Chapter Text
The smell of wood burning is perhaps the most nauseating thing to come from this. The small campfire in front of Park Jimin crackles and the flames lick at the many scraps of twigs and dry leaves, it’s supposed to feel warm and inviting in the chilled April dawn.
He is supposed to feel a sense of relief to have such an expense. Having lost all of his belongings except for a few meager things he had grabbed in his haste out of their home.
Their home that had burned to ash, the flames that licked the wood clean and charred it into soot until the scaffolding couldn’t hold and everything collapsed.
His family’s village had been destroyed, overturned by the Western pack that is violently hungry for more land.
He should have seen it coming– maybe deep down, he did.
The Park village was a humble, quaint place. Unlike most packs that grow and flourish and fight for more forces, land, or property. They had stayed in their roots, headstrong with their own lives being cherished more than any power or reigning influence. Serene and tucked away deep inside their forest. Sure, some may say they had never thrived long enough to reach a golden age. The Park village never did enough to gain much of a reputable foothold in their region.
That must be why they were a target, after all.
A weak, pitiful village with hardly any use for other packs. No trades of equal value, no profits to call their own. A measly, meaningless pack. Easy to diminish, like squashing a bug under your shoe.
The campfire spits sparks out as if mocking Jimin’s thoughts.
“Have you slept at all, my dear?” He hears his mother’s voice, the drained tone doesn’t go unmissed. “We’re almost to their border, you can rest now.”
She places a coaxing hand to his shoulder, tries to ease him down to the ground to get some shut eye.
They’ve been traveling with every remaining pack member to their neighboring pack. A rather brave thing to do, but desperate times call for desperate measures. At night, any sound in the darkness means a potential threat. They’ve barely escaped a few run-ins with rogues already. Jimin has lost countless nights of sleep and instead keeps his eyes glued on the endless forest around him. He cannot rest, he doesn’t think he knows how.
“Will the Min’s even take us in?” He wonders the question that has mulled itself over in his head for days now.
“They are greedy, but not unkind.” His mother’s gentle candor falls off her pale lips, still holding onto the shred of hope for their pack. She is the Head Omega after all.
She shrugs off the blanket wrapped around her shoulders, coddling her son in it instead. Her warm jasmine scent sticks to the wool fabric.
“We will not be arriving empty handed, we will offer our labor and services to the Min’s in exchange for refuge.” She slowly finds a spot on the dirt beside Jimin, her arm hangs over his back, pulling him in close to let him rest against her.
His rigid back aches at the movement, sore from endless hiking through the forest, through river streams and uphill treks that still leave his feet pulsing. Still, he feels a smidge of relief from her touch, relaxing into her embrace as the vibration of her words feels like a lullaby to his racing mind.
“We have come this far, they will help in one way or another. I am sure of it.” She rocks him gently, suddenly he feels like a kid again, being nurtured after a rough day at school. “Your father has many back up plans if they truly fight us on this. He is perhaps the most frazzled out of all of us.”
Because he feels he has let his pack down, Jimin urges to speak up. Ultimately he cannot will himself to say anything, suddenly too tired to fight. The Pack Alpha could not protect their land, could not fight off the threat of the pack who disturbed their peace. He is ashamed of himself and it shows in his newfound apprehension. Once a calm, decisive alpha leader now has turned into an anxious mess.
Jimin supposes he would feel the same if he was leading the pack through such unpredictable times.
He feels a kiss to the crown of his head, and his mother’s voice continues but he is too busy being pulled into the first bout of sleep in two days to pay attention. He lets himself fall under. Body heavy, like the worrisome thoughts in his mind.
When he does stir awake it is to the sound of his fellow pack member Kim Taehyung packing up some of the camping equipment. The faint, familiar smell of cinnamon from his omegan friend calms him down enough to pull the faintest smile onto his lips.
Taehyung, who had nearly killed himself saving others from the fires. Who had thrown himself willingly into a burning home to pull his elderly grandmother onto his back, declaring she couldn’t get rid of him that easily. Who had been the village’s saving grace in the past six day journey.
“Are we heading out?” Jimin murmurs, sleep still groggy in his voice, the sun is high in the sky, he must’ve only slept for a few hours.
His best friend startles at his sudden voice while he puts out the fire with his boot. Crunching the sparks out he huffs, “Soon. Jungsik made the last serving of porridge and cooked some lapin, caught one in the trap he set.”
The thought of meat sounds irresistible, practically salivating at the idea of it. But he knows there’s roughly thirty members traveling right now, and being the Leader’s son means he will always put the community first. He will have the bare minimum, just enough food to hold him over until they reach the Min’s.
“How can I help?” Jimin ignores the idea of a meal, instead he pulls himself up from the dirt.
“Jimin.” Taehyung warns. “Eat, please.”
He does not care nor listen to his friend’s plea. Instead he starts with picking up the blanket his mother draped over him, wiping the dirt off of it before he folds it up.
He feels the strain in his muscles when he moves, but bites back any indication of the soreness. With gritted teeth he heads towards the main gaggle of members, who are sluggishly getting things prepared to take the last few miles in stride.
His eyes search for his mother, her presence already anchoring his weary self. She stands behind Soohee, a young pup whom she brushes her hair for.
“Sleep well?” His mother asks the second he joins her side.
“A bit, yeah.” He nods, not wanting to say that he has been having nightmares. Not today, though, so he counts that as a plus.
“Soohee-ah, are you hungry?” He leans down to look at the young pup, her long brown hair being pulled back as Head Omega starts to braid it.
Soohee has not spoken since the fires. Only her older sister and herself made it out, having been the only two busy washing clothes in the creek, they didn’t realize the damage until it was too late. Their parents passed in their home. Now she has gone mute, and only her sister seems to be the one to keep her trust.
“She ate her whole breakfast, as should you.” His mother tuts, chin jutting to the main campground where most people have gathered to scarf down their serving.
He relents under his mother’s gaze.
He finds his own place to insert himself into the circle around the pot of porridge.
“Aigoo, Jimin-ah, I saved you some lapin.” Jungsik hurries to the spoke over the now dead fire, the carcass still holding onto some tender meat.
“Please, ration it to others. I am not too famished.” He declines politely, instead grabbing one of the rinsed bowls to ladle his porridge into.
“You are weak and it shows in your face, boy.” Jungsik, elderly and blunt as ever, points to his cheeks. “You lost your rouge, eat plenty.”
Before he can argue further the elderly man grumbles to the side and drops the rabbit’s leg meat on top of his porridge.
“Thank you, Jungsik.” He bows before turning to his own little corner against a tree to scarf down his food. Hardly even savoring the lapin, just happy to feel something in his stomach after a long journey.
Rations were scarce as they weren’t too sure how long the journey would take. In previous years when the Park’s would visit the Min’s it was a two day journey but that was with horses and only a handful of members. Now thirty of them, spanning from young pups to senior pack members, it has proven to be a far slower trip. Hunting small game and keeping porridge and rice as the main source of food, using what they salvaged from their land.
Jimin licks the bowl clean, utensils be damned. He hears his parents announce a final headcount before they start, and he hurries to get somewhere safe.
“You think the Min pack is going to let us in?” Jimin mumbles to Taehyung, the two off towards the back of the pack as they travel, keeping their eyes alert in case any pups stray too far from the group.
Twigs snap and crunch under their feet, a mourning dove coos in the distance.
“I don’t know.” Taehyung says it so slowly, as if he too shares some apprehension. “Our history with them is…”
“Oh, trust me, I know.” Jimin haughtily scoffs out. “My father will not let me forget my damned pubescent decision.”
Taehyung chuckles, his smile bitten back, perhaps if they weren’t in such a miserable situation they’d be laughing much louder.
When Jimin, the sole child to the Park’s, presented as an omega when he was sixteen, the Min’s had sent a letter their way that they’d be more than willing to take him in an arranged marriage with their alpha son.
As most teenagers do, he rebelled. Immediately disgusted that his parents would even consider selling his hand for an alliance. They had tried to put their foot down, but he refused, even went so far as declaring he’d run away if they tried to do such a thing.
The Park’s could not deny their only heir the wish to love freely and naturally as they did. Especially when he broke down sobbing over the matter.
When they said no to the arrangement, the Min’s felt their actions were disrespectful. Seeing their decline as a way to bruise their prideful, powerful village. A way to knock them down a notch for a malicious purpose.
“The Min’s can hold that against me, but not my village.” Jimin squares his shoulders, “Besides, that’s nothing compared to their actions towards us.”
Prior to the arranged marriage incident things had always been unjust. During cold seasons, when the Park village would scramble to harvest their crops and always come up short they never offered any help. When there was news of neighboring villages being invited to Min pack celebrations, they were never invited.
Sure, the Park’s had not offered aid to them either but they had nothing to offer. The Min pack is a booming, central pack that has connections and a stronger-than-most foundation. They have been around for generations upon generations, with their pack being deemed powerful and its territory guarded with utmost pride. What could the Park’s have possibly provided to their benefit?
“They ignored our village for years before that ordeal. The only reason they even bothered to reach out to us was because they needed an omega from a different pack to hand off to their snobby alpha son.”
“Min Yoongi.” Taehyung snickers the name that Jimin refuses to.
“He can eat dirt for all I care.” Jimin sends a not so subtle kick to the ground.
“You never met the guy.” Taehyung laughs, “Maybe he never wanted the marriage either, don’t despise him based on your assumptions.”
“He is a Min. They are as greedy as they come so therefore I will not trust him.” Jimin’s own peach scent even sours at the family name, nose scrunched as he grumbles.
There’s a brief break in the forest in the distance, still far out but the obvious clearing still has heads perking up.
“Don’t speak too loudly now, they may be closer than you think.” Taehyung playfully says, eyeing the forest edge.
They do not get to celebrate at the sight of open land when a stranger runs into view, far away but cutting the distance in between them and the pack faster than they can react.
Jimin’s parents raise their hands in quick compliance, feet stumbling to a halt as everyone behind them follows suit.
“Who goes there?” The man is young, agile as he moves around the foliage to approach them, a sword sheathed at his hip and a bow across his back. His hand dances over the sword’s hilt.
“We are the Park pack.” Jimin’s father bellows to the man, voice teetering on wary as he explains. “We have lost our village in a treacherous fire, as the Lee pack has invaded our land. We had no choice but to flee. We ask for the Min pack’s gracious help in our time of need.”
The pack stands in anxious anticipation for a response, the border patrol seems to gaze over their figures, unsure. Jimin knows they all look spent and dirty, having only come across one stream this whole trip for everyone to wash up in. They look haggard and borderline desperate in their gazes to the man. But on the bright side, they don’t even have any weapons on them, they are as harmless as they come.
The man swiftly turns his head around, fingers flying to his lips as he shoots a sharp whistle out into the clearing.
Two more presumed border patrol members come running, one female and one male.
They definitely belong to the Min pack, the red and black hanboks prove it. Jimin just wants to fall to his knees and feel some sense of relief already but he knows they shouldn’t celebrate too soon. They can still be ignored.
The three of them huddle and discuss the situation before the first man turns back to the Park’s with a determined gaze.
“Follow us. We will escort you to the Min’s to discuss this matter.” He pivots, leading the way as the other two stand by, only ever joining the group when they can each flank separate sides of the pack.
They must walk for what feels like ages through an empty clearing of a field, until they catch sight of the beginnings of the Min village. The land somehow seems neverending, as they wade down a trodden path through the valley. He can see distant farm land and three barns far to the East, in the center lies strips and strips of buildings and homes. They walk by a pavilion and a schoolhouse made of brick. They have stone bridges over small creeks and houses made of all kinds of wood and stone. Much sturdier than the Park’s have ever built.
He hardly has time to take in most of the buildings since they don’t even cut into the bulk of the village, remaining on the outskirts of the Western portion while they move towards a winding trail that leads to a large cabin. It’s two floors and far bigger than anything his village had. It must have plenty of bedrooms in just one home. It even has a porch that wraps around, a chimney too and Jimin thinks if he squints he can see a figure moving through the first floor windows.
“Woah…” Taehyung says to no one but himself, eyes milking in the clearly flourishing village. He spins to take it in, ignoring the way the front door to the cabin they head towards slips open and a woman steps out.
Jimin listens as she hurries to the border patrol, her hands running down the white cleaning apron she dons, hair pulled back into a tight bun as a few grey streaks pass through her otherwise black hair. Her blue hanbok is pale in contrast to her sunkissed, aged skin.
“Jungkook, what is going on?” Her voice shrills, eyes wide at the audience before her.
“Where is Head Alpha and Head Omega Min?” He ignores her question, “The Park village has been burned by a Western pack for land, they seek our help.”
“Wha- Oh my, well, they should be out in the grand hall for the afternoon meeting, but what–“
Her worries go unanswered, eyes frantically pleading for clarity as this supposed Jungkook only moves at lightning speed to find the Min’s.
“You poor things, oh, I am so sorry to hear this…” The woman apologizes as they pass, eyeing the pack pitifully. A hand trembles as she holds it over her quivering lips that fight to keep any semblance of composure.
Jimin winces, he knows there is far more where that came from. They have all the time in the world to be coddled and looked at with such woeful eyes.
He ushers a pup to keep walking with the group and keeps his head down.
They pass a presumed market place, where some stalls lie barren as no business is taking place at the moment, others currently packing their things up. The sun is setting soon after all, Jimin notes. They had walked for eight hours today, taking breaks for those who need it.
He sees a few stores, a blacksmith to his left in a stone shop then a seamstress to his right with various fabrics on display. He finds more stores– a butcher, cobbler, chandler, and more he can hardly keep track of as they weave through the stone pathway.
The few people out and about eye the Park pack with obvious concern. Some seeing them as a threat and fleeing, others looking at them with pure appalled confusion at their grungy appearance. Jimin feels ashamed, he shrinks under the various stares. Having to trudge through the village to be taken to the Min’s feels like a sick humiliation ritual.
Eventually they turn and find a white stone building with wooden scaffolding. He guesses this must be the grand hall that woman had spoken about.
Grand it truly is, Jimin remarks as they all shuffle inside, the whole space one big room to discuss village matters, with a large podium at the end, high on a slightly raised platform as endless wooden benches splay down the sides of a long aisle leading up to that stage.
“Head Alpha, I bring you the Park pack, they were found helpless on the borders of your land.”
The term helpless has Jimin’s eye twitching, jaw clenching as he fights the urge to bark out his own choice words. This constant pity from outsiders is going to be the death of him.
The Head Alpha– Min Kyungyoung– pauses his discussion with a few others by the podium to pay attention.
His first impression of the Head Alpha is that he looks like a leader. He carries himself with broad firm shoulders and a furrow in his brow, his short salt and pepper hair and his square face that seems permanently stuck in a curt, stone cold expression is enough to have Jimin’s hair stand on end.
The Park pack instantly makes their way to the benches, some even sighing in relief at the feeling of rest that overcomes them. Jimin drags Taehyung to the front bench, so he can listen to the two packs converse.
Jimin’s parents find the edge of the stage and fall into full bows, their knees shaky as they give the highest form of respect, body language cowering in the Min leader’s presence.
“I am Head Alpha Park Jaeyun, here to request the Min pack’s gracious help.” He does not lift his head from where his forehead touches the floor. His voice wobbles but he remains as level as he can when he continues. “Our village was burned to ash, crops and homes destroyed. A Western pack has stolen our land and claimed it as their own when we were defeated. I ask humbly for you to help those of us who survived the attack. We will do anything to make up for the sudden arrival.”
Min Kyungyoung’s voice is deep and gruff, his words echo through the large hall.
“You may rise, Park leaders.” He watches their bodies raise from the ground. He assesses their figures with a faint pique of his brow. “I am sure your journey here was strenuous, I applaud the efforts made to keep your pack safe.”
Jimin holds his breath, feeling the oncoming decline in his solemn tone.
The older man swallows, eyes skimming the rows of various members of the foreign pack, before he finds Alpha Park’s gaze.
“This is all of you?”
“Yes, there are thirty one of us. Twenty two have presented and found roles in our village. We each have different skills and talents to offer in exchange for your help.”
“You speak of an ‘exchange’…” Alpha Min spews the term, eyes testing. “What is it you will give me specifically in return? How do I know you puny things won’t just leech off my land?”
Jimin’s expression hardens in contempt.
“Anything you need, we can provide our services. We can farm, cook, build, whatever you need. All I ask is for your aid.” Jimin’s father weakly answers. Alpha Min blinks unimpressed.
Jimin’s mom interjects, noticing this. “Whatever you offer; Be it shelter, food, or supplies, we will give you the payment back in tenfold. I-It can be temporary, too. If you wish for us to leave after we have paid our dues, we will.” She does not look the man in the eyes as she says this.
“I see…” The man mulls it over. “Might I ask why you sought my village for such a request?”
It’s obvious, Jimin’s fists clench, he wants them to grovel at his feet. He wants them to beg and satisfy his twisted ego.
“Because you are the strongest village we know.” Alpha Park admits, voice sputtering, “We will feel safest within your walls, because your pack is so mighty.”
There’s a stir from some of the benches, some not quite happy with this display.
Jimin sees a woman approach Head Alpha Min from the side of the stage, her head bowed as she clasps her hands. She’s slender in frame, gracing a soft silver hanbok that shines in the early morning light. Her hair is fine, straight, and long, one braid on each side of her temple that find each other in the back of her head, pinned together by an expensive silver clip and two pins.
“You have the space to house the Park pack, Head Alpha.” The closeness has Jimin assuming she must be Head Omega, her eyes downcast as she tries to waver his decision. “We can only imagine the pain they have endured, losing their homes. It is only fair to lend a hand, and in return they can honor our laws, customs, and culture while they provide their services.”
Min Kyoungyoung seems a bit petulant by her fair play, but he ultimately gives a curt nod.
“I suppose if they promise their loyalty to the Min pack from this point forward, we can take them in.”
“Yes, we will do anything.” Jimin’s father bows at the waist, back to pleading.
“Under the condition that when you are in these walls you must follow my orders, your allegiance lies with me. Your pack will work wherever we see fit.” He proposes firmly, voice stoic. “Failure to provide equitable services will result in punishment and in extreme cases, banishment. Am I clear, Leader Park?”
“Yes, Leader Min.” He breathes out in relief. The rest of the Park pack behind him seems to do the same.
The Head Omega of the Min pack sincerely takes the lead.
“Very well. Supper is being served in the commons later, Head Alpha Min will announce the news to the pack then and your pack can join us for the meal. In the meantime, we will find you all fitting places to stay and get you all… freshened up.”
Jimin feels like nothing about this is going to be simple, he swallows dryly. They stick out like sore thumbs, and everyone they passed on the way here seemed hardly welcoming. What the hell did they just sign up for?
The sunset basks the bathing river in an orange glow that dances across every ripple, a beautiful waterfall that flows from the top of a mountainside provides a mist that glistens across the many Park pack members who scrub nearly four days worth of grime and sweat off their skin.
Jimin works precariously at helping Soohee and her older sister Bona get their hanboks clean, using flat rocks and soap provided by the Min’s.
He uses the laborious task to let off some steam, each slap of wet fabric against the rock he imagines he is sending a fist to the Head Alpha Min. His disrespectful attitude to their pack, especially in such a circumstance does not sit well with him.
“Stressed?” Taehyung murmurs from beside Jimin, he works on brushing out his grandmother’s hair after bathing. He still has yet to fully dress, hanbok drying out in the grass behind them aside from his underwear.
“Is it that obvious?” Jimin says.
“Considering you are fighting a pair of cotton pants, yes.” Taehyung muses, “We have been accepted into their village, please let yourself relax.”
“They looked at us so miserably. It makes me sick.” He spits, but finishes washing the cotton shorts soon enough. Bona accepts the item with a gentle bow, her full attention on her sister.
“We are in a miserable situation, are we not?” Taehyung’s voice for once does not sound stable, a frog in his throat.
“And their pity does nothing to help change that fact.”
“We have lost our packmates. Our homes. Our belongings. Our land.” Taehyung wavers, his deep voice suddenly cracks, he blinks away the tears. After sucking in a deep breath he finishes, “I would pity us too.”
They don’t speak much after that solemn discussion, working quietly and quickly to help anyone finish bathing before the looming supper announcement.
Jimin still has an ever growing pit of dread in his stomach when his clothes are dry and clean on his body. He has found a new shelter that is perhaps even safer than their old one. Why does he still feel worried sick?
His hands wring nervously as they all head towards the commons hall. He refuses to let the crowd stare at him and his packmates like some sort of commodity to ogle. By now, in the last two hours, word has spread. Gossip has churned its way through the village streets with ferocious speed.
They get ushered into the dining hall, just like every building in this village it is perplexingly large. A wide open space filled with oil lamps around the perimeter and candles spread across the long tables rampant with packmates of all ages and walks of life.
The space is overwhelming with the chatter of a hundred different conversations at once. In the far back Jimin can see chefs serving those in line for food, his nose keen to the scent of seasoned beef and pork.
“Greetings, Min pack.” The Head Alpha wastes no time to speak to his people on this matter, heads turning from plates obedient in his mere presence. “I am sure you have all become aware that the Park pack has entered our village. They have faced unfortunate circumstances in the brooding territory wars and lost their homeland. They will be living in our walls, those of their pack who have presented will enter our society in whatever task I deem fit. Please, welcome them as if they are our own.”
The people around them at the entrance nod in acceptance, some bowing to show they understand.
In a flash they all turn back to their respective meals, conversing quieter than before and the energy seems to have depleted after the news.
“We have reserved two tables for your packmates.” Min Kyoungyoung gestures to the only two tables not yet in use further back. “Of course, you are welcome to sit wherever you please, but Head Omega thought the closeness would be comforting.”
“We appreciate the gesture greatly, Leader Min.” Jimin’s mother bows, only after he leaves their side she turns to the pack behind her. “Let us eat, and be sure to graciously thank the Min’s before you leave.”
Jimin and Taehyung remain glued to each other, having no one else to confide in as closely. They shuffle with the slowly moving line to get food.
Jimin feels overwhelmed by the new scents in such a busy place. Rose, pumpkin, patchouli, and more mix and waft around him. His wolf stirs at the unknown scents that overpower the space.
He glances curiously at some tables they pass, one female couple work in tandem to cut their twin pups’ food and feed them. Another family of four seems to be eating in silence. He spots a gaggle of supposed friends talking with wild gestures and laughter booming from their section.
It is all so much. They had never been a big population, their suppers took place in their respective homes, only sharing meals for select celebrations. To see an entire village gathered in one place that is ten times the size of their own pack is enough to send him into cardiac arrest.
“There’s so many packmates.” Jimin murmurs close to Taehyung’s ear, partially so he can catch his calming cinnamon scent to soothe his nerves.
His friend just nods, equally as dumbfounded by his realization.
They each get plates with heaps of food: Roast beef and rice with vegetables and bread. Jimin nearly drools when he picks a seat, still beside Taehyung.
“Eat up, my dear.” His mother says as she joins the table, resting an assuring palm on his head.
He doesn’t have to be told twice, the first bite of seasoned beef makes him moan, hand over his mouth as he tries to savor it. He still tries to uphold some sort of manners in a public setting, not slouching over his plate or scarfing his food down.
“Where are we supposed to sleep, mother?” He asks as he makes it halfway through the food on his plate.
She grabs her cup of tea and sips, “Leader Min has arranged a few different places for our pack. The younger pups without family will join their orphanage, presented members will reside in a nearby housing quarters. Since we are of higher rank we have been given space in the Leader’s home.”
“Really?” He can’t hide the confusion, eyes wide. He tries to reel himself in, “There is no need. I am sure their simplest of homes will meet our needs.”
“Your father tried to fight it, but they grew agitated at our protest. They assured us we would not be imposing.” She places her cup down and takes a spoonful of rice. “Since we are the Park bloodline we should be given appropriate housing to reflect that.”
To feel that they are overstaying their welcome is one thing, but now being given what must be the most lavish housing in the village is another. Jimin has only seen a fraction of this land, and all of it is beyond what they once had. They have sturdy, strong foundations to their stone houses, wooden floors that do not creak, they have enough market shops to keep their commerce flowing endlessly through all seasons.
“And what shall I provide for them service-wise?” Jimin asks carefully. He pretends he doesn’t notice Taehyung’s weary expression.
“Well, we have yet to discuss specifics. Who knows, the Min pack is rather traditional in their subgender roles…” She mindlessly plays with her food, the topic delicate. “Omegas might not have much to do if that is the case, but I am sure you will find work somehow.”
That does very little to ease his concerns. Jimin grew up with similar education to his peers but he did not have to worry much about finding his honed skill or practice since he would have been inheriting the Head Omega role when the time came. While other omegas busied themselves learning cooking, sewing, and some even taking on alpha-centric roles he simply shadowed his mother in overseeing court proceedings. Now, though? He’s regretting not learning more classic omega roles.
“I think I can help with any farmwork.” Taehyung butts in, already clearing his plate with one final bite. “I helped Choonhee with hers back home.”
Choonhee, his grandmother, nods in agreement beside him. Her hand pats his knee under the table. “You practically ran it yourself, Taehyung-ah.”
“Everyone will find their place here.” Head Omega Park reassures them, “For now, we rest. They told us to use a day or two to recover from the journey while Leader Park and I will discuss the details with the Min’s.”
Jimin catches sight of a few pups caught staring in fascination at their table, their parents having to redirect them to keep walking.
While most of the tables have cleared out, the rest still remain enveloped in conversations. Some packmates are drinking alcohol while playing card games with bellowing laughter. Others seem to be confiding in one another about what worries them. Clearly, the Min’s have a strong sense of community. Everyone seems to be content with their place here, and Jimin just hopes he will feel the same.
“Come, Jimin-ah. We will thank the Min’s for the good food.” His mother stands once they have both finished their plates, dusting off her hands on her hanbok.
He obeys, already up on his feet and collecting his dish, blindly following his mother as they place their dirty utensils and such to a pile by the kitchen.
When they head to the Min’s, who are still eating at their respective table, a raised platform to show off their rank, Jimin immediately bows his head. He still holds resentment and looking at them will only amplify it. He hears the family’s low chatter come to a halt as they approach the table.
“Head Alpha Min, Head Omega Min,” His mother greets with a well-practiced bow at the waist. “The food was delicious, we cannot thank you enough for taking us in.”
“Of course, Head Omega Park Soonbok.” Kyoungyoung says in return. Jimin lifts from his bow and makes the mistake of looking up, finding the man already staring at him. The Head Alpha piques a brow, dark eyes dancing between the two as he connects the dots. “Am I correct in assuming this is your offspring?”
“Yes, Leader Min.” She pulls Jimin closer from where he had been hiding behind her like a shadow. “This is Park Jimin.”
“The omega.” He notes, and the bittersweet nostalgia in his tone means he has not forgotten about his decision to not marry his son. His eyes glow as he assesses the young man, head to toe and toe to head, stifling a snicker.
It is clear Jimin is expected to grovel for forgiveness, but he cannot will his body to do so. Instead he feigns obliviousness and bows again. “I am honored to meet you, Head Alpha Min.”
Kyoungyoung smells of smoke and leather, a heavy thick scent that has Jimin’s lips curling down in distaste. He has smelled smoke far too much these days. Jimin’s eyes flit to the floor again, hoping his own scent doesn’t show his sour mood.
“This is our alpha son, Min Yoongi.” Leader Min says it tantalizingly, his own mirth in his words does so little to hide his true intent. He wants to make Jimin flood with guilt and shame, he is showing him off like a prized trophy. Dangling his son in his face. This is what Jimin declined.
The omega cannot fight the pull of curiosity in his chest, his own eyes lifting from the floor to follow the man’s raised arm all the way to the figure he gestures to beside him.
Min Yoongi is unfortunately as intimidating as his father, immediately made clear by the way his eyes pierce into Jimin’s before he even reaches them. His brown eyes are sharp, cat-like in a way that makes Jimin’s breath turn thin under his burning gaze. His paler than expected skin is in direct contrast to the ravenous hair that curls over his ears, long and framing his face. Despite his alpha presence, he has a soft nose and delicately pink lips. It’s a shame he is too busy glowering at Park Jimin, he would look quite handsome with a more peaceful expression.
But if he’s anything like his austere father, his relaxed state is a grimace.
Head Omega Min preens at the new topic, “Yes, he is our pride and joy. He has grown to be a born leader, a true alpha just like his father.”
She gives a gentle pat to her husband’s arm as she boasts, but all Jimin feels is a great relief. Thank the heavens he never married someone so similar to this greedy, egotistical alpha of a man.
Yet his eyes find it hard to pull away from Min Yoongi. From this distance he can’t even pick up his scent, only enveloped in the leader’s smoke that chokes him. Min Yoongi looks Jimin up and down in disinterest, a purposeful attempt to make the omega’s irritation spike. When he catches the slight twitch of discontent in the omega’s eyes he turns back to his plate. His chopsticks holding a piece of meat shovels it into his mouth.
His mother only brags further, “And he has many potential partners, the omegas seem to fall in love with him left and right. He can’t even choose who to court.”
Jimin has to suppress all urge to roll his eyes at the blatant way they’re trying to dig the knife in that he said no all those years ago.
“You must be so proud.” Jimin’s mother only gracefully responds, blissfully ignoring their pointed remarks. She takes a hold of Jimin’s hand. “We merely came to say our thanks, we will be on our way now.”
“Thank you again, Leader Min.” Jimin forces it out once more as they head out hand in hand.
The Leader’s home lives up to its glorious name. It is on it’s own private hill off to the Eastern side of the village, two stories tall with the same cream colored stonework foundation and wooden beam scaffolding. It has a private lake for bathing in the backyard by the edge of the forestry, serene and secluded.
The inside is just as lavish, decorated in deep red carpets and strong, dark wood furniture draped in fine fur blankets and wool blankets alike.
The Min’s advisor, Lee Hyunwoo, ushers them inside. “Now, this is the shared living space, and the in-home kitchen if needed. Although the dining hall serves all three courses daily, you are more than welcome to cook for yourself too.”
Hyunwoo is older, but still close enough to Jimin’s age that he doesn’t feel the need to stiffen and bow every ten seconds in his presence. He is perhaps the easiest to handle of the Min packmates he’s met thus far. He dons a navy and silver hanbok, and if Jimin had to guess by his softer scent, he’s a beta.
“Leader Min advised me to emphasize you are more than welcome to treat this house as your own. Of course, they live here as well but given the vast size I would hardly doubt you’d notice their presence here.” He guides them up a mahogany staircase. “The Head Alpha and Omega often are so busy they hardly spend time here, usually returning to rest and that’s it.”
Jimin and his parents nod along, eyes basking in the various luxuries they have here. Oil lamps and candles galore, heavy foundations in their walls meaning they don’t feel each breeze creak in through the windows. Curtains hung over every window, things Jimin had never dared to have back home.
And now they are handed such things on a golden platter.
Hyunwoo stops at the top of the steps. “The Leader’s wing,” He gestures to the right, “Where the Head pack members will reside while the offspring,” He gestures left, “Reside in their own wing.”
“This is truly a beautiful home, please send Leader Min our greatest thanks.” Head Alpha Park admonishes, eyeing their presumed wing in fascination. His hand that runs over his face in disbelief even trembles at the thought that this is now theirs, albeit not without an exchange.
“Let me show you to your quarters.” Hyunwoo guides the two parents down the hall, Jimin taking note of what door he stops at to mentally remember which room is theirs.
He eyes his own wing, the four doors it holds. The same intricate red rug sprawls all the way down to where a bookshelf marks the end of the wing. Stacked fulll of binded books and knick knacks he can’t place from far away.
Overall the home is beautiful but still maintains a cozy feel despite the overwhelming glamour of its size.
“Here, let me show you to your room.” Hyunwoo reappears at his side, offering a small grin as he walks him down to the far left door. “The other rooms are reserved for the Head Alpha and Omega’s private studies. You are quite lucky, Alpha Min Yoongi is the only other offspring living in the wing so it’s quite a peaceful place to be.”
“He lives here?” Jimin looks to the doors in silent wonder of which one he should avoid.
“Right across from your new room, Jimin-ssi. Although, he is rarely here these days. He’s helping his friend build a new home across the village.” He respectfully answers, at the same time he slips his door open for him, letting Jimin enter first.
His room is simple, a bit more plain than the grandeur house thus far. A bed and nightstand beside it, a set of dresser drawers and a vanity by the sole window facing the village.
“Some basic amenities have been provided, but of course if you wish to decorate your space you may do so with your own currency and such.” He explains simply, “Is everything to your liking?”
“Yes, sincerely, it is.” He nods, running a hand over the cream knit blanket folded at the edge of his bed.
“Wonderful. I will leave you to it, then.” He bows before he softly shuts the door and leaves Jimin to his lonesome.
He clicks the oil lamps on since nighttime is fast approaching, the moon already out. The room feels too sterile, too clean and untouched. He knows he’ll need to find some things to liven it up so he doesn’t go insane.
He misses his old home, although quaint and a bit rough around the edges, it was still innately his. It smelled of his scent and his parents were right next door to him. He had a rickety floor and mismatched blankets from over the years, he had his own books and belongings scattered about.
Now, he is stuck with this unfamiliar world to try and wedge himself into.
When he slips under the covers he doesn’t even realize he is falling asleep, the exhaustion takes over combined with the feeling of a plush bed underneath him for the first time in a week. He passes out without hesitation.
The alpha leaders of both packs sit in the otherwise empty meeting hall, Head Alpha Min and Head Alpha Park gathered in the early morning to discuss their deal. The downcast of an impending rain shower looms through the tall glass windows around them, as workers amble to their jobs as the sun rises. A slight fog rises around the plains they live on, a chill of dewy air settles inside all the buildings.
In the center of the grand hall stage is a sturdy mahogany table, two chairs across one another as the two pack leaders begin assessing their agreement.
“I have been working with the pack to find several job opportunities,” Head Alpha Min is blunt. “Most of it is physical labor. We need miners, masons, and hunters.”
“We have packmates who are more than happy to help in those fields.” The Park leader nods along, head still reeling with stress. He has yet to properly rest, he has been running on empty since their third day in their journey here. But he refuses to take it easy until they have things settled.
“Alphas.” Kyoungyoung corrects. “Other subgenders do not work in such fields. Since you are living on our land, we expect you to adopt our culture. That includes enforcing the subgender laws we have in place.”
“Yes, we understand.” Head Alpha Park stumbles a bit from the intensity of his tone, clearly they have a lot to learn about the Min culture. “May I ask what these laws are? For clarity’s sake?”
Leader Min must have expected this, his own voice does not falter in the slightest. His calloused hands clasp on top of the table.
“We believe in the traditional roles of subgenders. Alpha’s are to be trusted to rule, hunt, and protect. They are the ones who do the dirty work, the hard labor. Any jobs requiring physical expertise go to them. Omegas provide help in the home and community. We believe they are qualified in culinary, hospitality, or other nurturing roles. They clean, cook, and sew. Are you familiar with these traditional beliefs?”
“Yes, we know a few villages who also abide to these beliefs.” Leader Park hums. Although he will not say much of his opinion on these dated rules. “Where do betas fall in your pack’s community?”
“Betas fill in the grey areas. Careers that require a balanced, unbiased mindset: physicians, mediators, and event organizers.” He rambles, waving a hand as if to say it doesn’t matter all too much.
The Park leader stays pliant, letting the other alpha carry on since he is the one calling the shots here.
“Your alpha packmates can fill those jobs I mentioned earlier. They will be paid at only a quarter wage of our current salary for their work. We understand they should be given their own compensation despite our agreement that your labor is the price you pay for staying safe in our walls.” He runs a hand across the stubble peppering his jaw in thought.
“The betas can easily help in our clinics, they are always in need of more physicians.” He declares, no asking for input from the man across from him.
Leader Park is simply rendered obsolete in this conversation, he is just a means of communication in ordering his pack to fulfill whatever the Min’s demand. He has turned into his puppet, being strung up and thrown around to point fingers and make his pack serve the Min’s for less pay and more work. All for shelter and protection, a damned price to pay. His pack means everything to him, he wouldn’t have begged at the Min’s feet if he didn’t love his people.
This will all figure itself out, he takes a deep breath. Nodding curtly as Kyoungyoung’s voice cuts him from his tangent.
“As for your omegas…” His voice lilts, eyes travelling across the meeting hall in disinterest. “They can use whatever appropriate skills they hone to find their niche in our marketplace. If they would prefer to find a mate and live off of an alpha’s salary, they may.”
“A lot of my omega packmates are strong farmers and cooks, is there any need for those jobs here?” He hopes he can find them jobs more appealing to their current skills. Most omegas in the Park pack grew up with neutral beliefs, only seeing their subgender as a means to find a mate. They hardly stressed the value in sewing or pottery or any other craftsmanship.
“Our farms are already well established. There is no demand for their labor in our fields.” He sternly deters him from that idea, head cocking to the side as he swipes over his lips. “As for cooks, we could use a few. Four, maybe five. The rest of your omegas will have to find a role elsewhere. Be it on their own or as an apprentice.”
“And their pay?” He questions, already unhappy with this turn of events. He knows they will not be pleased with their new jobs.
“If they are cooks, they will have a quarter of their wages. As for any other participants who seek a business of their own… I will tax their income from whatever they earn.” He mulls it over with a slow nod, quite chuffed with his decisions.
“That is a fair exchange, thank you for your graciousness.” He bows his head, “I will tell my pack the news.”
“I am not done.” Leader Min presses his lips into a scowl at his eagerness to call it quits there. “We have to discuss your end of this payment.”
A bead of sweat trickles down Leader Park’s temple at the dark tone, the alpha across from him squares his shoulders. His assertiveness is heavy in the air, and it is abundantly clear. He has the power, Park Jaeyun does not.
“You will lose your rank as Head Alpha.” He discloses, tone thick with satisfaction at the way the alpha across from him pales. “You and your family are of equal rank to civilians from here on out. You are under my jurisdiction in this village, and therefore your own pack’s ranking means nothing to me.”
“You cannot just–“
“You have no power over me. You didn’t have any power even prior to showing up along my border helpless and desperate.” Kyoungyoung spits, insulting the man further. “I am being more than amiable by letting you all into my walls, using my pack’s homes and eating our food. Am I not kind enough, Park Jaeyun?”
He already dropped his title, no longer Leader Park. He stares up at him, knuckles burning white in his lap as he grits his teeth.
“You have been very kind to us, Leader Min.” He growls.
“Exactly.” Kyoungyoung muses at his dismay. “You and your wife may take on the roles with the rest of the pack. Earning the quarter salaries and such.”
“Yes, Leader Min.”
“And your omega son is to marry my alpha son.”
“Ye– Wait, what?” He lifts his head so fast it shoots a pang down his spine from the snap of it.
“That omega of yours, he will marry my son.” He simply states. No sarcasm in his voice, no signs of playfulness. Kyoungyoung, in fact, looks dead serious.
It’s a deafening silence in the hall. The two alphas posturing up to try and get the upper hand.
Jaeyun’s adam’s apple bobs, chest rising and falling in deep breaths to try and keep his cool. Trying not to feel the rug being pulled beneath his feet, stealing all of his hard work, all of his effort to help his pack by bringing them here. Squashed in mere seconds.
“You have lost your rank, Jaeyun.” Leader Min’s eyes glint in mirth. Dark and callous as he shrugs, leaning back in the wooden chair with a groan of the wood. “Hand over your omega to wed to my son.”
He glowers at the alpha’s proposal, his own sandalwood scent rots as it dispels into the air in discontent.
“Jimin decided years ago that he will not marry your son. I cannot change his mind on that matter.”
“Then you and your pesky pack can go back in those woods and pick another village to bother.” He shrugs, firm.
The anger is coursing through him so fast, his eyes widening in disbelief. Stumbling over his words in his haste.
“Y-you cannot just… just erase my pack’s name and power from me th-that is not–”
“Where is your pack again?” Kyoungyoung muses, a dirty smirk on his lips. Unfairly calm he glances around, feigning confusion as he glances to and fro. “Last I checked you are in my territory, and that means you are to obey my rules.”
The alpha only growls, a gravelly churn in his chest as this tears his last thread of obedience. He slams his fist to the table and yells.
“I, too, am a Leader I do not have to conform to your–“
“Tell me, what land do you own?” Leader Min counters in a booming commanding tone, a twisted smile cracking over his face. “You lost your village, and with that, you lost your title.”
Jaeyun sits with baited puffs of breath that have his lungs squeezing for reprieve. His own anger pulses out in his rotting sandalwood scent, jaw clenching at the undeniable truth he just slapped him with. The realization sinks uncomfortably into his skin, he has lost his power. He has lost his title of a pack leader and all the freedom that comes with it.
His silence is interpreted as obedience, Min Kyoungyoung’s arms cross over his chest at the silence that hangs in the air.
“I was being very courteous before in asking for that omega of yours.” Leader Min’s deep voice runs cold like his heart. “However this pathetic defiance you have shown has made me less… forgiving.”
Jaeyun’s eyes widen in alarm, mouth glued shut to not throw a wrench even further into these already unfortunate circumstances.
“Since we have established your rank and title is gone, and therefore you and your people are now members of the Min pack, I will be taking my first act as your leader to order your son to wed to mine. Effective immediately.”
The term hangs in the air, and Jaeyun cannot even muster up a verbal response. If he opens his mouth only another challenging statement will fall. He merely bows his head in complete submission, ashamed and humiliated.
“Wonderful.” He responds to the bow with a devilish grin. “I expect your family out of my home and moved into the housing dormitories by tonight. Your son will be courted by Yoongi from here on out.”
“Courted?” Jaeyun grits, hoping his surprise doesn’t show in his tone. He had expected a rushed wedding, not the most formal process.
“We are strict about the appropriate customs of marriage here. My alpha son will court your omega son properly, and he will return the same respect to him. Only after I am satisfied in both their efforts will they marry. Am I clear, Park Jaeyun?”
“Yes.” He breathes out, still holding desperately onto his dignity as it shrinks by every passing second. “I understand.”
“And don’t worry,” The Head Alpha stands with a squeak of his chair behind him, rough hands smoothing over his hanbok. “Any attempt at thwarting their courting or their marriage will result in a punishment of my choosing.”
The alpha exits the grand hall at that, bowing to the two advisors who had been bystanders at the door this whole time. Jaeyun sits there for a long while, as if that will make the time reverse and he can prevent any of this conversation from happening. It’s not until he hears the distant clock tower on the main square ring seven times does he move.
He has to bring the news to his packmates: he is no longer their leader, they have to obey the Min pack and accept their new roles in this village.