Hoesoek shifted the girl still clinging to his back, he shook her off, catching her and carrying her in his arms. His muscles flexed and bulged. She wasn't heavy at all, it wasn't even bothersome to carry her. He trekked back up the mountain, girl in hand.

She looked so peaceful. Fair locks of hair fell carelessly around her face. He wanted to move them away to study her features better, she was a beautiful specimen. She smelt so good to, she smelt like wild lillies and nasturtiums.
Her scent reminded him of when he was younger, he'd always find his old home smelling like this. He rolled his eyes closed, taking in the scent and keeping it with himself. It made him feel at home, comfortable.

He reached more level ground and knelt down to place her on the grounded.
Her face felt hot, he looked around, but couldn't find a cloth. He ripped his shirt off and dashed to the stream. He dowsed the shirt into the cold water and wrung it out loosely. He dabbed her face gently with the cool cloth, folding it in half and placing it over her forhead and eyes.

"Her skin is so smooth..." His tongue flicked out and his eyes dilated. He caught himself quickly, before he did anything untoward. He assessed her for any possible dog bites and bruises, she was fine thank God. He decided that it was best to let her rest for now, if she didn't wake in the next twenty minutes, he'd try to wake her and see from there.
She didn't look too ill nor did she appear injured. She was probably just tired.

He'd find out what was wrong and who she was running from later. He didn't feel like letting her go back though. He felt an indescribable possession, he wanted to protect her and he wanted to do everything for her. He growled at the thought of her belonging to anyone else. She belonged with him, he nodded to himself and cast a cursory glance around the area they were in. It was getting brighter, light starting to seep through the clouds. It was probably around five in the morning now.

He looked around for something to do, while he waited, and his eyes caught sight if some brambles and a bush full of berries. They were plump and red, which meant they'd be sweet too.

He stalked over and shook a branch, ripe berries fell abundantly. Kneeling down to collect them, he found himself lost in thought of the beautiful girl asleep just a few meters away from him, "what was she running from?" He thought.

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Fifteen minutes later:

The young woman opened her bright green eyes, to find herself staring at a large chest. Hoesoeks bare chest greeted her first as he loomed over her, checking to see if she was alright. She paused, eyes fixed on his sculpted torso.

He stepped back studying her, "how are you feeling", came his deep voice, gravelly from all the howling and growls he let out. She blinked up at him again and after a beat, smiled up at him sweetly. "I feel free!" She beamed at him, taking him aback. No one's smile made him feel so proud and happy.

She blinked up at him, her eyes reminding him of fresh limes in summer. They shone with intellect and wonder. "Thank you for saving me, kind sir. My name is Marina." Oh her voice was beautiful like morning birds singing. She sounded as beautiful as she looked. Hoesoek shook his head, what was going on with him. "Pleasure is all mine, its nice to meet you, I am Hoesoek" he held her hand and kissed her knuckles, making her squirm and shiver. He felt his body warm at her touch, despite him being out in the cold.

Marinas stomach growled and she looked up at him innocently. He found himself returning a smile, God when was the last time he genuinely smiled because he was happy?
He crouched down and tentatively offered her some berries. He was not sure how she would react to wild fruit being offered to her. He was sure she'd refuse. But her reaction had shocked him and he found himself falling for her more.

Her eyes widened and she picked up a handful of the berries, biting into the plump red fruit. Her eyes closed in pleasure and she titled her head back, the column of her neck on display. "Oooohhhhh myyy, this is so gooooodddd!!!" she half moaned and exclaimed. Her words jolted Hoesoek, that sound made his skin chill and cause his muscles to jump in excitement.
He was surprised to see her enjoy herself and find joy in something so simple and ordinary.

"You must excuse my behavior...." she said on between chomping on the berries. Her lips tinted red from the juice of the berries. She didn't know how sinfully tempting she looked, red lips, green captivating eyes with question in them. He wanted to.... wanted to just..... arrrggg!
She looked up and handed him some berries innocently, "here..." unaware of what she did.

His eyes dilated and glowed. He looked stunned and he stayed stiff. Not responding and not moving in the least. It made him look serious, analytical and critical. Noticing his behavior and not understanding his state of being, she shrinked back, feeling exposed and awkward.

The juice clung to her lips, highlighting the shape and plumpness of them. Hoesoek whined internally. He breathed heavily trying to control his emotions. "None for me, thanks" he said gruffly.

She peered up at him, big green eyes scanning him with curiosity, she wondered why he seemed so offended or upset. She licked her lips thoughtfully, smacking the juice off them. Seeing that Hoesoeks eyes flared and glowed. His eyes fixated on that scene a low growl rumbling in his chest.

His breath quickened, he agitatedly opened and closed his fists."I have to get my sanity back...a few hours ago I was able to think straight and proper" he thought.

He glanced down at her, she was so relaxed, she trusted too easily, how could she not worry about where she is? "God she's too naive, she trusts me - a complete stranger. How can she just sit there and peacefully be? Her judgement needs improvement. Wait... is she even mentally okay? She seemed fine. Maybe she's looney? Better check, she might need help..."

He cleared his throat, making a gruff sound that caught her attention, she looked up, "Uhhmm, so do you - do you know where you are? What were you running from?" He asked unsure if how she'd react. "No but I know that I am in a safe place. And I was running away from my grand-uncle who was forcing me to marry against my will because of money", she said unblinking.

Hoesoek was taken aback. Well, she's awfully honest, again too trusting.
"Whats wrong with her?", he cleared his voice, "Do you have anywhere you can go, somewhere safe? Anyone you can stay with?" He asked worried about her safety.

She simply shook her head, "Well that's just grand now. How very typical, how does matters of great sensitivity always land into my lap? But she doesn't have anywhere to go also. *sigh* Why is it always me?" Hoesoek was at war with his conflicting feelings. He swiped a hand down his face, exhausted.

Her large clear green eyes bored into his own. It made him uneasy, all this attention, the way she stared at him, without fear, no disgust either, she seemed to be in total awe and admiration. Her eyes reflected wonder and trust. It made him nervous.

"Alright, lets go" he said resigning to his fate. He didn't want to get involved but he had no choice. She was so sweet, his heart beat so fast. He couldn't hurt her or let her down. What if he did and he lost her.

"Better to stay miserable the way I am, no need to add to that burden of misery. She deserves to be happy, she can't possibly stay around a gloom like me. Rainbows and rain clouds do not exist together" he said to himself, somehow making the weight in his heart heavier. His heart constricted and a lightening sharp sliced through it at the thought of never being good enough for her. His heart weakened and slowed. He clutched his chest and looked at the sky.

Marina had intervened in his depressing solo "Ohh where to?! Are we going home?" She asked bubbly and smiling.
"Home?" He asked confused, "Yes, the place you stay, we are going there,yes?" She asked. "Ahh well yeah..... its more a cabin, I live with my pack...." he said awkwardly, scratching at his temple. He hoped to slowly break it to her that he lived with a bunch of clueless male wolves who knew nothing of a woman's touch and only had experience in war. They would, no doubt freak out when they saw her.

"O-kay" she said, waking up and dusting her skirts. She had a bunch of berries tied up in a handkerchief, that she took with her. Hoesoek smiled at that. The two set off back for the earth tribes turf, Hoesoek dreading the reaction of his members and Marina walking excitedly, a bounce in her step.

Imagery of Marina aka, Hoesoeks mate...... as soon as he realises it 👀

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Hwans POV:

Every eight months or so, Hwan and a few of his pack members went into the human markets of Concordia to restock their cabin with items that were easier bought in bulk from the humans. They would go down, disguised as common ordinary men. Tall muscular and handsome 'ordinary' men wearing cloaks.

As wolves they lived simply and did not use much technology nor any complicated methods that went against nature. Their cabins were neat, well kept but didn't have the common electricity and state of art plumbing humans boasted about.

That would be overstepping the boundaries of mother nature as a wolf. He needed to stay grounded and be simple. There was no need to be extraordinary, in his opinion.

Their cabin had a large water source outside which had pipes running through the kitchen and bathroom. It was a simple mechanism which had a flap that block the water much like a damn in the pipes when the tap turned off. It was simpler and easier to fashion than the plumbing system that affected nature at the end of the day in the human lands.

The bathroom consisted of an incineration toilet that was made of stainless steel. It was easier to use, there was no need to worry about where the waste would flow to considering that they lived in the mountain. A deep underground pit which flowed into the common waste zone of Concordia was installed at the base of the mountain. So the excess water that was used after bathing and anything else was sent off that way.
The wolves didn't want to over do it.

"We won't over stay out welcome again..." said the new alphas to King Jin when they moved here.

Thus the wolves used fires, hearths and wood for anything that otherwise required fuel, like stoves and for light.

Hwan and two of his omegas traveled down the mountain range, a trailer attached to a horse for days like these when they restocked items in bulk.

He got off at the entry of the village. Very few knew about this entry way seeing as how it was a wall covered in brambles and creepers. The plants made a lovely shield in addition to the wall built around the perimeter of the towns of Concordia which sectioned off the mountains.

This wall blocked the main entrance of the mountain. A little stone lever when pressed, opened a big enough entryway that allowed them to enter the villages and towns.

This wall gave the wolves privacy and blocked any prying eyes from prancing around the mountain. It was a small reprieve that let them lick their wounds and be isolated.

The omegas left the trailer at the base of their turf and set the horse free to munch on some vegetation. He'd come back when they were ready.

Such was the relationship between wolves and any other creatures of nature. They trusted each other and never failed. The shifters closed the entryway and walked into the town. Each splitting up and forking paths silently. The omegas traveled separately to other locations, this got this tedious task done quicker. They roamed the market getting other essentials like groceries in bulk amounts.

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The village was alive with people bustling along, chatter and voices filled the area.
Hwan mentally ran through his list in his mind of what he needed. "Candles, flint, terry cloth, cotton sheets, soap, herbal oils, salt...."

He maneuvered himself through the busy streets. He had a large cloth nap-sack he shouldered, so he could easily carry his cargo back.

Hwan perused the market swiftly when his eyes changed to a deeper colour. They glowed, he stiffening him in his tracks, ears perked up.
For a split second he sensed someone, it felt as though his heart had come alive after so many years. "Mate..." he said to himself. He shook himself out of stupor and continued.

He stopped at a vendor and got a bulk amount of soap that would last at least 8 months. He walked through the streets enjoying the noise and chatter that quietened his troubling thoughts.

The sun was blindingly sharp, at its peak in the sky. Hwan stood in the central area of the town. Close to the old community hall.
His heart began rapidly beating again, all his mind could think of was, "mate....mate......mate!"

Hwan walked off further into the crowds pulling the hood of his cloak over. He decided it was best to leave, "no need to attract attention to me in any way", he thought caution etched into his mind.

It was noon and he'd done his part of shopping. He walked back to his rendezvous place and pressed the lever. The heat of the day made him irritable and anxious to leave this place soon.

Not paying attention to his surroundings, mind focused on his troubling thoughts, Hwan didn't notice the tiny figure that poked her head into the entry way and scurried into the mountainous lands.

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All the wolves were busy doing their daily tasks if not busying themselves in a hobby. It was hot and summery. Everyone waited patiently for a cool rain to calm them down. The day was humid and bothersome.

Ethan, taking full advantage of the weather lined up wedges of wood to dry up properly for future use. He nodded at his new beta as Jungkook stepped outside.
Jungkook stood outside assessing the weather, he'd just finished up cleaning the kitchen and had his frilly apron still on.
Suddenly he titled his head back facing the heat that pushed down on them with force and screamed out "Yes mother nature yes! We are your scones! Bake us in this infernal heat!"

Ethan eyed him with uncertainty, looking at his beta as if he had lost his sanity. "Are you okay? Looks like the heat it wearing you down, you should head back inside" he said, not wanting his beta to start any mischief outside in this heat.

Jungkook turned to face Ethan, "No, No! I am trying to encourage mother nature. Let her give us her all, its appreciation!" He exclaimed, further saying, "Fussing won't make it snow. We must appreciate all she gives us or she will think we are unfair. After the heat always comes a cool. There will be rain this afternoon. She prepares us for it now. Look" he said pointing at the distant clouds in the sky.

Ethan studied his beta carefully, he never heard him speak such wise and humble words. He always saw him as a merry making nutcase. Well that's all he ever saw. "You're right" he said humbled by Jungkook's words. Ethan smiled at him, a new found respect blooming in his eyes.

"Want to come inside for some iced tea and watermelon slices?" Asked Jungkook, "Sure, thanks" Ethan nodded.
"You'll see it'll cool down later but that doesn't mean you should suffer and toil outside now, it can affect you still despite your wolf abilities. Hoesoek always says that" replied Jungkook, his voice fading slowly as he and Ethan went back inside.

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Hoesoek held Marinas hand and helped her walk through the uneven parts of the hard mountain. He noticed her waver and caught her. God knows what's going on inside her. He led her to a stream and cupped water in his hands for her to drink from easily. He fussed and worried over her every need. He felt compelled to and willing wished to.

It was as if he felt reassured that she was well and okay of he saw to her himself. "It's not far from here, almost there" He said encouraging her, "Well that's easy for you, you're not human" She said, eyes closed trying to gain some energy back. Hoeseok was startled, "You could easily reach there in two seconds, I am holding you back aren't I. You're just too nice to say..." she completed.

"You know I can shift?" He asked dumb founded. She looked at him like it was obvious, although exhausted as she was, her brows were crinkled and her eyes were hazy from sleep. Her zest beginning to wane off.

"Of course I know; we are on a mountain, you saved me and you aren't selfish. I don't expect you to 'moo' and turn into a horse" she said, slightly annoyed that he thought she was that naive.

Hoesoek squinted down in confusion, "Horses don't Moo. Also you said I am not selfish, how are you so sure?" He asked concerned.

"Because if you were human, you would have turned me into the fat barron by now. Everyone knows him and fears him." He was getting some insight on her past and a mix of calm and anger welled inside him.

"I woke up here in this beautiful mountain and you helped me gain consciousness, anyone else would just toss me for easy coin to the barron. Also humans don't have such manly muscles and strength while being humble and kind. If they do then they are short tempered and prance around arrogantly" she said rolling her eyes in disgust.

Hoesoeks cheeks flamed a bright red, he looked away, trying to calm himself. "She just openly talks about stuff like this" he thought.

"You okay?" She asked him trying to catch his eyes. He shook his head nodding and cleared his throat. "How about this, I'll shift and take us back, it'll speed everything up" he said reasonably.

Marina stifled a yawn and fluttered her droopy eyes trying to stay awake, "That sounds efficacious " she said.
Immediately hearing that Hoesoek shifted, nails elongating, face contorting and changing to larger jaws and sharper teeth.

In front of her a fluffy tall wolf stood wagging his tale. He let out a little yelp, his head lopsided, indicating that she could get on. She climbed on top of him and he shot off immediately, racing up the remainder of the mountain route to his cabin. Marina held on tight, arms and legs sneezing him so as to not fall.

They reached the cabin shortly and Hoesoek shifted back once she hopped off him.

Hoesoek peeked around the cabin. Most of them were in the meeting room and kitchen. He stealthily led Marina up the steps and into his room. He picked her up and placed her on the bed, knowing she wouldn't be able to reach it. His bed was made to cater his height and she was short and small.

He tucked her in and drew his curtains close. She was out in a matter of minutes. Looking at her angel face, he moved a few strands away from her face, he smiled softly to himself, in what had to be decades. His emotions took the helm and he sat watching her sleep peacefully. He leant forward and kissed her forehead, "sleep well.....mate" he whispered, getting up to leave the room.

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Hwan and his omegas loaded the trailer with their supplies and secured the horse back to the trailer to take up to their cabin. Their alpha looked anxious, he kept staring back at the wall, they looked at each other unsure of what to do. "You two go back, I'll meet you there soon", they nodded, saluting their alpha and took off.

Loras POV:

"I'll meet you there soon", I heard him say. "Oh hell!! I need him out of here! How am I going to leave if he is still here with his damn wagon!" She thought nervously.

Lora happened to catch Hwan entering through this strange entryway found in the wall that retains the different locations on Concordia.

She snuck through when his back was turned. For some reason she felt safe, if need be she'd ask him for help and was going two when two other men joined him. "Now to find a way and get back home. I'll pack my bags and escape to the next city. That way, he won't find me....", she continued to watch the trio from behind a tree. Thank God these trees were here. The two took off leaving the other man behind. "Oh great, he has his stuff with him. Now what!?!? Maybe he forgot something and he's going back into town?..."

She snuck a peek, quickly dashing back behind the tree when she saw him turn. "Come out!" She heard his booming, deep voice. "Oh I don't know, maybe he's exorcising something from a tree?"

She stayed put, hoping he'd go away. "I can see you, behind that tree. Come out here" he said firmly. She sighed, no choice left now that he spotted her, Lora  stepped out sheepishly. Watching him from the corner of her eyes. Hwan stood hands on his hips, frowning at her.
She laughed nervously, throwing him off, and made a run for the wall, "that lever is here somewhere..."

Hwan caught up to her in seconds and grabbed her by the shoulders. She was trying to scale the wall. Turning her, their eyes met, she gasped, staring fully at the handsome brooding man in front of her.

"Wooow, Fire!!!" She thought, "Muscular man, so attractive!! Wowzers!! Oh my God ! Oh my God! Oh my Goooodddddd!!!!!"

"Why were you hiding?" He asked, his voice cutting through her thoughts. 

"Oh his voice, Wow! Like a siren. If he told me to jump into the ocean with that voice I'd do it! Woahaha wow!!!" She thought to herself.

Hwan looked at her waiting for her answer. She glanced up, "I um - thought you'd be mad, I was just trying to find a safe place." Hearing this he narrowed his eyes at her.

Lora stood still, watching him. For some reason she wasn't scared or intimidated by him. She felt as if she understood him and knew him for years.

"I've never felt this way before. I know I can trust him. He's not like any other man. He could have tossed me out long ago, he knew I was here" She thought to herself.  She smiled up at him, feeling like she knew him well, as if she did for eons.

Hwan looked shocked, unsure of how to react. "Whats wrong with her?" He thought. "Why is she smiling at me?"

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Hwans POV:

"I saw her, ducking and entering through the secret doorway. She thinks I didn't notice."

Once Hwan had packed his stuff into the trailer, he waited for the other two to meet him at the entryway.

"She's the one I sensed earlier on..." he mumbled to himself. Odd feelings and sensations ran through his body. He felt calm and usually at peace. His awareness had been fine-tuned to sense and hear her movement. He just knew where she was and if he concentrated enough he could hear her thoughts.

He waited for them to leave and called her out. "Its her", he thought, "mate, mate, mate!".
He couldn't think straight, he wasn't used to being around females. Naturally he was an introvert and avoided conversation. Knowing he was alone with a girl in the woods, set him off.

"Come out" was all he managed. His voice tightened and he stiffened waiting for an answer. There was no answer but he saw little fingers wrap around the tree, her little head ducking back, "I can see you." he said. She stepped out into the open. She had a white lace dress on. "

Wait isn't that a wedding dress? Why is my mate wearing a wedding dress!? " Hwan growled, narrowing his eyes and balling his fists.

Seeing his behavior Lora gave a nervous laugh and then dashed for the exit.

His heart plummeted, as she ran in the opposite direction if him. It was no effort on his part, he took two long strides and caught her in time.

Hwan spun her around, hoping to use some words and explain everything to her. But no words could form in his mind. Heart racing, all words and coherent thoughts left his mind. He found that his once resourceful brain was now left empty, void of any helpful sentences or actions.

Lora stood gaping up at him. 

"He's so tall....Wow."  Lora thought to herself, although she mouthed out the word 'wow'.

Hwan stood feeling nervous and awkward for the first time in his life, "No doubt I look scary to her..." he thought dejectedly.

He watched her, scanning for any fear or sign that she'd run again but when he concentrated on her thoughts, he was struck dumb and a blush began to furiously spread on his cheeks and neck.

He heard all sorts of odd complements swimming in her mind, he caught some words like "hot, handsome, attractive" and something about being a siren.

Clearing his mind, he prepared himself to speak, he had to after all they stood there for minutes just staring at each other.

But when he opened his mouth to introduce himself, his wolf urges had taken precedence and he bellowed out a long low howl. It was a mating howl that  a male sounded out only once in his life and it alerted anyone who heard that he had found his mate.

Lora stared at him in amazement, understanding gracing her being. The feelings she had towards him, the urges it all added up. She gleefully smiled at him and said with a smile, "Mate!"

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Earth tribe cabin:

Hoesoek happily jogged down the stairs to the kitchen. He had a happy smile on his face. All the wolves that passed him by were shocked, Ethan did a double take when he saw his alpha enter the kitchen smiling.

Jungkook poured him a mug of iced tea and spoke.

"Slept well alpha?" Thinking his singing lessons would have helped, still oblivious to the fact that his singing was disturbing.

"Nope, not at all. Not a wink" Hoesoek said with a wide grin spread on his face. Thanking Jungkook he downed the contents and slammed the mug down and left the kitchen.

"Oh.... I've finally done it.  He's gone mad without sleep." Said a dismayed Jungkook looking at Ethan terror in his eyes. "I need to fix this, I need to help our alpha find sleep. I'll sing him a lullaby." Jungkook thought out loud with determination set in his eyes.

"Uh - no, don't do that,  he might not ever sleep again then..." Ethan mumbled, discouraging his beta from any further destruction.

 
"How about I help you. Let's go into his room and see. Maybe it needs a little tidying or we can put on fresh beddings and clean up. I'm sure perhaps a little rearranging or dusting is all it needs." Ethan suggested, who was rather meticulous in his work.

"Yeah sure! That sounds good" said Jungkook emphatically. The two wolves walked up the stairs, noting that their alpha was busy outside with something. 

As they neared the door they felt a strange odd presence, they never felt this before. What could have been in their alphas room that made him behave so? When they opened the door to the alphas room Ethan and Jungkook froze in their tracks. Used to the grueling weather and history of their kind, these seasoned wolves could take down anyone and handle any situation with ease. Nothing, however, prepared the two for the little sleeping figure in their alphas bed.

Both of them closed the door quietly behind them and crept back down to the kitchen. "Well at least now we know why he was smiling so much. I thought he munched on some opium or something." Ethan mused with a frown.

Jungkook stood at the kitchen counter, hands resting on the edge of it, he stood thinking for a moment. 

"We didn't hear a howl." He said, more of a question than a statement. 

"Ah... No, come to think of it." Ethan nodded.

"Hmmm, which means that he found her but she doesn't know yet. Or they haven't spoken much yet. They must feel it and I'm sure it will happen soon." Jungkook, who understood the ways of how finding one's mate worked better, said eagerly.

"What do we do? Do we approach our alpha and ask him. We need to make sure she settles in well." Said Ethan, anticipating what would be needed.

"No it won't be good to let him know. We should respect Alpha's decision and let him tell us when he's ready.  Maybe he's waiting for the howl." Jungkook guessed in a hushed tone.

Ethan nodded and then after a beat asked, "How long do you suppose until that happens, bet you it would be by tonight!" He said with a gloating smile.  

"Nah, I bet by morning, tomorrow." Jungkook insisted. 

"If he doesn't mention anything to us by tomorrow morning, we will approach him ask him about this." Jungkook said decidedly.

"Yeah, afterall we live here too!" Agreed Ethan. The two nodded at each other with a mischievous look in their eyes. Shaking hands they sealed their deal.

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A/n: Hi everyone 👋 I added some new characters. Hope you liked this one. Let me know what you liked about this chapter and the story so far.

Credit to the artists Aleksundoor and others whose names I couldn't find.
Credit to the sites I used to get my pictures  namely: pinterest and Adobe stock.

Thanks so much for reading. I had a little difficulty with this chapter since I had so many ideas. My schedule had been busy and I had less time for writing. I am hoping to publish the next chapter soon. More on Namjoon and Olivia's spicy love-hate relationship coming up.

My thanks ♥