ᴏᴘᴘᴏꜱɪᴛᴇꜱ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛ | Jikook

☾ Chapter 4: Cherished Xima ☼

Jimin

It's been not even twenty-four hours since I helped the alpha run away, and although I've showered multiple times and tried to calm down, I'm still anxious Dae-seong will know that I'm the one behind Jungkook's disappearance. This is dangerous business to be getting myself into already, but I'd do it again. My instincts told me—are still telling me—to protect Jungkook.

My fingers fly to my neck before I remember I gave Jungkook my grandmother's necklace. I frown and fidget around. It's not that I regret giving it away. I'm just a mess right now and I can't exactly talk to anyone about it, considering I basically committed treason for a sixteen-year-old who hates my guts.

When my door flies open, I turn to look at my mother, her black pixie cut in disarray.

"Jeo—Jungkook escaped. We thought he might murder or kidnap you. I'm so glad you're here and safe." She hugs me, unconsciously scenting me, which I'm grateful for. I know I was close to Jungkook during the competition, but his alpha was going wild when we snuck out. He kept releasing pheromones.

I sigh. "He's just a kid, Mom. If he's gone, then I hope he's okay. Jungkook can't even use magic. What if his wolf is weak too? He could end up dying."

She runs her fingers through my hair. "So caring, Jimin. You'll be a perfect Xima with such good morality."

"Do you think Dae-seong-Xima is right to have me shun Jungkook because he can't use fire magic?"

My mother frowns. "Honestly, I know he's known for being strict and powerful, but even though Jungkook hit his wolf maturity, he's still just a pup deep down. I don't know why his inability to use magic is grounds for shunning, but I can't exactly argue with him."

"Well, when I'm Xima, I will value the pack's opinion. You can be firm without being unnecessarily cruel. If I had a pup, I would love them unconditionally. I don't care about what they are or what they can do. I just care who they are."

With a smile, she tilts my head to look at me, really look at me. "I think you will grow up to be a fine Xima, Jimin. But most importantly, I think you'll grow up to be a good person. Don't ever lose your heart, because it's what makes you priceless. Any mate or family you choose to have will be lucky to have you. And if you choose neither, then anyone in your life will be lucky to have you instead."

Tears fall and I don't bother trying to hide them. Everything feels so intense and overwhelming. I don't even feel worthy of being Xima after everything I did to poor Jungkook. Maybe he's right. Maybe I am a terrible person.

I can't help but remember his words before he left.

"Don't think this will be enough to ease your conscience, Park, because it goes a lot deeper than that. You took away my family, my pack, my everything. You ruined my life. So I'll make it my mission to end yours. I will be back, and when I am, I'll have your head."

"Oh, Jimin, please don't feel bad. I'm sure Jungkook will be fine. He wasn't shunned yet, so maybe he can join another pack or live as a human. We aren't really allowed to hunt for other wolves outside the border too much, so if he's crossed it, then he has some security. Plus, you will be Xima soon enough. You can call off the searches if they continue. I know you feel bad for him, so maybe this could be your way of helping him."

"Yeah, maybe." I sigh, wishing I didn't have to kick him out.

Will he see that this place was never really a home?

- ☾ -

The feeling of countless pairs of eyes watching everything you're doing is one that I doubt I will ever get used to. Before everything happened, no one spared me a second glance. Now, I seem to be the object of everyone's attention.

"Jimin-Xima!"

My eyes widen as a female omega hugs my arm, batting her long eyelashes up at me. I've never spoken to her before, yet she's hanging off me like we're together or something.

She is pretty, though. Her eyes are big and bright as she smiles, her full, bottom lip and thin, top lip showing off her teeth. A coy finger twirls her dark, almost black hair as she looks up at me.

"U-Uh... who are you?" I ask awkwardly, the smell of hibiscus making me a little dizzy.

"Kim Soomin, omega-moon." She giggles. "Do you not remember me? We used to be playmates before we presented."

I blush, remembering her now. She used to be so young looking and small. However, she's a year older than me, so she'd always tell me how she'd protect me until I could take care of myself.

"Oh, I remember now." I look at her. "You used to be taller than me."

"But you're a big, strong alpha now." She squeezes my arm playfully.

I can't deny the fact that I find her aesthetically attractive, but a sexual attraction is missing. It's hard to tell if she's genuinely interested in me or wants to become my mate and Tima of the pack. Although my mom said it's my choice whether or not to have a mate and/or pups, I can't help but feel it my duty to pick a good co-leader to serve as my mate and Tima and produce more potential Xima candidates.

An omega could make that happen.

I've never found people I wasn't close to sexually attractive, so maybe if I get to know her and other people, I can find someone who my wolf and I will like so I will be worthy of my title as Xima.

"Would you like to go out for dinner and a run to catch up?" She discreetly releases pheromones, but I pick up on it instantly.

Biting my lip, I nod. "That sounds really nice, Soomin. Meet me at the park at seven?"

She lights up and hugs me tightly. "It's a date, Park Jimin!"

I smile as she skips away and hums happily, but I can't help but wonder...

Will Jungkook find a pretty mate and have pups?

Author's Note: Jimin feels guilty about what happened to Koo and already feels the pressure of being pack leader. Do you think he'll handle it well or do you think he will sacrifice part of himself to be what he thinks a Xima should?

What do you think of the story so far?

Make sure to take care and love yourself as best as you can.

With lots of love,

-BBM