It had been a long time since Jongho had felt this content. He still wasn't sure if he could call it true happiness because his father still haunted him in his dreams, but he would settle for this for now.

Waking up next to Yunho and San every day was amazing, and knowing that they had accepted each other was even better.

He feared it made him selfish, but the fact that he didn't have to chose between them felt really nice.

At least for the time being.

He knew he'd have to chose a Luna at some point, but he figured he'd listen to his wolf when it was ready to officially mate.

He was of age, so he could mate if he wanted to. But he hadn't felt that itch.

Plus he was worried he would hurt whoever he didn't chose.

The trio travelled together for a few days, roaming wherever they pleased.

Yunho's playful spirit came back now that he had been accepted into the pack. He and San would often chase each other around as long as they didn't sense any wolves nearby.

There were a few times they had to pass through another wolf's territory, but so far no one had bothered to try and stop them.

It was usually pretty easy to sense when someone was just passing through.

We should stop and try to get some more supplies. Yunho said one morning while stretching his back. He shook out his fur and pranced in circles around Jongho.

We'd have to steal some, but I agree. The alpha sighed, watching his beta with an amused smile.

Yunho had to have one of the most beautiful coats he had ever seen. The different shades of black, grey, and tan really suited him.

Then San came and stood in front of him, yawning and lifting a paw up not rub his own nose. The other beta was beautiful too. His black face stood out against this brown and white coat.

It was then that Jongho realized his betas put him to shame and he couldn't be more proud.

What? San asked, tilting his head to the side.

Nothing. Jongho stepped forward and licked San's muzzle before turning to where Yunho had sat.

His tail was now thumping quickly against the ground and there was a mischievous glint to his eye. What is that look for?

Well... Yunho grinned, showing his teeth. I may or may not have raided the treasury before I left.

You did what? Jongho's eyes widened in surprise.

We have money. Yunho pranced forward and started to rub against his alpha. It's not much, but it's enough to get us supplies.

You're amazing. The alpha praised, licking Yunho's neck a few times. Let's find some place to stop. I'd like to find a wolf town if possible so we can get some medicine too.

For what? San fell into step beside him as they started walking.

Well... I've been pretty foolish so far, and I don't know about you two, but I'm in no way ready for pups. Jongho said, lowering his head as he started to feel ashamed. But it was the truth. Even if they had a roof over their heads and a territory to call their own, he didn't know if he would feel ready. He was hardly a good alpha to the other two, how could he even dream of being a good father?

We understand. I don't think we are ready either. San said gently. We can get something for all of us to take, just in case.

Yes, you don't need to feel bad Jongho. There is no rush! We can just enjoy life for awhile. Yunho came to his other side. Jongho purred as both his betas nuzzled his neck.

Later that afternoon, they came across a small town. They shifted and entered with their senses on high alert, but there was nothing threatening about it. All the wolves there seemed at peace.

They stayed close together as they visited a few stores, the first one being a medical shop. A kind beta helped them buy what was needed, and they decided to stock up too. It was a simple pill made of a combination of crushed herbs. Yunho thought he might be able to replicate it if he had the time to study it. They also bought some canteens, more clothes, and packs to carry everything in.

As Jongho watched his betas carrying the supplies, even with the smiles on their faces, he vowed to try and find them a territory soon. They didn't deserve to live like this...

When they decided that there was nothing else they needed, Jongho started to lead the way out of down when he paused.

His nostrils flared as the scent of marshmallows reached him. But it was off.

An omega in distress.

No one else seemed bothered by it, but both San and Yunho paused and turned to him. "Jongho?"

"What's wrong?" San asked, stepping closer.

"Do you smell that?" He asked, scenting the air.

"I can smell an omega, yeah." Yunho spun in a circle, using his height to look over the crowd. "There!" He pointed to their right.

Jongho started to push his way through the crowd, looking around until he saw what he was looking for.

A small, black haired omega was being pushed around by an alpha. "Stop being so pathetic!" The alpha said, shoving the omega to the ground. "Start pulling your weight and pick up the packs like I ordered you to!"

"I t-told you, they are t-too heavy..." The omega sniffed, but crawled over to the packs anyway. He grabbed on and tried to lift it.

All the alpha did was laugh. "I can't believe I got stuck with such a weakling. The only thing you're good for is giving me pups."

The omega flinched and gritted his teeth as he lifted the pack and swung it over his shoulder. He wobbled and started to fall back, but the alpha grabbed the pack and ripped it from the boy's grasp.

"Weakling! If our pups are this week when I finally breed you I will put you, and them, out of their misery." The alpha snarled, picking up the second pack and once more shoving the omega to the ground.

He whimpered in response and rubbed the tears from his eyes. His ripped shirt revealed an alpha's mark on his neck, which explained why he picked himself up off the ground and trailed after the alpha.

Jongho felt his wolf bristling as he watched the entire situation unfold. There was no reason to treat another wolf that way, especially a claimed omega.

He watch in horror as the omega tripped over the side of an outdoor table and stumbled into the back of the alpha. His eyes flashed red and he spun around to back hand the omega. It sent him flying into a nearby wall and he yelped.

"Pathetic! I swear as soon as I find someone better I am replacing you!" The alpha roared, stalking over to the whimpering boy. It was obvious that all he wanted to do was please his alpha...

Jongho stepped forward to stop him before he laid another had on the omega. "That's enough! How dare you treat your omega that way! Have you no respect?" He growled, grabbing the other alpha's raised arm.

The man spun around and snarled at Jongho, trying to assert his dominance. He must not have been the son of a head alpha, though, because it had no affect on Jongho. "It's none of your business how I treat MY omega!"

The alpha shoved Jongho away, and his wolf was not going to have it. He lunged for the stranger and knocked him to the ground, swinging his fists wildly as he tried to make contact with every inch of the alpha he could.

"What a worthless alpha you are! You can't even fight back. You're the pathetic one here." Jongho snarled as he punched the alpha so hard he was knocked unconscious. San and Yunho appeared at his side instantly and started fussing over him. He had managed to split open his knuckles, but it was impossible to tell how much of the blood on his hand was his, or the alpha's.

They cleaned him up quickly and helped him to stand.

Then Jongho turned to where the omega was cowering in a corner. A few spectators had paused to watch what was going on, but as soon as Jongho started moving they moved on.

He approached slowly and couched in front of the omega. "Are you ok?" He kept his voice low. He felt his wolf churn as the boy looked up at him with wide, golden brown eyes.

"I wish you hadn't done that..." He whimpered, glancing at his alpha. "Now he's going to be even a more upset with me."

Jongho's lip twitched as he tried to fight a snarl. "Why are you even with him if he treats you that way?"

"I am his omega. He claimed me."

"By your choice?"

The omega shook his head. "Our parents."

"You don't have to stay with him if he's going to treat you that way."

"I have no where else to go. My parents would never take me back. I would be a failure for leaving my alpha." The omega buried his face in his hands as the tears fell free.

Jongho's anger rose when he saw all the bruises covering his arms. He looked over his shoulder at San and Yunho. The betas exchanged a quick look, then stepped forward.

"You can come with us." San said, getting close enough to place a hand on the boy's shoulder. "We are just traveling right now, but the more the merrier, right?"

The omega peeked at them through his fingers.

"My name is Jongho, and these are my betas San and Yunho. San is right, you can join us if you would like. We can take care of you. And you can leave whenever you want. We won't force you to stay."

They were silent for a long moment and watched as the omega dropped his hands and turned to look at his alpha. Jongho could see the internal struggle happening, and he knew they were asking for a lot. But he didn't feel right leaving the boy behind after witnessing how his alpha treated him.

"Ok." The omega said in a small voice.

San beamed and held out his hand to help him stand.

Jongho turned to Yunho and nodded at the packs on the ground. While that beta started rummaging through them to see what they could take, San helped brush the omega off.

"Don't worry, Jongho is a strong alpha. He will protect you, and so will we." San said. A smile crossed his face to reveal his dimples as he looked at the boy. "What's your name?"

The omega took a deep breath and looked up at Jongho slowly. "Wooyoung."

••••••••

Written by flamewhipper