Chapter Text

945 - Desperate Measures

The moon was a sliver in the night sky as Seokjin stole away from his coven home, the rest of his family coven still sleeping soundly inside. He made his way through the thick trees lining their village towards his hidden laboratory. The tall man smiled as he pushed open his creaky wooden door, the sound a sweet welcoming reminder to this little island of freedom from his overbearing mother. Male witches, especially in black magic, were seen as weak, useless pack mules— only good to store stronger witches’ magics. Seokjin was determined to show them how strong he truly was— how useful he could be to the Goetics. He refused to end up like his brother and his father before him— his mother would see beyond his gender and accept him into the inner coven’s circle. All he needed to do was prove himself.

He clapped his hands, lighting the candles with his magic as he stared around his laboratory in satisfaction. Seokjin pulled out his current project, humming softly as he lit the fire under the cauldron and added his base potion. He ground some bat wings in his mortar before slowly dumping them into his now bubbling potion. The liquid sizzled, turning a near-black frothy nightmare potion. He grinned widely, leaning in to smell the putrid scent of death. This was an instant death potion, sure to kill anyone with a single drop on their skin. It was Seokjin’s specialty. Seokjin also knew that he could make the death... temporary— if he could find the right ingredient. He went over to his shelf, pulling down the mandrake roots and taking them over to the table chopping them into fine slivers. He added them to the instant death one at a time, watching the mandrake create small fissures of white in the potion. The potion swirled in lazy circles, every once in a while sending out bright sparks, fizzling out before they could touch anything in his lab. 

Seokjin leapt over to his notebook, writing down his observations optimistically as he gazed at his potion lovingly. This was sure to please mother. He just needed to test it first. As he made his way back over to the potion, his hand knocked against his wall of jars, sending many of his hard gathered ingredients onto the floor. He swore, bending down to scoop what he could into his palms and set them on the table. As he stood up, he noticed that the mandrake had turned a blood red as it swirled through the potion. Seokjin stared at it in shock, swallowing thickly as he stared at his ruined potion. 

Leeches. 

He growled, sending his arm across the table in anger as he pushed everything to the ground. He didn’t have time . The sun would be up in mere hours and if he didn’t have anything to show for himself— 

He took a deep shuddering breath, leaning his hands on either side of the cauldron as he glared at his ruined potion.

Seokjin was going to die. Just like his brother and father before him, with the coming sun, his mother would drain him of his magic and leave his husk to decay on the ground. He allowed a singular tear to escape the corner of his eyes before bringing his hand up to scrub at his face furiously. He didn’t have time . 

It didn’t matter. 

He grabbed his ladle, dipping it into the unknown potion determinedly. Whatever this potion did to him at this point, he didn’t care. He was dead either way. Jin brought the potion up to his lips, drinking it down before he could gag at the rancid taste of it. 

Seokjin dropped the ladle as fire immediately licked through his veins. The witch collapsed, accidentally tipping the cauldron on top of him on his way down as he gasped for air. 

He was dying.

His heart was raging in his ears, as the potion absorbed into his skin, making the fire rage even harder. He bit his lip to prevent himself from screaming out loud, his tooth piercing the soft skin as if it were a peach. So this is what death felt like. Seokjin cried, clawing at the dirt floor as the fire consumed him, blacking out his vision and sending him into darkness.

Seokjin was awakened by the harsh stinging hex courtesy of his mother. “What have you done ? You insolent child!” The woman’s voice was grating, more so than usual, as she pulled him upright by his hair. 

He groaned, fighting the hands off of him feebly as his mother dragged him out of his laboratory and into the morning sun. He hissed, fighting frantically, as the sun burned his skin worse than the potion had the night before. The witch ripped himself free, scrambling frantically back inside of the lab as he nursed his burned skin. 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” his mother screeched, storming back inside. She froze as she caught sight of his burned skin. “What did you do , Seokjin! What is wrong with you?”

Seokjin shook his head. “I’m— I should be dead.”

“You are ,” she hissed, reaching forward to shake his head by the hair once more. “Your magic is gone . What did you do — trade it away? Waste it? That magic was mine , you ungrateful bastard!” She snatched his chin with her overgrown fingernails, cutting into his skin as he swallowed around the dry, burning sensation in his throat. He needed a drink. “You destroyed your body— my magic — what are you?”

She threw him to the ground, leaving him gasping for breath as she dug around this laboratory. Bottles were up turned as she searched, glass breaking around him as he feebly crawled towards a dark corner. 

“What’s taking so long, Auntie?” Jin’s cousin, whined stalking into the small building. The man swallowed, staring at his cousin in desire. She smelled— sweet— like chocolate and something warmer. He needed— he needed her. He felt possessed as he lunged towards her, dragging her to the ground as he pinned himself on top of her. She smelled even sweeter up close as he brought his mouth down on her neck in a trance. His teeth stretched, pulling away from his gums in sharp points as he punctured her jugular. His cousin’s warm blood flooded his mouth, spreading across his tongue like warm tree sap. Vaguely, he could hear his mother screaming in the background, muffled and distorted as if he were underwater; the only thing he was aware of was the warm, delicious blood he was pulling from his cousin’s body. There were hands on his shoulders, his hair, his waist, trying to pull him away from his cousin but he held firm, sucking and sucking until there was nothing left. Finally his thirst abated and he allowed himself to be pulled away. 

“What are you?” his mother whispered, staring at her son in horror. “What have you become ?” She used her magic to create tight bindings around Seokjin’s person, securing him to the support pillar in the center of his lab. His mother continued searching through his things, completely disregarding her now-dead niece at the entrance. Seokjin couldn’t tear his eyes from her though, focused in on her glassed over eyes, staring off at the far wall, cheeks still wet from her tears, neck ripped open, nearly completely devoid of blood. He did that— he killed his cousin— drank her blood. There was a moment of fierce satisfaction that burned through his veins at the knowledge that he got to her before she could get to him him before his rationality kicked in and he had to swallow back his tears, knowing that they were useless in this situation. His mother came over to him, shaking his notebook angrily at him. “You were playing with things beyond your comprehension! There is no coming back from death, you idiotic child!”

Seokjin snorted, turning his cheek away from the furious Goetic in front of him. “Obviously there is, mother. Or I wouldn’t be here.”

His head snapped to the side at the force of his mother’s slap. He stretched his jaw as he rolled his neck to face his mother again. “You— I will kill you! Whatever you did took away my magic running through your veins. Even poor Hyojin’s magic is gone! You disgusting leech! What did you do with it, huh? Where is my magic?”

Seokjin rolled his eyes, “Why don’t you ask your precious Hyojin?” he spat out. The woman let out a feral screech, running at Seokjin. He reacted on instinct, breaking through his bindings as if they were made of water, rolling away from the angry Goetic. He swore under his breath, ducking away from his mother’s wildly swinging magic as she descended upon him again. 

“Get back here you—” Her magic whipped at him, black and stinging as it wrapped around his neck like a noose. He gasped, grappling at the magic desperately, his fingers falling through it like smoke. He couldn’t breathe; his mother was choking him and he couldn’t breathe . He panicked, Hyojin’s blood rushing through his ears, as he grappled at his mother’s magic in futility. “You’ll pay for what you did,” she hissed, irises bleeding red as she dragged him across the floor by her magic. She pulled him out the door and into the sun, making him scream as his skin was scorched. She watched in morbid fascination as her son’s skin blackened against the sun’s rays before sending up a dark shadow to loom over them. She crouched down next to him, glaring intensely. “I am going to dissect you, child,” she growled. “I am going to learn everything about you— and then I’ll kill you.”

949 - Happy Accidents

Seokjin was washing the blood off of himself in a creek when he saw him. The man was small, cherubic— innocent— even as he glared fiercely at the herbs he was collecting. Jin swallowed. He smelled— delectable. Though, to be fair, with the level of hunger he was currently feeling, he would think anyone would smell delicious. He was hungry— starving. And this man smelled so, so tasty. He slowly crept up behind the man. In the back of his mind he knew that he shouldn’t be doing this— shouldn’t want to kill this innocent man in front of him— but that part of his mind was overridden with bloodlust. He embraced the man from behind, trapping the human’s arms against his small chest as he dipped his head down to mouth at the man’s soft flesh of his neck. 

“What the fuck,” the man growled, trying to pull away uselessly. “Get the fuck off of me!” 

He hummed thoughtfully, kissing the man’s neck. “I really am sorry about this, sir. I’m just— so thirsty.” Seokjin closed his eyes, muscles barely flexing as he held the man securely to his chest. “Fuck, you smell so good,” he bit his lip in anticipation, accidentally piercing himself with his fang in the process. “I’ll make this as painless as possible for you,” he whispered before biting down. The man’s blood was sweeter than he had anticipated, moaning around the puncture wound. He sucked greedily, vaguely aware of the man struggling weakly in his grasp as he pulled the life from him. The man slowly stopped fighting, sagging in Seokjin’s grip as he pulled the last dredges from his body. 

Slowly, he detached his teeth from the man’s neck, sagging down to the ground with the human’s lifeless corpse in his lap. His consciousness came back to him in waves, like a tide slowly creeping up onto the shore. By the time he had fully comprehended what he had done, he was sobbing into the tiny man’s chest, clinging to him as his sweet, earthy scent receded. 

It was nearing sunrise when Seokjin finally acknowledged his need to move, to find shelter— to... dispose of the body. He took a deep, shuddering breath as he stood up, the man still in his arms, and made his way to the river he had washed himself in only hours ago. Carefully, he knelt down on the muddy riverbed, laying the body on the ground next to him. This was as good a place to rest as any, he supposed, gently brushing back the man’s bangs. 

He froze, hand still hovering near the dead man’s hair as he stared at the body in shock. It had just moved— twitched. His eyelids had fluttered, like one does right before they wake up. Seokjin stared in shock, terrified and excited and so utterly hopeful. Slowly, the man’s eyelids fluttered again, more determined and self aware before carefully opening them in the pre-dawn light. 

“I— what— what happened?” the man asked, reaching up to where his neck had healed over, leaving behind a white, slightly raised scar. His voice was raspy and low as he made eye contact with Seokjin. “You— Do you know what happened?”

The vampire disregarded the man’s question, staring down at him in amazement. “What’s your name?”

“Yoongi— Min Yoongi. I— I think I was attacked. I— it’s hard to remember. Some— some mad-man in the woods. I— I could have sworn he bit me but— I guess I was just... sleeping?”

Seokjin shook his head, offering the smaller male a hand as they stood up. He reached out, catching Yoongi as he stumbled on jelly legs. “No— You were attacked, Yoongi. I’m afraid you’re not exactly yourself anymore though.” He wrapped his arm around the younger’s waist, gently leading him away from the riverbed and further into the tree canopy. “ Come . I’ll explain everything I know.”

Yoongi followed along obediently, fingers finding home against Seokjin’s hip as he clutched the mammoth of a man for support. The elder vampire looked around, trying to spot something that could hide them away from the sun. Far off to the right he spotted what looked like a cave and, as he eyed the quickly rising sun, determined that that was as good a place as any, leading his new fledgling towards the opening. Yoongi hummed in confusion, holding onto Seokjin tighter as the vampire led them in a way so that they would be safe from the sun’s harsh rays. 

“We should be safe here, Yoongi-ah,” the vampire reassured, helping the younger to settle on the stone ground. He squatted in front of the newly turned vampire, staring at him inquisitively. “Now— what about you is different? I’ve never turned anyone else when I drank from them. It must have been— was it my blood?” He leaned in closely, nose brushing a startled Yoongi’s neck, before sniffing deeply, smelling his own scent mixed in with the cherub boy’s. “Ah— yes, that must be it. I must have given you some of my blood in return. Is that— is that really all it takes? To make more of me?”

Yoongi shook his head, staring at Seokjin in terror. “I don’t understand what is going on. I— I would like to go home now, please. Please sir, let me leave.”

“Seokjin. Kim Seokjin,” the elder responded distractedly though having enough sense to hold on to his newest charge tightly to prevent the scared boy from running off and hurting himself. “And I can’t let you leave, Yoongi-ah. For your own protection and for the protection of those you love. If my hypothesis is correct, then I’ve accidentally turned you into what I am and for that I am deeply sorry.”

“What— what are you?” Yoongi asked, swallowing thickly as he examined the man in front of him. 

The elder shrugged, shooting him a playful grin. “I’ve been calling myself a vampire. Sounds cool, doesn’t it? Vampire .” 

“You’re— you’re that witch— the one that completely drained that other Goetic a few years ago.”

Seokjin smiled, reaching forward to brush back Yoongi’s bangs again. “The one in the same, sweetheart. I only recently escaped my mother’s clutches though, so I’m a bit behind on current events. Tell me— what was spread around about me?”

Yoongi shuddered, staring at Seokjin in a new, more terrifying light. “That— that you dabbled in things that not even the inner Goetic coven dared to mess with and— and turned yourself into a monster. The village— the village has had to sacrifice our old and weak to keep you alive and spare us from the wrath of the Goetics.”

The elder snorted, making himself comfortable on the ground next to Yoongi, tucking the younger underneath his arm securely. “I barely was fed the scraps of those humans. Your village was played, Yoongi-ah. Those villagers were already dead by the time I drained them of blood. My mother— she kept me prisoner. Studied me and my notes, learned everything she could about what I had done to outwit death. I’m afraid she sold her findings before I could kill her,” he murmured, leaning down to press a shaky kiss to the top of Yoongi’s head. “I’m sorry I turned you, Yoongi-ah. I didn’t want to hurt you. I never wanted to hurt anyone. But— what I became— what I turned you into, we— we need blood to survive and I was so hungry. I had been locked away without nourishment for weeks before I finally broke free from my mother’s bindings. I think it might have been the bloodlust to be honest.” He rolled up one of his sleeves, displaying the black burns around his wrists like shackles. “She learned quickly what spells could keep me immobile. When the bloodlust took over, I lost all sense of self-preservation. I don’t think I would have been able to escape otherwise.” He took a shuddering breath, reveling in Yoongi’s soft, sweet scent. “I may not have meant to create you, Yoongi-ah, but I will take care of you until my dying breath. You’ll be safe with me.” He pulled the younger into his lap, guiding the younger’s mouth to his neck instinctively. “ Eat, angel, ” he murmured. 

Yoongi bit down without a thought, pulling from the elder ravenously until Seokjin pulled him off of him. The younger vampire whined petulantly, trying to go back in for more. 

Seokjin cooed fondly, petting the man’s hair as he leaned forwards to press a soft kiss to his forehead before tucking the younger against his chest securely. “Fuck— I’m— I’m sorry I did this to you, Yoongi-ah, but I am— I’m really glad I’m not alone anymore.”

The fledgling was quiet for a moment before he cautiously asked, “Is— are there going to be more witches hunting us? Because I’m— I’m like you?”

“No,” Seokjin cooed, pressing frantic little kisses to the top of his head. “I killed my mother’s entire coven. We’re safe. I promise, Yoongi-ah. I’ll keep you safe.”

“You don’t know me,” he mumbled, mouthing against the elder’s chest. 

Seokjin smiled, feeling a soft whisper of confused contentedness wrapping around his chest, a feeling that he could only assume came from Yoongi’s consciousness. There was an underlying feeling of terror that also wasn’t his, and Seokjin understood where the younger was coming from. He just had his entire life ripped from him and he was scared for his future. Seokjin did his best to send waves of reassurance and safety down their bond to try to ease his charge’s worries. As Yoongi’s mind settled, so did his body, relaxing against the elder’s chest as he slowly fell off into dreamland. Seokjin soon followed, arms wrapped tightly around the younger’s to keep him safe while they slept. 

Yoongi woke with a start. There was still light creeping into the cave from the setting sun and, as Yoongi shifted subtly, Seokjin’s arms fell down to rest lightly along his hips. Yoongi had no idea what was going on— was terrified to find out— and took the opportunity to book it away from this blood drinking madman. He carefully peeled Seokjin’s hands away from him, crawling away from the vampire and towards the mouth of the cave. He squinted against the harsh light of the setting sun as he got closer. The second the sunlight touched him, he flinched, throwing himself back into the cave. Yoongi stared at his hand in shock, marveling in horror at the bright red burn that had appeared across his skin. He was going insane. This— this was all in his head. He swallowed down the panic welling up inside of him and took another, determined step towards the entrance. 

He hissed as the sun hit his flesh, nearly making him turn back to the safety of Seokjin’s arms, but trekked on. The small man had nearly made it to the treeline when he froze, body uncooperative as he tried to keep going. 

Come back here.

Yoongi turned around, feeling panic that was most certainly not his along with worry and just a smidge of anger. He tried to halt his feet, not wanting to return to the cave, but found his muscles had no traction against Seokjin’s pull. Before he knew it, he was back in the cover of darkness with Seokjin’s arms around him in a tight, frantic hug. 

“Fuck— what were you thinking, Yoongi-ah?” The elder scolded, pulling back to cup the fledgling’s cheeks between his large hands as he examined him, taking stock of his injuries. “At least you had sense enough to come back. Aish— you’re going to give me grey hairs, aren’t you?”

The younger cocked his head in confusion. “I didn’t want to come back. You— you made me?”

“What?” Seokjin asked, looking at the other vampire in alarm. “What do you mean I made you? I wasn’t anywhere near you.”

Yoongi pulled back some, pointing to his head. “You were in here. You— you told me to come back and my feet just started walking. I didn’t have control over my own body.” They were quiet, staring at each other in confusion. “I could also feel you— your emotions. You were— scared— for me. And Angry.”

Seokjin snorted, pulling Yoongi back into his chest as he sat back against the wall and let the younger settle comfortably in his lap. “Of course I was. You’re my fledgling. I may not have meant to create you, Yoongi-ah, but the fact is I did and you are my responsibility and I will take care of you. So please— don’t leave my side.” He brushed back the younger’s hair before pulling his head down to cradle it against his collarbone. 

The fledgling closed his eyes, allowing Seokjin’s sweet, warm scent to wrap around him like a hug as he felt out the elder’s emotions. The sincerity behind the vampire floored Yoongi and made him think that maybe— just for now— he could stay by Seokjin’s side. 

1103 - Those Who Wander

Shownu was tired of being alone. He had been alone since the day he was born, ostracized from his village for being different— non-human— but they didn’t drown him as a pup so he was grateful to them to some extent. Once he could hunt and care for himself, he wandered off into the woods on his own. Four hundred years later, and Shownu was still wandering— alone. Sure he had had packs— partners, friends— over the years but nothing that made him want to settle down and start a pack— start a life with anyone. But he was tired. So when he caught the scent of sweet cinnamon intermixed with a vanilla and caramel, he followed it. It had been so long since someone’s scent intrigued him enough to change his course that he just had to meet the wolves responsible. 

He made his way to a small inlet, eyeing the well worn wooden huts lining the coast affectionately. This was a pack that had been here for a long time. They had built themselves a life here and Shownu was hesitant to barge in but he had to know. 

The alpha stood cautiously on the edge of the territory, hands passively held at his side as an old, white-haired alpha came up to greet him. 

“What can I do for you, son?” he asked, smiling kindly at the younger alpha. 

“I’m just looking for a place to rest,” Shownu responded, doing his best to come across non-threatening. “I’ve been traveling for a while and I caught your pack’s trail and followed it. I’m sorry if I am intruding.”

The alpha waved him off, smiling softly as he wrapped his arm around Shownu’s much larger shoulders. “Nonsense, child. Come— meet my pack. We’ll give you a place to rest. Stay as long as you like.”

Shownu had been at the inlet for three days before he caught wind of one of the scents again. He was in a nearby stream, washing himself when he felt another presence behind him. He turned around, scrubbing at his hair as he looked at the incredibly muscled, incredibly shy alpha standing near the large oak with a small pile of clothes and a bar of lye in his hands. 

The alpha shifted from foot to foot, staring at Shownu with reddened cheeks. “I ah— I’m sorry, alpha-ssi,” the stranger whispered, backing up slightly. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Shownu waved his apology off before beckoning him over. “No need to apologize, this is your river too. My name is Shownu.”

“Ah,” the young wolf grinned, rubbing at the back of his neck awkwardly. “Everyone just calls me Wonho.” He bowed to the strange wolf. “It’s nice to formally meet you, Shownu-ssi. You’re all the pack can talk about.”

The elder alpha laughed boisterously. “I imagine I have caused some ruckus, haven’t I?”

Wonho nodded, carefully setting his pile of clothes on the ground before carefully disrobing and getting into the water himself. “I know of quite a few omegas in the pack that are hoping they can reel you in.”

Shownu grinned, rolling his eyes at Wonho playfully. “I’ve been on my own for over four hundred years, Wonho-ah. It’ll take more than a pretty omega to tie me down.”

“Four hundred years?” Wonho asked, nearly dropping his soap in shock. “That’s a long time to be alone, Shownu-ssi.”

The elder shrugged, taking the lye from Wonho’s grip and turning the younger wolf around as he washed his back. “It’s all I’ve ever known. But, if I’m honest, your scent led me here. You and another scent— vanilla and caramel. It surprised me when I followed your scents here, two sweet delicious scents amidst all of these floral and earthy scents.”

Wonho looked down in embarrassment. “I know— I’m too sweet to be an alpha. Our pack alpha had anticipated for me to present as an omega.”

Shownu wrapped his arms around Wonho’s wide shoulders. “There is nothing wrong with having a sweet scent as an alpha, Wonho-ah.” He smiled against the younger’s shoulder blade. “It just means you have an extra sweet personality.”

The younger alpha blushed heavily, looking down into the water as the elder held him close. “Why— Why am I letting you— I don’t understand. I’m so— comfortable with you. I— I don’t even know you, Shownu-ssi.”

He smiled wider, rubbing his cheek against Wonho’s neck. “I’m not entirely sure, Wonho-ah. But I do know that I’ve never felt like this for anyone before. My wolf has been screaming at me to claim you since I first smelled your sweet cinnamon scent— even before I knew what you looked like. You’re mine— You and the other sweet scent lingering around this pack’s territory. Do you know who I’m talking about?”

Wonho nodded slowly, eyes closing against Shownu’s ministrations. The elder carefully led them to the edge of the creek, helping the other wolf out of the water. Wonho brought his hand up to his neck. “You scented me.”

Shownu chuckled, nodding his head as he helped Wonho get dressed before dressing himself. “I did. Does that upset you?”

He shook his head, giving the elder a dopy little grin as he accepted his things from the wolf. “No, hyung— It’s— It’s okay if I call you that, right?”

“Nothing would make me happier,” Shownu responded, reaching forward to ruffle Wonho’s hair. “I’ve never been a hyung before.” He gave the younger a fond look, tucking him against his chest. “Will you introduce me to our other mate?”

Wonho nodded, dazed, as he led the elder back to the pack houses. He brought Shownu past the majority of the huts, towards the far outskirts of the pack settlement. The huts out here were obviously abandoned, unkept, and in disrepair— no place for a wolf— especially one of Shownu’s— to be living. Wonho stopped in front of a splintered door, the faint smell of urine lining the foundation made the elder crinkle his nose in disgust. 

“What—”

“Mark-hyung is— he’s the runt, Shownu-hyung,” Wonho explained, carefully opening the door to the hut and leading the elder inside. “We’re not exactly well received in our pack and sometimes— some of the pack like to remind us of our place.”

“Like pissing on your door?” Shownu growled, rubbing the back of Wonho’s hand in soothing circles so that the other alpha knew that it wasn’t him who had angered him. 

Wonho nodded hesitantly, moving over towards the small mat set up in the corner where a small body was curled up. “Hyung’s been sick recently. It’s been passed through most of the pack at this point but Alpha refuses to give Mark-hyung any of the healing herbs so his recovery is a bit slower.”

Shownu growled again, coming up to crouch down next to Mark’s head, bringing a gentle hand out to brush back the younger’s bangs. “Aish— aren’t you a pretty thing,” he murmured, smiling at the sleeping omega in the dim light. He was in heaven, surrounded by such sweet scents and the knowledge that both of these beautiful wolves were his. Never before in his life had he ever felt so sure of something before. These wolves were his and he would take care of them for the rest of eternity. He shuffled into a sitting position, carefully, picking up Mark’s lithe form and tucking him into his chest. Mark responded beautifully, wrapping tiny arms around his shoulders as he snuffled into Shownu’s neck in sleepy curiosity. 

“Won-ah?” he mumbled, turning his head towards where Wonho was still kneeling. The young alpha jumped forward, bracketing the omega in from his back, leaning in to give the elder an affectionate kiss to the cheek. 

“It’s okay, hyung,” he whispered, running his fingers up and down the elder’s spine. “This is Shownu-hyung. He wanted to meet you.”

Shownu nodded, using his thumb to imprint his scent onto the omega’s gland. “I’m sorry I’m being so forward. I’m afraid I’ve never been so sure of myself before and I just— my wolf needs to hold you both close for a moment.” He stretched his arm out to encompass Wonho, pulling him against his chest as well.

The alpha submitted easily, baring his neck for the elder to scent again as he hummed contentedly. They were interrupted by a wet cough, Mark burying his face in Shownu’s soft hanbok. 

“Aish, my sweet baby,” Shownu cooed, running his fingers through Mark’s hair. He turned to Wonho who had sat back to watch the omega worriedly. “What kind of herbs do you need?”

Wonho looked at the elder in shock before scooting across the ground to pull out a small satchel. “We— I have a mint plant and I— I stole this chamomile from noona a few huts down. But— we still need catnip. I— once I have that I can make hyung the herbal remedy but— I can’t leave him for that long. It’s— it’s not safe.”

The younger’s admission made Shownu growl again, opening his arm for Wonho to bury himself against his neck again, rubbing some of his sweet cinnamon into his own peppermint. Shownu hummed happily, baring more of his neck for Wonho before making the younger pull away. He motioned toward their sleeping mat, “Lay down, pup,” he cooed, still holding securely onto Mark. Wonho followed, tucking himself against the wall as he laid on his side and watched the elder in curiosity. Shownu shuffled over, laying Mark down against the younger wolf. “Aish— you two are adorable.” He leaned over them, pressing soft kisses to each of their cheeks before pulling back. “Hyung is going to go get you the catnip, angels,” he murmured, reaching forward to brush Mark’s bangs out of his face. 

The omega looked up at him through glassy eyes, whining quietly as he reached towards the alpha. “ ‘yung.”

Shownu’s heart melted, leaning in for one more kiss before pulling away completely. “Hyung will be back before you know it,” he promised, before leaving through their broken door.

Shownu was on his way back to his mates’ hut, catnip in the satchel he had taken from Wonho before he left in one hand and a fat rabbit in his other. He had spotted the small campfire outside of their front door on his way out and had decided that that would do just fine to provide for his mates. 

“Oppa! Shownu-oppa! What are you doing all the way out here?” Shownu turned around, trying not to look too annoyed at being interrupted by the tall omega wolf that had run up to him. She smiled at him, batting her eyes as she eyed his catch hungrily.

“I am busy. And I would prefer if you did not speak so informally with me. We are not friends. I don’t even know your name.” Okay. Maybe he wasn’t trying as hard as he should.

“Oh! I’m—”

“Neither do I wish to know.” Yup. Definitely hurt her sensitive feelings. Shownu couldn’t find it in himself to care though as he turned back down the path towards Mark and Wonho’s. 

“You can’t really be going to the runt’s shack,” she scoffed, folding her arms across her chest as he tapped her foot in irritation. “The runt and his gender-confused mate aren’t worth your time, Oppa. Why don’t you come back to my hut and I’ll show you what a real omega can do.”

Shownu scoffed, not bothering to turn around to face the cocky omega again. “I think I can tell a real omega for myself thanks. Best be on your way before you truly piss me off though.”

With that he walked away, ignoring her indignant screeching as he made his way back to his mates’ door. He knocked lightly before opening it, smiling as he saw that Wonho had fallen asleep with his arms wrapped securely around an equally dead-to-the-world Mark. He set the satchel down in front of them on the ground before making his way back outside to start a fire and cook his rabbit. 

About half an hour later, Shownu brought the cooked rabbit back in, smiling at the now awake Wonho who was crouched over a broken cup that he was grinding the herbs into. “Hi, hyung,” he greeted, smiling up at Shownu fondly. “Thank you— for the catnip. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble for you.”

Shownu bent down, pressing a fond kiss to Wonho’s temple. He placed the cooked rabbit on the ground, going over to pick up a still sleepy Mark and cradled him to his chest as he joined Wonho on the ground near their interior fire. He reached around the omega in his lap peeling off a bit of the meat before holding it up to Mark’s lips. 

The omega turned away, hiding his head in Shownu’s chest. “Alphas eat first,” he murmured, body trembling. “Then the betas, and then omegas— runts get scraps.”

The alpha growled, gently pulling Mark’s head away from his neck. “Not with me they don’t. We eat together— as equals. Sick and injured are fed first as they need the most to heal. So open up, Mark-ah. Hyung is going to feed you now so that you can get better.”

The two wolves stared at Shownu in shock before Mark hesitantly opened his mouth to accept the rabbit, humming happily at the explosion of warm juices that dribbled across his tongue as he chewed. “Thank you for the meal, alpha.”

Shownu smiled happily, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Mark’s sweaty hair. “Hyung is always happy to feed you, pup.” He turned to Wonho who was still holding the herbal tea in his hands. “Hand that to me, please, Wonho-ah. And please eat your fill as well. Hyung caught this rabbit for the two of you. Please eat well.”

Shownu had been with Mark and Wonho for nearly a week when the old pack alpha made his way to their hut, smiling at the other alpha serenely. “Shownu-ah,” he crowed in faux delight. “I must insist you stop interacting with the slums of our people and come back to our pack center. I have much more suitable omegas for you than the runt.”

The alpha swallowed his growl as he caught Wonho and Mark’s dejected slumps at their pack alpha’s complete disregard for them. “I have met with your ‘suitable’ omegas, alpha-ssi. However, none of them call to me quite like Mark and Wonho do. What would it take for you to part with those two? I think it’s about time for me to be on my way but I’m afraid I cannot leave without them.”

There were gasps from the pack around them, a soft murmuring rising up as they marveled at Shownu’s declaration. The old alpha laughed heartily. “ Those two ? You want to start a pack with them ? By all means, Shownu-ssi, take our flotsam wolves if you so desire but you’ll be regretting your decision if you do. Like I told you, I have much better options if you’re looking to settle down. Quite a few of my omegas have expressed an interest in mating to you.”

“And I have made myself quite clear,” Shownu replied. “I want Mark and Wonho.”

The old man waved halfheartedly. “By all means then, Shownu-ssi. Take the runt and the dud. They’re all yours.” The alpha limped over to the two wolves in question, succinctly ripping his claws through both of their pack bonds before moving back towards the path, leaving the two on the ground where they fell. “I expect the three of you gone by sunrise, Shownu-ssi.” With that, he and the rest of his pack left the three wolves on the edge of their territory. 

As soon as they were gone, Shownu ran to the other two, tucking them both into his chest as he pressed frantic kisses to each of their faces. “I’m so sorry, my babies,” he cried. “I didn’t think he would react so violently. I’m so sorry. Alpha will fix it. Hmm? Would you do the honor of being mine?”

Wonho pulled pack, holding Shownu’s cheeks between his hands as his tears slowly abated. “Only if you can be our’s too, hyung.” 

Shownu smiled widely, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to Wonho’s lips. “That would make me very happy, maknae.” He leaned down, pressing another kiss to Mark’s hair. “Are you okay with this Mark-ah?”

Mark’s head flew up, staring at Shownu with wide eyes. “ Please , hyung. I— I want to be yours so badly— and Wonho-ah’s. I want you to be mine too.”

Shownu smiled, standing up with the small omega still in his arms. He wrapped his arm around Wonho’s waist, leading the two of them back into their hut. The alpha sat on the sleeping mat, setting Mark next to him as Wonho completed their three-pointed circle. “Alright— I have to be honest. I know the theory of pack bonding but— I’ve never actually seen it in action,” he confessed in embarrassment.

The two giggled, falling into each other as they stared at their awkward hyung. Wonho was the first to sober up, staring at the elder intently, “You’ll be pack alpha, right?” he asked, worrying his lip intensely.

Shownu reached forward, pulling the lip from his teeth as he smiled reassuringly. “If that’s okay with the two of you, I’d very much like that— to take care of you.”

They nodded, smiling happily. “Then it’s mostly up to you, hyung. To claim us you bite us and accept us into the bond.”

Wonho’s answer made the elder alpha frown, something about that not sitting right with him. “There’s— there’s no point where you claim me?”

Mark shook his head. “Pack alpha has all the power— the power to claim, and to take away, and to control. The pack listens and abides by the pack alpha’s law.”

“I don’t like that,” Shownu stated, frown deepening. “We’re equals. If I’m claiming you, then you will claim me as well.” He was silent for a moment while he thought before he smiled brightly. “Alright. How about this. I bite Wonho-ah first— to open the bond between us.” He reached up, rubbing soothingly over the wolf’s healing pardon. “Then Wonho-ah can accept the bond— by biting me here. ” He pointed to his chest, directly over his heart. “This— this will indicate him as my second. I’ll seal our bond by biting him again, accepting him.” Wonho nodded excitedly, smiling at the other alpha widely. “I’ll claim Mark-ah next, open his invitation. Then I want you, Wonho-ah, to accept him as well.”

Mark leaned forward, grinning widely. “Then I get to claim your heart?”

Shownu laughed, ruffling the younger’s hair. “Then you get to claim my heart. And then I’ll seal our bond. Equals.”

“Equals,” Mark agreed, leaning into the alpha. He looked over to Wonho conspiratorially. “Does this mean I can finally claim Wonho-ah back? Our old pack alpha would have pardoned us if we had. You know— me being an omega and all.”

“I would be very happy to see you claim our maknae, Mark-ah. Make sure he knows he belongs to both of us completely.”

The three fell into giggles laying together contentedly for a few moments before Shownu began. 

They left before dawn, the three’s meager belongings in two rucksacks, as they headed out of the territory. “Where are we going, alpha?” Mark asked from his spot on Wonho’s back, his cheek resting lazily against the younger’s shoulder as he watched their progress.

“I’m not sure,” Shownu replied, wrapping his arm around Mark’s, and by extension Wonho’s, waist. “Anywhere you have in mind?”

“I’ve always wanted to see the ocean,” Wonho replied, shrugging lightly, “But I’ll go anywhere with hyungs.”

Mark snorted, closing his eyes. “Sap. Let’s go to the ocean, hyung.”

Shownu smiled, humming happily. “Alright— to the ocean we go then.”

1253 - From the Ashes

Bambam clung to his alpha desperately as he watched his home go up in flames. Jaebum led the catatonic omega over to a giant willow tree, far enough away from the fire that he knew the younger would be safe. “Stay here, pup,” he commanded, pulling away reluctantly. He closed his ears off from his omega’s desperate cries as he ran back into the burning wreckage. “Jackson-ah!” he yelled, searching frantically through the burning huts for his missing mate. “Jackson-ah! Where are you?!”

He paused, cocking his head to the side as he heard the telltale whimper of someone— anyone— alive. Jaebum sprinted towards the noise, turning the corner and nearly falling over a hunched, shaking figure. He dropped down, wrapping his arms around Jackson’s broad form. 

“Jackson-ah, come on, my love. We can’t stay here.”

The alpha tried to pull the beta up but the younger resisted, clinging on tighter to the small body in his arms. “Eomma,” he cried, rocking the limp body of his mother back and forth. “Eomma!”

Jaebum wanted to cry for his mate. Wanted to hold him and soothe him and make all of his pain go away. But now wasn’t the time. He could hear the building around them crumbling as the fire continued to lick at the support pillars. “I know baby,” he soothed, pulling at Jackson’s shoulders. “I’m sorry. But we can’t stay here, Jackson. Baby, your eomma is dead but you’re still alive. I’m still alive. But we won’t be if we stay here.” Jackson shook his head. “Bambam-ah is out there waiting for us, Jackson,” he tried again. “We need to go. We can’t leave our omega all alone.”

“I can’t ,” the younger cried. “I can’t leave her. Go, hyung. Please. ”

Jaebum sighed, coughing as he inhaled too much of the smoke in that breath. “Fine then. You want to play that game?” He let go of the beta before moving to sit down across from him. “Then you’re going to watch me die too. And you’re going to die with the knowledge that you left our omega out there to die on his own too.”

Jackson stared at his alpha in shock, gasping through his sobs as he gaped at Jaebum in horror. “Hyung— you can’t—”

“I will, Jackson-ah. You decide. Right here. Right now. We all die or none of us die.”

The beta froze, glaring at his alpha as he debated the other’s resolve. The building around them gave a terrifying shudder, spurring the younger into action. He set his mother to the side, ripping off her necklace before grabbing Jaebum’s arm and hauling the alpha up. Jackson fought his way through the flames, keeping a tight hold on the elder as they broke through the burning rubble. 

Bambam released a relieved cry as the two staggered out, sprinting over to them and enveloping them both in a tight hug. “Hyungs!” he cried, pressing close. 

Jackson released Jaebum to pick the younger up and take him further from the fire. He collapsed under the giant willow, settling the omega in his lap as he watched his home burn to the ground. Jaebum made his way over, swallowing thickly as he settled behind Jackson, bracing the younger between his legs as he held both of his mates to his chest. Jackson turned his head, ducking to hide his face in Jaebum’s neck. 

“Hyung,” he whimpered, clinging to Bambam tighter. “Our families— our home .”

“I know, babies,” the alpha murmured, closing his eyes against his tears. “I know. I’m so sorry, angels.” He rubbed his nose against Bambam’s, relishing in the apples he could faintly smell under all of the smoke. Suddenly, there was a rustling in the bushes, making Jaebum stand up in alarm. His two mates quickly followed, staggering onto unsteady feet as they clung to each other, knowing better than to get between their alpha and danger. 

“Hyung?” Jackson asked wearily. 

“We need to go,” the alpha stated, reaching behind to grab at both of his mates. “The humans are still here— looking for survivors.” Quickly, he pulled the other two into the surrounding forest, letting the thick foliage camouflage them from the bloodthirsty humans. They trekked through the woods for a while before they took shelter under an overhang near the river just as the skies opened up and released a torrential rain storm. 

Jaebum sat down on the hard earth, tucking each of his mates against his side as he finally allowed himself to release a bit of the anguish bubbling up inside of him. His parents— his grandfather— all gone in moments. He was aware of the negotiations their pack alpha, his father, had been working on with the local human village. From everything his father had said, the humans had responded positively. 

Clearly not. 

He swallowed. Closing his eyes as he thought of his father’s smiling, hopeful face moments before their world had caught on fire.

“You’re going to make an excellent pack alpha one day,” his father had said; so happy; so proud. But he didn’t want it . Jaebum had never wanted the responsibility of pack alpha and tonight and only proved it. He wanted to throttle himself because of his own foolishness. How could he have thought sacrificing himself was a good tactic to make Jackson listen to him. He should have alpha’ed up and dragged the beta from the wreckage kicking and screaming. He should have gone back and tried to search for more survivors. He should have sensed the humans incoming and stopped them before they ever attacked. 

He didn’t want this. 

He didn’t want this responsibility. 

And he didn’t want the guilt that came with it.

He just wanted his father. 

He wanted to go home.

Jaebum had left Jackson and Bambam at the river, promising to be back before the sun passed it’s highest point. He was scouting out what was left of their home; checking for any straggling humans, looking for any possible lone survivors, counting their dead. He trampled through the rubble, bare feet crunching under the soggy ashes as he searched for something— anything. 

He released a high pitched keening noise as he caught sight of a wrist— charred around the edges, packmark directly over the veins and claiming bite encircling it. Jaebum dropped down next to his mother, holding her ice cold hand as he sobbed into the ground. 

He’s not sure how much time he lost before he heard a trembling voice mumble, “What in the hell happened here?” 

Jaebum shot up, already half shifted as he growled threateningly at the invaders. He was met with a small, soft face on an equally small and soft body. Omega. 

“Hey— settle down, pup,” the omega crooned, moving slowly towards the enraged alpha. “We’re not here to hurt you. Hmm? Let hyungs help you, yeah? I’m sorry about your pack, sweetheart— so sorry. I know you’re scared, but you’re safe now, alright?”

The alpha panted heavily, instincts still on high alert even as his brain caught up with the strange omega’s words. 

“There we go,” the omega cooed, taking another step towards Jaebum. “That’s a good pup. You’re doing so well— such a brave alpha.” He took another step, now directly in front of the hunched over alpha. “Hyung is going to hug you now, alright, pup? You’re not alone. Hyung’s got you.” The omega reached forward, carefully pulling Jaebum into his small, firm chest. The alpha stood frozen for a few moments before he collapsed into the elder wolf’s chest, letting out great big sobs in the safety of this stranger. “That’s it. Good pup. Let it out. Hyung’s got you.”

The omega slowly lowered them to the ground, comically pulling the larger alpha into his lap as he soothed the wolf. It was silent for a while, with the exception of the omega’s soft, comforting crooning and Jaebum’s gasping sobs. He did, eventually, get a hold of himself enough to pull away from the omega long enough to inspect his surroundings. He released a near-feral growl when he spotted the two alphas sitting a few meters from his person, quickly flipping his position to crouch protectively over the omega. 

“You’re alright, pup,” the taller of the two alphas soothed, holding his hands out, palms up, in front of him in a placating gesture. “We’re not going to hurt you. We just want to help.”

Behind him, the omega cautiously brought his hand down to rest on his spine. “Those are my alphas, angel. They’re safe. You’re safe.” He tugged lightly on the back of Jaebum’s charred hanbok, encouraging the younger alpha to settle back into his lap. “That’s a good pup,” he praised as Jaebum finally relaxed some. “My name is Mark. What’s your name?”

He swallowed, glancing over to the two alphas again before mumbling a quiet, “Jaebum.”

“Jaebum— that’s a lovely name. That’s Wonho and Shownu. I think it’s safe to assume we’re all your hyungs. Can you tell me what happened?”

Jaebum shook, turning to hide himself against the small omega. “Humans. We— we thought— we thought we had made an agreement with them but— but they attacked us while we were sleeping. My pack— they—” He broke down into sobs again, clinging to the omega desperately. He felt a large hand at his back, the soothing smell of peppermint invading his senses as one of the alphas bracketed him from behind. Surprisingly, having a strange alpha touching him did not trigger his instincts like it normally would have. 

He kept clinging to Mark, letting himself be comforted by the omega and alpha until he was interrupted by a quiet, terrified, “ Hyung ?”

The alpha shot up, scrubbing at his face as he stared at Bambam’s shaking form as he clung to an equally trembling Jackson. Jaebum stepped away from the strange wolves, opening his arms for the other two who wasted no time in wrapping themselves around their alpha.

“Hyung?” Jackson whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the alpha’s scent gland. “You didn’t come back. Are— are you alright? Do— I’ll fight them if they hurt you.”

Jaebum released a wet laugh, pulling the beta closer to him. “I’m alright, Jackson-ah. These wolves were just passing through— saw me having a bit of a breakdown and decided to help.” He kissed Jackson’s cheek fondly before doing the same to Bambam. “Thank you, baby.”

“Are you— are you all that’s left?” Wonho asked, taking a few cautious steps towards the trio. 

Bambam nodded, eyeing the alpha hopefully. “Unless you’ve seen any other wolves?” At Wonho’s head shake, he dropped his own in despair, clinging tighter to Jaebum. 

“Aish— hyung,” Mark admonished, “We can’t leave these babies by themselves.”

Shownu smiled softly, ruffling the omega’s hair. “When did I ever say we were going to do that, Mark-ah?” he asked, kissing the younger’s cheek. “Hmm? We’ll take care of them.”

Mark hummed happily, giving his pack alpha a kiss as a reward before skipping over to the trio of wolves and pressing in close to Bambam’s back. “Aish, you’re shaking sweetheart,” he cooed, wrapping his arms softly around the other omega’s waist. “Hyung’s got you, come ‘ere.”

The younger omega fell easily into Mark’s embrace as Shownu and Wonho came up as well, each taking a younger wolf into their arms. The pack alpha wasted no time in pulling Jaebum to his neck, bending down to inhale a large portion of the smaller male’s spicy orange scent in the process. He hummed happily, petting Jaebum’s hair softly as he felt the younger melt against his chest with little resistance. “Good pup,” he hummed, kissing the top of the boy’s head as he led Jaebum away from the rubble. He heard shuffling behind him that indicated his packmates were doing the same thing with the other two wolves. 

Shownu followed the trail of spicy orange, melons, and apples back to a small overhang near the river, quickly settling himself down on the hard earth and pulling the alpha into his lap. Wonho settled next to him, happily wrapping his arms around Jackson’s waist as he settled the younger between his thighs. His omega stood at the lip of the roof, hugging Bambam’s back as he rested his cheek on the taller’s bicep. 

“Look at our wolves, pup,” he cooed, gently rubbing the younger’s stomach. He leaned up to press a kiss to the other’s chin before leading him further into the alcove and settling them in between the four other wolves. The omega hummed happily, nuzzling into Bambam’s neck. “Introductions are in order, I think,” he declared, resting his chin on the younger omega’s shoulder. “My name is Mark but you all can call me hyung— unless any of you were born before the 1000’s?”

All three of the new wolves shook their head, looking at the elder as if he had lost his mind. Shownu laughed, pressing his face in between Jaebum’s shoulder blades to muffle the sound. 

“Well,” Wonho started, smiling widely, “While our alpha is composing himself— I’m Wonho. I’m also your hyung but the youngest of the three of us.”

Mark cooed, reaching over to squeeze the alpha’s cheek, “Our big, strong maknae.”

“I am called Shownu,” the alpha offered once his laughter subsided, rubbing his thumbs in little circles on Jaebum’s hips. “I’m the alpha of our pack. Please call me hyung.”

“Jackson,” the beta offered sleepily, nose buried in the alpha’s neck. “Tha’s Bammie. He’s our maknae.”

Mark smiled widely, pressing a kiss to Bambam’s cheek. “Such sweet pups,” he praised. “You must be so tired, babies.”

Shownu hummed in agreement, pulling a few spare hanboks from their rucksack to use as a makeshift nest. He spread them out over the ground, causing Mark to chirp in happiness before laying down on top of the fabric, pulling Bambam with him. The omega tucked Bambam against his chest, opening his other arm for Wonho to shuffle Jackson into Mark’s side as the alpha stood up. The pack alpha followed suit, tucking Jaebum snugly against Bambam’s back. He sat next to the younger, rubbing his back for a few minutes before standing up again. 

“You going back to the village?” Mark asked quietly as he ran his fingers through Jackon’s hair. 

Wonho nodded, lacing his fingers with Shownu’s tightly. “Yeah. You’ll stay with the babies?” Mark smiled widely, nodding his head. “That’s a good omega,” he praised. “We’ll be back by nightfall.”

Jaebum turned to look at the two elder alphas in confusion, moving to sit up before Mark gently pulled him back down. “Hyungs will take care of everything, Jaebum-ah. Please rest.” The younger slowly allowed himself to be pulled back into a horizontal position, eyeing the alphas wearily as they waved goodbye.

The sound of Jaebum’s light footfalls alerted the alphas to his approach as he ran after them, catching up quickly, “I should be helping, too,” he argued, “These are my people.”

Shownu sighed, reaching up to ruffle the younger’s hair fondly. “You should be taking care of your pack, Jaebum-ah.”

That seemed to be the breaking point for Jaebum as he collapsed to the forest floor in tears, pulling at his hair in distress. “I can’t . I can’t do this... I can’t take care of a pack. I wasn’t meant for this, hyung. How— how can I take care of my pack? I’m not— I’m not a pack leader. I can’t be. I don’t know what to do. ”

The elder wolf dropped down onto the ground, quickly enveloping the smaller wolf into his arms, “Oh Jaebum-ah.” He pulled the alpha into his lap, gently tugging the boy’s hands away from his hair and handing them to Wonho, who had dropped down to crouch next to them, to hold before leading Jaebum’s head to his scent gland. “You’re not alone, sweetheart. You misunderstood me. I don’t expect you to lead your pack. I just wanted you to rest with them and comfort them. The three of you have been through a great ordeal and you need time to heal. I know Mark’s scent is comforting but it’s not familiar to your wolves. They need their alpha.” He rocked the sobbing wolf in his arms gently, feeling Wonho lean forward to envelope Jaebum’s open side.

“We’re not planning on leaving you alone, Jaebum-ah,” Wonho reassured, kissing down the knobs of the younger’s spine. “Not unless you tell us too— and even then, we’ll probably be hard pressed to go.”

Jaebum sniffed, cautiously rubbing his cheek against Shownu’s neck, making the elder hum happily. “That’s a good pup. Hyungs are proud of you. You’ve done so well so please rest and let hyungs take care of you alright?” 

The younger nodded, feeling Wonho move from his back before he was picked up, making him startle. “You’re alright, Jaebum-ah. Hyung’s got you,” Wonho murmured, pulling the younger closer to his chest in his bridal hold. “Just close your eyes.”

The wolf did as he was told, hooking his arms around the elder’s neck as he felt himself begin to move. He buried his head in Wonho’s chest, breathing in his sweet cinnamon scent in hearty mouthfuls. 

They quickly made their way back to the alcove, carefully depositing the exhausted alpha in among the pile of limbs. “We’ll be back before sundown,” Shownu stated, bending down to press a soft kiss to Mark’s lips. “Baby, would you start a fire before we get back? We’ll bring something to eat back with us.”

Mark nodded, smiling fondly at his mate from his place among the mass of limbs where he was petting Jackson’s hair as the beta drowsily looked off into middle distance. The two elder alphas waved, making their way back to the destroyed village.

“We’re keeping them, right hyung?” Wonho asked, threading his fingers through his alpha’s as they walked.

Shownu laughed loudly, squeezing the hand in his fondly. “You think Mark-ah would leave them after today? Yes, we’re keeping them. They’re ours, Wonho-ah. We’ll take care of them.”

Wonho smiled. “You know this means I’m no longer the maknae, right?”

The elder giggled, bending over to press a soft kiss to the younger’s cheek. “Yes. And you’ll make a wonderfully attentive hyung, Wonho-ah.”

1432 - A Second Chance

Death shouldn’t hurt this much. Namjoon was certain of that much, at least. His home was destroyed, covered in blood and deep, animalistic gouges in the wood of the village homes. He gasped, feeling the cavernous wound pulse against the skin of his side. The wolves that had attacked his village hadn’t left much in the way of survivors. He could hear his neighbor crying out into the night, half of his leg ripped off by sharp teeth; a little girl sobbing down the street, unable to speak where her throat had been torn apart; the halmeoni in the house next to him gasping for breath as the infection set in, her old heart unable to take the change. Namjoon grasped at the dirt under his fingers as he tried to crawl to shelter, something— anything— to hide himself from the rogue wolf pack. 

The human had grown up on the tales of wolves and packs, rumored to be supernaturally strong and have heightened senses, able to shift into larger-than-life wild animals. They were told to be relatively peaceful creatures as long as they weren’t provoked. 

These wolves— these wolves were nothing like Halmeoni’s tales. They were vicious and bloodthirsty as they tore apart his village for their own amusement. He swallowed down the sobs threatening to bubble up his throat, pulling himself into the crawl space of his neighbor’s front deck. 

He could feel the wolf in his mind. He was raging, furious, as he sensed his newly turned wolves he had left back in Namjoon’s village. The wolf was coming back and Namjoon was terrified. Surely, the alpha wolf was going to kill him because the wolf had never intended to turn anyone. Now he was going to clean house. 

Namjoon shook, his whole body trembling in fear as he fell into a fever induced sleep, unable to keep himself conscious any longer. 

The newly-turned wolf was awoken by a sharp pain in his head, his whole body being dragged out from his hiding place by his hair. He gasped, arms shooting up to grapple at the claws pulling him. The wolf threw him away from him the second he was in the open, Namjoon rolling painfully across the grass. He groaned, trying to crawl away from the enraged alpha uselessly. The alpha lept on top of him, sitting on his legs as he ripped what was left of Namjoon’s tunic away from his body, spitting into the boy’s pack bite. 

The alpha grinned viciously, showing off his sharp canines as he dragged a claw down Namjoon’s sternum. He teased the open wound, his claw digging painfully into Namjoon’s bite mark, making the younger scream, thrashing uselessly underneath the alpha, before opening his hand and ripping through the pack bond, severing all ties to the newly turned wolf.

Namjoon was certain that this was the worst pain a person could go through, the physical and mental laceration that ripped through him simultaneously melted his mind, the alpha cackling as he finally got off of him. The newly turned wolf whimpered, unable to move as the alpha sent a harsh kick to his side before abandoning him to pardon the rest of the wolves he had created. He could hear the alpha’s pack hollering excitedly, trampling through Namjoon’s destroyed town as if it were a playground. His neighbors’ cries cut off one by one as the alpha pardoned them, most of them too old or weak to survive the pardon. If Namjoon was honest with himself, he probably wouldn’t survive either— especially if he stayed there. 

He grasped at the ground with his good arm, cradling the other to his wounded side as he carefully pushed himself up. He ground his teeth as he got himself standing. The wolves were still rambunctious further in the village and Namjoon prayed they stayed that way for a while longer. He could feel the blood leaking sluggishly from his wound as he began to stagger towards the treeline of the village. 

He felt delirious from the pain as he limped from tree to tree, heading deeper into the forest and away from the homicidal werewolves. It was nighttime, nearly a new moon with no light to guide him as he stumbled through the overgrowth. Namjoon wasn’t sure how far he had gone by the time he collapsed against a large tree, curling up on his good side as he stared into the darkness. He was at least far enough away that his surroundings were blessedly quiet, the wolves no longer in range for him to hear their hungry growls as they tore his friends apart. He closed his eyes as the pardoning packbite throbbed painfully. 

This was as good a place to die as any. 

At least he couldn’t hear any more screams.

Namjoon woke suddenly, his body jerking violently as a stick snapped near his head. He whimpered, curling into himself tighter. “Please,” he begged, voice barely above a whisper. He wasn’t sure what he was begging for— mercy? a swift death? At this point he wasn’t sure it mattered as long as he could finally rest. 

“Oh god,” a soft voice murmured as the scent of juniper berries invaded his senses. The voice was angelic, melodious and Namjoon was certain that it was an angel, ready to take him away. “What— fuck,” Namjoon bit his lip, not wanting to laugh at the angel in front of him but the idea of such a heavenly being swearing so openly was rather amusing to his, admittedly over-stressed, brain. 

He blinked his tired eyes squinting at the ethereal being now crouched in front of him. The man was gorgeous— small in stature, soft, smooth skin, and the most unusual bright pink hair that fell into his eyes teasingly. He reached up with blood stained fingers, lightly brushing the smaller man’s cheeks. “Pretty—” he mumbled, “Like ‘n angel.”

The man laughed, cupping Namjoon’s cheeks between his palms. “Oh— you’re a charmer, aren’t you, handsome?” He moved his hands down to rest lightly on the wolf’s abdomen. “Let’s see what we can do here.” Suddenly, the man’s hand began to glow a soft white and the air around his wound heated up, making him whimper. “Shh, I know, sweetheart,” he cooed, “I’ll be done soon, stay strong for hyung, okay? Can you tell me your name, beautiful?”

“Namjoon,” he gasped out. “Your hair is— like an allium. How—”

The witch laughed softly, brushing the wolf’s bangs back with the hand not currently creating fire under his skin. “Magic, my dear,” he replied, smiling softly. “I’m a witch. My name is Kihyun.” The light receded as Kihyun pulled his hand away frowning at what he saw. “That’ll have to do for now. I’m afraid you’ll have to walk a bit until we get back to my home. I don’t think I can fully carry you, but you can lean on me. Once we get back to my cottage, Jinyoung, my partner, can help me heal you more. You’ll be back to tip-top shape in no time, Namjoon-ah.”

Namjoon nodded, trying to shoot Kihyun an appreciative smile as he accepted the hand in front of him. “Thank you, Kihyun-ssi.”

“Ah! That’s hyung to you, Namjoon-ah. I’ve seen you half naked— that makes us friends,” Kihyun scolded playfully, wrapping his tiny arm around the wolf’s waist as he did his best to hold the muscled man upright. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s get going. On the way, you can tell me what happened to you, yeah?”

The wolf grasped at the smaller male tightly as they began to walk, slowly explaining the events that had occurred earlier on in the night.

Kihyun led them up to a small stone cottage, kicking the door with his foot as he held up an exhausted Namjoon with both of his arms.

“What are you kicking the door for, hyung?” An annoyed voice called, coming to the door and ripping it open. “Did you forget how to use your— oh— fuck. Come in.” The other witch grabbed for Namjoon, helping Kihyun support his weight as they led him over to the cushions by the hearth. 

“He was attacked by werewolves,” Kihyun explained, brushing his hands down Namjoon’s abs before hovering over the would.

The other witch sucked in a startled breath, taking a step back. “Why would you bring him here , Kihyun-hyung? They’re going to come collect!”

Kihyun shook his head, showing the other witch Namjoon’s abdomen. “No they won’t, Jinyoung-ah. His alpha pardoned him right after changing him. The wolves who turned him assume he’s dead— and he will be if we don’t heal him.”

Jinyoung swallowed nervously, eyeing up the wolf in distrust before slowly nodding his head. “Alright. Alright, hyung. Let’s get to work.”

Namjoon felt warm— and sticky. He groaned, peeling open his eyelids as he examined his surroundings. He was still laying on the cushions in front of the hearth, however, the fire had burnt down to embers, crackling softly. He still lacked a shirt, the source of the stickiness becoming apparent as he glanced down at his chest. 

“Aloe,” a voice explained near his head. He jerked his head to stare at Jinyoung in shock, groaning as the movement caused a sharp pain to ricochet through his body. “Aish,” the witch scolded. “Don’t move, you dumb wolf. You’re healing. Don’t make all of my hard work go to waste. Stay still and rest. Kihyun-hyung will be in with some breakfast soon.”

The wolf nodded hesitantly, eyeing the witch closely. “Are all witches as beautiful as you and Kihyun-hyung?” 

Jinyoung burst into giggles, covering his mouth as he smiled fondly. “Ah— you really are a charmer, hyung wasn’t kidding.” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Namjoon’s forehead. “We’re gonna have to keep our eyes on you, aren’t we?”

He looked away, head foggy too foggy to form a coherent sentence that wasn’t inherently embarrassing. “I’m sorry, Jinyoung-ssi.”

“Ah! That’s hyung to you,” the elder sang, smiling widely. “I finally have a dongsaeng. Don’t take this moment away from me, Namjoon-ah.” He booped Namjoon’s nose, humming in delight when the wolf scrunched his nose in confusion. 

“I’ve never had hyungs before,” he confessed, leaning into Jinyoung’s hand when the elder cupped his cheek. 

The witch hummed thoughtfully, carefully laying down next to Namjoon on his good side. “Well now you have two of them, puppy. Neither of us have cared for a werewolf though so we’ll all learn together, okay?” 

Namjoon nodded, letting the elder tuck his head into his chest. “I’m scared, hyung. My brain is mush— like— like everything is out of focus and I’m scared that— I don’t want to hurt anyone. And there’s this— this part of me that— that just— needs you and Kihyun-hyung. Like— I’ve never felt anything like it before.“ 

Jinyoung hummed, petting Namjoon’s hair softly. “I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Namjoon-ah. Trust your wolf. And trust your hyungs to look after you. We won’t let anything happen to you.”

Jinyoung’s strong honeysuckle scent enveloped Namjoon, making him hum contentedly. “Thank you. I’ll do my best to take care of hyungs too.”

1515 - Pulled Under

Minhyuk loved magic. He loved watching it float around his coven’s home like fairy dust and he loved using it: turning one thing to another, creating something out of nothing. He liked being useful— helping people with his magic. Not everyone in his coven enjoyed helping people, however, many of them danced on the thin line between grey and black magic. Minhyuk was strictly a green witch; he worked with plants and animals, using what the earth gave them to bring harmony. Many of his covenmates mocked him for his magic, but he never let their words bother him so long as at the end of the day he could sleep soundly with the knowledge that he had made a small piece of the world a better place.

He was rudely awoken one night from a deep sleep by his mother shaking his shoulder frantically. “ Come, ” she hissed, “ Hurry. Come, Minhyuk-ah. ” She pulled at him until he stood up, hastily following his mother as she led him outside. When he asked what was going on, she simply pushed him forwards faster. They reached their coven’s altar outbuilding in record time, his mother ushering him in. He looked around in confusion, seeing the rest of his coven standing around a ritual circle. Before he could react, Minhyuk was hit in the chest with a paralyzing jinx, falling to the ground hard.

“I’m sorry, my little sun,” she murmured affectionately, petting back his hair before grabbing him under his armpits and dragging him backwards into the center of the circle. “But we need your power.” She bent down, kissing his cheek affectionately. “It’s alright though, my angel. Eomma found a way to drain your magic without killing you. You’ll still be eomma’s sweet little boy.”

She backed up, threading her fingers through her wife’s as their covenhead began to drain him. He wanted to scream— fight back— beg— anything— but he couldn’t move, couldn’t make a sound. Minhyuk’s magic burned as it was pulled from him, gripping to the insides of his veins like thorns, desperate to stay with its host. The magic left behind a trail of ice in its wake as his body began to shut down. 

He was barely conscious when his mother came up to him, careful to keep her feet out of the circle as she tipped a cup into his mouth, forcing a potion like liquid fire down his throat. The jinx lifted just as the last of his magic was stolen from him. Instead of dying, turning into a husk, his body jerked, curling in on itself as fire raged tenfold through his veins. Minhyuk could hear screaming, loud and piercing, and he wondered if there was someone else dying along with him before he realized that it was probably his own screams he was hearing. 

Darkness slowly engulfed him as unconsciousness dragged him under, the one positive thing about this whole night.

Minhyuk’s head felt like it was about to explode. Everything was fuzzy and he couldn’t move his limbs. He could hear his mother and his covenhead talking above him, muted and distorted as if there were a few layers between them.

“The notes didn’t say... too powerful... have to... Minhyuk’s gone... nothing we can do... take him to the water.”

He could hear his mother crying before there was loud banging like a nail going through wood with a hammer. Minhyuk winced as he swallowed, his throat parched and burning from thirst. He tried to open his eyes, only to be met with darkness. The boy tried to reach out to feel in front of him but his hands didn’t budge, coarse rope wrapped around his torso multiple times keeping his arms pinned to his side. The panic began to rise in his chest, bubbling up in his throat and getting caught behind the hasty gag shoved into his mouth. Whatever he was in began to move, tipping him backwards so that his body slid towards his head which in turn slammed against a wooden wall. He groaned behind his gag, feeling himself scrunch as much as he could against the gravity in what must be a wooden box of some sort. He could smell the bamboo surrounding him, the rough texture under his fingertips, and the hollow thunking every time the box hit something. 

Minhyuk squirmed nervously, trying to make noise beyond his gag, begging to be let out, for help— anything . His coven had stopped talking, the only noise being the constant dragging of the box across the dirt and the steady sound of the waves crashing against the sand. He whimpered as the soft pulling through the dirt turned to the rough, loud scraping of wood on wood as his box was dragged down the pier. He kicked frantically, trying desperately to break out as he reached into his core to try to grasp at any wisp of his magic that might have been left over from their draining.

His box was set down roughly, his head cracking against the wood painfully. There was sobbing, his mother if he had to guess, and soft words of comfort. “Rest, my little sun,” she cried. “Eomma will always love you. Sleep now.”

I’m not dead! He screamed, jerking frantically in his bonds. I’m right here! I’m alive!

The box began to move, scraping against the deck as they began to push him over the edge. Water burials were tradition in his coven for husks. When a member was drained of their magic and died, they weighted their coffin and dropped them into the ocean. It was a rite of passage, like Minhyuk’s father and uncle before him, but he wasn’t dead yet . The box tipped, falling into the icy sea making him gasp as his coffin dropped below the surface of the water. He had seconds before the water began to push in between the cracks of the wood, slowly filling his prison. Air was difficult to take in as he gasped through his tears, the rope feeling like barbed wire as it dug into his skin. He was still upside down, water falling down onto his head rapidly as his whole body contorted in the box. It wasn’t fair! His mother had promised. Why would she go back on that? Why were they treating him like he was dead? They had to have heard him from outside of the coffin. 

He cried, inhaling water as it drowned him. Minhyuk didn’t want to die— not like this. He had so much that he had wanted to do. He closed his eyes, choking around the water in his lungs. Surprisingly, it didn’t burn like he had heard drowning did. His chest was uncomfortably tight, the lack of air pressing against his rib cavity but it didn’t hurt. By this point, his coffin was completely filled with water. He felt the thud as it hit the ocean floor. 

Minhyuk was still upside down, still tied up, and, despite the gallon of water inside of him, still thirsty . 

And, most importantly, he wasn’t drowning . 

Was he dead?

Was this what hell was— being trapped inside of your body and forced to watch yourself decay?

He felt his tears start anew, disappearing into the water around him as he floated in the unending darkness.

1523 - Above the Surface

Hoseok’s magic was acting... strange. Sure he had been on his own for a while— covenless— but still. His magic was— pulling . He had been fighting the pull for nearly a decade, his magic always bringing him back to the same pier on the beaches of Busan. Hoseok didn’t understand why he needed to be here but after ten years of his magic begging for him to come here, he finally decided to listen. 

Now that he was at the water, his magic was raging, begging for... something. Hoseok groaned, dropping down into a crouch as he gripped his hair painfully. What was he doing here? 

Help.

The witch jerked, nearly falling into the water as a voice that was very much not his own echoed through his head. 

“Hello?” he whispered, staring into the moonlit water as if something were about to jump out at him. “Is someone here?”

Please help. 

He shivered, eyes wide in terror as he cautiously asked, “How? Where— where are you?”

Not dead. I’m not dead. Please help. Not dead. Eomma please. I’m not dead. Drowning. Drowning. I don’t want to die. Please.

“Are— are you... in the water?” Hoseok asked, shivering. “Oh god— am I talking to a ghost?”

Not dead. Was dead— maybe? I’m not sure. I’m not dead. So thirsty. Who are you?

Hoseok swallowed nervously, biting his lip as he debated whether or not to answer the voice. His magic made the choice for him, however, when he felt his mouth move without his consent. “I am Hoseok. What’s your name?”

Minhyuk. Please help me. I’m trapped. The water is so cold. Get me out. Please. I’m so thirsty.

The witch stared at the water in front of him in horror, slowly standing up as he brought his hands out in front of him. His magic hummed happily, reaching out into the water before he could tell it to. The water parted like a funnel draining the ocean away down to the sandy bottom where a pile of water damaged coffins laid. Without thinking about it, Hoseok reached down with his magic and pulled one of the coffins up onto the pier next to him, letting the water crash back down. He knelt down next to the coffin, laying his hand on the rotting wood. 

“Minhyuk-ssi?”

There was a sloshing thud against the wood and a low gurgle in response. 

“Fuck, okay. I’m pulling the lid off. What the fuck,” he mumbled, digging his fingers under the lip of the wooden lid and pried if off. He gasped, pulling one of the most beautiful men he had ever seen out of the water filled box by his shoulders. Hoseok carefully picked Minhyuk up, laying him on the slats of the pier. He pulled the rotting gag from the other’s mouth, tipping the man on his side as water spilled out of him. Hoseok worked on the ropes digging into the other’s skin, picking at the knots with shaky fingers as he watched Minhyuk with rapt attention. 

The other man’s eyes were open wide, alternating between staring at Hoseok in fascination and turning his head to cough up more water. “Thank you,” he rasped, coughing again as he took in his first breath of fresh air in nearly ten years. 

Hoseok stared at the other man worriedly as he pulled him up and into a sitting position, propping him up against his chest. “How— I mean— how are you alive?”

“Don’t know,” he mumbled, turning his head to mouth at Hoseok’s neck. “D’you smell coffee? I’m— so thirsty.” 

Before the witch could react, Minhyuk had dug his fangs into Hoseok’s skin. He grappled at the other, trying to pull him away with no success. The mouth against his neck pulled, dragging mouthfuls of blood from him as Minhyuk drank greedily. The vampire moaned around his neck, wrapping his arms around Hoseok tightly as he clung to the elder witch. 

“Minhyuk-ssi,” Hoseok gasped, grasping at the vampire’s shoulders. “Minhyuk-ssi!”

He felt lightheaded, pulling at the vampire’s hair now, trying to get the man to stop as his blinks got heavier. Just as he thought he would pass out, Minhyuk pulled away, staring at the witch in terror.

“I’m— I don’t know why— You taste like coffee?”

Hoseok let out a trembling laugh, reaching up to cup Minhyuk’s cheek with a shaky hand. “I didn’t know you were a vampire, Minhyuk-ssi.”

The vampire looked down, blinking back his tears, “Neither did I.” He leaned into Hoseok’s touch, gasping frantically. “Eomma— eomma’s coven drained me. She said— said I would come back but then I woke up in that box and—” 

“And they buried you anyways,” Hoseok finished solemnly. “I’ve heard of a few covens doing that to their witches. It’s— some kind of cure made from instant death but— no one’s recorded to have survived it before. At least not like they were anticipating. They come back as vampires.”

Minhyuk shook, Hoseok letting him drop his head back down to his neck as he sobbed. “I didn’t want this. I just— I just wanted my plants and my healing stones. I don't want to hurt anybody— I hurt you!”

“I forgive you, Minhyuk-ssi,” Hoseok murmured, running his fingers over top of Minhyuk’s matted mop of hair. “You’re alright. You stopped from killing on your first feeding. That’s more than most fledglings can accomplish.”

The elder frowned, digging his fingers into the witch’s hips. “I— shouldn’t my— my bloodlust or whatever have killed me by now?”

Hoseok brought his hand up to press against Minhyuk’s chest, spreading his fingers wide. “I think it might have been latent magic— it’s what drew me to you, after all. You must have had just enough after your ex-coven drained you to cocoon yourself from backlash,” the witch shrugged, giving him a bright, heart-shaped smile, “But honestly that’s just a guess. I’ve never seen anything like you before. ”

Minhyuk hummed pressing close to Hoseok. “Do you know how long I was down there?”

“It's October of 1523.”

The vampire whimpered, pressing close to Hoseok’s coffee scent. “It was 1515. It— it felt like a lifetime. And like no time at all. And— is my coven still around? I need to— Eomma— I—”

Hoseok hushed him softly, rocking the elder in his arms as he cried. “I don’t think you should go to your coven right now, Minhyuk-hyung. Why don’t I take you back to my home and we can get you all cleaned up; give you a nice haircut and some dry clothes.”

Minhyuk nodded slowly, “That would be nice, Hoseok-ah. Thank you.”

“It’ll be alright. We’ll figure this out together.”

1535 - Light from the Full Moon

Kihyun laughed, sending a few more fireflies to float around the clearing under the full moon. “Come on, Joon-ah,” he called, flopping back into the grass gracelessly. A large wolf jumped excitedly through the long grass, skidding to a stop just before he trampled Kihyun. Namjoon rolled over, displaying his belly for the witch who happily rubbed it before pressing his face into the soft fur. “Aish, Joonie. You still have all this energy? What are we going to do with you?”

Jinyoung laughed, gracefully dropping down next to the two. “Sweet puppy— you make me tired just looking at you. How are you still going?”

The wolf whined, rolling again to hide his nose under his paws as he looked up at the two witches in embarrassment. He was still for a moment before the playful glint returned and he yipped loudly, running at full speed to the other side of the clearing. “Aish,” Kihyun complained, moving to rest his head in Jinyoung’s lap as they watched the wolf play. “Our maknae always surprises me.”

The younger witch giggled, nodding his head as he played with Kihyun’s bright blue hair. He turned his head, watching as Namjoon jetted back to them again, leaping through the tall grass like a bunny. “Joon-ah,” he called, reaching out his hand. “Come drink something, my love.” Namjoon ran over, licking Jinyoung’s face affectionately before lapping at the bowl of water the witches had set out for him. “Aish, you brat,” Jinyoung complained as he wiped at his cheek in annoyance. “You’ll pay for that later, maknae.” 

Namjoon barked out in laughter before freezing, turning his head to stare off into the treeline. “Namjoon?” Kihyun called worriedly, sitting up to stare at the wolf in confusion. There was another rustle in the bushes before a large, imposing wolf stepped out from the treeline, making Namjoon take a hesitant step back before righting himself and standing tall between himself and his witches. Kihyun and Jinyoung both stood up in alarm, watching as five other wolves followed the first one out. Namjoon growled lowly, crouching down as he glared at intruding wolves. 

The largest wolf slowly lumbered up from the back of the pack, moving slowly and without aggression, as he made his way to stand in front of the lone beta. The wolf made a low crooning sound before bringing his head down to nuzzle against Namjoon’s, the beta standing frozen in front of him. Everyone was tense for a moment, watching with rapt attention, before Namjoon released a high pitched whine, flopping down onto the ground and displaying his belly. The wolf, an alpha, Kihyun assumed, growled approvingly before nuzzling Namjoon’s soft fur, sitting down next to him as he began to groom the lone wolf. Namjoon whined in confusion, moving to get up but found himself secured gently by the larger wolf’s paws. 

The rest of the wolves took that as an invitation, running through the clearing excitedly. The two smallest wolves tried to make their way to where the witches were before being scruffed by the other two larger ones, depositing them in a heap by the alpha and Namjoon. There was a soft rumbling that nearly resembled laughter coming from the alpha before Namjoon finally successfully wiggled out, sprinting over to his witches.

“You alright, Joonie?” Jinyoung whispered nervously, scratching behind their maknae’s ears fondly. Namjoon nodded his big head, lolling his tongue out of his mouth as he sent the two a toothy, wolfish smile. Their beta reached up, licking each of their necks in long strips before turning back to the wolf pack. The alpha’s stance relaxed, slowly making his way over to the two non-wolves and sniffling curiously. He hummed in satisfaction, before gently nudging the witches back onto the ground where he thoroughly groomed both of them, much to their disgust. 

Once the alpha was happy with his work he stepped back, nudging Namjoon towards the other wolves with his nose. They ran around the clearing, yipping and pouncing like puppies, until the sun finally brushed the horizon with early morning light. Namjoon ran back to the witches, who at this point, were nearly snoozing as they watched the wolves lethargically. He shifted back into human, rolling his shoulders as he dropped down next to their heads. 

“Hi, hyungs,” he whispered, brushing Kihyun’s hair away from the elder’s face. He leaned down, dropping soft kisses to each of their cheeks.

“Did you make some new friends, Joon-ah?” Jinyoung asked sleepily, slowly sitting up as he watched the wolves shift a few meters away from them. 

The wolf turned bright red, looking down at the ground as he picked at his pants. 

“My name is Shownu,” the tallest wolf answered. “And this is my pack. I’m sorry for intruding but I caught Joon’s scent and I needed to see him for myself.”

“Don’t forget the juniper berry and honeysuckle,” another wolf, tall and buff, sang, wrapping his arm around the pack alpha’s shoulders. “The two of your scents were just as enticing as Joon’s ginger.”

Namjoon rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, shifting to open the space for the wolves on the ground in front of them who happily took the invitation. “Namjoon. I’m Kim Namjoon.”

The buff alpha grinned widely, scooting forward to cup the beta’s cheeks as he squealed. “Aish, you’re such an adorable little beta.”

“Beta?” he asked, cocking his head slightly in confusion. 

Shownu crawled forward, pulling Namjoon into his lap. “You’re a beta, Namjoon-ah. Did you not know that?”

Kihyun frowned, crossing his arms defensively. “Joon-ah’s never had a wolf to explain anything to him and we’ve never had a wolf before him.”

The alpha frowned sadly, tucking Namjoon’s head into his shoulder, releasing some of his peppermint scent. “You’ve never had an alpha, Namjoon-ah?”

The beta clutched at his side, where his pack bite still stung every once in a while. “I did— for a few hours, I think. It was— everything from that night is a bit foggy.”

Mark sucked in a breath, crawling over to the beta urgently as he nuzzled into the younger’s back. “You’re turned,” he whispered, pressing his sweet caramel scent into Namjoon’s clothing. “Oh you poor, sweet baby. What kind of alpha would turn a pup and then leave him to fend for himself?”

Namjoon shrugged, leaning heavily against Shownu’s chest. “I don’t think I was supposed to live,” he admitted, closing his eyes at the gasps that echoed around him. 

“Well I’m very thankful that you did, sweetheart,” the pack alpha murmured. He turned to Jackson, “Baby, would you catch us something?” 

The other beta nodded excitedly, jumping to his feet before bounding off into the treeline. 

“We— we have food back at our cottage,” Jinyoung stuttered, staring at where the wolf disappeared with wide eyes. 

Jaebum laughed, reaching over to scoop the small witch into his lap. “I’m sure you do, sweetheart. Jackson-ah needs the extra time to run off his excess energy— and he’s a beta— that means he’s a peacemaker and he likes to provide. Hunting is one of the ways he feels most fulfilled.” 

Namjoon hummed against the alpha, nodding his head slightly; he could relate with that. Over the past hundred years with the witches he and his wolf had come to an agreement that they would care for their hyungs until their dying breath. 

“So— a beta is a classification?” Kihyun asked, unconsciously relaxing against Wonho who had crept up behind him and pulled the small witch into his lap. 

Mark and Bambam quickly crawled forward, cuddling up against their alphas as they took turns scenting the witches. “It is. Wolves treat the classifications as kind of a second gender,” Mark explained, threading his fingers through Kihyun’s. “Bambam and I are omegas. We’re born smaller, weaker, but more agile. Female omegas are more fertile while males tend to be more affectionate than our counterparts. We’re the ones that run the home and keep the pack progressing in the right direction.”

“Shownu-hyung, Wonho-hyung, and Jaebum-hyung are alphas. That means they’re protectors. They're the largest and strongest of wolves,” Bambam continued. “Alphas are leaders and caretakers of the pack.”

Jinyoung hummed, closing his eyes as Jaebum began to rub up and down his spine soothingly. “So— Joon-ah. He— He needs a pack?” 

The alpha wrapped around him nodded. “Wolves— especially turned ones— need a pack— more specifically, they need an alpha— to nourish the growth of their wolf. The fact that Namjoon-ah is as large as he is says a tremendous amount about the support the two of you must have given him since turning. He’s definitely smaller than he should be for a beta, but he’s not as small as he could be, especially for a turned wolf.” He pressed his cheek against Jinyoung’s hair affectionately. 

Kihyun nodded in understanding, trying to muffle a yawn behind his hand. 

“Ah, Kihyun-hyung,” Namjoon whined, turning to face the witches. “You and Jinyoung-hyung should be asleep by now. I’m sorry.”

The older wolves cooed, Shownu reaching up to stroke his cheekbone affectionately. He stood up, keeping the beta firmly in his grasp, making the younger yelp as he latched on tighter. Wonho and Jaebum followed suit, holding the witches to their chests as if they were babies. Disgruntled, Kihyun wiggled in Wonho’s hold, trying to get down. 

Wonho giggled, bouncing him slightly as he began to follow his pack alpha, not allowing the witch free use of his legs. “Let hyung carry you, Kihyun-ah. Just rest, we’ll take care of you.”

Kihyun sighed, pouting as he let his cheek flop onto Wonho’s wide shoulder. “I hope you don’t expect me to always listen to you,” he chided sleepily. “When I’m more awake you’ll see. I don’t fold so easily.”

The elder laughed loudly, his entire body shaking as he continued to walk, making Kihyun grumble. 

Mark and Bambam skipped between the three with their fingers interlaced. “This is going to be a thing, isn’t it, hyung?” Bambam asked, peering around Jaebum’s shoulder to catch a glimpse of the already sleeping Jinyoung. “Us finding scents that our wolves like and keeping them.”

The elder omega giggled, squeezing Bambam’s hand tightly. “It’s how packs are naturally formed, maknae. It’s weird that our wolves imprinted on witches though. Makes me wonder, you know... if, one day, we’ll imprint on other species as well.”

“I hope not a vampire,” Wonho murmured, shaking his head slightly, “They’re terrifying.”

“Have you ever seen one, hyung?” Namjoon asked, lifting his head up curiously.

“No. And I don’t want to, thank you very much.”

The pack fell into giggles, following a well worn path back to the witches’ cottage. Jackson sprinted up to the pack, an elk thrown over his shoulder. “Is this your house? It’s very nice,” he complimented, making his way over to the fire pit in their front yard. 

“Can we enter your home, sweetheart,” Shownu asked, rubbing Namjoon’s back softly. The beta nodded his head, reaching out to place his hand on the wood of the door to unlock it. “Clever bit of magic,” he noted, smiling over at the sleeping witches in his packmates’ arms. “That’s something we’ll have to get used to— magic.”

Namjoon cocked his head, making himself comfortable on the soft cushions. “We’re really staying with you? You— you want us? Me?”

Shownu cooed, gently cupping the younger’s cheeks. “I do, Namjoon-ah. I want all three of you. My wolf knows that you are a perfect addition to my pack and is begging me to claim you right this instant.” He smiled, pinching the wolf's cheeks affectionately. “I won’t, because I’m a gentleman. But I’m afraid the idea of letting any one of you out of my sight upsets my alpha greatly— you’re stuck with me.”

Wonho and Jaebum brought the other two new maknaes to their pile of cushions gently laying the witches down against the beta. The two immediately rolled to sandwich the youngest’s thighs between their heads in their sleep. “It’s not just your wolf, hyung,” Jaebum murmured, seating himself next to Kihyun’s head as he threaded his fingers through the witch’s hair softly. “I’d be hard pressed to leave them behind for any amount of time.” 

Bambam skipped over, settling himself in Namjoon’s lap as he pushed Shownu away with his toes. “Go help Jackson-hyung, alpha,” he teased. “I want some quality cuddle time with our new puppy.”

“I’m bigger than you, Bambam-hyung,” Namjoon muttered, wrapping his arms around the omega as he gently rested his chin on the taller’s shoulder. 

“Ah, but you’re still a puppy, Joon-ah,” Bambam chided playfully, turning his head to drop a quick kiss to the younger’s cheek. “My puppy. I’m not the maknae anymore, let me have this moment.”

Mark snorted, reaching out to ruffle the younger omega’s hair. “You’ll always be one of the maknaes, Bammie. I don’t care how many more people we add to our pack, you will be my baby until the end of time.”

Bambam looked away, blush flooding his cheeks as he looked at the wooden slats in the ceiling as if for guidance. He was saved from further embarrassment by Jackson skipping into the room, Shownu following behind with a large plate of cut meat. “Let’s eat!” the beta sang as he scurried to secure a place next to Wonho so that he could lean against the elder’s bicep. Shownu set the plate on the low wooden table shoved against the far wall, pulling it over so that everyone could reach the meat. He then scooted over towards the pile of limbs on the cushions, carefully picking Jinyoung’s limp form and settling him in his lap, the boy’s head falling heavily against his chest. Jackson did the same for Kihyun, giggling at how small the witch was in his arms. 

Kihyun whined, turning his face to press closely against Jackson’s neck. He pulled away frowning as he opened his eyes in confusion. “I— why do you smell like you rubbed yourself with cucumber juice, hyung?”

The wolves froze, looking at Kihyun with wide eyes. “You— you can smell our scents?” Wonho asked, staring at the witch in amazement. 

“Is that what that is? Is that why Joonie always smells like ginger? I thought he just spent too much time in the garden.”

Mark snorted, moving to lean against Namjoon’s side as he pulled a piece of meat off of the plate, munching on it lightly as the juice dribbled down his fingers. “Yeah, Namjoon’s scent is freshly chopped ginger.” He cocked his head to the side, staring at the younger curiously. “Do you know what Jinyoung smells like then?”

“Honeysuckle. And Jinyoung and Namjoon say that I smell like juniper berries. But I thought that that was just like— a placebo because Joon-ah always compliments our scents.”

Wonho hummed thoughtfully. “I’ve heard of non-wolves picking up certain traits of wolves when they’re integrated into a pack. It’s possible that this is one of those instances.”

The witch shrugged, moving to stick his face back in Jackson’s neck. “Don’t really care why I can smell you. You smell good, hyung.” 

As Kihyun relaxed fully against the other’s chest, Jackson stroked his back, trying to get him to sit up again. “Ah, Ki— Eat some food first before you go to sleep again. Hyung doesn’t know when the last time you ate was.” Kihyun whined again, pressing against the elder’s chest more firmly. “What if hyung fed you? Would that be acceptable, baby?”

He nodded slowly, turning his head so that he could accept the piece of meat that Jackson put on his tongue, moaning as the rich juices flooded his mouth. “Good, hyung,” he mumbled, quickly chewing and swallowing before opening his lips for another piece. Jackson giggled, happily obliging as he fed the witch. He smirked at the others who all pouted in jealousy, except for Bambam and Mark who had thoroughly trapped the other beta tightly between them as they all fed each other in a similar fashion. Shownu was still trying to coerce a very sleepy Jinyoung into eating something, cooing at the younger as he hid his face at any attempt at waking him. 

Eventually, the pack alpha gave up, allowing the witch to sleep undisturbed as he set aside a portion for the younger to eat later once he was up. 

Once everyone was done eating, Jaebum helped Wonho clear the area seeing as they were the only two without a maknae in their laps. The two found more cushions and pillows in a cupboard near the back wall, bringing them over to their pack and spreading them across the floor. They helped the others lay down on their expanded make-shift bed, curling around them all protectively. 

“We should all sleep,” Jaebum stated, wrapping his arms around Bambam’s waist. “We can worry about claiming the new babies once we’re more well rested.”

Shownu let out a little harrumph of indignation. “I told you all, Bummie. I’m a gentleman.”

Jaebum snorted, “Right. A gentleman that waited a courteous 30 hours after meeting us to claim me and mine.”

The elder rolled his eyes, burying his nose in Jinyoung’s hair. “I’ll wait at least two days,” he argued, partially seceding defeat. “Give me that, at least. I do have a bit of self-control.”

Mark giggled, closing his eyes as he fell asleep against Namjoon’s back. Yeah, Shownu had great self-control when it came to his mates.

1602 - Starting from Scratch

The sky was dark above them as Minhyuk and Hoseok traveled through the forest, the new moon offering no light for the two. They had been driven from Hoseok’s home shortly after he had taken the vampire home. Minhyuk’s coven had been furious when they discovered his empty coffin, tracking the magic back to Hoseok and set his home alight with the two them still inside. Luckily, Minhyuk had been able to splinter the door, pulling an unconscious Hoseok behind him. He had gently deposited the witch near a large oak before unleashing a furious bloodbath onto his old coven. 

Minhyuk had been ashamed of himself when he blinked the red out of his eyes, seeing the carnage left on the ground before him. Not a single member of his ex-coven had been left in one piece, the cottage still ablaze at his back. The vampire had quickly collected a still unconscious Hoseok and began to walk, unsure to where he was going. Nearly seventy years later and they were still walking. 

Hoseok had been understandably distraught, crying into Minhyuk’s blood stained tunic. It had been a struggle. Minhyuk had learned that Hoseok had had an amulet that imitated the power exchange of a coven that kept him from draining himself. The amulet went up in flames with the rest of his possessions. 

The vampire wrapped his arm around Hoseok’s waist as they neared the flickering light of a few torches, loud angry voices yelling profanities at someone. He paused, hearing the sounds of heavy kicks and harsh blows to skin. It wasn’t until he heard a soft, nearly inaudible whimper that he jumped into action. He carefully propped Hoseok up against a tree before sprinting through the remaining woods to the clearing on the outskirts of a village. Minhyuk sprinted up to the mob, hissing angrily as he ripped two of the pathetic humans away from their victim. There were scattered shouts of surprise and terror from those around him before they all tucked tail and ran, leaving behind a tiny, collapsed figure on the dirt behind them. The vampire stood tall, keeping his fangs on display until all of the aggressors were far away before dropping to his knees as he reached down to cradle the beaten human in his arms. 

“You’re okay now, sweetheart,” he murmured, pulling the body to his chest carefully, wincing at the boy’s deep cry at the movement. “Shh, you’ll be alright.” He picked him up, moving quickly back towards Hoseok who had stood up straight as he caught sight of the human in his mate’s grasp. 

“What?” he gasped, falling to his knees as Minhyuk gently laid the human on the ground. Hoseok’s hand immediately lit up in a soft white glow as he attempted to heal the worst of the stranger’s injuries. His brows furrowed in concentration, a slight sheen of sweat dotting his forehead as he tried to help the boy. “There’s too much damage,” Hoseok murmured quietly, the healing glow of his hands fading. “I can’t stop the internal bleeding.” He looked down, reaching a hand out to gently brush the boy’s— child, really— bangs away from his forehead. “The best I can do is make it so that it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Minhyuk was silent, watching as the human gasped for breath beneath him as he bit his lip anxiously. This human was important— made his fangs itch. “I could turn him,” he whispered cautiously. “I could save him— make him like me... a vampire.” He closed his eyes. ”It’s not ideal but—”

“Please,” the human gasped out, coughing as blood dribbled down his chin. “Don’t— want to... die. He— help me.”

He stared at the boy in shock. “Do you know what you’re asking? I’m not— it’s— you’ll turn into a monster.”

The boy looked up at him, tears streaming down his face. “Please,” he whimpered, reaching out a shaking, bloody hand out towards the vampire, broken fingers dragging across the front of his shirt. “Please.”

Minhyuk turned to Hoseok, silently asking for his opinion. Hoseok’s face was grim, making eye contact with the vampire before slowly nodding his head, turning back to the human in front of them. “I helped you through your fledgling phase, hyung. We can help him through his as well.” He smiled, “Besides, it’ll be nice not to be the youngest anymore.”

The vampire snorted softly, gently pulling the human back into his arms. “It’ll hurt, sweetie, we can’t mask that pain, but once it passes you’ll feel a thousand times better. We’ll take care of you.” With that said, he bit down on the boy’s jugular and sucked. 

Minhyuk was sitting next to the childe— his childe — as he lay still on the bed. Hoseok had gone out for food, leaving the vampire and his still changing fledgling alone in the house in the middle of the woods they had found abandoned a few miles out from the village. They couldn't stay here for long, but Minhyuk wanted the boy to be comfortable as he changed. 

He was lost deep in thought when the fledgling shot up, panting heavily as he looked around in confusion. Minhyuk carefully wrapped his arms around the boy, pulling his lanky figure into his lap. “You’re alright,” he murmured, petting the younger’s hair as the chlide slowly relaxed against him. “That’s it. Just relax, sweetheart. Hyung’s got you.” He felt the younger swallow heavily against him, no doubt feeling the aching thirst that the turn brings. He led the fledgling’s teeth to his neck, “Drink, baby. Hyung will feed you.” Fangs hesitantly pressed against his neck, scraping the skin gently as the baby debated. Minhyuk tilted his neck a bit more, encouraging the new vampire to sink his teeth into his sire. “That’s it,” he murmured, overcome with the feeling of having someone drink from him. Never did he ever imagine that feeding a fledgling could be so... soothing— fulfilling. He hummed happily, cupping the back of the baby’s neck to hold him close to his chest as he drank. “Such a good boy.”

After a few minutes, the boy pulled away, staring at the vampire wide-eyed. “You taste like bamboo,” he murmured in awe. “But like— it doesn’t taste bad? It’s— really good.”

Minhyuk smiled, cupping the younger’s cheeks. “I’m glad to hear that. Would you mind telling me your name, angel?”

“Hyungwon,” the boy murmured, looking up at the elder in confused fascination. 

“It’s so nice to meet you, Hyungwon. I am Minhyuk. You may call me hyung.” He reached up, brushing the younger’s hair back. “Do you remember what happened to you?”

Hyungwon frowned, staring at the wall behind Minhyuk’s head as he thought back. “No,” he finally answered, confusion clouding his voice. “I don’t— I don’t remember anything before waking up with you here. Did something bad happen?”

Minhyuk’s heart shattered, pulling the childe to his chest. “You really don’t remember anything, Hyungwon-ah?”

The younger shook his head, “Just— just my name. Is— is that a bad thing?”

He smiled sadly, running his fingers up and down the younger’s back for comfort. “Perhaps not, Hyungwon-ah. When we found you, you were being beaten to death. Hoseok-ah, my mate, couldn’t heal you with his magic. You— you begged me to save you— to turn you into a vampire like me.” 

Hyungwon pulled back, looking at Minhyuk in awe. “You can do that? That’s— so... cool , hyung. Thank you.”

Minhyuk giggled, hugging the fledgling as he smelt his own bamboo scent seep into Hyungwon. He swallowed around the dryness itching at the back of his own throat, knowing that he would need to eat soon as well. Realistically, Minhyuk knew that he should have fed before feeding the baby, but how could he let his own childe go hungry? He laid down, pulling the younger with him. “How about hyung tells you everything he knows about being a vampire while we wait for Hoseok-ah to come home, yeah?”

The fledgling nodded, smiling up at his sire softly. “I’d appreciate that, hyung.”

The second Hoseok came home, he could sense the tightness in Minhyuk’s stance as he held the now-awake fledgling in his arms. He made his way over to the duo cautiously, head running rampant with all of the possibilities to Minhyuk’s agitation. What if they had turned a murderer? What if the kid was angry with Minhyuk for changing him? 

Nothing, however, could have prepared him for the possibility that the kid, Hyungwon, had complete memory loss. Hoseok sat on the bed in shock, staring at the two vampires before him. “He— I do remember head trauma when I had scanned him,” he pondered. “Do— do you think he’ll remember?”

Hyungwon frowned, looking down at his hands. “From what hyung said, I don’t think that I want to remember, Hoseok-ssi.”

The witch smiled sadly, reaching out to cup the fledgling’s cheek. “That’s hyung to you, mister,” he scolded playfully. “And it’s okay, Hyungwon-ah. Regardless of whether you get your memories back or not, hyungs will love you. We won’t leave you alone, alright?”

The younger nodded, smiling at his hyung in unabashed affection. “Okay, hyung. I promise I won’t leave you either.”

1603 - Good Things Come to Those Who Faint

Hoseok felt... lightheaded. He was sure that he just needed to eat something, hence why he was in the village market so soon after dawn. The village square was still fairly empty as the witch slowly made his way past carts setting up to sell their wares for the day, looking for a fruit cart, or a bread cart, or a meat cart— anything except the rugs and vases he kept seeing as he made his way down the street. 

His vision blurred for a moment as he grasped onto a nearby sign post to keep himself upright. Hoseok knew that he shouldn’t have fed both boys before he had left; his magic was already severely depleted, having just finished setting up the wards on their newest temporary home, and feeding both of the vampires had been the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. He closed his eyes, letting the soft sounds of people living their lives around him bring him back to awareness. Slowly, he forced himself to stand up straight, opening his eyes again as he continued his way down the street towards where the food stalls usually set themselves up. He was nearly there, sweet oranges in sight, when he staggered, tripping over his own feet. The ground came up to meet him rapidly before he was saved by a pair of muscled arms wrapping around his waist, pulling him back upright and into an equally muscled chest. 

“Oh dear,” a voice murmured, reaching up with one hand to feel Hoseok’s forehead before tilting his head from side to side as he examined the recently sealed bite wounds on either side of his neck. “I can practically smell the blood loss on you,” the man scolded, easily picking Hoseok’s near-limp form up into a bridal carry. Hoseok stared through blurry eyes at the most beautiful man he had ever seen. Had he more energy, he would have reached up to touch that perfect face to see if he was even real. The man chuckled, smiling down at him fondly. “Yoongi-ah, would you be a dear and go over to Jongho-ah’s stall and get our new friend something to eat?” There was a hum of acknowledgement from somewhere behind him before a soft set of footsteps faded away. “What’s your name, little one?” the man asked, sitting down on a bench in the shade of a large willow tree.

He blinked heavily, trying to sit up on his own, afraid he was overstaying his welcome in this beautiful stranger’s lap but gave up quickly when the man simply tucked him more securely against his chest in response. “Hoseok,” he murmured, sighing in defeat as he laid his head on the man’s shoulder. 

“Good boy, Hoseok-ah,” the man praised as he rubbed the younger’s back. “My name is Seokjin. You may call me Jin-hyung.” He smiled down at the witch sweetly. He looked up, smile turning into one of complete adoration. “Ah, Yoongi. Thank you, treasure.” He reached out, accepting the steaming parcel, carefully unwrapping it singlehandedly before bringing it up to Hosoek’s lips. 

Without any other options, Hoseok bit down, nearly moaning as the taste of steaming rice, meats, and spices assaulted his tongue in the best way possible. He reached out to take the food from Seokjin, intent on feeding himself, but paused when the elder tutted reproachfully at his movement. “Ah, Hoseok-ah, let hyung feed you. You’re clearly unwell.” He cooed softly when Hoseok allowed the elder man to continue his antics, too exhausted to fight him on anything yet. The man who had bought the food, Yoongi, sat down next to them a bored expression on his face as he watched Hoseok eat. 

“You’re not human,” Yoongi started, narrowing his eyes at the other. “Don’t smell like one— too strong. Fucking delicious. ”

Hoseok pulled away from the food, swallowing before politely answering, “I’m a witch.”

The man nodded in understanding, cocking his head curiously. “How old are you?”

He paused, thinking for a moment as he tried to do the math in his tired brain. “About a hundred... I think. I honestly can’t remember though I think it was right around fifteen hundred.” Hoseok happily accepted another bite from Jin, humming contentedly. 

Jin wiggled slightly, turning to grin at Yoongi widely. “You feel it right, Yoongi-yah?”

Yoongi nodded, frowning as he stared at the witch. “Who attacked you?” he asked bluntly.

“What?” Hoseok sat up in alarm, gaping at the elder in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

He reached over, gently cupping the younger’s neck as he traced his thumb over the still-healing bite mark. “You can’t tell me you willingly let two separate vampires feed from you at the same time, Hoseok-ah,” he scolded, frown deepening at the guilty look the witch was now sporting. 

“Ah— well, it’s complicated.” 

Jin scowled, turning the witch in his lap so that they were facing one another. “Hoseok-ah,” he began sternly. “Tell me you did not feed two vampires at the same time.”

“I did not feed two vampires at the same time,” Hoseok parroted, shrugging uncomfortably under the elder’s scrutiny. “They took turns.”

Yoongi groaned, smacking his forehead with the palm of his hand dramatically. “Aish, this kid,” he looked to Seokjin in regret. “Hyung— we’re going to have our hands full with this one.” The elder nodded his head in agreement. Looking down at the witch as Yoongi continued, “Hoseok-ah, why did you willingly feed two vampires?”

“Usually my magic can supplement the blood loss better than it did today. My, uh— reserves— are a bit depleted at the moment. And Hyungwon-ah was hungry— he’s a fledgling so he’s always hungry.” He looked into Jin’s eyes desperately. “He pouted at me, hyung. Wonnie was nearly crying with how hungry he was— how could I refuse him?”

Jin laughed out loud, tucking the witch against his chest securely. “Aish, are they your’s, Hoseok-ah?”

The younger nodded against Seokjin’s chest. “I would do anything for them.”

He shifted as he stood up, wrapping hands under Hoseok’s thighs as he secured him to his chest. “Alright then,” he started cheerfully, motioning for Yoongi to follow as he began to walk towards the forest with Hoseok still in his arms. “Let’s go make some new friends.”

Minhyuk stared in awe at the two vampires in front of him, one of which was holding his dongsaeng as if he were a particularly large doll. “You— you just walked through the sun,” he observed, completely flabbergasted. 

“It wasn’t direct sunlight,” the shorter of the two grumbled, folding his arms across his chest as he looked around the tiny, shabby cottage that they called home. “That would kill us. But cloud cover is acceptable at our age as long as we aren’t out for too long.” He held out his hand to Minhyuk, shooting the younger a gummy smile. “I’m Yoongi, this is my sire, Seokjin. We found your witch in town.”

The newcomers moved to the low couch, sitting down as Minhyuk took a nearby chair, allowing Hyungwon to sit in his lap. His eyes narrowed when Jin kept a tight hold on Hoseok’s waist, securing the witch in his lap. 

“Ah, I mean no harm,” Seokjin stated, smiling softly at the vampires in front of him. “I’m just feeling a bit over protective of Hoseok-ah at the moment. Had we come any later, he would have passed out on the ground.”

Minhyuk’s eyes widened, staring at the witch in horror. “Hoseok-ah— you said you were fine to feed us both!”

Hoseok shrugged, looking down at his hands guiltily. “I just wanted to keep you healthy,” he mumbled.

“But not at the risk of your own health, hyung,” Hyungwon whispered, eyes welling up with tears.

The room was tense, the three staring at each other in silence before Seokjin tentatively spoke up. “We— we can help,” he offered, pulling Hoseok’s head down to his chest as he rubbed the younger’s stomach soothingly. “You don’t have to do this on your own.”

Minhyuk frowned, watching the elder vampire’s interactions with his witch closely. “Hoseok-ah and I have managed just fine for the past hundred years.”

Hyungwon bit his lip, guiltily looking down at the ground. “Yeah, but now you have me, hyung.”

The elder gasped, pulling his fledgling closer as he pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “And you’re a blessing, Won-ah.”

“Yeah but now Hoseok-hyung has to take care of both of us,” the younger argued quietly. “Wouldn’t it be nice for hyung to be able to share the burden a bit? Maybe then he wouldn’t be so tired all the time.”

Hoseok made an aborted noise, leaning forward slightly in Jin’s arms. “Wonnie,” he whispered, voice cracking. “You are never a burden.”

The maknae frowned, looking to the new vampires for assistance. The two observed the interaction silently, not willing to get in between their disagreement. Hyungwon sighed, turning his frown to Minhyuk. “Hyung, I’m not saying I think I’m a burden. I’m just saying that we’ve both seen the toll it's taken on Hoseok-hyung over the past year feeding us both.”

Minhyuk’s determined expression shattered, glancing over to where Hoseok was fighting sleep against Seokjin’s chest before looking down to the floor in resignation.

“I know what it’s like feeding a fledgling all on your own, Minhyuk-ssi,” Jin admitted softly, lacing the fingers of his free hand through Yoongi’s. “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Especially in this day and age where feeding off of humans has its own dangers. The human race has become ruthless in their quests to protect themselves from our kind.” He smiled at the vampire softly, cocking his head slightly. “I just want to help.”

Yoongi nodded in agreement, gesturing for Hyungwon to come to him. “Let me feed you, Hyungwon-ah. I’m sure you’re still thirsty— I remember those hunger pains vividly. Let hyung give you something to drink.” The younger looked back to Minhyuk, silently asking for permission. Minhyuk slowly nodded his head, pushing the boy off of his lap in encouragement. 

Once Hyungwon was settled in Yoongi’s lap, mouth firmly attached to the elder’s neck, Jin turned back to Minhyuk curiously. “So what’s your story?”

“I beg your pardon?” Minhyuk asked, affronted. 

The elder laughed, pressing his cheek to Hoseok’s hair. “I just meant, how did you all meet. I’m assuming Hyungwon-ah is your fledgling since he smells like you and Hoseok-ah but you don’t smell like Hoseok-ah so I can only assume that you met him after your fledgling phase. It’s a bit odd how your scent is so monotone— you must have had a dedicated sire. Where are they?”

Minhyuk frowned, looking at the man in confusion. “I— don't follow. What do you mean? Yes, Wonnie is my childe but— all that stuff about scents. I’m not sure I understand.”

“As you know, humans don’t really have scents . Sometimes you can get a hit of what they could be but it’s never definitive, you know? And when vampires are turned, their scents are blank— it’s why sires prefer to be the first one their fledgling feeds from; so that their scents take on that of their elder’s. A vampire’s scent is determined by who they drink from in their first few years. Hyungwon-ah smells equally of you and Hoseok-ah. Just like Yoongi-ah smells mostly of me but also with the hints of the humans he had to feed off of to sustain himself.”

“And my— monotone scent? Sire?” 

Jin nodded, frowning slightly. “I’ve never smelled someone like you before, Minhyuk-ah. Your scent is quite disorienting. Your sire must have been quite strong willed to keep you fed by himself.”

“I never had a sire,” Minhyuk explained. “I— I was a witch and my coven—”

The elder vampire’s eyes widened, a broken sound bubbling up his chest as he looked at the boy in horror. “No,” he whispered, shaking his head. “I thought— I thought I had destroyed all traces of my research centuries ago. I’m— This is my fault... You’re a vampire because of me.”

Minhyuk shook his head. “Eomma and her coven would have drained me of my magic regardless. She was just trying to save me. I don’t think she fully knew what they had found— what they were turning me into.”

He swallowed thickly, watching Minhyuk closely. “So then— your scent. Is— how?”

The younger shrugged, trying to look nonchalant as he glanced at Hyungwon, thankful to see the younger one’s lanky frame sleeping soundly against Yoongi’s slight shoulder. “I don’t know—. I— Hoseok-ah pulled me from the bottom of the ocean ten years after I was turned.” He ignored the twin gasps of horror as he plowed on, shaking slightly at reliving that particular trauma. “I never got to drink from anyone before they buried me. The— the coffin was made of bamboo.” He flinched, rubbing at his arm uncomfortably. “I’ll never be able to escape that smell.”

“How— how did you escape the bloodlust?” Yoongi asked, clutching Hyungwon to his chest desperately. 

The younger shrugged, moving to sit beside Jin when the elder opened his arm for him. “Hoseok-ah think’s I had enough residual magic in me during the change that it protected me from the bloodlust. We’re just guessing but it seems like the most probable answer.”

Seokjin nodded, “That makes sense. I— I’m sorry.”

“You weren’t the one that did this to me,” Minhyuk argued softly, burying his face in the elder’s warm, sweet smell. 

“But I am the one who created the spell— in my own misguided attempt to keep myself from being drained.” He moved his hand from Hoseok’s back to wrap his arm around Minhyuk’s shoulders, pulling the younger to his side tightly. “I can’t, in good conscience, leave you on your own now.”

“I’m not alone, hyung,” Minhyuk whispered, staring up at Jin in confusion. 

“A vampire needs a sire— we’re a bit like pack creatures,” the elder explained softly. “We can’t survive on our own and a baby taking care of a baby doesn’t bode well for either of your developments.” At Minhyuk’s curious expression he elaborated. “How’s your bloodlust? Still pretty similar to your fledgling days? Does the light still hurt your eyes? Your developement of your vampire powers are directly correlated to your relationship with your sire. Without a sire, you won’t be able to progress and grow and you turned Hyungwon-ah, correct? That means his growth will be stunted as well.”

Minhyuk looked over at his fledgling in horror. “I’m— I’m hurting him?”

Jin cooed softly, combing his fingers through the younger’s hair. “Oh angel, that’s not what I was trying to imply. I’m positive that you’re a wonderful sire, sweetheart. I can see how much Hyungwon-ah loves you.” He carefully shifted Hoseok off his lap, moving him over to rest against Yoongi’s shoulder, his fledgling wrapping his arm around the witch to secure him to his side, before pulling Minhyuk into his lap. “You’re alright, Minhyuk-ah. Mhmm? You were dealt a bad hand and you made the best of it. But you’re not alone anymore. You won’t be alone ever again. It’s my fault you were turned in the first place so it’s my responsibility to keep you happy and healthy. I would like to sire you, Minhyuk-ah. Let me help you. I can help lessen your strain.”

The younger buried his face in Seokjin’s neck, unconsciously mouthing at the elder’s skin. “Can— can I think about it?” he whispered.

“Of course, you sweet boy. Nothing has to happen today. Except— hyung wants you to eat some more, okay?” He reached up, making a small incision on his neck with his fingernail before tucking Minhyuk’s head against him, silently encouraging him to drink. The younger did, hesitantly pulling long drags from the elder, moaning as Jin’s sweet blood hit his tongue. Seokjin hummed approvingly petting the younger’s hair as he closed his eyes in satisfaction. 

The room was silent besides the soft sucking noises coming from Minhyuk and Yoongi’s low, contented humming as he held two of the sleeping maknaes. The vampire felt a small pinch on his bicep, turning to look at his sire questioningly. Jin smiled, gesturing with his chin towards the vampire in his arms, mouthing “ Is he asleep ?”

Yoongi tilted his head, face melting into an overly fond smile as he caught sight of the baby softly mouthing against Jin’s closed-over bite mark. He nodded, tucking his nose into Hoseok’s hair and closing his eyes against the warm coffee scent the witch exuded. “We’re keeping them, hyung,” he whispered, voice barely audible even in the near-silent room. 

Seokjin nodded in agreement, careful not to disturb the fledgling in his arms. “They’re all just babies, Yoongi-chi,” he murmured back, heart breaking more with every word. “I refuse to leave them on their own again.”

"Aish,” Yoongi mumbled, staring at Minhyuk, “A baby turning a baby... He’s so brave. I know I wouldn’t have had the guts to take care of a fledgling at his age. We’ll take care of them though, hyung. All three of them. We’ll take care of them."

1715 - Trust in One’s Self

Taehyung wasn’t sure what he was looking at. Well— actually he knew exactly what he was looking at; he just didn’t know what to do with that information. It was nearing dawn, the sky illuminated softly in its pre-dawn light. Before him was a boy— a small boy— man, really— but he was small, nearly emaciated and pale. He was blinking slowly, looking off into the middle distance blankly. The boy’s neck was a mess, torn apart and blood soaked. The fact that it was no longer bleeding but he was still alive, clued Taehyung into the fact that this was a vampire he was looking at, a newly turned, nearly dead fledgling, but a vampire nonetheless. He nearly turned around, intent on going back to his cottage and forgetting all about the dead vampire but his feet refused to move. Taehyung glared down at his uncooperative limbs before sighing exasperatedly and walking towards the fledgling in defeat. 

“Hello?” he sang once he was close enough, making sure he had his friendly smile firmly in place. “Do you need some help, stranger-nim?” The boy didn’t respond, not even bothering to glance at Taehyung. He sighed, crouching down next to the vampire. “Would you like a drink? I hear I taste like strawberries. Very tasty.”

This made the boy react, just barely. The vampire turned his eyes towards Taehyung, momentarily focusing in on his neck before swallowing painfully and looking away. 

“Awe, don’t be like that. I promise, I’m offering voluntarily. It’s alright to drink from me, hmm?”

The boy’s finger twitched but not much else and suddenly, Taehyung understood what was going on. He shuffled closer, scooping the tiny body up against his own and standing up quickly. He made his way back to his cottage quickly with the boy. Opening the door with his magic, he quickly laid the stranger on his bed before moving to close the door and blinds, using his magic to seal the curtains over the windows to prevent any light from coming in.

He came back over to the bed, pulling the boy back into his arms as he laid down with the vampire. Careful of the wound on his neck, he pulled the fledgling to rest against his shoulder. “Go ahead and drink, stranger-nim. I have enough magic stored up to replenish myself if you drink too much.” The vampire whimpered before biting down cautiously sucking from Taehyung. “That’s it,” he cooed, gently petting the boy’s blood-matted hair. “Good boy.” Eventually, the boy’s sucking slowed to a stop before he carefully pulled off, licking the wound closed before laying his head on Taehyung’s chest.

“Thank you,” he whispered, eyes closed as he wrapped his tiny limbs around Taehyung. “ ‘m Jimin.”

Taehyung yawned, rubbing Jimin’s back softly. “No problem. I’m Taehyung. Not sure how new you are to the life of the undead, but sunlight is a really bad idea. I’ve sealed the curtains, but maybe stay away from them anyways? Just in case. Otherwise you’re free to roam around but I highly recommend some sleep— that’s what I’m going to do. We can figure out what our next steps will be once we wake up.” 

Jimin nodded his head in agreement carefully, very aware of the slowly healing wound on his neck. “You won’t make me leave, right?”

“No,” Taehyung whispered, already half asleep. “You can stay with me forever.”

Jimin woke up warmer than he had ever been before, lying on top of a very delicious smelling body. He unconsciously began mouthing at the soft skin under him. 

“Hungry, baby?” Taehyung asked, making Jimin jump as he looked up at the witch in alarm.

“Ah—” 

“It’s okay,” he giggled, smiling softly. “Just let me eat something quick and then I’ll feed you, okay?”

Jimin nodded staring at Taehyung in amazement as the witch stood up, carefully rolling the vampire off of him as he did so. “Thank you,” he began, watching as the man puttered around the kitchen happily. “For saving me. Most people would have just left me to die.”

Guilt welled up inside of Taehyung as he made a promise to himself that Jimin would never know how he too had tried to leave him for dead. “I guess I’m not most people then,” he sang in faux cheerfulness. “Come on,” he gestured towards the low sofa once he had finished eating, “Let’s get you fed and then you can tell me why you were so far away from civilization.”

“I was— I followed this man— vampire— out here. I’m not sure why. It’s like I wasn’t in control of my own body. Even when my feet were bleeding and all I wanted to do was rest, I still kept walking because he told me to. Then, last night, he made me stop and then he ripped my neck open. I thought I was going to die but I didn’t. He told me— he told me that being burnt to death by the sun was the most poetic way for someone who shined as bright as me to go. And then he just— left me there. I couldn’t move and everything hurt. I thought for sure I was going to die. And then you came.”

Taehyung swallowed around the lump in his throat as he brushed through Jimin’s wet hair. He had given the younger a bath and now he was gently untangling his shaggy hair. “My magic called out for you. In that moment, I couldn’t leave you even if I had wanted to.”

“And now?”

“Now,” Taehyung started, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to Jimin’s temple. “Now I know for sure that I want to keep you forever.”

1823 - A Hunger Like No Other

Seokjin paused in his footsteps as he heard a cry, the rest of his small coven paused with him, looking at him questioningly. Another cry sounded, more like a sob echoing through the trees. Yoongi stood up straight in alarm, eyes wide as he pulled Hyungwon behind him.

“Jiminie, please ,” the voice cried, an alarmed trembling resonating through the deep bass of the man crying. “You need to eat something, baby, please. Just— just a bite.”

There was a feral growl, low and broken as it cut off suddenly. 

Seokjin’s eyes were wide as he stormed forward through the trees, trusting that his coven would follow behind him. He broke through to a small clearing around a small homely looking cottage. There was a man crouched down lowly, sobbing into the lap of another man— vampire— who was sitting in front of a low-burning fire as he growled at nothing. 

“Jimin-ah, Jimin-ah,” he whimpered. 

Jin’s heart broke as he watched the two of them. He motioned to Yoongi, silently telling him to pull the sobbing boy away from the raging vampire before he snapped. Seokjin admired the vampire’s strength so close to full bloodlust but an unresponsive vampire was a vampire that couldn’t be saved and everyone in his coven knew this.

Yoongi cautiously made his way over, carefully plucking the crying boy out of the other’s lap before gathering him in his arms and dragging him back towards the other three as Seokjin stepped forward. “Save him,” the boy begged. “Please— I can’t get him to eat. Please save him!”

The vampire shushed him, shuffling him into Hoseok’s arms who gently wrapped his magic around the younger witch. “It’s alright,” he murmured. “We’ve got you.”

We’ve got to kill him , Yoongi declared sadly through their bond so as to not upset the witch even more.

I know.  

Seokjin swallowed, looking at the vampire still growling quietly a few feet away. The boy was... small, emaciated and just plain lithe in stature even without the starvation. He had an air of innocence to him that made what Jin knew he had to do all that much worse. With a thick layer of remorse building over his heart, the vampire approached, crouching down until he was directly in front of the younger. 

Jimin’s growling increased, hands clenched into fists at his side as he slowly raised his eyes to glare at the elder vampire. His eyes flashed over to where Hoseok had Taehyung in his grip, irises bleeding red as he jumped up, flashing over to the witches before anyone could react. He snapped at Hoseok, making the witch release the younger witch in his panic. Taehyung ran forward, intent on wrapping himself around Jimin again before he was thwarted by Hyungwon, who quickly gathered the boy in his arms and pulled him behind Hoseok as Minhyuk and Yoongi each took one of Jimin’s arms. 

The boy was hissing furiously, snapping his teeth at Hoseok as he struggled in the stronger vampires’ arms. Seokjin moved forward slowly, cocking his head to the side as he watched Jimin fight his coven members. “You’re still in there,” he observed quietly. “Not as far gone as we thought.”

All of a sudden, Jimin stopped, dropping like a sack of rocks as sobs ripped from his throat. “Please,” he begged. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Jin sighed, crouching down as he gathered the fledgling in his arms. “You won’t hurt anyone, Jimin-ah. Eat,” he murmured, offering his wrist to the starving vampire.

Jimin shook his head, turning as far away as he could from the other as he could. Taehyung broke free, falling to his knees in front of the vampire. “He won’t eat. Please— stranger-nim. Please help him. Save my soulmate, please. ”

Yoongi crouched down on Jimin’s other side. “You could thrall him,” he suggested. “Force him to eat.”

The elder nodded, looking to Taehyung’s tear stained face before turning to Jimin, pulling him fully into his lap despite his protests. “ Eat, Jimin. ”

The boy’s eyes glazed over before biting down on Seokjin’s wrist without fuss. Taehyung stared wide-eyed at the elder vampire. “How—”

“It’s called a thrall,” Yoongi explained, gently coercing Taehyung into his own lap. “Vampires usually use it to keep wayward fledglings in line or to pull unsuspecting humans out of a crowd.”

After a few minutes, Seokjin motioned for Minhyuk to come over, transferring Jimin to his arms before thralling the boy once more to eat from the other vampire. “Is this your home?” he asked Taehyung. When the younger nodded, Seokjin stood up, motioning for the rest of them to do the same. “It’ll be daylight soon. We should get inside.”

“What’s going to happen to him?” the young witch asked as he unlocked the door to let the coven inside. 

“We’re going to feed him,” Seokjin replied, pulling Taehyung into his lap as the rest settled around the open living space. “And you’re going to tell us how he got to that point.”

Taehyung nodded sadly, looking down at his lap. “A few weeks ago, we went down into town and Jiminie accidentally killed a woman. After that, he refused to eat from anyone— even me. I didn’t know what to do. Thank you for helping us.”

Seokjin hummed in response, tucking the younger’s head against his chest. “We’ll do everything we can to save him but, Taehyung, my thrall only lasts for a few hours on vampires that aren’t mine. Do you think he’ll eat willingly after it wears off? Because the more I use it the less it will work. Where is his sire?”

“Left him to die,” Taehyung mumbled angrily. “I just barely saved him before the sun came up. It’s been just the two of us ever since.”

“That explains why Jimin smells solely of you,” Yoongi observed quietly, handing Taehyung a glass of water from his kitchen.

The younger cocked his head, looking at Yoongi in confusion. “I don't understand. Is he not supposed to?”

“A vampire’s scent is made up of all of the scents that they drink from in their first few years,” Seokjin explained. “Take Hyungwon-ah for example. He smells primarily of bamboo and coffee because of Hoseok and Minhyuk but if you take a closer smell you can get hints of Yoongi and I as well since we came into their lives a bit later.”

Taehyung hummed thoughtfully, eyes wide in fascination as he leaned towards the vampire in question. Hyungwon chuckled, leaning forward to meet the excited witch half way as he took a deep sniff, recognizing the different conglomeration of smells immediately. “So— Jiminie will always just smell like me then?”

Jin nodded, petting the younger’s hair as the room fell silent. It didn’t take long before Minhyuk passed the fledgling off to Hoseok who immediately tucked the younger to his neck affectionately. 

A few hours later, Jimin pulled back from Yoongi, eyes clearing before he immediately threw himself off of the other’s lap, instantly growling. “Jimin, calm down,” Jin commanded as he made his way towards the wayward fledgling. He could see the flicker in the boy’s eyes as he tried to fight the thrall. “ Finish eating from Yoongi. Now .”

Jimin staggered over to Yoongi with Jin’s helpful hand on the lower of his back. Said vampire opened his arms to the younger, accepting him into his lap immediately. 

“My thrall isn’t going to last as long,” the covenhead observed quietly. “He’s strong.”

Taehyung bit his thumb as he squirmed from his spot on Minhyuk’s lap. “What are we gonna do? Jiminie still doesn’t want to eat.”

Jin sighed, running a hand through his hair tiredly. “There’s a way to thrall him for much longer but it’s a bit more permanent.”

“How?” the witch asked desperately. 

“I sire him.”

Taehyung’s expression turned into one of irritated confusion. “Seokjin-hyung, Jiminie has already been sired. That’s why he’s currently a vampire.”

Jin snorted, reaching forward to ruffle the younger’s hair. “A vampire’s sire can change, Taehyung-ah. It would be for the best anyways. Fledglings need sires or they don’t mature properly. We’re, surprisingly, pack creatures. If I sire him, I can thrall him for as long as it takes, however, it also means that I would be his sire. I’d be responsible for him and his well being. He’d be a part of my coven and by extension, so would you. Permanently.”

The younger stared at him in shock, contemplating his choices, “And— and Jimin-ah won’t— won’t drink on his own?” 

“It doesn’t look like it. His bloodlust is still too close to the surface, Taehyung-ah,” Jin cupped the witch’s cheeks gently before pressing a featherlight kiss to the tip of his nose. “We’d take such good care of the two of you.”

“And— you’d take both of us? Not just Jiminie?”

Seokjin sucked in a deep breath, pulling Taehyung to his chest securely. “Of course I’d take both of you. I’d never dream of separating the two of you.” He rocked the boy in his arms gently, pulling Taehyung’s legs up so that he was secured to his front before walking the two of them over to the couch where he sat down next to Hoseok and Hyungwon. “I would ask his permission to sire him but he’s not in the right frame of mind to consent right now so unfortunately that leaves it up to you.” He pressed a kiss to Taehyung’s noise. “I need you to agree to let me sire him— claim the both of you.”

Slowly, Taehyung nodded his head. “Please save Jimin, Seokjin-hyung,” he whispered, pressing close to the elder’s chest. 

He hummed happily, petting the younger’s hair before settling him in Hoseok’s lap and moving back toward Yoongi and Jimin. He extracted Jimin from his first fledgling’s lap, ignoring the deep growling bubbling up in Jimin’s chest, and settled him in his own lap. “I’m going to claim you, Jimin-ah,” he declared to the younger softly. “I know you don’t know what’s going on but everything will be alright. Hyung will take care of you. And once you’re better we’ll all get to know each other really well, okay?” Jimin just growled in response, struggling weakly in his hold. Seokjin took a deep breath, using one hand to push Jimin’s head to his chest before biting down on his nape. 

Fuck don’t make me eat, please. I don’t want to hurt anyone again. Just kill me. Please just kill me. 

You’re alright, precious, Jin murmured through their bond. Hyung will take care of you. You’ll never have to drink from another human again if you don’t want to. But you will drink from your hyungs. I won’t let you starve, angel. He shuffled the baby over to Hyungwon, Drink, treasure.

They took turns feeding the baby and going out for food to keep themselves fed. Hoseok took quite a bit of enjoyment in taking Taehyung out to the younger’s garden to collect food for themselves. The elder witch smiled brightly any time he could have a moment alone with the younger, excitedly stretching their magic and testing the waters on how well they interacted with each other. They were both happy to not be solitary anymore, eagerly opening a connection between the two of them to share the burden of their magic. 

The hyungs were also hard pressed to let Taehyung feed Jimin unless they had seen him eat a full meal first. It was a strange but not unwelcome experience to be doted on so thoroughly by so many hyungs. He practically bloomed under their attention, each day brighter than the last as he watched Jimin slowly gain color again under the hyungs’ careful attentiveness.

“I think I can pull him out of thrall,” Jin declared, holding Jimin firmly to his chest as the youngest vampire suckled on the skin of his neck like a baby. The fledgling was no longer drinking, just mouthing soothingly, fully saturated with blood but unable to stop trying without Jin’s say so. 

Taehyung sat up excitedly from his place in Minhyuk’s lap. “Really?” he asked, bouncing up and down until the elder grabbed a hold of his hips to keep him still. 

“Really, Taetae,” Jin laughed, petting Jimin’s hair. Wake up, little love. Jimin’s mouth froze on his skin before he pressed himself impossibly closer, wrapping his arms around Jin’s waist as he broke down into sobs. “I know, angel. I know. It’s always overwhelming coming up from a thrall. It’s okay, hyung’s got you.”

“Thank you,” Jimin whimpered, rubbing his cheek against Jin’s neck. “Thank you.”

“We were happy to help you, treasure,” Jin murmured, hugging the tiny vampire as close to his chest as possible. “We’ll always take care of our own.”

1894 - Opposites Attract

Taehyung froze as they entered the tiny village, staring at the commotion going on in the town square in horror as his eyes bled black. Before anyone in the coven could react, the young witch’s magic lashed out, thrashing through the little brick houses and throwing the humans gathered round a pyre far off into the distance. He charged forward, his magic rolling off of him in angry, terrifying waves. 

Jimin tried to follow, only making it a few steps before Minhyuk gathered him in his arms and lifted his feet off of the ground despite his protests. 

The little witch kept going, undeterred, as he charged to the pyre, eyes meeting those of a lanky, terrified pup. His irises faded back to his normal color, stepping closer to the boy as he disregarded the devastation he had created around them. “You’re safe now,” he murmured, carefully untying the tight bonds holding the wolf. 

He whimpered as blood finally began to circulate his entire body again, dropping forward against Taehyung as he began to cry. “Thank you,” he whimpered, wrapping his arms around the witch’s shoulders as he began to rub his scent on Taehyung in appreciation. “Thank you.”

Taehyung hugged the boy close. “Are you hurt?”

The wolf shook his head, face still firmly buried in the boy’s neck. “No. Just— they overpowered me. I feel so stupid. Hyungs are never going to let me out of their sights again.” He pulled back to look at Taehyung’s face, sniffling pathetically. “I’m Bambam.”

“Taehyung,” the witch responded, grinning widely. He cupped Bambam’s cheeks fondly as he looked the boy over for injuries. Finding nothing life threatening, he relaxed his stance, glancing back to where the rest of his coven was watching with wide eyes. “Ah,” he called, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably. “Sorry, hyungs. I’m better now.”

Hyungwon snorted, folding his arms across his chest as he stalked up to the two. Bambam’s eyes widened as he neared, pulling Taehyung behind him. The vampire froze, staring at the omega in shock. “You’re a wolf,” he whispered, taking his own step away. 

The rest of the coven lept into action, coming forward to their mates. Jin pulled Hyungwon behind him, passing him back to Yoongi who in turn tucked him against Minhyuk who was still holding Jimin off of the ground. The youngest vampire’s struggling renewed tenfold, wiggling angrily in Minhyuk’s hold as he tried to get to Taehyung.

Bambam’s eyes widened, taking another step back with Taehyung in alarm. The witch, cooed softly, wrapping his arms around the wolf’s waist as he pressed his face into the boy’s neck and rubbed his stomach. “It’s okay, Bambam-ah,” he murmured. “Those are just my hyungs. They’re good people— I promise.”

“They’re— they’re vampires,” he mumbled, still holding the witch firmly behind him. 

He smiled fondly, “And you’re a wolf.”

“But I don’t eat people.”

Seokjin snorted, unamused as he responded, “Wolves kill just as many humans as vampires do. At least we only kill them out of necessity.”

Bambam relaxed his stance some, staring at the elder inquisitively. “My pack doesn’t kill humans for sport.”

“And neither do we. So can you please stop shielding my mate from me?”

He paused, glancing back at Taehyung in confusion. “ Your mate?” 

Jin nodded, trying to shoot the wolf a friendly smile, “Yes. My mate. He’s quite important to me. So I’d appreciate him back in one piece.”

“I’d never hurt him!” Bambam exclaimed, tightening his hold on Taehyung’s wrists minutely. Taehyung hushed him softly, rubbing his stomach again as he pressed a soft kiss to the wolf’s cheek. “He’s—” he cut himself off, looking off to the west with wide eyes just as a loud, pain-filled howl echoed through the trees. “My pack is coming.”

The vampires tensed, looking at each other worriedly. “Hyungwon, Jimin— hide.”

Hyungwon nodded, eyes wide in fear as he ran off into the destroyed buildings behind them. Minhyuk set Jimin on the ground only for the youngest vampire to book it for Taehyung. The elder reacted quickly, scooping him back up despite the fledgling’s protests. “No, Jimin-ah,” Mihyunk growled, pulling the struggling vampire away. “ Go. Hide .”

Jimin stopped struggling, eyes glazing over before he willingly ran off into the houses to hide. Minhyuk sighed in relief before making his way over to the others. Yoongi was firmly under Seokjin’s arm despite the scowl the younger threw at his sire at the babying so Minhyuk made his way to Hoseok, quickly collecting the witch into his arms just as a pack of wolves broke through the treeline, growling furiously. 

“It’s okay, hyungs,” Bambam called frantically. “They were the ones that saved me! Don’t hurt them!”

The wolves froze, a deep terrifying growl rumbled through the largest of the wolves as he stalked forward. Once he was close enough for the vampires to smell his peppermint scent, he shifted back. “Bambam,” he rumbled, taking quick steps towards the wolf only to be stopped by Seokjin. 

“Forgive me, but I’d rather you didn’t encroach on my coven.”

“That’s my pup,” the alpha bit out, jerking his head towards Bambam.

“And that’s my witch,” Jin countered, also nodding towards where Taehyung was still wrapped around the wolf. 

The wolf took a deep, calming breath before freezing, staring at Seokjin in amazement. “Ah,” he responded eloquently. He tipped his head to the side, baring his neck for the vampire slightly. 

Jin frowned, staring at the wolf in confusion before he, too, took a deep breath. “I see,” he mumbled, stepping forward towards the wolf. “I’m Seokjin and this is my coven.”

Shownu bowed before collecting the vampire into his arms, “Shownu. Forgive me. It’s been a stressful few hours and I wasn’t exactly in the right frame of mind.”

The vampire smiled suavely, cupping Shownu’s cheek before leaning in and kissing it. “All is forgiven. Now, why don’t you calm down your puppies and I’ll collect my wayward babies and we’ll all get to know each other, yeah?”

“Jimin-ah!”

“Minnie!”

“Jimin, come out here right now!” 

Taehyung ran up to Jin, panting heavily. “We found him,” he gasped, hands on his knees. “He won’t— we can’t get him out though.”

Jin bit his lip, nodding his head before he ran after the young witch with Shownu on his tail. He had sent his coven to one of the few remaining buildings still standing after Hurricane Taehyung to wait out the sun that was now high in the sky but safely tucked behind the clouds. Shownu had offered his assistance to help find Jimin when the vampire never returned. The wolves scattered out with the exception of Mark and Bambam who had been confined to the house with the vampires to ‘keep the worried vampires out of harm’s way’ though both of them knew it was just to appease Shownu’s over-protective instincts.

The witch led the group over to a nearly flattened house where Wonho and Jackson were squatted down next to the crumbled roof. 

“Min-ah,” Jin exclaimed, rushing forward past the wolves as he climbed down onto his hands and knees and peeked into the dark alcove where Jimin was lying on stomach, staring off into the distance with tears in his eyes. “Jimin-ah? Can you come out for hyung?” Jimin didn’t move as he continued to stare at nothing, completely unresponsive. “Jimin. Come out. ” The covenhead stared in shock as the boy did little more than twitch in response. He paused thinking before turning back to the group collected behind him. “I need Minhyuk-ah.”

Hoseok nodded, pulling Wonho with him as he maneuvered through the rubble back towards where the vampires were hiding from the sun. 

“What’s wrong with him, hyung?” Taehyung asked, wringing his hands together as he stared at his unresponsive soulmate. 

Seokjin sighed, rubbing at his face tiredly. “I think Minhyuk-ah might have thralled him accidentally.”

“But— but hyung isn’t his sire? I thought non-sire thralls only lasted a few hours.” 

Jinyoung cooed softly, wrapping his arms around the younger witch in comfort as he sensed the boy’s rising emotional turmoil. 

“Typically, but— I’m Minhyuk’s sire, Tae-ah. Which, logically, would place him as an authority in Jimin’s subconscious. If Minhyukkie thralled him in his panic then it would make sense that Jimin’s subconscious sensed that panic and reacted as if it were a thrall given by me. Just like when I thrall Won-ah, he responds as if it were Minhyuk who thralled him.”

“Because you’re all connected,” Taehyung concluded. “But you can fix this right? Minhyuk-hyung can remove the thrall?”

Jin nodded slowly, staring at Jimin in concern just as Hoseok and Wonho returned, the latter carrying a Minhyuk-shaped lump under a large blanket. “Hobi-ah, can you make a bubble for us?” 

A few minutes later found Minhyuk crouched in front of Jimin as he pulled at his hair in frustration. “Stop hiding, Jimin,” he cried, burying his head in his hands. He looked over to Seokjin in desperation. “I can’t do it, hyung!”

“You can,” he encouraged softly. “Take a deep breath. Start again. Don’t rush yourself. Minnie isn’t hurt. He’ll be okay while you get the hang of this.”

Minhyuk did as he was told, taking a deep breath in determination before trying again.

“If I never get thralled again, it’ll be too soon,” Jimin declared, draping himself over Taehyung’s chest. The vampire mouthed heavily at his soulmate’s neck, nibbling every once in a while teasingly. 

“Here, here,” Taehyung agreed wholeheartedly, tilting his head so that Jimin could bite down more easily. The vampire took the invitation happily, kissing his skin in thanks before taking his meal. 

Next to them, Jaebum had collected an exhausted Minhyuk into his lap, offering the vampire his spiced orange blood to soothe his thirst. The vampire accepted with little preamble, nearly moaning at the first taste. Mark and Bambam watched from their omega cuddle pile on the floor, the elder nosing Bambam’s neck gently as they watched their pack subtly claim each of the vampires as their own. Next to them, Jackson and Namjoon had made a Hyungwon sandwich, offering the boy cucumbers and ginger respectively. Mark had half a mind to pull the poor overwhelmed boy away from the two overbearing betas and offer the sweet little vampire a taste of his own butterscotch but decided he was enjoying watching too much to move. 

Comically, Wonho had collected Yoongi’s tiny, grumpy body against his own tall, muscled one. He nudged the older vampire against his neck, exuding some more of his cinnamon roll scent into the air to entice Yoongi into taking a bite. The man held out, keeping his mouth firmly clenched shut until Wonho let out a pitiful whine. Yoongi rolled his eyes at the wolf’s theatrics as he sighed, “You’re going to be a handful, aren’t you, pup?” he asked before finally biting down into the meat of the wolf’s neck, making the younger hum happily. 

Jinyoung and Kihyun were practically on top of Hoseok in the far corner, the three’s magic twisting around each other as they became accustomed to one another. Hoseok hummed happily as his magic accepted Jinyoung and Kihyun’s into his circle without preamble which made Kihyun snort, “Guess this means we’re not getting rid of you, huh?” 

Hoseok giggled, pressing his face against Kihyun’s shoulder as he wrapped his magic around the two in return. 

The most shocking for the vampires to witness, however, was watching as the pack alpha gently gathered their covenhead in between his thighs. Shownu hummed in contentment as he tucked the vampire’s back against his chest, tilting the slightly younger immortal so that Jin could mouth at the hollow of his throat. The wolf cooed softly, closing his eyes at the feeling as he murmured, “I think we’re gonna need a bigger house.”

1895 - (Interlude) A Home to Call Our Own

“Don’t you think we’re moving a little fast, hyung?” Yoongi asked, resting his head on the elder vampire’s chest as they watched the wolves play under the light of the full moon. 

“No,” he whispered, reaching down to drop a kiss onto the top of the younger’s head. “They were mine the moment they were born. We’re just making it official.”

Yoongi snorted, turning to bury his face in his sire’s chest. “You’re so cheesy, hyung.”

Seokjin laughed, rolling his head to the side to watch the pack. “You can’t honestly tell me that you want to wait?”

The younger vampire shook his head, turning to watch the wolves again, smiling when Mark broke away from the alphas to catapult himself into a shocked Minhyuk’s lap. The vampire recovered quickly, reaching down to help the tiny wolf situate himself more securely in his lap as he reached up to lick the underside of the younger’s chin. “Gross, hyung!” Minhyuk complained, grinning widely as he leaned down to nuzzle the wolf’s fur. 

Jimin and Taehyung giggled, rolling onto the forest floor as Bambam and Jackson bounced around them, reaching into the fray to lick one of their cheeks every once in a while. Hoseok was sitting further down the clearing, Namjoon quietly resting his head on the witch’s thigh as he watched him fabricate their new clan’s symbol onto pieces of metal he had pulled from the earth before handing them over to Jinyoung to enchant. Once they were done, all they would need was for Jin to place them on each of them with his blessing to conjoin each of their subgroups into one large clan. Hyungwon ambled down to join them, spreading out across the grass with his head on Namjoon’s stomach as he closed his eyes. He hummed happily when the wolf shifted to give him a better sleeping position on him. 

Suddenly, Jaebum burst through the trees with Kihyun on his back, the younger giggling excitedly as he slid back down to the ground. “Hyungs,” Kihyun called, running over to Seokjin where Shownu had joined him on the grass, sitting up in alarm at their abrupt entrance. “You’ll never believe what we found.” He grinned widely, threading his fingers through Jaebum’s fur in excitement. 

They stared up at the dilapidated mansion in front of them. It was tucked between two large hills in the middle of the forest, far away from any human settlement. The house had seen better days. The right side was bare bones, a skeleton framework from where a kitchen fire had taken most of it down. The majority of the siding had fallen off or were hanging on by nails, all traces of paint long gone. Looking inside showed that much of the floor was rotted through, small critters and rainwater having ruined the interior. Off of the back of the house was a greenhouse, the glass roof had caved in decades ago but the metal framework still held strong. 

The clan stared at the house in awe as Kihyun jumped in place, holding onto Jaebum’s now-human arm, “Isn’t it beautiful?” 

Jin nodded, pulling the witch into his arms as he pressed a soft kiss to his lips, possibilities and plans running through his head at lightning speed. “It’s perfect.”

Taehyung giggled, falling against Jackson’s chest as he sang, “Home sweet home.”

1943 - Hot Chocolate Forged in Fire

The monotonous chanting was really getting on Jooheon’s nerves. Honestly, if they could hurry up and just kill him already, that would be very much appreciated. He was past the point of tears. Past the point of trying to get free or begging for mercy. He was exhausted— mentally, emotionally, physically. There wasn’t an inch of his body that didn’t feel like molten lava was running through it, over it, in it. It didn’t really matter at this point. Jooheon was ready. He wondered, at this point, if there was anything that he could do to speed this process along. 

The fire in his veins spiked, making a whimper bubble up his throat through the gag tied tightly around his head. He shook in his bindings as the Goetic leader approached, still chanting ominously as he pressed a glowing ember to Jooheon’s chest, making him scream as the fire licked through his bones with renewed vigor. 

Suddenly, the chanting broke off, the witches scattering into the woods as a ferocious growl reverberated through the trees. He whimpered, head dropping forward as the ember continued to burn into his chest unrelentingly. Perhaps this was finally it. Were they finally, finally , letting him die? 

The light of the fire was covered by a large shadow as more fast, frantic footsteps trampled through the Goetics’ ritual grounds. Loud, angry snarls echoed through the forest as the sounds of terrified screams cut off midway. The shadow came closer, large, warm hands wrapping around his biceps as another set of hands tore through the thick ropes as if they were sheer fabric. 

“You’re alright now,” a slow deep voice murmured as the hands caught him once the ropes were no longer holding him up. “You’re safe.” The voice hissed, flinching away from Jooheon as their chests connected. “What the fuck,” he murmured, panic entering his voice as he saw the still lit ember. “Hoseok-ah!” He called, much more frantic as he pulled Jooheon to his chest again. He cradled the human in his arms as he pulled him away from the pyre. The owner of the voice placed him gently on the ground on his back, making Jooheon twitch as the deep welts from before made contact. “Fuck. Hoseok-ah. He’s—”

“I see, Namjoon,” Another voice responded equally as frantic as a soft white glowing began to emit from Jooheon’s chest. 

It felt like ice water was being poured over the entirety of his body making him sigh in relief. He could feel the fire fading as Hoseok worked over top of him. Jooheon whimpered as Hoseok’s magic pulled the ember away from his chest. “Fuck, this is some dark-ass magic, Joon. I— They did too much damage to him.”

“You can’t save him?” Namjoon, the deep soothing voice that Jooheon could fall asleep to, asked. “Hoseok-ah, he’s— can’t you feel—?”

“I can feel it, Joon, and I’m telling you that I can’t save him. He needs a boost. Shownu-hyung— if you— if you turn him then it would give me enough leeway to heal him.”

There was a moment of silence as Shownu deliberated. “Yeah, that’ll work. Joon-ah, go collect the rest of the pack from the forest. If I’m turning him, then we’re going to claim him too. Tell them to stop playing with their food and come meet their new maknae.” 

Namjoon giggled sadly, pressing a kiss to Shownu’s cheek in thanks before getting up and sprinting towards the trees. 

“Thank you, hyung,” Hoseok murmured. 

“I can feel it too, Hoseok-ah. He’s ours. We’re not going to let him die.” Jooheon felt himself get picked up again, pulling a harsh whimper from his throat as the wolf cooed softly. “You’re alright, baby. Let’s get this off of you, huh?” Gentle fingers deftly untied the gag around Jooheon’s head, pulling the bloody fabric out of his mouth as he hummed sadly at the state of the human’s mouth. “They really did a number on you, didn't they? Aish, you poor thing. Can you tell me your name?”

Jooheon swallowed around the dryness in his throat, desperately trying to open his eyes long enough to see his savior. “Joo— Joo-ho— heon.”

“Jooheon?” Shownu asked, smiling softly at the younger. “That’s a beautiful name, sweetheart.” There was a frantic clattering as many bodies broke through the treeline, coming to a halt when they dropped down onto the ground in front of their alpha. “I’m going to bite you, Jooheon-ah,” Shownu explained softly. “The damage those Goetics did to you is too great for us to heal without turning you. But it’ll be alright. We’ll take such good care of you.” Without anymore preamble, Shownu bit down on Jooheon’s neck, making the boy whimper softly as the pain blended in with all of his other injuries. “Bam-ah,” Shownu murmured, “You’re up.”

The following minutes were a series of overwhelming emotions that weren’t his own, filling him up to the brim as each of the wolves in the clearing took turns biting into him. Jooheon wasn’t sure what was going on, he just knew that he was feeling too much and that everything hurt and why wasn’t he just dead yet . His mouth was guided to a wide muscled chest, Shownu stroking a finger under his chin as he whispered, “Bite down, baby. You can do it.” Jooheon did as he was told, biting down on the chest in front of him, surprised when his teeth sunk easily into the skin. There was a series of gasps around him as the wolves were connected to Jooheon. The boy pulled away when he was encouraged, head lolling to the side in exhaustion as Shownu bit down on him again. 

“Such a good pup,” a new voice murmured softly, fingers threading through his hair lovingly as the wolf leaned forward to take a deep sniff. “Another omega, hyung,” the voice said happily.

Shownu hummed in agreement, leaning forward to get a lungful of Jooheon’s new hot chocolate scent. “Mhmm, he’s perfect isn’t he? Sleep now, Jooheon-ah. Hyungs will take care of you. When you wake up you’ll feel better than ever.”

Jin watched, smiling softly as he wiped some blood from Yoongi’s cheek. “I’m glad you sensed him when you did, Kihyun-ah,” he murmured, glancing over to where Kihyun was securely wrapped in Jinyoung’s arms.

“We’re collaring this kid immediately, Jin-hyung,” Kihyun complained, watching the wolves crowd around their newest maknae. “The second we get back to the house he is getting collared so that nothing bad ever happens to him again. He’s ours and I’m not going to risk anything like this happening to him again.”

Jin laughed, nodding his head in agreement. “I think that is a wonderful idea, Ki-ah.”

1995 - An Unexpected Diagnosis

“Do you mind if we go to my house to work on the project, Youngjae-hyung?” A sweet voice asked from behind him. 

Said human turned around, smiling widely at the tall werewolf in front of him. “What? My shabby dorm room not good enough for you?” he asked playfully, winking exaggeratedly so that the other knew he was just joking.

“Very,” Bambam replied, smirking as he wrapped his arm around the smaller human. “Plus, my clanmates are a bit... territorial. And overprotective. They don’t like me out of their sight longer than necessary.”

Youngjae nodded, “That’s fine, Bam-ah. It’ll be nice to see how the other half lives.”

The younger rolled his eyes, pulling the human towards the entrance to the carpark. “Good. Because Yoongi-hyung is here to pick us up.”

He snorted, adjusting the straps to his backpack as they walked toward a sleek Aston Martin. “How did you know that I was going to agree?”

Bambam smiled, squeezing his shoulder tighter. “It’s cute that you think you have a choice, hyung. Once the hyungs get a load of you, you’ll be up to your eyeballs with over protective hyungs. I can’t be the only one suffering like this.”

Youngjae laughed as the wolf opened the passenger door and slid into the seat. He paused, looking around at the two-seater car for a moment before awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. “You wanna, uh, give me directions and I’ll... meet you there?”

The wolf rolled his eyes fondly, reaching out of the car to pull Youngjae into his lap carefully. “You’re riding with us, hyung. You can sit on my lap— you’re small enough.” He reached up, pinching the human’s tomato-red cheeks before closing the door and sealing the elder’s fate. “This is Yoongi-hyung, hyung meet Youngjae-ah.”

Yoongi looked over to his bondmate exasperatedly before turning to smile at the newcomer fondly. “Hello, Youngjae-ah. Please call me hyung. I’m sorry about the choice of transportation. We had a bit of a mishap concerning most of our cars and a wayward spell. This was, unfortunately, the only vehicle that made it out unscathed.”

Youngjae grinned, shaking his head as he shifted in Bambam’s lap. “It’s— It’s alright, Yoongi-hyung. Thank you for inviting me into your home.”

“We’re quite happy to have you, kid. Bammie hasn’t shut up about you since the semester started.”

“Hyung!” Bambam whined, burying his face in between Youngjae’s shoulder blades as he wrapped his arms around the human’s waist tightly. 

The vampire snorted, not bothering to glance at the younger as he pulled into traffic. “What? You want me to lie , Bambam-ah? You’ve been raving about this kid for weeks and you’re what— embarrassed?” He side-eyed the human, smirking viciously. “Besides, you’re not the only one wanting him to come over, Bam, and you know it. Every time you come home with this little human’s scent on your skin everyone in the clan goes a bit more stir crazy.”

Youngjae frowned, shifting uncomfortably in the wolf’s lap. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any problems, hyung.”

Yoongi glanced over to the human in alarm. “Ah— that’s not what I meant, kid. I was just implying that everyone in the clan really wants to meet you. Your scent— it— we like it. A lot.”

The wolf rubbed soothingly at Youngjae’s stomach. “You smell really good, hyungie. Can’t really describe it though. Humans don’t really have defined scents but it's sweet and floral like it already belongs in our clan. Everyone really wants to meet you.” He pressed his face into the human’s back again in embarrassment. “I talk about you to my hyungs a lot,” he admitted quietly. 

Youngjae looked out the window awkwardly, trying to avoid the confession from the wolf. “Ah— I think I’d talk about you all the time too,” he responded softly, closing his eyes as he tried to tune out the twin coos from the two supernatual beings in the car. “Aish, don’t look too deeply into it Bambam. Hush.”

The younger giggled, pressing a soft, quick kiss to the human’s neck just as Yoongi pulled up to an expansive mansion that sprawled across a large clearing in the middle of the woods. Youngjae looked around in amazement, a little unsure how he missed so much of the drive to their home. “Wow,” he whispered. “You live here?”

Bambam nodded, opening the door and encouraging the human off of his lap before getting out after him. He wrapped his arm around the smaller’s shoulders, pulling him close to his side as he led him up to the front doors. Yoongi followed closely behind, brushing his hand down Youngjae’s back as he passed by. 

There was a series of squeals from further in the house as Bambam helped Youngjae take off his shoes before leading him to a large, open living room. The human stared in awe at the lavish decor surrounding him. 

From his right there was a soft, fond chuckle, the most beautiful man he had ever seen coming out from another room as he smiled at Youngjae affectionately. “Welcome to our home, Youngjae-ah. My name is Seokjin and this is my clan. I am so very pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Youngjae bowed quickly, staring at Seokjin in shock before stuttering out his own greeting making the elder laugh. There was a crash, followed by the loud stampeding of multiple sets of feet before a small herd of young men tumbled down the main staircase. The human yelped in surprise, running over to help the nearest boy up as he checked for any visible injuries. “Oh god, are you alright?”

The boy in front of him grinned excitedly, head bobbing rapidly before pulling the human into his arms in a near-bone crushing hug. “Ah, you’re so cute and tiny and adorable ,” the man gushed, shaking Youngjae slightly as he bounced. “Aish, you’re even sweeter than Bammie described!” He pulled back slightly to smoosh the human’s cheeks between his large palms. “We’re keeping you forever!”

“Jackson-hyung,” Bambam scolded, coming up to carefully remove the boy from the beta’s grasp. “Don’t scare Youngjae-hyung away.” He wrapped his arms around the human’s waist from behind protectively as he buried his nose in the younger’s hair. 

“That’s fucking adoable that you call him ‘hyung’ Bam-ah,” a small, fairy-like vampire observed, smiling at the two of them fondly as he brushed imaginary dust off of his pants when he stood up from the floor. 

Bambam huffed irritably, “You make me call you ‘hyung’ too, Jiminie. Besides, Youngjae-hyung is older than me, at least in looks.”

Youngjae shifted, looking at the omega behind him in reproach. “Do I even want to know how old you really are, Bambam? Should I be calling you ahjussi?”

There was a series of tittering laughter that came from the pile of limbs slowly untangling themselves on the floor. “Aigoo, Youngjae-ah,” a deep voice cooed, the witch pulling himself up from the ground to pull the human into his arms. “You are too precious. We’re all much too old to be an ahjussi. But just call us all ‘hyung,’ okay? Except Bammie. Please keep referring to him as your dongsaeng because he is a literal baby.”

The human huffed, partially in annoyance but also severely amused by the other’s antics. “I feel like I’m being mocked and I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

“You love it,” the witch encouraged, sending the human a wide, boxy smile. “I’m Taehyung. It’s very good to finally meet you.”

Youngjae smiled, humoring the elder as he pinched his cheeks as if he were a small child. “I think it’s good to meet you too, Taehyung-hyung,” he replied, making the elder giggle.

He was pulled from the maknaes’ grips by Seokjin, the clanhead gently picking him up as if he were an oversized teddy bear. Youngjae’s cheeks felt as if they were set on fire from the severity of the blush settling under his skin as he gripped the elder in his panic over losing grip with the floor making the vampire chuckle fondly. Jin settled himself in a large, overstuffed armchair, keeping Youngjae securely in his lap as he pet back the human’s hair. The vampire hummed as he rubbed his cheek against Youngjae’s hair. 

Bambam huffed as he plopped down onto Shownu’s lap on the couch nearest Jin’s chair. “You do remember I brought hyungie over because we have a project to work on, right?”

Jin smiled widely, moving one arm to encompass Youngjae’s tiny waist as he tucked him further against his chest. “You can’t honestly believe that you could bring home such a sweet treasure and not expect me to smother him in affection, now did you, Bam-ah?” he chided playfully, rubbing Youngjae’s tummy with his large hand. “You can have him back in a bit. For now, he should grow more acquainted with the clan, don’t you think?”

The omega sighed exasperatedly, shooting his human friend a look that said, ‘I tried but I guess you’ll just have to bear it’ before sinking back against his alpha. “Of course. I would never deny you of anyone’s cuddles, hyung,” he simpered. “But we do need to work on our project at some point tonight.”

The clanhead nodded seriously. “Of course, Bambam. Your education is very important.”

Wonho walked in with Jooheon on his back, their newest omega sleepily nuzzling into his alpha’s neck as he glanced around the living room curiously. He perked up as he caught sight of Youngjae, nearly falling off of Wonho’s back in his excitement. “Oh! You’re much cuter than Bambam described.”

Youngjae looked away, afraid that any more embarrassment would literally make him combust. This was not what he had signed up for when he had agreed to be Bambam’s project partner. Sure he had known that the younger was a part of a clan and that said clan were very... overbearing. And sure he had the world’s largest crush on the omega wolf known to mankind and therefore knew that if he ever wanted to go anywhere further with said crush he would also have to woo Bambam’s mates as well. He just never imagined that wooing a bunch of ancient supernatural beings would be as easy as breathing. “Ah... thank you.”

Jooheon grinned widely, wiggling off of the alpha’s back before kneeling in front of the human, collecting the younger’s hands in his. “My name is Jooheon. If you get overwhelmed please let us know. I know how overwhelming the hyungs can be. Especially when you’re not used to their special brand of affection.”

The human nodded his head slowly, staring at the wolf in shock as he fluttered off as quickly as he had come, dive bombing a group of men on a couch a little further away. 

Eventually, Jin did let Bambam and Youngjae escape to the younger’s room to get started on their project. They were left uninterrupted for a few hours before Jinyoung came up to fetch them for dinner. Minhyuk took the opportunity to collect Youngjae in his lap during the meal, taking great pride in hand-feeding the younger despite his embarrassed protests. 

The human thanked the hyungs profusely for the meal, raving over how delicious everything was for a solid ten minutes before Mark cooed, pulling the boy into his side as he pinched his cheeks affectionately. 

As he was getting his shoes on to leave for the night, Seokjin approached with a little wooden box in his hands. “Youngjae-ah,” he began, tone the most serious he had heard come out of the elder all night. “We are incredibly fond of you. And none of us like the idea of you leaving alone.” He opened the box, pulling out a soft-looking dark maroon collar, making the human blush at the implications associated with the jewelry. “It would make us all feel better if you agreed to wear this while you’re not in this house.”

“What— what is it?” he asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

“It’s a claim. And a protection charm. And a tracking charm. So that we know that you’re always safe even when you’re not in our sights.”

Youngjae thought for a moment, staring at the rich-looking piece of fabric before slowly nodding his head, reaching out to take it.

Seokjin smiled, stepping forward with it and instead of handing it over, buckled it to the human’s neck instead. “Sorry, angel. Hyung has to put it on you himself. Thank you, baby.”

He ducked his head, biting the inside of his cheek as he tried not to blush again . “Thank you for wanting to keep me safe, hyung.”

“ Always .”

Youngjae was at the clan house again. At this point he was resigned to admit that he spent more time there than in his own dorm room. Being with the hyungs was so easy and they never treated him like he was less or fragile like most other supernatural creatures he had met on campus tended to do with humans. He was out in the gardens, surprisingly alone, as he stared up at the clouds floating across the sky when he felt a presence behind his head. He looked back, smiling widely as he caught sight of the clanhead who took his smile as an invitation to lay down on the grass next to him. 

“What are you doing, baby?” He asked, reaching down to thread his fingers through the human’s.

“Just... thinking,” Youngjae replied softly, glancing over at the elder before looking back up at the sky. 

Jin smiled fondly, “Anything in particular?”

“How long did it take before you could be out in the sun like then after you were turned?” He asked, determinedly not looking at the vampire.

The elder closed his eyes, thinking for a moment before responding. “A little more than a hundred years ago I think. It was right around when we met the wolves that Yoongi and I could finally walk in the sun again so... almost nine hundred years?”

Youngjae bit his lip, watching as a particularly fluffy cloud floated overhead. “I don’t know if I can go that long without seeing the sun, hyung,” he admitted quietly. 

Jin smiled, pulling Youngjae’s head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around the human. “We have charms for that now, angel. It’s not like when I was a fledgling. This clan has a whole coven of witches who take pride in helping their clanmates. The greenhouse is completely charmed against the sun’s rays— even more so than the windows in the house. We can feel the sun without getting the negative effects.” He combed his fingers through the younger’s hair. “Are you thinking about letting me sire you, treasure?” he asked, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice.

The human slowly nodded his head, pressing close to Jin’s chest. “I love you, hyung. You and the clan. I’ve never felt like this before and I don’t ever want to lose this feeling.”

Tears bit at the corner of Jin’s eyes as he pressed firm little kisses to the top of his human’s head. “We love you too, Youngjae-ah. More than words could possibly express. Siring you would make me so indescribably happy.” He pet the boy’s hair affectionately. “However, it’s not your only option to stay with us forever. If you don’t think the vampire life is for you, you could always accept Shownu’s bite instead. That’s not saying that I wouldn’t die of happiness if you let me be the one to turn you. I just want you to know that this is entirely your decision whenever you choose to make that choice.”

“No, I want to be a vampire like you, hyung,” Youngjae stated, shaking his head lightly. “Jooheon-hyung and I talked last weekend about his change. All of those emotions and needs that come with being a wolf aren’t things that I want to deal with. Plus, you know that my secondary presentation would be an omega too which would throw off the balance of the pack. Besides... I like the idea of being able to drink from my hyungs.” 

Seokjin cooed, pressing another kiss to the younger’s hair as he gently squeezed him more tightly to his chest. “I like the idea of you drinking from me too, angel.” 

“I want to wait for a bit though, hyung,” Youngjae continued softly. “I want to make a list. I know it’s a bit selfish, since none of you got to make a list before you lost your humanity but—”

“There’s nothing selfish about wanting to be human, Youngjae-ah,” the vampire scolded gently. “Every single member of this clan would agree with that statement as well. We want you to be happy and healthy. You can wait until you’re old and grey to be turned by me if you want, sweetheart. You’ll always be my baby.”

Youngjae nodded, wrapping his arms around the elder in thanks. “Will you help me? Make a list? It’s kind of overwhelming to do on my own.”

“I’d be happy to help.”

Youngjae was... tired. Granted, it was exam season, but he found himself more lethargic than usual. He shook his head as he tried to clear the cobwebs in his brain before grabbing his backpack and making his way downstairs. Jaebum met him as the base of the steps, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to the human’s cheek fondly. 

“Good morning, baby,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around the younger’s waist. “Jinyoung-ah made breakfast.”

“Not hungry, hyung,” Youngjae mumbled, pressing his forehead against the elder’s shoulder.

Jaebum hummed in concern, reaching a hand up to feel his forehead. “Hmm... you don’t have a fever. Are you feeling sick, baby?”

He shook his head, closing his eyes as everything got blurry for a moment. “No— just tired. ‘m almost done with exams, hyung. Then I can sleep for like a week.”

The elder frowned, moving to cup both of Youngjae’s cheeks gently. “Will you eat for hyung anyway? It’ll give you energy and make hyungs worry less.”

Youngjae smiled fondly, nodding his head against Jaebum’s chest as the dizziness faded. “For you, hyung, I will.” 

Jaebum grinned brightly, pulling back so that they could move to the kitchen. Just as they reached the doorway, Youngjae’s vision whited out as his dizziness kicked in tenfold. He staggered, grasping onto the door frame tightly as he sucked in a terrified breath. “Hyung,” he gasped out, feeling himself falling as the world faded to black.

An inoperable brain tumor. 

Youngjae stared at the doctor dumbfounded. He was fine . He had been fine. Sure he had been having more migraines than usual lately. And sure, the exhaustion and dizziness was a bit concerning but— a brain tumor?

He shook his head, closing his eyes as he tried to tune the professional out. This couldn’t be happening. 

“ He has three months at most... the tumor is too large to operate... I’m sorry, there’s nothing we can do but make him comfortable.”

He gasped, unable to suck in any air as the panic set in. Youngjae felt arms wrap around him tightly. “I’ve heard enough, thank you, doctor. We’ll take it from here.”

Seokjin hummed softly by his ear, pressing soft, frantic kisses to his face as he held the baby. “Let’s go home, treasure,” he murmured, gently unhooking the human from the monitors. He picked up the boy, cradling him as if he were a baby as Jaebum ran ahead to get the door. “We’ll fix this. Hyungs will fix this.”

Youngjae moaned as they reached the outdoors, burying his face in the elder’s chest as the sun blinded him. He felt Jin move carefully, sitting down in the car as he kept the maknae tight to his chest. “Hyung,” he whispered, clenching Seokjin’s shirt fiercely. “I don’t want to die, hyung.”

“You’re not going to, angel,” he reassured, petting the younger’s hair. “I’m sure— I’m sure the witches have something that can heal you.” He was silent for a moment staring out the window blankly as he tried not to cry. “But— but if they can’t— treasure— will you let hyung turn you? I know— I know you wanted to wait but— I can’t— I won’t — lose you. Baby please?”

The human sobbed, wrapping his arms around the elder tightly, “I want to stay with hyung. Please don’t let me die. Please just turn me— I— I don’t want to wait anymore. I want to be with hyungs forever.” 

Jin breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank you, treasure. Thank you. We’ll take such good care of you.”

2020 - Back to the Beginning 

Wonho was convinced Hoseok was running them in circles. He knew for a fact that they had walked past this particular side street three times because the poor sap sleeping on one of the closed down shops was still there, hunched over against the chilly winter wind. The wolf paused at the mouth of the street, leaving Hoseok to barrel on ahead obliviously. The figure had shifted, tattered hoodie nearly riding up before the man hastily pulled it back down. There was something wrong; Wonho could sense it. Hoseok would have found the potions shop by now if he had been meant to find it— just like Wonho would have walked past the mouth of the alley if he hadn’t been meant to catch sight of the man hiding under a flimsy awning. 

Hoseok was still talking to him as he rounded the corner, immediately coming up behind the wolf from the previous corner behind him. “— and Tae-ah had the gall to tell me— me — what goes into a nightlife potion— like energy spells aren’t my specialt—” The witch paused, looking up at the elder standing in front of him in confusion. “Hyung? When did you get ahead of me?”

“I didn’t,” he stated, looking back down the side street. “I haven’t moved. We’re in a loop.”

The younger looked around in shock, eyes widening, “What the fuck— why ? I don’t— I don’t sense anything malicious though?”

Wonho shook his head, nodding towards the figure still hunched over. “I don’t think it is. Might be subconscious?”

The witch hummed in understanding, taking a careful step into the mouth of the adjacent street. When he didn’t end up someplace else, he took another, surer step. Wonho quickly followed until they were standing above the, now-admittedly, much smaller figure than originally assumed. The man in front of them whimpered, whole body jerking in response before tensing. He took another careful step, “Are you alright, sir?” Wonho asked hesitantly. 

The stranger groaned, tucking himself impossibly smaller as he muttered, “I’m fine. Please leave me alone.”

He shifted closer, practically on top of the smaller man as he took a curious sniff of the winter air. Vanilla and Chai tea invaded his senses. He gasped in shock, taking another, more frantic sniff. “You’re a vampire,” he stated, eyes wide as he crouched down to get on the other’s level. The vampire gasped, whimpering as the sunlight made direct contact with his hoodie again. “Oh god,” he exclaimed, standing up to pull his coat off of his shoulders. “Hobi, get your umbrella. He’s a baby.” 

Hoseok swore under his breath as he quickly pulled out his umbrella, opening it quickly before standing over the baby vampire. The vampire sighed in relief as the two worked above him, Wonho tucking his coat tightly around the fledgling as Hoseok worked on forming a sun shield around them. 

“You’re okay,” the wolf cooed as he gently pulled the stranger’s hands away from his head to guide the tense limbs through his coat sleeves.” We’ve got you. You can look up, kid. Hobi’s put us in a tinted bubble. The sun won’t hurt you.” He brought his hand up to the boy’s head, rubbing it fondly before dragging it down to his back to rub it fondly. He saw the boy’s head slowly peek out from the side of his hood, tired, weary eyes carefully looking around in confusion before sitting up completely in surprise. The kid looked— emaciated, Wonho noted worriedly. It was obvious that the childe had been living rough since his turning, if not before as well. His dark hair fell limply in front of his eyes as he watched the two men in front of him with distrust. 

Hoseok moved to crouch down next to the boy. “Hi, kid,” he greeted, voice soft and melodic as it flowed out of his mouth. He brought a hand up to softly ruffle the fledgling’s bangs where they were poking out from his hoodie. “What are you doing out so late?”

The boy’s voice was deep when he mumbled, “I ran out of time before the sun came up.”

Wonho could literally see Hoseok’s heart melting for the fledgling as he reached out to encompass the boy’s smaller hands in his own and asked him his name.

The boy’s eyes were wide with wonder as marveled at Hoseok’s hands, “Changkyun.”

They fell in love at first sight; the feeling reminiscent of when they first met Youngjae. He was one of theirs— and they were going to take care of him. They found out Changkyun didn’t have a sire. Broke their hearts to bits when they found out he already had himself a pack. A pack that, from the sounds of it, were just as young and in just as rough shape as their fledgling. Wonho pulled the fledgling into his arms as Hoseok tied his coat tightly around them to protect the vampire from the sun. They left the side street, stomachs swirling in discontent at everything they had learned about their newest charge. Hoseok offered to stop by a pharmacy to get Changkyun’s packmate the medicine that he had been out looking for in the first place. Their hearts broke further when the fledgling cautiously admitted that he couldn’t pay for it— that he had planned to steal what he needed. There was no denying it now— this childe and his packmates were being adopted. Their resolve only strengthened when Seokjin called, spoke to the boy and demanded that Wonho and Hoseok take care of him and his pack. 

Wonho thought he had died and went to heaven when he convinced Changkyun to drink from him, his soft cinnamon roll scent melding perfectly with the boy’s packmates scents under his skin. He could feel Hoseok’s jealousy rolling off him in waves as they pulled up to an empty field. Both of them nearly had a heart attack when the fledgling tried to run out into the midday sun, eyes widening at the adorable little giggle as escaped the vampire’s lips. 

Changkyun’s packmates, Yugyeom and Jungkook, were just as sweet, just as adorable, as their vampire counterpart. 

And just as much the clan’s.