⚠⚠A/N: The last part of this chapter was emotionally draining to write. The tags you read at the beginning of this story applies from this chapter heavily. The last half of the chapter where Jeongseon's pov starts is not for everyone. Those who are weak-hearted, please skip to the end.⚠⚠

Words: 10.1k+

The trip back and forth to the Park pack has changed Jungkook in a lot of ways and uplifted his spirits in a way he never knew was possible. It marked his first trip since the event that led him to lose his vision.

The experience he gained during this time and the people he met had stirred something deep within him. The familiar fear and doubts that clouded his chest prior to his leaving has now morphed into a sense of duty and responsibility. The guilt of not being able to contribute to the pack has now faded into the background with a renowned sense of purpose filling him.

Namjoon had told him last night how beneficial his union with Jimin had been to the pack. Now they had enough rations to survive the winter along with rare medicinal herbs that were required to treat the seasonal and other illnesses, especially their pups.

After bearing the shame of living as an extra stomach to feed for years, he has only been beginning to establish himself, hunting for himself. Maybe this would shut a lot of stray mouths and allow him to walk through the village without having to put up with their whispers.

Seokjin was a generous head alpha. "This is my way of making amends for everything we failed to do as a pack to yours in the past," he had said. "We have plenty and I'm only happy to share them with your pack."

Though Jungkook refused monthly rations from the Park pack, Seokjin adamantly added more food and resources to their caravan, saying it was out of good will.

Namjoon was relieved and hopeful that this winter their losses would be less compared to last year. Jungkook hoped so too, but the gnawing sensation of danger lurking just beyond their borders unsettled him.

The trip had been quite adventurous since the beginning. It was also eye opening to some extent and broke any illusion of safety and brought him out of the false sense of security. They were in danger. The entire journey had served as a stark reminder for the traveling party with how disconnected they were with the world outside their borders.

Honestly, they had no reason to step outside the borders considering the Park pack had their trade routes closed for them. Surrounded on the other two sides by mountains, the only other way was the river. But that too had become too dangerous for travelers.

Fortunately, Taehyung's timely actions and calm demeanor in guiding the warriors had helped them until Namjoon arrived and took over. There were no casualties or severe injuries, which was a relief.

As for the enemies, they were all killed. Their bodies were taken deep into the forest to be burned. As Jungkook paced restlessly, he wondered if there would be another wave.

They all repacked and moved closer to the riverbank. Their makeshift camp was devoid of tents since Namjoon announced they would leave early in the morning. They couldn't risk another attack after all.

This attack was too close to home. If the Northern wolves had ventured this far into the land, then there was no saying how far they had infiltrated and how long they were lurking. But it was at least clear that they were watching and biding their time for the right opportunity to strike.

Jungkook paced along the river bank restlessly. His mind spun with his racing thoughts. The acrid stench he smelled earlier still seemed to cling to him. His agitation was palpable. He ignored the dull throbbing from scratches and cuts he received during the fight or all the bruises forming under the tunic along with his growing anxiety. That barely mattered now. He couldn't wait to get back to his pack.

If they were able to infiltrate the strongest pack in the East and take their head omega, how long did they have before they infiltrated in the Kim pack? Sometimes it hurt Jungkook to know that their pack wasn't as strong as the Park pack.

Jungkook's wolf shifted inside him, mirroring his unease. Every breath he took felt heavy and burdened with the knowledge of an inevitable war in the coming days. The calm of the flowing river was such a contrast to his restless mind.

Suddenly the words of the high priest reverberated in his mind. Beware that the enemy is restless. The day that you and your mate is called upon to defend your people is growing close. The trials and tribulations are waiting to test you. Danger will surround you. Those were her words to Jimin. Jungkook swallowed the lump that formed in his throat.

They haven't even reached the Kim pack yet, but it felt like the foreseen trials have already started. The Northerners have always been a problem, even before he was born. They were taught everything they had to know to survive an attack at a young age.

By the time he was five-years-old, Jungkook knew every underground hideout within their pack grounds. He knew not to make a peep and follow his mother quietly to their hiding spot and wait until the horizon was clear.

Northerners were a force to reckon with and they always came in huge numbers. Most of the time, it was overwhelming. It didn't help that they were brutal and barbaric. None of the messengers sent by the surrounding packs, seeking peace, returned alive.

Over the years, their numbers had only dwindled and became one of reasons why they kept to themselves. When the merchants eventually stopped coming and only a few traders braved the dangers of their river routes to exchange their goods at the Park pack docks, they were barely getting by.

No one knew how worse these travel routes have become and how prone to attacks they were until now.

Namjoon had already sent two warriors ahead of them to their pack, instructing them to never stop anywhere. They would deliver the message. For now, they didn't need a backup or so they hoped, but the pack would be alerted of the enemy lurking beyond their borders.

Jungkook wondered if this has always been their attack tactic. His mind raced with several questions. What if they had always infiltrated the lands and waited to attack only during the winter? What if they were too clever to clean their tracks? The truth and the possibility of his suspicions becoming right made him more restless.

This problem was beyond his control. If anything, he was sure, there would be another attack this winter and they were barely prepared. He no longer involved himself in the preparations to defend their pack, but he didn't think that would be the case this year.

Heavy footsteps crunching dry leaves and gravel approached him, bringing with it the thick scent of patchouli.

"Jungkook, you good there?" Namjoon's deep voice broke the silence as he came to stand beside him. "Did you get checked by the healer?" Concern filled his tone and radiated in his scent.

A gentle hand traced the previous injury on his chest. The skin had closed but it left an angry, red bruise that ached if he strained too much. But the pain faded in comparison to the events unfolded in front of his eyes.

"There's no need," he answered. "They're mild scratches and cuts. Jimin will help me clean up once he's done helping them."

Namjoon was silent for a moment. Jungkook imagined him nodding his head. He heard his feet shifting in place as if Namjoon turned away to face the river.

"What did you find?" Jungkook looked at the general direction of his brother. After the fight, they had gone to the location, where Jungkook their scent to investigate further.

"Corpses," Namjoon said in a monotonous tone. "Those wolves were dead for days."

Jungkook frowned. "Those weren't animal remains I smelled?"

There was silence for a brief moment as if his brother shook his head. "No." He cleared his throat. "Looks like a nomadic pack, considering their clothes and so on. We found the remnants of their camp. The tents were torn apart and their supplies were scattered. We could see the signs of a brutal attack. There wasn't much left. The Northerners must have killed them and salvaged everything else." He exhaled. "There were pups, omegas..." His brother drawled, his distress evident in his voice. "We gave them a proper burial. That was all we could do."

"When did the bandits and rogues become so brutal?" Jungkook mused. "Rogues stole clothes and food but kept to themselves. Then the bandits mostly attacked the merchants, didn't they? Why did they kill those omegas and pups? Didn't Seokjin say they were usually taken? What are we missing here?"

"I don't know for sure, Jungkook. But they must have been useless to the Northerners." His brother shifted in his feet. "Their settlement was very small. Around fifteen wolves. The Northerners must have been enraged when they didn't find anything."

Disgust filled Jungkook. What kind of honorless creatures did such a thing? Why?

"We're next," he said in an ominous tone. There was a sense of inevitability in his words that made Jungkook's blood run cold. "My suspicions were right. They're closer to our borders than we expected. At this rate, they will attack our pack at any time and the worst part is we don't even know from which direction they will come." He exhaled loudly. "They might not even wait until winter."

"They always came from the West," Jungkook whispered.

"They did. Not anymore." Namjoon sighed. "Looks like they changed their attack tactics. Or they have us surrounded already and waiting for the right opportunity." His words echoed Jungkook's unspoken thoughts and fear. "We're not prepared for this, Jungkook."

"What do we do? Will the Park pack enough warriors to deal with this situation?" His anxiety continued to grow. "How can I help?" he asked desperately.

"I'm not sure, brother. I only know that we don't have much time. We need to wrap that winter hunt as soon as possible and secure our borders. Protect our base at any cost," Namjoon said in exasperation. "We can't lose any more of our people."

Jungkook nodded. "We will figure out something. We have to."

"I want to keep moving but they're exhausted and we'll only make ourselves vulnerable to attacks by traveling in this condition," he added. "Rest tonight, Jungkook. Tomorrow, you'll lead the traveling group from the front. Myself and Yoongi will be in the middle and the back respectively. Let's get them home first and then we will discuss more."

"Okay. What else are you not telling me?" Jungkook had known his brother longer than anyone else to know how bothered he was with everything going on around them.

Namjoon took a deep breath. "I have a feeling that they have been following us since we left our pack and have been waiting for our return," he said honestly. "I've been discussing with Seokjin a few nights ago and ever since then, my suspicion has grown considerably."

Jungkook frowned. "You think?"

He couldn't see Namjoon's reaction but was sure he shrugged. His brother's silence only meant he responded with action. "Do you know how they got to Hoseok's mate?" he asked after a while.

"The Eastern Pack Head Alpha?" Jungkook shook his head. "No."

"They dug a tunnel that ran miles into their pack lands. Then they attacked from the North East and while the warriors were busy defending their pack, they struck from the North West."

"What?" Jungkook gasped. "How did they even manage that? I thought their wolves were all dead because of whatever plague they suffered."

He heard Namjoon taking another deep breath. "Northern Tribe used to be the biggest of all packs. From what I recall, they saw the omegas as a weak gender and believed they only slowed them down. Also they had a higher rate of alphas due to some reason that omegas were less. Our father once said that one omega from their pack would have multiple alphas as their mates and they were only seen as breeders."

"That's vile." Jungkook frowned, feeling the bile rise from the pit of his stomach.

"We may have to cancel the winter feast too," Namjoon continued. "I don't feel comfortable knowing what happened with the Eastern Pack could happen to us. It's nothing but a distraction and we may be offering an opportunity to the enemy."

Jungkook nodded thoughtfully. "Do what you must to protect all of us." He reached for his brother, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I trust you, brother. I know you'll do your best to guide us. Know that you'll have my never ending support in whatever you do."

Namjoon sighed, squeezing his hand. "I'm glad to have you back, Jungkook. It means a lot, brother."

Jungkook smiled tightly. "I wish I could do more, but I'll do my best. You can count on me."

Namjoon turned toward his brother. A moment passed in silence before a pair of strong arms pulled him tight into his body. Familiar patchouli and a potent musk of an alpha enveloped him. Jungkook involuntarily relaxed in his brother's hold.

"Your presence alone is enough to lift my spirits, brother," he said. "You're doing more than enough."

Jungkook nodded. "There's something we have and they don't. We have a greater reason to fight."

"What?"

"Family," Jungkook whispered into his brother's shoulder. "We won't sit back and watch while they try to destroy our home and families. We will fight with everything we got, brother. If I happen to fall, then I promise you I'll take at least twenty of them with me."

Namjoon chuckled. "Let's hope and pray that it doesn't come to that. Let's hope we can put an end to this with the help of the other packs." He pulled back to squeeze both of Jungkook's shoulders once. "Let's try and survive this winter."

Jungkook nodded curtly. "May the Moon Goddess guide and protect us through this winter."

***

When Jimin managed to get to Jungkook, the night had already fallen, blanketing the entire camp in a thick veil of darkness. A bon fire burned brightly in the middle of the camp while pack members lit fire torches all around the perimeter for more light.

Tonight they were on the edge. A few exhausted ones were already sleeping in the middle of the camp surrounding the fire. The air was cool, crisp with the scent of trees and damp earth. It was just like every other night in the woods, except there was a stillness to it, which was ominous. And the beta didn't like that.

Jimin's boots crunched on a grovel as he walked toward the lonely tent overlooking the river. The fire torch he carried in his hand illuminated the path. He balanced the salve in his other hand and his gaze was fixated on the lonely figure sitting on a rock.

Their tent was the farthest from all the other wolves. Maybe it was because they were newlyweds. Or it was because Jungkook was a light sleeper.

He bid good night to Taehyung only a while ago. Majority of the pack members were hurt and the number of people needing care overwhelmed the healer. Jimin and Taehyung volunteered to help, using their little knowledge.

While they weren't that great, Jimin prided in being able to suture a wound and patch up someone who wasn't severely injured. He could also identify every type of medicinal herb and tell them apart—even the hardest ones.

That was why the healer in his pack always summoned him and trusted him with harvesting the rarest herbs from deep within the forest. But he wasn't allowed to be trained as a healer because only omegas were allowed to be healers in their pack. Taehyung on the other hand could recognize various poisons and learned about the antidotes just by observing the healer.

Their knowledge in healing and herbs were always overlooked in their pack, considering they were outcasts. However, he saw their skills coming handy for the first time here in the Kim Pack.

Thankfully they also had a healer traveling with them from the Park pack to train a few people from the Kim pack regarding winter illness and treatments. Jimin was tasked to clean and patch up minor injuries while Taehyung was tasked with preparing herbal salves.

The beta found his mate sitting by the riverbank, the water softly sloshing around his feet. He seemed to be deeply immersed in his thoughts with an elbow pinned on the discarded tunic on his thigh while his blue gaze stared afar.

"Jungkook?" Jimin called as he approached. There was a subtle movement of Jungkook's head, but he still looked upset. "I'm sorry that it took longer than I thought. Turn this way, let me look at your injuries."

Jungkook obeyed almost immediately and turned to face him.

Jimin let his gaze roam all over his torso, searching keenly for any serious injury. His mate only had a few cuts and scrapes, which was great, considering how huge this fight had been. They had killed at least fifteen wolves. He didn't go to count and didn't bother asking with everything going on around him.

"I'm relieved that you didn't get hurt too badly this time." Jimin handed the fire torch to Jungkook. "I see you haven't bathed yet. Wanna do it together?"

Jungkook nodded. "I already left our dry clothes out." He smiled but Jimin noticed the subtle strain in it. The evening breeze also carried a subtle hint of his alpha's distress. The scent of flowing river subdued the usual spicy notes of cedar wood today.

"Okay." He reached for the fire torch. "Let me put this aside first."

But Jungkook just dipped it into the cool water, dousing the fire.

"What the —" Jimin groaned. "It's gonna take forever to light it now. Why would you do that?"

Jungkook, however, stood up nonchalantly, throwing it on the riverbank effortlessly and took the salve from Jimin's hand to put it carefully on the rock he was sitting on earlier. Jimin's eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness.

"Because I need only you right now," Jungkook said. "Would you swim with me?"

Jimin nodded first and spoke when he realized Jungkook wouldn't be able to see him. "Sure. You didn't have to be so dramatic for that, alpha. You know I'm dying to get you alone."

That drew a chuckle from Jungkook. Both of them silently discarded their clothes, save for their loin cloth and waded into the water. Jimin inhaled the fresh air deeper, allowing it to cool his body and relax him.

The camp was quiet now that the tension from the earlier attack was slowly dissipating. The night air was cool on his wet skin, carrying the sounds of rustling leaves and soft murmur of the flowing river. When he sank under the water, all the chaos from his mind disappeared.

A sense of calm filled him when he surfaced, smoothly breaking out of the water and glanced at his mate, who was calmly washing his body. Jimin swam to him, encouraging him to join him. Together, they swarm around, going back and forth a few laps before finding a cluster of rocks to rest.

The half-moon clung low in the sky and Jimin stared at its reflection on the water. "It's quite peaceful here," he commented. "Are we safe?" He glanced at his mate for an answer. "Please tell me we're alone and have no nosy wolves sniffing at us." He glanced around pensively. There was nothing but a river on every side and the trees looked too far away.

Jungkook nodded once. "Yeah, I don't smell or hear anyone else. I also circled this area twice. It's just us, frogs and the fishes."

Jimin laughed. "Good."

His gaze softened when he noticed the subtle tension coiling around the alpha's frame. His jaw was tight and shadows danced on his face. His dark hair fell messily over his forehead, which he pushed forward but stared aimlessly at the river.

"Something's bothering you," he observed. "I saw you talking to Namjoon earlier and there's all sorts of whispers going on around the camp." He wiped the dribbling water off his face.

Jimin might be patching up the warriors but his ears were sharp and his senses sharper. He picked up the whispers from around the camp and sensed how the atmosphere shifted once the patrolling party came back from burying the bodies.

His alpha took a shallow breath, the air heavy with anticipation. "Back during our mating ceremony, your high priest said the enemy is waiting for us," Jungkook said, voice low and full of trepidation. "Namjoon believes they were following us all this time. Waiting for the right moment. She was right."

Jimin's eyes narrowed. He could tell there was more that was bothering the alpha. "Yeah. She's very powerful, they say. Even the Easter Pack wolves come to visit her."

Jungkook drew in a long breath, glancing across the river. "They found a nomadic pack, all slaughtered and their camp ransacked." His voice grew heavy. "The Northerners are growing bold by the day."

The beta listened carefully, nodding and processing the information slowly. "I have a feeling that's not the only thing that's bothering you."

"No." Jungkook shook his head gently. "He told me how they managed to infiltrate the Eastern Pack." The alpha lifted his head, looking at his general direction, eyelashes fluttering as his gaze darted around. "We're not ready to face an attack of that scale, Jimin. The truth is..." He swallowed. "If they hit us during the winter, we won't survive it. We've been fighting them alone for all these years and every year we lose more wolves to their attacks. Our birth rate has reduced over the years." He averted his face. "Right now they could be surrounding us, just watching and waiting. We have no idea when they would strike." His fists clenched on top of his knees. "We're not ready. Even with the amount of warriors the Park Pack will send to help, we will never be ready."

Jimin put a hand over his clenched fists. "You're scared."

A shudder raked Jungkook's body. He flinched a little but said nothing.

"It's okay to be scared, you know," Jimin continued gently, voice sincere and showing concern. "My brother tells me that fear keeps us alive."

Jungkook swallowed and his scent that was hard to distinguish from nature shifted slightly to hint his distress. Jimin wished he could release calming pheromones like those omegas did. He squeezed the alpha's hand tightly instead.

"I am scared," the alpha admitted after a long pause. "I hate all this uncertainty. I hate things that are happening beyond my control. I feel..." His chest rose and fell for a beat. "I feel lost. I don't know what to do and I don't know how I'm going to save my people."

Jimin nodded understandingly. He didn't know how to assure him when this was the first attack he had been involved in. He has only heard how barbaric the Northerners could be. If it was bothering Jungkook to this extent, the situation must be dire.

"They could be burrowing underground right under our pack lands and we wouldn't know," Jungkook continued. "We'd be enjoying a nice meal outside and suddenly the Northerners are everywhere." Jungkook's body shuddered visibly. "I can't shake this feeling. I've never felt this helpless after I lost my eyesight. I used to think nothing else could make me feel the same way again." He exhaled loudly. "I was wrong."

The beta found the alpha's fingers, intertwining tightly. "I don't really know what to tell you or how to assure you that nothing will happen." He sighed. "I won't tell you it's gonna be okay or that nothing will happen. I just know that you're not in this alone." He scooted closer to the alpha. "We're in this together, alpha. We will fight together. The whole pack will. We will all fight together to protect ourselves and our families."

Jungkook's shoulders slumped. "But what if—"

"I don't know the future but you won't lose us, Jungkook." He cupped the alpha's face with one hand. "We'll get through this," his breath whispered over the alpha's cheeks. "I know we will. You heard the high priest. She said we will forge our path through this."

Jungkook nodded tightly, leaning more into his touch. "Thank you."

"Come on. Let's swim some more." Jimin tugged at his arm and they slid into the river gently.

The beta could understand his mate's fear. While he wanted to stay optimistic, he knew that alone wasn't enough. The Kim pack must be suffering more than they let on because they were cornered to one side and were disconnected from the outside world.

He sighed as they floated on the surface of the water, staring at the dark skies and the moon above.

Moon Goddess, the high priest said we should seek you out for guidance. I'm not sure if I'm doing this right, but thank you for saving us today. Our future is uncertain and full of fear. If you're listening, please shed some light in our lives and show us a path.

Jimin closed his eyes briefly, speaking to the moon as if she could hear him.

Please allow us to spend this winter safely.

***

Upon returning to the tent, Jimin dried himself up and dressed up warmly. The night was becoming colder thanks to the approaching winter.

The air carried a hint of moisture and a distant scent of petrichor. He could tell it was raining somewhere. It always rained here before the winter like a sign of changing seasons.

Jungkook was quiet and the only sounds remained were the gentle murmur of the wind and the flowing river. Now that the adrenaline has faded away, he saw the slight discomfort and subtle winces of his mate while walking. His movements were a little stiff as they approached the small tent.

Jungkook ducked inside, holding one side of the flap while Jimin grabbed a small oil lamp and lit it with some difficulty. The Park pack mainly bought their oil from the Eastern pack and got the rest from animal fat while the Kim pack seemed to use plant based oil mostly, animal fat or beeswax.

He envied the alpha who could move around in the dark unlike him. But his heart tightened in his chest as a soft ache filled the chest cavity. His alpha lost something so precious but still fought to live with it. He felt the respect he had for him deepening and something warm blooming from within.

He set the lamp on the floor and glanced at the handsome alpha.

Jungkook sat on the fur spread on the ground patiently waiting for him. He could feel the weariness weighing over his alpha and how he was trying his best to mask his discomfort. Maybe it wasn't that long since they met but Jungkook was easy to read if one paid attention.

The tent smelled familiar with their combined scents. Jimin deduced Jungkook took his time to scent the fur and brought their belongings here while he was busy tending injuries.

"Are you hurting anywhere?" he asked in a concerned voice, pulling the salve closer.

"Nothing I can't handle."

Jimin scoffed, noticing the faintest of grimaces crossing the alpha's features before he masked it with a smile. "Doesn't mean you should handle it."

The beta moved closer to examine him closely under the oil lamp. The alpha absent-mindedly brushed his fingers with a bruise on his side. The scar on his chest looked angry red. They could heal faster with proper medication, but the skin looked as if it was pulled.

"You don't have to pretend, alpha of mine," Jimin whispered, inching closer. "I can see you're in pain. Let me tend to you."

Jungkook let out a low chuckle. "I'm fine. Really," he tried to assure. "Just exhausted and in need of a good sleep."

"Yeah, sure."

"It's not as bad as it looks," the alpha said again.

"I believe you."

"I promise. It's not hurting that much."

Jimin chuckled low. "I said I believe you, alpha."

"Okay," Jungkook murmured but didn't look convinced in the least.

Jimin didn't believe him but he'd let the alpha have his minute victory. He reached for the salve, gently applying it over the cuts and scratches. "I'd have made you something to numb some of that pain but it'll make you drowsy. It's not good considering the situation we are in. So you'll have to bear with the discomfort for one night."

"Okay." Jungkook didn't look bothered at all. "It's not that painful."

Jimin continued to apply the salve, inspecting every inch of his skin. The alpha grimaced when he applied some on his angry red scar. "It makes me mad that it's still hurting you," he said. "Good thing you killed that stupid bear. I can't believe how close I came to losing you."

Jungkook's smile was soft and warm. "I'm really okay," he assured again. "It's just a dull ache."

"Doesn't mean I shouldn't take care of you," Jimin countered. "I'm allowed to fawn over you."

"Okay." Jungkook's features softened and he relaxed a bit. There was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "Take care of me all you want."

"Hmm...that's a good wolf." Jimin patted on his head with a wide grin. "My wolf," he added.

His fingers gilded gently over a slightly longer cut along Jungkook's shoulder. He then slowly moved his fingers over his neck and paused over his carotid artery, letting his fingers feel the warmth of the pulsing beat.

He had unconsciously moved closer to the alpha, his breath fanning his face. Jungkook's eyes darted toward him, long, thick lashes fluttering twice as his gaze landed on his face. Jimin watched the alpha with an intensity that thickened the air, charging it with something more.

Both of them learned at the same time, their lips meeting in a whisper of a kiss. Once. Twice. And thrice. They moved even closer. Jimin tilted his head to the side to kiss his alpha deeper.

The blowing wind blew off the lamp and he put the salve aside to cup the alpha's face with both hands. His breath mingled with Jungkook's and the intensity only continued to grow.

Jimin's chest heaved as Jungkook suddenly pulled him closer and tighter before changing their positions to hover above him. The alpha's hair fell messily over his forehead, his silhouette clearly visible in the moonlight falling over the opening of their tent.

"Are you hurt?" Jungkook asked. "What about the blood I smelled earlier? Was it big?" His hands began to trail all over his torso. "You ran away before I could check on you."

"It's just a scratch," Jimin whispered, catching his hand. "I'm fine."

"Do you think we can..." Jungkook drawled. "It's okay if we can't."

"We can," Jimin rushed to say. "I didn't get time to prep myself though."

Jungkook leaned forward to kiss him again. "Can I do it?"

"You want to?"

"Yeah." He nodded.

They undressed swiftly and silently before the alpha kissed him again thoroughly. Jungkook was eager when Jimin fumbled around their belongings to find the scentless oil. He drizzled some over Jungkook's long fingers and the alpha settled between his knees.

The alpha reached down to grip his ass and lifted his hip up, adjusting his position so his bum rested on Jungkook's knees. One hand trailed down his inner thighs, caressing the soft, supple skin while calloused fingers found his entrance, rubbing the oil around his rim gently.

Jimin's breath shuddered out, arousal coiling in his belly and cock jumping with need. One finger pushed inside carefully, allowing ample time for the beta to get used to the feeling before it moved in and out of him.

Jungkook littered kisses all over his legs, knees, inner thighs and everywhere he could reach while he worked his fingers inside him. The other hand that was on his knee now moved to grip his leaking cock, gently jerking it.

Pleasure shot through Jimin's body and he gasped, eyes rolling back to his skull when the alpha began to massage the most sensitive part inside of him. One finger became two and then became three until Jimin was writhing in pleasure, biting into his tunic to suppress the noises slipping out of his mouth.

"Relax, beta," Jungkook whispered.

"I'm relaxing." Jimin arched his back. "Your fingers are so good. They're so long and thick. Oh..."

Jungkook chuckled. "And you're shameless," he murmured.

Jimin's eyes flew open. He tilted his head to the side to stare at the alpha. "Do you not like it, alpha?"

"I like it," Jungkook answered instantly. "I love it the most."

Jimin hummed, relaxing once again. "I wasn't going to say I'd change if you dislike it," he threw at the alpha. "You're stuck with me for life."

Jungkook laughed this time. He fell forward to nuzzle into his neck. Jimin immediately wrapped his hands around his shoulder and held him tight. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Jimin felt his shaft nudging at his entrance gently. Jungkook shifted, allowing him to push inside him fully. The position was a bit odd for Jimin with his hips still perched on Jungkook's knees and they were hugging. But this position sent Jungkook's cock deeper inside of him.

Soon the alpha bottomed out and they kissed while they waited for Jimin's body to get adjusted to the intrusion. Jungkook moved only when Jimin wiggled his hips, giving him a sign that he was ready.

Jungkook ran a hand over his chest, teasing his nipples before he sat up on his knees. He gripped Jimin's hips with both his hands and then began to thrust inside him.

His movements were slow at first. Just the gentle rolling of his hips as Jimin gasped with pleasure. The delicious drag of Jungkook's pulsing length inside him was addicting. He wanted more of that.

The cock stretched him so good, filling him with heat. Jungkook leaned forward to kiss his knee and went back to hold him a little higher. Jimin didn't know how he was going to change his pace but he did.

When Jungkook's grip tightened on his hips and he threw his head back, Jimin knew he was going to be taken for a ride. Jungkook didn't disappoint.

Each of his thrusts was calculated, angling his hips in a way that he hit that sensitive spot with each thrust. Jimin moaned and gasped, clawing at the fur under him.

Jungkook's pleasure-filled grunts filled the space of the tent accompanying Jimin's moans.

"J-Jungkook, alpha...oh..."

Jimin threw his head back, lifting his hips to send the alpha's cock deeper.

"Beta," Jungkook growled. "You feel like heaven."

"Mhmm..." Jimin gasped again, eyes rolling back. "Keep going."

"Do you like it?"

"Fucking love it." Jimin's chest heaved with his erratic breathing. "Goddess, oh, fuck me harder."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Give it to me," Jimin demanded. "Don't hold back, alpha. I want it all."

Jungkook picked up his pace, fucking into him roughly, going faster and faster.

"Ah, yes, yes, fuck!"

Jimin had no words to explain the way the alpha made him feel. Once upon a time, he used to think he could never have a life like the others and he might probably end up living alone for the rest of his life.

But now here he was, married and mated with a bite. Then there was his insatiable mate, who knew how to make him feel good. Every time they were together, Jungkook took him to new heights.

Pleasure rippled through Jimin's body and he could only take and take what was given. His stomach tightened and heat flooded him. His thighs shook as he felt the onslaught of his orgasm approaching.

And when it did, it was earth-shattering. His vision blurred for a moment and he gasped through it. Jungkook didn't stop though. He fucked him through it all and roughly thrusting inside him until he too came inside him with a growl.

Jimin loved the way Jungkook's chest rumbled with his release. His shaft pulsed inside him, twitching as the knot formed. The alpha ground his hips against him, riding out his orgasm as his cock continued to release burst after burst of cum inside him.

"Kiss me," Jimin demanded.

The alpha was quick to kiss him. It was sweet, gentle and everything in between. Jimin smiled against his lips, savoring the way their lips moved against each other.

"That was amazing," he whispered to the alpha. "I can't wait to get you alone, where no one could hear us, and where we don't have to look behind our backs every time."

"Me too," Jungkook replied.

The alpha nuzzled into his neck, where his scent gland was located. Though he didn't produce strong pheromones like omegas, he was born with one. It was sensitive. He found out thanks to Jungkook.

"I'll keep you tied up in our bed back in our cabin during the winter," the alpha continued.

"Our cabin," Jimin repeated. "I like the sound of it. But no tying up. I'm a willing participant, who likes to touch you a lot."

Jungkook laughed. "Okay. No tying up then, but you aren't leaving my bed."

"I won't dream of it." The beta grinned. "You, me and winter."

"You, me and winter."

Jungkook rolled them over gently so Jimin was lying on top of him. Slowly, they relaxed in each other's embrace. Jimin patted on the fur, reaching for his short sword just in case and pulled it closer.

He then closed his eyes, listening to Jungkook's heartbeat and the sounds of the flowing river. Together, they drifted off, letting the world fade away. They weren't fully out of danger, but tonight at least they could catch a breath until they were alerted otherwise.

Several feet away, Namjoon perched on a tree, diligently watching the camp site, gaze scanning every direction for a movement and guarding everyone. While everyone slept around him, he stayed vigil, fearing another attack in the middle of the night.

His people needed rest and he would allow them one night before they have to travel again. The enemy might be watching, but so was he.

Namjoon's resolve hardened as he vowed to himself that he wouldn't allow them to harm his family or his pack. He'd fight them with everything he got.

***

"Please..." the omega begged. "Head omega, save my pup." Trembling hands clutched both hers in a tight, steel-like grip. "Please, I beg you."

The dimly lit tent smelled of sweat, fear and the faint metallic tang of blood. Head Omega Jeongseon's heat pounded in her chest. Outside the tent, she could hear the distant murmur of voices, clank of weapons, shuffling feet and everything else.

The omega's fear was sickly sweet and suffocating. It filled the air like a thick fog that Jeongseon could almost taste in her mouth. She released calming pheromones but it wasn't working on the delirious omega.

"Don't call me that," she hissed. They didn't know she was the Head Omega of the Eastern Pack. No one had a clue. "I'm only a healer."

The other omega nodded, bottom lip trembling. "Please," the omega whimpered. Her clammy hands, shaking like a leaf caught in a storm, reached out desperately to clutch Jeongseon's hands. "This pup is my only hope."

Her fingers dug into Jeongseon's hands with desperate strength. The head omega ignored the sting and kept her emotions calm. The terror she saw on the omega's face made her chest ache. The other omega's face searched her with a glimmer of hope.

"Head omega..."

"Shh..." Jeongseon put an index finger over her lips in warning and shook her head this time, eyes narrowing with a warning for her to mind her words. Her gaze darted to the thin material wall of the tent, which could be barely considered a barrier. Her own pulse thundered in her ears, fearing someone would overhear them. "I said to stop calling me that," she hissed.

"B-But my pup—"

"You will keep quiet if you wish to save that pup." Jeongseon's eyes blazed with amber that belonged to her wolf.

This omega's panic wasn't going to help their cause. Dan-bi wasn't supposed to go into labor for another three weeks, but she slipped and fell on her side while collecting firewood, which induced an early labor.

"It hurts," the other omega cried. "Help me. Hea—"

Jeongseon covered her mouth in exasperation. "You'll address me as a healer and nothing more. We can't risk them hearing anything. Understood?" Her whisper was almost drowned out by the soft rustling of the wind outside. "You must stay quiet about things like that."

People tended to do a lot of foolish things in pain and she couldn't risk it. The omega sobbed silently, body trembling uncontrollably. Jeongseon tightened her grip on her hands, trying her best to steady the panicking omega. She removed her hand from her mouth to put on her chest, guiding her to control and breathe through her pain.

"I don't want it to be an alpha," the omega sobbed, her voice softer than before. "Please...I can't lose my pup. We were trying so hard for seven years. I can't lose my pup."

"Shh..."

"Luna," she whispered. "They will kill my pup. T-They will kill him. H-Help. Help me."

Jeongseon's heart withered upon seeing her pain. The Northerners didn't spare any alpha pup born in the camp. It was similar to a new male coalition taking over a pride of female lions. The new leader killed the male cubs born into the pride. Despite the mother's attempt to save their cubs, the male lion would hunt them down until every last one of them was dead.

It was the same here. The Northerners allowed an omega or a beta pup to live. But the alpha pup—seen as a potential threat—was killed immediately after birth. The Northerners thought they were a sign of potential rebellion waiting to happen. Her chest constricted painfully and she clutched her own belly.

The baby was going to come soon and with it, the truth of their sub gender. A pup didn't develop its scent glands until much later and didn't have a scent of its own, but there were a few things that gave out hints of its sub gender.

While it's harder to tell apart a beta pup or an omega pup by a regular wolf, there were certain signs that told the healer what they had to know. It was easy to hide the gender of a beta pup. They could pass as an omega.

As for the alpha pup, the little bulge at the place where a knot would form once they hit their puberty gave them away. This wouldn't be the first pup she delivered in this camp and it wouldn't be the first to die.

Her scent must have given her fear away because the omega's crying grew louder once again. The rise and fall of her chest grew erratic and she gasped in pain due to severe contractions. "M-My pup."

Dan-bi came from a long line of alpha born families. There was a great chance she'd give birth to an alpha too. Jeongseon's head reeled. This was something she thought of long ago, but she had been thinking of ways she could protect this pup. Even last night, she'd been thinking about this pup.

When she fell asleep late into the night, it was the thought of having more time that offered her comfort. Maybe help would find her in those three weeks. By then Dan-bi would be safe to deliver her pup.

All her hope was in vain because Dan-bi was going into labor now. Right in the middle of her healer's hut, which was a mere tent that had seen better days. Her mind raced, trying to find a way to save the pup.

It's impossible.

The Northerners had another old croon omega, who they went to if they doubted any of Jeongseon's words. It was only her status as a healer that granted her some kind of immunity against their cruelty and torture.

"I can't let them take my pup away," the omega lamented. "Luna, t-they'll—" she broke off, a sob catching in her throat, her entire body tensing with another wave of pain.

Jeongseon closed her eyes. Shit. The assholes didn't know she was going into labor. She was supposed to inform them whenever an omega went into labor.

"Please..." she almost cried out. "You're too loud." She glanced at the tent flap again, fearing anyone could walk in right now. "They don't know you're giving birth. Please...I beg you. You need to be quiet."

Dan-bi's eyes widened and she nodded, pain twisting her features. She bit into her bottom lip as she cried silently.

"We will figure something out," Jeongseon whisper. "They might hear us. Please... You need to hold back."

Jeongseon pressed a firm hand to her belly, feeling another tremor raking through Dan-bi's lithe frame. The omega was already bleeding and the head omega did everything she could in her power to help her. Her life was in potential danger and Jeongseon was torn between rushing to the main healer's hut to fetch more medicine or keep this news to herself so she could think of a way to save the pup if it was an alpha.

"Luna," Dan-bi called. "Promise me," she demanded. "Promise me, you'll protect my pup. Promise you won't let anything happen to my pup."

Jeongseon's lips trembled as she stared helplessly at the omega. How? They were both trapped here. She wasn't the powerful head omega who could do anything in the Eastern Pack anymore. Here, she was a captive. The moment they learned of her true identity, things could change for her.

No, you can't let them find out. They will kill our pup as soon as they find out. Our pup is a threat to them regardless of its sub gender.

Jeongseon swallowed tightly. Despite their situation, her mind was quickly thinking of an idea. Dan-bi was close to giving birth. Her heart hammered in her chest as her thoughts raced. The moment the first cry of the child pierced through the air, the enemies would flock to the tent.

How could you tell a newborn to be silent? How in the world was she supposed to hide the wailing pup? But Jeongseon couldn't give up hope yet. There had to be something they could do.

What can I do?

What if she told them the pup was born dead and then hid it in her tent?

"Luna..." Dan-bi squeezed her hand so hard that Jeongseon almost cried out and muffled the sound by covering her mouth. "It hurts so badly. I can't..." She shook her head. "I can't do this."

"You have to," Jeongseon said, instilling enough urgency into her voice that Dan-bi understood their dire situation. "You cannot cry out. They'd find out," she continued. "You must keep silent and bear the pain. For your pup's sake, you can't cry out."

"I don't think I can..." Dan-bi cried, her entire body shaking violently with the sobs. "I can't."

"You have to." Jeongseon covered her mouth in a desperate attempt to silence her. "We don't have a choice."

Dan-bi's muffled cries filled the tent fueling Jeongseon's fears. It was only a matter of time before someone came to check on them. Jeongseon's thoughts were back at it again. If they could hide the pup and pretend it hadn't survived... But then she shook her head as if to shove aside that idea.

The captors always checked their tents in the morning and at night. But if the baby didn't cry right away...

Beside her, Dan-bi's breaths grew more ragged coming out as short gasps as the pain of another contraction tore through her. Jeongseon moved quickly between her legs and gathered some blankets. She had dilated enough and now she could see the head of the pup.

There's no time.

If I can wrap the pup tightly in this blanket and take it to my tent... Would that even work? How am I supposed to hide a crying pup there?

Please don't be an alpha, she prayed.

"It's time," she whispered to Dan-bi. "Cover your mouth. Bite into your hand. Do anything but cry out loud."

Please don't be an alpha.

"You need to push now."

Dan-bi covered her mouth with both hands, nodding silently and then she pushed.

"Push," Jeongseon encouraged her. "You're doing good. Give me one more push."

Jeongseon moved with practiced ease as her hands reached to guide the crowning pup out of its womb. Sweat beaded on her forehead and she kept her gaze trained on the pup.

Don't be an alpha.

"We're almost there," she whispered. "Bear it a little more."

Dan-bi nodded tearfully. The atmosphere grew thick with tension and anticipation as the pup finally slipped outside.

A boy.

Jeongseon almost cried in relief when the pup let out a faintest whimper, his tiny chest heaving with his first breaths. Her gaze immediately shifted to his genitals and her heart sank to the deepest pits of her chest cavity.

An alpha.

When she lifted her gaze to see Dan-bi, the omega had already grown pale. "An alpha," she whispered as if she'd seen a ghost.

Jeongseon bit her lip, muffling a sob as she carried the pup to Dan-bi.

The omega sniffled, "My precious little alpha." The newborn let out another whimper as she hugged him to her chest.

Hide.

Hide the pup.

Panic gripped Jeongseon.

How do I hide him?

Where do I hide him?

However, before she could do anything else the tent flap opened and in walked a wolf. Jeongseon's eyes widened and her face paled. She involuntarily stepped in front of Dan-bi to hide her from the intruder.

Si-u, the six-foot giant, who was also in charge of the camp didn't need to move her to see behind her though. His thick lips broke into an ugly grin and his nostrils flared at the unmistaken scent of blood and birth clung to the air. It was hard to mask certain scents.

"A pup," he said in a hoarse voice. "Weren't you supposed to inform the main healer first, Healer Jeong?"

Behind her, Dan-bi clutched the pup close to her chest, scrambling back weakly.

Jeongseon tried her best to mask the trembling in her body. "It was an emergency," she said in an unwavering voice, averting her gaze to the floor so he couldn't see the truth in her gaze. "She slipped and fell."

Si-u took a step forward and Jeongseon fought the urge to step back. But years of head omega training had helped her stay put. "Doesn't sound too convincing to me." Si-u bent to search her face. "Why do I feel like our pretty healer is hiding something?"

"She's losing a lot of blood," Jeongseon gritted out. "I was going to call Healer Song."

Si-u tsked, cocking his head to the side with a disinterested look on his face. "That won't be necessary. Why waste such precious herbs on someone who might not make it past this night?"

Jeongseon's eyes widened and her head whipped to his face.

Si-u sported an ugly grin, his gaze sliding down her pregnant frame once. "She's dying, peaches." He grinned. "Now show me the pup so we can decide if she's worth saving."

Jeongseon stepped on his path when he tried to get to Dan-bi. Her hands trembled. "S-She's a new mother."

Si-u scoffed and stepped around her, one beefy arm shooting out to push her aside. "Get out of my way," he growled. "If you didn't smell so good, I'd have no trouble smacking you to the ground."

Jeongseon swallowed thickly as she helplessly watched him rip the pup out of Dan-bi's trembling hands.

"No!" Dan-bi screamed. "Please..."

Si-u took one glance at the pup's genitals and he scoffed. "So this is what you're hiding, huh?"

"Please..." Jeongseon went on her knees, ready to beg but froze on the floor when she heard that all too familiar snap.

"No!"

Another snap sounded, followed by a thud. Jeongseon couldn't move her limbs even if she wanted to. Her wolf cowered inside her, tail tuck between its legs as the horror of what just happened filled her. A shudder raked her body.

Si-u stepped toward her. His arm shot toward her again, gripping and tugging at her hair. He hoisted her to stand with just one pull. Pain shot through the back of her skull but Jeongseon didn't react.

"Trying to protect them so hard, huh?" he spat on her face with a look that would haunt Jeongseon in the coming nights. "The next time you go do something like this, peaches, it'll be you and this pup." He put a palm on her belly, squeezing it painfully until she cried out.

When he let her go, Jeongseon's knees gave out and she fell into a heap. A sob caught in her throat and broke free when she saw the lifeless forms of two wolves breathing only moments ago.

"No," she whispered. "Oh, Moon goddess please..."

Another sob raked her body and her hands instinctively moved to hold her belly tight.

"No."

Her body trembled as she knelt on the floor, tears spilling freely and streaming down her cheeks. She covered her mouth, muffling the heart-wrenching sobs that shook her delicate body.

"No."

I failed them.

Raw, icy fear gnawed at her. Her stomach twisted into knots and bile rose in her throat. As she vomited there on the floor, she could still feel the phantom heaviness of Si-u's hand on her. She could feel the way he had squeezed her belly with a cruel intent as if he already knew the fate of her own unborn child.

Jeongseon hugged herself tight. "Alpha," she cried. "Save us." Her body shook. "Please save us before it's late." Her hands tightened around her swollen abdomen. She couldn't lose her pup too.

Dan-bi didn't even stand a fighting chance. Si-u had ended both their lives without another thought. The brutality of her reality paralyzed her in fear. This would be her in a matter of weeks.

Jeongseon scrambled to the back of the tent when that thought settled in her heart. My pup.

Another sob tore through her throat, but she bit down on her lip so hard that she could taste her blood. She hadn't let herself break in front of them yet. They'd love that.

She was a feisty wolf, they loved to taunt and wished to tame once she had given birth to the pup. She was also the only hope to the wolves that were taken from their pack. She was the hope to every wolf trapped in this forsaken camp.

Her chest heaved with a sob after another. The pain was too fresh, too raw. Suddenly, the tent was too stifling. Like life was sucked out of it too. She began to crawl on her hands and knees, hands still painted with Dan-bi's blood and her bodily fluids. She could still feel the warmth of the pup in her palms.

I failed.

She cried.

I failed to protect them.

She had seen it too many times since she came here and she should have been desensitized to this. But the pain and the weight of grief was always the same.

Jeongseon swallowed hard as she slowly made it out of the tent. Outside, the sun had set and hence there was a lot of activity. One look at her crumbling form was all the others needed to see and knew what had happened.

She saw a few omegas crumbling down, breaking into sobs as she leaned against the large tree next to the tent. Her gaze found the heavy footprints of Si-u right next to it and realized he'd been there all this time.

He was listening.

Fear filled her. She gripped her chest, slamming down the rising panic as her gaze searched across the camp. She froze once more when she noticed Si-u staring at her from his perch on one of the tree stumps.

He knows.

His lips quirked to the side as if he could read her mind. She only released her breath when he averted his gaze to talk to someone next to him.

This is not the time to break down.

She needed to think. She has to be smart. Heavy footsteps approached the tent and her breath caught in her throat when the camp guards entered the tent. Jeongseon closed her eyes and tried her best to shut out the lifeless forms of Dan-bi and her son from her mind.

"Clean this up," someone barked, his voice cold and distant. "Carry it far away and discard them."

Jeongseon didn't respond. She couldn't even if she wanted to. The shock hadn't left her and her mind a swirling pool of thoughts.

As the guards carried the bodies outside, she closed her eyes and sent a silent prayer to the Moon goddess, praying for their peace. They would be taken away from here and thrown out into the open field with no care.

There were no sacred rituals or prayers. There was no mourning period. They were thrown out like trash as if their lives meant nothing. It was so horrible to be denied a proper burial, but this was their fate. They were all expendable.

Please give me strength. Protect my pup. She glanced at the skies, at the half-moon that hung low. Please guide my mate to me. Let me see him one more time at least. Please...

She didn't know if the Moon Goddess was even listening to their prayers anymore. If she was, she wouldn't have anyone doing such horrible actions, would she?

Jeongseon sniffled again. Her heart clenched painfully. It felt as if she was incapable of holding any more hope for her future. Her chest felt hollow now that she could no longer feel the bond she shared with her mate. The calm, reassuring presence was missing, taking a piece of her soul with it.

I have no one else to go to. Protect me, Moon Goddess. They say you always listen. That you're always watching. Don't you see the atrocities they do right in front of you? Help me. Show me a sign. Tell me, I still have some hope. Tell me it's worth fighting for my life.

The wind howled in answer, a cold gust sweeping through the camp. It came out of nowhere that it startled her a bit.

Can I take this as a sign?

There was no answer but there was a strange calm filling her mind. Jeongseon bit her lip and leaned against the tree, allowing the tears to fall freely.

I need to survive. I need to go back to my mate.

She has to stay strong. If not for her sake, then for the sake of the life that was growing inside of her. She had to stay strong so she could escape this nightmare.

Alpha, find us please. Find us before it's too late.

***

Somewhere far from the campsite, miles away in a cave, Hoseok sat up, breaking into cold sweat as thunder cracked in the sky.

Find us before it's too late.

His gaze flicked outside the cave, where the heavy downpour wreaked havoc. They had made it out to the cave just in time before the skies opened. He didn't realize he fell asleep against the wall.

The voice was clear this time; the tug he felt in his heart was painful. There was desperation and fear. He clutched his chest, wincing as he glanced around the cave. The mating mark on his neck throbbed.

His wolf snarled and clawed at him, restless and frantic to get to his mate. It was urging him to move, to hunt and find the ones that dared to harm their mate.

I'm coming, Jeongseon. I'm coming to get you. Hang in a little longer.

His breathing grew heavy and ragged. The storm raged outside but Hoseok's resolve was fiercer and far more deadly.

I'll find you and I'll save you, even if it costs me my life.

***

A/N: Thank you for waiting patiently. I'm back to work but will be slow here since I need to catch up with the backlog and other stuff. See you next month.