#wolf!namjoon

“Our gardens will be happy, we were supposed to water them yesterday,” He commented further, head resting on yours.

You yawned, turning and hugging onto him instead. “Why’s it so cold?”

“Because you’re naked, babe,” He chuckled.

You huffed indignantly. “And why am I naked?”

“Because we mated,” He whispered in your ear, fingers grazing over the ultra-sensitive spot where he had marked you.

You shuddered, keening at his touch and pressing closer.

He chucked again. “Come on, back to bed with you. I’ll be there as soon as I prop the door back in the frame. I’m surprised you can walk.”

“Barely, my legs are still wobbly. What happened to the nest?”

“I cannibalized it to make sure you stayed warm.” He guided you back to bed, holding you upright until you could collapse onto it, then covering you up carefully to make sure you wouldn’t get cold.

“Where are you going?” You asked indignantly.

He smiled. “Door? Me, propping it in the frame to keep the house warmer?”

“Oh,” You mumbled, grabbing and pulling the blankets. “Hurry.”

He laughed softly, his “you’re too adorable and I’m dying” laugh which you loved so immensely. He was too adorable for words. He could be all suave and cool but all you had to do was flirt a little and suddenly he turned into your tall, clumsy, adorkable sweetheart who was so cutely shy that sometimes you felt the need to just shower him in affection until he was all dimples and laughter.

Maybe you should have put the door back in place.

You pushed yourself up. “Namjoon, be careful!”

Your warning came a little late, a crashing noise sounding through the house as the words “be careful” left your mouth.

You winced. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just dropped the door. I’ll be there in a second,” He answered, only a slight edge of panic in his tone.

You leaned out of the bed and pulled the basket of extra blankets closer to you. “Is the door okay?”

He didn’t answer for a moment. “Sort of?”

You slipped out of bed again, stumbling out to look. “Oh my.”

He cringed. “What should I do?”

You examined the situation. “Call Jin or Micheal.”

He nodded, following you back into the bedroom and ushering you into bed, making sure you were tucked in while he went to call one of the men for help with the situation.

You were in a sort of doze when he crawled into bed again, arms wrapping around you and hands chilled.

“You asleep?” He asked in a whisper.

“Mmm, not quite.”

“I love you.”

“I love you more.”

“We’re going to last the ages, aren’t we?”

“We are,” You replied happily, wiggling closer. “We’ve made it this far, haven’t we?”

“Still need to work on the house,” He said softly.

“True, but as long as we’re both in one piece everything else is just details,” You told him, shrugging slightly and tilting your head so he could rub his nose along your neck.

“Might have bitten too hard, babe,” He whispered, sounding concerned as he nudged your mark, causing you to hiss slightly.

You hummed, the hum turning to a moan as he flicked his tongue over the mark. “The door?”

“Yoongi is coming over, he picked up Micheal’s phone. Apparently Timothy was running a really high fever again.”

“Poor pup,” You whispered. “Human hospitals suck. They should go to the Sanctuary.”

“I think they are.”

“Wait, does that mean we should be getting dressed?”

“We’ve still got time. He was feeding Eunyeong breakfast and he said he needed to get her dressed after that. So, at least half an hour.”

You nodded. “Tae coming too?”

“If he’s already awake, probably. If not, then no.”

You sighed. “Better let me up, honey.”

He grumbled slightly, but placed another kiss on your shoulder before letting you go. “You start your new job next week, right?”

“Yes,” You answered, letting the blankets slip from your body and walking to the closet to pick your outfit. You didn’t have to go anywhere (you weren’t allowed to go anywhere) but you didn’t want to look like a bum when other members of the pack arrived. Not to mention it was great to tease Namjoon in the mornings.

“You’re still wobbling,” Namjoon said after a moment.

“You’re still staring,” You retorted playfully, tail swishing in happiness as you pulled out your desired clothes. You really did need to get dressed, you were starting to get goosebumps.

“You want your black bra?”

“Please.”

“Preference on—”

“Whichever you grab first,” You answered, catching the bra he tossed you. “Can you go get the muffin mixes from the top cabinet?

“Yeah, when did you want to reorganize the kitchen?”

“Possibly today.” You threw the sweater on and then sat down to put on socks. “Depends on what happens after your brothers get here.”

“Well, Tae usually enjoys spending time here, and we haven’t seen them much since they came down, so Yoongi will probably end up asleep on our couch and you’ll get to cuddle the kitten.”

You grinned, following into the kitchen and pulling out the mixing bowl to make the muffins. “Sounds like a perfect lazy day.”

He pressed a kiss to your cheek, then hopped onto an empty counter while you mixed the muffin mix and poured it into the muffin tin liners. “Yeah, that mark looks pretty bad. Sorry, baby.”

You shrugged. “Only hurts when you press on it, and even then it’s one of those pains that feels somewhat pleasurable.”

“Weird omega,” He whispered teasingly.

“Bashful alpha,” You retorted, closing the oven door and going over to him, leaning against his legs.

He leaned down and kissed you, slowly, a little lethargic.

Both of you jumped as the make-shift blockade for the doorway fell in.

You sighed. “Wouldn’t be so bad if the wind wasn’t coming from that direction, and if it didn’t have rain with it.”

He nodded. “They should be here soon and—”

The doorbell rang before he could finish.

You moved so he could go answer the door, not trusting your legs to get you that far and instead taking his spot on the counter.

Taehyung came in, obviously following his nose, the toddling following while holding onto his tail and looking fairly grumpy herself.

You grinned. “Morning!”

Taehyung grunted, and leaned against the counter next to you.

The kitten grabbed onto your feet.

You reached down and picked her up, setting her on your lap to cuddle her. “That’s quite the grumpy face, little one.”

“She didn’t get back to sleep after Micheal and Becca took Timothy to the doctors, and we gave her some medicine to help boost her immune system in case its contagious,” Yoongi explained, looking his usual level of tired, but staring at the door. “Namjoon…how?”

Namjoon rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. “Um…I”m not sure?”

You smiled as they went to inspect, resting your hand on Tae’s head. “I’ve got some banana nut muffins in the oven.”

“I love you. Namjoon, I love her!”

“She’s mine, Tae, you can only love her platonically.”

“Then I love her platonically.”

You giggled at the exchange. “They’ll be ready in a couple minutes.”

He finally moved, sitting on the counter across from you, then his eyes widened. “What did Joonie-hyung do to your neck?”

You shrugged a little. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”

He looked at you like you’d grown a third head.

You blinked. “It’s a mating mark, Taehyung.”

He turned bright red and looked away. “I forgot canines did that.”

“Yup.” You stroked the soft kitten ears. “Eunyeong’s fur is still baby-soft. I’m so jealous.”

“Right?!” He perked up again. “Yoongi-hyung got her some special fur shampoo that’s amazing! Costs way too much for me, but you know how he is with her.”

“He spoils in her ways that won’t spoil her personality, it is beyond adorable.” You pressed a cute kiss to her forehead.

Euny blinked up at you sleepily, huffing grumpily.

The timer went off and Taehyung pulled the muffins out for you, taking one and starting to dig into it.

Euny made a sound and opened her mouth like a little chick.

Taehyung shook his head. “Words, honey.”

“Pleeeeease?” She said, sweetly.

He grinned and got a bowl and put a muffin in it. “Little bites, baby.”

“Okay,” She said, still grumpy but holding the bowl and picking off bites from the muffin. She curled against you as she ate, tail flicking.

“So, you guys going to have kids?”

“Eventually, but I think we want to get a bit more done on this place, and spend a little bit of quiet time together before then. I mean, things are just settling down from the trials, and I’m off house-arrest at the end of the week, and I start my new job after that.” You shrugged. “We both agreed that we wanted to wait a while before having pups. Besides, shouldn’t you be pestering Jimin about kits?”

“Eh, he’s been so stressed between last years incident and moving and the wedding that I figure it’s a miracle he’s in one piece. Maybe next year.”

“You going to join Hoseok in the master-nanny business?”

“I wish. First we’d have to move back home. Besides, Hoseokie-hyung is probably going to be a teacher at the Sanctuary school at some point.” Taehyung’s tail playfully flicked open cabinets to inspect.

“Yoongi set a time frame for your visit?”

He shook his head.

“Want to help me reorganize the kitchen?”

He grinned and nodded.

Namjoon eventually got shooed away from helping when Yoongi almost had a replacement door dropped on his head, and he helped you and Tae—meaning the boys did the work while you supervised and held Euny who was giggling a little when her Uncles made faces at you, and subsequently at her.

When Yoongi was done, he joined you sitting on the counter and eating a muffin and watching the boys do your work for you.

But all of you got quiet when Yoongi got a call from Micheal.

Yoongi was pretty quiet, just replying to him. “Okay. Yeah, I’ll bring Euny in.” He rubbed his forehead looking worried. “Yeah. Okay, thanks.”

You watched him for a moment while he hung up.

“Well?” Tae asked when Yoongi had been quiet for too long. Frozen.

“Timmy has pneumonia,” Yoongi finally said. “They want to test Euny just to be safe.”

Taehyung drooped. “That’s terrible.”

Yoongi nodded. “Yeah. Alright. I can either leave you here or drop you off back home.”

Taehyung looked at Namjoon.

He shrugged. “Pretty sure we were planning on you staying here all day anyway. Whatever you want, Taehyung.”

“I’ll stay here, hyung. It’d be boring being at home with no one around.”

You kissed the kitten’s head, wondering if she did feel a little warm, before handing her over to Yoongi.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine, hyungie. If she does have it, then we know before it’s really set in and we can treat it accordingly.” Taehyung hugged Yoongi, then kissed Euny on the cheek. “I’d go with you—”

“No!” Yoongi and Namjoon shouted simultaneous.

“No, that’s okay, you stay far away from the doctors office,” Yoongi continued.

You giggled, hopping off the counter and falling into Namjoons arms when your legs didn’t work. “Good luck at the office.”

Yoongi glanced you over. “Namjoon, try not to put her back in the hospital.” He went toward the door.

You managed to get your footing again, but stayed in Namjoon’s arms.

Taehyung stretched after hearing the front door close. “So, what else needs to be done?”

“The things we don’t use a lot need to be put in the highest cabinets. But I have to unpack those still, so we’re pretty much done today. Movie time?”

“Movie time!” Taehyung agreed excitedly.

“I’ll make the popcorn.” You wobbled over to the counter and pulled out the popcorn.

“Really, though, Namjoon-hyung, maybe go easy on her next time.”

You laughed as Namjoon gave a flustered response, throwing the popcorn into the microwave. “For the record, I encouraged him to. Nothing like a good romp. And the ones that leave you wobbly the next day are the best.” You kissed Namjoon on the lips, wrapping your arms around his neck and watching him turn red.

“N-noona….” Taehyung objected, completely flustered. “I’m still here.”

“Hmm, true. Alright, I can stand Joonie. You guys go pick a movie.” You smoothed Namjoon’s shirt and turned your attention back to snacks because snacks were very important.

Snacks were very important.

———

“Thank you! Have a great day,” You told the customer, handing over their bag of sweets before going to replenish the cinnamon-sugar banana chips. They were popular with several hybrid species and with the remembrance day of the restriction of hybrids coming up, the shop had been fairly busy. It had become a custom to have a sort of communal meal, everyone bringing something to the table as a bunch of hybrids got together. Last year you’d spent it with a group of singles at a party hosted by some of the security staff.

Anyway, “Otter Perfection Sweets” had a steady stream of customers that were there to prepare for guests or being a guest. And since there was a wide selection of specialty sweets that were aimed toward hybrids, a large portion of your customers were either hybrids, or those buying for hybrids. But it was definitely different from your other job.

One, your boss was way better. She was sensible, yet fun, and very flexible about your schedule. She was very family oriented and so friendly that before you knew it she had memorized all of the names of your pack members and how they were related to your mate, and would frequently follow up on things that she heard about.

Not that you didn’t also know way more about her family than you expected to.

You’d been working there for a few weeks now, and already had dinner with her family—all of which, from her grandparents, siblings, and parents, lived in one house. Except her. She lived above the shop because,

“My sister is moving back in with them with her man and her eight pups. I love them to bits, but I also love having a full night’s rest. Besides, they’re going to come here all the time anyway.”

And you didn’t blame her one bit for moving out. Because her family did drop in all the time and depending on who it was it could get very lively in the small shop.

You helped a couple more customers, happy to see product being sold. You liked her. You liked her products. You liked this job.

“Y/n, can you refill the ice-cream freezer?”

“Yup,” You called back, hurrying to the back to get the tray of cartons out of the freezer and then bring it out.

You were so focused on straightening the shelf after filling it that you didn’t hear the person sneaking in until they spoke from directly behind you.

“You know, I’ve been in here a couple times, but you’re the most delicious looking thing I think I’ve seen so far.”

You flinched in surprise, turning to smack him down.

Namjoon grinned at you. “You were about to tell me off, weren’t you?”

Deja vu.

“Hi,” You whispered, grinning.

He leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to your lips. “Hi. Why are you whispering?”

“Because I wanted two more seconds with you and if I said it louder she’d come out to say hello.” You giggled and wrapped your arms around his neck.

“Oh, she already saw me. Headed into the back so I could surprise you,” He replied at a normal volume. “Ready to go, baby?”

“Just need to do a few more things and clock out. While you’re waiting you should pick out those treats. Some for Jungkook since he’s spending his first summer away from home, some for Yoongi, Tae, and Eunyeong, and then the watermelon chips for the triplets birthday next week.”

“Aren’t they all coming for the triplets’ birthday?” Namjoon asked, frowning in thought.

“Yoongi has to work, Tae said he might come but he also found out that the art gala he’s supposed to go to is the night after and you know the trip takes several hours. And Jungkook got that job, so he doesn’t know if he’s going to be there or not. Either way, if we send the package tomorrow he should get it by the next day and the sentiment is still the same no matter when he gets it. Spit spot.” You waved him off and went to check out a customer.

Your boss came out to refill the truffle tray. “I give you December of next year before the two of you have pups, and that’s being pessimistic.”

You just laughed and closed out your drawer, taking it back to the office and locking it while bringing out her drawer. “I give you to August of next year before you have a serious relationship. And that’s being pessimistic.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sure, you just go find me someone who likes kids and knows how to balance work and fun and I’ll help you win that bet.”

“Don’t tempt me,” You replied in a sing-song voice and then skipped toward Namjoon. “No, baby, not the watermelon leather. The watermelon chips.”

“What’s the difference?” He looked confused as you changed out the bags.

“Texture.” You checked what else he had gotten, then led him up to the counter. “Anyway, how was work?”

“Eh, it was work. I’m not a fan of our current project, but what can you do? But I’m definitely ready to be home,” He answered, kissing your cheek. He slipped his arm around your waist, just handing you his wallet so you could take care of paying instead. He was breathing in your scent, trying to detox from a stressful day.

You smiled up at him, then took the bag of sweets, said goodnight to your boss and led the way out of the shop. “Last time we left my work together was the second time we’d met.”

He blinked a couple times and then smiled a dimple smile. “Wow. That was so long ago…and yet also a really short time ago.”

“We haven’t even been together a year,” You said, wrapping your arms around his waist as you walked.

“And what a year it’s been,” He said, huffing a laugh as he did. “But I knew when I smelled you that day…when you flirted so shamelessly with me, that you were the one for me. There was no one else.”

“I was shameless, wasn’t I!” You puffed up proudly. “I should get back to being shameless.”

“Only with me, baby,” He whispered smoothly. “Speaking of shameless….”

“When we get home you don’t want to wear clothes for the rest of the night?”

“Um…not what I was going to say…but I can roll with that as long as we’re in our room. Being active.”

“Deal, but I have to finish the care packages first. Then we can have fun.”

“Right. Care packages.” He got the car door for you. “Do I get one for work? And not being with you?”

“Hmm, you get to come home to your care package every day,” You reasoned, kissing him above the door and then climbing into the seat.

“What if that’s not enough to sustain me,” He asked, still holding the door open.

You hummed, pretending to think. “Then I suppose I better start working harder.”

He grinned and closed the door.

You watched him as he waited for a few cars to pass by so he could get to his side of the vehicle without getting hurt. He was wearing a suit, and loosening the tie in such an attractive manner that you wished the drive home was shorter.

Namjoon got in, adjusting his seat again and the mirrors.

So suave. So enchanting and romantic. The perfect, attractive man that you’d see as the male lead in a movie.

“How did I get such a perfect partner?” You asked softly.

He glanced at you, suddenly shy and bashful. “How did I get a lovely little wolf to join my pack as my mate?”

You thought about it. “Well, if I remember correctly, you were chasing after a pup. Something I hope to see again someday.”

He nodded, taking your hand. “Eventually, you will.”

“When we’re ready.”

“Exactly. Whenever we’re ready,” He agreed, looking at you for a moment before turning his gaze back to the road.

You settled into the seat, gazing at the road ahead, excitement bursting in your heart.

——

Previous Part.   

Masterlist.  Series Masterpost.

So to you, the most pressing question is not whether or not Kim Namjoon is a werewolf but what kind of werewolf he is. Of course, you, a not-exactly-normal human (you know there’s something off about your family, even if the blurred details and ominous stories could all be interchanged with any other student’s family history; after all, which family does not have a skeleton in their closet?), you don’t know that much about werewolves. But from all the avid researching you’ve done, hours and hours in libraries and online-databases of other scholar’s essays and studies, you know a thing or two.

The frustrating part about it? It doesn’t help in any way with identifying who Kim Namjoon might be. And at this point, with your legs more than knee-deep in the Bangtan gang (you’re not a member, just an observer), you’re too afraid to even ask yourself what caused this curiosity to catch fire. You only know you physically, emotionally and spiritually need an answer. It’s like a scavenger hunt with one twist. You’ve forgotten your starting point, so you’re forced to find the finish line.

In your observations, there haven’t been many irregularities in Kim Namjoon’s interactions with others. Sometimes, however, you see Kim Seokjin and Min Yoongi, both older than Namjoon, bow to the smart young student. Every time that happens, your skin tingles a little, just as if you’d witnessed a turning point in history that the world won’t forget. The fact that two Korean boys ignore social status, social hierarchy, all human rules, screams pack behavior. Screams Alpha. You think.

You scribble it down, cappuccino steam rising up to you while rain pours down outside the windows of the tiny cafe you’re sitting in. It’s the one next to the library.

Other times, you see Namjoon walk with some Bangtan boys, eyes lighting up like a little child’s at some joke Seokjin recounts, and the way Jimin curls up into Namjoon’s side because his small body can’t contain all that fizzy laughter. Namjoon always catches the younger boy, always lowers himself to help and indulge that one, who -just like his friend Taehyung- doesn’t care much for personal space. When the older boys ruffle through Namjoon’s hair in moments of quiet and sleepy togetherness, your thoughts divert from the first assumption. Namjoon doesn’t seem very dominant. Alpha’s son maybe? Next in line?

And then you walk the library, your self-chosen second home, a place that is coincidentally also part of Namjoon’s territory. To be honest, when you spot him there more frequently than the librarian herself, you consider that an accomplishment. When he passes you for the fourth time with a stack of books in his arms, Wise wolf are the words that come to your mind. Whenever the tall boy stumbles over the air or his own feet, however, those noble titles vanish, because the gangliness of his limbs is strange, almost as if he hadn’t had time to acquaint himself with them. New beta?

There are so many moments you try your best to define what and who Kim Namjoon is, to the point where it fills your diary with a daily entry and completely new and completely far-fetched propositions. The curiosity leaves you restless, and hungry for an answer.

So, when you drive hours into the countryside for a camping trip with your friends, you expect your mind to finally take the exit that says “vacation time”, to finally free itself from the daily workload that is Kim Namjoon. But even then, lost in the night as you’ve wandered off the camping spot too far, too in thought, you realize you’re still circling around him. Like the planets around the sun, you can’t break your orbit. Even in the semi-dark and in the serenity of an open field, you can’t let Kim Namjoon vanish from between your fingers. It’s exhilarating as it is maddening.

“Glad to know you’re here too,” someone says and you turn, scanning your surroundings. All is fine because you’re still alone. Even so, it’s haunting to find there’s no owner to the voice you’ve definitely heard. Your eyes catch something at the edge of the field. A massive wolf overlooks fields and the woods alike from atop a big rock. The sight makes your systems crash.

“I see you’ve been watching me,” a voice like a little firefly hushes across your soul. The longer it speaks, the more it seems to extend, capturing you completely. It’s him, you think. It’s him. You’re not sure what to do but his presence feels right. It’s almost as if you’re waiting to run into the arms of an old, dear friend. His voice sounds like there’s infinite knowledge within him, and you long to come closer.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better companion. Come up here, and watch the pack with me.” And as you climb, stone for stone, inch for inch, your target unmoving above you, you reach for what you’ve craved the past months. Home.

“You’re the surprise Alpha, from the books,” you breathe heavy, either from the climb or in awe. The big wolf’s head shares your gaze, then searches the woods on the other side, like he can see the pack in the darkness. He probably feels it. In your heart, his voice holds awe and sweetness.

“You’re my surprise companion, from the moon,” he hums.

(Four words are enough to make the stars tumble, enough to give you your reward. To fill the yearning of your heart. Companion.)

(The peace doesn’t hold for long. Through the treeline, distinct barks and yips travel towards you, greeting you ahead of the pack.)

Thanks for reading! :)

Penny for your thoughts?

Masterlist | moodboard masterlist

However, a part of the curiosity is also caused by the strange texture underneath, not resembling that of the mattress I was unceremoniously thrown upon, concluding once eyes drift downward it was indeed not the bed but the collection of our torn clothes carefully arranged into a comfortable pile to rest on, a little nest. It seems he has forgotten I am not like him, do not need the same things in instances like these, but the mere gesture sends a warm loving sensation throughout the body because even in the aftermath of the mental fog he took care of me before himself. And, honestly speaking albeit with a rather confused feeling, it is quite cosy.

Laboriously, I manage to rise from the makeshift bed and onto stumbling feet, Namjoon having made sure walking is not without effort today, headed towards the source of agonized grumbles. The living room with its rosewood floor and broken white Victorian walls is simply furnished with only a monochrome chair, one with a frame made of braided walnut limbs and a seating formed by two fluffy cushions of which the light brown colour is reminiscent of the wolf’s hair, a couch in a shade of creme with a few pillows matching in tone and one more colorful and patterned atop a burnt orange blanket and a red oak grand coffee table with a succulent plant, a rug in various dark tones underneath. Below the windows and all around the space are books, either stacked in towers and put in corners, propped up against the wall, or neatly arranged in rows. Simplistic, a bit unorganized, but nevertheless very much him.

Every step forward feels strange, as if something between the thighs obstructs the motion. Inquisitive fingers slide beneath the borrowed shirt, past the edge of the black boxers with a paisley print toward where he took me, discovering an uneven surface which, after a bit more feeling and registering, turns out to be a, albeit fake of course, jewel. So that is what the intrusion was, to make sure our pups have a chance to be created.

‘How? How does this keep happening? What am I doing wrong?’ The pure frustration of failure after failure is more audible now that I am standing here and seems to be coming from the other side of the hallway connected to the living room.

Still a bit awkward, I head to the small kitchen where Namjoon looks as if he is fighting a losing battle yet refuses to give up, the birch countertops covered in flour and open metal bin beside the entrance filled with charcoal black discs that should have been pancakes, emitting a smell which strongly overpowers that of the refuse already in the garbage can. 

He is too occupied with figuring out the mistake to notice me sneaking in and wrapping my arms around his slender waist, trapping the fluffy chocolate milk tail sticking out from pink boxers between us and burying my face in it. ‘Morning, masterchef.’

He tenses at hearing my voice, rapidly turning around with dark eyes devoid of the lustful fog they were clouded by and now again those of the storyteller I have come to know, regarding me once he fully faces me, searching my figure for something and expression slightly faltering when the investigation is apparently finished. ‘Hey, Y/N,’ a long finger tucks an unruly strand of hair behind the right ear, a small smile on full maroon lips, ‘sleep well?’

‘Yeah, the nest you made was comfy.’ I chuckle when the tail begins to sweep pleased from side to side and his eyes light up at the compliment.

‘I wanted you to be as comfortable as possible. Being pregnant is already difficult enough as it is, if I have to go by Seokjin’s word as a doctor. Although, Yoongi’s mate also made quite a good case-’

The hand running through smooth ashen brown locks and over similarly toned ears stills the waterfall of chatter, ending it with a pleased hum. A gentle smile at the funny behaviour plays around the lips imprinted with the memory of his. ‘You’re rambling, dear.’

‘Right, sorry.’ A big hand envelops the hand in his hair and brings it down for a loving kiss. ‘Are you hurt?’

‘Hurt? I’m fine, perfectly alright.’ But then both our gazes drift to the body clad in the oversized shirt, loose sleeves fallen back to reveal the various slowly healing crescent moons on the skin, indentations where teeth had bitten down on the fragile surface of the neck never having been covered in the first instance. Fueled by the moment of heavy hesitation due to the questioning observing gaze, hands pull back the fabric to hide the still healing wounds caused by the one thing that will never be regretted. ‘It doesn’t hurt, Joon. I’m okay.’

Shaking fingers trace the inflictions left uncovered, fear and self-loathing dimming the light that shone so brightly in his gaze. ‘What have I- why didn’t you- shit, I shouldn’t have done this.’ They trace the mating mark. ‘All because I was jealous of my best friend, of him having a mate and I having nobody. I should’ve asked your permission instead of binding you to me without giving you a chance to deny it. To stop me.’ A barely contained sob escapes trembling lips, desperate to remain strong despite falling apart in front of one that means the world. ‘I’m- I’m so sorry, Y/N. I was lonely and-’

‘Shut up, you gigantic marshmallow.’ I punch his chest, almost unable to contain my own sadness upon hearing the regretful words denying everything we have built up thus far, our children that shall grow within. ‘Don’t you dare to undo this. Think about us, the home we can make. I may not be entirely like you, not needful of a nest, Hell, I appreciate you making it regardless of me not needing it, but I do need you as well as our kids.’

‘You can still walk away, baby. Clear me from your system before the pups have a chance to develop. I am bound to you, but you’re still free to do as you please. But I- I’ll always be here for you. All I ask is that it won’t influence our professional relationship as “Vilkas” and his editor.’ Strong arms pull me flush against a warm bare chest, speech muffled by hair. ‘Nevertheless, I beg you, don’t leave me.’ The grip tightens, squeezing the air out of the lungs but the body not reacting in a manner to do something about it, only tears streaming down the cheeks at the dreadful imagination of saying farewell to him and return to mere emails. ‘Please, even though you shouldn’t, please... stay.’

‘Dammit, stop talking. Didn’t you listen? I’m not going anywhere, Joon. Fuck ‘The True Telegraph’, fuck society’s standards. Just fuck it. I don’t regret becoming your mate nor will I erase you in any sense.’ Watery vision perceives the uniformly unclear eyes staring back into mine, uncomprehending of the promise to remain. ‘I love you, bookworm.’

A sad chuckle, a deep intake of breath before cushiony lips softly touch mine, gently moving against them whilst tears run freely and grand safe hands cup my face. ‘I love you too, Y/N. So, so much.’

After a few loving kisses, he lets go and immediately all the stress is gone, the severeness completely vanished from the atmosphere. With the sleeve of the shirt, I wipe both our tears away, caressing his cheek when the last drop is removed, a tidal wave of relief washing over me upon seeing him happier since the sight of him crying burst the heart at the seams. ‘Now, what were you trying to do that you woke me with your yelling?’

‘I was trying to make pancakes,’ he admits sheepishly. ‘To show you... I mean this,’ is shyly added, ears drawn back as eyes drift off to the kitchen massacre, a rosy flush on tanned cheeks and teeth worrying the bottom lip. ‘But it didn’t really work out.’

Sleeves are rolled up in a bit of a showy manner, hands set on hips and attitude emitting confidence. ‘Alright, big bad wolf, let me handle this.’

A smug grin dawns on Namjoon’s gradually brightening expression. ‘Big bad wolf, eh?’

Fingertips crawl up his chest, that begins to fall and rise a bit faster when they run over the warm skin, playfully grabbing his chin. ‘Too big actually,’ heavy breathing, digits grabbing the waist as possessively as last night, lip bitten by teeth cleared of scarlet, ‘but incredibly bad in the kitchen.’

Baritone laughter erupts after a quick peck, demeanour immediately transforming into the sweetness not led by primal instinct, fingers letting go and arms instead wrapping around my middle and not letting go during the cooking process, even when I tell him burns are inevitable if he keeps holding on to me whilst the pancakes bake in the pan on the sleek metal stove, head resting on the right shoulder and left ear tickling my right as eyes watch the proper process whilst the mind tries to remember every step for the future.

In spite of the wolf stuck to my back, restricting movements at times, breakfast finds its way rather quickly to two plates on the coffee table in the living room alongside two cups of lemon-ginger tea. Huddled together, one arm draped around my shoulders keeping me close and the blanket formerly arranged over the sofa now covering our bare legs, we munch on the meal that had been nothing but a disaster at his hands.

Halfway through the stack of golden brown deliciousness, the comfortable silence is broken to ask the question that has been plaguing the mind for a while, wondering as to what the answer can possibly be, but always coming up short on responses. ‘Why “Vilkas”? I mean, how do you come up with your stories? No wait, let me rephrase that.’ Namjoon’s low chuckle makes me raise an eyebrow at him, wondering what has provoked the reaction as the correct formulation of the inquiry is searched for mentally. ‘What’s so funny?’

‘Look who’s rambling now.’ A pinch of the cheeks, dimples showing with the affectionate smile, the words re-enforcing the feeling regret shall never touch what we have. ‘So cute.’

‘Shut up, I’m not.’ A pout and averted eyes rapidly change into giggling and a scrunched up face to withhold the laughter caused by the tickling of the fluffy tail crept under the big shirt as lips press lovingly against the temple.

‘Then why do you keep acting this way?’ The playfulness makes way for seriousness after an assault on the sensitive nerves all over the body, a moment of happiness to forever remember filled with cries of “stop” and not being given mercy. 

‘Alright, alright,’ the wolf breathes after a counterattack, stilling my hands on his sides in defeat, ‘you win, Y/N. But to answer your question, let me tell the part that was written before we began developing our story. 

‘I was taken in by an elderly scientist who had very much the same thoughts about hybrids as you, when he found me on a dreary autumn night in an alley beside a dumpster, abandoned in a basket and with only a blanket to protect me,’ his gaze wanders to the disheveled by the tickle attack burnt orange blanket on our laps, gripping it a bit tighter as he slowly begins the journey back in time to his childhood, when he was a mere pup in the cruel world, having no chance of survival whatsoever aside from being protected from the seasonal cold by the only souvenir from what had never been home. ‘Ben took me in, saying nothing to his colleagues about my true nature whenever he took me to the lab for medical examinations and simply because he liked having me close instead of home alone at the mansion in the countryside, always making sure the wolf side of me was obscured from sight by dressing me in clothes that would hide my tail and a beanie to hide my ears.’ 

The mentioned fluffy parts of the body lower sulking to the side, eyes still focused on the cloth, grip tighter to remain in control of the sorrow stirring within, darkened with the shadow cast by the inevitable debt one has to pay in the end. 

‘When he died, he wanted I continued with this bookstore, that was bought after his resignation to keep himself busy although it has always been me running the store anyway since he had become too weak to carry boxes with books whenever new shipments came in and to work in general. Despite never telling me, I could smell it: sickness. Cancer ate away at his bones, but nevertheless, every day was lived to the fullest. Until the very end.’ 

Trembling maroon lips, downturned corners of the mouth, shuddering shoulders. ‘He raised me like his own blood, the grandson he never had. Taught me everything I know, schooled me himself because ordinary schools were not safe, ignited my love for books and telling stories. Opened my eyes to the injustice done to other hybrids, those that aren’t as fortunate and are oppressed, as has always been the sickening way in cultures around the globe. I want to give them a voice, attempt to grant them the luxury of freedom I have had from the moment I was adopted. The people need to see, understand, we are more alike than society thinks. 

‘As you said when we met,’ our gazes meet, fingers entwine, an alpha and his mate getting to know each other, ‘I am human albeit with animalistic qualities that set me apart. As are they, and yet they are not allowed to speak their minds. That isn’t human, that is bestial and makes those who claim to be superior to us the true animals. However, thank God, there are still those like you, baby. Those who see us for who we are. That is why I have become “Vilkas”, which is the Lithuanian word for “wolf”.’ A bright smile at the humour creeps onto the severe expression slightly delighted by being with a peer. ‘Kind of an inside joke, but it seemed fitting.’

‘And your stories? Where do they come from?’

‘Insiders, mostly, people I once did a favour for, be it sheltering them from their owners for a bit or patching them up after whatever got happened that got them hurt, probably the underground pit fights everyone knows about but refuse to speak of. My old man supported this, maybe as a kind of compensation since we could not stop their owners from giving them their horrible future when the bargain was struck because one can never estimate what might happen to them in the future at the moment the contract is signed. 

‘Alas, Ben encouraged me to keep in contact with them, provide a safe haven where a friend is always waiting for them. That is actually also how I met Yoongi. Well, kind of. He was on his way to get his medication prescribed by our mutual doctor, Seokjin, and I my shots to repress the upcoming heat, having switched from pills that my old man could come by via work to this method since it seemed to work better. Anyhow, we started talking after I observed the still healing wounds covering his body, rapidly becoming friends. He told me about the pit fights and sex trade his owner got him mixed up in. I told him, when I was sure nobody was listening, about the “Vilkas” identity and he thought it was a noble cause, asking me to write down his story someday. Which I have.’

The snow leopard story, the last tale that was published before we lost contact and The Big Meatball threatened to kick me out of the office, despite the little presence I already have there. Eyes widen when they remember the epic chronicle, forever engraved in the mind due to the greater sense of heroism and action than in the others. ‘So that is his story, the one about the kidnapping and big rescue action.’

‘All the stories are true,’ Namjoon chuckles before nightly amused yet pained eyes drift down to his side, where small round scars grace the hip. Bullets. ‘Though the reference material shall always speak truer and be more memorable than the actual tale.’

Careful fingers trace the indents in the sun-kissed skin, envisioning the setting of the story and the wolf’s role in it. The mere thought of him hurt, bleeding thanks to some bastard playing gunslinger, has teeth grit against each other and the jaw tighten.

He sees the anger seething beneath the barely composed attitude and places a big hand over mine, gripping it reassuringly before raising it to kiss every finger and the wrist adorned with a dark pink and scarlet crescent moon, resting it against his cheek afterwards. ‘Don’t worry, Y/N. It was an accident. As soon as the smoke bombs had gone off, chaos ensued and it was every man for himself. I was never intentionally shot at, but that was only thanks to the plan. Otherwise, no, I don’t want to make you think of that. We all got out of it, unharmed. Okay, almost unharmed, since I had to be patched up, which Yoongi did whilst grumbling about how clumsy I am.’ 

I chuckle, reminded of the burnt pancake incident. He may be a wolf, but in the end, he is still a clumsy giant. Namjoon smiles a sheepish yet satisfied dimpled smile, either laughing at himself or happy he made me smile. ‘I know, I know, I’m a klutz. Back to the tale, I provided them with new identities which in turn were provided by Hoseok, a bartender at one of the dodgy hybrid clubs downtown. He’s also one of my people. They’re now somewhere safe. I visit them from time to time and their kids are the most adorable little things.’ 

A curiosity treks over his face for a second, followed by an unbelieving breathless laugh. ‘Your scent has changed. You’re… God, I am the luckiest man alive.’ 

His hand uncovers mine, coming to rest on the side of my neck and bringing me closer for a lingering loving kiss. ‘Our pups will be just as lovable, if not cuter.’ Thumb stroking skin heated by the wolf’s warmth, tail swishing to and fro slowly over the floor, ears turned forward. Contentment hangs in the air of our home, the knowledge of the pregnancy smelled out by the wolf before any real chance is remarked upon by myself enhancing the sense of joy. ‘I love you.’

Nothing is said in return, but the second tender peck says everything that cannot be put into a sentence, the embrace proving actions shall always speak louder than words, the scent of pancakes and tea making us want to hold on to the oath of staying in spite of whatever storm may come our way.

Namjoon let out a thoughtful hum. “We’ll find a place that will check all of our boxes that you feel comfortable in, I promise. It’s okay if this place doesn’t feel right to you. But can we keep it on the list in case we don’t find anything better?”

You nodded, sniffling and trying to get control of yourself. “I just feel so bad! Jimin’s been working so hard and I can’t settle on anything.”

“It’s okay, y/n.”

“He probably thinks I hate him and I’m trying to make his life difficult,” You squeaked.

“He doesn’t think that, baby.”

“I’m a terrible mate,” You wailed.

“Omega,” He said, his voice dangerously deep.

You gasped, falling into silence, holding your breath and tearing up even more.

He pulled away and wiped the tears from your face. “Enough of that. You’re not a terrible mate, nor will you ever be a terrible mate. You’re wonderful. I think we should get you home, though. You’re going through the preheat hormones again, and you won’t be able to settle on a den in this state. We’ll go back to one of our places and make a nice nest and cuddle for the rest of the evening, okay?”

“Alpha?” You whispered.

His gaze was gentle, and loving as he gentle wiped more tears from your cheeks. “It’s okay, omega. I’ll take care of you.”

The door opened again, and Jimin came in on the phone, but he looked nervous.

Namjoon pulled you back into his arms, a little protective, but mostly comforting. “I think we need to be done, Jimin.”

Jimin hung up after a quick farewell. He hesitated when about to say something, then cleared his throat. “There’s one more place. We can’t get into it any other day of the week. It needs some cleaning up, and most of the windows need to be replaced, but…it’s the one I really wanted to show you guys. It had a sort of vibe to it that I thought you would like, hyung. I wouldn’t normally insist, but—”

“Okay,” You said. The distress had started waning with Namjoon’s ministrations, and you were starting to be able to think clearly again. As long as nothing set you off there, you would be okay. Just in need of extra sleep. You’d been struggling with preheat hormones for a week now, and preheat symptoms for two weeks—which included making nests every night, insisting on getting scented by your alpha at strange times in the day (getting you in trouble at work when you just randomly skipped out), food hoarding, and even more clothing snatching.

You were worse when Namjoon couldn’t stay the night with you, sometimes unable to even get out of bed because all rational thought had left you and all you could focus on was that your alpha hadn’t spent the night with you. He called every morning he didn’t stay with you after the first three times that had happened. And house hunting had been an absolute nightmare.

Namjoon guided your eyes to meet his. “Are you sure?”

You nodded, blinking. “Yeah, it’s fading again. As long as I don’t get upset again, I should be semi-rational.”

Namjoon nodded slowly in return. “Okay. Okay, Chim. Let’s go.”

“Here’s the address.”

The three of you headed out, you and Namjoon in his car, and Jimin in his.

“You’re getting worse,” Namjoon murmured quietly, worry clear in the profile of his face.

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be sorry, baby. It’s not like you can help it. I’m just worried about you. Look, I can rework my finances so that you can afford to quit that job. You can move into my apartment until we do find a place for us, and then we won’t both be paying for a place. I know you wanted to keep your place, but…nights and mornings are the worst for you—”

“And you can’t sleep when you stay with me, I know.”

He winced. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m okay. We’ll talk about it after we see this house.” You closed your eyes, trying to ignore that weir prickly feeling under your skin.

He reached over and took your hand, squeezing it.

“Besides, Jimin did say this was the one he really wanted to show us. Maybe it will be the one.” You curled in your seat at the uncomfortable pain in your abdomen. “It’s like cramps now. Whyyyyyy….”

“I think there’s still some ibuprofen in the glove box.”

You paused, then looked in there, finding a bottle. “You’re the best mate ever.”

“You put it in there.”

“I did?”

“You did.”

“Are you sure that was me?”

“You told me that if we were going to be mates, then I should have some emergency stuff for you and you put that in there.” He smiled, but you could see the worry in his gaze.

You frowned. “I don’t remember that. It’s probably just the preheat hormones getting to my head. I don’t really even remember what I had for breakfast this morning.”

“Jimin brought muffins, you ate a blueberry and a cranberry muffin, and then you also had a hashbrown.”

You blinked. “Oh yeah. Those were good muffins.”

“I think they’re still in the back seat if you’re hungry.”

You shook your head. “Too cramp-y.”

“Better than feverish,” He murmured, glancing over at you. Then his eyes widened as he looked ahead. “Hey, baby, look at that.”

You didn’t remember him turning down the driveway, but sitting in front of you was a house that was situated in the perfect yard. It definitely needed work. Most of the windows were broken or looked like they were damaged, and the porch looked like it was sinking in one corner.

But it looked solid.

You got out of the car in a daze, breathing in the air to determine whether you liked the smell of the area.

Namjoon took your hand and squeezed it.

“Like I said, it needs some work, but I think it’s one of the best options on the market and it has all of the elements you guys listed. And it has four bedrooms. It’s slightly bigger than what you guys said, but it has a new furnace and water heater and the roof and foundation are both in good shape. And it has a fireplace and a wood-burning stove. And is ten minutes from Micheal’s, twelve minutes from Jin’s, and twenty-five minutes from town. A little further than the other places we looked at, but the trees here….”

“They’re wonderful,” You whispered. “Is that a Christmas tree farm?!”

“Yeah, that comes with the property,” Jimin said. “I mean, it wasn’t commercial or anything, but they did use them for their own Christmas trees.”

Namjoon smiled as you bounced a bit with excitement. “Better show us the inside, Jimin-ah.”

“Right,” He said, leading the way up and into the house.

Namjoon was still talking to Jimin about something or other after touring the house.

You were thinking about where to put the furniture.

“Baby, what do you think?” Namjoon called over.

“I think the couch would look good against that wall,” You murmured, still staring at the wall.

There wasn’t a response, so you looked up.

“Do you think it won’t, alpha?” You asked, head tilted.

They both looked amused and you weren’t really sure why.

“Yeah, I think she wants this place,” Namjoon finally said.

“I’ll put in an offer as soon as I get back to the office,” Jimin replied, looking pleased and proud. “From what I know most people have been overlooking this one, so it’ll probably go through quickly.”

You bounced over to Namjoon, taking his hands. “I love it. I really really love it.” You were struggling with resisting the urge to try and nest already. “But we need to leave before I can’t.”

He nodded, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you to his side where you very happily wrapped around him and tucked your nose up to his neck so you could smell him. “Alright, let’s get you back to my place.”

Jimin led the way out.

You were loath to leave the house, but the way Namjoon’s fingers rubbed on your hip was satisfying enough to move you to the car. “Where in your place?”

“Bed, you’re getting really warm, omega. We’re gonna get you a temporary nest going, and we’ll get you comfy,” He murmured, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“With you?”

He hummed. “I need to do some work when I get home.”

You pouted.

He kissed your forehead. “If I get it done quickly, then we can do anything you want.”

“Anything?” You asked, trailing a hand along his stomach.

He chuckled. “Anything within reason.”

You pouted. “No romps?”

“I did not say that,” He huffed, pressing a couple more kisses to your face and then helping you into the car, peeling your fingers off of his wrist while you whined and whimpered in protest. “Have to drive, baby.”

You started feeling worse as the drive went on, but not in a preheat or heat way. Your throat was feeling scratchy and you were starting to have some sinus drainage.

You flinched when he turned into a pharmacy. “Why are we here?”

“Because I needed to check on you. You weren’t responding, baby. I think you’ve got a cold.” He felt your cheeks and forehead, then reached in the back and grabbed one of the blankets. “Here. I’ll be right back, I’m gonna get you some stuff for your cold.”

“Does this mean no romp?”

“Sorry, babe.” He got out and headed into the pharmacy.

You gathered the blanket up and buried your face in it. It smelled like both of you, and you did your best to drown your senses in it.

“Baby? Y/n? Come on, we’re here,” He said, pulling the blanket from your face.

You blinked. “What?” You looked up and past him and the car was in the parking lot for his apartment.

He looked worried, and he had a bag from the drugstore hanging from his arm.

You coughed a bit. “I haven’t been this sick since I was little,” You murmured, shaking your head a bit to try and clear it.

“I had Jungkook meet us. I can’t carry you with my shoulder the way it is.” He stroked your hair gently. “I don’t want you walking like this.”

You nodded, finally scenting Jungkook.

The bunny gave you a soft smile, but you honestly don’t remember much of him carrying you upstairs, until he was setting you down on the bed and Namjoon was sticking a thermometer in your mouth.

“Maybe you should have taken her to the doctor, hyung,” Jungkook whispered.

“Her fever isn’t that high, it’s just because it’s mixing with her preheat symptoms. I’ll take her in if she gets worse, but she hasn’t even taken medicine yet. See, she barely has a fever.”

“Alright, just call me if you need help moving her again.”

“Thanks, Jungkook.” Gently hands caressed your cheeks, and then he helped you sit up. “Need to give you some medicine, baby, then you can sleep.”

You complied with a small whine, curling into him afterward to sink into slumber while he did what he could to form a nest around both of you.

———

“Y/n?”

You tossed and turned, scrambling to try and get comfortable. You shoved the blanket, but it wasn’t right either.

“Y/n?” Namjoon called again.

You tore at your tail, screeching at the unbearable heat.

“Oh my—” Hands grabbed at yours, holding them tightly, pushing them to your chest. “Oh man. Oh man.”

You screamed weakly.

“You’re burning up, holy f—”

You fought against the hands holding onto you, holding you still. You needed to get away from the unbearable heat.

“Omega,” He ordered lowly.

You keened, growing still at his order but feeling like you were burning alive.

“It’s going to be alright. I’m going to take care of—”

A loud pounding sound, followed by a crash, and suddenly there were many foreign scents that you didn’t want in your nest and sounds and people.

Namjoon growled and snarled, but they still came and brought you to your feet.

“Stop! She’s sick!” He demanded.

You wobbled, but were kept upright by the officers.

“Y/n, you’re under arrest,” One of them said, then continued, probably reading you your rights or something, and then they were dragging you out of Namjoon’s apartment as he protested and tried to protect you.

And you were still burning up, almost puking in the elevator, unable to keep your feet under you.

But you sort of blacked out somewhere, in the car or before the car.

And woke up in a holding cell. A very secure one.

You felt terrible, and you could recognize the uncomfortable feeling to heat suppressants.

“Y/n,” Namjoon said at the same moment he opened teh door, rushing in and wrapping you in his arms.

You whimpered and nuzzled into him. “This is because of her, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know.”

“What if they take me away?”

He shook his head. “We won’t let them.”

“How are we going to stop them, Namjoon? They already took my independence. They can legally send me back to her.”

“I won’t let them take you. You’re mine. My mate. You’re going to bear our pups, and live with me forever in our den.” He held you tighter.

You whimpered, tucking into the safety of his arms. You still feel the burn of your heat trying to sear through, barely repressed by the drugs that the police had given you. “Hurts Joonie.”

“I know, baby.” He gave you another gentle squeeze. “I know you’re in pain. You should be safe in a den, nestled in our nest.”

You made a crooning noise that had a high-pitched whine underlying it.

“I called Emma and Micheal. They’ll know what to do. We’ll get you home.” There was a waver in his voice that spoke more of his anger than of fear.

“I’m okay.”

“You’re sick and in heat,” He argued. “And those suppressants are going to make you even more sick.”

You whimpered, rubbing your face against his shoulder as the distress became evident in his voice.

He held you tighter, rubbing your shoulder.

“Time’s up.”

You gripped him, making distressed sounds.

“If I let go she might go crazy,” You heard Namjoon say. “She’s sick and in heat. I’m her mate. I have every right to stay with her.”

“No, you don’t. Please step away—”

“Don’t do anything of the sort,” Emma snapped. “Or was can press charges against this officer for breaking the law. You, sir, may remove yourself. Section 306Q, subsection 5167B states that any legal actions involving a hybrid in heat or considerable distress are to be postponed until the heat has passed or the source of distress has been neutralized, and during all of this the hybrid’s mate is allowed to remain with the hybrid in question until a later hearing date has been set for after the heat has passed and someone has posted bail I have posted bail, and we should have a new court date in about five minutes. So, sir, I suggest you let her go before I charge you for every law and right you just violated and denied.”

Your pack matron was the best.

Namjoon guided you from the holding cell.

The other officers looked terrified of your pack matron, or perhaps they were ashamed. You wondered how long she had been there chewing them out.

Micheal was talking with a man in a suit, and someone who must have been the chief of police.

Emma told you and Namjoon to wait there while she went over and talked with the strangers.

Whatever they were saying seemed to be agreeable to her, and she shook their hands before coming back over. “Come on.”

Namjoon was practically carrying you at that point, not completely since his shoulder was hurt.

You felt ill. You were beginning to burn again, and you were extremely nauseous. Starting to unconsciously whimper.

“They gave her suppressants,” Namjoon told her, and his concern made you whine.

“That’s why we’re going to the Sanctuary hospital. She’ll be safer there and you’ll be able to stay with her. The case won’t hold since they broke laws and arrested her without a warrant. Our lawyers will crush them and rake them over the coals if they try anything else,” Emma said, sounding so casual about it.

“What’s going on?” You asked through clenched teeth. “Why did they arrest me?”

“Honestly, I think the deputy called for your arrest to sabotage their case, but they said you had several charges. Micheal is getting the paperwork with the lawyer and we’ll talk to you about it when you’re feeling better.” Emma’s tone changed to a motherly one, gently and caring. “There are blankets and Jin went to pack bags for both of you.”

You nuzzled into Namjoon’s shoulder, grateful for his pack. Your pack. You felt so well-looked after and protected—even if you felt like hell.

But your fever rose, and you didn’t remember getting to the hospital, or getting treated, but you were now forming the back of a nest and growling at the tubes from the IV when they got tangled in your nesting materials. You were aware of one of the pack pups sleeping toward the front of the nest, and you checked on her now since the pup was wiggling now.

Satisfied that she was still asleep, you tucked up next to her to wait for your pack to return and kept a careful eye on the three pups that were reading together outside of the nest.

You weren’t necessarily worried about the missing pup, something told you he was safe with his parents.

Pack matron returned, gathering her pups softly while the pack leader carefully took the pup that was napping in the nest with you while still holding the other smallest pup.

Your soon-to-be-official mate entered as they left, coming over and silently asking permission to enter the nest.

You huffed and pulled him in forcibly, yelping when the galoot tripped and crashed onto you.

“Sorry, sorry baby.” He quickly got u p and checked you over. You’d probably have a bruise on your leg from his knee.

You pinched his arm as penance for his crime.

Crime.

“Hey, focus on me, baby.”

Crimes. Arrested. Trouble.

“Omega,” His voice came out impossibly deep and seemed to reverberate within you.

You tensed, ducking your head and then shifting to bare your neck to him and expose the main artery.

“Omega,” He whispered, voice soft and gentle.

You looked up, meeting his gaze. Your fluffy-haired alpha who wore a smile so well. And that white undershirt with a v-neck that exposed such pretty skin. Honey-olive skin.

“Back with me, omega?” He asked, grinning and flashing those dimples—those seductive little indents that you would do anything to see.

You crawled over, draping yourself across his chest and lap, tail swishing happily now that hew was here. He must have taken a shower because his hair was a bit damp.

He stroked your head, rubbing your ears to calm you further. “You still need to take it easy, baby.”

You whined.

“I know, baby. It’s going to be okay. I’m here to help you. We just need to take it easy.” He pet your hair. “They gave you something to counteract the suppressants. So, we need to relax while you’re okay.”

You whimpered at the thought of burning again.

He shushed you softly. “I’m here. We’re going to be fine. I’m going to take care of you.”

——

Previous Part.   Next Part.

“It’s ours, baby. We closed the day after you were discharged, but I wanted to get the windows in before I brought you.” He parked, and turned to grin at you.

You’d still been out of it when discharged, but it wasn’t anything that the doctors were concerned about. Just more side effects from the suppressants, but it had kept you mostly bedridden and groggy and not too aware of the passing of time. The pack had been visiting to keep you company while he was at work and whatnot, especially the pack pups because they helped give you more clarity throughout the day. Plus, who wouldn’t want to cuddle pups?

But this was exciting. This explained why the past couple of days you couldn’t find things that you swore you knew the locations of. This explained why he didn’t want you going to your place to get things.

“We’ve got it fixed up enough to live in, not perfect, but enough. Enough for us to be comfortable. And we moved your stuff in already. My family has been sneaking stuff out of my place all week.” He looked pretty proud of having surprised you with this.

You squealed and threw yourself across the console to kiss him. “This is the best surprise ever. I love you. I love you. I love you.” You peppered his face with kisses, ignoring his embarrassed laughter and finishing with a quick peck on his lips before you hurried out of the car to take in the sight of your house.

Even though he said they’d only done a few things, you could tell it had to be more than that. The windows looked completely replaced, the siding looked like it had a fresh coat of paint, and the porch had temporary supports. Everything looked cleaner, and the garden beds had been cleared of weeds and carefully planted.

“You happy?” He asked softly, wrapping his arms around you.

“Aren’t you?”

He nodded, pressing a kiss to your shoulder. “I’d carry you over the threshold, but—”

“You’ll do nothing of the sort. You already re-injured yourself while taking care of me during that mess, I’m not risking your well-being now.” You hit him lightly, then bounced. “Let’s go in!”

He laughed and took your hand, leading you up the porch and to the (brand new) front door, unlocking it and letting you enter first.

You looked around, breathing in air that smelt slightly of your pack, slightly of cleaners like pine-sol, and fresh air. Then lilac, from the bouquet of lilacs on the fireplace mantle. “Just enough to live in, huh?”

He was quiet, and when you looked back, he looked just as shocked at the sight of new flooring, and freshly painted walls. “I…they…must have worked on it more since last time.”

You grinned and wrapped your arms around his waist to just take it all in for a moment before gasping and rushing through to see the kitchen again.

The thorough cleaning made your adorable kitchen even better. They’d replaced the dingy light-fixture with a new one, which was really nice because if you remembered correctly it didn’t even make it to the counter below it.

And the master bedroom had a bed in it—that you promptly flopped on—and the room smelled like you and Namjoon, with subtle undertones of the pack (especially the littlest two of the pack pups, which you figured wasn’t too surprising since this blanket was the softest one you owned.

“Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” You exclaimed into the bedding, breathing in his scent. The way it mixed with yours. The slightly milky smell of pups.

He flopped down next to you.

“But…what are you going to do about your apartment?”

“Oh, well, Jimin’s landlord actually is a jerk and he tried to rip them off, so they’re going to move in there for now. Save up for a place they actually want for a while, and then Yoongi’s said he wants it if he can manage to get a transfer.”

You made a happy sound, and wiggled closer, resting your head on his arm. “So, are we sleeping here?”

He nodded. “If that’s okay with you?”

You nodded. “Do we have clothes here?”

“You definitely do. I’ve got some clothes here. Enough to supply me for work for the next few days.” He sighed as he relaxed. “But I can also stop by after work tomorrow and get more of our stuff.”

“You’re sure they’re okay with you missing as much work as you have?” You asked quietly, resting a hand on his chest.

“They understand, and I’ve been working from home most days where I couldn’t leave you, so I’m not exactly behind. Actually, they seemed pretty happy to let me have Tuesday off because apparently I’m ahead of everyone.” He stretched, making your head drop to the bed.

You sighed, pouting slightly at the loss of your pillow before rolling back to your feet and bouncing out to the kitchen. “Do we have food here?”

“Knowing my family? Probably.”

You opened the fridge and freezer simultaneously and grinned. “Your pack is the best.”

“They’re your pack too, baby.”

“Not yet.”

“You know I couldn’t mate you while you were sick,” He called softly.

“I know. And I do consider them my pack, but it’s still more natural to call them your pack. Oooh! Ice cream!” You grabbed the container and hugged it briefly before putting it back. “So, I was thinking.”

“Uh oh.” He came in and leaned against the counter while watching you pull out one of the dishes someone left for you two.

“Preheat the oven? 375,” You told him, reading the instructions. “Anyway, Ariel mentioned that her one friend just started her own little shop where she sells jams, preserves, candies, and ice-creams and that she was looking for someone to help for the summer. Maybe I could see if she would hire me?”

“Are you sure?”

“I mean, I’m basically fired from the clothing shop, and even if it is just for the summer, it would still be some little bit of income. Enough to help us with groceries, because lets face it, we eat a lot of meat.” You went to him and kissed him gently. “Besides, how crazy do you think I would go without something to occupy my time? I mean, we’re going to have some gardens and I really do want to work on our Christmas trees, but it’s going to take some time.”

He was smiling down at you softly, and his fingers gently brushed your cheek. “This is the most rational you’ve sounded in a while, baby. It’s nice to hear.”

You hugged him. “Sorry I’ve been such a mess.”

He chuckled. “Hey, you put up with the messes I make.” Then he kissed the top of your head. “You’re my little wolf. I would cross the world for you. I can handle a little messiness.”

You relaxed, breathing him in until the oven beeped to let you both know that it had finished preheating.

He put the dish in the oven while you set a timer and got out the strawberries and started washing them.

“But the store thing, good idea or not?”

“As long as it doesn’t become too stressful for you, baby, I think you should try for it. After we settle all of this legal stuff.” He took a strawberry and popped it into his mouth.

“I didn’t take the stems off,” You said, staring at him in surprise. “I mean, they’re edible...but probably pretty bitter.”

He nodded, turning away to pull the stem from his mouth.

You smiled at your mess of a mate. “My dorky baby.”

He chuckled, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Hungry, honey bunch?” You asked, wrapping your arms around his waist. “You ready to eat?”

“Isn’t that why you’re washing the strawberries?” He countered, but he was still flustered as you pressed flirty little kisses to his neck. His hands found your waist.

“Mmhmm,” You agreed, on your toes to nibble on his ear.

“Babe…you’re still recovering.”

You nodded, humming agreement before sliding your hands over his torso and promptly turning away and running with the bowl of strawberries. “Mine!”

He sputtered, then laughed and chased after you, catching your waist and then pulling you to sit down beside him on the couch. Then he stole a berry and took a bite.

You giggled and took your own berry, looking around the room. “This is a nice couch.”

“We needed a second for this room, especially if we’re going to have family visiting. Micheal said he’d get our furniture moved this weekend. He’s got a couple of guys he needs to train, and Becca’s going to oversee it all for us. But I thought it’d be best if we weren’t around. Don’t want to wolf out on them.”

“Maybe we should go visit Yoongi and Taehyung,” You said between bites.

He smiled. “I’ll see if they’re free. We’ll have to take Eunyeong something.”

“Of course, she’s the cutest kitten and deserves all the love,” You chirped, snuggling up to him. “But maybe don’t check until after the meeting with the lawyers and the court stuff on Tuesday.”

He nodded, smile fading. “Yeah. Probably a good idea. Might want to stay home. Near the majority of the pack.”

“In which case we’re going to Emma’s and cuddling the twins.”

He nodded again, but looked distracted.

You watched him, just admiring his face while also trying to guess what he was thinking. “Are you worried about Tuesday?”

He took a deep breath and held your hand. “The last time anyone I loved was part of a court case…it was Emma. And it ended in this town giving the rights back to hybrids. Jin was the only one that went with her, he was certified as an aide-hybrid. Not because Emma really needed him, I mean, she did, but mostly because she wanted to give him as much freedom as she could. Yoongi-hyung and I were watching…but Hoseok, Jimin, Jungkook and Taehyung couldn’t sit and listen. It was taking too long and some of it hit too close to home. They were outside, working in the garden just to avoid it.”

“I remember,” You whispered, squeezing his hand.

He squeezed it back. “That day changed our lives and…whatever the outcome on Tuesday…that will change both of our lives. Again. And I’m hoping for the better, I do trust these people. But…if we lose…I think I’ll lose more than I would have if we lost that day.”

You hummed. “You’re going to have to be on your best behavior.”

He nodded, but he didn’t seem very confident.

“But Namjoon, I think…I think you might need to stay away. Other than when you’re called upon. This is going to be…bad. It’s going to be really bad. And if either of us misbehaves we risk everything.”

He sighed, eyes closing and holding you tighter. “I know.”

“Maybe they can arrange for a separate room for you to watch in?”

“Maybe, I’ll ask Emma later.” He sounded a little relieved, and managed to relax a little as you snuggled in, scenting him a little.

You sighed softly, enjoying this moment, just in case.

His fingers lightly caressed your hair.

You frowned. “The fireplace mantle is crooked.”

He started laughing. “House still needs some improvements, baby.”

“But how is the mantle crooked!”

————

“They can’t prove it!”

“Neither can we,” The lawyer said calmly. “We can deny any false evidence they bring forward and hope our true does as well. We can only hope that the judge is as upstanding as they say and that the jury can see past the falsehoods created by the opposition.”

Emma huffed and sat down again, crossing her arms and thinking.

Jin calmly rubbed her back. “Y/n, is there any sort of concrete evidence you can provide?”

“Bank statements and pay stubs, which would show that I didn’t have any money other than what I was paid when I opened the account, and that she wasn’t originally on my account. The rental agreement with the Sanctuary. That’s about it,” You answered quietly.

Namjoon looked up. “All of these are trumped up charges. Theft? Assault? Public indecency? Disturbing the peace? Prostitution?!” He stood and went to the window, obviously angry.

“These papers will help disprove many of those charges. However, the one I’m most concerned with is the assault charge. We’re countering their charges with our own charge of defamation and wrongful arrest, but the case for the assault is fairly solid.”

“How so?” Emma asked, sounding tired.

“They have medical records from injuries incurred by here—or so they’re claiming. And they have a video of her attacking someone.”

You frowned.

“What?” Namjoon growled.

“Y/n, I need you to tell me right now, have you ever stabbed anyone in the leg?” The lawyer asked.

“No, I threatened to, but only because he was was being an asshole. I never did it and I left to make sure it would never happen.”

“And this video of you punching a security guard at the Sanctuary.”

Namjoon growled. “He understood. They’re twisting the situation.”

“Which security guard was it?” Emma asked.

“Yugyeom,” You answered. “And I gave him cookies to make up for it.”

Jin nodded and pulled out his phone.

Emma rolled her eyes. “He probably deserved it. But we can get him here and have him testify. I’m sure JB and Mark will sign off on that.”

“Is he still under their guardianship?” Namjoon asked.

Emma nodded. “All of them are, technically. But since they’re close it’s not an issue. It just means that they’ve got a safety net. Same as you all, we freed you but we also adopted you as our children.”

Micheal nodded. “They’re more like brothers so they didn’t want to go that route.”

Jin was talking lowly and you were grateful you couldn’t hear the conversation. You were stressed enough.

Emma quietly took your hand, giving it a squeeze.

“Alright, he’s on his way.”

The lawyer nodded. “I’ll go notify them that I have another witness.” He gathered his things and walked off, signaling Micheal to walk with him.

Namjoon was taking slow, deep breaths. “I hate this.”

You closed your eyes.

“I know,” Emma said softly, lightly smoothing your hair. “I know you’re both frustrated. I am too. But we’re going to take care of this, even if it takes us more time than we originally thought.”

Jin was watching Namjoon. “Sit down, Namjoon,” He ordered, a slight edge to his voice.

Namjoon did as told, only hesitating for a second before complying with the pack leader’s order.

“You’re making me anxious just watching you,” Jin explained, sounding relieved now that Namjoon was sitting. “Emma, why don’t you stay back here with Namjoon and I’ll go back out.”

She nodded. “I’m going to call and check on the kids.”

He pecked her on the lips, then met your gaze. “It’s about time to head back.”

You nodded, getting up with extreme reluctance and nuzzling Namjoon’s head before following Jin out.

Jin waited until you both were out of earshot before pausing, turning to you. “You don’t have to pretend you’re okay. You have every right to be more frustrated and upset than any of us.”

You sighed, looking at the ground. “I just want to go home. We thought this would all be settled on Tuesday. Last Tuesday.”

He reached over and adjusted your scarf—bathed in the scent of your mate to help keep you calm—then rested his hands on your shoulders. “I know it’s asking a lot, but please try to bear with us for another hour. Okay?”

You nodded, feeling safe at the very least with your pack leader looking out for you.

“But if they try to take you anywhere, you get over that barrier and behind me. They can’t legally take you anywhere, okay?”

You closed your eyes and nodded. “Okay.”

“Hey, court’s in session,” Micheal called.

You followed them back to the court, awaiting your fate.

——

Previous Part.   Next Part.

You nodded, savoring the vibrations in his throat from speaking. “I remember. I tried to make a list like he suggested, but it still only has the yard, a fireplace and at least two bedrooms. One for us and one for our pups.” “Hmm, I have three bedrooms,” He carefully removed the blanket, then pulled his list out. “And I thought that a bathroom with a nice tub would be nice, and a basement.” You gasped in excitement. “Yes! A tub! And we can use the basement to store extra food!” He grinned and kissed you again. “So we’ll go with my list then?” You nodded enthusiastically and bounced away to your bedroom to change into better clothing for house hunting. “How many did Jimin say we were looking at?” “Four, if we have time. Five for tomorrow. He believes that even if there is one we want to make an offer on, we should also keep looking just in case it doesn’t go through.” “Makes sense,” you agreed. “Though, I can’t promise to think rationally if I do fall in love with a place. My head’s gets a little one-track lately.” He chuckled. “I’ll stay rational, baby. Did you go over your financial situation?” “Not yet, I just got my bank statement earlier today.” He moved to the kitchen. “You okay with me looking at your bank statement?” “I did just ask you to look at it, didn’t I?” You looked between two shirts. “What color is your shirt, again?” “Hmm? Oh, blue. Black pants. Tan sweater. Grey jacket.” You tilted your head, then decided on the light. “My scarf?” “Ah, no. I brought it back. It doesn’t smell like you right now. I’m wearing the scarf Minsu picked out for me when we stopped by to visit you the other day.” You grinned. “Ah, the black one?” “Yeah.” You nodded. Pulling your black sweater on and your faded blue jeans, pairing it with one of the beanies that you had kidnapped last time you were at his place. “Good natural lighting too!” You called out as you thought of all of his house plants. He made a sound that said he heard you but he wasn’t actually listening. You rolled your eyes and went out, finding him looking over all the papers. “That bad?” He glanced up, then looked back, worried. “Did you calculate your rent?” You looked it over and grunted. “Dammit. I knew I was forgetting something.” “Is this what you’re being charged for rent?” You nodded. He frowned. “That can’t be right. And did your hours get cut?” You nodded again, more slowly. He shook his head slowly. “Baby, you can’t even afford food with this rent. You won’t even have enough to pay rent. Even with what you have outside of your account. Your rent shouldn’t be this high, so I’m going to talk to Emma and have them investigate this, but still…this is…why didn’t you tell me?” You shrugged a little, feeling a little small. You looked over your bank statement, eyes getting big as you looked it over. “And is this large withdrawal from paying the lawyer?” You swallowed and set it aside. “No. I’ll have to call my bank. But right now we should head out and meet Jimin.” “Are you—” “I get paid tomorrow, and if you’re right about my rent then I should have enough, right?” You redirected. “Then I’ll have plenty for groceries. My favorite food is rice, so I don’t need that much money for groceries if I’m smart about things and a sale is starting on Thursday on the turkeys so I can get one of those and eat turkey in different ways for about a week, if not longer. Really, Joon, it’s okay. If the rent is right, then we’ll figure it out then. I’ll ask you to help me figure it out then.” He was still frowning, looking worried. “We’re going to be late,” You said gently, then pressed a little kiss to his lips and slipped from his grasp to get your coat on. He hadn’t moved yet, but a low growl emanated from his throat. You froze, ducking your head and looking to him. He stepped closer, towering over you. He looked huge. You looked away, tilting your head so your neck and throat were exposed to him. He felt along your throat to your artery with his lips, grazing his teeth along gently, and then directing your face so that your eyes met his. “Don’t lie to me, omega.” “I didn’t,” You whispered, blinking at him, a little startled. He breathed out heavily. “Then what was it about that withdrawal that scared you, because I can smell the fear.” You shook your head a bit. “Fight baby, not flight.” He gently stroked your throat with the backs of his fingers. “I’m here. I’ll protect you.” You whimpered slightly. “It was done at the bank. That means it had to be someone who has authority to access them.” His expression went stony. “Okay. We’ll talk to the bank after we’re done with Jimin. I’ll go with you.” You looked up at him, a scared whine to your voice. He pulled you close, tugging his shirt so that his throat was exposed to you and guiding you to it. You nipped gently since he scared you, but you nuzzled against it, relishing that sort of primal trust. His phone rang just as you released a sigh of relief. “That’ll be Jimin,” He murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. “Sorry I scared you, baby.” You shook your head, slipping your shoes on and helping him get his coat on as he gave mono-syllabic responses to whatever Jimin was saying. “No, we’re running a bit behind ourselves. Will that be okay for seeing the first house?” Namjoon met your gaze and rolled his eyes with a smile. You giggled softly. “Okay, we’re only fifteen minutes away. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Jimin,” He growled, sounding annoyed. He groaned and hung up. “That cat is crazy.” You just giggled and tucked yourself into his side as he opened the front door. You were happy he was able to even come into your apartment without getting all upset about how you lived. He wanted to reign gifts on you and take you to his place, where you were living in better conditions—not that the apartment itself was bad, he just hated that you lived in such a minimalist fashion because of finances. It took a couple visits for him to calm down, and make sure you understood that he respected that you did your best to provide for yourself. He still brought you things. Sometimes just flowers. Little figurines. This time a blanket. Providing for you in a way that still respected you and your independence. You weren’t about to complain about the gifts. Especially if his gifts were like the blanket. “If you’re worried about contributing to getting our place…” He started hesitantly, speaking low and calm as he turned out of the sanctuary and into traffic. “You don’t have to. I know that stupid shop doesn’t pay you enough. If it’s that important to you, then we can set your paycheck aside for anything we need in the house after we move in, or food.” You felt your cheeks heat up. “I was saving up. I know that I wouldn’t be able to contribute much toward the house…but now not being able to do anything….” “It’ll be okay. I know you wanted to contribute. Until we get this fixed, you should just get your check as cash. That way we can keep it out of anyone else’s hands until it’s all sorted. You did have a nice little nest egg saved up, didn’t you?” You nodded, pouting a little bit. “I wanted to save up so that I could still buy clothes and presents for birthdays and holidays while I was looking for another job.” “You were doing really well, baby. I’m really proud of you.” You sighed, then perked up as he pulled into a driveway. You felt your ears go back after a moment though. He parked and didn’t say anything for a moment. “Well….” “It may be really nice on the inside. And it might be nice to have something to fix up, we can make it exactly how we want.” “Are you handy?” His silence said no. “Are you?” “I’ve picked a few things up, but not enough to fix that. We’d end up having to hire someone, even if we do get a family discount through Micheal, it’s not.…” “Yeah,” He agreed quietly. Jimin pulled up in his car, hopping out and sending a cheerful smile. You got out, trying to keep a positive mindset. It needed work, but it looked solid. “Now, I know it’s not perfect, but it would be well under your budget and leave room for repairs and remodeling,” Jimin said. “It has four acres, mostly wooded, backs up to the nature park of the Sanctuary. Four bedrooms, two baths, new furnace, and they left in some allowance for the roofing that needs to be redone.” You followed him to the front door, trying to imagine some flowers in front of the (sagging) porch. The smell hit you like a bucket of cold water. Namjoon gagged and backed away. Jimin winced. “Um…” “Close the door,” You choked out, clapping your hands over your nose and mouth. Jimin quickly complied, face showing his own disgust. “So, let me get the address of the next house because there is no way any hybrid with a sense of smell will want this.” You nodded, shuddering. The next house was much better, but the yard was far too small and Namjoon seemed uncomfortable. “I feel like I need to duck,” He finally admitted after you pestered him enough. Jimin slowly nodded. “Yeah, it does feel a little cramped, and I’m a bit shorter than you. But you liked the kitchen and fireplace?” “Yes.” “Alright. The next house doesn’t have a fireplace, but it does tick off most of your other boxes,” Jimin said, frowning at his papers. “Might as well head over, right?” You nodded, looking up at Joon. He smiled down. “Yeah. Let’s go.” You refused to get out at the next place the moment you caught a whiff of the air around the house, locking yourself and the keys into the car while both of them looked in at you in confusion and possibly amusement. “No.” “But why?” Jimin asked, obviously laughing. You growled lowly. Namjoon knocked on the window. “Can you at least let us into the car?” You wrinkled your nose and unlocked it, tucking your nose into your scarf. They climbed in and closed the doors again. “Well?” “Don’t you smell it?” You whispered, looking out the window. “Smell what?” You looked at them. “The dead things?” Namjoon’s eyes widened. Jimin shifted slightly. “Dead things?” You nodded. They exchanged looks with each other. Jimin cleared his throat, looking at the house. “Maybe it’s from the barn in the back? They may have had some animals before.” You curled your lip. “I’ll send a message to the police station, see if they might want to investigate,” Jimin said quietly. “Um, I guess I’ll hit the books and look for better contenders.” “Yeah, and we have to head to the bank to…straighten something out.” Namjoon quickly stroked your hair to soothe you. Jimin nodded. “Nothing that risks your house plans, I hope?” He looked genuinely concerned, frowning and keeping his curious gaze on Namjoon as if sensing your vulnerability and respecting it by not acknowledging it. Namjoon shook his head. “No. Nothing like that.” Jimin nodded. “Let me know if I can help in any way.” Namjoon nodded. “We’ll see you tomorrow?” “Yep, I’ll try to have a good selection for you guys. Hope everything works out easily,” He said with a broad smile at both of you and then got out of the vehicle and went to his own. You watched warily until he was pulling out of the driveway ahead of you and Namjoon, then relaxed once both vehicles were on the road. The bank was uncooperative, but finally they managed to get you an answer. “Because you aren’t independent, she has full rights to draw from the account.” “I haven’t lived with her for two years. I have paid every bill, bought every meal,” You argued, gripping the arms of the chair. “I earned that money and she took it from me. And you’re telling me that I just have to accept that I can’t pay my rent because my owner who wanted nothing to do with me took my money?” The man shifted in his seat. “What if I officially got my independence from her?” “That would protect your account from further withdrawal.” “But it wouldn’t allow me to get my money back,” You concluded from the way he left the sentence. “I’m afraid so.” Namjoon placed his hand over yours. “For now, can we close out her account?” “You would need her signature to close out the account now.” You clenched your teeth. “Can I withdraw as much as possible?” He considered it for a second. “That sounds like a good loop-hole. Just fill out a slip, and I’ll go get the money and a bag for it.” You sighed. “Thank you.” “Of course, miss.” He gave you a slip and then headed out to take care of it all. You filled it out, inching a little closer to Namjoon for comfort. He rubbed your shoulder a little. “Better than nothing?” “Much better than nothing,” You whispered. “At least I can prevent her from getting the rest of this. But I’ll really need the rent to be a mistake.” “Do you want to talk to Emma with me? We might be able to catch her while she’s still at work.” You nodded. He kissed your cheek. “We’ll sort it out.” After you got the money and thanked the banker for his help, the two of you headed to the administration building at the Sanctuary. He led you straight up to Emma’s office, whereas you got turned around more than once, and knocked on the door a couple times before just opening it and poking his head in. “Emma?” “Hey, come on in! And y/n! How are you? How was house hunting?” She smiled at both of you, holding a baby to her shoulder. You grinned. “Is that Jaehyun?” She nodded. “He’s a bit sick, so I wanted to keep him away from the other kids. You look stressed. You want to hold him.” “Yes please,” You chirped and took him, sitting down. “So, as much as I would hope you two just dropped in to visit…what’s wrong?” She sat back down and looked between you and Namjoon, her gaze gentle and ready to comfort. “It’s about y/n’s rent. I saw what she’s been getting billed and it seems really high.” Namjoon frowned slightly. “What have you been billed for?” Namjoon gave her the bill. Her eyebrow quirked. “Oh look. An internal investigation waiting to happen. Alright, do you keep record of your rent payments?” You nodded. “Alright, you get me the records as far back as you can and I’ll fix this. I’ll check with the other renters as well. I’ll let you know as soon as I sort this out.” She made a quick note on her notepad and typed something on her computer. “For now, don’t pay the rent. If anyone gives you trouble, send them my way. They’ll end up in the bathroom first, but they’ll make it eventually.” “You are a unique sort of bad-ass,” You murmured, shaking your head a bit. “I try. Not really. I just do what I have to to make it through the hour, day, week, month, and year. Paci.” You blinked then took the pacifier from her hand as Jaehyun started fussing a little, inserting it into his mouth. She hadn’t even looked over, and he hadn’t even made much noise. “But you never said how house-hunting went?” “Not well. Two of the places we didn’t even enter because of smells, and the other felt too cramped. But that house was enough to help Jimin narrow down some options to cater towards what we were looking for. I told Ariel that he might be a little discouraged after dealing with us today.” “He’s in good hands with her,” Emma agreed, filing some papers with a soft smile. “But it’s a good thing you warned her.” “Yeah.” You gazed down at the baby who was sleeping again. “You take such good care of your pups. I hope I’m as good.” “You will be. It takes practice. Twins are much easier than triplets, until the triplets also need your attention when the twins do and then it’s a nightmare.” She stared off into space. “I’m sure having Hoseok helping out during the day is nice,” You agreed. “He’s a god-send. Ren, too. She usually gets off at the same time as Jin, and the triplets adore her so they’re always angels for her and little demons for Jin and Hoseok.” She smirked, leaning back in her chair. “I should actually be getting home. But then he’ll be awake again and he needs his rest. Prioritizing with five kids can get difficult.” Jaehyung started crying around his pacifier. “Poor pup,” Namjoon murmured. You handed him over to Emma. “You just had to get sick,” She murmured so lovingly. “Let’s get you home to your Appa and siblings.” “I should walk you back to your place,” Namjoon told you, getting up and stretching. “Thanks, Emma.” “Of course. It should never have been a problem in the first place. Walk a mom to her car?” You nodded, picking up the baby carrier since she had her arms full with the actual baby. Namjoon took it from you, walking ahead of the two of you. Emma jerked her chin to signal you to walk slower with her while he went to press the elevator button. You did as she said, wondering why. “Are you going to be alright? It’s almost that time of year,” She murmured. You shifted uncomfortably. You had been trying to ignore the little preemptive signs, but now that she mentioned it, you had been feeling it coming on for a while. “I was hoping we would find a den first. I don’t know. I usually have the pre-heat symptoms for a month before it actually hits. I don’t want to worry him, but…I think being around him is making it happen more quickly.” “Tell him. He’ll worry about you but it’ll be better in the long run. He loves you. Don’t want it creeping up on you.” You nodded, a little nervous to tell him. You all were quiet in the elevator, aside from her humming softly to Jaehyun. Namjoon got the doors for the two of you, a protective alertness to his actions and posture. His ear swiveling towards any new sounds. Which was both extremely attractive and amusing since Emma was so well-known and everyone greeted her with friendliness. She greeted them as well, speaking softly but still well-heard. It was amusing to see how happy anyone got when she returned their greeting. “It’s like you’re a celebrity. Not that I’m surprised, since you’re basically the hero of all hybrids, but it’s amusing to see.” You bounced a bit as you walked. “I really didn’t do that much. My brother did more. He’s still doing more.” “Yeah, and you totally don’t have anything to do with his work anymore, it’s totally not like you don’t outline everything that he’s working to change. It’s not like you were his drive to change everything.” You could hear the eyeroll as the sarcasm dripped off Namjoon’s tongue, and giggled a little. “Tell us what you really think, Namjoon.” “She knows that she set all of this into motion,” He replied, opened the car door and starting to fasten in the carseat. You grinned at her as she shrugged. “Originally, yes. But I’m honestly not as involved anymore. Mike does it so that I don’t need to be involved as much. Especially after last summer.” She cuddled her son close, her cheek to his forehead. You’d heard somewhat about what happened last summer, and the way Namjoon suddenly released protective pheromones didn’t make you want to delve in. You definitely didn’t want to tell him tonight when he was already being protective without knowing that you were in the beginnings of your preheat. It was up to you to distract him before he freaked out trying to protect both you and Emma. “Joonie, I almost forgot that I still have my money on me,” You said softly. He nodded sharply. “Right.” He stepped back so Emma could put Jaehyun into the car. “Um, we’ll talk to you soon about the rent and such?” Emma nodded, closing the car door and giving Namjoon another hug. “I’ll work on getting the rent sorted first thing in the morning. Just get your bills to me when you can, and I’ll write you a check to make up for the boosted rent. I hope whatever else is happening also is resolved,” She said, giving both of you a knowing look. “And don’t forget we’ll help any way we can.” “Thank you,” You said, smiling. Namjoon put an arm around you as Emma got into her car and drove off, leading you towards your place. He felt stiff and you could feel the alertness in him. “Joonie, you okay?” “Yeah, just…I don’t know.” He sounded troubled. “I think it’s just everything. This whole day has been so crazy and…I just feel like you aren’t safe.” “Spend the night?” You asked, kissing his coat sleeve. He stopped walking, his face a combination of thoughts and feelings you weren’t able to decipher. “Would you mind staying at my place? We can pick up your new blanket and some clothes.” “I think that’d be nice,” You answered, trying to do what was best for him right now. It was all you really could do. “Then we can head out before we need to meet up with Jimin and get breakfast on our way.” “Can I make a nest to sleep in?” You asked, hugging his arm tightly and blinking up at him hopefully. “Please, alpha? I promise it’ll be nice.” He finally cracked a smile. “Sounds nice, baby. Very nice.”

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