The clouds burst as lightning flashes across the sky. The woods are full of those trying to either find shelter or steal someone else's. "Fuck this." Abel growls already soaked to the bone. "Alfred, open your jacket." The Neko turns to the Omega who shakes his head. "Come on."

"No Dude. You're wet so that will get me wetter." Another bolt of lightning jets across the sky making both men jump. "Ugh fine." The Omega says as the Neko quickly transforms into a slim speckled cat and before the Omega can say another word the cat's already hidden in his shirt. "Damn it Dude."

Abel answers with a short meow as he moves slightly below the jacket. "Just tell him that he owes you big later."

"I think he already knows but where the hell are we supposed to go?"

A few yards away Gilbert calls back to them. "There's a small cave over here." It's slick from the mud and rain so while he wants to rush in to get out of the rain the older wolf knows better. "Here Allistor you first," He starts holding on to a tree root for support. "And careful."

"Right," Allistor answers as he slides into the muddy cavern. Inside its pitch black with the only light coming from the small opening where Alfred is trying to enter. "Go slow no need to twist an ankle." He says taking the Omega's hand. "Alright Gil get your arse down here."

"Is it dry?" A voice asks from inside Alfred's jacket.

"Stay in there or at least in your cat form." Gilbert answers taking a seat by the entrance knife in hand. "It's not big enough in here for all of us."

Abel pops his head out of the jacket before jumping to the floor. "So," Alfred says running a hand through his matted blonde hair. "Where do we go after the storm dies down?"

"Well like we said last night that's really up to you." Allistor says taking his red hair into his hands squeezing the water from it before tying it back. "So did yah have enough time to think it over?"

"I did and I think we should…try in the spring." It hurts him to say but after thinking about for most of the night Alfred knows that while it'll take longer it's the safer decision. "I do want to see my brother but..."

Allistor rests a hand on his shoulder. "Trust me we understand, we'll get yah there."

"How long have you guys been out here?"

"Few years." Gilbert says as his eyes scan the woods. "So you're in good hands."

Slowly Alfred sits down on a cold rock. "Yeah…" He says quietly already deep in thought. His mind wanders back to the bandits and the omegas they stole that night. He didn't know any of them nor were they interested in him in the slightest but these three have taken him in with open arms and minds. "Is this normal?"

"The whole hiding in a cave? Actually yeah." Abel says with a laugh jumping up into his lap. "Though normally they aren't as wet…well actually there was this one near the Grey Horizons that was worse than this cause they're bat people." Abel lets out another laugh as a look of horror and disgust flashes across Alfred's face. "It was only on the floor."

"No that's, wow that's so gross." He shakes his head. "I meant different breeds living together?"

"Some do, some don't. It's like most tribes and clans out there."

"Well yeah but aren't you three from pure breed tribes?" It's out of his mouth before he can stop himself. Really he only knows that the Black wolves are a pure wolf tribe though he's heard rumors about Abel's old tribe.

Gilbert looks back at him for a moment knowing that Alfred was talking to him. "I was but things change." He says simply looking back as it grows darker. It's all he's willing to say about the subject of his late home at least for the moment. He likes the Omega enough but he's still new blood and will have to prove himself before he shares any more of his life. His eyes turn to Allistor who he can tell is thinking the same things. Trust is earned not just given because both Alphas know how quickly it can be used against them.

He wants to say more but the way Abel shakes his head tells Alfred to leave it alone. "I see…" He says quietly as he focuses on the rain.

None speak for what feels like hours as the thunder continues to shake the forest around them until finally Allistor clears his throat. "I want to ask you a personal question Alfred."

"Okay?" He has a good idea of what it is. It was bound to be asked sooner or later so he wraps his arms around Abel preparing himself for the question.

"When is your heat?" When he says it he can see the Albino squirm uncomfortably near the entrance. "If yah don't mind telling me that is."

With a nervous chuckle Alfred answers. "Well it makes sense really and it should start on the winter solstice." His face reddens and he prays that the darkness will keep them from noticing.

"Then why weren't you sold either sooner or closer to then?"

"Abel!"

The neko shrugs. "Oh like you two weren't thinking the same thing."

"Because my mate to be wasn't going to use me as her mate if that makes any sense." Alfred holds the purring cat closer to his chest feeling his heart start to ache. "I was going to be like her on the side Omega when she was horny not…" He stops closing his eyes.

Abel purrs louder trying to calm the younger Omega as Allistor kneels down to face him. He can't stand to see the Omega upset even if his own people did the same things. "Fate's nice every once in a while ain't she?"

"Fate?"

"Or perhaps Faith." He says touching the Omega's shoulder. "Either way."

"I know." Alfred interrupts. "You're not horny fuckers." He manages a smile when thunder shakes their dirt shelter. "Shit…"

"Yeah looks like we'll be here for a while." Gilbert says as he shifts to get comfortable. "So might as well get our plans of attack ready."

"True." Allistor sniffs the air as he takes a seat pulling out his loose tobacco. "Though I think I know of a nice place ta stay for the winter."

"You and your damn caves."

Allistor stops and stares down at Abel before lighting his rolled cigarette. "You got a better idea?"

"Not really."

"Then to the East we'll go."

Gilbert lets a small smile grow on his face remembering the last time they went to the eastern lands. "It's nice that time of the year…"