Mingi's eyes traveled to where three of his packmates had disappeared some time ago. He was starting to feel a little antsy not knowing where they were.

But Chan and Jongho seemed to be relaxed, so he did his best to push it aside for now and return to focusing on the rabbit in his hands.

"How do we want to handle tomorrow?" Changbin asked suddenly. "With the competition?"

"Maybe we should pick a time to meet and do everything together?" Yunho suggested, looking at both their Head Alphas.

Chan nodded a couple of times. "Yes, I like the sound of that, since all of our points will be pooled together anyway. We can always form mini teams once we know all the rules and expectations too."

"Did it say if Omegas can participate?" Jeongin asked from where he huddled close to San and working on cleaning the pack of a rabbit pelt.

"I don't remember it saying they can't." Jisung said, tapping his chin a couple of times.

"Good, then we won't be down six people." Jongho sighed and rubbed his head. "Because I don't feel comfortable leaving Sannie-hyung behind with less than two people protecting him, and I feel like same should go for Jeongin."

Chan gave the younger Alpha an admiring smile. "I was thinking the same thing. And always with at least one Alpha, so the three of us can split that duty however we need to."

"I'm fine with that." Mingi said, trying to make sure he's still included in all their Head Alphaness. "And I like the idea of teams too. Maybe a trapping team, a hunting team, and a skinning team? Divide the groups into five, five, and four?"

"Good idea." Jongho started nodding. "Or maybe give the skinning team six just in case we do really well so we don't fall behind?"

He looked around the group of eleven and received several agreements, which made the young Alpha puff his chest out a little.

"Shall we meet here thirty minutes before the event starts then to organize?" Yunho suggested.

Everyone was just agreeing when Yeosang rejoined them and sat a little distance away. Mingi noticed immediately that something was wrong. The Beta looked as stoic as ever, except for his slightly red and puffy eyes.

He looked at Jongho, who much have noticed the same because his lips turned down slightly in a frown.

Yeosang didn't speak to anyone, he just returned to what he'd been doing before.

Nor did he look up when Hongjoong and Seonghwa returned only a few minutes later. A strong hazelnut smell swirled in the air, matching Seonghwa's slightly pink cheeks.

An uneasiness started to swirl in Mingi's stomach as he watched the two of them exchange one more look before Hongjoong returned to Chan's side.

"Is everything alright?" Chan asked, leaning closer and closing his eyes when his nose was close to Hongjoong's neck.

Mingi almost gaped when he noticed how Hongjoong shuddered at the action but allowed it to happen while he said, "Yes." Then he glances in Seonghwa's direction one more time and said softer, "Thank you."

Chan's gaze softened and he nodded. "Of course." He pulled his head away and readjusted in his seat.

A soft touch on his leg drew Mingi's attention, and he turned to see Yunho giving him an inquisitive look. He'd seen it too and looked just as confused as Mingi felt.

The Alpha shrugged a little to indicate his loss in this too. He reached out and hooked his pinky with Yunho's, needing a little more contact.

Now that everyone was back, the group of fourteen finished up the lesson and were awarded more points by the Android before they started the walk back to their cabins.

When they reached Ateez's cabin, the Stray Kids pack kept walking, except for Hongjoong, who hesitated and looked between the two packs.

Chan noticed and simply said, "I'll see you in the morning," before leaving with the rest of his pack.

Hongjoong turned to his own pack and smiled. "So, what do we want to do for dinner tonight?"

"No." Mingi said, crossing his arms. "You don't get to act like nothing is going on. What the fuck, Hyung??"

The Beta flinches then starts rubbing his neck, right over where Chan had marked him. "Things are... complicated. But Chan-ah and I had a good talk last night and we came to an understanding."

No one missed the change in the way Hongjoong talked about Chan. It didn't sound right. It didn't feel right.

"What understanding? What the hell happened?" Jongho asked, looking just as uncomfortable as the rest of them.

For a moment Mingi was reminded of the few times Jongho had been embarrassed by something one of his hyungs, usually Wooyoung, had done. His face now was the same and it was hard for Mingi to not be slightly amused.

"Just what we knew would happen." Hongjoong dropped his hand and turned his neck to the side. "Just what Sangie said would happen."

Off to the side, Yeosang flinched and started to grind his teeth a little.

Hongjoong didn't seem to notice, though, and kept talking. "Chan and I... We are..." He sighed and shook his head. "He is my Alpha now. I don't know how to explain the connection, but it's... different but actually kind of amazing at the same time? Like, I'm able to relax, even though that's not the right word to describe it."

"So, you two are connected now?" Jongho asked.

"Yes. There's a bond between us now that I don't think will be broken easily. But I think this is going to be good for us going forward."

"How?" Seonghwa shifted in place a little and wrapped an arm around his stomach.

Hongjoong's lips quirked to the side in a half smile. "Because Chan-ah and I can feel each other. If we are apart, I'll be able to tell if he's distressed and he will be able to do the same." He looked around at his pack with hope flashing in his eyes. "And we agreed that I don't have to stay there with him."

"Really?!" Yunho perked up and bounced in place a little.

"Really." Hongjoong smiled, then reached up to touch his mark. "I think... I think I'll still need to see him every day and..." He took a deep breath. "Reconnect with him sometimes, because even now I do feel a little antsy not being with him, but it's manageable. But being apart from all of you is something I can't handle."

Everyone moved to hug their captain, even Jongho and Yeosang, though he stayed on the outside of the group.

They were still missing one vital person but knowing that Hongjoong wasn't gone forever seemed to bring one piece back to the broken puzzle of their life.

Once again, they all camp out in the living room that night voicing theories, wondering what their fans were doing, dreaming of the world they used to know.

As hard as it was, no one was upset about it or overly emotional. They were able to just talk. No expectations, no hurt feelings, no anger or rage.

And it lasted until every last one of them had fallen asleep, curled up all together in their ball of safety.

The mood shifted entirely the next morning when it was time to prepare for the hunt.

It was one more day without Wooyoung and how they did in the event would dictate how many more days they'd be missing the jewel of their group.

Mingi took stock of how everyone was doing so he could be there to support those who needed it the most.

As expected, San looked lost or out of sorts. He stayed close to Yunho, following him around and hugging his back when he needed a little extra comfort.

Yeosang, though, Mingi noticed he looked like he hadn't slept.

When everyone else went to the kitchen to get breakfast, Mingi gently grabbed Yeosang's arm to stop him and lead him to the front porch.

"What's going on, Sangie?" The Alpha asked gently, trying to keep his deep voice soft and caring.

"What do you mean?" Yeosang sniffed and scratched the side of his head, messing up his already funky bedhead.

"Don't try to play it off. I've been watching you. I can tell something is bothering you."

The older slowly lowered his arm and looked out at the trees. "I'm f..." He sighed and lowered his eyes. "I miss Wooyoung."

Mingi's heart clenched and he pulled Yeosang into a hug. He had a feeling that would be the answer, but he'd wanted to hear it for himself.

He was surprised when Yeosang lifted his arms to hug him back and the two of them just stood there. A refreshing, early morning breeze tickled their skin and rustled the leaves scattered across the forest floor.

"I know. I'm sorry, Sangie." Mingi whispered after a few minutes. "We are going to get him back." He felt the Beta nod against his chest. "Where do you want to be today? I'll make sure you're on whatever team you'll be most comfortable with."

"Thanks, Min. I'll let you know once we see what the official rules are." Yeosang pulled away and offered a half smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Mingi silently promised to keep a close eye on him as they returned inside to finish getting ready.

They met Stray Kids by the challenge area a short time later and saw that Chan already had a scroll in his hands. The Alpha motioned them over and turned to greet Hongjoong once the Beta was close to him.

The strangest thing happened when Hongjoong touched Chan's arm. They both straightened up yet relaxed at the same time and it appeared as if a little bit of color returned to both their faces.

Otherwise, nothing else happened. Hongjoong just leaned over to read the scroll while pulling Jongho in next to him and started to read aloud.

Welcome to The Hunting Competition.

A large amount of wildlife has been released into the surrounding forest. Each pack's mission today is to hunt as many as you can to test your skills.

You will be awarded points based on the animal killed and bonus points will be awarded if you are able to skin them and harvest the meat appropriately.

This is a gift to the packs who participate, so gold rewards are not as high because you are allowed to keep everything you hunt to feed your packs. Deep freezers will be installed in your homes, as well as smoking huts and racks to dry out the hides.

We have chosen to reward you for doing what is needed to provide for your pack! This will be a great advantage to you, placing you ahead of the packs who choose not to enter the competition.

The event will last until sundown. After that, anything your pack kills or skins will not count toward your point totals.

Omegas are allowed to participate but must remain on their leashes at all times.

Weapons and supplies can be found at the main tent. Each pack will receive the same exact premade kit to keep things fair.

Any violence show toward other packs calls for immediate removal from the event and is subject to further punishment depending on the situation.

Androids will be readily available to answer questions and have your kills be evaluated for points.

Keep an eye out for the White Stag. There is only one and the pack who manages to take it down will receive an extra bonus to be revealed only to that pack.

Good luck and happy hunting!

"Fuck, can they get any more condescending??" Hyunjin scoffed. "They act like they are saints for letting us keep whatever we hunt!"

"I know, I'd rather have the gold at this point." Mingi said, glaring at the back of the scroll.

"We are all thinking the same thing, though, right?" Yunho looked around; a determined look set on his face. One Mingi knew all too well. "We have to get the white stag."

"I think this means we should have the hunting team be a little bigger now since there is a bigger prize like that." Chan said.

"What if we did eight and six? Those that stay back can also set a few traps around where they are set up?" Jongho suggested, looking between Chan and Hongjoong.

The other Head Alpha nodded a few times and rolled up the scroll to address the group. "Is there anyone who does not want to be part of either team?"

"I'd rather not go hunting." Seungmin said, holding a hand up shyly. "I understand we need to, but I'd rather not kill anything if I don't have to..."

Chan gave him an understanding look. "That's perfectly fine. Anyone else?"

"I'll stay with Seungmin-hyung." Jeongin volunteered. He received a nod as well and his leash was handed over to the Beta.

Mingi looked around his own pack, specifically at Yeosang, who met his eyes and immediately looked away. "Sannie, what do you feel up to doing?" He asked.

The Omega frowned and started playing with his own fingers. "It didn't say that Omegas couldn't hunt, right?"

"No, it just said Omegas are allowed to participate, no other restrictions beside the rule with your leash." Chan confirmed after opening the scroll and skimming it again.

"Then I want to hunt."

Mingi nodded right away and spoke up again before someone else could. "I think that's a good idea. That way our remaining Omegas are separated, just in case Tressor or someone else tries something. Why don't Yeosang and I stay here, that way one Alpha will be with this group."

"Me too." Seonghwa stepped forward, giving Hongjoong a small nod and a smile. "I'm definitely not a hunter."

"I'll stay too, then." Minho volunteered. "That makes six."

When no one tried to disagree, Chan and Jongho went over to the tent to get their supplies and divvy things up after they made their way deeper into the forest to pick a spot to claim as their 'base'.

They were given three bows, a large amount of arrows, a few hunting knives, camouflage tarps, wire for traps, knives for skinning and breaking down carcasses, and three coolers to start, with the promise that more would be provided if their pack did well.

As the two groups prepare to split, Mingi approaches Yunho and presses their foreheads together. "Stay safe. Please."

The Beta lifts a hand to cup the back of Mingi's head and smiles. "I will, you too, alright?"

"Promise."

They stand like that for a few more seconds before Yunho goes to join the others. Final goodbyes were said, then silence followed as the group of six jogged into the woods to begin the hunt.

Seonghwa and Minho are quick to organize their supplies, then travel a short distance into the trees to start setting up snares. Seungmin and Jeongin stay in the middle of the clearing, using their knives to cut any long grass and moving over some larger rocks for when the others return.

Mingi goes to help him when Yeosang grabbed his wrist to stop him. "Thank you." He said softly.

"You don't need to thank me, Sangie." The Alpha said softly. "We need to take care of each other. Just do what you can today, alright."

The older nodded and went to get his own wire to set his own snares.

A pleasant surprise came less than an hour later when Chan and Hongjoong returned to the clearing dragging a decent sized doe.

"First one!!" Hongjoong cheered. "Yunho brought her down." He said, looking at Mingi with nothing but absolute pride in his eyes. "Changbin, Jisung, and Hyunjin think they found another, and Jongho and Sannie were setting up an ambush site that Yunho is going to help them with now."

"That's incredible!" Seonghwa ran forward to help them bring it to the area Jeongin and Seungmin had made to start skinning the deer. "I wasn't expecting you to return so quickly!"

"Neither were we." Chan admitted before walking over to check on his pack.

"How are things here?" Hongjoong asked, huffing a little to catch his breath.

Mingi patted the Alpha's back a couple times. "Nothing in the snares yet, but they haven't been set up for long."

"You guys will get something. The scroll wasn't kidding, there are definitely more critters out there now." Hongjoong looked around, then paused when he noticed Yeosang sitting by himself already working on the doe. "Sangie? Are you alright?"

"Fine, Hyung, just want to do a good job on this." The younger said without looking up.

Seonghwa and Hongjoong both glanced at each other, then Mingi. Neither one spoke, but Mingi knew exactly what their silent question was, and all he could do was frown a little and shake his head.

The other two share his expression for a few seconds before Chan interrupts them to say he and Hongjoong should leave again.

Over the next several hours, and by some miracle, they managed to catch three racoons, eight rabbits, two yellow-throated martens which was a nice surprise, and somehow a wild boar got tangled up in one of the snares, which Mingi took down using one of the knives after getting a surge of power from somewhere inside him.

The other team also brought back a few different species of deer, two of their own boars, and Yunho managed to bring down something the Androids identified as an elk, which was massive. But even more surprising was the lynx Changbin brought back midafternoon.

He was very unsettled and had to sit with Seungmin for several minutes before he could finally tell them about how the lynx had taken him and Jisung by surprise. The only reason it hadn't hurt either of them was because they had sensed it when it was close enough.

It made Mingi nervous hearing that there were predators roaming around now.

Whoever was in charge wouldn't release anything dangerous... right? Nothing like bears or leopards or... or wolves?

The very thought made him sick to the stomach, but not from fear or concern.

From the idea of killing a wolf.

The Alpha shook the thought out of his head and returned to skinning the deer he and Yeosang had been working on.

An hour before sundown, a nervous energy brought silence to both packs.

They were doing well, incredibly well. Both packs had enough meat to last weeks. They'd been given eleven additional coolers so far, making seven coolers per pack.

Despite that, everyone had the same thought running through their minds.

None of this really mattered if they couldn't find the white stag.