#c: azalea | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mauveisroyalexo · 3 months ago

Text

C H A P T E R — T H R E E

Summary: Tensions rise with the Batiste household as the well anticipated first dinner goes horribly wrong. What happens after, becomes the catalyst for Akira’s new life.

Warnings: Strong language, derogatory language, slow burn

WC: 10.4K

Previous | Next

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Akira. It seems our sons didn’t run you off after all.”

The jokes seemed to flow across the long table as Akira apologized for being late. As expected, she was placed between Namjoon and Jin, the head alpha and beta of their pack. Akira noticed each gift bag she had brought was placed in front of the heads of Bangtan’s familial pack, as well as eight in front of her father and one in front Naomi.

Jackson’s mother gushed over the Jade comb and earrings, remarking how thoughtful Naomi was to study their culture. Akira could only hope for the same sentiment as each of the pack leaders opened their gifts from her. Akira wasn’t sure her mother picked out, she was just as nervous as she was earlier. Beneath the table, Namjoon’s hand gripped Akira’s, running his thumb soothingly against her palm. Jimin and Jin’s fathers both received engraved fountain pen sets, which they seemed to genuinely appreciate. Akira squeezed Namjoon’s hand as tight as she could, needing reassurance once it got to his mother. “Oh my Akira…this is the most beautiful bracelet I’ve ever seen.” Akira could practically see the tears in her eyes as each woman opened their bags, each pulling out a bracelet with different flower charms hanging from them, each one representing the birth month of each child they had. For Jungkook’s mother, a tiger lily and a honeysuckle. For Hobi’s mother, a buttercup and a spring crocus. For Yoongi’s mother, a larch and a peach; for Taehyun’s mother, a Carolina allspice, a briar rose, and a goldenrod. And lastly, for Namjoon’s mother, a clematis and an azalea. Akira’s mother did think to put in bracelets for Jimin and Jin’s mother’s as well; how she managed to know all this information without you was a mystery.

Looking across the room, Akira noticed her mother and sister give her a wink, thankful that they somehow got the importance of each bracelet. “Thank you Akira, I know that Jin’s mother will greatly appreciate the gift. She wished to be here, but the grand-pups are in town for a visit.” Jin’s father had a similar laugh to Jin’s, making Akira smile. Without much thought, Akira reached beneath the table to grab Jin’s hand with her free one. Jin smiled, the tips of his ears turning red.

“You did good, beautiful.” Namjoon leaned over to whisper in Akira’s ear. Akira closed her eyes just as Namjoon pecked the side of her head. Her heartbeat quickened at the mere touch of his lips, making Namjoon chuckle and squeeze her hand once again. It was bold to do such a thing in front of both families, but their parents didn’t seem to mind. In their eyes, Akira was perfect for their sons without knowing much about her. Naturally, the occasional question came up for both you and the pack: do you see yourself bearing a mating mark? Do you plan on staying or moving away? Will there be grand-pups?

Akira coughed before her wine could slide down her throat. Jungkook shook his head, embarrassed by his mother’s boldness while others snickered. “U-uhm…well we haven’t—we haven’t talked about that yet.” You stuttered, face flushed with heat. Akira coughed again, still feeling the tickle in the back of her throat as Jin handed her water to drink. She mouthed a quick ‘thank you’ before guzzling down half a glass of water. Halfway through the dinner, Naomi opened her gift from Jackson,a beautiful gold bangle engraved with a message and her name, with jade stones embedded into them. Akira smiled at her sister’s happy smile while the rest of her family raised their glasses in praise. “We would also like to give our gifts to Akira.” Taehyung smiled, nodding his head to her. One by one, each of the men pulled out their gifts from beneath the table. Family members from different tables strained their necks to see what she got from them. Akira felt put on the spot but knowing how they really wanted her to accept their gifts, Akira silently relented. Taehyung was the first to give his gift, a big purple bag in his hand as he walked around the table to hand it to her.

“Oh Taehyung, you shouldn’t have..” Akira couldn’t believe how big the bag was.

“I thought you might like it.” He smiled proudly, watching her pull back the tissue paper and pull out a large quilt. Big and purple with stars and hearts alternating each square and bordering the quilt. Akira held it to her, aware that she could smell the lavender and leather. She could smell the citrus of orange and the smoothness of vanilla and sandalwood and mouth watering pear. “To keep you warm until you’re with us.” Taehyung smartly replied, leaning forward to place a kiss on top of Akira’s head. She placed the quilt back into the bag then received the next gift, which was from Jungkook. The bag, also purple, was medium in size. Akira dug through the bag, pulling out a Polaroid camera. She looked up at Jungkook with a smirk; his full bunny smile making her giggle, “For all the memories we’ll make. As a new family.” Akira bit her lip, feeling tears start to warm behind her eyes. She reached out her hand for him, “Thank you, Jungkook.” Her soft voice made his wolf pur. Placing the camera back in the bag, Akira was ready for the next gift. Next, Yoongi and Hobi stood behind her, both excited for Akira to open her next gift, “We hope you like it. We picked it out together.” Handing over a long, purple rectangular box, Hobi turned to Yoongi, excited about her reaction. Akira opened the box and gasped. The diamond charm bracelet wasn’t too overwhelming with just the right amount of charms and diamonds studded throughout. “See this one in the middle?” Yoongi pointed out to the purple, vertically inverted trapezoids pointing to each other, “That’s our pack’s insignia. You’re a part of our pack and we want others to know it too.”

“And these charms represent us.” Hobi explains, “I’m the sun. Jin’s the moon. The guitar pick is Yoongi, the rose is Taehyung, the book is Namjoon, the wings are Jimin and the bunny is Jungkook for obvious reasons.” Jungkook sucked his teeth, scowling while Akira giggled, trying to hide the tears threatening to spill.

“I’ll never take it off, thank you Hobi.” Akira then turned to Yoongi, “Thank you, Yoongi.” Taking Akira by surprise, they both kissed her on the cheeks. Akira pouted cutely, holding her wrist out as Jin attached the bracelet. “Everything was beautiful, I don’t know if I could stand any more presents.”

“But you haven’t gotten to me yet.” Jimin pouted.

“Or me,” Jin mused,

“Or me, beautiful.” Namjoon smiled, his dimples deep and round. Akira covered her face, suddenly feeling shy. She felt a hand on her waist, squeezing her side.

“C’mon Akira, I wanna see what the others got!” Naomi yelled from the end of the table, clearly excited. Jimin smirked, handing her a large purple box, Akira could sense a theme here. She opened the box, revealing the softest oversized sweater known to man. It felt plush between her fingertips, the soft pink fabric delicate, almost too perfect for her to have, “Just something delicate for a delicate woman.” Akira smiled, holding the sweater to her chest, already making up her mind that she’ll sleep in it later tonight.

“I love it, Jimin, thank you.” Akira folded the sweater and placed it in the bag with the camera. Next was Jin, offering a gift that both he and Namjoon came up with. He handed Akira a purple velvet box, making her look at both him and Namjoon, “What did you two do? Is it gonna make me cry?” Jin laughed,

“Open the box Akira.” Akira bit her lip as she opened the box. A jagged shaped piece hung from a thin gold chain. On the piece was her name engraved in cursive along with her birthstone, a pretty garnet gem. It took Akira a moment to realize, “It’s a puzzle piece.” She spoke softly, a cute confused frown on her face. Looking up, she looked at all seven men slowly revealing their own necklaces, “W-What’s—you didn’t.”

“We each have a piece. You’re the completed part of our puzzle so we wanted to show you that.” Namjoon rested his arm on the back of Akira’s chair, his hand finding the back of her neck, massaging lightly. Tears pricked at the edge. Her breath picked up, a soft gasp leaving her lips. “Despite how you may feel? You belong with us, Akira. And we’re gonna show you in every way possible that you are one of us.” Her lips trembled just barely before a tear fell. Akira quickly looked away, staring down at the necklace in her hands, licking her lips as she was at a loss for words. Her eyes closed softly as she felt Namjoon’s lips once again at the side of her head, shushing her softly as more tears silently fell.

Jin took the necklace from her hands, taking it out of the box and unclasping it. Carefully, he brought it around her neck, securing it; the gold piece dangling between her breasts. Akira couldn’t even speak. She grabbed hold of the necklace then without a second thought, laid her head on Jin’s shoulder. He grabbed a napkin and handed it to her, watching as she wiped her tears away.

Jimin’s father raised a glass and others around the table joined—well, certain members of Akira’s family didn’t. Justine bitterly sipped her champagne, stewing at the fact that her husband no longer treated her that way. Malik seemed annoyed, ready to take his wife and kids home as he felt this dinner was beneath him. And Joseph just plain wanted to be a hater. But one look from his wife told him he had better stay quiet or there would be drama later. The night continued with more food and drinks and even dancing. Akira slowly danced with Taehyung and then Jimin. And though she was starting to get tired, she danced with Namjoon too. “Are you okay, Akira? I sensed there was more than just nerves tonight.”

“I’m just…I never felt this before.” Akira whispered, her head pressed to his chest as they danced. Ever the gentleman, Namjoon kept his hands at a respectable position, one on the small of her back, the other holding her hand.

Namjoon frowned, “Felt what?”

Akira moved to look up at him. A starry gaze set in her eyes, almost like a far away look, “Safe.” Namjoon’s grip tightened on the small of her back. ‘Omega feels safe with us. She’s safe for now.’ Each member of the pack stopped what they were doing and looked at the both of them still dancing. Akira gave Namjoon a soft smile, one to appease his happy wolf.

“God I wanna kiss you right now.” Namjoon rumbled, making Akira gasp. She felt light, almost dizzy. Stumbling a little, Akira almost fell, but Namjoon caught her waist, pressing her against his. She wanted him to kiss her as well but knew that it wasn’t the time or place for that. Looking away, Akira stopped dancing and pulled away from Namjoon. She held his hand, “Take a walk with me? They have a garden outside.” Namjoon smiles, moving to wrap her arm around his, the fabric of his all black suit kissing her fingertips. On her way out, her grandmother smiled, sending her a wink. What the cute future couple didn’t notice was Malik and Joseph watching them, watching as the two walked silently out of the hall.

Jungkook frowned, sensing negative energy coming from them. This triggered the rest of the pack, each flocking to him to see what was bothering him, ‘Kookie what’s wrong?’

‘Do you guys get the feeling that her family’s energy is…off?’ Jungkook took a glance over at Jin who could be seen scowling, ‘Jin hyung what’s wrong?’

Jin sighed, taking a seat to finish his whisky, ‘I didn’t say anything at first but at the summit, I overheard her father threatening her.’

‘Excuse me?!’ Yoongi nearly spun on his heel, rage settling within his bones as his eyes glowed red. Hobi grabbed his arm, trying to calm him, ‘What exactly did he say to her?’

‘Basically he told her she either sleeps with us to secure her place in the pack or she’s in trouble. He wants the alliance between us for power. She refused and judging by how hard he grabbed her, I’m guessing that’s why she’s wearing sleeves tonight. He didn’t even want her as a part of the family.’

“Fucking bastard.” Jimin cursed aloud, seething at the thought of anyone, let alone his mate’s father, threatening her. “Does Joonie know?”

“Yes.” Jin replied, “We’ve been trying to speed up the process of getting her to us as quickly as possible but he,” and Jin made it clear that he was talking about Akira’s father, “wants assurances.”

“Fuck his assurances.” Yoongi spat, growing angrier.

“For the safety of our pack omega, I’m willing to meet whatever demand he wants. I want her out of that house.” Jin countered, finishing his drink. “I want her home with us in one piece Yoongi, not battered and bruised.”

“I’ll kill him.” Jimin stopped Jungkook, scuffing the back of his neck, making him whimper.

“Jin’s right. Not acting rationally in front of the families will cause more problems than they’re worth. The goal is to bring her home. They can’t break mate bonds but they sure as hell can delay it and we can’t have that.”

“Therein lies the problem,” Hobi sighed, “she’s human. To them she technically doesn’t have a bond with us. They can challenge us for her at any point. It’s best to act within reason.”

“I hate this.” Taehyung sat opposite Jin, fuming. “We do anything to jeopardize her coming home to us, Namjoon will never forgive us. I’m with Jin.” He grumbled, playing with the jacket of his suit. The group tried settling each other’s emotions, contemplating on how to deal with the situation. Meanwhile, outside in the garden, Namjoon and Akira walked peacefully in silence until they came across a pond. Namjoon sat in the area where people could sit, holding onto Akira’s hand as he pulled her between his legs. Akira loved that his silver colored hair shimmered beneath the moon. She loved the smile that he gave her, dimples fully on display. Namjoon was gone. Completely love drunk on her scent, on her voice, her laugh—everything. “Seeing you smile tonight was everything I wanted. I wanna see it more often.”

“Namjoon,” Akira spoke softly, finding it hard to find the words.

“Yes beautiful?” Akira shyly looked away, nearly pulling away from him but he pulled her closer. Akira fell onto his lap, barely making Namjoon flinch. She felt heavy all of a sudden. Akira knew she wasn’t a small girl by any means. She had thick thighs, a little chubby stomach, a full and slightly rounded face. None of that seemed to matter to Namjoon though. He was just happy spending time with her.

“Do you…” Akira sighed, finding herself playing with his matching necklace, “do you really believe I’m your mate? Like without a doubt, you know that for sure?”

“Yes, I truly believe that.” He answered honestly.

“But how?” Akira squinted, lost on how it was possible, “I’m not a wolf, I’m just a human, I’m nothing—.”

“Don’t.” Namjoon silenced her, an instant chill settled her body. Namjoon rarely ever used his alpha command, but he needed to, just this once. He was surprised it actually worked on her, “Akira, you are not nothing. I don’t know why my wolf responded to you like any other wolf would to its mate. I can’t explain to you this overwhelming feeling to make sure you’re cared for and safe and loved, but it’s there. It’s here,” Namjoon grabbed hold of her hand and placed it in his warm chest, “this feeling, this urge…it’s primal. It’s instinctual. I just knew the moment I met you, you were meant to be ours.”

“B-But how can I be a mate to multiple wolves? Is that even possible?” Akira could feel his heart rapidly beating within his chest.

“It’s rare, but it can happen. Werewolves can have multiple mates but with you, Akira, the rules have changed.” Akira stared into his soft brown eyes, paralyzed by what she knew would happen next. Namjoon’s eyes traveled across her face before settling on her plump lips. Closer and closer, the two leaned in until he was a breath away, “Can I kiss you, Akira?”

“Please.” Akira whimpered, slightly moaning as his lips touched hers. The dazed feeling she felt engulfed her, sending her melting into his body. Namjoon’s arms wrapped around her frame, deepening the kiss to elicit the most delicate, breathy moan he ever heard from her. Her scent skyrocketed; the warm, syrupy scent oozed like honey through his nose, making his wolf growl and rumble through his chest. Akira moaned again, thighs clenching together as the sound zapped her body with a feeling she never felt before. One of Namjoon’s hands traveled upward, cradling the back of her neck in his hand.

Kiss deepening even further, his tongue parted her lips. His tongue danced within her mouth, massaging hers and bringing forth a high pitched moan that even surprised Akira. She had never made these sounds before, not for anyone. He then pulled away just slightly, both of them panting for air as his lips softly pecked hers. His other hand held one of her soft, plushy thighs, squeezing gently. “I’ve been wanting to do that since I first saw you.”

Her giggle muffled as she buried her face in the side of his neck, making him laugh as well. Resting her head on his shoulder, Akira dreamed that nothing interrupted this moment. That everything would remain this safe and peaceful for her. Sadly, that would come to an end as this overwhelming feeling sunk within her chest. She sat up quickly, almost dizzying, “Something‘a wrong.” Her speech slurred, still reeling from the kiss as she stood up, legs wobbly. Namjoon frowned, concerned until he heard it. He heard the arguing going on inside the building and knew he needed to defuse it, and fast. “Let’s go.” He stood quickly, grabbing her hand as they walked quickly back to the building. Within minutes they could hear shouting from the banquet hall, making Akira take off her heels and sprint to the hall with Namjoon by her side.

So much commotion was taking place that they both didn’t know where to start. Jackson and Naomi and his family were trying to stop the argument between Akira and Bangtan’s family. Jungkook and Taehyung were nearly chest to chest with Malik and Braxton. Theo, Akira’s brother-in-law, was trying to stop her sister Justine from attacking Jimin's parents—the chaos was everywhere. Akira’s nieces and nephews huddled in a corner, terrified and immediately, she let go of Namjoon’s hand and ran to them. They engulfed her, scared and terrified. Her grandmother just sat at the table, covering her face in annoyance.

“ENOUGH!” The echo of Namjoon’s voice shocked the sound barrier, making chandeliers shake and glassware tumble. He looked over at a scared Akira who held the children to her in comfort, shushing the smallest ones to stop crying. He sighed, obviously angered that she had to see a side of him that he did not want her to see, “What the hell happened?!”

“Malik—!” Taehyung was interrupted by said person, which he despised,

“Y’all started the bullshit with me!” He shouted, “Comin’ up in my conversation, starting shit!”

“Tell him what you said, jackass!” Jungkook shouted, ready to lunge at him if not for Jin and Hobi holding him back, “Tell him what you said about Akira, tell him the truth!”

“Hey!” Jungkook snapped his head to Namjoon, ‘Don’t wolf out right now. We don’t have any spare clothes in case you turn.’. Jungkook huffed and puffed, trying desperately to control his rage. Jin pushed out his calming scent, trying to mask the stench of rotted and burned firewood.

Akira ushered the children over to their great-grandmother before walking over to the scene, “Whatever he said, it shouldn’t have warranted all of this, Jungkook. No matter what, words should not get you out of character like this, even if it’s from my own brother.”

“Akira,” Jungkook whined, obviously displeased, “please—.”

“You heard her,” Malik chuckled, “listen to your $5 whore.” Namjoon and Akira whipped their heads toward Malik. The next thing they saw was Malik’s head reeling back as Taehyung punched him in his jaw. Braxton then lunged and a fist fight between all four commenced. Namjoon ran over and broke it up, catching Taehyung and Jungkook by the neck to scruff them. Before Malik could land another punch, Namjoon turned quickly, grabbing his fist with the palm of his hand. “You’re drunk. Get yourself together, especially in front of your wife and kids.”

“You think just because you’re a leader of a pack you run everybody. Well you don’t run me! You and that bitch will never measure up to me!” Malik shouted, rage taking over his entire body.

“If you ever become a leader, you will run your pack to the ground.” Namjoon coldly replied.

“Now wait just a minute son,” Joseph soon stepped in, standing between him and his son, “That’s my son you’re talking about.”

“Oh but it’s ok to disrespect your daughter? Your precious princess, as I recall it?” Namjoon stated, staring him down, fed up with hiding his feelings in diplomacy, “I knew you were a liar from the moment I saw you. Whatever hatred you have for her, know that it will all be erased once she’s home with us.”

“If I allow it.” Joseph warned menacingly. Akira’s eyes watered, knowing that her father always made good on his threats. “After the display your pack showed today, I don’t know if I want my daughter to be aligned with you.”

Akira faltered, “Father, please—!”

“Silence, Akira!” Joseph shouted, making her jump. “What kind of fool do you take me for? You would rather associate yourself with these hoodlums than your own family?!”

Akira walked over and grabbed Namjoon’s hand. “Father, please. Whatever happened, it can be fixed but don’t do this, don’t take this away from me. I’ve been loyal to my family my entire life. I never ask for anything, please, don’t do this, please.”

Mariam walked over, placing a hand on her husband’s shoulder, “Malik started the fight. He should be punished for it later, but the girls, especially Akira, do not deserve for their nights to be ruined.” ‘Judging by the looks on Jackson’s family’s faces, if you mess this up, the alliance for Naomi will be ruined too. His and the Bangtan pack’s family are close knit, they will not tolerate this and we need the numbers, Joseph’, Mariam’s wolf spoke to him. Sighing, Joseph relented. He turned to Malik and although no one could hear what they were saying, there was definite tension.

After tensions somewhat died down, Akira looked around the hall. Every mess she saw brought tears to her eyes. Shaking her head, Akira packed up all her gifts and handed them to her mother, “Say goodnight, Akira.” Her mother nodded towards the seven men all huddled with their families as they helped the staff clean up. Sensing her distress, Jimin popped his head up, making the others do the same. Akira stood in the center of the ballroom on the dance floor, trembling. She knew she wasn’t going to just say goodnight to them. The moment Hobi walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, Akira could barely contain her soft cries, “Shh, it’s okay Akira, it’s okay.”

“I’m sorry. I'm so sorry.” Akira’s muffled apologies could be heard as his arms tightened around her.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. None of this is your fault.” Hobi tried assuring her, but it didn’t make the sadness go away. Moving away from his arms, Akira wiped her face and moved her hair out of her face. It broke their hearts to see her this way. Yoongi walked up to her and held wet cheeks between his hands, “I don’t care how many rules we may break, we will find a way to bring you home to us.”

“As much as I want to believe that Yoongi, my father? He won’t allow it. I know him, tonight made up his mind for him, he will never let me near you again.” Akira gently pulled his hands away, “I’m so sorry…” she whispered, turning away from them. She quickly picked up her heels and rushed out of the ballroom, tears kissing her eyes again. An ache started forming in her chest. Akira knew what the end felt like. She knew that after what happened tonight, she’d most likely never see them again. It wasn’t even a full month but Akira felt safe with them. Now it was being ripped away.

— — —

“Father still won’t let you see them? I thought mama talked to him, it’s been three weeks!”

Naomi and Akira grew closer in the past few weeks since the disastrous dinner that took place. The guys would text her knowing that talking wasn’t an option. And though she tried to mask her sadness, Akira couldn’t hide the fact that it hurt that her brother said awful things, words that even Naomi wouldn’t repeat, “This has gotta stop, it was Malik’s fault!”

“Doesn’t matter.” Akira mumbled. She stared absentmindedly at the towels she was folding, working on her third load of laundry. The house took less time to clean thanks to Naomi’s help. Their entire family would be over for dinner later and Akira had already started marinating the steaks and prepped all the side dishes. At this point, she was just going through the motions of her daily routine.

“It does matter. You’re being punished for something he did, and his punishment was barely a punishment to begin with!” It was true, Malik barely had a punishment. He had a “stern talking to” about almost costing Naomi her new pack. Joseph knew that without Akira’s involvement with the Bangtan, Jackson would instantly pull out, as they are his brother pack. It took a lot of convincing from Naomi to assure Jackson that everything was running smoothly, but she knew that it wasn’t, “He’s just being stubborn.”

Akira sighed, folding the last of the laundry, “I’m…not gonna fight his decision. I can’t have a pack anyways, it was stupid to believe that I belonged with them, it was even stupider to believe that I was their mate.” Naomi shook her, disagreeing, but Akira continued, “I should’ve known better. It’s not like I’ve done anything to deserve attention from anyone. Whatever decision our father makes, I have to abide by it. I just want peace in my life, Naomi, I don’t want to upset him.”

“Because then he’ll take it out on you,” Naomi realized, “he always takes it out on you.”

Akira nodded, hiding her face, “And when everyone leaves…it’ll just be me, him, and mama. Unless he sends me to another pack, and who knows how they’ll be.” Akira shook her head, dismissing the thought, “I just want some peace in my life. Upsetting father…I don’t want trouble.” Akira picked up the basket of freshly folded laundry and made her way to all the linen closets, with Naomi right on her tail,

“What if I talked to him? I’ll tell him that Jackson wants to back out of the deal if you’re not with Bangtan?” Naomi urged. Akira stopped what she was doing, midway placing towels away, with a perplexed look on her face,

“You would do that for me?” Akira was dumbfounded. She’d never seen Naomi move mountains to help anyone, let alone her. And the sudden push for her to join Bangtan’s pack was questioning everything Naomi said and did for Akira. “Why?”

“Because you need to see this through. If you stay here, it’ll get worse, no matter how much you try to obey him.” Naomi crossed her arm, “Our father is a tyrant. He shouldn’t be forcing whatever rules he has on you just because you’re human.”

— — —

“I heard that the rebels have started growing in numbers and that they’ve even recruited nomads. Our numbers need to be up if we want to end them.”

Akira walked around the dining room table as her Uncle Michael spoke, pouring more wine into glasses for those who asked. She hadn’t eaten dinner herself yet, tending between adults and children from the dining room to the kitchen. She hadn’t even spoken a word aside from the quiet ‘hello’ wielded to her relatives as she greeted them at the front door. To be seen and not heard was her mission tonight and she was exceeding.

“Akira, more wine.” Malik summoned her, waving his hand over to her. Both Mariam and his wife, Felicia, looked disgusted at his behavior. Before their grandmother could get her words in, Akira quickly walked over to Malik and poured his wine. Tiny feet slapped against the marble floors as Malik’s daughter, Sasha, called out to her, “Auntie Kira! I need help, I can’t cut my steak! Pleeeeeease?!”

Malik watched exchange between the two as Akira smiled wide, “I’ll be right there sweetie, I’ll cut them smaller for you, ok?” Sasha nodded then ran back to the kitchen.

“I can go do it Akira, you must be tired.” Felicia offered.

“It’s alright Fe, I don’t mind.” Akira smiled softly, also refilling her glass, “I like doing things for my nieces and nephews.” She shrugged before heading off to the kitchen silently. Akira helped Sasha and the rest of the smaller children before checking in on the adults, “Would anyone like any dessert?”

“What is it tonight?” Her father asked absentmindedly, not sparing her a second glance.

“Caramel cake, your favorite.” Akira replied softly, looking at the floor. Joseph waved her off dismissively, probably telling her to bring out the cake. Akira sighed quietly, going to grab the cake out of the fridge.

“This has got to stop!” Genevieve slammed her hand on the table, silencing everyone. All eyes moved to the eldest member at the table; her steely eyes set on her oldest son. “She is not a house negro and you will stop treating her like one. ALL OF YOU!”

Malik laughed, “Grandmother, she’s not a slave. If she wanted to stop, she could, don’t pacify her—.”

Genevieve snapped her hand at him, making the air grow cold as he was silenced. Malik choked on nothing, grabbing his neck as she squeezed the air out of him from the other side of the table. No one knew how the matriarch of the Batiste pack acquired these special powers, but they knew not to cross her. “Malik Gerrod, you’ve been getting beside yourself. Say one more word, and I got you.” She released him, making him cough and gasp for air.

As if timing couldn’t be more useful, Akira walked into the dining room just in time with the cake, “Sorry it took long, the kids needed help.” She sat the cake near Joseph then stood straight to grab dessert plates and a cake knife. Yet when she came back, she noticed the chill in the room, “Oh no…did something happen?”

“I am so sick and tired of seeing you do all the work in this house like you are a live-in maid, put that shit down!” Her grandmother shouted, making Akira jump. She never saw her grandmother so livid, it was frightening, even for an omega.

“Y-Yes ma’am.” Akira quickly put the plates and cake cutter down, scared to say or do anything. Eyed wide and with fear, Akira looked about the room with shock. And watched her grandmother then turn on her mother, which again, rarely happened,

“And you!” She pointed to Mariam.

Mariam stuttered, shocked, “M-Me?!”

“I waited for years for you to step in and do something but you have taken far too long! That is your daughter! You are supposed to protect all of your children, now you grow a goddamn backbone and you do it NOW!” Genevieve shouted.

“Mother, that is enough!” Joseph shouted. Genevieve stood, flicking her hand towards him like a fly on the wall. His chair skidded back against the wall, oxygen ripping from his lungs as she squeezed his airway like she did Malik. His eyes widened as he fought to breathe, struggling. Justine and Naomi screamed at the sight while Mariam ran over to him, trying to help,

“You forget I am your parent, not the other way around. You do well to remember that next time you piss me off, boy.” Genevieve squinted, squeezing tighter, “ I have been very patient with you, with all of you!” Genevieve let him breathe; Joseph gasped and gagged, trying hard to retrieve oxygen to his lungs, “The level of embarrassment from this family has reached outside this compound! If there’s one thing I know your father wouldn’t have tolerated, is to be embarrassed and I refuse to let his memory be tainted by you and your spoiled ass brats! This child,” Genevieve pointed to Akira, “has done everything to try and please you! She is the one upholding my legacy, not these entitled runts! I have never seen a pack of wolves turn on their own like you all have. And to sit there and be silent in the treatment of this poor child makes you just as guilty.”

“Akira,” Akira stood at attention, turning to Genevieve with a scared look in her eyes, “you will be staying with me until your courting season is over. Go to your room and pack, right now!” Akira ran out of the dining room, not wanting to upset her grandmother. A glimmer of hope bloomed in her chest as she burst open the door of her bedroom. Though most of her things were packed away, she knew she couldn’t carry those things to her grandmother’s just yet. Still, she did manage to pack up some clothes and her gifts that the boys got her and started leaving them by her door.

“Akira!” Akira jumped as she swiftly turned around, seeing Naomi stand in her doorway, “Grandmother is making Uncle Michael and Aunt Regina load your things in his truck. We better hurry before father regains his ego back, what things are you taking?” Naomi urged, searching frantically in Akira’s room for anything to grab.

“Those three boxes and those two suitcases, that’s it.” Three small boxes and two suitcases worth of stuff was all that Akira owned in this world. She didn’t own nor wanted much. The cell phone she owned, her grandmother bought her. Her toiletries were all bought by her mother. She never thought she would leave this prison she called home, and it was bittersweet to leave it, being that it was all she had ever known. Naomi stacked the boxes. Her strength towers over Akira’s. Just then, another knock stopped them in their tracks. Miriam stood at the door, teary eyed as she stepped closer to Akira, “Naomi give us a minute.”

Naomi left, bringing the boxes outside. Akira slowly backed into a wall, unsure of what her mother would do. Miriam looked hurt. She saw herself in Akira; so much of her fear and pain was draped like a cloak over her youngest child that she couldn’t see what it had truly blinded her from. The man she married was not the man he actually portrayed himself to be, not to her. It was all a lie and it took his own mother to scream it to the heavens for her to see it. “You’re terrified of us. How could I not see it?” Akira didn’t deny her statement, staying silent. “How could I not protect you from the very thing no one protected me from?” Akira’s head cocked, a confused frown on her face as she watched her mother’s eyes tear up. “I’m sorry Akira. Your grandmother’s right, I should’ve protected you more.”

Akira didn’t know her mother’s story. She didn’t know her experiences, that much was true, but there would be time for that. For now, Akira unclenched her body slowly, shoulders dropping with hesitation. Miriam reached out to touch Akira’s hair, making Akira nervously flinch. Miriam sighed, placing her hand back down, “I think staying at your grandmother’s will be good for you. Safer until you’re settled in with your pack.” Miriam turned and left, a sullen expression on her face. Akira felt guilty. Her mother never treated her horribly, but she never outright protected her either. Shaking the confusing thoughts from her head, Akira grabbed the rest of her things and headed outside. Joseph was still shouting. Malik and Felicia were arguing. Miriam was probably somewhere in her bedroom, crying. None of that affected Akira. The minute she stepped outside, Akira felt a shift in her energy. Everything was starting to change.

— — —

“I’m happy we could do this, Yoongi. I’ve never been to a sip and paint, nor painted before, this is really fun!”

Out of all Akira’s mates, only four seemed to be into art. Only one, Yoongi, was smart enough to use it as a way to further court his human omega. He found a class happening at an art studio in downtown Smeraldo Valley on a Friday night, fitting for his first date with her. Yoongi knew she’d have fun; seeing her eyes light up as they approached the studio and watching as people came in and out with their art pieces, all happy and smiley. “I’m glad, and you seem to be doing well for someone who’s never painted before.”

Akira looked at her unfinished painting, “All I did was blend in some brush strokes.” She giggled. While courting ceremony duties were being taken care of—Akira’s being a great deal to take care of by her grandmother—the second phase commenced: the dating phase. Tensions were high in the Batiste compound, but that didn’t deter dating activities for the two single Batiste women. While Naomi’s courting experience was celebrated, Akira’s wasn’t mentioned at all. The men opted to deal with the matriarch of the family; being buzzed in at the gate and given directions to the small cottage-like home in the center of all. Like seven little gentlemen, each greeted Akira’s grandmother with flowers and candies, all eager to meet the woman that raised her. Three weeks of continuous courting and flirting from the pack had made Akira dizzy in the best way possible. She was happy that she was getting to spend time with them individually this time. “Your painting looks amazing.”

“Aish, not finished yet.” Yoongi smiled, gums on display as he started at his black and blue background. He glanced over at Akira, watching her delicate features. The way her brows furrowed in concentration over her painting. How cute paint smudges seemed to appear on her dark brown cheeks and old overalls and fingertips. He especially loved how her long boho knotless box braids sat on her head in a big top bun, courtesy of her grandmother finding a hairdresser for her. Very hard to do when you practically live in wolf country. Yoongi loved watching her ease into it. By the hour mark, they both completed their works of arts, and Yoongi was steadily cleaning pain from Akira’s face, “I still don’t know how you managed to get paint all over you.” He laughed, wiping down her face, her arms, her fingers. Her faint giggle made his wolf howl with excitement,

“To be honest, I don’t know either, I think I zoned out.” Akira took a glance at both their paintings, noticing some similarities as well as some differences. They both used black as their starting point, gradually fading upwards into a gradient of their choosing. His was night and hers was day. A lone silhouette figure, man and woman, looking opposite sides of each other, as if searching for something, or someone. Spray of white dots littered his sky to symbolize stars while pinkish orange rays dusted hers to symbolize a setting sun, “Wow, they actually came out beautiful, I didn’t think I had any talent.”

“Believe me, beautiful, you do.” Yoongi’s deep voice affected Akira in ways only Yoongi seemed to sense. He smirked, wiping the last of the paint on her hands before closing his around hers. Once their paintings dried, Yoongi grabbed them both and brought it to his car, making sure to lay them down gently. Leaving the sip and paint class, Yoongi walked Akira to his car. He opened her door for her and allowed her to hop in. His next plan was to take her to dinner; even if it wasn’t the fanciest place in the world, which Akira didn’t seem to mind, “Oooo, I’ve heard about this place. I always wanted to try their hand cut knife noodles but I never got to try it!” Akira rocked in her seat excitedly as they pulled up to Purple Lotus, a Korean restaurant that was casual and friendly. “I’ll be sure to let Jin hyung know that. He’s part owner.” Akira’s eyes widened as Yoongi pulled into a reserved parking spot.

“Yoongi you’re not serious right now.” Akira gawked. Yoongi laughed even harder, turning the engine off before opening his door, “I am serious, Jin hyung has ties to a few restaurants.” 50 to be exact. Even Yoongi doesn’t fully understand how his hyung manages them all, but he does. The men weren’t just that most notorious pack simply for the most alphas, they were the second richest in the state, possibly the country. Their ties to their community, both foreign and domestic, were enough to grant them any and everything they could possibly ever want or need.

Yoongi got out of the car and ran around to open Akira’s door. He helped her out, closed the door behind her and locked it before taking her hand again and ushering them inside the restaurant, bypassing the hostess and several customers in line to beeline to a private seating area near the back, closer to the kitchen. It was closed off; the large oak doors obviously signaling its privacy for larger parties. Yoongi opened the door, allowing Akira to walk in first. The rich purples and greens mixed in with the natural blonde wooden tables had Akira mesmerized. Lanterns and faux lotus flowers hung from the ceiling in alternating lengths, dusted with sprinkles of fairy lights just as it was in the public dining area, except the lighters were dimmer in the room. Akira was in love, “It’s beautiful, Yoongi.”

“Glad you like it, beautiful.” He smirked, ushering her to a large rounded booth. Akira slid in, her chest gently hitting the top of the table before she settled. Yoongi sat in close, throwing his arm on the back of the seat before reaching over near the middle to press a red button. The door opened, making Akira jump as a waiter came in, asking for their drink order. “I’ll have whiskey and club soda. Akira?” The men both turned to you.

“Oh, um…Coke for me? Please?” Akira asked sheepishly.

“The usual?” The waiter then turned to Yoongi, asking if he’d have his usual order.

“Yeah, and can you bring out some pork dumplings and an order of the knife cut noodles too?” The man nodded then left, leaving just the two of them alone again. Yoongi watched as Akira stared down at her necklace, fiddling with it, making her diamond charm bracelet clink and clank, “Something on your mind, beautiful?”

“It’s nothing I just…” Akira sighed, a little flustered, “this is the first time I’ve been on an actual date…” Akira shrugged with a nervous pout that made Yoongi melt into the booth, “I don’t know what to do.”

“Looks like you're doing everything right to me.” He laughed, making Akira cover her face in faux embarrassment. Yoongi grabbed her hands, bringing them down and away from her face, making him fall closer to her. Her lashes fluttered softly against her high cheekbones. Intimidating. That’s the word Akira would use to describe her pack mates. And being near Min Yoongi right now seemed to be the most intimidating part of her day, “All you have to do is talk. Get to know me, I get to know you. Simple.”

“It’s not that…simple.” Akira gulped down her words, her voice losing octave as her stare dropped lower to his lips. Yoongi smirked once again, licking his lips slowly as he watched her breath shutter and her scent bloom heavily. Akira looked away, feeling overwhelmed suddenly, “Always trying to find something to say isn’t as easy as people seem to think.”

“Well I don’t know,” Yoongi shrugged before reaching across Akira to turn her head back to him, “you seem to be doing just fine.” His thumb rubbed her chin lightly. Akira’s breath hitched. Just then the door opened and their waiter walked in with a cart of food. Seared pork belly, kimchi, pickled radish kimchi, fried rice, lettuce, sticky rice, ttekbokki, wagyu beef and beef ramyun and knife cut noodles and dumplings. “I take it this is the packs usual order?” Akira giggled, watching everything be set out on display.

“Minus a few things, yeah.” Yoongi laughed.

“Ok so what do I try first? Some of these I’ve never tried before.” Yoongi watched Akira bounce excitedly in her seat. It pleased him that she was open to trying new things, especially within his culture. Yoongi picked up a lettuce leaf and started building the perfect bite; adding kimchi, pork belly, and pickled radish, “Try this.” He then held the food for her, which Akira moved to grab but he pulled back, making her frown, “Open.” He commanded. Her back straightened as her eyes widened in shock of her response. Slightly ajar, Akira opened her mouth. Normally, this type of thing wouldn’t do it for Yoongi, but it pleased him to feed her. To watch her plump lips brush against his fingertips, nearly tickling them with her tongue.

‘Omega is pleased.’ His wolf crooned at the thought. Sauce from the pork belly dripped onto her bottom lip and before she had a chance to swipe it away, Yoongi beat her to it. The immediate shock of having the tip of his tongue swipe her bottom lip made Akira tense. But soon, like with Namjoon, her body slowly relaxed as Yoongi's lips pressed against hers smoothly, making her eyelids flutter close. When Yoongi pulled away, Akira followed, his smooth laugh rich and deep between her ears. “Eat up beautiful, I told your grandmother I’d get you home by curfew.”

Akira pouted those plush lips of hers, “That’s one rule I just don’t understand. I’m 26, I shouldn’t need a curfew.”

Yoongi took a sip of his drink then placed some food on Akira’s plate, “In lycan tradition, unmated omegas have curfews during courting season. It’s to prevent unmated alphas from taking advantage. You might still be a human, but you’re being courted as if you’re an omega. The rules are for your safety until you’re fully apart of our pack.”

“But, if I’m your mate, don’t I already belong to you?” Yoongi placed down his chopsticks and looked at Akira with all seriousness, making Akira frown. Did she say something wrong?

“Whoa, Akira, you don’t belong to us, we don’t own you. You belong with us, there’s a difference. We want you as our partner, not as our property. We want what all wolves want: to have someone to come home to. To have someone other than each other to spend time and talk with.”

Yoongi grabbed Akira’s chin and made her look at him, “Beautiful, look at me.” Akira’s eyes swept upwards. Yoongi could faintly see the thin veil of tears in her eyes, “You’re not property. Nobody owns you.” Akira’s lips trembled. Yoongi kissed the top of her head then pulled her close in a hug. During dinner, they talked, got to know each other. She learned that each of them had ventures of their own. Jin owned restaurants all over the state and some back in South Korea. Jimin and Taehyung owned fashion houses, designing collections and pieces for commercial and celebrity use. Namjoon and Yoongi both worked in music, owning their own production company with Jungkook as their lead producer, and Hobi as a business consultant for everyone. Akira felt a little more intimidated than before, “Me? Oh..uh…I-I never got to finish school so…I just took care of my family.” Akira shrugged, twirling her fork around.

Yoongi frowned, “You didn’t finish?”

Akira grew timid, “Long story short, my dad pulled me out of school. I never even finished junior year. I wasn’t even allowed to go to my brother and sister’s graduation, I was at home making the celebration dinner. My father…” Akira sighed, pushing her somewhat empty plate away, “When Joseph puts his foot down, you don’t ever question it. Defying him felt like it would be an act against God, he made sure I knew that, too…” Yoongi felt the shift of her energy. Something dark and painful loomed in the air, making his wolf cry out in pain, ‘Omega is hurt! Someone’s hurt our omega, he’s hurt her! Fix it! Fix it now!’

“You know if you wanted to finish your education, we would support that. There’s no reason you shouldn’t finish.” Yoongi urged.

Akira smiled sweetly, “Thank you Yoongi, but I think it’s a little for that part of my life. Besides, I wouldn’t even know what my next steps would be.” Akira shrugged again, her sour disposition slowly fading as she changed the subject, an obvious coping mechanism of deflection that Yoongi quickly picked up on, “Anyway, enough about me, I wanna know what made you join your pack?”

Yoongi hesitated but humored Akira’s need to move the conversation along. They talked for another hour before deciding to pack up and leave. Yoongi drove Akira home with thirty minutes to spare, still not wanting the night to end. He got out of the car and walked over to Akira’s side of the car, opening the door for her. Walking her to her grandmother’s front door, Akira turned, “I had a really great night with you, Yoongi. Thank you for making my first date fun.” Boldly, Akira leaned forward and pecked Yoongi on the lips. Her soft giggle to his surprised face, eyes blinking rapidly as he tried to control his blushing cheeks made Akira laugh some more, “Goodnight Yoongi.”

“Goodnight, beautiful.” His deep voice made Akira shiver. Yoongi waved goodnight as Akira closed the door. Through the curtains, Akira watched Yoongi get in his car and drive away. If this date was a success, there was no telling how the other six would be.

— — —

“Now that you’ve moved out, the attention is doted on me and they have nitpicked over everything about my ceremony, including whether or not to invite you.”

Akira sighed as she watched her sister Naomi pace back and forth in her grandmother’s kitchen. The steaming hot tea sat in front of them as Akira offered her a cup, “Please sit, Naomi.” Akira frowned, feeling guilty for placing all the focus back on her. Naomi plopped down in her chair, hunched over the kitchen table as she stirred her tea around,

“It’s not like I’ve complained to Jackson about it but it’s like…I have no free will to do anything! I didn’t get to pick out anything, our mothers have done all the work!” Naomi vented, pointing how it wasn’t just their mother that took over, but Jackson’s as well, “This ceremony was supposed to be about us, but it’s just a political stunt for everyone to see. It’s not fair, Jackson and I were supposed to have some say in all of this. Even he’s getting frustrated.”

“You really like him, don’t you?” Akira questioned, seeing how upset Naomi got for Jackson. It wasn’t everyday that her sister showed others emotion. Naomi was an indifferent person, her personality alone came off as dissociative at times, but with Jackson, it seems Naomi reached a level of empathy that even Akira found endearing. “And don’t lie about it, it’s beneath you.”

Naomi looked at her mug, a pout forming on her face, “Yeah…I guess I do…” she sighed as she sunk back into her chair, “Jackson is really great. He’s sweet, he’s attentive, he’s a good communicator. I swear he can read my mind, he’ll say or do something before I even have to ask.” Naomi prattled on, making Akira smile. “I just don’t wanna end up like—.”

“Joseph and mama.” Akira finished for her.

“I swear that man tricked her into being with him, he wasn’t always this horrible.” Naomi grumbled, making Akira shush her,

“You better not let grandmother hear you.” Akira looked around, making sure their grandmother was near, “That’s still her son.”

“Who she’s disappointed in and lacks all respect for.” Naomi continued, a deadpan expression on her face. Akira covered her face, suppressing a laugh, “He’s a tyrant. Mama said he wasn’t always like this, but I’m starting to think she had a blind spot for him.”

“She does.” Akira frowned. Though Miriam didn’t outright tell Akira she had a similar upbringing, it wasn’t a hard conclusion to come up with. When Akira last saw her mother, she looked like a fragile, scared little girl inside and Akira didn’t know how to react to that. Now, any news about Miriam, it’s strictly from Naomi, “How is she?”

“Mama’s thrown herself into the ceremony, she hardly thinks about anything else.” Naomi waved her off, “Tomorrow she and Jackson’s mother are going food tasting. It’s only been a month and already, I feel like it’s been too damn long—I need a break from our family.” Naomi grumbled, taking a gulp of her tea. As Akira was about to respond, her phone went off. Akira checked the caller ID, smiling as she excused herself to answer, “Hey!”

“Hi beautiful one,” the voice on the other end spoke, “was wondering when I’d hear that beautiful voice of yours again.”

“Tae..” Akira would blush if she could. Naomi watched with curiosity as her sister rocked side to side, twirling the strings of her sweatshirt. From what she could hear, it was one of her pack mates. Naomi watched as Akira smiled and giggled, a sight she rarely saw from her. If anything, over the years, Naomi saw endless sadness on her sister’s face. A constant fear and blank void behind her eyes. Once Akira finished her call, she walked back to the table, the smile still on her face.

“I take it that was one of your mates?” Naomi mocked playfully.

“Yes,” Akira’s face heated once again, “it was Taehyung. He wants to take me on a date tomorrow night.” She shook her head then stared down at her mug, “Juggling seven men…it’s not something I thought I’d ever be doing.”

“Akira out of curiosity, do you…know..about sex?” Naomi’s eyes squinted, truly wondering if her baby sister even heard of such a concept. Akira nearly choked on her tea, eyes burning with tears, “The hell—Yes, Naomi, I know about sex!” Akira’s brow furrowed, looking at her sister as if she grew three heads. “I mean…I know enough…” Akira pouted, her fluffy dark toffee colored cheeks puffed out like snack cakes.

“I was just asking!” Naomi laughed, “You never know these days.” Naomi mocked, making Akira cut her eyes at her. “You know eventually you’ll have to act on it. Being a mate is different than just being part of the pack.”

“I understand that.” And truly, Akira did understand it. In high school, part of health class, there was a special werewolf health elective that of course, she took. “I just…is it actually possible for me to do..to have—.”

“You mean take a knot?” Naomi questioned bluntly. Akira’s eyes widened with embarrassment,

“Naomi!”

“What?! It’s not a taboo question! Sex is sex, subspecies or not!” Naomi rolled her eyes, “You never had this talk, did you?” She watched as Akira shook her head. Naomi’s eyes widened, “Oh wow, you’re really going in blind.”

“Is there something else I should know?” Akira fretted, playing with her nails as she stared at Naomi expectantly. Naomi sighed, biting her bottom lip as she internally groaned, realizing she’d have to explain wolf biology.

“Well, yeah, I mean…you have to know heats and ruts and what that means for us,” ‘us’ being figuratively for werewolves, “it’s complicated. Subgender aside, men will go through ruts. Alphas, Betas, Omegas—doesn’t matter, men will go through ruts, women will go through heats—unless you’re undergoing transgender treatment then of course, certain hormone treatments will change that.”

“Well how is it different? Ruts and heats, I mean?” Akira’s curiosity had her fully tuned in.

“You know how you get period pains every month?” Akira nodded in response to Naomi’s question, “Heats are similar, only the pain is more intense, ten times worse. It’s like having a literal serrated knife, heated up by fire, dragging back and forth over your womb.” Akira’s eyes doubled in size; Naomi could smell the fear radiating off of her, “After a couple of heats, the pain dulls. It’s not as graphic but it’s still very painful. If you’re a late bloomer, like I was, it’s even worse. The only good thing about it is it’s not every month. Sometimes it comes out of nowhere, sometimes it’s months or even years later. Sometimes it can be triggered by the aggression of a male mate.”

“How does that happen?” Akira was nervous to know the answer.

“Well any act of aggression could do it. A display of asserting aggressive dominance, their own early stages pheromones during ruts, or just plain old sex can trigger it sometimes. It’s the same for ruts; intense mate pheromones can trigger it. Heats can trigger ruts also. I will say this, ruts are a little more frequent sometimes, and that’s probably the only time men will feel what women go through.” Naomi chuckled darkly, thinking back to when her brothers complained of cramping.

“And so…my job, a-as their mate…I would have to help them..,” Akira’s voice dropped lower and lower as realization hit that sex was pretty much necessary. It wasn’t that she was scared, it was more so she didn’t want her first time to be risky.

“I’m gonna be honest with you Akira, I don’t think you’ll have that problem.” Akira stared in confusion while Naomi drank more of her tea.

“What do you mean?” Akira wondered.

“Well…think about it Akira,” Naomi chuckled once again, “you don’t remember anything from that health class?” Akira once again shook her head ‘no’, “ruts and heats hit when puberty does. From 16-21, it’s within that time frame first ruts and heats usually start. Your mates are around our age now, you don’t think they dealt with it themselves, do you?” Naomi questioned rhetorically. Akira looked away, staring at her mug. Naomi sighed, sensing a bit of shame and hurt from her sister, “Ruts and heats are overwhelming. It overwhelms the nervous system; you need some type of relief. Some wolves use toys, others…” Naomi trailed off,

“Find other wolves to fuck.” Akira concluded. “And you think, because I’m a virgin, if they end up going into a rut, they’ll find someone to help them out…”

“I didn’t want to say it but honestly, it’s not the worst idea. I mean the sex alone is overwhelming at times, and ruts and heats could last anywhere from up to a week or three. That’s a lot for a human body to handle and from what I heard with human pack members, sometimes having another wolf to match their stamina is better. Safer.”

“…How do you even know all of this? Have you—. Naomi interrupted immediately,

“Of course not, you know our father would’ve killed me.” Naomi scolded, “I used heat suppressants and toys on and off for years. Other stuff I’ve heard from my friends.” Naomi shrugged. “I just want you to be real and honest with yourself. Your mates have more than likely had help getting the edge off and probably continue getting help.” Akira didn’t know how to respond, and didn’t want to after the thought was put into her head. Naomi, sensing the sour mood and scent coming off her sister, changed the subject, “So! You know what you’re doing on your date tomorrow?”

“Hm? Oh uh,” Akira shook her head, trying to get her thoughts together, “n-no, Taehyung didn’t say. To be honest, it could be anything. Yoongi took me to a sip and paint so it probably won’t be that.” Akira was so distracted by everything she just learned, she wasn’t sure if she could carry on the rest of the conversation. She needed to talk to Namjoon, “But he said to dress nice and to be ready by 6.”

“Sounds like a romantic evening being planned, little sister. Seems like they’re showing their way of taking care and providing. I’m guessing they’re going by hierarchy?” Naomi questioned.

“I don’t think so. Otherwise Namjoon would’ve asked me out first.” Akira pouted.

“But he did kiss you first.” Naomi smirked.

Akira’s eyes doubled, “How did you—?!”

“I could see the smudged lip gloss from a mile away. Besides, it wasn’t like we couldn’t hear you two over the music, he said he wanted to kiss you, you two went outside to “talk”,” Naomi mocked, air quotes planted, “it wasn’t hard to figure out.” She laughed, “They might share you, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t stopped being competitive. Clearly the dates show that.”

“Oh god, please stop.” Akira covered her face, making Naomi laugh,

“What are you so embarrassed for, it’s sweet!.” Naomi watched as Akira shook her head, trundles of curls from her boho knotless falling in her face as a smile formed, “They make you happy. Happiness looks good on you, little sister.”

Akira didn’t reply, but she didn’t need to. Akira did feel a little happy, and it was because of the men in her life. Was everything moving faster than she could keep up with? Sure. But the truth was, Akira didn’t care. She was happy with how her life was quickly coming together in the best way possible.

#bangtan fanfic #bts fanfiction #bts polyamory au #werewolf bts #hoseok x reader #bts ff #bts fanfction #kim soekjin smut #kim namjoon smut #taehyung kim x black reader #bts jimin x black reader #min yoongi x black reader #jeon jungkook x reader #bts angst bts omegaverse fic #bts omegaverse au #bts omegaverse #bangtan ot7 #their only omega fanfic

44 notes · View notes

kalpakita · 2 months ago

Text

IWTV - additional music

Long post about the music used in the show.

I added some info about the artist / composer / song + a mention if I found some relevance or interesting bits.

note: I didn't identify most myself, so thanks to @greedandenby's playlists + @iwtvfanevents 🎵

Ferdinand LaMothe aka Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941) : Creole musician, pianist and composer who is regarded as one of the pioneers of jazz music. He started his piano playing in the Storyville area.

1.01: The Crave -We see him portrayed and playing this song in the very 1st scene where Louis meets Lestat.

1.03: Wolverine Blues -In ep3 Daniel plays it after Louis claims Lestat inspired Morton to write the song. It's an early jazz standard.

Scott Joplin (1868-1917) : Composer and pianist, who has been dubbed the "King of Ragtime". He considered ragtime to be a form of classical music meant to be played in concert halls.

1.01: Solace -plays later in the same scene when Lestat holds Louis in his gaze. Both this and Morton's "The Crave" have a habanera rhythm.

Florence Price (1887-1953) : Classical composer, pianist and more. She is noted as the first African-American woman to have a composition played by a major orchestra. She was mentioned as one of the inspirations and a fav of the show's composer Daniel Hart.

1.01: Dances in the Canebrakes: I. Nimble Feet -plays when Louis starts hanging out with Lestat.

Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) : One of the most famous composers of the Romantic period, perhaps best known for his ballets Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. He had a number of affairs with men but strove to keep it hidden.

1.01: Iolanta -his last opera. The setting is a beautiful garden and its heroine is an "outsider". In the end Iolanta is amazed of the of the world hidden from her before. Louis was moved by it but hides that from his family.

1.01: During Paul's funeral you can hear a brass band version of the hymn called In the sweet by and by. I read that this kind of procession is an unique tradition in New Orleans, sometimes called "jazz funeral."

Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) : Cellist/violinist best known for his guitar music.

1.02: Caprice for guitar, Op.11 - This classical guitar piece plays in the scene with "Rashid" while Daniel discovers Marius's painting. Armand hint.

Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848) : A prolific composer of over 70 operas. His most famous one is probably Lucia di Lammermoor.

1.02: Don Pascuale - Apparently, these 'comic operas' traditionally referenced to the stock characters from commedia dell'arte. (iykyk) The story revolves around unapproved love and marriage shenanigans.

1.03: Darktown Strutters' Ball by a black Canadian-born songwriter Shelton Brooks. It became a vaudevillian hit and is considered a jazz standard. The lyrics make a ref. to Morton. The version in the scene is very low tempo though.

1.03: Minuet in G major - One of the most well known pieces for beginners on the piano. It's often attributed to J.S.Bach but later to Christian Petzold. The Jelly Roll style 'Vampire’s Minuet' was arranged and played by Ethan Uslan for ep3.

1.03: Am I Blue can briefly be heard When Jonah enters Azalea. It's a popular song originally recorded by Ethel Waters for a 1929 movie, so it's a little out of timeline.

Frederic Chopin (1810–1849) : Composer and pianist of the Romantic period. His romantic and suggestive letters to men seem to have been intentionally misinterpreted by his biographers.

1.03: Nocturne, Op. 55: No. 1 in F minor -Plays during the scene with Louis and Jonah, ending just before "Was it raining?"

2.06: Nocturne, No. 20 in C Sharp Minor -Plays at the Sushi restaurant in S2. It is notable for its association with few Holocaust survivors.

1.04: Colour Suite: III. Yellow Hammers by Madeleine Dring, a mid century composer and pianist who had an "unique blend of classical and jazz influences,"-starts playing when the unholy family leave the wake.

1.04 note: Multiple nice pieces from APM library are used in ep4, mostly New Orleans dixieland - "The Viper " "Bourbon Street Blues" "Exotique" and "Jungle Jazz Room." There's also "Jelly's Blues" in ep1 and "Skip Dat Pop Dat" in ep5.

Alexander Scriabin (1872–1915) : Composer and pianist who "developed a growing atonal system, which was in accordance with his idea of mysticism." He "came to believe that he had a mission to regenerate mankind through art."

1.05: 24 Preludes Op. 11 No. 15 - Lestat plays it at the start of ep5.

Duke Ellington (1899–1974) Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) As many of you probably know, these jazz legends helped the genre forward. Ellington has the largest recorded personal jazz legacy. Armstrong became one of the most influential artists in jazz history. At the time of the story though, both were at the start of their careers.

1.05: East St. Louis Toodle-Oo was the first charting single for Ellington. It plays during the conversation with Anderson, before L&L come home to drunk Claudia.

1.05: Everything Is Hotsy Totsy Now - This fox-trot tune starts playing just after that, during the police search.

Few songs play over the radio/record in ep5 & 6:

1.05: Underneath The Arches by the duo Flanagan and Allen. It refers to the railway bridge where homeless slept during the Great Depression. It plays when Claudia returns home.

1.06: Haunted Heart - Broadway tune covered by Jo Stafford. It plays when Louis asks Claudia to make an effort to get along.

1.06: Was Your Heart Ever There - sang by Alyce Hauser. It plays when Lestat smokes and complains to Antoinette. (ep6 are bit out of timeline)

1.06: Giuseppe Tartini's "Devil's Trill Sonata" plays when Lestat comes after Claudia when she tries to leave by train. Tartini (1692-1770) was a composer and violinist of the Baroque era. He told that the devil had appeared to him in a dream and inspired to compose the sonata.

Johan Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) : A composer and organist of the Baroque period who is regarded one of the most influential musicians and often called the most spiritual. He composed for a variety of instruments and forms.

1.07: Partita in B-Flat Major: II. Allemande -Lestat plays it before Claudia offers to play the duet. It's a slow version of it.

Claude Debussy (1862–1918) : Composer whose works had a major influence on 20th century music. He "embraced nontraditional scales and tonal structures and developed a highly original system of harmony."

1.07: Six épigraphes antiques 1. "To invoke Pan" -The one Claudia and Lestat play together. It was originally composed for 4 hands but later made solo. Apparently, parts of these were earlier written as musical accompaniments for his friend's lesbian poems "Les Chansons de Biliti."

Erskine Hawkins (1914–1993) : Renowned bandleader and composer who was nicknamed the "20th-Century Gabriel," because of his heavenly trumpet play. His best known song is the jazz standard" Tuxedo Junction."

1.07: Dolemite - A popular song from that year plays when they plan the attack.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) : Composer and impactful musical figure between the classical and romantic eras. He began to grow increasingly deaf in his 30s but continued composing. As our subject is vampires: he wrote a ten-page love letter to an "Immortal Beloved" but never sent it.

1.07: Piano Sonata No. 14 (moonlight sonata) -Plays several times + during the end credits. Most likely a homage to the usage of it in the 94 movie.

2.03: Fidelio, Op 72: Prisoners’ Chorus -This Opera tells a story of a woman who, dressed as a guard, tries to rescue her husband from prison. It gained significance after WW2. The chorus is an ode to freedom. Plays in S2 when Louis shows Alois his photographs.

2.01: Y’A Pas D’Printemps - Edith Piaf Piaf is perhaps the most well known French singers. She became kind of a symbol "of passion and tenacity". The song translates to "There's No Spring." The lyrics express longing for better life.

2.02: Snowfall - Claude Thornhill & his Orchestra - Thornhill was a pianist, composer and bandleader who wrote few jazz and pop standards. Notably this and "I Wish I Had You" with Billie Holiday. It plays when Louis says he started taking pictures.

Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) : Composer and pianist who "incorporated elements of modernism, baroque, neoclassicism and, in his later works, jazz." It's been speculated that he was gay. According to Daniel Hart, show Lestat loves Ravel.

2.02/04/08 Piano Concerto in G, II. Adagio assai -plays 3 times in S2: When Louis reads Lestat's letter, lets go of 'dreamstat' and during their reunion. Each time it's performed by Martha Argerich (seems she has recorded it 3 times) who Lestat also mentions in ep8.

2.02: Menilmontant - Charles Trenet, a singer-songwriter most famously known for the hit song La Mer. (Beyond the Sea) He was gay behind the public. This plays during end credits and refers to an area in Paris with "bohemian, left-wing and counterculture identity." (random side note: I love the jazz guitar version of this song recorded by Django Reinhardt)

Nat King Cole - A well loved singer, actor and it's often overlooked how great jazz pianist he was too. Despite the worldwide success, he still suffered intense racial discrimination during his career. Cole's trio was the model for small jazz ensembles that came later.

2.04: King Cole Trio - Vom, Vim, Veedle - One of the earliest recordings with the trio. I wonder if it made Louis homesick.

Josephine Baker -Iconic dancer, singer, actress, activist and more. She has been titled the "first black international superstar." Although married, she had a number of affairs with women (including Frida Kahlo)

2.06: Mon Cœur Est Un Oiseau Des Îles "My heart is an island bird" -This made me think about the bird motifs around Claudia.

#iwtv #amc iwtv #iwtv bts #iwtv list #interview with the vampire #beginning of jazz🤝beginning of amc Loustat

21 notes · View notes