Our Way ||| Ateez

8

The early morning brought vicious winds and more snow to the alpha pair as they dug their way out of the shelter they had built and continued their trek to steeper slopes.

They took turns leading the way, the front alpha plowing the way and taking the brunt of the storm while the other one rested.

It was a hard journey and they were both exhausted.

But still they continued on. San took longer shifts as leader, using his motivation to help his mate to press forward. He spent a long time digging out a path using his paws and even his nose.

Hongjoong whined behind him, expressing his worry about the journey.

It was so cold that even their fur coats weren't doing much to help them. They were chilled to the bone and couldn't stop shivering as they got higher and higher.

The snow was relentless and the wind even worse. Strong gusts would pummel them and force them to stumble to the side while forcing snow to get packed into their coats.

At one point, San fell forward with a whimper and started to crawl along, trying to get out of the wind.

Hongjoong joined him as they continued their slow trek up the mountain.

.

.

.

.

Mingi huffed as he ran around the perimeter of the territory. San and Hongjoong had been gone for almost two full days now and everyone was starting to get anxious.

He should have gone with them. Or Jongho. They were the strongest alphas.

What if something had happened to them?

They could be hurt and stuck without any way of fully communicating with each other.

He was so deep in thought, Mingi missed the flash of silver to his right as he slowed to a trot. He growled as he swatted a rock out of his way, trying to take his anger out on something.

Mingi, dinner is almost ready. Are you almost done? Seonghwa asked. His voice was soft and hesitant, so the alpha knew he sensed his anger.

Yes. I'll be home soon. He turned to face the house then paused.

Something ran in front of him and his senses were immediately on high alert. He watched the trees, not blinking. There was no scent for him to pick up on, so he started to think he just imagined it.

But no, just as he was turning to leave, something silvery flashed in the moonlight.

Mingi growled and crouched low. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he crept forward.

His nostrils flared as he tried to pick up on anything that could be out of place, but all he could smell was the forest.

He stopped and spun in a circle.

Nothing.

Then something slammed into his side, sending him to the forest floor. He yelped and tried to stand back up, but something hit him again.

All he could process was flashes of silver.

And then there was nothing.

After he had been pushed around for several minutes, suddenly it all stopped. Mingi blinked and panted as he stood there trying to figure out what just happened.

He knew of only one thing with that silver color, and if it really was what he thought it was...

Mingi bolted, running to the house as fast as his long legs would carry him. He slid to a stop outside the back door, shifted, and changed before bursting inside.