Find My Way Back To You

His hand gripped the handlebar above the door beside him, even as his fire blue eyes gazed out at the scenery rushing past them.

Beside him, Hyunjin was driving. Focusing on where they were going, and ensuring they got there in one piece. And behind them in the back, was their third runner. He had yet to recall his name. And he found, he wasn't too bothered or interested to do so. They were going for yet another supply run. Their orders clear. Get what they can, as they could. Avoid zombies if possible. But try not to get bit if they had to face the zombies. And if they came across any survivors, offer them safety at Mokpo. Minho could have hummed. Face pulled. Uncertain he liked that particular order. Given how he'd trusted Woojin before and it nearly saw him raped by the other alpha, he wasn't sure he wanted to trust just anyone they met with their safe zone. After all, that was a sure fire way it fell. But he supposed it was technically speaking Hyunjin and the other wolf's call. As betas, they were level headed enough to make that kind of call. Not just going off instinct. Even though that was the best option. Instead, they would see if they could not only be trusted, but even be of help.

Everyone had to pull their weight at Mokpo.

Minho's eyes took in the blue skies above. It was spring. And while the world still seemed hazy and dead, it was nice that winter was gone. At least, the southern half of Korea was free of the freeze. It was warmer. And Minho was eager to see what they got. He knew their best bet, was to make for Busan. Despite it being a hellhole, according to what Hyunjin had heard before. There was a high chance it was bursting with supplies. But that was a bit of a journey. Too many days out. And the head and pack alphas would not take kindly to them seemingly disappearing for that long. And may even go off the rails. He knew it would come from a place of worry and fear. Afraid to lose their pack, before it was even fully formed. 

And he understood that.

And without proper ways of communicating back and forth, they would have been left in the dark. At this thought, Minho's gaze drifted down to the long abandoned radio this military vehicle had on hand. If only they had the parts to repair it. And even make other radios to keep in contact. That would help significantly. But as it was, they weren't exactly good at that. Though from what he saw, Chan and Changbin had been trying to rig together some form of radio. All he knew of them, was they had been rappers and producers before the zombies came. Not in the big leagues, but earning quite the royalties. They knew how to code and work computers and programs. But it would seem something a little more old fashioned like a radio, was stumping them a little. 

There was also another big concern they had. On these many runs, he and Hyunjin were often trying to find what gas they could to keep the vehicle going. It was proving most valuable this far into the apocalypse. But gas was becoming scarce. And so, they had to find a way to stretch their gas. And hopefully, try and find an alternative. Anything to keep their vehicle running. Even when gas was no longer an option. But they were short on any willing to work up a solution. Maybe a future survivor would be willing to help? Hyunjin after a moment, inquired, "Where did Chan-hyung mark for us to check out next, again?"

The beta in the back replied, opening the map up with the markings from Chan, "Not much further, hyung. Small town. Possibly a convenience store. Here's hoping there's something we can get there. And no zombies."

Hyunjin huffed, "That ain't the world we live in. But we'll be alright. Just be on your toes, and you'll be fine."

Minho smirked, looking to Hyunjin and his surprisingly stern face, "You expecting a shitshow, Hyunjinnie?"

Hyunjin growled, hands gripping the wheel harder. Leaning forward as he did, "Always, hyung. You ever get this gut instinct it's gonna go awry? That's my gut right now."

Minho nodded, "I know." He looked back out his window, "I'm surprised they still want us to head for cities and towns for raids. Surely the valuables will be picked clean before long. If not already. We're not the only group of survivors out there. Nor are we the only safe zone that's emerged from the dust of the first year. We'll be in high competition. And besides, we're wolves. There's forests all around. We can easily find game to hunt and bring down. Nature will provide, as always."

Hyunjin hummed, "Changbin's told me they really wish they could. But there are a few things making it challenging for the time being. For starts. They're still getting the safe zone of Mokpo truly up and running. To a very decent standard. Secondly, they don't have the wolves gutsy enough to leave the walls for a hunt. Third of all, he and Chan are trying to truly establish themselves. Communications, making decent and proper plans and strategies. And welcoming new wolves. They also have to make sure Seungmin has all he needs. And lastly, they want to get as much as we can. Before we take the offerings of nature. And yes, get back to our roots as wolves."

Minho nodded. He understood that, well enough. He softly smiled. Seungmin had established himself well as a doctor. Tending mostly to the sick, and only those with minor injuries. Ensuring they healed well enough. He'd become a rather well loved and respected doctor. One that clearly knew how to put in his doctor side. Ensuring his orders triumphed even Chan's, if the need came to it. He was also the first one the three of them would be reporting to. For any potential injuries or bites. He was also the first that new wolves saw, before meeting with Chan. For a self-taught doctor, Seungmin was surely one of the best. He would certainly be valuable to the other safe zones out there. But, they couldn't have him. He was theirs. He was brought from his inner musings, to the other speaking. Pointing from between them, "Make a left here, hyung."

Hyunjin nodded, and did as instructed. Minho could only hope the other was right. Hyunjin has gotten angry before, for going the wrong direction. And having to backtrack, as a result. To ensure the other had read the map correctly, Minho gently took it from him. Examining it quickly. With a nod, he handed it back. He could see Hyunjin relax a little. Seeming pleased they were in fact, headed in the right direction. With a raised eyebrow, Minho asked, "Did you and Changbin get into a fight?"

He had finally opened his eyes to what the beta-omega and pack alpha, were doing. The clear interest. But no crossing of the lines. Why? He wasn't sure. But he'd been softly encouraging them to get together. It was the apocalypse. They didn't exactly have the time to beat about the bush. Hyunjin blinked a moment, even as a soft blush dusted his cheeks, "No." Minho raised an eyebrow, "No. He didn't. We didn't. You know I always get this way when we go on a  run. If we had a working radio!" He smacked his fist down on top of the dash housing the radio, "I wouldn't be so tense. I'd be able to keep in contact."

Minho hummed, nodding slowly, "That would open us up to other frequencies in time. Yes, communication with other safe zones will be necessary. But, we should be careful. Knowledge is key and power in this world. If they knew Changbin was vulnerable, they'd attack him during such a time."

Hyunjin nodded, "That's why we have to find a radio frequency that's free, and claim it as ours."

Minho nodded, "We need a base name, then."

Hyunjin snorted, "I'm leaving that to the so called genius that is Seo Changbin. He's a fucking rapper. He'll figure out something."

Minho hummed, "You'd think that Chan would. He's head alpha."

Hyunjin shrugged, "I don't care, either way. They'll have one by the time we get working radios."

Minho nodded, letting the conversation softly die. Turning his gaze to the town looming before them. And just like Hyunjin, he had a gut feeling it was going to go bad.

His grip on the handlebar, grew much firmer.

//

As soon as Minho stepped out of the vehicle, he paused. 

Eyes narrowed. Hand gripping his gun much more tightly. Even if it was supposed to be just for being a club. It was way too quiet. Quieter than usual. And there wasn't a zombie in sight. The churning in his stomach becoming more predominant. After closing the door behind them, the three slowly moved throughout the entire town. Carefully going through each building. Finding and collecting what they could. But a spare look to Hyunjin revealed, they both had that nagging feeling in the back of their heads. Keeping his voice very low, Minho asked softly, "Think we should load? Just in case?"

Hyunjin hummed, pulling a face, "Alphas don't like it when we use them as intended. But they may make an exception in this case." After mulling it over, Hyunjin nodded and hissed, "Load your guns. Might need to make more noise."

Minho nodded. Instantly and swiftly loading his gun. Faster than their companion. Having been taught how to handle and shoot a gun, Minho was rather adept at it. Even to the point it worried Hyunjin a little. When Minho told him his grandparents used to hunt together all the time. And even taught him, when he'd be visiting. Said an omega that didn't know how to hunt or fight, was a dead wolf. Hyunjin didn't argue with him on that. They remained crouched, even as they entered the convenience store. As they did, Minho frowned deeply. He turned to Hyunjin, "Hyunjin, this is very very bad."

Hyunjin nodded in agreement. It was almost fully stocked. With narrowed eyes, Hyunjin slowly approached a shelf. He carefully examined it, before gently taking hold of one of the "items". Merely a cardboard cutout. He turned to Minho with a raised eyebrow, "Trap?"

Minho shrugged, "Too good of one, actually. Who the hell would have time to set this up? Have the energy, time, or patience?"

The other beta approached, eyes equally narrowed, "Desperate wolves, really. While psychotic wolves can be a problem now, so can those that truly go insane and become wendigo types. Eating others."

Both shuddered. Was it not too early in the apocalypse for such extremes to be reached? And technically speaking, wasn't that the zombies? No way the zombies had already mutated enough to do such a thing. Minho's ear twitched. He hunched, hand gripping his gun fiercely again, "Hyunjin, we need to leave. Now. We're not safe here. This isn't worth the risk. Seungmin will skin my hide for being a fool. And Changbin will absolutely lose his shit on me if I lose you."

Hyunjin wanted to bark back. After all, Minho was an omega. He could bear pups. But as Minho has said before, he was hoping to find his alpha mate. If he was even still alive. And considering that none were the ones for Minho back at Mokpo, this meant Minho was still single and without anyone to worry and return to. Not fully, anyway. With a nod, Hyunjin turned and made to leave with them, "Let's go. I can tell this place is picked clean."

All three jumped. Hearing a loud metallic creaking and bang. Their hearts jumped. The other beta hissed, "Shit~!"

Hyunjin spoke, "Let's go, now. We might be able to beat the horde the fuckers around here just unleashed."

Minho growled, "Damned psychotics. Why couldn't they make for the bigger cities instead? That's often where they went. Bigger hunting grounds. More zombies to use as they want."

Hyunjin huffed, "Who gives a damn right now? We need to go!"

They emerged out into the sunlight, and were almost immediately surrounded by zombies. Well, fuck! After only sharing a quick glance, Minho huffed. Growling, and cocking his gun. And without warning, began to fire. It was either they did their best to shoot themselves out, or run and be taken down sooner. The other two followed his lead. Laying bullets into the coming horde. Even as Minho's eyes narrowed. Looking for the culprits. If he could take them out, he'd be sure they couldn't cause this kind of trap ever again. Hyunjin spoke, still firing, "We can't take them all out. We've got limited ammunition. But if we can keep them pushed back enough, we can make it to our vehicle. It's not far."

They nodded. As they fired, they slowly backed up. Making for their vehicle. Hoping to get in, and be safe in the armored vehicle. Maybe even try to get out of the area in general. Chan needed to be made aware. The risks were starting to grow for their runs. Just as they reached their vehicle, the zombies seemed to further surround them. Making anyone turning their back even for a split second, the possible downfall for all three. Just as Minho looked for any way to get the attention of most of the zombies off them, he saw them. Two wolves. Looking as unhinged as any psychotic wolf. Standing on a rooftop, watching them. He could have growled. Before he could change his target and shoot them down, something glinted in the sunlight. Striking both off their perch, and into the fray with them. 

While curious, Minho didn't have time to investigate. Instead, some zombies began to turn their attention in the way they'd come. Growling and snarling drawing their attention. Through the crowd of zombies, they could not see. Unable to determine just what was going on. Even as gunfire came from behind the horde. Then, the screams of a living wolf came as they were torn in pieces. Feasted upon by the zombies. Even as more zombies started to fall. Slowly, they thinned the zombies down. Revealing slowly, two other wolves having joined the fight. And from the laying corpses they left behind, the two psychotic wolves had fallen victim to their "pets".

How fitting.

As it all slowly dwindled and calmed, the smell of cigarette smoke reached him. And it was both alluring, and downright off putting. Growls and grunts came from throats he was unfamiliar with. And the familiar sound of skulls being bashed by a blunt object began to grow, as the gunfire dwindled. But, they could not relax. New wolves that had fought. Uncertain if they were to be trusted. Neither friend, nor foe. But they were now on alert. 

As the guns silenced, Hyunjin snarled, "I told you I had a bad feeling about this shitshow."

Minho smirked, even as their companion replied, "Yes, and we heeded your warning. Can it wait, hyung?"

Hyunjin huffed, even as they turned their attentions on the two new wolves before them.

And Minho's world went still, and silent.

//

As the area grew calm with the many corpses laying about them, Hyunjin huffed, "I suppose, thanks for the help."

Both took the new wolves in before them. Based on the more normal red eyes staring back at them, they were alphas. Both looking rather young. One even looked more vulpine than lupine. The other, had a cigarette between his lips. Both sneering. One more than the other. His eyes still glowing a little from flying into an alpha rage. After a moment, the foxy looking one spoke in a soft and clearly innocent enough voice, "I guess, you're welcome. We were just passing through. Thought we'd give a hand. Hate psychotic wolves. Making things difficult."

Hyunjin nodded. But Minho, he was stock still. His gaze held. He first noticed the burning ambers at the end of the cigarette butt. It was mesmerizing, for some reason. And while he was certainly not fond of the scent nor the action, it was also incredibly enticing. And rather hot and sexy. He'd taken in the lean muscles of the alpha behind the blunt. Taking in his dark brown fur. And slowly, taking in his handsome face. And those almost wild and glowing red fire eyes. He was so, handsome. And Minho's inner wolf was just as captivated by this new wolf. Tail wagging, after a moment. And then, throwing his head back. Howling to Luna's moon.

His mate!

Who was he? Why the smoking? And, would they join them? He was a bit torn. He had come to enjoy his pack. And the safety of Mokpo base. Or, whatever it would be called. But if this alpha asked him to come with him, he would. In a heartbeat. His mate was alive. And he'd just appeared. Saving him. But the alpha was sneering. Looking unfriendly. Minho wasn't sure how the alpha felt about him. Or their packmate. Or, just them in general. But gods above, this alpha was all he'd ever wanted. He clearly was a fighter of some kind. So perfectly capable of protecting him. His body felt warm. And he thought he was falling to his knees. Weak, and ready to beg for the alpha. To submit, and start breeding. Odd, for Minho. But the strong reaction coursing though him let him know, this was definitely his alpha mate. 

Jeongin took them in with narrowed and distrusting eyes. Even though there was something about the omega types that tickled his brain. He looked to Jisung beside him, waiting for him to speak. He was the older of the two. Jisung stood still as a statue. And while he tried not to show it, he was very much active inside. His wolf howled and yipped happily. Doing jumps in the air, and bending down. Tail wagging. The omega was gorgeous! He was just so, so beautiful. What was his name? Oh, gods. He wished he could smell him. He bet the omega had the best scent in the world. He was unlike any omega he's ever met. He could tell he was smart, sassy, kickass. But could still be soft, sweet, and gentle with the right wolves. He wanted to run over, and bite him. Stake his claim, and pronounce this omega as his to the universe. And then, start making as many pups as they could to refill the earth and then some. 

He's never felt this way about any omega before. While he had always tolerated omegas and even cared about them as any alpha should, he's never been this smitten for one upon first meeting. And it was quite the intense first meeting, he agreed. He wanted to reach out, to touch. To bridge the gap. But based on his stony and cold silence, he wasn't sure the omega would even see him the same way. After settling his alpha down, he turned to Jeongin and leaned in. He spoke quietly and softly with him. After Jeongin nodded, he turned back to them. Eyes narrowed. Letting it be known they scarcely trust them. But they could not ignore the nagging feeling in their wolf souls, "I'm Han Jisung." He held his hand out, "And this is Yang Jeongin."

So, his name was Han Jisung. It was certainly a name he'd always remember. He munched the name. Rolling it over his tongue. And finding deep satisfaction in it. Was he purring? He hoped so. Let the alpha know he liked his name. But at the same time, maybe not. The alpha looked clearly unfriendly. Hyunjin nodded slowly, "I'm Hwang Hyunjin. This is Junyoung. And this is Lee Minho."

Lee Minho.

What a perfect name, for the most perfect omega he's ever had the pleasure to meet. What was his favorite, everything? He wanted to know. So desperately. But in this new world, trust was hard to achieve and maintain. And besides, the omega was a skilled fighter now. Showing what omegas were truly capable of when backed into a corner. Which he very much appreciated. There was no way Minho would be interested in him. Or even impressed by him. But, he could always try?

Cue the incoming attempts of flirting, impressing one another, and some mild miscommunication. But ultimately, pure love and satisfaction.

Jisung nodded, humming lowly, "Pleasure."

Hyunjin took them in a moment, and sighed. Shoulders sagging, "Truly, thanks for the save. Nearly wiped us out."

Jisung shrugged, "Don't worry about it." He reached up. Taking the cigarette from between his lips, and pulling it out. Finally breathing out a large puff of a smoke. Seemingly calming down significantly as a result. He gestured to the connivence store, "You find smokes in there?"

Hyunjin frowned, shrugging, "Wouldn't know, only saw cardboard cutouts of things on shelves for a trap."

Jeongin turned, "I'll go check, hyung."

Jisung watched him go, "And lighters, if you can. Never know when they will come in handy."

Jeongin turned, heading back to the convenience store for cigarettes and lighters. And maybe whatever he could find. Used to working quickly and efficiently. Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, "You know those things aren't good for you, right?"

Jisung shrugged, "And I care, why? Look at the world around you." He turned, pointing at a much dead zombie with his dripping crowbar, "You think they give a shit? Last I checked, we're all doomed to die anyway. Might as well enjoy it while we can. Besides, it keeps me calm. Keeps my wolf from going feral. If it had, even you wouldn't have survived. I'm not explaining further than that."

Hyunjin sighed, "Seungmin's not going to approve."

Jisung raised an eyebrow, "And Seungmin is-?"

Junyoung replied, "Our base's doctor." He cautiously stepped forward, "And we'd like to extend the offer to you and Jeongin. Come with us. We have an established safe zone just outside Mokpo. We have shelter, some food, and of course a doctor."

Jisung took them in. Humming lowly, even as Jeongin was quick to return, "Got them, hyung. Quite a bit."

Jisung smirked. Finally looking away, to the treasure trove Jeongin had. He smirked, "Nice work, Innie." He huffed, pulling out a pack to inspect, "You'd think they'd take them up too. Their loss, my gain." He shrugged, before putting it back and rummaging more. Snorting, "Of course they'd skip the canned fruits. Honestly, you'd think even psychotic alphas would realize they can't be picky eaters. Oh well, more for us." He looked to him, "You wanna go with them, Innie?" He gestured to them. Jeongin blinked, looking to them once more. Jisung shrugged, "Says they got a safe zone near Mokpo." He hummed, speaking softly for the first time since they met, "I did promise you I'd find you a safe pack to join."

Jeongin turned to him, speaking just as softly, "And you promised you'd come with me. We're pack, hyung. The only family I've had since I presented."

Jisung nodded slowly, "Your call, Innie."

Jeongin took them in, and after a moment he nodded, "Let's go. Beats wandering for another year."

Jisung smirked, gently shoving Jeongin a little at that, "Don't be a brat. Baby alphas are low on the hierarchy pole for a reason." He turned to them, "You got yourself a deal." He growled, "And the smokes stay. They're doing something for me you would never understand. And I'm not willing to divulge that information to you right now."

Finally shaken from his inner staring and fawning, Minho spoke for the first time, "That's fine. We all have stories we haven't fully shared yet, either. When we're comfortable and can trust unabashedly, we will."

Minho was stunned. Jisung had a voice. One he liked. Wanted to hear his name on. Whispered in the dark and on his throat. With a knot buried deep inside him. Never before had Minho been so shaken, and so turned on. He's never imagined nor fantasized about an alpha's knot. Until now. Jisung stared again. His voice was so perfect. Suiting him, somehow. Jisung wanted to hear more. With a nod of agreement, they helped load the vehicle up. After piling in, Hyunjin turned them back to head for Mokpo. Now, with two new packmates.

Even as Minho stole a few glances of Jisung in the mirror.