Here we go!Lot of biting, scenting and smut ahead. Biting is common in wolves. More in end notes.

***

Jimin was dreaming.

It was such a beautiful and happy dream that he didn't want to wake up at all. His alpha was in bed with him, tending to his injuries, speaking in a hushed yet gentle tone.

He felt hazy when the alpha stripped him and then began to lick his wounds with care. He barely registered the loud growl his alpha let out while he licked his side where the wound was deeper. The knife had gotten him good.

He was weak and exhausted. His entire body was aching and he had no doubt his body would be blooming with purple bruises later. His mind was restless with the scenes of earlier fight playing but then Jungkook was there, taking his attention away from it all.

It was surreal. Jimin felt like floating. He groaned and grunted when he felt the alpha grabbing his chin, pouring something bitter into his mouth.

"Drink it, my love," a whisper coaxed him to swallow the disgusting liquid.

His eyes fluttered shut. He felt a stinging pain in his side but a warm sensation soon followed. He blinked aimlessly and stared at the ceiling with his lips parted. It was the same feeling he experienced when Jungkook healed him by the bank of the river, but this was just so intense.

"My precious little omega."

Words were murmured against his skin.

"So brave and strong."

The omega preened at the praise, whining softly in acknowledgment. It clung to each word, swishing its bushy tail to show his happiness.

"Alpha is so proud of you."

In his haze, he thought his alpha was glowing. There was a tingling sensation all over his body as the scent of rich pine washed over him. It enveloped him and then drowned him. He didn't know how long he lay there, fisting the sheets and babbling nonsense at the pleasant sensation spreading through his veins.

"So ferocious today. Made even the toughest alphas cower in fear."

Jimin whined.

"All mine..." The growl was possessive in his ears before he felt fangs piercing his skin at his claim on his neck, marking him again. Jimin's body arched into his alpha's body. "Mine..." The rumbling roar was animalistic yet protective.

The wolf felt drunk in his alpha's scent and wanted more. It wasn't enough. His world spun and he felt his axis tilt. He let out a sound of protest, not wanting to leave the comfort of the bed just yet. But he was immersed in something even warmer and let out a pleased hum.

While his human side was completely out of it, his wolf side was basking in the attention they were receiving from their alpha. The claim on his neck tingled and their shared bond thrummed with affection. Jimin didn't know if it was a dream or if it was real. But it all felt too real.

Their alpha settled behind him in the water and began to gently wash him, removing any traces of blood and dirt. He sighed in contentment. The stench was really beginning to bother him and causing his nose to itch. The smell of lavender and something he didn't recognize mixed in the air along with the comforting scent of the pine.

"Sleep now, my love."

The last thing he remembered was the soft press of lips on his forehead.

***

It was dark when Jimin came back to his senses. His nose scrunched at the lack of scent or the feel of familiar fur underneath him. Whatever he laid was too soft and he owned nothing this soft.

He woke up with a start and let out a growl when he didn't recognize the bed-chamber he was in.

The chamber was luxurious. There were paintings on walls, on the ceilings. It was just so beautiful. Despite his confused state, Jimin didn't fail to notice that. The interior was a mixture of royal blue and gold. The glass chandelier that hung in the middle of the room was something Jimin only saw in paintings.

A rustling brought his attention to the fireplace, where he could only see the burning embers. His gaze narrowed at the three figures huddled in chairs, his wolf still confused with everything. A warning growl rumbled out of his chest as he jumped off the bed, searching for his sword.

One of them stood, approaching him with cautious steps.

"Jimin-ah?"

"Hyung?" The omega whirled around, almost crying in relief when he finally recognized his brothers.

He lunged at Hoseok, who caught him and slid to the ground. Jimin climbed on his lap, weeping as he scented his brother in earnest.

Two more pairs of arms surrounded him immediately. Their scents soon enveloped him as Jimin tried to make sense of everything.

"It's okay. We got you." Namjoon rubbed his back.

"We were so worried about you," Seokjin said, rubbing their cheeks together. There were tears in his eyes.

"We are together again. Nothing else matters."

Jimin's body shook with violent sobs. They were together again. He had his brothers with him. They'd protect him no matter what. But at what cost?

They stayed on the floor like that for a while. He didn't protest when Hoseok carried him to the fireplace, reigniting the fire and warmed water to make tea. The scent of chamomile wafted in the air.

Jimin leaned into Namjoon's chest. His middle brother wrapped his strong arms around him, resting his head on top of his head. Namjoon wasn't much on physical affection but during times like this, Jimin needed him and felt safer with him. His brother understood this as well.

Hoseok came back after a couple of minutes with steaming cups of tea. He placed a cup between Jimin's cold palms. The omega prince sighed, letting the cup warm his hands before bringing it to his lips to sip the warm liquid.

He allowed the tea to calm him a bit and rethink everything that happened. His memory was jumbled and he still felt disoriented. There was a bitter taste in his mouth and he could smell some herbs in his breath. Must be the remnants of whatever medicine they fed him when he was sleeping.

The room was silent apart from their breathing sounds and the occasional clang of their little tea cups.

Hoseok took the cup away and brought him some lentil soup. Jimin scrunched his nose but let him feed him tiny sips until he was full. His stomach squeezed uncomfortably, but he clenched his jaw and kept it all in. He needed his energy. It'd be foolish to protest when he knew he needed his strength to fight if it came to that.

Tears accumulated in his eyes once more when he thought about the challenge. He failed. He lost the challenge. His thoughts drifted to his mother's face. Oh how much he wished to be with her.

It took him a while before he could utter a word. When he did he was breaking down again.

"I lost," he sniffled. "I lost the challenge."

"Shh...it's okay, Jiminie. We will figure something out," Seokjin whispered.

"We got your back, Jimin-ah," Namjoon assured.

Their words didn't comfort Jimin this time. The winner would decide his fate and this time the winner was the emperor. What was going to happen?

Suddenly, he remembered his doe-eyed alpha.

"Jungkook?" Jimin pulled away. "Where's my alpha?" He looked around the room frantically. "Is he here?"

"We don't know." Namjoon shook his head. "We haven't seen him since that day at the monastery."

"What?" Jimin frowned. "But...h-he was here." He cupped his neck, tracing the claiming mark. "He healed me." He immediately lifted his tunic and checked his side. His skin had completely closed and what was left back was a thin, pinkish scar. "I-I know I didn't imagine all that. He was here," he told them. "Jungkook was here."

He climbed to his feet and looked around.

"Alpha?" he called. "Jungkook...alpha..."

"Jimin..." Namjoon put a hand on his shoulder.

"No, hyung. I know he is here. I saw him. I felt him." He felt his eyes burning. "He told me he was proud of me. That I was brave and strong. I-I didn't imagine all that."

I didn't imagine that.

The omega shook his head. He didn't imagine all that, did he?

Jungkook was here. He cleaned his wounds and healed him. He was here. Deep down Jimin knew only a mate could heal him from the number of injuries he suffered that day at the challenge. A healer wouldn't be able to seal his wounds and stop the bleeding on time.

"He was here," he said again. "He healed me."

"I believe you," Namjoon said. "Listen, Jiminie, you were asleep for two days. We weren't allowed inside this chamber until this evening."

Jimin's eyes widened. "What?"

Seokjin came to stand beside him. "Yes. After the emperor's men took you away, he fought the remaining challengers." His body shivered visibly. "H-He pardoned us. Let us go when the fight was over."

"He's not human," Hoseok said, his face pale as he recalled the fight. "You won't believe what we saw." He shared a look with the others, his body shuddering at the memory. "No wolf can fight that many alphas at once. He wasn't even using a quarter of his strength with you, Jiminie. He just..." He shook his head. "He just..."

"Ripped them apart," Namjoon interjected. "The moment you left, he turned to the rest of the alphas, let out a ground-shaking roar, and took off. We just saw a blur and the men were falling. They tried to run but..." He shuddered. Jimin never saw Namjoon paling with fear. Ever. He was the strongest of the three brothers. "He...He was so ruthless, Jiminie. They didn't stand a chance. It...It was so gruesome."

"Those stories we hear about The Ember Moon royals, they were all true. Even the kings were on their knees, shaking in their pants when he was done with the challengers," Seokjin added.

"We thought we were done for. That he was going to kill us too," Hoseok continued. "But then he just growled at us and asked us to leave the ring."

"Shit! I don't want to be in the same room as him," Seokjin said.

"Ever," Hoseok added.

However, Namjoon grimaced. "I don't think that's an option. We are literally in the emperor's courtyard."

"What?" Jimin's eyes widened considerably. "W-What do you mean his courtyard?"

"I don't know, Jiminie. This place is literally crawling with the emperor's elite guards. I didn't see a single Fortune moon wolf in the vicinity." He sighed. "We were mostly kept locked inside our room until someone came to fetch us earlier. We weren't allowed to leave our room," Namjoon explained.

"They wouldn't even tell us about you," Hoseok lamented. "We didn't know if you were alive or not."

"We literally begged the guards to let us see you; to just let us know at least if you were alive. Finally, they let us come here today," Seokjin added.

"Oh, Goddess!" Jimin stumbled back, foreboding churning his belly. "This is bad." He covered his face. "Why is he keeping us hostage?"

"We have no idea." Namjoon sighed.

"We are just happy to see that you're okay. No one has come for us yet. Someone even brought food earlier. I think they'd allow us to stay with you," Hoseok said hopefully.

"Yeah," Seokjin mirrored his thoughts.

"What happened to my mother?" he asked, a frown tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Where is she?"

"She was taken away by the elite guards," Namjoon said. "We don't know anything."

Jimin deflated. "Elite guards?"

Again?

His brothers shared a look. "Your father looked livid with everything that was going on. They didn't let him anywhere near her after his outburst and took her away when the challenge ended," Hoseok answered. "We believe she's been held somewhere here just like us."

"Something big is happening, Jimin-ah. I don't know what it is, but this isn't just because of the challenge," Namjoon said. "We don't know what's happening outside, but the security in this place is too tight."

Jimin nodded, confusion and unanswered questions still clouding his senses.

"Where is Snow?" He looked around for the critter that had become a family member.

"Still at the monastery," Namjoon said. "We didn't go back."

Jimin nodded, remembering how hard it was for him to leave Snow with the monks. He wanted a safe place for Snow while he was at the challenge and he wasn't sure about the outcome. So, he entrusted Snow to the monks and asked them to give her back to Taehyung if he didn't make it.

However, things were still uncertain. He remembered the emperor winning the challenge. He remembered his demand to submit and his refusal. He remembered losing his memory and the pain he suffered because of the pressure his alpha compulsion caused.

But nothing made sense to Jimin yet. Jungkook had somehow sneaked into his chamber and healed him. His scent wasn't here anymore. But he could tell it was Jungkook who took care of him in his vulnerable state.

What is the deal between Jungkook and the emperor?

Is Jungkook really a mercenary?

He eyed the chamber, gaze scanning every inch. The windows were shut and he couldn't tell if it was morning or night.

"There's no way to escape," Namjoon said. "The place is surrounded by the emperor's elite guards."

Jimin tensed. "Now what do we do?"

"We wait."

***

Waiting was the hardest thing for Jimin, especially in a place like this. His wolf was tethering at the edge, feeling unsettled in an unknown place and always on guard. He realized he didn't like places that were confined.

Even the windows were sealed shut and he felt suffocated with every passing minute. The constant fear for the life of his brothers and himself was eating away at his insides. He hadn't heard back from his mother either. It unsettled his wolf.

Was she alive?

Did his father do something to her?

All he could do was pace the confines of his chamber. The maids brought in their food on time. That was the only time the door to their chamber opened. It was locked from the outside and they could only play the waiting game.

However, when the emperor summoned him finally after two days, he didn't know what to make of it. He was losing his mind. His mind was back at Jungkook and his mother.

Several unpresented omegas arrived in his chamber that morning carrying clothing and accessories, demanding them to bring Jimin dressed up in those and meet the emperor in the throne room.

Jimin's heart dropped to his stomach and foreboding churned his belly the entire time his brothers helped him get ready. The omegas sent by the emperor weren't pleased when he refused their help but they didn't have a choice. Jimin might have lost the challenge but he was still royal. Also, he wasn't comfortable with any of them around.

His brothers, Seokjin and Hoseok bathed him as it was customary for a royal before rubbing scented oils into his skin. The last time they did this was on the night he gave himself over to his alpha. His throat tightened at the memory. His alpha was such a gentle lover, worshipping every inch of his body.

His toes still curled at the memory of his alpha dipping his tongue into his belly button before sucking the little pearl attached to his belly chain. If Jimin didn't give those waist chains much thought before, he decided he'd wear them just for his alpha. However, his wolf grew sad that his alpha wasn't there with them.

The omega prince longed for the comfort of his mate, idly touching the temporary mark on his neck, wishing it was permanent so he could feel his alpha even deeper. His absence was like a heavy weight in his heart.

Even when they were apart before, Jimin knew they'd meet again. Now that he didn't know if he'd even meet his alpha again, he couldn't help it.

They dressed him in a royal blue hanbok with matching robes, weaved with gold and silver embroidery. A dress made for nobility. If he had grown up in the palace, he'd have been wrapped in similar clothes every day.

He would have admired it if it were any other occasion. Today, however, it felt too heavy and suffocated him to no extent. He purposefully kept his hair styled and pinned on top of his head with a binyeo like a mated omega but had to hide the mark because he didn't want anyone to see it just yet.

His naturally pink skin looked softer than ever. His face was bare of any makeup or tints he normally used to highlight his eyes or lips. Still, he looked ethereal as ever.

The elite guards of the emperor surrounded them as soon as he stepped out of the chamber.

The trip to the throne room was long. The sound of his heart and his dangly earrings were too loud in his ears. He could barely breathe without letting out a growl or two. He felt like snapping at anyone and everyone.

Every step he took was heavy. He clenched and unclenched his fists under the long sleeves of his robe, concealing his unease as much as possible.

The palace was big and beautiful but his attention wasn't on any of them. His wolf was prowling in his mind, ready to take the lead if needed. The short sword Jungkook gave him was safely tucked in his sleeve, until they had taken it away. His brothers weren't allowed any weapons either.

Jimin hadn't felt this vulnerable. Ever. He clenched his jaw and focused to keep his scent neutral. The trip to the throne room was the longest. They walked through corridor after corridor, climbed stairs, and then again passed through another couple of corridors and large halls.

Several people including the court officials stopped to stare at him. Jimin walked with his head held high. He knew he looked exceptionally good. He always did.

He left a trail of his flowery scent in his wake and he could see the other alpha's nose flare as they registered his scent. The wolves were naturally curious creatures and the scent was everything for them. It was unique to everyone. However, it was also rude to sniff other's scents so blatantly.

Jimin noticed the elite guards stepping in closely to hide him from the other's view and smiled inwardly. His omega was anxious inside of him, but these small gestures made him feel somewhat safe, even when he shouldn't feel it under these circumstances.

He still didn't know what the emperor wanted from him. He lost, didn't he?

They announced his presence and Jimin entered with his brothers following close behind. They stopped a step behind him when Jimin stood in the middle of the throne room.

The throne room was big, housing several thrones just for this occasion. Jimin could tell it had to be modified recently. On their way here, someone said this wasn't the original throne room, but the one created for this purpose.

The thrones were placed strategically at equal heights on a raised platform with several steps. But one stood differently in the middle, higher than the others and in the center. It didn't take a genius to figure that the throne belonged to the emperor.

Jimin bowed to show his respect to the emperor and the other rulers. However, he straightened immediately, looking ahead at the emperor and the other kings, waiting for his verdict. The emperor was once again behind the thin screen, dressed in his royal robes.

The omega stirred inside him, flicking its tail impatiently and he sniffed the air. There were different scents in the throne room and it was messing with his senses. It unsettled his wolf and he didn't like being among too many dominant scents with no means to protect himself.

Jimin clenched his jaw and worked hard to keep his scent from spiking and letting others know his turmoil. The wolf was tethering at the edge, ready to take control and it was not good. All the elite guards were armed to their teeth.

The eunuch stepped forward. Jimin vaguely remembered seeing him in the challenge, shadowing the emperor and tailing behind the two guards shadowed the emperor's every move. The man was dressed in his usual uniform.

"Receive His Majesty's edict!"

Everyone suddenly went on their knees, pressing their forehead to the ground, including his brothers. The kings knelt with a hand over their hearts. Jimin took a deep breath, a growl bubbling in his throat. He didn't like this. Someone tugged at his robe and he knelt following the suit of the other rulers.

"The imperial edict!" The eunuch's voice rang loud, echoing and bouncing off the walls. "Back in the arena, His Highness Park Jimin of The Fortune Moon exuded bravery and valor. He challenged His Majesty, the ultimate ruler of all five nations, and fought him with courage. His Majesty acknowledges his valiance. The crown prince of The Fortune Moon is kind and virtuous; clever and ingenious; the strongest omega in all five nations. He's a perfect match for His Majesty. Therefore, His Majesty wishes to mate His Highness Park Jimin and make him his royal consort and empress of The Ember Moon."

Jimin gasped with his eyes going wide. The wolf went feral inside him and he suppressed the growl with huge effort.

"His Majesty bestows The Fortune Moon to His Highness as their mating gift. They shall be mated at the end of this month and His Highness Park Jimin may ascend the throne of The Fortune Moon on the next auspicious date set by the Speaker of the Moon before their mating," the eunuch finished. "Issued by His Majesty!"

Jimin was frozen to his spot while several voices echoed around the throne room.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," they all said.

The eunuch descended the stairs, coming to stand directly in front of Jimin. "Your Highness, please take the edict."

Jimin's eyes shifted and a growl rumbled out of his chest. In a flash, he was on his feet, glaring daggers at the eunuch who was a beta. The snarl that curved his lips caused the beta to take several steps back.

"I refuse!" he growled with his chest heaving.

A deafening silence had washed over the room and the eunuch's eyes were round, mouth agape. "Y-Your Highness..." He looked back at the emperor and the others. "If you disobey, you'll be committing a capital crime."

Jimin's chest heaved and he took another step forward only to be stopped by Namjoon's grip on his wrist.

"Your Highness," he whispered. "Please...control your wolf."

"H-He can't do this to me," he growled at his brother.

Namjoon looked uncomfortable. "He can and he will," he whispered; his voice so low it could only be heard by Jimin. "Choose your words wisely, brother. You have a lot more to lose than you think."

Jimin shook his head, tears burning his gaze. "I'll never be a bed warmer to someone I don't love. I belong to Jungkook. Only him." He looked away.

"I know." Namjoon let go of his hand. "Perhaps it's better to explain than going against the throne in anger."

Jimin considered his words; his wolf was gnawing at him for control but nodded after a moment. He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath before kneeling again. The foreign scents filled his lungs and it unsettled him more. He could smell their anger, apprehension and hatred. The atmosphere was so thick with tension.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," he said. "You're kind and generous. You spared my life. For that, I'll forever be indebted to you. However, please accept my apologies for not being able to accept your generous offer."

There were furious whispers among the court officials.

"You dare refuse His Majesty's edict?" His father's voice rang louder. "You don't deserve his kindness," he hissed.

One of the royal advisers he didn't recognize stepped forward. He wore warm colors of the Summer Isle.

"Your Highness, I'm sure you'd know how many omegas dream of being a mate to His Majesty. Are you telling us that you refuse his mating proposal just like that?"

He took another deep breath but kept his eyes trained on the floor. He was afraid that he'd lash out if he looked at any of their faces. His omega was unstable and he was dangerously tethering to the last thread of his control.

"I'm not many omegas." He lifted his head. "I have an alpha, who owns my heart, body, and soul." He reached for his collar, sliding it down to show the claim at the base of his neck. "I have promised myself to him."

Several gasps could be heard from the crowd.

"Shameful." It was Jimin's father again.

"What a pity," the king of the Summer Isle commented. "It's shameful we didn't know of his debauchery sooner. He's not only unfit to mate His Majesty but also an omega who did this knowing well it would hurt this nation's reputation. He should be punished as such."

His father stepped forward. "You allowed an alpha to lay a claim on you before you were even properly mated? You're a tainted omega unworthy of His Majesty."

Namjoon growled. "The alpha courted His Highness in a respectable, appropriate manner. He asked for our permission and blessings, which we granted. There's no debauchery here and His Highness never indulged in something that would ever harm his or his family's reputation."

Jungkook asked for their permission? Jimin's eyes widened.

Jimin's father snarled. "You dare address your king directly, you filthy peasant. Who are you to allow some random alpha to court the prince of this kingdom?"

Jimin scoffed, but before he could speak, Seokjin intervened. "Forgive us, Your Highness. Our loyalty lies with His Highness Park Jimin. He's our only king." He straightened his posture. "Also, we're his brothers. His only family. We might not have shared a womb, but we share a mother who nursed His Highness and a father who taught him how to fight and brought him up as one of his own."

"We might not share the same blood and we might be a low born in your eyes, but that doesn't stop us from treating His Highness as one of our own. We won't hesitate to kill for him or lay down our lives if needed." Hoseok stepped forward, his posture intimidating.

Jimin's father snarled and lunged forward, but Jimin pushed past his brother, ready to intervene. "Careful, Your Highness. You might be the cause of my birth, but my wolf doesn't see you that way. If you take a step forward, we won't hold back. You have to get past me to touch them."

"You're a shame to this throne," his father continued to snarl with a finger pointed at him, his chest heaving.

"I think we established that when you ordered to get me executed," Jimin countered. "Sadly, I don't care about your throne or the luxury that comes with it. I participated in the challenge to show the world that you're a liar and to prove I'm not just a worthless omega. I came here for my mother. The challenge was the only way I could meet you without you getting rid of me. I want to meet her once. Then, I'll leave this place with my alpha and my brothers."

The royal adviser's features hardened. "Are you telling us that you refuse His Majesty for an ordinary alpha? That you're ready to throw all this away for nobody? What a shame."

Jimin clenched his jaw and breathed through his mouth. "He might be an ordinary alpha, but he is mine." He lifted his gaze to lock it with the royal adviser, whose gaze was dark as night. "You speak high and mighty, adviser, but where were you when my own father ordered to execute me as a child? Where were any of you when I was forced to grow up among commoners fighting unruly alphas every day? Where were you when I was forced to flee my only home because I refused to join the harem of some of the noblemen here?" His chest heaved. "You have no right to comment on my choice of a mate."

"Feisty," the royal adviser laughed. "I can see why His Majesty is taken with you. You got that fire inside you."

He squared his shoulders. "And I wouldn't hesitate to burn you all down if it comes to that."

Several threatening growls rang in the throne room and Jimin's brothers surrounded him immediately. Jimin just lifted his chin and smiled, showing his fangs. His wolf was almost fully in control, ready to fight if it came to that. It had slowly slipped to the front seat during their argument. It was either fight or flight. Jimin chose the fight.

The royal adviser smiled slyly. "So you choose an ordinary alpha over our emperor? The ultimate ruler of all five nations. The one who showed you mercy and allowed you to stand among us."

"And I'm grateful for that." Jimin snarled. "I have chosen my mate. I have been claimed. It's rude and disrespectful to propose mating to an already claimed omega."

"I'm sure we can rectify that situation," the adviser said. "No wolf in these five nations has a right to refuse His Majesty. It's just a temporary claim from what I see. We will take care of the alpha and will have to postpone the mating ceremony until the mark has faded."

The growl Jimin let out was deafening and almost shook the ground. It wasn't as powerful as an alpha's, but it still made many of them take a step back.

"He's gone feral!" The adviser cried out.

He turned around and furiously waved a finger at Jimin.

"He's dangerous. Take him out now!"

It was as if the royal adviser knew what he was doing. The sly smirk on his face said it all. However, the royal adviser barely had any time to react before Jimin was at his throat, snarling and clawing at him. Jimin didn't think twice before ripping his throat. His blood coated his claws and Jimin was a force to reckon with.

Someone was threatening his mate and the threat had to be taken care of. His wolf was tempted to bite though the wolf was already bleeding out, his body weakly slumping to the floor in a heap. He wasn't done though. He bent, wanting to bite his neck clear off his head.

Suddenly he was surrounded, hands were on him trying to pry him off the adviser.

A fight broke out and the alpha guards were ripped off of him. His brother's scent enveloped him and Hoseok pulled him off the guard who scrambled away with a wide look. Jimin's growl was threatening and he snapped his jaws at his brothers.

"A feral!"

In his feral state, all Jimin saw was red. There was a threat everywhere. There were just so many. The alpha pheromones clouded his senses, threatening him. He thrashed in the hold, growling and clawing at anything.

"Kill him!"

"Behead him!"

"He's dangerous!"

The shouts were too distant. The wolf thirsted for blood. And blood he would get. He broke free of the grip that was holding him and lashed out.

***

Namjoon hadn't expected this. He knew his brother was tethering at the edge of his sanity for days. He hadn't been the same after the challenge. Any wolf who felt extremely threatened by the situation emotionally would go feral. And feral wolves were dangerous since they had no control.

They had taken away their weapons and left them helpless. He could smell it on Jimin. He was barely holding himself together. His wolf was already bonded to Jungkook's wolf. Being apart for a while, even if it was only a temporary claim was hard for the wolves. They needed their mates closer, especially the omegas.

An omega heavily depended on their mate for emotional support. The lack of scent was already hard on Jimin. The adviser had made it even worse by threatening his mate.

The royal guards already surrounded them, their weapons ready. Hoseok and Seokjin had managed to calm Jimin's omega to an extent. At least, he wasn't snapping at them anymore. He was still growling, his eyes glowing a bright silver.

He heard the strain of the bowstring and stepped in front of his brother, shielding his body with his just as Seokjin and Hoseok did the same.

"Please don't hurt him." He spread his hands wider, shifting on his foot as his gaze scanned for the threat. "His wolf feels threatened and he's reacting on his instinct because his mate was threatened. Please allow us to take him back."

"A feral wolf has to be put down," someone growled.

No. What JImin wanted now was his mate. The only one who could bring him back.

"He killed the adviser."

Namjoon was sure it was someone from Jimin's father's court and also some men from The Summer Isle. Jimin had killed the prince of the Summer Isle in the challenge and it wasn't a surprise in the least that they wanted him dead.

"Take him down now!"

"He killed the royal adviser and he challenged the emperor. He's dangerous."

Several shouts were ringing in unison. Most of them belonged to the three rulers, save for the king of The White Forest. That alpha was silent as ever. He hadn't spoken even during the challenge.

The weapons were lifted again, aiming at Jimin. Just as Namjoon opened his mouth to respond, a ground-shaking growl stopped them.

"Drop your weapons!"

The emperor was on his feet and Namjoon couldn't see much through the curtain. His command caused his wolf to shudder inside him and made him want to bare his neck. In an instant, the elite guards of the emperor surrounded them, their shields raised as if to protect them from the others.

"I'll behead anyone who tries to hurt him!" the emperor growled as he stepped around the screen.

"But Your Majesty..." Jimin's father tried. "He...He killed—"

"Enough!" The emperor snarled. "The adviser deserved that for threatening his mate."

"But...he was...he is..."

"Quiet," the emperor cut him off with another snarl.

When the emperor turned, the veil shifted. Namjoon's breath hitched at the first look on the emperor's face through the golden veil that hid most of his handsome features. His jaw went slack and he gasped.

There was no mistaking that sharp jawline. Though the golden veil obscured his vision, now Namjoon could clearly see through it.

The emperor's royal robes swished as he descended the steps one at a time, his gaze trained on the feral omega. He removed the headdress that came with the veil and handed it over to someone.

The familiar scent of pine washed over him and Namjoon watched in stunned silence as the emperor commanded.

"Make way."

He looked stunningly handsome. Not like he wasn't before. If as a mercenary he looked ruggedly handsome with rough edges, as an emperor he looked even more lethal with a polished look.

There was a loud growl behind him and the next thing he knew, Jimin was flying past him. He covered the remaining distance, lunging at the emperor.

"Protect the Emperor!" some idiot shouted.

Two confused elite guards jumped in between but Jimin was faster. He disarmed them with practiced ease, knocking them out and taking hold of their weapons.

"Stop him!"

However, there was no stopping the feral omega that had his eyes only on his mate. Stepping out of their perch from behind the emperor was none other than Taehyung and Yoongi, the two alphas Namjoon had grown accustomed to during their long trip from The Summer Isle to The Fortune Moon.

Nothing made sense.

Jungkook is the emperor? Then why would he pretend otherwise?

"Let him come to me," the emperor ordered, widening his stance.

They stopped anyone who tried to get between the emperor and Jimin.

Namjoon saw the confusion clouding others' features, as they stood immobile with the scene unfolding in front of them.

The omega prince crashed into the emperor's chest or should he say...Jungkook's chest with a loud whine. Jungkook immediately wrapped both his hands around him, holding him tighter and baring his neck in front of the entire court.

Namjoon's jaw went slack. The first time he saw Jimin's claiming mark on Jungkook's neck he was taken back. The alpha had earned his respect in Namjoon's eyes that day. However, this...this was unexpected. No emperor or a ruler ever submitted to their omega, especially not in front of the court.

The omega prince latched onto his neck, tugging at his robes and searching for his mark before sinking his fangs on his neck with a growl.

"He bit the emperor!" someone cried.

Blood dripped from Jungkook's neck into his robes, but the alpha just held the omega prince in a tight embrace.

"Somebody stop him!"

"He's hurting the emperor."

The emperor growled in warning, stopping anyone who dared to lift their weapon. Taehyung and Yoongi moved in unison, shielding them with their bodies.

"Kill anyone who dares to hurt my omega."

Jimin whined louder and tugged at his robes. The emperor let out a growl when soft whimpers and whines began to emanate from the omega. Jimin released his neck, licking away the blood and nosing along his neck, and began to scent him earnestly.

Scenting was such an intimate gesture between the mates. It was even more intimate considering Jimin's emotionally vulnerable state. Taehyung and Yoongi stepped closer to them, bringing forth their shield to hide them from the view of the onlookers.

Namjoon immediately stepped forward, his two brothers following suit. He quickly approached his little brother and his mate. Removing his robe, he held it open and up to form a curtain of the sort. The other two followed suit, hiding the two mates effectively from the other's view, thereby giving them their much-needed privacy as much as possible in the given situation.

"I'm safe," Jungkook whispered, letting his lips brush over the sensitive skin of his neck. His voice was so gentle that Namjoon felt tears pricking his eyes. "Your mate is safe. We're safe."

Jimin's threatening growls and whines subsided. He circled his arms around Jungkook's neck, burying his face into his neck.

"What is going on?" Jimin's father stepped forward. "Didn't he say he already had a mate? Why would His Majesty allow a tainted omega to even touch him?"

Jungkook growled, following a soft whine from Jimin.

"Call him a tainted omega one more time I'll rip your tongue off." Taehyung stepped even closer to Jimin with a growl, turning his torso to face the king. "The emperor is his chosen mate."

"What?" The king of the Summer Isle eyed them both. "What do you mean by his chosen mate?"

"His Majesty is the alpha who courted His Highness Park Jimin. They're true mates, who recognized each other and fell in love," Yoongi said. "His Majesty wanted to find a mate, who would love him as an ordinary alpha, and by Moon's will he did."

Taehyung sheathed his sword, still holding the shield higher. He turned his head to Jungkook. "You need to leave, Your Majesty. Your mate is extremely distressed."

Jungkook nodded and met Namjoon's gaze. "Accompany us." Then he lifted his head to address the court louder. "I'm retiring with my omega. No one disturbs us until further notice."

With that, he hoisted Jimin into his arms and walked out of the throne room with the elite guards and the brothers shielding them from the other's view, leaving the stunned court officials behind.

***

Guilt flooded the alpha when the distressed scent of his omega blanketed him. Jimin wouldn't stop fussing and he was sobbing uncontrollably.

He lowered him onto his bed that was covered in his scent, but Jimin protested, whining loudly when he began to straighten.

Jimin let out a loud cry, blindly reaching out for the alpha. "A-Alpha..."

"Shh..." Jungkook immediately went into his arms. "I got you, my omega. You're safe," he assured again.

However, it didn't reach the delirious omega in his arms. He wasn't calming down and his cries weren't stopping.

Jungkook sank his teeth into his omega's mark on his neck, not enough to break the skin but enough to stop him. Jimin whimpered before going lax under him. He panted, his eyes unfocused and lips parted. Tears trickled down his pink cheeks.

Jungkook released his hold on his neck and began to lick gently over the mark, placing several open-mouthed kisses along the column of his neck.

When the wolves faced extreme distress, their inner wolves often took control. In Jimin's case, his omega was under severe duress. That combined with his panic for the life of his mate and brothers, it was out of control. So, Jungkook did the only thing he could do to bring his mate back to him and to make him feel safe.

"Such a strong omega," he praised. "So good for me."

Jimin hiccupped in response. He fisted the front of Jungkook's robes, his claws scratching at the material as he tugged at it. Jungkook knew exactly what his omega wanted. His silver eyes were wide and there were still traces of panic and fear. Something Jungkook's alpha despised to see in his eyes.

The omega wanted assurance. He wanted to feel close. It wanted more and Jungkook was willing to give anything his omega demanded.

Stripping out of the heavy robes was a tedious process, but Jungkook would move a mountain for his omega. He carefully stripped them both, throwing away the pile of clothes onto the floor before settling between Jimin's legs. The omega prince spread his legs immediately, lifting his hips in anticipation.

As expected, he was soaking wet and his inviting scent was so ripe in the air. Jungkook growled as he positioned himself and sank into the familiar heat. The omega stretched slowly to accommodate his length and he felt Jimin's heels digging into his back as the omega tugged at him pulling him as close to his body as possible.

Jungkook bent, capturing his lips in a soft kiss as he bottomed out. Jimin was wet and warm, pulsing around his length. His wolf let out a soft whine, demanding him to move and who was Jungkook to say no. He pulled out until only the head of his cock was inside and slammed into him.

The omega let out a strangled moan, arching his back to meet his thrusts. Jungkook circled his hips to find a suitable angle and when his omega almost lifted off the bed, he knew he found it. He gripped his hips in a bruising hold before pistoning his hips forward.

"Al-Alpha..." Jimin moaned. "M-More..."

Jungkook obeyed. He kissed and sucked at his mark, nibbling the pale skin as he fucked into him faster and harder. It didn't take long before both were pushed over the edge and Jimin was coming between them first. Jungkook's cock swelled, his knot catching the rim of his omega before he too spilled inside of him, locking them in an intimate embrace.

He panted, dropping his head on his omega's chest. The omega prince ran his hand all over his back, scratching his skin with his claws. It stung at times and Jungkook could tell his shoulders would sport the crescent-shaped marks for at least a week with how hard Jimin clung to him earlier. Jimin had his thighs locked around his waist, holding him tighter with not even a space for air to pass through.

Their hearts beat as one and Jungkook felt an overwhelming rush of warmth and love filling his chest cavity as he gazed down at his omega.

Jimin's omega was still in control, but he could sense the wolf calming down as he began to scent Jungkook earnestly, letting out soft whimpers and whines as he did so. Jungkook smiled as he bared his neck for his mate for the second time that day and let him do whatever he wanted.

He still couldn't believe how fortunate he was. It all felt surreal. The Moon was benevolent and generous with her blessing to him. He caressed Jimin's face with a smile that almost split his face. Jimin was just so beautiful. Someone who was made only for him. The other half of his soul. His one and only true mate.

The moon had been kind to his family for generations, but Jungkook thought this topped it all. Jimin was perfect for him in every sense. He was elated that they were able to meet and court his omega like a normal couple. Something that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

He was also fortunate because Jimin accepted his courting. To be honest, Jungkook thought he was the luckiest alpha in the entire world because he scored himself an omega who loved him for the man he was and not for his societal status or the title attached to his name.

When he ascended the throne at the tender age of fourteen, it was something he thought was impossible. He'd always known his title as the emperor would always play a role and he would never know his mate's true feelings for the man behind the title. But here he was, with a mate curled up in his arms. A mate who refused to submit to even himself.

He smiled warmly at the memory. Words couldn't explain how elated his inner beast was when Jimin said he would submit only to his alpha, in front of the entire nation. He had withstood the compulsion and faced him like the brave man he was, despite knowing Jungkook could have killed him in a blink of an eye.

His omega was so fearless. Honestly, Jungkook was the real winner in the end. He got to spend the rest of his life with Jimin by his side.

There were several times Jungkook wanted to tell Jimin who he was, but he was a selfish man. He wanted the world to see who his mate was, how strong he was. Not just anyone could become his mate. And there was also a fact that the position came with a responsibility. Jimin would rule by his side.

He pulled out once his knot softened, but Jimin fussed with a loud whine.

"D-Don't l-leave."

"Shh...my love. I'm here." He kissed his forehead. "I'm right here."

"P-Please...N-Need."

"Anything for you, my precious omega."

"I-Inside." Jimin lifted his hip again. "D-Don't stop. Want you inside." He was beginning to tug and scratch at him again. The wolf was beginning to panic again.

Jungkook held both his arms before turning him to make him lie on his side. They both needed to rest. Jimin was still recovering and he could only imagine how terrified his omega must be to have let his wolf control him.

"Shh...I got you." He bit the mark again, this time sinking his fangs deeper and tasting blood.

Jimin went limp immediately and bared his neck even more. It hurt to see his omega so vulnerable. He wished he was there sooner. However, it was risky with the assassins and spies crawling all over the place. He couldn't let anyone hurt his mate. Acting as if he had taken Jimin hostage was the only way to keep them away in this place. It had taken a while for them to identify the threat and remove them, but Jungkook felt guilty for not doing it faster.

"A-Alpha..."

Jungkook growled low in response, just to assure his mate that he was there and they were safe. He lifted Jimin's leg before sliding inside. The omega prince moaned, clutching his arm that was around his waist in a tight grip.

The alpha licked his mark once more. Everything inside him wanted to sink his fangs deeper and make their bond permanent, but not now. His mate only deserved the best and he'd give him only the best. He'd give him the mating ceremony he deserved before he marked him as his forever.

Jimin turned his head, seeking his lips when he let go of his mark and Jungkook obeyed immediately. He kissed his omega softly, coaxing his lips open and sliding his tongue inside. The omega prince moaned softly.

His movements were languid with no urgency. He relished every drag of his cock against the pulsating inner walls of his omega and kissed every his omega's face.

"You were so brave today." He nibbled at his neck. "Standing up against all those noblemen." He chuckled. "So brave and perfect. You even claimed me in front of them, mhmm?"

Jimin whimpered. "A-Alpha...m-mine."

"Yes, yours. Only yours."

"P-Protect..." he whined. "Protect mate."

"Shh...we're safe. No one can harm us, my precious omega. Alpha has taken care of all of them."

"Y-You did?"

"Yes, my love. I'm sorry I'm late again. Will you accept my apologies?" He kissed his neck and nuzzled into his skin. "Alpha just wanted to make this place safe for my omega before I gave you my mating gift."

Jimin sniffled. "D-Don't care...N-No need the gift." More tears followed. "J-Just my alpha. O-Only you."

"I'm honored, Omega. You're such a treasure to me. But you can't blame your alpha for wanting to give you a safe abode."

"Safe," the omega whispered. His eyes rolled back to his head as he arched his back. "Safe with you."

Jungkook smiled fondly. "Yes, you're safe with me. You'll always be safe with me."

Some already guessed Jungkook's real identity. Kudos to you for grasping all clues I left in the earlier chapters.

In first chapter, Jungkook would say to Hoseok that he hosted a lot of hatred for the emperor. Then there was the prophecy for Jimin when he was born.

"The speaker of the moon had said their child was moon blessed and would one day rule the five kingdoms."

There was also places where it was mentioned only the ember moon royals are blessed with true mates. Then obviously Jungkook's note to Jimin asking him to challenge the emperor.

You guys were awesome and cheers to everyone who figured it correctly. More will be revealed in the next chapter. This chapter became longer than expected. So I couldn't include everything in one. Had to break the chapter into two.

Some Visuals:

This is how I imagine the true form of The Ember Moon royals. They're Lycanthropes. So they're different from the normal wolves.