*Hyuk’s POV*

We waited anxiously for the last six members of our large group to return. Everyone was nervous, fearful for them, even though they themselves might’ve not been as scared. But it was no secret that they were obviously outnumbered. Zelo, Himchan, and Kikwang however seemed the most worried, their mates being out there.

Kikwang was sat on a log, nervously fiddling with his fingers and clothing. Zelo just stood by a large tree biting his finer nails unconsciously. Himchan paced back and forth, completely freaking out.

I felt really bad for him. He took me in and took care of me and protected me, but I couldn’t do something as small as make him feel better. All I could do was watch and pray for the best. “What’s taking so long?” Himchan stopped pacing and paused as if to consider going back to help them.

Daehyun instantly noticed this. “Oh no you don’t Himchan. You’re staying right here.” Daehyun stood up. “I’m not just going to sit her and hope for the best!” Himchan spat. “I need to at least make sure Jongup is okay.”

“Jongup is strong and smart. He can handle himself. Plus, he’s an Alpha, there’s no way those humans can= take him.” Daehyun tried, but Himchan wasn’t buying it.

I couldn’t help but doubt Daehyun’s words, remembering those weapons from the presentation. No matter how strong of a demon you are, there’s no way you could over power those. In fact, the stronger you are, the worse the outcome. But I didn’t dare say that. “Himchan, Jongup is going to be fine.” Zelo spoke up, walking up to the elder, “And he’s not going to let anything happen to him.”

This made Himchan relax a bit, but he still wasn’t completely convinced. Zelo gave him a small smile and Daehyun patted the elder gently on the back.

I couldn’t help but smile sadly, they (the BAP clan) seemed like really good friends. They were close. “What’s wrong?” Hongbin suddenly asked, seeing right passed the meek smile.

I bit my bottom lip, not really wanting to be the downer. “Something…something just doesn’t feel right.” I said severely quiet that only the elder werewolf could hear.

Hongbin’s face turned uneasy upon hearing my words. This frightened me, “I’m sorry!” I quickly apologized. “There’s no need.” He said.

I gave him a strange look. “Nothing feels right.” He said.

We waited for what felt like hours upon hours (though it was probably just 15 minutes) until the remaining members arrived.

Kikwang seemed relived at the sight of both Doojoon and Taecyeon unharmed.

Unable to control himself, Zelo ran up and hugged Bang tightly.

Jun K sat down on a large log. Chantelle sat down next to him, something about her expression was quite alarming.

Hongbin and I looked at each other then at Himchan, whom to our surprise seemed to be waiting expectantly.

However, when no one else arrived and no one said anything, Himchan’s expression returned to one of worry. “Um…” he looked at each of the five members that returned. “Where’s Jongup?”

Everyone went silent.

Himchan waited patiently for a response.

Chantelle only looked at him. Jun K. stretched, looking every which way except for at the vampire. Taecyeon’s eyes down casted.

Doojoon ran his fingers through his hair stressfully. Even Yongguk avoided eye contact with his closest friend.

Himchan took a deep, quivering breath, his eyes moist. “Where is my Jongup?” He asked again, his voice cracking.

No one said a word except for Chantelle who sighed and diverted her eyes over to Bang. “Yongguk?” Zelo’s eyes were large as he too waited for an answer.

Bang shook his head, taking a long deep breath.

Himchan slowly shook his own head, “Don’t tell me he…” He didn’t dare to finish his sentence.

“He was taken away…by the-,” “I said don’t tell me!!” Himchan cried, interrupting the pureblood.

“He was shot, and the hex hunters caught him. Sooyoung caught him.” Bang continued, still unable to make eye contact.

Himchan froze, backing up, not believing his ears. We could hear his heart shatter in the midst of his silence. Tears almost instantly strayed down his cheeks, one right after the other. His breathing became slow and heavy.

Zelo shook his head, not believing it. “Wh-Why didn’t you get?...Did you try?” His voice trembled. “Junhong…” Bang said, not wanting to talk about it. Himchan was speechless, “Y-You’re lying Bang…” his voice was so soft and fragile that it almost seemed unreal. “I couldn’t…” the leader confessed.

“Why?! He didn’t do anything wrong! He did nothing to deserve this!!” Himchan bawled in fear of what could happen to his mate.

My heart sunk for him. Jongup really didn’t deserve any of this. He just wanted peace. And he’s one of the nicest people anyone will ever meet…that we’ve all met. “Himchan. I’m so sorry…I wanted-,” “No. I don’t want to hear it.” Himchan cut Bang off once more. “Just…leave me alone…” Himchan said storming off.

Youngjae and Kikwang hadn’t said anything. They were both in a state of shock and disbelief, since they were the closest to Jongup excluding Himchan.

“What happened?” Yoseob asked hesitantly.

“Apparently while we were holding them off, one of the bullets brushed his arm. It left a pretty wide open cut. And I guess somehow the poison got into him a little because he was struggling to keep up when we ran towards the woods.” Taecyeon was the one to explain.

“Then, they shot him in the back…and…” Taecyeon hesitated to describe what happened.

“And it weakened him.” Jun K joined in, helping his close friend out.

The atmosphere became heavier at the news of him being shot. We could only imagine what the outcome was, and judging from the broadcast…it was definitely far from a pinch. “They captured him…” Bang gritted through his teeth, “and…Sooyoung put a muzzle on him.” He closed his eyes.

I noticed Hongbin’s eyes widen in fear at this piece of information. Taecyeon and Jun K both flinched at the memory. “How could you not have saved him?” Zelo was stuck on that specific fact.

Bang’s eyes slowly reopened.

The human took a step back. “How could you let them take him away??” his voice was filled with disgust and disbelief. “Junhong…I couldn’t.” Bang said.

“Yes, you could’ve! And you know it! You could’ve saved Jongup! But you didn’t! Why? I don’t know. But you could have saved him…if you tried. I know that you could’ve!” Zelo snapped sounding more hurt than angry.

“He did what he had to. If we did fight them, we all would’ve been killed. We were outnumbered, and they had those weapons. If we fought them, Jongup would’ve been killed as well as the rest of us.” Doojoon butted in, backing Bang up.

This surprised everyone, especially Zelo, who had nothing else to say. He just looked away from Bang.

“He’s right. There was very little we could do, and knowing Sooyoung, who knew what ticks she had up her sleeves.” Jun K inputted, receiving a few head nods in agreement.

Chantelle clasped her hands, standing up. “Alright. We all need to get some rest. Let’s set up camp here for the night.” She said. “Wait, what about tomorrow? Are we going to plan for that?” Junhyung spoke up.

The female hybrid shrugged, “It’s up to you guys. I’m going to get some firewood! Junnie come with me.” Chantelle pulled her mate up from his seat.

I quickly stood up, “I’ll go with you guys!” I offered.

Hongbin, Jaehwan, Ravi, and Hakyeon gave me strange looks, not expecting the sudden offer, especially to two dangerous people whom we barely knew. But something about them being hybrids made me interested in them, and even more strangely, more relatable to them.

Chantelle smiled, “Sure.” She said leading the way, Jun K following. I quickly jumped and skipped after them to catch up.

The further we walked away from the group, the more awkward I began to feel. I’ve never been around them all alone before, and their presence combined was overwhelming. They came off confident and strong, but more sly and stealthy than anything else.

They walked side by side, only half a foot apart. I just followed behind them. There was something I wanted to talk about, but not quite sure on how to start off.

“So, what do you guys think is going to happen to Jongup?” I asked. That was absolutely not what I wanted to talk about.

“I don’t know. I just hope they keep him alive. He’s a really nice guy and for Himchan’s sake.” Jun K was the one to answer. Chantelle only nodded in agreement, observing our surroundings, her eyes absorbing every little spec of detail in almost an instant.

“Soooo~, you guys are hybrids…” I began. Well obviously!

Chantelle nodded at the obvious information.

“Me too.” I said shyly.

Chantelle only smiled at this.

“Well, I guess I wouldn’t necessarily be considered a hybrid, since I’m not a combination of demons. Just half demon and half human.” I corrected myself. “Nonsense. If you’re two of anything, you’re a hybrid.” Chantelle said proudly.

I was astounded by her confidence, especially being a hybrid and all. “Wow, the way you say it, makes it sound like a cool thing.” I giggled, feeling a little more comfortable. “Because it is a cool thing. It’s an awesome thing.” Chantelle said as if it were obvious.

I could only shrug at this. I’ve grown up all my life being despised by both humans and demons, including vampires. My parents probably didn’t even like me, which was probably why they left the earth so soon. The thought made my heart squeeze, I never even got to know them.

“Not convinced?” Jun K asked, seeing the despaired expression that easily dominated my facial muscles. “…it’s hard…I’ve always been called an abomination and shunned from everyone else.” I said honestly.

“Well here’s two words of advice F-,” “Interesting.” Jun K said interrupting Chantelle. She gave him an unappreciated look. “he’s a little kid. He’s so innocent and cute. Don’t say such dirty words in front of him.” Jun K said. The younger hybrid studied me and decided not to finish her sentence. “You’re right.”

“Were you guys bullied?” I asked, deciding to bypass what Jun K had said.

“Of course! All the vampires called me dirty names, like and all that. Just because I was half succubus. The Incubi and Succubi never really cared for me.” Chantelle answered, speaking as if it were nothing.

“Tch, vampires hated me. Werewolves never trust me, always thinking I was some sort of spy. I couldn’t even play with kids my age when I was younger, so I was homeschooled.” Jun K said.

This amazed me.

“But you guys are so confident. And everyone says that you guys were players? If people didn’t like you, how were you able to date so many people?” I asked.

“Tactics.” Chantelle simply put it. “If you have good tactics no one can resist you. Jun K had it easy, being a rich boy and all.”

“But you guys seem so well respected.

“Like I said honey, money is the key. Strangely people are able to look passed your faults when you have money and power.” Chantelle said very much unimpressed.

I sighed, “I wish I can be that confident.”

Jun K chuckled at this. I looked at him, not understanding what was so amusing.

“There’s no reason not to be confident. You’re one of a kind. You’re rare, so rare that you’re probably more special than other beings of a single breed. You hold the blood of many histories, which is pretty cool I must say.” He said. “You’re so rare, what’s more special than that.”

“Yeah, but I’m pretty much a watered-down vampire. You guys are double the package, stronger and faster.” I said almost in admiration.

Jun K just laughed, “Actually it’s hard at first. You don’t have anyone to teach you how to balance both demons.

“You’re weak if you can’t control both of them. It takes a lot of practice and strength, but it’s not just about strength, it’s about how smart you are.” Chantelle said, tapping her head. “It’s always about how smart you are. You can’t do anything when you’re strong and dumb, except be somebody’s pet.”

“The point is, don’t let anyone make you feel bad for what you are. There’s a reason why you’re different. Maybe your difference can help save the world.” Jun K winked at me before moving ahead.

I unconsciously lagged behind. That never crossed my mind. But how is that possible? Well it’s humans vs. demons, and I am a combination of both. But wouldn’t that make me even more hated? I sighed…Ugghhhh…I don’t know.

*Youngjae’s POV*

I was in too much shock to help set up ‘camp’. There really wasn’t much to do, so I found myself talking to Kikwang for a bit. “If…Jongup could be taken away then…” The elder paused hesitantly. I just continued to listen, encouraging him to go on.

He looked at me with glossy eyes, studied everyone, and then returned his fearful gaze back at me. “…then that means any of us could be…captured.” His voice trembled at the reality of it.

I didn’t know how to respond. I couldn’t respond, because it was true. It was true from the beginning, but now it’s actually becoming our reality. I just observed the area, looking at everyone else, a thought in mind, anybody could be next.

“Let’s just hope something like this doesn’t happen again.” I said softly as my eyes landed on Jaehwan. Why didn’t he stay back at the Garden? Oh why didn’t I make him?! It can’t be too late…can it?

“I hope Jongup is okay…” Kikwang quivered.

I looked back at him to see the deep sadness in his eyes. My heart sunk even deeper at this.

“I’m sorry.” He quickly straightened up, though he couldn’t hide the frequent sniffles. “It seemed like just yesterday he was teaching us those cool dance moves.” Kikwang forced a smile.

I returned the smile, remembering the century old memory of Kikwang trying to miserably mimic Jongup’s dance moves. It was quite amusing. “I remember saving him…” Kikwang recalled the memory of finding the Alpha unconscious just outside the woods.

The human’s eyes down casted, “Too bad I couldn’t have done it when it really counted.”

“Hey, it did count back then. He could’ve died if you left him.” I reminded.

He just shrugged, “yeah…I guess…”

“I can only imagine how Himchan must feel.” I sighed, and with that we both fell into a midst of silence.

I looked around for Daehyun, but he was still gone. He and Zelo had went out to look for Himchan and I guess console him. The others were just making the best of what was to be their camp for the night.

Bang, Doojoon, and Taeyeon were off to the side, talking seriously about something. At that moment Chantelle, Jun K, and Hyuk returned with the firewood. Hongbin was the first to greet them (but mostly Hyuk).

Yongguk, Doojoon, and Taecyeon stopped what they were doing to talk to Chantelle and Jun K. Kikwang and I both watched, wondering what they were talking about. “So that’s the plan?” Chantelle seemed to clarify. Yongguk nodded.

“Are you guys talking about tomorrow?” Yoseob asked. Taecyeon nodded, “We’ll explain when everyone gets here.”

“Explain what?” Daehyun asked, him and Zelo returning at the end of the Alpha’s sentence.

“Where’s Himchan?” Jaehwan asked, seeing that he wasn’t with the two. “He wants to be alone. He said he’ll be back when he’s ready.” Zelo said, his voice soft and his eyes glossy. Jaehwan nodded silently, our attention returning to Taecyeon.

“We’re thinking about sneaking into the main facility about the same time as when Youngmin meets that guy. And watch the meeting, pretty much a stake out. But…we were thinking that not everyone should come. We just need a handful or less.” Taecyeon explained, receiving an approval of head nods.

“I’ll go. You guys will need me.” Ravi was the first to offer.

“You’ll probably get caught. What if your parents are there?” Jaehwan turned down the idea. The rest of us agreed, we didn’t want that. “But how will you guys know where to go? It’s extremely guarded.” Ravi argued.

“Trust me. We can figure it out.” Hyunseung said. “Yeah, we’ve been on this earth for too long now.” Junhyung remarked. Ravi didn’t say anymore, not finding it beneficial to argue.

“I’ll go.” Bang said.

“You sure you’re alright to do that?” Taecyeon asked cautiously.

The p