Eunkwang requested two days to gather volunteers to escort everyone to the canyon and clear it out.

While Hongjoong's pack was anxious to get home, they agreed and did what they could to help as well.

That must have earned them favor because nearly one hundred wolves of all three sub-genders left the pack borders early in the morning on the third day.

They took their time, picking their way up the sloping mountains so that Hongjoong and his pack could memorize the route.

But they also had to move slower because of Mingi, though he and Theo had a pretty good system worked out.

The beta led the way, choosing easy routes for Mingi to use, but he'd fall back to touch his nose to either of the alpha's front legs if he needed to step higher or over something, along with directing him through their link.

Seonghwa and Yunho followed behind the alpha so they could support him by taking some of his weight or giving him something to lean on as they continued to travel uphill.

Hongjoong and Jongho stayed at the front of the group with Eunkwang. They took note of everything that could be used as landmarks for their journey back, from the misshapen boulder to the large stream that sliced the land.

Also moving just a touch slower was Avayla, who stayed near her mate and her parents while carrying a basket with Kendra nestled inside in her jaws.

The rest of their pack stayed close to either group, doing what they could to assist those who needed it.

About an hour after the sun vanished beyond the horizon, they reached the very edge of the canyon.

Everyone started to shift and dress, then a flurry of motion happened to get fires built and enough food cooked to feed the entire group.

Wooyoung took charge of one of the fires. With the help of San and their son, he got a few thick branches set up so a pot could hang over the fire.

"Careful, Chan." He said, ushering the young alpha away from the cracking flames.

"Mama, I know." Chan huffed and rolled his eyes. "I'm not dumb." He added with a mumble.

Wooyoung looked at his son and twisted his lips to the side. "I never said you were. I'm just being protective." He lifted a hand to ruffle Chan's hair.

"Mamaaaaa." Chan whined. But instead of moving away, he hugged his mom around the waist and buried his face in Wooyoung's chest.

It made the omega's heart swell, and he gently cupped the back of Chan's head. "You've grown." He whispered.

Chan tilted his head back, eyes wide with excitement. "I have?"

"Yes, now stop it."

His son laughed and hugged him harder. "Nope! I need to keep growing so I can be big and strong and keep protecting everyone."

Wooyoung caught himself before he said that wasn't always possible, instead kissing the top of Chan's head gently.

Then San walked over to him and took his turn ruffling his son's hair. "You already do a great job. I don't know if I said it or not, but I'm really proud of you for how you handled all of this."

Chan stepped back and puffed out his chest a little. "I knew I needed to step up to help Uncle Jongho and Gunner, and that it's what I know you would do too."

"You're exactly right." San chuckled. "Now go round everyone up so we can eat soon."

"Ok!" Chan sped away, head whipping around to look for the rest of their family.

San took his place in front of Wooyoung and pulled his omega into his chest. "Don't look so sad, my love." He whispered, already knowing the reason behind Wooyoung's fallen gaze.

"I can't help it... He's growing up so fast."

"He's always grown fast." San cupped Wooyoung's chin and tilted his head back just a touch. "Do we need to have another one?" He added so softly Wooyoung almost didn't hear him.

But he did... and his gut flipped while his heart fluttered.

"I- I-" Wooyoung sputtered, eyes dropping to San's chest.

His alpha chuckled and kissed his forehead. "I'm just teasing."

Wooyoung bit his lip. He wasn't sure how he wanted to answer. As much as he being a mother had always been a dream for him, and as much as he loved his three perfect children, part of him also wanted... needed... time with just his mate.

And when San hugged him tighter than ever, Wooyoung could feel the rush of emotions coming from his Soulmate telling him that San needed the same thing.

"Later." San murmured, moving so his lips grazed Wooyoung's ear.

"I won't want you to leave." Wooyoung grabbed San's shirt, holding on as tight as he could. He sensed San's excitement at his words and smiled. "You're never allowed to leave my side again, Sannie. Ever."

"I don't want to." The alpha nosed against his cheek, breath coming faster now.

"And I never, ever, want to part being angry again." Wooyoung worked hard so his words didn't get caught in his throat. "I'm s-so, so sorry, Sannie..."

San stopped what he'd been doing and brought Wooyoung's face into his neck by cupping the back of his head. "That's in the past now, baby. Let's not worry about it anymore."

The younger nodded and clung to his alpha, even as the others started to gather around their fire for dinner.

It took a moment, but Wooyoung collected himself and hurried to finish the deer stew he'd been working on.

"Thanks, Woo." Jongho said when he had two full bowls in his hands, which he took over to Yunho and Theo before returning to hand out more.

He couldn't help but glance at Mingi as the alpha accepted his bowl with shaking hands. The alpha looked exhausted, barely able to keep ahold of his bowl...

But his new shadow reacted quickly. Theo took the bowl and held onto it while Seonghwa fed Mingi spoonsful of stew.

The alpha tilted his head slightly and gave his mate a soft, grateful smile in return.

It was a touching moment that gave Wooyoung a small bit of hope. Despite everything that had happened, Mingi still managed to find a reason to smile, even just a little bit.

A small touch to Wooyoung's hip made him jump and he turned to see San watching the others too. "We'll be alright." He whispered, turning to press a kiss to Wooyoung's temple.

As a whole, the large group of wolves slept through the night and slept well. Anything that would have posed a threat would be foolish or had to have a death wish to approach a group of that size.

In the morning, Eunkwang took a handful of wolves with him to survey the damage done to the canyon.

Thankfully it wasn't too severe, although he didn't think they'd be able to move the boulders... So, his plan was to pick a location nearby to start digging up dirt to cover the boulders completely and make a ramp to get down to the canyon's floor.

He got different teams gong while Hongjoong gathered everyone in his family up and took them to the drop, along with the Elite and Eunkwang's family.

Working together and using ropes, they lowered each person down one by one to a safe and clear spot between the sheer rock walls so they could continue the journey home.

They shifted when they were situated and Siyeon led them through the winding twists and turns.

Since it was relatively flat, Mingi was able to travel a little faster. It only took them half a day, traveling at an easy lope to get to the far end.

It was strange... seeing the trees that helped make up the forest they called home. They weren't that different from the trees surrounding Eunkwang's home, but there were enough subtle changes, like foliage color and a few new plants, that it still felt like they stepped into a new world.

Hongjoong seemed to hesitate for a moment, his ears swiveled back and forth as he surveyed the area. His nostrils flared with each turn of his head.

Next to him, Yeosang dipped his head to nuzzle into his mate's neck. They stood together, strong, and united, at the front of their pack.

And when Hongjoong took his first step, it felt like a weight was lifted off all of them.

Chan, Rhodey, and Maria ran forward, yipping and playfully charging at one another.

Then Rhodey tilted his head back and howled as loud as he could. It echoed through the trees, making birds and squirrels scatter in all directions.

There was no need for them to be concerned, no sign of danger, even with needing to pass through a couple of claimed territories. As long as the alphas still respected Hongjoong, they had nothing to worry about.

Which was proven only a few minutes later when a familiar howl answered Rhodey's call.

He perked up instantly and howled again before glancing over his shoulder at his parents, tail wagging furiously.

Hongjoong and Yeosang both bounded ahead of the others, excitement flowing from them as well.

By the time they reached Rhodey, another wolf, brown and red coat glistening beautifully, broke through the trees and ran to them at full speed.

Riley slid to a stop, sending dirt and grass and leaves spraying everywhere, before Rhodey pounced on him and forced him to the ground.

Happy sounds came from all four of them as they rubbed against each other in a long overdue reunion.

Even Gunner joined them eventually, playfully knocking his best friend to the ground once more in greeting.

But he didn't stay long. One second, he was pulling Riley's ear, and the next he was running through the trees as fast as possible.

Everyone followed after him, anxious to get home to see the rest of their family.

Emotions exploded within the pack when they made it to their house and their loved ones were waiting for them. Riley's howl had alerted them all.

Gunner had shifted and dressed already and was now kissing Trenton on every inch of his face as his omega clung to him. Trinity was also hugging him and crying into his arms.

The pack spent a few precious seconds shifting and dressing as well before tears and sobs joined hugs and kisses.

So many things happened at once, but all were equally as magical.

Jade was there, face stained from crying as she watched Riley continue to hug his family, all while rubbing her rounded belly.

Serena ran forward to embrace Lorelai, nearly knocking her to the ground with the force of her hug. Thankfully her brother prevented it with an adoring smile. He and Lizbeth joined the hug as well, shuffling around to account for the twin's growing stomachs.

After a few minutes, San, Wooyoung, and Chan joined them, all three kids swarming their father and choking out words of love.

Trinity was the next one to move, running straight for Seonghwa, her platinum curls flying behind her.

"Oh, my precious girl!" Seonghwa sobbed as he scooped his daughter into his arms. "You've gotten so big!"

"Mama, wh-why were y-you gone f-for so long?!" Trinity wailed. Then her eyes found Mingi, and she cried even harder, reaching for him.

Seonghwa carefully handed her over, only letting go when he knew Mingi had a good grip on her.

He slowly sank to the ground, guided by his mate and Theo, and pressed kiss after kiss to the top and sides of her head.

Eventually, each group came together so other hugs could be exchanged. Seonghwa smothering Trenton. Lizbeth, Lorelai, and Riley hugged Avayla and Theo to welcome them back. And the four youngest huddled together in the middle, with Trinity spinning in circles to continue hugging her friends.

At one point, Kendra had enough and forced Avayla to step away, only for the twins to reveal they had cleaned up her house and had prepared it for her and Theo's return.

The alpha kissed both of their cheeks, then hurried in that direction, followed closely by Siyeon and the rest of the Elite, who had all been standing off to the side with Eunkwang.

Once things settled down, Hongjoong introduced their friends to their family and began to tell Riley and the others why they were there and gave them a brief overview of what had happened.

Stephan started to express his anger at the Elite's presence, but Serena was quick to shut him down and promised to explain in more detail later.

After some time, a strange silence blanketed the large group. It wasn't uncomfortable, but there was still a little unease hiding among them.

But more than anything, a sense of content surrounded them like a pair of familiar arms pulling them in for a welcoming embrace.

"If you'd like, we can go hunting for everyone while you settle in." Minhyuk offered once the silence had lasted a good length of time.

For a second, Hongjoong looked like he wanted to argue, but one touch from Yeosang had his shoulders sagging. "That would be wonderful, thank you."

Once the little group of six left, the large family all turned toward the house they had missed so much.

With weary movements, they walked together up the familiar, worn, wooden steps.

Finally, home at last.