throughout the journey. Even after stopping for rest, he didn't let his guard down. That alone instilled a sense of caution in Jimin. Even when Taehyung and the others seemed to relax, he kept watch.

During their previous trip, there were wolves accompanying them from the two packs and their warriors. This time it was only the Kim pack wolves and the select group of warriors from the Park pack. Only one group of warriors accompanied them this time and the others would reach the Kim pack after their pre-winter hunt.

They were only a day of travel away from Jungkook's pack, now his pack. Excitement was an understatement to how he felt. He has heard a lot about Jungkook's family's and couldn't wait to meet them.

"Jimin!" He heard Namjoon calling from a distance.

Jimin whipped around and saw him standing at the edge of the clearing they chose to camp tonight. He lifted a hand and then waved at him.

"Are you done?"

"Yeah!" He planted a hand on his hip and pushed his wind-blown hair behind. "You want something?"

Namjoon nodded. "Can you take on patrolling duty with Jungkook?"

"Of course!"

A rush of excitement shot through him. He loved how Namjoon assigned him one task or the other. No one here seemed to bother with the fact that he was a beta. Earlier someone asked for a hand while building the tent. For once, Jimin was happy to be an active part of the pack activities.

"Okay. Meet me by the fire in five minutes."

Jimin lifted both his thumbs up. "Sure." He then turned toward the river. "Taehyung, that's enough. You'll catch a cold." He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. "Namjoon wants me for patrolling duty."

Taehyung lifted a thumb and began to swarm toward the shore. Jimin carried his towel and dry clothes to him, standing guard while he dried and changed.

"Looks like Namjoon has caught onto you eating Jungkook with your looks all day." The omega playfully bumped into his shoulder. "He's helping you get some alone time with him while he moves Yoongi to the back of the traveling party and me to the front." He huffed.

"That's because he doesn't want you to start his rut right here or you do something that will actually cause Yoongi to drown you," Jimin said. "Seriously, give me a break, boy. You'll have all the time once we reach the Kim pack."

"Fine." Taehyung tugged the hem of his tunic and adjusted his pants. "I'll leave him alone for one night. Tomorrow he's mine to trouble."

"Deal."

Both men bumped their fists as they jogged to the fire pit. The campsite consisted of several large tents surrounding the fire, nestled amidst the dense woods. The tent fabric blended with the surroundings, making them look like a part of a landscape.

The smoke from the fire pit wafted lazily into the sky. A large kettle with water hung in the middle of the fire pit. Near the pit, the cook set up a small work area to chop vegetables and meat. Her helper had already dug out another pit closer and set up the cookware next to it. Jimin watched the assistant begin to feed firewood to the pit and start the fire for cooking.

On the other side, the warriors were sharpening their blades and checking their gear while their horses were being watered and fed. A group of men had already assembled around Namjoon, patiently waiting for his orders. Among them was Jungkook.

Jungkook carried a load of firewood, sweat glistening on top of his skin as he dropped them beside the pit and dusted his tunic. He lifted his head, blue eyes darting side to side Jimin's direction as soon as he sensed him approaching.

"Jungkook, hey." Jimin went to stand beside him, intertwining their hands. "You look good."

A dazzling grin lit his features. "You smell so good."

Jimin nuzzled into his neck briefly and turned his head to see Taehyung jogging toward them. He threw an arm around Jimin's shoulder, leaning his weight on him.

"Hey, Jungkook."

"Taehyung." He acknowledged him.

"Found anything suspicious?"

Jungkook shook his head. "No, but we have to broaden our patrol area to be sure. Namjoon thinks we could have been followed. So he wanted to increase the patrol perimeter."

Taehyung hummed. "Doesn't hurt to be careful." He glanced around the camp. "Makes sense why he asked the majority of the warriors to stay put while he was scouting the area."

"He'd keep moving if that option is on the table," Jungkook said. "Everyone is exhausted. It's better to rest tonight."

"Attention everyone!" Namjoon began to bark commands to the assembled men. "We're now one day away from our pack lands. However, it should go without saying. Don't let your guard down. Our traveling group is small and we'll be outnumbered if there's an attack of previous scale," he began. "We need to work smart. So far we haven't encountered anyone. That doesn't mean there's no threat in these woods. We're going to scout farther than we usually go. Jungkook already ran around the perimeter of the camp and found nothing suspicious. However, I've decided to do another round, this time for another five mile radius just to be sure."

There were several acknowledging nods.

"We will divide into a pair of twos and take one direction each. Jungkook and Jimin will go south, I'll take the East with Yoongi. Yong-sun and Ji-sung take West, Mingyu and Suho North. Check another five mile radius. If you find anything suspicious, leave immediately and report to the camp. Do not engage unless you have no choice and fighting is the only option to survive. I repeat. Do not engage. Be discreet and get back safely."

"Yes, Alpha Kim," everyone chimed, voice sincere and determined.

"Taehyung." The omega immediately straightened, standing in attention. "You'll be on guard duty at the camp as usual. Protect the campsite." Namjoon turned to address the warriors, who had assembled behind the patrolling groups. "Taehyung will be in charge in my absence. No one should leave the campsite without company. Taehyung, I trust you to do the right thing in my absence."

"Yes, Alpha Kim." Taehyung's back was straight and facial features hard as he acknowledged the alpha's command.

"Yes, Alpha Kim," the others echoed.

"Jimin, I'll shift and meet you shortly," Jungkook said, squeezing his hand gently.

"Okay." Jimin stood on his tiptoes to kiss his cheek, admiring the faint blush spreading on Jungkook's cheeks.

Someone cleared their throat behind him and Jimin turned to see his best friend with a sheepish grin. "See you in a bit, Taehyung." Jimin gave a one armed hug to Taehyung.

"You be safe." However, Taehyung patted his back once and pulled him aside instead. "I know you need some time alone with your mate. But no dirty business," he whispered in his ear. "Always be on alert. Namjoon trusts you with this task enough to send Jungkook and you alone. You're not just Jungkook's new mate. You're also now the Kim pack head alpha's son-in-law. You have a responsibility to prove yourself to them."

Jimin pulled back to nod curtly. "I will," he said in a determined voice. "You can count on me."

Taehyung smiled. "You don't have to prove yourself to me, Jimin. But this is our new home and whether we like it or not, we have to earn our place. Loyalty is earned, not given. Show them your worth."

Jimin smiled. "As much as I don't like wolves, I'll not let them blame my behavior on Seokjin."

They stared at each other for a moment, a sense of understanding passing between them before they nodded curtly at each other. "I'll be guarding these utensils and meat well." The omega winked.

The beta chuckled. "See you later."

Jimin went to grab his gear. He fastened his leather belt around his waist and secured his sword against his hip. Then he grabbed his bow and arrows, securing the strap tight against his chest.

When he was done, he turned to see Jungkook standing behind him in his wolf form, his dark fur so smooth and shining in the evening light. In his mouth, he carried a satchel that contained his clothes and his sword.

"That's a tight fit," the beta mumbled, taking it from his mouth and threw the strap around his neck. "You could have just waited for me."

The wolf let out a grunt, turning around for him to climb on his back.

"You're loving this a bit too much," the beta complained, but hopped onto the wolf with practiced ease. Grabbing the fur on Jungkook's neck, he tugged once to let the alpha know that he was secure.

"Finally, I have you all to myself," Jimin quipped as the wolf raced through the woods to the south.

Jimin wasn't new to patrolling duty. He has accompanied Seokjin several times and his brother has taught him everything he had to know. Jimin was glad that everything he learned so far has finally come of use.

His heart jumped with excitement when Namjoon asked him if he could take on a task, trusting in his ability. It was something he never had in his birth pack. He was even assigning tasks to Taehyung, which made the beta very happy.

The need to see this through and prove himself to Namjoon grew as the black wolf dashed deep into the forest. Jimin continued to give him instructions, staying as vigil as ever. He couldn't wait to get Jungkook alone, but it'd have to wait until they were back at the camp.

Even as he rode Jungkook's wolf, his gaze darted around him. "Jungkook, slow down a little," he said and the wolf slowed down to a strut. "I think this is our place. Let's jog around the perimeter."

Jimin jumped off his back. Jungkook's wolf let out a soft grunting sound and began to go around the perimeter, sniffing at the air and the tree trunks with a swish of his tail.

The beta followed the wolf, steps guarded and cautious. His senses might not be great compared to an alpha wolf, but that didn't mean he didn't know how things were done. He followed Jungkook closely, watching his every move.

The forest was silent save for the sounds of nature. The only sound that came was the sound of dry leaves crunching under Jimin's boots. They circled the radius, finding nothing out of place. Jimin occasionally paused to inspect something but found nothing out of the ordinary.

Jungkook's wolf padded silently beside him, his ear twitching even at the slightest sound. His senses have always amazed Jimin and he loved the way Jungkook navigated the woods with confidence despite his shortcomings.

His alpha may lack vision, but he was attuned to their surroundings in a way no one else in the camp was. Namjoon never missed a chance to acknowledge Jungkook's strength. Jimin's grip on his bow was tight as they moved forward.

He felt the weight of two swords in his hip. His gaze scanned the surroundings for any signs of disturbance or movement. Though everything appeared to be okay, it was that nagging feeling inside of Jimin that caused him to stay alert than he already was.

It was one of those sensations that one didn't feel often. Jimin didn't know how to explain it. It might be the foreign land or the air around them. Or maybe it was because this was unchartered territory.

The beta almost convinced himself that nothing was wrong and the eeriness they felt was because the lands were unoccupied. And that he might be just reading too much into the situation when he felt it. The normalcy didn't last for long. Jimin sensed the shift in atmosphere as they ventured a bit deeper into the forest. The eerie silence seemed unnatural and the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

"Something is not right," he whispered and turned to look at Jungkook.

However, Jungkook had already paused with his head lowering to ground level. What stood out were the way his ears pressed flat to the back of his head and the way his lips peeled back to reveal his fangs.

Jimin cursed internally, his wolf stirring at the wake of potential danger. He strode toward Jungkook immediately. "Enemy?"

Jungkook let out a low growl.

"Can we outrun them? Take a step back if you can."

Frustration mounted inside him because all he could see was trees, shrubs and bushes. His nose didn't pick up anything that wasn't forest. He cursed his inability to sense danger in situations like this. However, he pulled himself together because this was certainly not the time to think about this.

Jimin quickly assessed the situation. It wasn't like they could stay and fight because he had no doubt they were severely outnumbered. Bandits and Northerners always attacked in groups while it was possible to encounter a lonely rogue once in a while.

While not every rogue wolf was a threat, the recent news about them working together with the Northerners unsettled him. It'd be a risk to stay even if they could handle the situation by themselves, especially considering Jungkook's past where he was ambushed in a situation like this.

Jungkook didn't move at first but took one hind leg back after a minute. The beta could sense the tension rolling off him in waves. Perhaps it was the need to protect his mate. They were newly mated so their wolves would be overprotective of each other.

Jimin wished he could release some calming pheromones. "No panicking. I'm gonna hop on your back and we're going to get the hell out of this place," Jimin said, approaching the black wolf.

Jungkook's head turned slightly toward him, but he didn't relax his posture. It was as if he was anticipating an attack any moment.

"Alright, that's enough. We gotta go."

The beta didn't wait around. He jumped on top of Jungkook's wolf and plucked a poisoned arrow from his back. However, Jungkook was locked in his position and didn't move an inch.

"Jungkook, you heard your brother," Jimin said in a low voice, gaze fixated ahead, darting between the trees and bushes. "Let's head back and warn the camp. Come on."

Jimin glanced up, that unsettling feeling stirring in his stomach again.

"Alpha, we gotta go. I'd really like to leave..." he sang nervously. "Now!"

He ingested enough urgency in his tone that Jungkook finally straightened, putting one hind leg after the other as he backed away. His hesitation only increased Jimin's worry. His heart hammered in his chest and uneasiness knotted his stomach.

"That's it. Turn around and keep running," he said in a gentle tone, his heart racing with every passing second. "Let's make it out of here nice and easy."

Jungkook listened this time. However, the black wolf was faster than ever. Jimin's head reeled with how fast he swirled around. The trees were just a blur as he took off in the direction they came.

"Woah. Woah. Woah."

Jimin held his breath, holding onto Jungkook's fur with all his might.

"Easy there, big boy."

It was nothing like riding a horse. There was no harness to grab onto. It was slippery and he did his best to hold on. His body jostled with every jump. Even in this state, he considered commissioning a wolf harness for times like this.

That might be a great idea. He should check with a blacksmith and ask him if he could fashion something. Jimin glanced over his shoulder every now and then to ensure they weren't being followed.

The wind whipped his hair, causing it to fall on his eyes and he could barely see anything ahead. When he managed to get the hair out of his eyes, they were dangerously close to a tree.

"Left!" Jimin screamed. "Left! Left! Left!"

Jungkook dug his legs on the dirt, trying his best to control his momentum so they didn't collide head first into the broad tree trunk. The action almost dislodged Jimin from his perch as they narrowly avoided running into it.

"Easy there..." Jimin said, voice wavering with nervousness. "You won't get to fuck me if I fell down and break my back!"

Jungkook didn't slow down, though. He kept running blindly. A term that was used to describe one's helpless situation applied literally in Jimin's reality.

"Alpha, you gotta keep an even pace," Jimin insisted. "Falling down is not an option."

The alpha was still fleeing through the threes, narrowly avoiding three more tree trunks and almost crashing into a tree stump.

"Right!" Jimin bellowed. "Shit left! Left. Left. Turn right."

His heart lurched to his throat and if he could he would have clutched his chest and tried to ease his heart.

"Jungkook, slow down!" he growled. "I can't see anything."

It was getting dark as time passed and Jimin really couldn't see much with how fast they were moving. He couldn't even think clearly. His heart galloped with a sense of danger and adrenaline pumped through his veins.

"We're going to crash at this rate," he warned. "Slow down! I got this."

Jungkook's body jerked and he seemed to slow down a bit but it still wasn't helping.

"I got my bow and arrow. I'm trained to attack on horseback," Jimin continued. "If they're behind us, I can attack them and buy us some time."

The beta didn't know if Jungkook even heard him properly. Because the pace didn't slow down. Jimin bit his bottom lip. It was as if Jungkook knew something he didn't. Deep down the beta knew that he was right.

He took a deep breath and he tried his best to guide Jungkook through the quickly darkening path. His mate had more experience with handling such situations so Jimin decided to stop intervening and let him do this his way.

They were still far from the campsite, but every step forward was a step closer. Getting there and warning them was a priority.

"Keep left. Right. Straight. No trees. Run faster."

Jimin kept his instructions short and crisp, speaking into Jungkook's right ear.

"No obstacle. Keep going."

He hugged Jungkook's neck tight.

"You're doing good. Just keep going. We'll be there in no time."

As they raced toward the camp, Jimin realized there was so much he had to learn about Jungkook. His mate was tenacious and wasn't going to let any danger fall on him. It was foolish of him to even suggest he could handle the situation when he didn't have any first-hand experience in dealing with rabid wolves.

"Okay. Prepare to turn. Ten feet. Right."

It was the blur of something whisking past them that sent a shiver down Jimin's spine. Like a shadow, they disappeared from his line of vision and Jimin lifted his head to look around them wildly.

"What's that?"

Jungkook let out a thunderous growl and picked up pace, running even faster. They still had two more miles to cover. Jimin almost twisted his neck while trying to spot them and when he finally did, a curse slipped out of his mouth.

"Fuck!"

They were nothing but a blur. Like dark shadows. Or maybe Jungkook was too fast that they appeared like shadows.

Jimin fell forward, circling his arms around Jungkook's neck and looked to the side. Then he saw them more clearly.

Those weren't shadows. They were wolves—rabid looking and with foaming mouths were chasing them. He watched them, almost flying through the woods, their pace equal to Jungkook.

Where did they come from?

How did they even catch up?

They flanked them from both sides. Shit. He accessed them both and he understood immediately they were chasing them with an intention to attack. Rogue wolves were unpredictable and they could attack any moment. The alpha was in no position to defend him right now. If they lunged, both of them would be sent flying and Jimin was sure he'd be hurt more than he liked.

"They're gonna attack any moment," the beta said. "Let me take the first shot. I got a good aim. Trust me."

Jungkook's chest rumbled in response. That was all the confirmation Jimin needed. He had gone hunting on horseback before. It was a part of his training. This wasn't the same but Jimin firmly believed all those days with his brother in the woods had trained him for this moment.

"Jungkook, slow down a bit. No obstacles ahead. Keep steady," Jimin growled. "I got this!"

The alpha slowed considerably, allowing him to retain his balance. Jimin gripped his bow steady in his hand and straightened, locking his legs as best as he could around the alpha wolf. Then he twisted his body to the right, locking the arrow and taking aim.

"Keep straight," he instructed. "Slow the pace a little more."

Jungkook followed his instructions without any hesitation this time. He slowed down a little more and that was the gap Jimin needed. The other wolf that wasn't expecting that ran ahead but turned around and ran toward them.

Don't miss it. Don't miss it. Don't miss it.

Jimin released the arrow. It shot through the air with a sharp sound and hit the wolf in its neck. He didn't wait to see if the wolf had fallen. Instead, he twisted his torso to the left, releasing the second arrow he had locked while turning. The wolf that was already lunging toward them fell down, crashing into the tree.

"Fuck. Yeah!"

He gripped Jungkook's fur again.

"Now run faster!" he yelled. "Keep straight."

No more words needed between them as Jungkook flew through the forest, tearing through the wind.

***

The camp was in chaos when Jungkook and Jimin reached. "We're under attack," Jimin noted immediately.

Wolves ran rampant around the camp. Jungkook's wolf halted almost abruptly, head tilting side to side and heart beating wild.

"It's too late to shift."

Right then an enemy wolf spotted them. Jimin cursed internally. He has witnessed small-scale attacks on their borders before from a distance. But no wolf had managed to sneak into their village so this was the closest he had seen an attack.

It was surprising how he could distinguish between the Kim pack wolves and the enemies. "I'm going to get off and let you fight. A wolf has spotted you."

Jimin jumped off Jungkook's back and ran forward, finding a fallen tree trunk to climb. The fight was at its peak and he found Taehyung in the middle of it all. He was on top of fighting back to back with a warrior from the Kim pack, shouting commands to them.

He glanced back at Jungkook's wolf that shook its mane and braced for an attack. The beta was briefly confused with whom to help. He glanced at both sides and decided Jungkook could help himself.

So he turned to Taehyung's group that was protecting the wolves that couldn't fight. They were cornered to the center of the camp. The cook and the other wolves cowered behind Taehyung and the few warriors assembled next to him.

Jimin lifted his bow and locked an arrow, taking aim. Enemy wolves blocked the path to them, making it nearly impossible to reach the middle without getting through a throng of them. He shot an arrow that plunged straight through one wolf's heart.

He shot the next arrow aiming at the wolf that tried to lunge at Taehyung from his blind spot. Every arrow hit its mark. Taehyung whipped his head, gaze spotting the arrow and darting to him briefly. The omega lifted his sword toward Jimin and then with a snarl, he lunged at the enemy wolf.

The beta continued to aim at the enemy wolves. His poisoned arrows disabling every wolf he hit with it. He was fast and his attacks had enabled Taehyung's group to regroup and attack with more efficiency.

Jimin was so focused on the fight that he didn't notice the wolf sneaking upon him from behind. A loud snarl from his back caught him at the last moment. The beta turned around with wide eyes and the movement caused him to slip and fall off the log.

He fell on his side, blocking another wolf from taking a bite of his throat. The beta let out a growl, kicking out but the wolf didn't budge. Its breath stank and snout mere inches from his face. His bow in its mouth was the only thing that stopped him from ripping into his flesh.

Jimin didn't have to fight for long because Jungkook's black wolf crashed into him from the side, knocking the wolf off him. In a blink of an eye, Jungkook was on him, tearing through his flesh. The sound of flesh being ripped off was too loud in his ears.

The beta climbed to his feet, plucking a stone that dug into his elbow during the fall. He hissed in pain and glanced around. Another wolf lunged for Jungkook, who was busy fighting the wolf from earlier.

Jimin didn't think twice before hitting it with his bow using all his strength. The wolf staggered a bit and that brief window was all Jimin needed to unsheathe his sword. Gripping it in both arms, he ran toward the wolf with a loud scream.

Fighting a fully shifted wolf always put Jimin at a disadvantage. They were stronger and bigger in size. However, years of practice had taught him how to fight smarter and use his strength to overpower the fully shifted wolves in such situations.

However, this was the first time Jimin would be applying all his lessons in real life. The beta didn't hesitate as he struck the wolf. It howled in pain, but he pulled back and plunged his sword deep again, allowing it no chance to regain its strength. It collapsed, taking its final breath with one last twitch of its body.

Jimin cracked his neck with a growl, rumbling from his chest. "Come on, you motherfucker! You chose the wrong day to fight."

There were too many wolves for his liking. He rolled his shoulders and continued to fight. Jungkook joined him shortly. The big wolf bumped against his legs and brushed his huge body along his thighs with a soft whine. Its nostrils flared as the wolf searched for Jimin's injury.

"I'm fine," Jimin assured. "Let's end these bastards first."

Jungkook listened, visibly relaxing but ears pushing back in fury. The fight was far from over. In the distance, Jimin spotted Namjoon and Yoongi fighting several wolves diligently with the warriors' help. He heard Taehyung's battle cry and accompanying howls from somewhere behind him.

"Together?" he asked his mate, who growled while shaking his fur once. Blood drops splattered around them.

"Wolf. Ten feet to the right," Jimin said.

This might be Jimin's first official fight, but like his mother said a wolf would never become a lamb. His grip tightened on his sword.

"On your count," he told Jungkook, who lowered his head toward the floor, posture ready to attack.

It's on.

***

"You're staring again," Jeongseon teased in her usual warm tone, eyes twinkling with mirth.

Hoseok's gaze flicked to her beautiful face, feeling that warm rush of emotions he always felt when he saw her. This was love. His beautiful mate reclined on a pile of soft cushions. She looked even more radiant today as she cradled her swollen belly gently. Perhaps this was what they called a pregnant glow.

"Alpha?" she called.

"What?"

"You're always staring," she complained with a soft pout. "Is there something on my face?" She touched her cheeks with a worried look.

"Yeah." He cleared his throat, unable to tear his gaze off her face. "Beauty."

His wife snorted, rolling her eyes playfully, but her sweetening scent gave away her happiness. The scent of blooming roses wafted to him, enveloping him in a warm hug. "Stop," she mumbled, averting her gaze.

"I can't help it." He left his perch on the table, abandoning all the scrolls he was reviewing to join her. "You're glowing."

A beautiful shade of pink coated her round cheeks. "Is that so?" She quirked an eyebrow playfully. "I feel more like the bear you hunted last week. My face is puffy and my feet are swollen."

Hoseok grinned, placing a gentle hand on her growing belly. "You're the most beautiful omega in my eyes, love." He leaned to kiss her cheek.

Then he took both her feet on her lap and began to massage them gently. His mate groaned but reclined more against the pillows with a sigh.

"Oh, that feels so good." She closed her eyes.

"You should rest your feet often, love."

Jeongseon opened her eyes, long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. He massaged her calf muscles gently. "It's the cold and fever season. Several pups come in a day and there are the elderly who need constant medical attention. We are short staffed with Mina and Wonshik recently delivering a pup."

Hoseok nodded. "I'll send a word around and see if anyone else will be interested to join as the healer's apprentice."

"Okay." She relaxed more and beckoned him closer. "So you still think I'm the most beautiful omega in the world?" she asked. "Even when I'm looking like this?"

Hoseok crawled to sit comfortably beside her. "You're even more gorgeous when you're looking like this," he replied without any hesitation. "If it isn't taking a toll on you, I'd prefer you be pregnant and round all year long."

Jeongseon burst into laughter upon hearing it. She covered her mouth and threw her head back, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she did. Her pregnant belly shook and he put a hand over it in amusement. He thought she glowed when she was happier like this.

"You're also kind and compassionate," he continued. "There's no one as kind as you. I know it and our pup knows it too."

His mate chuckled and as he caressed her belly he felt the pup move inside as if acknowledging him. Hoseok's eyes widened and a soft gasp escaped his mouth.

"Is that?" He glanced at her in awe and she nodded, moving his hand to the other side where he could sense more movements. "Wow."

Jeongseon laughed softly. "He's been practicing his kick all day. Now he's eager to show his papa what he learned."

Hoseok's heart swelled even more. He leaned down to press a kiss to her stomach, speaking softly to the pup. "Hey little one, it's me, your dad. I can't wait to meet you and perfect those kicks."

Jeongseon pinched his side and he winced.

"Yes, but don't trouble your mom too much, alright. She needs a lot of rest." He patted her belly. "She's an amazing woman, don't you agree?"

There was another kick to acknowledge and he grinned. "See, he agrees."

Jeongseon shook her head, belly shaking with laughter as she ran her fingers through his wavy hair. She watched him fondly as he continued to speak with their pup.

"Dad loves you so much, pup. I promise to protect you and your mommy with everything I have. I won't let anything happen to you." He patted the belly tenderly. "Now listen to your mom and be good to her."

The baby kicked again, making him laugh. Pure joy lit his entire being and radiated on his face. His wolf puffed its chest in pride. He had dreamed of this moment for so long. Now he had everything he wanted in his life—a loving mate, a pup on the way and a peaceful pack.

"He knows he's safe with you. So do I."

Hoseok shifted to meet her gaze. He took her hand that was stroking his hair to kiss it. "I love you," he whispered before moving up to capture her lips in a soft kiss and poured out every ounce of love and gratitude he felt for her then.

Their love that blossomed through their juvenile years has stood through every up and down and has survived the toughest times of constant wars and pack politics. She was a steady support by his side through it all. Jeongseon played a crucial role in settling the pack politics and restoring peace.

A head alpha of his stature always married from the neighbor pack's prominent families. But Hoseok gave his heart to the naïve and innocent omega, who only cared for his well being with her soft words and kind gaze. The elders opposed their union, saying there was no benefit to the pack if he mated an orphan.

Iseul, his elder sister stood her ground and backed him up first, questioning their reasons for opposing their love. Hoseok and Jeongseon had waited three whole years, not knowing if they'd ever unite. He refused to mate anyone else who wasn't her and she put up with all the ridicule thrown her way, believing in him and their love.

They even tried to marry her off while he was away fighting the enemies and securing their borders. But his lovely mate had weathered it all with a soft smile and silence, carrying on with her healing duties. She turned deaf to insults and threats.

And finally he could marry her in front of the entire pack with the Moon Goddess's blessings. When they parted, he rested his forehead against hers. "I love you," he repeated. "You and our pup." He cradled her belly. "You are my whole world, Jeongseon. Without you I'm nothing."

She cupped his face, delicate fingers caressing his cheeks. "And without you, I'm nothing. I love you with my entire being, alpha."

He closed his eyes, just staying and relishing that moment. Wrapped in each other's embrace and warmth, he savored every passing second. This was home. She was his home.

I can't imagine a day without you in my life.

***

Hoseok woke up to the gentle rocking sensation and calming sounds of water lapping against wood. He blinked his eyes open, feeling slightly disoriented but also strangely rested to some extent. Blue cloudy skies framed with tall canopies greeted him first. Second was the gentle chatter of his men.

He threw an arm over his eyes to cover them from the bright light. His mind still hazy and dulled by fatigue couldn't quite catch on what was being discussed. The familiar scents of his second-in-command Juwon and the healer, Heechul combined with fresh water and the trees drifted around him. Their sounds, though familiar, felt so strange and distant today.

He lifted a hand to rub it over his chest where his heart ached with emptiness, a hollow feeling that nothing but his mate could fill. It throbbed deep in his chest, making it harder to breathe. The pain spread across his chest, constricting his lungs. It was a constant reminder of what he lost.

Suddenly everything was back at him with full force. His last memory was of their encounter with the enemy camp. His hand instinctively moved to his hip to grip his sword and eyes shot open to take in his surroundings. The cold steel of the sword was a relief and assurance he needed in those few moments of confusion clouding his mind.

Did they get captured?

Northerners didn't capture alphas. They discarded them and threw their bodies away like trash. So he tried to regulate his breathing and gather his thoughts, glancing around him discreetly.

But everything looked as peaceful as it could be. He spotted Juwon maneuvering the raft while Heechul sat on a wooden box next to him. No chains bounded him and he didn't smell any enemy's scent on him. He glanced down to see his armor was removed and set aside next to him. Someone had wiped him clean.

Jeongseon. His mate's name surged to the front of his mind and his chest tightened once more painfully. She was out there. She might be scared and in pain. The thought alone unsettled his wolf and washed away any ounce of weariness he was experiencing.

How many weeks has it been? The last night he spent in her embrace felt like a distant dream. A beautiful one. How long since he last saw her smile, heard her soft voice teasing him or felt the warmth of her hand in his? How long since he went to sleep with her in his arms and woke up at the crack of dawn to admire her flawless beauty?

Hoseok's stomach twisted at the thought of his pup. A gnawing fear along with dread filled him. What if they hurt her? What if their unborn child suffered because of his failure to protect them? It was a constant fear that plagued him.

The old healer said it was too early to give birth and the pup couldn't survive on his own outside of his mother's womb. That fact alone was his hope and comfort. But they didn't have enough time. Northerners were known to kill any alpha on the spot. If the unborn pup was an alpha born, then Hoseok knew the pup was in imminent danger.

Speaking of which, the said healer was right here with them. He glanced at the healer one more time. Iseul insisted on bringing a healer because she was sure Jeongseon wouldn't last until she made it back to the pack. She'd go into labor in the wilderness during the cold winter. So bringing the healer along was a precaution. They also packed several medicines to help the mother and newborn survive the harsh winter.

His chest tightened again at the thought. Jeongseon was supposed to give birth in the warmth of their home and surrounded by their loved ones. But now she was forced to endure the harshness of nature. If only he had been more vigilant.

Hoseok finally pulled himself together and gathered his thoughts. How long was he asleep? He remembered closing his eyes at the pyre. Then it was nothing.

Shit.

They were supposed to be moving. But now he alone became the reason for stalling. He tried to move but his body felt so weak that it wouldn't cooperate immediately. So he lay there blaming himself some more for his weakness.

Then finally after what felt like ages, he lifted his body using his elbows and blinked.

What?

A gentle splashing sound confirmed what he was beginning to comprehend. They were on a water bed. But how? Why was he on a raft? They didn't have one. Did they make one? How many days did it take?

He didn't have an answer. He then slowly pushed himself up, his body stiff and sore. They were on a raft, gliding gently along the river. To the side, he noticed his most loyal warriors trailing on their horsebacks on the river bank. Two wolves ran along the edge of water in their shifted forms, vigilant as ever.

"Juwon," he croaked, throat dry and parched, voice raspy with fatigue.

"Head Alpha." The second-in-command was in front of him in an instant. "You're awake," he said, voice filled with relief. "You passed out due to exhaustion," he informed him. "The healer said it was the days' worth of sleeplessness. How are you feeling now?"

"Like shit." He sat up, feeling his body throb everywhere. "How long was I out? How many days did we lose?" he asked. He needed to come up with a plan to catch up.

"Three days."

"What?" His eyes widened. "Why didn't you wake me up? Fuck! How are we even gonna catch up with that?" He glanced around, gauging the chillness of the wind. "Winter will start soon. We're going to lose her." His voice cracked.

"No, Head Alpha. We did not lose any time." Juwon waved a hand around. "Actually, we never stopped."

Hoseok glanced around with a frown. "Where is this raft from?"

"It belongs to the Northerners. We found this raft and a few boats while scouting the river bank that night. In the morning, when you didn't wake up as expected, we had to come up with something. The healer said your body is recuperating and you needed this rest. We couldn't afford to stop and waste time, however, we also didn't want to wake you up. So we decided to divide into a few groups. Two of them are traveling ahead of us in the boats with some of the heavy gear. Those who wish to rest can sleep this way. We are taking you in the raft and the remaining warriors are following us on land. They're bringing our horses. We switch whenever we stop to rest and eat. And we also don't stop more than a few hours at a time. This way we can continue traveling without wasting time. This time of rest has also been sufficient for our horses."

Relief flooded him. "We didn't stop," he murmured. "Where are we?"

Juwon immediately produced the old map and laid it out in front of him. "You gave me a rough direction we are headed toward and marked a few spots for us to look at. So I've been following that. We will reach our first point tonight." He tapped his finger on one point. "We're expecting a severe thunderstorm so it's safer to take shelter at night. We will have to abandon the raft and boats because these parts of the river become unsafe for travel during the downpour."

Hoseok nodded, finding the idea clever. Glancing at the sky one more time, he spotted the anvil cloud, which was also a mature stage of a cumulonimbus cloud. It indicated severe weather, including thunderstorms and unpredictable downbursts. Some areas were known to have hailstorms.

"You did great, Juwon." He took Juwon's extended hand and stood up with a groan. His body protested but he ignored it. "Your quick thinking has saved us a lot of trouble." He squeezed his second-in-command Juwon's shoulders. "Thank you."

"It's my duty, Hoseok." His best friend smiled at him, letting go of the formalities for a brief moment. "Come on. We made some nourishing soup for you. You'll need your strength for the arduous journey ahead."

Hoseok nodded, following him to the other side of the raft where there was another wooden box. He sat on it and accepted the wooden bowl the healer handed to him. The older omega then proceeded to pour some delicious soup into his bowl and handed him a piece of bread.

"Did we encounter anyone else?" he asked.

"No, Alpha Jung. Talon has gone out hunting and we're looking for a shelter tonight. So far we didn't encounter anything unfriendly. We also managed to find some fresh meat. So our ration for the winter is looking good."

"Okay. Have you eaten?"

"Yes, alpha. We all have. Eat up and rest some more. We will switch to the lands at the first sign of a thunderstorm or possibly find a shelter before that."

"Okay."

He took a deep breath and began to consume the soup. Juwon went back to maneuvering the raft. If they could reach the Round-Topped peaks by nightfall, they might be able to find a cave to pass the thunderstorm.

Though he was worried that these weather challenges may delay the search, he took comfort in the knowledge that they were one step closer to his mate. When he searched through the bond one more time, he could tell they were moving in the right direction.

Also he could feel the bond pulsing stronger than before. They were still so far, yet closer. He exhaled, gaze lingering on the horizon as his heart once more grew heavy. The woods and the river stretched endlessly ahead of them, looking dark and foreboding.

He closed his eyes and reached for the small chain on his neck—one of the courting gifts Jeongseon gave him before their mating. The pendent was a wolf carved in metal and blessed by their priest at the Moon Goddess temple.

"It's for your protection. Never take this off," she had told him, securing it around his neck. "The chain is big and won't break when you shift into your wolf form."

His thumb caressed the metal wolf, tears burning the corners of his eyes. Where are you, Jeongseon? Her smiling face surfaced behind his closed eyelids. He could almost hear the tingling sound of her laughter and see how her eyes lit up when she cradled her baby bump. That smile was his driving force. The determination and desperation to see that smile one more time was his only fuel.

A lone tear slid down his cheek. "I'll find you, my love. I'm sorry I gave into my exhaustion and almost slowed down the others. Juwon's quick thinking saved us this time. I'm going to try hard and stay vigil. I'll bring you and our pup home at any cost."

It wasn't just Jeongseon, though. He had to find every omega that was taken from their pack and avenge every alpha and beta's death by the hands of the Northerners.

Determination hardened his features. He would tear this world apart if that was what it took. And he will bring every single wolf back.

***

A/N: This is the last update before I leave. This will be on hold like all other updates until I'm back. Check notes on Jungkook's babysitting guide or One Step closer for more details.