What do you think is going to happen when they see us again? Wooyoung asked as they carefully picked their way down the side of a ravine.

San huffed harshly as looks rocks slid below them. Mingi must be desperate if they thought of bringing the other two this direction, especially because it was the wrong way... But maybe he sensed something they didn't, so they continued to follow his scent.

I don't know, but I don't think we will be opened with welcome arms. Especially since they laid that trap for us. You know they won't be happy to see me...

Wooyoung grumbled in agreement. Hopefully we are wrong and they have already found Seonghwa.

San didn't respond. Deep down, they both knew that was a longshot.

It would make sense for Lance and Primera to team up with Ultima. It would create the ultimate power pack, potentially even stronger than Alpha Pack had been. All because of Primera's expertise with potions and Ultima's skill with spells.

Just the thought of it made San's stomach churn. He hated the idea of being stuck in this body again for any extended period of time when it wasn't his choice.

At least they knew how to fix it though. Maria was a blessing for their entire pack and he decided they needed to do something special for her and Kenneth once all of this rolled over.

When they reached the bottom of the ravine, Mingi's scent went upstream, so they made their way up the side of the river. The snow wasn't too deep down here, but there was enough fresh powder that there were no tracks for them to follow.

The spray from the river was cold, and they shivered several times against the cold that even their coats had a hard time fending off.

They followed the ravine for several hours. Eventually, it opened up into a valley surrounded by towering mountains. The snow looked untouched in most places and seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. The few trees that dotted the valley were frozen masterpieces. At the far side there was a waterfall that was half frozen and a small herd of deer resting by the pool of water at its base.

Wow. Wooyoung gasped, coming to a stop next to San. This place is beautiful.

Yeah it is... Look, over there. San jerked his head to the side of the valley. There was another opening like the one they were standing in. I bet they went there. Let's go. He surged forward and bounded through the snow.

Wooyoung chanced him, making loud yapping sounds.

The herd of deer looked at them nervously, but didn't move when they ran right past.

San had been right, Mingi's scent continued down the new path that wound through the mountains.

Where were they? He and Wooyoung had been moving non-stop but it felt like they were getting nowhere.

But they wouldn't give up.

They would never give up.

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Jongho's ears swiveled back and forth as they eyed the two wolves prowling in front of them. They had found a spot downwind so they wouldn't be detected.

Yunho leaned into his shoulder, seeking comfort. Who do you think they are?

I don't know. We can't jump to conclusions, its best just to watch and observe. Jongho said, trying to stay calm.

Mingi shuffled in place, sending his agreement over the link, but Jongho could feel how anxious he was.

The two grey wolves were alphas, and they were big too. Mingi still towered over them, but they would give Jongho and Yunho a run for their money, that was for sure.

This was the first time they had come across another wolf since they left him. They knew that the war over six years ago had greatly decreased their numbers, but it still felt odd not having a lot of contact. Granted they kept going further and further into the northern mountains, and that mean less civilization.

I don't sense anyone else. Mingi said, his eyes shifting back and forth slowly.

Me neither. Should we try to make contact? Jongho never took his eyes off the pair as they walked further down the mountainside. He couldn't tell if they were hunting or just out for a leisurely walk, although the latter was highly unlikely seeing as another storm was on the way.

No. Let's move on. Mingi glanced at the sky and sighed. Where to now?

I think we should go talk to them. Yunho said, glancing at the two alphas. They turned to him and Mingi narrowed his eyes. We are nowhere closer to finding Seonghwa than the moment we left. Maybe they will know if there is a large stronghold around here, or if there is a settlement maybe.

He's got a point, Mingi. Jongho ran his paw through the snow in front of him. There's three of us and two of them, so maybe we should ask them.

The older alpha let out a low snarl before bowing his head. You're technically in charge since you're second in command, so... I trust you.

I'll talk to them. Yunho said. I'll be less intimidating, but then you two will be ready attack if need be.

The thought of Yunho being so vulnerable made Jongho's gut twist, but he knew his mate had a point. He was the friendliest of the three of them, so as long as these two alphas didn't mean any harm then he would be the best one to get them to open up.

He turned and rubbed his head against Yunho's neck, partly to show his concern, and partly to make sure his scent was on him for the other alphas to sense.

Then the three of them moved across the slope, Yunho walking slightly ahead of the alphas, as they waited for the other two to notice them.

It didn't take long. They froze and turned, watching them with wary eyes.

Yunho took the first step and shifted, holding his hands up as he turned and quickly slipped some pants on. His skin instantly started to darken as the cold affected him, but he fought through it.

The two alphas looked at each other and one stepped forward, shifting slowly. He stood and dressed quickly before walking forward, his eyes flashing between vibrant green and red.

"We mean you no harm, please, we just need some help." Yunho said, bowing his head out of respect.

Jongho watched as the alpha eyed him carefully. He scented the air and his eyes flashed to Jongho.

Good. He caught onto his scent.

"Help with what?" His deep rumbling voice made Jongho shiver. He was powerful, that was certain.

"A friend of ours was taken from us. We need to find him, but we don't know where he would have been taken. Are there any packs around here? Or settlements? Please, it's important." Yunho asked, wrapping his arms around himself to try and stay warm.

The alpha just blinked several times before glancing over his shoulder at his companion. "No settlements out here. Just stragglers. Packs don't exist anymore. It's everyone for themselves." He licked his lips.

Jongho snarled and stepped forward.

The alpha just smirked. "But there is an encampment of sorts farther south. It's deep in the mountains to keep hidden. Strange things happen there. I would avoid it. Wolves who go in there, don't come out the same." He tapped his head a couple of times before shifting back and joining the other alpha.

Yunho followed suit and went to stand behind Jongho, rubbing against his alpha to try and warm up while he got settled into his fur.

They parted ways with the alphas without a backward glance as they turned back south.

The idea appealed to Jongho because it would hopefully be a little warmer and less chance of storms.

Hopefully they would find some answers too.

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Seonghwa couldn't even keep his eyes open anymore. He was so hot and uncomfortable, he almost wished Lance would just come and get things over with.

Were heats supposed to be this uncomfortable? He knew the cramping could be painful but this was so extreme...

He was so lost in his own head, he didn't even register when the door opened. But he jumped a mile high when a large hand pressed against his shoulder and then ran down his chest and stomach.

His wolf churned, begging to be let free as he sensed an alpha behind him.

He needed it so bad.

Seonghwa started panting into his gag again.

"Oh my sweet, sweet boy. Look at you, shuddering under my touch. I've waited for this for so long." Lance purred, bending down to lick the shell of Seonghwa's ear.

The omega let out an uncontrollable groan and tilted his head back. He knew he should be hating this... But his wolf was spiraling out of control.

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Wooyoung perked up when Jongho's scent suddenly got stronger. They were still in the ravine outside the valley they had found. It was an uphill hike so it slowed their pace.

He glanced at San, who was staring intently in front of them. Then he whined as the three wolves appeared of the top of the ridge.

Wooyoung took off running, pushing his tired legs forward through the deep snow as both Jongho and Yunho slid down the slope, sending snow in front of them.

No one cared though.

As they got closer, Wooyoung shifted and yelled. "Jongho! Yunho!"

Yunho let out a loud whine right before he shifted as well and the two of them collided in a tangled mess of limbs, sending them flying down the side of the mountain.

San moved to break their fall, bracing himself and crouching low to the ground. He managed to stop them from rolling any further as Mingi and Jongho caught up to them.

That was when Wooyoung realized this was a horrible idea and pulled himself away before shifting back into a wolf. Yunho did the same and the two of them proceeded to nuzzle into one another.

I can't believe it! It worked! Yunho said, licking Wooyoung's cheek several times.

I know it was only for a second, but it was so good to hear your voice again Woo. Jongho pushed his way in and started licking Wooyoung's neck. Then he turned and repeated the action with San, who purred and closed his eyes.

It's good to hear yours in my head again too. San said, shoving his head into Jongho's side.

I could hear you! Jongho said, stepping back in surprise.

You've been home? How is Avayla? Mingi stepped forward, taking his turn to rub against Wooyoung and San.

Yes, how is Theo? Yunho whined.

Both of them are fine. We didn't stay long, so we don't have much to report. San moved to connect his forehead with Yunho's. As soon as we knew you hadn't come back yet and I got the pack link back, we left. They seemed good though.

We know where Seonghwa might be. Wooyoung turned to look at Mingi, letting out a small whine.

Where?

We think Lance might have partnered with Ultima. It would be a smart move on his part. Especially if Primera went with him. That's the only thing that makes sense with the fact that no one could sense where they went. Wooyoung straightened up as he spoke.

We were thinking the same thing, but we didn't know where to start looking. Jongho moved to his side. We just spoke with a couple of alphas we ran into and they told us of a large area situated south of here.

That's Ultima. San's ears fell back. They have a large area tucked into the mountains that is well defended and not easy to get to. We can take you there.

It's where we got the books. Wooyoung glanced at his mate, feeling his fear of going back. It's not going to be pretty though.

We've been through tough situations before. I will not abandon Seonghwa. Mingi snarled.

And neither will we. Wooyoung snapped, knowing his eyes flashed gold. I was just stating that it isn't going to be easy. Especially because they will be on the lookout for San and I to return.

Mingi flinched and looked away, bowing his head a little.

Youngie, what happened there? Yunho asked, concern flowing out of him.

Wooyoung turned to look at San, who closed his eyes and sighed. I killed one of the head alpha's sons.