- KIM JONGIN -

I honestly thought Oh Sehun would be dead even before reaching Grandmother's house. He's bleeding badly, he has deep wounds everywhere, his heartbeat is as slow as fck, and his breathing comes in short, ragged breaths. Chanyeol and I shifted to our wolf forms, carrying Baekhyun and Sehun on our backs to make the way back to the cottage faster.

Right now, Oh Sehun is already lying on one of Grandmother's comfy sofas, a thick, tribal-printed blanket draped over his unconscious body. "Grandma, what's that?" Baekhyun murmured as he sat on the floor beside the old woman. Kyungsoo's grandmother is currently treating Sehun's wounds, dabbing a purple colored ointment on the cuts.

"I thought about stitching his cuts," Grandmother whispered, eyes on the wounds. "But then I realized you werewolves heal too fast he might not need it."

Baekhyun bit his lip, worried. "But he doesn't look good at all," he whispered back. "I bet it would take him weeks to heal completely." He slowly reached for Sehun's hair, flattening stubborn strands back to his head. The boy looks so wasted and tired and dark circles are still visible around his eyes. I don't even want to think about everything that happened to him.

"You know," Grandmother started, throwing Baekhyun a kind look. "If he's not a strong man, he won't be alive when you found him. This one's a fighter, believe me." she even patted Sehun's broken leg which she wrapped in a cast.

Baekhyun smiled but it's a sad one. "I know," he murmured. "He'll live."

"That's the spirit." Grandmother grinned before continuing the task at hand. Baekhyun helped her, handing her the bandages she needs and mixing the ointment for her. Day after day, I'm starting to notice changes with Byun Baekhyun. I don't know if Chanyeol notice it, too, but I think I must leave the realization to him.

I felt a slight pat on my back. "Let's patrol the forest for a while," Chanyeol whispered, looking at me with a frown. "Just to be... safe."

"Um," I glanced down at Baekhyun and he's watching us, too. "Is it okay, Baek?" I asked looking at him and back at Chanyeol.

"Sure." then he looked at his mate. "Take care out there, Yeol."

Chanyeol smiled down at him. "I will."

Seems like Chanyeol want to talk about something else because we didn't even bother taking a hundred feet distance from the cottage before he stopped, leaned on a tree trunk and sighed. "Jongin, I know this is not the time for these kind of discussions but I really want to know if you have other plans after Sehun is already awake and alive and kicking." he doesn't sound annoyed or angry. Just curious.

I pursed my lips, thinking. "I plan on summoning the Prophet first..." I said though I still don't have a really concrete idea about what to do. "For Kris to be a real Alpha, he needs the Blessing from the Prophet first. But I don't think he'll be able to get that after what he did, especially to Baekhyun."

Chanyeol nodded, running a hand under his chin. "I'm expecting you'll say that," he muttered, frowning at the forest floor. "What do you think he'll do?"

"He has to prove his worth." I said and it's the truth. If you're not born to be an Alpha, you need to prove yourself, do something an Alpha can't, and the Prophet might grant you the position. However, killing the present Alpha could be one of them. "I don't know what Kris has in mind right now, how he'll prove himself to the Prophet. But I guess we have to be prepared."

"You must look after yourself, too." Chanyeol said as he gave me a long glance. "We don't know what's about to come."

I nodded gravely. "Thanks for reminding me," I sighed then I remembered something I've been thinking about lately. "I am also thinking about building a new pack." I said and Chanyeol's eyes widened a little in surprise.

"Really? But..." Chanyeol trailed off, eyes doubtful. "We don't have enough members. And Kyungsoo isn't..." he didn't continue, though. We both know what he's thinking. Kyungsoo is not a werewolf. He can't be my mate and we can't reproduce offspring if ever.

"I know," I said, giving a small smile. "But I have other... ideas."

With that, Chanyeol frowned in confusion. "What idea do you have in mind?" he asked and he's clearly curious now.

"I'm thinking about promoting you to Alpha." I finally said and Chanyeol's surprised expression is more pronounced now. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out so I continued. "I was thinking about this since Kyungsoo came here to visit. I know you're as capable as I am, maybe more. I know you could be an Alpha, Chanyeol."

Chanyeol frowned. "Jongin..."

"I was also thinking about changing a very old law. The one about diversity." I took in a long breath and let it all out. "Chanyeol, I know how much Baekhyun wants to have kids with you. If you become Alpha, you and Baekhyun could finally reproduce but we won't send them away. They could stay here, in our pack."

Chanyeol needed a moment to absorb everything I told him. He could call me stubborn now, breaking a rule after creating a new one. But I can't help it, knowing this is the only way to create a new, strong group in which we could rely on. To be honest, I'm still not sure if the Prophet would agree but it's a relief she doesn't go telling Alphas what to actually do with their pack.

"We have to begin again," I said in a low voice. "I know starting a new life won't be easy but I'm hoping for the best, Chanyeol."

Chanyeol cleared his throat, he's obviously uncomfortable. "Jongin, I really do appreciate your trust." he said whilst looking down. "But I don't know if Baekhyun will agree about me becoming Alpha. He would freak out."

I gestured to his head. "Why not ask him now? Know what he's thinking. I'm pretty sure he could hear us now anyway."

Instead, Chanyeol ran a hand through his hair. "No. We have to talk about this. Face to face." he said. "It'll make a very big change and you still haven't talked to the Prophet yet."

"I'll summon her when I have the chance. When everything's more stable and we're not watching our backs anymore. We have to eliminate all possible threats."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "What do you mean eliminate?"

"Yifan will die." I hissed, looking far into the forest with hate. "Anyone of us could kill him, I don't care. But he will die, Chanyeol, and I won't accept anyone from his side anymore. They betrayed us, putting themselves before others. I don't want those kind of creatures in our future pack." then I paused, glancing at Chanyeol. "But that'll be your decision soon."

Chanyeol pursed his lips, nodding once. "I understand your side, Jongin." he said firmly. "But maybe some were forced into his side. Or tortured like Sehun. We don't know their stories. I think it's wrong for us to conclude."

I smirked, shrugging. "We'll see that soon."

Then a very familiar voice cuts into the air, making Chanyeol and I look back at the cottage in unison. "He's moving," Baekhyun murmurs and we could hear him as if he's just standing beside us. "I think he'll be awake any moment now."

Chanyeol grinned. "Grandmother's potions are gold." he said between pursed, smiling lips.

"I know," I chuckled. "I have the feeling he could turn you into a girl if she wants to."

"I repeat, Oh Sehun, you look like poop and sht combined, bro." Chanyeol said as he dropped beside Sehun. I took the spot on the floor just beside Baekhyun who's currently sniffing after crying tears of joy. I awkwardly started patting his back to comfort him.

Sehun tried to smile but winced. Seems like even smiling hurts him. "Asshole," he mouthed and we burst out laughing. Grandmother is watching us from the kitchen, a small smile twisting her thin lips. Sehun whimpered every time he draws a long breath and we can't even imagine the pain he had gone through under Yifan's hands.

Seeing him like this, I suddenly felt a wave of guilt after doubting his alliance. I thought he left us, went after Yifan and his twisted, evil ways. I was wrong... so very wrong. I believe I would have to apologize when he could finally speak.

Chanyeol scoffed. "You need to rest, bro. You need that." he said and his voice is suddenly deprived of any humor. We're all worried, of course. Sehun's our friend. He's family.

"Chanyeol's right." I nodded. "Don't force yourself, Sehun."

But instead, Sehun shook his head very slowly. He lifted one, trembling hand to my direction. I frowned even as he uncurled his index finger to point at my face. What does he want now? Confused, I glanced at Chanyeol and Baekhyun and they both shrugged.

"Here," Sehun groaned. "Jongin." 

It's a good thing we could hear him clearly even as  he breathes the words. "Your Kyungsoo..." Sehun started and those words sent my heart beating fast with worry and dread. What does he know? "Yifan will kill him... Soon... All of us, too."

Chanyeol leaned unto the chair. "Are you talking about an attack?"

Sehun swallowed and nodded. "Sort of..." he murmured and his breath hitched. He's under so much pain right now I don't even want to look at him for long. But he needs to tell us what's coming. It seems like he overheard things while he's out there with Yifan.

Gently, Baekhyun reached for Sehun's hand. "Sehun, what do you know?" he asked in a soft voice. "When will be the attack?"

"When..." Sehun coughed. "When we're the strongest..." His voice is fading as unconsciousness starts to get him. His eyes fluttered close and we let him fall into the kind of sleep he badly needs. He told us enough information already. As Baekhyun let go of his hand, there's one thing painted in our minds right now.

When we're the strongest. When werewolves are the strongest.

"Full moon." Baekhyun breathes. "When is it?"

"Two days from now." Chanyeol murmured, eyes narrowed in slits. "Damn. We have to be ready."

* * * * *

Good night~~

xoxo