Work Text:
Seokjin crouched low in the tall grass and watched a ladybird as it scurried along a goats beard’s stem. He could smell nothing but the sweet moss and earth, it was nice here, cool and shady. He yawned.
Jungkook would find him sooner or later, he always did, but it was still fun to try and outwit the younger. And who knew how long they would be able to play like this?
His eldest sibling, his sister Yejin, was newly mated and had moved to their sister pack last summer, he missed her badly, she'd been his best friend and his confidante and now he hardly saw her.
Hyungsik, his older brother, was apparently too old and too important now to partake in such “childish games”, Seokjin rolled his eyes and huffed thinking about it.
At one time Hyungsik would have been the instigator, chasing both of them down in minutes.
He settled down, nose on his paws, ears flicking away an annoying fly that buzzed lazily round him.
He’d maybe gone a little too far out for their usual game, but Jungkook was too good at finding him sometimes and their usual hiding places were old and well used.
Their territory was small and his father preferred it that way. Keeping his pack isolated from their surrounding settlements. Sure they had visitors from time to time, but strangers were not welcome. Trespassers were dealt with severely.
Seokjin didn’t really pay attention to all that, he just liked playing hide and seek with the pups.
A twig cracked to his left, the familial scent of his baby brother reached him at almost the same time he was pounced on.
Jungkook bit his ear as he squealed happily, bolting out of his hiding place back to the woods, his brother yapping at his heels.
There was a very clear boundary where their land ended and a sort of nomansland began.
His father’s small group of Alphas would spend time clearing it and scenting it and patrolling it, making sure that anyone who came close knew that they were not welcome without notifying his father. There was one official way in and out, at the southern boundary. Anyone approaching from a different direction was deemed a threat and dealt with harshly.
They shouldn’t even be this far out, if his father knew he’d be reprimanded and would probably be on laundry duty for the foreseeable future.
There had been skirmishes recently with two different packs, one had been particularly bad and had resulted in a death.
It was Seokjin’s first experience with violent death. He’d seen their warrior brought back on a litter, his throat ripped open, everything stained red. It was a stark difference from the night his grandsire had passed. Quietly, peacefully surrounded by family.
His father had sent messengers to their sister packs, led by Seokjin’s paternal uncle and maternal grandfather, for reinforcements.
Seokjin didn’t understand the politics of it all, he just knew that these wolves were bad. And they would stop at nothing to kill every single one of them.
Jungkook whined and Seokjin realised he was no longer being chased.
He stopped short and turned, his brother was sniffing something on the ground, recoiling in disgust.
He plodded back over to him.
Sticky drops of rust red, all over the leaves and grass.
Seokjin sniffed it, metallic and clearly fresh blood drying in the summer sun.
Seokjin knew the scent, he’d helped his mother to skin and drain countless deer and other small animals in his life. It was one of the worst things he was roped into helping with.
But this wasn’t deer blood. Under the musty smell of blood was something else, Something pleasant, warm, like the vanilla cakes his mother made.
It stirred something inside him. Something that made his pulse quicken.
The trail headed to the river that marked the border on the eastern fringe of their territory.
He nipped at Jungkook, reassuring but also indicating that they should head back. Jungkook didn’t need telling twice. It was unnerving thinking of a stranger coming into their homelands, but at the same time he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about the wolf who might be out there.
No one should die alone, wounded and frightened in a land that wasn’t their own.
He sighed and turned over on his mat.
Beside him his brother sprawled his limbs across his and Seokjin’s bed. In the earthen room next door his parents slept, he could hear his father’s deep rumbling snores.
He turned over again, this time facing the door.
He should have told his father about the intruder, but he hadn’t. Neither had Jungkook.
He’d been brought up to help people, when a pup was sick, he’d help collect herbs and assist the apothecary to make medicine. He knew how to dress wounds and… And he needed to stop, that wolf might have been the one to kill Hyosang, they were most likely an enemy. They might hurt him or Jungkook.
They might do other things… He turned over and closed his eyes. More than likely they were already back at their own pack or dead, it wasn’t his business.
An arm slapped him around the face, he groaned and yanked it around him. Jungkook snuggled into him and with his warmth and scent Seokin fell asleep.
Jungkook was at his lessons.
Seokjin had no idea what he did there. Being “prepared” whatever that meant. But it meant that Seokjin was alone for the afternoon.
A balmy one, heat shimmered over the meadow, the stream was unusually low thanks to lack of rainfall.
The air buzzed with the sound of insects and somewhere above a buzzard called to its kin.
Seokjin shouldn’t be out this far, yet again, not alone at any rate, but he’d followed a rabbit. It was always appreciated, catching prey, his mother would praise him and skin it for dinner. His stomach rumbled and he thought about taking his lunch out of his satchel but decided not to, it was too hot and open out here to sit and eat comfortably. He needed some shade, maybe a nice secluded woodland glade. He knew of a few closer to home, but he wasn’t close to home right now.
Sadly for him the rabbit had gone to ground and now he was out here amongst the butterflies and wildflowers staring at a patch of old blood.
He wasn’t a tracker, but he knew enough to tell the wolf who’d bled here had headed down to the stream.
He found more blood on the shallow banks. Whoever it was had sat here trying to wash themselves.
Seokjin expected them to cross here, but they hadn't. He could see where the path they'd trampled through the tall dry grasses headed back into the field at a diagonal angle and back into Seokjin’s territory.
That way led to a larger river he believed, although his knowledge of the area was patchy at best, he wasn’t even allowed to venture that way because of the dangerous terrain.
Their own pack didn’t worry about that area because it would be the least likely to be assaulted from. The gentle hills suddenly gave way to tall sheer cliffs according to stories.
Seokjin stared across the open land to where the woodland covered the slopes.
He twisted his hands together, fiddling with his own fingers and then started walking.
The wolf had begun to bleed again, perhaps the wounds that had begun to heal had reopened? But now the droplets were further apart and harder to follow.
He paused at the edge of the meadow where scrubby hawthorn and blackthorn replaced the tall grass and wildflowers.
Beyond those were dense broadleaf woodlands that he was forbidden to enter.
Some tracks made by larger animals were the only paths to follow through the thick undergrowth.
The wounded wolf had picked a deer run, that split the thick fern coverage and vanished from sight into the green darkness.
Seokjin would be breaking so many rules by following, but he was intrigued to the point of obsession of finding whoever had moved unnoticed by anyone else through their land.
Even Jungkook seemed to have forgotten they’d found the blood by the time they had chased each other home.
He hadn’t spent the night restless like Seokjin had.
The fact was Seokjin had never met anyone else that wasn’t a part of his or their sister packs.
If his father ever allowed strangers into their village, Seokjin was never allowed to be there. He would be sent to the kindergarten to supervise the pups or some other trivial chore.
Most trade deals took place in the neutral lands to the south closer to where Seokjin had heard there were much bigger towns and even a city.
Sometimes he’d daydream about going there. Of walking down streets and sampling goods, trying on clothes and making friends.
It wasn’t that he didn’t love his friends. Jimin was like a brother to him, but unlike Seokjin who had different rules to live by, Jimin was getting ready to be mated to an Alpha from his mother’s birth pack.
So they could no longer play by the river, or read in the hay loft together. Jimin was busy learning how to be a mate.
Seokjin had no idea why anyone would want to do that. Not when they could go on an adventure.
His other childhood friend Namjoon had presented shortly before him as an Alpha and that meant the end of their friendship.
Namjoon didn’t even smile at Seokjin anymore if their paths crossed. Seokjin didn’t understand, and it hurt that he had lost someone he had been close to.
Jimin had told him that it was just the way things were. Alphas and Omegas just couldn’t be friends, not unless they were mated. And that for Seokjin it would be enforced because of his status.
Seokjin would one day be a pack Luna. Be it his own pack or most likely to another sister pack. So he had to live by an even more rigid set of rules.
He’d already broken several this morning alone, so what was a few more.
His heart beat loud and fast in his chest with anxiety but also something else, not quite excitement but close to it. He ducked under a young silver birch and let the dim light engulf him.
The well used game track curved between huge ancient trees, his thighs pushing through the ferns that reached up to his chest.
He knew the wolf had come this way because not far from where the path met the river where a huge old oak had put down impressive roots, the wolf had fallen.
Seokjin could easily make out the shape, they must have lain here a while, blood had pooled over the dark green fronds.
Only this blood was not the same as the trail he’d been following. This still looked tacky, as if they had only risen a few hours ago. Perhaps after spending the night here.
Seokjin felt sad for them. How miserable must it have been, so lonely and frightening.
His heart clenched in his chest. How could he possibly go back now, when someone needed help.
He looked back the way he came, at the shafts of sunlight dancing through the bows above. A dark butterfly fluttered around the high canopy, a bird sang sweetly behind him answered by a second. It was pleasant now, but at night? Seokjin had never been allowed out after nightfall, especially once he had presented as an Omega.
He carried on following the trail.
The river here was turbulent as it flowed over rapids and over minor waterfalls.
The air around him was humid and yet cool under the cover of the trees where a moist breeze from the water ruffled his hair and left a thin sheen of wetness behind. But it was pleasant, the hot midday sun was reduced to dappled spots that danced as the leaves moved.
This was all new terrain for him, which was a shame as they would have loved to play here as pups. The river looked inviting and Jungkook would probably love jumping off the rocks into the deep water.
The path began to follow the contours of the land, all while the river splashed and tumbled dramatically next to him.
He heard the falls before he saw them. A tall white cascade that took his breath away.
He gazed up at it, the path crossed here over a line of mismatched stepping stones. But none of this was what caught his attention.
He walked closer to the sheer rock face to the mark on the wall.
As clear as day a large handprint marked out in blood.
He raised a shaking finger and touched it. Dry yet it still transferred onto his own skin.
He looked to his left and right.
The waterfall held no secrets but to his left he saw a rag caught on a dog rose, perhaps a torn bit of clothing, stained with more blood.
There was no path this way, just a solid rock face, except is wasn’t solid at all, the more he looked the more he realised here was the real secret. Not far from the falls were a bunch of caves and crevices well hidden in the shadows and overgrown bushes.
Seokjin fought his way through the prickles to the first, this one was far too small to hide a person so he ignored it and followed his nose. He already knew which one the wolf was in because he could smell it. Blood and sickness yet beneath that, a sweet inviting scent that piqued his own wolf's interest.
He could barely hear anything over the rushing of his own blood in his ears as his heart beat hard in his chest and the crashing of water as he stepped closer.
He shifted his bag nervously, somehow it felt heavier than it had this morning. He fidgeted with it as he stopped just shy of the low tight entrance and took a deep breath before he ducked his head and shuffled inside.
It took a second for his eyes to adjust but when the did he took in the space. The place had once been used as a den by something, a bear perhaps, Seokjin could smell some kind of animal scent but that didn’t matter now, it was old.
By the entrance someone had tried to light a fire, but either lacked the skill or perhaps had simply given up. Green sticks lay all jumbled together next to two pieces of flint and some dry moss that looked slightly singed.
Seokjin moved on and finally found the culprit. A lean Alpha lay on his back against the far wall.
There was no movement, he lay deathly still and for a second Seokjin thought he was too late. Then he groaned, so quietly Seokjin wasn’t sure it had been him until he did a second time louder. His nude body, shiny with sweat; jerked on the badly made bed of ferns. Seokjin turned tail and fled out of the cave, almost scalping himself in the process of retreating back out into the warm glade where the waterfall thundered on uncaring. Tiny white butterflies scattered in front of his feet as he disturbed them from dancing around the clumps of knapweed in the pools of sunlight.
He forced himself to stop running and turned back around to look through the foliage back at the cave, whining in the back of his throat.
The dark opening stood silent and black, no sign of anyone following, no other noises either, in fact the whole clearing seemed to be holding a collective breath, even the falls sounded distant somehow. A fat fuzzy bumblebee buzzed passed by his nose making him jump but breaking the tension.
He let out a long breath, his heart still pounded hard against his ribs as he sucked on his bottom lip nervously, chewing at it subconsciously.
Seokjin should continue to walk away, maybe even run back the way he’d come until he was safely back in his village with his pack. But the other wolf was clearly no threat, that was for sure. If Seokjin walked away now, the wolf would be dead by nightfall, could he live with that?
He looked at the water, then the butterflies who had settled back on their flowers and then back to the cave. Slowly he walked back to the entrance and once more ducked under the overhang and into the coolness of the cavity beyond.
He closed the gap to the other body, it was hard to see in the dimness but even with the shadows he could see the rivulets of sweat dripping down his body. He was in a bad way.
With slightly shaking hands, Seokjin pulled off his bag and opened it, inventorying the things he’d brought with him but didn’t think he’d actually need.
A handful of candles that he lit quickly, and placed around the place, a small iron pan and a cup, a knife, strips of cotton cloth, a little vile of herbs and a blanket.
The wolf was naked as the day he was born and Seokjin had been averting his eyes the whole time. So first Seokjin covered his lower half with the blanket and then he left, hurrying back out to the river.
He splashed water on his own face first, trying to calm himself. Then he filled the pan.
He sat down in front of the little pile of singed moss and sticks and started to make a proper fire. After first tossing out the damp green wood, he again left and returned multiple times with arms full of dry kindling and larger branches and small logs. He had no axe so he had to be picky, discarding anything too large and using his little knife to hack at the rest.
He built up a fire while keeping an eye on the stranger. Every time he groaned or moved Seokjin felt his flight instincts kick in and twice he almost ran when the injured Alpha let out an agonised yell.
Eventually he had a fire that he could comfortably sit the pan on.
While he waited for the water to boil. He slowly crept closer to the Alpha again, flinching away slightly as he let out a pained groan.
His body radiated heat, so much so Seokjin wondered if the water might boil faster if he placed it on his chest.
He extended his arm, palm out, trying to decided where to start. He shifted in his unconsciousness.
“I don’t know if you can hear me.” Seokjin whispered, his voice barely audible. “But I’d like to help you. Please stay still and… And please don’t hurt me.”
He carefully removed the bog moss and leaves that the wolf had covered his midsection with and audibly gasped at the wound underneath.
It wasn’t particularly deep, but it was jagged and long running from his right side almost as far as his left nipple. And angry looking, red and inflamed and crusted with dried blood and weeping in places with a nasty yellow fluid that Seokjin knew was bad, very bad.
Alphas possessed enhanced healing abilities, he was aware of that, but there were limits of course. And right now this Alpha was perched precariously on the edge of death. Seokjin could smell it, it made his wolf anxious and worried, even though he did not know who this Alpha stranger was. His Omega reverted to something primal, to nurture and care for him, even though he was a total stranger from a potentially rival pack. It didn't matter, he needed to save him.
He swallowed hard and tried to remember everything that his mother had taught him.
Behind him the water had started to bubble.
He set to cleaning the wound first, flushing parts of it with sterile water and the crushed up Herb-Robert he'd brought with him. Then he fished out his little fishing kit from the bottom of his bag. inside he had horsehair thread and a hook that he could use as a needle.
Carefully he sewed up the worst parts of the laceration, wiping away the fresh blood with a boiled rag. He was glad the other was unconscious for this part, it couldn’t have been pleasant.
Once he was done he covered him fully with the blanket and hurried back out into the woods.
It didn’t take him long to find more of the plants he needed, bringing them back and chopping them carefully then infusing them into a bandage as a sort of poultice that he covered the slash with.
It would hold for a good couple of days, would draw out any infection and reduce the swelling. Always assuming he survived the night.
He also tried to get him to drink some of the water he had brought with him. Supporting his head in his lap and holding the water skin to his lips, pouring gently into his parted mouth.
At first it simply flowed down his chin and onto his bare chest and Seokjin was terrified he'd choke on it, but then he licked his lips, giving a pained groan before swallowing.
“That’s it.” Seokjin whispered. “A little more.” He gently stroked the Alpha's hair as he drank.
Whether he heard or not Seokjin didn’t know, but his throat moved, taking in the liquid.
Seokjin had no idea how long he’d been here, but he knew he couldn’t stay longer, people would be looking for him, especially as he wasn’t with Jungkook or Jimin.
He would have to come up with a story, perhaps he could say he went fishing?
He lay the Alpha down onto a pillow he’d made of his own cotton undershirt and some meadow sweet.
He boiled more water and then sat back and observed him.
His forehead was still a little too warm but it was better than it had been when he’d arrived. That meant he was either too far gone, or he was over the worst.
The last thing Seokjin did before packing his little bag back up was to wet another rag in cold water and gently place it over his forehead.
“I have to leave you now.” He said wiping away a trickle of water from his temple. “There’s plenty of water, please drink. I’ll try and come back tomorrow, I’ll bring food and medicine.”
Seokjin took off the rest of his clothing, it would be easier and thus quicker to return on four legs over two. And it meant he could add the clothing to the blanket. He wasn’t sure the fire would last very long with no one to tend it. Already it had died down to a flickering flame and he simply could not risk making it bigger. For two reasons, he knew that the smoke could suffocate him and also any signs of smoke escaping the cave could draw unwanted attention to him.
If his father knew he was here, he wouldn't think twice about executing him.
“Sleep well.” He changed into his wolf form, gave him one last look and ran out into the late afternoon heat.
Somehow sleep came easily and yet he was still up with the sun, helping his mother prepare breakfast.
He wanted to slip away as soon as he could, no one had questioned his absence the day before, the gate guards ignored him a he passed through, too used to him coming and going as he pleased. And he’d crept back into their hut like nothing had happened and hurriedly changed all before anyone even noticed.
This was the beauty of not only being the son of the pack Alpha but the way he’d always been.
They had always accused him of being too into his imagination, always daydreaming or simply dreaming. It wasn’t the first time he’d fallen asleep in some nest under a tree or by the river. He could spend hours down by the water, fishing or just snoozing in the sun. That was the beauty of having such a safe and secure territory, he had no fear of others. Well, until now of course.
Seokjin could now use his normal day to day indulgences to his advantage, finishing his chores as fast as he could without making it obvious he wanted to be elsewhere.
And that elsewhere wasn’t his usual fishing hole or the big willow tree that he enjoyed climbing. Now all he could think about was a tiny crevice next to a sheer cliff and a turbulent waterfall that as far as he knew, Seokjin was the only person who knew about it. About him.
The truth was he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about the Alpha he had hidden away.
He prayed to the moon goddess that night to watch over him.
Would he find him alive when he arrived at the cave?
He whimpered out loud and slapped a hand over his mouth, hoping no one in the vicinity had heard.
Why did he even care? He didn’t know the Alpha, didn’t even know his name. And on top of that, his father was adamant that any Alpha not from their pack would hurt Seokjin.
How had this lone Alpha evaded his pack's border patrols anyway? He had clearly been very lucky.
But the Alpha was still gravely injured, and was on death's door. Seokjin had been able to smell it lingering on him.
There was a good chance that he would be deceased. Then what?
He still couldn’t tell anyone, he’d be in serious trouble for venturing so far from the village.
His father would be beyond furious. Seokjin couldn't even come up with a suitable punishment.
When he’d finished scrubbing the last bowl, his mother told him he could take his lunch to eat by the river, he excused himself.
He retrieved his bag that he’d meticulously packed in the late hours once everyone was sleeping and managed to leave without being detected.
As the sound of the waterfall became louder so to did his heart, or at least that’s what it felt like as the cave came closer.
He paused at the entrance, took a deep breath and ducked under the low hanging ceiling.
The first thing he noticed was no scent of death in the air.
The second the smell of sickness was almost gone, replaced by the warm scent of vanilla.
The Alpha was still sleeping.
He’d kicked off the covers leaving him naked with only the bandages. Seokjin once more kept his gaze on the Alpha's face, no longer flushed and sweaty and covered his modesty with the blanket again.
But it was clear he’d also been conscious at some point.
There was a fire still burning, with Seokjin's little pan on it, water merrily bubbling away inside it.
It looked like he’d tried to boil it but then fallen asleep.
Then Seokjin noticed the item clutched tightly in his hand. Seokjin’s shirt.
A rush of heat spread out from his cheeks. He didn’t know what this meant, this feeling, but it wasn’t unpleasant.
The Alpha looked peaceful, as if he was over the worst. And when he placed his hand over his forehead, it only confirmed that it was cool to the touch.
The Alpha turned his head pressing into Seokjin’s touch.
Seokjin couldn’t stop himself from brushing the long platinum hair off his forehead.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” He whispered.
Seokjin unpacked what he’d brought, including the packed lunch, except he didn’t eat it himself, he left it by the makeshift bed.
He set aside the water the Alpha had been boiling and made tea with it. He’d also brought with him some medicine that his father took for pain.
He didn’t know if the Alpha could read or write, but he quickly scratched out a short message on his slate with chalk anyway, explaining simply how to take the medicine.
“I have to go, I got away with it yesterday, but I might not be so lucky today.” He touched the Alphas cheek, just to check his temperature of course, nothing else.
Once again his face turned into his palm, snuggling against it.
Seokjin gently stroked his cheek with his thumb,
“If you’re still here tomorrow I’ll come again. If you’re not…” He hated that he might leave without even telling him his name. “I wish you a safe journey.”
Seokjin pulled away and hurried out.
-
Hoseok opened his eyes.
He caught a glimpse of a tall back stooping under the eves and that was all.
All except the lingering scent of Omega. Of wild strawberries and Honeysuckle. He could still feel his warm touch on his skin.
He hadn’t meant to give into his instincts, to want to hold him close. But he’d allowed himself that one small moment.
He had regained consciousness once more while the Omega was hunched over the little fire Hoseok had managed to light, how long ago? A while he thought, the light had changed dramatically since he’d put the little pot on to boil.
He’d awoken the first time confused but somehow still alive.
It was only when he’d sat up, wincing at the pain in his midsection, that he realised someone had tended to his injuries.
Someone who smelled sweet and homely. He hadn’t even thought about the fact he might be in danger, there was no threat to that scent.
It had clearly been an Omega who had been here in the cave with him while he was dying.
The gods had sent him an angel. One who hadn’t cared about their own safety, had simply put aside any prejudice to treat his wound and come back a different day to nurse him.
He should have opened his eyes but he felt it would have startled the Omega into leaving, and he definitely didn’t want that.
Even now all he wanted to do was run after him and make sure he was safe.
What even was an Omega doing here? Wandering around so far out in these woods alone?
He really should do as he had said, leave.
But he didn’t want to.
He wanted to see him again, well, he’d like to see him full stop. Wanted to know if he was as beautiful as he scent and his voice.
He sat up with difficulty, his body still fighting to heal itself.
The Omega had left a little bamboo box wrapped in a big leaf. Inside was smoked fish, rice and vegetables.
He sampled as much as his body would let him. It was all delicious, he sighed happily as he wrapped it back up. It might be the only food he got today. Then he picked up the black slate and looked at the handwritten note. The Omega’s writing was beautiful, he was clearly well educated.
He put the slate down and picked up a little scrap of material that held some powder. According to the writing the Omega said it would help with pain, so he carefully mixed it into the herbal tea as instructed and sipped it until it had all gone.
It quickly made him drowsy, so he once more settled back on the bracken he’d somehow managed to drag in here that first day, and holding the Omegas clothing to his nose he fell asleep.
Whether it was the medicine or the food, the poultice wrapped bandage or the Omegas clothing, he woke feeling better than he had for days. Since long before he’d been hunted and chased, forced to fight for his life and reduced to this, bleeding out in a hostile territory miles from his former home.
His stomached growled loudly. He reached for the little lunch box and ate the rest of the food, it was a little stale but still good, he just hoped it wouldn’t make him sick.
He made more tea and then once more laid down exhausted.
“.... couldn’t get away sooner.”
The voice roused him, he opened his eyes to see the Omega once more tending the fire, looking at the sticks he was carefully feeding it.
Hoseok closed his eyes and listened to the Omega ramble about his journey and how hard it had been to get some food to bring without being suspicious.
It was nice hearing him speak, his voice low and calming. Hoseok didn’t know why he was speaking out loud, but he appreciated it, he missed his companions. He quickly tuned back into the Omegas monologue, now wasn’t the time to get misty eyed about his friends.
Then he felt a cool soft as silk hand against his forehead.
“I’m glad your fever has gone down.” The Omega said, very close to him. “The medicine must have…”
Hoseok couldn’t stop himself this time, he raised his hand and took hold of his wrist.
The Omega predictably yelled and yanked his arm out of his hold, scrabbling back on his hands and butt before scrabbling to his feet and bolting out of the cave.
Hoseok hated himself, why had he done that?
He covered his face with his hands and groaned loudly.
He heard the quiet sound of light footsteps approaching.
Great, he thought, he probably has reinforcements ready to kill me.
Accept when he looked back at the opening the Omega stood there, half hidden behind the jagged rock, peeking around it.
“I’m not going to hurt you.” Hoseok said, his voice cracking after days of not using it and dehydration.
The Omega stood there, just a silhouette against the bright daylight beyond.
“Please, I’d like to thank you.” Hoseok coughed and slumped back on the dried leaves under him.
He heard shuffling and sensed the Omega coming closer. When he tilted his head up, he’d sat himself with the fire between them.
The sputtering flames casting a golden light over his features. Huge eyes that looked back at him with trepidation, plump lips and a face that Hoseok was sure Alphas would go to war over.
“You really are an angel.” He said.
The Omega looked suddenly flustered.
“I’m not.” He whispered.
“You saved my life, you’re an angel to me. Thank you.”
“I’m just glad you’re doing better. Does it hurt?”
Hoseok touched his abdomen where the cotton covered his wound.
“A little, but I think it’s beginning to heal.”
“You can’t stay here.” A change fell over his beautiful face, a flicker of fear. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep coming here and if my father finds out…”
He left the words hanging but Hoseok could put two and two together.
“A couple more days, that’s all I ask, then I’ll be gone.”
He watched something else cross his features, something that he refused to believe he’d actually seen.
“I can’t stay long, but I brought you some meat.” He pulled a bag towards him that he’d abandoned.
Out of this he took a whole skinned rabbit wrapped in glossy leaves. Hoseok watched him set up a basic spit with some sticks and rocks and soon the smell of roasting rabbit filled the cave.
Hoseok’s stomach gurgled loudly and the Omega laughed.
“Here.” He took a little sack of berries out of his bag. “They’re not fully ripe so don’t eat too many. But they’re sweet enough.” He crawled closer.
Hoseok took the bag out of his hands. “Like you.”
The Omega immediately flushed as red as the berries in his hands.
“I should go. The rabbit will be done when the juices run clear. I’ll try and be back tomorrow. Make sure you drink the water I boiled, and there’s more medicine if you need it.”
“Why are you doing this?” Hoseok asked.
“You were dying.” The Omega shrugged. “I couldn’t just leave you.” He sounded pained.
“Thank you Omega, thank you for caring about a stranger.”
“Seokjin.”
“What?”
“My name, it’s Seokjin.” He smiled.
“Seokjin.” Hoseok tested it out and decided that he loved the way it sounded on his lips. “I’m Hoseok.”
“I’m glad you’re alive.” He laughed, warm and pleasant. “Get some more rest.”
And before Hoseok could even react he’d left.
He woke the next morning feeling stiff but better, his scar itched terribly but there was no pain.
He felt disgusting, he could only smell his own body odour so he left for only the third time since he’d come around.
He scrunched his nose as he removed the old wilted vegetation he’d used as a mattress, carefully washing it in the water before letting it float away leaf by leaf on the current.
Then he stripped off the old bandage and examined his belly in the sunlight.
Only then did he realise the extent that the Omega had gone to.
Tiny neat little stitches holding his skin together. So well done he’d be surprised if the scaring was as bad as he’d feared.
His body was doing what it was designed to do with the help of the Omegas good work. Was he a healer? He ran his finger over the slightly raised surface of the wound.
A fly buzzed around his head and he remembered what he’d come out here for.
Carefully he waded into the frigid water. But it felt so good on his warm skin. He scrubbed himself as best he could with only his hands. He wondered if the Omega could smuggle him some soap.
He held his breath and dunked his head fully under the water, scrubbing at his hair.
When he surfaced and brushed the water out of his eyes he saw the Omega standing by the bank, mouth open a bag clutched at his chest.
Hoseok stood in the thigh deep water and stared back. Then he heard Seokjin give a whimper and turn around, the bag dropping to the floor with an audible clunk as he covered his eyes with his fingers.
Hoseok chuckled then started to laugh. His own pack didn’t care about nudity, they would bathe communally. He wasn’t used to being prudish around others. But he also was aware that every pack was different and if his nakedness made the Omega uncomfortable.
He picked up the blanket he’d brought out to wash and wrapped it around himself.
“It's ok you can look now.”
“I’m sorry for disturbing you.” He still didn’t turn around.
Hoseok couldn’t help smiling at his shyness, it was cute. “You didn’t. I felt I needed to make myself more presentable in such an esteemed company.
He could see the back of Seokjin’s neck flush. He smirked.
“I brought you some clothes.”
Hoseok didn’t miss the irony in that statement.
“Nothing fancy, just something that used to be my brother’s.”
He pointed down at the bag.
“That’s very kind.” Hoseok picked up the discarded bag and peered inside.
Some earthy coloured material in browns and greys, straw sandals and some wrapped packages.
He pulled out the trousers and the shirt and dressed quickly.
Then he stepped in front of the Omega.
“Do they fit ok? Jungkook’s a little bigger than you, so I wasn’t sure.”
“They’re perfect. I don’t deserve your kindness.”
“What kind of person would it make me if I had left you to die?”
Hoseok almost melted at the look on Seokjin’s face, such a naïve angel. Willing to risk his own life.
“I’m in your debt for life. Anything you need, I’ll do my best to fulfil it.” He took the Omega’s hand and brought it to his lips.
He heard him gasp, felt his fingers flex against his own.
He pulled his hand back and held it to his chest, his eyes looking away. Hoseok wondered what kind of pack he came from to make him so shy.
“I brought food too, I thought I could cook for us.”
“I’d like that.” Hoseok tried to catch his eye to let him know he appreciated it, but he steadfastly refused to look at him.
Seokjin led the way back into the cave and began feeding the fire again.
Hoseok had woken several times in the night and threw wood onto it to keep it lit. But even so, it sat in a sad little pile of grey ashes that hindered its growth.
Seokjin it seemed was well versed in fire maintenance, sweeping the excess ash away with a branch and then rebuilding around the embers.
Then he brought out the raw ingredients and within a few moments he had a small stew bubbling away.
While he worked Hoseok looked more closely at the Omega. His neck was flawless, and more importantly no mating bite.
“you must have a line of Alphas all queuing up to be your mate”
The Omega shrugged. “Maybe? I don't know.”
“You don't know? I bet you have to fight them off with a stick” Hoseok laughed.
He shrugged again, “I'm not allowed to talk to Alphas.” He looked across at Hoseok. “Other than my brothers and father.”
Oh this sweet, innocent, naïve angel.
“So no mate?”
Seokjin shuffled around where he squatted. “No, of course not. My father doesn't allow strangers into our territory.” He pulled his knees to his chest protectively.
Hoseok suddenly realised that this angel had no idea what he was messing with. Hoseok could, if he were any other Alpha, rape and kill him and think nothing of it. Or even abduct him and breed him till the Omega was useless. If one of those who had almost killed him found him here… Anger filled his veins at the thought of this sweet Omega being violated, hurt or worse.
“You need to leave.”
Seokjin stopped stirring and stared. “I’m not finished.”
Hoseok stood, trying to make himself intimidating, he needed him to go and never come back. Go back to his sheltered life. Where his father would sell him off to the highest bidder.
It was worse than his own birth pack he realised.
The Omega looked up at him with eyes big and curious. No fear. It was interesting, Hoseok could overpower him, even if he was unusually tall and broad for an Omega.
“Seokjin.”
“I’m not finished.” He went back to stirring the stew.
Hoseok opened and closed his mouth.
“What if your father smells me on you?”
“He won’t, I’m not stupid, I wash up before I get home. Pass me the bowls.”
Hoseok did as he was asked and watched Seokjin fill them.
“It won’t be as good as I want, I don’t have time to let it simmer. But it’ll still be nourishing, I stole some ginseng.”
Hoseok was more and more impressed by the Omegas stealth.
He sat back down with the bowl of fragrant stew, little chunks of beef floated in the thin liquid along with roughly chopped vegetables.
He sipped it straight from the bowl, even with only an hour or so’s cooking it was the best thing he’d eaten in months.
“That’s amazing.”
Seokjin smiled and hugged his knees. “I’m glad you like it.”
“You’re not eating?”
He shook his head. “I’m full just watching you.”
Hoseok sipped more just to hide his smile.
When he was done he helped Seokjin wash up at the river.
“I’ll try and come back tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to, you’ve done more than enough. I don’t want to see you get in trouble, or worse.”
“You’re not fully healed. And if you’re going to be traveling you need to get your strength up.”
Seokjin wasn’t wrong, but he felt apprehensive. He was attracted to the beautiful Omega and that was a major problem.
Because he didn’t need to ask him, Seokjin was clearly not some bottom of the rung pack Omega. His clothing, his knowledge, his education, all pointed to him being high rank. Hoseok wasn’t sure how high, but no Omega he grew up with could read or write. Sure they could cook, they could heal wounds, but Seokjin… There was something about him that screamed nobility.
Hoseok wouldn’t have a chance with him had they been in the same pack and being from different packs with Seokjin’s clearly closed to outsiders meant there wasn’t a hope in hell that he could ask to court him.
He needed to leave.
He stayed.
Seokjin returned the following day with a fish.
“I had to say I was fishing.” He explained as he skinned and gutted it. “So I gave Jungkook the other two to take back and I said I was going to take a walk and eat mine later.”
He expertly stripped the bark from an alder stick and inserted it into the fish before setting it on the fire to smoke and cook.
“I don’t want you getting in any trouble doing this.”
Seokjin smiled. Something about it said Seokjin was maybe the only person on the planet who could get away with it.
“I won’t.”
Seokjin was easy to talk to. Funny, witty and full of useless information.
And he didn’t pry. Maybe Hoseok wanted him to ask him about his past. But he didn’t. At least not that day. He kept the conversation light. Even when he was examining Hoseok’s scar which had almost healed. Gently prodding his abdomen that left Hoseok almost out of his mind. He was glad Seokjin was talking about how his brother had finally presented as an Alpha, because having his warm fingers touching his skin was almost unbearable.
“I think you’re healed enough to… To go…” Seokjin sat back on his heels, eyes lowered.
Hoseok had known that for at least two days. He hadn’t needed Seokjin changing his dressing, over where there was nothing left to dress. The stitches had done their job, Seokjin carefully snipped them and pulled them out leaving little pinpricks of red flesh.
He should have left days ago.
He had to admit to himself he was only still here for Seokjin’s visits.
“When will you go?” Seokjn looked up at him with his large eyes that looked more like a does than those of a wolf.
“Tomorrow maybe. I should have left days ago.”
“Why are you still here?”
The question was loaded. Even Hoseok could see that. What was Seokjin asking?
“For you.”
He saw Seokjin take it in, and watched him take an extra breath.
“I don’t want you to go.”
And there it was.
Hoseok closed the gap between them. Carefully taking Seokjin’s hand in his.
“You shouldn’t say that to me.”
Seokjin bit his lip.
“I know. Maybe i could talk to my father.”
Hoseok took back his hand.
“What would that achieve? You already insinuated that we’d both suffer.”
“But I could try…”
“Who are you?”
“What?”
“The way you talk. Your father’s important?”
Seokjin looked down at his clasped hands, twisting nervously in his lap. “He’s our pack Alpha.”
Hoseok let out the breath he was holding loudly and got to his feet. He had to get out of here. He'd already known that Seokjin was important, but the Omega of a pack Alpha! Even though Seokjin had said he had other siblings, rogue Alpha's such as himself couldn’t just mess around with the Omega of the pack Alpha and Luna! Seokjin was well educated, meaning he was most likely going to be a Luna himself at some point. And Hoseok was not even close to being a high enough status Alpha to ever be considered a mate to a Luna.
“I don’t want you to go.”
“Seokjin…” He started pacing the clearing. The water from the falls thundered around them without a care to his internal plight.
The air swirled with spray, the sun making little rainbows through it.
And Seokjin sat on the rock looking up at him through his thick dark hair, the wavy tendrils fluttering elegantly in the wind.
He was so breathtakingly beautiful. And Hoseok could, if he was a bad person, take him with him.
Just leave here and no one would be any the wiser because evidently Seokjin hadn’t confided in anyone where he went everyday.
It would be so easy to slip out of Seokjin’s fathers territory. They were right on the border, the only thing that had stopped him from leaving that day he'd found the cave, was because he was dying.
He had no strength left to climb the cliffs or cross the river. With no other option he’d crawled inside it and prepared himself to meet lady death.
But instead of her, he’d met an angel.
Hoseok could have killed him at any point, Seokjin didn’t know that he wouldn’t.
And he’d come back again and again, even after it was blindingly obvious he didn’t need anymore help.
Hoseok had hunted and killed a young buck yesterday to prove he was now fit. He had used the knife Seokjin had given him to gut it. Seokjin had taken half of the animal back to his pack.
It had been just another white lie so that Seokjin could keep coming back.
“You don’t know what you’re saying Seokjin.”
“Yes I do.” Seokjin stood.
He really was a fine specimen. Tall and regal looking. Beautiful, fierce, smart and yet so naïve.
He sighed. When Seokjin left here later, Hoseok would gather the few belongings he had and depart too. Head to the coast where he should have been weeks ago.
Damn those fucking Alphas. He just hoped Yoongi and Taehyung had made it through and would wait for him there.
“You’re going to sneak away aren’t you?” Seokjin was frowning at him.
And he was apparently omniscient too.
“I can see it written all over your face. Why would you do that to me?”
“I… I’m trying to make it easier.”
“How is leaving without saying goodbye easier?”
“Why do you even care? No one, least of all me, asked you to nurse me back to health. You should have left me to die.”
Seokjin visibly flinched and he felt bad for doing it. But maybe Seokjin needed to be reminded that Hoseok was a stranger, an Alpha no less, of unknown morals. He had never promised Seokjin anything, especially not his safety. Seokjin needed to know that there were bad people in the world. Hoseok may not be one of them, but Seokjin didn’t know that either. And that was the problem.
“Maybe I should have!” Seokjin said, his voice wavering slightly. He turned on his heels and stormed off.
Hoseok groaned. He’d caught a glimpse of Seokjin’s teary eyes and the last thing he wanted to do was make Seokjin cry.
“Wait.” He hurried after him, trailing behind him as he picked his way over the rocky path.
“Go away.”
“No…. Seokjin wait.” He grabbed his arm.
Seokjin wrenched it away, holding it to his chest.
“You and I…. I… I can’t help caring about you. You saved my life. And I'd be lying if I said I didn’t imagine running away with you. But we have to be real about it. Your father is a pack Alpha. If we leave or if you talk to him, he will kill me either way. It’s that simple.”
He could see that same fear reflected in Seokjin’s doleful eyes.
“You have to let me go.”
“What if I don't want to?”
There was so much unsaid between them. Did Seokjin even know what he was suggesting? Hoseok wasn’t even sure he did. Because to Hoseok, that was something potential mates would say to each other.
And he couldn’t deny that turning up to find his friends, the people he’d agreed to start a pack with, with a pack Luna in tow, made him feel things he never thought he would.
Seokjin would be a perfect addition. He already knew both of them would love him.
Like he did.
The thought terrified him.
“Please don’t leave just yet. Just… Stay a few more days.”
“Seokjin…”
“Please. Promise me you’ll still be here tomorrow?”
Hoseok felt himself deflate. How could he possibly say no to him, when he looked at him with such pleading eyes.
“Please?”
“One more day, then I have to leave.”
That night he sat in the little cave, the fire his only comfort. He poked at it with a stick, letting the embers escape like little fiery insects.
Leaving Seokjin behind was going to hurt. He would spend the rest of his life thinking of the Omega. About what could have been.
One extra day had turned into two then three, now it had been almost a week since Hoseok had agreed to stay one more day. Seokjin showed up as and when. Sometimes he'd stay hours and they would talk and eat. Sometimes like today Seokjin would join him at the river. The weather was hot today and he'd been surprised that Seokjin had stripped down to his underwear and submerged himself. Unlike Seokjin he hadn't been able to stop himself glancing at the Omega. At the way the wet clothing clung to his form, to his thin waist and wide hips. His shirt had turned translucent and he couldn't stop staring at the dark nipples pressing against it. He felt too hot, and it wasn't just the unrelenting sun above them.
He dipped his head under the water, holding his breath for a ten count then breaking the surface, back into the roar of the water and the heat of the day. Seokjin had moved to the rocks, letting the sun dry him. He smiled at Hoseok. An orange butterfly landed on his wet hair, opening and closing it's wings slowly. Seokjin reached up and let it walk onto his hand, Hoseok watched him admiring the creature for a second. He wanted to save this moment forever, this peaceful moment where it was just the two of them and no one else.
He waded over to where Seokjin was sitting on his half submerged rock and hoisted himself out next to him.
Seokjin laughed as he shook his head, sending water everywhere, including over Seokjin.
"Sorry." He laughed along with him.
The disgruntled butterfly headed off to find a dry flower.
“What was your pack like?”
“My pack?” He sighed. “I'm not sure what to tell you... I guess I grew up in a big pack, but because of that, lower status Alphas who had no role were asked to leave once they hit maturity. My friends and I, we knew we would be a part of that. I was never a warrior or even a decent hunter. My parents had status enough to mate and have pups, but I was never destined for anything more than perhaps farming or mining.”
“So you had to leave your family?”
Hoseok nodded. “Yeah. My friends and I, we talked about it, Yoongi, he knew someone who had maps and we decided to make our way out to the ocean.”
“What happened? Where are your friends?”
Hoseok wiped his face with his wet hand, brushing off the wet strands of hair.
“Three lone Alphas travelling together through other packs lands is dangerous, even on public roads. We tried to stay in neutral territories but we didn’t factor in bandits, packs of nomadic Alphas who rob and kill unsuspecting travellers. Take their money and belongings and their Omegas! We didn’t even know they were tracking us until they ambushed us.”
Seokjin gasped.
“We decided when we first set out that if we got separated for any reason we should continue and meet at a small town on the coast that we chose. I don’t know what happened to them, everything happened so fast and it was dark. I didn't even get to grab any of my belongings I left everything behind that night. The three of us scattered to try and get away and it was just my bad luck that the majority of the bandits decided to follow me. I managed to shift and then I swam across a river and thought I had managed to lose them, but I was exhausted. I hid in some brambles but they must have been even better trackers than we thought, because they set upon me in the middle of the night.”
Seokjin whimpered. Clearly understanding what came next. "Is that..." He reached out and lightly touched the long red scar on his tummy.
"Yes." Hoseok held his hand, pressing it firmer against him. “I fought them of course, but one of them clawed at my belly.” He rubbed at his skin where the scar was prominent.
“But you got away.” Seokjin was leaning towards him, eyes huge as they took in everything he was saying.
“I killed the wolf who did this.” He laced his fingers through Seokjin’s slender fingers. “And I ran.” He let go, expecting Seokjin to pull his hand away but he kept it there, warm and grounding against his flesh. “They chased me and then suddenly they stopped. I guess that must have been when I crossed over into your lands. They let me go rather than follow. I kept running until I couldn't anymore.”
“I’ve never been so glad that my father keeps us so isolated.”
Hoseok smiled. “I got lucky that’s all. I could’ve run into your pack and that could have been just as bad.”
“But you didn’t.”
“I did though.” He smiled at the Omega. “And whatever happens after this, I’m happy that the most beautiful angel found me.”
He watched Seokjin blush in real time, the deep flush creeping up his neck, flowing down under his clothing. Was his whole chest red? Hoseok thought. And he accidentally let out a possessive rumbling growl.
Seokjin looked up at him.
He may have saved him, but Seokjin was going to be the death of him. He leant into the Omega’s orbit and pressed his lips gently to the other’s.
He shouldn't have done it, he was well aware of that. Even more so seeing how inexperienced the Omega was.
He flinched but didn’t pull away, his eyes remained huge, staring back at him as he pulled back.
“I’m sorry.” He said, putting more distance between them.
Seokjin remained sitting on the rock, still panting, still looking at him with the big beautiful eyes.
“You should get back to your village.”
Seokjin’s fingers twitched where they touched his abdomen, right where the scar lay.
“I don’t want to.”
Hoseok laughed. “Stubborn little thing aren’t you?”
Seokjin’s hand moved upwards, tracing the defined muscles, making him grunt with pleasure. His fingers glanced over his nipples, soft and almost teasing. Except Hoseok wasn’t sure he knew what his touch was doing.
“I want you to do that again.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
Hoseok swallowed as Seokjin’s hand reached his neck. Lightly stroking over his scent gland.
He took hold of Seokjin’s wrist.
“Because I can't, I shouldn't be touching you like this.”
“Aren’t I the one touching you?”
He laughed but it wasn’t funny. Seokjin had no idea he was playing with fire.
“Seokjin.”
“I want to go with you.”
“You have a pack, I can’t just abduct you.”
“I would be going willingly.”
“Your pack wouldn’t see it like that and besides, I have no idea where I’m going. The chances of me finding my friends again….”
“I could help you. I could be useful.”
“You know nothing about the outside world or how to look after yourself.”
Seokjin pulled his hand free looking offended.
“You could teach me.”
He could, but it would take a lot of work. Seokjin had no idea what went on beyond his village.
That Hoseok would have to take care of a pure Omega. That the second any Alpha got wind of him… Hoseok could hold his own by himself, but could he also protect an unmated, untouched Omega?
The answer was no, but he’d die trying. Except it would never come to that because he couldn’t take Seokjin with him.
“You deserve a home and family around you. I can’t give you that. All I can offer you is a life as a nomad. We’d have to keep moving until we could find somewhere to live. We’re not big enough to form a pack, we’d have to…”
“I don’t care. I don’t.” Seokjin stood up and hopped off the rock into the thigh high water. He waded to the bank. “Did you ever think that maybe I’d like that? That I’d love to find out what’s beyond the border.
Hoseok watched him looking up at the waterfall, the edge of his territory was right there. Hoseok could smell the scent of it when he closed his eyes and reset his sense of smell.
He’d become immune to it, especially with Seokjin around. He had that pack scent to him, although under that was that of an Omega. And he’d be lying if he said it didn’t entice him every single time Seokjin came too close. And now it was on him, where Seokjin had rubbed against his own scent gland.
“I think you’d be very disappointed.”
“That should be my decision to make.” He stamped his foot. “I never felt trapped until you turned up here. I never wanted to be free until I saw your blood.”
“You didn’t have to come looking for me.”
“Yes, I think I did.” Seokjin turned to him.
The sun had dipped low, the evening was drawing in. Seokjin had already been here too long. Longer than he had ever spent with Hoseok in their waterfall hideout.
His hair glowed in the rays. He looked ethereal, like the angel Hoseok thought he was.
“Maybe I needed you to save me too.”
Hoseok looked at him stunned. He hadn’t saved anyone. Seokjin had been the one to nurse him. Clean his wound, dress it, feed and water him. Help him to relieve himself.
“Before you, I would have let my father dictate my path in life. Because I didn't know any better. I would rather go with you into the unknown than die wondering what could have been.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying Seokjin. An unmated Omega without the safety of a pack…”
“So make me your mate!”
Hoseok stared at him.
Seokjin stared right back, determination written all over his face.
“I’m due a heat at the eclipse, it’s six days away. If I stop taking my decoction I’ll go into heat that night. My pack will be too busy with the eclipse festivities to notice I’m not there. We always shift and go for a run anyway, they won’t miss me.”
“I can’t… Seokjin.. This is absurd!”
Seokjin waded back into the river, right up to him. The water flowed between them, fast and unrelenting.
Seokjin stood a touch taller, yet somehow he seemed smaller as he invaded Hoseok’s space.
Yet he couldn’t deny that the thought of making Seokjin his mate didn’t fill his tummy with butterflies. That under any other circumstances he’d do everything in his power to court the Omega properly. Approach his father and make a declaration. Do whatever Seokjin’s pack required to make him his.
Seokjin’s hand pressed against his chest, right where his heart thudded loudly.
“Think about it.” He withdrew and picked up his bag before leaving along the familiar path, not looking back.
Seokjin didn’t come the next day and Hoseok was worried. Thunder rumbled away to the south east, where he assumed Seokjin's village might be.
Soon the same storm clouds rolled over him, lightning flashed overhead and the thunder echoed loudly around his stone chambers. He watched from the mouth of the cave as the rain obliterated the view of the falls. The river swelled higher than it had since he'd stumbled here injured and dying.
It felt like an omen and twice he packed his things and prepared to leave once the rain stopped, and twice he stood down. That unease remained long into the night when the storm had run it's course and stars had once more appeared through the cloud cover. The moon too hung large and swollen in the night sky, looking down at him like it was judging him. He slept fitfully, his dreams filled with Seokjin.
Another morning came and went, he ate a rabbit he caught and looked at the small amount of belongings he's amassed. None of them were even his, they were Seokjin's. He again thought about leaving. But again he didn't, instead he lay down and closed his eyes.
He was woken from a nap by a warm body joining him in his bed. For a second he forgot where he was and who he was with and indulged by wrapping his arms around them.
Then he remembered and sat up with a start.
“What’s wrong?”
“I was worried something had happened to you!”
“Nothing happened to me. I tried to get out before the storm but my Mother scolded me for getting my robe wet. She wanted to know where I was going in the rain and I tried to tell her the fish bite better in storms.” He grinned.
"I'm glad you didn't come.".
“I wanted too. I hate thunderstorms. They scare me. But it wouldn't have been scary here with you.” Seokjin looked up at him with his big doe eyes.
His heart fluttered pleasantly. How on earth was he meant to leave here?
He laid back down and pulled Seokjin back into his arms. He went willingly enough, snuggling into his neck. And once more he contemplated Seokjin as his mate. As the Luna of their pack of four.
They could have a hut by the ocean. Maybe Hoseok could find work in the town. He was a fast learner.
Seokjin’s lips grazed his neck and he closed his eyes at the sensation. Sighing as he felt those velvety lips following the line of his jaw, over his cheek, the tip of his nose making him smile. Both eye lids to his forehead and the back down his nose to press against his lips.
Soft at first, a little shy too. Hoseok liked it and wondered where this boldness was coming from and Seokjin deepened the kiss.
There was just something so sweet and innocent about it. Maybe it was Seokjin's lack of experience that meant he could enjoy it without expecting anything more than this. Hoseok wrapped his arms around him, smiling against Seokjin's lips. He tentatively pressed the tip of his tongue between them, just to see what reaction he'd get. Seokjin giggled and slapped him gently, pressing his nose into his neck. He couldn't help laughing with him, leaving kisses along his hair line.
“Seokjin?”
Seokjin yelped and pulled away, almost headbutting Hoseok in the process. The entrance light was almost blocked out by a third body.
“What are you doing in here? Who.. Who's that?” The confused voice said as the smaller person started backing away.
“Jimin, wait, please. Wait... It's ok!”
Seokjin was out of his arms following.
Hoseok was also on his feet, shoving the few previsions he had stored into a bag. This was his queue to leave finally.
This other person would tell the rest of the pack and he maybe had a couple of hours before they would come for him.
He could hear muffled conversation outside, could hear the pleading in Seokjin’s voice and he had another realisation. Seokjin had been lying to his pack for weeks. Hoseok had been responsible for that, he’d made the Omega do that.
All to save his own skin. He was a terrible Alpha and would never be deserving of Seokjin.
He hoisted the bag over his shoulder.
It would be easier to shift, but he didn’t want to scare whoever this Jimin was.
He left the cave.
Seokjin stood holding both of the other’s hands, talking earnestly to him.
“You’re lucky it was only me who followed you, what if it’s been Jungk….”
They both noticed him at the same moment, turning their heads in unison.
Seokjin let go of one of his hands but pulled him with the other.
“Jimin, this is Hoseok. Hoseok, this is my best friend Jimin.”
Hoseok bowed, knowing he had to make the best impression on the other Omega.
“It’s an honour to meet you.” He remained bowed.
“Seokjin, this is insane, he could have…”
Clearly Jimin was less naïve than his friend.
“Seokjin saved my life, I am forever in his debt.”
Seokjin’s hand pushed at his shoulders making him straighten up.
“I’m going with him.”
“What are you talking about? You can’t Seokjin.”
“Seokjin, I never promised you that.”
He frowned. “Why does everyone keep telling me what to do? And where are you going?” He grabbed the bag and yanked it off his shoulder, stamping back to the cave where he disposed of it inside.
“He can’t go with you.” Jimin said quietly.
“I know.” He replied as Seokjin walked back to them.
“Now.” He folded his arms. “You can’t tell anyone Jimin, please, I beg you.”
“You’re asking a lot, I mean, we’re meant to report anything suspicious.” He looked Hoseok up and down. “An Alpha in our territory is pretty suspicious.”
“He’s a good Alpha.”
“You don’t know that!”
“I do. I know he is because he won’t take me with him.”
Jimin laughed. It seemed to please Seokjin too who held out his hand again. Jimin took it.
“Please don’t say anything.”
“But why do you even want to go?”
“Why wouldn’t I? You get to leave…”
“I don’t have a say in it.”
Hoseok could smell the sour scent Jimin gave off briefly. So too could Seokjin it seemed, who brought Jimin’s hand to his chest.
“I hate that I have to leave the pack. I’d give anything to stay.”
“Sorry.” Seokjin whispered, lowering his gaze then suddenly snapping his head back up. “Come with us!”
Jimin’s eyes widened.
“Seokjin.” Hoseok said.
“No, no listen, there’s a solution. You can come too.”
“I… I.”
“Seokjin!” Hoseok stepped between them. “I never said you could come with me!”
“But you said you’d think about it.”
Hoseok closed his eyes. “I didn’t.”
“But…”
“Having you with me would be hard enough, taking two Omegas, it would be impossible. And I’d have two packs to escape from. I just can’t do it. I can’t take you and I definitely cannot take your friend.”
Seokjin’s eyes became watery and he looked away.
Hoseok sighed and hugged him, it was the only thing he could think of to comfort.
Seokjin remained stiff in his arms, not hugging back, his head not touching any part of Hoseok.
He pulled away.
“You have to see from my point of view.” He said gently. “Seokjin, this is not something you can take lightly. You’re talking about running away from your pack with a stranger.”
“You think I don’t know that? That I don’t have sleepless nights about it?” He made a frustrated sound. “I don’t know what to do. I can’t watch you leave me behind knowing I’ll never see you again.”
Hoseok hugged him again, this time Seokjin’s fingers closed on his thin tunic, bunching up the material as he held him tightly.
“I love you.” Seokjin whispered.
What could he possibly do with that information? He couldn’t say it back, that would be committing to something unspoken. But he felt it with every part of his being.
“Seokjin, we should get back, I can’t be sure no one followed me!”
He felt Seokjin nod.
“I’m not leaving yet.” He said quietly into Seokjin’s ear. “It’s going to be hard for me too.”
Seokjin pulled away, looking into his eyes.
Hoseok had to at some point acknowledge that he too loved him back. Desperately so.
That night he lay in the dark of the cave looking at nothing, remembering the warmth of the Omegas body against his. How perfectly they fit together.
He imagined a life where Seokjin did leave. That they could slip away unseen and unfollowed. That Seokjin was his.
Seokjin didn’t come the next day, nor the day after that.
Hoseok took a short walk to the edge of the lands, climbing the jagged rock face and following the river a short way to where the trees thinned and opened up onto grasslands.
The scent here was old and faded and he worried that at some point he might be discovered purely by the pack reasserting their boundaries as they most likely did periodically.
He’d seen no sign of any of Seokjin’s pack coming out here to patrol, but that didn’t mean they didn’t, it just meant they didn’t see this area as a potential point of invasion.
That was clearly a mistake on their part, but Hoseok wasn’t going to tell them about it.
He tracked and killed another young buck, this time he didn’t bother dragging it back to camp. He hid under a large oak and ate it still in his wolf form.
He was craving raw red meat and the deer delivered.
When he’d eaten his fill, he dug and cached the carcass and then washed his fur diligently.
It wasn’t until later that night that he woke and realised the significance.
By morning he knew he was in trouble and he prayed that Seokjin would stay away at least one more day.
-
Seokjin had been roped into helping with the eclipse festivities. That meant setting up tables and decorating the square in the centre of the village.
It also meant he couldn’t sneak out anymore, someone was always looking for him to help with something. Watch my pup, knead this dough, wash these table linens, make these paper moon decorations.
And all the while he could feel the onset of his heat.
Jimin was also keeping an unusually close eye on him, helping him collect logs from the stores, or helping him carry the bread to the kilns.
He couldn’t seem to shake him.
At night he lay quietly next to his brother listening to him snore. He thought of Hoseok all alone in the cave, and he wondered, not for the first time, if he’d be gone when he finally went back.
The morning of the eclipse was exciting, their shaman had been up since before the sun, welcoming the good spirits to keep them safe during the period of darkness.
“We have been told of this meeting of celestial bodies for two years.” She spread her slender arms, the loose fitting red robes fluttered in the breeze. “Evil spirits are forbidden to enter this settlement. We welcome only those who protect, who love.”
A strong wind blew in from the west, swirling around her.
Seokjin sat with his family, front and centre, his father ready to make his own speech as pack Alpha.
Even his big sister and her mate had made the journey from their village to celebrate with them. He sat next to her and desperately wanted to tell her. She would be the only one who would understand. Even Jimin didn’t get it fully, Yejin would, though. However he kept silent and instead let himself drift away from the sound of his father’s speech.
Once that was out of the way the first course of food was served. There were seven courses over all, each one just as delicious as the last, but Seokjin wasn’t hungry.
He was restless and hot. His cheeks felt flushed but not in a feverish way.
In a way he’d never felt before. And when he went to use the lavatory, there was slick in his undergarments.
Maybe he hadn’t thought this through properly.
The light was dimming gradually. An eerie light that gave him chills.
“Do not look up!” His father roared, mainly at the pups.
Instead they looked at projectors Seokjin had helped the babies make in kindergarten.
He watched as the little pinpricks developed crescent shadows that slowly got bigger as the moon began to cover the sun.
He didn’t want to be here, he wanted to be in the cave with Hoseok.
His muscles cramped painfully.
“Seokjin?” His mothers hand touched his forehead.
He looked away from the dots.
“I don’t feel good.”
She nodded and led him away from the pack.
In their den was another room, a small one that was cozy and quiet.
“No one will disturb you here, my little moon.” She smiled at him tenderly.
But he had no intention of staying. As soon as she was out of sight he filled his satchel with food and clothing and shifted.
He knew the path to the cave by heart, he could have done it with his eyes closed. Which was good as he had no memory of that journey later on.
As he crossed the meadow the moon and sun were almost at totality. The birds had gone quiet, the wind had dropped and he ran faster. The need to be at the cave was overwhelming.
He reached it at the exact moment everything became night.
-
He could smell him before he even appeared in the cave's entrance.
Warm and sweet, something he wanted to immerse himself in, cover every inch of his body in that scent. It was even deeper and richer than normal and Hoseok knew.
The part of him still under the influence of his rut, growled with lust at a ripe Omega in the vicinity. The other part of him, the lucid part, wanted to scream at him to leave.
The wolf padded into the cave and dropped something to the floor. Before Hoseok could even react, the fur was disintegrating and in its place the slender naked body of Seokjin rose up tall and beautiful.
Even in the flickering yellow light of a single candle Hoseok couldn’t take his eyes off him.
He sat up and watched Seokjin walk slowly forward.
There was no protest as he welcomed him into his lap. Hot flesh against his own.
He groaned and allowed Seokjin to kiss him. Melting into it with no resistance. There were no giggles this time as he used his tongue to explore Seokjin's mouth, only wanton moans.
He didn’t want to take Seokjin like this, in a dank cave on a bed of old bracken and reeds. Out of his mind on Seokjin’s heat pheromones and the tail end of his own rut.
Seokjin deserved so much more. But Seokjin was already moving his hips, rubbing against his member, and the aroma of slick was already heady between them.
Fingers closed around him, trapped between their naked bodies; and he groaned into Seokjin’s mouth at the sensation.
“Please.” Seokjin whined as he pumped his fist.
He couldn't help thrusting up into Seokjin's hand. “What do you want?” Because Hoseok would give him anything but that one thing.
“Make it better.” Seokjin shuddered in his arms.
Hoseok knew how to help, but did Seokjin understand what he was asking?
He held Seokjin still by steadying his waist and prising his hand away from his penis.
“You’ve never been with an Alpha?”
Seokjin shook his head. His eyes looked slightly crossed and unfocused. Hoseok knew they didn’t have long before he would be too far gone.
“I’m not taking your virginity. I refuse. At least not here and not now.” It hurt to say it out loud because his wolf wanted nothing more than to pin him down and mount him. Fuck him senseless, knot him, mate him, pump him full of his seed like the Omega most likely needed but didn’t know how to ask for because the chances were no one had ever told him.
But Hoseok had enough wits about him to be able to fight that instinct. Which was probably the most difficult thing he’d ever done, because Seokjin was the most beautiful, alluring creature he’d ever encountered. And his heat made him ten times harder to reject.
“But I want to make you feel good, help take the edge off.”
So he let Seokjin take as much as he could give with out that one thing.
Laid him down on the bed and used his mouth and lips and tongue and fingers to ease his discomfort.
Fisting himself almost painfully, coming hard over his beautiful body, claiming him in the only way he was able to without mating him.
He knew it wasn’t enough, but it would have to do and Seokjin eventually fell asleep, body cooling as his heat abated.
Hoseok cleaned him as best he could and then settled against him, pulling the blanket over them and holding him tightly.
Seokjin whined and turned over in his sleep, snuggling closer, pressing his nose against Hoseok’s neck.
True night had fallen, not the faux night that had filled the cave as Seokjin arrived.
Hoseok knew nothing of eclipses, hearing Seokjin talk about it had been the first time he’d learned of one.
It had made him feel on edge all day, watching the light slowly drain from the clear sky. His wolf had already been in a state of unease from being on the come down from a night of hell fighting off his rut without the aid of an Omega.
It hadn’t been as bad as he’d feared when he realised what was happening. Seokjin had left plenty of his scent around the place and he’d been able to stave off the worst by inhaling it like a drug as he’d thrust into his own hand.
Thank goodness Seokjin hadn’t been there to witness that part of him.
While he’d tried to care for Seokjin, the sun had once more reclaimed her throne in the heavens, the moon letting her take back what was hers.
And he’d almost claimed what his wolf saw as his.
He’d even gone as far as pressing the tip into him, a virginal tightness that was hot and wet with slick and he’d nearly cum on the spot as Seokjin had clenched around the crown.
Seokjin’s back had arched, pushing his hips closer and Hoseok had realised what he was doing and pulled away.
Seokjin had almost sobbed at the loss, even if Hoseok suspected he had no idea why.
Instead he’d tried to kiss it better. Letting him scent him fiercely. Whispering "I'm sorry." Over and over again into his clammy skin.
Seokjin didn’t have to come here like this. In fact Hoseok was petrified thinking of a preheat Seokjin wandering through the woods alone.
But he’d done as he’d said. He’d stopped taking whatever potion he took and let his heat happen.
However maybe Seokjin hadn’t got exactly what he truly wanted. Hoseok hadn’t penetrated him, hadn't touched his neck, hadn’t marked or claimed him.
And he never would.
Seokjin would go back to his pack with a little more experience than most and Hoseok would quietly slip away. Never returning and never knowing what happened to Seokjin.
Even if the thought of Seokjin being given to another Alpha made him angry and his wolf distraught.
He pulled Seokjin closer, nuzzling into his hair.
Because he was a nobody and Seokjin was the Omega of a pack Alpha. The only people worthy of a mating were another pack Alpha or the Alpha child of that leader.
It wasn’t unusual for an older pack Alpha to have multiple Omegas.
Hoseok’s own pack Alpha had had 6 Omega mates. Three of them had all been pregnant when Hoseok and his friends had left.
Thinking of Seokjin being in a pack like that, being used as a breeder, with no love or care made him want to weep.
He would build his whole world around Seokjin. He’d never take another Omega into his bed, let alone mate one. It would always just be the two of them. Their pack would come second to Seokjin.
He watched Seokjin sleep, cheeks flushed prettily, long delicate eyelashes fluttering as he dreamed. He wondered if they were nice dreams? He ran a finger along his hairline, over his temple and jaw. He'd once wondered if he he'd be able to protect Seokjin if they left together. Now he knew. He would protect him with his life! No other Alpha would get near enough to smell him, let alone anything else.
For a while he allowed himself to believe that this was real, that he and Seokjin could live happily ever after.
-
Seokjin woke groggy and disoriented. His memory was patchy at best, moments of clarity surrounded by a fuzzy haze that meant huge parts were missing of the day.
Day? It had been night, no, it had been a fake night brought on by the eclipse. He remembered that, he remembered the sun being swallowed up as he was swallowed by his own sun. Burning in Hoseok’s arms, begging for something he didn’t know what he needed.
But giving him as much as he could, he remembered that much.
He remembered pleasure, so much pleasure. He remembered gripping handfuls of white hair as his body did things he didn’t know it could do under Hoseok’s attentiveness, the caves echoing his voice back to him in the darkness.
It was really night now, or maybe it was early morning? He wasn’t even sure how long he’d been here, was it only an afternoon and a night?
Then he thought about his pack.
Would they have noticed he was missing? His mother would have told everyone not to disturb him. His father might even have stationed one of the Beta guards outside their hut to prevent unwanted visitors.
If that was the case his chances of sneaking back in were slim to none.
“You’re awake?” Hoseok whispered, his nose stroking against his cheek.
“I think so.”
Hoseok’s breath puffed against his cheek as he chuckled softly.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. I feel like that time I ate too many fermented pears.”
Hoseok laughed again.
In the dark Seokjin couldn’t see him, but it didn’t matter. He stroked his cheek.
“Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You helped me.”
Hoseok kissed him lightly. “Not as much as you needed, but I did my best.”
Seokjin hummed. What else was there to do? Sure he felt tired and a little achy, but the worst was over.
“You should sleep some more and then I’ll help you back to your pack.”
“Ok.” He closed his eyes and told himself not to let Hoseok leave this place.
In his dreams he heard wolves howling. It wasn’t his pack. He opened his eyes because Hoseok was shaking him.
The light outside was now early morning, the sun wasn’t out, but the white light told him she had risen.
“Seokjin, listen to me. Are you listening?”
He nodded and sat up, dizziness causing him to steady himself against Hoseok’s shoulder.
There was another call, much closer.
Seokjin whimpered.
“I think they found me, the bandits I told you about, I think they’re here and they smell you. I have got to get you out of here and we don’t have a lot of time. Can you shift?”
Seokjin could barely stand. He shook his head.
“Ok, put this on.” He threw a tunic at him and he complied. “I need you to get on and don't let go!”
Hoseok was gone and a large silver wolf stood in front of him.
Seokjin didn't have time to admire him like this, he hurried to hoist himself onto Hoseok's back, bare legs gripping his back half, hands grabbing fistfuls of thick fur around his neck.
Hoseok ran out of the cave and onto the path Seokjin had inadvertently made wider through his regular visits.
Bracken and other shrubs whacked him in the face as they fled along the narrow ride.
Then his blood froze as he heard multiple feet behind them.
Hoseok sped up, past the large oak and into the meadow. A small flock of partridges fled in front of them, bursting into the sky.
Seokjin buried his face in Hoseok’s neck. Listening to the Alphas behind them closing the gap.
Suddenly Hoseok came to a stop. His paws digging into the long grass.
Seokjin heard the wolves behind him stop too, growling.
He looked up at his father’s impressive slate grey wolf, flanked by his warriors.
Seokjin whimpered.
His father’s teeth were on full display as he walked forward.
Seokjin slid off as Hoseok submitted, lying flat on the ground.
“Don’t hurt him!” Seokjin stood in front of Hoseok, planting his feet on either side of his nose. “I will never forgive you if you hurt him!”
He was trying to sound brave but his whole body was quaking.
But his father, it seemed wasn’t interested in Hoseok just yet, he passed them by, and howled long and clear.
And suddenly the ground practically shook as the pack warriors jumped into action.
Hoseok tugged at his arm, pulling him onto the ground and covering him fully with his body as the sounds of battle erupted around them.
They were in the middle of the storm. Something big hit Hoseok and he grunted but remained where he was, protecting Seokjin.
He moved above and Seokjin heard the squeal of a wolf before it was silenced and the smell of blood filled the air.
He curled into himself, tears running down his cheeks as he shook with fear and apprehension.
What would happen when it was all over?
He didn’t have to wait long, he heard his father howl once more and the rest of the pack joined in, a haunting sound in the vast meadow that echoed off the trees on either side and came back to them.
“Get up.”
Seokjin shuddered, that was his fathers Alpha voice, one he hardly ever used.
Hoseok immediately complied, leaving Seokjin exposed, laying in a foetal position between his legs.
“Shift!”
Seokjin watched his large paws be replaced by fingers and hands.
Hoseok wouldn’t look at him, he kept his eyes on the ground as he bowed low in front of the leader of Seokjin’s pack.
Seokjin wiped his face on the tunic and somehow found the strength to stand on shaky legs.
Around him lay dead wolves. Close by the one who Hoseok had helped deal with.
“Please don’t hurt him.” Seokjin whispered.
“You dare bring a stranger into our territory?”
“He was hurt.”
“Then you should have told me so I could have dealt with him.” His father gripped his chin and moved his head left and right. “Did he touch you?”
“What?”
“Did he penetrate you? Did you take his knot?”
Seokjin shook his head in confusion. “Father… I don’t understand?” He was on the verge of tears again.
His father was a disciplinarian but he’d never spoken this harshly to him and he’d certainly never raised his hand to any of his children.
“Father.” Seokjin’s eldest brother approached, laying a hand on his arm. “What do you want us to do?”
He let go of Seokjin’s face. “Build a pyre, burn them. I’ll deal with him.”
“Noooo.” Seokjin dropped and wrapped his arms around Hoseok’s neck.
Hoseok took his arms and ducked his head out from under them. “It’s ok.” He smiled. His lips had always looked like a heart to Seokjin.
“No, you can’t.” He wasn’t even sure who he was saying it to.
“I knew this might be the outcome. I’m only sorry you have to suffer for my sins.” He stood.
“Take him back to the village.”
Hyungsik stepped closer and placed a hand on Hoseok’s neck, making him walk forward.
He gave Seokjin a sympathetic look as he marched away.
He was left facing his father in a field of death.
“You know the penalty for intruders, Seokjin. No exceptions.”
“He saved me.”
“He brought that nomadic pack here. We’ve been tracking them for three weeks. They have been waiting to enter our lands and now I know why. We were harbouring something they wanted and they most likely smelt your heat. It gave them the push they needed. Alphas are nothing if not driven by their instincts.” He growled. “Lets go Seokjin. You need to bathe.”
“Are you going to kill him?” His breath hitched as the tears began to fall.
His father looked at him, something akin to empathy came and went on his stern features.
“It’s our law.”
“Can’t you make an exception? I love him.”
His father growled again. “He’s a lone wolf, you have no business being anywhere near him.”
“He’s a good person. He’d be a brilliant mate.”
His father had turned and was walking away back through the meadow.
“I do not want to hear anymore about him. He will face the council and accept his punishment.”
And that was the end of discussions, Seokjin followed in silence, a path he’d memorised. Once so full of excitement was now tainted with sadness.
Seokjin was left at their hut, his mother emerged from it looking frightened but she didn’t scold him. She held him as he finally cried hard enough to make his throat hurt.
“Let it out my little moon.”
Even Jungkook was gentle with him later that night as he crept into bed next to him.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered.
Seokjin had no retort. His heart was broken. His body ached in a way that was worse than his heat.
This was all his fault. If only he’d left well alone.
But then Hoseok would have died anyway. That started him off crying again.
Jungkook clung to him, trying to comfort him.
“Seokjin.”
He woke with a start.
Jimin sat at the end of his bed, Jungkook alongside him.
“What?” He said, panic rising.
“I’ve been thinking, about what you said.” He looked at Jungkook who nodded.
Seokjin didn’t like that the two of them had clearly been conspiring.
“I think we should leave the pack.”
Seokjin gasped.
The two of them shushed him.
“I thought about what you said and I don’t want to be mated with someone I don’t know. So I want to go with you.”
“Go where? Jimin, I’m not leaving.”
He watched Jungkook and Jimin exchange a look.
“We’re going to help you free that Alpha.” Jungkook whispered.
Seokjin simply stared, not even sure he’d heard them correctly.
“Why?”
“Because you love him.” Jimin smiled. “And I don’t want to lose you too.”
Seokjin didn’t know what to say.
“I…”
“We don’t have a lot of time. Father is addressing the council right now. Namjoon is going to fill me in when they're done.” He looked towards the door as if Namjoon was going to barge in at any moment.
“You need to pack some essentials and be ready to go. Ok?” Jimin urged.
He was still in a state of shock from everything that had happened.
“I’ll make sure he is.”
Jungkook brought him some food.
“Mother says you need to eat.”
He looked at the stew. Normally he would have devoured it, but he had no appetite.
“You have too, you’re going to need the energy.”
He spooned some of the hot thick gravy into his mouth. He could barely taste it.
He’d packed a bag with things he might need and was in the pantry looking at dried food when he heard the gentle rapping on the door and mumbling of conversation.
He walked closer and peeked around the doorframe.
“You won’t have long, but it'll be enough time.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank me once you’ve got him out of there.” Namjoon turned and hurried away.
Jungkook closed the door slowly and then looked over to him.
“He’s going to be hanged at dawn.”
Seokjin couldn’t breath, the sack of flour he was holding dropped to the floor in a small cloud of off-white dust.
“Seokjin. Listen to me.” Hands held him tightly, making sure he didn’t join the sack. “We have a plan, ok. All you have to do is be ready."
He had cried himself to sleep. When he woke it was pitch black. The darkness so thick at first he wondered if he had gone first, ready to meet Hoseok in the afterlife. He sniffed again, covering his eyes as he thought about the news he'd been given.
Jungkook had continued to pack for him, Seokjin had lain here until sheer exhaustion had taken him.
The bed next to him was empty, he wondered where Jungkook was at this hour, he daren't think about the possibility of leaving now, Hoseok would likely be guarded pretty fairly well.
His eyes adjusted to the darkness and he listened to the breathing of his father and mother next door.
His bladder felt full and he somehow found the strength to get up and make his way out to the latrine.
The night was warm and clear, stars speckled the sky and the moon, now just shy of full hung low above the trees staining them silver.
Everything was quiet, almost too quiet, as if the very insects were waiting for something to happen.
He quietly went back to the hut only to find a warm yellow glow illuminating his and his brother's room.
"Mother?"
"Come here my little moon." She whispered, patting the mat.
He did as he was asked, pulling his knees up to his chest.
"I'm sorry." He blurted out, holding back more tears. He was surprised there were more left in there.
She shook her head and held his hands. "Listen to me Seokjinie, I know what you're all planning. And I agree, it's time for you to leave the pack!" She pressed a finger to her lips anticipating his reaction. "Shhhh. We don't have much time. Here. I want you to take this.” She took something out of her sleeve and pressed a small purse into his hands. “I will talk with your father. You will always be welcome here, Hoseok too! And if you need anything I will do everything within my power to assist. Just, please promise me you'll send word to me once you’re safe. I need to know you are!”
“I will, of course I will, but… You really want me to go with him?”
"Yes." She smiled and kissed his forehead. “As much as I want to keep you here, I think it's wrong. Your father, he means well. He just wants to keep everyone here safe. And while I will always abide by his laws, I don't believe your Alpha is bad and he doesn't deserve to die. Your father will never understand how us Omegas function. How deep a bond we form with our Alphas. And he will never grasp how much damage he will do to you if your Alpha passes by his hand. So you have a choice. Stay here and live with consequences of your father executing your mate, or leave with him into a world that you are unfamiliar with but one where you will be together. Whatever you choose I will help in whatever way I can. But I would rather you accept your friends help and leave here for a while, maybe even forever than the alternative."
Seokjin nodded, feeling emotions he'd never felt before swirling around in his guts.
"But I have one condition.”
Seokjin swallowed, blinking back tears. “Ok." He whispered. "What's the condition?”
“Take Jungkook!”
“I can’t.” He whined.
“Yes you can, he should see the world too. Hyungsik is needed here, but Jungkook… He deserves to find happiness too. And more importantly, knowing your brother is with you will ease my own apprehension. I'll be able to sleep knowing you have each other.”
In the other room his father grunted, both of them stilled.
"I'm scared." He confessed.
"I know." She soothed. "Be happy my little moon." She cupped his cheek and placed a soft kiss to his forehead. "I wish I had prepared you better for the big bad world outside, it's going to be a shock. But you're resilient. And you have your friends." She looked away from him to the door. "It's time." She stood up right as it opened quietly.
Jungkook froze in the doorway.
"It's... I..."
His mother walked over and hugged him. "Take care of each other."
Seokjin still heard even though she whispered it.
"I don't understand?"
She said something into his ear that Seokjin couldn't hear, but Jungkook nodded and inhaled deeply before he broke away from her and approached the bed, taking two bags out from under the covers.
"We have to go." He addressed Seokjin.
They were really going. Seokjin had no idea where and the thought of leaving his mother made him tear up again.
Seokjin stood and dressed quickly, then took the bag Jungkook had packed for him. He slipped the little bit of his own money that he'd saved in case one day he was allowed to visit a larger town in with the purse of money his mother had given him.
"Will father hate me?" He looked to where his parents room was.
"No, at least not with time. You will always be my little moon and you will never not be welcome here!" She kissed him again. "Now go, before we wake him."
Seokjin hugged her, letting her baby him one last time. "I'm so proud of you. What you did for that stranger." She smiled. "I only hope he's as good to you as you were to him."
Seokjin swallowed down the lump in his throat and pressed his nose to her scent glad one last time. Roses and honey, his whole childhood. Comforting and warm, filled with love.
"I'm going to miss you so much."
"I know." She smiled at him, everyone always said he had her smile.
"Come on." Jungkook tapped his arm gently.
She hugged and kissed Jungkook, holding him tightly and for longer than they had time for. But neither of them knew when they would see her again. And then they were ushered out into the night. She closed the door with a final wave of her graceful hand and tears sparkling on her rosy cheeks and then it was just the two of them standing under the stars.
"This way." Jungkook took his arm and pulled him away from the main gate to a section of wall away from the guard towers.
A rope hung from the top.
"I'll go first and pull you up." Jungkook threw his bag over the wall and did the same with Seokjin's before climbing up easily.
At the top Jungkook straddled the wood and braced himself.
Seokjin was pretty strong himself, he had to thank the endless hours of housework, so following wasn't to hard, especially with Jungkook helping. He copied Jungkook, straddling the triple thickness of wood. Jungkook heaved the rope up and flipped if over so they could slide down. Seokjin heard his feet thump against the compacted dirt and then he followed Jungkook once more, letting his brother ease him to the floor.
"Lets go." Jungkook whispered, taking the bags in one hand and Seokjin's hand in the other and leading the way, this time into the woods.
It was vastly different than any game of hide and seek they had ever played before, every sense he had was on high alert. An owl called to it's chick high in the tree top, a sound that would have normally interested him now sounded haunted. Bats chirruped as they hunted, insects hissed a creaked along the path. The scent of his pack was still around him along with Jungkook's familiar scent and suddenly the vanilla of someone he thought he'd never see again.
He let out a whine and dropped Jungkook's hand, leaving him behind as he rushed through the blackness, his eyes wide as they searched for the path in the moon light as he followed his nose.
It spat them out near the river and there crouched and hidden in the ferns were a group of three people.
They stood up as the recognised each other.
Seokjin didn't mean to ignore the other two as he threw himself into the arms of his Alpha.
He was so happy he almost started crying again, this time happy tears.
"You're ok." He kept chanting as Hoseok help him tightly.
"I'm fine."
He pulled away and tried to look at his face in the dark.
"I told you we had a plan." Jimin said.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank us yet, we still have to get out of here." Namjoon heaved his bag onto his back.
“What are you doing here?” Jungkook hissed.
Namjoon paused and looked at them all in turn. “Take me with you? Please, if they find out I helped… I can't stay here. And I know I can be useful.”
They didn’t have time for this. Seokjin simply nodded, gripped Hoseok’s hand tighter.
"I'd like you to come." He reassured his old friend.
"Thank you."
"Our own little pack." Jimin quipped. "We just need somewhere to settle."
It hit him then, standing by the river with his brother, his two best friends and his... Mate? That this was really happening, they were really leaving.
"Which way?" Namjoon asked.
"Back to the cave." Hoseok replied.
They ignored the main roads and headed back towards the meadow via the back paths Seokjin knew well.
As they left the tree cover they could see the still smouldering remains of the funeral pyre some way away. His father may have chosen to kill the nomadic tribe, but he still gave them a proper funeral.
They avoided the area, there were guards stationed there in case the fire accidentally spread. So they kept to the edge of the wood until they found themselves back on the tiny path to Hoseok’s cave.
They hadn’t taken anything in their rush to leave, which meant extra supplies. They regrouped there, had some food and then finally set off once more.
“What’s wrong?” Hoseok asked, touching the small of his back.
“I’ve never left our territory before.”
Seokjin stood at the tree line, beyond lay a dark sea of waving grasses.
“If you want to stay…”
Seokjin turned to him. “I want to be with you.” He took Hoseok’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “Let's go.” He stepped out.
It was expectantly anticlimactic. There were no alarm bells or platoons of warriors rushing out to capture them.
Just the fragrant wind whipping around them as they waded across the fields to a dirt track.
Seokjin once more stopped.
They were in neutral lands now, no singular scent prevalent, just a mix of travellers passing through.
“Where too?” Jimin asked, jostling the pack he had on his back.
“East, follow the sunrise until we see the ocean.” Hoseok looked to the lightning sky.
It sent a pleasant thrill through him. He’d never seen the ocean before.
They walked long into the next day, keen to put as many miles as possible between themselves and any attempt that Seokjin and Jungkook’s father might make to bring them back.
But he was still recovering from his heat and from not eating or sleeping properly.
“We need to stop.”
Seokjin finished washing his face at the edge of a pretty little stream they had stopped beside in order to refresh themselves. He wiped the water our of his eyes and shuffled back up the bank.
“We have to keep going.” Namjoon replied. “They won’t come for us on foot and we can’t shift while on the road. It’ll be seen as a threat.”
Seokjin hadn’t even known that fact and had been wondering why they were doing this on two legs.
“The Omegas are practically asleep while walking.” Hoseok argued.
Seokjin looked over to where Jimin was sitting against a tree, his eyes closed, the water skin in his hands about to fall as his head lolled to one side.
Both were right of course, at some point they would need to rest properly.
Seokjin got Jimin up and together they trudged on for another hour until they found an inn. There they took two rooms. He and Jimin shared the bed while the Alphas squeezed into the other room.
The next night they camped by a wide slow moving river where frogs serenaded them and fireflies flashed in the long grass to attract a mate.
He and Jimin were once more sharing. The blanket was thin but the night was balmy.
Seokjin stared up at the infinite ceiling of stars. The moon was there too, currently hidden behind a large willow they were sheltering beside.
Across the fire he knew Hoseok slept. The two of them had been almost forced to be separate along the journey.
He hated it.
Somehow he extracted himself from the blanket and Jimin's arms and crept over to where Hoseok slumbered, not even asking permission before he pulled the cover off so he could slide in.
“What are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t sleep.” Seokjin snuggled into him.
He immediately felt at ease. The way the Alpha's scent calmed his wolf was almost shocking.
“You should go back to Jimin.”
“I don’t see why, everyone knows.”
Hoseok sniggered. His arms holding him. “Ok, but no snoring.”
Seokjin hummed and closed his eyes.
“This is Yoongi’s writing!” Hoseok was staring at a tree.
Cut into the bark were five words and two letters.
“Road to Gusu. Quarter moon Y-T.” Hoseok traced the letters. "The wood has healed, but not by much, they can't have passed by here more than a couple of weeks ago."
“I guess we’re going to Gusu then.” Namjoon picked up his heavy bag again and one by one everyone started walking.
Seokjin pressed himself to Hoseok’s back.
“I'm happy your friends are alive.”
He nodded.
“Let's go and find them!”
He smelt it before it came into view. A fresh salty scent that made him want to run towards it.
There were no dramatic cliffs, just rolling Wolds that levelled out into well tended farm land where fat lazy cows and sheared sheep grazed.
Then over a final gentle rise, laying as far as the eye could see, was the majestic blue of the ocean.
It took his breath away. And that was saying something, because this whole trip had been one new exciting experience after another.
The wind ruffled his hair and left a salty aftertaste on his tongue.
“It’s so beautiful.” He gasped in awe.
Jimin looked similarly gobsmacked.
“Think of the fish!” Jungkook said excitedly.
Seokjin laughed.
Gusu was still some miles away, but they were at the outskirts by dark.
Another inn became their temporary home.
This time he insisted on being with Hoseok.
And when they woke it took them a while to leave because it was just so nice to lay there and kiss and be together.
He was happy. And he liked that feeling.
But Hoseok was maybe not as happy as he was. Because they had no idea how to find his friends. And at some point the small amount of money Seokjin’s mother had given him would run out.
Seokjin stepped onto the sand, it was still warm from the sun which was setting behind him.
The waves crashed against the shoreline, he had decided that he loved that sound. When he’d woken up that morning it was the first thing he noticed along with the calls of strange large white birds.
The sand gave way to pebbles where frothy white bubbles formed after every wave washed the previous away.
The water was cold as it rushed up his feet to his ankles. But it felt so wonderful on his aching feet after days of walking.
He’d left his friends eating, he had wanted to come down here all day, but they had been busy looking for work and more permanent accommodation.
To his right was a bay with a harbour. Fishing boats sat moored waiting to head out before the sun rose.
And to his left large hills sat against the shoreline, and beyond those, mountains loomed dark and hazy against the sky.
He understood why they had aimed for this place.
Everyone he had met today had been friendly and welcoming.
He heard the crunching of feet behind him and wasn’t surprised by the hand holding his waist.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Not nearly as beautiful as you.”
Seokjin elbowed Hoseok in the ribs, he chuckled and kissed his cheek.
“Jimin’s worried.”
“I promise, I’m fine. I just wanted to…” He looked down at his feet as another wave covered them in foaming water.
“I know. Take as long as you like. Do you want me to stay…”
Hoseok stiffened and turned away.
“What’s wrong?” Seokjin asked, ignoring the prickles of fear.
“I… Nothing. I just thought I smelt…” He stared off towards the harbour where a small group of men were walking. He laughed loudly and grabbed Seokjin’s hand.
Tugging him along the wet sand and stones.
“Ouch.” Seokjin cried as he stepped on something hard.
“Sorry.” Hoseok said but he didn’t stop.
Two of the men stopped and then broke away from their group, also begging to run towards Hoseok. The taller of the two overtaking the other.
Hoseok let go of his hand and the two of them collided hard enough to knock them both flying.
Seokjin stared at the two of them rolling on the sand.
“You’re alive.” The stranger sobbed. “Yoongi look, he’s alive.”
“So I see.” The other grinned.
And Seokjin didn’t miss him wiping his eyes.
“Tae let him up.”
Reluctantly the one called Tae got to his knees then his feet as did Hoseok.
“I’m glad you’re alright.”
“It’s good to see you.” Hoseok embraced the smaller.
Meanwhile Tae had finally noticed Seokjin standing a little way back, quietly observing.
“This is Seokjin.” Hoseok detached himself from his friend. “He’s my angel. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.” He smiled tenderly at Seokjin.
Shyly he smiled back.
“Thank you for taking care of him. I’m Taehyung.” He bowed.
Seokjin bowed back and then gasped as Taehyung hugged him.
He patted his back lightly, laughing a little at the response.
“You’re welcome.”
“Of course you managed to survive an attack and come out of it with a mate.”
Seokjin blushed. They hadn’t talked about that, nor had they done anything to initiate it. How he knew was beyond Seokjin, when even he didn’t know if or when it might happen.
“Yoongi.” He bowed. “We’re forever in your service.”
“Oh.” Seokjin wanted to fan himself, so embarrassed by all the attention.
Hoseok laughed and put his arm around him.
“He’s not my mate yet, but we’re working on it. One day.” He pressed his forehead against Seokjin’s temple.
Seokjin liked that idea.
Four years later.
They arrived by the south entrance, the cart rolling smoothly over the flattened stone surface.
“I’m here to see my father.”
The guard waved them through.
The village had grown a little larger in their absence. New huts had been built and the trees cleared outside the walls ready to expand.
They stopped at the place he’d been born. It still looked the same as the night they’d left, only the thatch had been replaced at some point and there was a small vegetable garden in full bloom.
His mother appeared at the door, hand covering her mouth as she rushed to greet them.
Seokjin hoisted the small body he was holding onto his hip and let Hoseok help him down.
“My little moon.” She held him, careful not to crush her grandson.
“I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
Then her attention turned to the pup. Barely two years old, usually talkative when in the company of their small pack. But here he was clearly shy and uncertain of these new people and new smells.
“Taeha, this is your grandma. Say hello.”
He waved his little hand before pressing his face into Seokjin’s neck where his mating mark lay.
His mother laughed.
“It’s ok, I understand.” She stroked Taeha’s soft chestnut hair.
Seokjin had stayed away for over four years. He had thought about returning plenty of times, but then he’d found out he was pregnant and the thought of taking the trip with a new born was out of the question.
So they’d waited until Taeha was older.
“Where’s father?” He asked as he watched Hoseok greet his mother in law.
“At the village hall.”
Hoseok took the baby from him.
“Want me to come?”
“No, I think it’s best if I do this alone.
“I should come with you.” Jungkook finished tying up the horses and came over to hug his mother.
“No... Just, let me do this alone.”
Jungkook shrugged.
He knew news would have already reached him that his fugitive son had returned and returned with a mate and a child.
His father wasn’t in the little office he had. He stood looking out of the large westerly window.
Unlike his mother who simply refused to age, his father looked older. His hair had so much grey in it there were hardly any dark strands.
“You have a nerve coming back here. And bringing him what’s more.”
“I’m not sorry for leaving.”
“No, I dare say you aren't’.” He turned. “I have a grandson?”
“Yes. He’s most likely an Alpha.”
His father rubbed at his face. “I just wanted what was best for you.”
“I know. The problem is you can’t control who I fell in love with.”
“Love.” He scoffed. But there was no venom behind it, just something incredulous.
“I’m happy father. I have an amazing mate and a son. I have a pack. We even have a small territory now. Yoongi sent maps so you can find us. You’ll always be welcome. I think you'd like it there.”
He laughed. “I haven’t spent more than a few hours away from these lands in years.”
“Maybe it’s time you ventured out. The world is not the scary place you taught me it was. It’s beautiful and exciting. Sure things haven’t been easy for us. My pregnancy would have been easier if mother had been with me. But we work hard and we have a home to show for it.”
His father looked at him. It felt like he was seeing Seokjin’s very soul.
“I’d like to meet my grandchild.”
Seokjin smiled and hurried forward, throwing his arms around the much bigger man.
“I missed you father.”
It took a second but then big strong arms held him tightly.
“I missed you more than you’ll ever know.”
Seokjin let go and led the way back to his childhood home.
His family had spread out a blanket and Taeha was busy playing with a ball. Giggling every time someone threw it.
His mother rolled it in Seokjin’s direction. But Taeha lost interest in it the second he saw Seokjin.
Jungkook picked it up as Taeha ran into his dam’s arms.
“Father, this is my son Taeha. Taeha, this is your grandfather.”
When he looked up at his father his eyes were damp, not quite tears, but clearly overcome with emotion.
He reached over and took a tiny hand in his much larger one.
“It’s very nice to meet you pup.”
Taeha just giggled and held his arms out to take the ball from Jungkook.
He threw the ball back and Seokjin let Taeha down to chase after it.
“He’s beautiful.”
“He’s a rascal.”
“Takes after his mother then.”
Seokjin laughed and watched his son run after the ball.
“Hoseok doesn’t know yet, but I’m pregnant. I wanted; no, I needed to come back here before I could no longer travel and make peace. I want my birth pack and my own pack to be related. I can’t bear my children never knowing their heritage.”
His father sniffed but remained stoic.
“That’s wonderful news.” He finally looked at Seokjin. “I truly thought you’d die out there. I sent messengers miles to see if anyone knew where you were. I hated that I forced you to do what you did.” The ball bumped into his feet.
He bent down and picked it up as the pup ran to him.
His father scooped up Taeha too.
“You are going to be a handful aren’t you.” He tickled the little boy.
Seokjin watched his son go still in his grandfather's arms. Even at two he knew the power of a pack Alpha.
Seokjin’s father smiled and handed him the ball before setting him down once more.
“Your pack is free to come and go as you please and I’d very much like for your mother and I to be there when you give birth.”
Seokjin hiccoughed out a small sob and once more hugged his father.
“There’s nothing I want more.”
His father hugged him back.
He felt at peace for the first time since the eclipse. Nothing could spoil his happiness right now.
And later that night with his first born asleep and dreaming in his cot, he told his mate he was expecting and he felt on top of the world!
Hoseok kissed him deeply.
“I love you my angle.”
“I love you too.” The pup in his belly gave a sharp kick.
He gasped and grabbed Hoseok’s hand.
It did it a second time and then settled.
“And I love you as well.” Hoseok kissed his stomach.
He dreamed of a golden bridge and knew exactly what it represented. Their packs would be forever connected.