(A/N: This chapter will mostly be Yadong. And then Myungyeol! Please enjoy and I'm so, so, so ,so x 1000 sorry that this is a late update. College and work have kept me so busy but I put some time today to finally write a chapter so I hope you like it! Thank you all for being patient and staying with me! Also please excuse me for my mistakes as usual! I haven't proofread it yet so there are probably quite a few mistakes! :) )

Hoya walked through the forest hand in hand with Sunhwa. It was another day by themselves because they haven't heard anything from Hoya's friends. Honestly, he couldn't help but wonder what they were doing. Even though they haven't heard anything from them, he tried to enjoy his time with Sunhwa.

While they were walking around, Sunhwa got a call from her father. He told her to come back home this instant. The reason was because there were Rebel wolves on the loose. Sunhwa turned to Hoya with an apologetic look and hung up.

"Hoya, I have to go. Apparently there was a sighting of Rebel wolves around the area. I will see you later. Remember what we talked about right? Please, do this for us." She placed her hands on Hoya's chest and pecked him on the lips. Then she pulled away with a soft smile and changed into her wolf form. Hoya watched her leave, the tingling feeling of her lips on his still replaying in his head.

However, he knew that he has to settle things first with the Jang family. Hoya's family has been serving Dongwoo's family as Protectors. He needed to discuss something important with not just Dongwoo but his parents as well.

Hoya made sure to not attract attention to him as he made his way to Dongwoo's place. Usually nobody is home since Dongwoo's parents are out talking to other packs. But Hoya made sure they were here today. He wanted this end as quick as possible.

When he arrived at Dongwoo's house, the door was already opened for him, which means that Dongwoo's parents know that he is here. Hoya trod his way in, taking in the warmth of the house. Even though they are mostly gone, there is always the warmth to it. Maybe it's because Dongwoo by himself already fills up the space.

Dongwoo's parents walk out from the kitchen with smiles on their faces. They are alwas happy to see Hoya. Since Hoya's family has served Dongwoo's family for a long time, it isn't unusal for the other to be at their houses. Hoya smiled back at them as he was gestured to go into the living room.

The three of them sat down with Hoya across from Dongwoo's parents. Hoya hoped that Dongwoo wasn't home right now because he woudln't know how he would explain all of this. Also, he didn't want to break Dongwoo's heart. The two of them have been friends for such a long time that he doesn't want to see their friendship fall apart. Even both of their parents don't want to see the friendship disappear.

"Hoya, is there something you need? Usually, you go upstairs to hang out with Dongwoo," Dongwoo's dad asked him. The older's mom nodded her head. She was curious as well since she thinks Hoya as her own son. 

On the other hand, Hoya didn't know how to explain this to the people who have been part of his life and helped him grow. They were kind of like his second parents. What he was going to say was going to probably break their hearts. Then if Dongwoo hears this as well, he will probably be heartbroken.

He swallowed his nervousness, let out a shaky breath, and looked up at them. He held his hands together in his lap and opened his mouth to finally say the words that he may someday regret.

"I... I wish to not be Dongwoo's Protector anymore."

Silence. The whole room became empty of any noise. His body began to shake. He wanted them to say anything, anything at all. He doesn't care if he gets yelled at, hit, or they never want to see him again.

Though, what he didn't expect was to hear sighs from the both of them. Dongwoo's mother reached out and held Hoya's hands in hers. They make eye contact with each other and she was smilling at him. 

Hoya's heart broke at the sight.

"Howon-ah, we've known you since you were born. Our families have been close to each other for such a long time that it's a bond that cannot be broken. However, this is the first time someone from your family has said that they don't want to be a Protector anymore."

Dongwoo's dad looked at his wife and then at Hoya. "She is right. My wife and I have been wondering for how long you were going to be Dongwoo's Protector. Usually, the Protector's job ends when the other finds their mate, but Dongwoo hasn't yet. And that is what worries me the most."

Hoya looks down and let's out a sigh. "I'm... I'm sorry. I just, Sunhwa, she wants me to end this connection I have with Dongwoo-hyung. I know we have been friends since we were little, but I'm in a relationship. Sometimes I feel like I put your son above Sunhwa. I don't want to bring pain to either of them. That is why I'm asking you of this. The only way I can stop being a Protector is if I ask for your permission."

He couldn't make eye contact anymore so he looks down at the carpet. Dongwoo's parents look at each other and sigh once again. They were afraid of this happening. However, they also knew Dongwoo's true feelings for the younger. However, they couldn't act on that. If they did, they would be in great trouble because Dongwoo has to find his own mate.

"I understand. If you wish to break the connection, I, the head of the Jung family, give you permission." Dongwoo's dad knew he was going to regret this someday, but he didn't want his son to be in anymore pain from the unrequited feelings. "However, there is one thing that you have to do."

Hoya looks up with a small smile. "What is it?"

Dongwoo's dad smiles sadly and turns his attention to the staircase where Dongwoo was standing. The older had heard everything. There were trails of tears on his cheeks, his hands were shaking, and he was struggling to breath. His parents' hearts broke seeing their son in so much pain.

"You must have Dongwoo take off the necklace for you."

Hoya turned his head to see Dongwoo standing there. His eyes widened to see the pain, sadness, and anger in his eyes. The younger looked away, not able to meet his eyes. He couldn't bare the guilt he held in his heart.

Dongwoo walked over to them with no expression. "Hoya, let's go to the forest. We won't be disturbed that way. Follow me."

The older walked outside with Hoya slowly following him. Dongwoo's parents watched the two walk into the forest with the hope that everything will be alright.

The two of them walked in silence. The only sounds were birds chirping, leaves and branches crunching under their feet, and the sound of them breathing. Dongwoo took slow and deep breaths. He was trying to hold back his feelings. If here were to act on them right now, he doesn't know what may happen to either of them.

When they made to a clearing that was secluded, Dongwoo turned around to face Hoya. The latter was stopped, a bit surprised and waited for what Dongwoo was about to say. Dongwoo stepped closer to Hoya with his hand reaching out to him. Even though they were so close to each other, Dongwoo felt like they were a million miles apart.

"Hoya, look at me." Hoya looked at him. Dongwoo smiled his usual smile. Another piece of Hoya's heart broke. "Once I take of this necklace, I don't ever want to see you again. Don't ever appear before me, talk to me, or even look at me." Dongwoo bit his lip as he tried to hold back the tears. "D-Don't ever try to get near me. Don't ever say my n-name. Don't ever think about me. D-... D-Don't ever..."

Dongwoo looked down as the tears began to flow just like raindrops on a cloudly day. One by one they fell onto the forest ground. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. He willed the tears to stop. He wished that he wouldn't be so heartbroken. He wished that he didn't fall in love withh Hoya.

Hoya watched as the older cried. His mind blanked out on what to say or do. If he were to touch him, speak words of comfort, or anything else; none of it would work. To cure a broken heart... Is impossible.

Once the tears stopped, Dongwoo looked up. "From now on, we can't be friends anymore. I want to hate you, but I can't. Pathetic aren't I?"

No.

"Once the necklace is removed, you won't have to feel my pain anymore. Aren't you relieved?"

No.

Dongwoo held the necklace tightly in his fingers. For the last time, they made eye contact with each other. He tugged on the necklace tightly making sure he had a good grip on it. Though, his hands were shaking. Hoya knew this was hard for Dongwoo, but this was the best for the both of them. Hoya didn't want to bring anymore pain to the older.

"Goodbye..."

With one pull, the necklace snapped. Pieces of it feel to the ground while the rest and the pendant were in Dongwoo's hand still. They looked at the necklace, and a tear dropped onto the pendant. Dongwoo crushed the pendant, shattering it into pieces in his hand. Then he opened his hands, green dust falling to the ground. Blood dripped from his hands as well, the blood falling with the green dust. Hoya was about to take the bloody hand but Dongwoo shoved his hands away.

Dongwoo knew what was to come next. He took off his own necklace and held it in his hand. Light shined on the pendant making it seem like it was alive and breathing. But Dongwoo knew better. These necklaces were what bound them together and only suffocated them in the end. He closed his fist. A shattering sound was heard as the purple pendant became dust. It fell to the ground as well, mixing in with the green.

The older stared at the ground with his hand still bleeding. All of this was over. What they had was gone. Dongwoo backed away from Hoya and turned his back to the latter. Hoya reached out but Dongwo yelled at him.

"I SAID DON'T! DON'T YOU LISTEN?!" Tremors slid down Dongwoo's body as he let the last of his tears out. No matter how many times he tried to wipe them away, they wouldn't stop. "H-Hoya... I love you so much that I'm willing to give up for you. From now on, please be happy with Sunhwa-sshi. I hope she makes you happy since I was not able to do that. Good... G-Goodbye..."

Before Hoya could say anything or stop him, Dongwoo ran deep into the forest. He didn't know where his feet was leading him to, but he knew that he needed to get away from Hoya. Anywhere is better than here.

In the end, Hoya stood there. He watched Dongwoo's retreating figure. It disappeared into the darkness and let Hoya by himself. His hand dropped to his side; the feeling of regret overwhelming him.

Maybe he should have went after Dongwoo. Maybe he should have not said anything about not wanting to be Dongwoo's Protector anymore. Maybe he shouldn't have caused so much pain to the older. Maybe... All of this is his fault.

Hoya didn't move one foot, inch, or centimeter. It is as if his body stopped with time. His eyes were the only thing that were moving. They blinked continuously as he realized the situation he was in. He tried to move but he couldn't. His mind, body, and heart were all over the places: he also thinks that maybe a part of him left with Dongwoo.

He stood there, his gazing falling to the ground, and a lone tear slipped down his cheek that was carried by the night wind.

Dongwoo ran off. He wanted, no, needed to be away from the younger. He told himself that anywhere was better than with Hoya. Dongwoo needed time to himself to think. He needed time to figure out what was really important to him.

However, he already knows the answer to that. Hoya will always be important to him no matter what. Even if they were to become enemies or stop being friends; he knows that Hoya will always have his heart. In the end, Dongwoo will only love Hoya.

"Pathetic. I'm so pathetic," he puts himself down and looks up at the sky. It was dark as the Rebels' eyes but the moon was shining. Tonight was a full moon. The moon shined so bright in the sky that it could probably outshine all of the stars if they were put together.

Suddenly, Dongwoo got a bad feeling in his stomach. Blood stenched the air and his senses hightened. Dongwoo turned to the directionwhere the scent of blood was coming from and ran there. He only hoped that he wasn't too late. This smell...he could recognize it anywhere.

Branches scratched his face, he fell a couple of times, and his eyes flashed a vivid green. Dongwoo wanted to change into his wolf form, but thought it would be best not to. Soon, the scent of blood became stronger. Then at that moment he knew who it was.

A growl emitted from deep in his throat as he picked up his pace. When he got out of the forest, he saw wolves and people in a clearing with a lake. However, his eyes drifted to the person laying on the ground. His blood boiled inside him as he made his way over there.

Laying on the grass was his best friend, Sunggyu. Dongwoo approached Sunggyu's body and leaned down to hear his friend's heartbeat. Tears fell down onto Sunggyu's chest as he listened. His heartbeat was there, but ever so slow. Dongwoo picked up his dear friend and got onto Myungsoo.

Dongwoo turned to Woohyun and glared at him with his pulsating green eyes. "I can't believe that you went as far to hurt Sunggyu-hyung! He was only trying to protect you since you can't do that for him! You will someday regret your decision."

Together with Myungsoo, Sungjong, and Sungyeol, they headed back to Sunggyu's home. Seeing his friend in pain...he couldn't even imagine it. He wished that he could take it away. Dongwoo wished that Sunggyu wouldn't have to go through the same pain again.

When they arrived at the three brothers' home, Dongwoo carefully carried Sunggyu to his bed. Then he quickly called Dr. Lee to come help Sunggyu. If he doesn't come soon, then who knows what will happen to Sunggyu.

The last time that happened to Sunggyu, he almost didn't make it. Dongwoo worried that this time he won't make it. As they waited for Dr. Lee to come, Dongwoo never left Sunggyu's side. To be more exact, Myungsoo, Sungjong, and Sungyeol never left his side either. They all waited to make sure that Sunggyu will be okay: that he will live.

After about ten minutes, Dr. Lee finally made it. Sungyeol and him made quick eye contact but Sungyeol knew better than to ask him anymore questions. Dr. Lee made his way over and at the same time, a few assistants came with some equipment. The boys were told to leave the room to give them space and they did as they were told.

They waited, waited, and waited. All they can do is pray for Sunggyu and hope that he will make it out alive. Myungsoo and Sungyeol were sitting next to each other, Sungjong was sitting by himself in a corner, and Dongwoo was standing while he was looking at Sunggyu's bedroom door.

"Myungsoo, I'm sure your brother will be alright. I can tell he is a fighter. He will make it through this." Sungyeol tried to comfort the younger to the best of his ability. Myungsoo pulled Sungyeol in and buried his face into his chest. Silent tears flowed down Myungsoo's cheeks and Sungyeol made sure to keep them hidden. Sungyel knew that Myungsoo needed to be strong for Sungjong, and he knew that he needed to be strong for Myungsoo.

Sungyeol can never imagine Chanyeol in Sunggyu's situation. If he was... Sungyeol doesn't know if he would be able to handle it. But he hopes that if something were to happen to Chanyeol that Myungsoo will be there for him. After all that has happened, Sungyeol thinks that he can't be separated from him. There is this link that pulls the two of them together. He doesn't want to never ever lose that link.

An hour later, Dr. Lee comes out with some blood on his gloves. All of them stand up with Myungsoo and Sungyeol holding hands. They didn't mind. They enjoyed each others' comfort. Deep down, they needed each other more than they think.

"H-How is he? Is Sunggyu alright?" Dongwoo is the first one to speak up. Right now, he was the oldest one and he needs to be strong for all of them. Even though he doesn't know if he can handle these kind of situations.

Dr. Lee pulled off the gloves and let out a soft sigh. Everybodys' heart froze. Question ran inside their heads. Did Sunggyu survive? Will he ever wake up? Did I lose my brother? Friend?

The doctor then smiled slightly. "Sunggyu is fine. He needs tons of rest. It is best if you don't disturb him right now. My assistants are putting some stuff together and then afer that we will leave. Please," he looks at each of them in the eyes, "take care of him. You may think you need him the most because he is the oldest and wisest, but he needs you more than you think."

They all watched the doctor and his assistants leave. Sungyeol and him have a brief conversation about seeing each other home later. Sungyeol shakes his head and says that he doesn't want to go. Not yet that is. Dr. Lee reluctantly lets Sungyeol stay until Sunggy wakes up. They both agree and then Dr. Lee and his assistants leave.

Sungjong goes makes food for all of them after all that has happened. The rest go upstairs, quietly and slowly open Sunggyu's door, and peek inside. They see Sunggyu's chest slowly rising and falling. All of them let out a sigh of relief and close the door. This became a huge relief for them as they make their way back downstairs.

Dongwoo, Myungsoo, and Sungyeol didn't say anything to each other as they went back downstairs. During the whole time, Sungyeol and Myungsoo never let go of each others' hands. Dongwoo tried to not notice it, but he couldn't help but see the connection between the two of them. All he can hope that it won't bring trouble in the near future.

Then they went to the dining room where Sungjong had finished making dinner. It wasn't much since they didn't feel like eating anything extravagant. All they were noodles with some side dishes. There wasn't much to talk about or more like they didn't feel like talking. All they had in their minds was that Sunggyu would be alright when he wakes up.

"Myungsoo-hyung," Myungsoo looked up from his bowl of noodles at Sungjong, "do you know what is wrong with Sunggyu-hyung. I feel like he has been acting weird and has been hiding things from us."

Myungsoo set down his chopsticks and let out a sigh. He ran a hand through his hair and looked out the window. "Sungjong-ah, I... I'm not quite sure. I wnat to ask hyung too, but you know how he is. Sunggyu-hyung doesn't open his heart easily. If he did..."

All of them looked down, avoiding each others' eyes. Realizing the situation Sunggyu was in, they didn't know how to approach it. Ever since the Rebels have been acting up, Sunggyu has changed. They all noticed it, but chose to not see it. They didn't want to see the changes in the older. Even Sungyeol who hasn't known him as long doesn't want to see changes either.

Seeing the pain in Myungsoo's eyes, Sungyeol held onto one of his hands and squeezed it gently. Myungsoo looked up with a soft smile and nodded his head. Even without words, the thought was perfectly sent across to him. The two of them sat there and then suddenly Myungsoo pulled them both up.

"I need some air and I'm bringing Sungyeol with me. We will see you two later."

Dongwoo nods his head but warns them first. "Be careful you two. Don't go out into the woods at this time. The Rebels are probably still out there looking for any sort of prey out there." Sungjong nodded his head along with what Dongwoo said. Despite being the youngest, he doesn't want to see the people closest to him get hurt. He wouldn't be able to endure Myungsoo getting hurt as well.

Myungsoo and Sungyeol smiled at them and nodded their heads. "Alright, we won't go out there. You two be careful as well. Who knows what can happen."

After that, the two of them walked out of the house hand in hand. Neither of them said anything about it so they just went with the flow. The thing they won't admit to themselves is that it felt much more than comforting when holding each others' hand. They walk away from the house a bit until they get to a path that leads into the forest. Sungyeol immediately stops them from going further. 

"Wait, Myungsoo, we shouldn't go any further. Remember what Dongwoo-hyung said?"

Myungsoo just sighed and nodded his head. "Yeah, I know. It's just... I want to be far from there right now and the only person I want to be with is you."

Sungyeol's heart beat quickened and fluttered when Myungsoo said that. He didn't know what to feel or even say back. In the end, he followed Myungsoo onto the path. He didn't know where they were going but he put his trust into the younger.

They had walked for about ten minutes when they come to a small clearing. In the middle of it was a single tree, and in that that three was a tattered treehouse. Myungsoo had let go of Sungyeol's hand and approached the object. Sungyeol did the same.

The younger put his hand on the tree and smiled sadly. Seeing this place again brought happy memories of Sunggyu and Sungjong. Sungyeol put his hand on the tree as well but kept his focus on Myungsoo. Then using his other hand, Sungyeol reached to take Myungsoo's hand in his.

"Sunggyu-hyung, Sungjong, and I used to come play here when we were younger. At that time we were still going in and out of our wolf and human forms. This was the place where we could be anything we want. It didn't matter if we were wolves or humans; all that mattered is that we were free. Even such a simple childhood object like this treehouse was able to set my brothers and I free."

Sungyeol carefully listened to what Myungsoo had to say. He never knew this side of Myungsoo. After getting mixed with him, finding out that Chanyeol was actually a werewolf, and the Rebel wolves. All of these jumbled around in Sungyeol's head everyday. He knew that his life was in danger... But for some reason that didn't matter to him. The only thing that mattered, to be more exact, matters is that he is with Myungsoo right now.

He doesn't know what his relationship is exactly with the younger. But he knows that he is happy with him. Yes, you can be happy with your friends whenever, but htere is this special connection that he feels with Myungsoo. Friendship doesn't have that connection that Sungyeol feels. Friendship isn't what he wants to describe their relationship. Sungyeol... Sungyeol wants mo--

"Sungyeol, watch out!"

The older was knocked out of his thoughts when he felt his body hit the ground. He had closed his eyes during impact and opened them to see what had happened. Sungyeol's eyes widened to see themselves along with five Rebel wolves. However, another figure was appearing out of the darkness. The figure, though, was not one of a wolf: it was a human whose eyes were black as the night sky.

"Get them," said the voice in the darkness.

Myungsoo quickly changed into his wolf form and pushed Sungyeol out of the way. The five Rebel wolves came at Myungsoo and crushed him to the ground. Sungyeol struggled to get up but felt a pain in his ankle. He looked over his shoulder to see it swollen: he sprang his ankle when fell to the ground.

Then his attention drifted away from his ankle to the five wolves attacking Myungsoo. There were whimpers, bones cracking, and he can see blood seeping out. Myungsoo was fighting the five wolves by himself and there was no time to call for Dongwoo. It was either fight them himself or get Sungyeol and him out of here. However, at this point, he doesn't know if he would be able to make an escape.

"Myungsoo! We have to get away from here! Don't fight anymore!" Sungyeol cried out for the younger. He couldn't bare to see Myungsoo get hurt any further.

On the other hand, Myungsoo didn't want to see even a scratch on Sungyeol. So he fought: he fought to keep Sungyeol alive. If anything, he was fighting for Sungyeol.

The Rebel wolves surrounded him and lunged at him at the same time. At the speed and hight they were coming at him, Myungsoo knew that he wouldn't be able to get out of it so easily the second time. So he went straight at them. Sungyeol's eyes widened when he realized what Myungsoo was doing, but it was too late.

The sound of whimpers, bones cracking, and blood seeping onto the ground made Sungyeol cry out in pain. He can feel Myungsoo's pain surge throughout his body. It was as if everything inside was bursting inside him with no way to get out. Tears were flowing down his cheeks, cries of pain flowed out from his lips, and he made himself stand up.

A long minute passed by before the Rebel wolves moved out of the way. Laying on the ground was Myungsoo, however, he wasn't moving. There was no sign of him breathing. His chest wasn't rising or falling. Sungyeol stumbled as he walked over to Myungsoo. Then he collapsed beside him and nudged for the younger to wake up.

"H-Hey, wake up." There was no answer. "Yah! Kim Myungsoo! KIM MYUNGSOO! WAKE UP!" Once again, there was no answer. Sungyeol buried his face into his fur and let out a wail. Suddenly, heat surrounded his body as if there was a fire started inside him. The heat enveloped him like a pair of warm arms and pulled him up.

His body began to move on its own as he turned towards the Rebel's direction. However, what stopped the five wolves were Sungyeol's eyes: they were a sapphire blue and were bright as the moon in the midnight sky. White flames Sungyeol's body as his body began to arch. The figure in the darkness watched in the distance and he smirked at the sight.

Sungyeol closed his eyes for a few seconds before reopening them. They made contact with the Rebels' wolves black eyes and at that moment they knew they should be afraid for their lives. Step by step, Sungyeol approached the Rebels as the white flames dwindled down. At the same time, his body began to change. In one second, he howled at the moment. In another, a tail and ears popped out. One more second, his nails be claws and his teeth became sharp. In the last second, fur that was white as know covered his whole body as he changed from human to a wolf.

I'm going to kill you all!