Chapter Text
The sounds of dripping water... the kisses of love... wet grass beneath the feet... running and playing…
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Screams filled with rage... bereavement... the voice of a loved one... someone calling his name in agony... please don’t... I beg you...
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A smile... laughter of innocence... unconditional love... voices in his head... I need to protect... a wail... blood... screech... what is left?
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The omega opened his eyes in a hurry. His whole body shook in fear, and he found himself unable to move his limbs. Sweat drenched his body and clothes as he gasped for air. Jungkook's vision was blurry, but he could make out his familiar room, decorated by his own hand. It was just a dream, he told himself, though the echoes of screams lingered. But it was not real. Today was the most significant day of Jungkook's life, and dwelling on the nightmare served no purpose.
Finally, his fingers stirred, and Jungkook could see a little better. He wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead with the back of his palm and sat on the edge of the bed.
The curtains were drawn, allowing slivers of sunlight to filter through the uncovered corners of the window. Jungkook tugged on the thread hanging from the ceiling, and the brass bell rang with a sweet sound. In moments, two omegas appeared in his room.
"Happy birthday, master!" they chimed in unison, and Jungkook groaned in embarrassment. "I've told you not to call me that."
Both omegas chuckled at Jungkook's protest. Chaewon placed a large pot of water she was carrying on a table, while Eunchae approached Jungkook.
"I can smell you," she said, smiling as she dropped to her knees and gently slipped his feet into mules.
"Really?" Jungkook asked eagerly.
Eunchae nodded. "What do I smell like?" he pressed, excitement evident in his voice as he walked toward Chaewon.
Chaewon turned and sniffed.
"It's not very strong now, but it's a bit fruity and sweet."
Jungkook beamed with the biggest smile on his face. Today, he would receive his scent as well as meet his fated mate. It was not within his power to choose his life partner; the Moon Goddess made that decision. He could only hope that it would be an alpha.
Eunchae approached from behind with two cotton washcloths and dipped one into the rose-petal-filled wash basin. Meanwhile, Chaewon pulled out a chair for Jungkook and guided him to sit.
"I can wash my face myself!" he protested, though the other two paid no mind. Jungkook knew they must be tired of hearing the same complaint from him daily. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease at having so many people tending to his every need.
"I won't listen to you today," Eunchae declared, squeezing the excess water from the washcloth and beginning to clean Jungkook's face. "Today, you will meet your mate, so you should look your best."
Jungkook agreed; he needed to look his best for this momentous occasion.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
As the omega stepped out of his wooden cabin with Chaewon and Eunchae, he found himself the subject of many curious eyes. Jungkook had always been on the receiving end of glances and peeks, thanks to his striking beauty and his status as the youngest child of the pack Alpha and Luna.
However, today was different. He was certain that the attention was drawn by the faint hint of his newly formed scent. The soft giggles and murmurs exchanged between Chaewon and Eunchae seemed to confirm his suspicions.
Jungkook made his way from his cabin to his parents' dwelling, eager to share the good news about his scent. Without bothering to knock, he let himself into their cabin—a structure identical to the others in the pack, yet made the most beautiful by Seoyoon, the Luna. Stepping into the living room, he was greeted by floral scents mingling with the sweet aroma of vanilla. Jungkook's mother and elder omega sister were seated on the couch, engaged in conversation.
"Happy Birthday, baby!" chimed the Luna, echoed by his sister's words.
With kisses on his forehead, Jungkook settled between them on the couch, a familiar and comforting place he had always cherished. Even as a toddler, he loved to sleep and sit between his mother and sister, feeling safe and protected. His sister, though not always keen on the arrangement, secretly enjoyed the closeness as well.
As they congratulated him and discussed the upcoming birthday celebration, Jungkook found himself captivated by the tattoos adorning their necks and shoulders. They were so beautiful, a mark of the bond formed when a wolf meets their mate.
"Stop ogling! You'll get your tattoo today," teased Eunji. "But what if my mate doesn't come until later?" Jungkook replied with a playful pout.
The Luna cupped Jungkook's cheeks in her hands, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'm certain they will come today. And if not, my baby can wait a little longer for his beautiful tattoo."
Jungkook hummed thoughtfully. "I can wait. I just hope I get a peony tattoo, or maybe roses like yours."
A smile graced Luna's lips, while Eunji made a playful, exaggeratedly disgusted face. The two omega siblings were always bantering with each other, a familiar sight.
"I think you'll also get that sweet vanilla scent," Eunji added. "It runs in the family, omegas with that sweet vanilla fragrance."
Before Jungkook could respond, a deep voice filled the room. "And I happen to love that sweet vanilla scent," said his father, the pack Alpha, as he entered the living room.
Jungkook stood and embraced his father, feeling a rush of excitement. "Are you excited, Jungkook?" his father asked.
"Yes, very much," Jungkook replied eagerly. "I'm just a bit nervous about if my mate turned out to be a beta or another omega." He pouted playfully, earning a coo of affection from his father.
Seungwoon, known as a strict and ruthless pack leader, always had a soft spot for his youngest. It was no secret that Jungkook was the most cherished omega in the pack, loved dearly by all. Some might argue he was spoiled, but Jungkook disagreed.
"Even if your mate is a beta or omega, they will love you just as much as we do," Seungwoon reassured, ruffling Jungkook's perfectly styled hair. "There's nothing about you that isn't worthy of love."
"And what about me?" Eunji interjected, hoping for some praise, but was met with playful silence. As laughter bubbled up among the family, Eunji huffed and declared, "I'm off to my mate, who loves me and only me, unlike the rest of you!"
The room erupted into laughter as Eunji stomped out of the cabin, leaving the trio in stitches.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
“CLUCK-CLUCK”
“CLUCK-CLUCK”
“Hyung, I will go deaf because of your chickens,” Jungkook remarked with a half-smile.
Jungkook was on a mission to meet every single person in the pack and let them sniff him. He was eager to know his scent but couldn’t wait until night. He had been receiving the same answer from everyone, “It’s something sweet and fruity,” but none of them could pinpoint the exact scent.
Deciding to pay a visit to his eldest brother, Seokjin, and his mate Namjoon, Jungkook found himself amidst the clucking chickens.
Seokjin chuckled when one of the chickens tried to approach Jungkook, who flinched dramatically.
“I don’t understand why you’re raising chickens. You don’t even let us eat them, Namjoon hyung,” Jungkook teased.
“It’s because they are my children. Don’t even think about eating them,” Namjoon replied with a grin.
Glancing at Seokjin, who was trying to contain his laughter but failing miserably, Jungkook couldn’t help but join in the amusement. His brother sat on the grass, basking in the sunlight, a picture of humility despite being the next alpha in line.
Jungkook settled beside his brother on the grass as Namjoon tended to his chickens.
“Seokjin hyung, both you and your mate are hunters. We eat the food your hunting groups bring us. So why chickens?” Jungkook inquired curiously.
Seokjin chuckled softly, rubbing his palm over Jungkook’s back. “It’s not easy being an alpha couple, so I never question whatever new hobby he picks.”
Just then, another alpha from the pack, Junho, Seokjin’s best friend and right-hand man, joined them.
“Ah! A wolf raising chickens. What a sight to behold,” Junho remarked with a smirk.
Jungkook giggled at the comment, while Namjoon playfully showed Junho his middle finger. However, Junho’s expression quickly changed as he came closer to where Seokjin and Jungkook were sitting.
“What the heck is that smell?” Junho wrinkled his nose and waved his hand in front of his face.
“That’s my scent, you idiot,” Jungkook retorted, feigning offence.
“Well, it’s giving me a headache,” Junho replied with a smirk.
“Shut up! I just turned 18; you can’t talk about my scent like that,” Jungkook shot back with a grin. “Oh, it’s that day,” Junho chuckled, recognizing the significance. “I can’t wait until you find your mate and leave the pack.”
Attempting to goad Jungkook further, Junho leaned in but recoiled as soon as he caught a whiff of the scent. His eyes widened, turning a deep red. “It’s really awful, man.”
Jungkook responded with a fake smile, “If my mate turns out to be someone from the pack, then you’ll have to smell it for the rest of your life.”
“I’d rather die,” Junho quipped.
“Don’t talk to my brother like that,” Seokjin interjected, feigning offence, though Junho knew it was all in good humour.
“The whole family is weird,” Junho snorted, well aware that Seokjin wasn’t genuinely upset with him.
As Namjoon continued with his chicken duties and the clucking continued, the trio settled into a comfortable banter, enjoying the sunny afternoon in the company of clucking hens.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
As evening approached, Jungkook was finally able to catch a whiff of his scent. He couldn't resist taking big, eager sniffs of the fragrance. Just as his sister had predicted, the undertones of his scent were sweet vanilla, but they were overwhelmingly intertwined with the alluring aroma of cherries.
The omega couldn't have been happier. He was utterly in love with his scent, and with almost everyone around him. Jungkook hoped fervently that his mate would appreciate it as much as he did.
Surrounded by a group of omegas helping him prepare for the celebration, Jungkook was in high spirits. The event was one of a kind, with the entire pack coming together with drinks and food, keeping the entrance wide open in anticipation of the mate's arrival. Whoever Jungkook's mate was, they wouldn't be able to resist the pull and would come to him.
For the occasion, Jungkook wore a lotus silk white shirt with frills, its neckline plunging into a deep V and its sleeves puffing elegantly. His sister had also crushed and applied berries to his cheeks and lips, enhancing their natural beauty.
The omega was the happiest he had ever been.
The birthday celebration exceeded all expectations. The entire pack was joyously drinking and dancing around a blazing bonfire, celebrating the 18th birthday of their beloved omega.
Jungkook joined, dancing around the flames as his family cheered him on.
By midnight, exhaustion began to creep in, and Jungkook felt a slight dizziness settling over him. Seeking a moment of respite, he settled into a wooden chair and found himself beside a pregnant omega he recognized as Junho's mate.
"Hyewon!" Jungkook greeted her warmly. "Are you due soon?" She smiled, a hint of shyness colouring her expression. "Any day now."
"I can see you're already glowing, and the pup isn't even here yet," Jungkook teased playfully.
"Junho has been taking such good care of me and our little one," Hyewon replied with a grateful smile."The Moon Goddess truly blessed you with Junho," Jungkook remarked fondly. "By the way, where is he? I haven’t seen him all evening."
"Junho is back at our cabin; he suddenly fell ill," Hyewon explained, her tone laced with concern. Jungkook's eyes widened with worry. "He did mention having a headache earlier, but I thought it was because of my scent."
Hyewon chuckled softly at Jungkook's innocence. "Your scent is quite pleasant, Jungkook. It's not repulsive at all. Junho just caught seasonal flu."
Jungkook smiled gratefully at her reassurance when suddenly, he felt a tug at his chest. The voices around him seemed to fade into the background, and his vision began to blur.
His surroundings became hazy, and Jungkook could no longer feel his own senses. He couldn't even see his own hands. Then, a beam of light appeared before him, accompanied by the distinct scent of tobacco.
Jungkook felt himself drawn toward the light and the enticing aroma. Without any effort on his part, he found himself moving toward it, as if pulled by an invisible force.
As he drew closer, he could make out the figure of a person standing within the light—a young, beautiful alpha, someone Jungkook could love for a lifetime. His scent of cherries and sweet vanilla blossomed with happiness, and Jungkook could sense his wolf purring in contentment.
The person standing before him was his alpha.
Jungkook could already feel a tingling sensation on his neck and shoulders, a sign that his mate's tattoo was forming. But in that moment, only his alpha mattered, along with the intoxicating scent of tobacco. They drew nearer and nearer, and Jungkook felt as though he could almost touch his alpha.
"I'm Jungkook," he introduced himself, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Minwoo," the alpha replied, his voice sending shivers down Jungkook's spine.
"I'm your mate," Jungkook stated, a smile of certainty on his face.
"No," Minwoo responded firmly.
Jungkook furrowed his brow in confusion. He was sure Minwoo was his alpha. He could hear murmurs around them, but he chose to ignore them. "What?" Jungkook asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"I don't want a mate," Minwoo declared, his tone resolute.
The once-sweet scent of vanilla turned bitter, and the cherries now smelled rotten. This couldn't be happening—it was impossible. Jungkook reached out to touch his mate, but Minwoo recoiled. "It's not about want; we are mates. The Moon Goddess chose us for each other," Jungkook pleaded, his heart sinking. "And I refuse to believe that," Minwoo retorted, his voice laced with finality.
Jungkook felt his legs weaken, his throat constricting with anguish. "No!" he protested, his voice cracking. "You must accept this, Jungkook. I don't want you," Minwoo growled, a dangerous edge to his tone. "W-what do you mean? You can't do this to me," Jungkook pleaded, reaching out once more. "Please, Minwoo…I'm your omega, your fated mate," he begged, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"And I don't want an omega. I don't want to settle down and have a domestic life," Minwoo stated coldly, his gaze unwavering.
For a moment, Jungkook wondered if he was cursed. He had barely found his alpha, and moments later, he was told he was unwanted. "But why? I'll wait for you. I'm young, with years ahead of me. You can do whatever you want, and I'll be here waiting for you," Jungkook pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. He didn’t understand why this was happening. He had never wronged anyone.
"Jungkook…I'm a rogue. I don't belong in packs," Minwoo confessed, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and resolve.
Jungkook felt the weight of every gaze upon him. Moments ago, the atmosphere had been filled with joy and celebration. He had prepared for this day his entire life, yet now it seemed to crumble around him. "Please…please, alpha," Jungkook begged, his vision blurred by tears.
"I, Park Minwoo, reject you as my mate," Minwoo declared, the finality of his words echoing through the clearing.
The pain that tore through Jungkook's neck was unlike anything he had ever experienced. His vision became a blur of red as his scent gland swelled painfully. He had no idea of his surroundings, just the pain that started from his neck, reaching his collarbone and shoulder and ending at his arm.
All Jungkook saw was red.
The place that was supposed to have natural tattoos of flowers was now littered with thorns and thunder veins.
Falling to his knees, Jungkook could do nothing but cry out in agony. His friends and family surrounded him, their voices a distant murmur in his ears.
It was not unheard of, but it was incredibly rare to be rejected by one's fated mate. It had never happened in the history of the Moonlight pack, yet here Jungkook lay, writhing in pain and rejection.
Throughout the long night, Jungkook lay on the ground, his body racked with agony as the pack's physicians stood helplessly.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
No matter what was said, Jungkook always felt like an outsider. That terrible day changed everything in the omega's life—his dreams, his happiness, and the love he once knew all vanished in an instant.
When Jungkook woke up, his room was pitch black. It had been years since he had replaced the light blue curtains with heavy, dark drapes.
As usual, he didn't ring the bell, but Chaewon and Eunchae came into his room as soon as they heard his footsteps. Even though Jungkook had tried to tell them he didn't need their help anymore, they didn't listen. He hated the pity he received.
"Happy Birthday," Chaewon and Eunchae said, but there was no real excitement in their voices, just a simple smile and sympathy in their eyes. Jungkook nodded in acknowledgement and sat down, letting them do what they needed to. It was his 25th birthday, marking seven years since that awful day.
That day changed everything in Jungkook's life, and it seemed like things only got worse from there.
Everyone has dreams, and Jungkook once had his own. He couldn't even remember when he started imagining a peaceful life with his mate and their future pups.
Now, those dreams seemed laughable.
The cherry scent he had started loving, was gone that night. He was only able to smell it for a few hours. The idea of getting a tattoo of peonies and roses shattered. A week later, when he woke up, the first thing he asked was about Minwoo, his alpha who hadn't been seen since that night.
Jungkook's father and brother, went on a mission to find Minwoo and make him pay. They swore to kill him, but Jungkook still held onto hope that Minwoo might come back. As time passed, though, he realized hope was a foolish thing.
When Jungkook woke up a week later, he felt pain in his neck, shoulder, and arm. For months, he couldn't bring himself to look at the tattoo on his skin—it looked like a mess of thorns.
Despite the sympathetic looks and words, Jungkook felt they were unnecessary.
His mother came to his cabin and wished him a happy birthday with a kiss on his forehead. Jungkook managed a small smile. His birthday only reminded him of everything that had happened.
For the first few years, Jungkook stayed inside his house, avoiding the sunlight. Family and pack members visited him often, but he always put on a fake smile. After three years, though, Jungkook decided to make a change.
He didn't venture far from the house, but he started exploring the pack boundaries. Seokjin and Namjoon made sure he was safe, letting him wander alone within the pack's territory.
On a day when both Seokjin and Namjoon were busy with pack duties, Jungkook went into the woods with Junho.
Over time, Jungkook realized that if anyone could understand his pain, it was Junho. They didn't talk much, but Jungkook knew they both suffered deeply. Junho had lost his mate and pup shortly after they were born.
"Jungkook, watch your step," Junho said as he steadied Jungkook when he stumbled over a branch. "Thanks, hyung," Jungkook replied, continuing their walk.
"Do you still think about him?" Junho asked suddenly, catching Jungkook off guard. No one had talked about Minwoo to him in years. Jungkook looked at the river flowing through the forest, its waters clear enough to see the colourful stones beneath. "I try not to."
After a moment, Jungkook asked, "What about you, hyung?"
Junho's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course, I do. I lost both my mate and pup." Before Jungkook could respond, Junho changed the subject. "Does walking in the woods help you?" Junho asked.
Jungkook found a boulder by the riverbank to sit on, and Junho joined him. Moths fluttered around them, and squirrels drank from the river. Prey animals stayed away due to their natural pheromones. "It does, but..." Jungkook hesitated, feeling the weight of his insecurities.
"But what?" Junho prompted.
"I don't want to be a burden to anyone anymore," Jungkook said quietly, his insecurities clear in his voice. "You're not a burden," Junho assured him.
"I just feel like one."
Junho stayed silent for a moment, the quiet between them heavy. Finally, he said, "If I teach you archery, you can defend yourself. Then you can explore the woods alone."
Jungkook's face lit up with surprise. "Th-That would be great."
And so, from that day on, Jungkook began learning archery. He tended to a small garden behind his cabin and learned to cook simple meals. These small activities helped him cope, giving him something to occupy his mind.
He was still struggling, but these small things at least helped him sleep at night.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
The celebration was in full swing, with people chatting and dancing around the bonfire. Music enveloped them all, yet Jungkook felt alone. It was supposed to be his birthday celebration, but he felt like the most out-of-place soul there. All the wolves around his age were happy with their mates and pups.
Throughout the day, an unease had settled upon Jungkook, due to his birthday. As the evening approached, watching his siblings laughing and chatting joyfully with their mates only deepened the pang of jealousy within him.
From a distance, Jungkook noticed his mother's smile towards him, and his father engaged in conversation with others, yet stealing glances to check on him. It was all too much; the omega wanted to go to his bed. As the mystical full moon hung in the dark sky nearing midnight, Jungkook decided it was time to retreat to his cabin.
Without a word to anyone, Jungkook began his journey back. He had only walked a few yards when it hit him. The beige cotton shirt he wore suddenly felt like searing coals against his skin. Struggling to continue, the painful heat only intensified.
His entire body felt ablaze, the epicentre of agony being his neck and shoulder. Desperate, he undid the top buttons of his shirt, sliding the fabric aside, only to behold a sight that chilled him to the core. His thorn tattoo glowed a fierce red, searing his eyes with its intensity. The touch was unbearable, the fabric adhering to his delicate skin.
As the pain and heat threatened to overwhelm him, Jungkook attempted to call out for help, but his voice failed him. Panic rose within him.
Then, a voice.
Familiar, yet he didn’t know who it belonged to, Jungkook couldn't quite place it. Driven by instinct, he followed the sound, running as if in a trance. The destination was unclear; all he knew was he had to follow that voice.
Time blurred as Jungkook chased the ethereal sound until exhaustion took over and the searing pain of his tattoo became unbearable. Yet, driven by a determination he couldn't comprehend, Jungkook persisted. As he felt the wetness of the ground beneath his feet, he realised—he stood at the edge of a lake, formed by the cascading waterfall. The surroundings felt otherworldly, a part of the forest he had never been into.
With his thorned tattoo burning fiercely, Jungkook submerged himself in the cool water, seeking solace for his tortured skin. It was then that he felt enveloped by the haunting melody of the voice, a balm to his nerves. As the burn slowly reduced, Jungkook found a moment of peace unlike any he had ever known.
Until the piercing scream.
A gut-wrenching sound tore through him, the scream seemed to echo in his very soul. Tears streamed down his face as he futilely covered his ears, unable to escape the haunting sound that reverberated within.
Struggling to resurface, the burning tattoo refusing to relent, Jungkook stumbled and fell into the lake, near the base of the waterfall. It was then that his fingers brushed against something— a pendant.
Clutching the pendant in his trembling palms, Jungkook felt a surge of emotion overwhelm him. A quarter moon surrounded by twinkling stars seemed to hold a weight of significance he couldn't comprehend. With a heavy heart and aching chest, Jungkook wept, the pendant clutched tightly in his grasp as darkness claimed him, and he slipped into unconsciousness.
With the last beam of energy that Jungkook had left, he let out a piercing cry, “Hana.”
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
"Taehyung, don’t!" Jimin's voice echoed through the forest, causing the animals in the vicinity to stir. But Taehyung remained undeterred, his focus fixed on his mission. The alpha hunter of the Stardust pack was in hot pursuit of something, and Jimin was running after him, torn between stopping him and protecting him.
The roar of the majestic beast reverberated for miles around, sending shivers down the spines of the hunters. Yet, Taehyung pressed on, heedless of the danger. Jimin cursed under his breath, urging Taehyung to shift into his wolf form, but the leader of their hunting group merely flashed him a half-smile before continuing his relentless chase.
The lion's roar cut through the air once more, causing the hunters to retreat. The massive beast loomed before them, its presence commanding fear and respect.
Taehyung locked eyes with the regal felid, a silent exchange of determination passing between them. Then, in a swift, primal leap, the lion pounced, landing squarely on Taehyung's chest. A chorus of screams erupted, mostly from Jimin.
But Taehyung couldn’t afford to lose focus. With all his strength, he pushed against the lion, preventing its deadly claws from piercing his flesh. In a deft move, he drew the sword at his side and lunged at the lion, the blade aimed for its neck.
With a final, guttural roar and a spray of blood, the lion succumbed to Taehyung's strike, its life extinguished in a flash.
As the hunters gathered around, some patting Taehyung on the back and others singing his praises, Jimin couldn't contain his emotions any longer. He slapped Taehyung's arm, the sound echoing through the clearing.
"That's so reckless," Jimin scolded, his concern evident in his voice. "You could have been seriously hurt." Taehyung winced, rubbing his 'injured' bicep. "Ow, Jimin, that hurts."
"As if fighting a lion doesn't," Jimin retorted, gesturing to the blood-soaked ground.
Taehyung glanced down at his drenched black leather armour, his boots and gloves stained crimson. He ran a hand through his hair, now matted with sweat and blood.
"You could have at least waited for backup," Hoseok chimed in, joining the duo.
"Seriously? I just took down a lion, and all you care about is my armour?" Taehyung teased, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, I think you look rather dashing," Hoseok quipped, raising an eyebrow.
After a moment of banter, the hunters set to work collecting the slain animals and packing the meat into bags. Taehyung and Hoseok discussed strategies for their next hunt, while Jimin grumbled about being late to return home to his very pregnant omega. Taehyung had always been amused by the alphas fearing the wrath of their omegas.
As they began their journey back to the pack, Taehyung suddenly paused, and his senses were on high alert.
"What's wrong?" Hoseok asked, noticing Taehyung's sudden shift in demeanour.
Taehyung frowned, sniffing the air. "The scent," he muttered, more to himself than to the others. "What scent?" Jimin inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"The cherry scent, with a hint of sweet vanilla," Taehyung replied, his brows furrowing. The other hunters exchanged puzzled glances, but Taehyung was already striding off in the direction of the tantalizing aroma.
"There's nothing there!" Jimin called after him, but Taehyung was already out of earshot.
As they followed Taehyung deeper into the woods, the scent grew stronger, filling the air with its intoxicating sweetness.
"There!" Taehyung exclaimed, coming to a stop at the edge of a breathtaking waterfall. The cherry scent mingled with the misty spray of the waterfall, creating an otherworldly ambience. Taehyung's heart raced as he spotted a figure lying at the base of the waterfall.
Without hesitation, Taehyung dove into the water, swimming towards the unconscious figure. He emerged from the depths, cradling the omega in his arms.
As the others gathered around, Taehyung laid the omega on the ground, his concern evident in his eyes.
"He's not breathing," Taehyung announced, his voice tinged with urgency.
Taehyung had noticed that the wet, almost transparent clothes were clinging to the omega’s body. Not thinking anything, he asked one of the hunters to bring his black leather jacket
Without wasting a moment, Taehyung covered the omega with his jacket and began performing chest compressions. The other hunters watched in silence, their hearts pounding in their chests. After what felt like an eternity, the omega sputtered and coughed, water spilling from his lips. Taehyung let out a sigh of relief as the omega took his first shaky breaths.
"Who is he?" Jimin asked, his voice laced with confusion, or perhaps they had been asking all along, but Taehyung had blocked out the voices until now.
"No idea," Taehyung replied, his gaze fixed on the unconscious omega before him.
"Maybe a rogue beta came to take a bath here," Jimin suggested, his tone uncertain.
Taehyung shot him a disbelieving look. "He is obviously an omega, can't you tell by his scent?"
Jimin furrowed his brows, blinking in confusion. "What scent?"
Taehyung's disbelief deepened as he glanced around at the other hunters. "Hoseok hyung, do you smell anything?"
Hoseok shook his head in response. Jimin went down the line, asking each hunter, but they all shook their heads in unison.
"He smells like cherry, he is obviously an omega," Taehyung insisted, his frustration growing.
Taehyung couldn't understand it. Why could he smell the hypnotizing scent so strongly, but the others couldn't? Were they playing some sort of sick game with him?
He continued to look down at the omega lying unconscious before him. Whoever he was and whatever had brought him here, Taehyung couldn't bear to leave him alone.
As the alpha was watching the omega take shaky and short breaths, he noticed something clutching into his palm. Taehyung took out the shining object gently and a tear rolled down his eyes. He shoved the pendant into his pocket.
"I'll take him with us to the pack," Taehyung declared, his voice firm and unwavering.
Before anyone could object, Taehyung lifted the omega into his arms, cradling him gently. The others fell silent, no one dared to challenge the determined alpha as he began to walk back along the path leading to their pack.
The journey back was quiet, the only sound the rustling of leaves underfoot and the occasional murmur of the hunters behind him. Taehyung kept his focus solely on the omega in his arms, his heart pounding with a strange mixture of protectiveness and apprehension.