REFUGE (EPILOGUE 1/3)

[kaspermania]

Please take note that I didn’t follow the usual wolf life cycle (http://www.wolfcountry.net/information/WolfPup.html) and I based this work in my time frame. The same applies with the main chapters of this fanfiction. Thank you.

Genre: family!au issues, angst, and fluff

P.S. Photosets at the bottom. Mix of HunHan (which is on the very last) and the actual people that I used to portray HunHan's children

“For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.” 
― Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

“Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go.” 
― Sarah Dessen, What Happened to Goodbye

“Well, sometimes home is a person.” 
― Beth Revis, A Million Suns

---

It was an innocent situation.

The wolf couple who hadn’t seen their human friends for two weeks since they left the humans’ realm decided to visit again just to mingle with other creatures. No one had a clue that Luhan would faint while gathering the sun-dried clothes of his doctor of a friend, and that they would be met by a pleasant surprise that would forever change their lives.

“You’re having triplets.” The two wolves’ heads shot up at the sudden announcement, and they saw Yifan beaming at them. “Congratulations.”

“Wha-what?” Luhan blinked nonstop, clearly baffled, while Sehun’s eyes remained wide open beside him. “T-Triplets?”

“Yes!” Zitao’s gleeful answer was still not registered by the couple’s startled minds, who both thought that their ears were playing tricks on them. “The midwife is certain about it when she felt your stomach. Congratulations, lovebirds!” Luhan didn’t realize the warm, tight hug that squeezed around him and his enlarged stomach.

Yifan’s and Zitao’s words continued playing in Luhan’s fuzzy mind, still not making sense of the words. Triplets. He’s pregnant. With Sehun’s triplets. Sehun’s children. Luhan and Sehun’s children. Their very own pups.

“OH MY GOD.” An inevitable grin ripped through Luhan’s lips upon realization. So that was the reason that his chest-now breasts-looked more tender than usual, and that he fainted this morning. “Tell me you’re not joking.” Luhan turned towards Yifan, and the smile painted across the doctor’s lips answered his doubts.

“The midwife who checked you was luckily a shewolf that I just knew as one because of this incident. She is serving me for years and hass proven loyal so no need to worry about keeping secrets.” The doctor winked at his friend and patient. He went on, clarifying, “She felt three set of limbs moving inside your belly. Well I was shocked because it seems a bit fast for the pups' fetuses forming that fast, but she told me that wolves and humans are not the same in development. She said that your breasts are starting to swell. It was a surprise that you didn’t realize that you were pregnant, to be very honest. And now that I noticed it, you gained a bit of weight.”

“I also noticed my weight gain but I simply dismissed it because I was eating so much these past days. Sehun kept on telling me that, you know…” The omega blushed, playing with the hem of his shirt in embarrassment. “T-That I-I’m beautiful no matter how fat I get.”

Zitao made a puking gesture at that, narrowing his eyes at his blonde friend while Yifan merely rolled his eyes. Luhan craned his neck towards his mate, who remained stoic on his seat. Eyes shot open, not blinking, his jaw wide open and his body tensed and stiff. Sehun didn’t nudge even if Luhan snapped his fingers in front of him.

“Hunnie, triplets. Hunnie, oh my gosh.” Luhan shook him slightly, causing Sehun to stumble a bit from the bed’s edge. “Hunnie? Are you okay? Didn’t you hear me? I am preg-”

“Tr-Triplets?” Sehun stiffly turned towards Yifan who was standing at the foot of the clinic bed. “Y-You mean… Luhan and I’s child?”

“Children. Pups. Triplets. Are you stupid?” Zitao almost smacked the eldest’s head had not Luhan’s dainty hands stopped him. “Your mate, Luhan, is finally pregnant. PREG-NANT. Not with one or two pups, but three. Can you hear me? Three pups. Three little munchk-”

“OH GOD, BABY I AM SO HAPPY!” A girly shriek left the overjoyed alpha’s mouth as he reached for his lover and wrapped his arms around him. Luhan barely balanced himself because of Sehun's sudden attack of hugs and wet pecks, add in the constant murmurs of 'I am going to be a father' on the omega's ear.

"I do not want to interrupt but I prefer that you two keep it lowkey because we are here." Someone from behind spanked Sehun's butt, causing him to turn and glare at a grinning Zitao.

"Is it true that wolves give birth after two months?" Luhan answered the doctor's question with a nod, to which Yifan answered, "I propose that you stay at my house until you give birth and recover."

"Oh no," Luhan waved his hands in the air in disapproval. "The offer is terribly nice but you did a lot for us already so I think I won't accept that-"

"Free shelter, food, vitamins, checkups, everything. You do not have a pack to take care of you, right? Now, the offer sounds so reasonable. Right, Sehun?"

“Luhan.” The omega squeaked, almost jumping from his seat once Sehun’s tiny but clear voice resounded in their room in Yifan’s house. Luhan held his chest, dropping the violet yarn he was knitting and stared at his mate with protruding eyes.

“What’s with that reaction?” Sehun scoffed, going through his task of folding their clothes at the opposite edge of the bed. “I just want to ask you something.”

“You could have warned me,” Luhan heaved a sigh while massaging his chest trying to calm down the beating of his startled heart. “You know how easily I get scared.”

“Says the man who used to brawl with towering men in the battlefield.” Sehun seemingly got over his trauma a bit, not feeling triggered and uncomfortable anymore to mention and hear anything about their painful past. That was all thanks to Luhan, who was ever supportive of his mate.

Luhan rolled his eyes at the remark, narrowing them the next moment as he stared at Sehun. “Ask whatever is running in your mind.”

“I just want to know what you are making.” Sehun pointed at the square-like knitted article beside Luhan, and the omega chuckled. “Ah? This? I’m quite bored so I decided to make baby clothes.”

“Oh, I see.” Sehun watched as his mate went back to knitting. Luhan’s face looked so relaxed despite the complicated stitches he was doing, and his nimble fingers moved at the speed of light. Sehun was not surprised at all, knowing that the younger had this ambition to be as good as his late mother who was very domesticated.

“I am planning to make a baby sweater. Is the color nice? Zitao gave me yarns from the sheared sheep’s wool from their family farm. I really love how the colors look so vibrant and rich. Tonight I want to start making this violet one. Hm. I am planning to make a blue one after this. What do you prefer; midnight blue or baby blue?”

“Midnight blue.” Sehun said, directing his gaze on his mate who was still busy with his work.

“But I prefer baby blue. So, baby blue then.” Sehun chuckled at this, already aware that Luhan would say that. Sehun set aside the folded clothes and placed them on the bedside cabinet, choosing to admire his serious omega who was moving his hands nonstop.

“Do you think that we will have a baby girl? If not a girl, then a pretty male omega. But how the hell will we know if he is an omega upon birth? Silly me.” Luhan was talking to no one in particular, his eyes not leaving the work he was earnestly devoting his time on. “What I wanted to say is if I should make a pink one. I want to make a white one, but that would easily get dirty. It’s hard to wash. If I make a black one, our child would look like an emo or like he will go to a funeral. Plus Taozi told me that the black dye wasn’t that nice and fades easily. Yellow is a too happy color and it annoys me. What if one of the pups inherits my golden fur? He'll look weird. What about orange? Eww. Not in a million years. Green… Hmmm… If our baby suddenly wants to hide from us in the forest, he would blend nicely with the shrubs if he's wearing the green sweater. Red is cool but what if a bull suddenly storms in the marketplace while we are walking around? Awww… my poor little baby!” Luhan exclaimed while clutching the violet piece of garment to his chest. “I do not want my baby to get torn limb by limb by a monster.”

Are pregnant people really hormonal and dramatic? Sehun thought, making a smile curl on his lips while watching Luhan who was puckering his lips. “So pink is better I think… Will our baby like pink? I bet he would if he realizes how pretty he would look in it. I know that you have good genes, so I am certain that our children will be head turners in the public. Right, Hunnie?” Luhan faced his mate, who was then just centimeters away from his face. Sehun took away the yarn and knitting sticks from his mate’s hands, and was quick to press their lips together. Luhan was taken aback at the unexpected action, but soon, he found himself cupping his mate’s face to deepen the kiss.

Sehun gently pushed him down the sheets, trapping the omega’s body between his arms. Luhan’s hands held on Sehun’s shoulder for support, enjoying the slow, sensual kiss that they started. Sehun felt himself getting hard, and he lowered himself, only for his firm abdomen to press against Luhan’s protruding belly.

Oops.

“What’s that for?” Luhan giggled as soon as their lips parted. Sehun also chuckled at their awkward position and decided to just roll on his side. “Nothing. You’re just so cute that I can’t resist you.”

“You’re being a cheesy old man again, Sehun-ah.” Luhan beamed while shaking his head. The omega got up and sat, adjusting his bum on the bed. He shot his mate a playful glare before starting to knit again. “Do not disturb me. I want to finish the front part of the sweater tonight.”

“Disturb? Ouch.” Sehun clutched on his chest in feigned hurt, making Luhan chuckle. “Kidding. Come lay down on my lap, Sehunnie.”

The alpha happily complied to the invitation. He scooted closer to his mate and adjusted his position so that he was comfortably resting his head on Luhan’s lap. He gazed up to his lifelong lover, and smiled at the way Luhan’s face scrunched in concentration.

“Should I put embroidery of their names once I give birth, or will that just ruin the overall beauty of the garment?” Luhan asked, watching Sehun from the corner of his eye.

“Everything that you do is beautiful, Lulu.” Sehun answered, making Luhan blow his growing bangs. He looked down at Sehun, who wore a smug grin on his handsome features. “Yah. I am asking for an opinion, not your corny remarks.”

“You’re not even done with one sweater yet but you’re already thinking of the far future.” Sehun chuckled while rubbing his cheek on his mate’s stomach. “You’ll get old faster if you kept being anxious of the future, baby.”

“You’ll still love me anyway.” Luhan replied, letting his tongue out to which Sehun laughed heartily.

“I can’t help but agree.” Sehun rose from his position, sitting beside Luhan who blinked in confusion. Sehun gently took the yarn and sticks from his mate’s dainty fingers and placed it on the bedside table. Luhan was about to protest again, if Sehun didn't wrap his arms around his waist and pulled him closer for another kiss.

Their lips moved in sync, their tongues meddling in a sensual dance that they were very familiar with. Luhan did not know if the funny feeling in his stomach was from the gentle but possessive touches of his mate and his godly tongue, or was it because of the pups that started being more active ever since he knew of his pregnancy news.

The two gradually broke apart, their lungs searching for life-giving oxygen. Sehun made Luhan sit in front of him as the omega laid his head on his alpha’s chest. He hummed in satisfaction, making himself comfortable in the safe haven of Sehun’s arms wrapping around his fragile frame.

“I can’t wait to see our little angels.” Sehun murmured while caressing his lover’s stomach. He nuzzled the omega’s neck and lightly nibbled the sensitive flesh.

Luhan moaned at that, his grip on Sehun’s sleeve tightening as Sehun sucked on his most sensitive spot: the scar on his shoulder Sehun left when he marked him as his.

So far, that was the happiest day of his life.

“What should we name our children?” Sehun asked his mate while staring at the other’s clothed stomach. “Hunhan? Selu? Sehan? Luhun?”

“We do not even know their sexes yet.” Luhan commented and rested his hand atop Sehun’s. “And Hun, for the love of wolfkind, those are the most horrible names I have ever heard of.”

Sehun frowned at that, opting to bury his face on the lovely curve of Luhan’s neck. “You’re too mean.”

Luhan giggled at this and caressed his lover’s hand. “Just stating the truth. Why don’t you ask Zitao and Yifan if those names are decent enough to the ear.” The young omega shut his eyes, feeling the drowsiness taking over his body. The day was full of adventure and his body decided that it was time to rest.

“Good night, Hunnie.”

“Good night, too, baby. I love you.”

“Love you so much.”

The following weeks were eventful for Luhan. He didn’t get to leave Yifan’s house as often as before because he knew what the humans would think if ever they see a male-known as the town visitor that made men and women turn in awe at his beauty and overall physique-like him was pregnant.

His toned tummy became a distant memory as his stomach started bulging out, making him miss wearing his favorite crop tops. Zitao laughed at him the first time he wore a maternity dress, but Luhan didn’t mind, because the panda became his supplier of fresh greenery from their very own farm, and sometimes, sea foods from a nearby lake. He did not remember Zitao visiting Yifan’s home as often as this; ZItao was obviously coming over just to drop him crops.

Yifan, on the other hand, showered Luhan with an abundance of vitamins and free checkups. On his free time, mostly during dinners, he used his cooking skills to serve the pregnant omega nutritious but delicious meals. Vegetables were usually cooked alongside the meat that Sehun hunted from the forest whenever the alpha went on his way.

Sehun tagged along with Zitao at times, to at least repay the kindness that the other was showing them. He helped till the ground of their family farm whenever Zitao was busy teaching his martial arts students. Zitao’s family wondered why a royal-looking man like Sehun was doing field work, and Zitao merely dismissed the questions by answering that Sehun was a good friend from the town. Sehun and Zitao often hunted together, bringing home succulent meat that a pregnant Luhan and an exhausted Yifan enjoyed heartily.

Yifan was hesitant to let Luhan do the housework and cook lunch for the doctor to bring in his clinic, for Sehun who went home during afternoon and for Luhan himself, but the omega was insistent. Even if he had difficulty moving around the kitchen because of his protruding belly and swollen breasts, he still managed to get the task done, especially because his mate was thoughtful enough to gather the pots and utensils at Luhan’s reach and chop all the needed ingredients.

When the pups in Luhan’s belly started kicking way too often, Sehun became overprotective and watchful of his husband’s condition every time they were together. He assisted Luhan when the latter wanted to go to any room of the house or to take a stroll outside, in a disguise, of course. As much as Luhan was annoyed at Sehun following him everywhere, he could not bring himself to shout at Sehun for being the best lover ever since they became together.

Yifan told them to bathe in a nearby hot spring at least once a week. The doctor wordlessly handed them some gold coins for them to get to the private spring, and Luhan almost smothered the well-off doctor with hugs and kisses had not a jealous Sehun pulled him back.

A pained yelp was heard from the kitchen, and Sehun was quick to drop his knife and stare at his lover whose hand was holding on the sink to balance himself.

“What happened, my love?” Sehun held his mate, making the latter throw his arms on Sehun’s sturdy frame. “Did our hyperactive babies kick again?”

“N-No.” Luhan replied, face scrunched into a pained expression as he tried to keep his consciousness in check. “I think I’m… SEHUN, IT HURTS!” Luhan’s wobbling legs finally gave in, almost dropping on the floor had not Sehun’s strong arms kept him up.

“Luhan, what even-“

“I-I’m going into labor…” Luhan answered in a hushed voice, which soon broke into cries of agony. Sehun looked down to see something flowing between Luhan’s exposed thighs, and the panicky alpha remained rooted on his spot. Sweat trailed down his face, not knowing what to do.

“Labor, Luhan, going into labor…” he mumbled unintelligently and that was when Luhan knocked the sink angrily. “SEHUN! DIDN’T YOU HEAR ME? I SAID THAT I AM GOING INTO LABOR YOU MOTHERFUCKING RETARD!” The alpha let out an unmanly shriek and he swept the omega off the floor and threw the door open which he barely shut close in rush. He wrapped Luhan with whatever blanket was hanging from the clothesline and hurried into Yifan’s clinic with a few stumbles.

“LUHAN IS GOING INTO FUCKING LABOR! LUHAN IS GIVING BIRTH!” The alpha screamed on top of his voice and Yifan, who was checking a perfectly healthy teen’s health was alarmed because of the sudden outbursts.

Soon, Luhan was covered with a white blanket while the nurses were wiping his entire sweaty face with a damp cloth. The room was in chaos; Yifan cursing and yelling orders to the people-patients and other new nurses-to leave the room and for the latter to stay on guard at the door to not let anyone in; trusted assistants running back and forth to gather the things needed and the wolf midwife hurrying on the bed where Luhan was lying.

The omega's legs were spread apart and he screamed bloody murder, and Sehun could only pace by the bedside in shock and panic. The veins on Luhan’s forehead and neck protruded, and his face burned a deep shade of red in enduring the piercing pain. The omega’s knuckles were turning white due to his deadly grip on the sheets, and his eyes flashed with fear at the possibility of dying in giving birth.

"Sehun-ah!" Luhan yelled between his pained whimpers.The terribly jittery alpha finally woke up from his own flurry of emotions and was immediately by his mate’s side.

Needles dipped with mild anesthetic, the only one available in town during that time, were injected in the omega, but it did little to pacify the excruciating contractual pains.

This led to another set of shouts inside the tent, because a disoriented Luhan bit on a distressed Sehun’s arm while dragging the alpha’s hair in so much pain.

“God, Luhan, let go of Sehun, will you. You are hurting Sehun-“

“SHUT UP BECAUSE YOU WON’T BE THE ONE TO BE SLICED OPEN YOU KNIFE-FACED IDIOT!” Luhan screeched on top of his voice, tugging on Sehun’s hair further. The alpha could only groan at the action, but tried his best to caress his lover’s arm to soothe him.

“Lu-Lulu baby, calm down. You will soon get over it-“

“Easy for you t-to say-“ The grip slipped off from Sehun’s hair once the omega felt the cold knife on his bottom, and the alpha felt an immediate wave of relief. “-that b-because you and yo-your monstrosity pu-put me in this-“ a slap suddenly landed on Sehun’s cheek which was soon followed by a grip on Sehun’s sleeve.

“Baby-ouch, my arm! Please take a deep breath and-“

“SAY ONE WORD AND I WILL K-KILL YOU- T-This is the fi-first and la-last time that I will carry your-OH GOD, IT HURTS-“ A string of profanities left the normally soft-spoken omega who could just scream at the intense pain taking over his body.

“I am here, sweetie.” The alpha said clearly while wiping the other’s sweaty bangs off his forehead, and Luhan, for a moment, seemingly relaxed at those words. He was still shrieking in pain, but Yifan’s and the midwife’s voices soon overpowered his screams with commands for him to ‘push.’ Luhan did, his hand squeezing Sehun’s own hand that was supporting him, but the baby seemed too big for it to go out.

“Oh god, we need to do a cesarean section.” Yifan’s voice echoed in the tent and he proceeded on rubbing sterile swabs on Luhan’s stomach. “Lu, trust us, okay? We’ll get over this.” The doctor said in a tone as calm as he could manage and the omega just answered with a profuse nod and a bloody scream.

The labor went on with screams of pain from the laboring omega. But soon, the room got hushed when a high-pitched cry resounded in a room.

“It is a boy!” The midwife exclaimed in joy while holding the large pup by the feet to drain all the blood. “I think it is an alpha just by its size.”

Moments of trying to stay awake despite the numbing sensations in his pained body, another male pup joined his elder brother in crying, but he was noticeably smaller-tiny, to be more specific-than his brother. Before Luhan felt himself collapsing from sheer exhaustion, a third loud cry filled the room, overpowering the screams of rejoicing from the nurses and the doctor, who was sighing heavily, finally ending the first ever non-human surgery in his whole life.

“Babe, you did it.” Sehun whispered, a teary smile plastered on his face. He leaned over his tired but smiling mate whose half-lidded eyes were threatening to close, and kissed his forehead and drooping lids. The alpha wiped the sweat and tears from Luhan’s face with a damp cloth, and murmured a lot of ‘thank you for giving me our precious pups’ and ‘you are so strong, baby’ while tears gushed down his cheeks. Sehun’s heart swelled when his eyes fell on the furry pups who were being washed in a basin. They were finally calming down like they were aware of their mother’s need to go to sleep after taking them out to the world.

“Congratulations, pal.” Yifan patted the alpha’s shoulder while grinning at the pups. “Three, cute little sweethearts, just like their mother.”

“Thank you so much for helping us.” Normally, Sehun would not do such a thing, but being overwhelmed by the surging emotions in his chest, he pulled the doctor into a hug, shamelessly sobbing and pouring the taller words of gratitude.

“They’re beautiful.” The alpha whispered, admiring the sleeping bundles of joy lying on Luhan’s outstretched arm. The omega’s post-labor pain didn’t stop him from cooing and admiring the fruits of their love. If going into excruciating labor would give them such sweet, little pups that were bound to bring more color to the couple’s already colorful life, Luhan would not think twice of putting his life on the line.

“I know,” Luhan replied while bringing his fingers to gently caress his eldest whose body was closer to the end of Luhan’s outstretched arm. His heart swelled once his drowsy eyes fell on the other two, who were clinging to the cloth of Luhan’s sleeve.

“I am sorry for hurting you,” Luhan said while staring at the alpha who was pressing an ice pack on his swollen face. “I didn’t know what to do so I just slapped and pulled your hair in so much pain.”

The alpha smiled, laying his ice pack that already melted on the other chair beside the ones he was sitting on.

“What I felt was nothing compared to your pain, Lulu.” The alpha answered even though his head was throbbing from the bump that formed when Luhan’s slender fingers massacred his hair. He looked at the adorable pups next to Luhan, and it seemed that the pain went away just by the sight of them.

“They look like you,” Sehun mumbled lowly while leaning closer to the two younger pups, “especially the second one. His eyes are as beautiful as yours. The youngest got your golden hair.” The alpha brought his trembling finger to their youngest son’s golden-colored fur, caressing the dainty strands as light as he could, afraid that the slightest touch would damage his most precious. The pup let out a satisfied mewl at that, and despite having his eyes shut, he rubbed his snout on Sehun’s bony hand. The father flinched at that, totally taken aback, and Luhan chuckled at the other’s cluelessness.

“Sehun-ah, why are you so nervous?” Luhan giggled while planting a kiss on the pups’ tiny heads. “They won’t break if you touch them, okay?”

“But I am afraid that I will hurt them.” Sehun’s eyes shifted from Luhan’s face to the sleeping pups’ serene expressions, and Luhan shook his head while smiling. “Why don’t you try carrying one of them?”

“M-Me? Carry one of th-them?” The alpha stared in surprise at his mate, who continued insisting, “Carry the one farthest from me.”

Sehun blinked at that, and with trembling hands, he carefully reached for the pup bigger than his two brothers. He paused midway when he already clasped his big hands around the pup’s body. Luhan urged him with his signature bright smile that never failed to make Sehun’s tummy tumble.

Sehun gently lifted the sleeping babe in his arms, placing the fragile pup’s head on his father’s sturdy arm. The babe felt a bit heavy on his arm, not because he was really heavy. Sehun was an alpha; he carried a lot of heavier loads which included his enemies’ bodies who attacked him during pack onslaughts since years before. What made Sehun’s breath hitch was that the tiny creature in his hold required special care, which made him feel more responsible of his son. The alpha’s lips curled into a smile once he successfully fit the pup in his hold. He brought him close to his chest, and the pup seemed to have a liking of Sehun’s heartbeat by the manner he snuggled closer to his father.

“See? Did Yongbinnie die?” Luhan laughed discreetly, not wanting to wake the pups up. The second born who was closer to his chest stirred a little, wriggling his tiny body closer to his mother. Luhan cooed at this, and he moved his already numb arm to make his sons snuggle closer to his chest.

“Yongbinnie?” Sehun asked whilst nuzzling his eldest son’s fine fur. “You named him Yongbinnie?”

“Can I?” Luhan blinked towards his mate, who mirrored the glow that was present in the omega’s whole being. Sehun nodded at this, which caused Luhan’s already large grin to widen even more that his cheeks started hurting.

“I can’t wait to see them in their human forms.” Luhan said in a cheerful voice while looking at the pups lovingly. “I bet the eldest looks like you.”

Sehun gazed at his mate who was holding the two other pups dearly. So beautiful. “Eh? Why?”

“His snout is more protruded than the other two,” Luhan commented while staring at Yongbin, whose delicate lids remained sealed shut. “I bet he gets your nose.”

“Does he?” Sehun beamed while leaning down to plant a soft kiss on his son’s body. “You think he’ll grow as an alpha? He is bigger than his brothers.”

“I do not know, but look, he got your black fur.” Luhan murmured. His eyes remained glued on the yellow and golden pup in his arms, whose snouts were crinkling, perhaps from the mother’s slight puffs of air every time he exhaled. “But you know what, I have this gut feeling that the babies in my arms are omegas.”

“Should we name the second one Minki?” Sehun sat on the bed and scooted closer to Luhan until there was no space between them. He craned his neck towards a beaming Luhan, who replied, “what a beautiful name.”

“I bet he’ll look as beautiful as you when he grows up.” Sehun answered while moving his free hand to pat the two pups’ bodies. “Even Minghao.”

“So our youngest will be called Minghao? I think I heard that name from the other humans in here,” Luhan whispered lowly while smiling at the youngest. “Sounds good, Hunnie.”

“I’ll bet that Zitao and Yifan would be happy to finally hear decent names.” Sehun brought his hand to caress his mate’s golden bunch of hair, scraping his fingertips on Luhan’s scalp. The omega closed his eyes at that, evidently enjoying the affectionate gesture. When Sehun thought that Luhan was asleep, he tried to lay Yongbin back in his mother’s arms, but the pup’s blunt claws clung on Sehun’s silky robe. The father was startled by the action and tried prying the cloth from the sleeping pup’s paw, but Yongbin just yawned before nuzzling on Sehun’s chest.

“You got my persistence and stubbornness, hm?” Sehun whole heartedly chuckled while slipping himself under the warm comforter. “I was supposed to sleep outside the tent, but well, if you insist.” He laid his weary body sideways so that he and Yongbin’s sleeping form were facing Luhan, Minki and Minghao.

“Look at how cute our sons are.” Sehun smiled for the nth time of the day while noiselessly leaning to plant kisses on his sons’ quivering bodies. “Tomorrow, appa and… hm, was it baba?” Sehun wondered, his woozy mind trying to grasp for the local term for ‘father’ as Zitao stated. “Or should you call Luhan 'eomma?' Either way, we will get to know you more tomorrow, our little bundles of joy.”

“You talk too much, Hunnie.” Sehun almost jumped from his spot at the sudden mumbling of his sleepy mate. “The pups will wake up if you talk any further.”

“I thought you’re asleep,” Sehun said, raising the comforter higher for the pups’ quivering bodies to be warmed.

“How can I sleep if I am so happy?” Luhan replied. “It just feels… so unreal. I thought I won’t be any happier since we became together. But no. I feel so happy just thinking that we finally have pups of our own to share our happiness with.” The omega tilts his head to stare at his mate who simply stared at him with concern. “I am afraid that if I sleep, I won’t wake up as happy as I am today.”

“We are here, Lulu.” Sehun answered in such a gentle, velvety voice that always lulled Luhan to sleep. “Yongbin, Minki, Minghao and I. We are all just here. We won’t leave you alone, big baby.”

Luhan instantly felt warmth spreading in his chest at the assuring words and he simply smiled at his mate. “I know.”

“Now go to sleep, sweetheart.” Sehun breathed on the big babe’s lips before leaning to plant a lingering kiss on Luhan’s awaiting lips. “You deserve a good night rest for bringing the pups in the world. You do not know how thankful I am.”

“Likewise,” was Luhan’s last reply before he fell into a deep slumber.

Luhan’s peaceful sleep came to an end when two shrill cries ripped through the expanse of the healing tent they were staying at. His heavy lids cracked open, only to see his little Minki-a cute blonde human baby naked under the covers-dozing tranquilly in his arms. All that came out from Minki’s slightly parted mouth were small puffs of air, which was in large contrast of the ear-piercing cries ringing in the place. Together with those cries were panicky sounds whispering of what seemed to be 'it is okay. Baba will wake up in a little while.’

The omega rubbed his eyes with his curled fist, and craned his neck towards the direction of the disturbing sound. The healing tent was ajar, but he could see a six-footed figure holding two swaddled human babies on both of his arms. The man looked conflicted whether he should make funny faces on the golden-haired baby who kept on screaming and trashing in the man’s hold or to turn his attention to the black-haired baby with an unbelievably high nose who was balling the man’s top on the chest area, as if wanting to rip it.

Luhan internally laughed in realization, and it took him a great deal of energy not to burst into a loud laughing fit at the sight of Sehun having difficulty balancing the babies. Perhaps the pups involuntarily turned into fragile babies because of hunger. With all his might, he sat up despite the pain from his stitches, and gently laid his little Minki on the warm covers. Luhan reached for the lone cloth that was folded neatly beside the bed and proceeded on swaddling his adorable son, careful not to wake him up. The omega giggled at the cuteness of his son, who was still sleeping soundly amidst the chaos ensuing around him.

“Let me leave you here for a while, Minki-yah.” Luhan placed a peck on the baby’s head and dragged his wobbly legs to the entrance of the tent to attend to his eldest and youngest sons.

“Good morning, my little rays of sunshine!” Sehun and the babies’ heads snapped up at the sudden melodious morning call, and a worried frown instantly painted across Sehun’s features.

“Lu, why are you up? Is your stomach okay?” Sehun walked a little closer to his mate, finding it impossible to hear Luhan’s response judging by the intensity of the babies’ cries.

“I still feel a bit tired, but I’ll just rest later.” Luhan spread his arms towards Minghao’s direction, whose cries were getting louder and louder every passing moment. The babe quickly reached for his mother, who carefully took him in his awaiting arms. Luhan unbuttoned his patient’s gown at the top, and quickly turned around to hide his swollen breast falling out of the garment. Minghao quickly latched his tiny mouth around his mother’s nipple, and soon, the youngest son’s cries died down. Luhan craned his head towards an amazed Sehun, who was still busy hushing his eldest son who relentlessly tried to open Sehun’s top to have a taste of breast milk.

“Yongbinnie, Appa cannot give you milk!” Luhan chuckled while swaying his body a bit to cradle Minghao. “Only Baba can do so.”

“I tried to give them the milk that Zitao got from their farm, but they kept on pushing the bottles away. I resorted on singing them a lullaby but they won’t stop. Their cries got louder.” Sehun said, his eyebrows meeting while staring down at his precious. “Do I really sound that bad?”

“Is that even a question?” Luhan replied, biting his lip to stop himself from laughing. “Anyway, I think Minghao’s done.” The omega gazed at the now asleep babe, and walked back in the tent to lay Minghao beside his brother.

“How can you even stand at such a condition?” Sehun mumbled lowly whilst trailing behind Luhan. “You just had your womb ripped to get these lovely pups out in the world, you should be lying down now instead of walking around.”

“But you looked like you aged ten years just by keeping the babies calm… if that ought to be called calm.” Luhan remarked playfully while sitting on the edge of the bed. He reached for Yongbin, who just clung tighter to his father’s shirt.

“He likes me better.” Sehun said tongue on cheek, his fingers trying to pry the baby from his soon-to-rip top. “He probably knows that he’ll grow to be like me one day.”

“Maybe,” Luhan giggled, angling his folded arms to scoop the baby out of Sehun’s arms. They succeeded after a few tries and yelps from their eldest, and soon, Yongbin was staring with big, shining eyes at his mother in gratitude of the milk satisfying his hunger.

“Look who is awake now, hm?” Luhan’s eyes landed on the yawning babe on the bed, whose eyes were slightly fluttering open.

“He is so composed and calm despite his brothers’ crying fit,” the omega stated while lovingly staring at their secondborn. “He got your placidness as I can see.”

“Really? But I only became calm as this once I reached my early teens.” Sehun grinned while reaching for the baby’s face to gently caress it with his thumb. “I am more like Minghao when I was a child. About Yongbin… well perhaps I love latching around my father whenever I have the time. I think that Minki got your timid behavior when you were a child.”

“Timid. Oh my god. I do not want him to be as weak-willed as me,” Luhan pouted while staring at the awake baby. “I do not want my child to undergo the same pain as I did.”

“What are you even saying?” Sehun furrowed his eyebrows at his mate. He clasped their secondborn in his big hands and brought him up to his chest. His heart swelled once the baby’s warmth reached his chest even with the layers of clothing separating their skin. Sehun gently laid his hand on the baby’s back to hold him close. “You and I know that you weren’t weak-willed when you were a child. Where you are right now is all thanks to your determination.”

“But it was just because of you,” Luhan pouted even more while cradling their eldest, “if it wasn't because of you, do you think I can stand on my own without my family’s support?”

“We are these pups’ parents now, Lulu.” Sehun smiled sweetly at their cute eldest baby staring at him with his soft, gleaming gaze. “Do you think that we will let kids feel like they have no place in this world? Of course not. They are our own, and no way in hell would they feel the thirst for attention, because,” the alpha turned his focus to the drowsy baby in his arms and kissed the top of its head, “Appa and Baba will shower you with all the love and care in this world. You want that, Minki?”

The infant simply answered by snuggling closer to his father’s chest, and the two parents melted at the sight. “He loves you, Hunnie.”

“It is because he is the future replica of your grace and beauty.” Sehun replied while leaning to place a peck on Luhan’s lips. The omega could not help but beam at the sudden action, and chased for the alpha’s lips as soon as it left his own. Sehun cupped Luhan’s face with his free hand, drawing the omega’s face closer to his own. They lazily moved their lips to the kiss, until Sehun slipped his tongue in the slightly parted lips of the smaller male. The latter gasped at the bold action, causing a mewl to leave his mouth.

It might have turned into a full make out session had not a small jab landed on Sehun’s chest and a little harder than usual bite on Luhan’s areola broke them from their intensifying lip locking.

“Perhaps the pups are afraid that their brother will wake up to see such an indecent sight.” Luhan remarked, causing the two of them to laugh.

Luhan stayed in their room in Yifan’s house for recovery instead of staying inside the healing tent beside Yifan’s clinic. The doctor was afraid that the new nurses who he didn’t trust much compared to his loyal employees would spill anything about a male giving birth to wolves. The situation prompted Sehun to simply stay in the house to take care of Luhan until the omega recovered.

Good thing was that Yifan was rich and kind enough to leave Sehun a lot of swabs, sterile bandages and all things needed for Luhan’s blood loss recovery. If only the schedule in the clinic was not hectic, Yifan would have been the one helping them instead of sending a nurse to accompany Sehun because the pups were generally active for their age.

Luhan tried his best to tend their pups despite being bedridden, always keeping them close despite Yongbin’s constant wriggling and Minghao’s nonstop cries. Minki, the pup who Sehun and Luhan supposed was the runt, was fortunately quiet and asleep most of the time.

The couple developed a soft spot for their smallest son, who always looked at them with expressive eyes. Despite being an infant, curiosity could be seen in his orbs whenever any of his parents showed him something new, like new toys and clothes that Uncle Zitao and Uncle Yifan gifted their ‘nephews.’

While Yongbin wore all the blue garments and Minghao the purple ones, Minki was the one who ended up wearing all the pink clothes that Luhan made and bought.

All three of the brothers were beautiful in their own way, but there was something about the littlest of them that attracted and captivated the nurses’ hearts, even Yifan himself who once said that he disliked mingling with children. Maybe it was his eyes that resembled Luhan’s, his tiny, cute voice that was rarely heard, uplifting giggle that made the musicians ashamed of themselves, or his tendency to snuggle to whoever spared him some regard despite being reposed most of the time.

Though, Sehun and Luhan barely gave their second born the needed attention, because of the two fussy eldest and youngest pups who demanded their parents’ focus. Minghao would cry, and a disturbed Yongbin would quickly follow. They deprived Sehun and Luhan good night sleeps with their loud, shrilly cries and made Luhan tired washing the sheets almost every day whenever they pee.

On some weekends, Zitao and Yifan would take the three pups out for a recreational activity, leaving Luhan and Sehun to decide if they would spend the day catching some sleep or doing whatever they like while the pups weren’t at sight.

“Why will I forget taking care of my big baby?” Sehun often whispered to Luhan’s ear while cuddling on the bed. The omega would giggle and let himself be carried away by his lover’s charms.

Parenting was indeed a heavy task, but the two were more than happy fulfilling their duties to their lovely children.

Three years went by just like how the wind sweeps the falling leaves in an autumn day. The family of wolves stayed most of the time in the humans’ realm, and only a fraction back in their lone cottage in the middle of the forest. They grew accustomed to the life in town, from the lifestyle, security and the company of their two human friends. The pups were growing more and more every month, and soon, Sehun was facing his beautiful children that were learning to do things that the humans were doing. In reality, Sehun felt homesick. He knew where his home was; where the vast expanse of mountains was the first sight every sunrise, dense foliage and wild shrubs in hues of dark green and brown, in the confinements of the cottage or the cold ground of the caves. He missed staying in his wolf form all day long, feeling the crackling leaves and twigs against his paws, the slime of the muddy soil, and the stony, bumpy path towards the depths of the forest he considered his home.

But, he was afraid.

How could he not? The militia, the war, the grizzlies, the dangers in the forest and the pack that their family might associate with all scared him to death. What if they stay alone in their humble home? Monsters in the form of bears and beasts might come and destroy the happiness that they built for three years. There would be no fellow wolves to help and protect their children. What if the pups want to hunt, explore greater worlds beyond and join the militia? They might meet their demise along the way by falling into a ditch, getting mauled by merciless beasts, or any other vile thing in this cruel world that would take away their happiness. What if they joined a pack? Chances of them belonging in a pack that would betray them, just like what happened to his old pack, was very likely.

The alpha knew to himself that he should be the one pushing his mate to let the pups live in the forest, but the overprotective father that he was, he did not want his pups to experience the harsh conditions and dangerous lifestyle that he lived by during the first thirty seven years of his life. God knew how much suffering Sehun went through during those years; count in Luhan who experienced a lot of trials and struggles just to get accepted in a community that shunned runts.

It did not help that Minki was clearly the runt in their family, judging by how stunted his growth was compared to his two brothers. To be more exact, even Minghao was growing taller faster than Yongbin who was decently tall himself, making Sehun think that Minghao, despite being beautiful, was not an omega at all.

Minki inherited his mother’s traits, ranging from the captivating outward appearance to the introverted personality. Minki was noticeably more composed than his brothers who easily get hyped and fussed over the pettiest things. If Yongbin was territorial on things that he owns such as his clothes, his baby bottle and his food, Minki was smart enough not to touch his brother’s things. If Minghao was crying over the simplest things such as his clothes getting stained after wriggling nonstop in Sehun’s hold whenever he was fed, being pinched by an irritated Luhan if ever he does not behave, or when his parents leave the pups to Zitao who visits or Yifan who has free time for the wolf couple to have their date, Minki was the opposite. He would lean over and give his Baba and Appa goodbye kisses and pat Minghao who kept on sobbing and calling for his parents’ attention.

It was prominent how Minki preferred keeping to himself than socializing with his loud, energetic brothers. While his brothers were playing fights, he got contented playing and mumbling incoherencies to the plush dolls he found more interesting.

Their secondborn’s introverted behavior, sparkling eyes and the fact that he was the runt reminded Sehun a lot of Luhan during his childhood days. Minki was too precious to undergo all the challenges that Luhan went through during his youth. Sehun knew that Minki could get over the wolf society’s view on runts because he was Luhan's son afterall; it was just that Sehun would surely have no authority in a foreign pack anymore to scare the bullies and that Luhan and him promised themselves never to let Minki feel the pain of being an outcast.

So, no. Sehun won’t move back to the forest. They would enjoy their lives in the humans’ realm until their last breath.

That was his resolution, until he met a fellow wolf in the marketplace on a certain day. The other wolf approached him and asked him if he was an alpha, startling Sehun.

“Your overall aura says that you are one,” explained the other alpha who introduced himself as Jinki. He was just around Sehun’s age, only months older than the taller alpha.

Commonly, Sehun would not just trust someone he just met and talk with someone like they were close friends, but the yearning to talk with a fellow wolf other than his family members got the best out of himself. They went to a nearby eatery and conversed about their families. He learned that Jinki was just visiting the humans’ realm to buy his only son clothes. Jinki’s son was called Jonghyun, named after the pup’s deceased mother with the same name who died once their son came out of his womb. The son was a carbon copy of his mother and he preferred being called JR as he was dubbed his mother's junior. The pup was just three years older than Sehun’s sons, implying that it was just a few years since the alpha lost his mate.

“Are you not planning to come back in the woods and find a pack?” Jinki asked once Sehun finished narrating his life story. “I mean, I know that you have those issues which are, you know, still fresh in your mind. It was just three years ago anyway. But the pups need to remember that they do not belong in this place. They are wolves. They should be accustomed to the wolves’ lifestyle at this early age.”

“I want them to remember that they are wolves, of course, but…” Sehun bit his lip, running his hand through his already disheveled hair. “What if they are in danger in the forest? What if someone attacks us in our lone home? We still haven’t joined a pack. Meaning, the danger of being attacked is very likely to happen.

“Well what if they transformed as wolves in the middle of the marketplace?” Jinki argued though his voice remained calm and placid. “Do you honestly think the humans won’t kill you? Who wants to dwell in the land with what they perceive as monsters? Not all humans are as kind and open-minded as your human friends, Sehun.”

“But they are hiding and protecting us, and I am paying them by helping Zitao in hunting and Yifan in cleaning his clinic. Plus Zitao is very obsessed with our sons. He visits Yifan’s home just to see my-”

“You have been staying in the humans’ realm for three years, Sehun. Three years full of multivitamins just to keep the children strong. You had been consuming crops and cooked meat in the past few years and your mate goes to the marketplace in disguise just to hide the fact that a man like him conceived. Don’t you think your family has been so much of a burden for those two humans?” Sehun sighed upon hearing those sharp words. Jinki was right.

“Isn’t it time to show the pups the real world outside? Sehun, this is our inevitable fate. We belong in the forest. We are wolves. Moreover, we are alphas who are supposed to lead and protect our families. You are the head of your family, Sehun. You should be the strong one. You need to go back no matter what.”

Sehun stayed silent for a long moment, contemplating about the situation. Yes. He’s an alpha. How stupid could he be? He was supposed to be the one to train his sons to be men and face dangers, not the one to run away from them. He was the former pack leader of their late pack, the son of the strongest alpha in their clan and the most beautiful alpha shewolf, and last but not the least, the mate of the purest omega that ever existed in their pack who gave birth to the most precious pups. Didn’t he promise himself to give Luhan and their family the best? Didn’t he vow to the heavens to stay by Luhan’s side as long as he existed?

He should not be the one cowering and running from reality.

“I am always at this eatery around this place. I will be leaving in four days. Go here on the third day if you made your decision. I will be taking you to our pack once you leave with us. They are like a family, I assure you.” Jinki said when they were about to part, and patted Sehun’s shoulder as they both went to their own separate ways.