3

Childish whispers and giggles broke through into Tae's consciousness, as he struggled to wake up. Not that he wanted to. His body ached in places he didn't know he could ache as his muscles contracted. His ass heavily protested the move, as he tried to roll to his side, and failed. What or who was confining him? And those were children he could hear. Children speaking Norse? Norse?

Tae jerked awake, then screamed as he encountered the eyes of a goat. The animal was nibbling on the furs that made up the covering of the bedstead he seemed to be on. Furs that had wrapped around his in a tight cocoon, thus stopping his from moving. Fortunately they also covered up his nakedness. Because Tae was very much naked under here, and he was most certainly not in his own time anymore.

Heat rushed into his cheeks when that blasted goat bleated at him, and getting one hand free, he shooed him away.

"Go get, be off with you."

The same childish voices he'd heard waking up, erupted into fits of giggles at the bottom of the bed. He could just about see a mass of hair and the impish grin on two little boys' faces as they ducked back from view.

The menacing goat, in the meantime, bleated again and then backtracked out the curtain that had been hung to presumably separate this sleeping space from the rest of the dwelling. A very Viking dwelling, as his befuddled mind seemed to finally comprehend. Which could only mean one thing. They'd made it back to Jungkook's time, and...

With a frightening jolt of clarity, the previous night's events came rushing back to Tae, and he brought his hand up to his neck. Sure enough, there, still, tender under his fingertips, was the slightly raised mark of Jungkook's possession.

Before he could process the rush of emotions that flooded him at that revelation, his pint-sized intruders at the bottom of the bed caught his attention. They were whispering again, and his lips twitched at what he was hearing. He would contemplate why he could understand them at a later time. Yet more magic at work, no doubt. Tae shook his head in wonder. He didn't even believe in magic, yet here he was.

"This is your fault, Taemin. I told you he'd wake up. Father will take the belt to my behind for this."

"No, he will not. You're his favourite, and besides, Father isn't back yet. He's the one who gives us the belt."

"Oh, you're so dumb. Uncle Jungkook is back, and he hits even harder than Father. He will be so angry. He told us to let his mate sleep."

"But he's been asleep for ages, and besides..."

Tae put his hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing out loud as the bed shook and one little head could be seen bobbing up and out of view as its owner seemed to be bouncing up and down.

"It wasn't us that woke him up. It was the goat."

A slap could be heard, and Tae frowned.

"Oh, you are so stupid. Father said to keep the goat away from Jungkook's omega. So, you see, we will still get told off."

Something of a struggle seemed to be taking place until Tae cleared his throat.

"Hello?"

The struggle stopped, he fixed a smile on his face when two little boys cautiously appeared from behind the bed.

"I'm Tae," he said. "Now I know one of you is Taemin, right?"

The slightly taller one puffed out his little chest and thumped it hard with his fist. His younger brother looked up at him, and offered Tae a tooth - gapped smile, as he scrambled up unto the bed. Before he could stop him he had wrapped his little hands around his neck in a tight hug.

"You smell nice," he mumbled. When his brother shouted at him to let go, he reluctantly released him but sniffed him again very audibly.

Tae pulled a face. It was on the tip of his tongue to deny that when the curtain opened and a very heavily pregnant man gave the little guy who sat next to him an indulgent smile. He must be an omega male, Tae's not in his time.

"I thought I could hear you. Taemin, did I not tell you to keep Kai away from your uncle's mate? He needs his rest."

Dark eyes the same colour of Jungkook's connected with Tae's and realized this had to be Jimin, Jungkook's brother. There was no mistaking the resemblance, or the fact that Jungkook's brother really oughtn't to be on his feet. Tae was no expert in pregnancy, but judging by the lowness of the enormous belly which Jimin's tiny frame had to be struggling to support, he was ready to pop, if not overdue. A shiver of unease curled low in Tae's belly. No wonder Jungkook worried over him.

"Sorry, Father." Taemin's sincere apology snared Tae's attention back to him. "I shall take this nuisance away with me."

"I'm not a nuisance." Kai put his hands on his hips and stuck his bottom lip out in the most adorable pout. Goodness, this little imp would steal anyone's heart. "Not leaving. Like it here. Jungkook's mate smells nice."

Taemin rolled his eyes. Jimin gave a tired laugh, which made Tae scoot over as much as he was able to, and pat the side of the bed.

"Here, please, sit down. You shouldn't be standing in your condition."

Jimin looked surprised but did sit on the edge of the bed with a deep sigh that spoke volumes.

"Thank you, my dear brother, to be. This child does get heavy to carry around."

Tae blinked at the unexpected address, but before he could open his mouth to refute that notion, Jimin addressed his sons.

"You two, scoot, see if you can get a message to the hunting party. Your uncle wanted to know when his mate is awake."

A squeal came from Kai, which turned into a yip, and loud cracking of bones as he bounced off the bed with dizzying speed. In the blink of an eye, the little boy had transformed into a wolf cub. His eyes sparked up at Tae, as he instinctively rubbed his own, afraid they were deceiving him.

Knowing Jungkook's people are werewolves, seeing such an effortless transformation in the flesh were two entirely different things, and Tae was glad he was sitting down. At least, this way it was only his mouth doing goldfish impressions, and he didn't add to his embarrassment by sliding to the floor in a heap, because his knees gave out.

Taemin followed his brother, only he changed mid-leap across the bed. One minute there was a little boy, pulling his tunic over his head, the next a brown wolf cub landed gracefully on all four paws. He nudged his younger brother with his muzzle, licked his ear, and with a thoughtful glance back at Tae led the smaller pup out of sight.

"Was that the first time you've seen the shift?" Jimin's softly spoken question meant Tae hastily shut his mouth. he nodded, not trusting his voice to work at this moment. Much to his surprise Jimin took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I thought so. You have a very expressive face. I'm so used to seeing it. I forget how it must look to someone who's not used to it."

Tae returned Jimin's encouraging smile with one of his own.

"It's amazing. I mean they make it look so easy. I'd have thought it would hurt?"

It was Jimin's turn to look puzzled, as he absentmindedly rubbed his big bump. What looked like a mini tsunami rolled across his skin, and Jimin winced.

"Do not do that, little one. Do your father a favour and come and see us. There is much more room out here than in there."

Another rolling wave rippled across his stomach. Jimin sighed, and looked tiredly across at Tae.

"No doubt this one is another boy. Just as stubborn as his father." he tempered the words with a smile, however, and a pang of something akin to envy ripped across Tae's chest.

He hadn't thought too much about having children before but confronted about Jungkook's very pregnant brother and his boys he supposed it was only natural. Especially as his earlier movement had brought with it sticky wetness between his thighs. Heat rose in his cheeks when he realized what it was—Jungkook's cum. With it came the realization that they hadn't used any protection. A surge of anger at the man-made his breathing harder, even as his rational brain kicked in and rolled its eyes at him. He was a Viking, for fvcks sake. No doubt he had no idea what a condom was, and besides, he should have made sure he used one.

Tae is a man, so he wasn't worried about falling pregnant, but he would have known that, damn him. What about sexually transmitted disease? Where was his brain at? Not functioning around Jungkook. Being a werewolf helps but he's human.

"Are you in pain, Kærasti of Jungkook?"

Jimin's unexpected question shook Tae out of his turbulent emotions, and he shook his head.

"No, why... well, I need to pee and have a wash, 'cause... err..." he felt his cheeks heat under Jimin's warm gaze, and the other smiled.

"I expect you will. There is a bucket for that purpose and another with water to wash in just outside the curtain. I shall make sure you have some privacy, though I would suggest you make haste. The other folks are most curious to meet the omega who has snared my brother." he laughed when Tae frowned at that. "He is considered quite a catch, my brother, but he has never shown any more than passing interest to any, much to our father's dismay. He wants to see Jungkook wedded before he goes to dine at Valhöll."

Jimin's smile deepened at Tae's gasp of surprise.

"Lord Loki Liufr, you can call him Liufr. He will want to see you in the great hall when you've dressed. I have laid out some clothing for you, too. Come and find me when you are done, sweet one."

"Right, yes, that is..." Tae's words trailed off when Jimin struggled to his feet. Not caring about the fact that the furs slipped to expose his nakedness, Tae got to his knees on the bed and helped the other. A grateful smile was his reward. Then he was on his own, apart from the goat, which decided to stick his head through the curtain again. he threw one of the smaller furs at him, and the blasted thing bleated his seeming thanks while keeping hold of one edge disappeared with its prize.

"Hey, you, get back here." Tae froze when he left the relative security of the curtain behind, and hastily yanked a long piece of material left outside up to his chin. On closer inspection, this appeared to be one-piece clothing. As promised there was also a shallow bowl of some sort and a bucket with water.

However, the actual dwelling took up most of his attention. An oblong raised fire in the middle of the building was the focal point around which everything seemed to centre. Tae spotted several more curtained off areas, presumably containing more bedspreads, and he idly wondered how many people slept in this room. Several, judging by the hive of activity around the fire. An older folk smiled up at Jimin as Jungkook's brother waddled toward her, stopped stirring whatever was cooking over the fire.

Table and chairs were set against one side of the fire, a pen containing a motley assortment of livestock was to the far right of it, and as he watched a gaggle of children, followed by several young people carrying water and what looked like slaughtered pig entered directly opposite him.

Tae wanted the ground to swallow his whole, when they all looked in his direction, before the old omega Jimin was speaking clapped his hands, and shooed them all back out again. Jimin followed slowly behind, and Tae knew this was his cue.

The universe knows, he'd done enough camping to be able to rough it, so, pushing his discomfort at being this exposed to the back of his mind, he hastily took care of his bodily needs.

By the time he'd had a sponge bath in the cold water provided in the bucket, pulled the clothing over his head and tamed his hair into some semblance of order with the wooden comb he'd found, he felt almost himself - human. Ready to take on the world, if he forgot the small fact that he was stark naked under this piece of clothing. The homespun material was surprisingly warm and soft against his skin and mercifully long enough so that he only showed the tips of his handmade boots. These, too, were made from leather and worn in well. What's more, they fit like a glove, as did the dress, and Tae had to marvel at Jimin's ability to judge his size so well.

Now what to do with the dirty water and such? Tae was still contemplating this question when the old woman who had been speaking to Jungkook's brother walked back in. his lined face broke into a knowing smile when he saw what Tae was holding in his hands.

"Come with me," she said. When Tae hesitated the older woman tugged on his arm. "Come with Boa."

"Err, okay. I'm Tae." Taehyung felt the need to say that, as he followed Boa out of the homestead and behind the dwelling.

"I know who you are," the other omega said and pointed to some bushes. Taking the hint, Tae poured the dirty contents behind the foliage that seemed to surround the village.

A surprisingly busy village, as he discovered when he followed Boa. The writer in him catalogued all the fascinating sights in front of him for future stories, and a bubble of excitement burst inside at the fact that he was truly here.

Before he could think about it too much, he was surrounded by several young people and carried away in the chattering throng.

Resistance was utterly futile, so Tae simply went with the flow. It was only when they entered another, much wider building in the middle of the village that he dug his heels in.

Laid out in almost identical fashion as the one he'd woken up in, this was far grander. The long fireplace still dominated the middle of the open space, but partitions had been put up separating the areas, and right in front of his stood several furs covered chairs. The excited crowd pushed Tae forward and fell silent when the silver-haired Viking sitting in the tallest chair held up his hand.

Tae's heart beat faster when he looked into Jungkook's eyes. This man was older, his face lined with age, but he would recognize those deep dark orbs anywhere. This had to be his Viking wolf's father, and Tae straightened his shoulders and raised his head higher under his silent scrutiny.

"Step closer, child," Lord Liufr said. He smiled his approval when Tae complied. Tae didn't miss the way the lord's eyes narrowed when his gaze fell on Jungkook's mark on his neck, and he barely resisted the urge to bring his hand up to cover it. His nostrils flared, seemingly sniffing the air, and Tae lifted his chin higher. A glimmer of amusement showed in the man's eyes, and he nodded once.

A commotion outside shifted his attention away from him, and Tae breathed a sigh of relief, only for his heart to turn into a jackhammer when he saw the pack of wolves sprint into their middle. Led by an enormous black wolf they spread out into a semicircle, as the villagers gave them room. Tae couldn't suppress a gasp when the lead wolf padded up to him.

Jungkook's scent invaded his nostrils ten times stronger in his wolf form, as he came up right next to his and nudged his shoulder. The action was enough to ensure that his wobbly knees would not support him, Tae simply slid to the floor in an undignified heap.

~~~

Jungkook's wolf whined sensing the distress in his mate, and getting to his haunches to make himself seem less threatening, he waited for his next move. His Kærasti would have no idea how important this moment was. If he showed fear, or Odin forbid, rejected him in front of his father and the entire pack, Lord Liufr would not only not give his permission for their wedding, but he would also lose the respect of the pack.

While Jungkook would never give up on Tae, unless he didn't want him, life would be far easier if this went smoothly. Inwardly he cursed the timing of the rival clan's raid. They had beaten them back in the attack which had seen Jungkook injured and catapulted forward in time to meet Taehyung, but his presence had been required in the hunting party. He hadn't wanted to leave his slumbering mate, especially when he'd been asleep for well over a week. Jimin had promised to look after him, however, he had a duty to perform. As his father's son and acting Lord in battle, he had to ensure the safety of the hunting party.

Until either a truce or their utter defeat had been established the neighbouring clan was a danger to them all. Newly mated or not, he had to protect his village. His breath huffed out of his chest in relief, when Tae ran his hands over his fur. Hesitantly at first and then with firmer strokes that made his wolf want to expose his soft underbelly.

"Jungkook, is that you?" he whispered, and his eyes widened when he nodded and pulled away. Concentrating on his human form, loud morbid sounds of bones breaking and rearranging, he shifted with ease, bowed to his father, and then held his hand out to Tae. His mate still sitting on the floor, Tae was eye level with his cock, and close enough for his rapid exhalations to whisper across his shaft with predictable consequences. Heat rose in his cheeks when he noticed. Relief coursed through Jungkook when he slid his fingers into his outstretched hand. Helping his mate to his feet, he pulled him in front of, to hide his obvious arousal.

A snigger went up behind him, and he knew he would be in for a ribbing from his men, for not being able to control his urges like some sveinbarn. To soothe his wolf, he nuzzled into his mate's neck. A shiver went through Tae as he sagged against him. Ignoring their surroundings, he licked his mark on his shoulder and growled into his ear. His animal didn't like the bubbling anger he sensed in his mate.

"I am sorry I had to leave you. I will get you out of here as soon as I can."

Tae nodded, as Jungkook brought his attention back to his father when Liufr cleared his throat.

"Bring my son some clothes to wear. I can see he would rather drag his mate off somewhere..." He paused for the inevitable round of laughter. Tae stiffened in his arms and pushed away from him. "We have things to discuss, my son."

Jungkook tightened his hold on him. A fresh wave of his anger hit him straight in the gut. Oh, yes, his Kærasti was pissed off with either him or of this whole situation. He couldn't be sure, which, and when a slave boy approached with his clothes he reluctantly let go of Tae. he wrapped his arms around himself and glared at him. It made him supremely grateful for the leggings and tunic he now wore, as he hardened to the point of pain. His fingers itched to put it over his knee for that open defiance, even as he forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

To avoid the temptation of doing just that, he bowed his head toward his father.

"We, do my lord, but let me get my Kærasti settled first. Our way of life is new to her, so—"

"I can see that, my son." His father interrupted him and frowned at Jungkook's wolf's threatening growl in answer. "Believe me, I am making allowances for that. Jimin will continue to look after him if you wish."

At the mention of his brother, Tae's tense frame relaxed, while Jungkook's chest tightened with affection when he saw Tae rush toward his brother to help him walk. That barn of his needed to be born soon. He could read the same worry in his father's expression when he looked over to him, and with a sigh stepped up to sit in the chair next to him.

Sure enough, his father's next words said loud enough only for him to hear confirmed it.

"He should have had that child by now."

"I know, Father. I wish there is something we could do. Yoongi should have never got him with child again."

The chair protested under his father's hands as his knuckles turned white in response.

"I never should have agreed to the union in the first place. That clan cannot be trusted. Yoongi least of all, it seems. Tell me what you found out."

Jungkook narrowed his eyes and searched the crowd, while he filled his father in on the strengths and weaknesses of Yoongi's clan. His brother-in-law was right now in their midst, supposedly on a mission to return peace to the land. For a brief interlude that peace had existed. Marrying Jimin off to the neighbouring Alpha's son was supposed to have been the solution. However, when Yoongi's father had died, his older brother had become the Alpha, they had once again protested against the leadership of Lord Liufr.

"What are you not telling me about Yoongi?" he finally asked after he filled his father in on the intelligence he had gleaned.

A deep sigh escaped Lord Liufr, and Jungkook followed his gaze to where Jimin and Tae seemed to be deep in conversation. Some of his worries lifted when Tae laughed at something Jimin had said. The smile lit up his face, and his father cleared his throat.

"Just a feeling. A foreboding if you will."

A chill ran up Jungkook's spine. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the two men in his life who meant the world to him. The truth hit him square in the chest and made breathing difficult. What he felt for Tae went deeper than the mere lust brought on by the mating bond. He'd known that on some level deep down since he'd first caught his scent, but here in his world, he couldn't deny the truth.

"It's a strange feeling, is it not?"

Jungkook frowned and briefly glanced at his father, before staring back at Tae. He was either oblivious or purposely ignoring him. He suspected the latter, because Jimin smiled at him, and nudged Tae. His Kærasti's spine stiffened, but he didn't turn around and Jimin laughed.

His wolf grumbled and paced under his skin. Jungkook would have shot out of his chair, had it not been for his father's steadying hand on his arm.

"Leave him to cool off. For what it is worth, you have my blessing." Those words made Jungkook swing his head toward his father. Lord Liufr smiled at him and nodded.

"He will not be an easy mate, but then neither was your mother. Your chosen omega has a strong spirit, just like the ancient one predicted. Which makes me more concerned for your brother."

Jungkook glanced across the crowded room again. Jimin leaned back in his chair, a pained expression on his face as he rubbed his belly. Tae's hands joined in the soothing circles over his brother's abdomen. The hand on his arm tightened, and his father's claws ran out.

"You've consulted the ancient one over Jimin?" Jungkook asked, and his father's scent grew acid with worry.

"I consulted with him over your sudden disappearance." Jungkook hung his head, and his father patted his arm and let go of him. "I knew you had been to see him before the battle, so when you didn't make it home, and there was no sign of your body, I had to find out what he knew."

"I am sorry, Father. I should have warned you, but I did not want to believe the ancient one's prophecy. It has not happened in such a long time..." He let his words trail off, and his wolf whined when he saw Jimin struggle to his feet with his Kærasti's assistance. His brother looked worn out, and his chest grew warm with the affection he could read in Tae's scent right now. The fact that he already cared about his brother's wellbeing so much meant a great deal to him right now.

As though he had read his thoughts, his father cleared his throat.

"Like I said you chose well, or rather the gods chose well for you. I must admit I was worried when the ancient one said you had been hurled through time to claim your válað."

Jungkook tore his gaze away from the departing duo, to glance at his father.

"It was not an easy task. My Kærasti's time is strange and full of modern inventions that are bewildering at best." Jungkook ran a hand over his jaw and suppressed a grin as he recalled running his sword through the intruder in his house, which had turned out to be something called television. He was still not entirely sure how those worked, but he knew they weren't a threat.

"You will have to tell me about them sometime," his father said, and Jungkook nodded.

"Ja, but we were talking about the ancient one and his prophecy for Jimin. I am assuming he had one. Father?"

Lord Liufr pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

"Yes and no. You know how vague he can be, but when I asked him about you, he said time of great change and danger was upon us. Loyalties would be tested, and family relationships changed forever."

Jungkook dew in a sharp breath, and beat down the immediate guilt assaulting him. He had been disloyal, had held out on returning to his time because he hadn't wanted to force the issue with Taehyung. Much had occurred in his absence it seemed. Before he could voice those thoughts, however, his father spoke again.

"At first I thought he meant you. That you weren't coming back, and the more time passed by the more that thought took hold. But then Yoongi decided to leave us and go and see his clan. I believed him at first when he said he was going to talk to his brother and try and mediate on my behalf. I send him with my blessing, but he hasn't returned and there has been no word. Instead, they have stepped up their attacks on us. So..." Liufr led his words to trail off, and the unspoken hung heavy between them.

"I will seek him out and kill him with my bare hands if he has betrayed us," Jungkook said, and Liufr nodded.

"I have no doubt that you will, my son. However, tonight, go seek your mate and make your peace."

Liufr smile at him and Jungkook shot to his feet. Nose in the air to follow his scent, he set about finding his mate. Time to settle this once and for all.

~~~

"Are you sure you're going to be okay, Jimin?" Tae asked for the umpteenth time and received the same tired smile in return.

"I will be fine, my dear Tae. Please do not worry over me. Go back to the feast and make peace with my stubborn brother."

Tae snorted his derision at that, and Jimin laughed.

"We haven't exactly fought, so how can I make peace?" Tae said, which was true. The last time he had properly spoken to him, they had been engaged in- His cheeks heated recalling that night, and he clenched his thighs together. This whole thing was insane. He couldn't think about him without getting turned on, Jimin said it was part of the mating bond when Tae had steadfastly refused to follow the unspoken demand in his brain to turn around and look at Jungkook back in the meeting hall.

It was one of the reasons why he was so damn angry with him. He had bitten him, claimed him, as Jimin had called it, without explaining the consequences. That niggling ache in his belly, when he defied him, the very real need to seek him out and touch him, this overwhelming connection to him, and yes, dammit, 'love.'

Tae couldn't allow himself to fall in love, yet that was exactly what he had done. It made him want to stay here and never go back to his own time. He couldn't do that, he had a life back there. People who he loved and wanted him back. A bloody story to finish. Tae angrily swiped the unexpected tears away. Jimin clucked his tongue and pulled Tae down for a hug.

"It will be okay, you'll see. This mating bond is overwhelming, but it is also one of the best and most treasured things that can happen to you."

Jimin sounded so sad that Tae disentangled himself and forced a smile on his face. He put a hand on the other omega's swollen belly. Tae's breath caught at the strong kick he felt under his fingers.

"Are you worried about this lil' one's father?" Tae asked. Jimin's short laugh in answer made a frown and lookup.

"No, well, I am, but Yoongi is not my mate." he smiled at Tae's sharp intake of breath at that revelation.

"You only have one válað, and not everyone is blessed by the gods to find him or her." When Tae frowned in his obvious confusion, Jimin patted his arm.

"I can see my wayward brother has not explained this very well to you."

Tae rolled his eyes. "That's the understatement of the freaking century," he said making Jimin laugh.

"Well, my dear, he's the future Alpha of our pack. They tend to act first and explain things later if you're lucky. My válað was just the same. I first met Hoseok when I was a mere boy. He was ten years older than me and kept his distance, but I knew. From the moment I saw him, I knew he was to be mine. I know he only thought of me as Jungkook's annoying little brother until I turned sixteen."

Jimin smiled and his whole face lit up as he recalled happier times.

"Hoseok and Jungkook had both been injured on a raid." he patted Tae's arm when Tae gasped. "It happens. Ours are dangerous times, and our men fight hard to protect us and to gain more land. Anyway, Jungkook's was a mere scratch in comparison." he grinned when Tae shook his head.

"I've seen his scars. They're not scratches," Tae said.

"Maybe not, but he healed fast. For some reason, Hoseok didn't. I was appointed to care for him..." he stopped talking and smiled when Tae worried his bottom lip with his teeth.

"Does it start to sound familiar?"

Tae wrapped his arms around himself. "Maybe," he said. "But Jungkook was displaced and couldn't shift, so we just thought he didn't heal as fast because of that, and..." Tae stopped speaking when Jimin's pointed look fell on Jungkook's mark on his neck.

"He wouldn't have been able to mark you, had he not been able to shift. You see, when we meet our válað and one or the other fights it for whatever reason, our inner beasts lose their ability, only to emerge much stronger once the bond has been established. I knew I wanted Hoseok from the first minute I saw him. It took him being injured to embrace what his wolf had known all along. That despite circumstances I was meant to be his. Once he did, everything fell into place."

Jimin grew thoughtful when Tae shook his head.

"It can't have been that easy."

"Fundamentally it was. We were meant to be together, so that was it. Just like my brother and you are meant to be together." Jimin laughed, and Tae wondered what that was about until the other explained.

"Jungkook still beat him to a bloody pulp for daring to touch me, of course, but once they got that out of their system, we were married and that was that." A shadow crossed his face and Tae reached out to take Jimin's hand in between his own. A gentle squeeze was his reply.

"What happened to your Hoseok?" Tae asked.

"He's drinking with the gods in Valhöll. He didn't come back after a raid across the seas that one year." he smiled when Tae startled, and let go of his hand. "It is what it is. He died a warrior's death and will always be remembered. I grieved him, of course, but I had my boys to always remember him by, and life goes on."

Tae supposed it did, but his heart ached at the loss the other omega had suffered. If anything was to happen to Jungkook... he didn't even want to think about that, he swallowed down the overwhelming need to see him. Had he not just returned himself from a dangerous assignment?

"Do not look so worried, my brother," Jimin said. "Many warriors live to old age, and Jungkook is not Hoseok. For starters, he is the best fighter this village has seen in many generations. Now that he had found his válað, he is even stronger."

Tae wasn't so sure about that, but he kept his thoughts to himself and changed the subject.

"So Yoongi is what?" Jimin sighed.

"My husband, chosen by my father to cement the peace between his clan and ours."

Tae couldn't help it, he laughed.

"That's barbaric, and it didn't work too well if they're attacking you again, now did it?"

Jimin shrugged his shoulders. The censure he read in the other usually so warm eyes made his regret his hasty words immediately.

"I'm sorry that was tactless of me. It's just..." Tae couldn't bring himself to continue and breathed a sigh of relief when Jimin smiled.

"I wasn't entirely unwilling, brother," he said. "Yoongi is very handsome and..." he measured several inches between his hands, and that grin turned positively sinful. "Very well hung," he said, and Tae burst into laughter.

"Jimin!" he said, and the other laughed, too.

"What? We have needs, Yoongi is more than capable of taking care of mine. He's a good man. I've got to believe in that, despite appearances, and what my father fears. He has only ever treated me with kindness, and the boys love him as a father. I..."

Jimin stopped speaking and looked behind Tae. He didn't need to turn around to know who had just entered. Jungkook's scent wrapped itself around Tae, and his wolf's quiet rumble travelled through him, centring right between his thighs. Tae closed his eyes to regain control of his wayward hormones, but to no avail. Those weren't listening, especially when Jungkook stepped up right behind him, settling his large hands on his hips pulling him back against Jungkook's huge frame. The long, hard ridge of his erection dug into the small of his back, and his fingers tightened around his hip bones with enough force to leave bruises, while he rested his chin on his head, and spoke to his brother.

"Your belief in your husband does you credit, brother, but I agree with Father. His actions speak for themselves. I am not at all sure we can trust him."

Jimin's wolf showed briefly in his eyes, and the animal snarled at Jungkook. Tae held his breath as Jungkook's wolf responded in kind, and he winced when his claws ran out and dug into his skin. Jungkook sheathed them immediately with a murmured apology to Tae. When he ran his nose down toward his mark on his neck, inhaled, and then flicked his tongue across his mark, Tae didn't even try to stop his needy moan. Fighting this pull between them was useless. This close to the man he loved, he couldn't think of one single reason why he ought to be fighting this. Tae could barely hold on to his previous anger.

"I'm not discussing this now, Jungkook. See you to your mate. Events will tell which one of us is right. Go and leave me be, I am going to try to rest. Something tells me this barn will be born very soon. I know the birth will not be an easy one, so I would rather save my strength for that, and not arguing with my brother. I know you never approved of Yoongi."

Jungkook tensed behind Tae. Acting on instinct he put his hands over his, where they were still clamped on his hips, and Jungkook blew out a long, drawn-out breath next to Tae's ear. It left a tingling awareness of him on his skin, as it brought with it his scent, laced through with the ale he'd drunk at the feast.

"I never said that," Jungkook grumbled his answer, and his brother smiled.

"You didn't have to. I know he is no Hoseok. I will always love and miss him. He was my válað, the other half of me, just like Taehyung is yours." Jimin blinked back tears as he said that. Tae held his breath again, but Jungkook just murmured his approval. He dropped an open-mouthed kiss on the sensitive spot under his ear, which made Tae even wetter for him. Not that it took much for him to get into that state. One look from him, one whiff of his scent was all that was required. It should be infuriating and embarrassing, but it simply felt right. Here in his arms was where he belonged, come what may, and for better or worse this was his life now. Jimin's story made him realize that he was foolish to spend his time being angry at him, or the circumstances they found themselves in.

Life was too short, he knew that. Tae was many things, but he wasn't a fool, and having been given this chance of happiness, he would grab it with both hands, and pray the fates, gods, or whatever you believed in wouldn't snatch Jungkook away from his before his time like Jimin's Hoseok.

Tae forced himself to listen to Jungkook's brother as the other omega continued.

"Yoongi is my husband, the father of this child I am carrying. I know he will honour the vows he made to me and this clan." Jimin put his hand up when Jungkook seemed set to say something. Tae felt Jungkook's reluctant acceptance to his toes. When he opened his heart, he could read him as easily as though his emotions were his own. Worry and love for his brother, concern for his pack, his father, and Yoongi, too, he realized with a start. It seemed Jungkook cared more for his brother-in-law than even his brother knew. There was old grief for Hoseok, gentle indulgent feelings for his nephews, and above all a healthy dose of lust for Tae. It made his smile, as it so mirrored his feelings. Tae sensed nothing but honesty from him, and... he closed his eyes and dug deeper, not even questioning why he could do so—love—for him.

It made his heart beat faster, and Jungkook pulled his closer still, as though he, too, picked up on his turbulent emotions. Then again, he no doubt could. If he—a mere human—could read him so clearly thanks to their bond, then how much easier must he be able to pick up on Jungkook, considering his much sharper senses.

"So, there is nothing more to be said, brother. Save your breath and use your words to explain things better to your válað. It seems to me you have done a piss poor job of doing that so far." Tae suppressed a grin when Jimin winked at him and made shooing motions with his hands before he lay down on his bed and shut his eyes.

Jungkook swore softly behind him and let go of Tae. Taking the opportunity, Tae scooted away, all too aware of Jungkook's heated glance on his ass as he followed him. he had no idea where to go to, only that he wanted some privacy, away from the dwelling, the village and the many prying eyes which glanced their way. When he reached the edge of the settlement, where it opened into the dense forest he stopped, just in time to see Jungkook drive his fist into a tree with a menacing growl that took his breath away.

~~~

The welcome pain shot up through his knuckles and eased some of the aches in his heart. He winced as he flexed his knuckles and heard them crack. Maybe he'd hit that damn tree a bit too hard, but by all of Odin, he didn't like feeling this helpless.

His Kærasti's scent wrapped itself around him, as he stepped up, and ran his fingertips over his hand. The injury was already healing, helped along tenfold by the quiet understanding in his warm eyes, as he dropped kisses on his knuckles, and looked up at him.

The soft feel of Tae's lips on his flesh sent a shockwave of need straight to his balls. It took every ounce of self-control he had to not pounce on him, to take his hard and fast against the nearest tree. His wolf damn well salivated at the wetness he smelled between his legs.

It had been a week-long since he'd last had Tae and he needed to reconnect. To feel his body quiver as it was impaled on his cock, to know that Tae was his, to breathe in his scent, to taste his submission, to know that he'd done the right thing by bringing his mate here. At least he didn't seem angry anymore.

"Feeling better now?" Tae glanced at the tree. The bark had split, and the tree's sap was leaking out in a steady, thick, gloopy mess. "Though I have to wonder what that poor tree has done to deserve such treatment. You heal quickly. I don't think the same can be said for the tree." Tae let go off his hand and put his hand on his hips. Head cocked to one side, he studied him in the rapidly falling darkness. Tae's brows drew together in a frown that made him want to kiss that crease away.

Instead, he ran a hand through his hair and shrugged his shoulders.

"Talk to me, Jungkook, please. Are you that worried about Jimin? Or is it Yoongi? Do you think he's going to betray him and the village?"

"I..." Jungkook hesitated, and his frown deepened. Tae's earlier anger bubbled back to the surface. Jungkook got a distinct impression that he ought to be grateful he didn't carry a dagger of some sort like most in the village, or he might have been tempted to throw it at him.

"Damn it, this thing between us is never going to work unless you talk to me. I refuse to reduce our relationship just to sex, as awesome as that was." He stepped up and whacked his arm when he couldn't help but smirk at that. "Oh, stop it, you.. you know damn well I want you again, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give in to this válað thing between us. I don't know how things work in your time, but back home, life partners, which I understand we might as well be, thanks to this." He paused, hurt and anger flashing up in his expressive eyes, as he pointed on his mark on his neck. His earlier twinge of guilt returned tenfold.

Tae put his hand out to stop him when he took one step towards him.

"No, you let me get this off my chest. You had no right to do that without telling me what exactly this means back here." He gestured toward the village. "And while we're on that subject, you had no bloody right to take liberties with my health. Did you even think about the possibility of getting me sick? Do you think that's your god-given right because let me tell you this. Where I come from people discuss this sort of thing. You don't just go about biting people in the middle of sex, when they're too far gone to care about the consequences and fail to inform them that this means you're their flipping destined mate forever, damn you..."

Tae ran out of steam and simply stood there, arms now wrapped around himself in a defensive move that tore at his heartstrings.

"I asked you," he finally ground out through clenched teeth, when he was reasonably sure he had his baying wolf under control. "I asked you if you were sure. I seem to recall you begged me to take you."

Tae growled under his breath and rolled his eyes. The deep-throated sound made his wolf answer, and he blinked when he advanced on him. He knew his wolf was showing in his eyes, was no doubt prowling under his skin. The fact that he grew even wetter for him, even as he made a hasty retreat, made him even harder.

Taehyuhng's foot caught on a tree root, and arms flailing he would have fallen had he not leapt across the distance hauling him up against him. All the fight went out of his mate, as he caught his mouth in a kiss. He opened to him with a sigh. He claimed his mouth with his lips tongue and teeth, coaxing him to respond, and when he finally did, he roared his satisfaction.

He marched them backwards until his back hit the tree he'd punched. A soft thump left his chest at the contact, yet he didn't break the kiss. Instead, Tae kissed him back, his tongue swirling with his in a fight for dominance that made him grin into the kiss. Running his hand down his leg he pulled Tae's clothing up until the sweet musk of his wet hole perfumed the air. Tae gasped when his fingers slid through his cock.

Jungkook tore his mouth of Tae's to study his expression, as he pushed first one and then two fingers into his clenching hole. Mouth open, pupils dilated, and with his honey tan skin flushed in arousal, his Kærasti looked beautiful in the moonlight now surrounding them. Tae's fingernails dug into his tunic, as he added another finger, stretching him, and started to pump in and out of his body.

"Open for me, válað." He growled the words in between kisses along his neck and caught his whimper of surrender in his mouth as he kissed his way back up to his lips.

"Surely, not here?" Tae's panted question made him smile against his plump flesh. Jungkook bit down slightly, making his groan anew while he kept up pumping his fingers into him. He grew wetter for him, and he whispered his answer.

"Yes, here, right now. I want you. Undo my trousers."

With a groan Tae complied, he hissed through his teeth when his mate's fumbling fingers freed his hardened cock. Wrapping his hand around his shaft he tugged hard.

"Fuck, Kærasti, I want in you, now." Removing his fingers from inside his weeping channel, he gripped his ass cheeks, lifted him and impaled himself in his soft, wet heat in one easy move. Unlike the last time they did that, his body opened to him like a flower in the sunshine, and they both groaned as he began to thrust.

Shallow strokes at first, to help Tae get used to the feel of him inside. When he felt the first flutters of his mate's internal muscles, he drove in deeper, harder. Tae clung to his shoulders, he tightened his hold on him with his thighs, meeting him thrust for thrust. His orgasm rippled through his mate and he caught his scream in his mouth.

The rhythmic clenching of his inner muscles sent him, too, over that sweet cliff. Tearing his mouth away from Tae's, he filled his mate with his seed, a knot forming while he howled his release into the night air, as his vision dimmed and his knees gave way.

He sank his teeth into his shoulder, and Tae tensed and spasmed around him again, as they sank to the ground. Jungkook rolled onto his back, with Tae still quivering around his cock. His mate's internal muscles milked the last few drops out of his shaft, as he knotted in place, locking them together.

Tae collapsed on his chest with a sigh. Jungkook closed his eyes, let his head drop to the forest floor, and enjoyed the feel of his omega draped over him, as he waited for their breathing to slow down, and the inevitable blow out that would follow his actions.

~~~

Stuffed full of Jungkook's still hard cock, Tae rode the aftershocks of his orgasm. With his impossible wolf knotted tightly inside of himself, his thick cock nudged his sensitive spot. Even the slightest move by his made his shaft twitch, sending renewed tremors of delight through his system.

The barely still functioning side of his brain did marvel how they once again had ended up having sex without really having resolved anything at all. At least this time, he hadn't passed out to awake in a different time. There was a small amount of comfort in that. It would be rather disconcerting if they time travelled every time they had sex, especially as he got the distinct impression that they would be doing a lot of that.

Jungkook's heartbeat slowed down to a comforting thud under his ears, and he wriggled slightly. It caused his knot to swell further, and he gasped at the delicious twinges that shot through his body. Oh, he could get used to this.

There were definite advantages to being mated to an overbearing Viking wolf, for sure. Unbidden Jimin's face, when he'd measured out Yoongi's attribute, sprang to his mind, and Tae giggled. The soothing circles Jungkook had been drawing over his backstopped.

"I thought you would be angry with me again." His deep, gravelly voice trembled through him as he spoke. The vibrations increased the wonderful sensations happening between his legs, and he wriggled his hips anew, causing them both to gasp.

"For Odin's sake, stop moving, Kærasti, or my damn tool will never unknot and we'll be here even longer."

His cock pulsed and grew bigger inside him and Tae bit his lips, as his hips flexed lodging him deeper still. Jungkook didn't seem aware of the involuntary moves until Tae tightened his internal muscles and pushed himself up into a sitting position by placing his hands on his chest.

Of course, that move lodged him even deeper, and he stared into the eyes of his wolf when their gazes connected. His hands dug into his hips to hold Tae still, and the veins on his neck stood out as he lifted his head off the ground better to see him.

The heated intensity of his stare took his breath away. Tightening his legs around his hips he pulled himself up slightly. Jungkook swore, and he struggled for breath as his sensitive tissues screamed in delight at the friction that moves created deep inside his core. His claws ran out piercing his skin, and the slight pain served to pitch his need for this man higher.

"Taehyung." That one growled word was enough to make the imp in his intent on causing mischief. He slowly lowered himself again until he made contact with his hard muscles.

"Maybe I want to stay here." he moaned as he lifted himself back up again. Higher this time, which caused his internal muscles to clamp down in a seeming effort to hold Jungkook inside in his body.

He swore again, even as his breathing sped up. With his hands on his hip, he took over the pace in which he slid up and down his cock. There was something so very decadent about lying here out in the open, the sounds of the village in the background, the moonlight creating dappled shadows over their bodies as it shone through the overhead canopy of leaves, with his knees digging into the damp earth. Something very primal, too. Over the frantic beats of his heart and the blood rushing in his ears, Tae heard voices approach and he froze.

Jungkook's furious growl carried. There was muted laughter, more rustling and then nothing. The sight of his very own Viking all poised for action, every muscle tense, as he held his still, head cocked to one side to listen, made Tae feel utterly protected. Not that they should have anything to worry about this close to the village, but he knew in his heart that he would rather die than let any harm come to him. Even his cock, while still knotted inside of him had lost some of its thickness. It made his wonder if he could control that whole process, and he clenched around him again. His dick twitched in response, and his head snapped 'round.

"Mate, you'll be the death of me. We should take this inside." The growled words made him grin. His eyes narrowed, as he lifted himself, as far as he could manage with him knotted inside, before he slammed himself back down on him, relishing the sensation of being stretched. Some of his cum escaped and coated them both.

Jungkook sat up abruptly and framing his face in his hands held his still.

"For the record, in this time we discuss the matter of children, too. You agreed to have sex with me, so I don't understand the issue here. Especially, when I can smell you aren't fertile right now, okay?" He smiled grimly as his eyes widened, and he drew in a shuddering breath.

"O-okay." Somehow Tae managed to get that acknowledgement past the huge lump in his throat, and he gave a tight nod.

"What if I had been?"

Jungkook frowned in response.

"I would like to say I would have kept my hands off of you, but that would be a lie. I would have pulled out before I knotted and spilt outside your body to avoid getting you with a child. That's what we do if necessary." It was with some amusement that Tae noticed his cock softening somewhat inside of him, and he fell in love with him a little bit more at his obvious concern for him.

Jungkook groaned when he wrapped his hands in his hair and tugged before he ran his tongue over his lips.

Tae pulled back and bracing himself with his hands on the floor, ground his hole against his groin. As he'd hoped his cock inside his thickened anew, the knot loosening, and he held his breath when he gave him the wickedest smile he had seen on him yet. It made his breathing speed up, his chest ache and his already firm nipples poke out.

Tae squealed when Jungkook took hold of his clothing and pulled it over his head. After a certain amount of fumbling involving his hands and his, they were both stark naked sitting on their bed off spongy moss that made up this patch of forest floor. Taehyung held onto his broad shoulders for support when he lowered them down on it.

He moaned the loss of his mate's cock as he pulled out of his slowly while sucking on one of his painful nipples. Darts of pain and pleasure shot straight to his ass, and when he added a thumb to that needy bundle of nerves Tae tumbled into another orgasm. It was much gentler than the previous one he'd given him, but the contractions kept on and on in rolling waves, as Jungkook abandoned his chest and kissed a fiery path of need down his body toward his aching hole.

He licked up and down his cock and dragged around his anus with just enough pressure to keep him riding those waves. Shutting his eyes, Tae gave himself up to the pleasure his talented tongue created between his thighs.

When he growled his approval while pushing what felt like several fingers into his opening and massaged his sweet spot Tae moaned his way through another cresting wave. Stars exploded behind his closed eyelids, and he had trouble drawing breath into his lungs as his body gushed for him.

Latching onto Tae's cock and sucking hard, Jungkook pushed him into two more orgasms, while his fingers were busy inside him. Through the cloud of hazy desire, Tae was dimly aware of pressure against his cock, and then the invasion of one slick finger, quickly followed by another.

"I've got you, minn Kærasti."

Jungkook's words murmured as they were in between breathtaking swirls of his rough tongue around his cock had him climbing up the rungs of pleasure again.

Jungkook's possessive growl shot up his core with his tongue now buried deep inside his hole, speech was impossible.

Tae whimpered his assent instead, when he withdrew, and covered both his butt cheeks in little bites. The sharp stings added to the sensation overload, and when he flipped his over and urged him to his knees so that his ass was exposed to him the cool air wafting across his exposed flesh was almost enough to make him tumble into another orgasm. It brewed at the edges of his consciousness, and he held his breath when he felt the thick, soft tip of his cock probe.

One of his large hands ran up and down the curve of his spine, leaving heat in its wake as he added his claws. His other hand dipped between his splayed legs, and taking more of the natural lubrication coating his inner thighs and dripping onto the forest floor, he smeared it across his stretched anus.

"I'll make this so good for you, my sweet boy. Your hole is open and asking for me to take it again. You have no idea how much it means to me that I get you to be mine... You are mine, Kærasti, mine through time and eternity. Do not ever doubt that."

Tae barely had time to process the emotion behind those possessive words, before he felt his warmth coat his back, and the burning entry of his cock into his ass.

Tae whimpered, moaned, as the burn intensified only to be replaced with pleasure as Jungkook finally bottomed out and his muscles relaxed slightly.

"That's it, my mate. I'm in. Breathe, you can do this. You are mine, and your body will adapt to my size."

He licked across his mark, and pleasure shot out from that contact down to his cock. Tae locked his arms as he pushed against him. A deep-throated groan rumbled from the chest plastered against his sweat-dampened back, and encouraged by the incredible feeling of fullness and the little exquisite darts of pleasure that shot to his insides, he did it again and again.

When Jungkook joined in by thrusting in and out of the tight clasp of his inner muscles, Tae gasped in surprise. Every stroke against his sensitized nerve endings pitched his body higher into bliss, until nothing else mattered but the next thrust of his man into him, claiming him, like he had never been taken before.

Harder, faster, until the world narrowed and splintered into a kaleidoscope of colour full of sensation with the force of his release. Jungkook tensed behind him. With one last hard thrust that sent his scooting across the forest floor, he collapsed on top of Tae, as Jungkook growled his release into his shoulder.

Warmth coated his insides, and Tae lay panting for breath, with a Jungkook shaped blanket of heat and protection surrounding him, as they waited for his mate to be able to pull out of him. Jungkook rolled them to their sides and pulled their discarded clothing over them while nuzzling into his neck.

"I love your spirit of adventure, minn Kærasti, but next time we do this, let's do it in a bed. You've worn me out, omega. All I want to do is sleep, but we can't do that here."

Tae giggled, and he felt Jungkook's smile in the kisses he dropped along his collarbone, up to his neck and his jaw until he turned his head so that he could see him. His eyes glowed in the dark, the moon had disappeared behind a cloud bank. It meant he couldn't see him clearly, but he felt his love for him surround his heart, and he smiled.

"I love you, Jungkook," he said and gasped when he threw his head back and howled. From somewhere far away a lone wolf answered. Jungkook tensed.

A moment of uncertainty assaulted Tae, until Jungkook claimed his mouth in a quick but passionate kiss while withdrawing from his butt. Tae winced into the kiss, as his head slid out through that tight ring of muscle, and Jungkook murmured an apology.

The discomfort was forgotten, however, when he heard him say the words he longed to hear.

"I love you, Kim Taehyung, and I would love to stay here even more, but we need to move and get back to the village."

The urgency in his tone was not lost on Tae. As if to prove a point that lone wolf howled again. It sounded closer this time, even to his untutored ears, and he hastily scrambled back into his clothes. When he pulled a face at his hands, not to mention the sticky mess between his tummy and thighs, Jungkook laughed. He'd shrugged back into his clothes, just in time for the moon to come out.

"I'll run you a bath, I promise, just as—"

"A bath?" Tae couldn't keep the yearning out of his voice, or his surprise. "You Vikings bathe? You do mean a tub, right, not a dunk in the river?"

Jungkook laughed.

"Of course we do. True, most of us use the river, but we do have a tub we can fill for that purpose. It takes time and effort, but I will gladly invest that in my Kærasti, just as soon as I've seen to this."

He spun around as he said that, and the "this" he was referring to become apparent. Tae too looked over to their right, where an imposing black brown wolf had just appeared. Jungkook drew him behind, and Tae didn't know where to look when said wolf shifted into a dirty and bloody dark-haired man. Pain filled eyes connected with Tae, and Jungkook swore as the stranger collapsed at their feet.

Jungkook went to sniff him and then flung the injured man over his shoulder.

"Meet Yoongi," he said, and took off at a jog toward the village.

~~~

Something was very wrong with Jungkook's brother-in-law. That much was clear, Tae tried his best to keep up with the punishing pace Jungkook set, his stomach churned seeing his tunic turn red with the other man's blood. Jungkook's howl brought people running, and Tae threw a wary glance at Jimin's dwelling as they passed, but there was no sign of Jungkook's brother.

Presumably, he was fast asleep and missed all this drama. Tae was jostled to the right and almost lost his footing. By the time he got his balance back the throng of people had moved on. He could just about see Jungkook's tall form disappear into the meeting hall.

The thin trail of blood on the ground gave his renewed palpitations. Something wasn't right here. Yoongi was an alpha werewolf, so he should be healing, not bleeding out, unless... Breaking into a jog, and ignoring the unfamiliar aches in his nether regions, Tae went after Jungkook.

In truth, he was surprised he didn't hurt more. Jungkook was huge, and after their strenuous activity, he ought to be hobbling. While his ass felt sore, it was only slight discomfort. Maybe it was the extra adrenaline pumping through his system, or maybe it was their mating bond—Jungkook had said his body would adapt to accommodate his.

Whatever the reason, now was not the time to contemplate this, not with the village in impending danger. There was no doubt in his mind that they were under threat. The heavily armed warriors running from the meeting hall in different directions confirmed his suspicions. When he entered it was to find utter chaos.

Everyone was talking at once. Jungkook had placed Yoongi on top of one of the long tables. He'd shrugged out of his long tunic. Using it as a makeshift bandage of sorts, he pressed it into the wound on Yoongi's side, his expression grim. A wary looking Lord Liufr listened to whatever Yoongi was saying.

Tae couldn't make out the specifics, but ducking around several people, he made his way to Jungkook's side. When he placed his hands over the makeshift bandage he gave his a tight nod, before he addressed his father.

"We're going into war, it seems then." Those few words hung in the air, and silence fell upon the hall. Tae blinked back tears as the enormity of the situation he was witnessing settled in his stomach like lead.

"Ja, so it would seem." Liufr put his hand on Yoongi's head. "You did well to warn us, my son. Rest now. You will be dining in Valhöll soon."

Yoongi shut his eyes. He groaned when Tae pressed harder on the wound. The bleeding had slowed down at last. It meant Tae could risk a peep at the wound. Just as he'd suspected it wasn't that deep. Deeper than Jungkook's had been, but not deep enough for him not to be able to heal.

"Jungkook?" At his urgent shout, Jungkook looked up from the quiet discussion he was having with his father. Lord Liufr frowned, but Jungkook must have picked up on his thoughts because he walked over.

"Ja, minn Kærasti. What is troubling you?" he asked.

"Why is he not healing, Jungkook?" Tae removed the blood-soaked tunic, exposing the jagged wound. "That's not that deep... He should heal, right?"

Jungkook frowned and nodded. His father, too, stepped closer to see. "Maybe they used some form of poison on him."

"No, that's not it." Tae shook his head, dimly aware of the older man's eyebrow rising to his hairline. A murmur went up in the crowd, and Jungkook stepped closer to his in silent support. he sensed his confusion, the little murmur in his head to tread carefully. Tae knew enough of Viking history to know you didn't openly defy a Lord, but in this instance Liufr was wrong.

"Look." Tae raised the bandage again to reveal a clean cut with no sign of infection. "I'm not an expert, by any means, but this looks clean. Not unlike Jungkook's was when I found him. He didn't heal either, until... well, I mean what if he's not healing because he needs Jimin? What if this is that whole válað thing at play here."

At the mention of Jimin, Yoongi opened his eyes. He shook his head, and Jungkook, too, voiced his denial.

"We only get one válað. Jimin already met and lost his. Let Yoongi die without giving him false hope. Besides, he needs his rest, not worry over something he cannot hope to change. We all have our destiny to fulfil."

"And what about Jimin?" Tae asked, changing tactics. Jungkook stroked his jaw in that way he had when he was frustrated about something.

"What about my daughter, Kærasti of my son?" Lord Liufr asked. Tae swallowed hard under the piercing glare of the older man. Right now Jungkook's father looked every inch the hardened warrior he was rumoured to be. Jungkook, too, straightened up and frowning, shook his head at Tae, as though to warn him not to pursue this. Tae, however, couldn't just let this lie.

"Yoongi is his husband, he has a right to know he's here. I would want to be here if that was Jungkook lying there." his voice broke on the last few words, and Jungkook pulled his into his frame with a muttered curse.

Tae resisted, not wanting to loosen the pressure on Yoongi's wound. At Liufr's quiet command one of the slave boys stepped up to take over.

"It is not me, sváss."

Tae sniffed into his broad chest at being called his beloved.

"Even so, he needs to be here, please. Trust me on this." Tae pushed against Jungkook's chest, and after a moment's hesitation, he let him go. Tipping his chin up, he searched his expression. Whatever he saw in his face seemed to make up his mind for him. He said something to his father that Tae couldn't quite catch, but the older man sighed.

"Fine, have it your way. Who can understand the working of an omega's mind?"

Tae should have been annoyed at that statement, but when he turned around to look at him, he saw the grudging respect in his eyes, he dipped his head, and Lord Liufr smiled.

It wasn't long before the commotion at the entrance heralded Jimin's arrival. His beautiful face pinched in worry, he made his way to Yoongi's side as fast as his heavy gait allowed. Tae could tell every step hurt, but Jimin made it. A shudder went through Yoongi's frame when he grasped his hand. Holding it up to his chest, Jungkook's brother bent to kiss his husband. Some of his strength appeared to return to Yoongi, because he lifted his hand, and kissed his back.

Tae's heart beat faster at what he was witnessing. There was no doubt in his mind that Yoongi and Jimin loved each other. It was plain to see.

Jungkook murmured something and drew his back into his frame. Tae took strength at the contact, he didn't even realize he was crying, until Jungkook swiped his tears away with one of his large hands.

"How did you know?" The whispered question in his ear made his cry harder, he turned in his arms, seeking his warmth. With his strong heartbeat under his ear, peace settled over him.

"I didn't, not really. It was a hunch. Something he said, that's all. We should stitch his wound."

Tae felt him nod.

"I will do it. Get me a chair." Jimin's voice rang out, and when his father shook his head, he squared up to him. "Yes, I will. My side is by my husband." he smiled at Yoongi while he said that, and he gave him a weak smile in return. Jimin turned to address Tae.

"Thank you for making them get me."

Tae stepped up and drew Jimin in for a hug. "It's the least I could do."

Jimin nodded, he sat down heavily on the chair and then proceeded to stitch up his husband. Yoongi's eyes never left him, and Tae grew a bit misty-eyed again. Jungkook stayed close by, hovering, especially when Jimin refused to leave.

Eventually, he was persuaded to move, only because Yoongi had stabilized, and they could move him to the homestead he shared with Jimin. By the time everything had settled down, Tae was dead on his feet.

At Jungkook's insistence he, too, climbed into bed having managed to finally freshen up. Sadly not in the promised bath, but with the aid of another cold bucket of water. Tae didn't think he would get any sleep. In the end, however, he fell into an exhausted slumber, almost immediately as his head hit the pillow.

The next morning brought the news that Yoongi was healing, and Jimin had gone into labour. Just as everyone had feared it proved a difficult birth, but the dawn of the next day, saw Jimin hold a dark-haired little boy, the image of his father.

Tae burst into tears again, witnessing the tender moment between the newborn and his parents. Jungkook laughingly pulled him to one side, when he noticed, but he, too, blinked away rather suspicious-looking moisture from his eyes.

It made Tae realize more than ever that he would have to decide his future, just as soon as he knew if there was a future here for him.

Yoongi's return had thrown the village into a combative mood. Everyone who could hold a weapon readied themselves for an imminent attack from his clan. Jungkook had explained how Yoongi had been held prisoner by his brother, he'd been tortured for information, until he could finally make his escape.

It seemed Yoongi's brother had delusions of grandeur. Not content with being under Lord Liufr's rule, he wanted the title and lands for himself. The man was ruthless and unhinged.

Worry for Jungkook and the village, he was fast coming to love as home meant that Tae insisted on learning how to fight. Jungkook had laughed his ass off when he first suggested he teach him how to use a sword.

"There is no need. You are no warrior, minn Kærasti. I do not want you to put in danger."

Tae had positively growled at him. "I'm in danger just by being here. If you think that I'm going to just sit here, waiting to be rescued like some damsel in distress, you've got another think coming. I know I won't ever be a warrior, but you can at least teach me to defend myself. If you're not willing to do so, I'll just have to find myself another man who will."

That little outburst had earned him a spanking, followed by a round of hot sex that still made his toes curl under, remembering his intensity.

However, he got his wish. It meant he was covered in bruises from head to toe. Muscles he didn't even know he had hurt, but Tae knew how to handle a sword, dagger and shield with relative competence.

Even his stoic father-in-law had smiled and nodded, after witnessing a training session.

"You would have made a fine warrior. I am sure your sons and daughters will be. You will give me fine strong grandchildren." He'd smiled at him, winked at his son, and left. For Jungkook's part, he hadn't quite looked at him. Dread had settled in his heart.

Tae knew Jungkook didn't understand his reluctance. After his change was explained after Jungkook's marking. He now understood he could bear children like Jimin. All their discussions with Jungkook still both ended up with him buried deep inside his body after one of their increasingly more desperate bouts of lovemaking and that he didn't want his children.

Tae sighed, remembering that conversation now. Several weeks had passed with no attack from the neighbouring pack. There had been more skirmishes and reports of longboats up the coast, but no attack.

The village remained on high alert. Lord Liufr was deciding whether to launch an attack on the other clan first to force the issue. Yoongi had advised against it. In his opinion that was what his brother was waiting for. Leaving the village would leave it largely undefended. At the very least their warriors would be depleted. There was strength in numbers, so it had been decided to wait them out.

Sooner or later they would show their hand. With the sun beating down on them, birds chirping in the trees, Tae could almost forget the threat—almost. Little Soobin was asleep in his crib by Jimin's feet, and the other omega smiled up at him, seconds before an arrow whizzed through the still air. It missed Tae only because he ducked to tuck the baby's blankets around him.

A horn sounded, and all hell broke loose as more arrows rained down on them. Jimin threw himself over his son, scooped him up, and dashed for cover with Tae in hot pursuit.

Grabbing the heavy broadsword and the shield he'd left outside, Tae joined into the battle cries of his fellow Vikings, as unknown men and women invaded the village. He could sense Jungkook's rage, his worry, and saw him in his peripheral vision, as the bloody fight went on.

Bile burned in his throat the first time he gutted an opponent intent on gaining entry into their homestead. Hot blood sprayed across his face and clothes. Jimin's scream behind him gave no chance to dwell on it, however, as he whirled around to block another sword aimed at his head.

This guy was huge, his black eyes boring into Tae's, lips curled into an ugly sneer. Surprise registered on his face briefly when he fought back, but he was no match for him. Arms aching with the sheer effort required to block his parries with his shield, he was backed into a corner.

The next blow would finish him off, of that he was sure, when a huge wolf appeared from nowhere. Jungkook in his wolf form was a formidable sight, as his teeth lodged in Tae's attacker's throat. With one sickening crunch, he tore out the other man's throat. The Viking fell to his knees, a huge, red arch of his blood turning the ground wet.

It seemed to be the signal to shift, as all around his men shifted into their animal selves. If that was possible the battle turned even bloodier, until at long last the victory horn sounded.

Tae staggered to his feet with a sigh of relief, desperately searching the crowd and smoking remnants of the few homesteads their enemies had managed to set alight. Relief flooded him when he spotted Jungkook.

Bloodied and dirty, he was alive. He made his way toward him with a determined expression on his face. Tae knew that look. He was annoyed with him. No doubt he had earned himself another punishment for not staying inside the homestead, and coming out to openly fight.

Warmth spread through his lower abdomen at the thought. Punishment always led to hot sex, and that's exactly what Tae needed right now. Before Jungkook could reach her, however, pain shot through his heart. So intense he could barely breathe, as it spread down his arm.

The wind picked up, the world spun, and Tae fell into the abyss. The last sound he heard before blackness claimed him was Jungkook's shout.

"Neinn, stay with me."

~~~

Tae came in a crumpled heap in front of his wood-burning stove. It wasn't on, of course, and he shivered in his cold cottage. The air felt stale, musty, as though it had not been disturbed in some time.

His answer-phone light blinked at him, mocking him with its cheeriness, it's capacity full, he noticed, the battery power fading fast. Struggling to his feet, he winced at the dried blood on his clothes, testament to the fact that he hadn't just fallen asleep and dreamt the last few weeks ... months... how long had it been exactly?

Time moves differently here, he knew that much. Often much faster than it did in Jungkook's world. Tae blinked back tears at the thought of Jungkook. Already he felt as though a limb had been torn off him.

A faint glow emanated from the bookcase, and Tae's heart beat faster when he saw it came from the old ledger. It had fallen on the floor, and the pages turned as though caught in a gust of wind. He could have sworn he heard Jungkook's voice before the book became immobile again, just like the ancient one had warned. He'd been to see him, had been summoned by him.

Dressed entirely in black, blind and stooped over, the old man had been a formidable presence, as he'd held out his hand. A shock of connection had shot up his arm when he'd placed his hand in his. The ancient one had smiled, exposing crooked, yellow teeth.

"I have a message for you from the gods," he'd said.

"Message?" Tae had asked, his heart beating so fast, it had been a miracle he hadn't gone into cardiac arrest there and then.

The ancient one had nodded.

"Yes, you have a choice to make. Following your heart will let you travel to wherever you need to be. Your time, your choice, but only you can decide which one that is. Choose wisely, my child, for the portal, is closing, not to open again in your lifetime, not for you at least."

He'd smiled at his sharp intake of breath, but had completely refused to extrapolate.

Tae hadn't wanted to bother Jungkook with his questions, so he had spilt his guts to Jimin instead. The other had cocked his head to one side deeply in thought.

"The ancient one likes to talk in riddles, but I take that to mean that you will be faced with a choice. To return to your time, or to stay here. We all want you to stay, but it can't be easy to leave all that behind. You tell such tales of wonder and invention." Jimin had smiled at him and looked at his son, leaving Tae to ponder that question.

As he looked around his cottage now, it didn't feel like home anymore. Not without Jungkook here. What had brought his back, however, and what blasted day was it?

A quick look out of the window brought with it renewed palpitations. It had been summer when he left. Now the trees were barren. A fine frost lay on the ground, which explained why it was so bloody cold in his cottage. Turning on the light switch brought no result. The power was either off or disconnected.

Shivering, Tae grabbed the throw off his settee. A fine cloud of dust rose into the air. Sneezing, he shook it out and then wrapped it around himself. At least the wood was stacked neatly next to the wood burner, and in no time at all he had a nice fire going. It would warm up the house and most importantly give him enough hot water for a quick shower.

Instant hot water was one of the things he missed most when not living in this time.

Once the fire was roaring away, he padded into the hallway. An enormous stack of his mail sat neatly on the sideboard, and what looked like several days' worth of junk mail cluttered the floor.

Namjoon and Seokjin had held up their promise to look after the place in his absence but hadn't been here for at least a week. The odd pain he'd felt in his chest came back to haunt Tae, and then he saw it. The note left on his kitchen table.

I don't know when and if you'll see this, my sweet boy. You have been gone now for six months. I had to turn the power off. As far as everyone is concerned you have gone away to write, to find yourself. Your brother turned up, looking for you. He wasn't best pleased to find you gone, but he didn't seem concerned either.

Tae put the note down and smiled. No, Lisa wouldn't be concerned. They had been growing apart for so long now, after all. Tae would have to leave him a letter or something. Explain where he went. Not that Lisa would believe a word of it, but it would make me feel better.

And he probably ought to release a statement to his readers, too. He had some loyal ones, after all, who would no doubt wonder where he was. Picking the note back up again, Tae gasped at the next words he read.

Now, I don't want you to be alarmed, but Seokjin is in the hospital. He had a heart attack last week. He will be okay, but I know how close you are to him, and I guess, if anything will bring you back, it's this.

A tear fell on the note in his hand, smudging the writing. Tae hastily swiped it away. The ancient's prophecy suddenly became clear. He had come back to enable him to say goodbye because he was needed here right now.

You might not see this, of course, and that is fine. I just thought I would leave it here, just in case.

We love you,

Namjoon x

Tae drew a shuddering breath into his lungs. The blanket fell to the floor, followed by his bloody dress and boots, as he discarded them on his way upstairs. The shower was only lukewarm when he stepped underneath the stream, but it was bliss nonetheless, after the frigid water he was used to.

Having washed off the grime and blood of the battle, and thrown on some jeans and a jumper—clothing which felt strange after the loose dresses he'd grown accustomed to—Tae sat behind the steering wheel of his car, praying that the vehicle would still work.

After several attempts, the car fired. Breathing a sigh of relief, Tae drove to the hospital Seokjin was at, and now found himself outside his door.

Namjoon was reading to him from the sounds of it. The other gasped when he saw Tae standing in the doorway. Seokjin's lined face broke into a huge smile, and Tae burst into tears.

~~~

Jungkook's muscles screamed at him as he split the wood in half with one fell swoop. The pieces joined the growing pile of kindling that threatened to take over all the space outside his house, but what else was he to do?

The fight was over. Peace reigned, and it was the wrong season to go raiding across the seas. Besides, setting foot in England would only remind him of what he had lost. His chest tightened. His wolf whined his distress, and Jungkook swiped the sweat off his brow. Summer was over. Autumn, too, and the air held the promise of snow.

Winter was the time to celebrate the life they had, to snuggle up with his mate, and to not leave their bed for days. If he had a mate.

Jungkook swung his axe again. He missed and swore. The axe sailed through the air, impaling itself in the tree-like the cruel hand of fate had split his heart in two.

The poets among them said it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Jungkook wasn't too sure about that. If he'd never met his válað he wouldn't feel the gnawing ache in his soul now. A constant reminder of what he had lost when he faded from view, as though he had been nothing but a ghost.

For weeks he'd held out hope that he would come back. Held vigil at the spot he disappeared in the vain hope that he would fade back in. It had been a useless exercise, however. As time marched on, he had to admit, to himself at least, that he wasn't coming back. Why would he? What did he have to offer his mate, but a life steeped in worry and danger?

His Kærasti had proven himself to be a capable warrior, but he'd seen the horror in Tae's eyes when he'd killed his first enemy.

No, Tae was not meant for this life. Had he not always known that? The ancient one, when consulted by him, had only said he was making a choice. He had not divulged what that choice was, but time spoke for itself.

Jungkook knew that time moves differently in their worlds. What seemed like ages here, could be the blink of an eye in his time and vice versa, but that was small comfort in the middle of the night when he reached across the empty bed to pull his Kærasti back into his arms, and encountered nothing but thin air. It hit him then. He was alone, and always would be because there would never be another Kærasti for him.

Jimin was the lucky one. The gods had granted him a second chance at happiness, a second válað. An act that was practically unheard of it was so rare. It wouldn't happen to him. He didn't want it to happen to him. Grumbling under his breath he stalked to the tree to pull out his axe. Laughter behind him made him freeze as an achingly familiar scent teased his nostrils. It couldn't be. This was just another figment of his imagination. Why did the gods tease him so?

"In my time we say that talking to yourself is the first sign of madness, husband." Tae's amused voice washed over him, soothing all the cracks in his heart and soul his sudden disappearance had ripped wide open. Shaking his head he turned slowly. If this wasn't real, maybe he was going mad.

"You're still abusing the poor, innocent trees, too, I see. We really must do something about this tendency of yours." Another, much stronger wave of his Kærasti's scent hit him in the gut. It was laced with something else that just couldn't be. He'd said that was impossible. He would have smelled it on him, yet...

Neinn.

Tentative fingers trailed over his tense biceps, stroked his jaw and then there was the firm, gentle pressure of his lips on his, the weight of his chest pushing into his own. Tae's body became more rounded, as he blindly reached out and mapped out the contours of his body.

The faint, rapid heartbeat galloped in his ears, and he dropped to his knees like a stone. Still not daring to open his eyes, afraid it might break the spell somehow, he pitted his ear against the gentle swell of his abdomen.

There it was. Unmistakable, strong, his. Throwing his head back he howled in triumph. Jungkook opened his eyes to find Tae looking down on him. Silent tears ran down his face. Tae, too, slid to his knees, and Jungkook pulled him into a hug that he never wanted to end.

He shifted them both so that they sat on the ground with his back resting against the tree, and Tae and his precious cargo snuggled on his lap. Jungkook couldn't help himself. He put his large hand on his abdomen in a possessive move that made his Kærasti smile. Dipping his head he claimed his mouth in a tender kiss.

When they were forced to break apart due to the urgent need for the oxygen they were both gulping air into their lungs and grinning at each other like fools.

"I missed you so much," Tae said. Cupping one side of his face, Jungkook nodded and rested his forehead on his mate.

"And I you. I never thought I would see you again. Let alone like this. I thought you didn't want my children." He lowered his tone and tightened his hand on his abdomen. When Tae brought his hands over this, they interlinked their fingers.

"I never said I didn't want them, you silly wolf. I just wasn't ready. I'm still not entirely sure I am, but your son had other ideas." Tae grinned at his sharp intake of breath. "It's a boy, you know. I can feel it."

Jungkook pulled away, bubbles of happiness bursting in his chest.

"I do not care either way. Boys, girls, what does it matter? I have you back, and any children we have will be a bonus, but I do not understand. How did this happen?"

He smirked when Tae laughed. He punched him lightly in the stomach, trailing his fingers over his taut abs up to his shoulders.

"Do you need me to draw a diagram, you big, brave, and a rather dumb warrior of mine?"

Tae's grin deepened when he growled a warning.

"Watch it, omega. With child or not, I can still take my belt to your ass for talking to me like that."

He wouldn't of course. No way in hell would he risk their child. This miracle he'd never thought to have. Judging by the careless shrug of Tae's shoulders, he knew that, too. He stuck his tongue out at him, making his wolf growl a warning.

"I seem to recall I told you before. Your big bad wolf act doesn't scare me. It never has. As to how. I wasn't feeling well when I was wrenched home. Seokjin was sick." he put his hand over his mouth when he was going to interrupt him. "He's okay now, but I think that's why I was pulled back. Well, that, and unfinished business. I tied up my affairs so to speak. I never told you, but the ancient one summoned me and told me I had to make a choice. I didn't understand what he meant, until I woke up in my cottage, and felt as though I'd left the best part of me behind, here with you."

Jungkook's wolf growled, recalling the horrifying sight of his mate fading from view, as though he had been nothing but a dream.

"I visited him, too, and that's what he told me. When you didn't return I thought your choice meant you didn't want me."

Tae gasped and shook his head. "Never that. You have to believe me. I spent hours just willing that ledger to bring me back to you, but nothing happened until now. I guess, the gods decided the time was right."

Jungkook gave a tight nod. That was as good an explanation as any, he supposed.

"At first I thought I was being sick because I missed you. Fvck, how I missed you, but eventually Namjoon convinced me to go to a special doctor. A colleague of his. Imagine my surprise when he announced I was pregnant. The doctor was baffled at first but as Namjoon said, it was a special doctor." The most delicate blush spread across Tae's features as he said that. Jungkook frowned at him. He had lost him again.

"Doctor?" he asked. "This doctor, is he a man?" He couldn't quite keep the bitterness out of his voice, and Tae pulled his head down for a kiss.

"Yes, he was. Well, he's still a doctor that checks one's health. I know it doesn't make any sense to you, and it doesn't matter anymore, I'm here and your son is healthy, does it?"

Seeing Tae cradle his abdomen, Jungkook had to agree. He was here with him, and that was all that mattered now.

"I missed you, Kærasti. I love you, Tae."

Tae smiled, and he couldn't doubt the sincerity behind it. It lit up his face and soothed the last niggling doubts in his soul.

"I do, don't ever doubt that, Jungkook. Anyway, let me explain what happened." At his nod, he continued.

"Vigorous sex, extremely vigorous sex and plenty of your Viking seed. I tell you, he made me feel like a right freak, but I couldn't exactly explain the whole wolf knotting thing now, could I?"

Jungkook smiled at him. Tae's embarrassment subsided at his quiet acceptance. He wiggled on his lap and pulled a small parchment out of the back pocket of his jeans. The black and white grainy image looked vaguely like a...

"By all of Odin."

Jungkook's shout of surprise made a flock of nearby birds take flight. Tae giggled and pointed out the various parts of the image.

"Meet your son. That's his head, body, arms, and little legs, all accounted for. This was taken yesterday. he did once when he checked for the baby's health, just to make sure everything was all right. I've had a few because I wanted to show you, and well, being that I'm back here I won't be having any more—"

Jungkook shut his rambling up by kissing him. A kiss that quickly turned passionate. Picking him up, Jungkook carried him out of sight and into his dwelling, discarding clothing as they went. He only stopped when he was buried balls deep inside his body with his internal walls fluttering around his cock.

"Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much, Kærasti?" he asked.

When Tae seemed to consider this question, he pulled out, only to thrust back in again. The action solicited a gasp of pleasure from his mate. Jungkook smirked and did it again.

"Well?" he asked.

Tae rolled his eyes. Using his internal muscles he clamped around him, making him grunt. The little minx grinned at him.

"Now who's talking too much? Shut up and fuck me already."

Jungkook didn't need to be told twice. He'd been granted a miracle, a gift from Odin. Only a fool would argue with the gods, after all.

FIN~