Starting New 《JeongCheol》

Forty Four

Since yesterday's hunt was cut short, Joshua offered to take Dk out the following morning, see if they could catch anything before the Alpha's go out that afternoon.

Seungcheol was hesitant at first, but after Jeonghan made it clear that Joshua was a skilled hunter and could handle it, so Seungcheol agreed and let the two go.

"You're quite the hunter, Dokie," Joshua smiled. "You have a natural talent for it."

DK couldn't help but smile at his partner's words. "Thank you Shua," he replied. "It's been helpful to learn from  watching the others, but I still have much to learn."

Joshua nodded in understanding. "We all do," he said. "But you have a strong spirit and a willingness to learn. Those are valuable traits." He added.

The 2 continued tracking a deer that had wandered close to the border of their territory.  DK paused and signaled to Joshua.

He pointed to a set of fresh deer tracks leading deeper into the forest. Joshua nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement.

Suddenly, the peace was shattered by a low growl. From the shadows of the dense trees, a large, imposing figure emerged.

It was an alpha from the Shadowclaw pack. (A different pack from the last rival alpha conflict)

"You've crossed the line," the Shadowclaw alpha snarled. "This is our territory."

"We didn't mean to intrude. We're just tracking a deer that strayed over the border. We'll leave immediately." DK quickly said.

But the rival alpha was not in a mood to negotiate. With a growl, he lunged at DK, claws flashing.

DK barely had time to react, throwing up his arm to shield his face. The alpha's claws raked across DK's cheek, leaving a deep, bloody gash.

Joshua, quick on his feet, sprang into action. He positioned himself between DK and the alpha.  "Back off!" Joshua growled.

The rival alpha hesitated for a moment, sizing up Joshua. "Stay out of this, beta," he spat, trying to force dominiance.

Joshua growled once more, but this time, he took a step back.

The alpha smirked, his forced submission working. "Stay off our territory mutts." He said before disappeared into the forest.

Joshua quickly turned back to DK. "Are you alright?" He asked worriedly.

DK winced, his hand gingerly touching the bleeding scratch on his face. "I'll live. Thanks for stepping in." He said softly.

Joshua nodded, his eyes scanning the forest to ensure they were truly alone. "Let's get back to the pack. We need to tell Seungcheol about this."

With Joshua's support, DK managed to stand, his legs a bit shaky but his resolve strong. They made their way back to their pack territory, moving as quickly as they could.

As they approached the clearing, the pack members began to notice them, their eyes widening at the sight of DK's injury.

Hoshi and Woozi rushed over immedietaly. "What happened?" Hoshi asked

"We were attacked by a Shadowclaw alpha near the border. He accused us of trespassing and attacked DK before I could intervene." Joshua answered.

Seungcheol, overhearing the commoition, joined the 4. "What happened?" He asked worriedly.

"We were tracking a deer, and it apparently led us near the Shadowclaw border. The alpha attacked without warning. Joshua managed to drive him off." DK explained.

Seungcheol let out a deep sigh as he turned to Jeonghan. "Jeonghan, get Minghao to treat DK's wounds." Seungcheol asked his co-leader.

Jeonghan nodded and guided DK towards the Beta den whree Minghao was.