Seokjin's Pov:

"I'll catch up with you later; I need some time to myself this morning." After posting in the group chat with my friends, I set my phone aside. I'd already messaged my brother but had to mute his replies and silence his calls; he just wouldn't stop. I didn't have the strength to handle his endless questions right now, especially when my life felt like it was spiraling out of control because of a legacy Alpha.

I jumped as my coffee machine sputtered to life, the noise jolting me from my thoughts. I hated this moment. In just one night, my entire life had flipped upside down, and this was exactly why I had always steered clear of Alphas. They were never trustworthy. I'd seen the evidence in my own brother; he was no exception. They acted as though they were above the law, making their own rules. Even for us Omegas who did manage to gain some semblance of "freedom," we were all acutely aware of our place in the world, and that's why we clung to our independence so fiercely.

Every Omega I knew who chose to mate with an Alpha took their time to make that decision; it was never taken lightly. I had hoped to do the same, but here I was, having that choice snatched away due to my misplaced trust in the wrong Beta.

I wouldn't even say I truly trusted him. Something about him felt off, and deep down, I sensed it. Yet, out of guilt, I ignored those warning signs. If only I had listened to my instincts.

I could report what he had done to me and file a claim. I had the status and the right to do so, but throughout the morning, I kept questioning whether it would truly be worth it. This was Jeon Jungkook we were talking about, not just any Alpha, but The Alpha.

Others obeyed him, and even his name inspired fear in many. I wasn't afraid of challenging someone of his stature, especially knowing my brother would stand by my side. But when I caught his gaze last night, I felt something indisputable. It was a feeling I had never experienced with any other Alpha before.

There are countless stories of true mates; my parents are a perfect example of that bond. Their uncompromising commitment has made them strong and has helped my brother and me rise above the ordinary. I never thought I would find my true mate, let alone be someone like Jungkook. He embodied everything about an Alpha I was reluctant to accept, leaving me more confused.

For the first time in my life, I found myself at a loss for what to do, with no one to turn to for answers, especially when my entire future now hinged on one person. Jeon Jungkook.

After adding cream to my coffee, I froze at the doorbell sound. I took my time putting the cream back in the fridge, ignoring the second ring. I figured it was my brother, likely upset that I hadn't answered his calls or messages. But as I approached the front door, it became increasingly clear who was really outside. I could feel him there, the scent lingering in the air, and a rush of heat coursed through me, overwhelming and almost paralyzing.

I hesitated, taking a deep breath, my fingers instinctively moving to my neck, brushing over the spot where his intoxicating scent lingered. It was as if he had left a part of himself behind, a reminder of his hold over me.

The doorbell rang again, startling me out of my thoughts. With a reluctant sigh, I unlocked the door and opened it. He stood there, smiling, holding up a newspaper that featured us on the front page, along with collages of me at his driveway and door. A wave of nausea washed over me. He was reveling in this, and it was painfully obvious. Why should I expect anything less?

"We made it on the front page," he said, his tone relaxed, as he stepped into my home without waiting for an invitation.

I turned away, returning to the kitchen, needing my coffee more than anything else. I couldn't refuse him entry, but that didn't mean I had to talk to him.

"You're not going to greet me?"

I chose to ignore his question, instead focusing on the comforting warmth of my coffee cup, which I held close to my lips. As I took my first sip, a wave of heat cascaded through me, soothing my nerves. Its scent surrounded the air, creating a temporary haven from the overpowering scent he exuded. An irresistible yet daunting presence that filled the kitchen.

It was a scent so potent that I finally understood the fear he inspired in others; it had an intensity that could easily dominate the surroundings.

"I'll take that as a no," he replied, his voice light yet full of confidence. A playful smile danced across his lips as he raised an eyebrow, but deep within his dark eyes, I caught a glimmer of something more. He was fully aware of his power at this moment, and he was enjoying it.

He began to shrug off his jacket with a casual ease that only added to his appeal. As he rolled up the cuffs of his sleeves, the tattoos that adorned his wrists and spiraled up his forearms came into view, each inked design telling its own story. There was artistry in the way they caught the light, drawing my stare as he pulled back one of the stools at the island and settled into it with comfort. Clasping his hands together, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter and fixing me with an intense stare that made my heart race.

I shifted my mug away from my lips and set it down deliberately, trying to suppress the tremor in my hands, but frustration washed over me. I could reason with myself all day long, convincing myself that he didn't intimidate me. Yet, my body betrayed me, responding with an involuntary tremor that highlighted the fear I desperately tried to suppress. It was as if my mind was at war with my instincts, and I wasn't sure how long I could hold out.

"How many heat suppressants did you take today, Seokjin?" His voice was laced with curiosity but hinted at concern.

I shifted uncomfortably, recalling the multiple pills I had ingested over the last few hours. The reality of having a persistent Alpha pursuing me had sparked a desperate need for me to take them. I couldn't afford to be reckless and place my future in the hands of meaningless symbols or the status my family held that had lost its significance.

"As many as I needed to."

His brow furrowed, and he pressed further, "Care to explain why you weren't taking them before?"

I met his gaze defiantly. "No, I don't believe that's any of your business." I meant it; my decision on whether I take them or not was mine alone.

A smile crept onto his lips. A smile that sent a shiver down my spine. It wasn't warm or friendly; it felt predatory, unsettling.

"You're right," he said, his tone shifting slightly. "What you did before coming into my life doesn't really matter. What's important now is how you choose to proceed from this point onward—"

"JK, or Jungkook—whatever you're going by—" I interjected, my impatience boiling over.

Before I could finish, he called out my name, firm and clear, "Seokjin!" It wasn't a shout, but the power behind it felt like a rumble. "Do not interrupt me while I am speaking. I expect you to share your thoughts, but you must show me respect and allow me to complete my sentences. I am trying to encourage a smooth transition for you, but do not test my patience!"

He was serious, leaving no doubt about his intent. I averted my eyes, trying to ground myself in the reality that stood before me. This man wasn't thinking clearly.

He was moving as though he wasn't injured at all, despite having been shot. I had seen him rely on a crutch before, only to discard it and walk seemingly unhurt. It was a display of strength that only a supreme Alpha could possess.

"I assume your silence means you understand," he said, and I glanced back at him, feeling a strong impulse to reply, but I held my tongue.

As I observed him, his smile returned, and I became irritated.

"Seokjin, I know my approach might not win your approval. However, I felt backed into a corner. If I had come to you differently and mentioned that you were my Omega from the start, you would have outright rejected me without a second thought.

I can't say I would have handled that rejection with grace, and it would have made the situation painful for both of us. That's why I chose a different path, hoping to forge a meaningful bond for both of us. At least, that was my intention." He paused as if considering his next words.

"Last night, your scent complicated everything for us. My Alpha instincts can't be held back for long; after all, I am a Legacy Alpha, not some ordinary low-class Beta. I want to apologize for how things developed. It wasn't how I planned to introduce myself to you. But there's no changing it now, so we need to move forward.

To ensure we navigate this transition smoothly, I suggest we take some time to clearly define our relationship and set our intentions toward one another. I have something to show you as an icebreaker and to encourage a more peaceful conversation."

With that, he reached into his jacket, his fingers pulling out an envelope. As he drew out several photographs, something heavy settled in my chest. He placed them on the counter before me, and my breath caught.

The images revealed my brother and best friend, caught in moments of intimacy. I was taken aback; I had no clue that they were involved with one another. It was evident that they had been seeing each other in secret. It raised the terrifying question of how Jungkook got hold of these photos of them in their own homes.

"I can't help but wonder what would happen if these pictures were made public, Seokjin?" Jungkook asked, his tone carrying a chilling mixture of curiosity and threat as his eyes bore into mine.

Blackmail. He was resorting to blackmail.

"Imagine how Mr. Park would react if he learned that his son is entangled with your brother behind closed doors. These photos suggest they are breaking a serious law, and from their expressions, it appears they're enjoying every minute of it. What do you think, Seokjin? Are they having a good time?" His smirk deepened, taunting me.

"How did you get those?" I managed to choke out, still in disbelief.

"I have my ways of gathering information, but that's beside the point. What I'm really interested in is whether I should prepare to release these images or if you're willing to engage in a real conversation about our future together." His eyes held mine firmly.

What else could I expect?

"We can talk, Jungkook. I assume you're here to lay out how our future will unfold and what will happen if I oppose your wishes."

He frowned slightly, "That's not entirely how I envision this going. Yes, there would be consequences if you were to go against what I believe is best for us. However, it's not only about what I want. Your wishes hold value for me as well. Though there will be some exceptions, of course." A smile returned to his face, almost as if he reveled in the power he held.

"I'm not here to throw your life into chaos. I admire your independence in building a business rather than relying on your family. It speaks to your ability and makes me believe you can support us in our future efforts, especially when it comes to raising our children."

He must be out of his mind.

"I don't expect you to move in with me immediately, considering you're still in the process of finding a home for us, while I have a few loose ends to tie up in my life. Our current living arrangement will suffice for now; we can figure things out as we go.

When the time comes for us to settle into our new home, I'll gladly leave the decision-making to you. You can choose the place without my interference, only involving me when it's time for payment." I watched him step closer, slowly navigating around the counter to stand beside me.

"I want us to take the time to get to know one another," he said as he took my hand, silencing any objections I might have had. "I crave to explore every part of you, body and mind. When you breathe, I want the only scent that envelops you to be mine, filling your senses with the core of who I am.

I plan to claim you as my own, but I promise to grant you the time you need to adjust to this meaningful new reality. By the end of this month, our families will gather to discuss our union and the commitments we intend to make to one another.

As he spoke, he released my hand and his fingers drifted to the back of my neck, guiding me forward until our eyes locked. "Seokjin, I want you to understand that I have no intention of hurting you. What I expect is your partnership in conducting yourself in a way that won't provoke me into anger. I shouldn't have to dictate every detail of your behavior moving forward; you are smart enough to navigate this on your own."

He leaned even closer, "I truly want you to make wise decisions because I would prefer to avoid any instances of anger. I have the capacity for it, but trust me when I say I would rather not go down that path."

His voice had dropped softer as he locked eyes with me. Then his lips were on mine, and it was a dominant kiss. Before I knew it, his arm was around my waist, pulling me close as his scent enveloped me. I found myself kissing him back, which was the most electrifying feeling I had ever experienced. I started to crave him, and those heat suppressants I took felt pointless because I was getting this heated cramping in my stomach. I just wanted to be touched more by him, and right when I let out a moan, he pulled back and smiled at me.

I hated it. Deep down, I felt trapped, and he was all too aware of it. He reveled in the knowledge that he had me firmly in his grasp, manipulating my emotions to his advantage.

"I want you to truly understand this, Seokjin; your heat is something you cannot suppress around me, and there's no way for you to hide it from me." He let out a low chuckle. "It's pretty wild, isn't it?" he continued, laughing again.

"I found it just as wonderful when I first realized it, but maybe it's a sign that you were meant to be mine. The thought of having you is overwhelming; it's so tempting to claim you right here and now. Yet, I want it to be something extraordinary, something you won't see coming....a moment that truly means something to both of us.

Imagine the anticipation you'll feel, wandering through your days, your mind racing with curiosity about when the moment will finally arrive. I want it to consume you, just like the thought of you has consumed me." He pressed his thumb against my lip, tenderly tugging at my bottom lip. "That's what I crave, Seokjin," he said, his voice low and filled with longing.

******

A/N: Writing from Seokjin's POV has me so concerned, and then when I write from Jungkook's POV, I cannot stop laughing, because his character is just....a different story.