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The grass sways gently around him, brushing lightly his swollen knees. The figure breathes out and closes his eyes, yet another hard hunt is behind him. The evening breeze touches his red cheeks, colored by the long run in the dense forest. The omega sits down in the tall grass, far from the eyes of his pack members. His bow and arrows were tossed beside him. Once again, they served him in the hunt. Jimin closes his eyes and enjoys the quietness around him. The sun is on its way down, casting the last rays on his face. The days are getting longer. Soon, the sun will barely set, making its way for the“white” nights. This period of the year signifies one important event: the great hunt.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
“Have you seen him?”
“Oh, the pure strength of this alpha!”
“His future omega will be so lucky.”
Jimin scoffs as he passes through a giggling group of omegas in the dining hall. He knows exactly who they are fawning over. There is only one alpha in the whole pack who could be this desired and lusted over: the pack`s alpha son. Pack alpha had many children, but only one of them was a male alpha. A sure successor for the leadership of the pack, once the old alpha Min passes away. Jimin doesn`t even bother to look in the alpha`s direction. He has far more important things to think about, like the upcoming hunt. Despite his pack tradition, it was still frowned upon to lust after alphas so openly. Min Yoongi could be all handsome, strong, broad, and alpha as much as he wants, but it`s still up to the great hunt results who gets to be his omega.
The pack alpha`s son was hard to impress. He was a skilled alpha himself, always bringing the biggest predators as his catch. He will not have a weakling for an omega, that was for sure. Yoongi has proven year after year that he is hard to please. Despite the great hunt results, he has rejected multiple omegas. Yet there were still ones that tried, taking on themselves the impossible challenge. Jimin was no weakling; he was one of the best archers in the whole pack. His body, despite being one of an omega, was lean and flexible, with muscles perfect for quickness and stealth. Still, he has never considered courting Yoongi, and probably never will.
“Jiminie, you are late.” His fellow omega hunter and one of his best friends pouts as he moves on the bench to make space for Jimin.
“The dining hall is awfully clogged today, Jungkook,” Jimin mutters as he sets down his bowl full of food and digs in. The group of omegas is still there. Jimin tries to pick up Yoongi`s scent, but the citrus and musk are no longer there. Why are they still clogging the entryway?
“The great hunt is approaching, and all omegas are busy because of it. No wonder some are noisier than others. It`s good to set your preferences and priorities straight.” Taehyung, another one of his omega friends, chirps in. Taehyung wasn`t a hunter, unlike Jimin and Jungkook, but he still had to participate in the hunt. All omegas were required to. In their pack, omegas were the ones to show off their skill and strength to the alphas. Alphas were the choosers. That`s why all omegas could hunt to some degree, despite having different professions. Taehyung was a healer apprentice.
“And do you have any preferences?” Jimin teases his friend. Taehyung drops his head down. A faint blush spreads on his cheeks. Jimin knows that this omega has been eyeing a certain alpha for a while now. An alpha that will be far more impressed by Taehyung`s healer skills than his hunting ones.
“I don`t know what you are talking about,” Tae mutters and focuses on the leftover food on his plate.
“Unlike you, my friend, I`m not ashamed to admit who I will try to court! Everyone knows that it will be Jin hyung!” Jungkook puffs out his chest, earning a few curious glances from the neighboring tables.
“You are so shameless!” Taehyung scolds him, but Jungkook`s smile only gets bigger. Jimin smiles as he watches his friends bicker. He hopes that nothing will change between them, even after the great hunt.
“Jiminie, what about you? What is your goal for the hunt?” Jungkook turns his attention towards Jimin after he finishes teasing Tae. Jimin furrows his brows. What is his goal? He doesn`t have any particular alpha in mind. The great hunt was a great opportunity to show off his skill. He intends to do just that.
“I dont-, I don`t think that I will try to impress anyone. I'm just here for the fun of it.” Jimin shrugs. In that moment, the omegas around them start murmuring loudly again, especially the group from the beginning. All three turn their head to see that their pack alpha has graced them with his presence. Together with his son. Yoongi is all tall and broad beside his father. His long black hair is tied in a knot, making his features even sharper. His feline eyes are scanning the room, and even Jimin has to admit that it does something to him.
“What about him?” Taehyung whispers to Jimin. “You are more than skilled enough. You can do it.”
Jimin eyes Yoongi again. He will be foolish to not agree with that. Yoongi stirs something inside his chest. His omega would be more than pleased to have an alpha like him for himself, but to have him as his mate? Trying to court the pack`s alpha son? It felt too rude, too bold. He would have to announce it publicly, and probably face the shame of defeat, in the same way as the omegas before him did. But Jimin never backed down from a challenge.
“I will think about it,” Jimin says as he sends a knowing look towards his friends. Both Jungkook and Taehyung know that their friend loves challenges, and if there was one thing that Jimin hated, it was losing them.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
It`s quiet. The last rays of sunshine disappeared a long time ago. The sounds of the day have made way for the sounds of the night. Jimin is almost falling asleep on his open book. He has stopped reading it a long time ago. It wasn`t anything important. Just another book about the animals that can be found in the pack`s forest. He already knew all of them like the back of his hand. Jimin had a couple of years of hunting behind him, despite his young age of 23. Most omegas in his pack start hunting after presenting, which typically occurs around the ages of 17 to 19. Jimin, on the other hand, started hunting when he was 14. It wasn`t because he was somehow more skilled than his peers. It was because of his parents and especially his omega father. He took it on himself to learn Jimin everything he knew about hunting. Hoping that in that way his son could have a prosperous future.
Thanks to his father, he has become a skilled archer. Jimin wasn`t the strongest omega. That`s why he learned to use his other skills, like good eyesight and agility. With his bow and arrows alone, Jimin has slain more predators than most hunters in hand-to-hand combat. He was somehow a source of pride for his pack. Some alphas had even tried to court him, which was rare in his pack. Still, Jimin wasn`t interested in them. His omega was always one of a free spirit, and binding himself to an alpha always felt more of a burden to Jimin. Therefore, he was surprised by his friend`s challenge to him and that he was even considering it.
Jimin sighs as he rubs his eyes and puts the book away. He looks outside at the calm forest in front of him. Jimin was lucky enough to have his room in the omega`s compound, with a window facing the wide forest on the border of his pack. In just a few days, he will be running around in that forest. Chasing the biggest predator. Last year, he managed to kill a giant boar, which granted him second place, after an older omega who killed a bear. Jimin wants to aim for first place this year. It was a great honor to be the top hunter in the great hunt. Also, the first place granted him the ability to choose his future mate first. Jimin trails back to his conversation with Taehyung and Jungkook from earlier. Should he take up the challenge?
It would be a lie on Jimin's side to deny that Yoongi wasn`t an attractive alpha. Jimin was, after all, an omega, and it was in his nature to be interested in alphas. Until this point, he has never felt a need for an alpha. On the other hand, his competition instinct was strong. He needed to prove himself. It would please his omega greatly if such an important alpha as Yoongi would choose him. Jimin liked Yoongi`s scent. The citrus and musk always turned his head around.
This scent was so different from the usual scent in their pack. Most of them had some hint of forest or flowers. Jimin`s own scent was flowers with a hint of cherry. Both Jungkook and Taehyung had scents that corresponded with nature. Taehyung had pine with an undertone of rain, which made his scent more melancholic. Jungkook had daisies and cotton, which suited his more careless nature. Citruses were rare. Jimin can count on one hand how many times he has eaten one. They only got citruses if someone traded them with their pack, since the pack was placed in a colder climate. Every time Jimin ate a citrus, it left both a sweet and sour taste on his tongue. Is this how Yoongi was like? The pack`s alpha soon didn`t seem to be spoiled, but his pickiness was the one leaving a sour taste behind. Would he leave a sour taste in Jimin`s mouth as well?
Jimin spends most of the night tossing around in his bed. His thoughts ran wild in his head. He needed to be the best and catch the biggest predator clashed with the idea of impressing Yoongi. When the first rays of sunshine start knocking on his window, he knows that he has finally made up his mind.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
“You have barely eaten anything, Jiminine.” Jungkook nudges Jimin, himself being on a second serving of his breakfast. The dining hall is way too loud again. It seems like the buzzing increases as the day of the great hunt approaches. It`s now only two days away. Jimin himself is perhaps starting to feel the stress. He shouldn`t let it influence him.
“I`m not hungry.” He mutters as he draws circles with a spoon in his oatmeal.
“You couldn`t sleep, right? I can see it on your face.” Jungkook states. Jimin shakes his head in agreement. His friend knows him too well.
“I have made up my mind. I will do it.” Jimin announces to Jungkook. His friend looks at him confused, but soon an understanding dawns on his face.
“Really? You will court him?”
“I`m planning to catch the biggest predator anyway. I can as well try to present it to Yoongi,” Jimin says as he clutches his spoon harder. A mountain lion wouldn`t be so bad. It has been years since anyone has caught one.
“I think that he will say yes,” Jungkook says with a smile on his face.
“What makes you think that? He has rejected all the omegas until now.” Jimin mutters. In that moment, the one person that they have been talking about walks into the dining hall, causing a wave of murmurs among the omegas. Yoongi looks even better today. His hair is still set up in a knot, but this time, some of it is falling down around his face. The cotton shirt on his chest frames it exponentially well, showcasing the alpha`s muscles. Jimin catches himself staring, together with other omegas. He silently scolds himself. He is better than just some lustful omega. His own omega disagrees; it would love to climb the pack`s alpha son.
“Hmm, I just know that,” Jungkoom says, with a mystery in his voice.
“Stop being so smug.” Jimin scolds him, nudging him with his spoon. Jungkook doesn`t even budge. His smile only becomes bigger.
“Well, I have seen him more than once, looking in our direction.”
“It doesn`t mean anything, it`s all up in your head, Jungkook,” Jimin says and lifts up his head. His eyes crosses with Yoongi`s. He is indeed looking in their direction. Jimin blinks and averts his gaze. It doesn`t mean anything. Yoongi is not interested in him.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Jimin spends the rest of the morning and midday on training for the hunt with other omegas. They have to go through the last preparations and polishing touches on their hunting strategies. As well as pack the necessary things. It`s Jimin`s fourth official hunt since he was a slight late bloomer. He knows what works for him and what he should pack. However, the stakes are higher for him this year. For the first time, he packs lighter than in previous years. Only opting for the necessary things. Carrying less will make him lighter on his feet and hopefully faster. The hunt will last for four full days, and the participating omegas are forbidden from returning to their pack during that time. Giving up is not an option, since it can lead to scrutiny from the pack.
His bow and arrows receive a final polishing and check. Jimin packs more arrows this time, knowing that a bigger predator will need more than one to be killed. He will no longer use his weapon tomorrow, letting it rest before the hunt. Jimin packs a small pocket knife as well. He plans to use it only if necessary, knowing his skills in close combat. Jungkook is an example of an omega who is particularly skilled in that field.
Jungkook, Jimin, and Tae prepare together on the training field. Jungkook packs light as well. He has a significant number of small and sharp knives, which are designed to cut deeply. Taehyung isn`t really skilled in any kind of combat, so he packs to survive four days in the forest. Bringing a small knife as well, but just for protection.
“Why is he here?” Taehyung mutters, being one of the few omegas who are not training. Jungkook and Jimin stop their short sparring. Jimin dries off the sweat from his face with a small towel and turns around. The pack`s alpha son has graced them with his presence.
“Maybe he is tasked to oversee the preparations?” Jimin says as his gaze follows Yoongi, who is striding around the training omegas. “But this has never happened before. We don`t need a supervisor.” He adds with a scoff.
“Maybe he is here to see you, Jiminie.” Jungkook teases him, and Jimin rolls his eyes with slight irritation.
“I told you to stop this nonsense. I bet that he doesn`t even know who I am. Now, let`s go back to training.” Jimin says and urges Jungkook to get up. The other omega whines but takes the combat stance, and soon, they are once again rolling around in the grass as Taehyung is overseeing their training.
Jimin feels the sweat dripping off him, but he feels good. He likes the burning of muscles, that certain ache that comes when he pushes his body to its limits. He likes the afterglow of a good training, one that burns out all his worries and nagging thoughts from his head. The last few days have been especially challenging for him, so it was good to burn it off with Jungkook. His friend punches him, and Jimin falls on the grass. Jungkook aims once again, but Jimin is faster, rolling around and appearing behind Jungkook. He tries to bring Jungkook down by making him lose his balance. Jungkook might be much stronger than him, but Jimin is faster. He succeeds. A second later, Jungkook is lying on the ground, with Jimin on top of him, using his whole body weight to keep Jungkook down.
“You are quick on your feet, omega Park.” A deep voice comes from behind Jimin, and he lets go of Jungkook's wrists and stands up. The scent of citrus and musk hits his nose, and Jimin instantly knows who`s behind him. Somehow, the musk is stronger than usual, almost clogging off all the other scents around them. Jimin`s omega stirs from its slumber, urging Jimin to get closer to the alpha.
“Alpha Min.” Jimin acknowledges Yoongi with a short nod. “I`m surprised to see you here.”
“Will I hear no 'thank you'?” Yoongi asks, amused as he steps closer.
“There is no need for that, I know my skill and what I`m capable of.” Jimin stands firmly on the ground as he answers Yoongi.
“It seems like it. Any particular plans for the hunt? What is your goal?” Yoongi asks another question. Jimin scoffs. The smile on the alpha`s face is irritating him. What is Yoongi even doing here? A quiet voice in the back of his head reminds him that, he agreed to try to court this particular alpha. That was before he knew that Yoongi was so smug and irritating.
“Of course, catching the biggest predator,” Jimin answers with confidence, showing Yoongi that he is not an omega that he can mess with.
“I will be looking forward to it then. Any particular alpha that you are trying to impress?” Jimin hears Jungkook gasp behind him. He tries to keep a straight face himself. Yoongi is looking at him with an expression that is hard to read. The alpha has a smile on his face, but it`s a kind of smile that is used when one tries to tease or make fun of another. At the same time, there is an unknown glint in Yoongi`s eyes.
“Perhaps.” Jimin answers, challenging Yoongi with his mysterious answer. His omega begs him to tell Yoongi the truth, but Jimin is too proud for that. Right now, he is not sure if he wants to straddle or strangle Yoongi.
“They must be very lucky. Have a good day omega Park. Omega Kim and Jeon.” Yoongi nods towards Jimin and bids him farewell, acknowledging the other omegas, before he walks away. Jimin stands a little stunned, especially after Yoongi`s last words. What did alpha mean by that?
“What was that?” Taehyung mutters as all three of them watch Yoongi leaving the training field.
“I have no idea,” Jimin whispers, more to himself than to his friends. This alpha was indeed a mystery. But Jimin has never backed down from a challenge before, and Yoongi being difficult will not stop him.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
The day of the great hunt arrives. Jimin wakes up before the first sun rays show on the horizon. He sits for a while in silence, enjoying the last moment of calm before the storm of the hunt sweeps him off his feet. Jimin tries to go with his usual morning routine, but his movements are filled with hectic actions. He almost spills a cup of warm tea on his lap and almost cuts himself with the bread knife by a few centimeters. The food settles heavily in his stomach, almost as if his organs are unable to digest it. There is a sense of dread that fills the rest of his limbs, making his movements hard. Jimin dresses quickly and makes sure that everything is packed in his small backpack before he grabs his bow and arrows. He takes a last look at his room before he leaves it for another four long days.
Since he ate his breakfast in his room, Jimin walks by the dining hall and heads directly to the training grounds. The great hunt is to set off from there. The training ground borders the big forest that surrounds their whole pack. The forest that feeds them and the same one that Jimin will disappear into for another four days. Other omegas start to slowly gather around him. Other pack members like alphas and betas, and mated omegas are coming to see the send off as well. Mated omegas are not expected to participate, unless they want to. If they do, their task is solely catching food for the pack, since they no longer need to attract a mate. The alphas are already whispering among each other, eyeing the omegas. Who will be this year`s winner of the great hunt? Who will score the best alpha?
Jimin is relieved when he spots his friends in the crowd. Taehyung and Jungkook are standing together, making the last preparations. He approaches them with a nervous smile.
“Ready?” Jimin asks, trying not to show how nervous he is.
“As read as I can be, you know what I think about all of this. An unnecessary ritual.” Taehyung scoffs. Jimin knows that, as much as Taehyung dislikes it, he is nervous as well. Complaining has always been his way of coping with things.
“Hopefully it will be quickly over and you will be finally able to mate with Namjoon,” Jimin reassures him, seeing how Tae smiles when he mentions Namjoon.
“Yes, I have been dreaming about it for weeks,” Taehyung confesses and turns his head towards the crowd where Namjoon stands. He sends a warm smile in Taehyung's direction. And for a split second, Jimin envies the connection that those two head. It seems like a steady and calm love. Not like the rush of emotions that Jimin is so used to. One that always burns him out in the end. He gets pulled out of his thoughts when he spots who is standing beside Namjoon, it`s Yoongi.
“Not him again.” He mutters. Yoongi notices him and smiles towards him, lifting a thumb up. Is the alpha cheering on him? Jimin sends a faint smile before he turns around. He can`t let himself get distracted right now. Whatever the alpha thinks of him, that can wait after the hunt.
“I hope that Jin hyung will like my catch for him.” Jungkook puffs out his chest as he sneaks glances towards the alpha. Jimin smiles and claps him on the shoulder.
“I`m sure of that. After all, any alpha should consider themselves lucky to have you.”
“Thank you, Jiminie. Good luck to you as well for the hunt. I hope that you will catch the biggest one.” Jungkook says.
Jimin nods and looks towards the middle of the gathering, where the pack alpha is preparing for his speech. It`s a tradition that he is the one who blesses them before they set off to hunt. Suddenly, Jimin smells the scent of citrus. His omega stirs, wanting to get closer to it.
“Good luck, omega Park.” Yoongi wishes him as he approaches Jimin. There is a soft smile spread on his lips.
“Thank you, alpha Min. I will do my best.” Jimin says with confidence. A silence stretches between them as Yoongi looks at him with the mysterious glint in his eyes. He silently scans Jimin with his eyes before he opens his mouth again. “ I`m sure of that. See you in four days.”
Yoongi leaves before Jimin manages to answer him. He scoffs. The alpha has come to mess with him again. Right before the hunt, when he is supposed to be focused. As if he couldn`t wait until after. Thankfully, the pack alpha starts his speech, and Jimin tries to focus on that instead of thinking about how good Yoongi smelled.
“Omegas! The time has come, the yearly great hunt is here again. The great event that is after ours packs tradition, meant to bring omegas closer to finding their potential mate. As always, the one who catches the biggest predator will have the right to choose first. Nonetheless, the alpha has every right to refuse the omega if he wishes to. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and be brave. Let the spirit of our great forest bless you and give us a fruitful hunt. Let him guide you and lead everyone back home. Let the great hun begin!”
Jimin hears the sound of a horn, signaling the start of the hunt. He turns around one last time to look at his pack. The last thing he sees before he walks into the dense forest is a pair of sharp, cat-like eyes.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
The green forest stretches in front of him. He can still hear muffled sounds coming from behind, but soon, there will be no noises from his pack members. Only he and the forest. The other omegas spread in different directions. They are not supposed to hunt together. Everyone has to claim their prize themselves. Jimin wouldn`t want anyone`s help anyway. He knows that if he wants to court Yoongi, he needs to do it alone. He walks slowly towards his usual hunting ground, which is usually abundant with prey, but not the big predators. Jimin has only encountered a few of them in his life. Every time he has been with someone, this time he will face the beast alone.
The forest grows thicker as he walks towards the center of it. There should be a clearing somewhere here. One that the wild deer use as their feeding grounds. Where`s the prey, there should be predators as well. Once he spots the clearing, he climbs up one of the trees to get a better view. He will need to kill something small anyway. The food in his backpack might not last him all four days of the hunt. Jimin looks down at the ground, so far it`s only him and the quiet forest. A big part of the hunting is just waiting. Waiting for the right moment. Jimin has never been the most patient person, and in the beginning, he ruined many of his hunts with it. With time comes experience, and with it the skill.
He hears a snap of a twig and then a murmur of voices. Other omegas have found this place as well. He slowly climbs a little higher, where the branches are more dense and the leaves are thicker. The voices are getting louder, until Jimin sees a pair of omegas walking out into the clearing. He scoffs, they will scare off his prey.
"Minjoon, is this the place that you told me about?" An omega that Jimin barely recognizes speaks. Jimin leans in closer. They have to be one of the newly presented, the younglings. Those who always wanted to prove themselves on the great hunt. Always bragging about how big of a catch they are going to get. Jimin knows because he was once one of them. Until his first great hunt came, and he came back with only a small deer. This was not a hunt for nebwies.
"Be quiet, you will scare off all the deer." The other omega speaks, and Jimin recognizes the person as Daewon. An omega who was two years younger than him. Why was he hanging around with a youngling? Minjoon couldn`t be more than 17, perhaps 18 years old.
"But hyung, there is nothing here anyway. Do you still have the crackers? I`m hungry." Minjoon whines, and Jimin almost rolls his eyes.
"We have to save our food, otherwise we will have to hunt for it. Stop being a whiny kid, Minjoon." Daewon scolds him. Jimin observes as the boys move towards the other side of the clearing. It seems like they are not intending to leave. Jimin huffs. He will need to find a different place to hunt. Perhaps it`s for the best. Maybe the big predator that he is looking for is somewhere out there, beyond the hunting grounds known to Jimin.
Jimin waits until nightfall, when the darkness overtakes the forest. He hopes that he will be quiet enough for the omegas not to notice him. He waits for the perfect moment to slip past them. He will need to do it since there is no point in walking in the direction from which he came. It`s the way towards the pack. Minjoon and Daewon are preoccupied with eating the previously mentioned crackers. Even when they are not supposed to hunt together, it is nice that Daewon takes care of Minjoon. The omega has probably never been on a hunt alone.
Jimin slowly climbs back from the tree, trying to make as little noise as possible. Once his foot hits the ground, he sneaks between the trees. He stops for a moment once he approaches the one tree that separates him from the others. It`s not a wise choice, but his curiosity is bigger.
"Will you give it to him immediately?" Minjoon asks Daewon. The older nods and bits into the cracker.
"It`s the only way. It`s best to do it quickly, before any other omegas come as well."
"How can you be sure that he will accept it?" Minjoon asks again. Jimin frowns. Who are they talking about?
"Stop being so noisy, otherwise you will not get your reward. He will accept it because I said so, ok?" Daewon seems irritated, and Minjoon hangs his head down, clearly embarrassed over being scolded once again.
"I`m sorry, hyung. " He murmurs to Daewon. Jimin leans back on the tree. Daewon is not taking care of Minjoon. He has somehow convinced the poor youngling to break the rules with him. Jimin feels sorry for Minjoon. The young omega who probably just wants to prove himself. He wonders what prize Daewoon has promised to Minjoon. Who is Daewon trying to court that he is willing to go to the length of breaking the rules? Jimin turns around and starts to walk away, but he halts once he hears the next sentence that comes out of Minjoon`s mouth.
"Don`t worry, hyung. We will find and hunt down the biggest beast for alpha Min.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Jimin runs through the forest. Far away from where Minjoon and Daewon are. He needs to find shelter. The night has already fallen. Somehow, he knows that he will be unable to sleep this night. The adrenaline in his body still runs high, pairing with the newfound knowledge. He should have known that other omegas would try to court the pack`s alpha son. But Daewon of all people? He has never heard the omega talking about Yoongi. Maybe it was a hidden desire. Still, convincing some young, barely presented omega to cheat with him? Jimin hopes that they won`t catch anything better than a rabbit.
Daewon was a good hunter. Jimin has hunted beside him several times. He knows that if Daewon wanted, he would be capable of catching something by himself. Perhaps he wanted to raise his chances? How could he do it with Minjoon, who was more of an obstacle in the hunt than help?
Jimin continues to run until his lungs, heart, and muscles are begging him to stop. A plan is starting to take shape in his head, and he cannot stop now. If his usual hunting ground was empty, it meant one thing. The animals have moved somewhere else. It was a sign for him to try a different place, a different strategy than usual. Perhaps it was the key to victory, to break from his usual habits? Where should he go? There were still great areas in the forest that were unknown to him.
Unknowing to himself, he slows down. The terrain in front of him starts to get steep. It has to be the mountain area. He stops for a second, taking a small water break while he listens to the sounds of the night. It is unusually quiet. Only some night birds can be heard, but no bigger animals. Jimin doesn`t feel tired. He is used to night hunts. His body can take it. He can rest after the big hunt is over.
Jimin resumes his climb up. He walks in silence, and only his thoughts are running wild. His plan is simple. Jimin knows what type of animal can be found in this area. He also knows how hard it is to hunt it down. Soon, the trees will become thinner, and there will be few to no hiding places. Still, he intends to hunt with his bow and arrows. It`s only fair to show off his best skill to the alpha. Jimin already imagines himself carrying the beast back home. It`s the sole purpose that drives him forward as he takes another step. Impressing Yoongi is set aside. The alpha can like him or not. Jimin still intends to win this hunt.
The trees indeed become thinner and less dense. The air becomes crispier. Grass under his feet makes way for small stones. He is not far away. If the rumours that he has heard are true. Suddenly, Jimin hears a pair of hooves or perhaps more. Some animal is running towards him. From the rhythm, he can guess that it is a mountain goat. He squats quickly behind a small bush that is just tall enough to hide his form. Indeed, he is correct once the animal comes into his sight. Its white fur makes it more visible in the darkness of the night. The animals let out a small bleat.
A roar comes from the distance, and Jimin shivers slightly. A big mountain lion comes into his sight. He can see the shape of it, despite the darkness around them. The cougar is huge and packed with muscles. Jimin knows that he has little chance in close combat with that beast. Mountain lions were excellent climbers. This excludes his usual tactic of always trying to shoot from a high place. This great hunt was indeed different.
Jimin watches as the cougar traps the mountain goat with its big claws and bites into the animal's neck. The prey is dead within seconds. Only a lifeless body remains. Jimin silently pulls out an arrow and tightens his bow. He aims and almost shoots, but his foot slips on the unsteady ground. A cascade of small rocks falls from under his feet. The noise spreads, and Jimin whines. The mountain lion stops his feast and lifts his head. Jimin can feel his heart in his throat as the cougar looks directly at him.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Days go by without any sound or noise. Four long days filled with waiting and anticipation. Who will be this year`s great hunt winner? Which omega will prove itself to be the best? The days are laced with worry as well. Will there be any injuries? In what state will the omegas return to the pack? The buzzing never stops. The gossip spreads like wildfire. Everyone had made their bets. Some swore to have gained secret information.
At the dusk of the fourth day, a figure emerges from the forest. A beast is slung over their shoulders. A great mountain lion. Both the figure and the animal are covered in blood. Gasps and muffled noises can be heard in the crowd. Who is this brave omega? Their face are too dirty for them to recognize the hunter. The omega strains and stumbles but never stops. His feet leds him towards the destined direction. The pack`s alpha house.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Jimin feels weak. His bones ache, and the wound on his chest hasn`t stopped bleeding. He cannot stop, not now. He can`t give up right in the middle of the pack. The trek through the forest has been straining enough. The past two days have been hard enough. His hunt ended in close-hand combat. Leading him to earn a couple of hard slashes from the cougar. Somehow, after losing all hope, Jimin managed to cut deep into the mountain lion`s neck. He weakened the animal, giving him time to use his bow again. Jimin delivered the final blow with his sharp arrows. Ending the life of the beast.
He would have tried to come back earlier to the pack, but both his wounds and his pride prevented him from doing that. The great hunt was supposed to last for four days. No matter what happens. Jimin spent the last two days slipping in and out of consciousness. Fever was burning him up. He wasn`t able to get properly treated. The wounds on his body needed a proper cleansing before an infection took over. Especially the wound on his chest. The claws of the cougar have left their mark. Finally, he gathered enough strength to start the trek back home. Carrying the animal on his back was harder than he thought. Nonetheless, he makes it back to the pack. Now it only remains to give the trophy to the alpha.
Jimin hears whispers and gasps around him as he stumbles towards the hut in the middle of the pack. His legs shake, minutes from giving up. The door in front of him opens, and Yoongi walks out. A look of surprise is painted on his face. Jimin looks directly into his eyes as he approaches him. He needs to be direct needs to prove his worth to the alpha. Jimin drops the cougar in front of Yoongi`s feet. Yoongi`s mouth opens in shock as he studies the bloodied animal. Jimin knows that he doesn`t look any better himself, but this is his chance. He bows lighly before he speaks
"Alpha Min, here is your mating gift. " Jimin says with surprising sturdiness in his voice. Yoongi looks at him, but no words come out of his mouth. The alpha seems to still be in shock. After all, no one has ever caught such a dangerous animal on their own. At least not during the great hunt. "Now, you will mate me."
Those are Jimin`s last words before he faints, right on the doorstep of the pack`s alpha house. The last thing that he remembers is a pair of strong arms around him and the scent of citrus and musk.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
"He`s awake!" Jimin hears a muffled voice as he stirs and opens his eyes. The light is too bright. It blinds him as he squints his eyes. Where is he? There is something soft underneath him, and he can hear murmurs. Various scents are mingling together, mostly the scent of omegas.
"Tae, come here! Jiminie is alive!" Jimin breathes in the familiar scent of daisies and cotton. It`s Jungkook.
"Please, stop screaming." Jimin murmurs, but it comes out dry. His voice sounds throaty. His head throbs in pain. The noises around him are too much for him.
"And he speaks as well. Well, well." Taehyung says as he approaches them. Jimin looks at his friends. Both of them look way better than him. Besides a few minor scratches on Jungkook`s face and a bandage around Taehyung`s hand.
"Hyung, you scared us! You look like death itself!" Jungkook scolds him as he leans closer to Jimin.
"Jungkook`s right. I would have slapped you if not for the state you are in." Taehyung agrees as he sits down beside Jimin`s bed.
Jimin attempts to smile, but it comes out more crooked. He is so happy to see his friends again. It`s such a relief to see them both healthy. He was so worried about them, especially Taehyung. Nonetheless, it looks like he was the one who took the biggest blow. He looks around. It seems like he has ended up in the healer's hut. It`s filled with other scratched and wounded omegas. Still, no one looks as bad as him. He is the only one lying down in a bed.
"How long have I been out?"
"Just a couple of hours. Everyone has already come back. Thankfully, no deaths this year and no major accidents. Besides you, of course." Taehyung explains.
"Jiminie, we know that you are competitive, but please never do this again," Jungkook says as he looks at Jimin with worry filling his round eyes. Jimin feels guilty. Jungkook, usually his carefree companion, looks so distressed beside Jimin`s bed. Perhaps, he should have thought more about it. Perhaps, he should have aimed for a smaller animal. But he wanted to be the best. He wanted to show himself off. Jimin feels ashamed of his pride that led him to this.
"I won`t. I promise." Jimin reassures his friends. Jungkook and Taehyung give him a last stern look. Jungkook is the first one to break.
"Hyung, the cougar! How did you do it? It`s so big." Jungkook half-shouts. The excitement buzzes through his body as he asks Jimin.
"I will tell you everything once I feel better. But as you can see on me, it wasn`t easy." Jimin answers.
"Jungkook, we are supposed to be angry and disappointed at Jimin." Taehyung scolds him, but he cannot keep his stern face for too long. Jimin feels relieved once a small smile appears on Taehyung`s lips.
"We were the ones who encouraged him to do it, hyung." Jungkook contradicts Taehyung.
"You are especially bratty today." Taehyung scolds the younger omega, leading to Jungkook showing his tongue to Taehyung. "No respect for his elders."
Jimin smiles. It`s good to see his friends bicker again. Despite being apart for only four days, he has missed them dearly. Those days felt much longer. Perhaps it was his wounds or the fever. Jimin feels like a whole week or more has gone by. "How did your hunt go?"
"It was ok. I went into hiding. Spent most of my days foraging and waiting until the hunt ended. In the end, I caught a small squirrel. Nothing fancy." Taehyung shrugs as he answers Jimin.
"What about this?" Jimin points at Taehyung`s bandaged hand.
"Oh, this. Kind of embarrassing, but I slipped and leaned too much on it as I fell. But if anyone asks you, please tell them that I fought bravely with a boar or something like that. " Taehyung says, earning a chuckle from Jungkook.
"I was the one who actually caught a big boar and a great deer!" Jungkook puffs out his chest as he brags about his catch. " I bet that Jin-hyung will love it. I have seen him wear a pelt made of boar fur many times.
"So full of himself." Taehyung rolls his eyes, but Jimin knows he is only teasing. Taehyung cares deeply about Jungkook.
"As if you haven`t run straight to Namjoonie hyung!" Jungkook points at Taehyung, who suddenly gets very red in the face.
"Stop calling him that!"
"Right, because you calling him Joonie is any better," Jungkook says, and Jimin laughs. He has never seen Taehyung so mortified before.
"I`m happy for both of you. I hope that both Jin and Namjoon hyung will accept your courting gifts." Jimin stops them, even though he would love to hear more of their bickering.
"I almost forgot. Yoongi was the one who carried you here." Taehyung says in his usual stoic voice, but Jimin can sense the slight teasing in there. This time, he is the one who blushes slightly. Did Yoongi go out of his way to bring him here? It would make sense since Jimin collapsed on his doorstep. Still, he could ask someone else to do it.
"Really?" Jimin asks. Jungkook nods eagerly.
"Jiminie, I`m more than sure that he likes you already! And you caught the biggest catch. No one has caught anything bigger!" Jungkook states.
Suddenly, there is a commotion in front of the hut. Jimin hears some shouting and crying. A group of the omegas gathers in the doorway, blocking the view. Someone shouts for them to move, and a bloodied figure is carried inside. Jimin gasps as he sees the poor omega. He is almost unrecognizable with how crushed and bloodied his face is. There are several large scratches on his body, his skin hanging off in a couple of places. The view is very gory. What could have done that? Jimin tries to look closer, but he has no idea who that is.
"I thought that everyone came back," Taehyung mutters.
"Quickly! Bring the healer here!" Jimin watches as both the head healer and his assistant lean over the omega. Both of them had unreadable expressions.
"Poor him. Who is that?" Jimin says more to himself than to others. Another crying omega comes to their view, as she drops to his knees beside the bed of the injured. She sobs as the healers try to clean the omega`s wounds. It seems like a never-ending task. Suddenly, an ugly thought creeps into Jimin`s head. What if the omega won`t make it?
Jimin spots a necklace on the omega`s neck. It`s barely hanging, but it`s there. He has seen it before. The jade was barely visible back then due to the darkness. He covers his mouth and gasps as the realization washes over him. It`s Minjoon.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Jimin is set free from the healer`s hut after two days. Once he is deemed healthy enough. The gash on his chest will leave a scar. The rest will heal in its time. He is instructed to rest. Getting a two-week permit from his hunter duties. Yoongi has visited the hut once. Jimin guesses that it was another of his duties. He spoke little to Jimin besides asking him how he felt. Yoongi`s attention was more centered on Minjoon, as everyone else's was. The omega looked as bad as the first day when they brought him in. Jimin has overheard from the healer that it may take weeks for the poor boy to heal. He has heard a rumour that it was a bear.
"The pack alpha wants to see you."
One of the elders approaches Jimin in the dining hall. Both Taehyung and Jungkook look at him with a mix of surprise and concern. Everyone has been wondering why the pack alpha hasn`t announced the winner of the great hun yet. It has already been three days since all the omegas came back from the forest. Jimin tries to browse through his head. Is this about his proposal to Yoongi? Is this about Minjoon?
Jimin walks towards the pack`s alpha hut. He gets a slight deja vu from when he carried the cougar. All bloodied and scratched. The time since that event has been weird. Yoongi has barely spoken to him. Jimin doesn`t know if the alpha has accepted his courting. Pack alpha has postponed the great hunt ceremony. Minjoon`s case is still a mystery.
"Omega Park." The pack alpha greets him in the doorway. His sharp eyes, just like Yoongi`s, scan him through. Jimin bows his head before he enters the hut. He instantly notices that they aren`t alone. Yoongi and Daewoon are here. What is Daewoon doing here? Jimin wonders for a second if Daewoon went through with his plan. Is Minjoon`s injury his fault?
"I know that you have offered my son a courting gift. A fine cougar. I`m very impressed with your catch." Pack alpha congratulates him, and Jimin bows again.
"Thank you, pack alpha."
"However, Daewoon has brought a bigger catch. A grizzly bear." Jimin looks at Daewoon, who looks almost unharmed. He has an ugly smirk painted on his face. Jimin averts his gaze to Yoongi, who is directly looking at him. His gaze is filled with something unknown.
"Did Daewoon catch it himself?" Jimin blurts out. He instantly scolds himself. Who is he to question that?
"Of course. Are you trying to accuse me of something?" Daewoon spits out. Irritation can be sensed in his voice.
"Jimin," Yoongi speaks for the first time. This is the first time that Jimin hears his name from the alpha`s lips. It sounds so gentle and warm. As if his name was something precious to Yoongi. "Please, tell us."
Jimin looks at the pack alpha, who nods in agreement, encouraging Jimin to speak.
"I saw Daewoon with Minjoon in the forest-" He starts, but gets interrupted by Daewon.
"That`s a lie, you have no proof of that!"
"Let him speak." Pack alpha silences Daewon.
"Daewoon promised Minjoon a reward. What was it? I have no idea. But he promised it in exchange for the help in the great hunt. Therefore, I have a suspicion that Daewoon didn`t catch that bear himself." Jimin explains with a surprisingly calm voice.
"Bunch of lies! I saved Minjoon from that bear. Otherwise, the poor guy would have been dead now! You are jealous, Park Jmin. Jealous, because I'm the one who won the great hunt. I'm the one who will mate with alpha Min!" Daewoon grits out. He breathes hard in anger, as his shoulders lift up and down fast.
"How can I know that you speak the truth? Those are serious accusations, omega Park." Pack alpha speaks again, looking straight at Jimin.
"I think that our state is enough proof. Please look at me. How I came back from the forest, covered in blood, scratches, and wounds. I caught that cougar with my own two hands. Daewoon barely looks like he has been in the forest. A person who fought a bear alone doesn`t look like that. Even the greatest hunters would be bloodied after such a fight.
Pack alpha scans him once more. A silence stretches between them. Jimin can feel his hands trembling. If the pack alpha doesn`t believe him, he can get punished for spreading lies. For sabotaging someone else's hunt. It`s a great treason in their pack.
"We all know the rules of this pack. Cheating in the great hunt is a serious crime. I want to hear Minjoon's side of this story. If he backs up your story." Pack alpha pauses and nods towards Jimin. "Then I shall announce that you are telling the truth. I will have to think about what to do with you, Daewoon. For now, I will postpone the ceremony until Minjoon is conscious enough to tell me the truth."
"Thank you, pack alpha," Jimin says and bows. Daewon mutters something under his nose but makes a small bow as well.
"However, I will leave the choice of his future mate to my son. He shall decide for himself who he wants to mate with. "
Jimin looks at Yoongi, who hasn`t once averted his gaze from him.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
"Well, it looks like you won."
Jimin rolls his eyes and laughs at Jungkook. Nonetheless, the younger is dead serious as he hands Jimin a basket filled with fruits.
"It`s both from me and Taehyung. You can think about it as your mating gift." Jungkook adds.
"Thank you, I will share it with my future mate." Jimin sets the basket aside and stretches on the grass underneath them. It has been almost two weeks since the incident in the pack`s alpha hut. Two weeks since Yoongi chose him as his future omega. Jimin still blushes as he recalls the moment. Yoongi`s voice sounded so sure but soft at the same time.
"Who would have thought that pack`s alpha son secretly longed for you from afar. But to be honest, it`s not surprising at all. You are our best hunter." Jungkook praises him, and Jimin pushes him playfully.
"Stop it." He mutters. Jimin still can`t believe it himself. So much has happened since the great hunt. He feels like things are starting to blur together. First, his fight with the cougar, then Minjoon and Daewoon happened, and in the end, it turned out that Yoongi is head over heels for him. Jimin was more than sure that he would need to work harder for it. He imagined pestering the alpha for weeks. He never suspected the alpha to confess so openly in that hut. Right in front of his father. The pack alpha himself
"Please remind me again about what he said." Jungkook teases him.
"You are such a brat." Jimin whines. " He said that he absolutely loves my scent. That drives him crazy. He said that my hunter skills are one of the best and that he has never met such a beautiful omega as me." Jimin is all red as he covers his face in embarrassment. Those things are still new to him. His own feelings are driving him crazy. Just recalling the moment alone awakens a swarm of butterflies in his stomach.
"Whipped. That`s all I`m going to say." Jungkook comments.
"You are no better with Jin hyung. I saw you two kissing behind the orchid yesterday." Jimin teases him back.
"Well, us being together is not as big of a surprise as you and Yoongi. I cannot wait for us to mate. The ceremony is tomorrow."
Finally, the mating ceremony after the great hunt was happening tomorrow. After pushing it back for so long. The pack alpha finally made up his mind. All thanks to Minjoon, who finally awoke and told his side of the story to pack alpha. It wasn`t a surprise that after nearly losing his life, he didn`t had a reason to lie for Daewoon. Minjoon`s story aligned with Jimin`s, making Daewon the liar and cheater. Pack alpha punished him by exiling him to the forest for the whole summer and autumn. Jimin was curious about whether Daewon would ever come back. Perhaps it was for the best if he disappears for good.
"Yes, I will finally mate with Yoongi tomorrow," Jimin says and smiles to himself. He stretches on the grass and looks up. Tomorrow, it will be his day. His and Yoongi`s.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Jimin stands once again in the training grounds with other omegas. The rest of the pack is here as well. This time, they are here for an entirely different reason. This time it`s not the great hunt. Jimin is no longer filled with dread. This time, happiness and anticipation are bubbling inside him. The mating ceremony is the reason why they are all here. Those alphas and omegas who accepted each other after the great hunt will mate tonight. Jungkook will mate with Jin. Taehyung will mate with Namjoon. Jimin will finally mate with Yoongi.
Yoongi has become a steady presence beside him for the last weeks. They spoke a lot after the great hunt. Jimin would never consider the alpha to be this well spoken. He told Jimin many stories, also from his own hunts. The most surprising thing about the alpha was his softness. Yoongi was calm and gentle. So, unlike what Jimin thought. Nonetheless, he loved it. He somehow always knew what to say and do. It impressed Jimin. He knew that Yoongi would be a good mate to him. Jimin has always been searching for an alpha that would be his partner. Someone he could lean on.
Jimin also learned the reason for Yoongi`s pickiness. The alpha was not spoiled, nor did he think of himself as superior. He was simply waiting for Jimin to finally court him. Yoongi didn`t wish for anyone else to be his mate. Jimin smiles to himself, recalling this conversation. He plays with the necklace that Yoongi gave him. A pretty handwork, carved from pine. Jimin made sure to look his best today, clad in a white tunic, with flowers in his hair.
"Omegas! Alphas! The time has finally come. Another year has passed, and it`s finally time for another mating ceremony. The great hunt proved to be fruitful this year, with many great catches. This led to many new matches being made. I trust that all of you are here in good faith and of your own will. Before we start, I wanted to congratulate the omega who showed out both his bravery and strength this year. Nonetheless, he shows that he can stand for the right thing. Please, let us give an applause for omega Park!"
Jimin bows as the pack claps for him. Being slightly embarrassed but so happy as well. This is what he has been working for. Finally, being recognized by the pack alpha himself. Marking his place in the history of his pack. He will be remembered as one of the winners of the great hunt. Jimin looks up to see Yoongi, who is clapping the loudest. Standing proud beside his father. He smiles back. Just some mere minutes now, and they will be mated.
"Now, it`s time to drink the mating tea. Both omegas and alphas, please come forward. Remember that the effects can be rather quick." The pack alpha informs them, and Jimin comes forward with other omegas. They gather around a big cauldron, each of them with their cup in their hands. Jimin brings the cup to his lips and drinks. The tea is much more bitter than he expected.
"I will see you in the forest. Run fast." Yoongi leans and whispers to Jimin. It sends shivers down his spine. Perhaps the tea is already working. Or it`s just simply the effect that Yoongi has on him.
"I will. I will not give in so easily, alpha." Jimin teases him and turns around, walking back to the edge of the forest. His whole body is already buzzing. The tea spreads throughout his body. Jimin looks at the forest. This time, he is ready to enter it.
The pack alpha shouts, letting the mating ceremony begin. His voice is muffled to Jimin, who is already deep in the forest. He runs and runs. Jumping over branches and twigs. Swinging in different directions. Yoongi won`t have an easy time with him. He can already hear some sounds of mating around him. His own body is throbbing with need. Slick already running down his thighs.
Jimin smells Yoongi`s scent before he sees him. The citrus is so strong and overwhelming. Jimin feels a pair of strong hands wrapping around his waist and bringing him down. Yoongi cages Jimin with his own body. All broad and strong, filled with muscles.
"My omega, my mate," Yoongi whispers into Jimin`s ear as he tears his tunic. Unwrapping Jimin like a gift. Jimin lies all spread out on the moss underneath him. The moonlight shines over them.
"Mate me, alpha. I`m yours." Jimin says, and Yoongi pounces on him in an instant. Their mouths clash together in a needy kiss. Both of them gasping, trying to get as close as possible. Yoongi leaves kisses on Jimin`s body as he whispers praises.
"So perfect for me. So beautiful." Jimin whines and urges him. His body needs Yoongi`s knot. He wants it inside him, now.
"Alpha. Your knot. Need it." Jimin sobs and begs. When Yoongi finally grants Jimin his wish and enters him, Jimin moans in pleasure. Yoongi`s cock is so thick, filling him in all the right places. Hitting all the right spots.
The alpha sets a quick pace, and both of them know that this won`t be long. Mating is always like that: desperate and quick. They will have plenty of time to enjoy each other properly. Jimin wraps his legs around Yoongi`s waist, urging him to get deeper, faster. He moans each time Yoongi hits that sweet spot inside of him, making his body writhe in pleasure. Yoongi is no better. The alpha groans as his thrusts start to lose their rhythm.
"Give me your knot, alpha," Jimin begs. Yoongi gives him a few more hard thrusts before his teeth bite into Jimin`s neck. Marking Jimin as his omega. His mate. Yoongi`s knot locks them together. Their bodies finally being one. Jimin is filled with euphoria and immense pleasure as he comes. The mating only prolongs the feeling.
Once Yoongi is done biting him, he turns to the side, giving access for Jimin. The omega bites in, right beside Yoongi`s scent gland. The taste of his mate's blood is surprisingly sweet. Jimin makes sure that his mark will be visible before he lets go.
"We are mated." Yoongi murmurs, turning Jimin to the side on his knot. In a way that he can face the omega.
"You are stuck with me now, alpha," Jimin says as he rests his head on Yoongi`s chest.
"I wouldn`t have it any other way, my omega."