10
It has been a couple weeks since the new, mini pack of five has started to settle in tightly into Seonghwa and Hongjoong's old cabin with the hope that they would all eventually start to think of it as their real home.
Though the home was cramped, they were all willing to make the arrangement work. The cabin only had one bathroom and two real bedrooms. Seonghwa and Hongjoong took up one, while Jongho graciously, and for obvious reasons, gave his away to Yeosang. There was a smaller bonus room connected to the living room, but because it was opened up by a window, there wasn't much privacy. Nontheless, Jongho moved into that space.
"I promise to eventually build on to this old place. I just hadn't had a reason to until now," Hongjoong said apologetically to San, who for now, was camped out on the living room couch. Though, the couch was quite comfy, it was faded and showed it's age. Plus, know one should have to sleep out in the open. "We all deserve to have our own privacy."
San waved the leader off, flashing a grateful smile, one that showed off his dimples. "I understand, and I definitely don't mind for the time being. Whenever you are ready though, I will be more than willing to assist in building the additions." That was San's way of subtly saying he'd love to have his own bedroom with a door, but for now he'd make do.
The pack quickly got into a routine. Hongjoong and San took turns doing perimeter runs, making sure that no one suspicious has stepped foot on the territory. On occassion, Jongho would take his own turn as well. San usually volunteered to take longer turns, which Hongjoong never minded.
The leader was starting to be more and more grateful to have the other Alpha around. Though he believes that he would be capable of taking care of two Beta's and an Omega on his own, the pressure of it can be a bit difficult. The addition of the other Alpha has been extremely helpful.
So far, they have only needed to go on one hunting spree. Hongjoong, San, and Seonghwa decided to go, leaving Jongo and Yeosang at the house. Within a few hours, the trio were able to collect two bucks and a couple wild turkeys, which would be more than enough to feed their entire pack for over a week's amount of time.
Naturally, Seonghwa and Yeosang took over the kitchen, making sure to prepare each of their pack's meals. Yeosang, especially, took pride in this.
Most of the time, Yeosang couldn't help but feel useless. He couldn't assist in perimeter runs and he couldn't go out and hunt because he'd be endangering himself.
In the deepest, darkest places within himself, he felt like he was a burden to all of the people around him. If he wasn't ranked as an Omega, none of them would have to go through the trouble that they all have for him. Those thoughts stirred within him randomly, and when they did, guilt filled his entire spirit.
Especially since he's not been completely open to his rescuers, his family, about everything that's happened to him.
So for now, he made it his duty to keep them all fed and he made sure that he kept their living spaces spotless. It was the least that he could do to repay them for everything they are doing for him. Cleaning was also a perfect distraction from things.
"Hey, are you okay?" This question seems to be Jongho's new favorite or something because he seems to be using it a tremendous amount lately, at least once every day.
Yeosang jumped in reaction, not realizing that the young Beta was behind him while he was washing the dishes from this evening's meal. He almost dropped one of their porcelain plates and it probably would have shattered if he hadn't caught it in time.
"God, don't sneak up on me like that Jongho!" he growled, his nose scrunching in obvious irritation. "Make your presence known sooner or I might have a heart attack!" The tone of his voice showed just how genuinely upset the older was. It was a tad peculiar for the Omega to act this way. Usually, he would have smelled him before he approached anyways, but he seems oddly distracted.
Instantly, Jongho regretted his actions. Yeosang has almost never been upset with him, so the Beta was almost unsure of how he was supposed to reply. "I-I'm sorry, Sangie. I didn't mean to... but... Are you feeling okay?" Jongho knitted his brows toward him, glancing back and forth between Yeosang's intense face of concentration and his hard working hands and the vigorous way they scrubbed each dish.
It was definitely unusual.
"I'm fine. Just trying to get the dishes done." Yeosang's voice was monotonous, void of any emotion, like he was bored having this conversation with the younger.
"If I did something else to bother you, I'd hope that you'd tell me." Jongho looked to the ground, debating on whether he should say something else or not before looking back up. "You've been acting like this since we got here and I j-just d-don't know what I d-did." The Beta's voice wavered as he fought to hold back the tears that were developing.
Yeosang set down his sponge, letting it splash in the soapy water as he hung his head down and sighed.
There's been a lot on Yeosang's mind lately, and ever since he was saved from the facility, there hasn't been a right time to bring anything up. Besides, they were all assumptions for now.
But he knows that his distance and his outburst just now is hurting his best friend, so he can't help but let more guilt weigh him down.
Jongho doesn't deserve to be treated this way in the slightest. There was no way for Jongho to know what's wrong if he didn't say anything. He deserves to know what all has been bothering him, what all has been consuming his mind, and the thought makes him nauteous.
He turns off the sink before turning around, facing towards the younger but keeping his head down still. "Jongho..." the Omega whispers, "There's something I haven't told you... or Joongie."
Something about Yeosang's body language and the way he hesitated his words, made Jongho's gut flip. "Sangie... what is it?" he grabbed the older's hand, trying to keep his voice as steady as possible.
He could tell Yeosang was searching for the right way to say what's eating at him.
But before Yeosang could respond, San came through their mind link. Someone's on our territory.
That's all it took before Hongjoong came bolting from his and Seonghwa's bedroom, his face painted with a mixture of concern and anger. "You two stay here!" the leader pointed toward the two in the kitchen, Seonghwa hot on his heels, following him toward the front door.
Seonghwa and I are coming. How many can you sense? Hongjoong asked. He was too far away to sense them himself.
It took a moment for San to give him an answer. There's two. An Alpha and a Beta. Hongjoong sighed in relief at that. At least they have the strangers outnumbered in case they mean any harm.
The mated couple stripped out of their clothes and transformed, sprinting toward the direction of San. Once they reached him, they could easily smell the outsiders themselves, and they were definitely close.
It only took a couple more minutes before they saw the figures of two wolves heading their direction. One wolf wore an intimidating black coat, almost darker than Seonghwa's and it was evident that he was the Alpha by just how tall his wolf stood. The other was tall as well, but not quite to the Alpha's height, and it had the most elegant orange fur with a white belly.
When the strange couple stopped in front of the trio, Hongjoong took the initiative as the leader to shift again, slipping on his pants, and making sure his mate and his pack member were behind him. Why are you on my territory? And who sent you!?
The unknown Beta shuffled backwards in submission, hiding himself behind his large Alpha at the tone of Hongjoong's voice. His Alpha immediately grew frustrated that another wolf would dare to force his mate into submission. His eyes flashed red while he shifted himself.
Hongjoong knew he was coming on strong, but with everything he has done and with everyone looking for him, he can't trust anyone initially, unless they can prove to him otherwise. He couldn't risk anyone putting his little brother in danger.
The Alpha that stood before him was much taller than himself, putting on a strong, intimidating presence, but Hongjoong didn't waver at all. Who are you!?
Joong... there's no reason to be so fierce yet... Seonghwa spoke.
I'm really trying to stay respectful and keep my patience since we're clearly on your land, but the way you keep growling at me and my mate is making it harder and harder for me to do that. The strange Alpha said. His voice was deep, and he spoke in almost a growl
Hongjoong scoffed, but paused for a moment to catch his bearings. Seonghwa was right, as he always is, there was no reason to be unreasonably vicious. They were probably a couple of wolves just passing through, so until a reason presents itself, there's no need to be hateful. He'd still be more than cautious though.
"Did someone send you this way? It's quite far from Supreme City." Hongjoong raised an eyebrow, more curious than accusatory.
"More like chased us out." the other Alpha chuckled, but it wasn't meant to be funny. That was made even more obvious in the way that his mate nudged his bare back with his nose. "Nah..." he corrected himself, "we just don't feel that we belong in the city anymore."
"What brings you to my territory?" Hongjoong cocked his head up.
"My mate and I come from the South side of Supreme City. We've been traveling for a little while. There's hardly any signs of living out here. We saw smoke from a fire in this direction and thought maybe we could request to camp out here for a bit."
The leader turned to look at the two wolves behind him, not too fond of the idea of having two strangers in his house, especially around Yeosang.
Before Hongjoong could respond, the Alpha added as though he sensed Hongjoong's hesitation, "We have a trailor that we've been living out of, so we won't ask to come inside, we were just needing a decent area to park it, maybe hunt some, and to rest for a bit. We'll stay out of your hair." This mystery Alpha was almost pleading, which was surprising to see after how protective he had been a moment ago. They must be pretty desperate.
Baby, Hongjoong knew what Seonghwa was going to say just by the tone in his voice. I think we should let them stay for a while. If we notice anything peculiar, we can ask them to leave or make them leave, but I don't think it will get to that point. Look at them.
The head Alpha took a moment to scan over both the Alpha and the Beta tucked away behind him. Their eyes looked sincere... and if they promised to keep to themselves... What could honestly be the harm?
I can make sure to keep an eye on them and what they're up to on my perimeter runs, just to be positive that there's nothing to be suspicious of. San volunteered, and Hongjoong turned to nod toward him in gratitude.
He held out his hand to the tall Alpha. "I'm Hongjoong."
"Mingi." The two Alphas both held a strong grip as they shook hands.
"This is my mate, Seonghwa, and this is San." The two behind him shifted beforehand and kindly nodded to the strangers.
Mingi stepped to the side, revealing his pretty coated mate who timidly looked up, asking Mingi for his approval to shift as well.
The Beta was gorgeous. He was a beautifully tall male, which complimented his tall Alpha well. They suited each other. His figure was fit, but slim. He had brown, puppy-dog eyes that contrasted well with his blonde hair. He still seemed to timid to make direct eye contact, as though he had recently been through something traumatic.
"This is my Beta, Yunho."
~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry if this chapter was boring. I needed to start introducing everyone, but I'm not necessarily happy with how this turned out.
I hope you show it some love anyways! I'm really needing the encouragement more than ever. Not gonna lie, I've contemplated deleting this book, but so many of you seem to enjoy it.
Thank you so much for reading!
-Sydney <3
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