Yunho isn't sure if he would consider their current situation comfortable.

Yes, there were plenty of pros while temporarily staying on Hongjoong and Seonghwa's property, but there were still some things that were unsettling.

On the positive side, for the time being, he and Mingi weren't constantly on the run. Though he didn't know long it would be for, it's nice to be in one spot for longer than a day. Driving all day, every day and breaking at a different random rest stop for the evening was becoming hard.

The couple felt like they could breathe for once. Although of course some stress was still present, the tension between them wasn't nearly as bad. Mingi even started sleeping in the bed with the Beta again. Yunho had missed being able to feel his Alpha's shallow breathing while he snoozed next to him.

Although Yunho didn't know how long they would be parking the camper here, he was grateful for the ounce of hope it has provided him with.

On the more negative side of things, the pack here is rather peculiar.

Hongjoong has made it clear that he wasn't entirely comfortable with them staying on his pack's property, which is why they respectfully parked their trailer on the edge of the territory line, keeping their distance.

The head Alpha has only granted them a small portion of the land to hunt on, claiming that he had more mouths to feed, and he didn't need strangers stealing his kills.

They were also instructed to never come near the house. Yunho has understood that it was due to their unfamiliarity, but it seems more like they're hiding something at times.

As far as either he or Mingi have been able to tell, they have at least four pack members; two Alphas and two Betas. From their first meeting, they learned that Hongjoong and Seonghwa were mated. San didn't have a mating mark when they met and they've only seen the other, younger Beta while he was out on what appeared to be a perimeter check.

During their perimeter runs, no matter who the wolf is, they all tend to spend an additional amount of time watching Yunho and Mingi while by their camper, reminding the couple that they weren't trusted in the slightest bit. One wrong move and they were to be gone.

And Yunho can't say that he blames them. He doesn't realistically trust them either. If they were to know just who he and Mingi were, what would they do with that information? If their identity came across the wrong set of ears....

Yunho shivered at the thought as he continued to make the bed. The previous night had been relentlessly hot which caused the already warm blooded Alpha to kick their blankets off to the foot of the mattress.

The trailer did have an air conditioning unit, but they've been trying to be conservative with the amount of energy they used. Out here, they didn't have the luxury to recharge anywhere.

Mingi sat at the table, reading like he does every morning. It was an old, dusty novel his grandfather left inside one of the cabinets. Entertainment was limited, so Yunho assumes he'll probably get around to reading it as well.

It was a peaceful morning. It was quiet and the sun was bright. After everything he caused a couple weeks ago, he was grateful to be able to even have mornings like these.

He was reminded of the mornings when he and Mingi would have the day off together. They'd wake up slowly, not having any ambitions for the day. Mingi might read a novel for a bit, while Yunho would doze for an extra half an hour. They'd lazily kiss for a while, not quite ready to leave one another's embrace to get up and make breakfast.

The tranquil vision was interrupted by a sturdy knock to their metal camper door, causing Yunho to flinch. It's not like they were expecting any visitors at seven in the morning, but there was only one person that would be behind the door.

Mingi opened it slowly, revealing the short Alpha leader with brown hair. "Hello?" he skeptically asked.

"Can we come inside?" Hongjoong asked, which made Mingi realize that Seonghwa was standing beside him, out of his vision from where the door swung out.

"Yes, of course" the taller Alpha knew he should be respectful since Hongjoong was being generous enough to let them stay on his land. He stepped to the side to allow them in.

"Please, have a seat wherever" Yunho offered. There weren't many options, so the pair comfortably seated themselves at the dining table benches, while Mingi and Yunho sat on the edge of their freshly made bed.

The atmosphere was awkward until Hongjoong cleared his throat and finally spoke, "Sorry for coming here so early, but I needed to have a discussion with you both. You have been here for a couple days and if I am going to continue to let you stay, then I need to know more about you. These days you can't be too careful."

Mingi and Yunho both nodded in understanding, but neither one knew exactly where to start. And they couldn't say too much. Not yet.

"I'm curious. When you said that you didn't feel like you belonged in Supreme City, what does that mean exactly?" Hongjoong asked, squinting his eyes at the pair.

Yunho could already feel his anxiety start to rise at the question. He just hoped that the others wouldn't notice his hands shaking in his lap.

We'll be truthful. Mingi spoke reassuringly, resting a gentle hand over Yunho's trembling ones. So apparently he noticed. Without giving away too much.

The Beta was relieved when Mingi decided to speak up first. "I worked as a security guard for a fertility lab for years. I got pretty high up in the ranks too. It's actually where I met Yunho."

"After I tested well on my final exam, I was placed as a researcher there." Yunho added.

Seonghwa's face lit up at their similarities. "Oh, really? Which lab? I tested fairly high as well and worked at one for a couple years." Something about Seonghwa's genuine smile made Yunho relax a bit more, but he didn't know how much he should really give away.

He thought of how to respond for a moment, but Mingi thankfully answered for him with a small lie. "It was a smaller one... not very well known." They didn't need the real detail. "But to answer your original question, we just couldn't stay. We never felt entirely comfortable in our work stations."

The pack leader raised his eyebrow at that. Maybe there were others who believed the way he and his pack did. "Why weren't you comfortable?"

"We didn't want to be a part of it." Yunho mumbled lowly, honestly. "We left because I didn't like how Omega's were being treated. I couldn't stand to watch it anymore. So we stepped down and left."

Both of Seonghwa and Hongjoong's eyes widened at the other Beta's confession.

Mingi glanced at his mate with clear irritation and worry. His Beta really likes to do what he wants lately.

I said not to give too much away! Mingi scolded.

And I'm not! I wanted to be honest! I won't lie about my beliefs. The Beta retorted. Besides, I didn't tell him how we really left.

Hongjoong could tell that there was more to the story. If the two had simply stepped down from their previous positions, there would be no reason for the pair to leave the city. He decided not to question it any further. They seemed to be in a similar situation to his pack's.

"Well, I don't mind if you two decide to stay longer, but you need to know some things about my pack," Hongjoong's face darkened in a way that was more intimidating then they've ever seen it. "We are already at risk, so if the two of you bring my family any additional danger, I will not stand by for it."

"Joong-" Seonghwa reached across the table, gripping his mate's arm.

"I mean it, Seonghwa. My family comes first. It's my job to protect you all first."

"Is the reason you're at risk, the same reason you asked us to keep our distance from the house?" Yunho couldn't help but ask, but he was fairly certain of the answer already. He had his suspicions.

The pack's leader seemed to hesitate before answering, but for some reason the look in Yunho's eyes told him that he could say it. "Yes... my brother."

Mingi was shocked by the response, but Yunho didn't have much of a reaction, expecting that sort of answer.

"I understand," Yunho responded, "We don't mean any harm and we would never tell. I can assure you of that. It would go against my own beliefs."

The corner of Hongjoong's mouth raised a little. It was the closest thing to a smile that the newcomers had ever seen on the man.

----------

Hongjoong and Seonghwa were more than exhausted after their long visit with the newcomers. Their talk went longer than intended, but by the end of it, both couples felt much more relaxed with one another.

When they entered the home, Hongjoong ran a hand through his brown hair, pushing the loose strands off of his face. He let out a deep sigh.

"That went well!" Seonghwa cheered, clapping his hands together. "Aren't you glad I forced you to go through with that?" He loved to pester his Alpha, especially when he's right.

The Alpha rolled his eyes, but pecked his mate's cheek before plopping himself down on the living room sofa, where his brother was sitting and apparently knitting.

"So I take it the meeting went well?" Yeosang asked without lifting his concentrated eyes. His hands were busy and he was making the adorable pout he typically does when he's focused. He seems to always stay busy anymore.

"Hey, you're finally back?" San asked as he walked over from the kitchen, so it must be Jongho's turn to circle the territory.

"Yeah, that went way longer than I had intended, but I'm glad we did it." Seonghwa smirked at his Alpha's statement, victoriously crossing his arms over his chest.

"How did it go?" the younger Alpha wondered.

Hongjoong inhaled deeply through his nose, not really wanting to tell the whole story after finally returning. But his nose scrunched when he sensed something odd. It was subtle and pleasant... but different. He sniffled the air a few times, trying to decipher where the new scent was coming from. "Yeosang, are you feeling okay?" He cranked his head toward his sibling.

"Yeah?" The Omega finally looked up from his project in confusion. "Why?"

"Um... your scent is a little different. It still smells like vanilla, but... there's something else. I can't place it." The older brother admitted. It wasn't like when an Omega's scent soured from stress or anger. It was an entirely new smell altogether, almost milkier, intermingled with Yeosang's.

At that, the Omega noticeably tensed.

"Yeah, I noticed it a while ago, but it's only gotten stronger... I wasn't sure what it was and didn't want to worry anyone by saying anything." San stated, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.

The older Alpha nodded toward San. It was the same for him. He thought he had sensed something on Yeosang previously, but it's stronger now.

Seongwa stood to the side in thought. He couldn't smell it himself as a Beta, but the symptom sounded extremely familiar to him. Then he remembered how tired Yeosang has been lately... and then it clicked. "Wait, Yeosang... Sangie..."

"What is it? What's wrong?" Hongjoong panicked. What could be wrong with his precious younger brother?

The Omega was trembling. He had been so afraid of saying anything, yet they're finding out anyways. This is what he's been so terrified of. They're going to find out and be so disappointed with him. They're already doing so much for him, so how can he ask for anything more? He knew they'd all find out eventually, but he'd hoped for more time.

Suddenly, Jongho bolted through the front door, causing the door to loudly bang against the wall and for the rest of the house's occupants to jump. He was quite sweaty due to the extreme heat today. He immediately felt the rigid atmosphere, and then he noticed Yeosang's fearful expression and the tears that started to trail down his pink cheeks.

"Wait, what's going on?"

"Sangie... Is it true?" Seonghwa asked in a whisper, ignoring the other Beta.

There was a long pause and no one felt like they could move.
.
.
.
.
"Yes, it's true. I'm pregnant."

~~~~~~~~~~

Dun Dun DUNNNNNN! Hi, my name is Sydney and I love suspense and angst.

Thoughts? If you love this story, please show it lots of love and encouragement!!

Also, the store I work for just reopened this past week, so my updates might be slower until I get readjusted!

There's a lot of stuff going on in the world, and it all just breaks my heart. I hope you guys are all staying strong and healthy!!

-Sydney <3