He was loosing weight... Mingi could feel it as much as he could see it every time he looked in the mirror. His face was thin... His muscles were vanishing...

Given that he had an abundance of free time between sessions, the alpha knew he should be working out to keep up his strength.

But he was just so tired...

The depression had truly started to weigh on him when Nova came in to inform him that eleven female alphas, herself included, had been confirmed to be pregnant.

That meant he had been there for at least two weeks, if not more... there was no way for him to tell for sure. His windowless room had destroyed any concept of time and he spent so much of it sleeping now.

His only saving grace was the food brought to him and the fact that Nova was easing up a little on how frequent his sessions needed to be.

For now, she seemed happy if he did it as soon as he woke up from his restless slumber.

Mingi had no idea how long he slept for either. To him, it felt like mere minutes with how exhausted he always was. The minuscule part of him that still clung to hope told him it was at least a few hours each time.

His body told him the same, at least the part he was forced to abuse... Since he'd been able to wait longer, he wasn't quite as sore, which he was thankful for.

The one thing he actively tried not to do, and ultimately failed at, was think about Seonghwa and the rest of his pack. He'd try to distract himself by watching something on the tv, which he had an endless selection of movies and shows because whoever brought him food usually swapped those out as well.

But it was never enough. He would always see or hear something that reminded him of his mate and Mingi would just crumble.

His overwhelming guilt, despair, self hatred, and loneliness pushed him deeper and deeper, tossing him head first into dreams he didn't want yet needed so badly.

And the cycle continued... Day after day after day.

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"Any updates today?" Serena asked from where she was peeling potatoes for dinner.

"Not yet." Avayla looked over her shoulder after readjusting Kendra against her chest. "Theo was going to try and pass by to check on them later today."

"Remind me again why we can't just open a link?"

"Uncle Joong is afraid it would be too obvious when we are talking to each other. I've mastered multitasking while using the link, but I know it's harder for others. Plus we'd also have to explain ourselves if we reacted to something."

She didn't received an answer, which Avayla was ok with. It gave her the chance to mull over her own thoughts.

A little over two weeks had passed since they'd reunited with Hongjoong, which meant they'd been here for at least a month. No one knew for sure, but that was their best guess.

Right now, they were working with Eunkwang and his trusted friends to gather as much information as they could, especially after Peniel had shared what he'd learned.

Nova had figured out how to impregnate the female alphas. He wasn't sure how, but he'd overheard two of them whispering about it when he'd gone to excuse Hongjoong, San, Minhyuk and himself from work the day they'd all reunited.

The information had been confirmed just a couple days ago when a feast was thrown at the main hall to celebrate.

Serena, Avayla, and her family had all been invited to join, and Serena only went to watch Avayla's back.

Avayla would be lying if she said she didn't end up having fun... Gahyeon had begged her to go, telling her there would be dancing and amazing food.

And she was right.

The seven females that made up Nova's Elite welcomed them to their table, where Yoohyeon took Kendra with a wide smile while insisting that Avayla deserved a break, and Handong took Maria over to peek at the dessert table.

Theo had been uncomfortable at first, but as Avayla relaxed, so did he.

So many mixed emotions ran through Avayla's head as the night progressed. While she was concerned about Eunkwang's unease at the news behind the party, she also didn't understand why it was an issue.

If the female alphas wanted a chance at mothering their own pup, they should be able to do it. She'd loved being pregnant and honestly wouldn't mind having another pup with Theo in a few years. So why couldn't these women seek that joy too?

Much of the evening had been spent dancing with Gahyeon, Siyeon, and Yubin. Minji and Bora joined in occasionally, but they also spent time with Nova and other members of the pack.

Avayla sighed when she thought back to that night. For just a little bit, she'd been able to let go, forget about her worries, have fun...

What's wrong? Theo asked from where he was outside with Maria.

Just thinking.

Avie... You know you can't hide things from me.

The alpha sighed again and looked out the window. I have nothing to hide. You already know what's on my mind.

Not everything. Her beta said softly.

They didn't get a chance to speak anymore because a knock on the door drew her attention.

"I've got it." Serena said, putting the knife in her hands down and then washed them quickly before pulling the door open. She instantly bristled but stepped aside.

"Ava!" Gahyeon ran inside and stopped in front of her. "Do you want to go hunting with us?" Her excitement was as contagious as ever, making Avayla smile at her fellow alpha. "Serena you can come too!"

"No, thank you." Serena answered curtly. She didn't acknowledge any one else before storming back into the kitchen.

Gahyeon scrunched her nose with displeasure. "You don't have to be so rude."

Avayla felt Serena's rage start to boil through the link they had opened formed shortly after discovering Hongjoong and San were here. It had been Serena's idea and had worked out well for them so far, especially for Theo.

"It's fine." Yubin said, waving her hand back and forth in dismissal. "What do you think Avayla?"

What's going on? Theo asked, walking back into the house with a curious but confused expression. Maria ran past him and over to Yoohyeon to show her the flowers she'd picked while Avayla filled her mate in.

"You can come too, Theo." Siyeon offered. "It's our turn to hunt so we thought we'd stop by and invite you."

I wouldn't mind... The beta admitted sheepishly.

I'll watch the girls. Serena's anger was still present in her voice. See if you can get any more information.

"Let me finish with Kendra and we will meet you outside." Avayla smiled at the women in front of her. It only grew wider when Gahyeon clapped her hands together several times.

Avayla and Theo met the group of seven on the other side of their house in wolf form. It felt so freeing to run again. Neither of them had shifted since they were brought here and both of them were bursting with joy.

Hunting with Nova's Elite was easier than Avayla thought it would be. Minji led flawlessly, signaling what she wanted with a turn of her head or a flick of her tail. They worked like a well oiled machine.

When they found the herd of deer that was their target, all nine of them split up to circle around it. They stayed within sight of each other and Avayla was surprised when she received the first nod.

Theo pushed his nose into her shoulder to show his support, whining quietly in anticipation.

Avayla scanned the herd, then crouched when she found the buck she wanted. Her muzzle curled with her vicious snarl as she launched herself forward.

The others emerged seconds after her, keeping the panicked deer contained in the circle they had created.

Blood filled her mouth the instant her teeth pierced the buck's hide. The coppery scent shot adrenaline through her entire body, helping her find the strength to whip the animal back and forth to snap his neck.

Oh how she had missed hunting.

Theo was there a moment later, licking her muzzle and rubbing against her. Small whines joined each movement, showing just how thrilled he was with the hunt as well.

Avayla returned the gesture, even taking a moment to lick Yubin's muzzle too when the alpha came close to her.

The actions surprised both of them, but soon they were all basking in the wonderful feeling hunting always brought to them.

That high disappeared shortly after they had dragged all the deer to where they would be skinned and broken down.

They'd all taken the time to shift back and dress, and were heading back to the house when Nova walked up to them. She smiled at first, then something almost sinister flashed across her eyes when she noticed Avayla.

Both Avayla and Theo tensed while the seven alphas around them bowed to their leader.

"I come bearing wonderful news." Nova's bright smile returned when she looked at her Elite. They stayed silent, waiting for her to continue as she took them in one by one. Her eyes settled on the final one and her features softened, showing how much she cared for the seven alphas in front of her. "Yoohyeon?"

"Yes?" The alpha in question stepped forward.

"It's your turn." Nova held out her hand.

Yoohyeon clasped her hands in front of her chest and gasped. "Really?! You mean it?"

"Yes, gongju, I just drew your name."

Nova's Elite all gathered around Yoohyeon, congratulating her and brushing tears from her face.

She left with Nova, holding hands with her alpha and still crying softly.

When they were out of sight, Avayla turned to Siyeon. "Her turn for what?"

Siyeon hummed softly. "When Nova discovered a way to help us get pregnant, she said it couldn't happen all at once, so she created a lottery. Any of us who wish to try could put in our name and she will pick someone whenever she can."

Avayla didn't quite know what to say to that. A mixture of shock and... and happiness for Yoohyeon swirled within her.

She looked back at the last place she'd seen the sweet alpha and found herself hoping for the best.

Hoping that Yoohyeon would get good news in a few weeks.

Hoping that Yoohyeon could have a baby of her own.

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"Are you ready, Love?" Jongho's head poked around the corner, making Yunho jump and give a tiny yelp.

He'd been in the middle of making their bed, a horribly domestic act that made this stupid cabin feel too much like home... but what else were they supposed to do?

What had started as staying for a couple of days had now become nearly three weeks after his pack had sat down and discussed their options for several hours.

The biggest factor was that they were no closer to learning where their family was than the day they'd left home. If they stayed here, then they had a roof over their heads, a warm place to stay, and food in their bellies.

It was the logical thing to do. Yunho knew that. He did...

"Yeah." The beta said, placing a hand over his pounding heart. He glared at his alpha when Jongho started to laugh. "Shut up."

"I'm sorry, I c-can't help it. You looked s-so scared!" Jongho shook where he stood, his eyes turning into adorable creases from how wide he was smiling.

Yunho's heart melted at the sight. It was pointless for him to be upset over such a silly little thing.

Especially when Jongho came over to him and pressed a kiss to his mating mark. His wolf shivered with delight and then he pulled his alpha into a hug.

They stood there for a few minutes, enjoying the fact that they could be together. It was hard for them to show each other affection in front of the others, so they kept it to themselves so that they didn't risk upsetting their pack.

Both Jongho and Yunho understood how hard it was for everyone to be separated from their mates. So Jongho was taking it upon himself to step out of his comfort zone and support he others as best he could.

Wooyoung, of course, came most natural to him. The omega grew clingier the longer they stayed. He switched between sleeping with his daughters and sleeping curled into Jongho's side, but during the day he always kept Jongho within his reach for hugs and kisses and to fulfill his neediness.

Yeosang and Seonghwa were a little different. Neither had formed the kind of bond with Jongho where they felt like they could smother him with affection like Wooyoung. Instead, they just hovered. They would follow him around, staying close by his side, offer to help him, or purposefully sit next to him at dinner or on the couch.

And Jongho always knew what they needed. Sometimes it was his hand on their leg, sometimes it was to pull them into his side to cuddle, sometimes it was simply a kiss on the cheek. No matter what, they always seemed to relax and feel a little more at ease.

It wasn't easy for the alpha to do, especially when any of the kids needed that extra bit of attention Hongjoong was always so good at providing, but Yunho was proud of him for trying.

When they finally left the bedroom, Wooyoung and Chan were waiting by the front door. Today it was their turn to hunt for information, for clues, for... anything.

This happened every day now since they'd decided to stay. While some of them would help hunt or prepare food for the pack as a whole, a few of them would leave the safety of the pack in a chosen direction and just run. There was always the hope that they'd come across someone else to talk to, someone who might have seen or heard something.

So far they'd come up empty handed.

Lionel was doing what he could to help as well, much to the... displeasure of their family. He had insisted and everyone knew Wooyoung's guilt drove him to accept. So they kept a close eye on him, but thankfully he'd been true to his word and could be seen speaking to members of his new pack often.

"Which way are we going today Uncle Jongho?" Chan asked, barely contained excitement hidden beneath the somber mood everyone had adopted.

"I think we will go west, maybe try to get a little deeper into the mountains." Jongho looked between Wooyoung and Yunho. "What do you think?"

"Sounds good to me." Yunho groaned while stretching his arms over his head.

Wooyoung nodded, picking at his lower lip with stress. He was pulled into a hug by their alpha and instantly melted into the contact, shaking a little in his hold. "Let's go then." Jongho murmured.

The simple statement was filled with unsaid words. Let's go find them. Let's go save them.

The four of them stepped outside and started to walk behind the cabin when Yunho smelled him. He growled in frustration and had to turn away to keep from attacking the only omega he'd ever hated, although there was something off about him today.

"Seokie? What's wrong?" Jongho asked, worry woven into his voice.

The omega sniffed. "Can I, um, can I speak with y-you?"

Yunho turned back around and felt his lip curl in annoyance. Wooseok's eyes were bright red and shining with tears. He looked haggard, stressed, and... scared? The beta exchanged a confused look with Wooyoung before stepping closer to his alpha.

"Of course, what's going on? Did someone hurt you?" A growl entered Jongho's voice at the end and his eyes darted to check out the surrounding area.

"N-Not exactly... N-Not yet..." Wooseok was wringing his wrists now and looking at anything except for Yunho. "Can we s-speak in private?"

Jongho hesitated for a second, then shook his head while taking Yunho's hand. "Anything you need to say to me can be said in front of my mate."

Wooseok visibly flinched at the word, more so than he'd ever done before. It made Yunho's wolf bristle and threaten to unleash itself on the pathetic omega.

"P-Please..." Wooseok choked out. "I can't... J-Jongie..."

"Spit it out already." Yunho growled.

The omega flinched again, then took a deep breath. Gold flashed in his eyes when he stood up straighter.

Wooyoung instantly took Yunho's hand, leaning closer to him and growling a little himself. But that was ignored.

"Just know that I tried." Wooseok said quietly. He only had eyes for the alpha in front of him. Eyes that swirled with fear and... and something else that Yunho didn't feel like admitting to himself. Seeing it only made him growl again, wishing he could make Jongho leave.

"I found out something today." The omega continued. He took a step closer to Jongho. "Something from a Seer."

Jongho's eyes widened. "One survived?"

"No. Not from our pack originally. But one had joined the back about twenty years ago."

"What's a Seer?" Wooyoung asked. Chan shifted next to him, feeding off his mother's emotions and glaring at the other omega.

"They have magic, kind of like Lizbeth did or Maria. They are gifted in a way." Jongho explained, then rounded back on his friend and said, "Why didn't you tell us? We could have asked the Seer to help us find the others!"

Wooseok pursed his lips and looked away. "He is old and can't control his gift well anymore. His visions come in flashes, so I didn't think-"

"We could have at least tried! Seokie I thought you wanted to help us!"

"I do!" The omega pleaded, crumbling under Jongho's rising anger. "Haven't I been helping you this entire time? I'm sorry I didn't think to ask him! And he's the one who came to me with this vision!" Tears started to well up in his eyes again. "Don't you even want to know what it is?" He whispered. There was so much pain and longing in the question, it made Yunho's heart sink a little.

He didn't like this...

Jongho groaned and ran a hand through his hair. "Fine." He snapped. "But then I want you to take us to him. Please."

Wooseok looked like he wanted to argue, but his shoulders just fell in defeat. "Alright." He hesitated for a long moment, looking like he was trying to decide if he still wanted to tell them or not.

What had the Seer told him that would cause this much turmoil?

Yunho wished he'd never heard it as soon as the cursed words left the omega's mouth.

It all seemed to happen in slow motion, too. Everything around him slowed, and then shattered as Wooseok looked Jongho dead in the eyes with so much longing.

"Jongho, my Jongie..." He said softly, daring to take a step forward. "I'm your Soulmate."