The fire was a warm shield against the cold, night sky. The crickets chirped around him, and the frogs croaked in the river not too far from where he built his camp for the night. Honestly, it was a peaceful place to possibly build a home.

No matter where he goes, however, it won't be home.

He sighs softly, grabbing a cooked piece of the rabbit he was roasting on the fire and began to eat. The juices flowed on his tongue, giving him instant energy as well as making him sleepy from the warm meat filling his stomach. The rabbit pelt he saved was hanging to dry after he washed it in the river to remove any fleas and ticks on it, as well as to wash any dirt and blood from the fur.

Those would make warm socks for the winter, he thought, chewing on the bone once he picked the meat clean off of it. Once he was finished eating, and there was no more rabbit meat to pick off of the bones, he placed them all in a piece of cloth to be cleaned and thought of many ways he could use those whether it's tools or even make jewelry to trade at the next pack he ran across.

If those didn't turn their heads, it would be the rabbit's feet he had saved for the midwives and healers. They strive to have those pieces of treasure any time someone caught a rabbit.

Just as he finished cleaning up, a slight breeze flowed through the trees and he caught the scent of another Alpha. His wolf stirs, ready to defend himself if needed. He had no food, and hardly any belongings, if they were trying to loot him for items they would be disappointed with what he's got.

But he caught another scent with the Alpha, one that was slightly stronger and... distressed? Perhaps an Omega? Then he heard the branches crackling and footsteps heading towards his way, his gaze turns to where he can hear their paws treading close to where he is.

He stayed sitting though, he didn't want to show any threat to an Alpha if this was his territory, or worse, an Alpha traveling with his mate.

Geonhak watched as the trees and shrubs split, and reveal two wolves. One was smaller, clearly the Omega, and was hiding behind his Alpha. His all-white fur was matted down, almost as if they've been traveling for a while. The Alpha stood taller when Geonhak's presence was known, his tan and black wolf perfect hides the Omega's.

Geonhak holds his hands up peacefully, to show the other Alpha he meant no harm, "I mean no harm, I'm just camping here for the night."

The Alpha watches him before shifting into his human form, his brown hair was shaggy as he continues to watch Geonhak, "We don't mean any harm either. As long as we both can see that."

The Omega was hesitant to shift behind his Alpha, but he did so. Geonhak took notice of their packs, and it clicks in his mind that these two are runners like him. They weren't very large, but they were packed full of supplies no doubt.

He also took notice of the Omega. Sure he was beautiful, his striking platinum hair stood out amongst his other features but not as much as the dead, numb look in his eyes. He didn't stare for too long, but judging from how the Omega looks, he can tell they've had a rough journey. He gestures to the fire, "You two look like you've been traveling quite a bit, come. Share my fire."

The Alpha studied him once more with his large brown eyes before nodding, "Thank you...?"

Geonhak paused. He never even thought of a cover-up name before he ran off. Here he has been gone for so long and he hasn't once thought of a name people can call him to hide his identity. A name suddenly popped into his mind, he wasn't sure how it did, but it was a familiar name. One he decided to use, "Leedo. My name is Leedo."

"Leedo," the Alpha repeats, dressing, and the Omega follows suit, "I'm Youngjo, and this is my mate Hwanwoong."

Geonhak... Leedo nods once in greeting, moving aside so the strangers could share the fire with him. He suddenly thought about food for them and chuckles slightly, "I wish I would have known I would be having guests tonight. I would've saved some of my rabbit I killed earlier."

"That's very kind of you, but we're not hungry," Youngjo smiles slightly, wrapping his arm around his mate. The way that his arm fits around the petite male... it was almost as if they were made for one another.

"Are you sure? I can possibly hunt down something for you-"

"That's very kind of you," Youngjo nods, "But there's no need to go into that kind of trouble for us. We're just taking a break before we have to move again." He looked as if he didn't want to deny, but he didn't want to be rude either and accept when this stranger in the forest is offering them a fire to rest by.

Leedo bites his lip, looking from Youngjo to Hwanwoong. Something about him just screamed out to Leedo and told him that something was wrong. Could it be the soulless and dead look in his eyes? Could it be the thin frame? Or maybe perhaps it is the bland expression he kept on his face, not once showing any emotion? Leedo wasn't sure, but one thing he does know is that the Omega has been through hell, whatever it may be for him. The Alpha, on the other hand, looked tense and just as tired as the Omega. Although instead of the dead look in his eyes like his Omega, he had determination and will.

"It's late, and by the looks of both of you," Leedo nods to them, "You both look a little exhausted. Please, it'll help my mindset for both of you to share my fire tonight and get some rest before you head back out tomorrow."

The Alpha was a little taken aback by the kind gesture, looking from Leedo to his mate. Hwanwoong barely nods once to his mate, it was almost unnoticeable if you weren't really watching. Youngjo sighs softly, kissing his mate's forehead gently before looking back to Leedo, "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to us."

"Anytime," Leedo smiles softly, "I think it's time I hit the hay. As I said, you both are more than welcome to stay here and rest up for the night."

"Thank you Leedo," Youngjo smiles slightly, he and his Omega find a spot close to the fire for warmth as they set up their own mini-camp for themselves for the night. Leedo didn't feel threatened by the couple at all. For the first time in a while, he felt as if he could finally rest in peace and not worry about being run off the territory by another Alpha or having to move to avoid being found...

He rolls over away from the couple, yawning softly before falling into a deep sleep.

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The next morning, Leedo awoke to the smell of meat roasting. He sniffs the air a few times before rolling over, seeing Youngjo roasting a couple of squirrels over the fire. He looks over and nods slightly in greeting, "'Morning."

"Hey," Leedo looks around and frowns when he sees it's a little early still. The sun wasn't too high in the sky, but it was definitely morning. He groans, stretching his aching muscles, "You're up early."

Youngjo hums, "I figured I could roast a few squirrels for all of us to eat..." he looks over to his mate, who was still sleeping soundly and had his back facing away from them.

"Thank you," Leedo chuckles, "Considering I should have done that since both of you are my guests-"

"No no," Youngjo waves him off, "it was my pleasure. I need to make sure Hwanwoong eats and gets well rested anyway..."

Leedo bites his lip, he wanted to ask the other Alpha what was wrong with his mate. Clearly, there is something there that is bothering both of them, but he didn't feel like it was his place to ask. But, curiosity got the best of him and he approaches Youngjo quietly, "I don't mean this in any offensive way possible... but is he alright? I can tell both of you are tired but he seems more... I don't know the right words to say for it..."

Youngjo tenses suddenly, halting all movements and just staring at the fire. He had something to say, but he was debating whether to tell this strange Alpha or not. Leedo was just about to say nevermind when Youngjo began to speak, "We... we lost someone very close to us. It's taken a toll on us, but him more so... I've been trying to stay strong for his sake and take care of him. That's my duty as an Alpha. His Alpha."

Leedo nods, "I understand."

It was silent amongst the two Alphas, the two sit across from one another as they watch the squirrels roast on the open flame. When they were done, Youngjo took one over to his mate and shared the meat. His mate didn't eat much, but he still ate. Leedo began packing up his things, which wasn't much but it was enough to get him by. Hwanwoong eventually sat up and helped pack up their things as well. Leedo could tell that the Omega still wasn't feeling right. He wasn't sure what was wrong with him, but he didn't feel comfortable leaving these two go without extra protection.

If they were ambushed by Rogues, or even by other wolves in a pack, Hwanwoong wouldn't be able to defend himself with how weak he is. And Youngjo looks as if he was still exhausted.

"Youngjo," Leedo spoke suddenly, catching the attention of the other Alpha. He looks up, his attention solely on Leedo now. Hwanwoong looked up at him as well through his lashes, slipping his bag over his shoulders quietly. Leedo clears his throat, "I uh... I was thinking maybe I can possibly come with you?" He scratches the back of his neck, nervous about asking something like this for a mated couple.

Youngjo arches an eyebrow, his body slightly shielding his Omega from Leedo but the other Alpha shakes his head, "It's not what you think. I... it's been a while since I've been in a pack and I don't mean this in any offensive way at all, but I can also provide you extra protection for you both. I can also hunt with you so we can take down bigger prey and so you're not always exhausted doing it for Hwanwoong. If you were to both get ambushed by other wolves... you probably wouldn't make it."

Youngjo was taken aback by the facts, looking down at Hwanwoong as if they were having a conversation privately in their own link. It was silent for a moment, and before Leedo could take back his offer, Youngjo turns to him with a small smile, "Okay. You can come with us."

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They traveled through the forests and different lands for a couple of months, and it went by more smoothly than when they were all separate. They accomplished many things, covering more land now that everyone has plenty of energy with the copious amount of rest they get, they're never hungry, and they all get along great.

Leedo actually had a great idea to follow a river, and eventually, you will come across a large body of water full of life.

And right he was.

Eventually, the group broke through the forest and landed on a remote beach one day, the sun beating down on the dry sand made their paws burn but as they looked out they were in awe. Ahead of them was the ocean, waves were crashing against the shore and the seagulls cawed above them as they dove for fish in the water. Leedo shifts, turning to Youngjo who shifts as well, looking over the land.

He smiles, turning to Leedo and his mate, "What do you say about this being our new home?"

Leedo smiles, "I approve."

Hwanwoong was silent, but a tiny smile breaks onto his lips as he looks up at his mate, "I like it," he whispers quietly.

Building their homes didn't take the Alphas very long. With both Alphas working from dawn till dusk on two huts, it took them another two months to finish the job and perfect their homes. One was for Youngjo and Hwanwoong, and the other was for Leedo.

They built them not too far from the beach, but not too deep into the forest. The location of their homes was perfect for them to hunt for fish and other types of seafood from the ocean, as well as take advantage of the deer and wildlife in the forest. And in the opposite direction of the ocean, a small creek ran through the forest and created an option for them to wash.

It was the perfect place for them all to settle down and call it home.

~~Written by JinJin0309 ~~