Okay, so there are a lot of different adaptations of A/B/O Universes, so I wanted to outline the one I will be working with as it’s a mix of some of the features I’ve seen and like. Almost all the drama in this fic will revolve around the relationship issues i.e Imprinting, Marking, Mating, and Claiming. This got kinda long, so I’m going to bold the really really important stuff, but I recommend that you read it all at least briefly.

Firstly, there are no “soulmates;” there is no one person you were meant to be with predestined before you were born blah blah blah. This means that the person you love (imprint, mark, and mate) is someone you choose; however, this doesn’t make the bond they share any less intense/real/fairy-taleish. There is a mental and physical connection with one’s mate that makes being separated aggravating, irritating, or draining. In order to become mates with another werewolf, three steps must be completed in order (with one exception):

1) Imprinting: This is a subconscious occurrence that happens randomly in the relationship where a wolf becomes attached to another. Whatever triggers the act of imprinting is essentially the moment the person falls in love, it happens unexpectedly, but afterwards, the imprinter can tell that they are now emotionally bonded with the other person. After this bond is made, the imprinter is physically dependent on the other and craves skinship and being near the other. When one is imprinted and the other is not, they “court” the other in an effort to receive their imprint. Imprinting is not a choice in that it’s made when one falls in love, but a choice in that even if one imprints, they can wait until the other does the same for them or force an imprint. Forced imprinting is shamed and seen as "disgusting" because it’s basically non-con. An imprint can be forced if the wolf who has imprinted on another marks them without first being imprinted on. Marks are permanent which means that the one forced to imprint is bounded to that person forever.

2) Marking: As I just said, marking is permanent and binds the two wolves together forever. This does not mean that two marked wolves cannot “break up” but after they are marked, they cannot mark or be marked again and they will forever be emotionally and physically bound to the other. The dominant mate (an alpha or beta) marks the other (beta or omega) and it is a sign that the two are partners. The mark, essentially a bite mark, is placed anywhere on the submissive mate, but usually on the neck junction, and shows that they are below in authority to the other. There are acts assigned with being the dominant or submissive wolf: Dominant acts include marking/biting neck and body, choking, and topping. Submissive acts include around the mouth and nosing at the neck (ie not initiating intimate acts like kissing, but implying that that's what they want), avoiding eye contact, and going into heat. Because of this dynamic, two alphas cannot mark each other though betas and omegas can. There is one exception to this: if two alphas want to mark and eventually mate and claim each other, one must relinquish their alpha status. The issue that this fic tackles is the fact that if an alpha SUBMITS to another, they’re lowered to omega status and seen as “disgraceful” or "weak” by some. The act results in the removal from the pack (they’re kicked out of the territory and everything). Aka no fun, drama, angst, omg Jungkook I’m so sorry (T.T)

3) Mating: Basically this is the best imaginable. Wolves can have outside of a mark (that is, wolves can screw around before settling down just like people do) but “” doesn't become “mating” until the two are bonded by marks. Mating also includes scenting or pre-claiming (the smell of a wolf that rubs off on the other) that makes it obvious to other wolves who’s off limits. Claiming ties into this - it’s basically the last stage of the relationship that occurs when the dominant mate gives their knot and this is seen as extremely, extremely intimate. It’s symbolic in that it’s a statement to all that no one is allowed to screw with the relationship and that the two are on the same page emotionally and physically. The knot is not given each time wolves mate, but is reserved for times when one is threatened or feels like they must claim their mate (think angry, jealous ).

Next thing I need to tackle: My assumptions about wolves in general.

1) Not all people in this au are wolves. Wolves can choose to live among themselves in the forest or live among humans disguising their identity. There is also hybrid packs which allow their members to toggle between the two lifestyles.

2) Pack mentality is evident in all wolves even if they are living among humans. Basically the dynamic of importance/faithfulness is One’s Mate>Pack>Wolves>Humans>Hunters (though they probably won’t be in this fic).

3) Those in the same pack have a connection to each other that lets them know the general well being of each other like when they are in danger or are calling for help. This bond is lost when one leaves a pack and gained when one enters.

4) Alphas are the highest ranking wolves. They’re dominant, territorial, stubborn, known for their intelligence, natural leaders, standoffish, independent, and revered.

5) Omegas are the lowest ranking wolves. They’re submissive, introverted, obedient (borderline , people), gentle, and generally smaller in build.

6) Betas are a mix between alphas and omegas. They’re dominant to betas but submissive to alphas, more relaxed/passive than alphas but more assertive than omegas, basically they’re the comfortable lukewarm between hot and cold.

Yep. That's all, folks :D Now I just have to...write everything

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