Avie! Let's go for a run! Theo said with a slight whine while hoping in place next to his alpha.

She just sighed and rolled her eyes. I'm busy T. You know I promised to help Uncle Joong with the boys.

Again? The beta stopped and looked down at the ground. He had been feeling a little left out since Avayla had been given more responsibility around the house. Riley and Gunner were needing more and more attention when it came to their alpha training, and the twins were getting older as well, which meant Avayla needed to help them a little more since she was the only girl in their life besides Maria.

I'm sorry. Avayla said gently. She walked forward and lifted a hand up to cup his cheek. Please don't be upset with me.

I'm not.

You're lying. The corner of her mouth rose in a grin and she shook her head. I will try to make some time soon, ok?

Theo nodded and tried to keep his pout internal. There was always something to do around the house, so he went to check with the rest of the pack. He could feel his mate's concern through their link, but he pushed it aside.

There were a few times he wished he could be stronger like his alpha. It was something he promised himself he would work on.

He walked around the corner of their home and saw his parents working on hanging some hides to dry in the sun. Yunho immediately waved him over and flashed a huge grin.

Hello, Love. What are you up to?

Theo walked into his mother's open arms and hugged him back. Hi Mama. He sighed and turned to watch Jongho unroll another fur.

Yunho tilted his head and pushed Theo's hair away from his forehead. What's the matter?

Avayla is busy again. I'm just a little lonely.

Jongho stopped what he was doing and looked between the two of them. He offered a sympathetic smile and wrapped his arms around both of them. I know it's hard. But she's doing a good job stepping up. I'll talk to Hongjoong, though, and see what I can do. He winked before walking away.

Theo perked up and watched his father disappear into the house before taking his place to help with the animal skins. Yunho fell back into the routine as well and the pair of them worked in a comfortable silence.

The silence was normal for the beta anyway, but he always appreciated that his parents knew when he didn't feel up to talking. They were always happy to just be around each other.

They worked for about another hour before Theo's head snapped up and he felt his wolf churning with excitement.

His mate walked down the deck looking slightly embarrassed and tucking her hair behind her ears. He could feel her embarrassment too, and he had a feeling Seonghwa had said something about her neglecting her mate.

It filled his heart with warmth, especially when Avayla pulled him into a hug and scented the mark she had left to claim him.

I'm sorry. She whispered. Let's go for that run now.

Theo cupped her face with his hand and kissed her forehead before turning to see Yunho already heading back to the house with a little bounce to his step.

Why do our parents have to meddle? Avayla said with a giggle.

Because sometimes we need it. Theo took her hand and pulled her into the trees so they could strip and shift into their wolves.

It never ceased to amazing him how stunning his mate's coat was. The white was bright and shined in the sunlight and the black flecks that peppered it made for the perfect accent.

The two wolves rubbed against each other while their chests rumbled in appreciation.

Avayla didn't need to vocalize how content she was right now, Theo could feel it through their bond. This was something both of them had needed for a few weeks now. And while she would still present to be upset with Seonghwa, she was thankful as well.

They started out with an easy run, dodging through the trees and brushing shoulders to keep contact. Theo had to make sure to pace himself because he towered over his mate with his long legs and could easily leave her behind if he wanted to.

The forest was beautiful too. During the height of spring there were a lot of new flowers poking up through decomposing leaves and fallen logs. Everything was dotted with color and everything had a green tint to it in some places because of the sunlight trying to penetrate the rich foliage above.

It really was a perfect moment. One that Theo could never get enough of.

Few words were exchanged between them, only if a question needed to be asked like when they were expected home. Which to Theo's happy surprise was unanswered, meaning they weren't.

Let's hunt for dinner then! He said, yapping happily and bounding in circles around his mate. We can find a place to set up, make a fire, cozy up for the night.

Avayla smirked at him, her head swiveling around to watch him. Oh yeah? Why would I want to share a fire with such a spaz?

Theo's tail dropped between his legs and he whined. Because. You love me.

Maybe. Avayla turned and blatantly walked in the opposite direction.

But Avie... Theo trotted after her. He could feel her amusement through the link and knew she was teasing him, but he still didn't like hearing her say things like that. He nipped at her neck to try and get her attention and she just huffed in return.

So Theo sat down and dipped his head.

Oh stop pouting. Avayla looked over her shoulder. You're such a child.

The beta only sniffed in response and turned his head to the side. If she was going to tease him, he would very well tease her back for as long as he could.

Avayla shook her head and started to walk back, but then she froze. Her ears snapped forward and her eyes grew wide.

Something was running at them through the trees. The breaking branches and rustling leaves made that much obvious, but it was already too close.

They hadn't been paying attention.

Theo look out!! Avayla yelled while pushing herself forward so hard that dirt flew across the ground.

Theo barely had time to look up before a giant brown bear lumbered forward and swiped at him with his paw. He ducked under it and rolled to the side.

But not fast enough.

The bear's back left leg slammed into Theo's stomach and he let out a loud yelp while flipping over and curling into himself.

Avayla was there in an instant, eyes searing red, brushing her nose against his stomach to check on him. When he showed no obvious signs of injury, she stood up and snarled viciously. Both sides of her mouth curled up to reveal her razor-sharp teeth and her hackles stood up almost straight.

She got a roar in response from the bear as it stood up on its hind legs.

It looked thin... There was only one reason why the bears around here would even attempt to attack a wolf of their size. It was starving, which made it desperate and even more dangerous.

Can you get up? Avayla asked, backing up to keep herself between her mate and the bear.

Yes. Theo whined and pushed himself onto his legs. His stomach hurt, but it didn't feel like anything was broken thankfully.

It felt like the ground shook a little when the bear dropped down to all four. There was no sound of anything else in the forest, just the ragged breaths from the beast and Avayla's warning snarls.

There was no stopping it though. The creature's pupils were dilated with the carnal urge to feed itself.

Run, T. Run now.

No! I won't leave you. The beta huffed and took his place at his alpha's side.

Fine. When it runs forward, we split. Try to confuse it. As long as we can get around it then we can get ahead of it.

Got it. Theo moved his tail just enough to brush against Avayla's and waited for the perfect moment.

They didn't need to wait long. The bear ran forward, eyes flicking between both of them as it tried to decide what it wanted to do.

Both wolves moved at the same instant. Neither one needed to communicate. They felt the right moment together.

Theo ran to the right and made sure to keep growling to draw the bear's attention away from his mate. Unfortunately, it worked a little too well. The bear turned to follow him and lunged forward with one paw, catching Theo's back legs and sending him flying forward.

He dove nose first into the ground and flipped onto his back. The next thing he felt was teeth around his neck. The bear grabbed him hard and lifted him off the ground.

Theo whined as loud as he could with the pressure and flailed his front legs to try and scratch the bear's nose, but then the creature started whipping him back and forth. It made the pain so much worse, and all the beta could do was let it happen.

Another roar came from somewhere behind him and suddenly the bear stumbled to the side and grunted while falling down on all fours again. The impact caused him to loosen his grip on Theo's neck just enough that he was able to twist free.

The bear's teeth were so sharp though... Even though freeing himself was rather easy, not all of him was able to escape.

Theo cried out once more and swayed in place. He could feel each puncture wound in his neck and the blood seeping into his fur.

Theo, run! Avayla screamed. Her voice was hazy in Theo's mind and he blinked several times while looking around for his mate.

Avayla was charging at the bear, using her speed to keep it confused. When she managed to get behind it, she leapt onto its back and latched into the back if its neck.

Ava... Theo whimpered and tried to gain his bearings so he could go help his mate. He needed to help his alpha.

But the pain was too much.

Theo swayed in place and was about to turn around when the bear spun in place and swiped at him with its large paw. The impact sent him flying into a nearby tree and he felt something shatter.

THEO!!

The beta was able to open his eyes enough to see Avayla's blood red eyes flash as she started trying to tear chucks of skin and fur from the bear. Her paws were flexed so that she could dig her claws in and keep herself on its back.

Using her alpha strength, she managed to pull a mouthful of flesh from the bear's shoulder. It roared and fell forward.

Avayla jumped off and turned to face it. Blood stained her white fur in several places and it dripped slowly from her mouth.

The bear gave her one look and huffed before turning and limping into the trees, too wounded to continue.

Theo! Avayla turned and immediately ran to his side. She pressed her nose to him in several places and whimpered when he didn't really respond. Theo, please answer me.

Ava...

Ok, hang on, we need to get you home. Avayla looked around the forest before tilting her head back to let out a long, mournful howl. I hope they hear that. She said when she was done. I can't sense them through the pack link, we went too far away.

I'm... sorry... Theo whispered. His breathing was ragged as he tried to stay conscious.

T, don't. Come on, I need you to try and help me. His alpha urged. She started to nose her way under his body, wanting to get him on her back.

Theo did what he could to support himself on his three uninjured leg. The size difference was going to pose the biggest problem. Theo's head, once situated on his mate's back, hung lip over the right side of Avayla's neck, his front legs dangled next to hers, but his hind legs dragged on the ground.

Hang on, T. I'm going to get you home. I promise. Avayla said. Her breathing was already labored, but she continued to push herself forward.

Their progress was slow. Avayla had to keep stopping and rolling her shoulders or shifting her body so that she could keep Theo on her back.

The few times Theo could open his eyes, guilt and pain flooded through him. The fur on his mate's neck and shoulders were all dark red and matted with his blood. He had lost all feeling in his front left leg too.

They walked for a long time, or that's what it felt like at least, but even an alpha could only do so much.

Avayla started to sink to the ground, panting heavily. I'm sorry... I can't... She lowered herself down and Theo rolled to the side.

He felt so heavy...

Another howl came from next to him, then another. He guessed that Avayla was still having a hard time connecting with anyone, so this was the best way to gain attention.

Theo huffed and tried to move his head to the side to look at her. His mate immediately sensed his movement and hurried to his side. She rubbed against him and sent words of comfort through their link. It was all she could do right now.

He could feel himself starting to drift off when another howl answered in the distance.

Avayla's head shot up and she started speaking quickly through the pack link. Theo was too tired to understand anything, but he could feel the hope coming from his mate.

Before he knew it, several noses here pressing into his side and nuzzling against him while whining.

Then there were hands. Several pairs pulling at him and lifting him off the ground. Something soft appeared underneath him and he started being jostled back and forth again. He was vaguely aware of his mother's coat below him and hands on either side to keep him steady.

"I've got everything ready, hurry up and set him down." A woman said. Maria. She was at the house.

"Please, is h-he going to be ok?"

"We need to hurry." Maria said. "Theo, honey, I'm going to give you a drink to numb the pain. I need you to drink as much of it as you can, ok?" She set down a bowl in front of his nose. "Come on, drink."

Theo's nose twitched as he tried to scent the liquid, but he was too weak to process it. He did manage to snake his tongue out and lap at the bowl a few times.

It worked almost instantly. The beta barely registered his pack telling him it would be ok before he lost consciousness.

He awoke later in his human form with his arm bound and in a sling. It felt like there were bandages around his neck too. He groaned and moved to try and sit up.

Take is slow. Avayla said, rushing to his side. She leaned into him and helped him move. Easy, baby, easy.

Ava? The beta blinked slowly and looked around the room. He was home and on the couch in the living room.

It took only a few minutes for his parents to be kneeling on the floor in front of him. Yunho reached forward to cup his cheek, How are you feeling?

Tired. Sore. He groaned and swallowed, then instantly flinched.

You're going to be for some time. Avayla ran her hands through his hair and frowned. The bear left a lot of deep wounds around your neck. It... also shattered your left shoulder. Maria thinks it will all heal just fine as long as we keep up with the remedy.

And we are going to help you with whatever you need. Yunho said, still holding his cheek. But you're safe now.

Yes. Jongho said, wrapping an arm around Yunho's waist for support. And Mingi and I went to take care of the bear. After talking with Ava, it was going to be a danger to everyone else around here. It's at peace now.

Thanks, Papa. Theo closed his eyes and leaned into his mate. It felt amazing to have her arms wrapped around him and it was exactly what he needed.

He was always stronger with his mate by his side.

Avayla pressed gentle kisses to the side of his head. There was an unspoken regret flowing through them. She felt like she should have been able to protect him more, Theo felt like he should have been able to help her more. They both let it flow freely through their bond, knowing it was needed.

And then it was followed by the promise to always work on being better, knowing that they would be together for the rest of their lives.