Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Up here.”

Seungcheol raises his gaze from the trail of crimson under his boots to his fellow alpha scout Mingyu. His larger frame is kneeling up on the ridge, easily blocking the early sunrise.

They have been tracking a blood trail since late the evening before, and Seungcheol was ready to just let it run cold. Mingyu has always been a stubborn wolf though, and stays persistent.

It seems to pay off as Seungcheol joins him on the peak. He sees a large wolf curled in on itself as if asleep but there is red snow beneath its head. it reeks of death. Seungcheol signals the other alpha to follow cautiously down the foothill into the small clearing and towards the creature.

The scent of stale iron burns his nose the closer he gets. As their boots reach the edge of the blood, just looking at the poor thing, anyone could tell they’ve been deceased for hours. The fur is a deep shade of brown, matted down from the snowfall. A shame really, whoever they were had a beautiful coat.

“An alpha was taken down, and seems like it was outnumbered,” Seungcheol murmurs, carefully walking around the multiple paw prints. “Also recent enough for the prints to still be visible.”

“We need to report back to camp. This looks coordinated,” Mingyu urges gravely as Seungcheol reaches out to pet between the large ears of the beast. As he presses, it causes the head to fall limply to the side, a gruesome gash revealed at their throat. Now it’s really starting to seem like a personal attack rather than over territory.

Something sticks out like a sore thumb. A shock of gold peaks out amongst the red and brown and as Seungcheol leans in to look closer he realizes that its human hair. Something akin to dread constricts his chest as he surges forward to try and flip the dead wolf over.

Mingyu catches on fast, as always, and helps push. A figure lays crumpled, holding themselves in a huddle, the long hair covered in frost, blood staining their loosely tied white hanbok. He reaches down to try and check on their condition, to make sense of the scene.

“Oh,” Seungcheol breathes out, taking in what he can see of the pale skin peeking through ripped cloth. He lifts the body up, almost staggering back by their shocking weightlessness. Then he sees their face.

The first thing that comes to mind is how strikingly beautiful they are, with androgynous features and pristine skin despite the bruises and dried blood. He can safely assume it’s a male, with a flat chest showing from where the top has slipped open and lack of that distinct feminine wolf scent. Though, he can’t scent him at all yet, which is concerning.

Then a ragged intake of air causes Seungcheol to tense up, heart rate pounding in his ears.

“Shit, he’s alive,” Mingyu gasps, crowding in close to Seungcheol’s side as the blonde man begins to shake uncontrollably, teeth clacking as he tries to breathe. His eyelids flutter open, half drooping like he might slip into sleep at any moment, but vibrant blue irises meet his own. Seungcheol finds himself unable to look away.

Then he smells it.

A sudden scent blooms out around them, almost intense enough to make the alphas seize up. Burnt molasses and orange peels seep into Seungcheol’s sinuses.

An omega in distress.

The blonde immediately struggles against Seungcheol’s hold, taking him off guard by the sudden strength and scrambles back as soon as he hits the snow, pulling himself up on long, thin legs. He’s shaking like a leaf but his piercing gaze is intimidating.

Seungcheol takes in the omega’s full appearance now that he is on full display, more so in horror. He seems as frail looking as he felt in the alpha’s arms, only wearing the top half of a hanbok, it being long enough that Seungcheol didn’t realize he wasn’t wearing trousers in this bitter chill. What is more concerning is the fresh blood coating his bare inner thighs, almost reaching his bruised ankles.

Blood running cold, Seungcheol has heard stories of brute alphas fighting over omegas, ending in death. Worse is the outcome for the omega, in most cases, is taken against their will. His wolf claws against his ribcage, wanting to find whoever caused the poor omega to be in this state and end their life. His pack would never abide by that type of old barbarism.

He sees Mingyu look to the dead wolf behind the omega, suppressing a growl. They have the same thought, the younger alpha gestures to the wolf, “Did they do this to you?”

“Nn-never,” The blonde’s voice is raw, glare turning misty eyed and his blunt omegan teeth bared but chattering as he adds a weak, “He was my- m-mate.”

Ah. Seungcheol also knows the pain of that kind of tremendous loss. His gaze stays on the brown wolf, seeing gray fur instead for a split second but it’s gone in a blink of an eye.

Seungcheol meets Mingyu’s sympathetic gaze, before trying to approach the blonde, hands up to appear disarming, “I’m so sorry this happened to you. Please let us help.”

“N-no,” the blonde bites back, body still wracked with shivers. “Don’t t-touch me..”

Taking a deep breath, Seungcheol unclasps his outer cloak, holding it out, “You’re freezing,” he says gently, approaching the other man still, “and bleeding.”

“Just leave m-me,” the omega demands, void of any emotion now other than grief. He goes to maybe make a run for it, his steps about to fail him and Seungcheol acts on a deep rooted instinct he can’t name. He knows Mingyu is not going to approve of what he does next.

“Omega. Sleep.”

As if his strings were cut, the man collapses into the snow bank by the corpse, unconscious. Seungcheol quickly wraps up the blonde in the cloak and lifts the omega into his arms, holding him close to his chest. He hopes his own body heat is enough to warm up the poor thing for now.

“Didn’t think you’d be the one to use your alpha voice, Cheol-ah.”

He knew it. Sneaking a glance at Mingyu, the younger alpha is crossing his arms, a frown making him look like a disgruntled pup.

“I’m not,” Ignoring the lack of honorifics for now, Seungcheol kicks at Mingyu’s shin, “I hate doing it, but this poor thing needs help and I had a feeling he wasn’t going to go willingly.”

“Yeah, I know..” Mingyu’s frown turns a bit sad but drops the topic, and Seungcheol looks back at the blonde’s serene expression, even when covered in dirt and grime, “If I lost Hao, I don’t know what I would do.”

Seungcheol stays silent. Mingyu doesn’t seem to realize what he implies but the older alpha lets it slide with the click of his tongue. It’s a wound he needs to allow to heal fully, it’s been too long.

“Shift. We need to get back to camp as soon as possible before he wakes. I don’t know how internal his injuries could be,” Seungcheol says with a sigh. When Mingyu looks like he might argue, the older alpha tacks on, “Your wolf is bigger. Covers ground faster.”

Mingyu puffs his chest out a little at the praise. Any other time, Seungcheol would hit him upside the head but his hands are occupied. He knows his little brother like the back of his hand.

“Alright, give me a moment.”

————

They do return to their settlement a lot quicker like he’d thought, Seungcheol holding the coarse black fur of Mingyu’s nape for dear life, making sure the omega would warm up under him and against Mingyu’s body.

A few of their pack mates are setting up fires by the entrance in preparation for another winter nightfall. He can spot a lanky figure marching to meet them halfway, his expression furious but still graceful in his long strides.

“Kim Mingyu, when I get my hands on you-“

“Hao-ah, wait-“

“Had me and the pups worried sick staying out there all night,” the tall omega hisses, flicking at Mingyu’s snout, who, in response, lowers his black fuzzy head with a whine. If the situation wasn’t how it is, Seungcheol would find it funny how an apex predator tucks his tail between his legs so easily for his mate. “Shift back right now.”

Mingyu lowers his large body to the ground so Seungcheol can easily climb off, holding the smaller omega tighter against him. As Mingyu shifts back, Minghao now turns his attention to Seungcheol and what’s in his arms.

“Hyung, who- what did you do?!” Minghao’s tone gets more shrill as he grabs at his silver hair with painted nails. Seungcheol makes the mistake of shushing the other on reflex, causing the omega to get riled up further.

“Baby, please,” Mingyu tries to crowd between the two males, nakedness all but forgotten. Seungcheol takes the distraction to back away as a fellow alpha, Junhui, holds out robes for Mingyu. The alpha takes the offering, slipping them over his broad, tan body and tries to calm his mate down, pushing out a soothing scent.

“We found him after tracking that odd trail we caught yesterday,” Seungcheol explains, “but he’s bleeding a lot, and I can’t tell how much of it is internal.”

Minghao still seems upset, but after looking at the state the other omega is in, his features soften just enough to give Seungcheol hope. He snaps his fingers, calling out to a nearby beta, “Fine. Chan, come take him to the medical tent.”

When the short beta goes to obey orders, reaching out expectantly to Seungcheol, the alpha growls, jerking back while pulling the blonde closer to his body. His earthy scent must sour too, because the whole crowd either steps back or covers their noses. Chan looks afraid, and Seungcheol has enough humanity to feel guilty for that.

“Hyung,” Mingyu starts hesitantly, moving close to his right with a hand going tight around his bicep, “he’s safe. Let him get the help he needs.”

Now he’s embarrassed. Seungcheol takes a deep breath, as if clearing his mind and lets Chan take the omega into his arms, biting down hard on his lip to keep another growl in. He’s being taken to Wonwoo. It’ll be okay.

He takes a step forward, as to follow the beta but the grip on his arm doesn’t let go. Seungcheol turns to glare at his younger alpha brother, about to reprimand but Mingyu beats him to it.

“You know how our brother gets nervous when someone hovers,” He tries to make it sound good natured, but Minghao also reaches out and pinches at the oldest alpha’s side, making him hiss.

“You’re so careless sometimes,” Minghao says exasperatingly, rubbing between his brows. It’s not the first time Seungcheol has heard this. Especially not from the omega. “Do you really think an alpha needs to be around him when he wakes up?”

Seungcheol wants to snap back, saying it’s his responsibility to check in, but bites his own tongue instead. He knows Minghao is right, especially if an alpha is who put the omega in that state to begin with. No point in starting a petty argument anyway, especially with his brother’s mate. “I’ll see him when his health improves then.”

He turns on his heel to head further inside the camp, his eyes trained on Chan’s receding back, making sure he takes the correct path. Once his baseless suspicions are clear, he takes the way towards his own site. It’s a humble tent, reinforced with steel wires and a tough outer layer so the snow doesn’t cave in the roof. The fire pit is lit, flames reaching up past his navel, meaning it was started not long ago. Seungcheol glares at his tent.

He hates unexpected visitors.

Approaching the entrance, he takes a deep breath before moving the flap aside and is greeted by a smooth voice and a familiar, warm scent.

“So, heard you brought a stray in?”

”Joshua,” Seungcheol lets out a sigh, pushing his messy black fringe back, “How the hell do you know that?”

The younger man is sitting cross legged in the middle of Seungcheol’s large bed cushion, his modernized hanbok clashing with the old brown fabric. The alpha can only describe his scent as gentle; something that doesn’t clog his sinuses.

The beta tilts his head back to laugh, chestnut hair bouncing with the movement. “Cheollie, you know I have eyes around here. I know everything.”

He really does. It’s unnerving.

“The omega needed medical attention. I couldn’t live with my conscience if I left him there,” Seungcheol says, going through the motions of stripping off his outer layers and slipping on a more comfortable (but still warm) matching set.

Joshua hums, dragging a finger across his lower lip, dark eyes unblinking before he leans back on his hands, “Do you even know who this omega is?”

The alpha groans, about to repeat that he doesn’t care who he is but Joshua says something that both peaks his interest and makes him uneasy.

“Because I do.” A coy smile appears on his lips as he gains the alpha’s undivided attention.

When Joshua doesn’t continue, Seungcheol can feel his patience thinning, knowing where this will eventually head. Like it always does. “You’re not going to just tell me like a kind friend, are you?”

Joshua’s eyes curve up charmingly, “A small favor is all I ask in return.”

I knew it. “Yeah, whatever you want Shua, just nothing out of my control this time.” When Joshua gives a slight nod, Seungcheol gives a ‘go ahead’ motion with his hand.

“Yoon Jeonghan,” Joshua begins slowly. “He’s a runaway bride, arranged to marry the head alpha from that pack across the river and you bringing him into our territory is only siccing his dog on us.”

At that, Seungcheol furrows his thick eyebrows in confusion, “He said that the dead wolf was his mate?”

That pack is known to be aggressive and stuck in old traditions, while constantly breaching their territory for hunting and intimidating Seungcheol’s father to the point of balding. Being a pack alpha sounds like a terrible thing that he can definitely wait for.

Joshua only chuckles as if amused by a pup, “Oh, well it sounds like he had an affair. Even more of a mess you stumbled upon, hm?”

The alpha clenches his fists, letting his blunt nails dig into his palms as a distraction, “ I need you to go to Wonwoo’s tent for me.”

”I ask the favor, remember?” The beta raises his eyebrows, “And why must I do that? Did Minghao forbid you from going?”

Hitting the nail on the head, Seungcheol just puts both of his hands on his hips, letting out another slow breath, “He thinks an alpha’s presence might be too much for him to handle right now.”

Humming, Joshua gives a quick shake of his head, “Afraid I have business elsewhere tonight. Just let your brother handle it; Wonwoo-ah is very talented.”

Seungcheol would never doubt his brother’s ability, personally knowing he’s the best doctor their pack’s ever had. But he has this unexplainable feeling twisting in his chest that urges him to go and be by the blonde’s side.

“Yeah..,” the alpha finally relents, shoving Joshua over to sit on the mat beside him, “but I just feel so restless. Maybe I'll go for a run.”

Joshua chuckles, moving to scent against Seungcheol’s cheek with his own, “Sounds fun. Let’s go.”

For the first time in hours, the alpha feels himself smile. He and Joshua have been friends since they were pups, always side by side. Running as wolves was always the most fun with the beta.

Seungcheol shoves at Joshua again before moving to get up. “No biting at my hind legs this time.”

“No promises,” Joshua laughs, pulling his shirt over his head as he follows behind the alpha.

Chapter Text

“Hold him down- fuck!”    

Jeonghan snaps his teeth at the larger alpha pinning him against the snow-covered ground, the wetness seeping into the back of his hanbok. A different pair of hands grip at his hair, keeping his head in place and feeling like it might be ripped from his scalp if he continues to fight against it so he kicks his legs out instead. It does very little to dislodge the alpha from off his lap. He wants to cry in frustration but refuses to look weak. 

“We got your little bitch, Jiyeong,” the man calls out from above Jeonghan, his breath reeking. The soft crunching of snow beneath boots comes closer until it’s to the right of him. 

“You think you can run from me? With that bastard?” A deep voice speaks up, cold and calculating. “You’re mine, omega.”

Anyone but him. Baring his omegan teeth, Jeonghan growls out, “Not yours. I’m claimed-“ 

“By Hyungwon? That weak alpha?” Jiyeong scoffs, shoving his subordinate off of the omega before landing a swift kick into Jeonghan’s gut. The blonde bites his tongue so he won’t cry out, blood filling his mouth as he tries to curl in on himself. Jiyeong gets on top of him this time, black eyes crazed. “He was so easy to take down, kind of pathetic really.” 

It sounds like a lie, it has to be. Jeonghan gathers enough blood in his mouth before spitting it at Jiyeong’s face, anticipating the backlash. Pain blooms everywhere before Jeonghan even registers an impact, his sobs getting caught in his throat as his body begins to tremble from the trauma. He keeps aiming for his abdomen, and a fear sparks in Jeonghan. That he’s aiming on purpose, that he knows. He can’t lose everything, not to Jiyeong. 

“I’ll claim you as mine right here,” Jiyeong threatens, dragging his hand up Jeonghan’s stomach, pulling his handbok up to press against the soft pale skin there. He flinches, wanting to protect himself but that seems to make Jiyeong snap. The alpha barks out a laugh, his hand moving down to rip the omega’s trousers off. The bitter chill bites at the warm space between his legs as Jeonghan gasps in horrified shock. He begins to panic as his thighs are spread until the muscles there begin to tremble. Jiyeong pushes the back of his thighs up in a bruising grip and Jeonghan tries to let out a shout once he feels a disgusting, stiff warmth pressed against his skin. 

“Don’t touch me!” Jeonghan feels himself go into hysterics, body thrashing as much as possible, despite the way his body begins to grow weaker with every movement.

The jeers from the pack around him only build the shame and anger inside of the omega, but a searing pinch low in his hips and a smack to the face almost makes him black out. His mind blanks immediately, separating himself from the crude thrusting and cruel taunting. Somewhere in the back of his subconscious, he knows the wet feeling oozing from him isn’t slick.

I’m bleeding. That sudden realization makes him come back down from the initial shock and a renewed fight surges inside him. 

He can’t let it end like this. 

Jeonghan gasps out, which catches Jiyeong’s attention. The alpha places a hand on his cheek, not gentle as he pats it a few times, “You’re liking it, hm?”

“Nn- fuck you,” The blonde grits his teeth, hand shakily tightening around Jiyeong’s forearms. Jeonghan uses his last bit of adrenaline to push himself up and latch his teeth into Jiyeong’s arm, biting down and holding onto it like a vice. The taste of iron fills his mouth and it tastes vile on his tongue.

Jiyeong yells, trying to break free of his grip, even pulling himself out and jerking away from the omega before landing his free fist repeatedly against Jeonghan’s face. Warm blood begins to flow down his brow, going over his eye and almost blinding him. Just when he is about to lose consciousness, jaw loosening, the punching stops abruptly and the weight is physically thrown off of Jeonghan. He feels an immense amount of pain but the relief at being freed makes it less suffocating.

His vision is blurry as he tries to focus on the familiar large wolf standing over him. He sobs, reaching up to burrow his hands deep into the soft brown coat. The wolf looks about ready to rip them all to shreds but Jeonghan cries out, voice weak, “Hyungwonnie, please.” 

The wolf quickly peers down, nuzzling and huffing against his cheek and neck, scenting him. A large tongue gently laps at some of the blood and dirt from his cheek. It’s in comfort and an assurance he will be safe. The now quiet crowd backs off, weary of the large beast but a few pack members help a disgruntled Jiyeong onto his feet. He sneers at the two of them, eyes flashing yellow. ”You will die for that, Chae.” 

The last thing he sees before finally blacking out is Jiyeong’s skin ripping with his transformation. 

—

Jeonghan wakes slowly, his body feeling like it has been torn to pieces and a headache pounding in time with his heartbeat. Unsure of his surroundings or situation, he cautiously peaks an eye open, blinking away the bright spots in his vision from the oil lamp lights nearby. He's significantly warmer now, even if his body feels raw and cut open, so he knows he has evaded hypothermia. But he was found by someone.

Another alpha.

He tries to sit up but the pain is so sharp and sudden in his abdomen that he collapses back into the soft blankets just as fast, a low whine slipping out.

“Careful,” An unfamiliar voice sounds to his left, making Jeonghan tense up despite his protesting muscles. “Those stitches are fresh and I’d hate to have to redo them.”

The omega fixes his gaze on a man with cropped black hair and a pristine white lab coat. His scent is disarmingly neutral, like cotton but there is an underlying hint of lemon. Definitely a beta. Jeonghan feels a little relieved he can’t smell an alpha nearby. 

The omega tries to speak up but nothing comes out, his throat painfully dry. He brings a bandaged hand up to cup at his neck, his eyes sting as fresh tears spill down his cheeks. It hurts to cry but the pain of losing his mate is also fresh and indescribable. His mating bite will eventually fade now and he’ll have nothing left of Hyungwon. 

The doctor presses a handkerchief against Jeonghan’s cheek, wiping gently, “I’m sorry for what you had to go through. My name is Dr. Jeon, I am the head physician of this pack. Two of my brothers brought you here because of your condition. Though I promise, you won’t be kept against your will. You’re free to leave whenever you’d like. We just hope you’ll at least stay until you have a full recovery.” 

The omega hiccups, wanting to lean towards the doctor's touch but shakes his head instead. Dr. Jeon withdraws his hand, but not before placing the handkerchief in Jeonghan’s own and handing him a cup. There is only one thing that’s eating away at him right now.

“Dr. Jeon.” 

“Hm?”

“Did you examine me?” Jeonghan asks, voice no louder than a whisper, taking the cup and peering at the clear liquid inside. He gulps it down and it’s embarrassingly loud.

Dr. Jeon nods his head, pushing his thin wire frame glasses up the tall bridge of his nose. Jeonghan inhales shakily, moving to sit up. When he struggles to do it on his own, the beta is careful with helping him settle more comfortably against the headboard behind him.

“Did I lose it?” Jeonghan is able to meet the doctor’s eyes. The pity reflected in there is almost enough of an answer but he needs to hear it, to confirm it. His hand subconsciously goes to drape protectively over his sore abdomen. The doctor’s expression shifts from neutral to sympathetic and Jeonghan knows that the beta understands. 

“I’m afraid so,” Dr. Jeon says, confirming what Jeonghan can already feel. It doesn’t help alleviate any of the sorrow felt deep in his chest and he just lets the tears continue to fall free. Mourning a life lost and a life that never got the chance to be. “I found irreparable damage done to your reproductive organs, I’m afraid.” 

Jeonghan wants to throw up.

“So I can’t have pups.”

”I’m afraid so.”

An awful mix of emotions run through Jeonghan. Anger, sorrow, acceptance. So fast he almost doesn’t know how to respond or if he even can. He just turns his gaze to his wrapped up hands that are resting in his lap, running the cloth between his fingertips. It feels like Jiyeong ripped a piece of his soul out and crushed it in his dirty fist.  Anger seems to be the emotion outweighing the rest right now.

“I’m going to kill him,” he growls under his breath, rubbing his face to rid the tears still streaked there. He can live without ever having another mate or family of his own. He has already lost the love of his life. Now his goal is to find Jiyeong and make him pay, then he can also die peacefully. 

Clearing his throat, Dr. Jeon continues, “We would like to know who did this to you and your mate. It is against our moral and honor code. Despicability like that can’t be forgiven.” 

Jeonghan manages to laugh hollowly at that, “You need not bother with this, doctor. I appreciate the care you’ve given me but I will need to leave as soon as you think I’m able.” 

Dr. Jeon nods in response, though reluctantly. His attention is drawn to a short man walking from the back entrance of the large tent. His long blonde hair is tied up in a messy knot, features strikingly feline and the sweetened honeysuckle scent that follows him soothes Jeonghan, who is always soft for other omegas. 

“Ah, Jihoon,” Dr. Jeon greets with a small smile, “our patient has woken up.” 

“I can see that, Wonwoo-ah.” The shorter man replies dryly, approaching the bed that Jeonghan is laying on, hands buried in his matching white coat pockets, “Hello, omega. How’re you feeling?”

Jeonghan isn’t subtle when leaning in, trying to make out Jihoon’s scent. The other omega must catch on to what he’s doing because he lets out an oddly high pitched laugh.

“I guess I should feel flattered,,” Jihoon grins, showing all teeth. Jeonghan doesn’t feel embarrassed, rarely does and just continues to sniff the air. He does smell very nice, like a sweet spring day.

“I feel terrible,” Jeonghan finally answers, picking the loose threads of the blanket in his grip. “but I need to leave.”

Jihoon scoffs, leaning over to grab the nearby folder by Jeonghan’s bed, flipping it open to skim over its contents. “Not with these injuries you aren’t. You lost a lot of blood.”

I lost a lot more than that. Jeonghan crosses his arms, staring back down at his lap. He hears someone approaching, but still flinches when a hand is placed on his shoulder.

“I promise you can go when we know you’ll be able to make it twenty steps without fainting,” Wonwoo says, the smile he has is actually comforting. Like a promise. “Can we have your name? I’d like to know what to write on our forms.” 

The omega almost hesitates, because he still can’t trust that this pack isn’t somehow linked to Jiyeong and giving his name might end up being the nail in his coffin. 

“Yoon Jeonghan,” An airy voice pipes up, so familiar that Jeonghan almost strains his neck with how fast he lifts his head. He hasn’t seen the beta in so long, with lighter hair and broader shoulders it might’ve been harder to tell but those sweet doe eyes are unmistakable. The omega blinks as if he’s seen a ghost.

“Jisoo? What are you-I thought you had died?” The omega can feel fresh tears burn his eyes again, and Jisoo grins, taking leisurely steps into the tent. He’s only dressed in loose trousers and shirt, not even wearing shoes out in the snow. He must’ve just been in wolf form if the steam rising from his shoulders isn’t proof enough. 

“I didn’t think you’d believe anything that stupid alpha told you,” Jisoo says, eyes crinkling just like how Jeonghan remembers. His chest feels so heavy, longing and confusion commingling. “Five years didn’t change the idiot in you, I see.” 

Jeonghan doesn’t care of his protesting limbs or the immediate pain that shoots up the base of his spine, he clambers off the bed to try and run to the beta. The doctors loudly protest when the IV is ripped out from his hand, trying to stop him; his legs give out halfway and he collapses. Strong arms encircle him before he can hit the ground. 

“Yep, still my idiot,” Jisoo says affectionately, carefully returning the hug that the omega initiates and strokes his long blonde hair.

Jeonghan lets himself run his nose along Jisoo’s throat, drawing out that herbal scent he fondly remembers. It still has the same effect on him as he relaxes into the beta’s chest, purring deep in his throat. He can hear more shuffling around him but doesn’t care to look up.

“Joshua? You know him?”

Jisoo hums in response to Jihoon, the action a lovely vibration against Jeonghan’s cheek. He could probably fall asleep if the throbbing pain in his lower back wasn’t so distracting. 

“I had lived with Jeonghan’s pack temporarily, before coming back here,” Jisoo explains, moving to take the omega into his arms as carefully as he can manage before carrying him back to the bed. Jihoon starts to put the IV back in, Jeonghan protesting weakly. “We got close, I guess you could say.” 

When Jisoo gets close to Jeonghan’s ear, he tucks some of his hair behind it before whispering, “I’m so sorry to hear about Hyungwon.” 

As he pulls back, he places a chaste kiss on his bruised cheek. Jeonghan is able to stave away any more tears this time, trying to reach out for Jisoo again, addicted to the comfort. 

“Jihoonie, help me-“

Someone comes barreling through the tent entrance. He collapses onto the ground with a small pup holding tight onto his back, giggling cutely as she pulls at the dark brown hair in her little chubby fingers. The fresh smell of an unpresented pup causes something to stir in Jeonghan and he’s unsure if he likes it. It feels like jealousy. 

“Papa! Get up,” the little girl keeps giggling, now playfully patting at her poor father’s head. 

The tan alpha sits up, the pup almost choking his neck with the motion but before anything else insane can happen, Jihoon huff’s affectionately, moving to gather the little girl in his arms, not bothering to give the alpha a glance. 

“I thought I told Papa to not disturb me at work,” Jihoon says with faux sweetness as he nuzzles the blonde girl. Jeonghan can now assumes it’s his daughter. The alpha still on the floor must be Jihoon’s mate, judging by the matching bites high on their necks. 

“I tried to stop him Daddy, I swear,” the girl whines, her chubby cheeks as pink as her little nose. Jeonghan shifts uncomfortably, now smelling the alpha’s musky peppercorn scent wafting out when he stands up on long legs. 

The alpha begins to whine, “

Mimi wouldn’t take a nap for me.” 

Wonwoo chuckles under his breath in amusement, “Seokmin, I think a nap is out of the question now. She’s wide awake.” 

The alpha, Seokmin, makes a disgruntled noise, going behind Jihoon to put his chin atop the omega’s head. Their height difference now made more dramatic this way, “Please take a break. I’m so bad at making her sleepy.” 

“Oh, I know.” Jihoon kisses his daughter on the top of her head, “I think Wonwoo has it from here. Let’s go nap, baby. Well, babies.”

Jihoon ushers them out with a quick apology, and Seokmin gives a quick glance in Jeonghan’s direction, as if just realizing he was there too but before he can even lift his eyebrows in question, his mate shoves him outside with one hand as he cradles his daughter with the other. 

“They sure were a surprise,” Jisoo laughs, “I mean, when they started courting. Very unexpected.” 

Wonwoo hums in agreement, picking up the papers Jihoon discarded in favor for his daughter and places them on the bedside table. “I’m going to get you more water, Jeonghan. I’d also like for you to try and eat something.” 

Jeonghan gives a small nod and Wonwoo takes his leave. His eyes lock onto Jisoo as the beta picks up the papers and begins to read through them. Jeonghan watches his expression minutely changing as he takes in the extent of the omega’s injuries. He can tell he gets to the nasty bits when Jisoo looks up at him with wide eyes and a sad upturn to his brows.

“I’m so sorry, Hannie,” he says, his words sincere as he reaches out to hold his bandaged hand. Jeonghan tightens his hold as much as he can and catches Jisoo’s gaze.

“Jiseong is going to be the sorry one.” 

Jisoo’s responding smile is absolutely wicked and Jeonghan returns it.

Chapter Text

A few days passed by excruciatingly slow, and Seungcheol starts to feel insane as he paces around the perimeter of the pack’s territory for the tenth time that day. He feels on high alert even with his face feeling as numb as his toes from the chill. This winter might turn out to be a tougher one than usual. 

This time, along with Mingyu, Hansol has joined them and as usual he is the only one in his wolf form. His brown fur a blur in the distance as he runs up the foothills, For a beta, he’s pretty large and easy to spot. He’s the youngest of his brothers but his wolf is bigger than Wonwoo and maybe even himself.

Ever since their mother had passed, Hansol hasn’t shifted back into his human form, regardless of how much they begged for the past three years. Seungcheol is worried he may forget how but their father doesn’t care what happens to his beta son, much to the displeasure of Mingyu and him.

Now Joshua has been missing for the past few days, apparently holed up with the new omega in the med tent, though Seungcheol is still forbidden from going inside. Apparently, Jeonghan doesn’t take kindly to any alphas right now, his scent flaring unpleasantly whenever someone even as sweet as Seokmin stops by to visit Jihoon. That’s only from what little information he’s able to weedle out of his younger brother, Wonwoo. 

Seungcheol hasn’t stopped thinking about that blonde omega, wanting desperately to talk to him again but under better circumstances. To show some comfort. He doesn’t know what these urges are or why they’re so strong with Jeonghan, a literal stranger, but he’s never been good with self perseverance. 

“Alright, you’re starting to stink,” Mingyu teases, bumping his broader shoulder into Seungcheol’s, “What’re you thinking about?”

The older alpha shrugs slightly, watching as his boots sink into the foot of powdery snow beneath him, “Have you heard anything about that omega Jeonghan recently?”

“No, not yet.” Mingyu is quiet for a moment and Seungcheol watches the slow puff of air leave his mouth in a sigh, “I’ve been with my pups whenever I'm not patrolling with you. Hao’s been a bit worked up lately so I’m trying to make sure he’s okay.” 

“When is he not?” Seungcheol tries to joke but Mingyu just pouts in return.

“He’s been awfully homesick.”

Seungcheol almost forgot that Minghao isn’t from here originally since they accepted him as one of their own so long ago. That’s even before mating with his alpha brother. He couldn’t imagine having to deal with that type of homesickness, though. Still, even for Mingyu, two toddler pups, and twins at that, is still a lot by yourself. 

“Are the pups still being a handful?” The older man picks up his pace when he sees Hansol starting to disappear from sight. 

Mingyu whines, jogging lightly to keep up. “It’s hard to keep track of both of them sometimes. I swear I’ve seen gray hairs on me and Hao.”

“You haven’t tried to put them in Seungkwan’s daycare again?” Seungcheol grins, knowing the answer already.

“You know how he feels,” Mingyu admonishes, his lisp more prominent the faster he talks, “He calls them the ‘little twin terrors’. Not very creative, in my opinion.” 

Seungcheol laughs and it’s goofy. “As their uncle, I can confirm that it’s a very accurate name for them.” 

“Not my little Dohyunnie,” Mingyu whines, but adds on a quiet, “but Daehyun...hm.” 

“Daehyun is a lot like you.” Seungcheol says with a shake of his head but has his attention stolen by Hansol’s loud and clear howl. Him and the taller alpha share a look before making their way over to their youngest brother. 

Seungcheol sees how Hansol paces around the snow, digging his paws carefully into the sizable pile beneath an old, rotting tree. His human nose can’t pick up much, but there is something underlying to the normal earthiness. He furrows his brow, reaching out to absentmindedly pet down Hansol’s back as he brushes up against his thigh.

“What is it boy?” Mingyu teases when he gets closer but only gets a disgruntled huff from Hansolin reply before the wolf nudges his snout into Seungcheol’s knee to push him back. When the oldest looks at what he was basically standing on, he almost stumbles back in shock. 

“Oh, fuck.”

Another dead wolf. Its fur an ugly wash of gray, almost like soot at the bottom of a fire pit. This time though, it’s an omega. It’s scent long since fermented from its decay. The small body half submerged in the snow has barely any signs of visible decomposition though. Hansol lowers onto his belly, in silent respect for the dead and Mingyu lets out another curse from behind Seungcheol. 

“It has to be the same pack that hurt Jeonghan,” Mingyu observes. gesturing to the deep, nasty bite wounds to the neck.

This could’ve easily happened to Jeonghan. Seungcheol shivers with the realization. 

“This has to be a threat. They’re probably staying close to our territory on purpose,” Seungcheol says, rubbing a hand down his numb face. “They know we have who they are looking for.”

Joshua was right about bringing trouble to their home. He knows he’s selfish with feeling this way but Seungcheol doesn’t regret taking the omega back with them. Not at all. Even if Jeonghan doesn’t want to see him.

But now he has a reason to talk to him. “Report this to father, we need to be more observant from now on. Also make sure we don’t let anything happen to any of our omegas. They might get targeted too.” 

Mingyu gives a nod, motioning for Hansol to follow him back towards the center of camp. Seungcheol sets off in the opposite direction, south towards the medical tent. Might as well rip this meeting off like a bandage since he has something he actually needs to discuss. His stomach twists with nerves. That’s a new feeling.

He wonders how Jeonghan is doing. Hopefully most of his wounds have started to heal, or at least not be as irritated as they looked initially. Maybe he’ll keep a close eye out for anything amiss. Seungcheol’s thoughts die down once he comes into view of that familiar large tent and begins his ascent to approach it.

Seungcheol takes a deep breath, trying to tamper down his eagerness as he enters the tent. That familiar scent tickles at his nose, sweeter than he remembers but his body moves on autopilot towards it. He can almost make out the tail end of a conversation as he reaches the only partition in use.

“—please, Jisoo.” 

It sounds like the omega is breathing heavily, as if in pain and something hot stirs beneath the alpha’s skin and rids himself of his numbness. It’s only when he reaches out to pull the hanging cloth aside that his brain finally registers that he hears a moan. 

Seungcheol’s mouth goes dry as he watches how Joshua is on the omega’s bed, leaning halfway over Jeonghan with his arm braced on the pillow by that halo of gold hair. They are in the middle of something obviously intimate, lips locked together. Jeonghan is on his side, back towards Seungcheol, but the alpha can see how the beta is moving his arm in a familiar and confident manner beneath the covers. 

Jeonghan lets another airy sound slip as his head falls back against the pillow and nuzzles into Joshua’s arm, reaching up to hold onto his other wrist, making Joshua move it faster. The beta hums in a low, coy tone and the omega responds with a satisfied sigh. 

Oh.

That sweet scent is slick. Jeonghan’s slick. 

Then Joshua’s dark eyes glance up and lock with the alpha’s and he hooks his chin over the omega’s shoulder, arm still moving but he gives an oddly innocent smile. Seungcheol thought his immediate reaction would be to feel insanely jealous but instead he’s never been more turned on in his life. Shamefully so.  

 Joshua must do something right with his fingers because Jeonghan collapses over onto his back with a small cry, body trembling as his thighs clamp shut, trapping Joshua’s hand in place as his back arches beautifully. In response, the beta murmurs in what sounds like a praise, making the omega spread his legs back open. 

“That’s it,” Joshua’s palm stays where it was, the flat of it resting against Jeonghan’s mound and his thick blonde pubic hairs curl around where the beta’s large hand can’t cover. He continues to stare at the alpha, grin only widening. “I’ve got you, angel.” 

The clear slick reflects in the lamp light and it’s everywhere, mostly coating the omega’s inner thighs. Jeonghan is taking deep breaths, his chest rising and falling beneath his thin button up shirt. He seems to finally smell the thick (and aroused) scent Seungcheol has been emitting because his body jerks up in surprise, batting away Joshua’s touch and reaching over the bed’s edge to snatch his pants up and quickly slip them on over his bruised, pale legs. 

Joshua looks a little too pleased with himself for Seungcheol’s comfort. Like a cat toying with its prey. He shivers and it’s not from the weather outside.

“Stupid alpha,” Jeonghan hisses loudly, trying to appear threatening but his flushed skin and ruffled hair is too cute. “Get out!” 

Finally able to snap out of his lust induced stupor, Seungcheol can’t help with his incredulous expression, “It’s not my fault you’ve both decided to do that in public.”

“This isn’t public space.” the omega responds, trying to make himself look more presentable, also checking his (what the alpha assumes) is his stitches. Seungcheol can’t help but stare at the marred skin of his torso.

“What do you mean it’s not-“

“Just go away! You alphas always think-“

Seungcheol can feel himself get defensive when he knows he should definitely not. But he’s prideful. Always has been. “Don’t even start with that-“

“Calm down, the both of you.” Joshua finally speaks up over the both of them, his clean hand running gently through Jeonghan’s hair, who visibly relaxes under the touch. “It’s not what you think, hyung.”

“Not that I care,” Seungcheol is quick to defend himself and to his own ears it sounds meek but the knowing look from Joshua makes him prickle with irritation. And embarrassment. “I just didn’t know you knew each other like that.” 

Joshua laughs brightly as Jeonghan scoffs from under his breath, “We’re bonded, and it’s custom from the pack that Jeonghan came from. It’s natural for betas and omegas to do this when needed.”

“And your alpha was okay with that?” Seungcheol doesn’t think before asking, and can see something shift in Jeonghan’s expression almost immediately. Something akin to sadness. Well, shit.

“Unlike most alphas, he wasn’t stupidly possessive. We were mates, he knew where he stood with me.” Jeonghan curls closer to Joshua who raises an eyebrow at Seungcheol, subtly wiping his slick covered hands off on the sheets. The alpha watches the movement and swallows dryly. 

“Well, anyone could walk in so don’t just do that so openly.” Seungcheol says, trying to not sound bitter. It looks like the omega is about to rebuttal but Joshua shushes him quietly.

“Let’s go outside, Seungcheol. Just for a moment.” Joshua moves to get up but Jeonghan just holds him firmly in place. The beta chuckles fondly, leaning down to give a quick kiss before saying ‘I’ll be right back, I promise.’

Once freed, the beta grabs Seungcheol by the bicep as he leaves and leads him with pretty impressive strength. They end up right outside the tent, the alpha a bit flustered when he notices Jeonghan was watching him the whole time until the flap closes.

Seungcheol turns to the younger man, about to open his mouth to maybe apologize, or ask more questions but Joshua just holds a hand up.

“We aren’t fucking,” the beta says rather bluntly and Seungcheol feels his face turn five shades darker with blush.

“I-huh?” The alpha barks out a flustered laugh. “Okay, then what was that?”

Joshua gets closer and Seungcheol can smell Jeonghan still on his breath. “He woke up upset, feeling gross since he was just taken against his will just days ago so he told me to touch him. He wanted to feel something familiar.“

Seungcheol raises his eyebrows but doesn’t even know where to start with that. That poor omega. He hangs his head, a bit ashamed for acting so childish in front of the other. He should be more open to other pack’s dynamics, even his asshole father said so. “M’sorry, Shua.”

“We really are just bonded.” Joshua adds when he realizes the alpha isn’t going to add more. But adds and smiles knowingly. “If that makes you any less jealous.”

“I’m not-“ Joshua raises an eyebrow and that alone causes Seungcheol to hesitate before continuing. “I was just surprised. Why are you so insistent with that?” 

Joshua actually rolls his eyes at that and Seungcheol never wanted to punch him until now. 

“You’ve imprinted on Jeonghan,” the beta explains. “Even he can tell. That’s also why he doesn’t want you around.”

Pursing his lips, Seungcheol rubs his hands together, obviously feeling a bit more awkward now. If that was even possible. Imprinting? Had he? He doesn’t remember. “I don’t even know how to do that.”

“It’s instinctual. Some alpha and omega bullshit that I don’t feel like explaining right now.” Joshua grouses, but places a hand on the alpha’s shoulder gently. “The longer you stay away, the faster it’ll fade and the sooner he’ll come around to talking.”

“I didn’t mean to force something onto Jeonghan after all that had happened to him.” Seungcheol almost physically deflates, shoulders slumping forward. His scent must sour instantly because Joshua pulls him into a side hug.

“He doesn’t even see it as that, I promise, so don’t think that way.” Joshua assures the alpha as he pulls away. Seungcheol misses the contact already. “It was accidental and it can easily be dissolved.”

Seungcheol gives a weak smile, squaring up his shoulders and lifting his head up high. “Whenever this thing wears off, I do need to talk to him. Something really serious might be about to happen and he might have some information that’ll help keep everyone safe.” 

Joshua nods, though he looks curious he doesn’t press further. The beta turns back towards the tent, chuckling. “I’ll let him know he has that to look forward to.” 

When the beta enters the tent, Seungcheol decides to yell after him. “No more fooling around! You could scar my brother for life!” 

He hears a very loud laugh from Joshua and can’t help but smile himself, despite the stinging ache deep within his chest. It might be longing, but the alpha needs to stamp it out before it grows and takes root. 

Chapter Text

He just can’t stop crying and it’s starting to weigh on him. Jeonghan lets out a frustrated little huff, scrubbing at his raw, dripping nose. His wolf is still mourning.

He’s still mourning.

It doesn’t help that the weather is only getting worse, the small controlled fire pit in the center of the med tent isn’t doing a good job keeping the chill at bay. Jeonghan, who already is thin skinned for a wolf, shivers as his body tries to adjust. He pulls the blankets up around his chest, debating whether he should request another one from Jihoon soon. 

Jeonghan is the only one currently being treated at the tent after all.

Jeonghan has his knees drawn up against his chest and face burrowed in his arms when a faint ‘coming in’ is heard. He sniffles, trying to wipe any evidence of crying from his face the best he can. Wonwoo pokes his head around the partition before drawing it completely back. A kind smile is the first thing the omega notices. 

“Sorry to bother you.” Wonwoo says, flipping through the papers in his hands as he chews on his lower lip. He never mentions it when Jeonghan has been crying. He is very grateful for it. “Would you be comfortable doing another exam? It isn’t invasive like the others but I'll be as quick as possible. I just need to check your throat.” 

Ah. His neck is still bruised from his attack but it’s now bearable. The omega takes a deep but shaky breath. “Sure, doctor.” 

“Okay, whenever you’re ready.” Wonwoo steps in front of him, pinching a small wooden stick between his fingers towards Jeonghan’s mouth., “Open up as wide as you’re able to, please.”

Jeonghan does as he’s told, eyes gazing around the tent as the smooth wooden texture presses carefully against his tongue. The doctor makes a small sound, asking Jeonghan to say ‘ah’, then tilts the omega’s head back. The overhead lantern light stings his eyes.

“Looks like the irritation has gone down, thankfully. As long as you don’t strain your voice, it should be good by the end of the week.” Wonwoo withdraws the stick and Jeonghan smacks his lips to get the dry taste out of his mouth. 

“Thank you, doctor.”

Wonwoo offers a light laugh, pushing his glasses up his bridge. Seems to be a small habit of his. “Please, call me Wonwoo. I don’t mind.” 

The omega returns the smile, albeit smaller. He’ll let himself have this. “Okay, Wonwoo-ah.” 

——-

“Want another?”

Jeonghan lets his lips part before the sweet taste of strawberry hits his taste buds and he purrs as he chews. “Thank you~.”

Hyungwon hums and pops a berry into his own mouth as they make their way down a narrow path. The forest can be dangerous for those who aren’t familiar with its trees and the odd way they form. The roots bend at awful angles and Jeonghan has twisted his own ankle twice before learning to be more careful when exploring. His lover still hasn’t learned, since the omega has had to catch him multiple times already.

It’s the summer before he turns twenty, and next summer he is to be thrown to a wolf that will only take a bite out of him before leaving him to bleed out. All because of his supposed dowry. The omega wants to hold onto moments like these for as long as he can.

“Autumn will be here as soon as we know it.” The alpha sighs, kicking at a rock and it bounces along the dirt. Jeonghan frowns at the thought. The summer is the only time he can see the older male so he can definitely wait for autumn.

“I hope this summer lasts forever.” Jeonghan mumbles.

”I will admit, you’ve made me enjoy the season much more.”

Jeonghan glances up at his lover and smiles bashfully, and the alpha returns it with an equally genuine one.

Hyungwon is such a gentle person, in both demeanor and voice. His kind, but tired eyes are hard to look away from, especially when paired with his cutely awkward smiles. Jeonghan knows what they feel for one another is love.

That’s what makes him yearn the most. 

“Just a few more moon cycles, y’know.” Hyungwon whistles, his hand intertwines with the omega’s. It’s solid and comforting. Safe. “Then you’ll hit the rapid decline of adulthood. Get ready for the ache and pains of being a fully matured wolf.” 

“Hyungie~.” Jeonghan laughs, swinging their hands between them as he watches where he has to step in between the roots. “You make it sound like I’ll become some decrepit wench. I’m already dealing with aches and pains.” 

“Everything will hurt even more. Muscles, bones and even your eyes will start to be itchy all the time.” He rubs his other forearm over his eyes for show. “You’ll finally know what I have to go through on a daily basis.” 

The omega stops in his tracks, pulling his arm so that Hyungwon has no choice but to come stumbling back. He steadies himself before he can knock into the smaller man luckily. The rest of the now forgotten berries scatter across the ground. 

“You make it sound like you’re decades older than me.” Jeonghan giggles, all teeth on display and he notices the way the alpha’s gaze softens as it roves over the omega’s features. His tummy feels like butterflies are swarming around and it makes him queasy but in a good way. “You’re only a year older, hyung.” 

Hyungwon releases his hand from a pouty Jeonghan’s grasp so that he can brush his fingers through the omega’s long hair. “And that one year sure did a number on me.” 

“Stop being so cute.” Jeonghan says with no conviction behind it, leaning in so he can nuzzle against Hyungwon’s wrist, to soak in that fresh wood and sea salt scent. He just wants to burrow into the alpha’s embrace and never leave. “It’s going to be harder to let you go when the time comes.”

The alpha’s expression turns more somber, both hands coming to rest against the sides of Jeonghan’s neck. His thumb carefully rubbing against the scent gland hidden there beneath a collar until the omega almost turns into putty in his arms. 

“You’ll always have me. Even if you have to let me go, I’ll always be yours, my angel.” Hyungwon promises, placing a kiss on the omega’s forehead. “I love you.” 

Jeonghan frowns a bit, but gets on his tippy toes to place a firm kiss on the taller man’s lips. “I love you too. Always.” 

——-

“You’re healing really well.” Jisoo says, closing the partition behind himself before taking his outerwear off and placing it folded neatly on a nearby stool. Jeonghan smiles. Some things never change. “Being a wolf has its perks sometimes.” 

“Wonwoo says my stitches are looking fine, as long as I continue to be careful. My throat is also basically back to normal.” Jeonghan opens his arms in clear invitation and Jisoo makes a show of looking exasperated before climbing on the bed and into the omega’s arms. They rearrange their bodies until they’re both comfortable on their sides, facing one another. The beta drapes his arm over Jeonghan’s hip.

“Good to hear.” Jisoo sighs, voice lower now that their proximity is more intimate. Jeonghan tries to subtly inch closer so he can weave a hand under the beta’s arm to pull him into a proper cuddle. “Please don’t bleed on me..”

Jeonghan knows he’s hinting at the stitches in his hip and stomach but he swears he’s being mindful. “I’m cold. Help hyungie warm up.”

The pouty, bratty tone he uses always made Jisoo annoyed but right now he leans into it, letting Jeonghan push into his neck and chest. The beta must be feeling sentimental or maybe the injuries are just flaring his beta instincts to aid and protect because he never relents that easily. The omega breathes in deep and lets the scent of sweet, fresh lemon relax him into a light nap. But the beta starts to talk before he can slip under.

“So, Seungcheol.”  Jisoo muses and Jeonghan wants to smack him but he is way too comfortable so he just whines. “I did tell him about the imprinting the other day.”

“He didn’t know?” Jeonghan can feel himself flush and he nips at the younger man’s neck. The beta jolts and Jeonghan smiles in satisfaction. “That stupid alpha. I don’t even know him.”

“He did save you anyway, y’know.” Jisoo says, petting Jeonghan’s hair. “Could afford to be a little nicer to the guy. He always means well, I promise..”

The omega stays silent for a moment, debating on his pretending to fall asleep just to put an end to this conversation. But he can’t help himself. “I didn’t want to be saved. It was another thing an alpha had decided for me.” 

“Well, I’m glad he did because I can still hold my best friend like this.” Jisoo retorts, squeezing the omega for emphasis. “I know you feel like you don’t have control over your life, but you have the opportunity now. This pack is different, hyung.” 

He wants to argue, just to be defensive and to maybe annoy Jisoo further but he is starting to grow tired. His eyelids begin to droop, but he’s able to mumble out fragilely. “I’m scared.” 

“You’re safe here. No need to worry.” 

Jeonghan promptly falls asleep, hoping Jisoo is right this time.

——

His dreams start off tame as they normally would. Jeonghan is in a pasture he would frequent in his old pack, laying in the grass and watching the clear sky above. He kind of wishes there were clouds so he could at least look for familiar shapes in them. A presence is felt next to his side, and even if he isn’t able to move, body seemingly frozen, he just knows it’s Hyungwon. A tingling is felt in his fingertips and it feels as if the alpha is holding his hand.

Jeonghan wants so badly to roll over and burrow into his mate’s embrace like he usually would, to seek out that scent and make sure he’s covered in it. He tries to complain but he can’t even speak. It’s almost suffocating, as if someone has a hand clamped tightly over his lips. 

Tears begin to blur his vision, frustration curling in his gut as he feels stuck in his own body. Just as he’s about to try and speak again, the tingling stops and the hand is gone. A worse feeling overtakes the omega as his arms are suddenly held down and a crushing weight crashes against him.

“Found you, omega.”

The sky takes on an overcast hue, his vision swimming before a face he never wanted to see again is hovering above him. Jiyeong snears down at him, face curled in absolute disgust. His wormy lips move around syllables but no sounds are coming from him as well. Somehow that’s worse, being forced to stare into those dark, hollow eyes.

The pain he felt so recently begins to flair in his lower gut and hips again, and that panic seizes his muscles. He’s locked in place. It feels like Jiyeong is reaching down his throat and wringing his lungs tight, making him unable to breathe. Tears are freely flowing now, his vision begins to swim. He’s sure he’s about to die.

Suddenly, large hands encapsulate his face, a far away voice trying to break through the deafening pounding in his ears. It’s soothing, like how his mother used to comfort him when he was a pup. He tries to shake his head and he’s finally able to, but the hold stays firm. He opens his mouth to scream and he finds his voice.

“Get off me! Let go!”

He’s thrashing, legs kicking out with all of his might until something restrains them. The voice breaks through to Jeonghan, making his eyes snap open when he realizes who is hovering over him. Who has their hands on his face.

“-han! Jeonghan, it’s okay! You’re safe.” 

Blinking his wet lashes, the omega can finally see Seungcheol’s soft, sweet eyes. His brows are raised in worry as he strokes his cheek. Jeonghan lets out a shaky sigh, trembling in his hold. It’s the same look he saw the day he was found. The omega is conflicted.

“What-” Jeonghan tries to sound more stable but his voice still sounds thick with tears. “Why are you here? Where’s Jisoo?” 

The alpha looks frazzled, as if he wasn’t ready to handle this situation by himself but it seems like he shakes himself out of it. “I’m not sure? I just smelled your distress as I was passing by on patrol.”

It doesn’t sound like a lie. Jeonghan also can’t think straight enough to try and analyze him. Not really knowing why he does it, Jeonghan tightens his grip on Seungcheol’s dress shirt. The material feels like silk, so soft and delicate. He doesn’t want to ask but he needs it. “Can you hold me?”

Seungcheol makes an aborted sound, and there is underlying apprehension in how his lips are pressed in a thin line. “Are you sure?”

He knows he sounds desperate (maybe a little hypocritical) and it would embarrass him if he didn’t feel so hysterical. The nightmare really dug into his subconscious and he thought he was okay now.

He’s not.

“Please, alpha.” Jeonghan whines. That seems to do the trick.

“Alright, I-“ Seungcheol relents easily and starts moving his body more to Jeonghan’s side as his hand slides down his flank. “You tell me if you change your mind.”

Maybe he blames it on the dream, or the imprinting by the stupid alpha but his skin feels too tight. He blurts out before he even registers what he asks. “Kiss me.”

“Kiss you?” The alpha is obviously confused. The omega doesn’t blame him because he is too. “I don’t think-“

“Now.” Jeonghan nods as his eyes stay open and focused on the alpha’s face, restlessly shifting onto his back. He pulls Seungcheol in close enough to be able to press their lips together. It’s clumsy but the instantaneous relief that washes over Jeonghan at something so natural and intense has him trembling for a different reason. 

Seungcheol was frozen in surprise initially but it’s like something in his alpha hive brain switches on because he begins kissing back, with just as much enthusiasm. Jeonghan snakes a hand into the back of the alpha’s black curls and yanks hard. This is all happening too fast but he can’t stop himself.

“Fuck-“ Seungcheol’s full lips part on a slightly louder moan and Jeonghan uses the opportunity to slip his tongue inside. The soft slide is something Jeonghan hasn’t experienced in a while and he can feel slick beginning to seep through his trousers. It’s like he’s in heat.

He sure hopes not. 

The omega knows when the alpha begins to smell it because Seungcheol’s kisses get firmer and the hand not tangled in the bedsheets moves down the front of Jeonghan’s frail body. He only pulls back once his nails snag the waistband of his trousers.

“What can I do for you?” Seungcheol’s voice is breathless and deeply husky. It only turns the omega on more. “I’ll do anything.”  

“Want your fingers.” Jeonghan is able to say as he frantically pulls his bottoms off from under the blanket and grabs hold of Seungcheol’s wrist. He brings the bigger hand to his mouth and slips two fingers in between his lips. The omega begins to lick and suck at the digits with a lazy sense of allure as he holds eye contact. Seungcheol looks absolutely wrecked.

“Please.” Seungcheol situates himself closer, pulling Jeonghan onto his side as he withdraws his fingers from the omega’s mouth. The scent of arousal emanating from the alpha is intoxicating. “Tell me if you change your mind.”

He appreciates how the alpha keeps checking but the omega just huffs impatiently. Jeonghan helps the alpha lift his thigh so that Seungcheol can slip his wet fingers inside of his core. The individual ridges of Seungcheol’s knuckles rub at all the right spots and the omega about shouts at how good it feels. 

“Thank you.” Jeonghan finds himself whimpering, moving his head to tuck it against Seungcheol’s collar once again. The pheromones there ease him enough to relax into the ministrations. It’s a deep, woodsy scent. Masculine but not overbearing like most alpha’s tend to be.

It’s only when he’s starting to drift off that Seungcheol grips his thigh a little tighter and scissors his two fingers into him with a bit more force. Jeonghan almost bucks his hips off the bed in surprise as he lets out a startled gasp. His arms quickly wrap around Seungcheol’s neck to press more heated kisses into his skin. 

“You’re so wet.” Seungcheol growls lowly into his ear, only making that statement more true. He’s absolutely drenched now. That's embarrassing. “Just for me?”

“It’s not hard to make me wet.” Jeonghan retorts shakily, just to be difficult but it’s weak. It’s a lie but the alpha doesn’t need to know. “Don’t get cocky.”

Like the alpha can read his mind, a smug grin spreads across his lips as he withdraws his fingers. Jeonghan makes a desperate sound, firmly grasping Seungcheol’s forearm and lets out a growl of his own. “Don’t you dare leave me empty.” 

“Oh?” The grin turns wolfish and that wood scent becomes a wildfire. Seungcheol’s weight pushes down against him and Jeonghan can feel his mouth water at the firm press of the alpha’s dick against his hip. “You won't be for long, angel.” 

That nickname…wait.

——-

Jeonghan surges up, his body breaking out in full goosebumps as he desperately looks around the tent. His face is inflamed, phantom touches still lingering against his skin and a rhythmic pulse is felt between his legs. The feeling of slick sliding down his thighs is just as humbling. 

Fuck.

Someone stirs next to him and he glances down, anxiety prickles his skin but he quickly relaxes when he sees Jisoo blink those familiar brown eyes up at him.

“Did you have another nightmare?” His voice is deeper from misuse and Jeonghan clenches his thighs together. Now is not the time to be sensitive.

“Mm, sort of..”

He sees the beta’s eyes widen just a fraction, his nostrils flaring as he picks up on Jeonghan’s sweet scent. “Oh. So not a nightmare this time, hm?”

Jeonghan rips the blankets off of Jisoo’s body to wrap around himself. He glares without much heat behind it. “I don’t want to hear it.” 

“You also reek with embarrassment.” Jisoo muses, sitting up with the omega, not offering to help out and touch him or anything. He usually won’t unless Jeonghan specifically asks. Right now, the omega is not in the mood. “Who’d you dream about?”

When he takes too long to answer, his evil twin’s eyes grow round in realization and points at him with a laugh. “Imprinting is no joke, huh? Wow..”

”Don’t you dare say anything.” 

Jisoo only lifts his hands up with a grin wide across his face. “I’d never.”

Chapter Text

When Seungcheol was growing up, he used to feel like he was not living up to his father’s expectations. Honestly, he still feels just as inadequate. 

He would place the blame on Mingyu, who was much more of the ideal alpha that everyone either wanted or wanted to be. Not to mention how much he was in his father’s favor. Now that his younger brother is mated with children and Seungcheol is still single and without an heir, he’s feeling that pressure on him now more than ever before to gain that favor. 

Mingyu has always been kind though. Never once having tried to take anything from Seungcheol purposefully. So Seungcheol has buried that jealousy ages ago. He was set on being arranged to whoever of his father’s choosing since he is approaching thirty. He was eagerly awaiting to see what omega he’d be spending the rest of his days with and raise a family.

Now though.

Seungcheol has an infatuation with not only an omega who is an outsider but who also has a broken bond. In any pack, that’s seen as a mockery for even the thought of them becoming pack omega. His father would sooner exile him than accept that as a possibility, even right now there hasn’t been a new pack omega since his mother passed. Frustrations keep piling up and Seungcheol is afraid he’ll drown soon. 

Even now, Seungcheol has been zoning out a lot during this afternoon’s pack meeting with his father and brothers, which is very much unlike him. Mingyu elbows him in the ribs to get his attention. When the older alpha glares up at him, his brother only gestures his head towards the end of the table. Seungcheol turns to meet his father’s stern eyes.

“Sorry, Alpha. What were you saying?” 

His father is always an intimidating sight, with a thick beard and long salt and pepper waves reaching his shoulders. His eyes are a piercing crimson and Seungcheol has never been one to keep eye contact with him long. 

“I had a meeting with the Boo family the evening prior.” Ah. Seungcheol can’t help that his face never hides his emotions well because his father immediately glares when seeing the shift.

“Their youngest omega Seungkwan will be mated to you by the next full moon when his annual heat is supposed to hit.” He says with finality. 

Something akin to dread free falls into the pit of Seungcheol’s stomach and he almost wants to vomit to rid himself of the ugly feeling. He can feel Mingyu tense up next to him.

Shit. He can’t mate with Seungkwan. That’s not only his friend since they were pups, but also Seungkwan is very much in love with someone else. The idea of his friend being reduced to nothing but the bastardized version of his secondary sex only makes him angrier.

“He is spoken for.”  A voice sounds from across the table and Seungcheol looks to Wonwoo, who has his hands neatly folded on the table top. To anyone else he’s the perfect picture of calm but Seungcheol can see the way his brother’s knuckles are turning white. “I don’t think that’d be of great interest if we are trying to gain the whole pack’s favor.”

“I know of the omegan infatuation that’s been going on, as his parents clued me in. None of my interest or theirs and the pack wouldn’t concede to such an immoral union.” His father says, his tone void of any sympathy. “His family wants something to become of him. Two omegas can’t properly bring a pup into this pack. An alpha is needed to protect and raise their young right.” 

Seungcheol grits his teeth, holding back on saying anything that might earn him a slap across the cheek again. He wants to lash out about how omegas are the best caregivers the world has to offer and are more than capable of holding their own. He can feel something soft brush against his shin beneath the table. Hansol’s dark eyes meet him in silent comfort, his large head laying across his lap. Seungcheol pets him in appreciation at the grounding gesture. He wishes he could hear his voice again in times like these.

“If I refuse?” Seungcheol asks, raising his head. 

He catches his father’s stare, obviously still in disapproval at Hansol for still not shifting back into his human form but he doesn’t comment on it this time. 

“It’s already been decided. I still have dominion over this pack so you will do as I say, boy.” His father adds, with no room for argument. Wonwoo moves to stand up across from him, his beta scent turning the slightest bit sour. 

“Where are you going?” 

His brother only fixes his overcoat, pushing his glasses up his nose. A gesture of irritation. “I have a very important patient to check on.”

Seungcheol can feel his stomach tense at the allude to Jeonghan. He stands up too, ignoring his father’s further inquisitive sound. He needs an out. “I’m going for a run.”

He can feel Hansol perk up and move to follow him. Seungcheol almost feels bad at giving his younger brother’s hopes up, since his intention is to go directly to the medical tent. He’ll promise a real run later to make it up to his brother.

“The decision is final, Seungcheol.”

Seungcheol doesn’t even care to retort, not wanting to continue the normal back and forth between them. He exits the tent quickly behind Wonwoo, and with the youngest beta at his heel. 

“You aren’t really going for a run, are you?” Wonwoo smiles back at him and the alpha nods, and then laughs at Hansol’s whine of disappointment. 

“Later, Sollie.” Seungcheol promises with a gentle pat between his ears that are flat against his head. “I need to talk to the omega first.”

“Are you sure Jeonghan wants to talk to you yet?” 

He'd like to think so. But knows deep down it’s probably not the case. 

“Joshua said he’s ready to listen to what I need to tell him.” Seungcheol answers, jogging up to match Wonwoo’s wider strides. “Plus, I need to not think about this mating arrangement bullshit. I just know Seungkwan will be really pissed when he finds out.”

Wonwoo makes a small sound in agreement, Seungcheol almost goes pitching forward when a sudden heavy weight is thrown against him. Mingyu sighs against his neck as he hangs onto Seungcheol’s back. 

“Alpha is really pissy that you aren’t enthusiastic about this.” Mingyu says but he doesn’t sound surprised. “He gave me an earful about respect after you all left.” 

“No one would be thrilled about being set up with someone who is like a brother and who is already in love.”

“Are you talking about yourself too?” Wonwoo teases and Mingyu laughs. His defensive hackles immediately rise up. A common response to his two brothers laughing at him. “Our brother sure does crush easily.” 

“No!” He growls, shoving his younger alpha brother off of him and into Wonwoo. They stumble together and it’s a pretty satisfying sight to see them hit the ground in a long limbed heap. 

“Hyung!” Seungkwan’s raspy shout is heard as he approaches the group quickly. He’s ruddy in the face and looks very upset but is still a beautiful sight as always with his mature, round features. His sharp eyes always add an intimidation factor.  Seungcheol can assume that the news has reached him too. “Is it true? Please say this is a sick joke!” 

Hansol runs up to meet the omega halfway, and even in his frazzled state, Seungkwan still brushes his robes back and gets on his knees to nuzzle into Hansol’s coat and wrap his arms around his solid neck. Mingyu and Wonwoo get to their feet quickly and Seungcheol can smell the comfort they’re also emanating. 

“I’m so sorry, Seungkwan.” Seungcheol says, and he approaches the shorter man before squatting down to his level to put a hand on his shoulder. “But I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure things work out for the best. For everyone.” 

Seungkwan’s bottom lip trembles as he hugs Hansol tighter but his eyes still have that familiar ferocity, like they always are when he’s angry. “My parents knew about Soonyoung. They know we love each other. Apparently they don’t care when our status is involved.”

He can only nod in solidarity. Even if things for some reason go his father’s way, Seungcheol will make sure that the omega is happy with Soonyoung, even if he will have to bear pups with Seungcheol. The idea solely makes the alpha feel sick again. He doesn’t want to do that to the younger man.

Wonwoo and Mingyu move on ahead, both ruffling the omega’s hair in a quick scenting to show support before heading towards the center of the camp. Seungcheol stands to his feet, still petting his brother’s fuzzy head. “How about you and Sollie go for a run? I’ll join in a bit.” 

“You better.” Seungkwan sucks his lower lip between his teeth to try and stop pouting but it barely helps. “I’ll bite you if you don’t.” 

“I join!” The alpha laughs, moving around them with his hands up in a show of faux defense. “Promise!” 

The younger two bounce off into the tree line after Seungkwan transforms into his smaller golden wolf, playfully biting at Hansol’s hind legs as he trails after him. Seungcheol smiles to himself before heading to the med tent. 

Hopefully for the last time. 

That queasy feeling that has been sticking with him all day doesn’t let up as he moves through the entrance. The sweet smell he has come to be addicted to basically hits him like a wall and he almost turns tail to flee. He doesn’t know why he feels so nervous from a simple omegan scent but it’s starting to be a problem. 

“Hyung.”

Before he can follow through with his retreating, Jihoon calls out to him. He turns back, unable to ignore the friend he has known the longest. A smile is fixed on his face but it’s weak. He approaches Seungcheol.

“How’re you?” Seungcheol asks, trying to glance behind the short omega to see if the partition is closed. It is once again. “How’s the pup?”

“She’s fine.” Jihoon dismisses the deflect with a wave of his hand. Seems like he is focused hard on something because usually his daughter makes as the perfect distraction. “What’re you doing here?”

He swallows but crosses his arms to appear more confident but he knows that Jihoon reads him too well for it to work. “Where’s Wonwoo?”

“Stop dodging the question.” He responds in a flat tone, folding the papers he was holding under his arm. “Are you trying to see Jeonghan?” When Seungcheol doesn’t answer right away, Jihoon continues on. “You know you shouldn’t be around him until the bond is worn off.”

Ahah. So Joshua probably gave everyone the run down about the dramatics that is Seungcheol’s life. Fitting.

“Joshua gave me permission. He’s all healed up and ready to go, isn’t he?” Seungcheol presses, trying to keep his voice down in case Jeonghan is asleep. Or eavesdropping. “It’s important, Hoonie.”

Jihoon scowls at the nickname but seems to mull over the information with narrowed eyes. He’s about to say something but Wonwoo approaches them, wiping his glasses off on his coat. His expression seems strained even after putting his glasses back on. 

“Can we have a moment?” Wonwoo asks, looking to Jihoon who raises his light eyebrows in question. “Please?” 

After a small stare down, Jihoon gives a small nod and brushes by Seungcheol but makes sure to subtly scent him. He is always shy with anything pack related in terms of physical touch. The alpha smiles to himself because it’s comforting to know Jihoon isn’t mad with him. 

“Seungcheol.” Wonwoo breaks him out of his thoughts, gesturing for him to follow the beta into a more secluded area of the medical tent that he uses for his office. Papers are stacked everywhere, covering almost every surface aside from a smaller table with a photo of their mother. He only lets his gaze linger for a moment before giving his brother his undivided attention. “Do you remember Jiyeong?” 

Seungcheol’s heart skips a beat, just the name making his skin crawl. He grits his teeth but sighs out slowly. “Unfortunately, I do. Scum of the earth that I should’ve just done away with when I had the chance.”

It was half a decade ago when Seungcheol had met the older alpha and it was not a pleasant affair. They were sent by their fathers to settle on a pack treaty over territory, though Jiyeong wasn’t one for negotiating. Their omega population was dwindling, as were their offspring, so Jiyeong demanded the youngest omegas they had to offer in exchange for barely an extra acre of territory. The taste is still bitter on Seungcheol’s tongue from the curse words he spat at the pathetic man that day. Never would he dream of sending off innocent people to a life decided for them. Especially for the reason Jiyeong wanted them for. After a particularly harsh and derogatory term thrown at Minghao, who was pregnant and present with Mingyu at the time, Seungcheol beat his younger brother to the punch (literally) by leaping across the table to right hook the living shit out of Jiyeong.

He wishes he would’ve just finished the job but Mingyu was stronger than him, being able to rip him off and granting Jiyeong a mercy he didn’t deserve. 

“He was the one to do all of that damage to Jeonghan’s body.” Wonwoo admits, frowning as he cleans his glasses off on his coat again before slipping them back on. He seems stressed. “Also killed his mate in a very cowardly way by the sounds of it. If Jeonghan’s injuries reflect what happened…he did a lot of awful things to him.” 

No..

Something violent takes hold of Seungcheol’s heart, strangling it in its hold. He has never been so angry in his life and he begins to pace as his pheromones spread through the small space. “I’ll kill him like I should have already. Rip his head from his fucking shoulders and-and-“

“Seungcheol, calm yourself please-“

“-He’ll rot in whatever cesspool we decide to throw his filthy body into. I swear on everything-“

“Alpha.”

As if a bucket of ice water dumped over him, Seungcheol feels all the hatred and tension in his body drain from head to toe. His muscles have never relaxed so fast in his life. He turns and it's hesitation that slows his movements before facing the blonde omega head on. Was that his omega voice? Fitting. 

“Jeonghan.” Seungcheol breathes out, visibly slumping his shoulders to appear less threatening. “Are you okay?”

Jeonghan is dawned in the normal matching white, scrub-like attire that patients wear in the tent, but even the smallest size seems to hang off his limbs like drapery. The scars and bruises on his face are almost all faded, except a scar running through his left eyebrow. The bags under his eyes are very prominent against his pale skin, and everything about him seems dulled but Seungcheol still thinks he’s the most beautiful omega he’s ever seen. He swallows his nerves and shakes himself of the lingering tension. 

“I’ll be right out here.” Wonwoo excuses himself from the small area and leaves Seungcheol to his own devices. “Call if you need me.”

Once his brother is gone, Seungcheol is left alone with the smaller omega, who is watching him so intently that he has to look away from those striking blue irises. 

“What is it that you have to tell me?” 

His soft voice causes Seungcheol to meet his gaze, watching as Jeonghan moves closer to him. His arms are crossed over his chest in that self-comforting gesture again and the alpha wants to cry for him. “The alpha that hurt you. We think he’s leaving dead wolves around our territory as a threat. Dead omegan wolves.”

Jeonghan doesn’t show much of a reaction, only pursing his thin lips into a more prominent frown. “So I’ll leave. I’m a dead man walking anyway.”

“No.” Seungcheol is quick to respond, arms automatically moving to comfort but stops immediately when he sees Jeonghan flinch away. “We aren’t even positive he’s after you. We’ve had pretty rough pack disputes in the past with Jiyeong. Safe to say we aren’t friends.”

Jeonghan’s gaze hardens at the mention of that name, fists clenching at his sides. His scent is still so thick and Seungcheol tries to keep focus. It makes his vision swim for a moment. “He likes to think that I am his possession. He will come for me and try to kill whoever is in the way.” 

“You are not his possession.” Seungcheol admonishes with so much conviction that Jeonghan finally gives a reaction by widening his eyes. “You never were and never will be.” 

He watches as Jeonghan seems to fight a battle within himself, fidgeting with his hands and restlessly shifting on his bare feet. “Thank you for your efforts from before but I’m fit to leave now so I need to go. Before I bring more trouble.” 

“Stay, please.” Seungcheol pleads, not abhorrent to begging apparently. “Joshua is staying here for the winter so maybe he can take you in. I promise, you’ll be safe here. “

Releasing that thoroughly bitten bottom lip, the omega takes a deep breath but almost seems to immediately regret it as he covers his nose and mouth. Is his scent becoming too much for Jeonghan? “If I stay, you can’t be around me. You know that.”

Hearing the words from the other makes Seungcheol wilt, knowing that it’s for the best. This time he backs off, trying to get his pheromones under control. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“The imprint. I’m so sorry.” Seungcheol isn’t as strong as Jeonghan since he continues to take in as much of the omega’s sweet scent as possible. “I didn’t even know I could do it.”

“You liked my scent.” Jeonghan explains through his hand, moving backwards toward the office makeshift entrance. “I liked yours enough to accept it, I guess..”

Wait. 

“You like mine too?” Seungcheol stays rooted in place though he wants to approach the omega so terribly. Maybe his self control is getting better than he thought. 

“My omega likes it. It’s all this instinct bullshit.” Jeonghan is quick to bite out, despite the way his legs tremble. “It needs to go away so that means you need to keep your distance from me.” To emphasize this, Jeonghan finally backs out of the office, but is quick to add an assurance. “I don’t mean to insult you, truly. This is just bad happenstance.” 

Jeonghan is out of sight for the moment but Seungcheol can hear Wonwoo’s worried voice. The alpha decides to follow. “Are you okay? Jeonghan, you may need to sit—Jihoon, quick!” 

At Wonwoo’s urgent tone, Jihoon hurries over to try and catch a collapsing Jeonghan, whose legs finally give out but Seungcheol is quicker, having scooped the omega into his arms. It’s like he sensed it before Jeonghan even felt it. 

“Is he okay?” Seungcheol makes sure to hold Jeonghan close before he gently lowers them both to the ground. He can hear Wonwoo sigh somewhere above him. Jihoon kneels as well, huffing.

“It’s probably because you smell so strong. Is your rut coming up?” Wonwoo asks, leaning down to press a hand to Jeonghan’s forehead. “No fever.”

“It shouldn’t be? why, do I stink?”

Wonwoo whistles, checking the omega’s vitals. “Very much so.”

“You’ll never get this bond dissolved.” Jihoon grumbles with a shake of his head. 

He turns his attention to the blonde in his arms. Jeonghan looks so serene like this, as if sleeping peacefully.  A selfish part of Seungcheol doesn’t want their bond to dissolve.

Chapter Text

“-think so?”

Jeonghan has his chin resting in the palm of his hand, gazing out through the window to his right. The summer heat has started to fade into a more tolerable autumn breeze and it’s refreshing to be able to breathe easier. Sometimes the estate can grow unbearably stifling. He successfully is blocking out the insistent droning done by the beta across from him.

“Yoon Jeonghan.”

A hand smacks the table in front of him but even though the impact is loud, Jeonghan doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t even bother to meet the eyes he can feel burning into the side of his skull before answering. “Yes, uncle?” 

“Have you been listening to a word I’ve said?” He exasperates with another smack to the table but this time it’s a fist. Jeonghan cheekily wonders what the poor walnut table did to earn such treatment. 

Jeonghan decides to be honest after an uncomfortable stretch of silence. “No sir.” 

He finally turns his head to meet his uncle face on and can see how the old beta is flaring his nostrils, trying to not snap again probably. Jeonghan doesn’t know why he bothers to hold back anymore. 

“Listen, boy.” He begins as he rolls up the papers he was probably reading off from earlier. “The proposal has been accepted.” 

“You’re getting married? Congratulations.” He says in the flattest tone possible. “Because I haven’t agreed to anything so I know it’s not my proposal.”

He can see the moment that something unpleasant passes through his uncle's expression before he pushes up from the table. This time Jeonghan does flinch as a hand is slapped across his cheek. The distinct sting isn’t unfamiliar but it always makes the omega burn with anger. Behind his lips, Jeonghan clenches his teeth to keep himself quiet. 

“I am tired of your insolence, omega. If you weren’t my sister’s pup I would’ve thrown you to the wild wolves by now.” The sneer he is faced with is so hideous that Jeonghan questions if he truly was related to his beautiful late mother. “You are mating with Jiyeong. You will bear his heir and be good to him.”

Each word feels like old wounds opening back up and Jeonghan, despite not wanting to look weak in front of his uncle, stiffens up with fear. Being reduced to the stereotypical omegan ideal that alphas dream of was enough to turn Jeonghan’s stomach. Before he can even open his mouth or spit at the old beta, his uncle kicks the chair back and starts to walk towards the office entrance. As he opens the door, his uncle smiles back at Jeonghan and it’s dreadful. 

“Better hope you have an alpha pup because there’s talk of Jiyeong getting rid of omegas that can’t give him what he wants.” 

With the last threatening promise, the beta finally departs. Jeonghan lets himself crumble in the wanted privacy, pressing his forehead against the wooden table top. He hates how weak he is. Jeonghan has always been a sickly pup and it carries into his adulthood. His mother always fretted over his health, though his father saw him as useless. Tears feel ready to spill but nothing wets his cheeks. He shouldn’t cry anymore.

Though, he can’t even transform into his wolf anymore. 

The disconnect from his most freeing form and strongest instincts has made him feel incomplete. Though, just like any other omega in this pack, he’s only seen for his ‘valuable’ parts, especially as a virgin. Being boiled down into just a ‘pure omega’ makes his skin crawl. 

It’s an awful feeling. Never getting a choice with what to do in life. The truth only hurts the more he mourns a freedom never truly lived. It’s times like these when he misses his mother the most. Her soft voice and gentle eyes. She would comfort Jeonghan during his worst moments and help him see a brighter side. He’s never going to forget her smile. He was always told he took after her when he grinned. 

He doesn’t smile often anymore.

While his head still lies against the cool top of the table, he turns towards the window again, watching the outside world carry on without a worry. Without a care of what becomes of the omega. Jeonghan feels his chest tighten with impending doom. 

He almost dozes off, the swirling emotions tiring him out but the sound of wood scraping and someone obviously struggling is heard right outside. With caution, Jeonghan moves towards the window, pulling his sleep robes tighter around his body as the autumn wind flows right through the thin material. “Who’s there?”

Finally peering over the ledge, he sees a familiar wide-eyed stare. The omega almost shouts joyfully but remembers his surroundings. So instead he leans over the ledge, arms crossed and chuckling. “What are you doing, hyung?” 

“H-hey there, beautiful.” Hyungwon greets breathlessly, finally able to climb into the window frame as Jeonghan pulls him in by the front of his deep blue hanbok. He can’t help the smile that spreads across his lips. The muscles there ache with misuse. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“You’re silly.” Jeonghan sighs, pressing himself into Hyungwon’s open arms, making sure to be mindful and not let them fall out from the second story window pane. “I’ve missed you so much.”

The last part is dripping with his immense sorrow, remembering what his uncle had just bestowed upon him. The alpha only makes a concerned sound, smelling the subtle shift in Jeonghan’s scent.  

“What happened?” Hyungwon asks, moving them gently from the window (the safer option) and sits on the nearby wooden stool. His hold stays firm on Jeonghan’s waist, who stands between his long legs and the pressure there helps settle the omega. 

“Jiyeong wants to mate me. Take me as his omega and my uncle offered me up like some prized possession.” Jeonghan spits, tasting the venom in his own words. He hates feeling so helpless. “I don’t want his pups. I don’t want to be touched by him.”

“Anyone but him.” Hyungwon says almost in a whisper, grip getting subtly tighter but Jeonghan notices the rare display of protectiveness and tries to not swoon harder for this man. “He shouldn’t even be allowed near you. You’re too precious.”

“I don’t want anyone but you.” Jeonghan confesses with a chaste kiss to the elder's forehead. The alpha presses his face into Jeonghan’s stomach, arms wrapping around his midsection. Jeonghan hums gently through a sad frown. His hand raises to caress Hyungwon’s soft, black hair. It’s getting long. “I’m yours. No matter what happens to me or my body. Please remember that.” 

The alpha rumbles at that. Even if Hyungwon isn’t as in tune with his instincts as well, he’s still possessive like most alphas. Though, not as much as Jeonghan’s omega. “I can’t stand the thought of him touching you.” 

“Well..” Jeonghan feels his cheeks flush, a warmth pooling in his lower gut and spreading out to his fingertips and toes. He can feel Hyungwon’s warm breath against his skin through his robe.“I was saving myself for the one I love.” 

“Ah.” At that, the alpha lifts his head up to meet Jeonghan’s gaze. “You love me.”

Jeonghan nods, face only heating up more as he feels Hyungwon’s hands run down his flank, gripping the backs of his knees and pulling him forward gently until Jeonghan is seated on the alpha’s thighs. “Hyung..”

“I love you.” Hyungwon says with such conviction and confidence that Jeonghan isn’t used to it at all. Usually he’s the one making the older blush and shy away. Jeonghan shifts on the alpha’s lap, feeling exposed, emotionally and physically but he doesn’t think he hates it. He does however bring his hands up to cover his face, squealing to himself when Hyungwon brings them back down. “Don't hide.”

Jeonghan moves his hands to clasp onto Hyungwon’s own, leaning in to plant a kiss above his brow bone. “I have nothing to hide from you. I’ll show you everything.”

Those full lips curl into a grin so gentle that Jeonghan is tempted to kiss him. So he does. 

Hyungwon meets him halfway, as if reading his mind and the soft press makes Jeonghan immediately melt against the alpha’s embrace. The warm, solid form beneath him only makes an itch start to rage across his skin. It must release some intense pheromones, because Hyungwon begins to press into the kiss with more purpose. 

It’s not the first time they’ve touched or kissed one another, but it’s the first time Jeonghan’s scent is strong enough to affect Hyungwon, who is pumping out something mouthwatering of his own. It only takes Hyungwon’s tongue slipping past the seam of his thinner lips to make Jeonghan release a pleased sound low in his throat. The alpha responds by urging Jeonghan to come further into his lap.

Jeonghan realizes he isn’t wearing anything beneath the robes by his bare and sensitive skin sliding over Hyungwon’s trousers, the rough material causing sparks of arousal to spread down his spine. The sweet scent cloying between them Jeonghan belatedly realizes is his slick, that’s now wetting the older man’s lap. Embarrassment makes his face burn and he tries to break the kiss to lift his hips but when he does, Hyungwon whines.

Oh. That’s new. 

“Hyung-“ Jeonghan cuts himself off with a high whimper as the alpha begins to make him grind against his lap by the hips. The foreign feeling of stimulation on his privates  makes him numb with pleasure and he places his hands on Hyungwon’s shoulders, still unsure what to do with himself. “I’ve never-“

“It’s okay, baby.” Hyungwon mutters against his cheek, his breath stuttering. “You feel so- so wet.”

It is like a switch was flipped in the alpha, with how intense and fluid his motions are against Jeonghan. It’s like he’s more confident than ever, like he can easily hold Jeonghan in his hands and unravel him completely. Jeonghan would let him too. His head swims with the strength displayed as the alpha lifts him up by the waist to lay him back against the cold table.

“So pretty, Jeonghan. My pretty omega.”

The praise ignites something in Jeonghan and he grips the other man’s shoulders tighter, rolling his hips up against Hyungwon with more finesse than he ever thought he could manage. He’s rewarded with a shaky exhale from Hyungwon that only makes him widen his legs further when he feels a stiffness stir where it’s pressed snugly against his hip.  

Large hands push apart the flimsy material of Jeonghan’s robes and slide up the pale inner thighs where the omega is still splayed open. A pleasant throb is felt inside of Jeonghan as Hyungwon doesn’t stop his ascending until a palm is flush against his soft wetness.

“A-ah, it’s-“

Jeonghan makes a sound as if he was punched, his legs quaking, wanting to snap back shut but the other man between his thighs makes it impossible. It’s an odd sensation, with someone else’s hand down there but Jeonghan comes to find out rather quickly that he prefers this way more than his own hand.

“Can I look?”

He’s too turned on to be ashamed by how fast he nods, holding his legs further out. When long fingers spread his folds apart, making his hole much more visible in the thick curls of hair.

“Pretty everywhere, aren’t you.” Hyungwon says warmly, his other hand lifts to drag his thumb over his hardening bud sitting firm above his entrance. He almost sounds in awe. “So soft.”

Jeonghan bites hard into his bottom lip, eyelids drooping more than usual as he looks up at his lover. His omega is preening in the undivided attention. “You like it?”

The alpha hums in affirmation but leans away, pulling the stool back under him to take a seat. Jeonghan makes a confused sound, tilting his head up when the hands are removed from his heat but eyes widen considerably at Hyungwon lifting his wet fingers towards his mouth and gives a curious lick of his slick covered digits. 

“Taste as sweet as you smell.” Hyungwon almost groans, reaching out to pull Jeonghan in closer until his hips reach the edge of the table and wraps his arms around each thigh, drawing close enough that Jeonghan can feel the puffs of air hit his wet core. “Can I taste more?”

“Yes-y-“ Jeonghan almost stutters over his words with how fast he tries to affirm but places his arms over his bare stomach to ground himself. “Yes, please.”

A reassuring smile is the only warning he gets before Hyungwon moves his head between Jeonghan’s damp thighs. At the first press of tongue, the omega flinches, a moan slipping out as his hands reach down to tangle in wavy black hair. 

“Oh, hyungie.” Jeonghan gasps at the skilled way the alpha eats him out, every movement done with a purpose and the omega lets his head fall back against the table with a dull thud. He tries and snuffs out the jealous part of his mind wondering how Hyungwon is so good at this but as soon as the tongue dips and curls inside, any more thoughts melt from Jeonghan’s mind. “Goodness.”

When a finger slips in beside Hyungwon’s tongue, Jeonghan cries, clenching down and trembling by the sheer surprise of his sudden orgasm, further wetting the alpha’s mouth and chin as he begins to tremble. 

“That’s it.” Hyungwon encourages, his free hand coming up to stroke gently along Jeonghan’s inner thigh. “That’s it, baby.”

Only when he begins to shiver in over sensitivity does Jeonghan scramble to yank Hyungwon up by the hair to crash their lips together. He purrs at the sickeningly sweet taste of himself on the alpha’s lips and pulls the alpha back over to cover his mostly naked form.

“Take me.” Jeonghan urges through a groan, hips lifting to grind himself up on the older man, feeling the hard outline of his cock fit so snuggly against his sensitive cunt. “Make me yours. All of me.” 

Then his lips are claimed again by the alpha he loves so much. 

Jeonghan lost his virginity that day to his first love. The first and only time they coupled. He would’ve treasured that moment more if he only knew what would become of them. 

What became of his alpha. 

——-

Jeonghan has been taking his strolls through the camp, always accompanied by Jisoo, who has their hands linked and swinging gently between them. The broad hand is a familiar comfort. After passing out in the tent (and embarrassingly waking up in that alpha’s arms) they all decided he might need fresh air. Seungcheol seemed very disappointed to not be invited. So what if his pout was cute, Jeonghan still said no!

“I’m very glad, y’know.” Jisoo sighs after a comfortable silence settles over them. 

“Of what?” 

The beta gives him a sideways glance, squeezing his hand. “That you decided to stay here.”

Jeonghan swings their hands a little rougher, pulling a giggle from Jisoo. They have already lapped the outer perimeter of the pack territory two times today. He knows it’s dangerous to be this far out but his best friend seems confident in where he steps. He feels safe.

“Well, it’s interesting here. The dynamics are very different from what I’m used to.” Jeonghan explains, looking out into the snowy forest. It’s the perfect picture of calmness. “Plus, you’re here so there must be good people among them.” 

A broad smile appears on Jisoo’s face. “Very good people. Seungcheol will be a good head alpha once he takes over, I’m sure of it.” 

Jeonghan chews on his lip a bit, watching the light flurries of snowflakes stick to the sleeve of his borrowed hanbok. Jisoo lending it to him from an omega named Soonyoung. He hasn’t met the other yet but it smells like baked bread.

“If you say so.” 

Silence stretches once more as they crunch along the snow. It’s only the early morning so the rising sun shines bright overhead. Jeonghan wonders if he will get sunburnt. Perish the thought. 

Sudden movement out of the corner of his eye causes Jeonghan to pull Jisoo in close, bracing himself for whatever might jump out from the snow covered brush. “Watch out!”

“Jeonghan, it’s only-“

A small wolf bounds out of the bush and is skipping around the two men. Jeonghan is utterly confused as he watches the little brown furball yip playfully at them as it continues to run in circles. Must be a child?

“That’s Mingyu’s pup.” Jisoo supplies helpfully as he kneels in the snow, beckoning the wolf forward with a smile. “Daehyun, come here please. There’s someone here for you to meet. Where’s your sister?”

Sure enough, a small girl with large brown eyes and fluffy black hair in messy braids comes up, her hands holding onto what seems like a plush baby doll. She toddles up the small embankment. “Uncle Shua!” 

The girl fits herself comfortably into Jisoo’s arms and he picks her up tightly before standing up. He holds her on his hip and Jeonghan coos at the sweet sight. The wolf begins to nose the beta’s feet. 

“This is my friend, Jeonghan. This is Kim Daehyun and Dohyun. They’re twins.”

“Hey there.” The omega smiles kindly, though a pang of hurt shoots through his chest at the sight of pups. He comes up in front of Jisoo, tickling the girl’s foot. “Hello sweetie.” 

Those big eyes find Jeonghan’s and she suddenly looks bashful before tucking her head under Jisoo’s chin. It’s so cute and Jeonghan lets out a soft coo. He feels movement at his feet and looks down to see Daehyun sniffing at his pant leg. He reaches down to pet him on the head and the wolf leans into his hand. It melts his heart. 

“Where’s your parents?” Jisoo asks after a few minutes of bouncing Dohyun on his hip. She giggles happily. “It’s not safe to be exploring by yourself anymore.” 

“We ran away from papa, because of bath time.” Dohyun says through a pout, reaching up to pull on Jisoo’s long hair. He doesn’t react to the pain and Jeonghan wants to laugh but he reels it in. “No baths!” 

Jisoo leans in to sniff at the top of the little girl’s head and makes a face as if he smelled something sour. “You need a bath. Papa is right.” 

Dohyun whines, kicking her little feet and continues to try and bribe Jisoo into helping them hide. Jeonghan kneels down to look better at the pup on the ground, who leans in close to sniff at his nose, beautiful hazel eyes gleam in the sun. Something in his chest aches but he just smiles, running his hand along the child’s back. “You like being in this form, little one?”

A huff acts as an affirmation of sorts and Jeonghan lets a chuckle slip, scratching behind Daehyun’s still floppy puppy ears. “I did too, back when I could still do it.” 

A lick to his cheek makes Jeonghan chuckle a little more sincerely, pushing himself back up and moving towards Jisoo. The pup follows closely at his feet. 

“We gotta bring them back to Mingyu.” Jisoo sighs, ignoring Dohyun’s obvious protests. “They’re a little on the wild side.” 

“Shit, sorry!” 

A deep voice sounds and Jeonghan automatically shifts to hide behind Jisoo, looking over his shoulder. The voice sounds familiar and he isn’t sure if that’s a good sign or not. A very tall (large) and handsome man comes trudging down the bank, looking every bit stressed and exasperated as he approaches the small group. An almost equal in height figure is right behind the him, looking more annoyed than anything. 

“Ah, Mingyu. Scared your pups with hygiene again, hm?” Jisoo teases, handing a whining Dohyun over to the tan alpha. His scent is very strong, but not overpowering with dominance, so Jeonghan can tolerate it. It still strikes him as familiar and he can’t place his finger on it. 

“He is a pushover. They ran when given the first opportunity.” The other man sighs, his voice bright and silky like the floaty robs he dawns. The omega can’t place his accent but it’s obvious he’s a foreigner, like Jisoo. Jeonghan wonders how he isn’t freezing. Even for a wolf to be barefoot in the snow is pretty unusual. The sweet blueberry undertones intermix with Mingyu’s earthy saffron and it’s a very attractive scent. The perfect example of a prime alpha/omega pair. 

Jeonghan frowns slightly to himself. He’s starting to forget Hyungwon’s scent.

Daehyun rushes out from behind Jeonghan at the sound of his parent’s voice and pounces into the omega’s awaiting arms. He has such a radiant smile that Jeonghan just can’t help but to stare. 

“Guys, this is Jeonghan. I don’t think the proper introductions have happened between you all yet.” Jisoo gestures between the group, reaching to pull Jeonghan out from behind him. “Mingyu was the other alpha with Seungcheol when he found you.” 

Oh. Jeonghan looks at the alpha, whose handsome face is pretty disarming, even with the sharp canines that flash when he smiles. He knew he seemed familiar. “I’m glad to see you’re doing much better. I’m very sorry about your mate.” 

The sadness in Mingyu’s eyes seems genuine and Jeonghan waves him off gingerly. “It’s okay. Thank you.” 

The taller omega approaches Jeonghan, the pup still panting cutely in his arms. He appraises him for a moment, bright cerulean eyes seem to dig deep into his soul. He looks to his pup and hums sweetly before a small smile is displayed on those full lips. 

“I’m Minghao. Thank you for being kind to my little ones.” Jeonghan must seem surprised because Minghao chuckles, petting his son behind an ear. “I can speak to them through a parental bond. They seem to really like you.” 

“I like them.” Jeonghan adds, looking between the two twins. He catches Dohyun’s gaze already on him and scrunches his nose playfully at her.

Dohyun makes a small sound and hides in her father’s neck. “He’s pretty, papa.”

Jeonghan bows slightly, ignoring the flush on his ears. “Nice to meet you both. Your pups are very sweet.”

“Sure, sometimes.” Mingyu snorts but not without receiving a playful smack from both his mate and daughter. Jisoo laughs while dragging Jeonghan along with him, waving goodbye to the family. 

“Good luck with the baths.” Jeonghan finds himself teasing, which Jisoo must also be surprised with by the fond look he gains. “I’ll probably see you both around.” 

They wave goodbye and trudge off into the brush. 

As Jeonghan and Jisoo walk further away from the family, Jisoo goes back to holding his hand. “Minghao had a miscarriage this past spring. He’s very protective of his pups so that was quite a surprise to see that he warmed up to you so easily.”

“Ah, I see.” Jeonghan feels a sense of accomplishment, always happy with fellow omega approval, though he can relate to the miscarriage. 

“I’m glad.” The beta adds on, swinging their hands between them again. “I want everyone to like you. Some already do.” 

That makes the omega preen, his wolf always having that instinct to be cared for and loved. He doesn’t hate that part of himself. It just craves a pack. A family. “You’re convincing me to stay, aren’t you?”

“I think it’s working.” Jisoo just grins, lifting his head back towards the cloudy sky. “This winter will be harsher than the past few years.”

The silence seems to tell Jeonghan his answer. He’ll have to bunker down it seems. “Alright. Only until the spring.”

”Great! Can’t wait to tell Cheol the good news.” Jisoo wiggles his eyebrows and Jeonghan scowls at him. 

Though the thought of maybe learning more about the alpha, or gods forbid getting closer, doesn’t repulse him. He’ll dig deeper into that another day.

Chapter Text

“Alpha.” 

Seungcheol glances up from the wood he was chopping to see Jihoon approaching him. His hands are on his hips, his newborn pup swaddled against his chest. The alpha drops his ax onto the chopping block and dusts his hands off on his trousers. “Jihoon-ah, you really don’t need to call me that.” 

“Just getting used to it, that's all.” Jihoon snarks, stopping once he is in front of him. Seungcheol smiles as he pets the baby boy’s feather soft brown hair. “Jeonghan is officially discharged as of yesterday and is staying at Joshua’s tent for the time being.” 

Something perks up within him with sudden eagerness that he almost wants to springup and sprint to the tent. Jihoon looks at him and it's endeared, his smile making his eyes curve up like crescent moons.

“Wow, Wonwoo was right. You really are obvious with this crush.” The omega snickers behind a closed fist. 

“Wow, Wonwoo was right.” Seungcheol mocks in a very poor imitation of Jihoon’s higher tone. After receiving an unimpressed glare, the alpha just leans down to pick up another block of wood. “Anyway, I doubt you came all the way over here just to make fun of me.”

“I do have something important to say, yes.” The shorter blonde strokes the pup’s back as he starts to fuss. Seungcheol picks his ax back up, making sure the wood is centered. “Keommie told me that he saw a ‘freakishly large’ wolf on the north end of camp last night.”

Seungcheol feels himself tense, the ax raised above his head. “Another omega?” 

“An alpha.” 

He completely misses the wood, instead loses his balance from his impressive momentum and topples over into the snow. The peeling laughter Jihoon lets out is nostalgic but now really isn’t the time for Seungcheol to reminisce. He pushes himself up, with the still giggly omega’s help. The small pup whines at the movement. Jihoon hushes him quietly.

“This is bad.” The alpha says, once he’s on his feet again. “Really bad. We can’t let Jeonghan leave-“ Jihoon begins open his mouth to protest but Seungcheol holds a hand up. “—because the alpha that hurt him? He’s with those wolves, I’m sure of it. They are the ones leaving those dead bodies around too and are just waiting for the perfect moment to finish what they set out to do in the first place.”

Jihoon purses his lips, brow furrowed as he focuses on the space between their boots. “We can’t just hold him hostage, Seungcheol-ah. I know you have this instinctual urge to protect him but as a fellow omega, just let me remind you that he’s a grown adult. You can’t make those decisions for him. You barely know him.”

The alpha can feel frustration build inside him, lodging itself in his chest as he tries to breath. The selfish feeling of wanting his way becomes suffocating. “I’ll talk to him first, then. Tell him the situation further and offer to at least help get him somewhere safe.”

“Cheol—“ Shaking his head, Jihoon gives him a look that he’d give his daughter when she is being stubborn. It makes Seungcheol burn with an itchy feeling of embarrassment. “You’re so hard headed. But ultimately, you are free to do what you like. Future pack alpha and all.”

Seungcheol frowns at that, “I’m not trying to control anyone, Hoon-ah. You know that.” 

“Just don’t be selfish. He’s not had a lot of control over his life.” Seungcheol tries to maybe further defend himself but the omega just holds his coat tighter around his body and the baby against his chest before taking off in a brisk walk. “See ya.” 

Left alone, ax still clutched in his fist somehow, Seungcheol just looks at it. He only wants to make sure the omega is safe. Free from unwanted touch. 

A sudden image of him swinging it at that unknown alpha’s head flashes in his mind and he drops the weapon in the snow immediately. 

———

“So, we’re gonna go hunting? Or is this a special day trip thing?” Junhui asks, rubbing his palms together to try and keep them warm, even blowing into the space there. He has a smile hidden behind his joint hands. “I love day trips.”

“I wouldn’t call it hunting.” Mingyu mumbles, strapping a knife to his ankle before slipping a heavy boot on. “Think more along the lines of patrolling but with an actual threat looming over us.” 

Seungcheol can hear Seokmin let out a long hiss through his bunny teeth. “Love that. Really can’t wait.”

“Don’t worry, Minnie.” Soonyoung, the oldest omega of their modest group, slicks his silver hair back beneath a wool hat and slaps the younger alpha on the shoulder. He’s swaddling in puffy layers with a bright orange scarf covering his mouth. Definitely Seungkwan’s doing, with the scent of ripe tangerines clinging to the knitted cloth. Seungcheol smiles to himself. “We’re the best hunters this pack has to offer. We’ll be more than fine and dandy.”

“I hope so hyung. That wolf looked like it wanted to eat me whole. I’m lucky that I was faster.” Seokmin seems to shiver at the recent memory. 

“Fastest wolf out there.” Junhui grins, slipping something out from his pocket and sticking it between his teeth. He ends up chewing on an old piece of leather. An old habit of his that Seungcheol finds endearing. Sort of. “After Hansol, of course.”

The youngest wolf in question lifts his head from where he was laying down by Seungcheol’s feet, waiting for the group to finish getting ready. His demeanor seems nonchalant but his big thumping tail shows otherwise. Seungcheol smiles, reaching over to pet between his brother’s furry shoulder blades.

“Awh, Moonie you made his day.” Mingyu’s laugh is contagious between them.

The group continues to get prepared before Junhui decides to go ahead and transform into his ashen wolf form to become warmer. Hansol seems very happy to have another wolf to communicate with, burrowing his snout into the bigger alpha’s nape before huffing happily. 

“Mingyu.” Seungcheol calls out to his brother, who immediately jogs over. The taller alpha seems tired, just coming off a long heat week with his mate. The marks that decorate the tan skin that Seungcheol is able to see seems to indicate it was another rough one. Maybe he’ll gain another nephew or niece. Ew, he doesn’t want to think about that right now. Or ever.

“Yes, hyung?” His brother hums, double checking his satchel that’s strapped across his chest. 

“You’re going to be the leader today. I’m trusting you with making sure everyone comes back in one piece.” Seungcheol announces and not only does Mingyu look surprised, but the whole group. Soonyoung even gasps dramatically, accompanied by Seokmin.

“I-of course, if that’s what you command.” Mingyu looks confused, and maybe a bit intimidated but Seungcheol grabs his shoulder, giving a firm squeeze as he uses his inner wrist to scent the exposed skin there. Mingyu loves anything involving physical contact and immediately relaxes. “May I ask why?”

“I only came to see you all off.” The oldest alpha explains, withdrawing his hand. “I have some things I need to settle. Mostly with our Alpha. So I’m trusting you all with this. Please, be careful. Your safety is the priority.” 

Everyone shares a look, maybe of mutual understanding or pitying, Seungcheol can’t tell. Ultimately Mingyu gives a firm nod, pulling his worn gloves on scarred hands.“I’ll make sure we find these wolves. To keep our pack safe.” His brother says firmly. 

“I know you will, Mingyu.”

——-

“Tell me again boy, why should this be a priority?” His father rubs at his temple, as if just being in his eldest son’s presence gives him a headache. Seungcheol glowers.

“Because, as I’ve said countless times before, I’m not going to force a mating bond when neither of us want this.” Seungcheol is so exasperated that he wants to rip his hair out. 

“Why is this so hard for you to accept that there isn’t a choice for you here.”

“Unbelievable.” Seungcheol growls, throwing his arms up in anger. Anything he says falls on deaf ears. “This is archaic and unfair.” 

His father’s expression hardens further, looking positively unnerving. It’s like he realizes something. “If this is because of some infatuation you have on the side, it doesn’t matter. Fuck as many of your omegan whores as you wish, I’m sure your future mate will partake in the same filth.”

“Would you just quit it? Leave omegas out of it.” Seungcheol has never raised his voice in such a way against family. His father is also taken aback, probably never expecting to be talked to that way. Seungcheol feels a sweet sense of satisfaction. “When you finally leave this earth and decay into the dirt, I’ll make sure that this pack is handled with a care it’s never had the chance of experiencing.”

“You’ll ruin everything.” His father spits with venom, knocking all the papers he has laid in front of him onto the floor. They flutter with a soft sound. “I should rid you of your birthright. Mingyu always should’ve been the heir. You’re useless.”

The words do sting, despite how Seungcheol feels about the old alpha. After all, no one would want to hear that from a parent. He still growls, stance not giving away any weakness. “I agree. He should.”

With that, he turns and storms out of the tent, rubbing at his stinging eyes. The last thing he wants is to shed any tears because of that monster. It’s moments like these that Seungcheol misses his mother the most. She was so gentle and kind but given, like most omega, to such a cruel alpha. 

The sun has set by the time Seungcheol exits his father’s tent. A bad taste is left in his mouth like always, as his father never seems to take his words seriously. He doesn’t even know how they always end up back to the mating topic every time

His face begins to burn from how rough he is wiping his eyes and he finally lowers his forearm. Across the center of camp, he sees Jeonghan’s pale figure sitting atop a log close to a fire pit. He has a colorful blanket wrapped around his shoulders and hugs at his frame. His blonde hair is blown in the early morning breeze and he has to keep pushing it off his face. The omega is by himself it seems.

Seungcheol kind of just stays rooted in place, unsure if he wants the other to see him in such a state. The last thing an alpha would want is to look weak, especially in front of a crush. Fate decides for him though, as those now familiar irises meet his own. They keep eye contact for an uncomfortable moment before Jeonghan breaks it first, looking back into the flames. Something shifts in the air and the alpha finds himself moving towards the omega. 

Once close enough, Jeonghan doesn’t lift his gaze but acknowledges his presence. “Did you sniff me out, alpha?”

Seungcheol finds himself letting out a snort, taking a seat on the old log but makes sure to keep a respectful distance. Something itches beneath his skin that wants to inch closer. He ignores it.

“Please call me Seungcheol. I’m not the head of this pack, yet.” He says and his tone is almost sullen. Maybe that talk sank a little too deep into his heart. “I just left my father’s tent. It was pleasant, like always.”

“Okay, Seungcheol-ah.” His flat tone must humor the omega because he chuckles lightly, pulling the blanket closer to himself. “Sounds like you like to talk to your family as much as I do.” 

“I love my brothers.” Seungcheol is quick to clarify, his words sincere. He’s honest to a fault. “But I’ve never felt that affection from my father.”

Humming, Jeonghan finally looks up at Seungcheol. His bright blue eyes search his face, and an emotion flashes through them. Almost like sympathy after seeing something resonate there. 

“I’m sorry. I judge your kind too quickly. I know.” Jeonghan mumbles, and he truly is beautiful. Seungcheol can’t help but just look at each feature on that porcelain face. Like he wants to commit it to memory. Jeonghan either doesn’t notice or just ignores it.

“No, no-“ Seungcheol says, moving closer without realizing it. “Please don’t apologize. You have every right to be skeptical of all alphas.”

Jeonghan sighs, brushing his hair from his mouth. It’s cute but the alpha keeps that to himself. He knows it’s the smart choice. “I don’t want to be like this. I just can’t help it.”

The alpha also can’t help it and reaches out to lay a palm on Jeonghan’s knee. Looks like he is wearing some trousers from Jihoon. The bottoms of the pant legs show a lot of pale ankle. Jeonghan tenses up beneath his fingers but doesn’t jerk away like the alpha expected. Eventually his thigh muscles relax. 

“Allow yourself the time.” Seungcheol says with a smile. “You don’t have to rush through things like this.”

A silence stretches between them and it isn’t awkward this time. Seungcheol feels completely calm now, like a balm was spread over the wounds on his heart. Maybe omega pheromones really are no joke. He wonders if Jeonghan even realizes he’s letting them seep out. 

“I know. I’m trying.” The omega admits beneath his breath.

Seungcheol watches the flames flicker over Jeonghan’s softened features. Something tingles behind his lips, threatening to bubble out like it’s a dam ready to burst. The water comes rushing out as a warm breath. 

“You’re really beautiful.” Seungcheol finally lets slip and immediately flushes, straightening his back as if standing at attention. “I’m sorry, but I truly can’t put it properly into words. I’m trying so hard to not -“

“Well, not hard enough apparently-”

“—but I really can’t help myself. I feel like it’s an injustice to not let you know.” The alpha says but his words get quieter the longer he talks. Damn..He really is bad around wolves he’s attracted to. “I don’t know what’s going on with me, or why I’m so drawn to you but, ah—sorry I’m rambling like crazy.” 

Jeonghan is wide eyed, mouth slightly parted and Seungcheol wants to tell himself that the pink flush wasn’t high on his cheeks before. Seungcheol blinks rapidly, like he is snapping out of a daze and knows he’s blushing pretty heavily himself. 

“Don’t apologize.”

The alpha is the one taken aback now. “What?”

The blonde leans in closer, hands resting on the wood between their thighs. “Don’t apologize for saying that I’m beautiful. It’ll make me think you don’t mean it.”

When Seungcheol sees a smile grace those lips, he’s momentarily distracted and can’t think straight enough to have a comeback. That scent that he’s come to be addicted to blooms out in fresh waves and the alpha feels drawn in, like a moth to a flame. His skin begins to feel too tight and Jeonghan looks just as lost in a similar daze.

Seungcheol doesn’t realize that they are brushing noses until he feels the omega’s breath against his chapped lips. 

“What are you doing to me?” Jeonghan almost whispers to himself, like he is thrumming with some sort of energy that the alpha can feel through his scent. 

“Jeonghan?” Seungcheol barely whispers and it’s like a chord snaps, pushing the omega into this desperate frenzy that has him climbing on top of the alpha’s lap. Seungcheol is able to inhale a lung full of air by gasping in surprise before those lips press against his and that same chord snaps in him too. The blanket flutters to the ground, leaving Jeonghan in only those old, borrowed clothes.

“W-wait, Jeonghan, I-fuck—“

Thw omega wastes no time feeling up Seungcheol’s body, panting hotly against the alpha’s chin before finding his lips again. Hands rush up to grip at the blonde’s waist, fingers digging into the skin as they slip along the soft fabric of his shirt. The kiss deepens almost immediately and Seungcheol is overwhelmed with the way Jeonghan moves against him. It’s all new to him, never having been kissed like this and he scrambles for control he just can’t seem to grasp. 

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Seungcheol worries that his inexperience will show through the stiff kissing on his part but the other hasn’t pulled away or tried to stop. If anything, the omega seems only to be spurred on more, starting to get restless in his hold. He feels something warm and wet start to seep into his pants. Desperately, Jeonghan ruts down against Seungcheol’s lap, slightly clawed nails digging into his curled hair and pulling. 

“Gn-alpha, please—“

Then the smell of slick hits him and he’s reeling back. The omega tries to grapple him back into a kiss that begins to overwhelm Seungcheol. The faint thought sticks out in the back of his mind as a skilled tongue is curling against the roof of his mouth, that it’s like Jeonghan is in—

“Seungcheol-Jeonghan, enough.” 

The weight is off his lap instantly and Seungcheol all but snarls, jumping to his unsteady feet. His omega is taken from him when he’s vulnerable. Jeonghan is heard hissing, equally pissed off at whoever is handling him.

He’s about to lash out at whoever felt stupid enough to take Jeonghan away but he’s knocked to the ground with incredible force against his back. His face is pressed into the snow but Seungcheol can’t feel the chill on his cheek as he’s held into submission. 

“He’s in heat? Out of nowhere?”

Seungcheol recognizes that voice: Minghao. He sounds frazzled. He can’t scent anyone else but Jeonghan. That’s all his mind can focus on. The only thing that keeps repeating in his mind is ‘mate’ and ‘heat’ ,over and over like an alpha’s sick mantra. 

“Cheollie’s gone feral!“ That sounds like Seungkwan. His voice is shrill with anxiety. “What do we do?” 

“First, you both got to get Jeonghan somewhere safe.” A voice above him is spoken so close to his ear, he tenses. It’s Joshua and he sounds eerily calm for someone fighting against a thrashing alpha. “He’s not feral, not yet. I can handle Cheol.” 

The alpha tries to jerk around to maybe throw the beta off but a hand grasps at the back of his neck so intensely that Seungcheol almost whimpers like a kicked pup. His nape begins to sting with how the grip tightens.

He hears shuffling and hushed whispers of assurance and Jeonghan’s sugary scent getting further away before fully dissipating. Instantly, as if a fog has lifted from his brain, Seungcheol goes boneless, completely submitting to his friend at last. His mind feels pheromone fuzzy.

“Joshua?” Seungcheol croaks weakly, body starting to ache from some unknown exertion. “What happened?”

The beta helps him stand, brushing his fingers over Seungcheol’s reddening nape in a silent apology. “Looks like you scent Hannie into some pseudo heat-like state.”

Seungcheol must look goofy because Joshua sighs, petting at the older man’s cheek. “I believe this is more than simple imprinting, Cheol-ah.”

“What do you mean?”

“I used to think it was only a fable but it’s almost undeniable now.” Joshua actually looks a bit astounded when Seungcheol meets his golden beta eyes. “Ever heard of something called true mates?” 

Chapter Text

The first thing he notices when coming back to his senses, is how his mouth feels like it has been stuffed full of cotton. Jeonghan licks at his lips but it only worsens the sticky sensation there. He takes stock of his surroundings, quickly coming to the realization that he’s resting in Jisoo’s tent.

“You are making a habit of this, huh?”

At the sound of his voice, Jeonghan looks to see the beta working at untying the thick laces of his snow boots. 

“Habit?” Jeonghan blinks the haze from his eyes. rubbing at his temples. “Of what, exactly?”

“Well.” Jisoo kicks his foot a few times to rid himself of his last boot before sitting on the edge of his bed by Jeonghan, which is a large futon elevated off the ground with not enough blankets or pillows to satisfy Jeonghan’s omegan needs. He’ll complain later. “Seungcheol’s scent is apparently good enough to make you jump him in a public space. Good thing Seungkwan saw you two before you could strip him right then and there.”

The mortification must be clear on his face because Jisoo seems unsure whether to laugh or be sympathetic. Jeonghan flops back onto the single, cold blanket, kicking his legs restlessly against the soft material. Honestly, he can still feel how Seungcheol was holding onto him, his strong and sturdy body beneath his thighs as his scent blanketed them. Even though it was out in the open, Jeonghan felt safe in the alpha’s arms. He frowns.

“Explains why I feel like I just got off of a week long heat.” Jeonghan groans, throwing his forearm over his eyes to shield what little light is beaming through the entrance of Jisoo’s tent. His body still feels a bit strung out. “I didn’t realize imprinting could be this intense..This is bullshit.” 

A silence stretching between them isn’t a rare thing but Jeonghan can feel something is off this time when Jisoo doesn’t immediately tease him. He lowers his arm, fixing the beta with a scrutinizing gaze. 

“Jisoo-ah.” Jeonghan prods, turning on his side to face the younger. “What are you thinking?” 

The beta just scratches at his cheek and Jeonghan can tell that he’s trying to find the right words to say. He’s never been this hesitant to say something. The omega is starting to worry.

“I think,” Jisoo mutters, moving closer to the omega. His hand caressing the exposed ankle there. “Well, it just seems to point towards something I've never seen in my lifetime before.” 

“You’re being awfully cryptic.” Furrowing his eyebrows, Jeonghan kicks at the hand touching him playfully. “Out with it.”

The beta easily snatches the flailing limb and holds it down. His expression is surprisingly earnest and Jeonghan knows it really isn’t a joke, whatever is about to be said.

“I think you and Cheol are true mates.”

Well. On second thought.

“Oh, come on.” Jeonghan grumbles, flipping over onto his other side, away from Jisoo. The beta still grips on tight. “You can’t really believe that.”

“It would make sense—“

”Shush!” Jeonghan hisses.

“Hannie.” The nickname he breathes out causes the omega to peer over his shoulder. “I know you thought that Hyungwon was your true mate. I know it will make you feel like you’re betraying his memory to think otherwise.” Jeonghan tries to resist the hold that Jisoo puts on him, but it’s as if Jisoo really wants the older to look at him. Jisoo barely ever uses his real strength on the omega. 

“Jisoo, knock it off—“

“It would explain so much with what's happening between you two right now. Imprinting wouldn’t cause you to go into a pseudo heat, Jeonghan. Think logically here—“

The omega throws an arm out at Jisoo, which successfully knocks the beta off balance and it’s enough of an opening for Jeonghan to climb off the bed. He’s quickly backed into a corner though and his omegan instincts are crying at the feeling of being trapped. He knows the other wouldn’t ever harm him but his omega is trembling regardless.

The beta is now in front of him but not trying to reach for him again. He slowly sits in front of Jeonghan. “You know it’s true.”

“Stop.” Jeonghan runs a hand through his blonde hair. “I will not continue to talk about this, Jisoo.”

Then it’s like the beta has hit his limit since he grabs Jeonghan by both shoulders, the grip isn’t painful but Jeonghan still shrinks back. 

“You would’ve died, Jeonghan!” 

The sudden rise in volume and true conviction in Jisoo’s tone makes Jeonghan flinch again, turning to bare his neck subconsciously so as to not look the beta in the eye. Seeing the sudden show of submission seems to soften Jisoo’s approach. He lets out a slow sigh, letting go of the older’s shoulders. His scent also isn’t as intense, fading to a subtle lemon.

“If Hyungwon was your true mate, you would have died with him.” Jisoo explains calmly, backing away from the cornered omega. He takes a seat on the bed again. “Your parents were prime examples of that.”

“I know.” Jeonghan mumbles, arms going to wrap around himself in comfort. That last part stings to hear, even after almost a decade later. Jisoo has always been blunt.   “They should’ve let me die with him. Seungcheol should have just left me there-“

Seungcheol wouldn’t have left him there. Even used his alpha voice on him at the time to get him to comply. But never has the alpha tried to use it again, when he could have plenty of times. Most alphas would jump at the chance to take advantage of that ability. But Seungcheol seems to be an honest man. That thought settles something deep inside Jeonghan. 

“But he didn’t.” Jeonghan finishes with instead, moving back to the bed to settle beside Jisoo. He rests his head on his broad shoulder, suddenly worn out. “I’m so jumbled right now.” 

“Y’know, I’m not trying to force anything between you two. You are both my close friends so I really worry.” Jisoo sighs, reaching up to pet through the omega’s tangled blonde hair. “Cheol knows this too, but how we caught you two last night looked a little…apparent.”

Something about someone openly talking about what occurred has heat crawling up the back of his neck. The fact that he lost control like that, basically climbing that alpha like a tree for all to see, is so embarrassing. 

Jeonghan smiles despite himself against the soft material of Jisoo’s shirt, rubbing his cheek against it. “I don’t know what biology bullshit was affecting us but I could tell he wasn’t exactly thrilled about me being all over him.”

At the lack of an immediate response, Jeonghan lifts his head to look at the younger. Jisoo gives him the most dumbfounded expression that Jeonghan has ever seen on him before and it makes him laugh. But slowly tapering off when he realizes that Jisoo isn’t laughing with him. 

“Are you kidding me?” He asks incredulously though his voice is tinted with laughter, turning to face Jeonghan head on. “Yoon Jeonghan.”

Jeonghan is stupefied for a moment, trying to think whether to make a joke, to laugh it off, or to see what Jisoo is thinking. He puts his hands between his thighs to keep them from fidgeting. 

“No?” 

A long exhale. “Hannie. I’ve never seen that alpha more infatuated with someone. And I’ve known him for much longer than I’ve known you.” 

“Doubt it.” Jeonghan feels something itching beneath his skin, specifically at the nape of his neck. “He barely reacted when I kissed him from what I can remember. It was so awkward, almost like it was a first time thing for him.” 

When Jisoo doesn’t counter that or try to explain further and defend his friend, Jeonghan looks back at him. His eyebrows raise.

“Jisoo?” 

“Well, it’s his business to tell but I might as well divulge since you were trying to devour his face.” Jisoo sighs a bit to himself, scratching beneath his own chin again. He’s never going to grow out of that habit. “He doesn’t like for people to know he’s still a..y’know..”

“A virgin.” Jeonghan finishes for him, a small smile still on his lips. Something warmer starts fluttering low in his belly and he places a hand over that spot, drawing his legs towards his chest. Jisoo looks at him quizzically, as if trying to sort something out, but then his nose twitches. Jeonghan can tell the exact moment he catches on because Jisoo grin turns coy.

“You sure smell awfully pleased with that revelation.” The beta teases, a hand moving to pinch Jeonghan’s inner thigh, who squawks and slaps the offensive hand away. “You have a thing for that, Hannie?”

“Stop it.” Jeonghan grouses, turning away once again but Jisoo leans over his back to keep looking at his face. “It’s just surprising, is all.” 

He’s confused on why no one has tried to court the alpha yet. Seungcheol seems like the ideal vision of an alpha that anyone would be dying to sink their claws into. The dependable body and soft, boyish features with a scent that only fills himself with a strange longing? If the situation was different and Jeonghan grew up in this pack, he would’ve been the first in line. 

He frowns, trying to stamp that thought out. 

Jisoo continues to smile, eyes still gleaming mischievously but lets the subject drop, much to Jeonghan’s relief. “Regardless, we gotta figure out something where you don’t lose control over your wolf when near him.”

Jeonghan hums in agreement. “Maybe the doctors know of something.”

——-

The only thing Jeonghan can focus on is keeping his breath even so his lungs won’t burn any further. He’s never been one to run, more attune to a life of leisure. So, keeping a fast pace on bare feet that are terribly raw in the snow while trying to not collapse is becoming harder.

Tears have already dried on his numb cheeks, tinted pink from the cold and Jeonghan draws his torn robes tighter around himself as he weaves between the bare branches. He can hear distant howls behind him and it rattles his core. 

He fled as soon as Hyungwon and Jiyeong collided in a mess of snarling and biting, and he prays to whatever deities that are listening that his lover stays safe. The alpha had always been slow to anger and not confident in being a fighter to begin with so anxiety threatens to rise in his throat. 

“Shit. N-no—“

Jeonghan’s legs are beginning to weaken, the earlier trauma to his body finally catching up to him as he stumbles into an embankment, barely containing a yelp of pain at how the fall jostles him. He can feel a warm and thick wetness slide between his thighs and with a glance down, he can see a mess of red on his skin that seeps into the snow beneath him. His heart sinks into the pit of his stomach at the sight. 

As the howls die down in the distance and his vision begins to tunnel, a wet snout is nudged against his cheek. The omega stutters out a whine when a tongue laps at his neck and face. He musters all the strength he has left to open his eyes. 

“M-mn, Hyungie?” Jeonghan rasps, seeing those familiar deep eyes shine with a weakness not there before. He feels something drip on where his bare skin is exposed and immediately reaches up to only feel a familiar stickiness at the alpha’s neck, matting the fur there. “You’re bleeding, d-don’t move!”

Hyungwon gives one more faint lick against his cheek before staggering atop him, panting harshly. Something worse than dread cuts into his very core and he lets out a broken sob, one so wrecked that Hyungwon, even as he seems to be losing life the more he breathes, still tries to comfort the omega. His large body collapses beside Jeonghan, a weak whine slipping out of the wolf’s muzzle. 

“No, n-no, please-“ Jeonghan almost goes into hysterics, trying to scramble to clutch onto Hyungwon’s thick coat. His jaw begins to ache with how hard he’s shivering. “Don’t leave m-me.” 

Tears completely blur his vision but Jeonghan hastily wipes them away before burrowing against the prone alpha’s body, not caring for the blood still oozing out and further staining him. Even his golden hair is plastered to his face with it. He can feel the weak heartbeat beneath his hand and Hyungwon tries to curl tight around Jeonghan. He barely manages to do so before stiffening up and letting out a harsh final breath, body becoming lax and head lulling to the side. 

“Hyungwon.” Jeonghan is still shaking with hiccups but he breaks down further in the absence of that heartbeat. His hand curls tighter into the fur, cries being pressed into the wolf’s neck. “Oh, m-my love.”

He hears those earlier howls again, this time gaining on their location, sounding more wicked and making fear run icy down Jeonghan’s spine. It has to be Jiyeong. Wanting so badly to give up and just let himself succumb to the blood loss and elements so he isn’t alone, Jeonghan realizes that Jiyeong wouldn’t allow it. He might want him alive to make sure he wishes he were dead. 

A renewed burst of determination surges through the omega even through the tears as he quickly covers himself more in his alpha’s blood, making sure it’s soaking every visible gland on his body. He hopes that’s enough to mask his scent.

The pack sounds even closer now, probably at the very top of the snow bank.

Without wasting any more time, the omega digs under his lover’s still warm body and is able to be hidden fully beneath him. He hopes deep down the acrid scent of blood and fresh death will be enough. He cups his hand over his mouth, trying to stifle any sobs threatening to slip out. 

With one last prayer to the unknown, Jeonghan finally lets exhaustion take over and he isn’t sure when he passes out. The familiar heavy weight atop him soothes him into an odd sense of comfort.

 The faint sound of sniffing nearby and a slight jostling above him are the last things he notices before slipping unconscious. 

———

Jisoo explains he’ll converse more with Seungcheol and then he’ll meet him later back at his tent. Jeonghan agrees easily and bundles up before exiting after the beta.

Once he reaches the entrance of the medical tent, the blonde shakes the fresh snowflakes from his hair and steps into the threshold. It’s quiet like always. Some rustling can be heard a few partitions away.

“Wonwoo-ah~.” Jeonghan greets playfully, pulling his borrowed coat closer to himself as he enters further into the tent. He hears a muted gasp following a loud metal clanking and another low curse before some rustling. A chipper laugh rings like a bell through the still air. 

“Uh, hello?” The omega approaches the partition that all the noise is coming from and yanks it aside unceremoniously. “Oh?”

He is met with the sight of Wonwoo, who is sat upon one of the exam tables, with his long legs hanging off the side and still able to reach the ground. A shorter brunette with a stocky build is standing between his legs but jerks back from (an obvious) kiss at the sound of Jeonghan letting out a long whistle.

“Ah, Jeonghan.” Wonwoo breathes, fixing his glasses that were ascue moments before. It’s like he’s completely trying to play off the slip up and it’s cute. “What brings you, uh, back in?”

The brunette, that Jeonghan can now tell is a beta by the softer caramel notes of his flailing embarrassment, steps back. He tries to fix his simple clothes but his hair is still a mess. Jeonghan openly cooes at the sight, making the beta blush. 

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Jeonghan says with a teasing tone, giving the stranger a smirk. “Who’s this little one, doc?” 

Wonwoo pushes himself up and straightens out his coat, clearing his throat as he smoothes the crumpled cloth on the exam table.

“This is Jungchan.” Wonwoo introduces, gesturing to the still flushed man who offers a quick wave. “He’s my assistant. He helped bring you here when you first arrived.”

Jeonghan has no recollection of that time. He was unconscious after all. He wonders if they are a secret item or just shy. Jeonghan makes a small sound. “Nice to meet you, Jungchan-ah.” 

“Just Chan is fine, though!” The shorter beta is quick to say, approaching Jeonghan, his narrow eyes inspecting his face. Chan smiles and it’s very charming, Jeonghan must admit. “Hyung was right.”

“Right about what?” Jeonghan asks, arms crossing over his chest defensively.

Chan shuffles back towards Wonwoo who hesitates before putting a hand at Chan’s lower back. Jeonghan can’t help but to purse his lips. Probably a couple, since they don’t seem to mind touching in the omega’s presence.

“Seungcheol-hyung was gushing about how ‘breathtaking’ you are. I just gotta say- he wasn’t exaggerating.” Chan only smiles wider somehow. “Though, I hate admitting when he’s right.” 

Now it's Jeonghan’s turn to flush at the idea that Seungcheol is just going around bragging about him. Somewhere deep inside him, his omega preens with something akin to flattery. What’s the matter with him?

“Anyway.” Jeonghan announces loudly, as if to shut out his thoughts and both betas share an amused look. “My pheromones are becoming a problem around Seungcheol. So, I was hoping to see if you have anything that might suppress my pheromones.”

Wonwoo raises both of his thick eyebrows, readjusting his glasses once more with his free hand. They still look crooked to Jeonghan but he just holds that laugh in. Chan notices and fixes them for the older beta. “I mean, along the lines of suppressants, yes. Those would be more disruptive of your natural cycle though, so I wouldn’t recommend it, especially after what your body has already had to endure.” 

Jeonghan frowns, taking a seat atop the table nearby. “Oh, so nothing to just mask my scent?” 

Chan pokes at Wonwoo’s side before leaning up to whisper in his ear. The taller man nods faintly, looking behind himself to rummage through the top cabinets. A lot of glass clinks together and Wonwoo hums once he seems to find what he’s looking for. He turns back to Jeonghan and approaches him with a small vial in his hand. It’s a beautiful light blue, almost gleaming in the lamp light overhead. 

“This is a scent masker I’ve been formulating. With Chan’s help of course.” Wonwoo explains and the other beta beams at the inclusion. He’s so adorable, Jeonghan just wants to tuck him into his pocket. “No known side effects, as far as we’ve seen from those who’ve tried in the past.” 

“I think Jun-hyung just complained about a slight tummy ache.” Chan adds flipping through a stack of papers. “He usually uses it because he lives with Seungkwannie and Soonyoung. Sometimes an alpha scent can be too abrasive in close quarters.”

Jeonghan hums in agreement. “Tell me about it.” 

Chan laughs brightly and Jeonghan smiles in turn. “He’s precious. This one's yours? Absolutely adorable.” He gestures between the two betas and Wonwoo just chuckles bashfully as Chan elbows him playfully. 

“More like he’s mine.” Chan says with a wiggle of his brow and Jeonghan can’t help the boisterous laugh that slips out. Wonwoo appraises him with a kind smile.

“Glad to see you in such better shape, Jeonghan.” Wonwoo says softly, and the omega gives a slight bow.

“All thanks to you.” Jeonghan replies with a kind grin. “Also Jihoon-ah.” 

Chan just whines exaggeratedly at being left out for his hard work behind the scenes and Jeonghan pinches his cheek in turn.

“Hey!” 

——-

It’s been three days since Jeonghan drank the suppressor and it seems to be working, since even Jisoo notices a difference.

“I don’t know how Wonwoo knows how to make something like that but it’s crazy. You just.” Jisoo is combing his long hair with a wooden tool and Jeonghan has been purring for the past half an hour since he started. “It’s a very neutral hint of your scent, I don’t know how else to describe it.”

Jeonghan leans back against the beta, craning his neck as Jisoo begins to brush his bangs out of his face. He’s just gotten out of the basin that Jisoo keeps in the corner so even after being freshly washed, when his scent is usually the strongest, it’s dampened. So it shows how the elixir actually works. 

“Good. The big test would be Seungcheol, though.” Jeonghan murmurs, falling against Jisoo’s chest once he stops brushing. “Though I haven’t seen the guy for days.”

“Isn’t that a good thing for you?” Jisoo prods, a smile in his voice as he rests his chin atop Jeonghan’s blonde crown. “Or have you become a softy?” 

“Mm, maybe.” The omega replies but it sounds flat even to his own ears. He just knows Jisoo is feasting well on his constant embarrassment.

“Good thing I told him to stop by here so he should arrive at anytime now.” Jisoo snarks and Jeonghan tenses in his grasp.

Well. Better now than later he supposes. 

“Thanks for the heads up.” He grumbles, moving to detach himself from Jisoo and at the same moment Seungcheol comes bursting in. The alpha seems to have a habit of that as well. His sturdy build is insinuated by the tapered leather vest he has on, paired with form fitting trousers. Jeonghan lets himself take it in, selfishly. 

“Needed to see me, Josh-“ Seungcheol stops, already large eyes becoming even wider like a deer now caught by predators. “What-“

“It’s okay.” Jisoo is quick to say, motioning Seungcheol back in after the alpha tries to turn. “We want to see if something worked or not but now we need your final opinion.”

Jeonghan doesn’t blame Seungcheol’s obvious confusion, almost finding it endearing how he avoids Jeonghan’s gaze.

“What worked?” He asks, taking a seat on the nearby floor cushion, sinking into its goose feather filling. “Is everything okay?”

Jeonghan stands, drawing his bathrobe tighter against himself before moving towards the alpha, bare feet cold against the tent floor. He sees how Seungcheol’s eyes take in his whole figure and something about the blatant ooing has Jeonghan bursting with warmth. 

Was he always this easy? Or is this more than just whatever Jisoo thinks it is? 

“Everything might be okay.” He lets out a slow exhale, crouching in front of the lounging alpha. When he’s just met with wide blinking eyes, he rolls his own, motioning for the alpha to lean forward. When Seungcheol still seems confused, Jeonghan huffs a short laugh, pulling him in by the vest and he can see how the other swallows, Adam's apple bobbing against his high collar. 

“Scent me.” Jeonghan urges, giving the alpha a light shake to get him to comply. He can hear Jisoo’s laugh behind him.

“Damn, Jeonghan. Lighten up on the poor guy a little.” 

Jeonghan feels hands curl around his own and he turns his attention back towards Seungcheol, bottom lip in a pout. The alpha immediately releases his hold but complies, leaning in close enough that his nose brushes against Jeonghan’s neck. He shivers when he feels him inhale there.

“Not as intense as before.” Seungcheol affirms, pulling back, much to Jeonghan’s chagrin. Why is his omega offended? As if sensing the shift, Seungcheol stutters to add on. “But! Y’know, I still like it. Regardless..”

The omega can’t help it if he’s obviously delighted, almost having pride in the fact that Seungcheol still craves his scent. “Who wouldn’t? My scent is lovely.” 

He can feel Jisoo come up beside him, and smacks him playfully upside the head. “Quit it.” 

Before Jeonghan can whine back in an annoying manner, a low, threatening growl rips through the otherwise calm atmosphere. Jeonghan shivers, something pleasant running down his spine at the dominant display. He doesn’t register that it was Seungcheol who growled until Jisoo made an affronted noise. The alpha looks sheepish almost immediately, hanging his head low.

“Sorry, I don’t know why that happened.” Seungcheol mumbles, unable to look either of them in the eye. It’s very endearing, if Jeonghan is honest with himself. Like a kicked puppy. “My alpha has been difficult lately.” 

“It’s okay Seungcheol.” Jisoo says in that sweet tone when he tries to comfort someone. Though his eyes are a bit wide, giving away his slight affronting expression. “Just, don’t let it happen again, please.” 

“Well!” Jeonghan claps one time, trying to tamper the tension. “I think we’ve gotten to a good place now.”

When he catches Seungcheol’s gaze, the alpha has a sort of soft look to him and Jeonghan clears his throat before glancing away. There is a comfortable silence between them for a few minutes but Jisoo perks up, turning his head in different directions. It’s like he’s trying to look for something.

“You guys hear that?” 

Seungcheol stands up, pacing a few feet towards the entrance but suddenly something comes barreling through the tent. Bare pale skin is painted with streaks of blood and it’s a sickeningly familiar sight for the omega. He watches as Seungcheol makes a very panicked sound, quickly pulling the body of someone Jeonghan doesn’t recognize into his arms. The alpha frets immediately. 

“Hansollie?” 

it’s Jisoo’s voice that’s the first to sound, his face as stricken as the alpha when he quickly bends to his knees by Seungcheol’s side. The beta brushes the younger’s shaggy brown hair back from his face. He’s beautiful, with long lashes and strong but boyish features. This must be Seungcheol’s younger brother he’s heard of. Hansol, the youngest. 

Though, isn’t he always in his wolf form?

Jeonghan watches how Seungcheol tries to keep the boy conscious, giving him light shakes and firm pats to the cheek. The young beta groans lowly, reaching up to desperately cling to the alpha.

“Hyung-“ His voice sounds terribly rough from misuse but he seems to be coming back to his senses enough to notice Joshua as well. “I’m sorry, I’m s-sorry I couldn’t—“ 

“What’s wrong baby?” Jisoo cuts in, more gentle with his movements and Jeonghan can’t help but watch the exchange. Now isn’t the appropriate time to speculate.. “Where is everyone? Are you injured?”

Hansol almost seems to pass out again, with his lashes fluttering and body immediately growing weaker, much to the panic of Seungcheol who starts to pat at him again. He shakes a little more intensely but his brother seems to have given in to the exhaustion and injury.

“I need to bring him to Wonwoo right now-“

“They took them! Hyung—“ A round-faced boy comes in, frantically grabbing the first person he can reach and it happens to be Jeonghan. Tears are streaming down his cheeks as his omegan scent sours terribly. He doesn’t remember meeting this one but his citrusy scent is familiar. Jisoo carefully lays Hansol down on the cushion by the entrance, making sure he’s not fatally injured. 

“Took who? Take a deep breath.” Jeonghan can’t help his own omegan instincts to comfort so he cups both of the other’s cheeks. He tries to instruct him to breath carefully and once the blonde does he sniffles and it sounds caught in his throat. 

“They took them! They took Soonyoungie and Mingyu.“ He all but cries out again, pulling Jeonghan into a tight embrace and he hesitates before returning it. He’s weak for omegas, especially in need. 

“They what?” Seungcheol’s voice is dangerously low and absolutely brimming with anger. “I’ll be back. Watch after Hansol, Shua.”

Before anyone can say anything more, the alpha rushes out of the tent, his footsteps fading the farther he runs. Jeonghan can feel anxiety begin to make his blood run cold. Is it his fault this is all happening? It has to be Jiyeong. He’s going to ruin this pack. 

“Come on, little one.” Jeonghan soothes to distract himself, leading the other omega to the bed before laying him down. He immediately tries to wrestle against Jeonghan’s grip. “You need to settle down. I know it’s scary right now but—“

“He’s an omega! They’re going to do awful things to him!” He all but shouts, successfully knocking Jeonghan back and tries to run, presumably after Seungcheol. He watches as Jisoo grabs onto the omega but by the nape, gripping tight until the blonde visibly relaxes with a whimper, almost stumbling to the ground if Jisoo wasn’t holding him up.

“Seungkwan, we will find him. Soonyoung will be returned safely to us.” Jisoo tries to comfort but Seungkwan just tries to whine again, though it comes out like a sob. 

“How?” Seungkwan asks, clenching tightly onto Jisoo’s dress shirt. It begins to wrinkle with the pressure. “How can we know where he was taken?”

Jisoo looks to Jeonghan and they lock eyes. The beta takes on a more somber expression, giving a small nod. Jeonghan takes in a deep breath, steadying himself. 

“I know where they would’ve taken him.” Jeonghan confesses, watching as Seungkwan trembles. He feels his heart ache again.

“How?” Seungkwan demands.

“Because, that’s where I escaped from.” 

Chapter Text

Seungcheol expects a worse case scenario, unsure of what he’s looking for until he hears loud commotion in the distance. He immediately follows the sound, heartbeat pounding in his ears and drowning out the crunching of the snow beneath his boots. His lungs ache as he makes his way through the pack tents, weaving through the gathering crowd. Seungcheol barely has the mind to apologize to anyone he bumps into but they can tell by his scent that he is beyond stressed. 

He smells the blood before he sees what everyone is staring at. 

Junhui is in his wolf form, littered in a few bites and his fur is matted in dirt and grime but otherwise looks fine. He is standing over a larger wolf, who Seungcheol can tell immediately that it’s Seokmin by the unique pattern in his coat. He’s covered with a concerning amount of blood.

He doesn’t think twice before rushing forward, pushing past the last few people and almost collapsing in the snow before his pack mates. Junhui’s piercing orange eyes meet his and he lets out a high whine, bumping his bloody snout against Seungcheol’s cheek and neck. He can feel the sticky sensation on his skin but it’s barely a concern as he tries to take in the scene. They are the only two here. 

“Jun, please.” Seungcheol’s voice comes out hoarse and he’s reaching forward to stroke behind the other’s large ear. Immediately the younger seems to know what his alpha is asking for, since he begins to transform back. The awful sound of crunching and tenon tearing is like white noise to him at this point. Seungcheol is met with the beautiful, kind face of his friend. 

But Junhui’s expression quickly morphs into one of despair as he jolts forward to hold onto Seungcheol’s body, as if trying to seek comfort. The older alpha immediately returns the embrace. His body shakes with his labored breathing, almost on the verge of panic but Seungcheol cups Junhui’s nape, giving a firm squeeze and the other alpha is able to finally settle against him. 

“He’s, I d-don’t,” Junhui whimpers into Seungcheol’s neck, his tears wetting his collar.  Seungcheol takes an offered blanket before wrapping it around the other. “Min jumped in front of him—“

An awful sound rips through the air and both of the alphas flinch away in surprise but their instincts recognize the sound of an anguished omega. They turn around to see Jihoon in his all white medical apparel fall into the snow before fretting over the woof lying prone. His hands shake and the two alphas immediately circle him. 

“Jihoon, wait—“

“No, please-“ Jihoon’s usually calm and nonchalant tone has become shrill and panicked. A pang strikes Seungcheol in his chest as he watches his oldest friend begin to cry, his body heaving with it. “Hyung, please get my kit, it’s b-by the medicine cabinet in my tent. Everything should be in there-“

“Jihoon-ah..”

“Please, alpha, I need it. He needs it.” Jihoon sounds frantic, his hands trembling as they move through his lover’s pelt but they come away bloody. His white clothes are becoming dyed with it. “Come on! Why aren’t you fucking doing anything—“ 

A low wheeze is heard and Seungcheol quickly kneels beside Jihoon, trying to look and see if Seokmin is awake. Jihoon smacks his hands away to take over inspecting his mate and Seungcheol deep down has to make himself not take it personally. He is Jihoon’s mate and Jihoon is a doctor. He needs to let it be. 

“Baby? Where are you hurt?” Jihoon asks wetly, petting the fur around the wolf’s eyes until yellow ones weakly blink open. Seokmin moves slightly, hind legs kicking albeit weakly but Seungcheol takes it as a good sign. “Can you shift?” 

The wolf beneath him makes a wounded sound but tries to push himself up, body trembling under its weight. The familiar sound breaks through the air once more and a very bloody Seokmin is bent over and holding himself in agony, a cry breaking free that makes all three of them reach out to steady him. His skin is tacky beneath Seungcheol’s hand, the alpha sweating profusely. The amount of wounds on his body is beyond concerning. It seems like Seokmin’s paying special attention to his abdomen, wrapping his arms as tight as possible around himself.

“Seokmin-ah. Don’t move too much.” Seungcheol instructs carefully, helping to sling the injured alpha over Junhui’s back. Jihoon takes his lab coat off to drape over his mate’s body. “Just rest easy.”

Seokmin is still able to offer a weak smile beneath all the blood, which makes something fond burn in Seungcheol’s chest. He’s glad the younger alpha can still be himself even on the brink of death. Seungcheol places the palm of his hand on Seokmin’s nape, hoping the touch conveys how he feels. 

“Thank you, Hyung.” He breathes out heavily. 

Jihoon goes off with Junhui towards the medical tent, where Wonwoo is meeting them halfway, obviously concerned. With his remaining pack members handled, Seungcheol realizes that he needs to approach this quickly, before he has time to spiral and go into this blind or recklessly. 

He needs to save Mingyu and Soonyoung before it’s too late. Seungcheol has a feeling he’s already running on borrowed time. 

———

Without so much as a warning, Seungcheol goes barging into Jisoo’s tent. He sees Jeonghan flinch before glaring at him from where he’s laying with Seungkwan on the beta’s bed. From the looks of it, they made a nest there and are cuddling, which the alpha finds surprising since he’s sure the two are basically strangers still. 

But Seungkwan is sleeping soundly in Jeonghan’s arms, probably exhausted from the emotional turmoil. Seungcheol can’t help but feel a small stab of petty jealousy at their closeness. Why can’t he grow up and stop acting like some territorial pup?

“Quiet.” Jeonghan hisses through a whisper, pulling a thin blanket higher over the snoozing omega. “He finally fell asleep.”

“Hyung.”

Seungcheol looks to see Hansol, dawning Jisoo’s casual hanbok, though it sits loosely on his thin frame. It still seems so surreal to see his brother in the flesh after so many years. He still has his boyish features and hasn’t grown out of his lanky stage. Seungcheol smiles fondly, not hesitating before going over and pulling the beta into a tight embrace. Hansol returns it after the initial shock.  

“So glad you’re safe.” Seungcheol says softly, scenting his brother lightly against his cheek before ruffling his soft hair. “Are you okay?” 

Hansol only gives a small shrug, shrinking in on himself as he shivers slightly. He must be getting used to not having a thick, warm coat anymore. Seungcheol drapes a colorful quilt over him. 

“I tried to stop them.” Hansol’s voice is rough and croaking from misuse but Seungcheol can still hear the young tone he remembers. He pulls the blanket tighter around his shoulders. “They outnumbered us.”

“Hansollie.” Seungcheol places a hand on the beta’s shoulder. “You did good. Everything will be taken care of, I promise you.”

Hansol glances at his balled up fists in his lap. “I was so..scared.”

“I should’ve been there with you all.” Seungcheol places his hand over the beta’s fists. “I’ll make everything right again.” 

“But Mingyu..” Hansol’s voice cracks and he covers it with a cough, curling in on himself more. His frown only deepens like he’s fighting off tears. “And Soonyoung..”

“Your brother is very capable.” Seungcheol reassures Hansol (and himself.) “As is Soonyoung. Probably even more so than half of us honestly. They can definitely hold their own.” 

His brother only averts his gaze again, chewing on his split bottom lip. “Is Seokmin okay? He was bleeding a lot..”

“Jihoon and Wonwoo are taking care of him. He’ll be okay.” Seungcheol smiles but it feels tense. “I’m going to talk to our father so I can go and bring them back.” 

“You’re..?” Hansol’s eyebrows shoot up, alarmed and quick to reach out. “By yourself?” 

Seungcheol is about to nod but Jeonghan is heard behind him. 

“I’m going with you.”

“No.” Seungcheol dismisses immediately, moving to stand up so he can face the omega. His arms cross over his chest defensively. “You’re the last person that should be anywhere near those monsters.”

Jeonghan has such a dangerous expression that Seungcheol finds himself intimidated by. He tries to keep himself composed as Jeonghan carefully extracts himself from the nest and gets into Seungcheol’s personal space. His tone has no room for argument. 

“It’s my fault this is happening to you all in the first place.” The omega seethes, backing away once he realizes how close they are. “I know where they camp out. I need to go with you.”

“Jeonghan, it’s too—“

“I don’t care! I need to. You shouldn’t do this alone.” His voice takes on a softer edge as he deflates, like all his energy was put into being assertive. “Please, alpha?”

That one word sets Seungcheol off balance and he coughs awkwardly into his elbow, at war with himself. It would help to have him there but the idea of the omega being near someone like Jiyeong again just makes his skin crawl. 

“One condition.” Seungcheol ends up relenting, a finger held up. “You are not to leave my side until it’s complete and we have our two men back.” 

Jeonghan looks like he might push back or fight him on it but decides against it, instead relenting with a small. “Fine.” 

“I’m sorry to sound so harsh.” Seungcheol rubs the back of his own neck. “I’d just never forgive myself if I lost anyone else.”

Something softens in Jeonghan’s expression but his lips purse into a thin line. The dark circles are beginning to return beneath the omega’s sullen blue eyes, and that worries Seungcheol. His attention goes towards the entrance as he hears someone enter from behind him. 

“Wonwoo says to take these every five hours for the next three days. Your body is still in’ wolf mode’, so you’re missing some key nutrients.” Joshua explains, not bothering to greet anyone as he goes straight towards Hansol, handing him a pouch of presumably vitamins. He also places a small bottle of water beside him, nudging for the beta to go ahead and take them.

“Joshua.” Seungcheol calls, waiting until the other faces him. “How’s Seokmin?”

“You should go and see for yourself.” Joshua responds easily, not sounding mad but his tone is controlled. “Minghao is also there. You should talk to him as well.” 

Seungcheol has been so frazzled by everything happening so fast that he didn’t even take Minghao into account. Seungkwan has the support since he seeks it out but Minghao isn’t the type to readily want comfort from anyone outside his usual circle. He can only relate to the fear, as Mingyu is his brother. But he is Minghao’s mate. 

“I should.” Seungcheol easily agrees, moving from his brother and towards the entrance. “You’re right. I’ll check in with them and then speak to my father.”

“Wait.”

Seungcheol turns, coming face to face with Jeonghan, who is pulling on one of Joshua’s outer coats. It’s a dull leather that has been tanned one too many times but it still makes the omega look swaddled. Seungcheol blinks past his rose tinted glasses to meet those fierce eyes once again.

“I’m going with you.” Jeonghan says once more but the alpha agrees easier this time, somewhat wanting the company for this. 

“Alright, let’s go.” 

———

Once they are halfway across the center of camp, Jeonghan has slowly been inching his way closer to Seungcheol’s side and he’s never been more self observant in his life. Not even during a hunt. Even with whatever Jeonghan got from Wonwoo, Seungcheol can still get whiffs of the omega’s scent. 

“Are you worried about what might happen to them?” Jeonghan asks and fidgets with his own fingers. Seungcheol takes a deep breath in and lets it out slowly. 

“Of course.” Seungcheol answers, watching a small pup run by, giggling after their mother. She lets the small one jump into her open arms and they both sound so happy. Seungcheol has to glance over at the omega by his side. “They are very fierce, though. I’m sure Soonyoung took a bite out of someone’s hand if they even tried to touch him. And Mingyu…”

Mingyu has always been the scaredy cat out of all the brothers growing up, even after he grew into the tallest and strongest of them. He was always seeing the good in people, not wanting to ‘punch first, ask questions later’ like Seungcheol. Then, when they were teens and Minghao and Junhui had just arrived to their pack, how Mingyu immediately was infatuated with the new omega. The courting process was embarrassing from an outside perspective but he assumes Minghao was charmed by how his personality didn’t match his appearance. Even if the omega scared Mingyu with bugs constantly, the alpha would always muster the courage and protect his omega when he had to. It’s admirable. Seungcheol is sure he’s okay.

“He has always been brave when it matters.” Seungcheol finishes with a fond smile, glancing to Jeonghan, who immediately looks away when their eyes meet. “I know they’ll be fine. I have full faith in that.” 

He keeps watching Jeonghan, and his long blonde hair tied back in a messy bun with loose pieces framing his heart shaped face perfectly. He looks so delicate yet sickly. He can’t help but ask. “Are you sure you are up for coming with me?”

“Yes, Seungcheol-ah. Ask me again and I’ll break your nose.” The omega sounds a bit short with the topic still so Seungcheol leaves it at that. 

“Okay..”

They finally reach the medical tent and push through the entrance, the alpha feels his sinuses burn with the scent of antiseptic and rosemary. With the expression on Jeonghan’s face, he can tell the smell is bothering him too. A bright, chipper voice is heard so they follow it to one of the closed off areas that Wonwoo uses for the more severe cases. He sees Jihoon with a few towels in his arms and his newborn tied to his front. He looks at them as they come further inside. The omega motions with his head for them to follow behind the partition, eyes swollen and as red as his nose. Poor thing. 

“Papa is done sleeping?” Mimi asks with a tilt to her head. She is sitting on the bigger hospital style bed with Seokmin lying there motionless and hooked up to a few IV bags and heart rate monitors. It beeps faintly in the background. Wonwoo doesn’t have the most advanced equipment but he uses what he has well. Jihoon immediately goes to lay the towels on the nearby stool and stands in front of the biggest screen, absentmindedly petting Mimi’s head as he hits a few buttons on the monitor. 

“No, baby.” Jihoon says softly to his daughter. “Just a little longer.”

Wonwoo is standing at a nearby table, fixing what looks like a syringe before placing it on a metal plate with fresh gauze. He turns when Seungcheol walks fully into the area. 

“Hyung.” He greets, wiping his hands clean with a worn out cloth after rinsing them off. “How’s Hansol?”

“Good. Still getting used to seeing his face again.” Seungcheol says with a small laugh, watching Jeonghan move off to the side towards Minghao, who is curled up in a chair in the corner. He has his pups with him and they seem happy to see Jeonghan. His chest fills with warmth at the sight. 

“Good to hear.” Wonwoo sounds relieved and his shoulders slump as if strings were cut. “Joshua stopped by and gave me a short rundown.”

“Uncle!” 

“Hey sweetie.” Seungcheol smiles genuinely. Mimi makes ‘come here’ motions with her little hands and Seungcheol chuckles before going to her side of the bed and ruffling her poofy hair. “Watching after your papa?”

She nods, patting Seokmin’s chest before cuddling up to the sleeping alpha, nuzzling his cheek. Seungcheol glances at Jihoon who is also observing and sees the fondness there. “Papa sure has slept a lot.”

“Just for right now.” Seungcheol sits on the bed across from Mimi and takes hold of Seokmin’s hand. It’s cold to the touch. “Your papa is very courageous, you know that?”

Mimi tilts her head cutely and Seungcheol notices Jeonghan behind her watching the exchange while basically cuddling Minghao and his pups. His expression makes the alpha flush but he turns his attention back to Mimi.  

“Cour-a-hm?”

“It means brave.” Seungcheol clarifies with a laugh, giving a squeeze to Seokmin’s hand, hoping he feels it. “Very brave.”

He turns to Wonwoo, who now is flipping through a few files clipped together. 

“Have you spoken with our father yet?” Wonwoo asks, looking at Seungcheol over the rim of his glasses.

“I’m heading there next.” He gruffs, already dreading a conversation that hasn’t happened yet. “It’ll probably go as well as it always does when I try to talk to him.”

Wonwoo laughs, his smile turning sympathetic. “He’s very, uh, upset but not quite like the way that we are. So just be wary of a possible wall there.”

Nodding, Seungcheol stands up, looking out into the tent, seeing Chan organizing things a few stations away. He looks back at Wonwoo with a brow raised. “Chan’s back?”

“Hm?” Wonwoo follows Seungcheol’s finger but rolls his eyes after seeing who Seungcheol is referring to. “Don’t fret over it. We’re fine now.” 

“Just surprised.” Seungcheol defends himself, seeing Chan look in their direction from their commotion but he quickly glances away with a blush after Seungcheol waves playfully. “He’s giving you another chance, huh?”

“I don’t deserve it.” Wonwoo says almost to himself, continuing with watching Chan scurry around. “But I’m grateful he is.” 

“You deserve to have the life you want, Wonwoo.” Seungcheol reinforces, with a firm pat to his shoulder, almost sending his glasses off his nose. Wonwoo fixes his frames with a grumble and goes to pick the syringe back up. “I’m happy for you both. I mean it.”

“Thanks, hyung.” Wonwoo says gratefully, moving back over to Seokmin to check on his condition. He and Jihoon speak in  medical jargon quietly and Seungcheol takes it as his cue to leave.

Seungcheol’s attention goes back to the omegas, and Minghao whispers to his twins who nod together in unison before going to grab Mimi, excitedly explaining that they’re gonna go play outside. Mimi matches their energy but makes sure to give both her dads a kiss on the forehead before bouncing off with the older pups. 

“Hyung.” Minghao calls to Seungcheol, getting up from the chair with Jeonghan in tow. Seungcheol automatically bows slightly but only gets a light smack to the back of the head for it. “You’re going to go bring them back?” 

Seungcheol sits up immediately to nod. “Of course.”

“Then, I’m coming with you two.” Minghao says, voice uncharacteristically quiet, barely above a whisper. Seeing the omega up close, he can see how much not having his mate close is making him ragged, looking more lithe than usual. “I don’t want to stay another night in our nest without him.”

“Hao..” Seungcheol can feel his heart ache for the other, always having worn it on his sleeve. Especially with his family. He sees Jeonghan beside Minghao, holding onto his paler hand. “It’s going to be especially risky for an omega.”

“Let him.” Jeonghan says. “We should have more people. The last few of them were your experienced hunting group. You see what happened when they were outnumbered.” 

He’s right. Seungcheol runs his hand along his own jaw, looking over to Wonwoo, who just gives a slight nod in agreement to Jihoon. He’ll need to see who else is able to come. 

“What about your pups?” 

“Seungkwan can watch them. He says he needs the distraction right now.” Jeonghan answers for the other, moving beside Seungcheol and placing his hand on his shoulder. Even through the layer of clothes, his skin tingles with the touch. The omega withdraws his hand but quickly adds. “Hansol-ah wants to come as well.”

The idea of having his youngest brother doesn’t sit well with him. Before he can voice his thoughts, Wonwoo clears his throat.

“I’ll go instead.” He says, apparently eves dropping and Seungcheol can’t school his expression into something not worried.

“You’ve never even been on a patrol with us, Wonwoo. I don’t think you realize how dangerous this actually is.” Seungcheol argues, feeling his face flash hot with anxiety. He might end up being distracted by keeping an eye on everyone that he’ll be blindsided by an enemy wolf. 

“I’ve patched up everyone’s wounds.” Wonwoo replies smoothly, looking at Seokmin and even offers a glance to Jeonghan. “I know more than you do about how much these wolves have hurt our own. You’ll need me in case Soonyoung and Mingyu are hurt.”

“That sounds reasonable.” Minghao is quick to say. 

“Hyung, I know it’s scary to think about but we can hold our own, I promise you that I wouldn’t volunteer if I had any doubt in myself.” The beta assures, giving Jihoon another pointed nod. “Jihoon can be the overseeing doctor while I’m gone.”

“No problem.” The omega replies quickly, not once looking away from the buzzing screen of his mate’s vitals. Seungcheol’s heart aches for the pair. “I’ll be here the whole time anyway..” 

 With final farewells, Seungcheol goes out of the tent with the two omegas. The winter chill immediately makes Jeonghan shiver a little, since they are close enough for Seungcheol to feel it. The blonde is only in that leather jacket over a long sleeve shirt and baggy pants tucked into boots. He might be the same height as Seungcheol but the omega looks so much smaller drowning in clothing like this. 

“You should go back to Joshua’s tent and warm up.” Seungcheol suggests but the other makes a dismissive sound through his teeth. 

“Why do you keep trying to get rid of me?” Jeonghan accuses, which couldn’t be farther from the truth if Seungcheol is honest with himself.

“No!” Seungcheol denies with slight exasperation and he ruffles at his hair. It’s getting too long now. “I just..my father. He’s a very tough man to be around.” 

Jeonghan scoffs, bumping his shoulder into Seungcheol’s again, albeit slightly harder this time. “Trust me, I’ve had my share. Nothing he will say won’t be anything I haven’t been told before I’m sure.”

“Still. I wouldn’t like to hear him say anything nasty about you.” Seungcheol says sincerely, veering them off a side path that makes a shortcut towards his father’s den. “Not if I can help it.”

The omega doesn’t say anything to that and before he realizes it, they enter the large tent. The familiar, nose burning scent of ash and soot sits heavy in the air and he watches Jeonghan rub uncomfortably at his nose. 

“Alpha.” Seungcheol calls out, squaring his shoulders and pushing past some of the drapery covering the inside. He sees his father with his head in his hands, hunched over his long oak table. “Alpha, I need to talk to you.”

“Seungcheol.” The tone in his father’s tone makes Seungcheol flinch involuntarily. “Get out of—“ The alpha raises his head, nose flailing before his thick, dark eyebrows lower over red eyes. “What do you think you’re doing?” 

“What?” Seungcheol is clearly taken aback, moving further into the room. Jeonghan is close against his back. “I-what do you mean?” 

“First, you send your brother off for a pointless mission with a weak team to only get ambushed. Now, you come here with some-,” The look of absolute disgust on his father’s face while assessing Jeonghan makes Seungcheol’s hackles rise. “-omegan outsider and demand to have my time?” 

The younger alpha balls his hands into fists, ready to defend himself and Jeonghan but the latter places a hand on his chest, pushing him back before stepping in front. “Jeonghan-“

“The wolves that took them are from my pack.” Jeonghan says smoothly, his calming tone tight with nerves. “I know where to find them.”

“What is this?” The head alpha says with a humorless chuckle before pushing himself onto his feet, seemingly towering over the two of them. He seems to ignore anything Jeonghan tries to say. “Seungcheol, you bring this whore into our territory and his dogs along with him? You’re truly to blame for whatever happens to your brother. His blood is on your hands.”

“Alpha.” Seungcheol tries to keep the growl from his voice but insulting Jeonghan is out of the question. “It’s not like that. I’ll take whatever blame you want to throw at me but you leave Jeonghan alone. He is innocent.” 

He looks to Jeonghan, who is still looking at his father with a passive expression. Seungcheol decides then and there that he’d never want to be on the receiving end of that look. 

“Innocent. He smells broken in.” His father scoffs, rounding the table to stalk over to the blonde omega. Jeonghan doesn’t budge from his spot and his expression turns stony. “Any omega with a face and body like that is anything but innocent. Coercion bleeds from snakes like him.” He then turns his attention to Seungcheol, and the younger alpha backs away on instinct though his teeth are clenched with rage. “And you, idiot boy, have fallen like such easy prey to the first stray bitch to open their legs—“ 

A resounding slap echoes the small area, the silence like a shock of cold water being poured over his head. Seungcheol feels his eyes widen, seeing his father’s face slowly grow furiously red and posture even more to make the omega that just slapped him cower. Jeonghan’s blue eyes glint a bright cerulean and he looks like he is rising to the threatening presence. 

Seungcheol has never seen someone so fiercely beautiful before. 

“You miserable bastard.” His father grits out, grabbing onto the front of Jeonghan’s shirt so roughly that Seungcheol hears it tear at the seams. The omega is on his toes almost, teeth bared in a growl of his own as he tries to rip the hands away from so close to his neck. “I should snap your neck for that.”

Seeing the alpha raise his free hand to strike the omega has Seungcheol forgetting any fears of his father that he harbors. He won’t just let Jeonghan be subjected to more pain by the hand of any alpha ever again if he can help it. 

Seungcheol moves to shove them away from one another but in the process, gets the brunt force of the backhand. The sting is sharp and familiar but nothing in comparison to how it might have felt for Jeonghan. He holds his cheek, glaring at the older alpha as he stands in front of the omega.

“I can here to tell you of our plan to ambush their pack while they camp to get my brother and our friend back. That’s all I wanted to say.” Seungcheol says, clear and firm as he grabs Jeonghan’s wrist with his freehand and pulls him towards the entrance.

“It should’ve been you. Would’ve been a blessing for the pack.” His father calls out and Seungcheol hesitates, about to glance back but Jeonghan pulls him along as they exit. The cold bitterness is welcome against his heated cheek. 

Once they are a good distance away, Seungcheol breaks the silence. “I’m sorry. He said awful things to you.”

Jeonghan turns, crossing his arms as the torn shirt slips over his shoulder, the skin pale and freckled. Seungcheol has to tear his gaze away to meet the omega’s eyes. 

“I’ve been told worse, it doesn’t bother me anymore.” Jeonghan dismisses, reaching up to brush the back of his hand against Seungcheol’s cheek, who holds himself back from flinching at the pain. “I’m sorry you were hit on my behalf.” 

“He’s done worse.” Seungcheol parrots back, breaking into a half smile and Jeonghan withdraws his hand. The alpha misses the contact immediately. 

“Get your group together. We should leave when it’s dark.” Jeonghan says coolly as he walks off, arms crossed. 

“Okay..” Seungcheol says to himself, confused by the push and pull that the omega has started to do with him. “See you then.” 

Chapter Text

Jeonghan has been spending a lot of time with Minghao for the last couple of months now, getting close enough that casual scenting happens. The omega feels like he can thrive having the pack bond with someone other than Jisoo. The beta thinks it’s good for him to look for comfort in others, especially a fellow omega. That it’s a safe place to do so. 

The past couple of weeks, since Mingyu has been gone, Jeonghan has been staying to keep the other omega company and to help with his pups. The twins love him around anyhow. The taller omega has been smelling off recently but Jeonghan can’t place his finger on why. So, he keeps the curiosity hidden. 

“That should fit you.” Minghao says while packing his last few items needed for the trip. “I think we’re closer in clothing size.”

“Definitely not trying on Mingyu’s clothes. I’d drown in fabric.” Jeonghan jokes, pulling a thermal shirt over his head before adding his last top layer. He looks to Minghao with a smile. “This fits perfectly. Thank you.” 

“It does indeed.” At the mention of his mate, Minghao seems to visibly deflate, tieng his small travel bag tighter over his chest. Jeonghan looks down at his attire, finally in something flattering for his body type. A simple pink sweater and thick white trousers with the bottoms rolled up over tan boots. It’s the first time since staying here that he feels a bit like himself again. He looks at a nearby mirror, studying his reflection with rapt attention.

The bags under his eyes are less prominent now, his face appearing brighter, lips pinker. His eyes zone in on the shaggy mess atop his head, reaching up to pull at some strands that are hanging in his face. His hair is getting really long, and knowing it’s how Jiyeong last saw him, an idea flickers in his mind. 

“Eisa.” Jeonghan calls and Minghao turns towards him, chewing on some dried fruit strip. “Do you know how to cut hair?”

Minghao now raises both eyebrows, tucking some of his own behind a pointed ear as he finishes his snack. “I cut my pup’s from time to time so I know how to manage shears at least.”

Jeonghan smiles, satisfied enough by the answer as he motions the younger omega closer. “Can you cut mine?”

——-

“I’m glad you talked me into wearing the scarf.” Jeonghan mumbles, wrapping the soft, white material around his head one more time, crafting it into a makeshift hood. “I forgot how cold it is not having hair on my neck.”

They just dropped Minghao’s two twins off with Seungkwan, who hugged both of the older omega and very passionately (and sort of threateningly) told them they better come back safe, with both of their mates. Minghao gave the pups plenty of kisses on the top of their little heads and they even hugged ‘uncle’ Jeonghan’s shins. He thinks that’s a valid reason to tear up, regardless of Seungkwan’s cute teasing. 

“That’s why I always keep mine long.” Minghao gives a slight smile, falling in step with him as they head to the meeting area. He is dawning a similar deep brown scarf, though it’s clearly Mingyu’s, and he holds it closer to cover his full lips. “It’s frustrating how you can look so beautiful with whatever hairstyle. I can see why Seungcheol is incredibly smitten.”

“Aish.” Jeonghan coughs into his fist, side eyeing the taller omega. “None of that talk when we’re all together, okay?”

“Sure, hyung.” Minghao says cheerfully, double checking if his bag is secured well enough. “I’ll leave it to you two to figure out whatever goofy courting you have going on.”

“It’s not—“

“Hey!” 

The omega squints to try and see who is already waiting at the meeting point. Jeonghan offers a smile in greeting. “Hey there.” 

Seungcheol and his brother Wonwoo are talking by a nearby tree, too hushed for Jeonghan to hear exactly what they’re discussing. Though alpha smiles when he seems to notice his presence, moving towards Jeonghan and dressed in what looks like baggy layers and a thick knitted cap. With his hair tucked into the hat, his thick eyebrows are fully on display and the omega finds it makes his large eyes more attractive.

Jeonghan pulls his scarf/hood closer to his face, seeing someone he’s moreso acquaintances with. A tall, and very handsome alpha comes bounding over to the two of them, his grin even more endearing with his almond eyes.  

“Oh, Moon..?” Jeonghan tries to remember his name, chewing on his bottom lip, embarrassed he can’t place the name with the face fast enough. The alpha just continues to smile, not taking offense. 

“We haven’t exactly met officially yet. Hao just talks about you a lot so I feel like I know you already.” He grins wider and it’s kind as he holds a hand out to Jeonghan. Minghao tries to shoo the alpha away but he doesn’t budge. “I’m Junhui. Just Jun is fine though.”

Jeonghan finds himself smiling back, taking the offered hand to give a firm shake. Minghao rolls his eyes but there is a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Then you can call me hyung, if you’d like, Jun.” 

Junhui gives a small nod, withdrawing his hand and looks towards the oldest alpha of their group, taking out a small piece of what looks like leather before teething on it. “Time to go yet? Seems like that’s everyone.” 

It’s a small outfit, with only two alphas to go after a pack that consists of mostly alphas. It seems like a death wish from anyone on the outside looking in. The blonde omega scans the group, immediately catching Seungcheol’s searching gaze, which he holds until the alpha relents to look at Junhui.

“Would be best to get going while it’s still dusk.” Seungcheol says as he crosses his arms, making his bulk look larger. Jeonghan hits himself for thinking about how impressive of an alpha Seungcheol is. Like it was a mould specifically crafted to create the perfect example. “More daylight to start with the better.” 

“My eyesight is bad enough as it is. I might be completely useless at night.” Wonwoo jokes, nodding to Jeonghan in greeting and he nods back. 

This is the first time that Jeonghan has seen Wonwoo in anything that isn’t a white coat over plain black scrubs. He’s in a tight fitted turtleneck tucked into cargo pants and a long knit coat that just barely hits at his knees really does seem to suit him. 

“You look good, doctor.” Jeonghan says with faux flirtation and it makes the beta laugh lightly. He can see Seungcheol pout something fierce from his peripheral. “I didn’t think you had anything else to wear aside from hospital garb.”

“Well, a lab coat is hardly warm enough for this.” Wonwoo says, slipping his hands into his wide coat pockets. “Though the white would’ve been great as camouflage.” 

Seungcheol steps slightly between them, causing Wonwoo to back up and Jeonghan narrows his gaze at the alpha, who now seems like he’s really analyzing his face like he’s trying to figure something out. He can feel a blush creep up his nape at the undivided attention.

“Yah. Personal space.” Jeonghan complains with a light push to Seungcheol’s broad chest, who only furrows his brows in response. “What’re you looking at?” 

“You look..” Seungcheol mumbles, moving his head back and forth to get different angles of the omega, causing the blonde to huff and look away. He hears snickering behind him that most likely belongs to Minghao. “Did you do something different?”

Before Jeonghan can say whatever it is he’s about to blurt out, a rush of cold air hits his ears and nape as his hood is pulled down from behind. He gasps with a flinch at the same time Seungcheol makes a sound of surprise. 

“I cut his hair.” Minghao admits, the obvious culprit to the hood snatching. “Doesn’t he look really handsome?” Wonwoo hums in agreement while Junhui cackles at Seungcheol’s stunned expression. 

“Stop staring already.” Jeonghan whines, going to pull the hood back up but big, warm hands are placed over his, stopping the motion. Those puppy eyes will be the death of him.

“No, it looks good.” Seungcheol is quick to say, really taking his new appearance in. The omega is sure he is completely red in the face by now as he stares back. “It suits you. Like, just-wow.”

“Hey, you said you didn’t know how to cut hair!” Junhui accuses loudly with a finger pointed at Minghao, who nags back at him playfully in their first language. 

“It’s just hair..” Jeonghan pulls away from the alpha, pulling the hood back up solely for the reason that he’s getting cold. He glances up at Seungcheol through his lashes. “Thank you though, Cheol-ah.”.  

Seungcheol smiles and his full, cherry tinted lips are as captivating as ever, paired well with his reddening cheeks. Jeonghan curses himself for remembering how those perpetually chapped lips felt against his own. Even beyond the scent blocker he takes, something must seep out from him that causes the alpha’s smile to morph into something more smug as his brows raise playfully. Fuck. 

Jeonghan turns away, moving to look out into the forest, hands on his hips. “We shouldn’t waste anymore daylight. Let’s go.” 

They begin to gather themselves together and make sure they are well equipped before beginning their trudge towards the treeline.

“Wait!”

Someone calls out and Jeonghan turns to see that beta that works with Wonwoo running towards them. His brown hair is whipping around in the wind and his nose is a bright pink from the cold. His thin clothes are definitely not appropriate for the weather. He is quite the cutie though, Jeonghan has to admit.

Wonwoo brushes by everyone to walk towards him, clearly confused. The shorter man finally comes to a slow stop as he approaches Wonwoo. “Chan? Is something wrong—“

Before the doctor can even finish his question, Chan jumps up and wraps his arms around Wonwoo’s broad shoulders and presses a firm kiss to his lips. It’s a little surprising to see Wonwoo so flustered but everyone backs up to give them a bit of space. Jeonghan is a little curious, if he’s honest with himself, so he stays close enough to hear them. 

“Come back to me this time.” Chan breathes out after pulling back enough to speak. He knocks their foreheads together gently. “Please.”

Wonwoo clears his throat a bit, his whole face is still flushed but he holds the shorter beta closer to his body in a proper hug. He strokes the back of his head and when they start to lightly scent, Jeonghan takes that as a cue to give them a little sense of privacy. 

“I will, I promise.” Wonwoo mutters and Jeonghan can hear the sound of another kiss. “Thank you, love.”

Chan gives the rest of the group an awkward but sincere goodbye before running back towards the camp, crying out about how freezing it is. Wonwoo turns around, his cheeks still bright red and Jeonghan has never seen him so frazzled.

“Wow. You must’ve done something really nice to get back in his good graces.” Junhui whistles, skipping a little ahead, joining Jeonghan towards the front, offering the omega a piece of leather. Jeonghan politely declines and Junhui gives a shrug before popping it into his mouth. Seungcheol snorts from his other side.

“Yeah.” The alpha laughs, keeping pace easily with Jeonghan as Minghao and Wonwoo hold up the rear of the group. “They’re cute.”

“Come on.” Wonwoo whines though it’s with a smile. 

The conversation dies out after a few more teasing jabs from the group and they trudge along the fallen snow in a peaceful quiet. Only the sound of small branches falling from the weight of the ice on them is heard. He wonders how long it’ll take for the weight of everything to make him snap as well. 

——-

“We can’t start a fire.” Seungcheol sighs, sitting on a fallen tree that surrounds the small site they’ve decided to camp at. “That’s basically a beacon for any enemy to find us.” 

“I see.” Wonwoo sighs, defeated as he takes the place beside the alpha, a blanket wrapped around him. “How unfortunate.”

Jeonghan rewraps his scarf around his neck tighter to better keep the cold air from getting in. He watches Junhui hammer in the last of the tent stakes. Their one tent is finally secured in place. It’s small and can probably fit three adult bodies inside. Two if they wanted to be comfortable. It’s better than nothing.

“We will sleep in shifts. I’ll take the first watch.” Seungcheol instructs, wiping at his dripping red nose. “We should have one person be in wolf form to be able to see in the dark better. Maybe Jun, if you’d like to. You do have the best eyesight out of all of us.” 

Junhui stands immediately with a laugh, beginning to shed all of his layers before stuffing them in a bag, and Jeonghan glances away once the first long stretch of scarred skin is flashed. He hears a gut wrenching crunching and squelches that always make him nauseous. He never liked transforming, let alone witnessing (or hearing) it. 

“The omegas can sleep first, since you two look about ready to drop.” Wonwoo jokes, gesturing to the tent they stand in front of. Jeonghan thinks about arguing, to say he’s not tired but a hand rests against his shoulder and he looks up at a very worn out Minghao.

“Sounds perfect.” The omega sighs. A large, tan wolf ushers the two omega inside the tent with his snout before lying down in front of the entrance. 

“Jun is a huge wolf.” Jeonghan whispers, though he sees the large ear perk up at the mention of his name. Minghao giggles and it’s a lovely sound, like a wind chime. 

“I’m bigger.” He says with a cheeky grin before rolling out a double travel mat and the few blankets they brought. Minghao immediately goes to form everything into a quick but cozy nest before laying down, pulling at Jeonghan to do the same. The blonde relents after a few playful tugs. They quickly get into a comfortable position for the both of them, which turns out to be spooning. Jeonghan almost wrestled the younger in order to be the big spoon and Minghao finally relented, giving into his exhaustion.

Jeonghan rests his cheek against Minghao’s solid and warm back. He closes his eyes but feels the rumble against his chest before even hearing what Minghao says.

“M’ sure your wolf is beautiful, hyung.” The younger mumbles, his cheek probably squished against the blankets. “Can’t wait t’see it.” 

“Mm.” Jeonghan makes a soft sound, finding himself frowning. He can’t remember the last time he shifted but he’s sure it won’t happen again anytime soon. He’s too broken. Somehow, a light sleep found him and Jeonghan was able to have a dreamless rest.

Before he knows it, the sound of someone entering the tent rouses him before they can formally wake him up.

“Hyung, would you like to switch? I can wake Minghao if you need more time.” Wonwoo whispers, his low tone always soothing.

“Ah, nah let him sleep.” Jeonghan pushes himself up carefully, rubbing at his blurry eyes. He shakes his head gently. “I’ll go.” 

Wonwoo offers a small smile and pat on the shoulder before laying down in his spot. Jeonghan picks up Junhui’s discarded outer coat to slip on before carefully stepping over the large wolf’s body. He strokes the soft flank in passing before settling on the log aside Seungcheol, who sits up straighter at the sight of him. 

Why does he have to be so cute?

“Everything’s still quiet?” Jeonghan asks, voice low to keep the peace. Seungcheol nods once, arms crossed over his torso again to probably keep in the warmth.

“We’re not too far out from camp yet.” Seungcheol says, air coming out as a puff of smoke as he talks. Jeonghan can make out some of Seungcheol’s features, their eyesight slightly heightened naturally as wolves. He sees him hunch slightly. “It’ll probably be quiet for a bit.”

His old encampment is at least fifty kilometers away from Seungcheol’s pack territory, so he knows they’ll probably hit Jiyeong’s caravan halfway, if they are still lurking around. Jeonghan fidgets with his own fingers at the thought of having to see that sick monster again but he also can’t let him kill anyone else if he can help it. Almost a hour later and only after a little small talk, Jeonghan starts to itch for real conversations as they sit in the stillness, and Jeonghan is unsure where to begin.

“Has Wonwoo ever mentioned to you anything about our mom?” Seungcheol asks abruptly, turning to face the omega and Jeonghan gives a small shake of his head. “She was kind of in the same situation as you.” 

Jeonghan frowns, pulling the scarf up to cover his nose. “What do you mean?”

“She had been given to my father in an arrangement between two packs even though she was with another mate. A beta, I think. She never saw him again.” Seungcheol leans forward on his elbows  and Jeonghan can’t wipe the frown off his face, thinking about that poor woman’s fate. How he knows that pain intimately. “She would talk about him with me, and he almost felt like he was my father by proxy. Alpha hated to know I was told these things.” 

Jeonghan pulls one leg up on the log to get more comfortable, and to shift closer to the alpha. His scent is rolling off him in waves, though this time it’s melancholy. “She has great sons who showed her so much love, I'm sure.” 

“I guess it wasn’t enough.” Seungcheol says, his voice sounding like it might tremble with oncoming tears but the alpha seems to hold himself together. “She took her own life when Hansol wasn’t even presented yet.” 

“I’m so sorry.” Jeonghan whispers, turning to look at the trees that seem to go on forever into the darkness. “I hope she’s at peace and I hope you’re at peace.” 

“Thank you.” It sounds like Seungcheol might be smiling and Jeonghan is too nervous to look and find out. “That does mean a lot to me.”

“I was raised by my uncle. I don’t remember much of my father.” Jeonghan mumbles and he can see Seungcheol perk up out of the corner of his eye. “But my mother always smelled so..”

Jeonghan remembers, before ever presenting, being held in her arms and how she’d press him into her neck whenever he would wail in pain as the sickly child he was since birth. He’d breathe in her calming orange blossom and immediately be pacified. Even if he doesn’t have a lot of memories with her, Jeonghan mourns for the mother he could’ve grown up with. 

“..comforting.” Jeonghan finishes, now looking at his boots that are digging into the snow beneath them. “So I understand completely. But your mom raised you to be a good alpha. You and your pack have been nothing but kind and welcoming. Thank you.”

The omega can see the alpha’s leg begin to bounce in place and his scent grows a bit bitter with anxiety. Like he’s unsure. 

“I’m sorry if I ever made you uncomfortable.” Seungcheol speaks up after a bit of heavy silence and Jeonghan turns to face him, the alpha has his eyebrows drawn together and lip between his teeth. “I know circumstances make things difficult but I do..truly like you and not just because you’re an ethereal omega.”

“Geez.” Jeonghan has a bundle of nerves going absolutely haywire in his gut as he watches the alpha wet his lips and looks absolutely shy. The affection that blooms in him isn’t unfamiliar but it is something that he never thought he would feel again. “Seungcheol-ah..”

“It’s okay if you don’t feel the same, I’m not expecting anything out of telling you this but you’re just—I don’t—“ He watches as Seungcheol almost seems to fumble over his words as Jeonghan moves in closer to the alpha. Feeling bold enough to do it, Jeonghan places a hand on Seungcheol’s thigh. Low enough to not be suggestive but high enough to not be strictly friendly. “I just can’t stop thinking about it when I look at you.” 

“Thinking of what?” Jeonghan asks, his hand gripping a little tighter as he watches Seungcheol swallow with a wet click. 

“Thinking of kissing you.” The alpha lets out a relieved sigh, as if getting that out was an accomplishment. Then he adds, much quieter. “Of loving you.” 

Jeonghan never thought he would be capable of anything after Hyungwon passed. But Seungcheol really is a different man. The omega knows he’s physically attracted to the man, fitting his type to the last detail. But the personality was a surprise, breaking his usual prejudices about most alphas. He knew he was falling for Seungcheol, and it’s not just a true mates fairy tale that’s deciding it for him. 

“Well, I can’t stop thinking about kissing you either.” Jeonghan admits, his blood feeling warm and thick in his veins as he raises his hand up before curling his cold fingers over Seungcheol’s nape. He plays with the hair that curls there from underneath the cap. 

“Really?.” Seungcheol whines quietly in the space between them, leaning in instinctively once the omega makes the first move. Their lips meet once again and Seungcheol moans into it like a balm being applied to a fresh wound, causing something to flip in Jeonghan’s stomach as he deepens the kiss immediately. Seungcheol is much more receptive this time, apparently a quick learner as he applies the right amount of pressure when nipping at Jeonghan’s lips. 

For the first time, as he runs his tongue along the roof of Seungcheol’s mouth and slips his hands beneath his jacket’s open top layer, Jeonghan feels level-headed. Like it’s not just the natural pull between them or just carnal desires, but a raw individually crafted need that’s unfiltered and ready to boil over. He makes sure to swallow all of the noises that Seungcheol seemingly can’t control, shifting restlessly atop the frosted tree trunk. Jeonghan can’t feel the chill that was settled deep in his bones anymore. It’s like Seungcheol is burning him up from the inside out and turning him into mush. 

“C-can I..?” Seungcheol asks, almost like he’s embarrassed and can’t finish his question. 

 Hesitant hands brush at his sides and Jeonghan stifles a laugh through his nose, pulling back enough to mumble a “you can touch me” and places Seungcheol’s wide palms completely onto his narrow hips. He’s gained some weight since living in their camp and he couldn’t be more thankful that the alpha isn’t just holding onto bone this time. 

Just as Jeonghan is about to climb into Seungcheol’s lap, a snap behind them causes the two to jump apart. The alpha lands heavily into the snow, making a very funny noise but Jeonghan is too surprised (and scared) to laugh. 

“Calm down.” Minghao’s airy tone causes Jeonghan to relax immediately, letting his shoulders drop. He watches as Seungcheol pushes himself up, his brows furrowed but his disheveled appearance makes him look more cute than threatening. “You two freaks really like to do this out in the open, huh?” 

“You should’ve said something earlier.” The alpha grumbles. Wonwoo appears behind Minghao, his expression giving away that he thinks it’s all very amusing to him. 

“I did. I guess you were too busy devouring Jeonghan’s face to hear me.” Minghao snarks back, but it’s bantering that further relaxes the mood. Jeonghan shakes his head, pulling Seungcheol up and dragging the alpha along with him. Minghao takes the vacant seat on the log now. 

“Are you both taking over?” Jeonghan asks, watching Jun’s large, furry form pass by in a trot before sitting at Minghao’s feet.

“Yeah, we got it.” Wonwoo assures, leaning against a hollow tree with a smile. “Try to get some rest.” 

“I swear if I hear funny business from that tent, I’m setting it on fire.” Minghao threatens, and Jeonghan can’t help but chuckle at the idea. Seungcheol just grumbles back something incoherent before pulling Jeonghan towards the tent, letting him climb in first. 

“Wow, that was awkward.” Jeonghan giggles, turning around once he hears Seungcheol enter the tent. He only gets a glimpse of Seungcheol’s determined, flushed expression before he grabs him by the shoulders and pushes Jeonghan down against the bed mat. “Yah! Wh—“

He gasps out, which Seungcheol takes as an invitation to pick up where they left off, as he kisses him with a fervor that almost makes Jeonghan overwhelmed as he tries to keep up. All his advances are quick and desperate, like having a small taste was the trigger. Quick learner maybe was putting it lightly. 

“Slow down.” Jeonghan manages to moan out, back arching up against Seungcheol’s sturdy body. His body begins to react to Seungcheol’s touches, which get bolder as he unravels the scarf around Jeonghan’s neck before running his hands through his short hair. His nails feel so good running along his scalp that Jeonghan almost starts to purr. Heat pools between his legs rapidly, and he writhes under the alpha. 

“Easy, easy.” Jeonghan coos against Seungcheol’s temple, nuzzling against the warm, sweaty skin there. One of his hands soothes up and down the alpha’s back. The bigger man seems to be trembling a little, as if holding himself back. “We shouldn’t do anything out here. It’s too cold and possibly dangerous.”

Seungcheol laughs despite his voice being unsteady. “Yeah, r-right. You’re right..” 

“Let’s stop.” His actions don’t match his words as Jeonghan pulls the alpha down into another heated kiss, spit almost dripping down the side of his mouth. The alpha slides a warm hand over Jeonghan’s chest. He’s sure that Seungcheol can feel his rapidly beating heart even through the layers of clothing he’s wearing. 

Somehow Seungcheol is able to settle fully between his thighs and Jeonghan welcomes him, bracketing the alpha between his legs. He almost chokes when the older man ruts up against him experimentally, like he’s trying to seek friction that’s almost impossible for Jeonghan to feel. But the heavy, firm pressure against his pelvis and stomach feels nice.  

“Should we stop?” Seungcheol asks weakly, as he tries to hold his hips still. His arms shake with how much he seems to be suppressing. Jeonghan realizes doesn’t want to stop. 

Screw it.

“No, keep going.” Jeonghan is quick to reply, rolling his hips up against Seungcheol. The alpha groans lowly, head hanging between his shoulders as his answering grind down is strong enough to pull a loud, wanton cry from the omega. He slaps a hand over his own mouth to try and quiet any more sounds as Seungcheol really begins to thrust against him. Like he’s really trying to fuck him through their clothes. Maybe Jisoo was lying when he joked about Seungcheol being an inexperienced virgin. He can feel slick beginning to soak through the seat of his underwear, the scent settling in the air around them.

“I don’t know-ah-what I’m d-doing.” Seungcheol whimpers, and Jeonghan would beg to differ with how precise and continuous his thrusting is. He’s barely getting any direct stimulation but he’s still so turned on, if it wasn’t so freezing and they were somewhere safe, Jeonghan would strip them both and ride Seungcheol until he pulls a muscle. 

“Oh, really?” Jeonghan rubs a hand up the front of Seungcheol’s neck before cupping his cheek sweetly, but licks his lips as he pulls the alpha in closer. “If this is you-unf-not knowing what you’re doing, you might fuck me into my next life when y-you learn.” 

“Shit, I think—I’m-“ Seungcheol uses both hands to grip onto the omega’s hips to hold him in place as he gets closer to release. Jeonghan doesn’t care if he comes or not, more content with watching this alpha come completely undone by a little bit of rough grinding. 

All the cloth touching his skin begins to itch and become irritating. He feels sweat beading down his back but Jeonghan continues to urge the alpha to not let up, surging up to kiss him with intent. His hand grips onto Seungcheol’s black waves, yanking back with enough force to make the other hiss against his lips.

“Next time you’ll release inside me. I want to feel how well you’ll fill me up.” Jeonghan actually purrs and that seems to be what makes the last string snap in Seungcheol, who moans out brokenly as he gives his last aborted thrusts against the omega’s clothed cunt. Jeonghan coaxes the alpha through it, stroking his face and scenting his neck with his own wrist.

Seungcheol looks endearingly fragile with aftershocks, curling against Jeonghan before letting himself relax into the embrace the omega offers. The only sound is their collective heavy breathing as they try to settle down. Jeonghan is suddenly uncomfortable with all the layers separating their skin. 

“Did you..?” He croaks out, nuzzling against the sweat on Jeonghan’s neck. The omega just hums in affirmation, even if he didn’t. If he’s honest with himself, Jeonghan doesn’t feel the need to, satisfied enough with how desperate and raw with need it was. He’s reached a point of no return now, with having feelings for the older man.

“You gonna sleep all covered in your own gunk?” Jeonghan teases and the alpha just huffs, not making an effort to move.

“I’m too comfortable to move.” He begins to whine like he normally does, nuzzling closer against the omega. “Let’s sleep.”

Jeonghan smiles to himself, turning the alpha onto his side so they can sleep more comfortably. “You’re gross.”      

———

A few days pass before Jeonghan starts to see the landmarks he remembers. Like the twisted tree that he had his first kiss under is probably his most memorable, and he’s glad they set their small tent beneath it. He places his hand against the bark, smiling slightly to himself.

Seungcheol has been noticeably more active with skinship, and becoming braver with making the first move. The omega can’t deny and say he hates the clinginess. Though the alpha is so blatant with it that Minghao and Wonwoo have been giving major side eyes, not quiet in their curiosity. Junhui, who is still in wolf form, keeps bumping them in the legs with his snout, as if saying ‘alright enough’. Jeonghan finds it all a little funny.

“That damn snow storm set us back a day.” Seungcheol complains, arm thrown over Jeonghan’s shoulders. The omega welcomes the heat as he leans against Seungcheol’s side. 

“Well, we couldn't see past the flurries.” Jeonghan chides, tickling at the alpha’s side, who flinches before jostling Jeonghan playfully with his arm. The blonde giggles. “All of us fitting in that tent was a miracle.” 

“Jun being our personal fur blanket was our real saving grace.” Wonwoo muses, petting the aforementioned wolf’s head. Junhui leans into his hand, his tail wagging cutely. 

Minghao comes up beside Jeonghan, linking elbows and pulling him from a reluctant Seungcheol’s grasp. The taller omega has been smelling off again, almost entirely different, even before they set off on their journey. Jeonghan finds himself leaning closer, really trying to scent him past all his layers. 

“I need to use the bathroom, so I gotta steal him for a moment.” Minghao smiles, and Jeonghan snorts. “I’ll bring him back, don’t worry.”

Seungcheol narrows his eyes, as if actually thinking that it’s a possibility they might run off together for some reason but catches Jeonghan’s humored expression. “Hurry up, it’s a little dangerous, with how close we are to these monsters.”

“Yeah, yeah. We know.” Minghao sighs, pulling the other omega off to a nearby hill before sliding down until they are out of sight. It’s rather beautiful weather now, the skies haven’t been this clear and blue in so long. When Minghao doesn’t immediately go about his business, Jeonghan raises a brow in question.

“No, I don’t actually have to go.” Minghao answers his thoughts. “I just have to confide something in you, because if anything happens to me, I need someone to know this.” 

“Nothing will happen to you, Eisa.” Jeonghan says with pure conviction. “Promise.” 

“In case.” Minghao emphasizes, standing in front of the shorter omega, hand nervously resting against his stomach and something dreadful sinks like lead in Jeonghan’s gut at the realization. “I think that I might—”

“You’re pregnant.” Jeonghan interrupts bluntly, not beating around the bush. He knew that change in scent was familiar. Minghao just keeps eye contact, his large blue eyes blink rapidly a few times like he’s trying to fight off tears and something softens considerably inside of Jeonghan. He reaches up as Minghao ducks his head into the crook of Jeonghan’s neck and wets the skin there with tears. He isn’t a loud crier but his body does tremble with it. “I’m so sorry.”

“My last h-heat was rough, significantly so and I made bad decisions.” Jeonghan makes a small noise to show he’s listening. “The last time I had lost it-I didn’t think it would take again.” Minghao says shakily, gripping onto Jeonghan tighter before finally pushing himself back. He wipes at his tear streaked pink cheeks. “I don’t think I can take another heartbreak.”

“Oh, Minghao..” Jeonghan knows his expression is sympathetic, as his eyebrows turn up and he fiddles with his hands to keep himself from trying to continue to comfort the younger omega. “Why did you come? Why put yourself at a greater risk?”

Minghao tilts his head back, looking up at the cloudy sky. Snowflakes catch on his lashes and Jeonghan thinks about how he’s the prettiest omega he’s seen. “I can’t do this without Mingyu. I physically can’t.” 

“Does Mingyu know?” Jeonghan finds himself asking. Minghao drops his head before shaking it slightly, peering up at Jeonghan as his lip quivers. 

“I only realized after he was taken.” Minghao explains with sorrow not yet leaving his expression.

Jeonghan is about to say something, maybe to either comfort the younger or talk it out more but Minghao’s gaze wanders to something that seems to be behind Jeonghan and suddenly his eyes widen with panic. 

“Hyung—Watch out!-“

Jeonghan doesn’t have the chance to turn before something heavy comes barreling into his back, knocking him hard into the snow, a punched out cry barely making its way out as he’s roughly flipped into his stomach and pinned to the ground. Snow stings at his face as he tries to throw off whoever that’s atop him but after enough struggle, it’s to no avail.

He can hear Minghao struggling and cursing at whoever might be trying to contain him but his voice stops abruptly and Jeonghan growls out and its pure threats, panic rising in his throat as he tries to shout. A weight settles over him and his skin breaks out in a cold sweat, almost choking on the snow beneath his head. A head presses against the side of his own and a hauntingly familiar voice rattles his core. 

“Caught you, little rabbit.” Jiyeong growls, and the omega snarls as he’s able to throw an elbow at the alpha but Jiyeong expects it, catching it easily. “Now, now. Don’t be brash.” 

“Seungcheol!” Jeonghan is able to scream, before Jiyeong lands a pretty hard blow to the back his head, making the blonde almost wretch from the intense pain. The alpha’s dry hand curled over Jeonghan’s now bleeding mouth.

“Oh? That sad excuse for an alpha won’t hear you.” Jiyeong’s voice is sickly sweet like hot honey that burns crudely at the back of his throat. “I took care of him.”

That has to be a lie. There’s no way..

Another blow hits his temple this time, only adding to the nausea and ache. The last thing Jeonghan registers before the world goes black is Wonwoo’s deep voice yelling out to him. 

Chapter Text

Seungcheol never could’ve imagined waking up after being intimate with someone would feel like he’s brimming with joy and not an awkwardness. 

He stirs inside the little tent, rolling onto his back as he stretches out and a few joints crack at the motion. Seungcheol sighs, blinking a few times at the brightness of daylight shining through the small slit of the tent entrance. He can’t remember the last time he slept that peacefully, even with the inside of his pants feeling absolutely disgusting. 

Someone starts to stir beside him and the alpha turns his head, biting his lip at the image he’s greeted with. Jeonghan is awake, eyes only at half mast as he also stretches, back bowing in a perfect arch. He makes a content little hum and Seungcheol can’t help but smile. He’s so beautiful, even after just waking up, puffiness aside. 

“G’morning.” Jeonghan croaks after catching Seungcheol’s gaze and returns the smile, albeit more lazy as he starfishes against the blankets. “M’still sleepy.” 

The baby talk has Seungcheol wanting to squeal because it’s too cute and very new to see with Jeonghan, but instead he just turns to halfway drape himself over the omega, left forearm resting by the blonde’s head to keep himself hovering. 

“Well, we gotta wake up now.” The alpha murmurs, using his freehand to brush that messy, short blonde hair back off Jeonghan’s forehead and pecks the warm skin there. His scent sweetens the slightest bit but Seungcheol notices. Jeonghan just keeps smiling with all teeth on display, pink tongue coming out to wet his equally rose tinted lips. 

“Well, no use in going back to sleep anyway, hm?” Jeonghan sighs in the space between them that’s gradually dwindling until Seungcheol feels emboldened enough to close the gap and press their lips together in something soft and tender. His heart feels ready to burst from the sheer affection that blooms there. “Especially if we can do this for just a bit longer.” 

Seungcheol chuckles, swooping in to place something firmer and with more intent as they both take a sharp intake, hands moving to run along what they can touch as their bodies shift together. The alpha lets out a small gasp when Jeonghan nips at his fuller bottom lip and responds with one of his own which earns him a low groan. “I could do this all day.” 

“Mmh.” Jeonghan makes an affectionate purring sound and it makes Seungcheol’s head feel fuzzy and he doesn’t know what else to do but to continue what he’s doing, letting his tongue press against the seam of Jeonghan’s lips. Sparks light beneath his skin at the wet slide. Their scents are starting to mingle and soak into everything around them as they move in closer, Seungcheol working his way between Jeonghan’s legs again, who happily lets him in. 

It just feels right, being this close to the omega and Seungcheol feels content laying in his arms. Their kisses die down in intensity, somehow becoming more intimate the slower they go. Seungcheol whines in the back of his throat when Jeonghan sucks at the tip of his tongue and he can feel his dick twitch, quickly filling out at an embarrassing rate. He pushes the need deep down, not wanting to ask for too much too quickly. He already was blessed with what Jeonghan let him have last night. He pushes himself up to separate their bodies to get much needed air, laughing quietly. He’s sure Jeonghan can feel his excitement. “Sorry.”

“Aah. Sweet little thing.” Jeonghan sighs pleasantly, letting his head fall back against the pillow beneath his head as he peers up at Seungcheol through those long lashes he’s becoming obsessed with. “Let’s not get carried away again. I think Eisa will actually burn this tent down if we’re caught.” 

Seungcheol almost snorts out a laugh but contains it to just an amused huff, stroking the soft skin of Jeonghan’s cheek before placing one final kiss there and sitting back,  pulling the blonde up with him. “Well at least we’d be warm.” 

“That is true.” Jeonghan giggles behind a pale hand, going to fix his hair and smooth it out before wrapping his scarf around it again. “You’re such a silly alpha.” 

Seungcheol just grins as he watches Jeonghan exit the tent, letting cold air rush in before following him out with a pep in his step. 

———-

Seungcheol sighs, readjusting the cap on his head to cover his numb ears. Wonwoo stands with him near the few trees that the omegas left them by. 

“Y’know.” Wonwoo gets his attention, dark eyes almost calculating and it makes the alpha perk up a bit more. “We all could hear you two a few days ago. In the tent.”

Heat flairs in his cheeks, but also his stomach flips at the memory. He and Jeonghan had been a bit more tense the past few days. Almost like something is building up with all the tension piling up between the two. Seungcheol coughs hard into his fist, shoving at his beta brother. “Shut it!”

“Are you sure you know what you feel?” Wonwoo asks, unfazed by how flustered Seungcheol can feel himself getting. He readjusts his glasses that got knocked askew. “Because please tell me you aren’t just falling headfirst into this. Y’know how you can get with rose tinted glasses.”

“I’m not! I know what I’m doing.” Seungcheol wants to scoff and say he knows that. The thought of the beta being close to Jeonghan to the point where his brother says that also makes Seungcheol feel like he missed out on bonding with the omega. The pit in his stomach only continues to deepen. Instead he just frowns, crossing his arms and tucking his hands into his armpits for warmth. “He’s special to me.” 

“Why is that?” 

“Why do you keep prodding me? I wasn’t asking you questions after I found out about your affair—” Seungcheol huffs, turning to glare at his brother but there isn’t any real heat behind it after seeing how earnest Wonwoo’s expression is, even after what the alpha was about to bring up. “If I hadn’t been there to see you and Chan swapping spit, I’d think you were after Jeonghan yourself.” 

“It’s not about what Chan and I did.” His brother actually laughs at that, full bodied and genuine as he pats at Seungcheol’s thigh. “Though, I see now why you act the way you do.”

“What does that mean?” The cryptic words make the alpha skeptical but he just continues to watch his brother. Wonwoo doesn’t answer him, and instead goes to Junhui to talk quietly with the wolf but Seungcheol just shakes his head as new snowflakes begin to fall from the sky. It’s only getting colder now, winter really settling down for the next few moons. 

Then he thinks of Wonwoo’s words. 

Wonwoo is often overlooked by their father, which is a shame since he is so perceptive of everyone around him. Mingyu, the bleeding heart of the family, would always joke about how the beta literally moves in silence. The sudden thought of his other younger brother makes him frown. He needs to find him. 

Just as Seungcheol begins to take a more comfortable seat against the tree, a sharp cry of his name is echoed in the forest, sounding unmistakably like Jeonghan and his heart immediately feels like it skips a beat. In a search, he catches the other’s eyes, which are also wide and almost frozen in place. 

At the same time Seungcheol darts off towards the noise that sounds like a struggle, Junhui takes off on all fours, outrunning him easily and jumping through the brush before disappearing over the hill.

Seungcheol almost trips in his fear induced haste, foot getting caught on an overgrown root but he’s steadily brought back to his feet, Wonwoo supporting him by the forearm as he helps him back up. He’s barely able to let out a thanks before another shout is heard, this time from a familiar alpha. His skin begins to crawl, anxiety prickling every cell in his body as Seungcheol pulls at Wonwoo to hurry up.

“Minghao!” Breaking over the edge, Wonwoo’s deep timbre is heard, almost rattling Seungcheol’s bones with how loud it is. “Jeonghan!”

He sees how Junhui’s wolf is latched onto whatever wolf was pinning Minghao down and blood streaks in the snow the more that the two struggle. Junhui seems to get the better grip by the other alpha’s jugular before shaking his head roughly side to side. A broken cry erupts from the stranger, but ends in a gurgle as the wolf goes limp in Junhui’s jaw. He can spot Minghao’s body beginning to move in the snow.

Minghao seems okay as he rolls over and pushes himself up to his feet. Seungcheol barely catches a glimpse of the omega tearing the rest of his clothes off and beginning to turn into his larger, lithe white wolf. He’s a beautiful gray eyed creature, with a ghost-like presence with how quick and quiet he is. Seungcheol snaps out of it when he’s roughly grabbed from the back of the nape, as if to get him to focus. 

“Get Jeonghan-ah. I’ll help the others.” Wonwoo shoves Seungcheol forward, and the adrenaline thrums through his blood as he begins to transform while he jumps over the hill, skin ripping and bones splinting before resettling themselves beneath thick brown fur. He barely has time to adjust to the familiar feeling of being in his alpha’s headspace and in four legs before he takes off.

With senses now heightened and muscles denser, he can smell the familiar putrid scent of Jiyeong, his newly shaved head almost gleaming in his limited view of color. A growl rips from his throat and he lunges right as the other alpha turns around at the sound. 

“Seungcheol? You fucking—“ 

Jiyeong shout gets cut off from how hard he hits the snow beneath Seungcheol’s much larger form, claws digging into his flesh as he quickly falls into his alpha’s aggressive tendencies.

He is always hesitant when transforming because with how sparsely he gets into wolf form, his alpha is unstable and territorial. It only gets worse as he registers Jeonghan’s softer gasping, like he’s able to breathe again after being relieved from drowning and it only causes Seungcheol to become more feral as he tears into the older man under him. Jiyeong is deflecting some of his more aggravated bites and it only frustrates his alpha more. He’s able to land a pretty strong bite into his side, which causes the other alpha to yell a command. 

Suddenly another wolf lunges at him, successfully knocking him off of Jiyeong’s body and before he can regain his composure, he’s being double teamed by two of Jiyeong’s underdogs. One seems to be a younger beta, their wolf way too small to do much damage but the other is a sturdier alpha, their bite sharp and unforgiving. Seungcheol can’t help the grunt of pain that slips past his snout as a whine, trying to throw the weight off of his flank while sinking his teeth into the beta, easily taking them out before tossing the body to the side. His mouth is soaked in blood, the metallic scent sinking into his sinuses and making his gums itch to bite again.  Bloodlust must be what this is becoming, like what his father would describe feeling during a violent battle. He decides at that moment that he doesn’t like it.  

The unknown alpha tries to lunge for his neck this time, the beta’s death obviously affecting them, making their movements too frenzied and hurried. Seungcheol takes advantage of the sloppy attacks to roll enough away to get better footing before snatching the middle of the alpha’s tail. He uses the momentum to yank his opponent forward and causes them both to topple over again but this time he is able to climb on top, taking a chunk from the alpha’s ear. The yelp is low and pathetic, and the simple bite is enough to make the other submit, cowardly lowering itself to the ground.

Seungcheol’s alpha isn’t satisfied, his hackles only rising more at the display and he can do nothing as his wolf goes for other’s tender underbelly, easily spilling more blood and other things he doesn’t want to see ever again. Seungcheol quickly tries to assess his surroundings now that he can breathe properly, backing away from his carnage. He hears a light bark, turning to see the Minghao approaching, carefully avoiding getting his paws in the red snow.

Minghao doesn’t have a scratch on him, giving a small bow to his head alpha. Seungcheol snuffs at him, making sure he’s okay. When he seems alright, the alpha turns to see Junhui haul a body off of Wonwoo’s smaller black form. He doesn’t see his brother transform often and Wonwoo is almost a dark shock against the snowy landscape. The black wolf shakes off the snow on his back and looks to Seungcheol, also frantically scanning before speaking through their internal brother's bond. 

“Where’s Jeonghan?” 

Ice cold fear stabs itself in his chest and he whips his large head around but only sees impacted bloody snow around them, so he starts trying to desperately scent the air, shuffling in place before catching the slightly bitter hint melded in a familiar sweetness. It’s full of panic. Jeonghan is alive but in danger. 

But, that means that the omega is still close enough that he can scent him. He barks out a short order, taking off towards the direction the scent is coming from, his fellow pack members following close behind. Seungcheol can feel Wonwoo keeping up with him, the black fur at the corner of his eye being the indicator. He feels him brush up against him in comfort but his pace doesn’t falter.

“Calm down, hyung. Focus.”

The huff coming out of Seungcheol is rougher than intended but he knows Wonwoo’s right. The last thing he needs to do is get too panicked and make mistakes that could be detrimental. Jeonghan will be okay. He has to be.

They break through a large clearing, following bloody human footprints, most likely from Jiyeong’s injuries. Seungcheol vaguely wonders why the other alpha didn’t transform but is thankful regardless.

Then he spots them across the field.

Jeonghan is struggling against the hold Jiyeong has around his neck as he pulls him up against his chest in a chokehold. Jeonghan is cursing loudly, clawing at the alpha’s arm that’s covered in deep scratches already.

“This bitch loves to put up a fight!” Jiyeong laughs bitterly once Seungcheol comes close enough to hear him, withdrawing a blade before holding it up towards Jeonghan’s eye. Seungcheol continues to glare, eyes not leaving them but he does stop in his tracks. “Come closer, bastard, and I’ll cut his pretty blue jewels out.” 

The omega has his teeth clenched and he squeezes his eyes shut, not moving as the blade’s point comes closer to his face. Seungcheol growls low and deep, kicking up the snow beneath his paws, still standing defensively and ready to pounce as his muscles flex. 

“Cheollie—ah.” Jeonghan grits out, eyes still closed as he jerks his head away from the blade when Jiyeong crowds in closer, hissing something in his ear that makes the omega stiffen up more. Seungcheol watches with clenched teeth as Jiyeong presses his nose into Jeonghan’s blood soaked hairline, dragging his wormy lips against his skin in a sick display of scenting that has Seungcheol seething further. Jeonghan looks about ready to shed his own skin and burn it. Seungcheol wonders desperately why the blonde hasn’t transformed yet. What if he’s injured somewhere else that the alpha can’t see? The thought frightens him. 

“Didn’t realize you preferred someone’s leftovers, Choi.” Jiyeong chuckles darkly, pulling Jeonghan’s body even closer so that he’s basically pressed up against his back. The omega continues to try to free himself from the grasp but Jiyeong seems to like the struggle, if his sick smile tells Seungcheol anything. “I guess I can see why, though. No one can take it as good as him.” 

With his freehand, Jiyeong goes to maybe grope at Jeonghan to further rile Seungcheol up and rage surges so intensely in the alpha, he can feel himself shake as his fur stands on end. But before Seungcheol can act on any of his own brashness, the omega reels his head forward, catching Jiyeong by surprise and the knife only grazing Jeonghan’s cheek before he kicks the alpha hard on the injured hip that’s still bleeding. Jiyeong stumbles back, grabbing onto his side, spitting curses at the blonde as he tries to hit him with his free hand.

“You wretched whore—“

A flash of white is all Seungcheol can register before Minghao’s wolf is jumping on Jiyeong and taking hold of his arm before tossing the alpha far enough away so that he can rush to Jeonghan’s side, urging the blonde to climb on. Jeonghan gasps while grasping his own throat, one hand clenched in Minghao’s fur as he climbs up and sits astride him. 

“We need to go.” Wonwoo urges, all of them watching Jiyeong’s hunching form starting to rise. Seungcheol huffs, barking out for them to run for it but Jiyeong’s screaming voice calling out to Seungcheol causes hesitation.

“You aren’t getting way again. You don’t get to take what’s mine.” He sneers, putting two of his fingers to his mouth and whistling, the sound of it sharp and ear ringing. The wolves cringe, trying to shake their ears free of the noise but a stinging pain spreads like a shockwave, beginning at Seungcheol’s neck and spreading throughout his body before settling deep in his limbs. He feels like he’s moving through molasses, suddenly staggering over into Junhui, who also seems to be in the same state before falling over into a heap in the snow. He can barely make out Wonwoo’s black fur beside him, unable to turn his head so he’s unsure if he’s okay.  

The sight of men moving towards them and  Minghao’s prone form in the distance is the last thing he sees before black consumes his vision. The last sound he can make out is Jeonghan calling out to him desperately. 

———-

Seungcheol hates that sluggish feeling after waking up from being asleep for too long. A certain nausea that settles heavily in his gut and a slight headache accompanying slight confusion is the worst. Seungcheol whines as he tries to toss onto his side, wanting to go back to sleep. 

He meets a resistance at his wrists but continues to try and pull against whatever it is, a slight ache blooming behind his lids as he opens them. He realizes two things upon actually waking up. First, he’s sitting up already, and second, his arms are tied firmly behind his back. This wakes him up completely.

Panic surges to the surface so fast it makes his head spin and he starts to thrash a bit, testing whatever rope his wrists are bound with. When it doesn’t budge at all, he makes a disgruntled cry and lets his head tilt back to look up and is met with a wooden ceiling. He’s in his human form, so that means he must’ve been forcefully knocked out which would explain how out of it he feels. Glancing down, he notices he’s only in a pair of torn trousers that don’t belong to him, the rest of his bare body blood stained and already numb to the cold. 

Taking in the rest of his surroundings, Seungcheol assumes it’s some sort of abandoned shed; cracks between the dry rotted walls not only show the snow but also lets the chill in. He kicks fruitlessly at the dirt and straw beneath him, yelling out in frustration again at the realization that Jiyeong must’ve captured him this time. Then, he must also have his pack members. Which means he also has Jeonghan. Again.

Rage and fear morph into an ugly mixture within Seungcheol and he begins to move against his restraints again with more force. He’d never forgive himself if something happens to Jeonghan. 

“Hyung? Are you awake?”

At the voice, Seungcheol tenses up, turning his head desperately left and right but not seeing anyone. He is hit with a familiar scent and the alpha finally registers who it is. 

“Wonwoo?” Seungcheol calls out, trying to look behind him but still can’t turn to see what’s behind him. “You alright?” 

“Yeah.” Wonwoo sighs, coughing a bit. “You?”

“Mhm.” Seungcheol grunts as he tries to move his arms again. “Fuck. What did he do to us?” 

“We’ve been tied to wood steaks in the ground. I think it’s been hours now.” Wonwoo explains, tiredness clear in his tone. He must’ve been awake for a while. “Junhui is in the corner chained to the wall. He wasn’t woken up yet.” 

“Is he okay?” Seungcheol asks, trying to see if he can trace any hint of his scent. It’s faint but it’s there. “Bleeding at all?”

“Looks like he was hit over the head by the bruise on his forehead but he’s breathing steadily.” Wonwoo explains, coughing a bit more. “It’s only us three, Right? Can you see anyone on your side?”

“Ahh.” Seungcheol looks carefully, the dark shrouding most of the shed but doesn’t see anything else. “No, shit, there’s no one else.”

“They have Minghao.” Wonwoo says and it sounds gravely definite. “Jeonghan too. We need to get out and find them quickly before something awful happens.”

At the mention of something happening to the omegas, he begins to grow restless again as frustration continues to eat away at him the longer he’s restrained. He can only imagine what twisted things Jiyeong wants to do, probably to punish Seungcheol. “Fuck, Wonwoo, they’re in so much danger. We gotta hurry.” 

“If we focus, we can—“ 

Suddenly, the door creaks on its hinges, slamming open in front of Seungcheol, letting the cold wind blow in and the bright daylight makes the alpha have to blink his eyes for a moment to readjust to the light. A figure backlit in the doorway lets out a low sigh, walking inside leisurely. Once close enough, Seungcheol can see who it is and he goes to lunge up but only jolts against his restraint. Jiyeong laughs and it’s an ugly sound like always. 

“Relax, Choi.” Jiyeong has humor in his voice and it only riles Seungcheol up more. “No use in ripping your arms out of the socket, hm?” 

“I’m gonna fucking kill you.” Seungcheol threatens, baring his teeth and his muscles cry at the strain he’s putting on them. Jiyeong is in some sort of casual robe that’s open with a large bandage wrapped around his bare midsection, only wearing loose pants underneath and boots. He looks like he just got done exerting himself with something and something heavy settles in his chest, making Seungcheol uneasy. 

“You’re not really in the position to be challenging me.” Jiyeong says, kicking some of the straw towards Seungcheol, who shields his face from the dust. “It’s pathetic, truly.” 

“Why even do this?” Wonwoo pipes up from behind Seungcheol and the way Jiyeong’s glare hardens makes Seungcheol break out in a cold sweat. “Causing this strife between our two packs doesn’t seem worth it.”

Jiyeong takes on a furious expression before stomping past Seungcheol’s line of sight and it sounds like he lands a pretty hard hit to Wonwoo, as the beta coughs and grunts in pain. A protective flair ignites in Seungcheol and he wants so badly to snap that alpha’s neck. 

“Did anyone ask you, beta?” Jiyeong spits the title like it’s foul in his mouth. “This filthy mutt took what is mine.”

“He’s not your property.” Seungcheol growls, gums aching with the need to tear and bite. Jiyeong comes back into view, eyes wide and crazed but smiling again. “Don’t you dare touch him.” 

“You can't tell me what I can and cannot do with what’s mine. Especially with someone like him.” Jiyeong sighs, arms behind his back as he approaches Seungcheol before kneeling in front of him, just out of kicking range. His voice drops an octave. “So tight, and so wet around me. Your crude ass probably doesn’t know what that feels like.”

Seungcheol sees literal red, his muscles screaming in protest once again the more he pulls against the pole. His wolf is trying to claw its way out of his chest, begging to tear apart this man in his omega’s honor but he can’t even transform, his body too spent. “I’ll kill you.”

“You can’t do shit.” Jiyeong snidely comments, standing back up. “You’ll rot here until I figure out what to do with you. So many possibilities to go through.” 

Seungcheol spits at the other, causing him to be back handed across the cheek but Seungcheol barely flinches at the sting. Jiyeong seems to be pissed at the lack of reaction.“If you lay another finger on him Jiyeong-“

“I’ll lay more than just a finger, don't worry.” Jiyeong sing songs, making a motion with his hand to whoever is outside the shed, slightly out of Seungcheol’s line of sight. 

“Fuck you.” Seungcheol seethes, hatred clear as day in his tone.  

 You must know this already but..” Jiyeong smiles crudely, almost mocking him. “He also smells ripe with preheat so I should get back to him before someone else does.” With that grim message, the alpha goes to leave but stops before turning around one last time. “Also, I’ll give you a little reunion present as gratitude for bringing us even more fertile omega.” 

Seungcheol can’t even think of how to respond because two men of Jiyeong’s pack come lugging in a large, hunched form of someone before tossing him into the shed in front of Seungcheol. Jiyeong laughs before shutting the shed door with a loud creek. It takes a moment for Seungcheol to even process what he’s seeing because of how poor of shape his brother is that he almost doesn’t recognize him. 

Mingyu is curled upon his side with his arms tied behind his back and a sweat soaked blindfold tied tight around his head. His hair looks like it was crudely cut with a dull knife, basically to his scalp. He also looks like he lost some muscle mass and his whole body is littered with cuts. Some anre bright red with infection while others are fresh, the smell of blood curls in the air making it metallic and bitter. He looks so small like this. 

“What is it?” Wonwoo asks quietly.

At the sound of Wonwoo’s voice, Mingyu lurches to his side almost immediately. Seungcheol sees that his feet aren’t tied together as they kick restlessly to try and push himself up. He’s making desperate attempts to put himself as far away from the noise as possible.

“Mingyu.” Seungcheol calls out gently, almost wanting to cry at the way his brother trembles against the wall. “Hey, it’s us. Seungcheol, Wonwoo and Junnie. It’s okay, your safe.” 

“T-there’s no way.” Mingyu says with a whimper, restlessly moving to try and see what he can do, kicking his feet out with a hissed curse. “He said he murdered e-everyone. He said hyung’s h-head was on a pike in the ruins of our camp.” 

“He’s a liar. We’re okay, everyone back at home is too.” Seungcheol tries to soothe with his voice and scent, which luckily seems to work as Mingyu’s shoulders gradually drop until he slumps against the wall. “You’re okay, Gyu.” 

Mingyu’s lip trembles and he draws his legs in to curl up again. “I’m not okay. Not okay-not-I’m—.”

“Breathe.” Wonwoo urges gently. “What happened?”

“No.” Mingyu shouts, tucking his head against his knees and Seungcheol watches helplessly as his younger brother shakes with sobs. “Too hurt- too m-much.-with what they did to— I..couldn’t..coward fucking coward—”

It seems like Mingyu is going into hysterics, unable to speak coherently as Seungcheol watches his chest rise and fall rapidly. He can’t help but ask. “Are you talking about Soonyoung? What happened? Is he okay?”

A broken cry slips out and Mingyu rubs his head against his knees until the blindfold slips down his face and falls around the base of his bruised neck. One of his eyes is bruised and swollen, almost closed completely while the other is red and brimming with tears. Seungcheol feels his heart break even more for him. 

“I saw e-everything.” Mingyu tips his head back against the wall as he continues to cry. “Everything they did to him, they made me w-watch as a punishment for killing their o-own. I didn’t—“

“Fuck, what? Mingyu wait—“

“I didn’t want to see! They— b-but they threatened to kill him if I looked away for even a m-moment.” Mingyu fully breaks down, almost slumping over as he’s fully taken by emotions. Dirt covered face now wet with tears. “Weeks..For weeks..every single time..”

“Is he..?” Seungcheol swallows a lump in his throat at what Wonwoo insinuates with his question but Mingyu just shakes his head the best he can. He can only offer a small ‘they w-won’t kill an omega.”

Silence settles heavily, aside from Mingyu’s sniffing and Seungcheol is completely blind sided. To know that a pack like this exists and does such unspeakable things to omegas really makes a grim sense of hopelessness spread through their brothers bond. Seungcheol’s chest aches knowing that so many people he cares for have suffered and are suffering because of these monsters. He will deliver justice for Soonyoung and Mingyu. He’ll make sure of that. 

“Hnn.” Seungcheol can hear Junhui gurgling, making shifting sounds and a pained gasp he lets out is loud enough to hear. “What…Wonwoo? Where..”

He sounds disjointed and confused, Seungcheol tries to turn again, he can only get a glimpse of Junhui’s bloodied hand. Mingyu shifts to sit back up, startled at the new voice added but relaxing when he sees who it is. 

“They got us.” Wonwoo explains. “I think they took us captive in their camp.”

That causes Seungcheol to stir once more. He’s starting to get more anxious, meeting Mingyu’s fearful eyes. “They are hurting our friends. We need to get out and bring them home safely.” 

“Huh?” Junhui asks, almost sounding like a lost pup. “What the hell..?”

“Our omegas.” He can feel the rope begin to fray anround his wrists and he starts to yank again with renewed vigor. “If we can break free and look for them, we can save Jeonghan, Soonyoung and Minghao. That’ll bring strength back to our side.” 

“Okay.” Wonwoo breathes, and Seungcheol can hear clothes shift again and hears the beta grunting as he probably tries to wear down his own rope as well. “We can do this.” 

He hears Mingyu mumble something in disbelief. “Hao-ah..? He was with you?” The large alpha shuffles onto his knees, trying to not fall over. “He’s h-here? They have him?”

“Minghao?” Jun asks, sounding more awake now, though worry thickens his voice. “They have him too? They-is he okay?”

“H-he’s here?” Mingyu’s voice raises with the panic that’s clear on his face. Seungcheol can feel his stomach drop again with a curling dread of what Mingyu must be fearing. “W-why did you bring him here? Why?!” 

“I’m sorry, he really wanted to come. He couldn’t..he wouldn’t spend another night without you.” Seungcheol frowns, hanging his head down as he feels a give in the rope finally. “He’s a very strong wolf, you know this. I’m sure he’d rip out the throat of the first person who tries to touch him.” 

“Shit.” Junhui curses, distress thick in his scent as he rattles what sounds like chains against the wall. That’ll be harder to break, Seungcheol thinks bitterly. “If he gets hurt, it’ll be-he’s very delicate right now-“

Mingyu makes a wounded sound. “What?”

“If they hurt him-he’ll probably—oh no—“

“Jun, slow down.” Wonwoo tries to sound calm but even he is starting to sound affected. “What do you mean?” 

“He’s pupped up.” Junhui says in a rush, like he couldn’t hold it in anymore. “No one knows yet. I shouldn’t have let him come but he insisted.” 

“Pupped..?” Mingyu sounds absolutely lost, face slowly crumpling in despair as he looks to Seungcheol and the older alpha can’t imagine what Mingyu is thinking right now. “He’s—with a p-pup? My? M-my pup? Oh, please no.” 

“It’s okay, he’ll be okay.” Seungcheol reassures Mingyu immediately, finally breaking loose of his rope and rushing forward to immediately cup Mingyu’s face between his hands. His legs tremble from sitting for so long but he doesn’t let it stop him. “Especially if he has something to protect, he won’t let anything happen to him or it.”

Mingyu snuffles, subtly rubbing his cheek against Seungcheol’s inner wrist for comfort before pulling back to sigh. “Y-yeah, okay.” 

Standing up to turn around. He sees how crumpled his other two pack mates look along with Mingyu. He’s sure he isn’t faring any better. “If we move fast enough nothing will happen.” 

Seungcheol immediately helps the rest of them out of their restraints, checking to make sure they’re okay. Wonwoo does a more thorough examination of the extent of Mingyu’s injuries and luckily nothing life threatening seems to be glaringly obvious. They are all quiet while collecting their bearings. 

“We’re having another pup.” Mingyu mumbles to himself, hope clear in his tone and it gives Seungcheol some hope of his own as well. 

“You are.” Seungcheol agrees, patting his brother’s shoulder firmly. “I promise you that.” 

After taking one last quick assessment, everyone is ready to leave. Junhui assures them he only has a slight headache. Wonwoo has a small recurring cough but other than that, they all seem unscathed.

“Let’s go.” 

They move carefully out of the shed and into the nearby brush. Mingyu has a noticeable limp, falling slightly behind the others but Seungcheol makes sure he can catch up. His honeyed scent is stale with worry and pain, rolling off of him in waves. 

Once they’re hidden in the brush, Junhui takes a moment to transform, shaking his fur out before taking off ahead. His sense of smell is so strong he must have already caught onto a trail. It seems like the shed they were held in is only about a mile out of camp, as Seungcheol can see smoke from a possible fire floating above the distant tree line. Mingyu stumbles into, losing his footing and he grimaces in pain. Wonwoo quickly grabs onto Mingyu’s other arm to help distribute his weight and helps their younger brother take a seat in the snow, getting him to sit up against an old tree. Wonwoo squats down in front of them, checking Mingyu’s vitals again. 

“Mingyu?” Seungcheol puts a hand on the other alpha’s nape, holding it securely and he can see how Mingyu lets out a shaky sigh. “Take it easy for a second, okay?”

Mingyu now has his eyes closed, though his expression is pinched as he stays motionless. “It hurts..”

Wonwoo is still frowning, squinting at Mingyu’s torso without his glasses. He must’ve lost them in the scuffle. “He needs to stay stationary for a bit. We’re unsure of his internal injuries or the extent of them.”

Mingyu goes to argue, whining desperately as he grabs onto Wonwoo’s forearm. Seungcheol wonders how helpless he must feel. “Hao—“

“Mingyu, careful.” Wonwoo tries to urge the alpha to sit back down but he is persistently still trying to rise. 

“I need to go find him.” Mingyu counters, gripping at the beta’s arm almost like he’s begging. “P-please.”

“We will bring him back to you.” Seungcheol promises and it’s earnest as he squeezes at Mingyu’s nape. “You need to be careful and not get hurt any more than you already are. For his sake.” 

It only takes a bit more convincing before Mingyu collapses backwards with finality, frustration making him tear up again as the back of his head knocks gently against the tree trunk behind it. “Please bring him back to me.” 

Seungcheol presses their foreheads together for assurance before doing the same to his beta brother. “I will. Jun and I both. All of them will be saved. ”

“Be careful, alpha.” Wonwoo remarks with a nod that Seungcheol returns before taking off.  

He starts stripping himself bare before transforming and running on all fours after Junhui. He catches up to the younger alpha and they match their pace easily.

“They’re gonna be okay.”

 An indescribable feeling of fear mixes with determination at Junhui’s words and Seungcheol knows he’s never been this fast in his life. He can see the outer perimeter tents come into view and he kicks up snow from how he picks up even more speed. 

He doesn’t see any other wolves when they go further into the camp, which is odd. Usually there are den families and pups running around during the day at any pack. Junhui makes a questioning sound, gesturing with his snout towards that smoke they saw earlier. Seungcheol gives a gruff nod, trotting forward as mingling sounds rise in volume the closer they get to the center of camp. Then he sees it.

Hiding behind a larger tent, Seungcheol sees all the pack, some in human form some in wild, gathered around the large fire pit. It’s bleak, how tired and malnourished they appear, some even fighting over table scraps from the feast laid out to the right. He sees Jiyeong, laughing with a few other men as they eat and Seungcheol can’t help the growl he lets out at just seeing the man. It stops abruptly when he notices the familiar blonde hair that easily outshines everyone around him. 

Jeonghan is laying out on the center of the large round table, seemingly out of it as he stays motionless. Seungcheol can only tell he’s awake by the fact his bright blue eyes are wide open, as if frieghtened. The omega can’t move. 

Then it dawns on Seungcheol and he whines low, knocking into Junhui in his haste to dodge the other alpha’s attempts at stopping Seungcheol from running out but the older alpha is stronger. He is able to break free and goes barreling into the crowd, ignoring the screams and confusion for the sake of making it to that table. To Jeonghan. Because he now realizes what this old barbaric tradition is. 

A mating ceremony. 

Chapter Text

“Jeonghannie.” 

The blonde ignores the call as he continues to draw absentmindedly in the dirt with a stick. He’s sitting on a large boulder, bare feet resting on the rough surface as a light breeze hits his cheeks. Summer is just around the corner. 

“I said I was sorry! Please don’t ignore me.” 

The high pitched whining is enough apparently to get him to meet her gaze. The girl is pouting something fierce, arms crossed over the silk fabric of her pretty dressing gown. 

“I’m not ignoring you.” Jeonghan replies petulantly, now stabbing his stick into the dirt doodles he’s been working on. “I just don’t want to talk to you.” 

“This is no way to treat your cousin.” She replies, stomping her foot. “I’m family!” 

A low laugh is heard and they both turn to look at Changkyun, who was lounging on his stomach atop a thick, low hanging branch like a pleased cat. “You also lied about eating that pastry so your father immediately blamed poor Hannie.” 

Jeonghan frowns a little, looking away from the beta’s sharp eyes and to the stick in his hands. “At least he hit me where no one would see..”

“He needs to be smacked where everyone can see it.” Changkyun mumbles, not reacting when Momo sounds shocked by the statement. “It’s true.” 

“I don’t know why papa is so awful to you.” Momo says and she truly sounds upset at the idea of her father hurting him. His heart softens a bit for her. “I’ll never lie again!”

“Good luck with that.” Changkyun says sarcastically and Jeonghan can’t help the snort he lets out, looking at the black haired man who gives him a playful wink though his expression remains neutral. 

“Boys are so cruel.” Momo laments, hands on her cheeks. “Stinky and cruel!”

It truly wasn’t her fault and Jeonghan knows this but he likes to be petty sometimes and he knows the silent treatment always works on Momo. He shouldn’t hold anything her father does against her anyhow, it’s not fair.

“Aish.” With an exaggerated sigh and his head tilted back dramatically, Jeonghan tosses the stick away from himself. “I forgive you, Mo.”

“Good!” She squeals, sitting beside him to wrap her arms around his shoulders, her subtle unpresented scent comforting. “You’re turning sixteen soon! Y’know what that means.” 

“Sadly.” He mumbles, pulling from her embrace to jump off the rock he was sitting on and pick some flowers as she follows close behind. Changkyun is still on his perch as he watches them. 

“Presenting sounds terrible.” Changkyun sighs. “Ain’t it great to have something to not look forward to.” 

“Don’t say that.” She points at him as she declares that. “I’m sure it’s fine! We will be okay!” 

Presenting happens for everyone after their first full puberty, almost like an immediate second round of intense hormone changes. It really doesn’t sound pleasant to him, the idea terrifies him actually. He just hopes he’s a beta so it’s a smoother transition. 

“It’ll be exciting.” She adds, plucking one of the flowers from Jeonghan’s loose grip and smells it. “It would be cute if you turn out to be an omega. I bet you’d smell just like these.” Momo gestures to the slowly growing bundle of daisies in his fist and he grimaces at the idea.

“I’d be way better off not being that.” Jeonghan grumbles. He watches as Changkyun jumps off the branch and walks over to them. He’s taller than Jeonghan now and he hopes it’s temporary.

Momo pouts again as Changkyun takes the flower from her hand, sticking the daisy behind Jeonghan’s ear and tucking his growing blonde hair behind it. “As long as it's pain free and easy for you. That’s what matters. Plus, I’m sure Hyungwon can offer a helping hand if you ask him.” 

Jeonghan flounders, unsure how to respond and he’s sure he looks foolish but Changkyun only smiles wider, patting Jeonghan’s shoulder before walking past him. He doesn’t have time to snap back before his cousin is on him again.

“Hyung~” Momo pulls at Jeonghan’s arm. “Whatever you become, you’ll be beautiful regardless.” 

“So would you.” Jeonghan says with a slight smile. “Only because you don’t look anything like uncle.” 

She squeaks at that, running after Jeonghan while playfully trying to pull his hair as he cackles at the chase. He didn’t think his presentation would be a big deal. 

He was wrong. 

————-

Jeonghan woke up a few months later with blood smeared between his inner thighs and a raging fever. He knew from then on, his life would be different. 

He frantically tugs at the sheets and blankets from his bed, trying to get rid of the evidence of his presentation. The blood seeps too deep into the bedding and after seeing red where he couldn’t get rid of it, he collapses onto the wooden floors. Tears start to fall down his cheeks as his uncle’s words echo in his mind. 

“If you happen to be unlucky enough to be an omega, boy, you’ll be given to the first high status alpha that wants you.”

Jeonghan hurries to use the stained blanket to wipe between his legs and also realizes he has different parts. Explains all the blood and pain that settles in every muscle. The moon really decided to curse him, it seems.

“Jeonghannie?”

He curses, fumbling with stuffing his bedding beneath it and trying to make himself more presentable but the door clicks open. Momo looks surprised, and a little worried as she rushes in and drops down by his side.

“Oh, what happened?” She asks, hand placed gently on his back as she’s squat down beside him. “You smell different..”

“I—“ Jeonghan snaps his mouth shut, eyes meeting his uncle’s dark glare. His insides freeze over, dread sitting like a stone in his gut as he knows the beta can tell what happened. “Uncle—“

“He’s an omega.” He says and his tone is cold with no sympathy. 

An omega. It’s all he is reduced to in his family’s eyes now. 

——-

Jeonghan doesn’t remember his first meeting with alpha Jiyeong but he sits before him now terrified. His uncle is beside him, talking with a gusto he never sees from him to Jiyeong’s father. The alpha of the pack. 

“He is freshly presented.” His uncle says with flair, subtly hitting Jeonghan’s back to get him to sit up straighter. He wants to hiss at the beta but holds his tongue. “Just turned seventeen.” 

He was just told Jiyeong is in his late twenties. Jeonghan’s skin crawls with that information. 

“Sounds perfect.” The head alpha sighs, seemingly uninterested with the whole ordeal, just wanting it to be done with. Jeonghan can relate. Jiyeong on the other hand hasn’t looked away from Jeonghan since they all sat down. “Though there are plenty of other suitors that he will have to take into account first.” 

Jeonghan hopes he pales in comparison to the rest of them. He says a silent prayer.

Suddenly, Jiyeong pushes up from where he is sitting and storms out of the room without a word and as soon as the door slams shut, his uncle slaps a hand across his cheek without hesitation. The omega can’t help the wounded cry he lets out, more out of surprise than pain. The head alpha just makes a sound in amusement before he leaves out the door as well, leaving them alone. 

“For your sake, you better pray he asks for you.” The beta threatens and Jeonghan tries to wipe the tears from his eyes as discreetly as possible. “Or I’ll have to throw you to whoever will take you first.” 

Years later, after making his round through omega after omega, Jiyeong calls for Jeonghan and he decides then and there that he can’t do it.

———

Jeonghan wakes up on a plush bed, the scent on it dull and reminiscent of dried flowers. His nose scrunches up as it itches from the smell alone and he pushes himself up into a sitting position. The room is hauntingly familiar, with its bleak brick walls and crisp white door. Lamps cast a low glow, since there are no windows to let any natural light in. 

After brewing in the scent, it finally comes back to him and Jeonghan can feel his skin break out in goosebumps. 

He’s back at his old pack house. 

Bile rises in the back of his throat and he fears he might vomit so he tries to climb off the bed in a hurry but only makes it a few steps before he’s met with resistance by a tug on his ankle and it jerks him backwards. Jeonghan collapses on the hardwood floor, daring to glance down and see that he’s tethered to the bed by some sort of thick, black cloth. He’s also in a thin dressing gown, and it’s reminiscent of the pajamas he was made to wear living here. That thought makes him feel worse.

He tries to tug at it with more strength but it barely gives and the bed doesn’t budge. An angry cry bursts out of him as he punches the floor until his hand aches. There won’t be mercy for him for deserting the pack and running from Jiyeong twice. He knows it. The thought of Seungcheol flashes in his mind and a new fear arises. Is he still alive? 

“Hey now, I know this is a terrible situation but the floor is innocent.” A raspy voice is heard behind him and he jolts backwards, his back hitting the side of his bed. Golden, feline-like eyes that are rimmed red meet his own and Jeonghan has to place his hand over his mouth, holding back a gasp at the sight of his fellow omegan friend. 

Soonyoung is resting on his side in a similar bed with his head propped up by his elbow. Most of the skin that he can see is colored black and blue, some of the bruises look like they’ve just started the healing process but his pale skin makes the new ones have a contrast so stark. His short silver hair is a mess, to put it lightly. The most devastating detail is how his legs look so dirty and unwashed, not covered at all by the oversized hanbok top he’s wearing. He must’ve been used over and over but they didn’t even bother to clean him up.The blonde grits his teeth in pure anger. Soonyoung only lets out a tired laugh while his head falls into the crook of his elbow. He’s not tied up at all, Jeonghan notices.

“Oh, Soonyoungie, I’m so sorry.” Jeonghan says as he feels tears sting at the back of his eyes. “These monsters will suffer for this.” 

“Don’t fret, hyung. As disgusting as alphas usually are, it’s not like I’m fragile.” Soonyoung says a bit defensively, having to move slowly to be able to sit up comfortably. He moves in an odd way, as if being careful where he puts any pressure. Jeonghan’s heart is lodged in his throat since he can imagine why. “I was an omegan companion in my home village before the Choi pack took me in so it’s not something I haven’t lived through before. Can’t break what’s already been broken.” 

“Still, it’s terrible.” Jeonghan frowns, crawling forward until he reaches the end of his rope. He sits on his bottom as he peers up at the other omega. “Rape is rape. It’s not something to just brush aside.”

“I know, I’m not.” Soonyoung says with another humorless laugh, scooting closer to the edge of the bed so he can reach out for Jeonghan. The older omega loosely intertwines their fingers the best he can. “I’ll make them regret everything, don’t worry.”

“I’ll make sure of it.” Jeonghan reassures him. He can’t help but inquire after a few seconds of silence. “Why aren’t you tied up?”

“They broke both ankles and dislocated my left knee.” Soonyoung says casually, like he’s mentioning something mundane like the weather and it makes Jeonghan’s heart break even more for him. How could they hurt such a sweet soul? “I tried to set everything back in place so it could maybe mend itself easier, like Wonwoo has shown me before. Though nothing even got the chance to heal properly with how much they’d tussle me around. It all hurts like a bitch now.”

Jeonghan reaches up with his other hand to brush the vastly discolored skin of Soonyoung’s closest ankle. He doesn’t even flinch in pain, just watching the blonde’s fingers as he is inspected. Even with a wolf’s healing ability, it would still be difficult to make it effective if the proper treatments aren’t implemented first. The poor omega. 

“Heard from their head alpha here that you guys are trying to do a rescue mission or something, huh? Very cool.” Soonyoung hums, thumb absentmindedly brushing against Jeonghan’s cracked knuckles. “Everyone is okay, right?”

Jeonghan continues to look at their hands, biting his lip as he thinks of the last yells he heard from his friends and how scared Seungcheol sounded when he called for him. “I really hope so.” 

They stay silent for a bit more while Jeonghan thinks back to everything he remembers. His whole memory is frustratingly foggy. Soonyoung pulls at his hand until Jeonghan meets his tired but bright eyes. 

“Is Seungkwannie okay?” It’s the first time that the younger sounds purely worried, eyebrows drawn together. “He’s probably pulling his hair out over this and in turn making everyone else do the same.”

“I stayed with him.” Jeonghan says with a small smile, remembering the first nest he made with another omega and how sweet Seungkwan smelled and acted once he was comfortable. “He’s okay. Upset and worried like you could imagine, but trying to be strong for the both of you.”

“I’m glad you were there for him, hyung.” Soonyoung laughs, expression melting into something that Jeonghan has to look away from. It seems too intimate for him to see. “He hates to be alone.” 

“Of course.” Jeonghan says genuinely. “Anytime you both need it, I’ll be there.” He can see how Soonyoung is dealing with an array of emotions before settling on melancholy. 

“Miss him so much.” Soonyoung admits quietly, laying down along the rough looking fabric of the bed sheets as his eyes slip closed. “I miss our messy nests and his sweet, sweet ass.” 

Jeonghan can’t help the snort that slips past his lips, letting go of his hand to smack him lightly on the ribs. “How cute.” He says dryly.

Jeonghan doesn’t know how he can still be in the spirits he’s in from everything he’s seemed to have gone through. He’s very very strong but Jeonghan still wants to protect him. Maybe it’s the older omegan instincts.

“Very cute.” Soonyoung sighs. “Out of all of this, I feel more sorry for Mingyu-ah.”

“Mingyu? Is he okay?” Jeonghan asks, the first thought is of Minghao. Of where he is and if he’s safe as well. 

“He’s alive, at least I believe so. It’s been a few days since I've last seen him. They messed him up pretty bad.” Soonyoung answers, not looking up from their hands that are still held together. He begins to crack their fingers nervously and Jeonghan lets him. “He saw everything they did to me though, during the first night they brought us here. Made him watch.” 

An angry heat flares in Jeonghan’s chest and he yanks at the restraint again out of spite. “Sick and twisted. All of them.” 

“There were only a few that were kind to me. None of them were alphas though. ” Soonyoung defends quickly, hands up as if to calm Jeonghan down. “I think one’s name was Chang-something?”

“Changkyun?” Jeonghan asks with an urgency, Soonyoung looks surprised as he straightens up. “Are you absolutely positive?” 

“He was a beta, I think? Very flat tone, kinda like Wonwoo with how he carries himself. Handsome?” Soonyoung ponders, scratching gingerly at his chin. It also looks bruised. “Snuck me in some food and water when they weren’t looking. I’d probably be dead from dehydration if not for any of that..”

The blonde knows it’s Changkyun. Has to be.

“He was Hyungwon’s friend.” Jeonghan explains, looking to the door when he hears a faint laugh in the distance. “He was very dear to me.” 

“Seems like a good friend to have.” The younger omega says with a weak smile when the sound gets closer. “Fuck, wait. Sounds like someone is coming.” 

Sure enough, Jeonghan hears a few loud voices are talking over one another as it approaches the door. Some sound jeering while one is unmistakably familiar. Jeonghan manages to make it back onto his bed despite his sore muscles, the frame creaking under the force of how hard he dives onto it. He sees Soonyoung roll onto his side against his bed, curling in a bit on himself as he continues holding eye contact with Jeonghan. He can smell their combined wariness. 

“—quite the accommodating alpha, y’know. Got some of your friends waiting by too!” A very nasally voice is heard before the door is shoved open with a barely dressed Minghao being thrown into the room. The tall omega is able to use the momentum to do a side roll and spring back up, landing on his haunches and absolutely reeking of anger and resentment. Jeonghan almost flinches at the rough treatment considering Minghao’s condition.

”Touch me again and I’ll rip you apart” Minghao threatens and it’s a real threat. 

The alpha that threw Minghao just sneers with an ugly smile. “You should be grateful you even have a bed. Most omegas are used to being taken on the floor, isn’t that right, Jeonghan-ah?”

At being addressed by this alpha that he can’t really place a name to, Jeonghan growls as well, teeth bared. Minghao whips his head back and sees him. Relief flashes by on his expression before his gaze finds Soonyoung and the state he is in. “Oh.shit..”

“I’m okay, Hao.” Soonyoung is quick to assure him. “Promise.”

“I don’t even know your name.” Jeonghan replies coldly, shifting until he is in a more defensive pose by being supported on his back legs. “I think I would remember someone with a hideous face like yours.”

The alpha screws up said face even more, obviously taking offense. A few more masked people enter the room behind him and two grab Minghao from under his armpits and hoist him up onto a nearby bunk. He fights the whole time, even getting a bite in before he’s slapped across the cheek. Both Jeonghan and Soonyoung try to lunge against their restraints, instincts screaming to protect a newly pregnant omega. 

“I’m sure Jiyeong would love to pay a visit to fix that mouth of yours.” The alpha snidely says, motioning for the lower ranking wolves to begin tying a rope to Minghao’s ankle as he tries to gather his bearings after being hit so hard. “You should remember me, being that I’m Jiyeong’s brother.” 

“That would explain the family resemblance.” Jeonghan spits back and it even earns a few chuckles from the other pack members. They silence really fast after the killer glare. 

“You’re lucky he told me to not mark you up.” He grits out, easily getting riled up. Jeonghan only watches Minghao to make sure they don’t try anything with him. “You deserve to have your smart mouth—“

“Yeongi-ah.” 

At the familiar drawl, Jeonghan feels his heartbeat pick up, chest filling up with the familiar gentle scent that follows the beta that enters the room. He looks surprisingly different than how the omega remembers him. 

Changkyun’s dark hair is slicked off his forehead, making his thick eyebrows more stark against his pale skin as he scans the room with a stone cold mature expression. His all black attire only adds to his intimidating presence. Jeonghan knows better to judge him though. Their eyes meet and his cat-like eyes only widen slightly in recognition before he schools his reaction when the alpha addresses him. 

“What are you doing here?” Yeongi seems unhappy that the new man has shown up, if his scowl isn’t evident enough. “Shouldn’t you be fucking around somewhere else.”

Without a beat, Changkyun rolls his eyes before crossing his arms. “Your hyung wants to see you, I’m just delivering the message from Jiyeong. He seems pissed so you should go immediately.”

Jeonghan watches as Yeongi sputters, hesitating while the beta continues to watch unbothered. “Could have just said that as soon as you came in.” 

Changkyun gestures to the door with a raised eyebrow and the alpha just mutters some curse as he makes a hand sign for his pack members to follow him out, leaving Changkyun alone with them. As soon as the door closes, it’s as if whatever mask the beta had been securing breaks and he crumbles a bit on himself before going to Jeonghan and pulling him into his arms, cradling his head. Jeonghan hears Minghao gasp and Soonyoung shushes him, saying something about it being okay.

“I’m s’sorry.” He mumbles into Jeonghan’s neck and the omega can feel his eyes sting with tears. “I thought you were dead too..”

“Kyunnie.” Jeonghan makes a soft sound, hugging him back. He may only be a year younger, but he seems so much smaller like this, huddled against Jeonghan. “It’s okay, don’t be sorry.” 

“I should’ve been there.” Changkyun forces himself back, wiping at his flushed face like it annoys him that he’s crying. Still the same kid he knew back then. “Should’ve been there to help you and Hyung—b-but they got me—“ 

Changkyun was freshly mated to his partner at the time Jeonghan and Hyungwon were planning to run away. The omega’s last memory of him was seeing his wolf run off into the woods to get help but never returned with it. Jeonghan doesn’t hold a grudge against him, not knowing what could’ve happened. It’s not his fault. 

No one else is to blame but Jiyeong.

Jeonghan shushes him gently, making the younger stop himself by linking their fingers, glaring resolutely at how Jeonghan joins their hands. “What’s done is done. Now we focus on making sure his death wasn’t in vain.”

“You need to help us out of here.” Minghao speaks up, tugging at his rope for emphasis as he stares down the beta. “Before they come back.” 

The silence that follows makes Jeonghan nervous, unsure of how his old friend is going to react. The youngest omega doesn’t falter though, big eyes glaring and eyebrow twitching the longer Changkyun doesn’t respond. The beta just sniffs, still watching Jeonghan as he wipes at his face again. 

“I can’t.” Changkyun says, standing up and removing Jeonghan’s hold on him. He sounds like his mind is made up and Jeonghan knows that the beta won’t budge on his decision if that’s the case. “Not until I'm sure my mate isn’t at risk for anything stupid I do.”

“You can't just not—“ 

“Hao.” Soonyoung says, sounding frank as he tries to shush him. “You know we’d think the same if it was us in his position.” 

Minghao doesn’t respond, resolutely going back to trying to loosen his rope. Jeonghan looks up at the beta, worrying his lip. “At least give us a push to help us help ourselves. Please, Kyunne.” 

“You need to leave as soon as possible. He sounds like he plans to do something with you and I really didn’t like his tone.” Changkyun urges, dark eyes earnest. He grabs Jeonghan’s hand again, placing something cold into his palm as he brushes his cheek against the top of his head. “I’ll let hyung know so he will be alert in case everything goes south.” 

“Thank you.” Jeonghan smiles slightly, returning the kind gesture before pulling back and cradling his hand to his chest. “Tell Jooheonnie that I miss him. Missed you both.” 

Changkyun smiles back and it’s warmer than before, more genuine. “As did we, Han.” 

Without much more spoken between them, Changkyun quietly slips out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar for them. Jeonghan pulls his hand away from his chest before opening his fingers to see what was placed in his palm. A silver pocket knife sits heavy against his skin and he can hear Soonyoung let out a low whistle.

“I knew he was a good guy.” The younger omega cheers, clapping a few times. Jeonghan can’t help but be thankful that Soonyoung can still have high spirits after everything. It gives him hope as well. 

“Come on.” Jeonghan says, tone resolute as he begins to cut through his bindings before  getting up and quickly doing the same for Minghao. “Eisa, you’re going to have to help Soonyoung get somewhere safe before taking him home in your wolf form. He can’t walk right now.”

Minghao seems confused, moving to Soonyoung’s bed and checking his condition with a frown before helping him up. He looks back at Jeonghan as Soonyoung makes an upset sound. 

“What about you, hyung?” Soonyoung asks, circling his arms around Minghao’s shoulders and holding tight onto the youngest omega before Minghao picks him up bridal style. “Aren’t you coming?”

Jeonghan takes in a deep breath before letting a long sigh out, moving to the other two and using his hands to rest against both of their cheeks. “I need to make sure you have the chance to get out.” 

They both try to protest, but Jeonghan shushes them gently, stroking their faces with a reassuring smile. “I know this place by heart. I promise I’ll be right behind you both.”

Soonyoung’s lip trembles as he holds onto Minghao tighter. The youngest omega looks more resolute, almost like he decided he is the one that has to be. Jeonghan is thankful for it.

“Okay. Please come back to us.” Minghao says, jaw set and eyes shining with determination. He turns away before he  hurries out of the room with Soonyoung in tow, their footsteps receding down the hall until Jeonghan can’t hear them anymore. The quiet isn’t a comfort.

He’s alone now. 

———

Every small sound sets him on edge, as he goes to the door, knife held in a bruising grip as he peers out into the hall. Jeonghan is unsure if Jiyeong is still nearby, or if he’s in the building at all but he prays to whatever moon god is listening that he isn’t discovered.

His bare feet barely make a sound as he carefully tip toes his way to where he thinks a main hall might be. The sound of distant voices causes him to pause in his tracks. As the voices get closer and he can make out what they’re saying. 

“—-and that’s why you will stand by the perimeter. In case those mutts show up.”

Jiyeong. 

Jeonghan hurries to a side hall, hiding behind a low lit corner, able to peek out and watch as Jiyeong and a few unknown beta stroll down the hall towards the room he was just in. 

“Make sure that silver bitch is all wiped down and sanitized before being brought out. He’s been reeking up the place and needs to be ready to serve again.” Jiyeong grunts out and Jeonghan can hear him open the door, easily slamming it against the wall. “As for Jeonghan—-fuck!”

He found the room empty. Jeonghan can hear heavy footsteps thundering down the hall preceding Jiyeong’s shouts and cursing. 

“I’m gonna get that little bitch. All of them.” His tone is dripping with evil intent as the group rapidly approaches. The omega peeks out from behind the wall to see how far away he is. “Shit! Get him!” 

“Fuck..” Jeonghan takes off when Jiyeong rounds the corner and catches sight of him. He hears that he’s being followed and fear setttles in his gut as the chase begins. 

The omega can feel a surge of adrenaline mixing with dread as he runs until his lungs are begging for relief. Jeonghan lets out a desperate sound as he feels fingers graze his arm a few times, barely out of reach as Jiyeong catches up to him, despite all the twists and turns he takes before skillfully jumping down the staircase into the main hall. His chest begins to ache more with every harsh intake of air and his pace is beginning to wane considerably once he bursts out the front entrance and into an open camp’s space. The fresh, crisp air burns his throat.

Jeonghan vaguely wonders where everyone in this pack is, and why it’s so vacant. He collapses to the snow covered ground once his legs give out and exhaustion takes over, gasping at the shock to his overheating body.  

“Got you now.” Jiyeong hisses as he quickly comes up behind him and grabs roughly at his nape to pull him up until his back is flush with Jiyeong’s front. Jeonghan tries to thrash against his hold but his fatigued body and the intense alpha pheromones are making his brain go disgustingly numb along with his limbs. “Don’t move.”

That alpha voice again. Jeonghan wants to cry in frustration with how his body relents for it so easily, going limp in the older alpha’s hold. All he can do is grit his teeth and shut his eyes as he tries to calm himself down. Until a hand forcefully pries his lips open and slips something small and bitter into it before clamping over Jeonghan’s mouth, ensuring he swallows. And horrifyingly by reflex, he does. 

“Good.” The omega can feel Jiyeong grin sickeningly against his cheek as he strokes his fingers down along Jeonghan’s throat. “That’s a heat inducer sweetheart, to ensure our mating takes completely.”

Jeonghan makes a panicked sound, trying to rip himself free but it’s as if his body is still asleep, heavy as lead and unable to move. 

“No, no.” He tries to whimper but it comes out soft and slurred. Mating. He wants to scream.

Jiyeong makes a condescending noise at his struggle, kissing his cheek and the skin feels like it’s burning in disgust. “Now, now. It’ll take a few hours. No need to cry. yet”

The alpha swoops him up to throw over his large shoulder, his body being jostled as Jiyeong begins to walk them back inside. Jeonghan can feel his body beginning to tingle as if pins and needles are being pricked into his skin. He’s able to barely lift his head up and he eventually catches sight of Minghao’s wolf in the tree line with Soonyoung braced against his back. They make eye contact and the wolf looks ready to run out but Jeonghan gives his head the slightest shake no. 

The last thing he sees as the front doors shut in his face is how Jiyeong’s grunt dogs go dashing off into the forest.

 His heart breaks even more in absolute pain that he isn’t able to protect them. 

———

When Jeonghan stirs awake, his body is trembling intensely as he gasps in as much air as possible. It feels like he’s been set aflame with how profusely he’s sweating and aching. He knows this familiar feeling but at the same time it’s all wrong. Like his body is trying to fight off whatever is racking through it.

A forced heat is detrimental for an omega. Especially him, with how weak his internal organs are now after the abuse it suffered. A particularly severe cramp makes him curl up in a ball, tears of pain wetting his cheeks as he writhes against whatever mat he was placed on. 

“Feels good?” Jiyeong coos his question and it falls like rotten soot on Jeonghan’s skin. “Felt good for me.”

Utter disbelief morphs quickly into rage as he realizes he must’ve been taken while unconscious. Agony doesn’t begin to describe what he feels as he tries to scramble back, new fear alighting his body as he bounces between his forced arousal and resentment. The hatred luckily pushes through as he kicks out when Jiyeong tries to climb atop him.

”Just had to see if you still felt the same.” The alpha looks crazed, eyes wide and maniacal as he tries to wrestle the omega into place but Jeonghan refuses to let his protesting body give up. It seems to annoy Jiyeong that he’s fighting back enough that he just lands a harsh blow to his stomach with a kick after he stands back up. “Bitch. You’re lucky i’m not ready for another round yet.” 

Jeonghan groans in pain, arms circling over his midsection as he tries to curl up again. Jiyeong places a foot against Jeonghan’s head in warning as he leans in until their eyes meet. 

“You’ll see when I take you in front of the whole pack.” Jiyeong’s expression looks animalistic as he grins, applying pressure with his heel against Jeonghan’s temple. “Seungcheol will have a front row view on me breeding you thoroughly before I snap his neck.”

Jeonghan cries out for the first time at that, eyes squeezing tights a hopeless feeling overtakes him. Seungcheol’s smile comes to mind, warm dimples and sweet scent. His omega whines desperately inside him, wanting its alpha. 

“I’ll send someone to make you look appealing enough to bring out. The ceremony begins right after.” Jiyeong says, jostling Jeonghan a few times before finally retreating out of whatever room he’s being held in. 

Too many emotions surge beneath his heat ridden skin and he restlessly tries to bring himself comfort but is void of any energy to do so. That helplessness returns tenfold as he lets himself cry it out.

Seungcheol.

It’s his last word muttered before the world slowly fades to black once more. 

Chapter Text

It’s happening too fast.  

“Witness! This corrupt omega will bend to our will. To my power.” Jiyeong shouts proudly into the open air, jumping up onto the table, towering over Jeonghan. “What true dominance looks like.” 

Some in the crowd cheer, others gasp or just stay quiet in shock. Seungcheol can feel an indescribable flame of anger burn through his insides to the point he might vomit as bodies bump into his own.

When Seungcheol finally breaks free from the distracted crowd, he makes brief eye contact with Jeonghan, bright eyes looking equal parts terrified and confused. He is about to jump up, legs kicking off the ground but is immediately knocked down into the snow by a large force. A weight is bearing down on him and he feels something sharp sink deep into his right hind leg, deep into the joint and tendons there. The yelp he lets out is pained and sharp but he tries to get whatever wolf off of him regardless of the pulsing injury. 

“No!” Jeonghan’s voice is panicked and somehow while struggling, the alpha is able to turn his head to the side to see Jeonghan, despite whatever forced heat induced state he’s in, twisting onto his stomach to try and crawl towards him with an arm outstretched. “—Cheol!” 

The alpha resumes his defense, able to shake the offender off but not without the enemy wolf taking a huge chunk from his leg. An indescribable pain makes his vision swim for a moment, causing him to become disoriented with how much the searing sensation blooms beneath his fur. Junhui’s now in front of Seungcheol, the show of protection like a blessing for the older alpha. A few wolves growl back at them, circling around the two alpha to find some weakness to exploit. None of them try to advance forward and that’s when Seungcheol realizes something with a sense of relief. They are scared of Junhui’s wolf, who at that point, is the most intimidating from their last clash.  

“Get Choi!” Jiyeong’s voice is ragged, now bent over Jeonghan and still trying to wrestle the omega into submission. Anger now burns his vision, ready to attack in spite of the injury trying to hold him back. “Kill that bastard!—“

But—

The blonde isn’t taking it, becoming more violent as he tries to throw the alpha off, clawing and biting at Jiyeong while he keeps trying to take him by force. Those beautiful eyes never held so much disdain before and something like pride is felt in Seungcheol’s chest at how strong his omega is. 

“Seungcheol—no-“ Jeonghan cries out again, his breathing becoming even more labored and worked up as he really becomes a handful for Jiyeong to deal with, who is cursing and trying to shove his head back down. Something hitches in Seungcheol’s throat and he’s unsure of what it is. “Mine, my alpha, please—“

It’s like a switch is flipped and he lets out a deep howl that turns into something constant as he aims for Jiyeong, claws sharp and teeth bared. A larger wolf completely blindsides him though, cutting him off and making Seungcheol crash into them instead. The alpha has to focus on fighting them off to make sure he isn’t bitten again all the while trying to get to Jeonghan. 

The omega is beginning to seem increasingly aggressive as he almost succeeds in knocking Jiyeong off of him a few times, trying to get away. He watches in horror of Jiyeong kicking Jeonghan hard in the stomach, trying to subdue him and mount him. Something acidic burns his throat and the alpha wants to cry in frustration as he’s continually pulled back by the grip on his tail every time he tries to jolt forward.

Junhui, after taking down the few other smaller wolves, jumps atop the large wolf that has their grip on Seungcheol and sinks his teeth into the thick fur of their neck, causing their hold to release  immediately, giving Seungcheol time to regain his footing and composure. He looks back to where Jeonghan was but can’t see him through the chaos that’s now ensued around them.

Seungcheol can feel his anxiety peaking the longer he can’t spot the omega.

Suddenly, a familiar bone splitting sound breaks through the loud commotion, and he blinks rapidly, trying to make sense of what he’s seeing. Agonizing screams morph into grunts and whines and Seungcheol makes a loud, answering whine. 

Jeonghan. That’s Jeonghan.

A wolf with a long, velveteen golden coat and cropped tail stands on the now broken table. He’s bigger than Seungcheol in this form and the alpha is absolutely stunned. The omega sways a bit before falling off the ruined table, clumsily trying to get on all four legs properly but still stumbles a bit. Blue eyes meet his crimson ones and the connection is immediate.

“Cheol—what’s happening to me..?”

Jeonghan sounds almost hysterical over their connected wave, desperate even as his fur begins to rise on his back.

“You’re okay. It’ll be okay.”

Seungcheol quickly tries to bound over to him once more, and finally succeeds. His snout barely makes contact with Jeonghan’s before a foot is forcefully rammed down against the side of his head. His vision spins for a moment with a sharp yelp, disoriented by the sudden action and tries to shake his head. Jiyeong just kicked him. Fuck. And his leg raises to do it again with a vicious look in his dark, wild eyes. 

A growl so unsettling comes from Jeonghan, even making Seungcheol bend low. He watches as the golden wolf latches himself deep into Jiyeong’s neck, the jaws almost engulfing the alpha’s human neck before ripping Jiyeong’s throat out so harshly that it almost decapitates the man in a gory scene that Seungcheol can’t look away from. Jeonghan tosses the body over onto the ground and Jiyeong’s corpse now lies bleeding out in the snow, no longer gurgling on his own blood and expression frozen in shock. Jeonghan’s front is completely covered in thick blood, blooms of air puffing from his agape snout as his breathing becomes rapid again.  

The kill happened so quickly and suddenly that Seungcheol almost didn’t register that Jeonghan just took out one of their biggest adversaries in a blink of an eye. In a heat induced state and freshly transformed at that. 

The wolf stands tall now as he glares out into the crowd that didn’t try to help him, everyone frozen in place under those bright eyes. The rival wolves are in a state of shock at the loss of their leadership so they seem uneasy.

“Hyung-No! Fuck you, bitch!” Jiyeong’s brother, Yeongi, if Seungcheol remembers correctly, screams, shoving people to get to them and rushes to his brother’s corpse, glaring at Seungcheol through ugly tears. 

Seungcheol is by Jeonghan’s side immediately and the omega bushes up against his side, his senses too heightened and every breath he takes of the omega in heat makes his brain sizzle out but he needs to be in control. Jeonghan needs to get somewhere safe, above all else. 

“The fuck you all standing around for? Get them!” Jiyeong’s brother yells out the shrill order as his pack jumps into action, ready to attack. He doesn’t get a warning before Jeonghan takes off impressively fast into the tree line, and there is no other choice but for Seungcheol to follow suit. He can’t think of anything else right now besides Jeonghan. 

The alpha dodges every blow and swipe of claws before making it into the forest. He tries to scent him and easily catches the trail and eventually finds Jeonghan’s hunched form panting against a tree, furry body shaking on weak legs. 

“They’re after us. We gotta go, Hannie.” 

Seungcheol tries to urge, nudging his snout against Jeonghan’s ears and upper neck. The omega weakly presents his neck for him and Seungcheol can’t help the confused whine that slips out. Jeonghan’s scent is strangely different. Seungcheol licks at the blood staining the omega’s face and neck.

”It’ll be okay.”

“Alpha...”

The broken voice he hears in his head tears his heart apart. 

Jeonghan slumps down into the dirtied snow, flopping over and onto his side, slim body wracked with shivers. It’s frightening, as Seungcheol knows this isn’t just some random heat inducer that was forced in Jeonghan. It’s causing him to drift into unconsciousness, tongue lolling out between sharp teeth as he pants helplessly. The nice sweet heat pheromones have soured into something sickly and it sparks Seungcheol’s anxiety as he helplessly sniffs around Jeonghan’s prone form, trying to figure out what to do.

Branches snap behind them and Seungcheol barely has time to turn before Wonwoo’s dark wolf comes barreling towards them unexpectedly, knocking the alpha to the side and sinking his teeth shallowly into Jeonghan’s flank. The omega can only make a small, pained whimper but barely moves. 

“Wonwoo—What are you doing?” 

The alpha growls deep, trying to dislodge Wonwoo from the hold on his omega but the beta just holds strong until he finally pulls off. Seungcheol snaps at him with his more threatening alpha teeth.

“Wonwoo-“ 

“He’s been poisoned.” 

Wonwoo snarls back, successfully cutting him off and Seungcheol, unused to that kind of tone directed at him by his usually calm brother, makes him step back. Jeonghan growls weakly and his brother transforms back with grotesque snaps. He is stark naked except for a thin bag that’s tied around his waist. Wonwoo bends down to look at Jeonghan’s wound, carefully touching the edges. 

“I knew Jiyeong’s crude knowledge of medicinal use would turn out this way.” Wonwoo opens its small seam of the bag with shaky fingers, always weakened after shifting, but is able to take out a few dark vials and get to work. “If we do this quick, he’ll be okay but Jeonghan just will have to deal with slight withdrawal symptoms. Change, please.” 

Without thinking twice, Seungcheol is on his own  two feet again and the chill nips at his now bare skin. None of it matters when he drops down onto his knees by Jeonghan’s head, petting between the large ears that lay flat against his head, eyes squeezed closed. He glances back at Wonwoo, who is now packing the open wound with what looks like dried herbs and ointment before wrapping special gauze around Jeonghan’s hind leg.

“We need to get out of here.” Wonwoo urges, looking to Jeonghan’s prone form. “But we need him to shift back first.”

Seungcheol frowns, still petting the omega but furrows his brows at the unspoken request. He knows a way he could possibly do so but the alpha really doesn’t want to have to do it again. Silently, he’s hoping the omega will come to and be coherent enough to do it on his own. But—

“We’re running out of time, Seungcheol.” Wonwoo says lowly, looking around the trees that surround them with worry. “Quickly. We can’t defend ourselves like this.” 

Fuck. He’s right. 

Seungcheol takes a deep breath, inwardly apologizing to the omega as he uses his alpha voice once more. “Shift.”

The wolf beneath his hand shivers as those pointed ears twitch forward and eyes flutter open, hind legs starting to kick restlessly as his body struggles to morph back into pale skin and blonde hair. Immediately, Jeonghan begins to tremble uncontrollably as his teeth chatter and curls in on himself protectively. He lets out a pitiful whine as Seungcheol tries to sit him up. He’s covered in drying blood.

“C-c-c-cold.” Jeonghan can barely talk through his clacking teeth. 

“I’m sorry, baby.” Seungcheol mumbles softly as he holds the omega close to his body for warmth. His hand brushes gently against the bandage low on Jeonghan’s hip and he frowns. “We need to get somewhere safe and make sure there isn’t anything else wrong.”

Just as Jeonghan begins to whine lowly and shift restlessly in his arms again, they hear footsteps crunching in the snow followed by a familiar voice.

“Hyung!” It’s Mingyu in his human form and is running alongside the wolf Junhui. Seungcheol feels immediate regret for leaving them behind since he was honed in on Jeonghan, but confident that they’d be okay. “They’re close behind us. Maybe five minutes.” 

Junhui’s wolf comes up to Seungcheol, licking at Jeonghan’s face and the eldest tugs at his nape before asking Junhui. “Can we ride, Jun? Jeonghan is sick.”

Mingyu, who has extra clothes with him, hands some pants and shirts out, which Wonwoo happily takes and Seungcheol slips trousers on. Junhui lowers his body in a show of compliance before Seungcheol climbs atop with Jeonghan firmly tucked between his arms in front of him. His head drops back into Seungcheol’s shoulder, hair tickling cheek. He smells exhausted and pained and it’s making the alpha become stressed as well.. He makes sure Jeonghan is bundled up in an oversized knit before they take off. 

After what feels like hours, with Seungcheol constantly checking in on Jeonghan and his condition, they feel safe enough to try and gather their thoughts. They make it a good distance, not able to hear anyone approaching behind them, which is a great sign. Maybe Jiyeong’s brother and pack lost their trail or simply gave up. 

“How far are we away from camp?” Wonwoo asks, checking Jeonghan’s temperature. “He's burning up so we need to hurry.” 

”Unsure..” Seungcheol makes a worried sound, Jeonghan now curling against his chest, barely conscious and face flushed. He’s never seen him so…weak. He brushes his blonde bangs back and the omega’s eyebrows twitch, as if the touch itself is a small relief. 

“There should be a hunting cave nearby.” Mingyu says, scanning the trees as they keep pace with each other, alert for any strange sounds. “I think it was underground. It would be ideal to settle down so we can rest.”

Mingyu and Wonwoo do look haggard, trying hard to mask it but Seungcheol knows his brothers. They are equally stubborn so for Mingyu to suggest that, he knows they are suffering too. Junhui is also beginning to slow down. 

“Alright.” Seungcheol decides, tugging gently at Junhui’s nape and the wolf begins to scent the ground, moving expertly through the thick brush. “Priority is our health. Gods forbid Jiyeong’s dogs pick up our tracks.” 

“Can’t believe Jeonghan took that bastard out.” Seungcheol mutters while looking at the omega’s face, watching his lashes flutter and lips slightly part with every slightly laborious exhale. “So strong.” 

Jeonghan makes the smallest of sounds that if Seungcheol wasn’t paying attention, he would’ve missed it. He holds the blonde closer to his warmer body. 

“Down here!”

Seungcheol turns to see Mingyu motioning them over before jumping down and disappearing out of sight. They move slowly towards a small hole beneath a large fallen tree trunk and Mingyu pops back up with a slight grin and it stings to see it not as bright as it usually would be.

“It’s still intact.” Mingyu assures, motioning for them all to follow him. “Just watch your step.” 

“This is it.” Wonwoo mumbles, carefully making it down the wet dirt and rock of the tunnel and Junhui makes sure to be even more careful with his footing before they’re met with a spacious cave. It’s chilled and damp, a distant sound of water dripping only adding to the bleak atmosphere. Wonwoo bends over a fire pit that’s still usable, a stone barrier with charred logs inside. He fishes out a flint from his pouch, beginning to strike it to make a fire. 

“Lucky us.” Mingyu muses, kneeling by a large ditch that’s holding woven blankets and thick game fur. “We should bundle Jeonghan up and set him close to the fire.”

Seungcheol nods, peering at the blonde’s pinched expression as he continues to tremble. Junhui lowers himself to the dirt floor, letting the two off his back before transforming back. He looks tired, bruised face still slightly swollen as he runs a hand through his wild hair. 

“We’re all a little worse for wear.” Junhui sighs, taking trousers that Mingyu offers him, along with a brown fur that he wraps around his shoulders. “We should hunker down until we at least are in better condition in case we cross paths with Jiyeong’s dogs.” 

“I agree.” Wonwoo adds, finally lighting the fire with a sigh of relief. All of them immediately huddle together with their hands outstretched, warming them. A comfortable silence settles, aside the constant dripping. Jeonghan makes a small sound of discomfort and Seungcheol immediately lays him down on an outstretched wool blanket, making sure he’s as close to the pit without the threat of catching on fire. He takes a white pelt from Mingyu with a gracious nod and makes sure to swaddle the omega in it. 

“He’s still burning up.” Seungcheol says, letting his hand rake through the tangled blonde strands. He’s covered in sweat. “This doesn’t seem like a heat induced fever.”

“It’s not.” Wonwoo clarifies, moving to take Jeonghan’s vitals and checking his eyes. “Whatever that bastard gave him is just causing him to be sick without any of the heat factors that would reduce the fever. Now it’s all he’s left with so we really need to get him some medicinal tea.”

“So, water and a kettle?” Junhui asks, raising a brow. “Sounds easy enough if you have the herbs.”

“I do.” Wonwoo says, pulling drawstring bags from his kit, putting his cold fingers against Jeonghan’s forehead when the omega whimpers through clenched teeth. “How do you feel, hyung?”

“I feel-“ Jeonghan begins weakly before cutting himself off with a pained gasp, immediately curling in on himself with heavy breathing. “Fuck, I-I’m going to die.”

“No, we won’t let you.” Seungcheol tries to comfort, running his hand gently along the omega’s jaw. A pale hand wraps around his wrist and Jeonghan is shaking his head. He looks more sick by the minute and Seungcheol is trying to soothe him enough to get him to release his grip but Jeonghan is unrelenting. 

“Please.” Jeonghan practically begs, teeth continuously clenched in pain as he writhes beneath the furs. “Please, touch me-hold me, or something. I don’t care—“

“Jeonghan—“

“It hurts!” Jeonghan practically sobs and it echoes off the cave walls. 

Wonwoo sighs out exasperatedly, gesturing to Jeonghan. “Get down there and help him, hyung. He needs some form of skin contact.” His tone is clipped, like he’s the one frustrated by Seungcheol’s hesitation. “It has to be you.”

Seungcheol sees the upturn of Jeonghan’s blonde brows, the way his eyes are almost sparking with blue hues behind a haze. He just looks so…helpless. Suffering. 

“Okay-yeah.” Seungcheol relents easily, bending down and pulling the blanket up so he can slip in. Jeonghan makes a small cry at the rush of cold air against his body but yanks Seungcheol down the rest of the way with the hold he has on him. The alpha crashes unceremoniously into the weak arms of the omega, who immediately begins to scent Seungcheol while tightening his hold. He runs his nose and lips along his chest and throat before teething on Seungcheol’s ear and jaw. He flushes furiously at the public display of something so intimate. Especially in front of his brothers. 

“Mm.” Jeonghan makes the softest moan molding his body completely flush with Seungcheol’s half dressed one. He blushes more but turns his body in a way where Jeonghan is completely blocked behind his broad back. The omega purrs, seemingly settled with the protective gesture. “Thank you, Cheollie. Thankyouthankyou.”

“Of course.” Seungcheol hushes him, pulling his head so it lays against the alpha’s collarbone and all the tension in Jeonghan’s body finally relaxes and he falls asleep almost immediately. It’s when his breathing levels out that Seungcheol is able to relax as well. 

“This bond, or whatever Joshua calls it, is the real deal?” Junhui asks, head propped up on his open palm, prodding the fire lazily to keep it burning. “Never seen an omega calm that fast before.”

“It’s sweet.” Mingyu muses, sitting beside Junhui in front of the fire. Wonwoo begins to sift through his herbs to the side. “Are you two finally a thing?”

Seungcheol just glares, not wanting to disturb Jeonghan by shouting a reflexive reprimand. He decides to mouth the words, hoping the younger alpha takes a hint. “Mind your business.” 

“I’ll take that as a ‘you’re working on it.’” Mingyu muses, leaning back onto a blanket he folded beneath his head. 

The cave grows quiet, only the sounds of Junhui’s gentle snores and Wonwoo sorting through his medicine drifting through the air. He feels his eyelids grow heavy as the adrenaline finally dies down and he’s slowly drifting off into a light sleep. Jeonghan’s comforting scent tickles his nose and calms his mind enough for him to let go. 

————-

Seungcheol shifts over onto his back, blinking his eyes open as he yawns behind his fist. His groggy mind is slow to catch up, body aching with every subtle movement. It takes a beat too long to realize that he’s alone in the makeshift bed. Panic flares in his chest once more as he glances around. 

“Jeonghan?” Seungcheol whispers, noticing everyone is still asleep. He pulls himself up, limping a few steps towards the back of the cave and sees the familiar shock of blonde. “What’re you doing here?” 

Jeonghan is curled up on himself, still only in the sweater with his legs pulled against his chest but his brighter than usual blue eyes are locked on him. They almost glow in the residual light from the dwindling fire. Though, Jeonghan doesn’t respond, only continues to watch him with undivided attention, like he doesn’t trust him. That causes a pang of hurt to shoot through his chest and he tries to stamp it down. 

“It’s alright.” The alpha moves closer as if the other is a wounded animal, lowering himself until he kneels in front of Jeonghan. “Can you stand? Does anything hurt?”

He’s only met with more eerie silence, but Seungcheol notices that Jeonghan’s fingers tighten in the sleeves of his sweater and when the alpha tries to get closer, Jeonghan presses himself further away into the crevice he’s sitting against. 

“Jeonghan?” Seungcheol finds himself whispering and the omega continues his wide-eyed stare without a word. It’s beginning to feel unnerving. “Talk to me, please.” 

Hesitantly, Seungcheol reaches out, palm outstretched but before it can make contact with Jeonghan’s knee, the omega reels forward enough to shove Seungcheol back with all the strength he has. And it’s a lot.  

“Fuck—“ Seungcheol curses, falling hard onto his injured knee, causing a spark of pain to shoot up his thigh and explode throughout every inch of his body. It’s enough to momentarily put him into shock, clutching his wound and gasping out. 

“Jeonghan?” Wonwoo’s voice sounds concerned and Seungcheol turns his head in time to see Jeonghan shove Wonwoo and the pot he’s holding almost straight into the fire. His beta brother is able to roll onto his side at the last second but still cries out at what fire does manage to burn his arm. 

Mingyu and Junhui also seem to wake up at all the commotion, spurring into action from their instincts alone and Mingyu grabs onto Jeonghan’s waist from behind. He is lifted into the air, kicking and growling as he claws at his alpha brother’s arms and Junhui tries to gather the omega’s legs to stop his continual assault. Jeonghan only riles up further, trying to rip anything he can reach. 

“What’s happening to him?” Junhui shouts, struggling against the surprising strength that the omega has. “His eyes are crazed!”

“He’s probably in shock.” Seungcheol limps over to Wonwoo, helping him sit up but before he can turn to help the other alphas, Wonwoo grips his upper arm. “What?” 

“He’s feral.” Wonwoo breathes out through his pain but releases Seungcheol. He alpha stays put, looking at the beta pouring water onto his light burns before wrapping them with linen. “It happens when omegas feel rejected by their mate. His wolf is taking over to protect him.” 

Mate rejection? Seungcheol feels something sickly get lodged in his throat, stifling his airflow. Did he reject Jeonghan somehow? When? He’s starting to spiral in confusion and dread. 

Suddenly a gross crunch is heard and Mingyu almost howls in pain, and Seungcheol sees his brother drop Jeonghan onto the ground and hold his bleeding hand instead, doubled over. Junhui also releases his hold, the look of pure fear and shock on his paling face. 

“F-fuck.” Junhui stutters, stepping backwards away from the omega. “He just—“

“He bit off my damn finger!” Mingyu yells, almost stumbling back as Junhui ushers him towards the fire at the same time Wonwoo yells ‘Cautorize it!” 

And Junhui takes a struggling Mingyu’s bloodied hand and does just that with his missing ring finger. Seungcheol wishes he can erase the gut wrenching sound Mingyu makes from his memory forever. 

Seungcheol looks back to see the blonde lifting himself onto his shaky legs, spitting presumably the tip of Mingyu’s finger out onto the cave floor before making eye contact with the alpha once more. His eyes gleam like an animal’s in the dark for a moment before he takes off climbing up the slope and out of the cave before Seungcheol can blink twice. 

Fuck.

Seungcheol sees Wonwoo helping wrap Mingyu’s hand up as Junhui watches on with a green look to his complexion. 

“Jeonghan needs to be brought back before he runs into trouble in this fragile state.” Wonwoo says to Seungcheol, trying to get his attention back by snapping his fingers in his face. “Listen. Before he gets hurt or hurts anyone else.” 

“You’re right, fuck.” Ignoring the flaring pain in his leg, Seungcheol gets to his feet as adrenaline begins to flood his veins and he’s able to make it up the dirt slope and out of the cave. He begins to follow barefoot prints until they lead to Jeonghan’s discarded sweater and the human prints stop and wolf paws replace the rest of the trail. 

Seungcheol takes a deep breath after stripping down and braces himself before meeting his own alpha once again. He takes off in a full sprint, now able to support his bad leg easier on four, and follows the paws and vague familiar scent. 

He hears a howl and his heart sinks when he comes face to face with Jeonghan’s wolf glaring him down from the snowy clearing. 

“I don’t reject you, Hannie. I’m yours.”

Chapter Text

He’s sure he is dreaming, with how content and safe he feels. 

Jeonghan shifts against whatever hold is on him, gasping at every brush of his bare body against something warm and taut. He gasps awake, sweat covered face pressed into someone’s neck. At first, the omega panics, unsure where he is and if he’s still being held captive by Jiyeong still. 

The alpha beneath him doesn’t smell like Jiyeong at all. 

After letting his foggy mind settle, Jeonghan is able to sniff a bit more purposefully against the scent gland pressed against his nose and mouth and almost cries when he registers that it’s his alpha. It’s Seungcheol. 

Suddenly, it’s like his rational voice is pushed to the back of his mind and something else takes over; something more deeply ingrained in Jeonghan that he slowly realizes is his omega. Tired of being restrained from what it wants to have. What it needs to take. 

Jeonghan feels ready to shed out of his own skin when the fire ignites and spreads throughout his body. 

“Alpha.” Jeonghan hears himself sigh out, essentially pulling himself atop Seungcheol so that their bodies are flush. He’s a bit peeved at the rough drag of the trousers his alpha still has on. So pointless when he’s here, perfectly bare and ready to be taken. His hand wedges itself between their bodies so he can press his palm up against the half hard member he finds there. 

With a grunt, Seungcheol shifts a bit beneath him when the omega mouths at his throat, sucking a bruise against the tender flesh. When Jeonghan tries to pull his pants down enough to free him, the action seems to startle Seungcheol awake, who almost knocks his forehead into Jeonghan’s with how fast he tries to sit up but the omega keeps him pinned with a strength he doesn’t normally possess. Seungcheol barely opens his eyes to assess what’s happening.

“Jeonghannie?” 

“Mine.” Jeonghan sighs against the soft give of Seungcheol’s cheek, nuzzling the skin there but almost snaps his teeth at him when Seungcheol stops the younger’s wandering touches. He makes a put off sound, confused and almost insulted. In the back of his mind, Jeonghan knows his omega is being irrational and instinct driven but he is too exhausted and can’t reel it in. Maybe because in his weakened state, his omega thinks Jeonghan is in need of protection. He’s beginning to feel queasy.  

“No, we can’t.” Seungcheol breathes out, almost like he’s delirious with sleep but conscious enough to be able to guess what’s going on. He tries to push Jeonghan away again. “I can’t do this with you—“

“Not with me?” Jeonghan lets go of him immediately, pulling back enough that the cool air floods between them and the omega shivers. Seungcheol looks a bit more awake at that, reaching out to pull Jeonghan back into his chest and strokes his short hair. “You don’t want me..”

“Not right now.” Seungcheol reinforces, sounding about ready to drift off again and Jeonghan makes a small noise of complaint but the alpha’s breath begins evening back out until he snores softly again. Jeonghan frowns to himself and the whirlwind of emotions only clouds his mind more, free falling into a pit of anxiety and self doubt. 

He’s unsure how long he lays in Seungcheol’s loosening embrace but his skin begins to feel too tight and he’s starting to get a strong sense of guilt at wanting someone so bad but their rejection was as clear as day. His head begins to hurt the longer he breathes in the alpha’s sweet musk and he has to pull away, crawling over to a dark corner of the cave, curling against the cold wall to try and stave the heat off. He ends up falling into a light, fitful nap.

Maybe It’s all a bad dream.

—————-

Why did he follow me?

Jeonghan’s brain is jumbled, his feelings still at a constant opposition and he can’t focus properly. The loudest voice in his head right now is his omega’s and it’s still hurt. Jeonghan can’t remember exactly why. Seungcheol’s wolf is across from him, and the alpha found him easily like the omega knew he would. His words confuse Jeonghan’s omega more, though. 

Didn’t reject me? He wouldn’t touch me, even pushed me away when I tried to give myself to him. Jeonghan shakes his head, trying to quiet his omegan thoughts.

“You don’t.”

Every few steps back he takes, Seungcheol’s wolf just closes the gap again and Jeonghan can feel his hackles begin to rise, confused as to why this alpha followed him. Why he’s still being pursued. He snarls, bending low and trying to be threatening but it even sounds weak to his ears. 

“Just go away.” 

“Jeonghan. I don’t know what I did to make you think this way. I’m sorry if I hurt you but please help me understand why you think this.” 

The omega whines, circling Seungcheol and the alpha lets him. Usually an alpha would never show his back to anyone so this is the small detail that his omega decides to focus on. Seungcheol even takes a seat in the snow, keeping his posture lowered to appear less threatening. He’s checking all of his boxes so far. 

But it finally all comes back to Jeonghan, and what rejection he felt from what happened the night before and what set off his omega. He growls helplessly. 

“You don’t remember?”

Seungcheol makes a confused huffing sound, watching as Jeonghan takes a seat in front of him. There is enough space between them that the omega feels safe. 

“What do you mean?” 

The omega only continues to glare daggers into the alpha’s crimson eyes and Seungcheol has enough common sense it seems to appear genuinely apologetic. It softens Jeonghan’s resolve, much to his omega’s dismay. 

“When I woke you up for the first time.”

When Seungcheol still looks clueless, Jeonghan huffs out a puff of smoke in frustration. 

“You pushed me away..”

That seems to snap Seungcheol back to reality and his eyes widen as he sits up straighter, yelping in denial.

“I wasn’t doing that because I didn’t want you. It was the exact opposite, really! I just don’t want to do anything wrong or hurt you after everything that just happened to you.” 

Jeonghan barks at him, kicking snow up at the alpha as he goes back to circling him but at a faster pace. He’s weirdly agitated, like something sizzling beneath his fur that he can’t snuff out. 

“You don’t get to decide those things by yourself. You’re different for me, Cheol. It’s healing for me to be with you, in any possible way I can have you.” 

That stuns the alpha, who is now standing on all fours and gets closer to the omega before brushing his snout up the length of Jeonghan’s neck. A pleasant shiver travels through his body against his will and Jeonghan huffs affectionately against Seungcheol’s cheek. He wants him more than anything. He’s quick to forgive Seungcheol, bending so easily when the alpha sounds and smells so earnest. 

“I’m sorry, my love.”

“You really want me?”

“More than anything, Yoon Jeonghan.”

The words make something melt within Jeonghan’s chest, finally quieting his omega and he playfully bites and tugs at a whining Seungcheol’s pointed ear. When the alpha tries to retaliate, the omega takes off deeper into the woods, uncaring of anything else aside from the alpha that’s steadily catching up to him. 

Seungcheol tackles him easily into the snow, careful on holding himself above Jeonghan’s body so he doesn’t accidentally crush him. No matter what, he’s always mindful. He can’t tamper down the affection that flares throughout his body as he brushes up against the alpha that’s basically mounted him. Seungcheol seems like he’s about to scruff him but the omega knocks the distracted alpha off before sprinting away again. He can hear Seungcheol bark indignantly behind him and he feels so free for the first time in a long time during a chase. 

After weaving through trees and dancing over roots and rocks, despite their injuries, Jeonghan breaks out of the brush and sees a natural hot spring settled beneath a serene overhead cliff, giving it perfect coverage. While the omega is busy admiring the beautiful scenery, something barrels into the back of his haunches and sends Jeonghan tumbling down the small overhang and straight into the hot springs with a yelp.

The shock of being submerged in the intense heat causes him to shift back to his human form and when he breaks from the surface of the water gasping, he glares up at the alpha that’s now watching him from above. The obvious amusement in Seungcheol’s bright eyes ticks him off and he flicks his wet hair out of his face. 

“I could’ve gotten really hurt from that.” Jeonghan complains, splashing water at the wolf that just chuffs like he’s laughing. At least he’s beginning to feel like himself again. “Join me before I drag you in, dumb mutt.”

Seungcheol easily transforms right before his eyes in a blur of red flesh and smoke, revealing his bare body in its entirety that makes Jeonghan feel a bit light headed. All dark hair and soft muscles. “Better?” He’s cocky and it’s a new addition to Seungcheol’s personality that Jeonghan is unsure if it pisses him off or turns him on. Seungcheol’s slight limp when he gets to the edge makes him endearing again.

“Maybe it’s better when you can’t talk.” Jeonghan teases, sinking himself deeper into the water until his chin grazes it. He knows his cheeks are bright red and it’s not just from the springs. “Though the view is quite decent.” 

Seungcheol slips for a moment but recovers easily, chuckling but it’s tight as he narrows his gaze at the omega. “Don’t distract me.” 

“We don’t have a lot of time. Hurry up.” Jeonghan tries to berate him but it comes out weak as Seungcheol moves down carefully to slip into the hot water. Steam seems to rise from his skin. 

Jeonghan takes in a deep breath as the alpha swims closer and wraps his arms around the omega’s narrow waist before Seungcheol pulls him flush against his sturdy body. The contact makes Jeonghan bite his lip until it stings. 

“Time for what?” Seungcheol taunts with a confidence that makes Jeonghan blush even more as he rests his palms against Seungcheol’s broad (and plush) chest. He’s stupidly soft and it’s making Jeonghan feel absolutely insane. And wet between his legs. “You got ideas I need to know of, baby?”

Instead of humoring him with an answer, Jeonghan uses the weightlessness of the water to shift up and wrap his legs around the alpha’s hips, letting every inch of him press snugly against Seungcheol. The alpha gasps at the feeling of the intimate skin on skin contact and Jeonghan can feel the way the alpha’s plush stomach tenses against him. It makes his own erupt with butterflies.

“Time to deliver on what we promised in the tent.” Jeonghan says low and hopefully sensual as he shifts his hips enough for it to feel good against his most sensitive areas. “I want to feel your claim.” His voice drops down into something more teasing and dripping with honey. “Wanna feel you deep inside me. Where you belong.” 

That stuns Seungcheol in the cutest possible way, the alpha adopting a shyness that might be due to his inexperience. His suspicions are confirmed when Seungcheol says so in a mumbled, hesitant tone. “I really want to but you’re going to have to...” 

When nothing else is said and the alpha doesn’t make the first move, Jeonghan pulls them to drift back towards the smooth rock edge of the springs so he has something to rest his back against. The omega spreads his legs enough to pull Seungcheol between them and firmly holds one of the alpha’s wrists. “I can show you, my sweet alpha.”

He hears Seungcheol take in a quick breath when Jeonghan brings his hand down into the water until the alpha’s digits brush his slick opening. The alpha’s fingers run cautiously over Jeonghan’s stiffness, which makes him sigh shakily, but his hesitation slowly turns into curiosity when the rough callousness of his fingers slips between his sensitive folds. “So soft..”

“Mhm.” Jeonghan hums and lets his eyes slip closed as his head drops back against the chilled rock behind him and allows Seungcheol to explore him with gentle touches. When one of his fingers, though maybe by accident, dips into his opening, Jeonghan gasps and it emboldens the alpha who slips the finger in with more intent, stretching him out. It feels insanely good, even with the amateur fingering that feels more like prodding. “You can add another.”

“But it still feels so tight.” Seungcheol almost whispers, crowding himself closer to the omega who preens at the solid warmth covering his front. 

“It’ll open up for you, I promise.” Jeonghan giggles breathlessly, circling his arm around Seungcheol’s neck to pull him close enough to plant a kiss against his cheek mole. “Continue being gentle with your touches. Yes, yes just like that.”

Seungcheol smiles at the encouragement and introduces his middle finger along with his pointer, pushing in further. He’s watching Jeonghan’s expression intently the whole time and it makes the omega burn from the undivided attention. The tension  breaks when the alpha leans in to run his kisses down Jeonghan’s neck, making the omega keen softly at every accidental scrape of his alpha canines. 

“Shit, Cheollie.” Even if his insides are still tender from all the abuse he’s suffered, the alpha’s body firmly pressed against his and soaking up his potent, herbal scent is enough to relax his muscles and let himself become lost in pure bliss and pleasure. 

“I don’t know how I’ll fit.” Seungcheol grunts absentmindedly and Jeonghan almost misses it. Thick fingers curl and accidentally stroke against his sweet spot, making Jeonghan jolt against the alpha, a broken moan slipping out. Seungcheol looks just as surprised. “Y-you squeezed—” 

“There. Theretherethere—“ Jeonghan urges and he doesn’t care if he’s appearing desperate. If anything, it’s obvious Seungcheol is becoming riled up along with him and moves his fingers with more pressure and purpose. Jeonghan starts opening up easily just as Seungcheol adds a third finger and eventually a fourth. It brushes everything right and Jeonghan allows himself to just feel and give himself wholeheartedly to the alpha. The omega lets out a pleasured sigh. “Fuck, Cheollie. I need your knot.”  

The fingers inside of him go still and the omega makes a soft whine in question at the lack of movement before opening his eyes that he didn’t realize he had closed in the first place. He’s met with an intense stare filled with a raw, animalistic desire that makes something swoop low in Jeonghan’s stomach. “What—“

“You can’t just say things like that.” Seungcheol whines to himself, breaking the intense spell he was under and Jeonghan laughs at the alpha’s sudden cuteness. He feels loose limbed and floaty already. 

“I can say worse.” Jeonghan challenges, squeezing around Seungcheol’s fingers again. The alpha stifles a curse at the feeling, his tongue running along his full bottom lip as his gaze sharpens at the omega. “Or I could show you.” 

Seungcheol’s eyes go round and his jaw slackens. Jeonghan almost coos at how cute the older looks when he’s this eager. He wants to eat him whole. “Please.”

“M’kay.” He smiles and hopes it reassures Seungcheol as he slips a hand down to wrap his fingers gently around the alpha’s member for the first time. He’s well endowed, Jeonghan could tell that much from covert glances but feeling the solid weight in his grasp makes him feel light headed. “I got you, my sweet alpha.”

“Hannie.” Seungcheol gasps when Jeonghan presses the alpha’s full length against his own softened opening. It hugs him perfectly, like they truly are made for each other. The warmth of the water only heightens the need and Jeonghan can feel the slick steadily leaving him with every clench. “You—ah, feel so good.”

Jeonghan purrs and it’s a gentle rumble as he begins to roll his hips back and forth until Seungcheol gets the hint and matches this rhythm. His thrusts, albeit clumsy like how it was back in their tent, light a fire deep within Jeonghan’s gut and the omega can’t help the breathless sounds from escaping him with every rut against his sensitivity.

“Can you kiss me?” Seungcheol asks softly, cheeks now a lovely ruddy shade to match those lips that drive the omega crazy. He couldn’t deny him that if he even tried. “I feel like I’m going insane.” 

“Of course.” Jeonghan smiles, resting his hand against Seungcheol’s nape and pulling him forward until their lips brush and he sighs happily at the small contact. “C’mere, baby.” 

With that, the omega closes the distance and the kiss isn’t chaste like he was expecting because of how shy Seungcheol is being. The alpha immediately nips at his bottom lip, slipping his tongue in when Jeonghan can’t help but keen at the feeling and he loses himself in the motions of the alpha’s pure neediness. The soft sound of the water sloshing around them from their small movements and the wet noises make Jeonghan feel like he’s losing himself in lust. 

“I—“ Seungcheol cuts himself off with a growl while his hands slide up Jeonghan’s sides, fingers splaying out against the omega’s ribs and brush against the tender swell of his chest. When Jeonghan makes another sound between a purr and groan at the touch, Seungcheol takes the hint and cups his hand against him, completely covering his small breast. The alpha rolls the pink nub in a slow circle as he deepens the kiss again. 

Jeonghan can still feel the slick continue to build up and possibly smearing against Seungcheol’s skin. He moans unexpectedly when he feels the alpha prodding against his opening, which happens to catch against it perfectly. Any remaining restraint the omega has snaps in that moment as he grapples at anything he can. 

“Inside.” Jeonghan kisses down Seungcheol’s jaw and neck before nipping the skin there. The alpha pauses his groping to get a better hold on Jeonghan’s waist again when the younger gets increasingly restless. “I need you inside me now.” 

The alpha almost curls over Jeonghan, a punched out groan leaving him as he grips Jeonghan even tighter. The omega is obsessed with the effect he has on the older man. “Anything. You can have anything you want. I’m yours.” 

With a self satisfied grin, Jeonghan reaches to help guide the alpha’s dick to slip it where he needs him most. The initial stretch almost rips a sob from the omega’s throat, not used to the thickness pressing against his sensitive walls. Jeonghan can’t help the way his cunt immediately flutters around Seungcheol, who moans annd it’s obscenely loud. Jeonghan almost wants to cry at how overwhelming it all feels. 

“I knew it.” Jeonghan laughs breathlessly, hands scrambling to scratch lightly against Seungcheol’s upper back, still continuing to purr beneath it all. “Knew you’d fit so—ah-gods, you’re—“

“Good? Am I good?” Seungcheol asks around a whine, openly panting against Jeonghan’s lips, shuddering when he bottoms out after what feels like a lifetime of being slow and careful. It’s like a string is pulled taunt and ready to snap at any moment inside Jeonghan. “F-Fuck, I don’t think I can make it good for you. I’m already so close.” 

“Aish, baby.” Jeonghan coos, brushing Seungcheol’s wet hair back off his forehead before placing a kiss there and shifts his hips up enough to drop back down slowly. “You have no idea how much that turns me on.” 

Seungcheol moans and it sounds pained, burrowing his face against the omega’s scent gland and wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace. Jeonghan continues to move his hips in a gentle rhythm and he can’t tear his gaze away from his alpha. He sucks against Jeonghan’s gland and it’s euphoric. “Can I move?.” 

“Yesyesyes.” Jeonghan urges, petting down the length of Seungcheol’s neck once more. The alpha’s hips jolt forward when Jeonghan ghosts a thumb over Seungcheol’s top lip. He winces at a small sting that begins to pulse deep within him. “Gently.”

“I’m ah-sorry.” Seungcheol grunts and it’s full of trust and adoration for the omega, who bites his lip when the alpha begins to really rock into him with steady strokes. Seungcheol laughs but it’s a bit strained. “I’m really not gonna last long.” 

“That’s okay.” Jeonghan reassures with a firm press of his lips against Seungcheol’s nose, hands still roaming Seungcheol’s torso before settling on his shoulders and his nails dig in just enough to make Seungcheol hiss through his clenched teeth as he picks up his pace. 

Every thrust in him jostles Jeonghan and he makes airy, gasping noises continuously.  Seungcheol answers with a punched out groan himself when a particularly well timed thrust meets in the middle. After that, they find their perfect rhythm and Jeonghan cares less about shame and more about chasing his building pleasure. 

Seungcheol circles his rough hands against Jeonghan’s narrow hips and holds him in place as he consistently begins thrusting up, hitting that spot dead on every time. Jeonghan can feel tears begin to well up as he increasingly approaches an edge he’s never reached so quickly before. Seungcheol’s sheer strength and instinctual aggression is no joke and it’s rendering Jeonghan absolutely speechless. 

“I’m going to breed you so full.” Seungcheol grits out, eyes wild with it as he never lets up on his now bruising pace. Something cuts deep within Jeonghan again and he’s unsure if it’s from the rougher treatment or the distant fact he can never be properly bred by his love. “Give you the pups that you want.”

The sting only sharpens into a wound and Jeonghan cries out when Seungcheol gives a particularly hard thrust and it grazes a raw area so deep inside the omega at his eyes almost roll back into his skull. Tears begin falling down his pink, heated cheeks as his shaky hands slide up the sides of Seungcheol’s straining neck before ending up at the alpha’s defined jaw and meeting his parted lips and trying to drown in that instead.

He wants pups. He wants Seungcheol to give him pups more than anything but he knows he can never have that now. Jeonghan realizes this pain as he comes apart in Seungcheol’s firm hold and free falls off from that euphoric peak into something that quickly becomes bleak and dreadful, even as he pulses around the thick girth inside him. 

The omega will never truly feel whole. He’ll never have what he has always wanted; a family. Seungcheol shouldn’t settle for someone so broken and useless that can’t provide what he wants. As his high lessons, and he’s left with all of these awful feelings swirling in his mind, the omega begins to cry fully, body shaking with it as Seungcheol locks up with a high keen and ties them together with a knot that begins to swell. Jeonghan can feel the release being pumped continuously into him and the stretch burns in a poor reminder that it’s all useless. He’s just a useless omega—

“—han? Jeonghan, please, look at me!”

Wet hands are on either side of his face, large brown puppy eyes meet his own bleary ones. Seungcheol’s whole expression is pinched with worry and bitten red lips in a pout as his thumbs brush against Jeonghan’s high cheekbones. He absently wonders what kind of mess the alpha must be seeing on his own face. 

“I’m- I-I’m just— I’m sorry.” Jeonghan is barely able to wheeze out, throat feeling like it’s closing up in his panic. He feels trapped and like he can’t hide from scrutiny. His omega is in pain, making his chest feel incredibly heavy as it rises and falls too fast. He’s afraid he is going to choke, or pass out as his vision begins to tunnel and he can’t focus on anything else. Nausea rises at the back of his throat and Jeonghan coughs around another sob and he trembles with how hard he begins to cry. 

Seungcheol seems to be floundering, unsure of what’s happening or if he can help. Jeonghan doesn’t deserve the kindness that the alpha always showers him in. How understanding and protective Seungcheol is for all of his loved ones. He’d be such a great father and mate. Jeonghan doesn’t deserve anything from him. The alpha is too good to settle—

“Jeonghannie, look at me.” Seungcheol’s firm tone cuts through the storm in his mind and Jeonghan blinks rapidly, trying to see past his hot tears and the alpha waits patiently until Jeonghan can catch his breath while stroking his nape and back, softly scenting him and eventually it lulls him into quieter sniffs and hiccups. He’s finally able to breathe evenly again after what feels like hours. “Are you hurt? What’s wrong?”

The omega can’t speak for a bit, grappling for his voice that he just can’t hold onto long enough to say even something as simple as ‘nothing’. Instead he shakes his head slightly but Seungcheol pushes his hair from his face before cupping his cheek to wipe more stray tears away. 

“Take your time.” Seungcheol soothes, placing kisses wherever he can reach. They stay floating there in silence as Jeonghan gathers his bearings and for Seungcheol’s knot to hopefully go down enough for them to separate. Now the pressure begins to help Jeonghan ground himself further and he lets out a stilted sigh, hands listless and fidgeting until Seungcheol holds them between his own. The knot finally dies down enough that Seungcheol can pull out, causing Jeonghan to almost start sobbing again. The alpha picks up on the emotional shift and immediately gathers the omega into his arms and holds him close, almost smothering him against the rock. “I’m not leaving, I promise.”

“Can’t breathe.” Jeonghan chokes out and Seungcheol startles back enough for Jeonghan to take in a deep breath. The alpha looks about ready to beg and apologize but Jeonghan holds a finger up to his lips. It shushes the alpha and he just looks at the omega like he might break again. “Don’t apologize.”

“Please tell me you’re okay.” Seungcheol says, giving Jeonghan the reins to control the conversation and the omega takes them gratefully. 

“I just-“ Jeonghan begins but has to bite back the feeling of crying again. He needs to keep himself calm before another panic hits. “The talk of breeding-“

“Fuck, I’m sorry. I just got carried away—“ Seungcheol begins in a frantic way but Jeonghan cuts him off with a firm but loving tone.

“Seungcheol. It’s not you.” Jeonghan clarifies, holding the alpha’s hands again to get his attention. He swallows past the lump in his throat. “It’s me. I can’t have pups.” 

The alpha makes a confused sound, before letting the words truly sink in and his eyes widen again as he looks absolutely distraught. “Oh, shit, no. I’m so sorry, Hannie.” The nickname does make Jeonghan melt a little into the embrace Seungcheol holds him in, stroking his head and hair while pressing lingering kisses into his temple. He feels so worthless with every sweet gesture. “You’re not worthless.”

Jeonghan blinks, realizing he might have said a bit of his thoughts out loud. He shakes his head again regardless. “I am. Don’t you want a family?”

“I mean, of course—“

“You can’t have a family with me, Cheol. I’m barren. I can’t give you the life you want. That you need as an alpha.” Jeonghan interrupts him, trying to push away from the alpha’s hold. “You deserve so much better.”

When he looks at Seungcheol after a long pause, he sees the look in his eyes. He looks like he’s seething and it makes Jeonghan curl a bit into himself but the alpha notices immediately and calms himself down before pressing another kiss on Jeonghan’s lips. 

“You can’t decide how I feel for me.” Seungcheol mirrors Jeonghan’s earlier words firmly, but not harsh like Jeonghan was expecting. He unfurls a bit. “You gave me your heart and trust. That’s all I want, Jeonghan. I refuse to abandon you when you deserve to live a fulfilling life and I want to be the alpha to give you all of it and more.”

Jeonghan bites his own tongue, trying to tamper his immediate defense to self-degrade more. He needs to listen and actually take into account what the older alpha is saying with conviction. Seungcheol deserves that much. His feelings matter so much to the omega. “I don’t want to rob you of having a future family.” 

“Jeonghan. I’m yours. I want only you.” Every sentence is punctuated with a kiss to different parts of his face before landing a firmer one on his lips and cradles his head against his chest. “You’re all I need.” 

Tears burn in his eyes again but Jeonghan is able to blink them away as his resolve slowly crumbles down. Maybe he is weak for Seungcheol’s pure devotion. Maybe he can live without self sabotaging and actually let himself love and be loved again. They fall into each other once more with kissing and fleeting touches, losing track of time as it begins to get dark when the sun starts to set in the east. 

“We should head back to the cave.” Seungcheol mumbles against the omega’s skin, happy with the marks he’s left behind on his neck. Jeonghan whines lowly as he’s hauled out of the water and onto thin, shaky legs. 

“Oh, you fucked away any strength I had left.” Jeonghan muses weakly as Seungcheol helps steady him while snorting. “Worth it.”

“Lets transform. So we don’t freeze and you’ll probably fare better on four legs.” Seungcheol teases and Jeonghan goes to swipe at him but the alpha easily evades his reach and transforms smoothly before jumping around him playfully. 

“You’re so silly.” Jeonghan says with so much affection, it oozes from him in sweet waves that makes Seungcheol begin to wag his large, fluffy tail. He takes a deep breath before transforming, bracing for the insane pain that travels throughout his body that’s still unused to the change and exiting in a cry as he falls onto four feet and shakes his silken coat out. 

“You’re so beautiful.” 

He hears Seungcheol in his head and the alpha trots over to run his snout along Jeonghan’s flank and nape as he scents him. The omega nips at his neck and the dark wolf prances away once again and he has no choice but to run alongside him as they make their way back while sneakily trying to trip each other. Jeonghan feels so light, affection and warmth seeping into him from Seungcheol’s scent alone as they continue to weave through the trees together. 

Since their attention is shared only between the two wolves, Jeonghan doesn’t notice another wolf until he ends up barreling into them with a cut off whine, falling into a furry heap of long limbs. He barely registers the loud bark behind him from his alpha because all he can smell is the milky scent he knows so well. He scrambles up, whining continuously as he runs his nose against the white wolf’s face beneath him. 

“Gods, Minghao. You’re alive.” 

Jeonghan almost sobs in relief, nudging the other omega to stand up. The bigger wolf shakes his coat of the snow and glowers at the older but relief is sensed in his eyes. 

“Well, you almost took me out.” 

Minghao teases, nipping at Jeonghan before Seungcheol comes between them to knock his body gently against the youngest omega. It’s pack affection and it makes something comforting settle beneath Jeonghan’s fur. 

“I’m so happy to see you again.” 

The alpha expresses with a lick to Minghao’s ear and the omega huffs in faux annoyance.

“Same.”

The sudden voice in their wavelength makes all three wolves look to see a tortoise coated wolf limping from the brush, striking eyes unmistakable. 

“Fuck, Soonyoung!”

Seungcheol goes to give the omega the same treatment, seemingly relieved in his posture as he scents the omega. Soonyoung returns the gestures before hopping to Jeonghan and licking at his cheeks and neck.

“So glad you made it out, hyung.”

The omega sighs, chuffing at Jeonghan and they all take a moment to just bask in their reunion until Soonyoung's smaller wolf steps between them.

“Mingyu?”

It’s a bit tense, with how Minghao stares the oldest down for the answer and Jeonghan can feel intense relief from the omega when Seungcheol bows his head and confirms he’s alive.

“He’s at the cave we found and we're now heading back to.”

Jeonghan explains and Minghao begins to fidget between feet, obviously restless and his scent is anxious to get back.

“Take me to him, please.”

———

It takes maybe half an hour for them to arrive at the cave’s entrance, Minghao becoming more and more worked up the closer they get. Seungcheol goes down the slope first and Jeonghan allows the other two to go in before he trails behind the pack. 

“Seungcheol, did you find—Hao?”

Mingyu stands up immediately from where he was seated by the fire, tears already falling as he looks at loss with what to do next. A few things happen at once when everything comes into view for Jeonghan as he steps down fully into the cave.

Minghao transforms back seamlessly and lets out a relieved but sorrowful cry at Mingyu’s condition and they fall into each other’s embrace, collapsing onto their knees. The omega quickly climbs into his lap, unable to keep his hands to himself, like he’s trying to make sure his mate is real. Alive. Jeonghan’s heart soars at the lovely reunion as he transforms back along with the other last two wolves. 

“Soonyoung!”

Junhui comes running to Soonyoung, hugging him so tight that he chokes and Jeonghan swears he can hear joints cracking as the omega wheezes but looks absolutely gleeful, giddy laughs echoing the cave.

“Hey, you goofball.” Soonyoung coos, shaking his hair out and Wonwoo steps up, smiling in what looks like relief and he hands out clothing so they can all warm up. Jeonghan happily slips his sweater back on with some worn trousers.

“What happened to your finger?” Minghao exclaims, holding Mingyu’s bandaged hand between his and the alpha gives Jeonghan a side glance, like he’s nervous. 

Oh. Right.

It all shamefully rushes back to him. In his feral omegan induced frenzy, he hurt the poor alpha that was just trying to help. Shit. He feels awfully guilty. 

“The bastards cut it off.” Mingyu whines as Minghao dotes on his alpha, kissing his hand. “That’s all they took, though. Aside from my hair.” 

“But—“ When Jeonghan goes to admit his wrong doing, he sees Mingyu shake his head while Minghao isn’t looking while mouthing ‘it’s okay.’

Soonyoung limps over to sit beside Jeonghan, falling against his side to cuddle. “Phew. Me and Hao were tracking down your trail for hours after initially catching wind of it. I’m so glad we happened upon each other.”

“Me too.” Jeonghan wraps an arm around the omega’s shoulders to pull him closer into his side, while Soonyoung gladly accepts the cuddle. “You can walk better?”

“Mhm. Pros of being a wolf, I suppose. We were able to evade some of those nasty dogs. Well, at least the ones that got away from Minghao’s scary wrath.” Soonyoung laughs boisterously, nudging Minghao with his foot that really must be healed. The youngest omega ignores him in favor of scenting his mate, who makes small comments about their pup that they’re now expecting. Mingyu’s hand is resting protectively against his omega’s tummy and conflicted emotions swirl within Jeonghan. The cave is filled with purely happy pheromones and Jeonghan never has felt so comfortable aside from that discomfort that won’t fade away. 

“I’m glad everyone is safe.” Seungcheol speaks up from his place beside Wonwoo, who is checking up on his knee injury that also seems to be healing better. “We should head back for camp in the morning.”

“Definitely. I need to see my Kwan again.” Soonyoung laments sleepily, slumping over completely onto Jeonghan’s lap, who runs his fingers through the younger’s cropped hair. He looks up and catches Seungcheol’s fond gaze and has to look away before his blush completely takes over his cheeks again. 

Shit. He’s very much in love. 

Chapter Text

The fire flickers out before extinguishing completely and Seungcheol moves in closer to press against Jeonghan’s warmth, who is still dozing with a sweet sounding snore. The omega snuggles in closer, instinctively seeking out Seungcheol’s scent gland and the alpha helps him find it with a tilt of his head. Purring starts up and it’s a pleasant vibration against his skin.

Seungcheol has been up for the past few hours, watching the sunrise from how it shines in through the cave entrance and makes a colored backsplash on one of the walls. He sighs as quietly as he can in contentment, but it seems like that was too loud in the morning stillness. His attention is quickly diverted when he hears a soft intake of breath and glances down to see sleepy eyes already watching him. The omega appears well rested and it makes something fond burn inside Seungcheol’s chest. His scent is sweeter than usual and brimming with mirth. 

“Morning.” Seungcheol whispers, not wanting to break the peace of everyone still asleep around them. The omega just smiles at him, eyes continuing to follow the alpha as he moves to prop himself over Jeonghan. “Sleep well?”

Jeonghan has a faint sheen of sweat gathering at his brow and above his pink upper lip. He’s flushed and breathing a bit heavy for how early it is. It feels like his scent is curling around Seungcheol’s neck, acting like a magnet as he presses closer. The blonde still hasn’t said anything yet, just steadily watching his face with an unreadable expression. Like he’s in a daze. “Jeonghan?”

When the omega doesn’t immediately respond, Seungcheol begins to get a little nervous that Jeonghan has gone nonverbal again but before he can ask another question, the blonde pulls the alpha down into a slow kiss. Caught off guard, but not put off in the slightest, Seungcheol lets out a fond huff before returning the soft press of lips. It stays gentle and chaste until Jeonghan pulls back with a nose scrunch.  

“Good morning.” Jeonghan croaks out, running his chilly fingers across every available inch of the alpha’s face and neck before planting a kiss on the corner of his lips. “How’re you feeling?” 

Seungcheol just answers with a low sigh, brushing his lips over Jeonghan’s cheek before nuzzling against his ear and down his neck. “Amazing.” 

A short laugh slips free from the omega and he squirms a little at the affection that Seungcheol continues kissing into his sensitive skin and a well placed nip has Jeonghan’s giggle turning breathy as he melts against the alpha. Jeonghan bites at his lip, almost whining as he seems to become more worked up with every caress. “You’re being so cute.”  

The alpha just continues to leave kisses where he can, unable to stop the overflowing emotions that just don’t stop coming. He really has fallen hard for Yoon Jeonghan. 

“Cheollie. I’m so happy that I have you.” Jeonghan speaks through a steady omegan purr, hands continuing to run through the older man’s dark curls as Seungcheol begins to leave visible marks. The alpha wants to cover him from head to toe in his claim and it almost scares him how possessive his alpha has become after their night together. He feels like he’s on autopilot as his wolf howls in delight at the submission that Jeonghan is trusting with him when he tilts his head to the side and gasps. “Mine.” 

They move against a push and pull until Seungcheol is on top, careful with not letting his full body weight drop onto the smaller omega. Jeonghan looks absolutely happy to be caged in, preening beneath him and brackets his thighs on either side of Seungcheol’s hips. It reminds the alpha of their first night in that tent but with significantly less clothes and he feels arousal begin to thrum beneath his skin. It seeps out in his scent and Jeonghan’s answering grind against him hints that he is in the same situation. 

“Can we..again?” Jeonghan tries to mumble around a little sound when the alpha perfectly shifts his hips against him by accident. 

Normally, Seungcheol would deny it immediately, way too ashamed to actually go through it while so close to his slumbering family and friends but his conscience feels too far away. “Jeonghan..” 

“Seungcheollie, please?” The omega whines so prettily for him and it’s getting harder to say no with every breath he takes of Jeonghan’s scent. 

A small voice in the back of his mind tells him that Jeonghan needs him, even through the pheromone induced fog. He spares quick glances around the still quiet cave and sees everyone else is still asleep, exhaustion doing them in. It might be safe to do something really quick, because Seungcheol doesn’t think he can ever deny the omega anything and the now strong desire has to be extinguished inside him. 

“I need you.” Jeonghan’s soft voice stokes a renewed fire low in his gut and Seungcheol seals his lips with his own. From there, it’s a quick, desperate fumbling that Seungcheol would probably be embarrassed with later if he wasn’t quickly getting more and more turned on. Jeonghan pulls Seungcheol’s pants down enough so he can begin stroking him, the smoothness of Jeonghan’s palm feeling incredible. The alpha can feel his foreskin catching on every upstroke and it makes him drop his mouth open with a silent groan against Jeonghan’s cheek.  “Alpha, please.”

“Jeonghan, m’yours.” Seungcheol hisses against the blonde’s temple, about to get lost in the motions when a loud, pointed cough makes the alpha flinch back so fast he has stars spot his vision. “Shit—“

He scans the dim area and sees Minghao is looking at them with his narrowed, sharp eyes. Junhui and Soonyoung are also staring but look much more amused while trying to (poorly) stifle their giggles. 

“I’m glad you both sorted out whatever was going on but please keep it in your pants until we get home safely.” Minghao says flatly, a still sleeping Mingyu hanging onto his mate’s lap. “Have some shame.” 

“S-sorry, fuck.” Seungcheol pouts and out of the corner of his eye, he can see Jeonghan’s subtle shift in expression into something unreadable. His scent also curdles into something more bitter and it burns Seungcheol’s nose. 

“But..” Minghao tsks while cocking his head to the side, looking at Jeonghan. “He smells different, though. It’s strong. You should back up from him, hyung.” 

When his other two pack members begin whispering to each other, a loud growl breaks the silence and Seungcheol tries to pull away in confusion but is forcefully yanked forward. He barely has time to brace his forearms against the blankets before he knocks foreheads with the blonde beneath him. When he looks down at Jeonghan, the omega is glaring with enough heat to burn him but the younger breaks eye contact to turn his attention to something else. 

“Don’t look at another omega.” Jeonghan’s tone is gritty in a way Seungcheol has never heard before, sharp claws digging into the flesh of the alpha’s shoulders. Seungcheol tries to suppress his wince at the sting but Jeonghan doesn’t break contact with whatever he is staring at. 

He then notices that Jeonghan is focused on a hesitant Minghao. The younger omega just shrinks a bit, his scent causing Mingyu to finally stir awake. He blinks his tired eyes while hugging Minghao tighter, unaware of the new tension that bloomed. The fact that Jeonghan feels threatened even from a mated omega is concerning.

“He smells wrong.” Wonwoo whispers from across the campfire, slowly standing as well. “You need to get off him.” 

He can feel the grip on him tighten as the growling by his ear doesn’t let up. If anything it gets louder. Rougher. “Hannie, we’re safe. Promise.” His words don’t seem to even breach the younger’s brain as he only gets louder in warning as the others step closer. “What’s wrong?” 

“Jeonghannie.” Soonyoung begins carefully, slowly inching his way towards the duo on all fours with a frown. “It’s okay, we’re all a pack here—“

The oldest alpha realizes a beat too late that Soonyoung made the biggest mistake, since he himself is also an unclaimed omega that Jeonghan definitely takes stock of as a big threat. He tries to hold the blonde down when he snarls at Soonyoung, who flinches and falls back on his bottom while Junhui hurries to steady him. Jeonghan is faster than all of them as he pulls himself out from under a baffled Seungcheol to pounce on Soonyoung with a similar strength that he had the day he bit Mingyu. He’s never seen the blonde so animalistic since he ripped Jiyeong’s throat out. 

“Grab him, quick!” Junhui yells as he’s knocked back onto his haunches while Jeonghan tries to claw and bite the younger omega that’s held down under his lithe frame. Soonyoung curses and he actually sounds hurt and scared. It breaks Seungcheol out of his daze. 

He quickly springs into action, easily lifting Jeonghan off of Soonyoung and holds him in a bear hug as the omega kicks and jerks his limbs like he’s trying to break free. Seungcheol can’t fathom where all this raw strength is coming from. “Jeonghan! Fucking snap out of it!” 

Jeonghan almost hisses before he takes a bite deep into Seungcheol’s forearm and it makes something snap inside the alpha as he growls deep and threatening. Without sparing an ounce of strength, he shoves Jeonghan hard against the cave floor. He barely registers the harsh exhale the omega lets out in pain but he’s aware of how afraid he is of Jeonghan’s wellbeing.

“Calm down.” Seungcheol bares all of his weight against the squirming omega and follows what his instincts are screaming at him to do  and bites down into Jeonghan’s shoulder until the tang of blood fills his mouth. He refuses to use his alpha voice. 

“Seungcheol, be careful!” Wonwoo jolts forward, unsure what to do as he hovers above the two. “His gland—“

The omega lets out a sharp whimper in surprise as his body immediately slackens beneath Seungcheol in submission and starts to tremble as if he’s cold. When he feels like Jeonghan won’t act out again, he withdraws his teeth before licking the wounds he left out of instinct and apology. 

“You know how dangerous that was?” Wonwoo sounds upset and shoves the alpha back before checking on Jeonghan’s bruising neck. “You could’ve hit his gland.” 

Seungcheol has to suppress the threatening growl that bubbles up in his throat at being forced away from his omega but he knows it’s his beta brother. I’m not challenged, calm down. 

“He attacked me.” Soonyoung’s voice is uncharacteristically soft as he is pulled into Junhui’s embrace. “Jeonghannie looked so angry.” 

“He didn’t mean it.” Minghao defends, pulling himself away from his confused mate to fall beside Jeonghan’s slackened body. The omega seems to be conscious but his breathing is coming too short and almost wheezing as he continuously trembles. Minghao leans forward and immediately draws back as he puts his hand on Jeonghan’s forehead before looking at Wonwoo and Seungcheol with concern. “He’s going into heat.” 

“W-what, like a pseudo heat again?” Seungcheol feels like his head is numb the more he breathes in. He tries to take in air through his mouth, beginning to pant but as he tries to back away, Jeonghan’s hand grips hard onto his thigh with a low whine. 

“No.” Wonwoo says as he also rubs at his nose. Seungcheol can see the other alphas shift uncomfortably in their peripheral and he actually does begin to growl.  “It’s a full blown heat and it’s affecting you now.” 

Seungcheol can feel sweat begin to bead down his face and there is an ache in his jaw since it’s been clenched. He doesn’t know what to do. It’s not a safe situation for them to be in and Seungcheol’s alpha hates the idea of not being to provide a nest and sufficient protection for his mate—

No. Shaking his head, Seungcheol tries to gain some control back and he scrubs at his face with a huff. “Y-yeah, shit. What do we do?” 

It seems like Jeonghan is coming back to his senses as he moves restlessly against the blanket. He looks like he’s in pain and Seungcheol wants to take it away from him the only way his alpha brain is supplying what he’s supposed to do. 

“There’s no way to properly isolate him, especially under the threat we are facing so we either leave and let the omegas try to tend to him or—“ 

“No, I need to help.” Seungcheol quickly cuts off Wonwoo with a surge forward and it’s aggression that rolls off him in waves. He sees how the omegas recoil and the alphas bristle. “He needs me. Me.” 

Wonwoo frowns and Minghao sighs in exhaustion before continuing to stroke Jeonghan’s hair back off his forehead. “You aren’t an experienced alpha, Seungcheol-ah. That’s really not safe. He could be hurt or he could hurt you.” 

Suppressing the need to scoff, Seungcheol gestures to the omega’s hand that’s currently digging its claws into the meat of his thigh. As if to prove his point. Though, Minghao forcibly pries Jeonghan’s fingers open until he releases the alpha with a cry. Seungcheol’s heart aches at the sound. 

“Let the omegas help.” Junhui speaks up and Soonyoung gives a jerky nod with wide eyes.“They know how to make it easier. Plus, Wonwoo being a beta, won’t be affected if he stays to monitor as a doctor.” 

Jeonghan just continues to whine, though it’s broken up with his quick intakes of air. He just looks so-helpless and in pain that Seungcheol’s instincts are screaming for him to ease it all for his omega. He places his hand against Jeonghan’s cheek and the blonde immediately nuzzles against his palm as if trying to take in as much of his scent as possible. He takes a big gulp of air himself and lets it out slowly. “Okay.”

Though Seungcheol agrees, and Jeonghan starts to cry silently, tears falling down pink cheeks, Seungcheol doesn’t get up to move. He feels locked into place even as Minghao and Soonyoung both crowd around the oldest omega.

“Let’s go, hyung.” Arms tuck under his armpits and lift him up before dragging him out into the early morning light. He can hear Jeonghan’s voice sound absolutely wrecked and almost wailing and it wounds his alpha incredibly. He can already feel his clouded mind begin to clear the more he breathes in the fresh air. Mingyu lets him down gently into the snow and Seungcheol welcomes the chill. He puts his head in his hands.

“You’ll be grateful later.” Junhui’s voice sounds somewhere above him and he only offers a grunt in response. He just feels useless, taken away from his poor omega when he needs him the most. Seungcheol hopes Jeonghan will forgive him and understand why he couldn’t stay once the heat passes. 

“It should only last a day or two without an alpha.” Mingyu explains with a heavy hand on Seungcheol’s shoulder. He just sighs shakily and seemingly deflates even more into himself. The remaining arousal has slipped from his fingers and now he just feels cold. Lonely and cold. 

It feels like hours until Seungcheol feels normal enough to lift his head. It’s still early morning but it’s a bit brighter with the sun peeking through the clouds. He is met with Mingyu’s smiling face. Seungcheol notices how his scars are barely noticeable now. 

“Where are we going to stay? Since, y’know, we’re forbidden from the cave right now.” Junhui asks while he pauses from making his half-assed snowman. It’s deformed but has a slight charm to it. Seungcheol can’t help but smile slightly. 

Mingyu hums. “There was a wolf burrow just to the east. That way we’re close enough to make sure no one enters. Or exits.”

They agree with the plans and just sit there in relative peace until a choked off moan is heard and Seungcheol stands up abruptly, scaring the two younger alphas. 

“We should hunt or something.” Seungcheol suggests, needing to shake this restless energy out. The other two alpha agree with nods and smiles that reassure Seungcheol that everything will be fine. Jeonghan will be fine. 

He strips down before sprinting off as his wolf. It doesn’t take long for the two other alphas to catch up. 

——-

The days pass agonizingly slow, Seungcheol running low on his social battery, since his two younger packmates love to chat and goof off for hours. They notice his grumpy behavior and have learned to back off when a growl is a bit too loud and pointed. They’d been in their wolves the whole time, hunting and dropping the bleeding game by the entrance of the cave, which Wonwoo accepts graciously. Even if its faint, Seungcheol can smell his omega on Wonwoo’s clothes and he has to back off before he bites at his brother in needless jealousy induced fit. 

He feels absolutely insane. 

When Soonyoung pops into their makeshift hobble, he looks tired but flushed and relieved. He grins at the three alpha, who shift back to their natural selves and get dressed when Soonyoung announces that Jeonghan’s heat fever has finally broken. Seungcheol never ran so fast in his life, excited to see the blonde after so long. Two days have never dragged like that before. 

He descends the slope, sliding into the open area of the cave with ease since his knee has healed enough now and he is hit with the lingering pheromones that sit stagnant in the air. He takes a shuddering inhale and pushes any instinctual urges as he sees ruffled blonde hair. 

Jeonghan is sound asleep, drool and all as he is curled into Minghao’s side and gripping him like a lifeline. It settles something that was anxious in the alpha to see the omega so at peace, basically glowing in the dim cave. Minghao smiles tiredly at the returning group, running the hand that’s free through his silver shag and sighs quietly. 

“He okay?” Seungcheol asks once he gets closer, Mingyu right on his heels and he can feel the younger alpha look over his shoulder. Jeonghan’s eyebrow furrows but he remains asleep. 

“Exhausted.” Minghao whispers, hiding a yawn behind his fist. “Both of us.”

Mingyu makes a little sad sound and hurries to drop beside his omega, reaching out to either touch or pet his mate’s head but suddenly, Jeonghan bites the offending hand with a growl. Mingyu yelps as he jerks his hand back, cradling it to his chest. Seungcheol can’t help but snort at the display, glad it isn’t him this time. 

“Why does he keep biting me?” Mingyu wines and Minghao just runs a soothing hand along Jeonghan’s neck and shoulder. 

“He’s going to be a bit possessive because of the heat bond but it’ll fade quickly.” Wonwoo chuckles and Seungcheol watches Jeonghan slowly lower himself back down against Minghao while growling in warning. He hides in the crook of the younger omega’s neck and Seungcheol bends down next to a whining Mingyu. 

“Jeonghannie?” Seungcheol begins softly and when the blonde doesn’t move or acknowledge him, he shares a look with Minghao. “My love? How’re you feeling?” 

That gets Jeonghan to lift his head enough to peek one eye at him, pupal dilated. He moves onto his side so that he can face the alpha while still gripping Minghao like a stuffed animal but there is a small pout on his lips. “You left me.”

“I’m sorry, truly I am.” Something breaks in Seungcheol’s chest that feels suspiciously like his heart at the betrayal in Jeonghan’s expression. “I wanted to stay, believe me but this was the safer option.”

Jeonghan’s gaze sharpens into a glare before he flops onto his other side, facing away from the alpha and Seungcheol wants to beg and plead for his omega’s attention again. He swallows his guilt when Minghao gestures for Seungcheol to trade places with him, which he gladly accepts. 

“No—don’t-“ Jeonghan hisses and refuses the omega leaving at first but with Minghao now safely in his Mingyu’s arms, he gives up with a loud huff. Seungcheol slips his way under the ratty blanket Jeonghan is covering up with. His leg brushes against Jeonghan’s and the omega shivers before Seungcheol engulfs him in an embrace, pulling him in against his chest. He tries to ignore the fact the omega is still naked for his own sanity as the blonde struggles at first before ultimately giving up in his weakened state. 

“I’m sorry.” Seungcheol mumbles again into the soft wispy hair that curls over the omega’s ear and he feels Jeonghan tense up a bit in his arms. He scents against Jeonghan’s nape until the blonde eventually grows lax in his arms, exhaustion finally taking back over. He smells so sweet, the heat addled remnants in his pheromones are still strong enough to tickle the alpha’s nose and he takes in a deep breath, maybe selfishly reviling in how it makes his face burn pleasantly. 

“Cheol-ah.” Soonyoung speaks up and Seungcheol turns his head back enough to catch the omega watching with a fond grin and a wiggle of his light eyebrows. “Need us to leave you two alone for a bit?” 

“We will gladly leave if you continue to stink up the place.” Minghao complains, basically ignoring a doting Mingyu who is plastered against his mate’s back profusely scenting him. “Plus, he missed you. Wouldn’t stop calling out for you during the worst of it.”

Jeonghan just grumbles without any true heat as he wiggles in the alpha’s arms a bit more. “It hurt..” 

“We had to rein him in multiple times from running out of the cave like a madman.” Soonyoung laughs and Seungcheol can see this faraway look on Wonwoo’s face, like he’s reliving something traumatic. “Couldn’t get him off enough times before he’d get aggressive and try to bite us.”

The jealousy flares again and Seungcheol accepts that he’s just a possessive alpha. Jeonghan only mumbles something else  unintelligible into the alpha’s skin, pressing his teeth against Seungcheol’s neck like a threat. The omega whines loud enough for Seungcheol to hear. “Y’left me.” 

Seungcheol can’t help but feel this overwhelming guilt for leaving Jeonghan, even if it ultimately was the right thing to do. His alpha does not know the difference, just thinks that he abandoned the omega at his most vulnerable. “I’ll never do it again.”

Nails dig into where Jeonghan holds him as his scent blooms and it’s borderline suffocating in the best way possible. He can hear the others shuffle back away from them. “Promise me.”

“I promise.” Seungcheol can’t help but chuckle as he plants a kiss where he can reach, which is the blonde crown of Jeonghan’s head. “I’m yours.”

————

Pain erupts like a blinding light behind Seungcheol’s eyes as he is knocked down onto the loose dirt beneath him. He struggles to get air back into his lungs as his father looms above, probably sneering at his eldest son’s crumpled form. 

“Really?” He scoffs, nudging Seungcheol with his bare foot before landing a kick into the young alpha’s stomach. “Get up, now.” 

Seungcheol tries. He really does.

But a swift hit to his left hip this time causes Seungcheol to be flipped onto his back and he gasps at the new pain that sends a shiver down his leg. He swallows whatever sob is about to escape and is finally able to muster enough strength to clamber up into his knees but he feels something hit the center of his back and holds him down. It must be his father. He’s as worthless as the dirt beneath the head alpha’s foot.

Startled voices ring out in the center of camp where, in honor of Seungcheol’s presentation as an alpha, the head alpha decided to have his eldest prove himself in a spar and sheer inexperience and age is Seungcheol’s downfall here. He was never told he’d have to do something like this if he presented as an alpha but now he is upset at himself for it. 

“He can’t get up with you on him like that!” 

The familiar voice causes Seungcheol to turn his head with a flicker of hope, wincing at the grit that scratches at his delicate cheeks. He sees his beautiful mother coming towards them. Her waist length black hair is pulled up into a tight bun with a butterfly pin keeping it in place. It’s Seungcheol’s favorite. 

“What a strong alpha you are.” She hisses at the head alpha, who backs off enough for Seungcheol to take in a desperate breath and crawl back until he feels like he’s a safe distance away. His young brother Hansol is perched on her hip with his fist in his mouth. He just turned five and he’s already getting bigger than expected but Seungcheol has also presented earlier than normal, so they are an abnormal family. “Making a thirteen year old go against someone twice his size? Thrice his age?” 

Seungcheol can hear the alpha above him blow air out through his teeth in a sneer  and his heart drops into his stomach. He knows he’ll get a beating for this later. “My love, it’s tradition. You know this.”

“I know this and I loathe it.” She corrects, moving to Seungcheol and squats down before offering her hand, uncaring of the dirt and grime. The young alpha quickly takes it, Hansol’s curious gaze watching intensely and it makes the alpha smile at his now youngest brother, who smiles with cute baby teeth on display. “Come on, baby. Let’s find your other brothers and go into the grove. Apples need to be picked.”

Seungcheol nods multiple times as his mother holds his hand and helps him up. Her scent. Seungcheol greedily takes it in. Seungcheol begins walking off with his mother with a slight limp but his father’s voice cuts through his short lived peace. 

“Keep treating him like a weak pup and he’ll never become what he needs to be.” The alpha growls, and Seungcheol’s mother only picks up their pace as she coos to a fidgeting Hansol. 

“Don’t listen to him, Seungcheollie. You’re perfect just how you are, my little alpha.” His mother reassures him with a bright smile and it does ease his worries. At least for now. “I’ll never let him hurt you again.” 

Later that night, Seungcheol is getting their sleeping mats and blankets situated as his younger brothers watch on curiously. Mingyu is hitting the stick he found in the grove earlier that day against a glaring Wonwoo’s foot, who finally gets fed up and ends up tackling the younger with a battle cry. They began  play wrestling by the time Seungcheol clears his throat to get their attention. Hansol continues munching on his third apple of the night. 

“I hope when you all present that father doesn’t do what he did to me.” Seungcheol mumbles as he falls against the soft blankets, pressing his cheek against the material to try and see if he can scent anything but it’s only the subtle milky aroma that sticks to unpresented pups. “It’s unfair. I didn’t ask for this.” 

“Alpha is so mean.” Mingyu pouts, pulling Wonwoo with him over to the finished nest that Seungcheol made for them and tosses his older brother at the alpha. Wonwoo squeaks as Seungcheol wraps his arms around him in a tight hug. The youngest is quick to cozy up next to them with a sigh and Mingyu just lays across their feet. “You’re gonna be able to beat him once you’re a full grown alpha. I just know it!”

Wonwoo hums his agreement and Seungcheol feels affection flair in his chest at the love and support from his younger brothers. He blinks tears away as he stares up at the ceiling. 

“I hope so.” 

——-

“We need to get back.” Junhui urges, hurrying up with getting all their supplies together before slinging the tote over his shoulder and helping Soonyoung onto his back. The omega loosely wraps his arms around Junhui’s neck and frowns. “I have a bad feeling that just won’t go away.”

Seungcheol is beginning to feel nervous as he ties his shoestrings with shaky hands and gets back  onto his feet as Jeonghan pulls his sweater on. “We will get back soon, Jun.” The alpha assures with a nervous glance to his brothers and they share the same thought: Junhui’s instincts and gut feelings are never wrong. 

“We are close enough to our camp now so it should only take a few hours to get back on foot.” Wonwoo says, rubbing his eyes. They must be bothering the beta, since he’s been without glasses for so long. “Junhui, Soonyoung and I can head off first, just so we can make sure no one will ambush us.”

“Mingyu, Hao and Jeonghan will be with me.” Seungcheol agrees, feeling the blonde omega slide his hand into his own. Affection fills his chest. “Please be careful. We’ll be right behind you guys.” 

Wonwoo gives a quick nod, motioning for Junhui to follow as they climb the cave entrance and disappear into the light shining in. Seungcheol swallows around the lump in his throat, his scent probably giving his fears away and he feels his hand being squeezed. The alpha meets Jeonghan’s bright eyes and the blonde smiles. 

“Let’s go.” Jeonghan pulls Seungcheol along, Mingyu and Minghao bringing up the rear as they exit the cave for hopefully the last time and set out into the forest. 

Chapter Text

“It’s sure been quiet around here.” Hansol mumbles against Jisoo’s bare chest, barely awake and probably still dreaming. Affection flares in Jisoo’s heart regardless. 

“Awh.” Jisoo grins, running his fingers through Hansol’s mousy hair and the younger beta lets out a contented sigh. “Miss your noisemaker brothers?”

Hansol makes a soft noise in confirmation, rolling onto his back before staring up at the ceiling of Jisoo’s tent. The older beta  takes the moment to appreciate the other’s handsome profile, realizing how much he has missed seeing Hansol’s face. 

“Very much. I hope they find Mingyu and Soonyoung.” Hansol mumbles, scratching at his sweaty forehead, thick eyebrows furrowed. “It was rough, Shua.” 

“I know. They will, I’m sure of it.” It’s when Jisoo makes a small sigh that Hansol turns his head to face him again. Jisoo lifts his hand to caress his knuckles against Hansol’s prominent cheekbone before running it along the length of his neck. They settle in the hollow of the beta’s throat. “I know, pup. I’m thankful you came back to us. I’ve missed your face. Blank stares and all.”

A blush dusts across Hansol’s cheeks before he smiles shyly and Jisoo finds it amusing since he was mounting the younger only an hour earlier so why be bashful now? He says so before kissing him slowly, letting it linger but he lets Hansol pull back. “In all seriousness, I’m happy to be back. Like this. With you.”  

Jisoo grins and goes in for another kiss but Hansol pulls away just out of reach and it makes the older huff in faux exasperation, unable to keep the grin from his face. “Are you teasing me, pup?”

Something glints in Hansol’s hazel eyes and Jisoo snorts, about to wrestle him but as soon as he gets the younger beta beneath him again, the sound of someone brushing through his tent entrance makes him jolt back, comically creating distance between them but it’s obvious by what nudity (that can be seen) shows what they were doing. 

“Woah, ew, okay.” Seungkwan makes a noise in disapproval, hands on his hips as he approaches their mat, using his foot to shove at Hansol’s bare thigh. “I thought you two weren’t supposed to be…doing this.” 

“We’ve made our choices.” Jisoo scoffs, pulling his blanket higher up his lap. They aren’t supposed to be doing this, it’s true. But he doesn’t want to get into all of that right now. He could care less about what the head alpha wants for his children. “What is it, Kwan-ah?” 

“I need my best friend for a moment. The pups are all becoming a handful for just me so I need the extra hands.” Seungkwan clarifies, gesturing to Hansol and the beta sighs before getting up and getting dressed. “Also, I think the head asshole wants to speak with you.”

Jisoo sighs, head dropping back as he curses his luck. What the hell would the head alpha want with him now? 

“The last thing you want is for that monster to come looking for you.” Hansol says easily  about his own father, which doesn’t surprise Jisoo in any way. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” 

“Yeah, yeah I know.” Jisoo says with a pout, slipping his pants on before standing up to shuck on his modern hanbok. He bends down to slip on his boots but glances up at Hansol as he’s leaving. “See you tonight?”

The younger smiles, giving a slight nod before leaving with a huffing Seungkwan who is pulling him along by the forearm. Jisoo stands up, whistling as he goes towards the entrance and snatches one of his many scarves to wrap around his neck. His gaze slips to the side and he sees Jeonghan’s half made nest and something stings in his chest. They’ve all been gone for a little over a week now. The worry that he’s been able to stave off begins to creep back in and Jisoo has to shake his head as he leaves and heads towards the alpha’s tent. 

He barely has one foot in the door before the alpha immediately addresses him with no formalities. “Hong. I have a request.”

Jisoo sighs, running a hand through his hair to maybe make himself a bit more presentable. “Well, I’m technically not a member of your pack. So, it’s not obligatory for me to do anything for you, alpha.”

“I don’t have the patience for the flippancy today, boy.” The alpha growls, rounding his desk before looking down his prominent nose at Jisoo. “You need to go find my useless son and his group.”

“Why?” Jisoo rolls his eyes and makes sure it’s obvious. “I’m sure they’ll be back any day now.  I’m not going to risk my life to sniff them out for you when they are all plenty more capable than me.”

The alpha slams his hand down on the desk, knocking some papers to the ground with how fast he moves. “In case you forgot, your shameful nomadic parents dumped you into my care, so you wouldn’t still be here if not for my generosity. So, you listen to me.”

“Yeah, but then you took me and pawned me off to the same pack that has caused nothing but death and trouble for you. I had to survive on my own there until I was old enough to escape, and that wasn’t with your ‘generosity’ so save me the guilt trip.” Jisoo can’t help but snap back at the alpha, uncharacteristically losing his grip on his emotions. He just doesn’t want to bring up his parents or think further on why he was abandoned. It’s not something he likes to rehatch. 

“You are to seek out Seungcheol and his group. To take care of that omegan boy that has seduced my weak willed son so that when he returns, he will fulfill his rite to who we agreed upon and I don’t want any reason for him to deny this further.” The long winded speech from the alpha almost makes Jisoo’s head spin and he goes to bite back but the alpha gets into his space before hooking his hand around his collar to pull the beta closer until they are almost nose to nose. “Don’t forget that there are a lot of wolves that want to take a bite out of you for crossing them, beta. So, do yourself a favor and do as I say or I’ll throw you to whoever wants you first.”

Jisoo wrenches himself free, smoothing his clothes out with a very pointed glare at the old man. “I could care less about your empty threats. I’m not hurting my friends just because you threaten my safety.” The beta turns to leave, anger past its boiling point but the alpha’s voice makes him pause. 

“I know you have eyes for my youngest.” The alpha grouses, expression too pleased at seeing him strike another nerve in Jisoo. “I could send him away in your place if you’re so quick to deny me. Think carefully.” 

—————-

“It occurred to me.” Hansol muses as he and Jisoo walk together. Their shoulders brush every now and then and Jisoo feels at peace after such turmoil that’s been clouding his head after talking to the head alpha, even if it was almost a week ago. 

“Do tell.” Jisoo presses, watching his boots crunch down into the snow. The winter is only becoming harsher, with snowfall almost every day and the bitter chill not letting up even at the warmest point of the day. Jisoo absentmindedly wonders how regular humans survive something so frigid.  

“It’s been well over a week now. Almost two.” The younger beta begins, scratching at his neck absentmindedly before meeting Jisoo’s eyes. “What if something happened to them?”

By them, he knows he means Seungcheol’s convoy. It has taken a bit longer than Jisoo had originally thought it would but he brushed it off. The idea of anything happening to them hasn’t even crossed his mind. Now that it’s planted though, Jisoo worries at his bottom lip with his teeth.  

“Well, let’s hope not.” Jisoo laughs but it sounds tight. He clears his throat behind his fist. “Cheol-ah has always been careful so I’m sure he’s being extra cautious about making sure everyone is okay.”

Hansol is quiet after that as they continue their walk. It’s when Jisoo’s mind begins to wander that the other beta speaks up again. “I just..If I lose all of my brothers at once, I don’t know if I can handle that.”

Jisoo frowns, seeing how to anyone else, Hansol’s expression may seem passive but he knows by the slight twitch to his brow and the downturn of his lips that the younger is very troubled by these thoughts. Jisoo himself has never been the best at relating since he knows nothing about his family or if he even has siblings but he does have experience comforting. 

So, when he reaches for Hansol’s hand and the younger beta accepts it easily before entwining their fingers. Jisoo gives a slight squeeze, continuing their walk. “They’ll be back. I know it.” Jisoo assures, letting a sigh leave and watching it become smoke in the freezing air. “They’re very capable.”

“You’re right.” Hansol easily relents, maybe for his own peace of mind since he’s never been the type to spiral. 

Jisoo stops them, pulling Hansol into a tight hug, making the younger wheeze into his bicep. “Trust me, okay.” 

“I do! Now release before you choke me out.” Hansol flails a bit and breathes out a sigh of relief after being freed. “I don’t know how you’re so strong.” 

Jisoo only winks at him and the younger beta flushes profusely.

—————-

“How’re you fairing by yourself?” Jisoo asks, twirling one of the stethoscopes in his hands as he sits by a hospital bed. Seokmin is dozing peacefully, his machines beeping rhythmically in the background. Jisoo could probably take a nap like this too. 

“As well as one would, though I think Chan is having Wonwoo withdrawals.” Jihoon mumbles, sitting on the other side of the bed, his daughter in his lap as he absentmindedly pets her unruly hair while she sleeps. The youngest must be in Seungkwan’s care. “Put that down already. You’ll break it.”

“I’ve never broken something in my life!” Jihoon’s responding glare is enough to make Jisoo snort. “I swear!” With another short laugh, Jisoo obliges, setting the tool on the end table before sitting back with his arms crossed. “Seokmin has only been awake once, right?” 

Jihoon hums with a nod, eyes not leaving his mate’s relaxed face. Most of his bruises are basically healed and the wounds are also progressing well. Jisoo knows the alpha should bounce back to his normally vibrant self soon. 

“Did you think you were going to lose him at all during this?” Jisoo asks and the omega finally tears his eyes away to meet his own. As intimidatingly feline as ever. 

“I haven’t slept more than three hours a night since he was brought back in that condition.” Jihoon admits and Jisoo can see the evidence in the younger’s black circles and gaunt expression. His hair is also a tangled blonde mess tied back in a bun that’s barely holding on. “I think he’s progressed to a point that I can let myself not fuck up my circadian rhythm anymore than I already have. Plus, the first thing he asked me when he awoke was if I was sick, so I know I don’t look my best right now.” 

“I can watch over him tonight for you.” Jisoo offers and he’s quick to add when he sees Jihoon look like he’s ready to decline. “Go sleep with your pups. You need it and I’m sure they’d love to be somewhere that isn’t this tent for once.” 

It takes a moment before the omega sighs in defeat. “Okay, I trust you. Thanks, Shua.” 

“Anytime.” Jisoo replies with a kind smile. 

Later that night, Jisoo found himself in the medical tent like he promised, sitting at the end of the hospital bed watching Seokmin try to eat the fruit and malted chips that the beta fetched for him earlier. Jihoon had advised against salty things for now but Jisoo snuck in just a little bit after the alpha begged, knowing it wouldn’t do anything noticeable. 

“How do you feel in comparison to yesterday?” Jisoo asks and Seokmin looks up with cheeks full of his chewed up mixture, swallowing most of it before answering, much to Jisoo’s appreciation. 

“Well, ever since I woke up a few days ago, I've been doing pretty well I think.” Seokmin explains, sipping his water. His voice is still rough from misuse. “My head is less foggy.” 

Jisoo smiles, taking the cup to refill it with more water. “You do seem like you’re getting back to your old self.” 

“Yeah, I just feel guilty for being troublesome for Jihoon’s.” Seokmin admits around a frown, picking at a few loose grapes before popping one into his mouth and tossing the other at the beta. Jisoo dodges it easily. “Having to take care of me along with the kiddos. I just— ugh, I feel like a useless alpha.” 

“You aren’t useless, Seokmin. You’re recovering.” Jisoo is quick to laugh off as he hands him the refilled cup, ruffling his now clean hair. “Jihoon is just a very competent omega and he’d burn down a whole camp for you.” 

“He is the best.” Seokmin chuckles, taking another sip, coughing a bit into his cup right after. “He would barely let me help him both times when he was carrying our children. Even if he was hobbling and sickly, he’d rather have teeth pulled than ask for help.”

Jisoo whistles, roaming around the small closed off room, scanning the various papers pinned to wooden makeshift presentation boards and artwork from Mimi. The beta finds himself smiling softer at the crudely drawn wolves and trees. “He must’ve really been exhausted then to take the night off finally.”

“Ugh.” Seokmin groans helplessly as he throws his bandaged forearm over his face. Luckily, he didn’t spill the water still held in his other fist. “I miss sleeping in our nest with our pups. I always hated how this tent smells. Too sterile.” 

The beta hums in understanding, sitting back on the bed, looking the alpha in the eye. “There is a reason why I asked Jihoon to take the night off.”

At that, Seokmin dawns a rare, skeptical expression, gaze not wavering as he sizes Jisoo up. “I assumed. You usually have an ultimatum with your good deeds.” 

“Not always true.” Jisoo laughs, leaning forward. “I just need you to know that the lovely head alpha asked something of me and I definitely don’t plan to obey.”

“Fuck.” Seokmin groans, flopping back against his pillows after safely setting his food and drink aside. “Is this going to cause the pack trouble? Please don’t put any of us in harm's way. Especially the pups.”

“Give me more credit here. I actually like you guys.” Jisoo says with a short laugh, patting the alpha’s wrapped thigh, who winces slightly with a pout. “It’s for our benefit that I ignore it.” 

“What is it he asked of you,” Seokmin asks after a long pause, looking up through his bangs at the older beta. 

Jisoo’s easy smile finally slips from his face as he levels his stare. “To make sure Jeonghan doesn’t come back. Which, I’d never do anything to purposely jeopardize his wellbeing. The alpha just assumes it's because of my reputation that I’m disloyal.”

“Shit.” Seokmin frowns with a furrow to his brow. “He’s insane if he thought he could get you to hurt Jeonghan.”

“He did threaten me if I refused but that doesn’t bother me, usually.” Jisoo narrows his gaze at the reminder of what the head alpha said. “But threatening Hansol? His own son? Never.” The alpha’s eyes widen in surprise but he doesn’t say anything right away so Jisoo continues. “I still plan to ignore the demand but I need others to know so Hansol stays safe.”

“No problem.” Seokmin agrees to the unsaid request and Jisoo smiles as he ruffles the alpha’s hair again. “What an assole.” 

————

A few more days have passed and it’s almost been two weeks since the group has been gone. Anxiety begins to eat at the edges of Jisoo’s mind. He can tell the others smell it on him. The head alpha refuses to let up pressure on his previous demand. 

“Hyung, you okay?” Chan asks from where he’s sitting on Jeonghan’s (barely there) nest with Seungkwan and they seem to be sewing something together. 

“Yeah, ‘course. Why do you ask?” Jisoo mumbles around his fingers as he opens the map he has made with Jeonghan and Seungcheol months ago. It’s a pretty accurate sketch of their encampment in regards to where Jeonghan’s was. They shouldn’t be taking this long..

“Well, you’ve been chewing on your nails for half an hour.” Seungkwan muses, holding a scarf up to Chan for him to try on. He makes a ‘tsk’ sound before unwrapping it rather aggressively, jostling the poor beta around. He can hear Hansol laugh at the shenanigans from where he’s laying his head on Jisoo’s shoulder, also peeking at the map.

“He has a point.” Hansol humors, pulling Jisoo’s hand away from his lips before planting a kiss on the reddened fingers instead. 

“Gag me.” Seungkwan teases as he makes a disgusted expression in their direction. 

“Please, I’ve seen you do way worse.” Hansol says flatly and Chan laughs boisterously in agreement. Seungkwan just pouts and quickly goes back to his scarf that he begins to knit faster. The thread looks like it’s starting to tangle in Chan’s hands. 

“Yah! Don’t tangle my thread!” Seungkwan scolds, playfully knocking against Chan’s head who whines, trying to hit him back. 

Jisoo sighs loudly, which barely quiets their bickering. “I didn’t sign up to be a babysittter. That’s your job.” He gestures to Seungkwan, who sticks his tongue out at him. 

They sit in a comfortable silence, Jisoo almost being lulled into a light nap until Hansol sits up abruptly, making Jisoo flinch and look at him quizzically. Hansol looks between all of them with wide eyes and a bitterness seeps into his scent. “Did any of you hear that?”

“No?” Jisoo answers, all of them quiet as they try to listen to what the younger beta could possibly be hearing. All he gets back is the normal stillness associated with the calm camp. “What did you hear exactly?” 

When Hansol doesn’t answer right away, still on high alert, Jisoo can see Seungkwan and Chan becoming uneasy, shifting closer to each other while glancing at the entrance.

Then Jisoo hears it.

He wouldn’t have noticed it if Hansol hadn’t drawn attention to it. It’s the faintest howling, maybe out in the forest or closer to the perimeter. He can hear Hansol growl low beside him and his heart begins to race. It doesn’t sound like any of their wolves. 

“Who is that—?” Chan barely gets his question out before a small wolf comes barreling through the tent, gnawing and snarling while entangled with another, equally aggressive larger wolf. 

Everyone jumps back except Hansol who transforms immediately to try and break them up. Dread seizes Jisoo by the throat as he realizes that the smaller, bleeding wolf that Hansol is trying to help is only a pup. One of Mingyu’s twins but he can’t tell which one. 

Seungkwan makes a sound that Jisoo never thought he’d have to hear again. It’s one of complete anger and suddenly with a strength he had no idea the omega possessed, Seungkwan scruffs the assailant wolf and pulls hard to expose their throat for Hansol to have an opening. The beta quickly takes the stranger out at their bared neck and it makes an awful sound as Hansol continues holding them in his jaws to be extra sure. Cries are heard from outside the tent and Dohyun clambers inside, face smeared with blood and mud as she looks soaked to the bone from melted snow. Her shaking hands are reaching out listlessly and Jisoo immediately rushes forward to scoop her up into his arms. 

“Oh, sweetheart.” The beta breathes out in relief when the pup hugs him tight, showing she still has strength. “You okay? what happened?”

She’s unable to talk through her tears, burrowing into Jisoo’s shoulder. Seungkwan collapses onto the ground to pull the poor pup into his arms, already crying while petting them gently across their snout. 

“Oh, Daehyunnie, I'm so sorry. I shouldn’t have left you all—“ It seems like something dawns on the omega as he yells at Chan to help stop the bleeding. Daehyun whines weakly, digging his nose into the crook of Seungkwan’s arm. “The other pups-I didn’t—I left them with my assistant but she isn’t a fighter. I hope they didn’t get her, oh gods no—“ 

Chan immediately comes up beside Seungkwan, taking the injured pup into his arms to assess the wound but jostles the older omega with his free hand. “He’s okay, it’s only a surface wound. Take Hansol and check on the pups.” 

With a shaky nod, he immediately takes off with Hansol out of the tent. Chan looks back to Jisoo, looking as frazzled as the older beta feels. An odd feeling of fear and anxiety wells up in his gut, like he might vomit. He holds the crying pup in his arms closer. 

“Hyung, we need to take them to the medical tent. She seems okay but Daehyun isn't.” Chan urges, easily gathering up the small pup into his arms and getting to his feet. He kicks at the corpse on the floor. “Who is that?”

“Evil dog.” Dohyun cries, little nails digging into Jisoo’s shoulders. She continues to blabber, in obvious hysteria. “Evil, evil.” 

Jisoo looks at the wolf continuously bleeding out in his tent, his beautiful, intricate rugs now stained a ruddy brown. He frowns, nose burning at the familiar, stale scent. “From the pack that took Mingyu and Soonyoung.” 

Something passes over Chan’s expression, worrying his bottom lip between blunt teeth. Jisoo helps steer him outside and they move out into the camp, scanning for any sign of more enemy wolves. It’s now eerily quiet again. Jisoo holds the pup in his arms closer. 

“If it is them, does that mean Seungcheol’s group..” Before Chan can finish that thought, Jisoo pulls the younger into the closest tent, which happens to be vacant. He puts a finger up to his mouth to quiet him when Chan opens his. The younger quiets immediately, holding the whimpering pup closer to his body to try and muffle the sound. Dohyun puts both her hands over her mouth and burrows against Jisoo’s chest. 

Shuffling is heard, along with joyful yelling and whooping as a small group of men, a few of them as wolves that are chasing each other like they are having a festival, dragging a few bodies that Jisoo doesn’t recognize but that causes something to drop in his chest. They are after blood. 

Revenge. 

Seungcheol’s group must’ve done something to really make the pack angry, for them to come here strictly to kill. Jisoo looks to Daehyun, who is shaking in Chan’s arms, then to Dohyun and he swears to himself . They are even attacking their pups, which is unspeakably cruel.

“What do we do?” Chan whispers, trying to peek out where Jisoo is. The older beta doesn’t answer, trying to think of something but he’s never been a leader, much less a fighter. He’s been on his own most of his life, hopping back and forth between different packs. He still cares for everyone here, though. Unwilling to watch any more of them perish to these mongrels. 

“We need to get to the medical tent for Daehyun. Also to make sure the Lee family is okay. Especially considering Seokmin’s condition.” Jisoo whispers once the group of wolves passes. Chan nods to him in agreement, following as soon as Jisoo exits and they quickly make their way towards the medical tent.

Luckily it’s not far from Jisoo’s so they’re able to slip in without any fanfare. It seems like it had been overlooked by the raiding party and that settles the beta a little bit. When they enter, Jihoon perks up immediately at the scent of blood and looks shocked to see the pup in Chan’s arms. He hurries over with arms outstretched. Dohyun starts to cry, picking up the upset omegan pheromones. 

“What happened?” He asks in a slight panic, going to take the poor child out of Chan’s grasp to place them gently on a nearby bed and gets to work prepping and cleaning the blood away from the fur enough to see the shallow wound. “He was bit? Dohyun okay?”

“Yeah. Our pack is under attack.” Chan says with a sense of urgency as he tries to help Jihoon with supplies and disinfecting the wounds peaking out from the pup’s dark fur. He can see the way the omega stiffens but quickly pulls himself together to focus on Daehyun. It churns Jisoo’s stomach and he has to look away, turning towards the entrance with a weariness that is palpable. Dohyun’s crying dies down and Jisoo chances a glance to see she must’ve cried herself to exhaustion. He goes to lay her gently on a nearby bed. “He’s stable, right?”

Jihoon makes a short noise, inspecting Daehyun closely. “He’ll be okay. He’s strong for his age, probably will present as an alpha.” Then he catches Jisoo’s attention when he asks. “What happened?”

“A couple of us were in Joshua’s tent and this wolf came crashing in with Hyunnie in between its jaws.” Chan explains instead when Jisoo can’t find his words, getting supplies as Jihoon calls them out and helps with holding the pup still as the blonde inserts a needle into Daehyun’s flank. Only a small yelp is heard before the wolf slowly relaxes and rests against the surface. 

“What about the others?” Jihoon asks quietly. His eyes are bloodshot and rimmed with discoloration. 

“I-not sure. Seungkwan and Hansol ran off to the pup tent to check.” Chan says, still a bit shaken up as he looks at his bloodied hands and quickly tries to wipe them off on his trousers. Jisoo’s head feels like it’s spinning. The beta isn’t used to violence or fighting in general, usually one to avoid altercations and slip away. Involving innocent pups only makes him feel worse. 

“Chan, it’s okay. Everything will be fine but you two need to pull yourselves together.” Jihoon says, suddenly in front of them, trying to make eye contact that the younger beta finally meets when he takes a few steading breaths. Jisoo offers a nod. 

Seokmin comes around the corner with a slight limp but finally dressed in his own clothes and looking a lot better than the last time Jisoo has seen him. It makes him feel a bit more hopeful. The alpha looks confused as he takes in the scene.

“Woah, woah! What happened?” He asks, hobbling over beside Jihoon to watch as his mate begins stitching the pup up. “Daehyun? Oh no-” 

“He was attacked.” Jihoon mumbles, cutting the thread and securing the last stitch before letting out a sigh of relief and stumbling back. Seokmin helps support his mate from behind with both hands braced on his shoulders. “Fuck.” 

Chan is silent for a moment but voices a chilling realization. “The twins only stay at the pup tent when their parents are away.” He says and tension becomes palpable in everyone, Jisoo especially noting how Jihoon’s eyes are the widest he’s ever seen them become. His acrid scent fills the space in seconds with his anxiety. 

“The other pups—oh gods, our pups. Seokmin, we need to go—“ Jihoon begins to spiral as he tries to rush outside but Seokmin holds him with his good arm, pulling him back against his chest as Chan and Jisoo get in front of him. 

“Seungkwan and Hansol went straight there.” Jisoo finds himself becoming focused, his beta pheromones calming as he looks around the group. “This camp is being invaded. It’s like they knew half of the clan’s alphas were gone. It’s calculated.”

Has to be Jiyeong.

“I need to make sure my pups are safe.” Jihoon looks ready to scream in frustration as his alpha tries to get him to settle down, despite his weakened state. 

“We need you and Seokmin to stay here.” Chan urges, gesturing to the now sleeping pups. “They need to be guarded in case those bastards come in here. Jisoo and I can go meet up with Seungkwan to help and make sure everyone is safe.” 

Jihoon looks like he wants to argue more but Seokmin places a firm hand against his nape and the omega visibly deflates, head hanging a bit before he turns back towards the bed. “Bring them back to me. Please.”

“We will.” Chan assures, grabbing Jisoo’s wrist before sprinting out of the medical tent and out into  the snow. They make their way towards the other end of camp where the pup tent sits. It’s eerily quiet, as no one is heard growling or howling. Jisoo doesn’t have to inhale to know Chan is rigid with uneasiness as well. 

When the tent comes into view, Jisoo’s heart drops low into the pit of his stomach at the familiar splattering of red around his feet and dead wolves in various positions in the snow. They all seem to be older, Jisoo recognizing a few teens and caregiver betas and it only makes him want to burst into tears but he lets himself be dragged along by Chan, who is becoming more and more anxious in his subtle scent. 

“These were my friends.” Chan says low and full of emotion as his voice breaks but he clears his throat to chase away the tears. Jisoo has to do the same. “Fuck, hyung. What do we do?” 

“We need to go in.” Jisoo says gravely, sounding very unconvincing even to himself. They step over the bodies carefully before heading inside a real nightmare that Jisoo has to cover his mouth and swallow back the bile that threatens to come up. 

The small bodies of pups, some in wolf form but most in their fragile little human forms, are strewn about the ground and there is so much blood it looks like there is a crimson carpet beneath them. Seungkwan is in the middle of the tent on his knees and cradling a small body to his chest as he sobs out from deep within. It’s the most heartbreaking sound Jisoo has ever heard. 

Hansol is beside the omega with his snout lowered into Seungkwan’s shoulder, clearly just as upset. This wasn’t them coming for a fight. They came to slaughter everyone. 

As they approach carefully around the bodies, seeing how the pups have basically been ripped to shreds so mercilessly, he hears Chan let out a slow but shaky sigh. 

The closer Jisoo gets, he can see who Seungkwan is holding onto so tight. The matted hair is unmistakably little Mimi’s and Jisoo feels his knees give out before collapsing in front of Seungkwan to place a hand against the poor pup’s stiff form. He feels something in him break as he pulls Seungkwan into his arms. Hansol begins to whine fruitlessly and brushes up against them. Chan immediately leans against Seungkwan’s back to form a small huddle. 

“I’m so sorry.” Jisoo pushes out, the stench of blood and death strong. These were the innocents who paid a price that was never theirs to pay. It’s all so heartbreaking. The beta has never felt so much pain and anger at once.

“How could they-“ Seungkwan begins through the thickness in his voice as he rubs his tears and snot against Jisoo’s shoulder. “They w-were only pups! All of them, hyung. How could—anyone take it out on them?” 

Hansol whines again as he shoves his snout into Jisoo’s hip, the wetness from his cold nose comforting. Then something ice cold runs through his veins at the next thought he has. “Is Jihoon’s infant pup..”

At the open ended question, Seungkwan stiffens all over again and pulls back with absolute fear in his wide eyes. Chan stands up immediately as Seungkwan mutters ‘the c-crib’ with a dreadful expression. Jisoo watches as Chan moves to the side room where the nursery would be for the wet nurses. It’s silent aside from sniffling but when Chan emerges with a small thing swaddled in a bright yellow blanket and a relieved sigh leaves him as he looks at the face. Jisoo thanks every god that’s listening for this one miracle. 

A small, shrill cry fills the air and it’s the sweetest sound Jisoo could hear right now. 

“They must’ve missed the nursery.” Chan mumbles as he rocks the now crying pup in his arms. Jisoo looks back to Seungkwan and the poor omega looks so lost, grief plain on his face contradicting the relief. He was around all of these pups for most of their lives. It’s like losing his own, Jisoo would assume. 

Jisoo presses his palm against Seungkwan’s cheek gently. “We need to move. They still could be around.” 

The range of emotions that flash through the omega’s face is endless, from sadness to confusion but he settles on anger. Seungkwan abruptly gets up on shaking legs, after laying Mimi as carefully as he can against the floor. His scent sours significantly with pure hatred and his eyes flash a dangerous blue as he sets his jaw stubbornly. 

“I will tear them apart.” Seungkwan sounds absolutely livid, aggravation rolling off of him in waves. “Rip every last muscle from their bones and burn the bodies so they rot forever without reuniting with loved ones—“

Chan holds the baby closer to himself and Jisoo tries to keep up with Seungkwan but when he reaches out, the omega shakes him off and smoothly transforms into his wolf before taking off and out of the tent. Hansol makes a wounded sound before chasing after him and Jisoo curses to himself as he takes one last glance around at the unfortunate carnage. He meets Chan’s gaze and sees the wiggling infant in his arms and shakes

himself out of whatever stupor he’s in. 

“We gotta get back to the med tent.” Jisoo mumbles, beginning to make his way slowly to the entrance and he can hear Chan’s steps right behind him. “This is all a fucking mess.” 

It’s beginning to get dark, the sun setting as they quietly head back out into the main center of the camp. It’s not quiet like it was before.

“Hurry—shit, no, Joshua!”

Suddenly, Jisoo is tackled into the snow and the wind is knocked out of him and a heavy weight settles atop him. He blinks wearily up at a vaguely familiar face but his stomach churns with unease. “Chan, run! Now!” 

He can tell the younger beta hesitates but with the  barking in the distance that’s steadily getting closer, he finally hears Chan take off. He feels a sense of loss now that he’s alone with this strange wolf but he’s so glad that the younger beta has a chance to get the pup to safety. 

“Well, isn’t it that Yoon boy’s little plaything.” The man above him sneers with a wicked smile, grabbing hold of Jisoo’s jaw to wrench his head side to side. His nails bite into the thin skin of the beta’s cheeks but Jisoo tries hard not to wince as he holds eye contact. “Pretty for a beta, I must admit.” 

“Shit.” He grits his teeth, wracking his brain for who this is when it dawns on him. “Yeongi.” 

“That’s right.” The alpha laughs bitterly, whistling at some wolves that approach and Jisoo can see Yeongi gesture towards the direction that Chan ran off to and he panics. He tries to crane his neck to see as the wolves run off towards the medical tent. 

“No, nono—“ Jisoo is cut off as Yeongi jerks his head back to face him and he tries to pull his arms free but the alpha harshly stomps his foot on Jisoo’s forearm and the beta almost bites his own tongue off at the intense pain. He can feel a shooting pain as the alpha presses his foot in harder.  

“You look at me when I’m talking, beta.” Yeongi growls, getting close enough that Jisoo can smell his blood filled rancid breath that is akin to death. He’s probably killed plenty of innocents by now. “Your little omega bitch killed my brother.” Jisoo feels his eyes widen. Jeonghan took out Jiyeong? Something akin to pride swells in his chest which makes him feel emotionally imbalanced. “I should kill you to make it even. Eye for an eye.”

He releases his hold on Jisoo’s face to wrap both hands tight around the beta’s throat and presses those crude nails into his trachea until he hisses. It successively begins to cut his airflow off and Jisoo starts to struggle, kicking his legs out in panic. His uninjured arm comes up to try and grip Yeongi’s wrist but it’s fruitless and falls away as he chokes out a gasp, losing his strength. 

Suddenly, it’s like his life flashes before his life. From the head alpha casting him aside like trash, to meeting Jeonghan and immediately having a short lived crush. When his first kiss with Hansol after confessing lingers at the forefront of his memory, tears gather at the corners of his eyes. The edges of his vision begin to blur and he barely wheezes out a pained cry when he sees Yeongi glance up in surprise.

A snarl is heard as a large wolf latches onto the alpha’s shoulder and yanks him off, tossing him far enough away. Hansol’s big furry head comes into view as he nudges his nose against Jisoo’s cheek and neck with high pitched whines. Jisoo coughs  as he struggles to sit up, grabbing onto Hansol’s soft scruff as he tries to get all the air back into his lungs. The soft fur is a familiar comfort. 

“Thank you, Hansol.” His voice is basically shot. The younger beta licks at his cheek before helping Jisoo stand up by supporting his weight. When his spotting vision comes back into focus, he sees that  Yeongi has transformed into a very angry grey wolf. His red eyes are locked on to Jisoo and his skin crawls. “We need t’go—“ 

Yeongi lunges for them but Hansol shifts to the side  and takes the brunt of the attack, the wolves biting and making awful sounds. Jisoo feels locked in place as he watches in horror as blood begins to cover the snow and he can’t tell who it’s from. 

“Hansol! No, no stop!—“ Jisoo tries to run forward but his body is still weak from the oxygen deprivation and stumbles forward with a frustrated cry. He pushes himself up enough to see a golden wolf come barreling into the fight and hard enough to dislodge the two from each other. Hansol barely catches his footing, clearly hurt somewhere but able to stand on all fours while Yeongi just knashes his teeth at the new wolf from where he fell to the ground. 

He’s never seen it in person. 

Never has Jisoo thought that his best friend would show his true form but he stares in awe with his mouth slightly agape as familiar blue eyes glance at him before dipping its large head as if saying ‘it’s going to be okay’. 

Jeonghan. It’s Jeonghan’s wolf.

Chapter Text

He is starting to become bothered. 

Jeonghan grinds his teeth together until his jaw aches, eyes unwavering as he glares at the stranger in front of him. 

Three alpha wolves stand over a struggling Junhui, one of their paws digging into Junhui’s neck to keep him down. The other two are standing as if they might lunge at any moment. Wonwoo and Soonyoung are nowhere to be seen and Jeonghan is hoping for a best case scenario. He and the other three members arrived outside the pack territory to see the tussle. Minghao and Mingyu ran into the camp minutes prior at the sight of blood, the two caught up in the fear of what may have happened to their pups and rushed off ahead. Seungcheol assures them that they can handle it. 

“Come closer and the mutt is dead.”

One of them threatens and Jeonghan’s hackles rise as he feels his lips curl around a growl. Seungcheol’s scent is just as sour. 

“I am bored of this. Let’s get rid of them and be done already..” 

One of the alpha steps forward and Seungcheol immediately mirrors them, getting slightly in front of Jeonghan. The stranger wolves try to move around Seungcheol, who only begins to growl in warning.

“Isn’t that the Yoon omega? Yeongi said to capture him.” 

Seungcheol releases a full snarl at that, gnashing his teeth. That makes the other two alphas take tentative steps back with their tails lowered. They still try to come across as confident but Jeonghan mentally scoffs at the weak display. 

“You go for the omega. He looks easy to take down. Yeongi wants him alive, so try not to be too rough.” 

When the other wolves still hesitate, Seungcheol takes his opening to swipe at the closest alpha, making them cry out at the catch of Seungcheol’s claws.  At the distraction of his fellow pack, Junhui is able to regain his footing and shove his assailant back enough to get in a good bite on their hind leg. 

“Shit-get off!—“ 

Jeonghan is able to dodge the last alpha’s teeth but  barely evades a claw to his flank. He doesn’t let it distract him, moving out of reach again. Seungcheol deflects the next attack with his own that lands with much more power and experience. The alpha hisses out and almost falls in the snow.

“Wait- is that-? What the fuck are you doing back here-?!”

Suddenly, a brown wolf, one of the smallest that Jeonghan has seen, leaps in between Junhui and the alpha before sinking their teeth expertly into their nape. The offending wolf falls beneath the new one with a cut off whine. Junhui seems confused and apprehensive of the strange brown wolf, making sure he’s a safe distance away. The smaller one gets between Seungcheol this time, ending the fight just as easily against the opponent. 

Junhui and Seungcheol stand there stunned, sharing glances with Jeonghan but the omega is scenting something familiar. Almost like someone—

“Thank gods! We made it in time.”

At the sound of the friendly voice, Jeonghan whips his head to the man approaching them. The small wolf bounds over to him with a slight wag to their tail. He looks just the same as the day Jeonghan left the pack. Brown eyes are kind and accented with slight smile lines now but his sweet beta scent is unmistakable. 

That’s his Minhyuk-hyung. 

“Aw, Jeonghannie. So good to see you’re okay. Sorry I couldn’t get to you guys sooner. Good thing Kihyun is a fast little thing.” Minhyuk says with a light laugh as the brown wolf, Kihyun, nips at his heel. “Is this your—“

When he extends a hand to maybe pet Seungcheol’s large head, the alpha wolf snaps at him, red eyes glowing. Minhyuk doesn’t seem to take offense but he does flinch back with his hands to his chest. Kihyun on the other hand growls back in warning, despite being much smaller than Seungcheol. Jeonghan isn’t familiar with the brown omega but he must be important since Minhyuk was known for being a lone beta wolf. 

“Gee, sorry. We don’t mean any harm. Promise!” Minhyuk says with an awkward laugh and Jeonghan shoves at Seungcheol with his snout a bit aggressively to get his attention.

“They are good friends from the pack. Knock it off.” 

Seungcheol has the gall to seem affronted but decides to accept the reprimand with a lowering of his head as Minhyuk happily pets him. After Seungcheol is done being a good boy, the beta bends a knee in the snow to cradle Jeonghan’s head. 

“Your wolf is beautiful. Never thought we’d see it again. Hyungwon would be proud.” Minhyuk mumbles with a forlorn expression before forcing a smile again. Jeonghan licks at his cheek, hoping that his feelings are conveyed. 

“He’s been planning this inside job for years. Feels like we were too late. I’m so sorry.”

Kihyun says through their mind link, gold eyes watching Jeonghan curiously. 

“We appreciate it now, no need to apologize. Thank you for the support.”

Jeonghan bumps his nose in a friendly manner against Kihyun’s own. It’s always nice to meet another omega. Junhui approaches them all and digs at the snow with his paw to gain their attention.

“Sorry to cut this short for now. We need to get into the camp.”

“Right.”

Seungcheol says, and Jeonghan begins to follow but hesitates before looking back at the two other wolves. Kihyun lowers his snout as Minhyuk stands back up and offers a wave.

“We will hang back here in case anyone runs out. And to make sure no one flanks you.” Minhyuk says with a thumbs up and Jeonghan gives a small, grateful nod before following his alpha. He hears Kihyun bark out.

“Be safe.” 

———-

It’s an absolute mess.

Blood stains deep into the snow and it’s covered in red paw prints. Dead bodies of pack members that are almost every ten feet that Jeonghan can’t place names to are going to haunt his memory forever and he says a silent prayer for each one they pass. He can feel Seungcheol’s solid form brush up against him whenever he slows down a bit to look at every face. It’s a sweet gesture and he knows they need to keep moving but Jeonghan just wants to snap at him in frustration. It is Seungcheol’s pack that lay dead after all, he expected the alpha to be much more emotional.

“Aren’t you upset?”

Jeonghan finds himself asking, a bit frustrated. He scoffs when Seungcheol bumps into him again but softer this time. His scent is stronger in these forms and he finds himself chasing it subconsciously with every contact they have. 

“I am. But I won’t be of any help if I let my emotions consume me.” 

“You’re allowed to feel, Cheollie. I promise I won’t let you fall.”

Jeonghan watches as Junhui keeps up, albeit slower than before. He’s favoring his left side more as he tries to trot, wincing when his front leg applies any abnormal pressure. 

“Jun, you alright?”

The younger alpha perks up, seemingly sheepish as his head lowers but continues walking carefully like before. 

“Just sore. I’ll be fine.”

Seungcheol falls behind a bit to help Junhui catch back up. Jeonghan’s fondness for the alpha continues to grow every day, it seems. 

“We’ll get you checked out as soon as we can. I’m sure Wonwoo can’t be too far.”

The alpha sounds tired, like holding himself back is truly weighing him down, especially mentioning his brother. Jeonghan whines, digging his snout into Seungcheol’s nape and the sudden sound of their names being called has them whip their heads around.

Chan is running towards them, hugging a small bundle close to his chest as he pants heavily. Jeonghan’s heart drops at the sight of a tiny pup swaddled in Chan’s arms. They are both covered in blood but the pup is crying. Relieved at the sign of life, Jeonghan quickly meets the beta halfway.

“Joshua-hyung is in trouble—ah, Hansol is with him but the alpha they’re fighting is strong—shit-“ Chan tries to get out between breaths, bouncing the baby to try to get them to quiet down. “I need to get to Jihoon but I can’t do it alone with the pup.”

“I got Chan’s back.”

Junhui barks out, moving to lead Chan but has a noticeable strain in his leg from the tussle earlier. It looks like it might be worse than what Junhui was letting on. Jeonghan looks to Seungcheol and he can tell the alpha doesn’t like what he’s about to say. 

“You need to go—“

“I’m not leaving you, Jeonghan.”

The omega huffs, snapping his teeth at his stubborn  alpha. The fondness is still there, despite it all. Chan watches on helplessly, not able to understand what they’re saying. 

“You need to protect them. I’ll get Jisoo and Hansol and meet you at the tent. Trust me, please.” 

Jeonghan doesn’t back down, moving away from the group and continuing to widen the gap between them. As if Seungcheol is fighting a losing battle within himself, the alpha nips at Jeonghan’s ear but it’s still affectionate. Jeonghan feels his heart beat normally again at the relief of Seungcheol giving in. 

“Be quick.”

With a resounding lick to Seungcheol’s cheek, Jeonghan takes off in the direction Chan came from and readies himself mentally for what he’s about to face. 

He prays to whatever moon spirit or god that’s listening. Hoping for Hansol and Jisoo’s safety. 

————

Jeonghan has never felt so synchronized with his inner wolf. The snow against his paws feels soft and the wind never pierces through his thick golden coat. He can see Hansol from his peripheral, shaking himself out and reorienting himself. His jaw is slack as he pants, watching the air puff out but immediately bares his teeth threateningly as Yeongi’s wolf rises from the snow. 

The alpha moves too fast, making his lunge at Jeonghan sloppy and the omega easily evades, making sure to land a harsh bite to Yeongi’s front leg. He can feel his sharpest canines sink into tense muscle, the bitter taste of bile combats the fresh blood that fills his mouth. Truly, any other alpha tastes acrid to Jeonghan. His wolf lets go immediately, letting the fluids slip from his jaw as he steps all of his weight onto Yeongi’s thick nape to keep him down in submission. The beast growls and thrashes beneath his paws. 

“You’re weak.”

Jeonghan growls, applying more pressure as the alpha only struggles harder but he truly is weaker than the omega. It lights up a sick sense of satisfaction in him. 

“Hyung!” 

A shrill voice that might be Seungkwan sounds above the noises and straight into Jeonghan’s mind but the omega knows better than to let his gaze leave the alpha beneath him.

Seungkwan is heard whimpering and Jeonghan can’t help but glance up. He sees his smaller wolf land hard onto his side in the snow as two bigger beta wolves try to overpower him. Hansol’s form almost shadows all three as he jumps in to aid Seungkwan, throwing bites and using his body like a shield so it protects the omega. Seungkwan still struggles to speak. 

 “Hyung, it’s Seungcheol-hyung—!!“ 

The mention of his alpha has Jeonghan lifting his weight up subconsciously in fear at the alertness in Seungkwan’s voice and it’s enough for Yeongi’s head to shoot forward. The attack almost catches Jeonghan off guard but someone knocks the omegan wolf back, taking the brunt of the attack instead. 

The familiar shout of pain registers in Jeonghan’s mind as Jisoo’s voice. The scene almost happens in slow motion as the beta is pulled roughly into the snow below, with Yeongi going right for his vulnerable human neck and a stark contrast between red and white is all Jeonghan can see. The omega tries to intervene but someone has sunk their teeth in his tail to have a hold on him. He can’t break free. 

“Jeong-ack—go!“ Jisoo tries to yell but it tethers off into wet gasping as he tries to protect his already wounded throat but one of his arms seems broken and unable to move. Jeonghan feels helplessly frozen in place as he watches sharp teeth close back around Jisoo’s throat, though the beta’s wide doe eyes immediately lock onto Jeonghan’s. The younger can only make horrible wheezing sounds like he’s trying to either talk or cry out while trying to fend off the attack. His movements become sluggish and weak before both of his arms fall away completely.

The struggle is off balanced, with the alpha being double the size and strength, he can now easily subdue Jisoo. The beta makes eye contact once again but it’s unfocused and half lidded. Jeonghan yelps at a deeper bite into his tail but doesn’t give in as he tries to fight back. Another large body weighs him down and he cannot hold off all his attackers at once while also trying to get to his best friend. He whines out in frustration as he sees Jisoo try with all of his strength to move but his body goes frighteningly limp. 

Something akin to fear flashes in the beta’s eyes before a staggering calm takes over Jisoo’s expression when he finds Jeonghan again as his lips move around words that Jeonghan can’t hear. Yeongi gives one harsh tug and pulls his head back as the snow is streaked with more crimson ribbons. It’s violent. Heartbreaking. Blood continues to pulse out from the open wound and Jisoo’s red stained lips slacken as his eyes quickly lose light and focus. A rattling exhale is the last thing Jeonghan hears and he knows that the beta is gone. 

Suddenly, one of the people that the blonde omega holds so close is ripped away from him. 

“Joshua! No-no—Jeonghan, what are you-do something!” 

He isn’t sure if it’s Hansol’s panicked screaming in his mind that kicks him into motion, but Jeonghan knocks off the assailant wolves from his back with a sudden burst of adrenaline. Seungkwan takes care of the enemy wolves and Jeonghan tries to jump at Yeongi, who still stands over his beta. He’s able to knock the alpha off and tries to bite anywhere his maw can reach. Yeongi isn’t able to deflect every hit, overwhelmed by the onslaught of aggression. With every attack, Jeonghan can feel himself going feral and vicious. 

A small part of him that fixates on mortality feels like his loved ones should be immortal. Unable to pass on before him and they would always be by his side. Though, he knows that’s not the case, deep down. He’s lost Hyungwon, his parents and while he can’t bear to lose another wolf like this, life has other plans. His muscles lock up and he feels immobile atop the struggling alpha, who only snarls in his face with crazed red eyes. Yeongi’s voice is tinged with absolute venom. 

“I should tear out that Choi boy’s throat too. You should suffer in every possible way! You deserve nothing.” 

Jeonghan can’t even respond if he tried, only angry growling and spit filled snarling is accompanying every bite. He can feel like someone is tugging on his hind leg and tail but it barely breaks through his focus. His mind and body are numb. 

Jisoo never hurt anyone. He was so against causing harm to those who don’t deserve it but was never treated with the same respect. Jeonghan tried so hard to give the beta a friendship that could help repair any loss Jisoo had dealt with. He hopes it was enough. That his friendship was something positive for him. He hopes Jisoo never thought it was an act. 

“That beta was trying to say he’s sorry. Stupid useless breed— ”

Yeongi’s voice turns into something more cruel, even as Jeonghan sinks his teeth in particularly deep. Even though the omega is gnawing through the tendon of the alpha’s shoulder, Yeongi continues, albeit more strained and pained in Jeonghan’s mind. 

“That -fuck- he’s sorry and that he loves you. Weak and pathetic until the end, like all beta—“

Yeongi is cut off and howls out in pure pain for the first time and Jeonghan yanks his head back to see Hansol’s large, angry wolf latched onto Yeongi’s now profusely bleeding side. 

Unlike Jeonghan, the beta doesn’t stop and continues to rip away at the flesh, even snapping the bone and crunching the weaker cartilage there. It sounds sickening and Jeonghan stumbles back on his paws and begins to tremble as Hansol now moves and attacks the alpha’s unguarded neck. The mess spreads and Jeonghan’s adrenaline drops too fast, forcing him to transform back into his bare, fragile form. His weaker human stomach lurches and he gags but it’s only dry heaving as he curls in on himself. The shivering increases but Jeonghan crawls on all fours to Jisoo’s now prone form that still is laying on his back.

His smooth skin is painted with his drying blood as snow flakes catch on his fluttered lashes. He’s still so beautiful. Jeonghan lets a sob rip free as he collapses over his friend’s chest, hands cradling Jisoo’s soft, still warm cheeks. He tries to wipe the blood away but it only smears everywhere he touches. 

“Jisoo, please.” Jeonghan cries, trying to look for any signs of life through blurry vision. His tears fall against the now ashen complexion, but Jisoo still doesn’t stir. The blood has stopped pumping and the wound grows dark crimson and smells like death. “I’m so sorry, it shouldn’t have been you. Never you. Please-“

The beta isn’t responding. Jeonghan knows that he won’t.

Hansol’s wolf only stares on after leaving Yeongi in a bloodied, dead heap, and Jeonghan is glad he can’t hear what the beta is thinking because if his grief is this painful, he can only imagine how the poor younger wolf feels. 

“Jisoo, I-oh, gods.” Jeonghan feels like he’s choking, knows there is a small crowd approaching, from the soft shuffling and sniffing around him. Arms wrap around his waist and he’s hoisted off and back into a sturdy embrace. The scent gives away who it is and even as he tries to struggle, his body gives out as soon as he watches Hansol’s wolf hover and lay atop Jisoo’s body with low, pitiful whines. 

“Jeonghan.” It’s Wonwoo, who is now wrapping a blanket tight around his shivering frame. His low voice sounds strained with emotion. “We need to get everyone somewhere safe. Come.” 

The omega doesn’t budge, tears still falling down his cheeks as Seungkwan’s human face comes into his vision. It’s comforting and he’s offering a weak smile that doesn’t quite reach his misty eyes. 

“Let’s go, hyung.” The younger omega urges gently, grabbing his hand and the omega feels distantly numb as he is led away from the scene. He feels like another big part of him is being ripped apart and left behind. 

It hurts. So much.  

——

Wonwoo leads them towards an outer section that is right outside the medical tent, and Jeonghan can see Mingyu and Seungcheol talking to each other quietly. Soonyoung is sitting in the snow, legs drawn to his chest and resting his chin on his knees. He doesn’t see Minghao so he assumes the other omega might already be inside the tent. Jeonghan lets out a shaky sigh, thankful for most of them making it out safe. His heart aches.  

Soonyoung perks up immediately, taking off towards the group on two legs and he almost screams out in elation. Jeonghan is almost shoved aside as Seungkwan’s bare body barrels through and meets the older omega halfway before he tackles his lover into the snow.  

“Kwan, you’re okay, oh thank gods—aren’t you cold?“

The youngest omega is kissing at Soonyoung’s tear stained cheeks as he crowds the other against the ground. It’s enough to cause a small spark of relief in Jeonghan but when his gaze lands on Seungcheol’s worried expression, he coughs around the lump in his throat. He sees the way the alpha is holding a bandaged side and Jeonghan freezes further. His eyes begin to sting with tears.

He can’t speak. 

“Jeonghannie.” Seungcheol breathes out and closes the distance between them, pulling him into such a strong and warm embrace that Jeonghan feels about ready to sob again but continues to swallow it back down. “Shit, baby, are you hurt?”

Jeonghan allows himself this, trembling once more while shaking his head. Seungcheol begins stroking his back and it’s calming. Jeonghan tries to talk but he feels unable to form coherent sentences. Seungcheol is patient as he continues his soothing ministrations. 

“What’s wrong?” Seungcheol asks slowly, pulling back enough to brush his unruly blonde hair from his face. Those dark eyes are pleading and shining with concern. His lips jut out in a pout and it’s endearing like always. Jeonghan only breaks further into his arms. “Take a deep breath, it’s okay. I’m here.” 

Jisoo’s warm smile comes to the forefront of his mind before it’s replaced with the heartbreaking, blank look of death. Those deep brown doe eyes, now forever behind closed lids. He wants to scream.  

“Jisoo..” Jeonghan’s voice is weak and Seungcheol leans in closer to try and hear him. 

“Who-Joshua? What happened?” Seungcheol asks, thick eyebrows turned up in worry. The alpha glances around and Jeonghan can’t hold back his sobs now as he shakes with it. “Where is he?” 

“H-He’s gone!” Jeonghan finally finds his voice to wail, fisting the thick fabric of Seungcheol’s coat and trembles with the weight of all the grief and loss that he’d been suppressing finally release. He lets himself cry and it’s painful. He pushes his wet face into the alpha’s neck to seek respite. “I can’t lose anyone else. I can’t, Cheollie.” 

Seungcheol’s scent doesn’t become burnt, but it does take on an odd spice that tickles  Jeonghan’s nostrils. The alpha stays silent but continues to run his hands up and down the omega’s back. He’s so selfish. For wanting this attention and finding comfort in it. 

“You aren’t selfish.” Seungcheol admonishes without any real heat. The omega flushes at realizing he admitted that out loud. “He means so much to you. Meant so much to everyone here.” 

He was so loved. Jeonghan absentmindedly wonders if he’d be talked about like that once he’s passed on. That gross feeling crawls its way back up. He burrows further into Seungcheol’s embrace to try and smother it out. 

“Joshua’s dead?” Mingyu’s voice pipes up from somewhere to his left. His tone is the most somber Jeonghan has heard from him. “We should retrieve him to make sure.” 

“Hansol is with him.” Wonwoo explains. “We will count the dead once the situation is settled enough for it to be safe for us.” 

Everyone is quiet, aside from Soonyoung mumbling nonsense to a crying Seungkwan and Jeonghan finally pulls himself away from Seungcheol’s arms to wipe at his face, pulling the blanket tighter around his frame. The alpha makes a small sound and places a hand back on the omega’s shoulder, as if he can’t refrain from having some sort of contact. 

“Let’s get you dressed.” Seungcheol urges as he leads Jeonghan towards the medical tent. “I’m sure they have extra garments, we can dress everyone.” 

They enter the tent and are immediately met with Chan approaching them with teary eyes. His clothes are stained a faded red, like he tried to scrub himself clean. He stops their approach with his hands up before shushing Seungcheol’s questioning sound. 

“He needs some time.” Chan whispers and Jeonghan is confused on who the beta is talking about until a gut wrenching wail is heard. Every nerve lights up inside of Jeonghan at the familiar sound because he knows that emotion so well. Seungcheol tenses up as well but takes off towards the sound, almost taking down a few partitions in his haste. 

“What’s happening?” Jeonghan asks, wincing at the rasp in his voice. He feels so tired and congested. Maybe sleeping this nightmare away would help, he wonders mindlessly. Another scream shakes the omega out of his daze. “Is that Jihoon?”

“I-um, yeah.” Chan just makes a sad sound at the sight and turns his attention back to the blonde. He offers a small, but weak, smile before taking hold of Jeonghan’s arm. “Let’s get changed. I think our hyungs need a moment. I’ll explain everything.” 

The smaller beta leads them to a side area where all the supplies are stored. There are plenty of hospital scrubs and Chan pulls out a few of them, mumbling how other pack members might need some clothes as well. 

“Chan. Please don’t tell me that..” Jeonghan can’t even finish his sentence, already feeling choked up but takes the clothes that Chan offers him before letting go of the blanket and getting dressed. The younger follows suit with a soft affirming sound. 

“They lost their child.” Chan mutters, sniffling as he wipes at his face. He peers back up at Jeonghan, and the omega knows his expression must be tragic because the beta releases calming pheromones. “Their eldest daughter. Mimi.” 

That sweet little pup. Something ugly curls deep inside him as his hands clench to fists. His scent must have plumed something nasty because Chan recoils while covering his nose and mouth. But Jeonghan can’t help the contempt he is drowning in for this clan that slaughtered such helpless souls. 

“Hyung! Calm down, it won’t help anyone if you release such a hostile scent. I know it’s a terrible thing but-“ Chan is cut off when Jeonghan grabs him by the shoulders, sinking his claws into his skin but is still mindful to not hurt the beta. 

“They killed Jisoo too!” Jeonghan hisses, tears stinging his eyes but unable to fall anymore. His dehydration is starting to make him woozy but he doesn’t care. “So many innocent lives were lost because of a wrath aimed at hurting me! They all died because of me!” 

If Jeonghan was in his right state of mind, he might feel bad for unloading this all on poor Chan. The beta’s eyes are as wide as they can go and he seems like he’s at a loss of what to do. Jeonghan hugs himself while shaking his head to try and stop his spiraling. 

“Hey.” Chan eventually gets the omega’s attention with his soft tone. “You couldn’t have known what would happen. You’d never wish for anything like this. It’s not your fault, Hyung.” 

Then the beta pulls him into a warm hug and even though it’s a bit awkward with how Jeonghan is holding himself and how Chan is half dressed, it’s still nice. Regardless, he leans his head against Chan’s shoulder as he melts into the embrace. They stay like that for a couple of moments before they finally pull apart.  

“We shouldn’t have left you all here alone.” Jeonghan mumbles, wiping his face clean as Chan finishes pulling a new shirt on. “I can’t help but to feel that regret.” 

“You brought back our pack members. Everyone is back safe because of you guys. Don’t forget that.” Chan reassures with a light pat to Jeonghan’s shoulder. “I’m truly  sorry about Joshua. I really liked him too.” 

A smile makes its way to Jeonghan’s lips, despite the sorrow he still feels. “I do appreciate your words, Channie. I promise to dwell on them when I can think more clearly.” 

Chan grins, about to say something else but someone pulls the flap aside to the storage area and it’s Junhui. He’s also in scrubs, with a leg rolled up to show his bandaged calf and limps to the side while keeping the entrance open. 

“I think you should go to Jihoon.” Junhui says and it takes a moment for Jeonghan to realize he’s being talked to. He blinks a couple of times in confusion before the alpha continues with a smile. “An omega’s presence might help more than being crowded by alphas.” 

“Where did Minghao go?” Chan asks, and Jeonghan raises his eyebrows, happy to hear that he’s okay. Or at least, alive. 

“He’s with his pups in a separate area. Maybe see if he needs anything?” Junhui suggests and the beta nods after hesitating next to Jeonghan. The alpha turns his attention to the blonde. “Jihoon is really upset, so I’m not sure what he’ll do. But I’m sure you can help.” 

Jeonghan nods, chewing on his nails as he follows Junhui out of the storage and into the open area of the tent. They head towards where Seungcheol had rushed off and Jeonghan gets nervous the closer they get by the sounds of crying and hushed speaking. Junhui opens the partition and Jeonghan takes in the scene. 

Jihoon is hunched over an empty cot. Seokmin is beside him with his hand on his mate’s back but he seems to be in the same state of distress. Their scents are pretty suffocating to Jeonghan’s sensitive nose but he continues on. Seungcheol is on the other side of the cot and glances up at the entrance. Their eyes meet and Jeonghan can see the tears finally fall down the alpha’s face. His heart leaps into his throat at the sight. 

“Jihoonie.” Jeonghan begins gently, sniffling to make his tone more clear as he approaches the omega. Jihoon flinches at his voice but stands up abruptly, surprising his alpha and the one across from him. Jeonghan swallows around the lump that’s choking him and gets close enough to the smaller blonde to reach his arm out. “I’m so sorry—“ 

Before he can finish his sympathies, Jihoon turns around and closes the distance with a fierce expression and the last thing Jeonghan registers is Jihoon raising his hand. He’s slapped across his face so hard that Jeonghan stumbles back into a confused Junhui. He can hear Seungcheol yell out a question angrily but the omega can only focus on the sharp stinging in his cheek.

“It’s all because of you!” Jihoon screams, his flushed face morphed into something so raw and furious that it sends an awful shiver down Jeonghan’s spine. But the pain of being yelled at with such venom and sorrow is breaking his heart so quickly. He can’t even respond. 

“Jihoon, wait—“ Seungcheol tries to get between the two, his gaze full of worry when it lands fleetingly on Jeonghan. He gets shoved back by Jihoon’s surprising strength. 

“They came here for you!” Jihoon continues, rushing at Jeonghan again but Seungcheol wraps his arms around Jihoon’s waist while the omega continues struggling. “It should’ve been you! You should’ve paid the price for your own transgressions! Not her.” 

Jihoon immediately collapses after his last word, as if his body gave out from the exertion and Seungcheol helps him sit back on the ground. The omega whines in frustration and hits the rug with his fist but doesn’t say more. 

“Jeonghan..” Seungcheol tries to get his attention but the omega’s focus is now on Seokmin, who is turned around, swaddling their crying newborn in his arms. His eyes aren’t hostile or angry, but instead resigned and almost like the light in them is dulled. That almost hurts more than being yelled at. 

His first gut feeling is to flee, maybe run all the way out into the woods and beg whoever is left waiting to finish Yeongi’s job. But the larger part of himself, the part that knows how much grief can tear someone down, makes him stay. 

“You can blame me if it helps.” Jeonghan begins softly, moving towards Jihoon and bends down onto his knee. “They’ve taken so much from me already. I’ve forgotten that they won’t stop. It’s never enough for them.” When the younger omega stays silent, Jeonghan takes a deep breath and continues. “I know there’s nothing I can do to make this better and loss is so hard to come to terms with. But the regret? It’s something that will never go away and I regret being brought here because it’s caused so much pain for all of you.” 

Suddenly, Seungcheol moves from behind Jihoon to kneel beside Jeonghan. His brow is furrowed and he seems to block Jeonghan with his broader body, as if protecting him. It agitates the omega because he knows he doesn’t deserve to be backed up on anything right now and he almost voices it but Seungcheol talks before he can. 

“If you want to blame anyone, blame me. I brought Jeonghan here. I will not let you push all of your hate onto someone who never meant to cause any of us harm.” Seungcheol says and it’s almost cold the way he comes across. Though, Jihoon looks up with his eyebrows drawn, like he’s battling with his inner thoughts. “Acting this way is not going to bring her back. So, cut it out.” 

Jihoon sucks in a quick breath, like he wasn’t expecting those words and Seokmin finally speaks up, his voice somber. “He’s right, in a way. We shouldn’t lash out at anyone right now. We are feeling enough as it is, Hoon.” A tense silence settles between them. With a small, fond sigh, Seokmin moves carefully to place their baby into his mate’s arms and Jihoon shakes with silent cries. He holds their pup closer to himself and Seokmin sits down beside him, pulling the omega against him. “We have to get through this together. For our little one.” 

“Hey.” Jeonghan tears his gaze away from the couple to Seungcheol, who is now holding his wrist. His other hand raises to caress his still burning cheek with delicate touches. “You okay?”

“This pain is nothing compared to his. I’ll be fine.” Jeonghan turns to kiss the alpha’s palm, lightly scenting against the inside of Seungcheol’s wrist. They leave to give the Lee family space and everyone is watching them expectantly when they exit the tent. 

“Alpha wants everyone to meet at the center camp.” Mingyu says as soon as they are close enough to hear. Seungcheol scoffs but the younger alpha continues. “Says it’s important for regrouping. The camp is empty, I guess the rest of Jiyeong’s pack ran off with Yeongi getting taken down.”

It’s reassuring to hear that the camp is safe, for now. But something foreboding twists inside of Jeonghan and he reaches for Seungcheol’s hand. The alpha takes it before giving a soft squeeze. 

“Fine. Mingyu, come with us. The rest of you stay here. I think everyone inside needs support.” Seungcheol orders and Wonwoo gives a firm nod, agreeing as he ushers everyone inside the tent. 

“Whatever happens, I have your back.” Mingyu promises, looking between the couple. “Both of you.” 

“Thank you, Gyu.” Jeonghan offers a smile, regardless of how meek it is. Seungcheol pulls Jeonghan along towards the center of camp. 

“Let’s get this over with as fast as possible.” Seungcheol mumbles. 

That uneasy feeling doesn’t lessen inside the omega, if anything, it’s getting worse the closer they get to where the head alpha will be.