This chapter got longer than expected and I had to break it. Enjoy this 8k for now!

***

Taehyung was known for many things, but pining wasn't one. Never once in his twenty-four winters of life did he think he would be pining for an alpha. He also did not remember any alpha rendering him speechless.

Not even once. It was Taehyung, who rendered the others speechless and not the other way around.

And yet, here he was dumbfounded and too stunned to even move. His wide eyes stared aimlessly to the front as the stallion swallowed the distance with its thundering hooves. Yoongi's strong hands held the reigns, brushing his waist and for some reason, he felt the butterflies stir in his stomach.

When they reached the healer's hut, Yoongi jumped off the horse first, pulling him down without waiting for him to do so. Taehyung's cheeks stung but the alpha barely spared him a glance before dragging him inside the hut and demanding the healer to patch him up immediately.

The omega sat obediently as the healer worked on him, but his eyes were trained on the alpha, pacing behind the healer—dark, broody and handsome. His beige tunic clung to his lean muscles and pants hugged his thighs. Taehyung would happily let the alpha step on him with those leather boots.

Wait. What? That's gonna hurt. I take it back.

The omega grunted, shaking his head. The healer mistook the action as the reaction for pain and shushed him as if she would silence a pup, releasing calming pheromones. Taehyung huffed, letting her believe it. His wolf perked when he saw the alpha stop, his head whipped toward him and nostrils flaring.

Strangely and as opposed to Taehyung's biological nature, he flushed scarlet, averting his gaze to the floor. And that put the alpha's boots once again in his line of vision. Once again, he thought he'd definitely let the alpha step over him. Theoretically speaking, that's how much he was whipped for the alpha.

With a sigh, he glanced up again and noticed Yoongi was pacing again. He wanted to run his hands through the long, wavy hair of the alpha, maybe tug it a little while kissing him.

Stop right there. You absolutely cannot leak slick right now.

Taehyung adjusted, wondering if his scent betrayed him. He couldn't smell anything over the overwhelming smell of the herbs and other medicines in the room. He sighed, trying to think about anything and everything except the dark-haired alpha pacing the room with a predatory look.

Did he even realize how murderous his scent was right now? He was furious but it only fueled Taehyung's hope. Why else would this alpha claim him as his omega and behave like a possessive mate?

His cheeks stung again. The whispers of disbelief as Yoongi rode away with him on horseback still echoed in his ears. While Taehyung was still too stunned to speak, he couldn't help but think back to how they fit perfectly against each other.

Yoongi was moody and always had a distant look in his eyes. Honestly, he wasn't that tall compared to the other alphas in the pack, but it was this menacing aura that surrounded him and the way he carried himself that made him so intimidating.

When they stood together, Taehyung was an inch taller than the alpha, but that didn't make the alpha any less lethal. How else could Yoongi throw him on a horseback single handedly and stride out of there? Maybe Taehyung did leak a bit but the alpha was too furious to notice.

Taehyung was a misfit in his pack because as handsome as he was, the omega wasn't petite like most of the omegas in their pack. He wasn't demure or timid either. He was as tall as an average alpha or a beta with broad shoulders and tapered waist.

Perhaps it was his hereditary. That alone made him standout among all other omegas. Some would say he should have presented as an alpha but was born wrong. Taehyung didn't think so. He thought his wolf was the most alluring. The long line of wolves that vied for his attention in the Park Pack was the testament for that.

However, it was the first time Taehyung found himself vying for someone else's attention—an alpha, nonetheless. Min Yoongi—a widower and a wolf that had given up on living. A wolf that was slowly withering away. And a wolf that had no future unless...

Taehyung shook those thoughts away. Chances were that Yoongi would continue to reject him and if Taehyung were to imprint on him, his fate would be that of the alpha. Yet, he found himself drawn to the alpha for some reason. Though, he couldn't pinpoint one reason why the alpha was worth the risk.

The omega knew this feeling wasn't just an attraction. He has experienced attractions before. That feeling would fade away. But not this. Yoongi intrigued him unlike any other wolf. The alpha's scent was his favorite and to add more to his list, he was righteous.

The alpha said he didn't care but deep down he felt that was a lie. He hoped it was a lie. Why would Yoongi claim him as his omega and publicly announce that he had accepted his courting gift?

Taehyung let out a long drawn sigh.

Yoongi came to stand beside the healer. The omega's face lit up and he opened his mouth to say something.

"Don't," Yoongi growled.

"I didn't even say anything." Taehyung pouted, hissing when the healer touched the sore spot on his face.

"And keep it that way."

The omega huffed, but said nothing. Now that his adrenaline rush has settled, he began to feel the pain of the hits he took. He grimaced more than he'd liked to admit. The aftermath was always worse. If it was him and Jimin, they would joke about their injuries, curse at their rivals and go to drink afterward.

That asshole had gotten him good. He was sulky that he couldn't tear that smirk off Dae-jung's face. They were interrupted before he could. However, Yoongi standing beside him, watching the healer's every move with hawk-like eyes was a reward. Whenever Taehyung hissed, Yoongi's eyes would shift colors and he would clench his hands.

Did he realize how his wolf was behaving around me?

So to test his theory, Taehyung did it even when it didn't hurt and the warm gooey feeling in his chest was all the same. Both didn't speak a word about Yoongi's public claim on him. Oh, Taehyung had so much to say. This just wasn't the time or place.

The omega also couldn't wait to tell everything to his best friend. Jimin would be so thrilled. Several things have happened since that morning. Maybe Taehyung should have gotten Jungkook to buy the things but he didn't want to delay their travel so he had left early with another wolf.

He also wanted to bring some souvenirs back home. Only he hadn't been able to complete the shopping. His pout grew deeper. Jimin would have loved that ivory comb. It was expensive and the Jeon pack was really good in hand crafted items.

"All done." The healer moved back. "Apply this salve on your bruises and it'll fade soon enough. I'd recommend a hot compress for your ribs, but since you'll hit the road soon, I'll make something with herbs that'll help. Just tie that around your ribs and it'll help with the pain."

Taehyung thanked the healer and glanced at the alpha. Now was the time. "Alpha, can you get us two boxes of peaches?" He batted his lashes, pulling his best puppy eyes at Yoongi. "I really wanted to bring them to Jimin and my family. How else am I supposed to convince them Kim pack is the best fit for me? If mom could see all these goodies from the Kim pack, she wouldn't put up much fight," he continued.

Yoongi rolled his eyes, clenching his jaw as if he wanted to say more but was holding back.

"Oh, and that fox fur shawl I saw earlier. We don't have that color foxes in our forest. Would you be a dear and fetch me one of those?"

"Omega." Yoongi's voice was calm and controlled, but full of rage.

Was it meant to be a warning? Or was it aimed to just shut him up? It had an entirely different effect on Taehyung, though. This time he couldn't even control his body's reaction. His honey-like tulip scent sweetened.

Yoongi's eyes grew wide and he just stared at the omega in disbelief while the healer just made an abrupt excuse to leave them alone.

"Don't look at me like that," Taehyung whined. "It's not helping."

Yoongi scoffed with a shake of his head. "What were you thinking?"

Taehyung blinked innocently. "Um...nothing specific?"

The next thing he knew the alpha lunged at him, bunching the front of his tunic and hoisted him up. Taehyung's toes touched the ground and he leaked some more at the blatant display of strength and the alpha's scent laced with fury wasn't helping.

"Can you be a responsible idiot for once?" Yoongi thundered. "Dae-jung is one of the best hunters of our pack. He could have killed you today. What were you thinking?"

Taehyung blinked again. Was this alpha worried for him? "Ah, how to cleave his balls?"

Yoongi groaned. "You're impossible. I'm so fucking mad, Omega. Don't try me. Do you even know what would have happened if I hadn't claimed you as my omega?"

Taehyung's features softened, pushed by his wolf to calm the alpha. He was a stranger and the alpha shouldn't worry too much. Wolves fought all the time. If one died during the fight, it was their choice and fate. The other wouldn't be held responsible. Life just moved on.

He released calming pheromones and observed how the alpha inhaled, his eyes fluttering momentarily and his grip on his tunic loosened a bit. He slowly let him down, one of the hands rising to trace the bruise on his neck. Yoongi's eyes turned murderous once more.

"I'm not a helpless omega," Taehyung said softly. "If they hadn't intervened when they did, Dae-jung would have walked ball-less for the rest of his life." He grinned. "He was too focused on choking me that he didn't notice the dagger I had on his precious jewels."

Yoongi stared at him in disbelief. "You still don't realize how serious and fucked up this situation could have been."

Taehyung's smile didn't waver. "That's the thing, alpha. It wasn't. I had it under control and I'm in your lands. I knew you would come sooner or later. All I had to do was stall them from doing serious damage."

Yoongi regarded him for a long moment before his face hardened again. "It meant nothing," he said, his index finger pointing at him as if to get his point across. "It was just something I said to stop a dispute from arising. This mating means our pack survives this winter and our elders have predicted it was one of the hardest we ever had to endure. Jungkook hasn't smiled in ages and for some reason he looks light hearted these days. I won't let anything get in the way of this mating ceremony. Not even you."

Taehyung scowled, gripping Yoongi's index finger. "You can't take it back now. You said it yourself. I'm your omega."

"My omega is dead!" Yoongi snatched his hand with a scowl.

The omega almost flinched, feeling a little pang in his chest. His voice fell when he spoke again. "Maybe with time, you'll find space for one more omega. I understand she will always be a part of your life. But can't you make a little more space for me in your heart? I won't take up much. Just a little is enough."

Yoongi stared at him, his gaze intense and scrutinizing. The omega almost expected a rejection but the alpha sighed. "I'm a dead wolf walking. I can't give you love. I'm not capable of loving another." He stepped back. "Stop wasting your time on me. Find another wolf to court. Jungkook or Aera can recommend someone suitable for you, but remove the thought of mating me from your mind."

"I don't want anyone else," Taehyung said stubbornly. "My wolf is taken with you. You're a capable and righteous alpha in our eyes. We can't look at another wolf when we know you exist."

"This is no fairy tale, omega. You're signing up for heartbreak," Yoongi growled, eyes bloodshot in a matter of seconds. His scent pulsed with frustration and a hint of anger. "You're a fool to keep such preposterous request."

Taehyung wasn't a quitter. When he wanted something, he went after it. "Then let me love you." He notched his chin, staring into the alpha's eyes with challenge. "You don't have to love me back. I won't ask you again." He exhaled and drew a deep breath with a determined look. "Just living by your side is enough."

"You don't know what you're asking for."

"I won't bother you. We can be friends, maybe a good team. But let me be there for you." Yoongi scoffed, backing off, but Taehyung took a step toward him. "You got nothing to lose," he pushed, knowing he was testing the alpha's limits. "What are you afraid of?"

"You gotta be nuts?"

"Maybe." Taehyung smiled. "I know I like you and I'm not afraid to admit it. You can continue to reject me, but I don't need your permission to love you. I won't demand anything you aren't willing to give. But I won't stop."

"Omega!"

A warning.

"You have to kill me to stop me, alpha."

A righteous alpha like him would never lift a finger against an omega. At least that's what he believed. Taehyung was playing a dangerous game. Still he wasn't afraid of this alpha. Not even when his scent spiked with a threatening note.

Yoongi's face contorted dangerously, fists balled by his sides. They stared at each other for a few seconds. Then with a furious growl, he stormed out of the hut. The door slammed shut behind his back.

A smile tugged at Taehyung's lips. "I'll be yours one way or another. Just you wait while I charm your pants off." He huffed, grimacing at the pain. Then he grabbed the salve and the herbal pouch the healer left for him, trailing after the alpha with bounce in his steps.

***

Yoongi stormed out of the healer's hut, scent troubled and laced with fury. This omega was impossible. He didn't know what he was talking about or what he was asking for.

Courting him was like courting death. His wolf wouldn't accept another wolf. Ever.

He clenched his fist. Then why was he feeling this uncontrollable urge to kill Dae-jung for hurting the omega? Why was his wolf furious to see those nasty bruises forming in his face? From the moment in the market till now, he was fighting against his every instinct to hunt the bastard down.

Taehying wasn't his omega. His mate was dead. He didn't owe anything to this omega. Yet.

What are you doing to me?

The alpha ran a hand over his face with a frustrated growl. His wolf hadn't felt calm in years. Mina was his anchor in the storm. She always grounded him with soft smiles and gentle speech.

Yoongi 'the rabid' they called him. Because he was savage when it came to hunting and the way he treated trespassers. Those Northerners deserved no mercy. They were a plague to this land and he wouldn't stop until he took care of every one of them. When he got his hands on them, he made an example out of their deaths to show what would happen if someone hurt their pack members.

There were only a handful of wolves that weren't afraid of him. After Mina's death, they avoided him even more. If not for his position in the pack as Namjoon's second-in-command as a trusted advisor of the pack, they wouldn't even bother mingling with him.

In their eyes, a rabid wolf that lost his mate was dangerous. A concoction for a perfect disaster. Yet, he hadn't gone crazy like the others before him. His thirst for blood had only increased and he became even more uncontrollable than before. And since he didn't fear death, he also became reckless, living up to his nickname.

Several wolves demanded the pack head alpha to remove him as the advisor and the head of the hunting parties. But his best friend, Namjoon refused to do so. But Yoongi knew a day would soon come where Namjoon would have to make a choice because his wolf was slowly losing it.

Then Taehyung appeared. The first time, the emissaries arrived at their pack borders; Yoongi was there to greet them.

An omega stumbled out of the carriage first, feet slipping and ready to face plant on the forest floor. But Yoongi, who had been closer to the carriage door in order to welcome the Park Pack alpha's son, had foreseen the oncoming disaster, promptly catching the omega.

Taehyung crashed face first into his chest, hands fleeing to the alpha's chest. However, he didn't straighten immediately as Yoongi had expected. Instead, the alpha stiffened when he felt the omega nuzzle into his chest before glancing up with a dazed look on his face.

When their gazes connected, Yoongi felt his wolf stir for the first time in years. It shifted in his chest, a surge of protectiveness washing over him at the same time too stunned with the most beautiful wolf looking straight at him.

"Hi," Taehyung muttered almost dreamily. "My name is Taehyung. I'm one of the advisors from the Park pack. Thanks for helping me."

Yoongi just grunted, forcefully straightening him and pushing him to a respectful distance before turning to greet Seokjin, the future Head Alpha of the Park Pack. From there on, he ignored the curious stare of the omega and barely glanced at his direction during the meetings.

Taehyung wasn't subtle, though. It was hard to ignore the stars in his eyes and the blatant interest he showed since the first day. He had no clue why the omega fancied him. No one wanted to be associated with a rabid wolf waiting for its death. Then Taehyung defied all norms.

Yoongi didn't just expect him to offer a courting gift out of the blue. Though it was disguised under the pretense of convenience, Yoongi knew better. Taehyung meant every word because he saw the way, the omega shrank back and his smile fell when he outright rejected him.

"Can't you make a little more space for me in your heart? I won't take up much. Just a little is enough."

Yoongi clenched his fists. The overwhelming urge to embrace the omega right then had no explanation.

What the fuck was that?

This omega was volatile and lethal to his heart. Yoongi hasn't felt this way in years that it felt like a betrayal to his mate. Since childhood, Mina was the only wolf he'd been close to. The only omega he had his eyes for.

Yoongi always knew what to expect in any type of situation. However, this was the first time the alpha was clueless. Taehyung was an idiot. What fool would waste his time on someone like him? Why?

The alpha clenched his jaw. Why would an omega full of life, the one with a bright future ahead, want to spend the rest of his life with someone like him? Why was he hell bent on loving Yoongi?

Why?

***

The village square was more crowded than usual. There was a buzz of anxiety and nervousness accompanied with uncertainty, radiating from the assembled wolves. Disagreements didn't arise in the Kim pack that often. They all lived in harmony and always resolved conflicts of such nature in a peaceful manner.

This time, however, a few pack members have openly defied the Head alpha. If Namjoon focused more on all the different scents they were emitting he would smell fear too. The cause of all that stood in the center, looking unapologetic as ever.

Dae-jung had always been a hot-headed wolf. He was also competitive, coming second to Jungkook and worked hard to be the best. After Jungkook's accident, he took over the hunting group Jungkook used to lead. While he ensured no one felt Jungkook's absence, Namjoon thought this wolf might be a little more ambitious than the rest of them.

"I won't apologize because I did nothing wrong." Dae-jung notched his chin and squared his shoulders. "I have every right to express my displeasure with this arrangement. The others are too afraid to speak but I'm not."

The scents of fresh apples and wild berries wafted toward him and he didn't have to turn to see his mother and mate's arrival. The men behind him parted, giving them space to pass through.

"You have grown quite brave, Dae-jung." Aera joined him, sharp eyes trained on Dae-jung. Her long hair swayed in the wind.

"You too came a long way from being the scrawny pup you used to be," Dae-jung shot back. "People change."

Namjoon narrowed his eyes, hands balling into a fist as he stood behind his father's chair. The village square was filled with their pack members, who came to witness the trial. So far only Dae-jung was identified as the one picking fights and questioning the pack's decision to arrange a mating between Jungkook and Jimin.

Aera grinned, caressing her bump. "I can see that. Some people change for the better but in your case it's certainly the opposite." Someone brought two chairs and she whispered thanks before taking a seat. "Trying to please the omega you're fancying, I see."

"Guess you're as short-sighted as ever," Dae-jung sneered. "Or you willingly chose to overlook the most important matters because your dear friend and brother in law is finally getting a mate. The Park Pack never cared about us. All these years they ignored our pleas for help. They wouldn't open their pack roads for us to travel through during the winter and our pack always loses pups and elders due to lack of food and medicine," he accused. "Now they have come seeking peace and you guys believe their words just like that? They're not here because suddenly they care for our pack. They're here because they have no place to dump an unwanted beta."

Namjoon growled and felt his brother stiffen beside him. Jungkook was much better at controlling his anger compared to him. A twitch of a muscle on his jaw was the only sign of his fury.

Their father on the other hand was the epitome of calm. They weren't alone in the trial, though. Future alpha heir Kim Seokjin was there with his group while Taehyung was still in the healer's hut. They were supposed to start their travel this morning but this unexpected event had delayed their departure by several hours. Namjoon also worried how this would make them appear in front of the Park Pack.

"He is right," In-su piped in. "We don't need them. We can take care of ourselves like we have done all these years." His nostrils flared. "They don't care for our pack or us.

"The Park Pack is going to have a new leader soon and the future Head Alpha Kim Seokjin doesn't share the same vision as his father," Namjoon said. "He believes it's time to change things for the benefit of both our packs and we don't see why not?"

Dae-jung scoffed. "This is just an excuse to marry off their beta. If he's hell bent on this, he could have chosen an omega to marry from our pack too. That would have been a better choice."

Namjoon gritted his teeth. These wolves weren't here to listen to the reasoning. They were here to stir trouble. He didn't know how long they were poisoning the minds of their fellow pack mates with their words.

"You know we're right. Head Alpha wouldn't even consider this proposal if not for Jungkook's blindness," Sang-Ook added.

Of course they would try to exploit his weakness. Fury licked his veins but he knew he had to stay level headed.

"As if he isn't a burden on us, now they're bringing another stomach to feed," Dae-jung griped in the back. "We already don't have enough rations to last the winter."

This time, Namjoon growled, eyes flashing dangerously at the insinuation. "Who are you calling a burden?" He took a step forward, only to be stopped by Jungkook's arm that shot out to grab his wrist. "I'll rip your tongue off!"

"Shut up, Dae-jung!" someone yelled.

"Have you lost your mind?" another boomed.

"Jungkook has the highest success rate in hunting and kept our pack alive for several winters. Did you forget how many times he saved your hide?" Wooshik, another hunter growled.

"Why does it matter anymore?" Dae-jung scoffed. "It doesn't change the fact that he's disabled for the rest of his life and is going to depend on others. Is he going to cash in the few years of service he did for the pack for the rest of his life?"

"Hey, take that back!"

"That's rude!"

"You've gone crazy!"

"What's your problem, man?"

Several disgruntled wolves echoed their displeasure.

"I'm curious," Aera suddenly said. "You could have approached one of the advisors or an elder to address your concerns. Or you could have always come to the pack head alpha. Why would you take this route?"

"She's right. What's your plan, Dae-jung? You already became the head for the hunting using his absence. What more do you want?" Namjoon realized one of the older wolves, Doyun's voice from the crowd.

"Shut the fuck up! I'm not talking to you." Dae-jung growled at him and glared at Aera. "You have no right to question me."

"What's wrong in what Doyun asked?" someone from the back said. "Aera is our future head omega and a member of this pack. In the Kim pack, we resolve conflicts by coming to a mutual agreement and everyone has the right to express their opinion."

"Yeah, answer her," a few other wolves yelled in unison.

"What do you have to say about this, Dae-jung?" his father, the pack head alpha asked. "Why didn't you approach the pack elders or me regarding this issue?"

Dae-jung clenched his fists. "I confronted Jungkook, but figured it was pointless."

"Pointless?" His father cocked a brow.

"He brushed aside my concerns and warned me it wouldn't end well if I speak further," Dae-jung replied.

"That's not what I heard," Aera said. "It came to my ears that you offered our widowed omegas and were even generous to extend the offer the ones with pups."

"What the hell?!" one wolf exclaimed. "You did not just say that to him!"

The crowd murmured, talking among themselves furiously. It was the most disrespectful way to talk about wolves that lost their mates. Mating was sacred. Every year the pack lost a few warriors to the Northerners that invaded their territory.

The partners of those who were mated without traditional bite marks survived, but as for the ones who mated with bites, they barely survived. The wolves with pups had a reason to go on while the others slowly withered away or in rare cases found another wolf to bond with.

"Father, Omega Eun-kyung testified earlier that Dae-jung approached our guest who was there to buy peaches. He provoked him and insulted Jimin, insinuating that he was probably used by the alphas and omegas in their pack as their heat and rut partner, which led Taehyung to start the fight. Taehyung has every right to defend his Head Alpha's son and best friend," Namjoon informed. "If Dae-jung's only concern is the pack's safety, he wouldn't have approached our guest and used disrespectful words against Jungkook's betrothed. Jungkook reached the scene before we did. You can ask him."

"Is that true, Jungkook?" the Head Alpha asked.

"Yes, Head Alpha," Jungkook confirmed. "It is true."

"Dae-jung, did you forget your aunt used to be a widow?" his father asked the hunter. "Are you one of those assholes that believe they're expendable?"

Dae-jung hung his head. "I apologize, head alpha. I failed to convey my thoughts respectfully. But my concern is valid. You cannot ignore this. The Park Pack cannot be trusted."

"Do you want us to believe you? How can you be so ungrateful?" an elderly omega yelled from the crowd.

"Ungrateful?" Dae-jung growled. "You saw how Yoongi claimed that uncultured omega in front of the pack. That's two Park Pack wolves migrating here. They would sell our pack's secrets to our enemy. Then what?"

"You're contradicting yourself. At first, you claimed the Park Pack was trying to dump their unwanted beta. But now you're claiming that they're spies," an older beta Nari commented. She took a few steps toward the center, glaring at Dae-jung. "The Kim pack has never discriminated between the alphas, betas or omegas. We might not be able to shift into our wolf forms, but we have always been treated equally in this pack. We were exhilarated to learn the Head Alpha is really inclusive to choose a beta as his son-in-law, but your stand against him makes us feel uncomfortable in our own home land. Your mother Byeol would be ashamed if she were alive," she spat.

"The head alpha and his family have always put the pack first. They will never jeopardize our pack's safety," one of the advisor's wife, Kyung Soon, said from the crowd. "The pack council is here to address all of the pack's concerns."

"That's not true," Dae-jung growled. "You're twisting my words and already taking their side."

"Jungkook and Yoongi could mate someone from this pack. Why should they choose a mate from our rival pack?" Sang-Ook bellowed.

"Is it because no omega or a beta here wants a blind wolf?" Dae-jung snickered. "Perhaps they knew how useless and unreliable you are but Park Pack might not be caring as much because they just want to get rid of the shame of their family. And yeah no one would want a wolf like Yoongi. Does that uncultured omega know he's pursuing a rabid wolf? You know what? They would make a great pair." He made a mocking noise in his throat and began to pace back and forth.

Namjoon was ready to pounce again but Jungkook tapped his hand and stepped forward. He rolled his shoulders and cocked his head to the side, glaring in the direction of the wolves, questioning the pack decision.

He could see the way Seokjin's features hardened and fists clenched. His advisor whispered something in his ears, seemingly holding him back.

"Dae-jung, stop being unreasonable and narrow minded. Park Pack has rare medicinal herbs in their lands that will help heal the winter illness in our children. If Jungkook married the son of the pack alpha, then we would be able to buy those herbs from them," the advisor's wife, Kyung Soon, reasoned. "They have even agreed to let us use their trade routes and grant access to their market hub. If you had only been a little patient, the Head Alpha would have revealed all this in tonight's pack meeting."

"Yes. We have been trying to form an alliance for years, but now they have come forward themselves. If the Head Alpha and Jungkook haven't found it strange or suspicious then why should you?" a middle-aged beta asked.

"Is that what they have told you?" Dae-jung roared. "They didn't even send an official announcement to the pack. Yet I heard they were ready to leave this morning so he could bring home some useless beta," he spat. "How are you sure this is good for the pack? How could a beta add value to this pack?"

"The head alpha doesn't have to give an explanation for every decision he makes," Jungkook said, folding his hands across his chest. His biceps bulged, toned muscles shifting with his movement. "The pack has advisors and elders, who all unanimously agreed this would be beneficial for the pack. Who are you to question it?"

Dae-jung scoffed. "Who am I?" Jungkook felt him shift on his feet. "Definitely not a blind wolf that should have died long ago. You don't even realize that they're using you."

Aera growled but his mother put a hand up, stopping her from saying something.

Beside him, Jungkook chuckled dryly. A corner of his lip curved distastefully. "Apparently, your problem seems to be with me, specifically." He took another step forward, the wolves nearby moving to make a path for him. "If you have a problem with me, Dae-jung, then step forward and solve it the way of our pack. But I won't let you disrespect my betrothed one more time and I promise, for all the times you have spoken ill of him, I'll cut off your tongue and take it to him as my courting gift."

Pride surged in Namjoon's chest. Jungkook had come a long way since the incident. In the past, this would have been enough to hurt him deeply and cause him to shut everyone out. Not anymore.

Dae-jung laughed, cracking his knuckles. "Fine by me. Let's fight then. The winner will decide the fate of the other," he damned arrogantly.

Furious whispers broke out of the crowd. Namjoon gripped Jungkook's shoulder, squeezing it once to show his support and encouragement. They didn't need words to convey much. With the way his scent shifted, Jungkook would read him like an open book. His brother nodded curtly.

His mother tensed, throwing a worried gaze at their father but the head alpha only nodded once. His scent stayed neutral.

When Jungkook stepped forward, a hush fell over the crowd. Dae-jung cracked his neck and then his knuckles with a sneer, rolling his shoulders.

Man-shik, who was bleeding and was dragged here for inquiry before he received any medical assistance, retreated with a grunt. "I'm sitting this one out, man. I only wanted answers and not to fight against him."

"Fuck off, coward!" Dae-jung growled. "Anyone who doesn't want to be here can leave." He flexed his hands. "Remember me when that Park wolf betrays you and drives you out of your lands."

Namjoon glanced at his father, who smirked at him and the alpha returned the smirk. Oh, Dae-jung thought Jungkook was an easy target, for everyone witnessed his little brother stumble on his feet and fall several times in the initial stages as he got used to the lack of sight. No one saw him get up though.

His features hardened and he glanced around, reading everyone's expression with a guarded look. Situations like this were the best to identify the black sheep in the crowd. Dae-jung, Man-shik, Sang-Ook and In-su were only a few. He was sure there were more that believed Jungkook to be incompetent. After all, his father still has not changed his decision about Jungkook being the next in line if something were to happen to Namjoon.

Seokjin, on the other hand, looked curious. His facial expression was impassive and scent neutral. Just as Jungkook walked forward to stand in the center, facing Dae-jung, Yoongi arrived to the meeting with Taehyung.

As chatty as the omega was, he seemed to read the room and kept his mouth shut wisely. He silently strode toward Seokjin, standing behind him. His fellow pack mates threw him a disgruntled look but he seemed to ignore them all in favor of focusing on the wolves facing down in the village square.

"You told me something when we met a few days ago," Dae-jung said. "I want to remind you that it has been years since we trained side by side." His sneer was outrageous and Namjoon clenched his jaw. "You seem to forget, Jungkook. I'm no longer a juvenile wolf you once beat in a fight and I've had years to train since then. And you're blind."

"Take it easy on him, Dae-jung," Sang-Ook yelled. "We don't want him tripping on his feet."

There were too many scents and too many sounds of all kinds. Namjoon would be lying if he said he wasn't worried but he trusted his brother with his life.

Jungkook had been training in secret with him, relearning everything he learned as a child to hunt and fight. While his brother didn't think he was there yet, Namjoon knew Jungkook was very capable of handling himself in a fight. He was the best fighter his pack had ever seen. Jungkook might not be a seasoned warrior in the pack's eyes anymore, but to him Jungkook would always be his trustworthy fighter. But then Dae-jung and the others were skilled fighters as well.

He spread his legs wide, folding his hands across his chest and continued to supervise the fight. Whatever the outcome, he would be rooting for his brother. If Dae-jung thought he could get rid of Jungkook then he had another thing coming.

Namjoon was aware of everything Dae-jung had been doing behind their backs. He didn't appreciate that they had to share their winter ration with Jungkook. Once as a celebrated hunter, Jungkook had braved harsh weather conditions to bring food for the pack. But a few wolves like Dae-jung couldn't even bear to provide for him for one winter.

They would never know Jungkook insisted on hunting and foraging his own food and never accepted the rations his father sent him. They didn't care. The others wouldn't think of all the times Jungkook would medically assist the injured wolves in his hut before sending them off to the healer despite his blindness.

In a way, this was a long time coming. Namjoon expected it during the winter solstice. But the mating talks had just sped up the process. Today, the pack will relearn how foolish underestimating Jungkook was. They would learn to stop seeing him as a weak wolf.

"Don't worry, Jungkook. I'll make it fast so you won't feel a thing," Dae-jung taunted. "For old time's sake, I owe you that at least."

Jungkook didn't speak a word. He ditched his tunic, kicking it out of the way and squaring his shoulders. The whispers broke out again and Jungkook tilted his head to the side.

"Silence!" their father bellowed. "Everyone, move back except for the ones engaging in the duel."

The pack members scampered to obey. Only Dae-jung, Sang-Ook and In-su remained, making their intent clear.

"Very well. May the Moon Goddess bear the witness to this challenge. May the strong and righteous wolf win. Begin!" he commanded.

Dae-jung lunged the moment those words left his father's mouth. Claws had already replaced his nails and fangs flashed under his lips. His movement reminded Namjoon of a predator closing in on its prey during the last moment before clamping its jaw around its jugular, going for the kill.

His jaw clenched. There were several gasps among the crowd, eyes wide and concern dancing in their features. It all seemed to happen in slow motion.

Someone cried, "Watch out!"

"He can't see, you useless bitch!" Sang-Ook spat. "And shut the fuck up."

Jungkook, however, dropped to his knees before kicking out his left leg in a sweeping motion. Dae-jung, who wasn't expecting that, tripped, falling face flat on the ground. He straightened immediately, spitting mud out of his mouth.

Aera straightened, her scent spiking with a spicy note and her lips curved up. "Go, Jungkook," she whispered. "Show them what you're made of."

Jungkook was up on his feet, back stepping until he was near Dae-jung. He didn't wait for the wolf to attack him this time. Instead he twisted his upper body, punching Dae-jung, causing him to double up. Namjoon heard a satisfying crack, having known the power his little brother packed in that one punch.

The crowd was murmuring again, but this time in awe. Jungkook had always been a strong wolf, even when he was a pup. Once upon a time, he didn't realize the strength he possessed and accidentally broke Namjoon's arm when they were training.

Growing up, he was a force to reckon with. To this date, no wolf has been able to fill Jungkook's space. So it would make sense why Dae-jung would bend over, coughing blood with just one hit. Perhaps he already broke a rib or two.

Jungkook didn't waste time. He pulled Dae-jung up by tugging his hair and landed another blow to his jaw. This time Dae-jung's face whipped to the side with a snapping sound. He clutched his jaw, seemingly disoriented.

"Get him!" Sang-Ook rushed to his defense.

But Jungkook turned, hitting his face with his right elbow, following it with a punch to his sternum. Another right hook disarmed Sang-Ook. The wolf swayed in his spot, shaking his head as if his vision blurred and gasped. His blood splattered on the ground.

In-su in the meantime, tried to creep behind his brother with his claws extended. Jungkook seemed to sense him even before he was within touching distance. He whirled around like a storm, taking over the stupid wolf by his throat and slamming him on the ground.

The roar Jungkook let out shook the ground, the vibrations reaching to the place Namjoon was standing. Namjoon's grin couldn't be masked anymore.

Jungkook punched In-su until he no longer moved. The barely rising chest was the only sign of any life within him. He wasn't done though. He went back to Dae-jung, who tried to swing his arm at Jungkook, but the alpha grabbed his hand, twisting it with a snarl.

"You crossed several lines today," he growled. "Keep my mate's name out of your mouth."

What followed was ruthless. The crowd was rendered silent when Jungkook ripped his tongue out without mercy. Dae-jung fell to the ground, trying to crawl away, bleeding severely. Sang-Ook, who saw this, tried to run away but the pack members blocked his path.

Jungkook had no trouble finding him and bringing him right back to the center before throwing him to the floor. "You shouldn't start a fight if you aren't sure you would win. Still as stubborn and hot headed as I remember," he hissed. The kick he sent to his ribs earned a pained howl from Sang-Ook. "I want their tongues ripped off." He pointed at In-su and Sang-Ook. "I promised, I'd take them as a courting gift to my mate. I'll leave the rest to you."

With that, he pivoted on his heel and walked out of the village square. A slow clap started from the other side where Seokjin stood. The alpha looked proud and he was clapping.

"That was one of the fastest and finest fights I've ever witnessed. I'm rest assured that my decision has been right and Jungkook is the right alpha for my brother." He inclined his head. "However, we have a demand."

"Go ahead, Alpha Park," the head alpha said. "What is your demand?"

"We respected your pack laws when our wolves violated and allowed your pack to carry out the punishments as per your customs. We request that you relinquish the custody of these wolves to us to carry out the punishment as per our pack rules," Seokjin demanded.

The head alpha nodded, rising to his feet and hushed the murmuring crowd. "Of course. It was only right to return the gesture. Go ahead."

Seokjin nodded curtly, gesturing at his men and immediately a few wolves stepped forward and proceeded to drag the three wolves away, ignoring their protests. One of them approached Man-shik and grabbed his hand.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Man-shik pushed his hands away. "I didn't even fight. Hey, hey, let me go. Hands off, man!"

"You were one of the wolves that violated the rules," Seokjin said. "Jungkook might have taken pity on you but I won't. I heard everything from Taehyung. Take him away. He will be dealt with according to our pack laws."

Namjoon sighed. This was unavoidable when it came to dealing with the other packs.

"Let me go!" Man-shik yelled. "Head Alpha, you can't let this happen. I didn't even challenge Jungkook. It was all them. Hey, let go!"

But the Head Alpha waved his hand in dismissal. "We apologize for the trouble," he said to Seokjin. "Hope we can look past these trivial disagreements and work together."

"Of course. These things are to me expected. What's our plan now? We wasted enough time here." He glanced at Namjoon meaningfully. "It's a two day trip from here and outer lands aren't safe for night time travel."

"We will set out as soon as possible." He eyed the sky. "We will find a suitable place to rest for the night and travel early tomorrow morning. That way we could reach your pack borders tomorrow by nightfall. We have a few warriors accompanying us to ensure safe travel."

"Very well," Seokjin said. "We are ready whenever you are. I'd prefer to leave now."

Namjoon nodded. "Sure. Give me a moment. I'll meet you at our initially agreed spot shortly with our group."

Seokjin nodded. "Sounds good." He glanced at Aera and his mother. "Farewell, ladies. The next time we meet, we'll be family." He smiled. "I'll take my leave now."

"Safe travels," the women wished and Namjoon watched as Seokjin walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

He turned to Aera. "Will you be okay?" His concerned gaze flicked to her protruding bump.

A dazzling smile took over her features. "We have a lot of time for him to arrive," she assured. "I'll be careful."

He nodded. Namjoon was a bit wary after what happened with Yoongi. However, this trip was unavoidable. He needed to be there for Jungkook and take lead with the negotiations.

There was a lot to discuss and plan a mating ceremony if Jimin accepted Jungkook's courting gift. Because despite how Park Pack functioned, partner's consent was important to the Kim Pack wolves. He was sure Jungkook wouldn't force the beta to mate him no matter what the situation was.

If a disagreement were to arise, he had to be there to sort the situation. Namjoon hoped that wasn't the case. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. He embraced his beloved mate and rubbed her back.

"I'll be back soon," he whispered, kissing on top of her head. "I left a lot of scented fur for you."

His wife smiled. "I'll miss you." She sank into his embrace even though she couldn't properly hug him without her belly getting in the way. "But the idea of Jungkook finding someone alone is enough to keep me motivated. Go now and bring that wolf home."

Namjoon nodded. "Take care." Then he hugged his mother. "You too, mom. I have a good feeling about this. This winter would be much better for us."

She nodded. "I hope so." She patted his cheek. "Be careful out there. Always watch your back. Don't relax just because there's no imminent threat. Head Alpha Park is cunning and manipulative. He is also a stubborn wolf. There's too much at stake for us."

Namjoon nodded understandingly. "If this worked out and they followed through on their promise, then we have a lot to gain. If not, we will find a way. Jungkook is my only concern right now." He held her hand, squeezing it gently. "Tell Hye-rin that I'll bring her a lot of hair pins as she asked."

He then turned to his father and inclined his head. "You know what to do," his father stated. "You're a diplomat first. Nothing is set in stone until that beta accepts Jungkook's courting gift."

"I know. I'll be careful, father. And I'm sure the Park Pack wants this as much as we do. I'll send news as soon as I have an update."

His father put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it once. "May the Moon Goddess bless your path."

"And protect us all," Namjoon whispered. Then with a another glance at his family, he walked away, following the path Seokjin went earlier.