Yeosang crouched low as he waited for Hongjoong's signal, never taking his eyes of the elk in front of them.

With four mouths to feed, and really Mingi ate enough for two or three wolves, they needed to start hunting larger game.

This was the first time they were going to hunt as a new pack and it made all of them a little anxious.

Alright, stay calm. Hongjoong said. Yeosang could see him crouched in the trees off to his right. Yeosang and Seonghwa, you two try to separate it out from the rest of the herd. I'll go for the legs. Mingi, you try to get at its neck.

Sounds good to me. Mingi replied, sending a feeling of pleasure through the link.

Ready Yeosang? Seonghwa asked.

Ready. I'll follow you. Yeosang dug his claws into the ground.

A flash of white appeared in front of him and he bolted. He worked with the omega to drive the bull elk away from the herd. It cried out in fear and bolted into the trees. They worked together to keep it moving forward and past where Hongjoong was hiding.

The smaller alpha lunged for the creature's legs, snapping furiously and causing it to lose its balance. As it stumbled forward, Mingi's black form materialized out of the shadows and he clamped down on its neck.

Seonghwa moved in next to him and jumped on top of the elk to knock it to the ground. Hongjoong moved in and went for the back legs.

Yeosang tried to get in to help, but it was flailing its legs so much he couldn't find a space to get in and help.

It was a struggle, but eventually Mingi got enough leverage on it and managed to snap its neck. He licked the blood from his lips then moved to check on Seonghwa.

The omega looked intimidating with blood covering his muzzle. But he had big puppy eyes as he looked at his alpha and wagged his tail. That was fun! I didn't get to participate in hunts very often with my family.

You did well. Mingi licked Seonghwa's muzzle a couple of times to try and clean off some of the blood. The omega snorted and shuffled nervously.

We all did a good job. Hongjoong praised, trotting over to nuzzle Yeosang.

The beta leaned into his alpha's touch, but didn't say anything. He felt like he didn't really do much to help.

Mingi and Hongjoong worked to drag the elk back to their house and then shifted so they could skin it and prepare it. They would use some of it for upcoming meals, other's they would hang to dry to preserve it for the future.

Seonghwa wanted them to try and keep the skin whole so they could use it for a blanket or for clothes.

Yeosang joined the omega as they went inside, but was soon alone again as Seonghwa wanted to go clean up. So the beta went into his room and sat on the bed. He sighed and stared out the window, replaying the hunt in his head.

He knew he wasn't the strongest wolf, but he still wanted to feel useful to the pack. If he couldn't help him hunt, then what could he do?

A few minutes later, Hongjoong poked his head into the room. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you." He paused. "What's wrong love?"

Yeosang tried to smile at him, but instead he was covering his mouth with his hand. "I'm sorry. I don't... I don't know why this is happening."

Hongjoong hurried to his side and wrapped his arms around him. "What's wrong?"

"I just felt like I... Like I did in our old pack. Useless."

"Why on earth do you say that?" Hongjoong said, tightening his grip on him.

"I didn't really help much today. I felt like I was more in the way than anything."

His alpha let out a soft chuckle. "My love, don't you worry about it, ok? If you weren't there then we couldn't have herded the elk where we needed it to go. Plus, I needed you there for moral support. I couldn't have done it without you by my side." Hongjoong said, leaning in to nuzzle Yeosang's mark.

Yeosang's wolf purred at the feeling and he smiled. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."

"Of course I do. You're my mate. I have to know what to say to take care of you." Hongjoong kissed the mark and then started kissing along Yeosang's neck. "We are still learning. I've never led a pack before, and you're second in charge since you're my mate." He whispered between his kisses. "We are all learning."

Yeosang shivered as he felt the alpha's lips ghost over his skin. "I just want to do my best for you."

"You just being in my life is what's best for me." Hongjoong said, moving and picking Yeosang up so he could sit on his lap.

Yeosang eagerly obliged, straddling his alpha and wrapping his arms around his neck.

Hongjoong continued kissing Yeosang's neck while pulling him closer. "I couldn't live without you. You are my rock, Sangie. When you're not near me, I don't feel complete."

The beta blushed and pushed his hands against Hongjoong's chest. "Ok, we obviously don't need any cheese with dinner. You've got enough for everyone." He tried to move away, but Hongjoong tightened his grip and nibbled on his ear.

Yeosang laughed and squirmed, wriggling until he broke free so he could run down the hall. Hongjoong chased after him and captured him again in the kitchen, pulling him back into his arms.

They paused when they saw Seonghwa slicing some of the meat down. He just smiled at them and continued his work.

Yeosang moved to join him, pulling a clingy Hongjoong behind him. They bumped into Seonghwa as they passed. "Sorry, please excuse my growth."

Seonghwa chuckled and turned around. "Do you need help removing it?" He asked, wiggling the knife in his hand.

"Hey, that's not nice." Hongjoong said, sticking his lower lip out and burying his face in between Yeosang's shoulder blades.

"I think I can learn to live with it." Yeosang said, patting Hongjoong's hands and allowing him to stay attached to him while he and Seonghwa got started on dinner. "Where's Mingi?"

"Showering." Seonghwa said, blushing a little.

Yeosang just hummed in understanding. It had been so long since either of them had been in a house that they both took a long shower every day as if it would wash off the wear and tear living in the woods had brought them.

"There's no need to feel embarrassed." Hongjoong said, lifting his head up to rest his chin on Yeosang's shoulder. He was so good at reading others, he knew exactly what Seonghwa was thinking without even needing the bond. "We understand. Yeosang and I did the same thing when we started living here. Neither of you need to worry about it."

"Thank you." Seonghwa said softly.

Yeosang reached over to take his hand and squeezed it.

Eventually, Mingi came to join them, his hair still wet and wavy, as they finished prepping a stew using the meat. The four of them talked about random things, just enjoying each other's company.

Hongjoong never let go of Yeosang, whining softly whenever the beta tried to get him to let go. Yeosang just rolled his eyes, but deep down, he loved every second of the attention.