Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had already been a month since the light in his omega’s eyes went out. Those same eyes—once brimming with life and endless possibilities—now stared blankly into the distance, as if waiting for something that would never come.
Hyunjin could feel his wolf howling inside, raw and restless, because he had no idea how else to help Minho. He had failed him as an alpha. He couldn’t protect him, couldn’t comfort him, couldn’t make things right, no matter how many promises he had made.
The first time Minho bled—the warning sign that something was wrong—Hyunjin had whispered reassurances into his ear. He told him he’d heard of other omegas bleeding during the third trimester, that it was just the body straining with the effort of carrying a pup.
He kissed the tears off Minho’s cheeks, stroked his belly, and let his hormones wrap them both in a cocoon of warmth. His beautiful mate had even managed a soft smile, nodding, choosing to trust him.
One week later, they returned from the hospital as two instead of three. And with that, every shred of happiness had been stripped away. They cried bitterly—together at first, then apart—until eventually the words just stopped coming.
Now Hyunjin sat at his desk in the office, staring blankly at the computer screen, feeling nothing but empty. Minho barely spoke to him anymore. It had been five days since they’d shared dinner; every evening, his omega simply disappeared into their bedroom and slept.
Sleep.
That was the only thing left that seemed to make sense.
“You two should really think about getting help,” Chan’s voice broke the silence, making Hyunjin flinch.
“We’ll be fine,” he lied, clinging to the hope the conversation would end there.
“No one expects you to be fine right away, baby. Sometimes you have to do something for yourself before the grief eats you alive.”
“Too late.” Hyunjin knew he sounded dramatic, but it was the truth—nothing he did worked. His throat tightened, vision blurring. “Chan… I think Minho’s going to leave me. I think… he doesn´t love me anymore.” His shoulders shook violently with sobs, and this time, he didn’t hold them back.
“I won’t survive without him, Channie. I can’t do it. I can feel him slipping through my fingers.” Chan didn’t answer. Instead, he wrapped Hyunjin in a hug from behind, whispering soothing nonsense, rocking him gently. Thank the Moon they were their own bosses and could take the rest of the afternoon off.
By the time Hyunjin made it home, it was late. The apartment was dark.
“Love? I’m home!” he called down the hallway.
Silence.
Then his stomach dropped. On the dining table sat a letter.
No. Oh no. Not this.
Moving as if in a daze, Hyunjin picked up the envelope, the scent of his omega clinging so strongly it made his chest ache.
He slapped a hand over his mouth to smother the broken sound that tore out of him. It felt like he had summoned this moment into existence just by saying the words to Chan that afternoon.

Minho sat by the riverbank, maybe to catch his breath, maybe to gather enough courage. His phone had been turned off for hours. As much as he felt that staying apart from his alpha was the right choice for now, the thought of not sleeping by his side tonight made his chest ache like an open wound.
He and Hyunjin had spent long nights talking about not sealing their bond with mating bites, and now—more than ever—he was grateful they had waited.
The pregnancy hadn’t been part of the plan, but it had been welcomed with trembling joy. That extra room in their tiny apartment, once overflowing with brushes, canvases, and paints, had been transformed into a quiet shrine, holding only a small crib and a breathtaking mural—the first masterpiece of a father who had already begun to love their pup.
Minho no longer felt like crying, but healing still needed time. He didn’t want to drown his love in the weight of his grief, and he had noticed—oh, he had noticed—how deeply his pain cut into his alpha. Every effort Hyunjin made to be there, to anchor him, only reminded him that the present was unbearable.
So Minho started walking toward the hotel he had booked. His work as a dance instructor gave him the privilege of staying in an Airbnb for a while. He told himself a month—maybe two—would be enough to crawl out of the paralysis strangling his soul. He only prayed that by the end of it, there would still be a home left to return to.
The letter he left behind was short, blunt—Minho never had a gift with words. That had always been Hyunjin’s talent.
*Don’t call me. I don’t want to talk right now. Please, let me go. I’ll come back.*
He knew the pain those words would inflict, but he also knew that asking for time, space, air to breathe—was something Hyunjin would never allow himself to give. It was logical, natural even, to want to heal together. But Minho felt like he no longer fit inside his own skin. He had always survived alone, carved his way forward with stubborn optimism.
He was almost at his destination when a voice broke through the night:
“Minho? Oh, by the Great Moon, I can’t believe I found you! Hyunjin’s frantic—he’s close to going feral!”
Minho blinked rapidly, staring at Jeongin, a friend who had been by their side for years, and felt a chilling weight sink down his spine. Feral? There were barely any documented cases in modern times of alphas losing themselves like that. Wasn’t it supposed to only happen in moments of rage and violence?
The young alpha tugged at his sleeve, urging him forward. Minho could feel Jeongin’s hormones surging, desperate to soothe and lure him closer. The pull was so strong Minho tore his arm away in anger.
“How dare you try to manipulate me with your scent? Don’t cross that line, Jeongin—I won’t let you vio—”
The words died in his throat. His friend had collapsed to his knees in front of him, body bowed low in submission, trembling under the weight of his tears.
“Please, Min… I’m not asking you to go back to him if you don’t want to. Just let me explain. Forgive my hormones—I couldn’t control them. We’re desperate. We’ve never seen Hyunjin like this before.”

Hyunjin’s eyes snapped open, a sharp sting blooming in his head. His alpha bristled, instantly scanning his surroundings.
A hospital. The last place he ever wanted to be again.
His body was covered in wires and hooked up to machines monitoring his vitals. At the foot of his bed, a sleepless-looking Seungmin croaked out, voice breaking:
“He’s awake! Chan! Nurse—he’s awake!”
Within seconds, his friends and the medical staff had gathered around him, which only set his wolf further on edge. He couldn’t stop the low rumble in his chest; fangs bared, he let out a growl so deep it startled even himself. When he tried to move, he realized restraints were holding him down, strapped to the bed.
The surge of adrenaline sparked raw survival instinct, and before he could think, his teeth sank into the nearest thing—Chan’s arm.
When an alpha in frenzy bites another alpha, there’s no predicting the fallout. But Chan wasn’t just any wolf. He was the one their pack had chosen to lead.
Nausea twisted Hyunjin’s stomach. Both Seungmin and the nurse gagged as the leader’s wolf released a toxic, overwhelming scent.
“I hate doing this, baby, but you’re not giving me any choice.” Chan’s arm was bleeding freely, red running down his skin. His voice dropped, heavy with command in alpha mode:
“I order you to calm down and obey me.”
The words hit like a hammer. The fight drained out of Hyunjin’s tall, slender body all at once. His neck bared instinctively in submission.
The air grew breathable again. Just before the edges of consciousness swallowed him, he heard one last command:
“My omega and I are going to scent you, and you’re going to let us.”

Dragged by Jeongin, Minho sat watching the youngest alpha prepare tea for everyone. Felix and Han pressed close, one on each side, sandwiching him between the comfort of omega warmth and sweet pheromones.
The blond and the brunette had been mates for a while now. In this era, no one questioned two omegas being in love, though people still stared at them on the street. Honestly, it was probably Felix’s ethereal beauty that caught every pair of eyes. His wide, almond-shaped gaze fixed on Minho with worry.
The door burst open. The only beta of the pack stumbled inside, sweat-damp and breathless from running all the way to Jeongin’s den.
“I just spoke with Chan. He says the situation’s under control. He kept Hyunjin in check—he submitted without much trouble. They’re treating his wound.”
“Hyunjin is hurt??” Minho’s voice cracked, sharp and high.
“No, it’s Chan.” Changbin hesitated, then added: “Hyunjin bit him. But they’re both okay now.”
Every gaze turned his way. He didn’t need to be a genius to understand what his pack expected of him. Moisture gathered on his cheeks before he even noticed, and when he tried to speak, the words came out broken:
“Take… me to… my al—alpha. Plea-please.”

Curled in fetal position, Hyunjin slept fitfully. Seungmin held both his hands, whispering desperate prayers to the Great Moon.
From the doorway, Chan—his arm freshly bandaged—spoke quietly with Felix, who had rushed forward, too anxious to stay behind.
“It’s shocking how fast his sub-gender surfaced. He’s the least alpha I know—soft, gentle, always refusing to act like the stereotype society pins on them.”
The blond omega’s eyes softened, full of unconditional love. “It breaks my heart to see him like this.”
“The doctor explained it,” Chan murmured. “Even without mating bites, Hyunjin’s wolf already claimed Minho’s omega as his. Losing the pup, then being abandoned so suddenly… it shattered the fragile barrier between his human and his beast. In the few recorded cases, it never ends well. Best scenario, they lose control, stop eating and drinking, and die horribly.”
“Best scenario?” Felix went pale, knees weak.
“Yeah. Trust me—you don’t want to know what the worst looks like.”
Felix’s voice trembled, betraying how shaken he was.
“Is he going to be okay? Can we help him?”
“We can only stall the inevitable. Everything depends on Minho now.”

Before Minho could set foot in the hospital, Han insisted on helping him prepare—body and spirit. Jeongin and Changbin drew him a bath with neutralizing salts to soften the bitter edge tainting his usual scent of caramel vanilla. Han massaged fragrant oils into his hair, the ritual lit by candles, friends quietly holding together his shattered heart.
A song hummed low in Han’s throat, sung in an ancient wolf tongue—one of the perks of his postgraduate studies in comparative religion.
Minho cried silently, but this time there was strength beneath the grief. A force in his chest that could move oceans. He closed his eyes, picturing his alpha wounded and vulnerable. His omega keened inside him, desperate to scent him, kiss him, curl into his arms.
It struck him like an epiphany. This wasn’t his pain alone. It was shared. He’d always known it, but now he felt it in his bones, in his heart. His wolf no longer lingered quietly in the shadows of his soul. It wanted to take the lead, to bring him back to where he belonged—where he should never have run from.
“Hannie…”
“I’m right here.”
“I’m ready.”

One year later.
Changbin balanced five pizzas in one arm and three packs of beer in the other, trying to reach the doorbell of the apartment the eight of them now shared.
Luckily, the beta had a voice that carried like thunder, so he chose the easier way to call attention—yelling in that unmistakable tone of his.
“Hey! Beloved pack! Your favorite beta has brought lunch!”
After Hyunjin had been discharged, the support team who evaluated and treated the young wolf had insisted that every ritual meant to keep his alpha calm and safe should be implemented—for his sake, and for his omega’s. One of the strongest recommendations was to reinforce his pack instinct, making sure he stayed surrounded by the others—whether they had mates already or not.
Finding a condo designed for packs who decided to share a den had been a blessing in disguise. Turns out it was more common than they had thought. The place had the perfect balance of private and shared spaces: two heat/rut rooms and a large communal area where they could curl up to watch TV or gather whenever the leader called a meeting.
Stepping inside, Changbin took a moment to absorb the scene before him. Hyunjin was resting on one of the couches, Felix carefully massaging his feet. On the floor, Han and Seungmin were in a heated debate about music.
Chan and Minho stood on the balcony, backs turned, making it impossible to tell if they were speaking or simply existing side by side. Meanwhile, Jeongin was arranging snacks on the table, clearly waiting for the beta and the food.
The moment Hyunjin spotted him, he stretched out his arms in welcome, inviting hugs before shifting upright to eat. His gaze flickered toward Minho, who was watching him from the terrace. Their eyes met, and both smiled at the same time, bound by the silent language of their fresh bond.
“Come eat, love. It’s going to get cold.”
The omega settled between his alpha’s legs, accepting the kisses pressed against his neck. Tender brushes of lips turned into whispered I love yous and I’m starving—casual confessions woven into the fabric of their everyday life. A relationship not only mended, but stronger than ever.
Chan struck the small gong he kept for meetings. Clearing his throat, he began:
“Tonight we gather to celebrate six months of living together, during which each one of us has grown in strength and virtue. Our bond has amplified us, our scents have blended so well that we’ve truly become one.”
Jeongin raised his hand to speak.
“My friends actually told me my scent has changed—that I smell like a spring meadow now, floral and woody all at once.”
“Our business partner says Changbin and I smell like fresh-cut grass in a garden full of flowers,” Han chimed in.
“My students noticed it too,” Minho added, stroking the arms of his mate, who was wrapped around him from behind.
Hyunjin hesitated, clearly debating whether to speak. Chan noticed and gave him an encouraging nod.
“Speaking of scents… there’s something we need to tell you,” Hyunjin finally said, though even he wasn’t sure why his heart was pounding so hard.
Before he could continue, Changbin, Jeongin, Han, and Felix broke into tears all at once, like some bizarrely synchronized performance.
Seungmin—always the grounded one, less prone to emotional theatrics and every bit the reliable omega leader—was the first to find words.
“Do you have good news for us? Is there a new pack member on the way?”
“Not yet,” Minho smiled, watching their friends’ shoulders sag in anticipation. “But we’ve been talking about it seriously… and we’re going to start trying. I stopped taking my pills this week. The doctor says it’s safe, and there’s a good chance everything will go well.”
Once again, the chorus of tears erupted, Felix leading the charge. Soon everyone was wrapped in hugs, and amidst cheers and words of encouragement, two hands found each other—silently promising forever.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin pays attention. He’s an Alpha who takes pride in surprising those who don’t know him, all because of his immense sensitivity. It’s been a month now that he’s been keeping an eye on Felix and Han. The pair of omegas have been acting strangely. They’ve grown quiet, sharing wordless looks, and Han has been skipping “Thursday Dinners”—those mandatory evenings when the whole pack is expected to sit at the table together. He always excuses himself with vague claims of feeling a little unwell, although nothing serious. Something is definitely going on, and what worries Hyunjin the most is that they don’t seem willing to share it with the rest of the pack.
For days he’s been wondering how to approach them—or at least one of them—and offer his ear, his shoulder. Let’s be honest, he’d bring them the Moon Goddess herself if they asked. He loves them fiercely, and they’ve been an enormous source of support ever since his hospitalization, which has now been eighteen months behind him.
Silent, he peeks into the kitchen, where he knows the freckled blond is preparing dinner for everyone. Since moving in together, some of them organized a cooking rotation, giving other tasks to those who don’t enjoy cooking as much—including Changbin. The last time he did it, Seungmin accused him of trying to poison them. After that incident, the muscular beta volunteered for grocery runs and driving duties, and no one complained.
Felix stands focused on the rice cooker, its timer ticking steadily with every second. Hyunjin lets his scent swell just a little, announcing himself gently. The last thing he wants is to startle him.
—Hey, Jinnie, good evening. How was your day?—the omega’s smile reflects genuine interest, and the tall Alpha’s chest tightens at the thought that Felix always wears that bright face for his pack.
—All good, my friend. I was hoping we could talk for a bit. Hannie isn’t home yet?
—No, they’re on a tight deadline tonight. He texted to say he’ll be late, finishing up something for work.
Han splits his time teaching at the university— humanities courses during the day—and in the evenings he runs a small music production company with Changbin, slowly building up a strong reputation. That makes his schedule in the afternoons unpredictable.
—What did you want to talk about?
—Maybe I just miss you… we haven’t had the chance to catch up in a while. Work has been overwhelming and sometimes it feels like I barely see anyone but Minho. This condo feels too big some days.
—Come sweet alpha—Felix’s smile shines brighter than the sun. He holds out his hand, inviting him to follow—let’s sit down for a moment.
The good thing about the den they chose is that it offers plenty of ways to find space apart, even while living in the closeness a pack needs. When they decided to move in together, Bang Chan knew his group was particularly clingy, but also protective of their private time.
Seated across from each other on the terrace, the slender Alpha decides to speak without hesitation, to offer himself in whatever way he can to share the weight the omegas seem to be carrying.
—Yongbokie, you and Han have been such a tremendous support to me and Minho. We’ll always be grateful for the love you give us. You’ve protected us, listened to us… I know without you, my recovery would’ve been slower and far more painful.
Felix’s almond shaped eyes glisten, and moved, he takes Hyunjin’s hand and nods gently, as if to say I’m here. The Alpha goes on:
—I don’t feel like I owe you anything for that, because I know you’ve given it freely, unconditionally. But I love you both so much, and as much as I can, I want you to be the happiest omegas in this world. Not just you two—our four omegas.
Felix lowers his gaze, his expression shadowing. Oh. So there is something going on.
—If you don’t want to tell me, I’ll respect that. But please, come to us when you’re ready. Any of us.
They let the silence linger. Being part of a pack means that—sharing the silences too. Hyunjin feels the squeeze of his hand tighten, and their eyes meet.
—We’re not ready to tell you what’s happening yet. I promise we will, but there are things we have to do on our own first.
—Okay, my angel… just one more question, can I?
—Of course.
—Are you both safe?
—We are.
Without another word, they stand together to check on the rice, and side by side they finish setting the table for the pack.

—I’d love to know what you’re thinking. I can practically hear your brain chewing on something from over here—Minho pauses his favorite anime to call out his mate. Both are leaning back against the headboard, one watching, the other reading.
Hyunjin looks at him like a kid caught red-handed stealing cookies from grandma’s jar.
—I’m worried. But that doesn’t mean I want to worry you…
The omega sighs and pulls out his earbuds, then moves his pliant, lovesick Alpha like a puppet until Hyunjin ends up straddling his lap, face to face.
—Let me remind you that the bite mark you’re wearing on your neck isn’t decorative. No matter how hard you try to keep things from me, I feel your unease, Jinnie. It hurts not being able to help you. Come here.
Minho is a strong, dominant omega. Proof that secondary gender doesn’t dictate the way you live. Sometimes fragile and delicate, yes—but never a wolf in need of special protection. Hyunjin, on the other hand, is the opposite. Still, what happened more than a year ago is a clear reminder that his Alpha can be savage, violent even—and that harmony between their wolves, as well as themselves, is crucial.
Wrapping his arms around Minho’s neck, the taller one kisses him softly, as if in apology.
—I love you—he says, knowing how cheesy he sounds—I love you (kiss), I love you (kiss), I love you (kiss).
—If you love me as much as you say (kiss), you should (kiss) tell me what’s going on (and he decides that’s the last kiss).
His mate studies him, as if weighing his words.
—Have you noticed Han and Felix acting a little strange?
Minho tucks the strands escaping his ponytail neatly behind his ear.
—Yeah, I’ve noticed. They’re hiding something. And from the looks on their faces, it’s not something good.
—I talked to Yongbokie. He confirmed something’s happening, but asked me to give them time before they bring it to the pack.
—Han told me yesterday they need to get away for a couple of days. You know… couple’s trip.
—Mmh… I think it´s a great idea…doesn’t sound so crazy for us either. Where would you like to go, my kitten?
—Oh, Great Moon, don’t call me that! You’ll pay for it!—he shouts, tackling him with tickles.
By the time they’re breathless and the bed is a complete mess, they pick up the thread of the conversation again.
—I just hope they’re okay.
—They asked for time… they’ll come back to us. And while we wait, I can think of a few ways to pass the time. All of them involve you undressing me. What do you say?
Hyunjin laughs, leaning in to whisper against his ear: Your wish is my command, my lord.

Bang Chan sounds the gong everyone associates with gathering around food to talk about matters that concern the whole pack. It’s really a joke—just a way to make it fun.
Slowly the eight of them filter into the main room, where Seungmin has been nesting for more than two days. His heat is clearly on the horizon, and the other omegas in the group have been helping him gather clothes, quilts, plushies and other little comforts to make him feel safe and settled. With four omegas in the pack, the living room spends more days of the month doubling as a nest than as a regular lounge, but Chan, Hyunjin and Jeongin find it adorable. Even Changbin, whose scent is more neutral and less penetrating, diligently leaves his fresh pine wood on anything they ask—and sometimes on things they don’t ask him to. The pack’s aroma has become so characteristic it’s almost part of their identity.
Minho thinks Chan probably called everyone together because tomorrow he’ll disappear for three days with his mate to go through their heat and rut. Since they’ve synchronized, they usually both come back to themselves by the third day, and there must be something important to say before then.
—Thanks for coming so quickly, guys. Felix and Hannie asked for this meeting, so I’ll give them the floor.
The omegas—visibly nervous—sit together on the largest sofa. Felix has one leg crossed; Han keeps his knees glued together and his feet turned inward in that beloved bambi legs pose everyone loves.
Felix clears his throat in that atypically low register and begins:
—First of all, we’re sorry for worrying you. So many of you came to check on us, and we’re overwhelmed by the support you’ve shown.
Han nods and continues:
—As you know, Felix loves his job as kindergarten teacher…mostly because he loves kids.
Everyone nods—some smile, others fall quiet, bracing for the solemn tone this conversation is taking.
—As two omegas who decided to pair up, we always knew parenthood would be complicated for us. If we ever wanted a family, we’d have to go through a lot of testing to determine our compatibility.
The pack goes still. No one saw this topic coming—not for a second. Bang Chan crouches near Han and rubs his knee, gesturing for him to continue.
—Well—he covers his mouth with a hand, his eyes already glossy—we have the results. The doctor who saw us, a very dedicated and loving female omega, didn’t want to give us false hope… if we want to be parents, our pup can’t be biologically ours.
At once they all surge to hug the small omegas. Ancient pack mechanisms kick in to soothe the distressed: Alphas release calming pheromones, omegas scent them with ritual care, Changbin—the healer Beta—does what he does best. The rest of the discussion can wait. Right now they need love.
After they’ve eaten and curled up together, Changbin is the first to reopen the subject.
—We already have one couple who postponed their pup plans for a while, and we understand their reasons. Whatever you decide, we’ll respect it. Have you talked more about options?
This time Felix is the one to answer:
—Dr. Gutiérrez told us that while there’s no possibility between the two of us biologically, either one of us could have a pup with an Alpha donor. You can imagine why that´s a complex option.
Minho and Hyunjin trade looks. They don´t know what the freckled one means. Jeongin—an elementary school teacher with a master in family studies—hastens to explain:
—An Alpha can donate for two omegas, but typically, if they belong to a pack, the donor should be someone from the same pack. If not, the omega who didn’t carry might reject the pup; even if the human side accepts it, the parenting dynamic, the couple’s life, the whole pack could suffer the consequences of forcing that kind of bond. It doesn’t always happen, but the risk is high.
Chan takes Seungmin’s hand and the room fills with his scent, the group bracing because this is a delicate pre-heat conversation:
—So you’re saying the boys should have an Alpha donor from the pack, like me, Hyunjin or Jeongin?
Growls are immediate—Minho and Seungmin’s scents turn sharp and potent. The hairs at the nape of Hyunjin’s neck lift reflexively as a low rumble rises from his mate’s chest. Clearly, the fantasy of sharing an Alpha is no joke. Felix and Han spring up from the couch, smelling the threat in the air; Changbin steps between them protectively and shouts:
—Calm down, omegas, Chan, please help me out here!
Chan looks bewildered for a second, unsure what to do first, covering Seugmin´s body with his. Hyunjin positions himself in front of his mate—not to stop him, but to shield him—yet Minho’s scent sours further, as if the mere idea of Hyunjin volunteering causes visceral rejection.
—We don’t want Hyunjin or Chan as donors, don’t be ridiculous! We’re a family, and we agreed long ago not to make polyamory a rule of this pack. Keep your possessive hormones away from my omega!—Felix bares his teeth, posture menacing. The little wolf looks huge and fierce in protective mode. Han hides behind him, tearful, staring directly at Minho as if begging his beast: I would never betray you, please calm down. He looks terrified.
Suddenly an unusually deep voice cuts through the scene and everyone turns to Jeongin, who bows a stiff ninety degrees toward Hyunjin:
—Forgive me, Alpha. I will speak plainly to your mate. I yield to you and seek no fight. Changbin, take the omegas to my room. Minho, I’m talking to your wolf. I forbid you from approaching them while they’re in my den. Leave now with your mate.
Then, exposing his own neck, he says to Chan:
—Please take Seungmin now to the heat room. It might hit him harder now, considering. We’ll be fine.
Thankful for the initiative, the leader lifts his visibly shaken mate as if he weighed nothing and takes him out. With the room cleared, Jeongin can barely breathe from the mixture of scents; before heading to his own room, he allows himself to sit and cry bitterly for a minute.

Minho’s irises have gone blue. His fangs rest on his lower lip. His breathing is ragged. Hyunjin kneels before him on the bed, taking his hands. The human part of Minho understands that the boys aren’t suggesting his mate as a donor—but the beast feels something else entirely. They tried for a pup briefly after the loss, but they decided to wait, and this situation has reopened that wound, throbby and raw at his temples.
—Love, your pulse, control your pulse—says the tall Alpha calmly, licking his wrists and layering in a warm scent of coffee and chocolate.
Minho hears him as if underwater. Something inside him begs to be rescued; his beast is restless, sensing an imaginary threat. He hears the whisper: we want a pup, we want one! omegas are dangerous, our alpha is gentle—watch out!
The confusion makes him feel sick. His gaze frantically searches for something, not knowing what—until red irises find him. Two hands larger than his own cup his face and finally his wolf allows him to breathe. The bond pulses, and little by little the dissonance rearranges into harmony.
—Kiss—he begs, not knowing what else to ask.
—Are you sure love? You seemed mad at everyone a moment ago, even me.
A wave of embarrassment rushes through him like fire remembering the scene.

—Kiss please… I…
Nothing else is needed. He feels his soul settle back into its original shape with the contact of his beloved Alpha´s lips.
—I need you, Jinnie, please. Close to me. Inside me.
Oh, Great Moon. How could anyone refuse that? They could talk later.

They would talk for a long time about what that day meant for the pack. In the end, Minho’s heat also hit unexpectedly, and both private rooms ended up occupied with exhausted alphas and omegas impossible to satisfy in any way.
Since Changbin was busy consoling a devastated Han and an angry Felix, no one noticed right away when Jeongin’s rut arrived too, triggered by all the stress. The poor beta was running around everywhere, carrying snacks, water, offering the young alpha a bath or cold compresses. It was complete chaos, followed by endless conversations, apologies, and tears.
Han admitted he was terrified at the thought of the pack breaking apart because of it, and Chan suggested they reach out to an online therapist for a few counseling sessions.
The conclusion was clear: communication was essential (duh!), and everyone needed to work harder on handling their wolves. But the real turning point seemed to be the pack’s plans for raising pups. Everyone agreed that having little ones running around the den sounded wonderful. Seungmin, as the lead omega working from home, even offered to organize care for all the mini-wolves they might welcome. For Felix and Han, the question was how; for Hyunjin and Minho, it was when. The counselor had adviced to pause any pup project for now, in order to allow the pack to strengthen their bond.
The pack’s natural, almost instinctive reaction after their wolves had clashed was seeking more closeness: more scenting, more cuddling, more piles of eight on the couch watching movies. The only one still restless and unsettled was Jeongin. The young alpha had been more emotionally fragile, even asking for time off from work (Like Felix, he taught for a living—though his students were a little older, in elementary school).
That was why, one day, he announced he’d be leaving for the beach for a few days to rest. Han had chased him all around the house, demanding goodbye kisses and hugs. Normally, Jeongin would have found it funny, his eyes crinkling into two soft little crescents. But not this time.
Hyunjin, ever the one to notice small things, offered to go with him to the station. On the way, after buying ice cream, he put an arm around Jeongin’s shoulders and spoke gently:
—Jeonginnie, it’s understandable you feel pressured because of Hannie and Lixie. But I want you to know no one expects anything from you—not even the boys. Don’t carry that responsibility. It’s not yours.
The younger smiled, and this time it looked genuine:
—I know. But there’s just too much going on. And to be honest, I do want pups. And the other thing I want is to have an omega by my side someday…
—Would it be reckless of me to ask if you’ve ever imagined having two omegas instead of one? —Hyunjin knew Minho would never agree to it, and neither would he, but he could easily picture it as a possibility for the younger ones.
Jeongin looked at him as if he’d grown another head, and Hyunjin inmediately thought he’d crossed a line… until the younger blushed and lowered his gaze, flustered.
—I have imagined it. You know very well how much I love them, those two. But I really doubt they’d ever want to include me in their bond. They’ve been together for so long, they don’t need me.
—Of course they need you! What are you even saying? They adore you, baby! Haven’t you talked about it with them?
—No. I don’t dare bring it up. My wolf couldn’t take the rejection. Please… don’t say anything about this to the others. I’m begging you to keep this secret.
Hyunjin’s chest tightened at the thought that the youngest of the pack had been hiding far more than anyone realized. At the same time, a lightbulb went off in his mind, and he asked:
—Sorry for being blunt, but… was your rut spiraling like that because of the omega´s call to breed? Is it because your alpha wants to claim them?
Jeongin sniffled loudly, as if holding back a flood, and nodded before resting his head on Hyunjin’s shoulder. His friend wrapped him in an embrace instantly.
—I’m still confused. I’ve been fighting with my wolf over this for at least a year, and I can’t anymore, Jinnie. It feels like everything is pushing me to confess how I feel, but I’m just too scared.
—I can only imagine how hard that must be. Honestly, I don’t know if my alpha—being as intense as he is—could handle what you’re going through. Let me make a suggestion, okay?
—Okay —the younger replied, wiping his face with his sleeves.
— Ask our pack therapist for advice. She will guide you. And talk to Chan. As our leader, maybe he can soften the weight of it all.
They say goodbye at the station with a hug, and this time, Jeongin allowed a kiss on his forehead.

Several weeks pass without major upheavals. As a tacit agreement, no one brings the subject up again, and Felix and Han seem calmer, pampered endlessly by the rest. Everyone understands that there are unresolved matters, but they trust their bond and the love they share to work things out little by little. Hyunjin shares these thoughts with Minho while they drink tea on the terrace, and both turn their heads at the timid scent of blueberry waffles.
The youngest of the pack appears, sliding the window shut behind him, as if to signal he wants privacy with the couple.
—Hello, baby alpha! —Minho exclaims— Want some tea?
Jeongin accepts the cup and pulls up a chair to sit between them, his scent growing stronger. Hyunjin releases calming pheromones in response and asks:
—Tell us then, young one, what is it about?
The youngest looks at them with determination.
—I’m going to offer myself as a donor for the boys, when they’re ready. I can wait as long as needed, but I want it to be me. I came to you for your blessing before I ask the pack, and before I talk to them.
Minho and Hyunjin exchange a glance and, through their bond, immediately celebrate being in agreement. The taller one throws himself at the youngest to hug and kiss him, while Minho pulls him back to scent his wrists, the ancestral gesture of approval. Jeongin bursts into tears and promises they’re happy tears—and judging by the looks on the other two, they seem contagious.
Once they’ve all calmed down a little, some questions arise, starting with Minho:
—Why did you come to us first? Don’t get me wrong, I’m honored, and we’re always here for you, but shouldn’t our pack leaders hear this before us?
—You’ve been like parents to me. Your advice and point of view mean so much. I love you both, and Chan’s and Seungmin’s approval would mean nothing if you thought this was a bad idea. I know you also want pups and decided to wait. I don’t want my decision to trample your plans. We’re a family.
Minho’s chin trembles, and he feels his partner’s hand caress his knee. It’s a delicate subject for them, and he’s moved to know Jeongin thinks of it that way too. Pressing his lips together and taking a deep breath, he cups the youngest’s face:
—You’re a wonderful alpha, and your judgment is worthy of a wise adult. Of course you have our blessing under the Great Moon.
Hyunjin hesitates but finally asks:
—What does that mean in terms of bond with them?
—Nothing for now. I don’t want to interfere in their relationship, only to keep the possibility of having their pups within the pack. I’m ready to take responsibility for being present for our children—legally and emotionally. I intend to be part of raising them as another member of the pack. Romantically, I don’t expect things to change between us. I’ve already made peace with that.
Minho feels his heart explode when he hears our children. It’s true—they would be Felix’s, Han’s, and Jeongin’s pups, but also the pups of the whole pack. What a divine future that would be.
—Then you know what to do, young alpha. I’m sure Changbin will be overjoyed when he hears, and I doubt our leaders Chan and Seungmin will object.
—Thank you, both of you. I really love you.
—And we love you.
Their scents mingle, refreshing the afternoon for several meters around.

Chan strikes the gong with urgency. The wolves rush to the hall, startled by the unusual timing. The pack is complete—probably just as Chan intended. Once gathered, the scene is familiar: Han and Felix sitting hand in hand on the central couch. But this time there’s a new detail—Jeongin sits with them, and upon entering the space, his scent rises with authority. In the world of scents, his wraps around the two omegas’, forming an exquisite basket of fruits and flowers. Chan seems so emotional he cannot speak, so Seungmin takes charge of the meeting:
—I don’t think this will be a surprise to anyone, but we wanted to give it the solemnity it deserves —he begins— As your leaders, we received wonderful news today.
Han and Felix look simply radiant, and the blond asks to speak.
—I know Jeongin already talked to you, but we’ve decided to accept him as our donor. But wait! Before the excitement gets out of hand, we’ll follow our pack therapist’s advice and postpone it. But it’s official now.
For some reason, the three of their scents grow even stronger, as if telling the others: wait, there’s more. Because of this, no one interrupts, though their wolves wag their tails and let out little yips of joy.
Han adds:
—We have another piece of news. We asked Jeongin to let us court him—both of us—and he said yes.
Hyunjin feels tears rising, but he holds them back when he sees Minho, Changbin, and Chan already ahead of him.
No one speaks out dramatically. This time, they let their wolves converse through scents and approving growls, because it feels too intimate to put into words. To close the session, Chan wipes his face and ends:
—Jeongin, you are the glue that keeps us united and centered. Whatever you decide is right for the pack. May the Great Moon guide your steps.

After weeks, that night the pack finally sleeps deeply, in a dream untroubled.