The first thing Theo did was disobey his head alpha and mother's orders. When he heard the pain in Yunho's voice, it broke something in him and he bolted out the door.

Theo! Theo come back! Avayla called after him and tried to grab him.

But all he felt was fear. It drove him forward into the forest and he was thankful for his long legs. They allowed him to cover even more ground. His paws barely touched the forest floor before they pushed him forward.

He had never run so fast in his life.

The pack's smell was all around him and Theo made sure to focus on the pine and oak scent that he loved so much.

His parents.

Something had happened to his parents and he needed to do what he could to try and help them.

Soon, however, he realized he was too late.

Theo came across the scene where the attack happened, and his chest constricted when he smelled his father's blood still drying on a metal trap. Ropes and other traps were scattered around the small area. There were broken branches and signs of the forest being disturbed everywhere.

Mingi's scent was strongest on a tree that looked like the trunk had been cracked from a strong impact.

And tire tracks drove off to the east...

Theo tilted his head back and howled, even though he couldn't hear sound... He needed to get his pain out somehow, and he had seen the others do it before. His throat and chest vibrated. It was a strange feeling, but he didn't care.

Theo. Come home. Avayla reached out to him. She didn't sound happy.

The beta closed his eyes and slumped down onto the forest floor. What were they supposed to do now? They weren't ready. They were supposed to have more time before their family left to looked for Wooyoung...

He sniffed and covered his muzzle with his paws.

It was then he realized that he was laying where Yunho had to have been because his scent was a lot stronger.

Theo whimpered and shoved his nose into the foliage, trying to take in as much of it as possible.

Theo.

I'm coming... He stayed a few seconds more, but soon forced himself to head back to the house.

Avayla was waiting for him on the back porch with her arms crossed over her chest, although she looked worried at the same time.

Theo's ears fell back and he sat down in front of the stairs and bowed his head in submission. He could feel how displeased she was. He had acted irrationally and left her and their pack siblings vulnerable.

What the hell, Theo? She snapped.

The younger flinched and curled in on himself. I'm... They...

You can't just leave like that! What if they had set another trap? What if something had happened to you? I can't do this on my own!

I'm sorry, Alpha. He whimpered when his wolf was forced forward due to the submission.

In an instant, Avayla was kneeling in front of him and wrapping her thing arms around his neck. She buried her face in his fur and her citrus scent started to overwhelm him. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get so angry. What happened?

They are gone... Someone took them. There were signs of a truck.

Avayla sat back and looked at him. Her mouth was open and eyes wide with shock. A truck?

Yes... And... Papa is injured. He bowed his head again. Avie... What do we do?

The alpha turned her head to look at the forest. Conflicting emotions rolled off her in waves. Fear, anger, worry, confusion... But then strength. We keep to the plan. Our pack has been through a lot. I know they can get through this too. We need to take care of the kids like we promised. They will be counting on us to do that.

Theo's ears perked up as she spoke. She sounded very sure of herself. Like the head alpha she was now forced to be.

Pride filled him and he wrapped a leg around her waist to pull his mate in for another hug. I'm sorry, again. I didn't mean to lose control. Tell me what you need me to do and I'll do it.

Avayla stroked his fur gently to comfort him. The first thing we need to do is tell the others. Then we can get word out to the surrounding packs like Uncle Joong asked.

The talk was easier said than done though. As was expected, Lizbeth and Lorelai took it the hardest. They were already having a hard time dealing with Wooyoung being gone, and now San was gone.

Riley and Gunner grew quiet but listened to what Avayla had to tell them. They both knew that they would have added responsibilities. But knowing that their parents were in danger didn't help the stress levels in the house.

Avayla rubbed her forehead and let out a low sigh. It was starting to pound from how hard she was having to concentrate sometimes. It didn't help that she was talking twice the entire time.

As much as she adored her mate, it was tiring trying to make sure he was always included in the conversation. The kids still weren't as trained to switch to talking with the mind link as easily as she or their parents could, so talking was the most natural thing for them.

"What are we going to do?" Gunner asked, reaching over to take her hand.

She smiled down at her brother and pulled him in for a hug. "We are going to stick with the original plan and hold down the fort. We have food, we have shelter, and we have each other. It's going to be ok."

From the far end of the house, Rhodey started crying and Riley was the first one to react. He ran down the hall to check on his brother and returned several minutes later carefully holding him against his chest. "I think he's hungry."

"I'll get his bottle." Lorelai said, running to the kitchen.

Lizbeth helped Riley sit down on the couch and turn Rhodey around so that he could easily drink once Lorelai ran to his side.

"Did you check the temperature?" Avayla stepped forward and held out her hand. She could feel her mothering instincts take over as she took the bottle.

"Yes. Did I do ok?" The young omega asked, looking at her with wide eyes.

Avayla tipped the bottle over and let some of it drip onto her hand and wrist. "You did perfect sweetie. Good job." She handed the bottle to Riley and rubbed the back of Lorelai's head.

The seven of them stayed in the living room and ended up sleeping out there all curled up together.

As the days and weeks started to tick by, it was obvious that their parents weren't coming back any time soon. Everyone did their best not to stress about it, but there were days it was hard for everyone.

Avayla tried hard to be the head alpha she needed to be, but as her pregnancy progressed, it was harder and harder for her to help.

The morning sickness was the first thing to knock her out.

Gunner actually ended up taking over as her 'caretaker' while Theo took over more responsibility around the house.

"Can I get you anything?" He asked one morning when Avayla shuffled into the kitchen groaning and rubbing her swollen stomach.

"I don't know. I think I'm hungry, but I don't know what I want." She signed and leaned against the counter.

The young alpha perked up and ran to their pantry to start digging around. He returned with a triumphant look on his face while holding something behind his back.

"Ok, squirt. What do you have?" Avayla asked while shaking her head.

"Well... I remember Momma talking about when he was pregnant with you, and there was one thing he always craved." Gunner rocked back and forth on his feet, still smiling.

Then he held out the item at the same time both siblings said, "Peanut butter."

Avayla immediately grabbed it and took the spoon Gunner found as well and dug into it, taking out a large scoop and shoving it in her mouth. She hummed in delight. "Mishf wss mmt!"

Gunner beamed and nuzzled into her side. He placed a hand on her stomach and closed his eyes.

The older alpha looked down at him and waited to swallow the delicious treat before saying, "Thanks Gun. You're not half bad sometimes."

"Yeah, well, you're all bad all the time." He teased.

Normally those statements would escalate into a huge argument, but now it just made them both smile and hug each other tighter.

A few of the neighboring packs would come in and check on them when they could, but they never stayed long. They had their own families to take care of.

The real surprise ended up being when Tina and Marylou showed up out of the blue.

Theo opened the door after he caught onto a strange scent, and paused when he saw them. He could see Marylou bouncing in place and waving at him. Avie! He called out.

Instead of his alpha, Riley appeared at his side and smiled brightly at the two betas. After he finished talking with them, he turned to Theo so he could look at him while talking. Ava is in the bathroom... But Tina said they were in the area and wanted to come by for a visit. Do you want me to tell them or wait for Ava?

No, you can tell them. They probably already know something is off since I answered the door. Theo rubbed the back of his head and looked at the ground. I'll go check on Avayla.

Gunner is with her, so I think she is ok. But that's up to you. Riley said before turning back to their visitors.

The both had awkward, but understanding looks on their faces. It made Theo's cheeks turn red and he stepped off to the side while bowing his head. Normally he wasn't ashamed he was different, mostly because Avayla was so good at speaking to him at the same time the others were talking so he could understand them.

But without her here, he felt so useless...

Marylou stepped in front of him and tilted her head while reaching up to cup his chin. It was a friendly gesture, but one that didn't help much. Theo still made sure to smile at her anyway.

He let out a small sigh while closing the door and followed the others into their living room.

The twins came running down the hall and were each scooped up by one of the betas. Their faces lit up in a bright laugh and Theo knew they were laughing. Many times someone had commented that they were starting to laugh more and more like Wooyoung. Just one more thing Theo couldn't hear...

He watched for a few minutes as Riley started to talk to Tina and Marylou about what was going on. Their eyes widened and Marylou covered her mouth in surprise. Lorelai tucked herself into the beta's neck.

When he realized he wasn't going to get any information, Theo walked out onto the back deck and sat down on the stairs to stare at the forest. He could instantly sense that there was a herd of deer just over a mile away grazing peacefully. Their scent drifted over to him on the wind.

That was why he was still valued as a hunter. His sense of smell was impeccable.

It also alerted him to when two matching scents of parsley started to creep up behind him.

T? What's wrong? Lizbeth asked as she sat down next to him. Her sister sat on his other side and Theo wrapped his arms around them out of instinct. 

It's nothing. I just needed some fresh air. He answered, rubbing both their arms.

We aren't kids anymore Theo. Lorelai looked up at him with a sad face. We can sense something is bothering you.

He chuckled and closed his eyes. I'm just throwing myself a pity party. It's nothing out of the ordinary.

Ava is gonna be mad at you. Lizbeth had a teasing tone to her voice, but her eyes still reflected her worry.

Theo lifted his hand up, still keeping his arm wrapped around her shoulders, and flicked the young omega's nose. Then it will be my problem to deal with. Have you two taken your medicine yet?

No, that's why we came to find you. Lorelai squirmed out from Theo's grasp and started tugging him inside.

The beta smiled fondly at the two girls and went with them to measure out and give them their medicine. As always, they took it without fuss or complaint before running off to see Marylou and Tina again.

Theo went after them and saw that Avayla had come out to join them. He rushed to her side and cupped her face while looking her over. She was pale, but otherwise looked ok.

Avayla closed her eyes and leaned into his touch for a moment before turning back to their guests.

Now that she was here, Theo was able to understand what was being said as the conversation dragged on. I'm sorry this happened during the time you came to visit...

Don't apologize honey! Marylou waved her hands back and forth. We feel awful that you are having to deal with this yourself! Which is why... Tina and I would like to say to help you out.

The relief that washed off Avayla was evident as she melted into the couch. I'm not one to usually ask for help, but if you wouldn't mind, I accept without any arguments. Theo has taken on doing so much... I'm at the point where I can't hunt anymore. Gunner and Riley will go with him, but about all they can bring in is small game. The alpha looked up at her mate with nothing but pride. He is able to bring down a buck by himself, but I still feel vulnerable whenever he's gone. And we all know that I do not like feeling that way.

Theo smiled at her and pulled her to him so he could nuzzle her mark.

We would love to stay. And we can help with all that. Tina offered a kind nod and took Marylou's hand. We would have come sooner if we had known.

Yeah, well, like I said I don't like asking for help. Blame Dad for that one. Avayla shook her head. Plus we didn't want anyone to travel here when we didn't know what could be waiting in between...

Well we are here now! Marylou jumped up, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

The four kids ran into the room and crowded around them, excited about something that was being said, but Theo didn't catch it because Avayla started talking to him directly.

I am proud of you. She said, looking at only him. Theo felt his wolf churn at her words and he shivered. But no more pity parties, ok? I know there has been a lot of pressure on your shoulders, and I am so sorry for that.

Theo bowed his head to rest it on his alpha's shoulder. She hummed and rubbed the back of it.

It's ok. We are all allowed to have a moment of weakness. But our true strength comes from how we bounce back from it. She added gently. And I need you to be strong for me. And for our daughter.

Theo's head popped up and he looked at her, studying her vibrant blue eyes. D-Daughter? You know?

As of this morning. Avayla beamed up at him and cupped his cheek.

They were in their own world, just the two of them. All Theo could feel was his alpha and the overflowing pride he had the fact that they were going to have a girl. Just like his beautiful mate.

I already thought of a name too, if that's ok with you? Avayla asked slowly.

The hint of pain that entered here eyes, plus their Soulmate connection, told Theo exactly what it would be. And there was no way he would ever fight her on her decision.

It was the best tribute they could think to give for someone who meant so much to them.

Theo slid down so that he was kneeling on the floor in front of Avayla and gently laid his ear against her stomach while holding it in his hands. He knew he couldn't hear her, but he could pretend. I can't wait to meet you, my sweet Maria. I love you so much already, but you need to be nicer to your momma, ok?

His alpha ran her hand through his hair in a way that made his wolf purr with delight. Theo looked up to see her leaning back into the couch with her eyes closed and a content smile on her face.

Tina and Marylou's arrival had given them both the peace of mind they so desperately needed. And it was never that the kids were a handful. They were great with helping out and doing everything they were asked all while keeping up with their book work.

It was the added stress of not knowing what was happening to their parents or if they would ever see them again, and Avayla going through her first pregnancy without Seonghwa that didn't help.

The two betas were just what they needed to keep going. And things still weren't easy.

There was the stray nightmare or extreme storm that set them all on edge. But they made sure to always bet here to support each other as best they could. For quite some time, they ended up camping out in the living room.

Gunner and Riley helped Theo move the couch so that it sectioned off the room and then everyone gathered all the pillows and blankets in the house so they could build a giant fort.

They hung blankets from the ceiling to give a cover and lined the floor with everything else, leaving themselves one entrance that someone could dart through if Rhodey needed one of them because it was too dangerous to keep him under the fort.

Theo had draped the blankets in such a way that Avayla could still sit or lie back on the couch and they could all still see the tv and spend time together when needed.

The one trade off was that the kids still needed to do their book work.

It helped for a time, and both Avayla and Theo were thrilled that they could provide a comfort to the younger pups in their family.

And giant cuddle parties were a great way for them to relieve their stress.

One day at a time. That's all the could do for now... At least until they heard from their parents.

They could do this as long as they continued to believe in each other and have faith that they would be a complete family again soon.