They got into bed, under the blankets that Jongho had hanged outside earlier that day. He smiled at Yeo.
«The two of us never used this bed before.»
«About time we make it ours, then?» Yeo suggested.
Jongho smiled that big gummy smile, where his teeth were showing and his eyes nearly disappeared. Yeo loved that smile.
«Excellent idea, love.»
«If you're sure you're up for it?» Yeo said, his eyes teasing. Jongho had already told him how he had spent his time here getting stronger. He had probably never been stronger, which Yeo had noticed, of course.
«I'll show what I'm up for,» Jongho declared, and attacked his mate. Yeo laughed happily, accepting the kisses and touches, giving plenty back.
—
Hanah:
It had been a few days since she saw the wolf. She had read him right, he had said goodbye because he was leaving, she firmly believed that. That's why she really jumped that morning she came out and saw the wolf waiting under the tree in the middle of the yard.
«Wolfie, is that really you?» she said happily. She went onto the grass and sat down. «I thought I'd never see you again.»
When he turned his head towards the storehouse she froze. Another wolf peeked out from behind it, clearly more apprehensive than her wolf. The two of them seemed to communicate in silence somehow. Slowly the new wolf took a far circle away from her, before getting to the wolf she felt she knew so well now. It pressed its snout into the bigger wolf's neck before laying down and looking at her.
«I-is this your mate, wolf?» Hanah finally said quietly. «Are you introducing me to your mate?»
She wasn't aware, but tears were falling down her cheeks.
Her wolf went a few steps toward her before stopping and looking at her. It was as if he was checking how scared she was before getting closer. She stayed calm and he went all the way up to her and pushed his head against her upper arm before returning to his mate.
«Thank you, wolfie. I hope you understand how much I've appreciated having you around. You've been good company. And your mate... Wow, he is really exceptionally beautiful. I've never seen fur that pretty before, and those fluffy ears... Well done, wolf,» she smiled. Then she felt stupid for talking to him as if he was human. «But I do understand your mate as well. You're pretty nice too. Really nice, actually.»
She looked at the two of them, her big wolf and his smaller mate. They looked truly beautiful together.
«I suppose you're leaving soon, but you should know that you'll always be welcome back. No one on this farm will ever shoot at a wolf, ever, that I promise you.»
And Hanah kept that promise, for herself and all those who came after her. Children and grandchildren were told the stories about the wolf that lived at the farm for a while. Wolves were always seen as protectors of their farm, even though they were rarely seen around after that. Hanah never forgot the incredible wolf that seemed to understand everything she said.
—
Hongjoong and Yunho called for Seonghwa in their pack link every now and then. As they got closer to the city, they did it more and more often. Eventually, they got a reply.
«Where are you, Seonghwa?»
«Inside the walls. I'm trying to figure out where they're keeping Ellinor.»
«Are there a lot of guards?»
«Yes,» he confirmed. «But there are still fighting, so they don't know that I don't even belong here, they all just think I'm on the other side. I haven't had too much trouble yet.»
«I suggest that we meet at the fortress to make a plan with the others.»
«I'll meet you there. Did you find Jongho?»
«Yes, Yeo is with him right now. They'll come soon.»
«I'm glad!»
Seonghwa arrived at the fortress late that night. Yunho and Hongjoong had come just before him, and early in the morning, Jongho and Yeosang too came. The joy of seeing each other again was an incredible feeling. It was a determined pack that gathered around the table at lunch after they all got to sleep in.
«Only Ellinor remains,» Hongjoong said. «And we will bring her home. Seonghwa, please repeat what you told me.»
Seonghwa nodded. «On my way through the city I thought I'd just stop by our old house, but turns out, there was someone there.»
«Really?» Sunwoo said surprised. «I've been there a few times, and it's always remained untouched. The safety precautions have worked pretty well.»
«Well, now there were werewolves going in and out the door, carrying tools. Maybe they've heard of our valuables?» Seonghwa suggested.
«Maybe,» Hongjoong said, deep in thought.
«How did the door look? Was it damaged?» Livv was asking.
«Not that I could see.»
«That doesn't mean anything, they might have been able to open the door without too much damage,» San said.
«Sure, or someone dialed the code and opened the door for them?» Sunwoo suggested.
«Ellinor?» Seonghwa was shaking. «Do you think that's where they're keeping her?»
«That seems like an incredibly bad idea, but... it's possible.»
«Or she tricked them and got down to the cell in the basement,» Livv said.
The room fell silent and they all looked at each other.
«That's why they need the tools,» San nodded. «She managed to lock the cell, and now they can't get to her.»
«That sounds insane,» Sunwoo laughed. «And that's why I believe it.»
«But you didn't even ask Jongho,» Yeosang said.
«There hasn't been time,» Jongho said, taking his mate's hand. They had arrived so early in the morning that they had just gone to sleep, without talking to anyone. «But I do have some information that is relevant. I know who is responsible for the kidnapping.»
«Who?!»
The question was unison.
«Her father, the lead alpha of Belari.»
Seonghwa stood up in such a rush that his chair fell to the floor. Luckily there were no children present, they would have gotten scared by the crazed look on his face. Hongjoong reached out and calmed him with his pheromones.
«He is mine,» Seonghwa said, his voice so deep it was barely more than a growl.
«We hear you, Seonghwa,» Hongjoong said. «Please, sit back down. We're going to make a good plan, together, and then we're getting Ellinor.»
«May I suggest something?» Livv said, and everyone looked at her. «Mila and Kai, and the other children too, know the city so well. They know secret passages, shortcuts, everything. Maybe we can use their knowledge too?»
«Good idea,» Joong smiled. «Would you get Mila and Kai, please?»
As the siblings were incited into the grownup's meeting, they felt the seriousness in the air.
«As you know,» Hongjoong said and looked at the two eldest children. «Only Ellinor remains. She is being held captive within the city, possibly in our old house. We're going to get her out of there. We need your help planning the best routes in and out of the city. Can you do that?»
They both nodded, quickly glancing at each other. They had already agreed on this.
«We have something we want to show you.»
YOU ARE READING
Alpha & Omega // Ateez // P.SH
Manusia SerigalaEllinor feels drawn to the city. After 10 years alone in the forest, why would she seek the dangers in town? And especially now, so close to her Time? Ellinor is saved by Yunho, and meets the pack. Who hides among the pack members? Will they still...
