Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The clearing smells of blood.

Johnny and Jaehyun instantly freeze, before they turn to each other, hard looks painted across both of their faces. There’s no mistaking that the scent of it is human. Sweet in a way animal blood isn’t.

Johnny can’t help but tense, prowling closer and making sure to keep his steps light. These lands are theirs, and they don’t get many visitors around here. Whoever has found themselves inside of their territories must not know they’re trespassing.

“John.” Jaehyun murmurs, looking stricken by the sight that they come across. Nestled underneath a large tree is a small figure, unmoving. The scent of blood is thicker now, yet underneath it, they catch traces of honeysuckle.

“Omega.” Jaehyun mouths.

Whoever the omega is, they’re not moving, and for a second, the alphas fear the worst. “Are they-” Johnny hesitates, not wanting his suspicions to be confirmed.

“He’s breathing.” Jaehyun assures, kneeling down and pushing the boy’s fringe back. The male omega is thin, with golden skin and high cheekbones. His eyelashes are long, casting shadows across his face, in the low morning light.

Johnny smells the newcomer before he hears him.

“Jaehyun-” He tries to warn the younger, hackles rising at the imminent threat.

It’s too late. Jaehyun is pushed onto his back and away from the sleeping figure before he even knows it, a wicked looking dagger pressed to the underside of his jaw. If he so much as swallows, he knows he’ll be nicked. In any other situation, he’d be furious, already focusing on tearing his attacker into shreds, but all he can bring himself to do is stare.

He’s never seen such a beautiful person.

“Who are you?” The omega, for there’s no mistaking that the stranger holding him down is one, not with that face, hisses. Jaehyun puts his hands up, looking over to where Johnny is crouching, next to the now awake and alert omega.

“Taeyong.” The slight boy calls out softly. “He isn’t a threat.” The omega, Taeyong, Jaehyun notes, cocks his head, dark eyes meeting the other omega’s for a split second and then turning back to Jaehyun.

“Not a threat?” He repeats, almost tauntingly, before standing up and hesitantly offering a hand down for Jaehyun to take.

The alpha is visibly shocked by the surprising amount of strength that the omega’s slight frame seems to hold. Taeyong didn’t even blink when he’d pulled him back up.

“I apologize for Taeyong’s behavior. He’s usually not this uncivilized.” Taeyong scowls at him, but he doesn’t look too annoyed at the other, rather, he seems worried. “I am Taeil.” Taeil gives them a pretty smile, completely unafraid in the face of the two strange alphas. “Is this your territory?” He asks Johnny sweetly.

“Yes. It is.”

“We’re sorry for trespassing. We’ll be on our way.” Taeil makes to stand up, eliciting a sound of protest from Taeyong’s throat. He’s not the only one who’s upset by the omega’s aborted movement, Johnny immediately leans closer, now on his knees, holding onto his arm.

“Wait.” Johnny chastises. “You’re hurt.” The omega’s pant legs are soaked in blood, and the sight of it makes Jaehyun blanch. The only visible wound he has is the one near his neck, where a mating mark should have been, but instead of a bite, there’s a nasty looking gash spanning the length of his jaw. What had happened to him?

“It’s not his.” Taeyong tells them breezily, smirking at the way Jaehyun turned to blink at him. Still, Taeyong walks closer, not so subtly putting his body between Taeil and Johnny as he too, kneels down.

He pulls out crumpled petals from the bag at his side, a jar of what appears to be honey as well.

“Those aren’t safe to eat.” Johnny tells him immediately, recognizing the plant and its bright color. Taeyong gives him an unimpressed look, silent, before slicking one of the flowers with honey and placing it over the cut on Taeil’s neck.

“You’re both omegas.” Jaehyun says stupidly, wanting Taeyong’s attention back on him, the heat he’d felt when he’d been touched by the omega had made a fire churn in his blood. He flushes when he sees the amused glance Taeil gives him. “Yes, and you’re both alphas. Brothers I take it?”

Johnny nods at him, looking curious now. “How did you know?”

“Your scent.” Is all Taeil offers, happily nuzzling Taeyong’s wrist once the taller omega is done dressing his wound.

“And you two?” Johnny dares to ask, eyes trailing over their figures.

“We’re half brothers.” Taeil explains quietly, ignoring the noise Taeyong makes in warning. “Same father, different mothers.” He continues.

Taeyong’s jaw clenches, and despite the omega’s beauty, he looks very fierce.

They’re both stunning, delicate and lovely, with fine features that any omega would kill to have.

“Well. As interesting as this all has been. We really should be going.” Taeyong sighs, not meeting their curious eyes. He gives Taeil a hand, and the other stands up.

“It was nice to meet you alpha.” Taeil says, offering Johnny a smile.

“Wait.” They both turn back to the alpha. Jaehyun looks as startled as they do by his hyung’s outburst.

“Why don’t you come back with us?”

“They’re purebred.” Yuta breathes in awe, clearly shocked. That in of itself is enough to let them know that this is serious. Yuta is never taken by surprise. He looks particularly enthralled by Taeyong and Jaehyun grins when he catches his eye.

Johnny makes a face at the term, instinctively knowing that Yuta is right. It would make sense. It would definitely explain the strange pull he and Jaehyun had felt when they’d stumbled across the two in the clearing.

Johnny had insisted they visit the infirmary first, and Taeyong had agreed. When Donghyuck had caught sight of his two alpha hyungs, he’d launched himself straight into Johnny’s arms. The tall alpha hadn’t missed the way Taeil had stared at him as he held Donghyuck, especially when the omega had nuzzled at the underside of Johnny’s throat.

“Hyung. Who are they?” The young omega had asked him, looking in interest at the two newcomers. He’d never seen omegas that pretty, never mind wolves.

“We don’t know.” Johnny told him, letting the pup drape himself over his large frame as they watched Doyoung speak in quiet tones to both Taeyong and Taeil. Yuta and Jaehyun were conversing quietly by the side, though the older alpha appeared tense.   

“They’re very pretty.” Donghyuck whispers, wrapping both arms around Johnny’s waist and letting the taller hold him up. He catches Taeil’s eye and gives him a tentative smile, which the omega returns.

“How did you end up here?” Doyoung asks them, taking a look at the cut on Taeil’s neck.

“We-”

“Got lost.” Taeyong gives Taeil a hard look, fully aware of the way all the alphas in the room are staring at them. He wonders if there’s any other omegas around, the puppy that had been introduced as Donghyuck was the only one they’d come across thus far. Granted, they hadn’t been here long, but he didn’t feel all that comfortable being surrounded by these alphas. Perhaps this pack was one of the many that only consisted of alphas and betas? Then again, omegas were very rare in today’s society. It was the reason why they were so protected, cherished.

Coveted.

It was also the reason why Taeyong and Taeil were here now, in the company of strangers and in a land unknown to them.

“Well. Seeing as it’s almost lunch time, would you two like to stay for something to eat?” Doyoung questions, obviously noticing how thin both of the omegas are. It’s an unusual sight, given that omegas are supposed to have a nice layer of fat all over their bodies, so as to healthily carry pups into full term. The two before him are much too thin, it screams at his alpha instincts to feed them, no doubt Johnny, Jaehyun, and Yuta feel the same way, if the manner they’re staring at them are any indication.

“Would you maybe like to stay forever?” Donghyuck asks cheekily, sauntering over to them, completely unabashed in his admiration of the two omegas.

The snort that Taeyong lets out startles them all, even he looks shocked by his outburst.

“Forever?”

Chapter Text

“You brought them home with you? John, what were you thinking?! They’re not stray kittens!” To say Ten was angry would be an understatement. He was downright furious with their pack alpha.

“And you!” He hissed, rounding on Jaehyun. “Why the hell didn’t you tell him that this was a bad idea? Did you see the amount of blood that was painted on his clothes? That wasn’t animal blood. You both know that right?”

“Ten. Calm down. We couldn’t just leave them out there. They needed our help.” Jaehyun tried to appease.

“They seem perfectly fine and capable to me.” Ten sassed, looking over to where the omegas were sitting with a surly look.

The slim omega hadn’t missed the way the alphas were staring at the strange new additions to their pack, for make no mistake, Ten was very familiar with the look on Johnny’s face, they planned on keeping those two. If the way the omegas, Taeil and Taeyong were acting with their pups, they also planned on staying.

Ten narrowed his eyes as he sees the way Chenle and Jisung are already warming up to Taeyong, expressions bright and their laughter ringing loud.

“They’re dangerous.” He tries, wondering why he sees something they clearly can’t. It’s making his anxiety skyrocket, watching the easy way in which their pups are opening up to these strangers. It was unusual enough, especially coming from Donghyuck, since he’s the one known to be very standoffish and wary of newcomers.

Yet he’d been the only one brave enough to voice what Johnny and Jaehyun had not. When Doyoung had told him of everything that had transpired inside of the infirmary, Ten had only managed to blink at him in shock. Donghyuck’s brazen request, to have them stay forever was very unexpected.

“You’re right. They are. Jaehyun says Taeyong knocked him flat on his ass. He had him at knifepoint, could’ve easily slit his neck if he’d wanted to.” Yuta laughed, a low, dark sound that sent shivers through Ten’s entire body.

“But. He didn’t.” Jaehyun protested, thinking about how confident the omega had been when wielding his weapon. It was obvious that he knew his way around the dagger, but where had he learned that? As it was, omegas were more docile than not. Submissive, to not say weak. They weren’t fighters, like alphas, nor strategists, the way betas tended to be.

“We know absolutely nothing about who they are, or what pack they’re coming from. Absolutely nothing. Other than the fact that you three are obviously already smitten with them.” Ten groused.

Johnny chuckled boisterously, making everyone turn to stare at them. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Ten’s cheek, dangerously close to his mouth, smirking at the red that tinted the omega’s skin. “Don’t be jealous baby. You’re still the prettiest omega I’ve ever seen.” He promises.

He doesn’t notice the way Taeil’s face fell as he observed them.

“Are you two mated?” Taeil asks Donghyuck as they eat, motioning towards Johnny and trying to ignore the way his stomach had dropped in disappointment at the thought of the handsome alpha already having a mate. Johnny was obviously very close with both Donghyuck and the beautiful omega standing at his side.

Donghyuck gives him a horrified look, before gagging dramatically. “Me? To that? No. Ew.” He looks disgusted by the very idea, and Taeil can’t help but laugh. He’d assumed the worst after seeing how the young omega was acting around the alpha. However, if Donghyuck said he wasn’t, it posed the question of who was Johnny actually mated to? He was an older alpha, and with him being the pack leader, surely he already had an omega of his own, if not entire litters of pups.

Taeyong keeps putting pieces of his own food onto Taeil’s plate, something that none of the alphas present miss.

Chenle smirks, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Johnny-hyung isn’t mated to anyone.” He says meaningfully, as though knowing exactly what Taeil was thinking.

“He’s very young to be a pack alpha, is he not?” Taeil mentions, not unkindly.

Donghyuck hums thoughtfully. “I guess so? He’s also very annoying and overbearing.” The boy makes a moue of annoyance as he thinks, never once noticing that Johnny and Ten are now standing behind him, an unfathomable expression on the alpha’s handsome face.

Taeil and Taeyong still, warily eyeing Johnny and fearing the worst.

“Yah, you brat. What are you saying about me?!” The alpha growls, and Taeil can’t help but flinch when his large hand comes up behind the omega, bracing himself for the hit that never comes.

Instead, Johnny wraps up Donghyuck in a hug, nuzzling his face into his neck and tickling his sides.

“Despite all of that, hyung is a very good alpha. Which is why you should consider it.” He manages to gasp out, once he’s done laughing. Johnny gives him a warm look, scent pleased as he places a kiss on the crown of Donghyuck’s head.

“Consider what?” Taeil asks curiously.

“Consider staying. I think you’d both be very happy here.” Donghyuck says with feeling. Jisung and Chenle nodding their agreement at his side.

Ten isn’t amused in the slightest. “That’s not your decision to make puppy. Nor is it an option for you to offer.”

“Ten.” Johnny admonishes, furrowing his eyebrows at the way Donghyuck seems to deflate.

Taeil looks up at him, and the way that Ten is studying them is anything but friendly. “I’m afraid your hyung is right.” He soothes Donghyuck. “You’ve all been very kind, and we thank you for the meal, but we really must be going. The last thing we want to do is impose upon your hospitality.” Immediately Johnny and Donghyuck begin to protest, tripping over themselves to assure Taeil that no, they can, and they most definitely should stay.

Ten clenches his jaw, scent sour as he takes his leave. Yuta follows after him, already knowing where this conversation is headed. It was very obvious to see the way that Johnny’s attention had been captured by the pretty omega. He tries to ignore the twinge of pain that surges through him at that.

“Why is Donghyuck so insistent on having them stay here with us?”

Yuta shrugs. “Maybe he’s excited at the prospect of having other omegas around?”

“He has me! He has Jaemin!” Ten argues.

“Jaemin isn’t his hyung, and no offense Ten, but you act even more childish than he does sometimes.”

At Ten’s affronted look, Yuta smiled, wrapping him up in a comforting hug. Rare coming from the alpha, and appreciated all the more because of it. “You’d be better off asking him yourself of course. The majority of the time Donghyuck does things simply because he wants to, you of all people should know that by now.”

“Hyuck-ah. Do you really want them to stay here and join our pack?” Johnny questioned seriously. He was sprawled on the large couch in his office, Jaehyun on top of Yuta near him. Since it was soon to snow, the roaring fire was ablaze, and Donghyuck was happily curled up in Johnny’s arms, his legs on Jaehyun’s calves.

Ten was sitting atop Johnny’s large mahogany desk, a glass of wine clasped in between his fingers, looking more cat than wolf.

Donghyuck had a contemplative look on his face, as he bit his lip. “I really do hyung. I can’t explain it, but it just feels right. It feels like they belong here. With us.” He said tentatively.

“So we’re going to base a decision like this, on Hyuck’s feelings? Wonderful.” Ten snarked.

Johnny nodded, turning to look at Yuta and Jaehyun. Despite him being the pack’s alpha, he’d always asked for input from both of the younger alphas.

“May I remind you, that Donghyuck has very good intuition. If he says he wants them to stay, then who are we to argue?”

“Your decision doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that you clearly liked Taeyong, does it?” The omega snapped, losing his patience.

Jaehyun’s silence was answer enough. Ten let out a scoff.

“You know what? Do whatever you want. You three, no four, clearly already made up your minds about them. I don’t even know why you asked for my input.” With a disgusted look at the three alphas, Ten stalked out of the room, shoulders hunched.

“Just remember, alpha, that you can’t force them to stay here if they don’t want to.” Ten calls back.

“Ten!” Yuta called, making to stand up to follow the omega, but Johnny waved a hand, effectively stopping him.

“Let him go.”

Chapter Text

“Thank you for the clothes.” Taeyong murmurs, keeping his eyes firmly trained on the floor. There’s no mistaking how tense his posture is, and Yuta shares a look with Jaehyun at the sight. What had happened to them out there that caused Taeyong to act like this? It was as though the omega was always on alert, waiting for something to happen. None of them had missed the protective way he’d acted with Taeil either.

Jaehyun gives the omega a dimpled smile. “It’s nothing, we figured you didn’t want to go around scaring the others.” The two omegas had received more than one odd look because of the state of their clothing, Taeil especially.

“If you’d like something warmer, I can bring you another coat?” Yuta added kindly. He wished the omega would meet their eyes, instead of keeping his gaze focused on the ground.

“Ah. That won’t be necessary.” Taeyong whispered, bowing low and tilting his head to the side rather submissively. With that, the white blonde left the two alphas before him, no doubt in search of his half brother.

Johnny made his way up the stairs. The cabin in front of him was cozy, small, but unoccupied. Jaehyun had mentioned that it would be better for Taeil and Taeyong to rest here, instead of in the customary cabin that housed the majority of unmated omegas.

It had taken quite a bit of convincing from their part to get Taeil and Taeyong to agree to stay for the night, and even then, they were fully aware of the fact that the only reason they’d agreed with the request was because the pups had begged and pleaded. It was very difficult to say no to Donghyuck. Johnny knew that firsthand.

He knocks, puzzled as to why it’s so silent inside. For a moment his mind thinks of the inevitable. Had Taeil and Taeyong taken off? Without even saying goodbye? After they’d given them a change of clothing, Yuta and Johnny had accompanied them back to the cabin, but nobody had been by to see them since then.

He hears a quiet voice telling him to come in, and with obvious hesitance, he does. At least that answers his query, Taeil and Taeyong haven’t left. Why hadn’t they come to the door?

The fully furnished home is empty, but the fireplace blazes on. “Taeil?” He calls, wondering where the omega is hiding.

“In here, Johnny!” He hears the omega answer back rather quietly.

Johnny moves closer to where he’d heard the sound of his voice, only to stop short once he realizes the door to the bedroom is closed. This is where he’d heard Taeil’s voice.

But.

Bedrooms, especially an unmated omega’s bedroom, are sacred. Unmated alphas being allowed to go inside of them is rather frowned upon, even in today’s society.

“Johnny?”

The alpha lets the air out of his nose.

Fuck it. He’s never been big on propriety anyway.

He visibly freezes upon the sight that meets him, not having expected it in the slightest. Taeil’s sitting up on the large bed, a beautiful white wolf curled protectively around his frame.

Taeyong. Johnny instinctively knows. Why he’d felt the need to shift here and now, was beyond him. Thankfully, the wolf was asleep.

“Hello. Did you need something?” Taeil asks him mildly, fingers running through the wolf’s fur. Despite being an omega, Taeyong’s wolf is not small. Taeil is acting as if this is a regular thing they do, and who knows? Maybe for them it is.

“Ah, no. Actually, I just came by to check on you. See how you were doing.” Even to his own ears the excuse sounds lame. He tries to focus his gaze on Taeil, and not on what his hands are currently doing.

Taeil smiles. A wry, little thing. It makes him appear sad. “He’s very protective.” Is all he says, answering Johnny’s unspoken question and looking down at Taeyong.

“He must care for you a lot.” Johnny replies easily, as though coming across scenes like these were a normal occurrence for him.

“He does. I’m very lucky to have him.” Taeil sounds wistful now, and Johnny wants to get rid of the haunted look that pases over his eyes.

“He’s very lucky to have you as well.” They stare at each other, the air in the room suddenly becoming stifling. Johnny does his best to not fidget. Alphas don’t fidget. Not even when they’re in front of very pretty omegas, who apparently have a talent for flaying alphas alive with just their eyes.

“Johnny, can we talk?” Taeil requested softly, a nervous look gracing his face. The omega licks at his lips before taking a deep breath. Taeil’s lips are shiny, and the alpha does his very best to not groan at the sight.

Johnny clears his suddenly dry throat, pasting on a grin. “Actually, that’s what I was here for. Jaehyunnie said-”

“We want to stay. Will you have us?”

“He actually asked you to stay?” Yuta asked Johnny, as they made their way towards what would now officially be known as Taeyong and Taeil’s home.

“He really did. He was very persistent about how he and Taeyong could contribute to the pack. Did you know, that they’re both very good cooks, and well versed in the arts of healing?”

Jaehyun was silent, biting at his thumbnail as he took in Johnny’s words. Yuta gripped his fingers in his, unwilling to let the younger alpha continue to hurt himself.

“Don’t get me wrong…” Jaehyun begins, tone cautious, leaning into Yuta’s side. “I’m very glad they’re staying.”

“I sense a but somewhere in there.” Yuta sighed, bringing up Jaehyun’s hands and dragging his nose along the inside of his wrist, Jaehyun blushes at the obvious scenting, and Yuta smirks, before kissing the back of the younger alpha’s knuckles chastely.

“It’s just odd, how this all came to be. Ten-hyung was right, what do we actually know about them?”

“The same that we knew about all the other newcomers who eventually stayed here. Nothing. We knew nothing aside from what they decided to tell us. We’ll just have to take the time to get to know them.” Yuta told them.

“Like that’s going to be a hardship.” Johnny grinned, interrupting.

“Besides, it’s not like they’re dangerous or anything.” Yuta laughed, playfully pushing his shoulder into Jaehyun’s and winking.

“Jaehyun would say otherwise. They most definitely know how to fight. Or, Taeyong does, at the very least. Not exactly normal in omegas, is it?” Johnny added, eyebrow raised curiously.

“It doesn’t matter. Donghyuck was very insistent on having them stay here, and you know that our pup has a penchant for knowing what’s good for our pack. If he says they should stay, then they should stay.” Yuta stated with finality.

“Let’s just hope Ten gets over himself soon.” Jaehyun sighed, thinking of the pretty omega.

Johnny came to an abrupt halt then. “Wait. Do you hear that?”

Straining their ears, they could hear the sound of fresh snow being trampled on, but the footsteps sounded much too light to be human.

“What is that?”

Unable to shake off the feeling of dejavú, Jaehyun and Johnny prowled closer to the source of the sound.

“Oh.”

Before them, some ways away, were two wolves, rolling around in the virgin snow.

They both had stunningly beautiful coats, and Johnny takes in a sharp breath as he realizes he’s seen one of the wolves before. “That’s Taeyong.” He murmurs, motioning with his head to the slighter of the two.

“Which means that the other one is Taeil.” Yuta finishes for him.

“And here you’d been worried they’d be cold. They’re from the northern packs.” Jaehyun muses, taking in the shockingly bright fur that covers the omegas’ lean frames. “Have to be, with coats like that.” He explains, voicing what they were already thinking.

The two omegas continued to happily roll around in the snow, acting like two pups, completely unaware to the fact that they had an audience now.

“I think we should come back later.” Johnny finally says, though his eyes don’t stray from Taeil. Jaehyun knows that he too, feels the itch under his skin. The want to shift and join them in their play.

“Let’s go.” Yuta clears his throat, grabbing Johnny’s arm and pulling them back towards the path where they came from.

“There’s really no need for this.” Taeyong hissed, causing the alphas present to grin in amusement.

“Of course there is. It’s tradition! We have to welcome you two to the pack. Make it official and all that.” Yuta waves him off, completely immune to the scowl that Taeyong shoots him. If he’d been a lesser alpha, he would’ve cowered in the face of the omega’s ire.

“We honestly just look for any excuse to have a good campfire.” Donghyuck says, shrugging his shoulders.

Taeyong rolls his eyes, wondering when he’d let himself be convinced to stay here. Taeil had proven himself to be quite persuasive, when he’d begged Taeyong to give this pack a chance. Not that he even needed to. Taeyong would do anything for Taeil. If he wanted to stay here, then, they here is where they would stay. Besides, it’s not like they had anywhere else they could run off to.

They had no place to go.

When they’d escaped, the only thing on their mind was to leave as soon and as far as they possibly could, before anyone caught wind of their getaway.

That didn’t mean he trusted the alphas before him. Even if they seemed sincere in their intentions, and despite the fact that Donghyuck was obviously healthy and well taken care of, clearly not abused, it didn’t mean that the alphas wouldn’t pose a threat to them in the future.

“I promise it won’t be so bad Taeyong-hyung.” Donghyuck said, smiling so brightly that even Taeyong found his lips quirking up.

How the young omega and the two alphas ended up inside of his kitchen this morning was beyond him. Donghyuck had even settled himself atop the countertop, much to Taeyong’s bemusement. That hadn’t stopped the omega from fussing about and making breakfast for their guests. Johnny had offered to accompany Taeil on his morning walk. Taeyong rather thought the alpha appeared a bit too eager to spend time in his hyung’s presence, but he couldn’t fault Johnny for that. Taeil was as magnetic and enthralling as the moon. He was just as cold and mysterious as it too, something Johnny would sooner than later find out on his own.

They’d all been too happy to inform him of the upcoming celebration, all in his and Taeil’s honor of course, while he’d been cooking.

“This is really good hyung! Thank you!” Donghyuck beamed, tucking in with gusto. Taeyong preened at the praise, patting the puppy’s fluffy hair. “You’re very welcome.”

Jaehyun and Yuta too, are wolfing down their meals with the lack of grace only alphas possess, moans and praises alike coming out of their mouths.

Taeyong is reaching over to grab some water from the sink, when it happens.

“Oh. That’s an interesting looking birthmark. Very pretty.” Jaehyun breathes out, eyes now focused solely on the sliver of hurt skin. The shape of it is very flower like in nature. In fact, it looks rather like a rose.

Taeyong stills for a second, before he continues with his task, movements robotic. After a while, he snorts in disgust. “It’s not a birthmark. It’s a scar.” His fingers ghost over his right arm, face turning pensive.

“In the shape of a rose? How’d that happen?” Jaehyun’s tone is confused, and he can’t deny how curious he is now, judging by Taeyong’s reaction, the scar holds a story.

“Our father.” The omega tells them. Donghyuck is staring a him with wide eyes. “He- he had his omegas branded with images pertaining to our scent, so as to better keep track of us. Chattel. That’s all we were to him.” Taeyong shrugs one shoulder, keeping his voice purposefully light.

The kitchen is completely silent.

Yuta’s gone white, stare trained on Taeyong as though he can’t believe what he’d just heard. Donghyuck isn’t much better off, his scent is sour with anxiety and fear now, as he sets his plate aside, suddenly not having much of an appetite. Jaehyun instinctively moves closer to the pup, placing a comforting hand on his thigh.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you that.” Taeyong grits out, though he does look properly apologetic. “It sort of ruins the mood doesn’t it?” He says the last part in a whisper, and his gaze is focused somewhere far away from them.

Jaehyun and Yuta look at each other, wondering just what kind of things the two omegas had suffered at the hands of their previous pack.

“I get the feeling that your friend does not like me very much.” Taeil confessed lightly. At Johnny’s questioning look, he smiled. “The pretty omega with the black hair?”

Johnny spluttered. “What? No! Ten does like you!”

Taeil gave him a very unimpressed look, making the alpha smile sheepishly. “Okay. Well. He’s not very fond of strangers.”

“Is that why he didn’t want us to stay?” Taeil asks him, cocking his head to the side.

“Yes. No. Ten is just… very cautious. He’ll come around, I promise.” Taeil snorts in disbelief, and the alpha visibly lights up at the sound, so endeared, before continuing. “Who knows? In due time, you two might even become best friends.” The alpha wiggles his eyebrows playfully.

Taeil smiles at the taller indulgently, privately thinking that Ten would never want to be his friend, and the reason for that is standing right next to him, looking unfairly handsome in the early morning light.

The cold air stings against their skin, but Taeil has never felt freer. He knows he made the right decision in staying here, and yes, he might be too trusting, believing that Johnny’s interest in him, in them, is just cordial.

Despite whatever Taeyong may say, Taeil knows that this is where they should be.

This is where they belong.

Taeil can only hope that this, the new found peace he’s feeling start to well up in his chest, will last.

Chapter Text

Life in Johnny’s pack is… different.

Taeyong and Taeil aren’t used to different.

Ever since they were mere pups their lives had been a constant stream of lessons on how to be the perfect, most subservient omega. The more submissive and weak willed, the better. Every day, the same.

It was the reason why someone as spirited as Taeyong caused so much frustration in their caretakers and parents.

Here, they were free to do as they pleased. Instead of being placed on pedestals proclaiming their status as the omega royalty their birth right made them, they were just Taeyong and Taeil. Just two omegas. It was liberating.

During their campfire, when they’d been officially announced as new members of the pack, they’d garnered quite the reaction from everyone else. Taeil had gone crimson when Johnny’s and Jaehyun’s mother approached them, a beautiful and kind omega, and proclaimed him to be a stunner. Taeyong had sniggered, before he too, had been pinched on the cheeks and cooed over. Taeyong could clearly see where Johnny’s smile came from when she’d beamed at them. She was warm in a way their own mothers had never been allowed to be with them, and Taeil felt his heart clench when he thought about everything they had lost.

It was clear to see that the alphas’ mother was adored by the pack, and by her two sons as well. Taeyong and Taeil had been solemnly welcomed by her husband then. An intimidating, and strikingly handsome alpha that bore a strong resemblance to Jaehyun. Johnny had told them that up until two years ago, he’d been the pack alpha, but since then, had stepped down and given the title to his oldest son, Johnny.

Here, every single one of them was more or less on equal standing. The omegas weren’t treated like property or luxurious pets, and Taeyong had yet to see a sign of anything resembling a hierarchy of sorts.

It felt good to slow down and take in the changes. After everything they’d gone through, Taeyong never thought he’d trust anyone ever again. Much less an alpha. Yet, Yuta and Jaehyun and even -if rather begrudgingly- Johnny, began to change his mind.

“You’re shaking.” Yuta says, one evening when they cross paths. Taeyong had gone for a walk, feeling rather down and unsettled. Not wanting to upset Taeil, he’d taken off for the forest by himself. His skin felt too small for his body, and maybe it was the wolf inside of him, itching to get out and run free. All he knew was that he needed to clear his head lest his odd mood rub off on his beloved hyung. Taeil was especially sensitive to his moods.

He hadn’t expected to find Yuta here as well. The alpha had a large sketchbook tucked under his arm, and when he caught sight of Taeyong staring at it, he grinned rather sheepishly. “I like the quiet.” He explains. Still, he seems preoccupied by the tremors running through the omega’s hands before him. Surely, he couldn’t be cold?

“Do you paint?” Taeyong asks, ignoring the alpha’s look of worry and thinking of his own paintings, his leather bound sketchbooks filled with hours upon hours of work.

When they’d escaped, he’d told Taeil to pack light. Leaving his books and journals behind had been torture. They had been his only form of escapism for many years, and he regretted not having at least burned them before they’d left.

“I prefer to draw, actually.” Yuta hesitates then. “I’ve, ah- actually been inspired, by a new muse.” He says, eyes growing darker.

Taeyong nods, not quite knowing what to say to that. “Well. That’s good.” He wonders what Yuta had drawn.

“What about you?” The alpha questions.

Taeyong considers lying for a moment, but he ultimately decides against it. “I paint.”

“You look like a painter.” Yuta hums, and Taeyong wants to ask what he means by that.

Instead, the omega gives him a tight smile, and nods, before going on his way. Taeyong is not expecting the alpha to reach out to him, grabbing at his arm lightly.

“If you want, you can come out here and join me tomorrow? It’s very peaceful, and I’d love the company.” Yuta offers sincerely.

Taeyong gives him a rueful laugh. “I don’t have any supplies with me, but I thank you for the offer.”

Yuta scrunches his nose rather adorably, giving him an apologetic, “Right.”

Taeyong continues to walk, still feeling Yuta’s eyes on him.

The next morning, he finds a beautifully ornate leather bound sketchbook waiting on their front step. A hefty box of paints sitting next to it. Taeil raises an eyebrow in question at Taeyong, but the younger omega is too busy trying to dislodge the lump in his throat to say anything.

“Hyung.” Five heads look up from their plates to stare at him, and Donghyuck huffs. “Taeil-hyung.” He clarifies, rolling his eyes.

“Yes?” Taeil asks, smiling at how utterly spoiled the young puppy is. He can’t help but think that he and Taeyong are going to be part of the problem as well when it comes to Donghyuck. There’s just something so lovably pure and bright about the young omega that makes Taeil want to give him the world and more. He’d never expected to become so attached to the cub, yet here he was, inviting him to dinner and ignoring Taeyong’s glares when Donghyuck had cheekily informed him he’d invited his three alpha hyungs over as well.

“They’re lucky I made enough food.” Taeyong had groused quietly to him. Even with his complaining, Taeil could clearly see how happy Taeyong was by the unexpected company.

“Why aren’t you mated yet?”

Taeyong dropped his fork, and the utensil clattered loudly in the suddenly deafening silence.

“Donghyuck.” Johnny snapped, clearly about to scold the younger, but Taeil cleared his throat, making a quiet hum.

“I don’t know.” He replies simply, raising a shoulder.

“What do you mean you don’t know? You’re gorgeous! Obviously someone has to have shown interest?” The puppy argues, unaware that the three alphas have stopped breathing.

“You’re very sweet.” Taeil laughs, taking a sip of his water. “But, believe it or not. I’ve never been courted, and now, I’m probably too old to even be considered by any alpha with half a brain.” Taeil laughs self deprecatingly.

Taeyong glares at his plate, thinking of everything that Taeil had been put through by their father. It had made a dent in his hyung’s confidence, turning him into a meek and shy omega, one who thought he was undeserving of any form of attention or love, and Taeyong would never forgive the man for that. For making Taeil think he was less. Even then, the man hadn’t hesitated in trying to sell Taeil off to the highest bidder. Omegas were a rare commodity after all.

“Good thing Johnny and Jaehyun share one between them two.” Yuta coughs not so quietly, making Donghyuck titter into his napkin.

Still, Donghyuck is clearly upset by the older omega’s answer. “You are not old! If I didn’t like you so much as my hyung I would court you!” He announces passionately. Johnny coughs the water he’d been drinking out of his nose, and Taeyong sneers in thinly veiled disgust at the sight, handing him a napkin.

Taeil laughs, the sound of it tinkling in the room like bells, his cheeks flushed prettily, and Donghyuck isn’t the only one who looks absolutely smitten.

Taeyong is shaking his head in exasperation, but even he can’t hide how amused he is by all of this. “What about me Donghyuckie?” He asks playfully, taking mercy on his embarrassed hyung, Taeil hates being the center of attention. “Am I not good enough to be considered?”

Donghyuck rolls his eyes, cheeks tinted pink at the tease. Yuta guffaws at the sight of their maknae, so unusually flustered. “I think both hyungs are going to be more sought after than they think now that they’re here.” He says to Johnny and Jaehyun. The three alphas go still, before they shift in their seats, trying very hard not to look at the omegas sitting across from them. Donghyuck smirks smugly at Yuta, Taeyong and Taeil looking completely confused by their strange behavior.

Dinner together became a daily affair. It had started innocuously enough, Donghyuck whining to Taeyong and Taeil that he was tired of eating the same things over, and over again.

That had led to a rather uncomfortable conversation, in which both omegas had discovered that Donghyuck was essentially an orphan.

“It doesn’t bother me.” He’d told them, touched by their reactions. “I can’t even remember what my parents were like.”

The young omega had been abandoned near the river when he was a mere child, and he had no recollection of his past life. He lived with the other unmated omegas of the pack, and he’d laughed brightly when he’d said to them that if anything, Johnny was very much like his father.

“That’s why they’re so protective of me.” Donghyuck confided, munching on an apple. “They’re all a bit much at times, but I love them. I owe them my life.” The casual way he says it is enough to floor them, and Taeyong can’t help but think about what he’d have preferred. To be abandoned to his fate like Donghyuck had, or to be raised in the likes of the pack he and Taeil were born into?

As it was, all he could do was mull over his thoughts, as he set about cooking something that would cater to Donghyuck’s tastes. The younger would sometimes invite Jeno and Jaemin over, and Taeyong was more than happy to feed them, so endeared by their polite manners and sweet dispositions, but more often than not, Donghyuck would be accompanied by one, if not all three of his alpha hyungs.

Taeil and Taeyong couldn’t complain, despite their initial hesitations and wariness, the alphas were good men, and slowly, they started opening up to them. Taeyong was just relieved to see Taeil smiling once more, the shadow of the hyung he’d once been, peeking around the corner, warily coming out. Taeyong figured that if Johnny and Donghyuck were to thank for that, then he owed them his life. All he’d ever wanted was for his beloved hyung to be healthy, and happy.

Taeyong thought about the way that Taeil’s mother would withhold food from the omega, claiming that Taeil was gaining too much weight and that pudgy omegas were unseemly, as he placed more food on his hyung’s plate.

Taeil’s appetite was slowly coming back, and while he’d once looked thin and rather sickly, he was now glowing with life, golden skin radiant and flush. Donghyuck’s face is on his crossed arms as he watches them eat, a dramatic sigh escaping his lips.

“Something wrong?” Taeil asks him, setting his cutlery down.

Donghyck sighs again. “Hyungs are just so pretty. I can’t help but want to stare at you all the time.” He tells them, absolutely sincere in his admiration.

Taeil goes crimson, scent sweet as his gaze turns towards his lap. Donghyuck coos at the sight. “Aigoo! See! You’re just so precious, so cute! Just like a teddy bear.” He sounds completely enamored, and Taeyong bites back a grin as he sees the way Johnny is nodding, agreeing with Donghyuck’s words.

“You’re very sweet, but you are prettier.” Taeil tells the pup, once’s he’s managed to compose himself. At Donghyuck’s look of disbelief, Taeil raises an eyebrow. “Come on, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way Mark stares at you?”

Johnny squawks indignantly at that, making them all laugh, but Donghyuck’s cheeks tint pink. Taeyong decides to take pity on the puppy, changing the subject as he clears his throat. “Thank you for the gift.” He tells Yuta sincerely, and though he doesn’t specify just what the gift was, none of the present company asked what he was talking about.

Yuta gave him a blinding smile, eyes disappearing into pretty crescents. “You’re welcome.”

It’s as they’re cleaning up, Donghyuck stifling his yawns as he half slumps against Johnny, that Jaehyun speaks up. “You’ve been cooking for us constantly, let us invite you over for dinner?”

Donghyuck immediately perks up. “That’s a good idea hyung!” He flounces over to Taeil. “Believe it or not, Johnny-hyung is a really good cook!”

Said hyung laughs lightly. “Not as good as you and Taeyong are.” He says, only having eyes for Taeil. “If you’re willing to risk it, however, we’d love to have you come.”

Taeil looked at Taeyong for a moment, mulling his answer. “It’s not too much trouble?”

Johnny shook his head, looking like an overexcited puppy now that the idea had been planted. “Not at all! Please? It’s the least we could do after you’ve been feeding us and the pups.”

Taeil considers it. “At least let us bring dessert.”

“If you’d like.” Yuta shrugs. “Does that mean you’ll come?”

Taeil nods, giving Taeyong a bright grin. “We’ll be there.”

For an alpha to cook, and for an omega, or omegas in this case, is practically unheard of. Such an act is considered below them, after all, what else would an omega be good for? They should all know how to cook for their alpha, it’s essential to please them after all.

Back in their pack, they had servants. The majority omegas, some betas. Taeil and Taeyong had learned to cook from them, under the watchful eye of Taeil’s mother, a beautiful woman who’d long lost the spark in her eye, making her seem much older than she really was. She would constantly remind them that they were good for two things only, pushing out pups to continue their alpha’s line and taking care of the household. In all honesty, it took the fun out of the kitchen for them, though Taeyong knew that they could have had it worse. After all, their status as sons of the pack alpha gave them protection and respect that no other omegas in their pack had.

The next evening, they made their journey to Johnny’s cabin. “You look nice.” Taeil hummed, staring at Taeyong. The younger flushed, not looking at his hyung.

“Thanks.” He whispered, fiddling with the sleeve of the beautiful coat that Jaehyun had given him. Taeyong hadn’t wanted to accept it, though the alpha had insisted that he would need it, with the winter to come. It’d only get worse, he’d told Taeyong, who couldn’t bring himself to inform Jaehyun that their pack was of the north. Where snow was a constant and something he’d essentially grown up in.

Taeyong had debated on wearing it tonight. Would it give Jaehyun the wrong idea? He didn’t know why he felt so embarrassed at the fact that he was even thinking about it. He chanced a look at his hyung, who appeared to be lost in thought. What was Taeil thinking? It didn’t mean anything. After all, Johnny had given Taeil furs and plenty of blankets and clothes as well.

To call Johnny’s home a cabin would be an undergarment, it was most definitely a lodge. It was big, and beautiful, yet despite its imposing size, it seemed welcoming. Yuta answered the door when they knocked, looking very excited as he beamed at them. “You’re here!” He exclaimed, opening the door wide and letting them pass. His eyes were gleaming, but his appearance looked quite frazzled.

“It smells good in here.” Taeil complimented, shifting the cake he’d baked.

“You can thank me for that!” Donghyuck exclaimed, coming out of the kitchen and launching himself at Taeil. Luckily, Taeyong managed to take the dessert away from his hyung just in time. Taeil smiled down at the puppy, cuddling him close as Donghyuck beamed at him.

“Yuta! A little help here please!” Jaehyun’s voice called, sounding borderline hysterical. It was followed by the slamming of pots and pans, and Taeyong winced, biting his lip so as to not laugh at the look that crossed Yuta’s face.

“Hyuck-ah, show our guests to the dinner table please.” Yuta tasked the younger, before addressing the omegas, somewhat shyly. “The food will be right out. Please, make yourselves at home.” It was an odd look on the alpha, Taeyong got the feeling that Yuta was hardly ever the flustered type. Donghyuck must have been thinking the same thing, because he smirked, even so, the puppy nodded dutifully. Grabbing one of Taeil’s hands in his, the younger omega leads them in direction of the cozy dining room. The table appeared to be very old, probably an antique, with hand carved chairs and gold accents adorning it.

“I’ve never seen them act like this.” Donghyuck sniggers giddily as Taeil and Taeyong take their respective seats, looking much too amused.

“What do you mean?” Taeil asks him, eyebrows furrowed as he takes in his surroundings.

“This! Everything that they’re doing, I just find it funny is all.” Donghyuck leans in closer to them as he lowers his voice a fraction. “They’re trying so hard to impress you!” The omega gushes.

Taeil laughed indulgently at the puppy, ruffling his hair. “I’m sure they are.”

Taeyong rolls his eyes. “I hardly think they need to impress us.” He says dryly.

“Taeyong-hyung, please.” Donghyuck deadpanned. “Jaehyun-hyung and Yuta-hyung even went hunting! They wanted fresh meat available for the dish they were preparing for you two.”

Oh. Taeyong’s stomach turned. That changed things. An alpha who hunted and thusly presented their kill to an omega, well, that was part of the courting process. At least, that’s what they’d learned, in their pack. Perhaps it was different here?

“I’m just telling you, I’ve never seen them act like this with any other omegas, and trust me, hyungs are some of the most sought after alphas here in the pack.” The younger shrugged.

Taeil chortled. “Alright, how much did they pay you to say this to us?” He asked him, tone chiding. Even so, Taeyong knew his hyung well enough to see that Donghyck’s words had rattled him. He couldn’t help but wonder, had the three alphas put the omega up to this?

It begged the question, why would they feel the need to impress Taeyong and Taeil anyway? As far as they knew, both of them were nothing more than two lost omegas, with no titles, and nothing to their name. Surely, they couldn’t take Donghyuck’s teasing words at face value?