Chapter Text
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
Nighttime springs to life with the songs of the forest.
Dusk is Jungkook’s favorite time of the day. As the world falls into a slumber, nature comes alive. He can hear it in the wind that whistles through the trees, he feels it with each crunch of fallen leaves under his paws. The crickets sing along to the rhythm of the forest, breathing life into their surroundings. Jungkook’s ears twitch as an owl hoots in the distance. Everything is calm and vibrant.
The moon begins to awaken in the sky, and he can’t wait to greet it once he reaches the edges of the forest.
As one of the alphas who patrols the perimeters of their pack’s land, Jungkook spends most of his evenings like this. His black and grey body weaves through the trees with ease as he ventures further from where the pack resides. Their land is vast. The forest provides them with protection from neighboring packs and offers ample vegetation and prey. At least, it has for generations.
A small town that comprises of mostly lone, traveling wolves dwells in the north, and though the Haengwoon Moon Pack is mostly able to survive by what their land provides, they do visit the town when necessary.
Far beyond the varying forest packs, a new type of pack has emerged — the city packs. The wolves in these packs seem to reject their natural state, instead choosing to remain human for the duration of their lives. Jungkook doesn’t understand how they can turn away from such a core part of themselves. He’s never actually met a true city wolf before, but based on all he’s ever heard about them, he’s not sure he would ever like to. The city wolves generally stick to themselves, too snobbish to ever deal with the forest wolves.
As the city packs continue to develop, however, the forest packs’ lands dwindle, and with it, their resources have started to become scarce. The cities grow more and more with the passing of time, and Haengwoon Moon’s once spacious land has started to shrink. It seems the city wolves are always demanding more — more land, more resources, more wolves.
The city packs started along the coastlines, but they have started to encroach on the terrain that has belonged to the forest packs for centuries. Their new technology eats away at the land, turning soil into concrete and trees into metal. With no respect for what the moon goddess has gifted them, they level the ground and build on top of it until there is nothing natural left.
Their newest venture has been a railway that cuts through the forest packs, with little regard for the wolves or animals that reside there. A track has been built not too far from the Haengwoon Moon Pack, though that land used to belong to their ancestors.
Jungkook’s patrol takes him to the very edge of their forest. Beyond it lies grassy hills that gradually build upwards towards a rocky range of mountains. The train passes through the mountains during the day, its piercing whistle disrupting the tranquil landscape and its coal polluting the air with each trip. This late into the evening, though, it has already made its way along its route, allowing the world to settle into a peaceful slumber once more.
Winter is approaching soon. The orange and red foliage that had painted the skies falls to the ground with each passing day. The dry leaves blanket the earth, warning the wolves of the impending change in weather. Soon, it will be difficult to find the food and resources they need to survive the harsh months. These days, when Jungkook isn’t patrolling their lands, he is helping with the daily hunts as a way to prepare for the winter. The vegetables from their past harvest are safely stored away and the meat from their prey is preserved for when they will need it most.
Fur from the fallen animals is stitched together to create warm blankets and clothing when the snow begins to gather. All members of the pack work diligently to prepare, their roles set out as soon as they mature into adulthood. Though the city packs seem to have returned to old traditions, the forest packs are a bit more free with how work is distributed. Alphas, omegas, betas — all play a crucial role, though what that role may be depends on where their interests lie.
Jungkook has always felt the need to protect and provide. Even as a pup, he would find ways to care for those around him so that they were safe and had what they needed. One of his earliest memories is of the pack hunters leaving their village to secure food for their special moon celebration. Jungkook’s tiny legs could hardly keep up. His tail was wagging so much with excitement that it was constantly hitting against bushes and trees. The older hunters were experienced, and looking back on that memory, Jungkook’s sure they knew they had a baby alpha following in their footsteps. He managed to catch his first rabbit on that hunt, a fact he is still proud of.
Some of the hunters immediately took him under their wing after that.
Since then, Jungkook has grown into his role. His tail no longer wags out of control; his paws are silent as he approaches his target. Where he used to only be able to catch rabbits, he has now faced off deer and elk and even a bear once. His ambitions have grown, but deep down his purpose has always remained the same — to protect and provide for his loved ones.
When Jungkook breaches the forest line, he tilts his head to the sky and observes the twinkling stars above him. Clouds obscure the moon, the brilliant light that reflects off of it, highlighting the edges of the clouds as they pass by. A sense of peace settles over him as he observes the night sky.
Beyond the hills before him, the mountains loom above, their various peaks ranging in size. Though the night grows darker, Jungkook can just make out the snow that blankets the tallest peak. He sniffs the crisp air. Winter is coming.
His ears twitch as his nose picks up another smell. It’s faint, barely noticeable through the diverse scents that accompany the forest. It could be nothing — but that’s a risk Jungkook isn’t willing to take. He must investigate further so that he can protect his pack from potential enemies that may be lurking in places they shouldn’t be.
With the hidden moon as his guide, he trails the surrounding fields; his eyes focused, ears alert. All remains tranquil in the surrounding area, but a well-trained wolf can navigate the open terrain without being detected.
Jungkook just needs to find them before they realize he’s caught their scent.
The grassy fields quickly build in elevation as he approaches the base of the mountains. One step further and he will pass the border of Haengwoon Moon’s sprawling lands. He pauses for a moment and glances back behind him. This is the farthest he’s ever ventured away from the pack. But something calls him forward, toward the mountains. A foe or something else, he isn’t sure. But there’s a tug in his gut telling him he needs to investigate further.
The scent grows stronger as he prowls onwards. There’s a hint of something in the air — he just can’t quite make it out yet. Have they masked their scent? He growls at the thought. Scents are one of the most important aspects of being a wolf. If someone were masking their scent, then it could only mean two things: an attack from a rogue wolf — or a city wolf. He’s not sure which would be worse.
A rogue wolf could challenge their leader, kidnap their pups. But if a city wolf is out this far into the wilderness, then trouble is on the horizon. For that means they are looking to expand their claim on the land by any means necessary. He’s heard of unfortunate forest packs who fell for their tricks. One moment, they welcomed a city wolf with open arms, the next moment, their pack was seized, and their rightful home was stripped away in the blink of an eye.
Though he is still quite some distance away, the mountains that tower above are as intimidating as they are majestic. He carefully maneuvers around rocks that increase in size, careful with his steps so that he doesn’t fall as he begins to climb uphill.
The scent grows stronger — it’s still subdued, but there’s something mixed with it. Jungkook raises his snout in the air, panning his head left and right as he takes in the surrounding area. There’s something sweet in the air, but it’s tainted. An omega? Could this be a trap?
His snout twitches. To the left — he swiftly changes course, leaping over unstable ground as he races over. The smell grows stronger as the wind whips through his fur, and that’s when Jungkook realizes what it is. Iron. Blood. Wolf’s blood.
He has strayed far from the forest at this point. The songs that usually fill the air dim until all that surrounds him is silence. He listens in an attempt to locate the other wolf, but they are too quiet.
The light of the moon peeks through the clouds, illuminating Jungkook’s path.
There’s something on the ground just ahead. Rocks and dirt have been disturbed from their natural state, almost as if something large swept through it. He narrows his focus and creeps forward; fur spiked as he remains alert.
The object on the ground doesn’t move, not even when his paw accidentally dismantles a rock. It falls down the steep surface with a clang, and yet nothing happens. No one attacks. There is not even the hint of movement from any direction.
His snout practically touches the ground as he approaches, and that’s when he realizes what he is smelling beneath the scent of blood. Peaches and cream. A delicacy he once had when he visited Dalmun, the small town to the north of his pack. Definitely an omega.
What is an omega doing out here? There is nothing this far mainland. The nearest pack is the Haengwoon Moon Pack and none of their wolves smell quite this… delicious.
Jungkook shakes his head — what is he even thinking? For all he knows, this could be a hostile wolf. Or a trap. He needs to remain alert and focused.
With that in mind, he scampers over the next couple of rocks so that he’s closer to the object on the ground. The scent wafts from it, pulling him in closer. And that’s when he sees it. A hand. Unmoving.
Shit.
Caution is thrown to the wind as he races over. The smell of blood increases steadily, and he just hopes that whoever is on the ground is still alive.
As he breaches the last set of boulders, he finally sets eyes on the thing, or rather the person who lured him so far from home. An omega just as he suspected. Soft honey blonde hair is coated with the harsh red of blood. The boy’s eyes are closed, mouth slightly ajar. His arm is bent at an awkward angle and part of it appears to be trapped under a particularly large boulder.
He wears the oddest clothing. Brown trousers that wrap closely around his legs, a matching coat that is torn open. Underneath is a crisp white shirt with a piece of checkered cloth that is loosely tied around his neck. The clothing is torn and dirty with specks of blood scattered across it. The boy appears to be missing a shoe, though the other one looks quite uncomfortable.
A city omega.
How did you end up all the way out here?
Jungkook sniffs at the unconscious omega. He lays his massive head against the boy’s chest. His heart is still beating, though his breathing is shallow. Jungkook glances around, searching for clues as to what may have happened to him.
The stars twinkle mischievously above him as the moon hides her secrets.
If Jungkook were to leave the omega here, he probably wouldn’t survive. Between the predators that come out at night and the temperature that has started to dip close to freezing this time of year, especially this high up, Jungkook is sure he wouldn’t last long. Besides, what does a city omega know of nature?
Jungkook still isn’t convinced this isn’t a trap though, and he knows the pack leaders will not be happy with him bringing a city omega into their ranks, even if he is injured. But what else can he do? He refuses to leave someone so vulnerable out in the open like this. His protective instincts won’t allow it. Even if the city omega isn’t pack.
Though he’s strongest in wolf form, Jungkook shifts so that he can better grasp the boulder that rests on top of the omega’s injured arm. He shivers as the frigid arm kisses his skin, though he quickly adjusts to the temperature.
With his feet planted firmly on the ground, he squats down to grip onto the heavy rock. His muscles bulge as he attempts to lift it in a way so that it won’t further hurt the unconscious boy underneath it. Jungkook growls as he bears the weight, shifting it ever so slightly to the side so that it now rests on even ground. The boy whimpers below him and Jungkook freezes. He glances over his shoulder. Despite the small noise that had escaped him, the omega remains unconscious, though his dark brows are furrowed in pain.
The sight pulls at Jungkook’s heartstrings, making him want to wrap him up somewhere safe and out of harm’s way.
Once the boulder is on stable ground, Jungkook kneels down and examines the omega. Moles scatter across his face, reminiscent of the stars twinkling in the sky above him. There’s one just on the corner of his bottom lip, almost as though the moon goddess herself kissed him. The omega has full, dark lashes so long they almost touch the omega’s cheeks. His skin shines radiantly under the brightness of the moon, now fully emerged from the clouds that had hidden it.
The wind caresses them, whispering secrets that Jungkook is unable to interpret.
Something calls him to the omega.
He reaches his hand out and gently brushes aside the boy’s blood-stained hair. There’s a rather large gash against his temple. Some of the blood has dried against his cheek, though it still seems to be seeping out sluggishly.
He needs to stop the bleeding before he even attempts to move him.
With fumbling fingers, Jungkook manages to untie the checkered cloth from around the boy’s neck with only a little bit of difficulty. Luckily, the cloth is rather long, so he partially transforms to use his sharp teeth to tear the cloth into two pieces.
Using the first piece, he gently lifts the omega’s head and wraps the cloth around it. As he does that, he feels a bump on the back of the boy’s head as well. His hand is bloodied when he finishes tying it together. Fuck, he needs to get him back to the pack as soon as possible.
With the second piece of cloth, he gently brings the clearly broken arm towards the boy’s chest. The omega whimpers once more at the movement, and Jungkook softly utters apologies under his breath as he carefully ties the arm against his body. With how far they are away from the pack’s village, he needs the arm to remain as secure as possible so that it doesn’t take on more damage.
Once the omega is as set as he’s going to be, Jungkook sniffs the air once more. There are no other scents floating around — no indication of any other wolves near them. Just how did he get here? The city omega is a mystery. Jungkook hopes he wakes soon so that he can reveal the secrets buried within him.
The air cools with each passing minute, and though the boy is clothed, it won’t be sufficient enough once the temperatures dip even more. So, he gently props the omega up against one of the boulders and then shifts into his wolf form.
He carefully maneuvers the omega onto his back, pausing momentarily when he cries out.
I’m sorry, Jungkook whispers in his mind.
As soon as he seems secure, Jungkook slowly makes his way down the rocky terrain, careful not to jostle the omega too much. Silent apologies continue every time the omega whimpers out in pain. There’s nothing Jungkook can really do to help with that, especially since time is of the essence. But his alpha whines every time those pitiful sounds make their way out of the omega’s mouth.
Why does his alpha care so much about a city omega? It’s not like he’s going to stick around once he wakes up.
Fortunately, they reach the edge of the forest without any complications. Just as he passes through the first line of trees, Jungkook lets out a loud howl, informing his pack that he is bringing someone with them. He knows they are going to be on edge as soon as they smell the foreign wolf scent, but he hopes his howl appeases them enough to not do anything too rash. They rarely have outside visitors at their village, and for good reason. With the city packs greedily taking over lands they hold no claim over, the forest packs have become more wary of outsider wolves.
But sometimes exceptions must be made.
And this city wolf needs medical help as soon as possible. The northern town, Dalmun, is just too far, and Hoseok is well trained when dealing with wounds and other maladies.
He just hopes he isn’t bringing trouble into the pack with this omega.
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
Tension fills the air as soon as Jungkook breaches the trees that surround their little village. The hunters of their pack quickly surround Jungkook as soon as he walks into the clearing, their muscles tense and ears on high alert. A low growl comes from Jungkook’s right, but he chooses to ignore it as he takes another step forward.
Jungkook searches past them, looking for the two people who actually matter when it comes to the city omega’s fate. The hunter wolves part when they finally arrive, allowing a small path that leads to where Jungkook is standing.
The larger wolf, black as night, circles Jungkook and the omega who is lying face down on Jungkook’s back. His gaze is intense, his steps measured. Kim Seokjin has always taken his role as the Pack Alpha seriously. And a potential threat to his pack is not to be taken lightly.
As he sniffs the outsider, the slightly smaller wolf, Kim Namjoon, stands in front of Jungkook, his gaze piercing as he stares into Jungkook’s soul. His tawny fur ruffles with the breeze that passes through the trees.
“What’s going on, Jungkook?” he asks through their pack link.
“I found him near the mountains. He’s hurt.”
“The mountains are not a part of our land.”
“Well, no…” Jungkook trials off. “But the moon goddess led me to him. She wanted me to find him.”
“He’s a city wolf.” Namjoon sounds disappointed.
“I know, hyung, but —”
A man pushes through the wall of wolves, his bright red hair standing out amongst the more neutral colors of the furs.
“Enough,” Jung Hoseok sternly says to the tawny wolf. “The omega needs our help.” He turns to face Seokjin who is still inspecting the boy. “Seokjin-hyung, step away from the boy so that Jungkook can bring him to the medical cabin.” He crosses his arms with a scowl, his earthy scent burning. “And the rest of you scatter. You’re going to scare the poor thing when he wakes up. Is this any way we treat someone who’s injured?”
“We’ll continue this conversation as soon as Hoseok finishes healing him,” Seokjin icily replies. “You know our pack’s laws.”
“I’m sorry, hyung.” Jungkook hangs his head in shame. “But I couldn’t abandon him out there.”
Seokjin storms off towards the main cabin in the center of their village. The building is two stories, with the first floor full of rooms to conduct business and eat as a pack, and the upper level designated for the Pack Alpha and Luna. A large balcony overhangs from the front of the building, and oftentimes, Jungkook will find Seokjin and Namjoon there, resting away from the pack. A private area, though still visible so that they can keep an eye on the wolves who depend on them to properly lead this pack.
Namjoon quickly follows after Seokjin, and once the two of them have disappeared into the building, the rest of the wolves slowly disperse. Jungkook can feel their lingering looks, but he quickly pushes that aside so that he can follow towards the medical cabin.
“Thank you, Hobi-hyung,” Jungkook says as he trots after Hoseok.
“I’m not doing this for you.”
They reach a cabin near the center of the village. The building is quite wide and long to ensure enough space to take care of multiple patients at once should the need arise. A couple of years ago, a sickness spread amongst the pack, forcing many wolves to seek medical help. At the time, the cabin was small, barely large enough to sufficiently house three people. After the sickness passed, the wolves started working on building something much larger — something that would allow any sick wolf to find help whenever they needed it. Hoseok swore no wolf would ever be turned away again. Apparently, that oath included wolves who weren’t part of the pack as well. Jungkook is grateful about that.
Hoseok strides up the wooden stairs that lead to the cabin and holds the door open for Jungkook to walk through. Once the door has closed behind him, he turns to face Jungkook with his hands on his hips. He looks disappointed. Jungkook’s ears droop at the sight.
“What were you thinking, Jungkook? You’ve heard the stories about what happens when you bring an outsider into our packs. And a city omega of all creatures!” He throws his hands up in the air and then leads them to the first room on the left. “Soobin, I’m going to need your help in here.”
Jungkook hears a faint response from further in the hut and a moment later Soobin bursts through the door.
“Oh!” he exclaims as soon as he sees the omega on Jungkook’s back. “Is he…”
“Help me move him onto the bed,” Hoseok instructs.
Jungkook shifts as close to the bed as he can, while Hoseok and Soobin move on opposite ends.
“Careful,” Jungkook hisses when the boy starts to whimper. “ I think his arm’s broken, and it looks like he hit his head quite hard on something.”
They gently lift him off of Jungkook and onto the bed. It takes everything within Jungkook to not push through the two of them so that he can check on the omega himself. His alpha is not happy with being pushed to the side, but there’s nothing he can do to help him.
Jungkook shifts into his human form and grabs spare clothing that sits in all of the rooms.
“Explain,” Hoseok demands once Jungkook is clothed. His hands are busy unraveling the blood-soaked cloth from the omega’s head. He barely spares a glance at Jungkook.
“I was doing my usual nightly patrol when I smelled something… off. Something in my gut told me to follow the trail.”
Jungkook glances at the unconscious omega. He’s pale, though Jungkook’s not sure if it has to do with the blood loss or if that’s his natural state. A sheen of sweat gathers over his forehead. Jungkook’s hands itch to wipe it off of him.
“I found him on the slope leading to the mountains. There was no one else around, hyung. I had to help him.”
Jungkook tries to see what Hoseok is doing when Soobin blocks his view.
“Did he say anything when you found him?” Hoseok questions. “Any clue how he ended up there?”
“No. He was already unconscious by the time I found him.”
The omega cries out in pain and Jungkook immediately growls.
“Careful!” He takes a step forward but is immediately stopped when Hoseok practically pounces over to him and sticks his arms out.
“You need to leave this room right now,” Hoseok warns him. He glares when Jungkook makes no attempt to move. “Your alpha is getting in the way.”
“You were hurting him,” Jungkook growls back, his teeth bared.
“He’s already hurt,” Hoseok speaks quietly. “We need to heal him, and we can’t have someone in here who is going to get in the way.”
“I won’t —”
The omega whimpers once more and Jungkook’s alpha urges him forward. He needs to protect.
“Leave now,” Hoseok warns once more. “Don’t make me have Jimin remove you.”
His alpha scoffs at the threat. He can handle Jimin. No one can keep him away from his omega.
A hand grabs onto Jungkook’s shoulder, squeezing tightly. Jungkook’s eyes flash red with defiance and he turns around to face the person foolish enough to get between him and the omega.
He narrows his eyes when he sets sight on Jimin. His alpha takes control, transforming into his large wolf body.
“Seriously, Hobi-hyung?” Jimin whines. He glances at Jungkook’s protective stance and rolls his eyes. “Do I really have to deal with the petulant baby alpha?”
“Just get him out of here!” Hoseok orders as he makes his way back to the injured omega. “I have work to do.”
Jungkook is torn between keeping Jimin away from the room or stopping Hoseok from touching his omega. With that distraction, though, he doesn’t even notice when Jimin transforms into his own wolf form.
Sharp teeth clench down against the nape of his neck. He tries to fight back, but Jimin clearly has the upper hand. Jimin drags Jungkook out of the room, out of the building, and far away from the cabins.
It’s not until they reach a clearing in the woods, a place where wolves usually gather to practice their fighting skills, that Jimin finally releases him.
“Get out of my way,” Jungkook snarls. He bares his teeth as he crouches into a defensive position.
Jimin’s wolf is smaller than Jungkook’s but is no less aggressive. He can easily hold his own in a fight. As pups, the two constantly play fought together. As they grew older, they trained to become hunters and defenders of the pack. Out of all of the wolves in their pack, they are the two fiercest. Hoseok was smart in calling Jimin to control Jungkook, much to Jungkook’s chagrin.
“No can do, my friend. Hobi’s orders.”
Jimin’s reddish white coat glistens when it catches the sun rays that pierce through the branches above. He circles Jungkook, keeping him engaged and distracted.
When an opening appears back towards the path that would lead to the cabins, Jungkook rushes towards it. But Jimin is too quick.
He tackles Jungkook to the ground, the two of them rolling in the dirt as Jungkook tries to break away from him. The forest listens to the snarls and growls as the two friends fight each other.
Jungkook manages to throw Jimin off of him but makes the mistake of turning his back towards him. It only takes a second for Jimin to wrestle him back onto the ground, pinning the black wolf below him.
Jungkook snarls and snaps his teeth together. His eyes shine red as he resists Jimin’s hold.
But when Jimin is determined to do something, he always succeeds. And today is no different.
“Fuck Hobi’s orders,” Jungkook snaps. “I need to be there.”
“Why?” Jimin’s head hovers above Jungkook’s, his snout close to touching his own as he stares at him.
“Why?” Jungkook questions through his fury.
“Yeah, Jungkook. Why do you need to be in there? You don’t even know the guy.”
Jungkook falters, his movements still.
“He needs me.”
“No, he needs a healer. Which Hobi is.”
“B-but —”
“Why do you care so much? Who is this omega to you?”
“I — I don’t know. Jungkook’s eyes fade back into their natural brown. “My alpha’s acting up.”
“You’re the one in control of your alpha, Jungkook. Sometimes you just need to remind him.”
They’ve had this conversation more than once. Jungkook has always run on emotions first and logic second. His alpha is a major part of who he is — and, well, his alpha is not always the most rational.
Jungkook takes a calming breath and shifts. Once fully human, Jimin’s massive wolf towers over him, seemingly unwilling to move quite yet.
“I’m sorry,” Jungkook whispers. “I don’t know what came over me.”
Jimin plops down on top of him, causing Jungkook to groan at his weight. He can feel Jimin’s tail slowly wagging behind him. It tickles Jungkook’s bare legs.
“You saw an omega in trouble,” Jimin explains. “And your protective instincts went into overdrive.”
Though Jimin is still in wolf form, Jungkook can see the smirk forming.
“Such a strong alpha,” Jimin teases. “Makes all the omegas swoon at his heroics.”
Jimin leans down and licks a stripe across Jungkook’s cheek.
“Ugh, Jimin, stop,” Jungkook whines as he tries to push Jimin off him.
“It’s hyung to you, baby alpha,” Jimin singsongs.
“I’m not a baby.” Jungkook pouts.
Jimin huffs. It sounds an awful lot like a laugh. Jungkook shoves him again, but Jimin doesn’t seem to notice as he tilts his head towards the village, his ears perked.
“Hobi says they’re finished with him.” Jimin climbs off of Jungkook so that he can sit up.
“Did he say how he was doing?” Jungkook eagerly asks. As he stands up, he brushes the dirt off of himself. He’ll need to find new clothes since the ones he was wearing in the cabin are probably ruined now.
Arms raised towards the sky, he stretches before shifting back into a wolf. His tail wags as he starts to make his way back towards the cabin. He doesn’t even check to see if Jimin is following him.
It takes a minute but soon paws rumble against the ground as Jimin races over to him.
“Jungkook,” Jimin calls out to him. Jungkook pauses and looks over his shoulder. Jimin trots to his side and rubs his head against Jungkook’s affectionately.
“Just, don’t get too close to the omega. He won’t be staying long.”
His alpha growls at that sentiment.
“I know.”
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧