joonslfttiddie

[joonslfttiddie]

BE MINE

Fifteen

💜Fic Pairing: BTS Member x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Dark Romance | Demon Member

💜Warnings: (for entire work; not chapter specific) Mental Illnesses/Troubled Childhood/Alcoholic Parent/Mentions of Domestic Violence/Physical Violence/Stalking/Gore/Mentions of Blood/Sexist Remarks/Derogatory Remarks/Detailed Murder/Murder of an Animal/Language/Adult Themes/Sexual Themes/Mind Control/Telepathy (invading thoughts w/o permission)/Fingering/Masturbation/Manipulation/Alluding at Drug Usage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 5,936

<Previous | Masterlist |

“The best way to get a rise out of him—or fuck with his head—is to take jabs at his manhood or ego. Or tempt him with sex. He’s a very simple and pitiful creature.”

Jimin had shared his father’s insecurities with Kamryn and Mariah, including how he was more incubus than anything—fueled by sex and driven by ego. With this knowledge, they were able to destroy him, sending him up in smoke and flames.

When Jimin collapsed soon after, Mariah helped Kamryn get Jimin into her bed and insisted on helping to treat his wounds. Thanks to his non-human DNA, his torso was already beginning to heal a bit, and there was no injury to the back of his head to warrant the amount of blood that had spilled from it. The women still had to work to stop the bleeding at his side and break his fever. There was no way they could take him to the hospital without having to explain how he’d gotten hurt so badly. The lacerations were deep and looked like he’d been attacked by some kind of wild animal. A very large one at that.

Instead, Mariah used herbs from her home apothecary and covered the puncture wounds with a poultice, then dressed them, wrapping gauze around Jimin’s midsection. She also forced him to drink a blend of her herbal tea, saying it would bring his fever down, ease his pain, and reduce the inflammation in the affected area. Kamryn stayed by his side, applying a cool cloth to his forehead and waiting on him hand and foot—only allowing him to use the bathroom on his own. Even then, she was waiting at the door when he finished to help him back to bed.

Jimin knew that he would be fully recovered within approximately forty-eight hours, but he let them do what they wanted, taking care of him with unfamiliar amounts of love and care. Even as Mariah grumbled that he wouldn’t have gotten hurt so badly had he just kept up with his sachet, he knew that allowing them to fuss over and care for him was healing something in them as well. Wanting nothing more than to sleep, he would only wake up to use the restroom, barely interested in food, before passing out again. He always needed more rest when he was injured or sick. Life on the cusp of the supernatural and human was strange like that at times.

The following night, Mariah decided to sleep in Tiara’s room again, since she was rarely there and hadn’t been for over a week. She said the energy still felt too ‘off’ for her to rest peacefully in her own room—even after burning palo santo, reading psalms verses, and leaving the windows open the whole day. They all hated that things went down in their apartment, especially in Mariah’s bedroom, but they were overjoyed that it was finally over.

“Hey. How’s he doing?” Mariah whispered to Kamryn, who was lying next to Jimin in her bed, cuddled up to his side, being careful to not touch his side or wake him. Kamryn took her eyes away from admiring his handsome yet pasty, sleeping face to look over her shoulder at Mariah.

“Better. His temperature has finally broken, but he’s still sleeping. I’m sure he’s exhausted.”

“Yeah, I’m sure he is. You’ve both been through a lot. You should be sleeping as well.”

“I need to shower first, then I’ll go to bed.”

“Okay. Love you. I left your food on the stove—try to eat a little.”

“Okay… love you.”

Kamryn watched as Mariah quietly closed the door behind her, then returned her gaze to Jimin. She startled slightly when her eyes met his.

“Oh, shit. I’m sorry. Did we wake you?”

“No, you didn’t,” he said groggily. “How are you feeling? Are you going to eat?”

“Not yet. I’m okay now that your fever’s broken.” She ran her fingers delicately across his forehead and gave a weak smile. “You’re worried about me when you’re in this state?” she said, shaking her head. “How are you feeling? That’s what’s important right now.”

“Kamryn, I could be holding on by an inch of life, and you would still be my priority. I’ll be fine. Go eat your food.”

“I’m okay,” she insisted. Jimin pushed himself up on his elbows, abs tensing beneath the gauze as he winced and shifted upright against the headboard. “What are you doing? You shouldn’t be moving too much. Just rest.”

“I will when I see you eating. At least get your food and eat it here with me, then.”

“Okay,” she obliged.

Mariah must have noticed Kamryn hadn’t eaten much since last night. In the kitchen, Kamryn found a bowl of rice with just a few bits of chicken in it. The consistency wasn’t quite rice pudding, but she could tell Mariah had cooked it longer for a softer, creamier texture. She usually made this when Kamryn was sick, knowing that this would be the only thing she would eat and it’d be gentle on her stomach. With her hands around the still slightly warm bowl, she smiled down at it with tears filling her eyes. There was so much to be grateful for. It was almost as if she could feel the love radiating from the bowl between her palms. Yes, she was sad that Jimin was injured, but he was here. He was still alive, Mariah was safe, and everything was going to be okay. 

She removed the cling wrap, grabbed a spoon, and stuck it into the rice. She moved over to the fridge where she grabbed a couple of bottles of water before returning to the room. When she returned, she found Jimin had fallen back asleep, still sitting up.

Not wanting to wake him again, she sat on the chair across from the bed to eat her food. It was good, as usual, but she still didn’t have much of an appetite. She found herself stirring more than she was eating.

“I’m telling Mariah you said her food was nasty,” Jimin joked, snapping Kamryn from her thoughts.

“Whatever. I did not say that,” she chuckled. “It’s actually really good. Want to try some?”

“Sure,” Jimin said, and Kamryn sprang up from her seat, gingerly settling next to him on the bed—careful not to jolt his body, but clearly excited that he was willing to finally eat something.

“Here,” she said, “let me know if you want me to warm it up a bit more.”

Jimin struggled to sit up again, opening his mouth for a spoonful of the rice.

“Damn. That’s good.” He ate a few more spoonfuls with Kamryn cleaning stray grains clinging to the corners of his mouth. “Why aren’t you eating?”

“I had some. Just don’t have an appetite. I’ve been more worried about you,” she admitted while feeding him more. Between caring for him and praying for his recovery, her mind was still trying to compartmentalize the past few days' events. He swallowed his mouthful and Kamryn was so happy, knowing this would help him regain his strength.

“I mean,” he said, then paused to take a sip of water Kamryn handed him before he continued, “I really should have listened to Mariah and kept my satchel on me. This shit hurts like hell but I’m feeling so much better thanks to your care. I should be fully recovered by morning, though.”

“Fully recovered? Jimin. You were hurt pretty badly. I know you’re all superhuman, but chill out for a bit, okay?”

“Babe, I’m serious. That’s one of the perks to this demon shit. It’ll be as if nothing ever happened.”

“Damn. That’s definitely a perk,” she laughed and continued to feed him, beginning to scrape the bowl to get the last bits of rice at the bottom. “Is there anything else I can do to help? I feel like everything I’ve done was pointless now.”

“Awww,” he murmured, taking her gently into his arms. He nuzzled into her hair, wishing it was loose instead of in the cute high puff she favored. “Everything you’ve been doing has been helping so much. Yes, my body heals at a much faster rate, but I need you. You may not have been able to help heal my wounds, but you’re healing my heart more and more every day.”

“You sure have a way with words, don’t you?” Kamryn asked, trying—and failing—to hide her smile.

“It comes easiest when it’s the truth. But there is one thing you can do for me.”

“Anything.” When he grimaced and groaned in pain, Kamryn quickly placed the bowl on the nightstand to give him her full attention. “What do you need?”

“Can you—” he groaned again. “Can you help me numb the pain?”

“Of course,” she said with soft panic in her voice as her hands flew to rest on either side of his face. “Do you need more of Mariah’s tea?”

With a sly grin, he suggested, “Let me have a taste.”

And he wasn’t talking about the tea.

“Jimin—,” she said, shoving him lightly before catching herself. “You menace. Why would you do me like that?”

“I’m sorry, babe. Come back.” He giggled at how cute she looked, pouting as she got up to take the now empty bowl back into the kitchen. “Babe. I really think it will help, though,” he whispered as he slightly struggled to follow—hot on her heels.

With the bowl placed in the dishwasher and their empty water bottles disposed of, Kamryn returned to her room to get ready for her shower. Before she gathered everything, she thought to ask, “Do you think you’re up for a shower? Can you stand long enough?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I think I can.”

He was feeling uncomfortable with the dried blood in his hair and on his skin. Kamryn had wiped most of it away, but there was nothing like a nice, hot shower to freshen up.

“Okay. One second,” Kamryn said, placing her things on the bed, then moving to grab the clothes draped over the back of her chair. “Mariah left these in case you felt up to it. Hope you don’t mind—they’re Tae’s.”

“I don’t mind. I hope he doesn't mind me borrowing them.”

“Nah, he won’t.” She shifted, slightly uncomfortable at the thought of him about to be completely naked in her bathroom. “You can go first,” she offered. “Or… do you need help?”

“I think I can handle it, but I’ll yell if I need you.” 

“Okay.” She smiled, slightly relieved. Yes, they had been with each other intimately, but she hadn’t seen him naked before. Just seeing his bare torso was doing things to her that it absolutely shouldn’t be. He was hurt for God’s sake.

 He stepped out of the bathroom dressed in the pajama bottoms but opting out of wearing the shirt provided, water droplets fell from his hair and streamed down his bare chest. Kamryn couldn’t tear her eyes away as they roamed his body, watching how his muscles contracted and relaxed with his every move. Continuing to dry his hair with his towel, he stood at the door saying something, but then paused.

“Kam?”

“H- Huh? Yeah?” she stammered. “Do you need me to bandage you back up?”

“No?” he chuckled. “I was just saying that I don’t think I need it tonight. Where did you go?”

She couldn’t admit that her mind had taken a sharp detour straight into the gutter, so she simply asked a question that’d been on her mind all day.

“Sorry. I was just thinking about everything that happened yesterday.” She paused. “I wanted to ask if you thought that I overstepped. I had so much to say to your father—I was so pissed, but I get that it wasn’t really about me. I kind of got caught up in the moment.”

“No, you didn’t overstep at all. I’m thankful, actually.”

“Thankful? Why?”

“Because you were able to articulate things he needed to hear. The things I couldn’t, and honestly, had no desire to. But, at least for my mom—” He moved closer to her, kneeling in front of her seated on the bed. “I needed you to put all of that pain into the words I couldn’t find.”

She stared at him, searching for any regret but found none. All that was reflected back to her was adoration and gratitude.

“Ah, get up. Come lie down,” she said suddenly, thoughts springing back to the fact that he was injured.

“I’m okay,” he said while standing.

Her jaw dropped as she came face to face with his injury, gasping as she examined him. 

“What the hell?” she questioned, running her fingers against his skin, circling the small puncture wounds. Even the bruising was nearly gone. “This is—” Her eyes were wide with wonder. “What the hell?”

His complexion changed, and the puncture wounds seemed to shrink in on themselves. What were deep gouges yesterday were only small dots along his side. Jimin snickered, both from her reaction and because of the feather-soft kisses of her fingertips.

“Pretty neat, huh?”

“What the hell?” Kamryn breathed. “This is amazing!”

“That’s not all. If my theory is correct—we can heal these instantly,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.

Kamryn looked up into his eyes, noticing his flirtatious tone.

“We? What are you getting at, Park Jimin?”

Hearing his full name on her lips, spoken with such authority, was like a cool breeze across his skin. Goosebumps formed on his arms, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention.

“I was serious earlier,” he said, his eyes searching her face for a silent nudge that he should continue. “A taste.” He hinted at his previous statement—slightly embarrassed, alluding that her nectar had the power to heal him. It was her orgasm, specifically, that seemed to hold the energy—surging with an unexplainable superpower. He felt it before—in her shower and as she came undone while riding his face. The power she held inside was so strong, he wondered if she might be of demonic lineage too—or something much greater.

“Jimin. You should be resting. Besides, I haven’t even showered yet.”

“Okay? What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked with a smirk.

“It means that I’m not fresh. I’ve been inside all day, but I still need to—” Her words caught in her throat when he took her hand and kneeled back in front of her.

“They say prayer heals. Is that true?”

“Yes,” she said breathily, wanting to freshen up but too curious to fight him anymore. “I think so.”

“Let me worship you, Kamryn. I’ll bow my head—” Removing his hand from hers, he slowly slid his hands up her thighs—never breaking eye contact—to hook his fingers under the band of her shorts and panties. “I’ll pray hard and for as long as I need to—” He pulled them down with Kamryn lifting her hips to help slide the fabric from under her plump bottom. After placing her clothes in a pile next to him, Jimin hooked her legs over his shoulders and yanked her to the edge of the bed by her thighs. Kamryn yelped and fell back onto the mattress. 

“Jimin,” she whispered.

“I’ll pray—” He kissed and licked along the tender skin of her inner thigh. “And pray—” Moving to the other thigh, he sucked and placed open mouthed kisses there as well. “And pray—” Closing his eyes, he inhaled her scent deeply before coursing his tongue against her—separating her lower lips with its tip. Her back arched from the contact as he continued to travel up. Soft and warm, his tongue found her clit to circle it lightly. His touch and the warmth of his breath against her caused Kamryn to jerk in response. “And pray, until you shower blessings down on me.”

His fingertips dug into her flesh, keeping her body flush to his mouth. He licked and slurped up the gift already spilling from her. Humming his thanks, he sucked her outer lip, moved to the other side, then repeated the motion to the inner pair.

“Oh my God,” Kamryn groaned.

“Mmm, you taste so good,” he said with a mouthful of her.

Jimin dipped his tongue into her core and smiled to himself when her hips began to roll. She fucked herself on his tongue and he loved it. With his arm encasing her thigh, he collected some of her slick on his thumb to caress her clit as he continued to lick into her. He began to curl his wet muscle up against her sensitive spot each time she pulled slightly off of him, and her body began to quiver. It felt like new nerve endings were firing for the first time.

“More. Tongue,” she pleaded, already becoming comfortable with asking for what she wanted. Even if what she wanted was for Jimin to yield his power for her pleasure. He obeyed, unnaturally stretching his tongue longer to brush against the depths of her. 

“Fuck,” she breathed, her movements becoming choppy as she moved one hand to dig nails into Jimin’s arm. The other gripped his hand—still holding her thigh—as she rode his face.

Jimin knew she was close. He continued his exact movements and tempo—never straying from the rhythm that had brought her this close—until he was able to tip her over the edge. Reflexively, she rose from the bed, her hands cupping his face, as he continued to lap into her. In perfect tandem, she slid up and down his tongue, pressing her clit harder against his lips. Her moans fed his soul as he consumed every drop of grace she gifted him until she was clean—her overstimulated body trembled from the slightest touch.

“Uhm.” He pulled away from her and her body dropped back to bounce on the bed. Snickering, he stood to roll her limp body to lie comfortably on the bed. Face still glistening, he whispered, “Amen.”

After Kamryn regained the strength in her legs, Jimin helped her up to collect her clothes that had been kicked onto the floor by accident. In the bathroom, she showered in silence, mind reeling at what she’d just witnessed. He was right. Not only did he worship her pussy and make her cum so hard, she might’ve lost her vision for a split second—because he healed. Right before her eyes, the pinholes completely vanished. She saw it—didn’t she? There was not a single bruise or blemish against his perfect skin—only a few scattered moles and a black-inked word nevermind tattooed across his ribs. She’d been able to communicate with Jimin telepathically, be influenced the same way, and she’d witnessed his and his father’s demonic shift—yet, this. This is what had her speechless.

Standing under the spray of the showerhead, she thought about it all. Kamryn had to admit that she felt relieved to know that she and Jimin were destined to be together, which would explain the feelings she had felt for him almost immediately. She noticed that after she’d received that revelation from Mariah, she began to allow herself to lean into whatever this was that they had with less reluctance. Whatever they had, had her heart swelling with the knowledge that she belonged somewhere—to someone. She finally had a place where she was special, cherished, and truly loved. She was worthy; a direct contradiction to the ideology she’d been programmed with since childhood.

In the bedroom, Jimin’s conscience ate away at him. He was still getting used to this voice of reason, lecturing him in his mind. At the same time, his heart spoke, telling him that Kamryn would do anything for him. They didn’t even know how she was able to heal him. Was he siphoning her life force? Was she a majestic being with healing qualities? Even with that uncertainty, she allowed him to feast on her just so that he could heal. 

“Fuck,” he muttered to himself.

He’d done so much she had no idea about, then he pulled her into his shit. Had he just left her alone after seeing her at the track that day, none of this would have ever happened. Instead of leaving a beautiful flower to thrive and fully bloom, he plucked her from her garden for his own selfishness. All because he wanted her. But they were divinely bound. That’s what Mariah had said. Jimin mentally warred with himself, feeling the pull to confess everything. He had to bare his truth, place it at her feet like an offering that she would either accept or reject. He pulled on Taehyung’s shirt—just in case Kamryn decided to kick him out. That, and she seemed unsettled after watching the last of his scars heal before her eyes.

Back in her room, Kamryn slid under the cover, molding herself against Jimin’s frame. He pulled her into his chest as she rested her head on his bicep. Her little hand slid under his t-shirt, fingertips gliding across his skin, much like she’d done earlier. But this time, he noticed how she slightly trembled. Was she afraid of him?

“Are you okay?” He asked gently, studying her face while dragging a lazy finger against her brow. She closed her eyes, nuzzling into his touch. “You haven’t said much since—”

“Yeah,” she cut in. “It’s just… this is a lot.”

What was a lot? His finger stilled, and Kamryn opened her eyes, already missing the feeling.

Here it was. He knew it would happen soon enough. The moment when she admitted that he wasn’t worth all the drama. There was no way he would be able to find love—find peace. Not after the life he’d lived. She was about to tell him that he was too much.

“Should I– Do you want me to leave?”

“No,” Kamryn said, lifting herself from her arm pillow—her eyebrows pinched with confusion. “Why would you say that?”

“I— You said this was too much. I assumed you were talking about us. About me.”

“Babe, I’m speaking about everything we’ve been through and witnessed since knowing each other. I’m not talking about you. If anything, you have helped me get through all of this with my mind still intact.”

Kamryn laughed lightly, though there was nothing funny about her confession.

“Nah. Don’t give me credit for that. You’ve been strong—all on your own—well before me.”

“Yeah, but, you helped me realize it.” Jimin pulled himself to sit up, his expression too serious for the conversation Kamryn thought they were having. “What is going on right now?”

It crushed him to know that she thought so positively of him. After all the fuck shit he’d done. He had to tell her. He couldn’t take away her right to decide whether she wanted to stay or walk away. But would he be able to survive if she pulled away—if she looked at him like the piece of shit that he is?

“Look, there’s so much I haven’t told you.” He sighed. “I manipulated you, Kamryn. I infiltrated your mind—I influenced your thoughts— It’s like I’ve conditioned you, which is why you’ve been able to handle all my shit. I can’t blame all of this on my father. I’ve done a lot of shit on my own. I don’t deserve for you to speak so highly of me.”

This caused Kamryn to sit all the way up.

“You told me about the things you’ve done. Where is this coming—”

“No. Not that stuff.” He ran a rough hand through his hair. “There are things you aren’t aware of.” He turned his body to face her—his legs criss-crossed in front of him—then detailed everything. He spilled his guts, telling her about seeing her at the university, about that night at the bar, even about the times he stalked her around the city, coming as close as delivering her food. He disclosed how he entered her mind then, and that he’d even killed her neighbor’s cat. “It was stupid and evil, I know. At the time, in my mind, I thought I was protecting you.” Jimin confessed to lurking around like a creep, peering into her window and patio door to try and catch a glimpse of her. He wrung his hands nervously in his lap as his words drew the shameful picture—depicting his obsession—even illuminating the darkest corners. While never making eye contact, he looked down at the duvet as he took her into the perverse parts of his mind where he’d masturbated to the image of her changing clothes in the safety of her own home—fantasized about her moaning for him. “I’m deadass wrong. In no way am I trying to justify my actions. It was all fucked up, I know. But, that’s not who I am anymore.”

“Ha,” Kamryn scoffed uneasily. “What?” Her crooked smile was forced as she said, “Stop playing with me.”

Her eyes silently pleaded for this all to be a joke, but Jimin never laughed. He sat there, head hanging low, still unable to look at her and unsure if he ever deserved to again. Had he ever?

“I— You—” Kamryn struggled to find the words she wanted to say. She didn’t want Jimin to leave, even after hearing all that he’d done. Even though she’d seen him heal before her eyes, she still wanted him to rest. She did, however, need a moment to think. “Uhm. I don’t know what to say, Jimin. I don’t want you to leave…” her voice quivered a little. “I’ll be back.” She slid out of bed, not running away from him—not wanting him to feel abandoned—but she needed a moment to breathe.

She walked quietly into the kitchen, unsure what drew her there. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, she sat at the island, drawing shapes with the condensation on its surface. Thinking back to all of the things Jimin said, she was most stuck on the fact that he stalked her for years before weaseling into her life. Were the feelings she’d developed for him in such a short duration of time due to their fated love? Or had he influenced that too? 

Like he said, not to justify his fucked up behavior, but in his twisted mind, a lot of what he did was to protect her in some way. She couldn’t forget how relieved she felt after learning that she wouldn’t have to live in fear of that damn cat. And, she hated to admit it, but she was relieved to not have to deal with Micah anymore. But why did he have to drop this bomb now? Right when she’d made up her mind to be vulnerable and allow him all the way into her heart. After she’d gotten comfortable with the fact that she was worthy of a love that’s written in romance novels, he was snatching it away.

“Damn, sis. Your thoughts are way too loud,” Mariah joked, rounding the corner from Tiara’s room. “Have you been to sleep yet?”

“No, not yet. Was I really too loud?”

Mariah grabbed some fruit and water from the fridge before joining her friend at the island.

“No. But I was spooked—coming out to see you sitting in the dark. Thought I was about to have to beat somebody’s ass,” she said with a chuckle. Kamryn could only offer a weak smile. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

Even though she knew that Mariah would be sincere in helping her wade through the confusion and concerns, Kamryn didn’t want any more influence in her mind.

“I’m fine and no. Not really, friend. Not right now—I’m just thinking.”

“Okay,” she said, with more uncertainty than she intended. “You know I’m here if you change your mind.” She reached the tupperware in Kamryn’s direction. “Fruit?”

Kamryn shook her head, eyes downcast, seemingly fighting back tears. Mariah took the hint and quietly returned to the bedroom.

The next morning, since she hadn’t slept a wink, Kamryn took the opportunity to make breakfast. She was biting into a piece of toast when Mariah came out to join her. After initial greetings, the room fell quiet as Mariah watched Kamryn pick over the food she’d just prepared. While she was worried about her, she knew that whatever she was going through was something she would have to sort through alone. However things turned out, and whatever she decided to do, Mariah would be there for her in the end. She made sure to hug her a little tighter, kissing the top of her head, before she grabbed her things to leave. Just as she was about to walk out, she saw Jimin coming up the hallway from Kamryn’s room. Part of her was thinking that being a little late to pick Taehyung up from the airport wouldn’t be that big of a deal. The logical and respectful part, however, moved her to throw him a friendly wave that didn’t match her curious face. He returned it, and she stepped out, allowing the door to close behind her.

“Good morning,” Jimin said, sliding into the barstool across from Kamryn.

“Good morning,” she offered weakly. “I made breakfast if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks.” He stared at her pretty face, upset that her troubled expression was due to his foolishness. “I’ll eat in a bit, if that’s okay. I only need to know that you’re okay right now.”

Kamryn huffed out a breath at that statement. For her, it could mean so much. Was he hoping she was okay with everything he’d told her? Did he want her to condone his behavior? Was he worried about her well-being? Even after ruminating all night, it was as if her thoughts weren’t any more clear.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know what’s real and what’s not—what were my decisions, your decisions— I just don’t know.”

This was what Jimin was trying so hard to hide from her, even from the beginning. Before, he didn’t want her to find out because he knew it would make obtaining her more difficult. Now, he didn’t want her to look at him like the monster he was. He didn’t want to risk their love being over before they hardly had a chance to begin.

“I’m an open book. I’ll answer any questions you have. I’ll do anything to make this right.”

“Why?” Her voice quivered as she tried to rein in her emotions. “Why me?”

Her eyes traced the patterns on the plate, unable to meet his eyes.

“I can’t lie. When I first saw you, I was attracted to your body. You’re breathtaking.” He paused before continuing. “But the more I ‘got to know you’,” he said with air quotes, “I found your heart compelling. I wanted to be closer to you. The way I felt toward you was immediately different. I’d never come across anyone like you. While I did have ulterior motives, wanting to harm you or feed from your emotions like I did others wasn’t one of them. Looking back now, I think that I was drawn to your light—and the way you cared about others. I wanted you to care for me like that, too.”

“So didn’t you just approach me—talk to me like a normal person?”

“I was too weak. I couldn’t stand the possibility of being rejected. I wanted to make you mine like a possession, and was willing to do anything to have you. And—I’m not a normal person. I didn’t know how to interact with humans with no ill intent. I don’t know if you’ve noticed how awkward I can be in social situations. It’s like I have to read everyone else's expressions and mannerisms to understand how I should act myself. I’m only learning how to be more human from watching you. You’ve opened my eyes, making me realize that I shouldn’t try to be ‘normal’ as a way to gain something. I want to fit in comfortably—to build real relationships. I want to belong in your world, Kamryn.”

“So, why stalk me?” 

Kamryn pulled the crust from her second piece of toast. She needed something—anything—to focus on.

“I just couldn’t believe that you were, genuinely, good. At first, I wanted to prove to myself that you were just like every other human I’d encountered.” He scoffed. “Like I was waiting for you to slip up. Instead, I became even more fond of you.”

“All of this is so fucked up, Jimin. Really?” Her demeanor shifted, emotions tipping between hurt and agitation. “But what I can’t seem to get past is the fact that you took over my mind. Taking away my freewill is the worst thing you’ve done.” 

Jimin finally reached across the countertop to take her hand in his, and she allowed him. His heart burned and ached at the sight of a stray tear falling from her eye. Everything he’d done to protect her, yet, he was the person hurting her the most.

“I know. And I am so sorry for that. For everything. Because of that, we’re linked to each other so deeply, I can’t seem to separate us. I forced myself into your life, and I can’t express to you how sorry I am. If you never want to see or speak to me again, I would completely understand. I would even meet the same fate as my father to unbind us if that’s what you wanted.”

“Why would I want you to die, Jimin? I’m pissed the fuck off but I don’t want you to leave— To leave me.”

He stood to round the island—needing her in his arms. And judging by the way her body collided with his, she needed to be held just as badly.

“Whatever you want, babe, I’ll do it. All of this shit is on me and I’m ready to take responsibility—no matter what that looks like. I just need you to be okay.”

Was it crazy that everything he was saying to her made sense? Empathy for him and his intentions began to soften her abrasive edges. She was glad that she didn’t remember meeting that version of him, only falling in love with the softer, protective Jimin she’d gotten to know. Knowing that she was responsible for that shift in him and he was responsible for pulling dormant strength from her, nudged her closer to accepting everything that was him.

“When was the last time you were in my head?”

“I swear, I’ve tried to unbind our minds, but I can’t. I’m still able to hear you when you allow me to.”

“Yeah. I can hear you, too. I mean, like, to control me?”

“I just did it the other day. When the cops came by. I’m able to ease your heart and mind through our connection.”

“You did.” Kamryn’s voice softened with adoration as she remembered the feeling, smiling against his abdomen. Kamryn then tugged at his t-shirt. He wasn’t understanding her question. “I’m just wondering… when did you do it for you instead of me.”

“In your shower. I relaxed you to the point you weren’t able to be afraid of what was happening. I would have stopped if you said so, I just didn’t want you to be scared of me,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s still fucked up, no matter my intent.”

Thinking back, she remembered him asking if it was okay. She had the opportunity to say no, but she hadn’t wanted to. She wanted his touch, even if it wasn’t physical. And if he was controlling her after that, he would have done it when she ran away from him after he’d confessed to killing Micah. He could have used it to push things further that night at his place after she’d told him to stop. He’d had so many chances to control her since then—but he hadn’t.

“Will you ever do it again?”

“Absolutely not. Being with you and you sharing your love with me has shown me that it isn’t an honorable thing to do. And, after experiencing it with my father, I know it doesn’t feel good to not be able to think for yourself—to feel out of control.”

They stayed this way, both clinging to the possibilities of what could be. While neither knew what the future would hold for them as a couple, they did know that they would give their all to hold tight onto the strings of fate that bound them together.

A/N:

Hello, Loves…

Is this how you expecting things to end for Jimin and Kamryn? Is this the end for them? 👀

Thanks so much to @moonleeai for beta reading this chapter and going on this adventure with me 🫶🏽💜

Okay… love you. Byeeeeeee!!!!!!!

[joonslfttiddie]

countdown to jk’s return

d-6 ♡ retro look ✦ run bts! ep.30 & 31

[joonslfttiddie]

some yoongi gifs until he comes back home (62/79)

17 days left

[joonslfttiddie]

A new BTS Collab event hosted by myself and @anyamaris

Proof. The up and coming hot new music company born from the dreams of seven friends: the wealthy Kim Brothers- Seokjin, Namjoon and Taehyung along with their half-brother Jungkook, their cousin Jimin and two friends from school, Yoongi and Hoseok.

Each of them are very dedicated to their careers, and yet, there is something lacking in all of their personal lives. While they created something together as a team, every one of them will have to face their own trials when it comes to matters of the heart.

*Links will be added as they're posted. Individual posting dates TBD

Title: Loosen up

Author: @colormepurplex2

Pairing: CEO!Namjoon x Personal Assistant!Reader

Genre(s): CEO AU; boss/assistant; Angst; fluff; Smut

WC: TBD

Summary: Namjoon is uptight, strait-laced, and far too serious. He knows it, his business partners and family know it, and, as his personal assistant, you know it better than any of them. So, what do you do when he asks—no, *begs*—for you to help him loosen up a little?

Title: A pinch of pixie dust

Author: @remedyx

Pairing: CEO!Seokjin x Barista!Reader

Genre(s): Grumpy/Sunshine; Fluff; Comedy; Smut; Comfort

WC: TBD

Summary: Jin's life was structured around routine. He preferred it that way. A rigid businessman in public and private meets his match in a vivacious barista employed at the coffee shop he stops in at every morning. She flips his world on its axis and forces him to question everything he thought he wanted. But will he let her melt the ice around his heart and can love brew where it's least expected?

Title: Looking in

Author: @anyamaris

Pairing: CEO!Taehyung x Childhood Friend!Reader

Genre(s): Unrequited love; angst; smut

WC: TBD

Summary: Returning home after years at University, you’re eager to establish your own business and reconnect with your long time friends. Surprisingly, your childhood crush has developed into something more mature, but there’s just one catch. He’s in an arranged marriage with your best friend.

Title: Beautiful Mistakes

Author: @lo1k-diamonds

Pairing: Producer!Yoongi x Songwriter!Reader

Genre(s): Co-workers to lovers; Angst; Smut

WC: TBD

Summary: Yoongi wouldn't be caught dead meddling in people's lives, but once he sees you on that screen, he has to help you somehow. It's an impulse, a mistake. The kind that ruins everything for you. He can't undo it, but he can help you turn your life around, even if he can't tell you why.

Title: Rhythm reborn

Author: @moonleeai

Pairing: Lead Choreographer!Hoseok x Ex-girlfriend!Reader

Genre(s): Second chance AU; angst, smut, fluff

WC: TBD

Summary: You took a chance on love, but Hoseok’s relentless pursuit of success pulls you apart, leaving both of you tangled in loneliness. Yet, beneath the weight of pain and silence, a fragile hope flickers—a chance to rediscover the rhythm that connects the heart, offering a second chance at love.

Title: Promise

Author: @pars-ley

Pairing: Lead Lyricist!Jimin x Family Friend!Reader

Genre(s): Arranged marriage AU; love triangle; mutual pining; angst; fluff; smut

WC: TBD

Summary: Jimin has been a constant in your life ever since you can remember. He's the person you go to in times of need, the one you trust more than anyone and the one you fantasise about spending your life with. If you gave him the chance you know he'd jump at a life with you too. Sounds perfect, right? Just one problem…you're betrothed to his cousin.

Title: Who...

Author: @mrsparkjimin18

Pairing: Idol!Jungkook x Older!Reader

Genre(s): Forbidden love/taboo; age gap reader; Smut; Angst

WC: TBD

Summary: You never expected to see him again – not like this. No longer a little boy, but a man. And not just any man…the one you can’t seem to ignore. There’s a line between your fates. Drawn by time, by age, by everything you’re supposed to be. But this – whatever this is – feels like the kind of choice that changes everything. If you take one step closer, there may be no turning back…

[joonslfttiddie]

BE MINE

Fourteen

💜Fic Pairing: BTS Member x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Dark Romance | Demon Member

💜Warnings: (for entire work; not chapter specific) Mental Illnesses/Troubled Childhood/Alcoholic Parent/Mentions of Domestic Violence/Physical Violence/Stalking/Gore/Mentions of Blood/Sexist Remarks/Derogatory Remarks/Detailed Murder/Murder of an Animal/Language/Adult Themes/Sexual Themes/Mind Control/Telepathy (invading thoughts w/o permission)/Fingering/Masturbation/Manipulation/Alluding at Drug Usage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 5,398

<Previous | Masterlist | Next>

Fourteen

The scene at the dining room table resembled a mother scolding her children—already knowing they’d done something wrong but giving them the chance to come clean. Kamryn and Jimin sat in silence, thigh to thigh, as Mariah seemed to examine their entire existence with her eyes from across the table.

“Well, try not to speak over each other,” she said sarcastically, cutting through their silence.

Kamryn looked at Jimin, searching his face for answers to questions she had yet to voice. He looked back at her, seemingly cool as ever. There was no need for him to fight it. Mariah knew what he was, just as he knew what she was. He also knew that she was unaware of her strength and the many gifts she possessed.

“I know that you know what I am, Mariah. You can see me. The real me,” he said to her. Unfazed, she nodded, confirming his suspicions. “Are you afraid of me?”

“No. I’m not. I’m divinely protected. My angels, ancestors, and spirit guides won’t let shit happen to me.” She spoke with such conviction, even Jimin couldn’t help but believe her. “It’s true. I can see your demonic side, but there’s so much more to you than glowing eyes, claws, and teeth. That doesn’t define you. You have so much good in you.”

There was a pause in their conversation. All Kamryn could do in the moment was watch as her friend and her man engaged in a silent stare-off, both reading the depths of the other.

“I’m trying.” His voice was so soft, Mariah almost didn’t hear him. He sounded as if he was asking for confirmation—like he needed her, the one person who could see beneath his layers, to tell him that he was doing this right.

“You’re doing it. You’ve come so far.” Then, the download of information began to flood in, causing her words to begin coming out in a staccato-like rhythm, letting Kamryn know that she had tapped in, focused, and was deep into her meditative-like state. “Red. Blue. Black—so black. Hatred. Effort. Passion. Desire. Danger.” Her eyes roamed over his face as the words spilled from her lips. At this point in their relationship, Kamryn understood her process, knowing that nothing would make sense until Mariah explained what she was seeing. “Your father,” she moaned disgustedly. “Evil. Not a man. Evil. He’s there.”

“He’s where?” Jimin asked. 

Kamryn's concern and confusion deepened at the mention of his father.

“With you. Always with you,” she said, looking at Jimin. “Not good. This is not good. Humming?”

“Most of the time,” he answered honestly.

“Good.” Mariah seemed to be coming back to her body. “He’s confused. And pissed. I see what you have to do. You know, too—but you’re holding back.”

She was right. He was holding back—something he never did. Normally, he’d stay ready to sink his claws into someone. And he’d been wanting to fuck his father up for decades now. So why was he stalling?

As if reading his mind, Mariah answered, “You’ve taken in a lot of Kamryn’s light, just as she’s taken in a lot of your darkness. This is a major adjustment for both of you, and the shift hasn’t balanced out yet.”

“You’re right. I feel morally conflicted, I guess. I don’t know how to deal with this and still be good.” Jimin was obviously unsure of how to handle this new set of values while also protecting his mother and Kamryn.

“Some things are unavoidable. If you don’t handle this, so much heartache will come—not just to you, but to many people. You have to finish it or… or Kamryn will die.”

“Wait. What?” Kamryn’s eyes were as big as saucers. “Are you saying that he has to kill his father?” Mariah nodded. “And why is my life in danger?”

Jimin’s jaw tensed, his nostrils flared, and his eyes flashed before he could shield them from Mariah. But what could he hide from her at this point? She’d seen him bare already anyway. 

Before Mariah could answer Kamryn, Jimin spoke.

“When?” His demeanor had switched from cool, to concerned, to pissed. He knew that the warning his mother had given him was serious, which was why he kept tabs on Kamryn’s emotions 24/7, but that was obviously not enough. In his mind, he would know if she was in danger by her heartbeat, her feelings, and her thoughts. Internally, he chastised himself, even more than before, wondering what could have happened to Kamryn while he was dragging his fucking feet, taking his time to end his father.

“Soon, Jimin.”

“What the fuck? Why does he want to hurt me?”

“His goal is to hurt me, and he knows that the best way to do that is by hurting you. He knows that you and my mother are the most important people in my life. Fuck,” he spat, slamming his fist on the wooden table. His chest heaved as frustration, regret, and anger bubbled to the surface all at once. “I should have stayed away. I should have known that I wouldn’t be able to be with you and keep you safe,” he said after turning to Kamryn, grasping her hand in his. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for putting you in danger. I will fix this. I promise you.” He pulled her into his chest, cradling her head to him as he continued to whisper, “I promise.”

“Haven’t you been feeling different?” Mariah asked Jimin. He looked up to meet her eyes.

“Yes. I’ve been feeling strange since—” He stopped there, unsure of how to explain that he’d finger-fucked her friend telepathically. Jimin prayed she’d already seen it so he wouldn’t have to say it aloud. 

“The initial exchange,” she said. “In the shower?”

Jimin looked down at Kamryn, still in his arms, to see that she was flushed. He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, then nodded his head. He released Kamryn, but still held her around her waist as they both faced Mariah, listening intently.

“Yeah,” Jimin confirmed.

Mariah could see the shift—how Kamryn’s energy was surging through his veins and vice versa. Kamryn was changing him, pulling him closer to humanity but also giving him a strength he’d never experienced before. As he pulled Kamryn out of her people-pleasing era, he’d gifted her with a confidence she’d never had. But that wasn’t the ‘different’ she was speaking of.

“There have been times when you don’t feel like yourself. Like, out of body experiences where you can see what you’re doing but you’re not in control of yourself.”

Kamryn gasped. “Oh my God! Jimin. That means—”

He looked at her with a shocked expression. This meant that when he changed his form in front of her, causing her to faint—that wasn’t completely his doing. He had tried his best to push it away, but it swallowed him whole. He felt it again when one minute he was enjoying the taste of her, then in the next, he’d lost control. When Kamryn had asked him to stop, but he physically couldn’t.

He looked back at Mariah. With this new knowledge and the threat of losing his love, he was now filled with the motivation to rip his father apart.

Mariah’s eyes darted, reading his face, his aura—his past, and his possible future. Her mind traced the outcomes of every decision he would make. Once she’d seen everything she needed to see, she leaned against the table, reaching for his and Kamryn’s hands.

“Wow. Were you really planning on attempting this alone?” she asked, continuing without waiting for his answer. “That would have been a suicide mission, Jimin. I know you would die for Kamryn—I saw it—but you’re not supposed to. Your father would still be around to harm and take the lives of dozens of innocent people, including hers.” She squeezed their hands. “Y’all are nasty as hell,” Mariah teased, causing Kamryn to blush even more. “And, like I said, there has been a spiritual exchange. There is something divinely orchestrated, guiding and binding you both—together. I’ve never seen nor heard anything like this before, but you won’t be able to do this without Kamryn. You were never meant to.”

“No, Mariah. Look again,” he said, releasing his arm from Kamryn, using both his hands to hold tight to Mariah's. Memories of his mother and how she reacted to seeing his father’s true form flooded his mind. “Please, look again. I don’t want her dragged into this any more than she already has been. I’ve done enough damage alone as it is. I can’t lose her.” He begged, unable to imagine Kamryn walking away after deciding he was too much—but losing her like he’d lost his mother would end him. He understood that the human mind was fragile and she wouldn’t be able to handle that much evil.

“You’re wrong,” Mariah said, already knowing what Jimin was thinking. “Kamryn is stronger than she looks. Hell, both of you are, but you’re stronger together. She’s dealt with me knowing things and seeing things that I shouldn’t.” She sighed, then continued. “I feel like life is a string of experiences that provide you with knowledge and awareness to tackle the obstacles you have yet to face. I’ve exposed her to psychic abilities, spirituality, and the unknown. And she’s changed so much after meeting and being influenced by you.” She flashed a sweet smile at her friend. “She has grown so much and become such a badass.” Kamryn smiled at her bestie—so full of love for her but also full of pride for herself. She recognized how far she’d come. Mariah’s smile faltered slightly, her eyes returning to Jimin as she continued. “Even down to the dysfunctional relationships she endured with her family—as if her life was curated for this specific moment. Plus, she’s already seen you.” Kamryn rested a comforting hand on Jimin’s thigh. “Jimin, you are not your father. Don’t worry. She won’t break—mentally or otherwise.” Jimin’s breath caught—he was completely floored. He’d already confirmed his suspicions this morning; she was a seer. But even after truly looking into her eyes, he was still surprised at the precision of her abilities. He realized that this was the danger he’d sensed in Kamryn’s thoughts earlier. But, she wasn’t in danger from him, rather, this was a danger they would have to face and overcome—together.

“Then tell me what I need to do,” Kamryn said, her voice steady and sure.

Thankfully, Taehyung was gone for business, which gave the trio the freedom to assemble over the past few days and plan without having to explain what they were up to. After the ladies finally convinced Jimin to allow Kamryn to be a part of their plans, they spoke about ideas and their strategy. Mariah looked ahead, advising of the consequences of each choice, until they had a solid plan in place.

“I think this is it,” Kamryn stated.

“We need to be sure. Let’s go over it again,” Jimin said.

“We’ve gone over this a dozen times. This one has been the most consistent when looking forward.” Mariah placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “This is the one, Jimin. The best route. Okay?”

With a deep sigh, he nodded his head in agreement.

“How much time do we have?” Jimin asked.

“He’s lingering. It looks like he’ll attempt to blindside you again at your place tomorrow. But we’re prepared for the other possibilities.”

Jimin looked at his watch to see that it was nearly midnight.

“Okay. Well, you two better get some rest. All of this has been a lot on you.”

“No. Don’t leave,” Kamryn’s eyes pleaded. She couldn’t deny the fact that she was terrified, but she also didn’t want him to leave her side. If they were apart, that meant that he was in more danger.

“You guys can’t be together right now, Kam. Talking like this is fine, but when you guys get close, it’s like the love you have for one another becomes a beacon. His father will know that you are there, which would disrupt our plan, putting us back to square one.”

“Mariah’s right, babe. You have to be strong for me, okay? Once all of this is over, people won’t be able to tell where you begin and I end. I’ll stay by your side until you get tired of me,” Jimin reassured, his hands on Kamryn’s shoulders.

“Okay. Can we still talk?” Kamryn asked both Mariah and Jimin.

“Yes, but you’ll have to do it like regular people do. By phone.”

Kamryn wasn’t too disappointed, glad that she would at least be able to talk to him. She understood that they couldn’t take any chances. His father could peek into their thoughts at any moment.

“I’ll call you when I get home, okay?”

Kamryn nodded and forced a smile.

“Alright,” Mariah yawned. “Well, I’m going to bed. We have a big day ahead of us.”

“Good night, Riah,” Kamryn said.

“Good night. Thank you again for everything you’re doing to help,” said Jimin.

“Of course. This is what’s best for everyone. Plus, I would do anything for my bestie, even if it means stepping into the shadows for a bit.” She smiled at Jimin, squeezed her friend’s hand, then started down the hallway. “Good night, y’all,” she called over her shoulder.

Mariah went to bed, and Kamryn walked Jimin to the door.

“Bye, baby. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Jimin said, leaning down to kiss Kamryn.

When he pulled back, she allowed her heart to take over, pulling him close and burying her face in his chest. She hugged him tightly, like this would be the last time. Inhaling deeply, she cherished his scent, trying to commit it to memory. Jimin held her for as long as she needed, kissing the top of her head while stroking her cloud of hair. She pulled away, knowing that he needed to leave. He stepped back, removed his hoodie, then gave it to her—forgetting what was tucked in the pocket. 

“Mmm,” she said, after bringing it to her nose and smelling the fabric.

“Now, it’ll be like I’m still with you.”

He wasn’t sure when she’d infiltrated his heart so deeply, but he was starting to do and say the corniest shit just to make her happy. Even being away from her nearly felt unbearable—he wanted to spend every moment with her. After stealing one more kiss, he waited for her to go back inside.

“Bye,” she said, smiling sweetly, then closed and locked the door.

Jimin didn’t even make it three steps away from her door before he was digging into his pocket for his phone. He called Kamryn and her face appeared on the screen after one ring. She was already wearing his hoodie.

“Hey,” he said coolly.

“Hey. You said you’d call when you made it home. Did you teleport or something?” she asked, her voice a low, teasing whisper. “Used your demon powers, didn’t you?” 

Jimin laughed out loud. “No, I’m not home yet. I just couldn’t wait.”

The smile that overtook her face made him feel giddy with delight. He prayed that he would be able to keep that sweet expression there for the rest of his life—also praying that Mariah was right, and he’d live long enough to do so.

Jimin watched as Kamryn’s eyes began to flutter shut. She tried her best to fight her sleep, refusing to hang up, only giving in when he promised he would stay on facetime with her all night. Lying in bed, he had positioned the phone, propped sideways against his spare pillow, pretending she was lying next to him. He watched as she lay there, cuddled up in his clothes, so peaceful.

She looked so comfortable, it was as if the feeling was contagious, as he began to relax. While he didn’t need to sleep like humans did, he still benefited from minimal rest. He found his eyes getting heavy, mirroring his love on the phone’s screen.

Kamryn jolted awake, her body already tense before her mind could fully catch up. Her cover was gone, and she could feel unfamiliar hands slowly trailing up her legs, inching up toward her thighs.

“Jimin,” she said with a sleepy giggle, “what are you doing here?” 

Her heart pounded as her intuition sent unease and uncertainty crawling up her spine. He didn’t say anything, silent as his hands continued to roam her body. Claws grazed across her skin, just at the hem of her panties, sending a chill through her. 

“Okay. Stop.” He didn’t. Her entire body grew more rigid when she felt his nose brush against the crotch of her panties, and the sound of his deep inhale sent ice through her veins. When she looked down, she was met by two red glowing orbs staring up at her. Her heart dropped like a boulder, falling into the pit of dread that churned within her belly when the dots connected.

“I’ll take care of you in ways he never could. I’ll make you melt on my tongue before I carve you into pieces so small, your body parts will be indistinguishable,” his crackly voice threatened.

Kamryn let out a blood-curdling scream just as her bedroom door slammed open with so much force, it was nearly blown off its hinges. 

Jimin moved so fast, she barely saw him, only a streak of yellow glow, until he had his father pinned to the wall.

His father laughed, a deep, guttural cackle. Kamryn was pulled out of her trance when Mariah grabbed her around her waist, pulling her out of bed and into the hallway.

“Where are you going? The fun is just getting started,” his father said between blows to his face. Jimin punched him repeatedly, unleashing his fear and rage. His father pushed himself off the wall, sending them both crashing to the floor. Jimin was at a disadvantage when his back met the hardwood and his father climbed on top of him, slamming his head on the floor repeatedly. He didn’t stop until blood began to pool beneath them. His hands moved to wrap around Jimin’s neck as hot drool dribbled from his fangs onto Jimin’s face. He continued to talk shit using all of his strength to choke Jimin. 

“I don’t know why you ran over here like you were going to do something. Did your bitch-ass really think you could take me? You could have at least waited until I was able to get a piece of that sweet ass. I was so close, I could taste it.” He paused for a moment, focusing on the women. His top lip curled into a snarl as fat veins bulged in his neck. “What the fuck are they saying?”

His father was distracted by the chanting coming from the hallway.

“Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” Kamryn and Mariah yelled.

Jimin was able to roll over, now on top of his father.

“I’ve waited my whole fucking life for this moment. Today is the day,” he said with his hands squeezing his father’s neck.

“Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” Kamryn and Mariah continued. Mariah went to retrieve one of the tall, white pillar candles she had dressed and lit before she went to bed. She had covered it in oil and a blend of herbs she stated was meant for protection, exorcism, and purification. They were the same herbs she’d placed in small sachets along with crystals for the three of them to carry on their person until all of this was over. She had attached hers and Kamryn’s to a necklace, but Jimin insisted he would just keep it in his pocket.

“Tell those bitches to shut the fuck up!” Jimin’s father forced the words out as Jimin put more pressure on his trachea, digging his nails into the flesh of his neck. His bones cracked due to the amount of pressure.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” the women said.

“Ah,” both Jimin and his father groaned in pain. The chant was obviously affecting his father, but Jimin felt it, too.

“For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Forever,” they yelled.

As much as he would love to prolong the inevitable, Jimin’s father was weighed down by the urgency of the moment—needing for this to end. Drawing his claws back, he plunged them into Jimin's side. His blade-like talons dug into his flesh, the sound wet and gut-wrenching. Blood spurted when he withdrew his claws, sending Jimin to fall onto the floor, holding the place where he was injured.

“Jimin,” Kamryn yelled as she tried to rush to him. 

Mariah continued to chant the Lord’s Prayer, pulling her friend back. Her voice only grew louder, projecting such a conviction that Jimin’s father had to stop her. Kamryn joined in again as she cried—their words were causing his father to feel weak.

“Shut the fuck up,” he roared, falling to his knees before standing at his full height again. 

Instead of finishing Jimin off, he moved toward the women. 

His demon form wasn’t what sent chills down Kamryn’s spine, rather, it was the look in his eyes. The look of pure, unadulterated hate and anger, like he was already imagining how he would tear them apart—that’s what did it. Yeah, she had seen Jimin’s wicked form, but this was different. The disgust his father had toward her. The hatred he spewed. The void in his eyes—there was no soul there, just a hunger for destruction, chaos, and undeniable malice.

Mariah and Kamryn scrambled, crawling and sliding into Mariah’s room across the hall, only lit by the other candles that burned inside. After rushing in with Kamryn hot on her heels, Mariah put the candle she was holding on the floor, and they huddled against the far wall, kneeling behind it. Jimin’s father followed slowly with a calmness that was unsettling with his black claws twitching at his sides. The women took notice of his discomfort, though he tried to act unaffected.

Kamryn’s heart pounded, but she leaned on her newfound bravery, knowing what had to be done. As Mariah cowered in silence, watching Kamryn move in front of her, then drop to her knees.

We may as well give up. He’s too strong. We can’t win. 

Kamryn thought to herself, and Jimin’s father smirked. 

Fuck. I can’t believe I put my faith in Jimin’s weak ass. I wonder how things would have turned out had I met his fine ass daddy first. I bet his dick is so big. Much bigger than Jimin’s, I’m sure. Well, I guess it’s not too late to find out. But, would he accept me now? After all of this?

“Come here,” his father commanded with his gravelly voice. The smile reeked of desire, lust, and contentment. Such a sudden change from the sinister expression he wore earlier.

“I can’t. I don’t deserve to come to you,” Kamryn said, head hanging in shame.

Fuck! Why am I so wet for this man? I hope he doesn’t notice.

“Come to me, baby,” he said, eyeing the thickness of her thighs peeking from under the hoodie. He swallowed hard, thinking about how close he was to that sweet little pussy of hers—he could still smell her. 

Kamryn felt that familiar tingly feeling trying to weasel into her brain.

“Promise you won’t hurt me?” she asked with innocence in her gaze.

Licking his teeth, he answered, “Yes, I’ll promise you whatever you want.” His tone leaked of sudden desperation as he eyed her every move, dick hardening in anticipation. He was unsure if it was due to him being moments from ripping her apart or fucking her senseless.

Climbing to her feet, she reached her hand out to him. Then, with one foot in front of the other, her body began to carry her across the room.

“Yes, come to me. You listen so well,” he praised.

“Kamryn! Don’t go to him,” Mariah yelled after her friend. “Stop!”

He had made his way to the center of the room when he stopped, waiting for Kamryn to meet him. His black claws stretched out to receive her, and he laughed at how things were ending. He had come here to kill her. To curse Jimin with the memory that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Instead, because of his son’s weaknesses, he was getting so much more—his son’s life and his bitch. And he decided that he would have his way with her until he grew tired of her—then, he’d kill her too. Finally, reaching out, he wrapped his sharp fingers around the back of her neck, brushing her cheek with his thumb. He found himself even more attracted to her for being able to handle looking at his monstrous features without becoming paralyzed by fear.

“You promised. Please don’t hurt me,” Kamryn whispered. He allowed her to kneel at his feet. “I’m so sorry for trying to go against you. Please spare me.” Her eyes studied the floor as she spoke, completely humbled and grasping for any shred of mercy. “Let me take care of you. Let me show you that I’ve come to my senses and I know who really runs shit.” Finally, she looked up at him through her lashes, licking her lips, and his dick twitched. “May I?” she whispered, eyes glinting with reverence.

He felt victorious. With his chest puffed out, he looked down at her, relishing in her pathetic position, thinking of all the ways he would take her. He could almost hear her screaming his name. 

“Of course you may,” he answered, spit strings stretching from his top to bottom row of fangs as he grinned.

“Now that I’ve met you, I can see that Jimin is no match for you. Do you think he’s dead?”

He was quiet for a moment, as if honing in on any indication of life from his son.

“Absolutely. I don’t lose.”

“You sound so confident. That shit is so sexy,” she said, now toying with his belt. “Would you bet your life on that? You’re so big, and strong, and sure of yourself.”

“Hell yeah,” he said, chest heaving and looking fucked out though she hadn’t even touched him yet. “I’d bet my left nut. If he’s not dead, I’ll spend eternity in hell. I don’t give a fuck. Now, open up, sweetheart.” He tried to reach for her, done talking and ready to slip past those pillowy soft lips of hers. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t move. She stood, continuing to look up at him with a smirk so smug, he wanted to rip it off her face. Panic washed over his face before he quickly fixed his features, now sporting a cocky grin. “What the fuck did you do?” he asked, trying to play it cool. Internally, he was scared shitless, completely unaware of what was happening to him. 

“Nothing really.” Her sweet tone had switched, now demeaning and oozing with sarcasm. “I just completed the circle on the floor. The circle you’re standing directly in the middle of. A bit of brick dust and a dash of salt—nothing major.” She smiled, then looked over to Mariah, who had come over to stand by her side.

“That’s real fucking cute. You little bitches think this will hold me?” His eyes glowed more intensely. “You just wait.” He laughed. “When I get my hands on you, I’m going wreck that loose pussy of yours first, then I’ll shove my fat dick down your throat until you suffocate.” He seethed, eyes bulging as he spoke, making him look even more crazed. “Once you’re dead, I’ll eat you up like a jumbo snow crab. Bitch, I’m going to rip your legs off then slurp your sweet innards into my mouth.” 

His tone was calm, not matching his expression. Too calm. So much so that Kamryn was almost scared. 

Almost. 

But she held firm in Mariah’s vision. She knew this was the end for him. 

Just as he opened his mouth to further describe her final moments, he felt it—sharp, sudden. Dark fluid spattered across Kamryn’s face, and her sly smile widened as his pain intensified. 

“Ugh,” he groaned. When he looked down, claws were protruding from his chest, thick black blood dripped from the tips. He’d been so distracted by Kamryn that he hadn’t noticed when Jimin pulled himself from the floor, snuck into the room, and lunged his claws into his back. The sounds of flesh tearing and bone cracking filled the room as Jimin’s hooks tore through him, his fist tightening around the pulsating organ in his grasp—his father’s heart.

“Hmm,” Kamryn hummed, amused, “your left nut, huh? You know, Mr. Park, I would say that it’s nice to meet you, but we both know that would be a lie. I am, however, thrilled to finally see you like this. Finally getting what’s been coming to you after all… these… years.” She dragged out the words while she caressed his cheek like he’d done to hers—mockingly, almost tender. “The things I’ve heard about you—” she spat. “The way you treated Mrs. Toni. The way you treated my man. The countless lives you’ve ruined. You deserve to rot in the hottest, most torturous section of hell. And you really thought I would come to you?” She scoffed. “I know you like to think that you’re superior, but Jimin is everything you’re not. He’s a better man—and somehow, a better demon, too.” She leaned in with venom coating her words. “Make that make sense. How is it that your son—who’s not even fully demon—was able to whoop your bitch-ass? Pathetic.”

“Ugh. Fuck— You,” he strained.

“Ooooh. No thanks,” she giggled. “Is that all you think about? That’s exactly how we were able to get your sex-crazed ass in this situation now.” Her eyes flicked to Jimin. “But, since you’re so worried about me and my pussy, just know that I can’t wait for the real man in this room—specifically the one that’s standing behind you, with your worthless fucking heart balled up in his fist—to bend me over and take me raw.” She moved closer, and he jerked slightly, wanting nothing more than to grab her up to choke the life out of her smart-ass. Her lips nearly brushed his ear as she whispered, all the while staring at Jimin from over his shoulder. “I already know he’s going to fuck me so good and so deep. He’s going to have me creaming all over his dick and I cannot wait.” Jimin smirked with desire flashing in his eyes. She stepped back to look at his father one last time. “May you rest in piss you bitch-ass muthafucka.” 

She took Mariah’s hand and together they stepped back, quietly chanting. As reinforcement in case making Jimin’s father unconsciously speak a vow, damning himself to hell, they whispered a declaration that once he was destroyed, his energy would be transmuted into love and strength, sending it to Jimin.

And as if summoned by the incantation, Jimin pulled back, yanking his father’s heart through his back. Flesh and tendons ripped away with it as it continued to beat—pointlessly—as the dark, oily-looking blood oozed from it and poured from the wound in his chest, as he fell to his knees.

“I often wondered what I would say to you when this day came.” Jimin’s voice was low as he staggered around to face his father. Blood trickled from his hand, splattering onto the floor and his shoes as he carried the still-beating heart in his palm. The side of his t-shirt was soaked with his own blood, his other hand pressed firmly against the lesions on his torso. “When I was younger,” he spoke with each word carried on labored breaths, “I had so much I wanted to say to you.” He stopped, gazing down at the man who had terrorized him his whole life. When he spoke again, his tone was flat—emotionless. “Now?” He released a slow, painful breath, jaw clenched from the effort. “There’s nothing worth wasting another breath on.” 

His eyebrow twitched just before the heart ignited in his hand. It burned away—along with the blood, the hope, and the resentment—as if it were never there. Within the circle, his father’s body burst into flames before vanishing too, leaving nothing but the brick dust and salt circle—perfectly intact—on the hardwood floor.

A/N:

Finally… Jimin gets his lick back. Hopefully this is the end of Mr. Park. And Kamryn played him like a fiddle! What do you think? Did you enjoy justice being served for the couple with the help of the bestie? Thanks so much to @pars-ley and @moonleeai for beta reading this chapter! 💜🫶🏽

[joonslfttiddie]

C H A P T E R - F I V E

Summary: While Akira recovers from her injuries, Bangtan notice a shift in Akira’s behavior, both physically and mentally. Akira also learns more about her family’s history, raising more questions than answers for her.

Warnings: Graphic depictions of serious injuries; talk of depression; lots of crying; angst, lycan lore, strong language, breeding kink, heavy smut, strong violence, angst, parallel polyandry relationships, omegaverse, a/b/o, slow burn, trauma/healing themes, abusive family. mention of blood, extreme violence, sexual themes, heavy petting, physical abuse, etc. dni if you are not over 21

WC: 9,873

Previous | Next

“She still can’t speak, what’s the issue doc? Why can’t my mate speak?!”

A week had passed since the incident Akira faced. She was able to wake without much of a blurry vision, though it was still difficult to see. Half the time, she couldn’t make out who was in front of her; the only people she could recognize was Jungkook, the raised skin from his tattoos was a dead giveaway, as well as Yoongi, from the scar on his face. The bruising to her body was slowly healing. Both her ankle and wrist were bandaged due to a sprain. The swelling in both eyes had gone down some, but not much, which still impaired her vision. The doctor was able to fix her nose, also still bandaged and the cuts were still held together by surgical glue and stitches for some.

But the worst was her breathing. Three broken ribs meant tightly wound bandages around her torso. It proved to be difficult when her throat was still damaged from being choked. The nasty bruise around her throat was evident that her larynx still hadn’t healed fully, “She’s still wheezing, she should be talking by now, it’s been a week!”

The doctor sighed, “Mr. Min, I assure you that this is normal. Her throat is still badly bruised, it’s going to take time for her to speak.” Yoongi, all with the rest of Bangtan, turned towards Akira as the doctor walked closer. Every time he did, she flinched. She knew logically, he wasn’t a threat, but mentally, she wasn’t there yet. Akira still couldn’t see and she didn’t have heightened senses like her male counterparts. Understandably, she was jumpy.

“Shh, hey, hey, I’m right here, you’re ok.” Yoongi calmed Akira as her hoarse whimpers grew louder. He grabbed her hand and held it to his face, “It’s Yoongi. Yoongi.” He whispered back. Her fingers trailed down his scar and her heart rate slowly dropped to normal. Hand falling limp as Yoongi grabbed it once more and held it. A few of the men looked away, hurt by the damage that was done, while others just simply walked out the room, it being too much to bear.

“Akira, I need to see how far along your throat’s healing. Can you open your mouth for me?” The doctor asked patiently. Though she hesitated, Akira did as he asked. “Yeah, still some swelling. The warm fluids has reduced it tremendously though, just keep drinking warm to room temperature drinks, nothing with sugar in it. Are you able to try and speak today, Ms. Batiste?” Akira winced, shaking her head ‘no’.

“Her name is Kim. It’s Akira Kim now.” Namjoon spoke with an authoritative coldness that edged out. He sat on the window seal very still and quiet, as if his mind was racing with millions of possibilities to detach Akira from the Batiste name. He never held such hate in his heart before this. Every day he struggled to hold onto what little was left of his humanity. Akira was the only thing keeping him together.

“Apologies. Ms. Kim, we’ll see about talking in a couple of days or so, when the swelling has gone down.” After the doctor left, Yoongi remained by Akira’s side. He kissed her hand and whispered how everything was going to be ok. “Where’d the pups go?” Yoongi asked, referring to Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook.

“Hobi took them outside, they were still too upset. Their scent was starting to sour.” Jin sighed, sitting down in a chair in the far corner of the room. Akira turned her head to his voice, seeing a blurry figure sitting near the corner. Jin smiled weakly, “I’m here, sweetheart. We’re all here.” They sadly watched as tears streamed down her face. The pain of their mate left their wolves in agony. Over the next few days, Akira eventually started to get better. She could sit up without being in pain. Her sight was getting better, still blurry but only slightly. Thankfully, there was no brain damage from the amount of head trauma she received so her cognitive abilities were still intact.

“H-Home?” Her voice left in a whisper as it was still bruised and swollen and hoarse. The doctor, feeling that she would be well taken care of, released her to go home, but she had no clue where that would be.

“Yes baby, you’re going home with us from now on.” Namjoon replied. Akira sat on the hospital bed, just as confused as before. “We feel that you’re safer with us. Rules and ceremonies be damned, you’re coming home with us.” Akira looked down at her hands, a soft sigh escaped her lips. The men all noticed that Akira didn’t seem all that excited. Yet, they did take into account that she almost nearly died at the hands of her father and eldest brother, so her solemn spirit was expected. After helping her into a wheelchair, Namjoon exited the hospital room. Outside the room, Jin stood, waiting. Everyone was at home, moving Akira’s things and getting her room ready. “The pups are excited to have you home with us. I’ll make sure that they leave you alone to rest though, they can get a little rowdy.” Jin joked.

“P-Pup?” Akira stuttered softly, raising a hand to point at herself. Jin smiled,

“Yes, I guess since technically, you are the youngest, you’d be a pup too.” Akira could barely speak in full sentences at the moment. The physical trauma left by her father brought on psychological ones as well. After discharging her from the hospital, Namjoon waited with her outside while Jin brought the car around,

“I know everything is a lot right now…but I promise, no one is ever going to hurt you again, Akira.” Akira made out Namjoon’s blurry face. She reached out to touch it, making him lay his cheek in the palm of her hand. She was sad she could no longer make out his face, no matter how much she blinked.

“Joon…” Akira sounded winded and out of breath. Namjoon held onto her hand, moving forward to kiss her gently on the forehead,

“Yeah baby, it’s Joon.” If he didn’t know better, Namjoon would’ve thought he saw a hint of a smile on Akira’s face. The car pulled up just as Namjoon stood to his full height. Jin hopped out and opened the door, then helped Namjoon get Akira inside. “I’ll sit in the back with her.” Jin nodded, watching Namjoon climb in the back seat. Throughout the drive, Akira had dozed off. The medication they gave made her drowsy. Namjoon sighed a sigh of relief as Akira dropped her head on his shoulder, “This is killing me. I’m supposed to be a leader and yet the one thing I couldn’t do was protect her. I should’ve listened to everyone and brought her home sooner.”

“She’s not going to see it that way. Right now, she’s going to see you as her Alpha, as her protector. It’s you that she trusts more than ever right now. Do not let this guilt consume you, Joon-ah. You did nothing wrong.” Jin assured him. Namjoon just stared down at Akira, who fell asleep on his shoulder. The light wheeze of her breath a concern of his. Throughout the ride, neither felt as though they could relax until you were home with them. When the streets turned into winding forest back roads the deeper they went, it wasn’t far off until they reached their large two story home. The grey washed brick contrasted beautifully with the black matte exterior. Stone driveway paths lead to the two door garage and large oak door; while others lead to a tiny lake pond out front. Large windows let out warm lighting as the glow from inside made it homey.

The exterior at the back of the house was no different, with steps leading down to large land with miles of green and a large pavilion that held guests whenever family and friends visited. The patio area was decked out with black and cream pillows and chairs and sheet curtains to keep bugs away. Pulling up to the driveway, Taehyung and Hoseok watched wearily as Taehyung paced back and forth. Namjoon moved Akira off his shoulder as Jin came to a stop in front of the steps. Taehyung quickly met Namjoon at the car door, opening it in such a hurry that Namjoon had to shush him, “She’s sleeping. They have her heavily medicated.” Taehyung nodded, licking his lips as he apologized.

“Where is everyone else?” Jin questioned just as Namjoon lifted Akira gently into his arms.

“Yoongi has Jimin and Jungkook making lunch for everyone. Tae and I just finished getting Akira’s room ready.” Hoseok stared fondly at Akira, wishing she was awake to greet them. Whatever drugs they gave her, Akira was completely knocked out. She didn’t feel Namjoon pick her up. She didn’t feel him ascending the large staircase with her in his arms. She didn’t even feel when he tucked her into bed and kissed her on the forehead. But the moment she felt Namjoon slipping away, she grabbed his sleeve immediately, “Nnoooo…Joon..”. Like any alpha, Namjoon could not ignore the cries of his mate. He sat at the edge of her bed, grabbing hold of the hand that reached for him, “Guess I’m staying here.”

“Do you want us to bring up your food? I think she’ll be able to eat the soup Jimin’s making.” Taehyung asked. Without tearing his eyes from her, Namjoon nodded lightly. He brought Akira’s hand to his lips and kissed each knuckle. They all stared quietly, helplessly as she slept. Hoseok sighed, feeling tired all of a sudden. He sat at the foot of the bed, looking troubled, “We have to make this legal, Joon-ah. We never did the ceremony, her father or grandmother has the legal standing to take her back. She’s not ours until she’s completely ours.”

During a crossing ceremony, once an alpha claims their mate, the mate crosses out the name of their familial pack and takes on their own. It is essentially a wedding of sorts. Usually done in front of the families, the council, and friends. The head of the familial pack and the head of the mate’s pack sign their names as well, sealing the bond completely. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, that hasn’t happened for Bangtan yet.

“I know that. She just needs time to heal. Please Hobi-hyung, can’t it wait?” Namjoon begged.

Hoseok sighed, “It can, but not for long. We need to do this right. She needs to be able to receive everything in case one of us—.”

“Dies?” Taehyung questioned softly, “Isn’t it a little early for that, hyung?” Taehyung frowned.

“With the way the rebels are reaching across the states, we might not be afforded time. She needs to be well taken care of if something happens.” While the pack loved Hoseok’s logical nature, the timing felt wrong. “Other than that, we have more pressing concerns. How are we gonna take care of her?”

Taehyung stared, confused,“What do you mean?”

“I mean how are we…gonna bathe her.” Hoseok stared awkwardly at the comforter set as the room grew silent. Awkwardness flowed through the room. Jin coughed,

“I think she can bathe herself, it’s the undressing part we’ll have to deal with. We shouldn’t make this awkward for her, it’s perfectly normal to need help.”

“Well count me out.” Namjoon shook his head, a heavy sigh escaping his lips, “My wolf barely contained himself when we made out, it’s not gonna survive seeing her naked.”

“Hey!” Jin scolded, “Honestly, Joon-ah.” Jin tisked, shaking his head.

“What?! I’m being honest—do you not see how gorgeous she is?! I’m surprised it didn’t come out the first day!” Namjoon whispered harshly, checking back at Akira to make sure she was asleep still. “You didn’t smell how good she smelled hyung. I almost couldn’t control my wolf, that hasn’t happened in years.”

“Maybe our betas should stick to helping her, then.” Taehyung coughed, awkwardly scratching the side of his neck.

“Normally our betas aren’t affected but Akira is different.” Jin confessed, “Even Jimin said he felt pulled to her. Normally, us betas wouldn’t feel magnetic energy but again, Akira is different, and I have no clue why.”

“You think it has something to do with her grandmother being a Divine?” Hoseok pondered.

Jin sighed, “That, I’m not sure of.”

— — —

The following days, everyone took shifts trying to have Akira adjust while in recovery. Bathing and showering she could manage on her own until it got to her hair. Trying to wash it proved difficult when raising her arms; the tightness from her injuries nearly made her pass out from the ache. The guys didn’t mind messing up a few towels and clothes if it meant stepping into the walk in shower to help her. Jimin volunteered, having watched and studied multiple videos on her hair type. “I didn’t realize your hair was longer than this, love.” Jimin smiled, noticing her coils elongate even further past tailbone length.

“I never…cut..my hair..” Though her breathing was still shallow and at times difficult, Akira was able to start talking again, albeit a whisper. It was difficult for Akira to raise her voice; the soreness was raw at the base of her throat. Jimin curled his fingers at the root, massaging her head gently. Akira closed her eyes, sighing softly. Jimin, amongst all of them, was more than happy to try and make Akira as comfortable and as safe as possible. Though he didn’t expect to see so much of her exposed body so soon, seeing as how they never had their date yet, Jimin tried with all his might to not be tempted. He loved looking at her cocoa melanated skin. Glistening under the few water drops as the steam from the shower engulfed them. Her hair covered the small of her back, barely teased by the now soaking wet body towel. Her neck looked inviting, just waiting to be bitten.

He’s a Beta, he’s not supposed to stir up these rabid emotions his wolf was causing. They’re supposed to be neutral—exactly what was Akira doing to his pack?

‘Omega smells so good. I need to know if she tastes the same.’

“Cool it.” Jimin growled, rinsing out the shampoo from Akira’s hair.

Akira turned slightly, “Hm?” A confused expression on her face. Jimin nearly moaned at the look she gave him; her innocent eyes staring up at him while hands held up a wet towel that did little to cover her chest.

He took a deep breath, her sweet, brown sugar chocolate scent deepened due to the shower, “Nothing, just my wolf causing trouble.” Jimin chuckled.

“Mm.” Akira turned back around, back straightened. Jimin continued washing her hair until it felt as soft as the sweater he gifted her. When he was done, he turned off the water and left to get them both new towels. Being a gentleman, he looked away when he held a towel up to Akira, making sure she was covered before bringing her to the vanity sink, where her hair products were.

“I’m afraid I’m not good at braiding, love.” Jimin tutted, still trying to master how to care for her, yet not quite there yet. Though she wasn’t looking at him, a habit she seems to have formed with all the guys lately, she did give him a small, light smile. Akira loved that he was at least trying.

“A ponytail…is fine…for now.” She replied breathlessly.

Jimin made sure to detangle and put in the right products before placing her hair in a ponytail. He then left her to dry off and get ready for an afternoon of lounging around; her clothes folded neatly on the counter as she got her unscented shea butter and lotion to put on before layering it with some cocoa scented body oil. The soft oversized sweater Jimin had gifted her months ago—so pink and plush like cotton candy—laid next to a pair of rose pink silk shorts. After finding a way to get dressed, Akira slowly stood up and walked to the bathroom door. Jimin was throwing the blanket Taehyung made for her onto the bed when he heard the crack of the bathroom door. His soft smile reassured her, but still, she needed help getting to the bed as her vision still continued to be blurry. She could make out the outlines of his face, but slowly, it would take a while for her full vision to come back to her.

Jimin took quick strides to get to her, holding his arm out to her, “Where do you want to sit, the bed or the couch?”

“Bed..please..” Akira murmured softly. The spacious room was probably bigger than anything she’s ever had. The large suite opened up to a cream colored room with plush beige carpeting. A black stone fireplace sat offset to the large four poster canopy bed with mountains of pillows. Some of Akira’s things had been placed away while a few things remained in her large walk-in closet. The closet led to her massive bedroom where black stone heated flooring covered the floor, matching the shower room where a large soaking tub sat on one end and a shower bench with rainfall shower heads hung on the other. On the other side of the room sat two seating areas, one underneath a large windowsill; two chairs and an end table. The other seating area she had, separated by two steps leading into a living room area. The wide L-shaped cream colored couch still allowed room for a small coffee table, an entertainment area where her large television sat, and matching chair to the couch.

To Akira, it felt like a mini apartment, but to the guys, it was her private den. A place where their omega could relax in peace and not be disturbed. They each wanted Akira to feel safe in their home, away from anything or anyone they could harm her.

But Jimin, like the rest of his pack, noticed a dimness in her eyes. The sweet, gentle woman they had grown to love had become listless and nervous. She hardly smiled anymore. She barely comes out of her room since her meals are brought to her. And any time she is out of her room, she’s holding onto one of them for dear life. Fear. Fear is what has Akira shaking every day and night. Fear is what has her looking over her shoulders, head on a constant swivel. It was the fear of her family that had her crying out every night, as if reliving the same moment over and over. No one knew how to comfort her. But no one gave up, either.

“No walks today love? How about some tv?” Akira nodded as Jimin pulled back the covers, allowing her to get into bed. He then sat beside her, grabbing the remote to turn on something for her to listen to. It didn’t matter what was on, Akira would just lay her head on Jimin’s shoulder and fall asleep anyway. “Tired already? We haven’t even started yet. Jimin giggled.

“Always…t-tired…now.” Akira muttered, feeling how drowsy the pain meds she took early made her feel. Jimin bit his lip, worried about her state, ‘Hyung? I’m worried about Akira, she doesn’t look so good.’

Within minutes, feet raced up the stairs and started towards Akira’s room. The door cracked open, as to not startle her. Jimin looked up; Jin, Hoseok and Taehyung walked in with Yoongi, Jungkook, and Namjoon unfortunately stuck at work, both crowding their mind-link with questions. Jimin assured them that medication was the issue, “I think her medicine is what’s making her act this way. She can barely keep her eyes open or sit up.”

Jin sat in front of Akira, knowing he broke the rule of being invited to her nest, but it was urgent, “Hey there tiny lady, can you open your eyes for me?” Though she struggled, Akira managed to open her eyes long enough to see Jin smile. “There’s our pretty girl. How about you rest and we figure out what to do about your meds, ok?”

“Yes…Jinnie…” Akira sighed, closing her eyes once again as she laid down fully. Jimin tucked her in, softly pushing away loose hairs from her face. He looked on the verge of tears,

“These pills..they’re sucking the life out of her, Jin.” Jimin whimpered.

“It’s not just the pills, her depression has made itself back into her mind. Everything she endured, it’s beginning to show and we just have to navigate through that. But for now, I think weaning her off her meds or lessening the amount might help.” They all stared helplessly at Akira’s sleeping figure once again. Taehyung clasped Jimin’s shoulder as tears welled in his eyes. Hoseok stood by the door, watching for any changes in her breathing or even the slightest sign of discomfort. Everything, sadly, was a waiting game.

— — —

“Akira is depressed and instead of helping her through it, we’re down here bickering on what not to do.”

Ever the voice of reason, Jin calmed all tempers in the living room of their home that chilly Friday afternoon. It had been three weeks since Akira officially moved in with them, and although there had been improvement in speech and a little of her eyesight, and physical activity, her state of mind had not. There were days where Akira wouldn’t leave her bed. Days where tears fell endlessly down her face and everything that reminded her of her family seeped into the dark corners of her mind. The hurt she felt from being severely wounded by her father and betrayal from her sister. Her grandmother and mother called, but she refused to answer the phone. She wasn’t ready yet. Akira knew, deep down, she wasn’t ready to deal with the fallout of everything.

In the living room, tempers flared on how to best help Akira cope, but Jin, being older and the pack Beta, had the final say, “We’re not going to push her into feeling better, that would just make her more anxious. We have to ease her into it. She’s only ever been with family, on top of that, all she’s ever known is abuse. This is the biggest adjustment she’s ever had to face, and all at once, it is not surprising that she’s feeling how she feels.”

“So then what do we do, hyung?” Jungkook pleaded, “Because seeing her like this is killing me.” He frowned, dropping his face into his hands. Jimin rubbed the overgrown puppy’s back, trying to comfort him.

“This is new for you, not being the baby pup in the pack anymore, it’s new for all of us. And I know now your instinct is to protect her.” Jin ruffled his hair soothingly, “But we have to move at her pace. We have to ease her into feeling better because if we push, we’ll push her away. She’s fragile. Right now, it’s best to let her come to us.”

As if on cue, ears perked and heads shot upwards towards the staircase at the sound of movement. The door to Akira’s room cracked open; tiny squeaks of the hinges and soft patter of socked feet made their way to the hallway. She was searching for one of them. Hoseok, being the closest to the stairs, called out, “Did you need something, princess?”

“I wanna come downstairs.” Akira replied meekly. Dashing towards the top of the stairs, Hoseok held out his hands for her. Akira grabbed them, looping her arm through his as he helped her down. Soft greetings of ‘love’ and ‘beautiful’ and ‘sweetheart’ tickled Akira’s ears as she moved closer to the couch. Jungkook and Jimin made space for her, seating her in the middle between them. Today she was comfy, once again sporting the cotton candy colored swear and grey sweatpants. She decided that sulking in her room for the day would be too much for her.

“Is there something you needed, sweetheart?” Yoongi quietly asked, being ever so attentive.

“I got tired of being in bed all day. I realized that I’ve done nothing but sulk since I’ve gotten here, I’ve been a terrible guest.” Akira frowned.

“You’re not a guest Akira, this is your home.” Namjoon challenged, making Akira look at him, “And we understand why you’ve needed to be alone. We’d never push you to be ready.”

“I just…I feel so guilty. I feel responsible for all of this…” Akira whispered weakly, bowing her head with embarrassment.

“You have nothing to feel guilty about, my love.” Jimin placed two fingers under her chin and raised her head, “Nothing you’ve ever done should have warranted what your father had done. Nothing.” Jimin spoke lowly, staring into her eyes. “None of this is your fault.”

“But I—.”

“No, no buts.” Jungkook pouted, wrapping his arms gently around Akira’s waist. Akira blinked, somewhat startled from the touch. “You’re innocent. What your family’s been doing is wrong.”

The silence was loud. Each held their breath as they awaited Akira’s reaction. Silently, a tear rolled down her cheek as she shuffled. Jungkook buried his face in the crook of her neck, scenting her, while Jimin swiped her cheeks, “It’s ok to cry, love. It’s ok to feel.”

“I don’t wanna feel.” Akira whimpered, “I’m tired of feeling, I don’t wanna deal with any of this, I wanna be numb.” Akira cried harder, making Jungkook whimper.

“You have to feel, beautiful.” Namjoon moved in closer, sitting in front of her on the edge of the coffee table, “Being numb closes you off to all the good feelings too, not just the bad ones. Look, listen to me,” Namjoon smoothly grabbed hold of her hands, “Whatever you’re feeling, whenever you’re feeling it, place that burden on us. It’s our job as your pack, your mates, to protect you. It’s our job to take care of you. Let us do that job, Akira.”

“I can’t,” Akira cried even harder, “I can’t.”

“You have to, princess.” Yoongi stood, towering next to Namjoon, “You have to let us try and take care of you; I know it’s not what you’re used to and I know you usually have to fend for yourself, but our pack doesn’t work like that. We take care of each other. We’re a family, we take care of everyone we love, and it’s a biological need to take care of our mate, it’s instinct. Taking care of you is basic instinct.”

“I don’t know how..” Akira sniffles, tears streaming quickly down her face.

“Then let us do the work. Let us take that burden from you.” Jimin spoke calmly. He tucked her head just beneath his chin as more tears spilled. It’s bittersweet to see someone you care about cry their eyes out. These weren’t tears of joy, they were of sadness and sorrow. Heartbreak and grief. Akira had to find her way out of the shadows and though she wouldn’t be alone, it was still such a lonely battle to finish.

— — —

“You’re awfully quiet over there, Tiny Lady. Any particular reason why?”

The past couple of days have been trying for Akira and for Bangtan. News circulated that the elopement of Naomi and Jackson caused drama within pack families, as it went against rules and customs. Even more so with the news of Bangtan not having a crossing ceremony at all, going straight into the legal proceedings between Hoseok, Namjoon, and Genevieve Batiste. The dust was settling. Akira was officially theirs, even if she could not be present for it.

“I heard grandmother and Namjoon talk when she was here…Naomi and Jackson…they’re back, aren’t they, Jin?”

No secret could be kept from Akira in Bangtan. News spread like wildfire that Jackson and Naomi were back from their impromptu honeymoon. Tensions flared once Namjoon and Jin were summoned to the Wang pack. Though he was pissed, Namjoon showed great restraint when it came to informing Jackson of what his and Naomi’s actions caused. Jin glared Naomi down as she sat next to Jackson the entire meeting Jackson tried apologizing, mortified at every detail Namjoon explained of Akira’s state.

“Akira,” Jin sighed, turning from the back patio’s lounge chair to her, “I really think you shouldn’t have to worry about that right now.” The air blew a slight breeze as everyone hung out in the large backyard. Jungkook and Taehyung were chasing a frisbee in their wolf forms as Hoseok threw it. Jimin and Namjoon were locked in a game of Go and Yoongi was grilling for everyone’s lunch. Jin decided keeping you company was best. “Stressing about it won’t help you heal any faster.”

“I’m not stressing about it. I want nothing to do with Naomi, I hate her.” The silence following had everyone stopping in their tracks. The guys knew that ultimately, they couldn’t separate from their brother pack, but the rift that was caused between sisters left both packs in a tough situation. “As far as I’m concerned, she doesn’t exist to me. I never want to see Naomi again.”

“Love,” Jimin called out, pausing from the game, “Naomi is still your sister, surely you two can—.”

“I don’t have any sisters.” Akira replied, the rippling chills that went down everyone’s spines as the coldness of her gravely voice seeped through, “Naomi Batiste is dead to me.” Though Akira meant every word, tears pooled in her eyes as she struggled to calm her emotions. This wasn’t just a rash decision for Akira, she really thought this through. Separating from her family really took an enormous amount of energy and effort into cutting them off for good, a feat she never thought would happen. “The Batistes’ are dead to me.”

“Beautiful…” Namjoon frowned, “I know that you’re upset, but you can’t possibly mean that.

“Please!” Akira groaned as her voice raised an octave, hurting her throat. Frustration clouded over her like a cloak, her hands reaching up towards her face and closing into a fist, “Don’t tell me what I don’t mean..” her voice traveled in a whisper as tears escaped suddenly. Akira quickly wiped her face, refusing to give any more tears to her family, “You’ve only seen a little of the damage they’ve done, you haven’t even scratched the surface of what they’ve done to me.” Taehyung and Jungkook whimpered as they moved closer to the patio, their large wolves towering over Akira. She never saw them shift into their wolf form, but even then, she wasn’t afraid. Taehyung whimpered the loudest, dropping his head down to chest level with Akira. Placing her hand on his snout, she stroked his face gently, “I’m sorry Tae, I’m not upset with anyone here…”

“How did you know that was Tae?” Hoseok frowned, confused.

“His eyes are the same.” Akira scratched his nose, making Taehyung huff before licking her face, “One brown, one green.”

“And that one,” Akira nodded, “has eyes like boba balls so I know it’s Jungkook.” Jungkook snorted, turning away from them. Jimin and Yoongi snickered, knowing Jungkook didn’t like being compared to anything cute. “I have never seen any of you shift before.”

“It’s not a pretty sight, princess.” Hoseok warned.

“You hear the sound of ripping flesh but it doesn’t. It just…disappears. Bones crack and break and repair themselves. It stops being painful after a while but the first time is…it’s not for the faint of heart,” Yoongi explained.

“Oh..” Akira frowned, petting Taehyung’s head. Jungkook came back, now in his human form with clothes drowning his large body. No one had seen him leave the patio, “It sounds horrible.”

“Only the first few times.” Jungkook smiled down at her, taking up a spot on the lounge chair by her feet, “But it’s so freeing, Akira.” His bunny smile only widened, “To be able to roam freely and howl at the moon. To run as fast you want with nothing but the earth beneath you? It’s so freeing.”

“I bet it is.” Akira smiled softly. Taehyung barked, making her jump.

“Taehyung says he agrees.” Jimin smirked.

“Back to the issue at hand.” Jin refocused the conversation, “Akira, we know that you’re upset with Naomi, but are you sure you want nothing to do with her?” On baited breath, they all waited for her response. Taehyung nudged at her hand, worry threaded through his mind. “Nothing to do with your family at all?”

Akira sat silently. Her mood shifted, making everyone around her feel her sadness. “I wouldn’t have chosen this if I didn’t want it. Of course I still want my grandmother around and I’ll always miss the children but this decision didn’t come lightly. I’ve realized that…” Akira shook her head slowly, thoughts spinning constantly, “Every moment of my life has been me living in constant fear. And my family has either been the root of it or hasn’t done anything to stop it. Do you understand how heartbreaking that is? To know that you were a mistake and that you were never really wanted? That’s cruel!” Akira shook her head, feeling the burn of more tears in her eyes. Taehyung huffed, nudging her hand with his head. She scratched his ear lightly before dropping her hand, “I don’t want any reminder of that part of my life around me. I can’t bear it.”

“Then we’ll follow your lead, Akira,” Namjoon decided, having shared agreement amongst the pack, “You won’t ever have to deal with them again, I promise.”

Akira stayed silent, something nagging at her mind, “I still want them protected.”

“Ok now I’m confused.” Hoseok placed his hands on his hips, utterly lost.

Akira sighed, “I know, it’s a lot to ask of, especially since it sounds like I’m flip flopping all over the place. And maybe it is my emotions, maybe they’re all over the place…but the kids didn’t do anything wrong. They shouldn’t get hurt because of the rest of my family, even if it means protecting them too. I know what’s happening with the rebels, I watch the news. They’re taking children and training them to be child soldiers. They're killing humans left and right without any thought to what it’d do to them mentally. They're even killing their own kind—I don’t want that for them. I know I probably have no say in what you all choose to do—.”

“You will always have a say, Akira. We listen to each other and we make decisions together. And biology aside, you are our omega, we will cherish every idea or concern you have, this is our way.” Namjoon assured her. Akira bit her lip, reluctant to speak. Jin reached over and grabbed her hand, “Whatever you want, we’ll support it. You’re the lady of the house, you run things.” He joked, making them all laugh.

“Doesn’t feel right when there’s a pack alpha in charge.” Akira replied.

“I may be the pack alpha but in the packs we were raised in, omegas ran the show.” Namjoon smirked, dimples fully on display. Taehyung stood to his full height, licking Akira’s face in surprise. She gasped, shock covering her face before her laugh rang out throughout the backyard. Smiling from his position from the grill, Yoongi called out to everyone, “Steaks are ready. Let’s eat!”

Taehyung ran off to the house to shift and change into some clothes. Jimin and Jungkook followed, going to the kitchen to bring out the side dishes while Hoseok helped Akira up from the lounge chair. “Easy princess. That limp of yours is still concerning.”

“It’s my side.” Akira winced, shifting to straighten her posture. “Breathing still hurts. I don’t heal as fast as werewolves, you know.”

“Even more reason for you to not overdo it.” Hoseok sat Akira down as he pulled out a chair for her.

“Yes Hobi.” Akira sighed, agreeing with him. Steak and glazed pork belly situated between a pot of ramyun, kimchi, Korean sweet potatoes, and parilla leaves and rice. Sitting next to her, Hoseok started placing food onto a plate and sitting it in front of her. Akira laid her head on his shoulder, staring at the table.

“We really should familiarize ourselves with more American food. We’re so used to eating things we like, we never stopped to think of things you might enjoy.” Jin frowned, seeing the setting of the table.

“I don’t mind. I enjoy trying different foods. Plus, you shouldn’t change your routines just for me.” Akira, having eaten Asian cuisine for most of her life, skillfully picked up her chopsticks and picked up a piece of pork belly. “Besides, I’ve had Korean food before, this city is mostly Black, Asian, and Latino, I’ve pretty much eaten everything I didn’t have to cook.” Hoseok nuzzled his nose against her head, smiling at how she ate without any struggle.

“Good to know.” Jin smiled, pleased.

“I hope you know, I don’t plan to just let you all do everything for me. I know it’s difficult taking care of me—.”

“It’s not a burden, if that’s what you’re thinking, Jagiya.” Taehyung mumbled as he stuffed his face, “We enjoy having someone to take care of.”

“It felt…nice. Being able to take care of you.” Jimin agreed, mixing his ramyun and rice together, smiling to himself.

“Is it a wolf thing? Or a man thing?” Akira removed her head from Hoseok’s shoulder, looking at everyone at the table.

“A little of both,” Yoongi answered for everyone, “As wolves, we’re territorial. We’re protective. It’s in our nature to provide for our mates, especially for Alphas. It makes us feel at ease.”

“Like an accomplishment?” Akira tilted her head a little, making Yoongi laugh,

“Something like that, yeah sweetheart.” Yoongi went back to his food, tearing a piece of parilla leaf off the plate.

“Sounds like a pride thing. I didn’t realize werewolves could be prideful.” Akira picked at her rice,

“Watch it, love.” Jimin smirked, teasing, “Werewolves are extremely prideful. Especially over mates.” Akira’s eyes widened cartoonishly, making everyone at the table laugh. Akira softly dropped her head on Hoseok’s shoulder once again, making a few of them stare at her. They loved how comfortable she was starting to be with their touch. Loved how relaxed and at peace she felt with them. Her scent blossomed around them; strong scent of cocoa and brown sugar engulfing them, almost like an underlying hint of vanilla. It was the smell of a content omega.

“Hm..” Akira pulled back. Eyes followed as she looked up at Hoseok then brought her head back to his shoulder.

“You ok there, princess?” Hoseok asked.

“Yeah. Just something funny I thought about.” Akira shook her head, pushing her food around on her plate. “When I was younger,” Akira paused, staring down at her food, “I used to sit on my grandmother’s porch and she’d be snapping peas or something. Sometimes we talked, sometimes we said nothing at all. Just sit there.” A small smile curled on her lips, “We used to drink this spiced lemonade, almost like she put ginger in it. And eat ginger snaps.”

“What brought this on, sweetheart.” Yoongi chuckled, bringing his food to his mouth.

“Hobi. Smells like lemonade and ginger snaps.” Akira giggled. Cutlery all dropped, even Hoseok’s, as they all stared at Akira with mild concern and shock. Akira looked up from her plate, nervous,

“What? What I say?”

Jungkook leaned into the table, “Wait, you can really smell Hobi-hyung’s scent??” Akira nodded slowly, confused as to why it was such a big deal,

“Yeah? Is he not supposed to smell like that?”

Jin shook his head, “No, he is, we’re just surprised you can actually smell his scent. Humans usually can’t smell wolves’ scents, it’s not a trait they can possess.”

Akira shrugged, “Oh…I mean it’s faint but I can still smell it. I can smell everybody’s scent.” They all gawked at Akira’s confession. Akira shrunk down in her seat, feeling embarrassed, “So this isn’t normal, is it?”

“Nothing about this was ever normal, sweetheart.” Yoongi gathered, “You were born into a family of wolves, maybe some of the traits are faint but there.”

“If our scents trigger a memory, then she is in fact our mate.” Jimin surmised. “Mates have trigger pheromones. Complimentary scents that remind their mates of something safe, particularly from childhood. For you, it’s spiced lemonade and ginger snaps, Hobi-hyung reminds you of a safe part of your childhood.”

Akira straightened, curiosity peaking behind her eyes, “So then…you were all meant to smell the way you do. You were meant to be appealing towards only me?”

“Do we trigger any other memories for you?” Jungkook asked expantly. Akira shrugged, a small, cute smile gracing her face as Jungkook got up and ran over to her.

“Down, boy!” Jin hollered as Jungkook robbed his face into her neck, scenting her as she giggled. Akira inhaled his scent without knowing, sparking another distant memory that made her feel happy and warm inside, “You smell like ice cream. Kinda like the kind my grandmother would make by hand.” Akira sniffed again, making Jungkook grin. Jimin huffed with a whine,

“No fair, I want a turn!” He pouted, making Akira laugh.

“See what you started.” Yoongi rolled his eyes as Jungkook walked back to his seat with a smug look on his face. Akira giggled loudly, making the entire table turn to her.

“I don’t mind. I actually kinda like it. I like knowing that I have some type of wolf traits in me.” Akira shrugged, “It feels normal for once.” They each looked at each other before hopping up from their seats, Jimin being the fastest to get to her. Akira laughed once more before bringing her nose down to his outstretched wrist. “Hmm..spearmint and eucalyptus. My grandmother used to put me in these cleansing baths with those scents. I used to love those, I used to sit in those for hours until I get all pruny and refused to get out.” Akira giggled, “She said they weren’t regular baths, it was to clear my spirit of any negative energy. Probably why I enjoyed them so much.” Jimin’s chest fluffed as his inner wolf purred with glee.

“Alright jagiya, me next.” Taehyung held out his wrist for Akira to sniff. She instantly felt relaxed, and it was noticeable amongst the group, “Lavender and rosemary? I remember my grandmother spraying this any time I slept over, she said it was the only thing to calm me down when I got restless. Something about not liking to have to leave my nest? Whatever that meant.” Akira shrugged. Taehyung stared over at Namjoon, nodding in his direction,

“When you were younger, were there certain things you couldn’t sleep without? Certain things that had to be just right or else you couldn’t feel comfortable?” Namjoon asked.

Akira squinted, her brain working overtime to remember, “Yeah, actually, now that I think about it, I had to have my bedding and stuff a certain way. I assumed I had OCD or something.” Akira laughed before it finally clicked, “That was a wolf thing, wasn’t it?”

Namjoon smiled, “Not just any wolf thing. An omega thing. Omegas tend to nest, to help them feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings. You were nesting, baby.” Akira exhaled slowly, letting the realization sink in. Taehyung slowly moved his wrist, leaning down to nuzzle his chin into her neck before giving her a kiss on the cheek, “You’re definitely not fully human, that’s for sure.”

“Then what am I?” Akira questioned softly.

“Maybe your wolf is laying dormant until she feels safe enough to come out? It has been known to happen to some. Kinda like late stage puberty, some wolves remain dormant because it’s a trauma response. She has to feel safe to come forward. You’re probably not connected which would also explain why you’re not healing as fast and why some of the traits like nesting and sense of smell are faint. It’s not uncommon.” Namjoon explained.

“So there’s a possibility that I am a werewolf?” Akira was anxious yet excited.

“Possibly. You could also be just human, there’s no way to test for it. It’s a waiting game.” Akira exhaled, a little sad at the thought of waiting. Suddenly, she smelt the coconut and leather waft over the patio table, relaxing her a bit, “I know you’re trying to relax me Joonie, it’s ok.”

“How did she—.” Jimin spoke before Akira cut him off,

“His was the first scent I smelled before everyone else. Smelled like coconut candies and leather, smelled like my grandfather’s journal I was never allowed to touch.” Akira twirled her chopsticks, remembering the day her grandmother caught her staring at it, along with a cologne he used to wear that somehow brought out his natural scent more, as her grandmother put it, “And Jin smells just like his cologne. Sage and juniper berries. Probably why she’s drawn to you two the most. You remind her of him.”

The table sat quiet as Akira picked at her food. Thoughts swirled in her head like clouds of smoke. Learning this new information brought on so many questions for her. Were the guys really meant to be her mates? Was she fully human or did she have a dormant wolf inside of her? How did all of these things work and why, even if she is human, was it never taught to her? “…What I don’t understand is how is it that your scents were specifically picked for me. That’s not a coincidence.”

“You heard of the Lycan Goddess, Akashi?” Jin asked. Akira nodded, remembering stories her grandmother told her of the goddess that created her kind. Of the half wolf, half human god that merged both worlds because she herself was taken care of by wolves after being attacked by other goddesses for her beauty. The jealousy created an all out war, causing her to be casted out after the Lycan God, Enkil declared his love for her over his wife, Anansi.

“My grandmother used to tell me stories. How Enkil and other gods were madly in love with her and how she was thrown from the heavens from the other goddesses because of jealousy. She only loved I’ve god, the human god of peace, Azul. She, being the wolf god of love and fertility, wanted to be with him and create a family, but because of the other gods fighting over her beauty, they killed Azul and banished her to earth.” Akira recited from memory, thinking back to the time her grandmother would read her stories of their goddess.

“Yes. She was beaten and taken away from her lover. It’s said that a pack of wolves found her, and instead of eating her, they made her a part of their pack, taking care of her and nursing her back to health. They became her family.” Yoongi finished, “She was so moved by their kindness that she rewarded them by making them half human. After they found out she was a goddess of fertility, the pack omega begged her to help her conceive because she wanted children. Akashi not only helped her, but created more werewolves so that they could thrive and multiply. Her werewolves were magically gifted though. They’re known as Divines.” Yoongi watched as the wheels turned in Akira’s head. Her lips trembled and eyes dilated slightly,

“Magical werewolves…are you talking about my grandmother?” Akira whispered softly.

“Yes baby, we are.” Namjoon interrupted, “Obviously she’s not one of the children, but she is an offspring of one. There aren’t many of them left, sadly, but it is possible that it runs in your family. Somewhere along the line, one of your ancestors was a Divine.”

Akira shook her head, the overload of information disorienting her, “Wait, how does this explain your scents being tied to me?”

Jimin smiled, “When Akashi helped the pack omega to conceive, it sprouted her love of children. The children she created were not only magical, she created them for the offspring of that pack. She created mates for them so that they would never be lonely. So that they could brace the world together. She made sure that their scents were compatible with each other so that they could find each other. A built in soulmate. Their wolves would awaken once they found each other. But as the decades passed, the werewolf bloodlines became diluted with mostly human DNA. More werewolves started following their hearts than their biological instincts.”

“I can’t believe this.” Akira dropped her head in her hands, overwhelmed by everything that was taught to her and everything that she just learned, “So you mean to tell me that even in my diluted bloodline, my grandmother is a Divine, a magical werewolf, and that the scents I smell off of you is because Akashi made all werewolves give of compatible scents so that they can find their mates…”

“Exactly.” Jin agreed, “We were meant to find you, and you were meant to find us. We’re meant to roam this life together until our time inevitably comes to an end.” Akira took a deep breath. Her body slumped in her chair as she processed everything.

“We know it’s a lot to take in,” Hoseok murmured, “But there’s some things that you’ve done that even we can’t deny are out of character for humans. That’s why we think it has to do with your family.”

Akira turned to him, “What things?”

“Well for starters, the scent thing.” Jungkook spoke, “Then there’s the nesting.”

“Also you respond to Alpha commands, like instinctually.” Taehyung chimed in.

“Hey, that's not fair, I don’t know when I do that.” Akira pointed a finger his way, not liking the fact that a few of them have used their Alpha command on her without her knowledge.

“And for that, we apologize,” Namjoon started, “but there’s also your sense of alertness. You were able to sense danger even before I could, like the night of the family dinner and that fight broke out. The reason why Omegas were coveted the most is because of their discernment. They have high alert signals that help them warn their pack when danger is near. It’s in their nature to protect what’s theirs. They are fiercely protective of their pack and the safety of that pack. Your traits, as faint as they are, are there. I think your wolf is just dormant because it doesn’t feel safe yet to connect with you.”

“But I do feel safe.” Akira uttered, “I feel safe with all of you.” The pack smiled at her admission. Hoseok pulled her close, rubbing his chin across the top of her head

— — —

“Why does Joseph hate me so much, grandmother? What did I ever do to him?”

Akira and her grandmother sat in her room, quietly having lemonade and cookies in the seating area of her room. Genevieve had been determined to see how her youngest grandchild was doing, even more so once she learned that Akira had been suffering from depression. She wanted whatever time she could get with her. “I don’t know little wolf. Maybe you remind him of the innocence he lost. Maybe you remind him too much of his father. Who knows.”

Akira frowned, putting down her glass of lemonade, “Grandpa?”

Genevieve sighed. She looked tired, Akira noted. Signs of stress covering her like a cloak, “Your father was young when he was killed, sweetpea. You look so much like my Booker…”

This tidbit surprised Akira, making her straighten her posture, “I do? Really?”

Genevieve smiled softly, yet there was a hint of sadness there, “Sometimes it’s the little things…you have his smile. His eyes. Sometimes when you speak, it’s almost like he’s right there in the room with me…” Akira frowned as her grandmother sighed deeply, closing her eyes as if trying to remember every detail of Booker’s face, as if she had to try.

“Deep down, your father is a hurt little boy with too much anger inside. He never healed, and I guess in a way, that’s my fault.” Genevieve admitted to not only Akira, but to herself of her shortcomings as a mother. She felt like she failed in handling raising her children after their father’s death, and she didn’t know how to cope.

Akira tsk’d, “How could that be your fault?”

“I never spoke about Booker until now, I couldn’t. Losing someone like that so suddenly…it’s a pain I never want you to go through. Having someone taken from you so forcefully…it changes you as a person.” Genevieve lamented. Akira nodded,

“I understand grandmother.” Akira looked away, her eyes trained on the condensation from her glass. The television provided background noise, the soft murmuring of whatever was on, being drowned out by their conversation. “When I was younger, I thought Joseph was how he was towards me because that was just his way. But I realized he could love, he could be affectionate …” Akira stared down at her hands, “Just not with me. I’m the living embodiment of his hatred. I remind him of his hatred towards humans; I am his grief, his pain, and his anger. Now that I know that I look like grandpa, that man had to look me in my face for 26 years and see the man he lost and couldn’t grieve. I reminded him of what he could no longer have.” Genevieve watches as Akira’s body shrinks deeper into the couch. She could feel the dark sorrow drown them both as it bounced off of her. She quickly switched gears, another coping mechanism Akira seemed to pick up from her,

“How are you here? They treatin’ you right?” Genevieve inquired.

Akira thought of her response carefully, “I’m safe here grandmother…I’m just…they really like me and I want to like them. I just don’t want to confuse my liking them with my need for affection. I want it to be real.” Akira explained, or at least attempted to explain, her feelings, “Namjoon said that he loves me. They all said they love me. I wanna feel that, I wanna love them eventually too but…how will I know that I do? I don’t wanna confuse my lack of affection and need for it with real love. It’s not fair to them. They deserve to be loved fully and I can’t give them that yet. I don’t know if I ever will.” Akira once again felt fresh tears threatening to fall as her heart ached. When Namjoon first told her that he loved her, it was during their first date. He had been so sure of his feelings, had no doubts, but Akira wasn’t sure of hers. She never knew what love felt like, and it terrified her that she could mess everything up.

“Oh little wolf,” Genevieve got up from the arm chair and sat next to Akira on the couch. Immediately, Akira burst into tears the minute Genevieve wrapped her arms around her, “you have every right to question your feelings. It’s all so overwhelming and confusing and everything is happening so fast that you don’t know where to turn. Your feelings are valid, my sweetpea.” Genevieve squeezed her shoulders, “I can’t tell you how you’ll be able to tell the difference, but what I can tell you is when you feel it, you will know it. You’ll look at them and everything will make sense suddenly. I hope you get to have the type of love that I experienced when I had Booker.” Genevieve wiped Akira’s face when she pulled back to ask her a question,

“Grandmother? Could you tell me more about grandpa Booker?” Though it was hard to talk about him, Genevieve couldn’t deny the sweet face of her granddaughter.

“Alright, lay down.” Genevieve made room for Akira to lay on the couch with her head against her lap. “Hm…Your grandfather was this…strong, incredibly smart man. He was as tall as a tree and built like a boxer. I mean he could lift all the kids with just one arm and still chop wood with the other.” Genevieve slowly ran her fingers through Akira’s hair, “He had the gentlest heart I ever seen. Booker would give his right arm to help whoever needed, wolf or human, it didn’t matter. He just always felt compelled to help others. And when he loved, god, he loved hard…no one could poison his heart about the people he loved and fought for.”

“He sounds great, grandmother.” Akira replied quietly.

“I wish you kids were able to meet him. He would’ve loved you all, he would’ve never —.” Genevieve paused, her voice growing shaky as she thought about all the things Booker would never get to do or see. Akira looked up at her grandmother, finding tears in her eyes. Genevieve mourned Booker terribly. He missed holding his first grandchild and handing over his daughter for her crossing ceremony. He missed birthdays and Christmases and other holidays. His death sucked all the joy that was left.

“Grandmother?” Akira worried.

“…I look at you and I see his face. I see the man that smelled like sage and juniper and swept me off my feet when I first met him. I see all his hopes and dreams…I see all the wishes he wanted and the plans we made…Booker was my everything and it kills me that he will never know you. That he would never know any of his grandchildren.” Genevieve’s small gasp had her tears falling and her hands wiping her face. Teary eyed herself, Akira slowly sat up and tried comforting her grandmother,

“I’m sorry grandmother. I shouldn’t have brought him up, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Genevieve shushed, “No, no baby, it’s ok. I needed to do this. I needed to talk about him, I needed you to know the kind of man he was.” She patted Akira’s arm, reassuring her that she was fine, “I think you would’ve been his favorite just because you have his face.”

Akira laughed, wiping her own tears, “I definitely would’ve loved that. I can tell he was a wonderful man. He was meant for you.” Akira laid her head on Genevieve’s shoulder. “You deserved to have him here, grandmother. And it isn’t fair that you had to lose him the way you did. No one deserves that. I know you aren’t comfortable talking about what happened, and I won’t ask. But I do believe you got to experience a great love, and I hope I can experience that one day.”

Genevieve pulled back, making sure to hold Akira’s face in her hands. Her thumb swiped beneath her eyes, wiping away Akira’s shed tears, “I know for a fact that you will, little wolf. You will have a great and wonderful love deserving of your heart. These boys will make sure of that.”

Akira whimpered, “I’m scared…” she whispered.

Genevieve smiled, “And that’s ok. Be scared. Fall deep, my little wolf. Embrace that love once you finally have it.”

[joonslfttiddie]

when bunny is bunnying 🐰 | for the biggest kook nose lover @jkvjimin

{cr. 0613data}

[joonslfttiddie]

BE MINE

Thirteen

💜Fic Pairing: BTS Member x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Dark Romance | Demon Member

💜Warnings: (for entire work; not chapter specific) Mental Illnesses/Troubled Childhood/Alcoholic Parent/Mentions of Domestic Violence/Physical Violence/Stalking/Gore/Mentions of Blood/Sexist Remarks/Derogatory Remarks/Detailed Murder/Murder of an Animal/Language/Adult Themes/Sexual Themes/Mind Control/Telepathy (invading thoughts w/o permission)/Fingering/Masturbation/Manipulation/Alluding at Drug Usage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 4,058

<Previous | Masterlist | Next>

Thirteen

Kamryn Graham

Kamryn couldn’t say she felt relieved to finally have Jimin back in her arms—she was never truly worried to begin with. Humming to herself, she didn’t even consider the irony of how she’d just made sure the door was locked before coming into her room. A protective measure to ensure her safety from the dangers of the outside world, yet here she was. She’d just invited evil into her home and into the sanctity of her bedroom for the second time that day but felt no reservations–in fact, she took comfort in his presence.

“Are you okay?” Jimin was snuggled with Kamryn in the spacious chair, finding comfort in her arms as he absentmindedly stroked her hair. With his other hand, he used the towel she’d given him to dry his damp hair.

Judging by the breaking news report playing on the television screen, Kamryn assumed he was referring to his early morning escapades. She traced lazy circles on the soft fabric of his shirt, his hoodie hung nearby to dry. Their position—a serene contrast to the chaos unfolding outside their bubble.

“Would it be crazy to say that I am? I dunno. I don’t really feel anything about what happened. They got what they deserved,” Kamryn said. She nods her head, confident of her opinion. “They got what the fuck they deserved.” She paused for a moment, her expression as if she was searching within herself. “The glimpses you sent—seeing how horrific the scene was and what actually happened—were definitely shocking. But even after that, I’m still okay. I’m sure I would feel differently if they were just regular people.”

“Hmm,” he answered with a hum. Silence fell over them as they watched the images on screen, now showing a field anchor interviewing a neighbor.

“Ma’am, you witnessed the suspect being apprehended by police. C-Can you tell us—what else did you see?” The woman’s voice trembled as she extended the microphone, her hand visibly shaking. 

“Well, I’d heard some yelling coming from Colin’s house in the middle of the night, but didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for him, Jameel, and their other friends to have a ton of people over; partying all the time. But when I came out this morning to water my plants, I saw about ten cops cars speeding toward me. I didn’t know what was going on so I just put my hands up, not realizing they were going next door.” The elderly woman paused for a moment before she continued. “You know, he seemed like an okay guy–I never really had any issues with him; always spoke when I saw him. I guess you never really know a person.”

Another neighbor shared what he had seen.

“I’ll tell you, this is something I’ll never forget. Seeing him coming out of that house, covered in blood and screaming… It was horrifying. I couldn’t go onto the property, of course, but from what I could see inside, blood was everywhere. You could smell it from the street—metallic, like how your hands smell after holding coins. I overheard someone say he’d cut his boyfriend's, ya know,” he said pointing down to his crotch, “junk off and stuffed it into his mouth. I don’t know if he died from losing all that blood or from choking on it.” Kamryn sat up, fascinated as the neighbor’s recount of events animated the still images Jimin had sent her earlier. She imagined the terror in real-time, piecing together the sequence from what the man said and what she’d felt through their bond. “And the song he was singing. You know that song that goes, you’re my best friend?” The man attempted, singing off-key. “He was just singing it at the top of his lungs. Like, really screaming it. He was crazy, that’s for sure. I’ll never listen to that song the same, ever again.”

“So heinous, yet… poetic. Beautiful,” Kamryn whispered under her breath, causing Jimin to blush. The reporter continued to talk on screen just as Mariah burst into the room.

“Kamryn! Did you hear—Jameel—he—oh my God.” Her words came in quick, fragmented gasps.

“Yeah, girl. I just saw,” Kamryn said, collecting as much sincerity as she could in her tone.

“That’s what his ass gets,” Taehyung muttered, his arm still wrapped around her shoulders. “It’s okay. He got what he deserved and won’t get the chance to hurt you–or anyone else–ever again. It’s over.” When his eyes landed on Jimin, his expression was much softer compared to the previous day. “Hey, man. Thanks for being there for Mariah when she needed you guys. I don’t know how I could ever repay you.” Jimin accepted his gratitude with an accepting nod before Taehyung gently guided Mariah back into her room.

The anchor came back on screen.

“Thank you, Mia,” she said, visibly rattled, the papers in her hands shaking slightly. “Sources report that several officers who responded to the scene this morning have already resigned, citing the experience as too disturbing to continue in their roles. This marks the second homicide in Filter Falls that officers have described as both ‘gruesome’ and ‘traumatizing.’ The victim, 27-year-old Jameel Clark, was allegedly murdered by his longtime boyfriend, Colin Maguire. Those who knew Clark remember him as a kind-hearted individual who never hesitated to help others in need.” She paused, placing her hand over her ear piece. “This just in—We’ve received reports that friends and family of Colin Maguire were sent a graphic and explicit video from him early this morning. Upon recovering the device, police also uncovered an audio recording and additional evidence linking both Maguire and the victim, Jameel Clark, to an underground sex trafficking ring, as well as several unsolved sexual assaults.”

Jimin shook his head as Kamryn turned the TV off.

“Kind-hearted individual,” Kamryn scoffed. “Looks like both their asses were pieces of shit.” After a moment, she asked, “You sent that video to his family?”

“I sure did,” Jimin beamed.

“Wow,” Kamryn said, snickering. “How did you even come up with all of that?”

Jimin simply shrugged.

 “You’re so fucking twisted.” She kissed his cheek before standing up from where they sat. “Give me a minute. Let me go check on Mariah.”

“Is she going to be okay?”

“Yeah, she’ll be fine. I’m sure it’s just a lot for her—all at once. She’s probably overwhelmed. I know I would be.”

Kamryn crept across the hall and into Mariah’s room, careful not to wake her if she’d drifted off again. Her eyes were closed, and Kamryn slowly slipped into bed behind her. But the soft, rhythmic bounce of her shoulders and the quiet whimpers gave her away.

“Could you stay with her while I make us some breakfast? You’ll have to make your own tea, though.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go ahead.”

Taehyung kissed Mariah’s forehead, slipped out of bed, and left the room, closing the door behind him.

“Riah, are you okay?” Kamryn knew that her friend was in her head, probably replaying the different ways she could have handled the situation.

“I’m– I don’t know.” She sniffed.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I heard Jameel and his boyfriend were into some fucked up shit. My heart goes out to those women that they hurt. I’m glad that dude was arrested and I pray they throw him under the prison.” She sniffed again. “I guess I'm struggling because I kind of feel like Jameel got what he deserved as well. But, even though he was a shit individual, that was still a human life that was taken.”

Kamryn hugged her friend’s back tighter. Hell, what could she say when she was in the same headspace just a few days ago? If anybody could understand Mariah’s conflicting thoughts, it was her. She brushed Mariah’s hair out of her face and stroked her head as if trying to stroke away her doubts and ease her turmoil.

“I get what you are saying. I really do. But, the way that I see it, Karma came back for him and beat his ass. All of those women were avenged by his passing. And you– You were almost one of them. I’m so happy you are safe.”

“Kamryn!” Mariah's voice was sharp and the sheets rustled as she turned over to face her friend. She searched Kamryn’s eyes, trying to figure out who she was really speaking to. “I thought you of all people would understand. There was no convincing Tae, but you?”

“What?” Kamryn felt put on the spot. She stared back at her friend as her heart began to race.

Mariah turned back over. “Did Jimin have something to do with this?”

“What?! Why would you even–

“You’re still a terrible liar,” Mariah said, not needing to turn back around. One glance was all that she needed.

Kamryn opened her mouth, then closed it again–speechless. Mariah had always had supernatural insight—a mysterious ability to see the truth. It was no use to try and hide from her but she just couldn’t bring herself to admit what was going on.

“What are you talking about, Riah?” she said with an unconvincing chuckle.

“I could feel his darkness on you well before I even met him. It was as if you were carrying him around on your back. A shadowy figure that had dug its claws into you. When I walked in this morning, I could see it. Surrounding him. Inside of him. The darkness… it was him. Just now, Kam, I could see the truth in your eyes before I even asked the question.”

“Riah…”

“You don’t have to say anything. I can see what he is– And what you’re becoming.”

“What am I becoming?” Kamryn whispered. “Riah, what are you saying?”

“What I’m saying is, you’re changing. Don’t be afraid of it. That newfound confidence, that fire–It looks good on you. But, just as you’re changing, so is he. Life is about balance.” She took Kamryn’s hand that was draped over her waist. “If you both continue feeding each other without limits, things could get dangerous. Balance.”

Kamryn went in to comfort her friend but was, instead, read like a book. She completely understood what she was saying and it made her think of the way Jimin lost control of himself yesterday. That wasn’t him, and she now wondered if she was feeding Jimin or that immoral part of him that lurked just under the surface.

🩷Dangerous.

Park Jimin

Heinous, yet poetic. Beautiful.

The words Kamryn had used to describe his transgressions played on a loop in his head and made him feel proud. His heart was not the only thing swelling with pride, excited with this new emotion elicited by Kamryn. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this way—not even back when his dad bragged about his wins on the field or the women he’d pulled. That was all for show. Maybe it was because he trusted her that he was able to actually take her words to heart.

Alone in her room, he was able to sit in the stillness, allowing his mind to wander. He knew that he was in love with this woman and that he would do anything for her, but was he capable of making the change to be the man she needed? She deserved? Thinking back on what happened back at his place, he wondered if he had the ability to be that person when he couldn’t even control himself. The atrocity within him, having a mind of its own. She had seen his evil, embraced it, and called it beautiful. Could she love him if she saw all of it? Could he even trust himself to show her, not knowing when it would overpower him again?

Before he could get too deep into his head, the sound of pots and pans rang out from the kitchen. He closed his eyes to gently tap on the bond, not wanting to eavesdrop on the lady's conversation, just to see if she was still in there. She was, so that meant the person in the kitchen was Taehyung. Would a normal human stay put or offer to help out? He was unsure what he was supposed to do. A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts before the door swung open slowly.

“Hey, I’m making breakfast. Are you hungry? Want coffee?” Taehyung’s questions seemed sincere, his features and body language were relaxed and open.

“Uh, yeah. Sure. Need a hand?”

In the kitchen, Jimin watched as Taehyung started the coffee before he began pulling ingredients from the fridge. Eggs and fruit were in his hands when he turned around. This was where he should offer to help.

“Hey, I can wash and cut the fruit for you,” he said as he met the man to relieve him of the strawberries and melon.

“Alright. Thanks. And it’s already clean. Kamryn is kind of a germaphobe so she cleans it as soon as she brings it inside.”

Yesterday, Jimin would have been pissed to know that this man knew anything about Kamryn that he didn’t. But today, he smiled at the new knowledge.

“Okay. Could you hand me a bowl to put this in?”

“Here you go. That should be large enough,” Taehyung said as he placed another glass bowl on the island next to where Jimin stood. Jimin pulled a knife from its block and had to push away the intrusive thoughts that popped into his mind, remembering to hum a tune.

💙This is a great, quality knife. I bet it would slice through flesh like a dream. Hmm. I could kill his ass right now for how he acted yesterday. He’d better be glad Kamryn wouldn’t like that idea. That, and he’s tolerable like this–in this mood. I guess I wouldn’t mind him being around. 

Was this what having a friend felt like? Things felt easier now with most of the tension gone. Was this the moment to ask questions and actually get to know him? It’d been so long since he’d spoken to a human on a genuine level, he’d become awkward–second guessing himself.

“So, how long have you known Kamryn?” He asked the question though he already knew the answer.

“Damn, almost ten years now. We met when she and Mariah were freshmen in college. Same school, same major—we saw each other all the time. She’s like the little sister I never had. Sweet as hell. Funny. Annoying, too.”

Jimin laughed at that.

“Sounds like you three are really close,” he said, noticing the longing within him to be close to someone. Where the fuck did that come from?

“Yeah, we hit it off immediately. It was love at first sight with Mariah and her and Kamryn came as a package deal, it seems. I don’t regret it at all, though,” he said, now mixing pancake batter. The smell of bacon filled the air so Jimin assumed he’d already put it in the oven. “That’s why I acted the way that I did toward you yesterday. I’m sorry, again. It’s just that it’s been my job to protect them all these years and I know Kamryn. She’s soft as a marshmallow and can be very gullible at times. As her big brother figure, I must admit, I was leary of you. But that’s my job, right?”

“I get it,” Jimin said, trying to change his perspective. His jaw tightened as he recalled how disrespectful Taehyung had been yesterday—and how deeply it had affected him. His grip on the knife handle mirrored the tension. But the man had apologized several times and he wasn't acting abrasively anymore.

“Please don’t take it personally. It’s not you, bro. I would have acted the same way, no matter who she brought home.” He paused for a moment. “She’s a good girl.”

“Yeah. Yeah, she is.”

Dangerous.

Jimin heard the word as Kamryn likely forgot to shield that thought. Was she referring to him? Is that what Mariah thinks of him?

“The pancakes are almost done. I’m glad they have this griddle so that I can make six at a time. It would usually take me twenty minutes to make this many in a single pan.”

Taehyung’s voice jolted Jimin out of his thoughts and he noticed he’d froze. He started cutting the fruit again and agreed with the man, though he’d only ever had to make single servings of food. He couldn’t relate.

He heard the door open from down the hall and the two women emerged from around the corner seconds later.

“Hey! I wasn’t able to speak to you earlier with everything going on.” Mariah made a b-line toward Jimin. He scanned her to see that her smile was genuine which relaxed him. Kamryn walked by, palming his cheek as she passed.

“All good. I understand. Are you okay though?” Jimin was surprisingly–sincerely–concerned but had to resist his urge to watch Kam walk away.

The two continued their conversation as Kamryn went over to fuck with Taehyung.

“And it better taste good, the way you in here looking all focused like you’re doing something,” she said. “And your bacon smells like it’s burnt.”

“Kamryn, don't come in here with that shit. Take your ass on. Go help your man with the fruit.” She laughed at his reaction, loving to get under his skin.

🩷My man?

She didn’t correct him.

“You feeling better,” she asked quietly.

“Yeah, I am, thanks. And thank you for whatever you said to her. She looks much better now.”

“Of course. That’s our girl.” 

After breakfast, the girls volunteered to clean the kitchen since the guys prepared the food. Mariah was elbow deep in the dishwater when Taehyung came to place a kiss into her hair, her forehead, then her lips.

“That’s one of the suits you keep here for emergencies,” she said, taking in his appearance.

“Yeah, I’m not going to have time to stop by my place. You know dad runs a tight ship and doesn't play that late shit.”

Jimin sat at the table, overhearing this conversation. He knew that Taehyung and President Kim shared a last name, but his father?

“Oh, ok. Well, have a great day, baby. Tell my father-in-law I said hello.”

“You know I will,” he said, stealing one more kiss and saying his goodbyes to Kamryn and Jimin before heading out the door.

“Have a seat. I can wipe the countertops down,” Jimin offered Kamryn to which she declined, of course.

“I’m okay.”

“Alright.” He couldn’t help it as his eyes roamed her body, loving the way her pajamas rode the curves of her body, her ass phat as fuck in those little shorts. She wasn’t wearing a bra—he could tell by the way they moved, heavy and unrestrained with every swipe of the cloth across the marble. “What do you have going on today?” 

She looked over her shoulder at the clock shining on the microwave display that read 7:11.

“I have a shoot at 10:00 then a few more this afternoon. What about you?”

“Nothing major. I need to clean my place and my car. Want me to clean yours too?”

“Please! Her room is spotless but that damn car– I have to move shit out the seat before I can even get in it,” Mariah chimed in.

“Girl–” Kamryn was honestly shocked at her friend’s honesty.

“You know I ain’t lying. It’s a shame to have such a nice car and–”

“And what?” Jimin asked, amused at their banter.

“Mariah? What is it? What do you see?”

Jimin looked up to see Mariah frozen in place, as if she was glitching, just staring into the abyss.

“The police are coming to get my statement,” she said, unbothered, as she rinsed her hands with water and dried them on the dish towel. She made herself another cup of coffee and calmly went to sit on the sofa.

💙What the fuck?

Jimin looked at Kamryn for answers to what he’d just witnessed but she was the complete opposite of Mariah. She was terrified, looking at Jimin, frantically searching his face.

🩷You can’t be here. You need to leave! What if they want to arrest you for Jameel’s death? Micah’s?!

💙Baby, please calm down. Everything is going to be okay. There’s no way they can tie me to either crime. I promise. Why don’t you finish the dishes or go to your room until they leave? You’re shaking like a leaf.

🩷And not just that—Jimin, Mariah knows.

💙 Mariah knows what?

🩷What you are. She can see things, hear things–sometimes, she just knows things with no prior information. That’s how she knows the cops are coming.

He glanced up and noticed that Mariah was staring at Kamryn as if she just confirmed something. Could she be on to him? Onto them both? Dangerous. The word replayed in Jimin’s mind.

Three short taps sounded at the front door, startling Kamryn even more. Jimin quickly guided her to the sink and helped her put the gloves on just as the officers walked inside.

“Have a seat. Would you guys like anything to drink? Water? Coffee?”

“No, thank you,” the men said in unison. Mariah went back to sit where she was previously seated to sip more of her coffee.

“Well, Miss Bailey, we have to stop meeting this way,” one of the officers said. He didn’t come off flirtatiously, only seeming to try to break the ice. But there was no ice to break. Mariah was chilling. Not a hint of anxiousness came from her.

“I know right? This month has been crazy,” she said with a chuckle. Jimin watched as Kamryn nearly dropped the mug she was cleaning.

💙My poor baby. It’s okay. It’s okay.

Jimin felt bad for putting her in this position, hated that she was so anxious and on edge because of something he’d done. Gently, he kneaded their bond, trying to soothe her. He watched as her shoulders eased to fall away from her ears. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes and allowing her head to fall back, as if enjoying his effort.

🩷Thank you.

She didn’t turn to look at him, but he caught the soft curve of her smile from where he stood. He decided then and there her smile was his favorite thing in the world and was sure he’d never get tired of seeing it.

“I’m sure it’s been rough for you guys. Well, as I stated at the door, Officer Jung and I are just here to get your statement. We want to know what happened when you encountered Jameel Clark last night.”

Mariah gave the officers the details they needed, open and honest about everything, even down to the reasons she opted to not have an ambulance come to the club. The officer scribbled down important details on his pad as he listened intently.

“I called my friends when I started to feel bad,” she paused, gesturing at Kamryn and Jimin, “and they came to help me.”

She stopped there. After being so open and honest, why didn’t she mention that Jimin had left before Taehyung even got there? That he didn’t leave with them. Was she trying to protect him?

“Thank you so much for your time. Here is my card again. We may need to reach out if we have additional questions and please, feel free to reach out if you need us.”

“Of course,” Mariah said as she took the card from Officer Min.

“Miss Graham. Mr. Park,” he said as he stood, his way of saying goodbye.

In an attempt to further ease Kamryn, Jimin went into the living room to shake the officers’ hands, knowing that he would be able to get more information from the innocent touch.

“Thank you guys for all that you do,” he said with a smile. The moment his hand connected with Officer Min’s, information pertaining to Colin’s case flashed into his mind. Now, he had names, addresses, and the faces of the fuckers that took part in his and Jameel’s sex ring. Files from encrypted drives. Videos. Everything he needed to create a list of his next victims and the list would be long. His smile never faltered while shaking the officer’s hand, but the reason behind it had shifted. He was excited knowing it would take him a while to work through all of the names. Before he showed the men to the door, he greeted officer Jung next, but no important information came through. But what he got from Min was more than enough.

“Are you okay, Mariah?” Kamryn called out to her friend, finally ridding herself of the gloves to join her and Jimin in the living room.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Are you, though?”

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Bitch, I saw you in there shaking like booty meat. You got so nervous when I mentioned the cops were coming.” She looked between Kamryn and Jimin. “Spill it. You already know if you don’t tell me, my spirit team will. So start talking.”

[joonslfttiddie]

some funny bts moments to cure ur depression bc they're almost back bb ( 1/?)

[joonslfttiddie]

BE MINE

Twelve

💜Fic Pairing: BTS Member x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Dark Romance | Demon Member

💜Warnings: (for entire work; not chapter specific) Mental Illnesses/Troubled Childhood/Alcoholic Parent/Mentions of Domestic Violence/Physical Violence/Stalking/Gore/Mentions of Blood/Sexist Remarks/Derogatory Remarks/Detailed Murder/Murder of an Animal/Language/Adult Themes/Sexual Themes/Mind Control/Telepathy (invading thoughts w/o permission)/Fingering/Masturbation/Manipulation/Alluding at Drug Usage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 4,253

<Previous | Masterlist | Next>

Twelve

Kamryn Graham

He must have already been here because he came in so quickly. She wondered if he ran into Jimin on the way back here.

"Mariah. Baby, are you okay? What happened?"

Kamryn stepped back, allowing Taehyung room to check over his love, and seeing his face had Mariah crying all over again. Makes sense. That's how you should feel when you're in the arms of someone you trust. Something tugged at Kamryn's heart but it was gone just as quickly as it came. She thought about Jimin and where he was at the moment. Tucking her lips into her mouth to hide her smile, Kamryn was well aware that this was not the time or place to be grinning. Her friends would think that she'd finally lost it. Shit, maybe she had.

Mariah retold the night's events as Taehyung hugged and consoled her. When he questioned where Kamryn was when this happened, Mariah clarified.

"No. When I told you I was coming early to grab a drink and that I wouldn't be alone, I was with Tiara. She left shortly after we got here, saying she didn't feel good. That's when Jameel approached me. Kamryn and Jimin came running when I called after everything had already happened." He held her shoulders firmly, visibly shaken. Placing his forehead against hers, he kissed her nose, then pulled her into him again. He hugged her tightly as if his embrace would turn back the hands of time.

"He's a fucking dead man," he declared. And little did he know... he was right.

Park Jimin

All he needed was a scent, a picture, any clue to find the asshole that hurt his baby's best friend. And just as he suspected, a quick search on social media and the dark web gave him all the information he needed. There was an undeniable thrill, evident in each step to this car and the smile that rested on his face. Once in the car, Jimin was able to let the dark storm cloud of emotions swirl around within him. He relished in it, knowing exactly what he was about to do, and was ecstatic that he would be able to do it with Kamryn's permission. Her command. Show me your evil. He bit his bottom lip. Handle it. Her words reverberated in his mind and had him buzzing on a brand new high he'd never experienced. The tires of his car kicked up rocks as he rushed out of the parking lot and into the city streets. He sped down the interstate with a mental ping on Jameel's location while still savoring the flavor of Kamryn on his lips.

Fuck, the way that woman had him whipped, tamed, and ready to do whatever she asked of him was exhilarating. He was used to being in charge in every aspect of his life, but when he was able to relinquish the reins to her, it was like a new world had been constructed and curated just for him to partake in and enjoy. A world that he never wanted to leave. The thoughts of his depravity from earlier threatened to ruin this feeling, but he wouldn't allow it. Not now. The tug-of-war within only sparked a new level of contempt he had for himself. Good and evil, light and dark–his duality tempting his sanity.

A part of him knew that he would run here. Vile perverts like them were bound to stick together, finding camaraderie in common immoral acts. Jimin turned off his headlights and parked his car a few yards away from the house. Thankful for the blacked-out tint on his windows, he took a moment to slip into something a little more...comfortable. Quietly, he emerged from the car, allowed the door to latch, then pushed it to fully close with his hip before walking toward Colin's place. Fucking Colin. Such a fitting douchebag ass name. He had come upon the friend's name from Jameel's page.

With his black hoodie pulled over his face, he was still able to recognize the truck he'd seen on Jameeel's socials parked in front as he got closer to the house. His personalized tag read, Caesar. He was fucking proud of the shit he did; the nickname was the same one he used on the dark web where he and his lackeys sold explicit material of them violently seizing women without their permission, hence the name Caesar...seize her. Disgusting fucks. Fingers itching to make a mess of them both, Jimin resisted the urge, knowing how he wanted this to play out. He was going to make Jameel pay, of course, but this was also his chance to finish what he started at Clove all those years ago with Colin. He was bursting at the seams to finally be able to drag them both to their own personalized versions of hell.

Tap. tap, tap...tap, tap.

The secret knock.

Jimin learned that content was usually sold and transferred digitally, but for the "real deal", the live show, they allowed 'patrons' to come to the house to watch. For an extreme upcharge, of course, and they would signal their arrival with the knock.

"Yo?" One of the men yelled from inside. "We don't have any dinner tonight."

"Umm," Jimin put on the dorkiest voice he could muster. "But, I was told the catch of the day was fresh."

The door cracked after hearing the code. "Hey, bro. Is the grease hot?" One of the men peaked out, only revealing half of his face from behind the door, but Jimin recognized that mug immediately. How could he forget after being within a breath's shot just as he was about to slit his fucking throat? He still sported scars and irreparable damage from their first meeting. Colin startled, seeing the gold eyes peering at him from under the hood, and Jimin took the opportunity happily.

"Piping," Jimin answered with a deep, raspy voice before forcing himself inside, closing and locking the door behind him.

"Hey, bitch, what the fuck?"

"Who the fuck is this?"

The men scrambled in confusion, unsure of how to handle the situation at first. That was until Jameel pulled his pistol from behind his back and pointed it at Jimin.

"Nah." That's all Jimin said before motioning his hand for the man to give up his weapon. Jameel did as he was told, turning the gun to hold it by the barrel and extending the grip to Jimin. So easily, he relinquished the only form of protection he thought he had. "So... this is how things are going to work– Thank you," he said mockingly as he took the gun. "Both of you will shut the fuck up and have a seat." Colin rushed past Jimin to join Jameel before they both sat in tandem as if they'd rehearsed this a million times. "Alright, boys. I hope you guys are ready for the fun-filled evening I have planned for us. Should we start with a little karaoke? Board games? A little torture?"

The men sit perfectly still with their hands on their laps. Their expressions were unreadable, but the tears that slipped from their eyes tell it all.

Kamryn Graham

"Whew, she's showered and in bed, but she's not asleep," Taehyng announced to Kamryn when he joined her in the kitchen to grab a drink. "I don't know what to say to her, Kam. She didn't even want the bartender to call the ambulance, fearing that she would jeopardize the business deal I was working on or bring bad publicity to me or the company. I don't know...I'm so pissed. Livid. But not just at the muthafucka that tried to hurt her. I have to admit, I'm a little upset with her, too. What if something had happened to her? I– Am I wrong?"

Kamryn could understand where Taehyung was coming from, understanding that his anger toward Mariah was more because he was worried about her. About what could have happened.

"Yeah, I get it. Even in that scary situation, out of her mind from the drugs, she was still thinking of others instead of herself. But there's no need to be upset. We know her and know that this is who she is... always will be. You wouldn't get mad at fire for being hot, would you?" She continued before he could answer. "So, we can't be surprised that Mariah handled this situation the way that she did."

He leaned against the marble island with one arm folded under the other, sipping his water. What could he say? She was right. He released a deep, cleansing breath and silently agreed by nodding his head. Swallowing hard, his chest heaved with the effort to contain himself. Kamryn could see how the glass trembled in his hand as he gripped it so tightly.

"Fuck," he whisper-shouted, an attempt to not further worry Mariah. He forcefully released his arms out of frustration, nearly spilling water on the floor. "I should have fucking been there," he said through clenched teeth. "She told me she wanted to go a little early to grab a drink before my associate arrived, but I chose to finish up at the office before joining her. Fuck!" Tears of vexation threatened to slip from his eyes just as he placed his glass down to grip the edge of the counter. He turned back toward Kamryn after wiping his face with both hands, then allowed them to hang lazily as he gripped the back of his neck. She could see the way his veins strained under his skin, the tension between his brows, and the way his teeth were clenched tightly, causing his jaw muscles to flex.

Kamryn had stopped preparing her tea by this point to take a moment to now console him. "Stop, Tae. Don't allow yourself to spiral. I understand how you feel. I find myself feeling guilty for not answering my phone the first time she called me. But we can't dwell on useless emotions. It's not going to allow us to go back in time and change anything, so let's just focus on being better for her in the future. We have to stay strong so that we can support her right now, okay?"

"Yeah," he said, voice cracking around the lump in his throat. "Mmm hmm. Yeah, you're right, sis. When did you become so wise?" He teased. His own way of coping and trying to further suppress his frustration.

"You know, I almost became a psychologist."

"You? Psychologist? More like a psycho! Stick to snapping pictures, kid."

"Fuck you, Tae," Kamryn said, swatting at him and missing.

He dodged every attempt before he began rounding the corner to go back to Mariah's room, making sure to stick his tongue out at Kamryn just as he disappeared into the hallway.

"Weirdo," Kamryn said to herself, smiling at his silliness. She went back to stirring her tea but couldn't help but wonder...was she actually the weirdo? A psycho? Maybe. And she was starting to not reject it completely, wrapping her fingers around the warmth of her mug as she cozied up to the idea of what she was becoming.

Park Jimin

"Big man, Colin." Jimin grinned a smile unfitting of the situation. "We meet again." Judging by the way his eyes shifted, then grew, let Jimin know that he'd put the pieces together. "I'm a pretty good judge of character, and I knew from the first time I met you. You pride yourself on being strong, huh? You have a big truck, big guns, and you workout every day? You're a pretty big guy," Jimin continued, never expecting an answer from him. "Your friends and family would probably describe you as a tough guy. Someone who didn't take shit from anybody. Probably the poster boy of masculinity, right?" This time, he waited and watched as Colin's chest swelled with pride, and he nodded his head. "I knew it. You're a real man, huh?" Colin obviously didn't catch his condescending tone, nodding to agree with Jimin's words. "I'm sure you've probably fucked tons of women. Able to take your pick at any woman you wanted." Jimin paced the carpeted floor in front of the men. "What about men?"

"Fuck no. I ain't into that gay shit." Jimin snickered, knowing the man would fall right into the trap he had set.

"Well... we're going to try something a little different today.

With just a glance at Jameel and without saying a word, the man began undoing the buckle on his belt, then his button, then his zipper before lifting himself just enough to pull his jeans and boxers down to his ankles. "Nuh uh. Nuh uh. No. Please," he pleaded to which Jimin didn't waste his time with a reply. The look of panic that resided in Colin's eyes excited Jimin so much that he couldn't hide his smile. "Please," squeaked from Colin's throat.

"Damn. I wanted this to be a surprise, but it seems like y'all already know where this is going." Fat tears fell from Colin's eyes. "What? You don't want to do it?" He answered Jimin's question with a swift shake of his head. "Should I show you some mercy?"

"Yes, please," Colin begged.

Jimin contemplated aloud, "Hmm. Like the way you showed mercy to any of the women you violated? I think the fuck not. You're such a man that you had to drug women to have sex with them." He tsked. "I'm sorry, but it's either this or death, my guy. Honestly, this should be easy for you compared to what those women had to go through. Don't you think?" Silence and the stench of sweat and fear filled the room, only broken by the shaky breaths that flowed from the men seated on the couch. Jimin continued to pace with only the men's eyes following his movements as they remained perfectly still. "Are you ready to go to hell, Colin?"

"No. No. No, sir. Please," he sputtered as pleas and spittle flew from his lips.

Jimin flashes his eyes back to Jameel, and the man involuntarily begins stroking his dick. He pulled his favorite blade from his pocket—not intending to use it tonight—but still, both men whimpered in fear. Twirling the blade between his fingers, Jimin smirked, savoring the moment as their fear escalated into sheer, paralyzing terror.

"Well, then. What are you waiting for?"

With his free hand, Jimin grabbed Colin's phone and hit record, staging the ultimate nightmare for the homophobic coward who made victims of women. The man knelt before his friend and trembled as he opened his mouth to receive him. His head bobbed up and down, swallowing him whole. Jimin allowed Jameel to release moans of satisfaction to further humiliate his friend as slobber and tears leaked down his shaft. He wouldn't let Colin stop until he'd sucked Jameel to climax, making sure he got a close-up of the cumshot dribbling down his cheeks, lips, and shirt.

"Damn, throat goat! I didn't know you had it in you." Jimin chuckled at the imagery before him. He backed out of the camera app and found the recording feature. "Now, I want you both to repeat after me." He pressed record and placed the device on the couch next to the men and sent his script telepathically to them.

Colin: "Jameel. How could you do this to me? I thought you loved me?" The man's voice trembled, sounding as if he was actually heartbroken.

Jameel: "Why are you acting like this? We've been drugging and fucking hoes for years, not giving a fuck about who they were, their age, race, nothing. But now you have a problem? You weren't complaining when the money came in from all the material we sold. And don't get me started on the live footage. You loved it, then, but now it's a problem?" Annoyance and disbelief laced his tone.

Colin: "Are you fucking serious? Let's not act like you didn't go to Clove to try and fuck your ex. What? Did you think I didn't know who she was? Yeah, bitch. I knew."

Jameel: "Bitch? Watch your fucking cum stained mouth, Colin. You're the one who was just kneeling in front of me, begging me to fuck your fat ass throat."

Colin: "Fuck you!" The man yelled as he cried.

Jimin laughed quietly to himself, impressed with the performance he was creating.

Jameel: "Yeah, you've ruined your chances at that tonight. And, so what? I wanted one last taste of my ex. Can you blame me? She was the best sex of my life."

Colin: "But– But, you said I was the best you'd ever had."

Jameel: He chuckled deeply. "Aww, how sweet. Yeah, babe. You know I love fucking your tight little hole, but honestly, there's no comparison. Wait. What are you doing with that? Colin, stop. Put the knife down."

Colin: "Fuck you, Jameel. You won't be fucking shit else, ever again." The man's voice was shrill, filled with the bitter resentment of a vengeful partner.

Jimin stopped the recording, then sauntered into the kitchen and, with a gloved hand, grabbed the sharpest knife he could find. He wasn't about to let him use his knife. When he returned to the living room, he handed it to Colin then nodded for him to continue. Jameel's eyes bulged. When the cold, sharp metal of the blade made contact with his skin is the moment he realized this was not going to end with simple humiliation. With pleading eyes, he silently begged Jimin to stop; his chest heaved violently with horror. He didn't even allow the man any final words as he whimpered, the only sound he was able to produce, remaining helpless and vulnerable to experience what all of those women he'd hurt must have gone through.

Tears filled his eyes, and he let out the most blood-curdling howl that sent tingles up Jimin's spine. Colin sawed at the base of his manhood, to which Jimin shook his head at his method. "Fucking amateur," he said as he looked over Colin's shoulder. "Don't saw at it, dumbass. Hold it taut with this hand," he instructed, covering the man's shaking hands with his own, "then slice. Like this." Jimin demonstrated the movement in the air before he stepped back to allow Colin to do it on his own. The man's sobs turned into a demented cackle as tears and slobber continued to fall from his face. "Fuck! I'm sorry. I'm fucking sorry, bro," Colin said to Jameel between laughing and yelling–mid-mutilation. Jimin relished in being able to witness his mental break–his gradual journey into insanity.

Blood was already trickling from the wound he had previously inflicted, but when he sliced through the man's flesh, it gushed out in spurts from his pelvis. It splattered Colin's clothes and face as it poured to meet the dismembered member that had plopped onto the floor between them. Jimin nodded for him to continue, causing Colin to retrieve the man's dick and stand up to straddle Jameel's lap. "Please! Please, stop!" he pleaded.

"I'm sure you've heard that a time or two, but you didn't listen. Why the fuck should I? Now, shut the fuck up and make him swallow it. Make him gag on his shit like you just did." Colin complied, forcing the man's own penis into his mouth and into his throat, causing his already labored breathing to cease. Jimin watched as the spark dulled and then left Jameel's eyes. "Hmm," he muttered when he realized he had no desire to feed on the man's final moment. "Not even worth it anyway." After releasing the man from his spell, he moved toward the door but stopped to watch as Colin laid his head on Jameel's lifeless shoulder. Snuggling into his homeboy's neck, he traced circles with his finger onto his chest.

"Hey. You know that song, 'You're my best friend' by Queen? I love that fucking song." When Colin began humming the song into Jameel's neck, Jimin smirked, making sure to file the image away to memory. One that he could treasure for years to come.

Hours later, sirens filled the air when officers arrived at the house. "Police! Open up!" One of the officers yelled. When there was no answer, they broke the door down, entering with force. As they spilled into the home, several officers had to step back outside to vomit into the grass, unable to handle the graphic scene that awaited them. They watched as a grown man cuddled the corpse of another, not missing the severed penis hanging from its mouth. Some of these officers were seasoned vets, serving on the force for decades, but even they couldn't have prepared for this. They'd seen some shit, but nothing like this. A horrendous stage that could have only been created in hell.

"What the fuck? What the fuck? What the fuck?" One of the officers repeated the words like a mantra under his breath. Another had to be escorted from the scene, his gun visibly shaking just as badly as his knees were.

"Sir, please stand with your hands up," one of them finally said, breaking the silence.

"Hmm?" Colin looked up at the officers, and the innocence that laced his response was chilling.

"Sir, we're going to need you to stand with your hands up," he repeated. When he didn't move, two of the officers had to physically pull him from Jameel's body, both making conscious efforts to not vomit in the crime scene. The corpse jerked then stiffly fell over, eyes still open, as they finally pulled him away, which sent more officers out the door, unable to further witness the scene. Finally, after they got him to his feet, they got him cuffed and read his rights.

Colin looked up at the officer, a blood and semen-covered mess, with wild, empty eyes before he giggled. Then he whispered, "He made me do it."

"Who? Who made you do this?"

"The devil." His giggle grew wilder and more unstable as he was escorted outside. He began singing the same song he hummed against Jameel's shoulder, louder and louder and louder. "You're the best friend that I ever had. Been with you such a long time. You're my sunshine, and I want you to know. My feelings are true. I really love yooooooou. You're my best friend." Placed into the back of the cruiser, his neighbors and officers watched as he silently rocked back and forth. Then, he stopped. Completely frozen for a moment as he stared into space, facing straight ahead.

One of the officers watched from nearby and could feel that something was off. The eerie silence, like the calm before a storm. Then, through the open window, he could hear when he whispered, "best frieeeeend."

BAM! BAM! BAM! The sound of his skull slamming against the glass of the partition echoed through the air. He banged his head against it as if he was trying to free himself from the reality he'd just lived. Blood smeared across the surface as he continued to sing the lyrics, now at the top of his lungs, screaming as veins in his neck protruded from under his skin and tears traveled down his cheeks. The tune would surely haunt his and the officer's nightmares for the rest of their lives.

Kamryn Graham

It had gotten late as she found herself locked away in her room, her place of solitude, where she could lay down the mask she wore all day for the world's comfort. Nestled in a blanket on the oversized boucle fabric chair, she drank more of her now-cooled tea, realizing it had started to storm outside. Savoring the last of the sweetness in her mug and the sound of fat raindrops pounding against the glass of her window, she was completely at peace; the only thought in her mind was her wondering when she'd hear from Jimin. No concern as to whether or not he was okay–that was a given. She was calm. That's until her body startled at the snapshots that began to flash in her mind.

Eyes wide, as if zoned out and staring into the distance, she watched as images of a white man performing oral sex on Jameel appeared. The man looked familiar, but before she could think too hard about it, another image presented itself. FLASH. Jameel's pleading eyes were crying, snot and tears stained his face. She could feel the fear, the utter confusion, the desperation churning in her belly. FLASH. A knife. Blood splattered everywhere–on the couch, Jameel, the other man, the walls, the carpet. FLASH. A scene plays where the other man laid in the crook of Jameel's neck, drawing circles on his chest. And– Was that a dick hanging out of Jameel's mouth? His dick? FLASH. The feeling of horrid satisfaction played at their bond. Justice had been grotesquely served, and Kamryn was pleased as a smile adorned her beautiful features. Just then, she heard him.

Open the door, baby.

She rushed to the front door where she found him, her Jimin, smiling at her brightly. Not a trace of blood could be found on him, only marred by the rain that was still dripping from his hair and splotched randomly on his clothes. He'd stopped by his place to change, now wearing a matching hoodie and sweatpants, staring at her with the kindest honey-brown eyes she'd ever seen. Not a word was spoken between them as she took his hand and led him inside, making sure to close and lock the door. Then she pulled him to her bedroom.

A/N:

Whew. This chapter had me questioning my morals and mental state because, what tf? I promise, I'm a very sweet and loving person 😅 What do you think about what it?

Thanks so much to @moonleeai for beta reading this chapter!!! 🫶🏽💜

[joonslfttiddie]

C H A P T E R - F O U R

Summary: As the crossing ceremony draws near, Akira experiences great highs and even greater lows. Some, of which, leads her to danger…

Warning: strong language, breeding kink, heavy smut, strong violence, angst, parallel polyandry relationships, omegaverse, a/b/o, slow burn, trauma/healing themes, abusive family. mention of blood, extreme violence, sexual themes, heavy petting, physical abuse, etc. dni if you are not over 21.

(“”) italics is Bangtan speaking South Korean.

(“”)bold italics is the beginning of a new section.

(‘’)bold is the inner wolf speaking.

WC: 13,233

Previous | Next

“Are you excited for your date tonight, Akira?”

Looking up from her dress, Akira smiled towards her grandmother, “I am, ma’am. Taehyung told me to dress up so I’m trying to figure out what to wear.” Her sweet giggle made Genevieve smile. Entering further into the bedroom, Genevieve took a seat on the bed,

“I know things have been difficult for a while, little wolf.” Akira stopped what she was doing, sensing a soft edge in her grandmother’s voice, “With how your father ran his home and how he almost ruined your chances with your new pack. Things will get better, and soon, you’ll be with them.”

“Grandmother, what’s wrong?” Akira knew by the look on her face that it was serious.

“Your family will not come to your ceremony.” Akira plopped down next to her grandmother with a huge sigh,

“It’s alright grandmother. I kinda figured that they wouldn’t come. I thought after all of this, mama would be there…” Genevieve could see the sadness on her granddaughter’s face, “You know what? This hasn’t been a traditional courting anyway. I apparently have seven mates and I’m a human. None of this has been normal. Let’s not have a ceremony, grandmother.”

Genevieve rebuffed, “Little wolf—.”

“No, really, let’s not worry about it.” Akira interrupted, “I know planning something as big as this, with seven other people, it can be a hassle. I don’t want you to stress yourself over one night. We won’t have to have a ceremony. How about you and I just do dinner instead? I know the guys would love it, they enjoy you.” Akira smiled softly, shrugging her shoulders. Genevieve watched as Akira stood back up and picked up a black, long sleeved body hugging dress that reached to her ankles. “I better get ready, Taehyung will be here soon.” Akira might have been smiling when she went to the bathroom to change, but deep down, she was hurting. Despite how her family always treated her, she still loved them. She at least thought that her aunts and uncles would attend, but knowing that no one from her family would attend hurt more than she thought.

Still determined to have a wonderful date on this gorgeous Saturday night, Akira quickly finished getting ready, designing her braids in a half ponytail and slipping on a fluffy, oversized hunter green sweater. Her necklace danced in between her breasts that sat high in her dress. The oversized sweater slightly hung off her shoulders, but it still highlighted her curvy silhouette. Just as she was finished putting on her earrings, Akira could hear the doorbell ring from her room’s bathroom. She smiled, hurriedly turning out all the lights and grabbing her purse before rushing to the living room. There, she saw Taehyung and her grandmother smiling, most likely from something funny that happened.

“Shiiibal—I mean, you look great, Akira.” Taehyung gulped, straightening his stance abruptly. Akira’s lashes fluttered, cheeks puffed as she smiled. “Are you ready to go?”

Akira nodded, “I’m excited!” Taehyung smiled, walking over and reaching out his arm to her. Akira turned to her grandmother, “Night grandmother, I’ll be back by curfew!”

Like a gentleman, Taehyung opened the door for her. The sleek suv had an all black leather interior to contrast the white exterior. Akira couldn’t count how many cars she’s been in since courting started with the Bangtan pack. “Tae?”

Taehyung’s eyes widened at the nickname. No one besides family and friends had ever used such an informal name for him, “I’m sorry, I should’ve asked..”

“No, no, it’s just…” Taehyung trailed off, his lips widening into a boxy smile, “No one’s ever said my name as sweetly as you.” Akira quickly covered her face in embarrassment, making Taehyung laugh. He grabbed her hands, brought both of them to his lips and kissed the back of them, “You’re sweeter than I thought you were.”

“Oh god, Tae.” Akira scoffed, laughing as she tried looking away. Once the intense flirting ceased, Taehyung started the car. The drive into the city wasn’t long, but still pleasant nonetheless. Akira asked questions about his childhood, why he got into fashion, how he ended up in Bangtan, etc.. She loved hearing him speak, and in turn, he loved hearing her laugh.

“It’s just how it was growing up. One by one, each of our family’s moved into the same neighborhood and because our eommas got along so well, they decided that they would form our familial pack. We became like brothers; our siblings were each other’s siblings and when it was decided that we'd leave South Korea for Smeraldo Valley of all places, we each packed up and left. Our parents liked the quiet here. I think Jimin and I were 14 maybe?” Taehyung shrugged as he drove, more city lights clearer as he drove into the heart of the city.

Akira smiled gently, “I like that. I like that you all stuck together, and that you still kept your traditions with you. It’s rare to see families like that.” Akira trailed off, sighing as she looked out the window. Taehyung hesitated, but he asked, “What about your family?”

Akira shrugged, “We used to have traditions but as we got older, it stopped. Or should I say, they stopped. Half the time, I was excluded.” Taehyung watched a sad smile form on her face. He felt an ache in his chest, “But it’s not like I missed out on much. What my family lacked, my grandmother upheld. I spent most of the important moments with her, and that’s all I care about.” Pulling to a stop at a red light, Taehyung reached over and grabbed Akira’s hand. His thumb ran smoothly across the back of her, making shivers trace down her spine.

Once they arrived at their destination, a dimly lit bistro that featured a live band with elegantly dressed waiters and hostesses. Akira was in awe. Taehyung, watching from the side, smiled at her reaction. “This place is beautiful, Tae.”

“Meh, you’re more beautiful.” He replied. If Akira could blush, she would. Instead she turned her face away from him. After stopping in front of the restaurant, the valet quickly ran to Taehyung’s car door. Taehyung handed him the kiss as he hopped out before smoothly walking over to Akira’s side. After helping her out of the car, Taehyung held his arm out for Akira to grab. Walking in, Akira noticed that once again, people with reservations sat and waited for their table while Taehyung breezed on through. Even the hostess greeted him with a smile, “The usual, Mr. Kim? And will you be gracing us with your voice tonight? You know the guests love it.”

“Aish, not tonight, I’m with my lovely date, but maybe another time.” Taehyung laughed, to an area of the bistro he’s familiar with. It concluded to Akira that either he frequented the place a lot, or it was one of the few restaurants Jin owned. Walking near the stage, a reserved booth sat with clam shell-like padding. “Sooo we just gonna ignore that back there? You sing?” Akira giggled. Taehyung helped Akira up the steps and into the booth, sliding in behind her, “Yes, yes we are.”

“But I wanna hear you sing!” Akira whined playfully.

“Another time, in private, just for you.” Taehyung promised.

Akira could tell Taehyung was suddenly shy about it, so she dropped it. Akira looked around at all the patrons, decked out in their best dressed, “This place looks busy, I feel like I’m still underdressed.” Akira tugged on her sweater, pulling closer to her.

“You’re not, I assure you.” Taehyung shrugged off his jacket, revealing a black turtleneck to match his slacks. Not even two minutes in and a waiter was present at their table with menus ready, it made Akira jump with surprise. “I’ll have the amaretto sour, and the lady will have?” Both the waiter and Taehyung turned to Akira. Fumbling slightly, she replied,

“O-Oh! Um, I’m not much of a drinker…I’ll just have a Cherry Coke, please?” Akira sank a little in her seat. The waiter nodded with a polite smile then headed to the bar. Akira looked over her menu, noting how expensive everything looked. Well, expensive to her, probably not to anyone else. “There’s so much, I wouldn’t know what to choose.”

“What are you feeling tonight, then?” Taehyung asked, barely glancing at his menu before looking over at Akira. She shrugged,

“I’d never been here, you tell me.” Akira turned, holding out the menu to him. Taehyung smiled, pointing out a dish, “The Steak Diane is really good, I think you’d like it.” Akira nodded in agreement. She liked when she didn’t panic on a decision, it made her relax. The waiter came back with the drinks and took their order. Akira moved closer to Taehyung, watching the grenadine and cherries dance in her drink. “So are you excited for the crossing over ceremonies? They’re coming up pretty close.”

Akira shrugged, “I’m, um…I’m not invited to Naomi and Jackson’s ceremony.” Taehyung’s eyes dilated, protest at the tip of his lips when Akira said next, “My father doesn’t want me there, he thinks I’ll distract from their big day.” Akira stared at her drink, twirling the straw around slowly, “Honestly, after the first dinner, I’m starting to agree with him…

“I care about Naomi. I don’t want her day ruined because of my drama. I don’t wanna overshadow that, and if that means not going, then I just won’t go.” Akira sighed, taking a sip of her drink,, “I’ve even decided I don't want a ceremony of my own since everyone decided not to come.” Taehyung gawked,

“What? Why would you forgo your day just because they’ve decided not to celebrate you?” Taehyung seemed hurt by the thought. Akira felt guilty, but she knew that in her heart, she wasn’t seeing the special day like everyone else was, “Tae, I get that this type of thing is special, I do. And if I were a wolf and understood it more, I would be thrilled to participate, but the truth is, I’m used to not being celebrated, so my family not showing up is no surprise to me. I don't want my grandmother and your families going through all this hard work just for it to be wasted. I would rather do something with just us, like a dinner or something.” Akira shrugged again, “I don’t need fancy, Tae,” Akira chuckled grimly, “I’m not that special.”

“You’re wrong.” Taehyung replied darkly, “You are special, Akira. You’re special to us, and that means more than what you think. Why should you diminish yourself and your self-worth because your family can’t see how amazing you are?” Stunned, Akira couldn’t reply, “If they can’t wrap their heads around that, they’re not worth your heart, Akira. They’re not worth sacrificing your happiness or selfishness for.”

“Tae…” Akira shook her head and looked away. Taehyung grabbed her chin, making her look at him,

“Tell me you truly don’t believe you deserve better.”

“I…I don’t know…” Akira replied honestly, “I don’t know what I deserve…”

Taehyung sighed, “Jagiya, I wish you could see what we see. I wish you see how much you deserve better just like every other good person in this world.”

Akira tilted her head, “Damn, you’re good.” She had to hand it to him, he definitely had a way with words. Taehyung licked his lips as he leaned on close to peck her on the cheek. They stared at each other in silence as he continued rubbing her chin, before the waiter came back to take their order. Akira, feeling embarrassed at being caught, pulled away and looked away. Taehyung ordered for their table and then centered his attention back to Akira, “Tae, you’re staring.”

“You’re beautiful.” Quick reply made Akira groaned with awkwardness.

“Stop it.”

“It’s the truth—.”

“Tae.” Akira warned.

“Jagiya.” He replied with an even tone. Akira frowned. “Akira, the point of tonight is that I get to spoil you and you don’t get to complain, however I choose to do it.”

“But Tae—.”

“Omega.” Akira’s body straightened at the sudden command, which Taehyung took note of. Humans shouldn’t be able to do that, no matter the level of an alpha or beta in a pack. “As I was saying…You don’t get to complain. Whether that be spoiling you in compliments or presents, my job as your alpha, especially tonight, is to take care of you.” He tilted her head upwards by the chin, staring longingly at her plump lips, “I get to call you beautiful because you are, indeed, as beautiful as you are on the inside and on the outside. No one’s taking that from you.” Akira felt her insides warm and melt at his touch. She could stare into his mismatched colored eyes for the rest of the night and still feel shy. “Do I make myself clear, Akira? No more disrespecting yourself. When you do that, you disrespect Bangtan.”

“Yes Tae.” Taehyung looked at her expectantly, making Akira gulp, she whispered back, “Yes, Alpha.”

— — —

“And you’re sure she told you that she doesn’t want a crossing over ceremony? Like at all?”

Gathered around in the living room with his brothers, Taehyung nodded immediately as he stared up at his hyung, “She told me herself that since her family refuses to celebrate her crossing, she doesn’t want one. Thinks that her father is the reason they agreed to it. Her grandmother was doing all the preparations, not even her mother was helping. She feels like she’s a burden and will distract from Naomi and Jackson’s ceremony and also made the decision not to attend theirs.” Taehyung had just finished his date with Akira and dropped her off at her grandmother’s. The air in the room thickened as the members of Bangtan drew silent, “Namjoon hyung she’s so heartbroken. She keeps trying to hide it but it’s obvious.”

“It’s true, Joon-ah.” Yoongi sighed, pushing back his hair, “She didn’t say it explicitly but it seems her father is very controlling of her. He didn’t even allow her to finish high school.”

“You gotta be fucking kidding me.” Hoseok cursed, seething as he turned away, hands landing on his hips.

“I hate this family.” Jungkook grumbled, eyes twitching a slight red hue.

“Jungkook-ah.” Jin warned softly, pulling his hyung card, “Go take a breath.” Jungkook huffed, leaving the room. “Jimin, go with him, please?” Jimin nodded, running after Jungkook. The sound of clothes dropping and bones cracking in the background gave way to the howls of the wolves leaving their den. Hoseok sighed, pacing back and forth as he pinched his brows. Namjoon looked stressed, leg jumping up and down as his brain worked overtime. Jin spoke again finally, “Her family has really worked a number on her.”

“It’s her father. I have no doubt in my mind that he’s abusive.” Namjoon mumbled.

“He is.” Yoongi interrupted, “Any man who only singles out just one of his kids is abusive. Jin said he threatened her. He took only Akira out of school. He’s dangerous towards her. He hates her because she’s a human.”

“That’s not her fault.” Taehyung whined.

“It’s not, but to him, it might as well be.” Yoongi continued, “Whatever issues he has with humans, he’s taking it out on her, and I guarantee it’s been happening for years. We need her here with us, Joon.” Yoongi turned to Namjoon, who looked deep in thought.

“Right now, she’s with her grandmother. That’s the safest place for her until all of this is over, we can’t break the rules.”

“Screw these damn rules, they are hurting her!” Yoongi grew agitated, the red of his eyes glimmering. Sensing the tension rising, Hoseok intervened,

“Listen, I agree with you hyung, we all do. But what proof do we have? We bring it to our parents, to the counsel and then what? For all they know, the dinner was an isolated incident. And no one in her family is going to go against her father. We have to play by the rules.”

“You didn’t feel what I felt from her, hyung.” Taehyung shook his head. The bleak stare in his eyes made them concerned, “It felt like her soul was dying.”

Silence engulfed the room. They could faintly hear Jungkook howl at the moon, obviously far away but still listening. Jin looked up at Taehyung, who clearly looked like he was going to cry, “What are you saying, Tae?”

Taehyung looked down at his hands, shaking his head softly, “I’m saying I’m afraid she might hurt herself.”

“That’s insane.” Yoongi scoffed.

“It’s not.” Hoseok disagreed, “If you dealt with daily abuse, wouldn’t you find a way out?”

“Enough.” Namjoon silenced them all, suddenly getting upset. He didn’t want to think about it. He didn’t want to believe that Akira would ever harm herself, nor did he want to believe that she would ever leave them heartbroken, “We leave it alone for now. She’s safe with her grandmother, I know that for a fact.”

“How can you be so sure?” Taehyung questioned.

“Because her grandmother is a Divine.” All three heads shot to Namjoon. Eyes widened in surprise, a Divine was living among them.

“A Divine? How do you know this?” Hoseok was skeptical.

“She told me. During one of our visits, I saw her use her magic. They’re ancient magic, very rare, even her family hasn’t heard of them, I don’t think they realize she is one. Only a few have seen them. With that type of power, Akira is safer with her grandmother.” A Divine is considered a demigod of sorts. Children of the lycan goddess mother, Akashi. Believing that her love for children sparked the creation of demigods, Divines. She planted a few seeds of love. And they grew and had seeds of their own and so on. To be a Divine means tremendous power flows through you. Namjoon wasn’t so worried.

“I can’t believe it.” Jin seemed the most surprised out of everyone. He had heard the legends before but didn’t believe they were true. “Do you think Akira knows? She has to know.”

“No.” Namjoon replied, “ And I don’t think that’s our story to tell. But the main thing right now is knowing she’s safe. We’ll deal with the rest once it happens.”

— — —

“You’re always so beautiful every time I see you, Akira. I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to see your face.”

Hoseok originally was supposed to go next for his date with Akira, but sadly something came up at work. Naturally, Namjoon, Jungkook, and Jimin fought for the spot, while Jin patiently waited for his time. Namjoon pulled the hyung card, outranking them both and left Jungkook and Jimin pouting.

“Namjoon, please..” Akira mumbled shyly, burying her face into his chest as she giggled. Namjoon stood with her outside a movie theater, waiting in line to see the latest Marvel movie. His arms wrapped securely around her waist, bringing her closer to him. She was small in his hands, no higher than Yoongi or Jimin. He made her giggle and swoon and blush; her cheeks were hot and aching from smiling. “I get shy every time I’m with you.”

“So what? I find it cute.” His deep voice rumbled, making Akira shiver. After the line moved up and you got your tickets, Namjoon brought you to the concession stand. “Order whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want? You sure ‘bout that?” Akira questioned cutely. Namjoon just smiled,

“Yes beautiful, whatever you want.” He stood behind her, engulfing her with his body. Secretly, he wanted his scent to mask hers, making sure others knew she was his. But in reality, he just really liked holding her. And Akira really liked letting him hold her. She liked the safety she felt with him, how she felt warm in his arms. He provided a comfort that hadn’t been known to her in years.

“Mmm, Joonie I want popcorn, some raisinettes, and a sprite, please?” Akira turned her head, looking up at him. Namjoon smirked, staring down at her,

“Joonie huh?”

“I hear the boys call you that all the time. I can call you by your name if—.”

“Don’t you dare.” Namjoon interrupted playfully, “I don’t want any formality between us.” Namjoon pecked the side of her head. He ordered for them and within minutes, Akira was over by the butter station, pouring butter on her popcorn. But then Namjoon had to run to the restroom.

“I told you you should’ve just used the restroom before we left, it’s a 3 hour movie.” Akira laughed, watching him groan as he ran inside. Akira felt she dressed cutely today: her white, long sleeve turtleneck hidden beneath a black overall dress with matching black chunky heeled boots. Her braids were down today, softly pushed back by a white headband. Akira didn’t know it but she was 90s fine. The girl that a Dewayne Wayne or an Eddie Winslow would date, if 90s men weren’t shallow. Yet every time she felt even just a little bit confident, there was someone to snatch it away.

“Yeah that’s her! I heard she was here with Kim Namjoon!”

“Seriously?? What the hell does he see in that whale?”

“I heard that she’s his mate. For the WHOLE pack!”

“My god I feel sorry for them. They have that thing as a mate.”

Suddenly Akira didn’t feel as confident as she had before. Not with the constant whispering and stares. She pulled at her skirt; eyes staring at her brown skin and teeth plunging down on her plump bottom lip. Tears started swelling in her big round eyes. Akira decided she no longer wanted to see the movie.

“Get up.” A deep voice conjured her out of her subconscious. Akira slowly raised head to Namjoon, staring back at her. Akira slowly stood. Her fears and sadness, squashed by a single kiss. She was taken aback by the sudden feel of his lips. The aggressiveness shocked her nervous system; a chorus of gasps surrounding them. Namjoon held the back of her neck with one hand while circling her waist the other. Relaxing into the kiss, Akira slowly brought her arms around his neck; his tongue seeking entrance between her lips. Getting lost in her scent blooming, oozing sticky mapley sweetness, Namjoon suddenly pulled away. His eyes red like hellfire, searching the room for those that wished to speak ill of his mate.

Heads turned to avoid eye contact, clearly afraid of the head Alpha. Beneath Namjoon, Akira stood, absolutely buzzed, high off his strong scent alone. Her eyes doubled in size, and she could barely stand, leaning into his chest for help. “J-Joonie?” Namjoon retreated back to his love, her soft voice calming his nerves, “Yes, beautiful?”

“What was that?” Akira asked tentatively.

“Just letting it be known that you are mine. And if anyone has a problem with it, they can damn sure bring it to me.” Namjoon cut his eyes at a group of people passing by, all scrambling to avoid his gaze. “Are you alright, beautiful?”

“I think so. Just a little dizzy.” Namjoon held her waist firmly, watching her dilated eyes return to normal. Namjoon let her go, regrettably, then picked up the snacks,

“Ready for the movie?” He asked nonchalantly.

Akira blinked, astounded and confused.

— — —

“Namjoon? As much as I enjoy making out with you, and believe me, I do…I don’t think this is a good idea.”

It certainly wasn’t a good idea for Akira and Namjoon to go parking and make out in his car. And it definitely wasn’t a good idea to be straddling his lap while his seat is down. Akira’s dress rose beneath her ass, just lightly tickling where Namjoon’s fingers gripped her thighs. Namjoon, lips plump and glossy, skin blotchy from overheating as they have fogged up all the windows. Namjoon frowned in confusion, “Why not, baby?”

Akira could’ve nearly melted at the new pet name, and nearly melt she did. His fingers rubbed underneath her thighs, turning her skin hot. “Joonie, please.”

“You gotta use your words, baby.” Akira whined, making him chuckle. Slowly, Namjoon sat up. Akira fell to his lap, the wet spot of her underwear nearly touching his clothed crotch. Namjoon tipped toward, kissing along Akira’s chin to her lips again. “C’mon. Talk to me.”

“I d-don’t—mmm, I don’t wa-mm—fuck,” Akira moaned, feeling Namjoon roll her hips against his, fingers fully disappearing beneath her dress as he grabbed her ass. Akira felt overwhelmed. The hardness she felt brushing against her clit made her whimper. “J-Joon!”

“Yes baby?” He whispered, breath hot against her ear as he bit down playfully. Akira’s eyes rolled to the back of her head; Namjoon squeezed her ass again, his fingers lowered dangerously towards her lower lips. He couldn’t even let her speak as his lips found hers again , devouring every moan she offered him. He moved her hips at a faster pace, making her thighs tense. He couldn’t get enough of the way she smelled. That sweet, syrupy scent was heaven sent. Made him think of warm, cozy nights, hot chocolate dancing on his tongue with a plate of cookies nearby. His deep voice made her drip even further, making his inner wolf growl. “I don’t wanna trigger you.” Akira moaned loudly as she pulled away from his lips, the next wave of her hips against his crotch brushed firmly against her clit. She gripped his shirt, willing him to stop for a moment, “Please Joonie.”

“Babygirl,” Namjoon plucked her by the chin, making her look at him, “you won’t trigger my rut, I promise. I have great control of that.”

Akira stared on, doubtful, “I-I…” Akira exhaled deeply, “If I do, I don’t think I can—.”

“Shh, shh,” Namjoon interrupted, shushing her, “I would never ask you to help me out in that way, Akira. Especially like this.” Akira sat straight. Reminded of the talk she had with Naomi, she suddenly remembered what triggering a rut would do. What it all entailed. Akira looked away from Namjoon, rising up off his lap and sitting back in the passenger seat, fixing her dress. Whatever it was, Namjoon knew he fucked up. Aside from the sweetness of her arousal, there was the burnt smell of sugar, no doubt the smell of sadness coming from Akira. “Akira, if I insulted you, I never meant to, I promise I didn’t.” Namjoon looked over at her folded up body. Her feet tucked beneath her legs, and her embarrassed expression fixated on her thighs, “I just don’t want your first time to be because of a rut. And I especially don’t want it to be anywhere that isn’t comfortable for you.” Fed up with the silence, Namjoon reached over and gripped her chin, making Akira look at him, “I want your first time, whether it be with me or one of the guys, it should feel special. Not rushed and definitely not during the most triggered moment of someone’s life. I respect you too much to take that moment away from you just because of a week’s worth of raging hormones.”

“It’s…it’s not that.” Akira spoke softly, reaching up to remove his hand, “I know you don’t want that for me, I appreciate it, but…” Her fingers danced over his, playing with each one, “God this is embarrassing..”

“Whatever it is, you can tell me.” Namjoon assured her.

“…How do you deal with them? Your ruts?” Akira watched as Namjoon breathed in deep at the question, obviously not prepared for it. Akira was afraid of the answer she knew she’d get, and it wouldn’t be pleasant.

“You’re asking me if I’ve ever slept with anyone for it.” Namjoon realized, turning his hand to grab hers. “Akira, I want complete honesty between us.”

Akira worried, “So do I, Joonie..”

“I have in the past. We all have.” Akira exhaled briefly, staring down at his large hand, “I can’t lie to you. When our rut comes, we do get help from some…friends we know. No strings attached, just helping each other from time to time.” Unintentionally, Akira squeezed Namjoon’s hand. Was she embarrassed? Saddened? Jealous? Akira wasn’t sure. “Akira? If you’re upset, I would understand…” Silence, “Say something.”

“I…understand it.” Akira spoke softly. Namjoon was surprised, “I was told that it’s not a pleasant experience. Almost unbearable.” Akira pouted, “It’s not my business, I know that…Joonie, what you and the rest of the guys do to ease that part of your life is your business. And…when the time comes, I won’t interfere with whatever deal you have going on with your friends.”

“Akira,” Namjoon sighed, “baby, I can’t speak for everyone else but my self control is a lot better than it used to be. I don’t need nor want help for it. And I wouldn’t disrespect you like that.” Akira bit her lip, unsure of what to say. Namjoon let go of her hand and grabbed her chin gently, “You are the lady of the house now. You’re the pack omega, our home is your safe space. You don’t ever disrespect the safe space of a den omega. I wouldn’t dream of bringing another woman in when I have you, even if you don’t help me with my rut.”

“But I don’t wanna see you in pain.” Akira frowned.

“Same goes for you.” Namjoon countered back. Akira’s eyes once again welled with tears. Namjoon brushed his forehead against hers, the gesture a sign of vulnerability, “You're my mate, you’re way too important to me now.”

“So what am I supposed to do? I never see male wolves go into a rut, I usually get sent away to my grandmother’s with my sisters.” Akira, for all her family's faults, was sheltered from a lot of things. She never got to see them turn, she never experienced their heats and ruts, she never saw a lot of things.

“When the time comes, you’ll know what to do.” Namjoon reassured her. The look in her eyes had Namjoon falling in love with her. Akira felt so lost and so confident all at the same time. Her time with them felt like a little bit of time peace in an otherwise violent world. She wanted that peace to last for the rest of her life, “Something else is on your mind, I can tell. Spill it, beautiful.”

“A couple of weeks ago, I heard my uncle talking about rebel packs picking up the nomads and recruiting them. I will admit, I don’t know much about what’s happening but I know enough to know that that’s not good, is it Joonie?” Namjoon sighed then nodded, pulling back some. “Is this why the summits are really held? Not just for moving omegas and betas to other packs, but to form alliances?” Namjoon had to hand it to her, Akira really paid attention to her surroundings.

“It’s more complicated than that, but yeah. It’s so that smaller packs can have protection from the rebels. They want to gain control over the human population as well as the werewolf population. They want to segregate the humans and eventually have complete control over them. It hasn’t happened in Smeraldo yet, but it’s working its way here. They’re coming from the east, taking over smaller groups. Packs have started forming alliances to maintain the order we have now but some turn.”

“Well then I’m confused.” Akira pondered aloud, "If your pack is the most powerful, how would these other packs take over in the east?”

“Our.” Namjoon corrected, smiling softly, “And we're the most powerful In Smeraldo. Outside, we are one of 100. We’re influential, yes, but there’s more of us out there. Do you remember how we told you that the Wang pack was our brother pack?” Akira nodded, following along, “It’s not just because Jackson and I and our brothers grew up together. We’re a part of an organization called The Collective. There’s a hundred packs with ties and connections around the world to make our society work. We help each other. Bangtan is second in command, followed by Jackson’s pack.”

“Who’s the first?” Akira looked so enthralled by the new information that Namjoon indulged her curiosity,

“The Choi pack. There’s seventeen of them, not counting their mates.” Akira’s eyes widened tremendously, “We might be third generation wolf, but our generation started The Collective when we noticed there were deaths surrounding our kind. We assumed hunters but some of them were wolf-related. In order to protect each other and our families, we created the organization. Our familial packs followed suit, wanting to protect everyone. But I guess…somewhere out of the hundred or so of us, some have splintered off. We have certain rules and regulations and if they no longer follow—.”

“They rebel.” Akira finished. Akira looked away, “That’s why my father pushed us. He’s scared.”

“I won’t align myself with him if that’s not what you want.” Namjoon promised, “My main concern is you.”

“I know, and I wouldn’t ask you to, it's just…” Akira trailed off, her thoughts a complete mess. She didn’t want her family to be a part of this society Namjoon and few others created, selfishly, she didn’t want to share. But truthfully, she knew deep down, even with all the scars they left, she couldn’t hurt them. “I think about the children. My grandmother. My mother…” Akira looked down at Namjoon's hand. She turned it over palm side up, “I wouldn’t compromise their safety, no matter how I feel about my family. They don’t deserve that.”

“Doesn’t your family have connections of their own?”

“Yes, but only because of my grandmother.” Akira shook her head, facing Namjoon, “Out of respect for my grandfather, his family was one of the founding families of Smeraldo, like, decades ago. Out of a few hundred or some black werewolf packs in the country, ours has been the most influential among our community. But after he died, things kinda changed. No one ever bothered my grandmother. I guess her magic kinda made people weary, but it also kept some families safe. And then outsiders came in,”

“You mean like me? I’m not originally from here, you know that.” Namjoon expressed. Akira nodded,

“I know. The city expanded and it seemed like my grandmother could…relax. I guess once she noticed that she didn’t have to fear anything anymore, she could be ok. Still kinda closed herself off a little, but it’s not as bad.”

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Namjoon hesitated before speaking again, “how did he die? Your grandfather.

Akira pursed her lips before a heavy sigh brought her heavy chest forward, “He was killed. By humans.” Akira spoke almost in a whisper as she looked back down at Namjoon’s hand, “Grandmother refuses to go into detail about it and I could never ask my father, he seemed angry any time it was mentioned. But I know she truly loved him. So much that the thought of even entertaining another man would’ve made her skin crawl. I think he was her mate. He died when my father was really young, maybe 11 or 12. She used to say loving Booker was the greatest gift she ever got, and nothing could compare to that. She had four children, my father being the oldest. But Booker Joseph Batiste was her everything.” Namjoon could feel her hands shaking. The small sniffle was enough for him to reach across and hold her wet cheeks, “Joonie..”

“Tell me what’s wrong, Akira.” Namjoon worried.

“Is that what it’s like? Having a mate?” Akira raised her head, the watery look she gave him made his chest ache, “The greatest joy you can ever have in the world, until it’s taken from you, and all you have is constant pain for the rest of your life? It seems so awful.” Akira sniffled again, finding tears sliding down her face, “My grandmother constantly mourns him. She rarely ever smiles and I think she’s waiting to die one day just to be with him. I don’t wanna live like that.”

“I think your grandmother’s love for your grandfather was more than just being mates. I think she loved him so deeply that losing him would’ve hurt more than any of us could imagine. I can’t tell you how to feel about us Akira because you’re entitled to your own feelings but as for us, as for me…I feel as though I’ve fallen in love with you.” If it weren’t for his super hearing, Namjoon would’ve never heard the tiny gasp escape from her lips. Akira never had someone fall in love with her before. She’d never been on a proper date, let alone thought of boyfriends until these men drifted into her life. How could they possibly be in love with her already? How could she possibly feel the same?

“You barely know me, how can you fall in love with me?” Akira whispered back, shock still lingering over her.

“I know enough.” Namjoon chuckled, stroking her face. “In the few months that we've talked to each other, I know a lot of things. I know that you like the rain because it’s soothing to you. I know your favorite fruit is strawberries. I know you like having music playing when you cook, and I know when you’re happy, you smell like hot cocoa instead of chocolate chip cookies, when you’re just feeling okay.” Akira’s breathing faltered, surprised by all of this, “You think I don’t know you, but I do. I know some things, not all, and I wanna learn more. That’s why I know I love you, Akira.” More tears fell down Akira’s face as Namjoon left her speechless. She didn’t know what to say, yet she didn’t really have to say anything. He swiped her cheeks lovingly, with a soft smile on his face. Akira felt overwhelmed. She hadn’t received this type of attention or love from someone before and sadly, it showed.

Akira leaned in closer and naturally, Namjoon followed. Their lips met and molded together. Her tiny gasps made his wolf growl with pleasure, ‘Need her, need our omega.’ Namjoon groaned, “I need to take you home soon. If I don’t, my wolf might come out.”

“I thought you said you could control it?” Akira panted, slightly dazed from the kiss.

“Yes, but you make it very difficult to.” Namjoon groaned, pressing his forehead against hers. Akira giggled, sweet and bubbly as Hoseok first described it. Namjoon kissed her cheek and forehead before fixing his seat and starting the ignition. He drove her home in a comfortable silence, one where Akira held his free hand the entire ride.

— — —

“Hobi, I never pictured you as a picnic kind of guy.”

Sitting in the middle of the city park, under a large oak tree with a large blanket, lunch and snacks was Akira and Hoseok. To make up for missing their date night the night before, Hoseok wanted to take Akira on a nice lunch date. Was it an impromptu date? Yes, but Hobi knew Akira wouldn’t have minded. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Hoseok smirked, making Akira grow shy, “But sometimes, on days like this, I like to be outdoors. Helps clear my head.”

“I take it Joonie told you about our date last night.” Akira sighed, putting down her steak sandwich, all of the food Hoseok made by the way. Akira felt like she left with a lot more questions than answers last night, and it was painfully obvious on her face at the moment.

“More or less. But he’s not the only one, princess.” Hoseok dropped his head, trying to get Akira to look him in the eyes, “What’s this I hear you don’t want a crossing over ceremony.”

“…Taehyung told you?” Akira fiddled with her fingers, looking down at her shorts.

“We don’t keep secrets in Bangtan, princess. And while I think I understand why you don’t want it, just know it’s not just your ceremony, it’s ours too. And we wanna proudly show you off.” Hoseok watched as Akira pouted, a soft sour look on her face,

“I didn’t think about that.” Akira mumbled, “I just…I didn’t want the fuss, you know? I know that my grandmother and your mothers are planning this event for us and I’m forever grateful for it but…I just can’t get behind the excitement of it. I don’t feel the joy I thought I would feel.”

“Because you feel like there’s nobody there supporting you?” Hoseok questioned. Akira fiddled with her bracelet, particularly the Sun charm. Hoseok smiled at that. Hoseok laid down and stretched his arms out, “C’mere princess.” Akira hesitated at first but laid her head on his stomach, “You have a right to feel that. But there is always somebody supporting you, princess. We’re all here.”

“I get that but—.”

“No buts, omega.” Hoseok playfully scolded, to which Akira slightly pouted. He liked that she responded to him like a normal omega would. He liked that she obeyed them in the sense that it was willingly and not by force. His eyes traveled her body. From the position, face covered by her visor. The matching black biker shorts stretched over thick thighs, extending just beneath her oversized cream colored t-shirt. Her gold puzzle piece necklace dangling down her chest. Hoseok picked up a strawberry, dangling the fruit in front of her lips, “Open, princess.” He heard her tiny gasp before she followed suit, opening her plump rose colored lips. Hoseok fed her more fruit as they talked. An hour later, positions switched as they both relaxed under the shade of the oak tree. Hoseok laid his head on her thigh. Akira ran her fingers through his hair. They talked and talked, about nothing and everything all at once.

“I think next to rain storms, this is probably one of my favorite things. Just being here, out in nature, clearing my thoughts. Thank you Hobi. I really enjoyed today.” Hoseok opened his eyes and smiled up at her. “Can we do this again, Hobi? Soon?” Hoseok groaned as he sat up. He looked over at Akira once more, taking a hand to pluck at her chin, “Sure thing, princess. But I have to let Jin, Jimin, and Jungkook take you on a date first, they haven’t had their turn yet.”

“Wouldn’t want to upset them then, huh?” Akira giggled.

“No, you don’t.” Hoseok laughed, “Jin is the more patient out of the three, he likes the anticipation. Jimin has a temper like a toddler and JK gets jealous when he’s not getting attention.”

“Oh lawd, he knows he has to share me, right?” Akira laughed again.

“Yes, but he’s the baby. The pup always had to share, but with you, it’s different.” Hoseok shook his head, “He feels very strongly about you and honestly, I can’t blame him. We all do. He’s the most protective of you.”

“Is that how you all feel? Do you feel overly protective of me too, Hobi?” Akira tilted her head back, feeling the slight breeze drift across her neck. Her eyes closed and the ends of her braids tickled at her wrists. Soon she felt a presence looming over her, but she dared not open her eyes, familiar with the spiced mahogany and bergamot scent rolling off Hoseok’s body. The brush of his lips made her gasp as they pressed against her exposed neck. He pressed firmly but gently from her clavicle to behind her ear. Akira’s breath labored, “Of course I do. Werewolves are always protective of their mates. But you, princess..” Hoseok growled near her ear, making her eyes slightly roll close and the barest of moans slip from her lips, “You’re different. We want to protect you and never let you go.” Hoseok reached up and grabbed Akira’s chin, turning her head towards his. His lips melted against hers, trapping in her sweet moans.

Akira raised her hand to the back of his neck, fingers tangling in his long hair. Public outing be damned, Hoseok and Akira made out like teenagers. Akira tugged at his hair, a guttural growl deep from within, sent shivers all through Akira’s body. Hoseok’s wolf was definitely trying to escape, ‘Omega smells so sweet. Please omega.’. Hoseok pulled back slowly, chucking to himself. Akira panted with a small frown, “What?”

“My wolf. He wants you just as bad as I do.” Akira blinked rapidly, sitting straighter as the tidbit surprised her, “He’s craving something sweet.” Hoseok smirked, making Akira bite her bottom lip and look away.

“Hobi, stop it.” Akira giggled. Oh how he loved that sound already. Hoseok leaned in again, nipping at her neck and her cheek, making her giggle again.

“No, you taste too good.” Hoseok refused. Akira gasped again, playfully pushing at his chest. They stayed a few moments later packing up and heading back to Akira’s home. For once, she had a free night, no dates. She had a lot of decompressing to do,

“Hobi?”

Hoseok looked at her just as he pulled up to her home, “Yes princess?”

“Can you talk to your wolf? Like, have actual conversations with him? Can your wolf communicate with others, too?” Akira turned to him, expecting an answer.

Hoseok smiled, “Yes. He’s primal, naturally but he can communicate and yes, he can talk to other wolves, but only those that are in our pack or our familial pack.”

“You know what’s funny? I used to pray that I had a wolf of my own.” Akira chuckled grimly, looking down and away at her charm bracelet, “That maybe I wasn’t different from my family, maybe she was just shy or mute. But when I realized I wouldn’t be one, I saw how quickly things in my family changed. I was alone. They didn’t know how to deal with me and honestly, I didn’t know how to deal with me either. I guess…deep down…I knew the day we found out would be the day everything would change.” Akira shrugged grimly once more before turning to Hoseok again, “I really have had the best week, with all of you. I haven’t felt this special in a very long time. Thank you, Hobi.” Her soft voice made his ears twitch as Akira leaned over and gave him a soft kiss.

Akira soon hopped out of the car and headed inside. Hoseok was beside himself. He couldn’t describe it but maybe this feeling of brokenness, this hollowness…maybe it’s exactly what Taehyung was trying to explain to them. He felt her pain. Greater than any feeling he’s ever felt. It brought tears to the man’s eyes as he drove away, not wanting to leave her.

— — —

“I can’t do this anymore! They’ve taken over everything, it’s practically not my ceremony anymore!”

Akira watched as her sister Naomi paced up and down her bedroom. She shortly came to visit after having an argument with their parents about her crossing over ceremony. Once again, Naomi’s pleas weren’t heard and, feeling overwhelmed, she ran to the one place she felt safe: her grandmother’s. “I just wanted something small but they’re making it into this grand thing! Jackson understood that, why couldn’t they?”

“I don’t know, Naomi, I wish I did.” Akira spoke quietly, feeling sad that her sister felt overshadowed by such a thing. She knew that feeling all too well, and still couldn’t find a way to help her. “What has Jackson said?”

“He’s trying to be understanding and see everyone’s side, but he knows how much I hate attention so he’s trying to be firmer with them. Still, he respects his elders too much.” Naomi plopped down in a chair, crossing her arms over her chest, “How’s things with grandmother, has she been planning yours?”

Akira nodded, “At first, I told her I didn’t want one since no one was coming, but since I talked to the guys, I changed my mind. Grandmother is in town now, going over things with their mothers.”

“I wish I could be there but Jackson and I are going away right after our ceremony. He thought I could use the time away to relax.” Naomi sighed, fiddling with her bangle, a gift from Jackson, “I just wish we had a say. To do it our way, without interference. At least grandmother lets you have a say.”

Akira sighed, “Yes, but I’m barely involved with it honestly. I’ve been busy trying to get through all these dates, I still have a date with Jimin this Friday, one this Saturday with Jin and one with Jungkook, Sunday.” It had been a week or so since Akira’s last date with Namjoon and Hoseok. And a week before that, with Yoongi and Taehyung. Now, her long anticipated wait was nearly over with the last three remaining members of her pack. She could hardly stand the wait.

“My, my, haven’t we been busy, little sister.” Akira tilted her head slightly, not sure if Naomi meant the bitter tone she used. Still, she responded back as normal,

“My situation isn’t like yours. You have one mate to look after, I have seven. You have more time to focus on Jackson and vice versa. Which is why, I think you should put your foot down and tell them that you want something small and intimate that reflects you and Jackson, not your families. You’re a Beta, your input should matter most, shouldn’t it?”

Naomi frowned, crouching over in her seat, “You really think I should?”

“Yes, I do.” Akira nodded emphatically, “Naomi, you’re gonna spend the rest of your life with that man. Shouldn’t you both have a moment where you reflect on the moment that you two became each other’s mates? It’s supposed to be about you two, not everyone else. You’re stronger than you think Naomi, you really are.” If only Akira could believe her own words for herself.

“You really believe in me, don’t you?” Naomi stared up at Akira. Akira smiled simply, nodding.

“I always believed you could do anything, Naomi. I looked up to you the most when I was younger.” Akira smiled, looking away. On her nightstand was a very old picture in a silver picture frame. The glass was cracked from the time their father threw it at a wall near Akira’s head, but it was still intact. The picture of three little girls, all in dresses with their hair done up for a birthday party. A little Naomi, just at four years old, two front teeth missing, all smiles next to a smiling seven year old Justine who held two year old Akira. The same bright eyed look in her eyes as now. Naomi followed Akira’s train of sight, looking at the cracked picture frame.

“You kept this?” Naomi got up and walked over to the nightstand. She picked up the picture frame, gliding her fingers over the glass. Akira mumbled a soft ‘yes’ with a light sigh. Naomi didn’t realize she could feel the agony her baby sister carried. The weight of it filled the bedroom as she glanced at Akira, who, unbeknownst to her, had shed tears in her eyes as the memory of that day replayed in her mind. The oddest thing happened. For Naomi, it felt as though she could feel her sister’s pain, “I think this is the only picture of the three of us together.”

“Yeah, it kinda is. It’s the only one I have of you two smiling…” Akira felt her throat starting to close. “I remember the night he threw it. I don’t know what I did, maybe I said or did something to make him angry. I was 12, I didn’t know. I just remember him throwing it at me, but he missed, and then walking over to me. I got whipped with his shoe that time, not the belt. I remember I nearly blacked out cause it was one of his hard bottom shoes? You know the ones with the red underside? Then he locked me in the coat closet until I could behave better.” Naomi’s horror-filled reaction was something Akira expected, “You weren’t there, you were at cousin Nikki’s for a sleepover. Maybe that’s what I did to make him angry, maybe I whined about not being able to go? I don’t know.” Akira shrugged, wiping a stray tear, “Anyway, Justine, Malik and Braxton were there. They just went to their rooms. They never really got in trouble much now that I think about it…” Akira's laugh was hollow as it was dark, chilling Naomi’s spine, “Anyway, it had to have been hours later cause the sun was up when mama let me out after she found me. Nobody told her where I was, she spent the night playing cards with our aunties and some friends. She didn’t even say anything to him. Just pulled me out and hugged me tight.”

Akira felt this sudden darkness take over and Naomi felt it too. The room felt smaller and smaller by the minute, “Try as I might, no matter how hard I tried being quiet and obedient, it wasn’t enough for him. Every little thing I did made him angry.” Akira looked up at Naomi, whose eyes filled with their own tears, “That was my favorite picture. Just the three of us. I don’t remember that day but I do remember feeling safe with the two of you. You know I looked through grandmother’s pictures and after age 10, I think I'm only in five? All the important pictures, the birthday parties, weddings, holidays…I’m not there. It’s as if I never existed…” The choked voice grew quieter, softer. Naomi burst into tears while Akira disassociated completely, staring at a blank wall ahead. When Akira came to, she grew aware of Naomi hugging her. This time, Akira hugged her back, although hesitantly.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t do more. I should’ve done more.” Naomi sobbed.

“What could you do, Naomi, you were a child just like me.” Akira patted her back, “Listen,” Akira pulled away at arm's length, “I never had your strength. In some ways, I’m a lot like mama in that way. You are strong enough to tell them your boundaries. And if they cannot accept it, then that’s their problem, not yours. If you want your ceremony the way you and Jackson want it then do it. It’s your night, not theirs.” Naomi nodded then hugged Akira again. They sat for another hour until Naomi had to leave for a dress fitting. The darkness stayed with Akira for the rest of the day, and she couldn’t shake it. All the memories she blocked out started flooding back to her, so much so that she couldn’t stop her crying. With a shaky breath, Akira called the only person she could think of, “Joonie?”

On the other end of the line, Namjoon could barely hear Akira’s voice as the Bangtan meeting room filled both his and the Wang pack grew rowdy. Yoongi caught sight of Namjoon’s concerned face as he tried exiting the room unnoticed. The rest of his members were in deep conversation, but he too slipped out unnoticed. Namjoon slightly paced out in the hall just as Yoongi closed the door behind him, “Babygirl I need you to breathe and tell me what’s wrong.” The sweet nickname alerted him to you, ‘Omega is upset! Is she hurt?!’.

“Stay where you are ok? I’m coming to get you.” Namjoon hung up then pulled his car keys out of his pocket. There was no way Yoongi wasn’t going with,

“I’m coming with you.” He knew his wolf wouldn’t settle until he laid eyes on you. Not in the mood for arguing, Namjoon said nothing as Yoongi followed him to the car. They wouldn’t normally leave without telling everyone where they were going, but the moment your scared voice traveled through Namjoon’s ears, there was no time for thinking. He just simply wanted to get to you. “What happened?!”

“I don’t know, she was crying and all she said was that she didn’t want to be alone.” Namjoon sped through traffic to reach the outer city limits to get to Akira at the urging of his wolf. He didn’t care how many laws he broke, as soon as he heard her cries, he fought off every instinct that wanted to run to her in his wolf form. After about thirty minutes , he finally made it to the Batiste estate and he entered the code to the gate, and drove past Akira’s old home to her grandmother’s. The minute Akira heard the car pull up, she ran outside to meet Namjoon. He didn’t even shut off the car before climbing out of the driver’s side and running smack into her, pulling her into his arms until her legs crossed around his waist.

“Joonie!” Akira buried her face in his neck, the tears never ending. Yoongi slowly climbed out of the car as he watched Namjoon cradle her to his body. One arm locked around her middle, holding her in place while the other tried brushing her tears away, “Shh, I’m here now Akira. And look, even Yoongi came along.” Akira looked up from the crook of his neck and stared at Yoongi. Yoongi’s heart broke seeing her face slowly redden and her tiny nose got the worst of it. He walked over and Akira let go of Namjoon and started crying harder once Yoongi held her. He kissed the side of her head, cheek bruising against her hair, “Tell us what happened, sweetheart.”

Akira tried calming her breathing as Yoongi wiped her face, “I-I c-cou—couldn’t stop.” Akira blew out a breath as she tried to focus, “I couldn’t stop thinking about my family and realized how much abuse I put up with. It wasn’t just my father, it-it—.” Akira could feel herself about to cry again. Yoongi shushed her again, pulling her closer. His calming scent pushed out more as he tried to calm her. Akira tried breathing on her own, the hyperventilating hiccups slowed dramatically. “I can’t be here right now, please, please—I don’t wanna be here!”

“It’s ok, you don’t have to be. Get what you need so we can go.” Namjoon had already decided he wasn’t leaving her alone. Akira never let go of Yoongi's hand. He followed her up until she stopped at her bedroom door; a sour look still remained on her face as she grabbed a sweater, house keys, and wrote a small note for her grandmother later. She then grabbed her phone and hurried out the door. By the time they arrived back at Bangtan home, Akira was fast asleep. Namjoon carried her in and slept on the couch for hours,“She’s been sleeping for a long time, is she supposed to sleep this long? Should we wake her?”

Around Akira, the Bangtan pack stood, hovering quietly as Jungkook worried about her sleeping. The slightest shiver had Jin throwing a blanket over immediately. The meeting long over once they realized Namjoon and Yoongi left. They watched Akira snuggle further into the couch, twisting slightly. Namjoon sighed,

“She was really upset earlier so no, don’t wake her.” Jungkook nodded, listening to his hyung. “I didn’t realize how deep her trauma with her family was.”

“None of us did.” Hoseok replied, “Whatever this is, it extends much deeper than her father’s reasons.”

“I have no doubt her brothers are behind it.” Taehyung added as he watched Yoongi lift Akira’s head up and place it on his lap. One by one they each sat, surrounding her, “Especially Malik, I can feel it.”

“Why do you suppose they do it? Her siblings, I mean.” Jimin questioned, worry brushed across his face as he watched Akira frown in her sleep. The tiny whimpers alerted them, making Yoongi rub her shoulder.

“Fear of rejection from their father most likely.” Jin shrugged, “It happens with a more dominant alpha, they will scare submission into their pack. He probably uses Akira as an example of what will happen if they don’t submit. Her being human was just an added bonus.” Jin surmised, watching as Akira settled against Yoongi, curling her body further into a ball.

“I wonder what prompted this attack.” Jimin worried.

“Her sister Naomi was there, I could smell her.” Yoongi replied, “Maybe they were talking and got into it, I don’t know, but whatever it was, it left Akira crying.” He ran his fingers across her now tear stained cheek. Akira snuggled closer, feeling how warm he was.

“I swear this family of hers leaves so much damage in their wake.” Jimin groaned, annoyed. “I know it’s selfish but maybe when she’s with us, we can convince her to cut them off.”

“I have no doubt she would.” Jin spoke calmly, “Doesn’t seem like it would take much effort on her end at this point.”

“So how do we fix it?” Taehyung asked.

Jin sighed, “That, I’m not sure of.”

— — —

“What do you think, guys? Do I look good enough for my date with Jimin?”

Akira was all excited for her date with Jimin this warm Friday evening. After spending time in their den, Akira felt as though the anguish she felt days before were gone. She had never been to their home, but she instantly felt safe and comfortable. It made her thrilled for her date, “I hope it’s not too much.”

He wanted her dressed up so he sent a dress and heels for her. Akira had never been in designer clothing so beautiful that it felt feather light on her skin. She couldn’t believe that he had such a good eye for details, getting her measurements just right. She twirled around in her dress when Namjoon asked, giving him, Taehyung, Hoseok, Yoongi, Jin and Jungkook a show. The dress was a deep navy floor length dress with a sweetheart neckline, butterfly sleeves, and two long slits near the thighs. The dress hugged her curves, making her statuesque.

“Fuck me she looks incredible” Yoongi murmured deeply, his accent sounding richer through the phone, making Jin swat his arm. Akira tilted her head, frowning a little,

“What? You guys don’t like it? Jimin picked it out for me…” Akira’s frown deepened, twiddling with nails.

“No, babygirl you look stunning, truly.” Namjoon assured her, making the others agree immediately.

“Jimin did an amazing job, fuck.” Jungkook tilted his head, trying to see all of Akira’s curves. Taehyung rolled his eyes before smacking Jungkook upside his head, making him howl and Akira gasp,

“Don’t objectify her, fool.” Jungkook pouted in the camera, making Akira pout as well.

“Nooo, it’s ok Kookie, thank you for the compliment.” By now, the familiarity between the eight of them had grown, making nicknames a common thing. Akira’s nicknames ranged from babygirl to jagiya, all sweet and endearing. “I feel kinda nervous. I always feel nervous on our dates.”

“Why, you’ve been on four now.” Hoseok laughed, making Akira giggle.

“It’s because it’s a different feeling with each of you. It’s a first date each time. Each one feels special to me…” Akira stared at the floor. Each man blushed at her sweet words, even Jin and Jungkook, who have yet to have their dates with her. They couldn’t wait their turn.

“Well I think Jimin will be nothing but a gentleman with you, and he’ll be very excited for tonight as well.” Jin expressed, bowing slightly. Before Akira could reply, a bubbly response waiting to be spilled, she—along with the guys—heard a loud bang; the sound of a door crashing made Akira jump with fright. The force rattled the walls, nearly making her phone fall off the ledge of the full length mirror in her room, “Akira, what’s going?’ What was that sound?!” Namjoon panicked.

Akira stuttered, “I-I d-don—I don’t know—!”

“AKIRA!!!”

Akira’s eyes widened as recognition struck her. She knew that voice. Knew it well. “Father?” Her voice dropped to a whisper. Akira was all alone, her grandmother out with her mother, trying to fix final touches for Naomi’s ceremony. What could he possibly want with Akira if he washed his hands of her?

“Akira, get out of the house!” Hoseok screamed over FaceTime.

“We’re on our way to you, just get out of the house!” Jungkook screamed, leaving the camera’s view.

“AKIRA I KNOW YOU’RE HERE! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME, I CAN SMELL YOU!” Her father Joseph growled, holding back his wolf.

“Baby, if you can hear me, I’m going to mute us, you just keep us on the phone!” Namjoon urged her. Shakily, Akira grabbed her phone and nodded. She quickly sent a message to her grandmother, before the door to her room blew off, splintering at the seams, making her scream. Joseph and Malik stood at her doorway; her father visibly shaking with anger.

On the other end of the phone, her pack froze in horror at her scream. They could hear Joseph shouting obscenely at her, raging at something that he felt was her fault, “YOU HAD TO RUIN YOUR SISTER’S MOMENT, HUH?! YOU COULDN’T LET HER HAVE A CEREMONY WORTHY OF GODS?!” Akira backed away from him, nearly tripping from her dress if it wasn’t for Malik grabbing her roughly. He almost looked ashamed but it was quickly masked with cold green eyes.

“Ah! Malik let go of me! I don't know what you’re talking about!” “Akira’s phone dropped to the floor, still on call with Namjoon. Once Jimin was told what was happening, he quickly got dressed from his shower and raced downstairs to join them in their van. Jin drove, racing through the streets, passing through red lights to get to her. Meanwhile, Hoseok flinched at the sound of Akira’s screams as Joseph slapped her. “Please, I don’t know what’s happening!” Akira cried.

“This, you devious little piece of shit!” Joseph pushed a piece of paper in her face, nearly bruising her nose, “YOU’RE THE FUCKING REASON NAOMI RAN OFF WITH JACKSON! YOU ARE A CURSE ON THIS FAMILY, I FUCKING SWEAR!”

Tears trailed down her face, hiccups escaped as Malik threw her down on the floor. Akira picked up the paper, her eyes widening at each line;

Dear Father,

I know that you and mama and Jackson’s parents made this grand event for us. While we’re grateful and appreciative, it’s what neither of us wanted. I have always been a simple woman, and have never craved attention-seeking moments like this family does, time and time again. After talking with Akira, she made me realize that my vision for our crossing over ceremony was what I always wanted. And that my voice mattered, even when drowned out by you and mama. She is the sole reason Jackson and I decided we want to do what’s best for us. Her belief in me made me realize I have a voice, and I intend to use it. Jackson and I will not continue with the spectacle that is this crossing over ceremony. In a way, we’ve decided to elope. Please don’t be angry.

Naomi.

Akira couldn’t believe what she was reading. Curse her trusting nature, she hated herself for giving Naomi the benefit of the doubt. She now realizes that the one trick Betas always had was to be cunning. They always planned ahead, every step meticulous. She had been used as a pawn the moment Naomi got wind of their parents’ ceremonial plans. The ultimate scapegoat that fueled their father’s hatred of Akira. “No…N-No, father I knew nothing about this, I swear—AH!” A punch landed square to her jaw as Joseph socked her. Akira tries crawling away, begging him to not hurt her, “Father, I didn’t tell her to run, I swear!”

“I am no longer your father, you little runt! From now on, the name Batiste is stripped from you! You had every intention of causing trouble, Naomi wouldn’t lie about this!” Akira gasped as Joseph reached out and grabbed her by her hair. Her cries echoed on the other end of the phone that Namjoon nearly crushes, trying desperately to control his wolf.

“Even with all the lights we speed through, we won’t get there in time.” Yoongi growled, eyes flickering their dark brown to blood red. Each passing second, they could hear Akira scream in agony. The sound of flesh colliding with flesh; deep groans escaping from her as her father did who knows what to her.

Meanwhile, Akira laid on the floor, curled in a ball as she tried to ward off another kick to the ribs. Joseph Batiste was angrier than he had ever been, pissed beyond all belief. Blood trickled from her lips as she tried shielding herself from his and Malik’s attacks. Her ears were ringing, leaving her slightly disoriented. With a little bit of strength, Akira tried crawling to the door, but Malik stopped her, stepping on her dress. The fabric ripped, making the one of the slits widen and stretch. “You know, since the day you were born, you have been a stain on my life. A human shit stain that’s been the bane of my existence—I knew I should’ve taken you out to the woods and left your ass for dead the day you didn’t present as a wolf!” Spittle flew from Joseph’s lips as he got in Akira’s face. Akira cried once more, whimpering then wailing, shouting her innocence, “I never told Naomi to run! I never told her to disobey you, please, plea—!” Akira gagged as Joseph grabbed her by the throat, punching her and slapping her until she nearly fought unconsciousness.

“YOU’RE A FUCKING LIAR! AND WHAT’S WORSE IS YOU’RE A FUCKING MISTAKE!” Akira tiredly let go “I was perfectly content with the four children I had, but no, your mother just had to have another! I should’ve made her abort your sorry ass!” Another slap made blood splatter onto the floor. Weakly, Akira started going limp. Joseph took his rage out on her, kicking her and slapping her repeatedly until crying stopped. Blood smeared on the floor and on her tattered dress; contusions and scratches littered her body. Joseph wouldn’t stop until Malik stopped him,

“Father, that’s enough, we have to go.” Neither realizing that Akira’s phone had scattered beneath the bed, still on call with the Bangtan pack. They were stunned into silence; their faces twisted in horror as Jin had to pull over from driving, becoming sick at the sounds of gurgling agony and cracking of bones. Joseph had beaten Akira before, but never to this extent. Never to the point where she was on the verge of losing consciousness. Even Malik had seen enough.

Joseph huffed and puffed like the big bad wolf he claimed to be as Akira laid motionless on the floor, “May you remember the day you no longer remained a Batiste. You are dead to me.” He seethed, giving her one last kick, this time to the face. Malik flinched, turning away. The wet squelch of blood pouring onto the floor made him gag, “Father let’s go, grandmother will be home soon.”

Joseph and Malik left the room, leaving Akira laying on the floor. Her gurgled gasps as she struggled to breathe was the only thing Bangtan could hear as Yoongi took over driving, racing to her home. He knew they’d make it there before her grandmother, who they unfortunately had to explain all this to. Once they finally made it to the compound, Yoongi quickly typed in the code and sped past several houses to get to Akira. He couldn’t even park without the guys jumping out immediately, racing through the broken front door. The smell of blood alerted them, making them call out for Akira. Jungkook raced down a hallway until he reached the doorway of her room, recoiling back with a loud curse before calling for Namjoon, “JOON!”

Each head popped in Jungkook’s direction, racing down the hall until they were met with a gruesome sight. Body tangled on the floor in a small pool of her own blood, Akira laid gasping. A small white letter a few feet away from her. Dress torn and stained; the strong coppery smell permeated the room.

“Oh my fuck!” Namjoon cursed, reeling away before turning back to enter the room. He kneeled down in front of Akira, her line of vision temporarily blurred. She could sense a presence but couldn’t see them, making her tense and whimper loudly, “Shhhh, it’s us beautiful, it’s us.” He whispered delicately. Tears blurred in her eyes but no sound other than a whimper could escape. Her throat raw from being squeezed too tight. Eyes swelling and blurring over to where she couldn’t make out who was in front of her.

Suddenly a car pulled up, “Sounds like her grandmother pulled up.” Taehyung uttered coldly.

“Akira! Akira, little wolf where are—oh my god!” Her grandmother’s gasp was horrified at what she saw.

“Careful, we don’t know if he severed anything.” Hoseok told Namjoon as he went to pick up her body. Usually never one to show his emotions, Namjoon fought back tears as his mate laid on the floor in pain. Carefully? He grabbed hold of her hand,

“Baby, can you hear me?” He asked gently. Shakily, Akira squeezed his hand. “Can you speak?” Her hand remained lax. “Can you wiggle your toes?” They watched as her toes slowly curled from both feet.”

“I can smell her father and Malik all through this room. They did this, didn’t they?” Her grandmother questioned, eyes glimmering faintly of a purple hue. With bowed heads, some with tears in their eyes, the men nodded yes. The sudden rush of steps had them all in a tense stance as a shrill scream left Miriam's lips. Dealing with final touches for Naomi’s ceremony, Miriam asked Genevieve to tag along and to naturally see how Akira was doing. When Genevieve received the message she got, Miriam responded quickly by hopping in the car with her, no questions asked. It was her daughter that was in danger after all. “Oh god, who did this?!”

“Take a wild guess.” Jungkook turned coldly, staring furiously at her. Jin held him back, telling him to calm down. Namjoon gently placed one hand under Akira’s neck. Her whimpers grew louder as pain shot through her body. While Namjoon made a move to pick her up, Hoseok saw a glimmer of white through his bloodshot eyes. He picked up the piece of paper, corners stained and smudged with blood. He read over it, cursing under his breath as he realized what had happened,

“Did you know about this?” He questioned her mother, turning to her with the most foul expression he could give, “Hm? Did you know that Naomi and Jackson eloped?!!”

“What?!” Miriam baulkes, snatching the letter out of his hand. Miriam and Genevieve read it carefully, anger flashing before their eyes before the realization hit that Naomi’s leaving triggered Joseph’s anger. “S-She eloped…She ran away?!”

“We need to get her to a hospital, now.” Namjoon urged.

— — —

“Three broken ribs, orbital bone fracture, sprained wrist and ankle, plus, surprisingly, a mild concussion. Not to mention a broken nose and a swollen larynx from her throat being nearly crushed—we’re lucky you got here in time or the internal bleeding could’ve been worse.”

The doctor looked around the hospital room as the saddest expressions he'd seen filled the space. Genevieve held her granddaughter’s hand. Yoongi paced the floor, restless, while everyone found a seat where they could. Namjoon sat on the side of Akira, watching her rest. Miriam sat outside the room, crying, as if not believing her husband could do such a thing. It had been hours since Akira came out of surgery, and the worse had yet to come.

“You said she’s your mate?” The doctor asked, looking at Namjoon.

“Yes.” All seven men answered, surprising the doctor. He sighed,

“You said she was attacked? Why hasn’t she been mated then?”

“Yes, she was randomly attacked and she’s a human. We can’t bite her, plus our crossing ceremony wasn’t until the end of the month.” Namjoon answered aggressively, already agitated by the doctor’s questioning, trying to avoid the actual truth of the matter. Namjoon wanted to handle Joseph on his own, no police involved. He delicately moved hair out of Akira’s face, “We followed the rules. She should’ve been with us soon enough.”

“Given the extent of her injuries, you’ll need to keep an eye on her a lot more once she’s released. We’ve also irrigated her eyes so that she could see, some debris was in there. Her vision might be hazy for a couple of days.” After the doctor explained the aftercare Akira would need, he left. Silence engulfed them. The steady beep of the heart monitor droned on as they breathing labor either withheld or steadied.

“She’s gonna be ok.” Jungkook tried to rally his mind with his heart, willing for a positive outcome as tears welled in his eyes, “She’ll be ok.”

“Yeah pup,” Jin whispered, his hand clapping Jungkook’s back, “She’ll be fine, it’s alright.” Jin pulled him into a hug as his lips trembled, tears finally breaking for a release.

“She’s living with us once she’s released from the hospital. It’s not up for discussion.” Namjoon spoke calmly, yet there was an eerie edge to his voice. A darkness that only his pack understood. He spoke directly to Genevieve, “And your son? He’s as good as dead.”

Genevieve didn’t flinch, “You see me stopping you?” She muttered back, “Whatever happens now, it’s out of my hands.” She turned to her granddaughter, a steely coldness to her voice, “Because if he isn’t dealt with, I’ll take the motherfucka out myself.” The son she raised was no longer there. Any trace of her husband, lost within him.

The men all stood around, shocked and bewildered. They had never seen a mother turn on their own child before. Everyone assumed that Genevieve was a sweet, doting grandmother, but no one knew that she ran everything. “Leave everyone else to me.” Genevieve Batiste was an OG. And her son forgot who he was fucking with, “Don’t worry, little wolf. It’s being handled.” She leaned over and whispered to Akira. Kissing the top of her head, Genevieve then stood straight, grabbed her bag, and exited the room, the men quickly moving out her way. Jimin checked the hallway, seeing Genevieve and Miriam leaving.

“You really think she’s gonna let her own son get killed?” Taehyung questioned, shock and confusion written on his face.

“For Akira, she’d burn the earth.” Yoongi muttered quietly.

They all stared at Akira in silence. Jin slowly walked to the other side of the bed, resting his hands on the bed. They watched as her chest rose and fell softly. Concern blanketed them at her quiet wheezing, as if she was struggling to breathe. Once the beatings began, Akira did the only thing she knew how to do, and it was to disassociate. She stopped fighting. She had given up and let Joseph take control. And since then, she’s been unconscious ever since. She could disappear and feel safe in her own dreams because it was there, Joseph could not hurt her. Malik couldn’t hurt her. Naomi couldn’t hurt her.

No one could.

[joonslfttiddie]

BE MINE

Eleven

💜Fic Pairing: BTS Member x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Dark Romance | Demon Member

💜Warnings: (for entire work; not chapter specific) Mental Illnesses/Troubled Childhood/Alcoholic Parent/Mentions of Domestic Violence/Physical Violence/Stalking/Gore/Mentions of Blood/Sexist Remarks/Derogatory Remarks/Detailed Murder/Murder of an Animal/Language/Adult Themes/Sexual Themes/Mind Control/Telepathy (invading thoughts w/o permission)/Fingering/Masturbation/Manipulation/Alluding at Drug Usage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 4,143

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Eleven

Kamryn Graham

Kamryn. I’m so sorry.

The words lingered in her mind as she opened her eyes. Everything felt distorted—her emotions, her trust, her vision. Blurry at first, but after a few blinks, it began to clear. Looking around the room, she found herself still at Jimin’s place, fully dressed, and laid across his sofa with a soft throw blanket arranged neatly over her legs. Across the room, she saw him squatting down, cleaning something from the floor. Thump. Thump. Thump. Her heart pounded against her ribcage. It was so loud she wouldn’t be surprised if he could hear it. And he must have as his head whipped around, eyes meeting hers. There he was–her Jimin. That person from before? Nowhere to be found.

There he is.

“Kamryn.” He dropped what sounded like fragments of glass clattering in a dustpan, then rushed to her side. When she involuntarily flinched, shifting her body away from him, his jaw clenched. Confusion flickered across his face. But it didn’t last. Pain followed. Then regret. Then, the crushing weight of self-loathing. Each emotion surfaced in waves as if he couldn’t stop them from showing. The sight almost made her cry for him as the emotions radiated off of him and through their connection. “Kamryn. Fuck. I- I’m so sorry, Kam,” he said while searching her face. Was he looking for the same hate he felt for himself? He wouldn’t find it. While Kamryn felt that he purposely tried to intimidate her, that he wanted to hurt her, that he hated her–she didn’t hate him.

Jimin lent his strength when he noticed she was trying to sit up. She sat there, eyes on the blanket, fiddling with her fingernails again. Jimin took her hands in his, still kneeling in front of her, silencing her nervous fidgeting with his firm grip.

A sound fell from her lips—something between a laugh and a sob as if her body was unsure of how to react. “Jimin. What the fuck was that?” Her voice quivered slightly, and tears began to dance in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry. I never wanted you to see me that way. The darkness… I’m usually able to control it, command it, but lately, my powers have been glitchy. Like they want to control me instead. Fuck.” He paused for a moment while Kamryn observed him. He was fidgety. Shifty. Uncomfortable. Jimin looked deeply remorseful, and she could identify the guilt that weighed heavy on him.

“I’m not talking about that. I know what the fuck that was.” She paused for what seemed like minutes. “Why did you do that to me?” Her voice cracked, and it felt as if someone was squeezing her heart. “You did that on purpose, Jimin. It felt like…like you hated me.” The shock that flowed through their connection was the validation she needed. Even if it were for a split second, he despised her, resented her, and wanted her to feel it. Well, he succeeded.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say. At this point, anything I say will just be an excuse.”

“Say something…anything.” The last word came out on a breath, barely audible.

“I don’t know. I was stupid. I– For a moment,” he stammered, still holding tightly onto her fingers. “Kamryn. I can feel myself…changing. I told you that I wanted to be good for you, but all of the emotions that come with that are foreign to me. It’s like two people inside of me. Like I'll be ripped apart at any moment. My heart. My soul. My mind. There are moments where my evil resents you, and I fucking hate myself. This is so hard, and thoughts have crossed my mind, making me wonder if it is all worth it.” He pulls her hands to his forehead as if praying to the goddess that has captivated his heart. He then places tender kisses on the backs of her hands. “Please. I still want to be good for you. I want to love you in ways neither of us knew possible. But-” When he looks into her eyes, the tears he’d be trying to fight have gathered to fall down his face. His voice is raspy and forced when he speaks. “I’m scared.”

Did he think this would make her fold? While she appreciated his vulnerability, she couldn’t let him off like this.

“Scared? You’re scared, Jimin?” She scoffed. “I thought I was going to die,” she nearly whispered as tears continued to fall into her lap. Her body reacted the way it should have, as if she was in immediate danger, face-to-face with a demon. “Do you even know what that felt like? I chose to trust you, and for a moment, you made me regret that.” The heartache caused by that sentence transmitted from Jimin and caused fresh tears to fall from her eyes. “I thought I’d made a mistake.” Even in that situation, with his distorted features and horrifying words, she trusted him. She knew that he wouldn’t hurt her and found herself experiencing all his suffering from his inner turmoil. He was trying so hard. So hard to resist the malevolent pull that their bond trembled violently. The words that he spoke aloud during that moment contradicted his inner dialogue.

Jimin, pull yourself together! You’re scaring her. Look at her sweet face…she’s terrified. The way you’re treating her right now. Is this what love looks like? Stop!

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what made me think I could do this. I can’t do this, Kamryn.”

“Can’t do what?”

This.

Nah. Fuck that. Man the fuck up and say that shit out loud.

His eyebrow lifted in response, but it was so quick Kamryn felt that she could have imagined it. His grip on her hands tightened, both because he didn’t want to say the words aloud and because he loved when she spoke so confidently. She was so powerful, so unrelenting, so direct. So…demanding. And he loved that shit.

“I just don’t want to hurt you. I can’t be with you when I’m like this.” He looked over himself as if his flaws were visible on his skin.

“Like what? What Jimin?! Didn’t you tell me that this is just how you are, light and dark? Up and down? In and out, right? You can’t change who you are; we both know that, but you will change the way you treat me. I won’t tolerate that shit again. You will not purposely put me in that situation again. And if you don’t want to hurt me, Jimin… don’t.” The commanding simplicity of her words lingered between them as he looked into her eyes.

The heat coming from him caused her breathing to hitch as her nipples began to tingle and harden beneath her dress. She didn’t want to think of what was happening between her thighs as she’d opted against wearing panties. As if on cue, she could see in his eyes when he realized what was happening to her body–he could smell the lust on her. The sexual tension was palpable, an involuntary craving for one another that neither of them could stop, even mid-confrontation. “Let go of my hands,” Kamryn spat.

“Yes, ma’am,” Jimin answered with a growl, falling right in line with Kamryn’s orders.

“Shut up. That wasn’t a question.” With his head hanging low, he remained silent this time. “Do you hear me speaking to you? Look at me.”

“Yes, ma’am. I can hear you,” he answered, this time with unwavering eye contact that caused Kamryn to shudder.

“After the way you acted today, do you think you deserve to touch me?”

“No, ma’am. I don’t.” While she had him eating out of the palm of her hand, she could discern that there was something else behind his answer. He was trying to let her go because he didn’t think he deserved her.

“Well, it’s a good thing I didn’t ask you to think for me, huh?” Kamryn continued to tease him, using her hand to fan herself as she removed the blanket from her lap, revealing the sun-kissed glow of her moisturized legs. Her skin was a rich chocolate that closely mimicked the hue of the leather couch she sat on. And Jimin responded immediately; though she was unable to see the erection growing under his slacks, the desire growing between them was nearly tangible. Her confidence grew, and she felt like she could do anything under his gaze. Thoughts were going through her mind that she’d never even thought to consider, but she felt comfortable enough with him to say and do as she pleased. “And why are you trying to look all pitiful kneeling down like that? Should I pity you, baby?” Her head tilted with an analyzing gaze scanning his body like a lioness inspecting her prey.

“Ye- No, ma’am,” Jimin tried to answer, obviously distracted and confused as to which question he should answer.

“Ye—No—” she mocked, dragging it out with a smirk. “What’s wrong, baby? Cat got your tongue?”

After clearing his throat and attempting to clear his mind, he answered, “Yes, ma’am, it is a good thing you didn’t ask me to think. I’m not trying to look pitiful, and I don’t think you should pity me at all. The cat does not have my tongue.”

She snickered, then said, “Not yet, at least.” The surge of hunger that flowed through their bond and the flash of gold in Jimin’s eyes had Kamryn leaking, ready, and having a hard time stalling him out. With the point of her heel, she dug gently into his thigh. “What the fuck are you thinking about, huh? I am highly aware of what you have going on, remember?”

There was no way he could deny it. He frowned from the pain, but it also made it dick twitch. "I want you so badly, but I’m trying to restrain myself. I know you are aware of my feelings.” She could tell that Jimin was fighting for his fucking life; his composure was like putty in her hands.

“But you want me to feel you in a different way, huh? Tell me about that. What do you want me to feel, Jimin?” Her voice brushed over him like a cool breeze, a wave of desire rushed through them again, causing them both to shiver.

“I- I…” He swallows around the lump in his throat, “I want you to feel me… dipping into your wet pussy slowly. Until you’re full of me, ma'am. With each stroke, I want you to be aware of every ridge… every vein… every inch of my dick sliding in and out of your wetness. Caressing your walls as I make my way to the very depths of you. I want it to sting just a bit.” His voice has that familiar crackle, like burning embers in his throat. “But, only enough to make your pretty mouth fall open–a moaning mess underneath me–calling out my name. Inconceivable pleasure flooding and intoxicating you. I want you to have earth-shattering orgasms that leave you sopping wet, sated, yet still begging me for more. Over… and over… and over again until you’re crying, desperate that I stop. Ma’am.”

At this point, both of them were nearly gasping for air. Her eyes were heavy with want as she stared at him through her lashes. Kamryn had nearly climaxed from his words alone, and she could feel her slick pooled between her, her dress, and the couch. She dragged her heel from his thigh, slow and deliberate, skimming up his torso until it pressed into his chest. He held firm, not wavering from the pressure. It was as if the anticipation of her next move was suffocating, and his chest heaved as he panted faster.

With one firm push, she knocked him flat on his back, the impact rippling through them both. The slight pain she’d just caused came to burn alongside her need for him in the pit of her belly, but she wouldn’t give in that easily. Not today. Now standing, she towered over him and shoved her heel in the same place she just kicked. This point of view allowed him a direct view of her sopping wet, glistening pussy and the wetness that leisurely dripped down her thigh.

“Did you seriously think that would turn me on?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“It looks like it turned you on.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thoughts of you always do.”

“Shut up,” she snapped, twisting the heel deeper into his chest. “Always got some bullshit apologies or something charming to say, huh? Maybe I should put that mouth to better use.” With her hand on her chin, she pretended as if she was in deep thought before coming to an epiphany. “Hmm. Let’s see how sorry you are. You want to be a good boy for me?”

Kamryn straddled Jimin’s nodding head, her heeled feet planted just above his shoulders while he looked up in sheer amazement. “I will admit. I’m willing to do anything and everything you ask of me. But this? Tasting you on my tongue is something I will do because I want to… need to. So,” he said, caressing her legs, “May I taste you, Miss Kamryn?” Without a word, she sank to her knees, her legs maneuvered under his arms, and she lifted herself above him. She saw his eyes darken with desire just as her dress covered his face like a veil. With his shoulders wedged between her calves, now resting on either side of him, he held her by the waist, guiding her body to sit completely onto his waiting mouth. She allowed him to consume her. His hands roamed, gripping and kneading the softness of her thighs as he lapped, sucked, and dipped his tongue in and out of her pussy like a man who’d studied her anatomy–studied how she likes to be eaten–for years.

Hastily bunching her dress in one hand, she needed a clear view, no longer obscuring her sight of the fiend beneath her. His eyes were closed, but when he suddenly opened them to look at her, she gasped as he was seemingly looking into her soul. Still caught off guard by the new golden hue-he was hypnotizing. His tongue circled her clit before she pulled away, leaning back to rest her ass on his chest.

Ravenously, he stared up at her as she admired the sheen on his face caused by her juices. With a wicked smirk, she pulled the strap of her dress down her arm, allowing the fabric to slack, revealing the swell of her breast. With one hand, she pinched and twisted her nipple, and with the other, she fisted his hair, guiding him back where she needed him most. She placed him at her entrance, shivering as he traced her inner lips before plunging his tongue back inside.

Her body responded immediately, legs quivering due to his relentless ministrations. “Jimin,” she whispered but whined when he pulled away just as her orgasm was about to overtake her. Dragging out the moment, he sucked and licked at her lips, cleaning up after himself as if he couldn’t get enough. Just as she opened her mouth to protest, her breath hitched, and her eyes widened. Instead of running away, she remained. Spellbound. She watched as his tongue stretched unnaturally long–slithering back inside, deeper to tease at the base of her cervix, caressing her favorite spot. Her head fell back, and a sound she would usually be ashamed of crawled up her throat–deep and guttural– as she unabashedly rocked into him, surrendering to his hunger.

“Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh, shit,” she groaned breathily; using his locks as reins, she pulled him deeper as she rocked her hips to ride his face. She was about to cum, and of course, he knew, indicated by the low, throaty growl he released. The sound caused the hairs on her neck to stand, and as he continued to groan in delight, it sent her over the edge.

“Fuuuuuuuck,” she moaned as she came long and hard, spilling satisfaction across his tongue. Jimin didn’t let a drop of her go to waste as he drank her in, slowing down but never stopping as she trembled and convulsed above him. Kamryn’s phone vibrated in her purse on the table but she couldn’t be bothered at the moment as she continued to ride out her high.

Pulling air between her teeth, she reveled in the pleasure being administered as she winded her hips. Each time her clit brushed against his upper lip, her second orgasm continued to build as surges of electricity coursed through her body.

“Just like that. Eat this pussy, baby. I deserve it.” And Jimin obliged, wanting nothing more than to please her, swallowing all that she had to offer him. She knew he was at the edge of his own climax, and the feeling only intensified the moment. Minutes later, another wave came crashing against her, sending her under to succumb to its pressure. She breathed deeply, savoring the feel of his tongue slathering pleasure within her walls until she was satiated. “Okay. Okay, that’s enough,” Kamryn moaned from the overstimulation. He didn’t stop, instead pulling her tighter, continuing to devour her like she was the only thing keeping him alive.

Hungry. Need…to feed. 

The slight smirk that graced his face, for only a split second, was haunting.

Writhing, she tried to at least remove his suction as it was too much. His glowing eyes shined with a desire that was unfamiliar as his nails bit into her skin as if staking his claim. “That’s enough,” she whined, but it was as if he was in a trance, unable to hear her words– only focused on savoring her taste.

More.

“Jimin. Stop!”

That seemed to do the trick as he released her clit with a pop. His head fell back to thud against the floor as he stared up into nothingness, mouth still wet from her. It was like he wasn't there-just a void shell of the man that she'd grown to know. A gold shimmer traced his irises before they settled back to the rich honey Kamryn was used to, as if he was returning to himself. Her pulse was still racing, but now, it wasn’t just from pleasure.

“What the fuck, Jimin?” She moved to sit next to him on the floor as her legs continued to tremble, not just from the overstimulation. There was something darker. The deviant hunger remained, clinging to her. “You didn’t stop.” Her voice wasn’t angry but quiet. Completely unnerved.

“I–” He shook his head as if he was unsure of what words should follow. She studied their connection and his face, watching as his jaw flexed before he shook his head again. She found no regret, no remorse, no shame–there was only confusion. Like he was just as lost as she was, unsure of what had just happened to him.

Tracing the dents left by his grip on her thighs with her fingertips, she said, “That wasn’t you just being stubborn, Jimin.”

“I know,” he admitted quietly.

Releasing a shaky breath, Kamryn found a cozy spot next to Jimin and cuddled into his side–an attempt to push the moment away for now. Without thought, he pulled her into him. Closer. Tighter, as if she was the only thing keeping him tethered to himself. She laid on his chest, unable to quiet the thoughts in her mind, humming to keep them to herself for the moment. Was this a sign to stop? To stop trying to step into her power? She knew it would be impossible to stop dealing with Jimin. They were in too deep, literally bound together. What has she gotten herself into, and what kind of monster had she created?

Unable to see his face, she was also unable to see the tears that filled his eyes as he stared at the ceiling, rubbing his fingertips across her scalp through her thick cloud of curls. They both laid there in silence as their breathing evened and their pulses slowed, pretending as if they both didn’t feel the shift that just occurred. This was more than a game of give and take—more than just an exchange of power.

The silence was broken, startling Kamryn when her phone vibrated in her purse again. Then again. And again.

“Fuck. May I use your restroom,” she asked politely like she wasn’t just barking commands and grinding her pussy on his lips.

”Ye- Yes, of course.” She stood, grabbed her phone, then slowly made her way to the bathroom. When she returned, Jimin was sitting in the spot she found herself earlier, manspreading with his elbows on his thighs and his head in his hands. He seemed to be in deep thought until he saw her coming closer with a look of concern on her face. “A- Are you leaving?”

“Why isn’t she picking up after calling so many times? Mariah asked to meet her at Clove at 6:30, right?” Kamryn questioned aloud. “It’s only 6:13,” she mentioned, her heart racing as she dialed her friend back again. Finally, she answered. “Mariah? Mariah. Why are you crying? What's wrong? What? Who is that? I can barely hear you. Hey, who is this? What���s going on? Are you at Clove now? Okay, please stay with her. I’m coming.” The other person puts Mariah back on the line. “Everything is going to be okay. I’ll be there in just a bit. No. No, I won’t hang up,” she continued her conversation, finding herself whispering along with her friend.

She looked at Jimin, her hand trembling as she held onto the phone as if it were a lifeline. In a way, it was, anchoring Mariah to her.

Will you help me? Please?

Of course! Let’s go.

Grabbing his keys from a side table, the pair rushed out of the door. Jimin pulled her toward the stairs.

“We have to go, Jimin. I need to get to Mariah.”

“I know. Trust me, okay?”

She nodded but hesitated to take his hand reaching out for her. Something was off with him. And trust? Trust was something so very fragile between them at the moment, yet she allowed him to lead her into the stairwell. It wasn’t long before she realized why as he picked her up, causing her to gasp in surprise and close her eyes, awaiting what was to happen next. Suddenly, she could feel wind whipping through her hair, then…nothing. She opened her eyes to see that they were already on the ground floor. How had they gotten here so fast? Faster than humanly possible and certainly quicker than it would have taken for the elevator doors to even open.

Kamryn’s panic after hearing her friend’s voice, so small and helpless, didn’t leave a moment for her body to react to the sudden change in speed, to even ask questions, or even be surprised by this. Though, she could tell that something was wrong as they made their way to Jimin’s car.

“Jimin?” She whispered away from the phone.

“Let’s go, Kamryn.”

She slid into the passenger seat and watched as he jogged to his side before getting in.

“Are you okay? Something seems–”

“Fine,” he said dismissively.

They rode in silence and were pulling up to Clove within ten minutes.

Park Jimin

The fear and worry that tugged at their connection had Jimin just as focused as Kamryn, trying to get to Mariah as quickly as possible. But something else was pulling him there. An excuse. He needed to release. There was too much power surging through him, and he was coming to realize where it was coming from. Kamryn. She was changing him in more ways than one, and while on some days he felt like he was becoming a little bitch, other days he found himself out of control of the hellhound that threatened to eat him whole. This was something he’d never experienced, a power that may be too much for him to handle.

When they pulled up, Jimin followed Kamryn as she rushed through the small crowd, making her way to the women's restroom. Like her own personal bodyguard, Jimin waited outside the entrance when she burst into the bathroom, yelling out for her friend.

“Oh my God! Jimin!” Kamryn’s shrill cry was all he needed to hear before rushing in behind her. Inside one of the stalls, Kamryn had found her friend slumped, fully clothed, on the toilet. She looked confused and weak like she would pass out any second, barely holding on to her phone. “Mariah, what happened? Are you okay? Did somebody hurt you?” Mariah was slurring, hardly even mumbling at this point, as her eyes roamed around the stall aimlessly. Next to the stall stood the lady who was on the phone earlier, dressed like the other bartenders.

“She came in with another girl, but she had to leave. When she did, a guy joined her at the bar, and they had a drink. She didn’t even finish hers but seemed to get drunk instantly. I knew something was wrong when she slid from the barstool to stagger her way here. I grabbed her things, including her drink, and put them behind the bar before I followed her back here. She asked me not to call an ambulance.”

“Oh my God, Riah, baby. What happened?”

That word kept pulling him out of the moment. God. God? This was the second time she’d called out for Them, yet he was the only one there to help. He scoffed.

“I’ve seen this so many times. I believe that she’s been drugged. I was just about to give her a piece of bread with hot sauce. Then an aspirin and a bottle of water.”

Kamryn looked around to find the items the woman had mentioned and the piece of bread in a napkin in her hand. “Girl, what the fuck does this have to do with anything? Bitch… hot sauce?”

“Answer her,” Jimin said calmly to the woman as he tilted his head menacingly. “Amy,” he said smugly after reading her name tag.

“I– It–”

“It, what?” Kamryn was obviously distraught.

“It– It’s a cocktail,” the woman said, but her words sounded more like a question than an answer. “It will help lessen the effects of the drug almost immediately. I promise.”

“Okay. Okay.” Kamryn gave her consent. Her uneasiness and fear only seemed to fuel the fury that raced through Jimin. Amy had Mariah take the pill and down it with some of the water before she fed her the red, soaked bread, which nearly made her vomit.

“I know it’s gross, but you have to eat as much as you can, okay?” Amy was very calm, instructing Mariah. After she’d finished most of the bread, she chugged the rest of the water, with a lot of it coming out the corners of her mouth. And just as Amy had promised, she seemed to be coming back.

“Riah. What happened?” Kamryn had her hands extended, ready to catch her friend as she slowly lifted herself from the seat with Amy’s assistance.

“What does the guy look like?” Jimin asked Amy while helping to move Mariah out of the stall and to the sink. Kamryn immediately enveloped Mariah in her arms, allowing her to cry as she shed hot tears of her own.

“Like a fucking ferret. It was fucking Jameel,” Mariah stated, muffled, with her face into Kamryn’s shoulder.

“Jameel?!” Kamryn obviously knew who Mariah was referring to. Jimin watched her eyes widen in the mirror at the revelation. She pulled her friend away to look her over, pushing her hair from her face and wiping her tears away. “Jameel, Jameel?”

“Yes,” Mariah said as her shoulder bounced from her sobs. “He asked if he could get me a drink. I agreed because I know him…I knew him. I thought I did. But after I drank half of it, I started to feel funny. He started talking about how he wanted me back. Of course, I declined, but he said to just wait. Like I didn’t have a choice. I shouldn’t have– I shouldn’t have–” She cried even harder, to the point where Kamryn just pulled her into her chest again.

“Shh…don’t you dare make this your fault. You did nothing wrong. He is the piece of shit. Not you,” Kamryn said while rubbing swipes up and down her friend’s back.

While Jimin hated to hear that something like this had happened to Mariah, he was thankful to Amy and glad to see that her concoction was working to neutralize the drug.

“Um, sorry guys, but I have to get back to the bar. Come find me to get your things and I would strongly recommend that you still go to the hospital to get checked out.” The woman exchanged hugs with Mariah and Kamryn while they expressed their gratitude.

“Thank you so much,” Mariah said through her tears. “Tonight could have ended very differently had you not helped me.”

Amy wiped a few rouge tears of her own before leaving the friends to continue where they’d left off. Mariah turned to splash cool water over her face.

“Jameel? What the fuck? We haven’t seen him since-”

“Since our six-month anniversary. Right. We were here, and his boy tried the same shit on you. I hadn’t talked to him since then when he reached out to me the day after, talking about how he was sorry about what happened and all this shit but wouldn’t give his boy’s name up so that we could press charges. Talking about how he ‘had been punished enough’. Whatever the fuck that means.”

Mariah and Kamryn were unaware, but Jimin knew exactly what he was referring to. He was talking about how he’d found his homeboy’s clothes folded in a bathroom stall with him still wearing them. Jimin was seething more by the minute. Kamryn felt it, grabbing his hand and squeezing it lightly.

Babe. Just say the word and I’ll handle it.

They locked eyes in the mirror over Mariah’s head as she dipped down to rinse her face again, and with a slow raise of her eyebrow, Kamryn smirked.

Show me.

Show you? Show you what?

His face mirrored hers; a grim smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Show me your evil. Handle it.

Excitement burned through his veins like liquid fire. The presence inside him stirred, salivating, stretching its claws. It had been waiting for this. Waiting to be fed. Jimin turned on his heel, left the bathroom, and slipped into the crowd unnoticed–then he was gone. Just a haunting shadow of nightmares, off to hunt his prey.

A/N:

Hey, Boo… heeeeeeey! I hope that you are doing well. Thank you all for being patient with my inconsistent posting. Please charge it to my head and not my heart. I had a blast writing this chapter 😏 and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thanks to @moonleeai for beta reading this chapter! 💜🫶🏽

Okay. Love you...byeeeeeeee!

[joonslfttiddie]

seesaw ⟡ love yourself in london

cr. namuspromised

[joonslfttiddie]

AND I WILL BLOOM 🌼🌸🌿🌻🍀🌷💐

@kpopcreators event 06: spring

[joonslfttiddie]

BE MINE

Ten

💜Fic Pairing: BTS Member x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Dark Romance | Demon Member

💜Warnings: (for entire work; not chapter specific) Mental Illnesses/Troubled Childhood/Alcoholic Parent/Mentions of Domestic Violence/Physical Violence/Stalking/Gore/Mentions of Blood/Sexist Remarks/Derogatory Remarks/Detailed Murder/Murder of an Animal/Language/Adult Themes/Sexual Themes/Mind Control/Telepathy (invading thoughts w/o permission)/Fingering/Masturbation/Manipulation/Alluding at Drug Usage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 4,157

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Ten

Park Jimin

The sun was peeking over the horizon when Jimin woke up. Lying in bed, a smile danced across his lips as thoughts of Kamryn played in his mind. With her, things were becoming easy. Too easy. He allowed himself to sink into the comfort she provided, blind to the shift already happening. The control he thought he had over her was slipping–flipping before he could even clock it. He was now at her mercy, tethered to her in ways he was unaware of. Ways he had never intended. And, little did either of them know, if she so much as whispered it, he would set the whole fucking world on fire just to see her smile. He was entirely at her mercy.

Fresh out of the shower, he swiped at the steam-covered mirror to take a good look at himself. After filling up on Kamryn's energy the other night, he'd been feeling more alert, focused, and stronger, though he wasn't aware she was the cause. He thought back to how he was laid out across the floor that night and attributed it to him pushing himself too far to connect with Kamryn. He then realized how easily he was able to do it yesterday and last night, with no straining or discomfort. Jimin watched as his muscles rippled under his skin, coiling, flexing, and retracting on their own. Bulkier. More defined. Ripped as hell. It was as if he had been upgraded overnight. Even his eyes looked different when he turned, flashing a bright golden glow he'd never seen before. Even though he was unsure as to why his eyes were different, he smirked at himself, satisfied with his new update, then flipped his eyes back to their usual honey-brown before continuing to get ready to start his day.

Today his plan was to visit Kim Towers. He knew that Kamryn would likely frown upon his methods of obtaining wealth, however, doing this last job would set them up for life. Them. Look at him, already including her in future plans, as if he knew that they would always be together.

Jimin was able to get past the front gate with a little manipulation and pulled his blacked-out 7-series into one of the designated parking spots near the entrance like he belonged there.

"I'll borrow your spot for a bit Mr. Kim Taehyung," he said to himself, reading the sign posted in front of the spot, as he climbed out of his car. "I'll only be a bit."

With his hands shoved into the pockets of his tailored navy blue pants, he sauntered into the building, exuding confidence. But before he could fully sit into the feeling, a sudden wave of anxiety gripped his chest. He could still feel Kamryn's energy from the other night pulsing through his veins. He felt stronger, however, he couldn't ignore the timidness that seemed to creep up his neck. Having his powers at full capacity meant nothing if he was apprehensive. Would he be able to pull this off?

He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to keep moving. A man who would usually strut through this lobby like he owned the place, knowing that he would always get what he wanted, was now hesitating. Flashes of Kamryn's smile, the smell of her hair, and the softness of her skin flooded his mind, causing his ruthless ambition to falter, being replaced by an ailing softness infused with pitiful longing. Each step he took across the tiled lobby felt like a betrayal to the love that was beginning to invade his entire being. Yet he breezed past the front desk with no issue, then took the elevator to the chairman's office. He knew that this was a bold move. He could have taken his time, gotten to know the CEO's hobbies, and met him on the golf course or something, but he needed to get this done.

The way that Kamryn was beginning to affect him and these new feelings that came with it, it felt like he was running out of time. Is this what it feels like to be torn between right and wrong? This woman was pulling at the seam of the meticulously curated monster he'd created, and for a second he wondered if this fragile humanity was worth the cost–the cost of letting go.

"This is the last time," he said just above a whisper before approaching the receptionist's desk. "Hi, I'm here to see Chairman Kim."

"Hello, sir. Do you have an appointm- Hello, Mr. Park. Right this way," the receptionist corrected himself after witnessing that irresistibly persuasive glint in his eyes. The young man led him to the massive, wooden double doors and opened them for him.

"Sir, Mr. Park is here to see you."

"Who? Mr. Park?" Chairman Kim was seated at his desk completely focused on the folder in his hand, with other identical folders in stacks along its surface. He looked up to meet Jimin's gaze. "Ah, Mr. Park. Come in. Would you like some water? Tea?"

"I'm fine, thank you." And with that the man left them, closing the door behind him.

Half an hour later, Jimin was leaving the building, making sure there would be no memory of him from Chairman Kim or the staff. He didn't realize the man that approached the building just as he was getting into his car.

"So, that's the ass that took my spot," Taehyung said as he watched Jimin crank up his car and drive away.

Later in the day, Jimin couldn't wait to speak to Kamryn. He had her number but enjoyed speaking to her in a way no one else could. It was special.

          -Hey, beautiful. Have you had lunch yet?

-Hey! No, not yet. I'm just finishing up my workout. What are you up to?

         -Can't you tell? Just thinking of you. My mind and my thoughts are completely consumed                by you. What spell do you have on me, Ms. Graham?

-Spell? Me? Says the wizard speaking to me telepathically.

Jimin chuckled, loving her silly comebacks. She was so quick with them and funny as hell. So lighthearted and pure–untainted. Or was she?

          -Okay. Stay there. I'm on my way.

-I don't know if I'll get used to these powers of yours. Oh, yeah... could you bring my

things from your place?

He could see everything that she could see, feel everything she felt. He could even feel her heartbeat, a slightly elevated pulse in the back of his mind, his personal GPS guiding him to her exact location. Right now, she wasn't far from the complex, within walking distance. He grabbed her things, hopped in his car, and pulled up to the gym within five minutes. He parked, then went inside to get her.

"Hey. You could have just told me you were here," Kamryn said, pointing to her head, hinting at their connection. Even after working out, her rich sepia-brown skin seemed to glow from within. Her smile, usually soft and timid, now held a spark of sass Jimin hadn't noticed before. He was able to notice even the most subtle change in her with every step she took toward him, oozing with her newfound confidence and strength. Her upright posture, eye contact, and glimmer in her eyes were evidence of the power exchange between them.

"I know. I could have. But I didn't want to," he said as he pushed a rogue curl from her face, then caressed her cheeks with his thumbs. "I couldn't wait another second to see your beautiful face. Plus, I'm quite the gentleman," he said while leading her out of the facility. Other patrons stared at them, some envious with others ogling with desire. They did make quite an attractive couple.

"Aww," she said. When he opened his car door, she said, "But I didn't bring a change of clothes, so I didn't shower. I jogged here thinking I was going back home."

"You look fine, Kamryn. Get in, please."This felt strange, him trying to convince a human without influence. He was torn. It's not like he hadn't used his powers on Kamryn before to will her to do as he pleased, but he was starting to get the feeling it wasn't right. He found himself experiencing guilt, shame, and didn't like that shit at all. "Please."

She did as he asked, slipping into the passenger seat. He closed her door after making sure she was in safely, then jogged around to the driver's door and got in. Kamryn asked, "Are you okay? You seem... different."

"I'm good. What do you mean?"

"I don't know," she said as she buckled her seatbelt. "You just seem on edge, maybe? A little uncertain? Do you still feel like I'm afraid of you or something? Because I thought we cleared all of that up last night."

For a split second, as her words hung in the air between them, he wondered if the Jimin she'd come to know was starting to waver in her eyes–if he appeared as hesitant as he felt being overtaken by something so unexpectedly beautiful.

"Uncertain of what? No, I'm fine. You told me that you weren't afraid and that you'd accept me for who I am. I believe you, and I appreciate you saying that. I guess it will take time–because I've never experienced this... dynamic before. Just like you."

"You're right. I've never met a sexy demon before."

"Ha ha. So you think I'm sexy, huh?" While he was incredibly flattered, something deeper within felt–healed. The darkest part of him that he'd been ashamed of since the day it manifested, she accepted.

"Whatever," she giggles. "Where have you been? You look so handsome and professional." He was still wearing what he wore to the office, minus his blazer. The white button-up was slim fit, showing off every muscular curve in his arms and his firm pecs.

"You think so? Thanks. I just had to take care of some business this morning. Are you off all day?"

"Yeah, I only have some editing to do, but I'm free. Why?"

"I was hoping to get some of your time. Maybe take you to lunch, then whatever you want after."

"That sounds nice, but are we going to act like I don't smell like hot ass right now? I want to take a shower and change before we do anything."

"Yes, ma'am. Whatever you want, I'll do, beautiful." And he would, in more ways than either of them were even aware–without thought.

She grinned, seemingly pleased to be getting her way so easily.

At her place, he pulled in next to her car. Surveying the parking lot, he saw that Tiara's car wasn't there, but Mariah's was.

"Would you like to come in? I shouldn't be too long." He really didn't want to but as he stated before, he was a gentleman. He had to carry her things inside.

"Sure," he said, shutting off the engine, then turning to grab her things from the backseat before getting out to open the door for her. He took her hand and allowed himself to be led to her door.

"Ri," she yelled, "are you here?"

Don't be home. Don't be home. He sighed a sigh of relief when there was no answer.

"She must be out with her boyfriend 'cause her car is here. Anyway, you can wait in my room if you want."

"Yeah, okay." He followed her into her bedroom, glancing around as he set her things down on the bed, right next to the phone she'd tossed there before disappearing into the walk-in closet. "You weren't kidding when you mentioned that your favorite color is yellow. It's bright as hell in here," he mused, taking in her space. The room was a mix of white and various shades of yellow—soft, warm, and undeniably her. It was fitting. It looked... happy. He lowered himself onto the yellow boucle fabric of the swivel chair nestled near the corner he'd occupied just the night before.

"First of all, you would know," she yelled from around the corner. "Secondly, don't do me like that. My room is beautiful."

"I didn't say it wasn't. It's nice, I'm just saying."

"Whatever." She peeked around the corner. "Alright, I'm going to shower real quick. Be right back." Then she disappeared to walk back through the closet to the bathroom.

Jimin, taking note of how comfortable the chair was, scrolled on his phone. His fingers moved across the screen, though he was barely paying attention. His thoughts were on the meeting he'd had with Chairman Kim. Thinking back on what was discussed, he wondered what his next move should be.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the front door open and then close. Immediately, he felt exposed, caught, and uncomfortable, like he shouldn't be here. Jimin wasn't necessarily a people person and tended to distance himself, so he really didn't want to have to interact with Kamryn's roommates, especially with her not being there with him.

"Kam!" A woman's voice yelled. He could hear her footsteps getting closer to the door and another voice further away, assumingly in the living room. After a series of small knocks, she opened the door and jolted back, obviously surprised to see him sitting there. "Oh. Hey."

"Hey. Kamryn's in the shower," he answered a little too quickly but remained sitting comfortably with his legs crossed, an ankle resting on his knee. Jimin stood and walked over to her to shake her hand. "You must be Mariah. I've heard so much about you."

"I am. And you must be Jimin," Mariah answered, accepting his hand.

"Guilty," he said, attempting to act lighthearted and friendly.

"Babe, who are you talking to? Kam got a man in here?"

Jimin's eyes shifted from Mariah to the man now standing behind her.

"What the fuck? What are you doing here?" The man asked loudly.

"I'm sorry?" Jimin was thoroughly confused.

"Do you guys know each other?" Mariah asked. Jimin shook his head before Taehyung continued.

"This is the man I was telling you about earlier. The one who took my parking spot."

"Kim Taehyung?" Jimin asked, remembering the sign he'd seen that marked the spot at Kim Towers earlier. "I did take your spot this morning. Forgive me. I didn't think I was going to be there long. Park Jimin," he introduced himself while extending his hand to the man. Taehyung just stared at his hand and then back to his face. The tightness in Taehyng's jaw, his rigid stance–Jimin didn't need powers to know that this man didn't fuck with him. His disrespect was awakening a part of Jimin he thought was beginning to soften. He could feel the rage climbing up from his belly; his hand tightened around the phone still in his other hand.

Kamryn Graham

"Jimin, wh-," Kamryn said as she walked around the corner. "Oh, hey guys! I figured y'all were together. I see you've met Jimin."

"Yeah. Yeah, we met Jimin," Taehyung said roughly.

"Tae, don't start, please," Kamryn said with an exasperated expression.

"Start what? Why is this man in your bedroom? And, what the fuck you got on?"

His question made everyone stop to take in what she was wearing. The springy yellow, flirty swing dress with spaghetti straps she had on was cute and stopped just above her knees.

"Awww, you look so cute, Kam!" Mariah gushed, causing Kamryn to beam, spinning around before she kicked her foot up behind her.

"Cute? Her ass is practically hanging out. Go change."

"Oh, hush, Tae. It is not even that short," Mariah said as she playfully swatted at his arm. She looked back at Kamryn adoringly. "Okay, legs! Shoes! I love it. Where y'all going?"

Kamryn looked at Jimin, and he answered, "Lunch, then wherever else she wants to go."

"Oh, good. I'm starving. Let's go," Taehyung said.

"Stop it, Tae. We are not going with them," she huffed while pushing him back out of the doorway. She shot an apologetic look at Kamryn. "Sorry, girl. You know how he is." Looking back at Jimin, she offered a polite nod. "It was nice to meet you. Enjoy your lunch." Then, with a mischievous grin, she glanced back at Kamryn. "See you later, beautiful," she sang, still wrangling Taehyung, who was still protesting and talking shit as she muscled him back up the hallway.

"Well, this wasn't how I imagined I would introduce you to my friends, but... yeah. My friends," Kamryn said with a shy smile, reaching her hands out as if presenting something.

"It's all good. You look beautiful," he said, taking her hand to spin her again.

"Thank you." Kamryn blushed. "Let me grab my purse, then I'll be ready."

Once Kamryn had gathered everything she needed and stuffed it into her purse, the pair made their way out of the room and into the living room, where Taehyung was seated on the couch, still staring daggers at Jimin.

"Hey babe, Tae has to meet with some stiff-ass business exec later tonight at Clove for happy hour. If you're done before 6:30, will you come by? I don't want to be there alone while they talk business," Mariah called out from the kitchen.

"Eww. Boring," Kamryn teased Taehyung, who still sat straight-faced. "Yeah, of course, if we're done." She agreed just as Mariah came around the corner, wiggling her eyebrows.

"It was nice to meet you both. Sorry again about the parking spot," Jimin offered, trying his best to behave. Taehyung threw a hand up, acknowledging him this time after obviously being scolded by Mariah. He still rolled his eyes with his arms crossed against his chest. And as if Kamryn could feel the war between good and evil raging inside Jimin, she opened the door and pulled him out before he could say anything else.

"See y'all later," she said with a forced smile before closing the door. "Jimin, Jimin, calm down, okay," she said, placing her soft hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look at her. Her head jerked with confusion when their eyes met. "Your eyes. What? How?"

Jimin grabbed her hand and hurriedly led her out the back door into the courtyard.

"Wait! Jimin!" She called out to him while trying to keep up with her heels digging into the grass, but he couldn't hear shit right now.

At the back door of his building, he pulled his wallet from his pocket and pressed it against the sensor, unlocking the door. She followed him down the hall and to the elevator. Once inside, she tried to talk to him again.

"Quiet," he said as he glanced at her without fully turning to look at her. That voice. The voice made her gasp and place a hand on her chest in a useless attempt to keep her heart from beating through her skin. The way her body reacted to the sound didn't make sense. She should have been screaming and clawing her way free from his grasp, but she wasn't. She wouldn't. Instead, she gripped his hand tighter, and her belly burned as wetness formed between her legs. Weak in the knees, the excitement coursed through her, but she didn't dare speak another word.

The elevator dinged when they reached the third floor. He tugged at her, leading her to his apartment, where he used his keycard again, opening the door for them. Once inside, he made a beeline for the kitchen, where he retrieved a glass and a bottle of brown liquor. Kamryn stood in the middle of the living room and watched him from a distance. His amber eyes bore into her as he threw the first shot back. His teeth seemed to be extended, kind of like a vampire, but not just his fangs–all of them. He poured another shot before he came to stand in front of her, where she was able to get a better look at him. He was beautifully terrifying.

She had so many questions but decided to tuck her lips in instead of voicing them. He circled her slowly, and she could feel the heat emanating from his body. Swirling the brown liquid in the glass haphazardly, his eyes remained trained on her. She stiffened when he began to speak.

"Who the fuck is Taehyung to you?" He spat, his aggressiveness making her moan. Her senses were overwhelmed–the gravelly crackle in his voice, his appearance, the smell of his cologne mixed with the liquor, the heat on her skin–and it was all too much. Yet, she wanted more. She needed him just like this, in between her legs, taking her–his intensity keeping her on the verge of pleasure and fear. Her heart pounded, and she was sure he was close enough to hear it. She was already breathing heavily as she began looking down, plucking at the fabric of her dress, unaware that each time it flared, he was catching whiffs of her arousal.

"Stop," he barked. She startled and stopped immediately. "Look at me." His words sounded more like a challenge than a command that she obeyed. Her hands trembled at her side as she forced herself to look into his golden eyes. "Answer me."

"A- A friend. More like a big brother. We all met in college. He's Mariah's boyfriend. He's just overprotective. He didn't mea-"

Park Jimin

"Don't you dare fix your fucking mouth to defend another man in front of me," he seethed. He saw her eyes fall to his teeth and then back to his eyes. That was one of the parts of himself he was afraid to show her: his teeth. He was ashamed–as if his glowing eyes weren't enough; his fangs were a stain that displayed how truly putrid he was inside. They were an extension of the fury boiling within him, not because of the blatant disrespect he'd just endured from Taehyung. Snickering, he thought back to how he tried to apologize and smooth things over before he'd left.

What the fuck was that?

Foolish. He felt so stupid trying to appease a measly human. A human that wasn't her. While that was infuriating, it was nothing. The fact that he was unable to handle Taehyung the way he usually would...the way he wanted to–was fucking with him. Physically capable. Of course. But fucking Kamryn. She made him hesitate. Made him practice patience and show mercy. Who the fuck was he becoming? And all for some fucking woman? She was turning him into a bitch, and he was beginning to hate her for it. Torn, deep down, he didn't want to hurt her and knew that he wouldn't. Hell, he didn't even want her to be afraid of him, but the darkness inside needed its lick back.

"What? Are you scared?" he taunted.

"No," she lied. Jimin could feel that she was scared shitless, but the wetness between her legs suggested something else lingered. He licked the edges of his dentitions.

She looked at his teeth again, so he forced them out further, giving in even more to the shadow within. Kamryn's eyes grew wide as she watched his face morph, with an audible crack in his jaw. His cheeks shifted into an unnaturally chiseled appearance, causing a new swarm of emotions to flood her all at once. Confused, she stopped breathing as his skin stretched in ways a human's skin shouldn't. She was terrified–he could feel it. Smell it. And God, he loved it.

"Look at me! Yeah, there it is. I can smell it on you. Terror," he teased with the most evil smile Kamryn had ever seen. Jimin inhaled deeply, savoring her fear. "Am I too much for you?" She didn't answer. "Are you speechless, Kamryn?"

"L- Like-," her words were breathy, catching in her throat. "Like your mother?" The aftershocks of fear continued to reverberate throughout her body, her whole being convulsed. "Jimin. Stop." Her bottom lip began to quiver, and tears escaped her eyes to cascade down her cheeks. "Stop," she said as her voice grew weaker. Losing strength in her body, she reached out to rest a hand on his forearm. Deflated. It was as if she was being siphoned of her energy.

Jimin's eyes flashed as if he'd just realized what he was doing–he was becoming like him. His father. The tension between his knitted brows and hardened facial features began to soften. The razor-sharp teeth began to retract, slowly moving back into his gum line. "Kamryn," he said softly. The glass shattered before he even realized he'd let it go, but she was falling, and instinct had taken over. He caught her and held her limp body in his arms as feelings of what must have been regret churned in his stomach. "Kamryn. I'm so sorry," he whispered into her hair.

A/N:

Omg. Jimin is taking our girl down through there! Have you ever been in a situation where you KNEW you should have run the other way, but you didn't? I pray that you are okay, you were able to walk away, and that you learned something 💕

Thanks so much to @moonleeai for beta reading this chapter! 💜🫶🏽

[joonslfttiddie]

How TOO Bangtan pack looks…

Just fyi…

[joonslfttiddie]

BE MINE

Nine

💜Fic Pairing: BTS Member x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Dark Romance | Demon Member

💜Warnings: (for entire work; not chapter specific) Mental Illnesses/Troubled Childhood/Alcoholic Parent/Mentions of Domestic Violence/Physical Violence/Stalking/Gore/Mentions of Blood/Sexist Remarks/Derogatory Remarks/Detailed Murder/Murder of an Animal/Language/Adult Themes/Sexual Themes/Mind Control/Telepathy (invading thoughts w/o permission)/Fingering/Masturbation/Manipulation/Alluding at Drug Usage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 4,032

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Nine

Park Jimin

“Fuck!”

Still seated on the couch, Jimin rubbed his hands down his face. Defeated as his thoughts began to swirl around, a mess of unbalanced uncertainty and a million and one questions. One thing he was sure of was that he’d lost her forever. He knew that the horrid DNA that flowed through him, the connection to who his father was, would eventually cost him everything. He knew that he would never be happy. He was evil, rotten to the core, and didn’t deserve to be happy, not with the crud that flowed through his veins.

The feelings that transferred from Kamryn made his stomach turn. She was so scared. Scared of him, and he didn’t like it. He projected himself as he had in her shower, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to see him. He wanted to reach out and comfort her, but each time he was about to show himself, the fear in her eyes was like a punch to the gut. He really thought it would be okay to eliminate Micah. Not legally, but he assumed she wanted him gone. Didn’t she say he was a waste of space after he admitted that he wanted to kill him? Well, he said he wanted to hurt him badly. Semantics, but death was always his intention.

Jimin couldn’t take it anymore–the terrified look on her face, the way her heart raced, and the way she wanted nothing more than to get away from him. When he knew she’d made it home safely, he tried to sever their connection, at least for the night, not even realizing that he had no desire to try to manipulate her feelings. No desire to make her be okay with his confession. No desire to control her. His eyes flickered, but he could still feel her. Again, he tried, but the link remained. He’d never experienced this before and wondered if his powers were weakening. They weren’t. As a matter-of-fact, he was stronger than he’d ever been and so was the tether to Kamryn. He was too far gone, crumbling and reconstructing in her hands–losing himself while finding something much greater.

Maybe he needed to go stir up some shit between a few humans, to cause a little trouble so that he could feed off of whatever negative bullshit they emitted. Or maybe, he needed to feel the warmness of somebody’s blood splatter onto his skin, to watch it drip from his blade, to breathe in their essence as they teetered at the border of life and death. No. He had no desire to do any of that, which was odd. He didn’t want to do anything if it wasn’t with or for Kamryn. He was starting to realize that no matter his intention, Kamryn would not understand him. Hell, he couldn’t even take Tiara out now, judging by the way Kamryn reacted to Micah’s death. No, she didn’t fuck with her like that, but evidently, murder is ‘not the way we fix our problems’.

Fuck.

He tried again to disconnect the bond, which failed, causing him to dig his nails into the denim covering his thighs. With his frustration at an all-time high, he wanted to scream, to throw something, to punch something, but stopped when he felt her feelings waver.

What’s this?

While unsureness lingered, he could feel Kamryn’s fear begin to dwindle, being replaced by–exhilaration? Flattery? No, happiness? Pride? Acceptance? Whatever it was caused Jimin’s heart to swell, changing his mood instantly, and making him feel that maybe he hadn’t lost her completely. He went from trying his best to climb from the depths of her mind to relaxing on the couch, allowing himself to sink deeper–deep enough to materialize in her room. A part of him didn’t want to, afraid that he would push her away again, but the other said fuck it. She may not have known what he was, but she knew what he was capable of. There was no need to hide it anymore. He wanted to come clean.

He closed his eyes and began to breathe deeply, focusing on moving his astral body. Wanting nothing more than to see her. He didn’t plan to do anything but watch her. When his brain felt like it was tingling, he opened his eyes to see her darkened bedroom. There was a lump under the covers, and he wanted to lie next to her, to hold her, and comfort her, but didn’t, remaining in the dark corner–still and quiet. She tossed and turned this way and that, until she flopped to lie on her back like a starfish in the middle of her bed, staring at the ceiling. His glowing red eyes in the corner caught her attention and she glanced in his direction, did a double take, then clutched her blanket to cover half of her face.

“JIMIN?” She whisper-shouted, sounding more like a cry for help than an actual question, “Jimin, is that you?”

Wait. You can see me?

“Yes, I can see you. What are you doing here?”

“Please, please, Kamryn. Please, don’t be afraid. I’m not here to hurt you. I’m not even physically here. I- I just needed to see you. To check on you. You rushed out in such a hurry, and understandably so, but- I need you to know that I would never hurt you. And I won’t hurt anybody else if that’s what you need. I know you must have questions, and I’ll answer anything,” he rambled on, his voice heavy with desperation. “Please.”

Reluctantly, she uncovered her face and sat up slowly as the blanket slid down her body just a bit. Enough that Jimin could see that she was wearing a cropped shirt with no bra, and those damn nipples of hers taunted him through the thin fabric. He tried his best to look away, aware that his current situation was serious, but he couldn’t help but wonder what she wore on her bottom half.

“Anybody else? So, Micah wasn’t your first body?” Her tone had changed, now, not as timid. Her voice commanded answers, and it made him a little nervous.

He was silent for a moment, but he answered truthfully, just as he’d promised he would.

“No. He wasn’t.”

She gasped, then said, “Oh my God.” She groaned and buried her face into her palms.

“But, but, everyone I took down deserved it. I admitted to you, I am not a good person, but they weren’t either,” he explained.

“And that makes it okay, Jimin?” She continued to stare toward him, glowing eyes the only indication of where he stood. “Those were still human lives you took.”

“No. I guess it’s not okay.” He finally stepped out of the shadows and knelt down at the foot of her bed, unconsciously bowing to her command, both literally and figuratively. Honestly, anything that she asked of him at this moment, he would gladly do. He put his elbows on the bed, and the mattress dipped as if he were there, alive and in living color. He rested his chin on his clasped fists and watched as her eyes widened now with the moonlight allowing her to see him fully. She reached out and softly pinched his cheek to which he closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. And just as quickly, it was snatched away as if he was hot to the touch.

“How are you here? Is this another one of your gifts?”

“Yes. But this is a new one. I’ve never connected this deeply with anyone before, where I was able to project myself to wherever they are. I’ve only been able to do this with you.”

“Only me? Why? Wait, hold on. Back to the topic. The people that you killed–Explain. Why were they bad people? How many lives have you taken, Jimin?”

“A lot. I’ve lost count, honestly. Some of them liked to beat up women. Some were inappropriately interested in children. Others murdered people for no apparent reason.”

“Okay, so you’re some vigilante? But does that not make you a murderer as well? What? You think you’re doing the Lord’s work? My God, and the way you’re speaking, as if it’s no big deal,” she trailed off, shaking her head. The expression on her face looked like she was disgusted with him, but the glimmer in her eyes said something else.

He felt his dick jump. There was something about her sharp words peppered with sarcasm that awakened something within him. He was unsure, but he felt he could hear the hints of potential in her voice. The way that she was speaking made him feel that she could talk down to him. She could degrade him, and he would love it. He had to play this right and not chase her away, but he had to be honest. Honesty seemed to be important to her, and he wanted to please her. 

Jimin chuckled inwardly at her choice of words. “I’m no vigilante, and I’m aware that what I do is far from the Lord’s work. You’re a smart girl, Kamryn,” he said with a smirk. “What do you think I am?”

The slight praise made her flustered, causing her to stammer over her words. “You must be something evil to t–To take pride in ending the lives of others. And your eyes are… red.” She gasped, placing her hands over her mouth as if she was either just noticing them or she was putting more clues together. “You’re the devil.” She didn’t say anything, her body tense while staring into his face, awaiting his answer. Her words made him think of the night his mother said those same words about his father.

Why does he care so much about me? I ain’t nobody.

“You are somebody. Stop saying that about yourself.”

“Oh my God.” She was clearly frustrated. “Stop doing that!”

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry. I’ve been trying to separate from you, but for some reason, I couldn’t. Like I said, this is new terrain for me. I’ll keep trying, though, to break it. Until I figure it out, there is something you can do to block me or anyone else from peeking into that beautiful mind of yours. Just hum in your mind. I know it may sound weird, but you’ll be too focused on the melody, clearing your mind.”

“That doesn’t sound weird. It seems similar to what I do when I meditate. I’ll either recite an affirmation repeatedly or make a ‘mmm’ sound to stay grounded,” she demonstrated. “Focusing on that helps to stop my mind from wandering or from random thoughts popping up.” She was quiet for a moment before she asked, “So? Are you? The devil?”

“See, I knew you were a smart cookie. But, no, I’m not. My father is actually a demon. My mother is human, which makes me half.”

“Half human or half demon?”

This was a loaded question. Jimin understood that she was asking which side of himself he would choose. Light or dark? Good or evil? But, would he eventually have to choose in order to be with her?

“As above, so below. As within so without. I’m just me. Darkness has to exist for there to be light, Kamryn.” And he wanted and needed her to be just that. His light. He wanted to learn from her, to be more like her–he needed her to guide him back to humanity.

She cleared her throat and tried to ignore the way her pussy purred from the sound of her name coating his lips. “Is that why you mentioned you didn’t know where your dad was? I remember you saying that you hadn’t spoken to him or your mother in a while.”

“Yeah, that is partially true. I hadn’t seen or heard from my dad since mom and I left home. And I hadn’t spoken to my mom, not because I didn’t want to but because I couldn’t. On the same day that I realized what I was, my dad showed his true face to her, which petrified her so badly she hadn’t spoken a word since that day. Her body went so stiff–it’s like she was frozen in that moment.” He stared at nothing in particular as if he was reliving that night. The pull between his brows relaxed when Kamryn began to speak again, her voice a salve to his trauma.

“Oh my God.” She clutched the thin fabric just over her heart. “Your poor mother. I was so ready to not like her based on what you told me before.”

“Why would you dislike her? You don’t even know her.”

“Sorry if that came out wrong. You’re right, I don’t know her, but I know that she hurt you. They hurt you. It sounds like she’s suffering daily for how she treated you. I can’t imagine what she’s going through, being trapped in a prison curated by her own mind.”

They stared at each other for a long time as Jimin’s mind went into overdrive. New perspectives he would have never considered before presented themselves, raging with the ideologies of his past.

Jimin swallowed past the lump that had formed in his throat. “You know? I actually went to see her today,” he admitted. His words seemed to fly out of his mouth as if the kindness and empathy radiating from Kamryn were pulling them out one by one. In that moment, he felt like he could show her every inch of the grime and dirt that soiled his soul, and she would not judge him. “She is in a nursing home just about half an hour from here, and today, she talked to me for the first time in all these years. Well, she didn’t speak, but she was able to use another form of communication specialists taught the residents. Kamryn, I was so excited and so proud of her,” he gushed. When his red orbs met her dark brown ones, he saw that she was crying. “What’s wrong?” He reached up to swipe the tears away, and she allowed him to.

“It’s just–” her voice broke. “It’s like I can feel you. Your feelings. Yes, you’re happy to have been able to communicate with her, but you’re still so sad. Maybe regretful?”

“Wow. Well, yeah. Mmm,” he stumbled, then cleared his throat, taken aback that she read him so well while also trying to find his words. “She– Umm–” Unable to continue, he laid his head on the comforter, turning his face away from Kamryn. He closed his eyes, and tears forced themselves out and into the fabric. Kamryn reached out to rub her hands through his hair, just as his mother had earlier. He wanted to hop on the bed and take Kamryn into his arms. He wanted to be as close to her as possible, so thankful that she was able to see him. To understand him. To accept him.

“It’s okay, Jimin. It’s okay,” she soothed while still stroking his head when her door flew open. His eyes popped open as if he’d been startled out of his sleep, and he found himself back at home, seated on his couch with tears streaming down his face.

Kamryn Graham

“Kamryn!”

“Where- How? Huh? What?”

“What is wrong with you? What are you doing?”

Kamryn was frozen, still leaning over with her hand reaching out toward the end of the bed. She was still shook from watching Jimin disappear right before her eyes. She quickly grabbed her back, trying to play it off.

“Nothing. My back hurts. I’m just stretching it. What’s up? Where you been?”

Mariah came to sit on the edge of her bed, replaced Kamryn’s hand with her own, and rubbed her hand across the small of Kamryn’s back. “Tae came home today, so I went to have dinner with him and his parents, remember? How was your day? Feeling better?”

“Oh, yeah. How are they?”

“Everyone’s good,” Mariah answered. “You?”

“I’m good, and my day was great, actually,” she said, not realizing Jimin’s influence on her perspective. “Not only did I have great sessions, I got a lot of editing done. Also, Debra called me.”

“Oh, Lord,” Mariah groaned at the sound of Kamryn’s mother’s name. “I thought you said your day was great.”

“I know right?” Kamryn laughed lightly. “But today was different. I didn’t let her verbally abuse me today.” Mariah’s hands stopped as she listened intently. “She called on some bullshit, but I didn’t let her get to me. She was all like, ‘I didn’t call to get an attitude from you,’ so I asked, ‘why did you call then?’. Girl, she was so bothered, she called my whole government name.”

“Holy shit! Not Kamryn Denise Graham! She was big mad.”

“Big mad. She told me I was being disrespectful, and I told her that I wasn’t. She threatened to come up here, and I told her when she’s on her way to remember that we are both grown, then she hung up on me.”

“Whaaaaaaaaat?! What in the entire fuck? What did your dad say? I know she called him.”

“You know she did. At first, he wanted me to concede to her and continue to allow her treatment, but I didn’t take shit from his ass either. I refused and told him about himself. He even apologized, like, for everything, and told me he was proud of me.” She stopped abruptly. She looked at her friend, and suddenly, her bottom lip began to quiver.

“Oh, Kamryn.” She couldn’t say anything else as she watched her friend try to hold back her tears, just nodding her head. Mariah climbed onto the bed, pulled her in for a hug, and the floodgates opened as they always did when her friend comforted her. Mariah swiped her hands up and down her back while hugging her tightly. “Shh. I know, babe. I know.” Mariah held her gently as her entire body quaked with emotion. When Kamryn’s cries began to subside, they pulled away from each other, still holding hands. When Kamryn looked at Mariah, she saw that she was sporting tears of her own. 

“I didn’t mean to make you cry. It was just–  a lot.”

“I can only imagine.” There was a comfortable silence between them before Mariah continued. “There has been something different about you these past few days. I can’t put my finger on it, but you standing up to your parents, to Tiara, hell–you even got me together a little bit. Just a smidge.” They laughed. “But, I am so proud of you. I hope you are proud of yourself, too.”

“I am,” Kamryn choked out.

“Okay, okay… enough before we start crying again. Did you talk to Jimmy today?”

“I did. And I misheard. His name is actually Jimin.” Kamryn chose to omit the fact that she’d gone to his place and ended up practically running for her life just hours prior.

“Mmm.”

“Mmm, what, Mariah?”

“I ain’t said shit. His name is cute, though.” Mariah glanced up to see Kamryn looking at her with narrowed eyes. “What?” She spoke through a chuckle.

“You are saying a whole lot without saying shit.”

“Look,” she said as she shifted to pull her leg under her, “I was having very bad feelings about him, but I may be wrong this time.”

“Mariah,” Kamryn said, dragging her name out. “Don't start.”

“No, I’m serious. I was having very intense negative feelings about him but it’s not like that anymore. I don’t know. I still don’t trust him, and there is a darkness around him, but I don’t feel like you’re in danger or anything. I’m just saying,” she paused, rubbing the backs of Kamryn’s hands. “You’re going to do what you want to do regardless, and I’ll still be here regardless of the outcome. Just… be careful. I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t tell you, that’s it.”

“That’s all,” they said in unison, giggling.

“Okay. I know you’re only trying to protect me, but you gotta let me out of this bubble, Ri. You gotta let me fall and skin my knee sometimes. It just feels like you’re trying to be the mother I didn’t have instead of my best friend. It can be suffocating at times,” Kamryn admitted.

“You’re right, you’re right. You know I have beef with your mom after hearing about how badly she treated you. I wanted to show you the other side of that. You deserve to be treated that way–loved, seen, and supported. I just wanted you to know that you’re loved. I didn’t intend to turn into a helicopter mom.”

“Damn, bitch, you tryna fuck or what?”

“See? I bet I won’t tell you how much I love you ever again.” They laughed.

“Okay, okay. But for real, I do feel loved, seen, and supported. I feel it, friend, and I appreciate you for that. It’s just the constant questioning of what I’m doing, where I’m going, who I’m going with, when will I be back, do this, don’t do that…it’s just a lot.”

“Damn.” Mariah hung her head low. “I didn’t realize while I was doing it, but I do be all in your business.”

“Heavy,” Kamryn stated.

“Alright, bitch. Not too much,” Mariah quipped, then offered a tight lipped smile. “But, I understand. I’ll pull back a bit.”

“Thank you.”

They hugged each other again before Mariah let go, then playfully squished Kamryn’s cheeks, causing her mouth to form an oval shape.

“Alright, whore. Good night. I love you.”

“I love you too, trollop. Good night.”

“Ewww… that’s so ugly.”

Kamryn giggled as Mariah exited, closing the door behind her, leaving Kamryn alone with her truths and her thoughts. Remembering what Jimin said, she began to hum as she laid down and burrowed her body into the duvet. She had to admit to herself that she wasn’t afraid of Jimin and knew that she was never in any true danger. When she ran away from his place earlier, she was only reacting to her body, to her intuition, and the insistent pull to get away. 

There was a lot she had to come to terms with, including the darkness of her own that lingered within. Was she being thirsty, so happy that someone wanted her? Why did she feel so at peace with the fact that Micah was dead and that Jimin had killed him? Why was she so prepared to justify his actions? She dug even deeper and thought about the people around her. She would be a mess if anything were to ever happen to Mariah, but Tiara? Meh. While she wasn’t thinking about nor did she want to do what Jimin does, she wouldn’t care if something happened to her.

When she thought about her parents, her eyes began to water immediately. Their relationships were not the best, but they were her parents. If she had to be honest with herself, she felt that she would be sad and cry if something were to happen to them. Not because they were amazing parents, but due to the loss of what could have been. The finality of the love and care she would never receive from them. Well, after the conversation with her father today, she may be open to nurturing a relationship with him but decided that he would have to do the work and initiate it. Kamryn knew it would be a cold day in hell before her mother fixed her mouth to apologize or change her ways.

Hmm. She stopped humming. Does it ever get cold in hell?

What? That’s random, but I don’t know. I’ve never been.

Never? No summers with grandpa?

Why are you like this? No.

Kamryn continued to ask questions and make jokes, unconsciously comforting Jimin while accepting him for who and what he was. Jimin was delighted by her easy-going nature and effortless banter while he answered her questions honestly. They talked like this, going back and forth discussing everything–from their childhoods to their favorite colors and favorite ice cream flavors, until Kamryn finally fell asleep.