Stress couldn't even begin to explain what Wooyoung was feeling right now. And his emotions never stayed in one place for long. He would experience fear, anger, stress, panic, loss, sadness... All of it.

Hongjoong did his best to try and keep him calm, constantly rubbing against him and licking him behind his ear to lend support, as Jin had removed their muzzles before quickly leaving the exhibit and locking them inside.

It helped... Some. But what Wooyoung really wanted was Yunho's attention. He felt like that might calm him down a little more if the beta would just give him the time of day.

The younger beta spent a lot of time pacing around their new 'home'. His eyes roamed over every surface, looking for some kind of weakness... Anything they could use to get out of there.

But the zoo was built well. Even with their increased strength, it didn't seem like they would be able to jump the gap separating the exhibit from the humans. Plus there were security guards posted around the perimeter at all times, so even if they tried, it looked like they would be put under again.

There was a scuffle with the wolves in the other part of the exhibit that got too out of hand and the guards all watched them with their guns aimed just in case things got worse. They didn't, somehow, but it appeared that the other pack had a new alpha.

And boy was he interested in the newcomers.

Wooyoung would watching him pace along the clear barrier, trying to figure out what to do with the new situation.

The new alpha was one of the bigger wolves, big enough that he came close to being Wooyoung's size, and Wooyoung had always been on the small side for an omega. Just like the humans had observed... They new a lot about wolves apparently.

How are you doing? Hongjoong asked after a bit.

I don't know. Wooyoung looked at the older and let out a little whine. What are we supposed to do right now?

Hongjoong huffed and glanced back at the wolves, then at the people. I'm not sure. But for now we just need to stay on our toes. They mentioned something about submitting us to other programs, which I really don't like, but we will just have to take it one day at a time. And for GOD'S SAKE YUNHO WOULD YOU STOP THAT. He snapped, making Wooyoung flinch.

The younger beta turned around to look at him from where he had been examining the trench. Well you two aren't doing anything to get us out of here!

We've already spent hours looking. For now we just need to see what is going to happen. And YOU need to get off your high horse. The only way we are going to get through this is together. Hongjoong stood up and growled at him.

Wooyoung could feel him struggling with keeping his wolf under control. There was no way they could slip up and let their eyes show...

Yunho grumbled and walked over to them, his head hanging low. His eyes darted to Wooyoung's, but he quickly looked away. It almost looked like his lower lip was pushed out in pout when he flopped onto the forest floor.

They spent the next few hours in silence. Wooyoung lowered his head to rest on his paws and tried to keep calm. His thoughts traveled to Jongho. He missed his alpha so much... And he missed San too. Even though things had been tense between all of them, he had been starting to think that San was coming around.

The omega sniffed a little and covered his nose with one of his paws. Maybe if they hadn't been fighting then this wouldn't have happened...

And if he hadn't mated with Jongho then they wouldn't have been fighting at all.

I'm so sorry, Yunho... He said, unable to keep the whine out of his voice even through the link.

Both betas turned to look at him, tilting their heads a little. For what? Yunho asked, although his tone indicated that he knew exactly what Wooyoung was referring to and Hongjoong gave him a warning growl.

For driving a wedge between us... I know you've never been overly fond of me. And then I went and did the one thing you were afraid I would do... I should have just stayed with my old alpha.

What on earth are you talking about? Hongjoong growled. Of course you shouldn't have stayed with him! I know this is hard and Yunho is being an ass, but beating yourself up isn't going to help anything.

Hey! Yunho's ears snapped back and he bared his teeth. What the hell Joong? That was uncalled for!

Hongjoong stood up and locked eyes with him. No it wasn't! You need a reality check my friend. You think you're the only one suffering through not being mated with the alpha you love? Well you're NOT! I had to watch Mingi get mated off to someone else because I was never going to be good enough for his father. But like you, Mingi and I had a little bit of a thing going on before that happened. Not to mention San!

Hongjoong... Please... Wooyoung whimpered.

You weren't chosen as Jongho's mate. But honestly? You are being even more disrespectful by treating his chosen mate this way. Jongho picked Wooyoung for a reason, one that maybe he doesn't even know. But it's done and over with. And now Wooyoung is pregnant with your packs first pup. Get your head out of your sorry ass and do the right thing for your pack. Jongho would be so disappointed in you.

That seemed to do it. Yunho's body went limp in defeat. Everything about him showed that he had absorbed every work that Hongjoong had said and agreed with it.

Before anyone had the chance to respond, a loud buzzing sound sent the other wolves into a frenzy. They all started yapping and jumping up on their hind legs while gathering at a gate on their side of the enclosure.

Several humans came out with smiles on their faces and they all started to greet the wolves by name.

Wooyoung was amazing to see wild animals acting this way. He knew that wolves could form deep bonds with each other, but he didn't realize they would form bonds with humans too.

The zoo workers all held containers of food that they placed in different areas around the enclosure and the pack all broke off into smaller groups.

Then another buzz came from their right, and the three of them turned to see the gate open.

Yunho was the first one to stand. Wooyoung was shocked to see that he moved to stand over him, taking up a protective stance over him.

Jin walked in, pulling a wagon behind him. He must have been the only one willing to be the new wolves. "Hey guys." He said, keeping his voice low and gentle.

I can see why they call him the 'wolf whisperer'. Hongjoong snorted and kept his eyes locked on Jin. He does have a very calm demeanor about him.

"I brought you some food. Are you hungry?"

God this is embarrassing. Yunho grumbled.

Wooyoung couldn't help but huff in a wolf-like laugh and he rubbed his muzzle against Yunho's leg. But then he heard the beta's stomach grumble at the mention of food and he nudged Yunho's leg.

"It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you. But we do need to take a look at a few things and we need to get you a shot." Jin started setting down three buckets full of raw meat.

Does he really think those other wolves understand him? Hongjoong tilted his head.

Probably. Or maybe it just makes him feel better. I don't like the idea of a shot though. What would it do to us? Yunho glanced at the other beta.

No idea... But I have a feeling that if we refuse it could mean something worse. Hongjoong's ears flicked back and forth nervously.

Let's just cooperate. Wooyoung said, looking up at Yunho. The beta had to tilt his so they could meet eyes, but he nodded. It's best to start off on their good side.

Jin took a few steps back and motioned to the buckets.

Driven forward by his stomach, Yunho crept forward and examined the food. Then he pulled a bucket with him to give to Wooyoung and retrieved the second for Hongjoong. When he got the third, Jin was watching them with an obvious air of curiosity.

The three of them devoured the meat within minutes, and Yunho even gave some of his to Wooyoung, reminding him that he needed to eat for two now.

While they ate, two other workers entered the exhibit and watched them. One looked like he was a little closer to Jin, while the other one looked like a foreigner with bleach blonde hair and sun kissed skin.

"Are you ready?" Jin asked, looking at the two of them. "Just stay close and be ready to help if needed. We will do this one at a time. Tanner, only use that if absolutely necessary." He said, motioning to the cattle prod in the blonde's hand. "Tae?" He said to the third, and the two of them walked forward.

They approached Wooyoung first, easing themselves closer so that they kind of cut him off from Yunho and Hongjoong. "Hey boy, it's ok. Will you let us come see you?"

Wooyoung whimpered and took a step back, but then he let Jin and this Tae approach him. They spoke to each other about how it would help the spread of disease, indicating that they were worried about the other wolves getting sick.

He flinched when the large needle was inserted into his neck, but he did have to admit that when Jin rubbed his neck afterward it felt good.

The process was repeated with both betas and left with the promise to return later with some more food.

Once more, the three of them were trapped, kind of alone, in the strange exhibit. They found a small area in the far corner of the exhibit that put them as far away from the humans and wolves they were forced to be on display in front of.

Wooyoung curled up in a ball and once more covered his nose with his paws.

Yunho approached him slowly and licked his forehead a few times. I'm sorry. He whispered through what Wooyoung knew was a private connection.

The omega lifted his head and they nuzzled each other's necks for a long moment before Yunho settled down next to him. Hongjoong joined them a short time later stretched out in front of them, rolling onto his side and letting out a long sigh.

Yunho lifted his head and let it rest on top of Wooyoung's neck, sighing as well. We will get through this. Jongho will find us. I know he will.

••••••••

Written by flamewhipper