Chapter Text
"Human Seokjin! Human Seokjin!"
Seokjin glances up from the meat grilling over the fire to the four pups barreling over the ridge towards him. 'Human Seokjin'-the title never fails to amuse him, even after the moons he's lived here. Wolves place a lot of importance on their gender- it determined their status, their occupation, and most importantly who they mated with. Whether alpha, beta, or omega, knowing your place and role was paramount, and the fact that Seokjin lacked this very important distinguishing marker made him quite an outlier.
Well, that and being the only human in a pack of wolves.
"Aren't you all supposed to be in training?" he asks as they come to a halt in front of him. It's midday and the sun is shining brightly in the cloudless sky, a perfect time for young wolves to work on their hunting and sparring skills. His den being where it is, oftentimes Seokjin can hear their yips and snarls from over the ridge where they practice in the large clearing on the far side of pack territory.
Heewon puffs out his chest. Despite barely coming up to Seokjin's waist, the oldest alpha of the bunch always has an air of superiority about him. "Teacher released us early to do an important job."
"Yeah, we've got to share important news with everyone in the pack!" adds Kanghoon, a beta with messy brown hair whose furs are always in a state of disarray.
"Ooh, is that so?" Seokjin reaches over and flips his skewers so both sides can cook evenly. Accidentally burning cuts as choice as these would be a travesty. "Do tell."
"The hunters are coming back today! Head Alpha says they'll be here by sunset, and that we should all gather to feast their return!" chimes in Minjun, the youngest beta. Behind him the even tinier Seunghan nods, the alpha half hidden behind Minjun as he always tends to be around Seokjin.
"That is valuable news," Seokjin agrees. "Good thing they gave such a vital responsibility to such worthy pups."
The youngsters all beam, looking thrilled.
"Since we're doing a very big 'sponsibility does that mean we can have some meat, Human Seokjin?"
Seokjin chuckles. He'd been expecting this, especially as the pups' eyes had all been constantly darting to the food ever since they'd arrived. Wolves have voracious appetites, none more so than those still growing. Seokjin's methods of preparation (and especially his use of spices) are seen as supremely odd to most of them, who tend to think solely in terms of sustenance rather than savoring a meal. But the younger members of the pack are more adventurous than their elders, and it's not unusual for Seokjin to have unexpected visitors popping by begging for scraps every time he makes something new.
"Hmm, I don't know...since the hunters are returning, this should probably be saved for the feast," he says, putting on an expression of mock seriousness and watching as the pups' faces fall.
"Aww, can't we have just a little bit?" whines Kanghoon.
"We're starving," Minjun pouts with puppydog eyes, "and we have to find everyone in the pack! We need energy!"
"Please, Human Seokjin? Pleeeease?"
Seokjin pretends to deliberate for a few more moments before picking up one of the skewers, slathering it with sauce, and offering it to them. "Oh, alright. But just because you guys are my favorites."
With excited squeals the pups tear into the meat, chewing viciously as grease runs down their chins.
"Good huh?" he asks, watching them fondly.
"The best!" Kanghoon moans, licking the sauce from his fingers. "I wish my dam's cooking was as tasty as yours."
"Hey now, don't go saying that too loud," Seokjin wags a finger. "I don't want to get on any omega’s bad side."
"Human Seokjin, you must be excited that the hunters are coming back, right?" Minjun asks, mouth half-full. "My dam can't wait for my sire to return."
"That's 'cuz it's hard for omegas to be away from their mates for too long," Heewon explains with an imperious tone. "They're not made to be alone. They need alphas and betas to take care of them."
"That's not always true..." Seokjin keeps his tone mild. "There are plenty of omegas who can handle themselves just fine, like Jimin for example." The mate of the Head Alpha might look delicate, but Seokjin has seen firsthand how vicious he can be when defending the pack.
"Omega Jimin is a special case," Heewon sniffs. "It's because Head Alpha lets him get away with anything. When I have a mate, I'll be much stricter."
Seokjin merely hums. Stereotypes like this are quite ingrained amongst wolves, and he's found that as a human his opinion of them (mainly that they're restrictive and stupid) often isn't taken seriously.
"Human Seokjin, even though you're not a wolf are you like an omega?" Seunghan asks softly, looking at the human with wide eyes.
Seokjin snorts violently, taken by surprise by the question. "An omega? Why would you think that?"
"Cuz you're Alpha Jungkook's mate, and he's the most alpha of alphas!" Minjun answers in Seunghan's stead. The other pups nod in agreement. "So you must be his omega!"
"Yeah, everyone knows Alpha Jungkook is the strongest, toughest, fiercest alpha in the whole pack!" Heewon exclaims.
"He's the best hunter there's ever been and brings back the biggest kills, and all the other packs don't dare try to steal from our territory because then they'd have to face him!" Kanghoon's eyes are filled with admiration.
Seokjin listens, entertained, as the pups continue to extol the alpha's many strengths and achievements. "You pups really look up to him, huh?"
"Everyone looks up to Alpha Jungkook," Heewon says, like it's obvious. "He's the most important alpha in the pack after Head Alpha. Which makes it even weirder that he chose you, Human Seokjin."
The other pups look uncomfortable at the eldest's words, but Heewon isn't deterred.
"What? It's true! An alpha like him should be with a real omega, not a human. They're not like us, there's a reason why we don't mate with them. They're frail and weak, and human Seokjin can't even have pups!"
"Heewon!" Minjun scolds, looking shocked at the alpha's rudeness. "Human Seokjin, I'm sorry."
"It's alright, Minjun-ah. Don't worry."
Seokjin isn't particularly hurt by Heewon's words, because they're true- it is completely unheard of for a wolf and a human to mate, and there are still many in the pack who consider it beneath Jungkook to have chosen Seokjin. For their most talented alpha to have rejected every eligible omega competing for his affections (and there were many) and take a human instead...
Well, in the end it was no one's business but Jungkook and Seokjin’s, and he isn't about to let a few cruel words from a pup (most likely parroted from his parents) get him down.
"You all better get a move on anyway. The sun will be setting soon, and I'm sure you still have lots of others to find."
The four pups all spring up, suddenly remembering their important task.
"Shoot! We gotta go!"
"Thanks for the food, Human Seokjin!"
“See you tonight at the feast!”
Heewon, Kanghoon, and Minjun scurry off, but Seunghan lingers behind.
"Human Seokjin...I don't agree with Heewon. I think...I think you're great." The tiny alpha's face is red, and he scampers off behind the others before Seokjin can respond.
The human's heart fills with endearment as he watches them disappear over the ridge before turning back to his cookfire. The hunters will be back before long, and he's got work to do.
By the time Seokjin reaches the gathering grounds the sun is low in the sky and preparations for the evening's festivities have already begun. The wide open area in the middle of pack territory is surrounded on all sides by thick pine grove, the space inside cleared out and dotted with cookfires being lit in anticipation of the kills brought back by the hunters. It seems like most of the pack is already here: Seokjin sees alphas and betas carrying wood for the fires, omegas carefully setting out their ingredients and tools, and pups darting in-between the working wolves, laughing and chasing each other. Adjusting his own satchel of supplies, Seokjin scans for an open space to make his own fire, when-
"Seokjin-hyung!"
The human turns at the sound of his name to see the Head Alpha's mate waving at him from over by the main firepit in the center of the grounds. Jimin is properly dressed up for the occasion, clad in beautiful white robes stitched with golden stars that match his light blonde hair. He's surrounded by other omegas and betas and clearly in the middle of directing preparations, but he quickly abandons them in favor of hurrying toward Seokjin.
"Omega Jimin, how many times do I have to tell you that you don't have to call me that?" Seokjin says.
"About as many times as I've told you not to call me Omega Jimin," Jimin retorts, putting his hands on his hips.
"I'm only being proper," the human says lightly. "Don't want to be accused of disrespecting Head Alpha's mate."
"To hell with propriety," Jimin blows a raspberry, looking distinctly un-dignified, and it makes Seokjin chuckle. "I know I'm an omega, I don't need to be reminded of it every single time someone talks to me. I like your human terms much better, and I like when you call me Jimin-ah, so keep doing it."
Seokjin smiles. "Well, I suppose I can't go against a direct order..."
"That's right," the omega preens with satisfaction before peeking at the contents of Seokjin's bag. "Ooh, what did you bring tonight, hyung? Something yummy?"
"Just some of the lamb I was marinating earlier. I’m trying it with a new version of that spice blend I shared with you before, and I think it'll taste even better once it's cooked a bit longer."
"Oh hyung, that sounds delicious," Seokjin can practically see Jimin salivating, the small omega's eyes round with hunger. "Are you sure you don't want to ditch my stupid brother and be my mate instead?"
"I think your own mate might have something to say against that idea, let alone mine," Seokjin grins.
"Pah. Namjoon would understand. Just bribe him with some of that dewberry pie you make that he loves so much."
"As tempting as the offer is, I'm afraid I have to decline. Jungkookie is the only wolf for me." The human winks. "But you're always welcome to drop by for a meal."
"Deal," Jimin smiles, his eyes disappearing into crescents. "Maybe now that Kookie and the others are back, we can all go sneak out to the spring. I'm dying for some relaxation."
"Sounds good to me," Seokjin agrees, thinking wistfully of soaking his aching muscles in the warm water. He looks around. "Speaking of, where are Yoongi and Hoseok?"
"Tonight's Demilune, remember?" the omega says, pointing up to where the half-moon can just begin to be seen in the evening sky. "They've already set out."
Ah, that's right, Seokjin had forgotten entirely. It was another important facet of wolf culture-the importance of the moon. Wolves looked to the heavenly body for guidance in many areas of their lives, from making important decisions to conducting rituals under its glow. And as the pack's moonseer, it was Yoongi's duty to observe the moon in its phases and interpret it and the stars for signs. His mate Hoseok always went with, both to keep the older beta company on his long journey to the stargrounds and also to watch over Yoongi while he observed the night sky.
"Right, I'd forgotten." Seokjin tries not to look disappointed. At gatherings like these he usually sticks close to the two betas. Though he's been officially declared part of the pack by the Head Alpha, many of its members still give Seokjin a wide berth. Some are wary, untrusting of a human after so many clashes in the past between the two species. Some just seem unsure how to interact with him due to the massive cultural differences. But others are dismissive or even sometimes outright hostile, refusing to trade with Seokjin or loudly whispering derogatory things about him when he passes by. He does his best to pay them no mind but on a night like tonight, it's going to be hard to be alone.
"I'm sorry hyung," Jimin says sincerely, his expression regretful. "I wish you could come sit with Joon and I, but-"
"It's okay, Jimin-ah, I understand. You and Namjoon need to do your duties."
The omega frowns. "Feasts are supposed to be about community. I don't like you being all alone."
"It's fine, really. I won't be once Jungkook gets back. Until then I'll just get cozy in my own little corner."
Jimin still doesn't look happy, but he nods. "Well...at least come join us after the dedication is over and the feast starts, okay?"
Seokjin feels warm at the younger's worry over him. Jimin is one of the most important wolves in the pack, but he's never made Seokjin feel anything less than welcome. "I promise. Now go get back to your job before someone scolds us, Head Omega-ssi."
"Stop calling me that or I'll sic my alpha on you," Jimin huffs, whacking the human in the shoulder, but Seokjin sees him crack a smile. "I'll be waiting for you and that lamb later, don't forget!"
And with that the omega flutters off back to his place at the center of the clearing. With a final wave Seokjin hefts up his pack once more and resumes his search for a place to start his fire.
He finds a secluded little spot on the far side of the clearing and leisurely begins to unpack his supplies. Then he carefully lines up his fuel and kindling and scatters dried bark on top of it before pulling out the small flint he keeps tied as a necklace and striking it with precision. The tinder quickly catches, and the tiny spark steadily grows under his supervision into a steady flame. Seokjin makes sure it's contained properly by the stone ring before taking out the provisions he'd brought and laying them out on his deerskin.
As he brushes the lamb skewers with one final coating of sauce and places them over the fire to cook, Seokjin reflects that he might have brought a bit too much food now that Hoseok and Yoongi won't be joining him. But that's okay- it means he gets to have the tastiest bits for himself, and he can always give the extras to Jimin afterward.
The sun has finally disappeared below the horizon now, the half-moon gleaming brightly above as stars begin to appear in greater numbers. Seokjin breathes in deeply, enjoying how the smoke makes the air rich with the scent of cooking meat. The sound of chattering wolves all around him makes a comfortable background noise as he meticulously turns the skewers, determined to make sure none burn even a little bit.
He's almost finished the first batch when there's a howl in the distance and the heads of the pack turn as one to the entrance of the clearing. Seokjin can hear the thunderous sound of paws thudding against earth, and moments later a group of wolves emerges out of the darkness, their eyes shining in the firelight.
Most wolves of the pack already dwarf Seokjin in size, even the omegas, but the alphas of the hunting party make them all look tiny. Twenty in total, each one is an arresting sight: all hulking muscles, rippling fur, and vicious claws. In their teeth they carry the spoils of their hunt, and the wolves in the clearing make way for them to pad over to where Namjoon and Jimin sit waiting at the center of the clearing.
Wolves hunt for the pack, not for themselves, and it's traditional for the hunters to present any kills to the Head Alpha, who will then dictate to whom it will go. It's something that Seokjin admires about the pack-that everyone from the leader all the way down to the lowliest pup will get their fair share.
One by one the wolves step forward and drop their offerings at Namjoon's feet: rabbits, deer, sheep, and even a fox or two. It looks like they've had great success, and for that Seokjin is grateful. Summer is fast coming to an end, and it's important that they start storing food for the harsher months as early as they can. He should really make time to talk to Namjoon, to give him some advice about smoking and salting that the wolves might not be aware of. It would help increase the amount of provisions, and-
Seokjin is taken from his ruminations about food preservation as the last wolf steps forward, his ink black fur gleaming in the glow of the fires. This wolf is the biggest of the hunting party, a full head taller than the next largest and two times as broad. The pack gasp and murmur in amazement as he drags forward his own kill to the Head Alpha- a gigantic boar almost as long as Seokjin is tall. It must weigh at least fifty stone, and its tusks are nearly the length of the human's arm. Even to a wolf a boar is a fearsome opponent, and many members of the pack have found themselves grievously injured after a fight with one. To be able to take down such a beast is a truly impressive feat, and there's only one alpha in the pack who can do it.
"Alpha Jungkook, we acknowledge your offering to the pack and commend you on your skill," Namjoon says to the wolf as he drops the boar in front of him. "Thanks to you, our pack will not face hunger this moon and many after."
The surrounding wolves howl in acknowledgement as Jungkook bows his head, stepping back and calmly sitting on his haunches with the rest of the hunting alphas. Namjoon surveys the assembled pack, his eyes roving over all of them before he smiles.
"Our hunters have returned safely and we thank the moon above for their success. Now, let the feast begin!"
Cheers and howls engulf the clearing as Namjoon motions to the wolves beside him to begin skinning and preparing the new meat. Seokjin only gets a fleeting glance at the huge black wolf before he's surrounded by others praising the hunters and their catches.
Smiling to himself Seokjin instead turns back his own food, humming as the sound of music fills the air. Now that the pomp and ceremony is over the pack will celebrate long into the night with songs and dances. It's a perfect way to spend a late summer's eve, and he's looking forward to observing the usual courting intrigue that always happens at events like these.
Seokjin is in the process of throwing another log onto the fire when suddenly he's being wrapped up by strong arms and pulled back against a solid chest in a crushing hug, knocking the wind out of him.
"Oof! Hello to you too. Don't squish me!"
"You didn't come to congratulate me," his mate murmurs sulkily. Seokjin can easily picture the childish pout on his face, and it makes him chuckle.
"You looked a little occupied. Didn't want to take you away from your gaggle of admirers."
"None of them matter. You're the only one I want to see." Jungkook nuzzles into the crook of Seokjin's neck, inhaling deeply. "Missed you so much, hyung."
"You act like it's been moons since we've seen each other," Seokjin says, tilting his head to allow better access. As a human he may not have a gland like wolves do, but the alpha seems to enjoy scenting him there regardless. "You were only gone for a few weeks."
"Doesn't matter, felt like ages. Wanna be with my mate all the time."
"You're insatiable," the human chides, though the tenderness in his voice cancels out any harshness of his words. "C'mere."
He turns Jungkook around so that they're face to face before pulling him into a kiss. This form of affection is foreign to wolves but his alpha has been nothing but an eager student, taking to the activity with aplomb ever since the first time they'd come together. Tonight is no exception, and even though Seokjin can hear the mutterings of the wolves around them he doesn't pay them any mind. He does finally break the kiss, but only so that he can finally look at his most precious person for the first time in far too long.
Seokjin is quite tall for a human, but Jungkook is even taller-and as a man he's just as broad-shouldered as when a wolf. His skin is a deep tan that glows even warmer in the light of the fire, making the ceremonial inks carved into his arms stand out even more than usual. Like his fur his black hair is thick and wavy, loosely tied up in a simple knot with stray tendrils curling around his ears.
But despite his intimidating size and appearance, there has always been an innocence to Jungkook's face- a certain roundness to his cheeks and softness of his lips that contrasts in the best way with the sharpness. It's always been one of Seokjin's favorite things about him, and nothing more so than his eyes. Wide and expressive, they're like windows into the alpha's soul-and the way they're watching Seokjin right at this moment, filled with love and adoration, makes the human feel just as warm as if he was standing right in the center of the cookfire.
"I missed you too," Seokjin says, which causes the alpha wolf to break into an even wider smile. "Now let me get a good look at you. No injuries this time, right?"
He grabs the younger's wrists, lifting his arms and inspecting them before pushing his furs aside and running his hands along his broad chest to check for cuts or bruises.
"You fuss worse than a dam," Jungkook complains, squirming under Seokjin's evaluation. "I'm not a pup anymore, you don't have to worry about me."
"I'll always worry about you, and there's nothing you can do about it. It's my right as your mate. Now stay still or there'll be no skewers for you."
"You made skewers?" the alpha gasps, his face lighting up with an almost comical amount of excitement. "My favorite kind, with the lamb?"
"Mhm." Seokjin finally ends his inspection, turning to the fire and pulling off a perfectly cooked one. Jungkook tears into it like, well, a wolf, and within seconds the huge chunks of meat have been completely devoured.
"I'm going to assume this means you like the new spice blend," the human comments as Jungkook tosses the empty stick aside and makes grabby hands at the rest of the skewers. With a fond sigh Seokjin passes him another, which is promptly attacked just like the first.
"Hyung's cooking is always my favorite no matter what it is," his mate replies confidently as he munches on the meat.
"Just don't eat it all, I promised Jimin I'd save him some."
"What! No!" Jungkook holds his meat possessively to his chest. "These are mine, tell him to go make his own."
"You can't spare a few for your own brother? He's looking forward to it very much."
"That's because he's a terrible cook," Jungkook grumbles, then wilts a bit under Seokjin's reprimanding stare. "Ugh, fine. He can have one. Just one!"
Seokjin smiles, giving him yet another skewer before finally taking one for himself and sitting down beside the fire. As he bites into it the tangy mix of spices fills his mouth, blending in harmony with the tender meat. Jungkook plops down beside him, their bodies pressed comfortably side by side as they eat. The sound of mirthful voices and song fills the air but the two of them are silent, simply enjoying each other's company and the joy of sharing a meal together after being apart.
"I wish I didn't have to be away so often," Jungkook finally speaks again after they've both had their fill and are now lying back, staring up at the starry night sky. "I don't like you being all by yourself."
"It's not so bad," Seokjin assures. "I like the peace and quiet. And when I do get lonely I go visit Yoongi and Hoseok, or see if Taehyung needs help on the farm. So don't worry about me."
"If you get to worry about me, then I get to worry about you."
"Fair enough." Seokjin yawns widely, pleasantly sleepy after such a filling meal.
He swears his eyes have only fallen shut for a few moments when suddenly he's being lifted up by warm, muscular arms as though he weighs nothing more than a feather. "Wha-?"
"You've had a long day, it's time to go home."
"You're one to talk. I'm not the one who's been dragging a gigantic boar around."
"All the more reason for both of us to go." The alpha hefts the satchel of Seokjin's supplies on his back, and Seokjin sees that his cookfire has already been extinguished as well.
"But Jimin-"
"Can come get his food tomorrow. Tonight I want you all to myself. Alphas returning from hunts need full and uninterrupted cuddles with their mates."
"Do they now?"
"Yes, it's pack law," replies his alpha with utter solemnity. "Our most sacred edict."
"You're ridiculous."
"I'm yours," Jungkook hums, giving a kiss which Seokjin returns with one of his own, both grinning at each other like idiots.
"And I wouldn't want it any other way.”