The sunlight broke through the curtains and Sanghyuk felt his ears twitch as he turned his head to keep his gaze from the light. Already he could feel the warmth from the sun’s rays reaching and warming his fur to the point it was slightly uncomfortable. Especially since he could feel Taekwoon’s fur and body pressed against him.

 

It was an addicting sensation.

 

Sanghyuk wouldn’t be able to get over the feeling.

 

Sanghyuk blearily recalled how Taekwoon came to his room last night and cuddled close to him. Probably sensing his distress and hoping to try and calm him down. Well, he succeeded even if that wasn’t his intention.

 

He turned to bury his face into the soft white fur of Taekwoon’s neck, breathing in the now familiar and calming scent. Taekwoon shifted to bury his nose into Sanghyuk’s own chest, whining at every movement Sanghyuk made.

 

Sorry. He Taekwoon’s fur in apology.

 

His bed was much too warm and comfortable.

 

Getting up would be the worst thing that he’d ever do because of the fact that he’ll leave the presence of Taekwoon. Did he really have to get up?

 

“Sanghyuk!” He heard his mother yell. “Wake up!”

 

Actually, he takes back the entire peace of the morning. Since it was now disturbed and he let out a soft whine into Taekwoon’s fur. However, when he did this he could sense that Taekwoon was waking up.

 

Please don’t wake up. I don’t want this moment to be ruined.

 

The door clicked open and Sanghyuk kept his ears back and his eyes closed. There was no way he was going to look at his mother and heard Miyong take in a sharp inhale before she let out a soft chuckle. He could tell she was amused by the sight that she was witnessing on the bed.

 

“I’m surprised at how small Taekwoon is.” Miyong said and Sanghyuk cracked open one of his eyes and flicked his tail.

 

He barely noticed Taekwoon’s size. All he knew was that Taekwoon was the perfect size for him to curl around and for Taekwoon to nestle into Sanghyuk’s side as wolves. Yet, taking a quick glance at them he knew that it would be easier to see when standing up.

 

“Do you want to get up?” Miyong asked, sensing Sanghyuk hesitation but allowing Sanghyuk to agree or disagree.

 

A shake of his head.

 

“Okay, but we’ll bring some food in to you because it is getting a little late to get breakfast. Your siblings are doing things around the pack.”

 

Sanghyuk raised his head and flicked his ears and sniffed, curious.

 

Miyong chuckled. “Haebin and Kangmin have gone to a sister pack for a few hours to catch up with friends. Holland is out with some packmates.”

 

Sanghyuk nodded and then lowered his head again. At least he now knew where his siblings are.

 

Miyong was about to close the door but spoke up again. “You should probably open the window. Get some proper air flow in the room.”

 

Sanghyuk made an acknowledging noise as the door shut behind his mother.

 

Taekwoon shifted against him, attempting to pull away but Sanghyuk draped one of his front paws over him and kept him on the bed. He heard a huff and then felt Taekwoon nip and tug at his fur.

 

When Sanghyuk rested further on Taekwoon a low growl rumbled from the smaller male. He paused and realised that he was probably annoying Taekwoon without letting him up. His tail flicked but moved back in order to let Taekwoon sit up from where he had been resting on the bed. Taekwoon’s tail wagged and thumped against the mattress as he moved to stand up.

 

Once he heard Taekwoon land on the floor, Sanghyuk stretched out along his bed with a satisfied whine. His paws tangled in the blankets and heard Taekwoon pad around slightly before he propped his front paws back onto the mattress.

 

Sanghyuk cracked open and eye and raise his head to stare at Taekwoon who was staring down at him with his aqua eyes. “Yes?”

 

“Come on, get up.”

 

“No.”

 

Before Taekwoon could say anything the door opened again to reveal Miyong holding a tray of food. She stared at the pair and then shook her head at them. She sent Taekwoon an apologetic smile and placed the tray on the table.

 

“I’m sorry my son is a nuisance.” She ruffled Taekwoon’s fur before leaving the room again.

 

When the door clicked shut once more Taekwoon moved away from the bed with a grumble that sounded along the lines of, “stubborn Alphas who don’t want to get up”.

 

Well, that just wasn’t true. Or perhaps it was for right now but not in general.

 

“I do want to get up.”

 

Taekwoon snorted.

 

“You’re not acting like it.”

 

Okay, there was a reason why Taekwoon seemed incredibly doubtful of his words. “Well, my bed is nice and warm.”

 

“I can agree with that.” Taekwoon said finally. “But even I got up and there is food for us.”

 

He heard footsteps on the floor and then Taekwoon yawned which caused Sanghyuk to stiffen ever so slightly. That didn’t sound like a wolf yawn at all. Did Taekwoon shift back?

 

Sanghyuk quickly recalled that Taekwoon had dropped his clothes into a pile by the bed before shifting and joining him on the bed. Which could only mean one thing. Taekwoon was walking around his room .

 

.

 

“Can I burrow some of your clothes?”

 

Well that confirms it. He grumbled out a, ‘sure, why not’ which Taekwoon understood easily and continued to move around the room. Sanghyuk had to keep his eyes focused on his fur so he didn’t accidentally look at Taekwoon without permission.

 

However, perhaps Taekwoon wanted a better response since a blanket was soon thrown over his head making him yelp in surprise. What the hell, man?

 

“You better shift back so you can eat. Apparently you didn’t eat much yesterday.”

 

Oh. Yeah. He forgot about eating properly yesterday after meeting Brayden.

 

He heard the drawers opening and closing as Taekwoon looked for clothes to wear. Figuring that he might as well cooperate and shifted back to being a human. The blankets were soft against his skin and suddenly was struck with Taekwoon’s scent that lingered on the sheets.

 

Death would be lovely right here right now. He then frowned and flicked an ear. It would mean leaving Taekwoon alone with Brayden roaming around and never actually have a chance to be with Taekwoon. Yeah, it wasn’t even a choice.

 

“Come on, I don’t want to eat this food all by myself.”

 

Sanghyuk struggled with the blankets and let out a soft growl. “, how difficult is it to get out of this thing?”

 

“Says the person who messed it up upon shifting back.”

 

“Says the person who threw it on me in the first place.”

 

Taekwoon huffed. “I didn’t want you to look.”

 

“Afraid I’ll see something that I wouldn’t like?” Sanghyuk asked once he managed to wrangle the blankets off of him and turned to face Taekwoon. Suddenly he mouth ran dry, and his mind was unable to articulate what he saw.

 

Taekwoon’s hair was ruffled up from sleep and his eyes were aware but still slightly sleepy, but that wasn’t what caught Sanghyuk’s attention. He was wearing Sanghyuk’s sweatpants and one of his larger slightly shirts which hung off his shoulders. It revealed the pale skin of his shoulders that Sanghyuk’s wolf growled in appreciation.

 

Taekwoon looked so adorable, especially since Sanghyuk’s clothes made him look so much smaller than he was.

 

Sanghyuk suddenly paused as he noticed a scar on the back of Taekwoon’s left shoulder. His ears laid back and his wolf whined quietly with a lingering sense of protectiveness and almost possessiveness. Something had hurt Taekwoon and scarred him.

 

Taekwoon fiddled with the hem of the shirt and shook his head. “No, I wasn’t worried about that.”

 

He knew there was something that Taekwoon wasn’t telling him but he wasn’t going to push it. Sanghyuk pushed himself up against his pillows and raise his eyebrows. “You know, you don’t have to wear my clothes. I don’t mind-“

 

Taekwoon snapped his head up, his face burning bright red. “Shut up! You don’t mean that.”

 

“Oh but I do~”

 

Sanghyuk could feel his own heat up when he saw Taekwoon give him a disbelieving look. He sat up fully and let the blanket pool in his lap to keep himself covered. Best to not scare Taekwoon away.

 

Taekwoon turned to the food and picked up one of the pieces of apple. “Why aren’t you getting dressed?”

 

“Want to see me that badly?” Sanghyuk seemed to enjoy playing with fire when it comes to Taekwoon.

 

“You wish.”

 

“Perhaps I do.”

 

Taekwoon rolled his eyes but Sanghyuk could see that his lips were upturned into a small smile. As Taekwoon’s back was turned to him now, Sanghyuk rolled out of bed to rummage around and throw on some pants at least. The clothes were restricting slightly but Sanghyuk could push past the feeling and returned to his bed.

 

He sunk his knees into the mattress as Taekwoon perched on the edge and offered him some of the food.. He took one of the pancakes and studied Taekwoon closely. Suddenly an idea sparked up in his mind.

 

“Hey Taekwoon, can I ask you something?”

 

“Go ahead.”

 

“Do you likes sales?”

 

Taekwoon looked over at him with a very confused look. Brows furrowed together as he stared at the young Alpha. “What?”

 

“Just answer the question.” Sanghyuk popped a strawberry into his mouth and raised his brows at Taekwoon.

 

“I mean…I like sales. Why?” Taekwoon sounded as though he knew where Sanghyuk was going with his words but Sanghyuk couldn’t really be sure about that.

 

“Good.” Sanghyuk’s lips curled upwards into a playful grin. “Because in my room, clothes are one hundred percent off.”

 

Taekwoon coughed as he choked on the pancake that he was eating and covered his mouth instantly afterwards. He turned away, trying not to laugh but Sanghyuk could see the deep blush on his cheeks that he was unable to hide. His ears were laid flat against his head and his tail curled around him out of embarrassment.

 

“Did I say something wrong?” Sanghyuk asked as he suddenly worried that perhaps he may have overstepped boundaries that he didn’t know of.

 

Taekwoon shook his head. “No…It was just a shock.” He gave him a look. “You shouldn’t say that to someone who you aren’t mates with.”

 

“Yet.” Sanghyuk said without thinking.

 

Taekwoon blinked, giving him a look before whispering softly, so low that Sanghyuk almost missed it. “Yeah, yet.”

 

“Anyway,” Sanghyuk finished off the food he was eating and grinned at Taekwoon who now relaxed his shoulders. “Don’t wear any clothes but mine. Especially in my room.”

 

He didn’t mean for it to come out, especially for it to come out in this kind of discussion right after he sensed that Taekwoon was awkward about being seen without clothing. Sanghyuk bit his tongue to try and keep his thoughts even and calm.

 

“Someone sound possessive.” Taekwoon said and Sanghyuk heard the slight playful tone to it.

 

“Well, I can’t help it. You look beautiful.”

 

Taekwoon looked over at him and scoffed lightly before turning back to the rest of the food. Sanghyuk could see his skin light up in a blush and grinned brightly. He shifted behind her and wagged his tail.

 

“Sanghyuk-“

 

“I am being one hundred percent truthful.” He let his ears droop as he sensed the unease and displeasure come from him. “Why, don’t you want me to say it?”

 

Sanghyuk hoped that wasn’t the case because he’d absolutely adore constantly calling Taekwoon beautiful until his final breath. It might not be appreciated very much by him but at least he was honest. However, if Taekwoon didn’t want it then he wasn’t going to push it.

 

“It’s not that exactly.” Taekwoon shifted and sat at the edge of the bed. “I just have bad memories of people calling me ‘beautiful’ and not meaning it.” He shook his head. “Don’t worry about it too much.”

 

He opened his mouth but shut it again. No point in trying to convince Taekwoon of otherwise.

 

His mind was made up.

 

“Well,” Sanghyuk started and stood up, “why don’t we go on a walk? Before the weather turns sour as it approaches winter.”

 

“Okay.”

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

The squirrels chittered and ran along the path, darting under bushes and then up trees. The herd of deer were grazing, the wind blowing the grass around them to carry the scent of fresh grass and rain. They didn’t seem bothered even when a few wild cats roamed through the landscape as well.

 

The cries of the birds above them was oddly calming and therapeutic.

 

The gravel path crunched underfoot as Taekwoon and Sanghyuk walked down it. Ignoring majority of the animals and plants that covered the path. Taekwoon was looking up at the clouds and frowned, his eyes were wide and Sanghyuk couldn’t help but smile at him.

 

“What is so special about the winters here?”

 

Sanghyuk was startled out of his thoughts and saw Taekwoon look at him with a very curious expression.

 

“Oh.” Sanghyuk cleared his throat. “Well, every five years a major storm comes by without snow. It’s been five years since the last major storm so we are expecting one this year.” He explained. It was difficult to explain to those who just didn’t really understand their seasons and weather patterns.

 

Taekwoon nodded in understanding.

 

Sanghyuk couldn’t help but notice that Taekwoon looked so happy and pleased, as though he wasn’t being hindered by thoughts. Stupid decisions plaguing his mind and causing him to curl away from everyone who shows him a bit of compassion and kindness.

 

He felt bad for having to ruin it.

 

“Taekwoon, can we talk?”

 

Taekwoon looked back at him and they both stopped in their tracks. Letting the wind curl around them and blow their hair out of their faces. His eyes looked guarded before they fell and looked calm and at ease.

 

He knew that Sanghyuk wanted to speak to him them.

 

“I guessed.” Taekwoon said. “You said you met my father at the Alpha meeting.”

 

He sounded so accepting of the fact, even coming off as given up on it. Sanghyuk frowned and met Taekwoon’s gaze and wanted to reach out to him but decided not to. Not until he was certain Taekwoon wouldn’t reject it.

 

“Yeah…I…” Sanghyuk took a deep breath as he organised out his thoughts. “I don’t…I don’t know how to feel about you not telling us that you are an Alpha.”

 

He met Taekwoon’s gaze and saw that he was looking away. Sighing, Sanghyuk looked around them, enjoying the feel of the wind. This conversation was going to be a difficult one to hold but Sanghyuk needed to talk to him about it and knew that Taekwoon would want to discuss it as well.

 

“I’m not upset. I understand.”

 

“You just don’t know how to feel?” Taekwoon asked and Sanghyuk realised that it did sound slightly stupid and arrogant.

 

“I just wished you had said something to me beforehand. I wasn’t expecting your father to be the Alpha you ran away from.”

 

“Things came up.” Taekwoon scuffed the ground and began walking down the path towards the lake. “But Holland knows.”

 

Sanghyuk hummed and trailed after him, letting Taekwoon set the pace and the conversation topics for now. He wasn’t going to chase up a conversation for now. While he wanted to know about Taekwoon’s past, it would be too risky right now.

 

“I realised that. He didn’t seem to surprised that Brayden was there.” Sanghyuk felt his ear flick in irritation. Okay, he didn’t mean to be irritable about it but he couldn’t help it.

 

“I figured I should tell someone.” Taekwoon said as they stood by the lake side, gaze fixated on the deep water in front of them. “Holland was there and I didn’t want to burden you.”

 

Sanghyuk stood right beside him and followed his gaze to the water as well. Might as well ease Taekwoon’s nervousness. “I understand. Holland is a great listener.”

 

“He really is. Your parents are lucky to have him.”

 

“Tell me about it.” Sanghyuk chuckled. “Holland helped take care of Haebin, Kangmin and myself when our parents were distracted and our grandparents couldn’t do as much.”

 

Taekwoon sighed.

 

“I wish I knew my sisters.”

 

Sanghyuk’s ears perked up and he turned to face Taekwoon who had his eyes closed. He heard a shaky inhale and Sanghyuk wrapped an arm around Taekwoon and tugged him back so they could sit on the grass. Taekwoon opened his eyes and Sanghyuk realised one true fact.

 

Taekwoon’s aqua eyes should never be full of tears. Not if he could do something about it.

 

“I never knew them, not really. Not even the one who is only barely older than me. All my memories of her are fuzzy because I was not in the best mindset at that time.” Taekwoon whispered.

 

Sanghyuk didn’t decide to say anything, letting Taekwoon talk about his past at his own leisure. He wasn’t going to push for something that Taekwoon didn’t want after all.

 

“My oldest sister is Yuni, she was married off to the Night Walkers pack to their Alpha.” Taekwoon’s voice caught. “I have very little memories off her, because she left when I was really young. I had probably just shown that my wolf is a female and then she was gone. My father didn’t care much, we had lost our territory when I was really young though so he was trying to get benefits of marrying his children into other packs.

 

“When I was very little, I must’ve caught the attention of another pack. Alphas having young pups all about the same age can be dangerous, especially since our pack was so small. They attacked us and my mum died protecting me so my father – Brayden – had always been really harsh towards me as he thought I was properly to blame for her death.”

 

Taekwoon ducked his head into his knees and Sanghyuk moved to wrap his arms around him, pulling him close to his chest. His hands rubbed up and down Taekwoon’s back.

 

“You’re alright here.”

 

Sanghyuk whispered softly into Taekwoon’s ear. Taekwoon turned his head towards him and sniffed against the side of Sanghyuk’s neck. His tail flicked and curled around Sanghyuk and felt his tail curling around his waist as well.

 

“I don’t remember my second sister but my last sister is someone who I somewhat recall. They were both lovely to me and never let me get hurt by our father when they were around. My father couldn’t wait to get them away from me to try and push me into following his footsteps.

 

“It’d never work. My wolf was a female and no one would listen to an Alpha male with a female wolf.” Taekwoon muttered. “So my father tried selling me off but I could never accept any males he forced me to meet. I hated them all and tried to make it difficult for him.”

 

Sanghyuk hummed when he realised that is why Brayden claimed that Taekwoon ruined packs.

 

Taekwoon just refused to be mates with just anyone which made him feel proud. Proud of the fact that Taekwoon was willingly part of their pack and was accepting Sanghyuk. Even if he didn’t really know it.

 

“Your father is a liar.”

 

Taekwoon looked up at Sanghyuk with wide eyes, tears filling them which caused Sanghyuk’s heart to clench painfully in his chest. He adjusted Taekwoon against him and then let him rest fully against his chest. Sanghyuk’s hands came up to rub Taekwoon’s shoulders.

 

“He’s a liar and someone who you should hopefully never interact with again.”

 

Sanghyuk made sure he sounded very set in his words even if he didn’t really believe it. He was positive that Brayden would do anything to get Taekwoon and possibly even harm him.

 

More so than he already has.

 

Taekwoon shrugged. “He’s my father, whatever he told you he must’ve been set on it being the truth.”

 

“So claiming that you destroy every pack you join is the truth?” Sanghyuk asked, not liking the fact that his tone came off as hard and angry.

 

“So that’s what he told you…I guess it could be the truth if you took it that way.”

 

Sanghyuk grabbed Taekwoon’s face and turned it to face him properly. Hopefully Taekwoon could see that Sanghyuk was absolutely set on protecting him from whatever his father was planning. Not that Brayden should ever be called or considered as such.

 

Taekwoon shrugged again and buried his face into the crook of Sanghyuk’s neck. “Well, I was disgusted by the latest option. He came off as rude and pompous and I knew I deserved better. He only wanted me because a male Alpha with a female wolf is rare and maybe he just wanted to show me off.

 

“I lashed out when my father tried pushing me into it. I hate fighting but I attacked my father when he got too close. I’d been mistreated so much and my mind was running wild to the point that I couldn’t stand the idea of being hurt for not cooperating.” Taekwoon sighed before continuing. “My wolf was a female anyway; under normal circumstances my father wouldn’t have had any need for me to be married off. He considered marrying me off to a female Alpha but he figured I deserved worse.”

 

“You deserve so much more.” Sanghyuk found himself whispering as he carded his fingers through his hair. “More than I can ever give you.”

 

Taekwoon’s breath came out as shaky and Sanghyuk nuzzled against his head. I am here. I am here.

 

“It wasn’t something you could control.” Sanghyuk wondered if he should mention their status as Fated Mates but decided against it. Taekwoon didn’t need to have that bomb be dropped on his head mere moments after confiding in him about his past.

 

The past wasn’t the entire story and there was still more than Sanghyuk was aware of. For now it would sate his curiosity.

 

“Brayden could’ve killed me.” Taekwoon whimpered. “No, he definitely would’ve if I didn’t fight back in time. He was why I was so badly injured when you found me.”

 

Sanghyuk’s fingers tightened around Taekwoon’s waist.

 

A growl ripped from Sanghyuk’s throat and Taekwoon almost laughed at the sound, nestling closer. He seemed comfortable despite the growl that Sanghyuk had let out.

 

“Ya know…I didn’t really believe Holland’s words from last night.”

 

Sanghyuk froze.

 

What?

 

“What?” He forced out.

 

Taekwoon bit his lip and moved his head away to look at Sanghyuk. His eyes were soft but full of understanding and knowledge. Sanghyuk knew exactly what Taekwoon was referring to.

 

“Holland told me about us…About us being Fated Mates.” Taekwoon whispered and fiddled with Sanghyuk’s shirt.

 

“Did he?” Sanghyuk’s voice cracked and he didn’t really know how he felt about Holland mentioning and bringing it up to Taekwoon before Sanghyuk was ready to talk about it. Though he wasn’t certain when he’d ever be ready to talk about it.

 

So Holland was doing him a favour.

 

Taekwoon gulped and seemed to misread Sanghyuk’s feelings, or perhaps he just wanted to clarify why Holland told him. “It was because you looked really angry and I knew you wouldn’t actually hurt me. Holland explained why you wouldn’t because Fated Mates can’t ever hurt each other, I got the idea that it would be extremely painful for both parties.”

 

Sanghyuk raised his hand to run his fingers through Taekwoon’s hair and felt Taekwoon let out a soft purr.

 

“I wish I told you myself but Holland did us both a favour.” He murmured and nuzzled into his hair again. “I should thank him the next time I get the chance.”

 

Taekwoon chuckled and smiled brightly at him. “Yeah, I think we both should.”

 

Sanghyuk let a smile spread across his face as he felt Taekwoon settle against his side properly. “I promise I will do everything I can to protect you from anything and everything that tries to hurt you.”

 

Except pups. His wolf helpfully supplied and Sanghyuk quickly crushed that chain of thought.

 

He did not need to think about Taekwoon carrying his pups when his mate has just recently been open with him about his past. However, Taekwoon might’ve been able to get the rough hint or idea as to what just went through Sanghyuk’s brain, if his next statement was anything to go by.

 

“You can’t protect me from everything. Some things will hurt.”

 

“I know. I can try.”

 

Taekwoon pulled away slightly and cupped Sanghyuk’s face with his hands. The warmth that radiated off of his mate was soothing and relaxing.

 

“Look, you may want to protect me from everything then let me protect you from things as well.” Taekwoon murmured, his breath cascading over Sanghyuk’s lips. “Shouldn’t we protect each other?”

 

“Yes.” Sanghyuk said. “But, I know I am stronger than you and I’m not trying to say you aren’t strong because after all the I suspect you went through, you are so much stronger than me in that department.”

 

Taekwoon laughed softly. “Understandable.” His eyes lit up playfully. “I can tell you are strong.” One of his hands came to rest on Sanghyuk’s arm.

 

“Don’t.” Sanghyuk’s tone was warning but Taekwoon didn’t seem to really take the warning seriously.

 

Probably for the best actually.

 

“You wouldn’t do anything to me that I wouldn’t want.”

 

“Mm…” Sanghyuk hummed. “I’m not going to let you go, you’re stuck with me. Just so you know.”

 

Taekwoon shrugged. “I don’t mind. I was the one who found you after all, wasn’t I?”

 

Sanghyuk’s fingers curled under Taekwoon’s chin and moved his face closer to his own. Their breaths mingled between them but Sanghyuk was giving Taekwoon the ability to back out and away if he wanted to. Except he didn’t and even moved closer, not being against the whole idea of them kissing.

 

“Mine.” Sanghyuk couldn’t help the rumbling growl that broke through his lips despite his best attempts at trying to contain it. During the growl, Sanghyuk noticed that Taekwoon didn’t move away at the sound.

 

Taekwoon chuckled. “We aren’t mates yet.”

 

“Pretty much are.”

 

“I’m sure you can wait for my old pack to be dealt with.” Taekwoon whispered. “You are strong so I’m sure you can do something about it.”

 

Sanghyuk hummed again and let his eyes flutter open. When had they shut? He noticed that Taekwoon also let his own eyes flicker open out of curiosity. His expression was soft and so open and warm.

 

He could kiss him right now.

 

Kiss him and get it over and done with.

 

Perhaps his wolf would calm down if he did it.

 

Sanghyuk leaned in closer and felt Taekwoon’s hand come up to curl around his shoulder. His eyes fluttered shut and Sanghyuk opened his mouth ever so slightly, ears twitching and flicking as he took in Taekwoon’s scent.

 

However, it didn’t last.

 

A long and loud howl ripped through the air, forcing Sanghyuk and Taekwoon to separate and lean away from each other. The howl was different and Sanghyuk saw Taekwoon give him a worried expression, he pulled them both up to their feet.

 

He stared in the direction of the town and felt his wolf growl in worry.

 

His pack…

 

Sanghyuk shifted into his wolf form and tore off towards the town but spared a glance behind him to see Taekwoon had shifted as well and was following right behind him.

 

Something had happened.

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

“Mother! Father!”

 

Miyong and Juwon snapped their heads around as they chatted with a few of the older wolves to ease their worries and concerns. Running into town as Sanghyuk and Taekwoon who both shifted back once they reached them.

 

Miyong only slightly noticed how much smaller Taekwoon was than Sanghyuk.

 

Sanghyuk’s panicked look told Miyong that she had more pressing matters and that was making sure that Sanghyuk didn’t overreact. “Sanghyuk. Taekwoon.”

 

“What’s going on?” Sanghyuk asked once he reached them.

 

“We heard a wolf howl as well.” Juwon said as he checked over the two of them, much to the amusement of Jongsoo, Namsun and Hyemi.

 

“You thought it was us?” Sanghyuk asked as he swatted his father’s hands away. “Seriously, I’m fine. We’re fine. Nothing happened to either of us.”

 

Miyong glanced at Taekwoon as his ears perked up and his eyes widened. Looking behind him, Taekwoon’s tail flicked slightly before glancing back at the group.

 

“Taekwoon, was is it?”

 

“I…” Taekwoon faltered when they all turned to look at him. Sanghyuk’s eyes grew concerned that he didn’t even bother to try and hide. “I smell blood.”

 

“Blood?” Hyemi asked surprised before her ears laid flat back. “How can you identify the scent of blood even before I can? I’m the lead hunter here.”

 

Sanghyuk quickly stepped in before Taekwoon could hide away. “He’s an Alpha…or at least the child of an Alpha. That’s how he knows.” He glanced at Taekwoon briefly. “He’s been around the scent of blood more often than we have so he can figure out what it is pretty easily.”

 

It wasn’t really an answer that they wanted but it was the answer they were given.

 

Taekwoon’s face twist and then puffed up in indignation. “Are you saying I’m lying?”

 

“No.” Jongsoo said.

 

Miyong was glad that he broke in before Sanghyuk could react, especially since she saw his eyes darken. Her son should probably learn to control his emotions when Taekwoon is involved. Though that wouldn’t happen until they fully mated.

 

Juwon stepped in. “We have bigger issues than knowing what rank Taekwoon was in his last pack.”

 

Another howl echoed through the town.

 

They all turned their heads as a loud gasp and cry came from Sungjae. “Father! Dad! Chimin!”

 

“Jae?” Sanghyuk managed to get out.

 

They all froze when they saw Chimin come in covered in blood and wounds, being carried by Pyongchol and Jisung. Both looked freaked out as they helped get Chimin into town. Sungjae walked right behind his parents, ears laid back as he glanced at Sanghyuk.

 

Sungjae stumbled and Sanghyuk surged forward to grab his best friend and then they both turned to see Juwon and Miyong help with Chimin. Both Alphas looked stressed as they checked the wounds.

 

“What happened?” Juwon asked, the tone turning harsh as he directed the question to Pyongchol.

 

“We got jumped by a pack that called themselves Night Walkers.” Pyongchol growled out. “They managed to slip past a sister pack because there is a location that none of them are in.”

 

Night Walkers.

 

Miyong was about to ask more about it but noticed how both Sanghyuk and Taekwoon stiffened at the name. Her eyes narrowed in on her son and his mate who shared a worried and panicked look.

 

She opened but Sanghyuk managed to snap out of it when Taekwoon nodded.

 

“Get them to the healers, there is no time to discuss what happened just yet. Chimin needs medical help.” Sanghyuk barked, getting everyone’s asses into gear.

 

Miyong blinked and nodded, turning to Jisung who nodded himself. He grabbed Chimin and helped him get to the hospital to treat his wounds. Chimin sent Sanghyuk a thankful look and Sanghyuk laid his ears back and let a smile cross his face briefly before it vanished.

 

“Do you know them?” Pyongchol asked Taekwoon as he stared at him. “You stiffened when I mentioned their pack’s name.”

 

Taekwoon opened and closed his mouth a couple of times and Pyongchol growled. “Answer me!”

 

That was a mistake.

 

Sanghyuk’s snarl ripped through the air and caused the hair on everyone’s bodies to stand on end. He pushed in front of Pyongchol and towered over the Delta, ears laid back and teeth bared in a very threatening manner. Only a few seconds passed before Pyongchol realised that he should’ve kept his temper in check and instantly began to lower his head in submission.

 

“Taekwoon only knows them because his older sister was married into it.” Sanghyuk growled. “Keep your temper in check and don’t attack those when you don’t really understand what is going on. And especially don’t accuse people of hurting others when you know that they wouldn’t!”

 

Pyongchol almost whimpered and Miyong noticed how many of packmates also ducked their heads in submission. “Yes, Alpha…”

 

“Get some of the scouts to go out and try and find where Night Walkers is going to be located.” Sanghyuk barked. “They are probably working with Taekwoon’s old pack and his father to get to him. See if you can get anyone to try and infiltrate their ranks.”

 

“Yes Alpha.” Someone spoke but Miyong didn’t know who it was.

 

“And keep the pups inside the town until everything calms down.”

 

“What about your siblings?” Jongsoo asked cautiously, hesitant to accidentally piss off Sanghyuk.

 

“Well, you can send someone out to go and fetch Kangmin and Haebin who are at a sister pack.” Sanghyuk stated simply and turned to him. “Are you going to just hang around and wait for someone else to do it?” Jongsoo shook his head. “That’s what I thought.”

 

Jongsoo turned around and quickly hurried off to find them.

 

Sanghyuk called out. “While you’re at it. I want messages out to the standing leaders of our sister packs. I want a meeting ASAP.”

 

There were many calls of acknowledgement at Sanghyuk’s words as they hurried off to do what he wanted them to do. Miyong felt pride well up inside her and glanced at Juwon who was smiling proudly at their son.

 

“I’m impressed you are standing up for the pack.” Juwon said as Sanghyuk turned to him.

 

“This is my pack as well.” Sanghyuk sniffed. “Of course I am.”

 

Taekwoon squeaked and then they turned to face Taekwoon who ducked his head out of embarrassment. His ears and tail laid against his body and his eyes flickered up at Sanghyuk out of pure curiosity. Miyong opened but Sanghyuk beat her to it.

 

“Don’t.”

 

“I wasn’t going to do anything~” Taekwoon trilled playfully.

 

Miyong turned to Sanghyuk. “Does…Is Taekwoon aware?” Taekwoon was uncharacteristically playful towards Sanghyuk in a public location. While she had seen him be playful before it wasn’t to this extent.

 

“Yeah.” Sanghyuk nodded as he walked further into town. “He does. I’m going to check on Chimin.”

 

Miyong raised an eyebrow as Taekwoon followed Sanghyuk with an expression that she didn’t want to dwell on. “Behave yourself Taekwoon.”

 

Taekwoon spluttered and glanced at Miyong, his cheeks tinted bright red. He couldn’t make out any words but Miyong smirked and Juwon chuckled at him as well.

 

“I am only joking…Slightly.”