Corrigan cradles Kurt firmly against his chest, feeling them trembling, hearing their heart racing like a jackrabbit. But they're trying -- they want to believe him, that they're actually safe. They want it to be true, he can tell. So they sit up straight and don't protest the return to the cabin, despite their deeply ingrained fear.
The Alpha’s soft smile is partially for the pack and partially in pride. Kurt is already so much braver than they realize. He drops a kiss on the top of their head, murmuring, "Sweet little bird, that's it. Let's get you warmed up, hm?"
Of course, Corrigan hadn't let Kurt get even slightly chilled, but the words give the pack something to do -- Leo pulling a fluffy ermine skin from the pile in the corner and hesitantly offering it, Benji scurrying over to shut the door against the chill, Naseer scooping the warm, savory stew into a bowl. Corrigan settles on the furs once more, accepting the ermine and the bowl on Kurt's behalf, ensuring that his mate's space is honored until they're ready.
But he does pause to stroke his fingers over the back of Naseer's hand, giving him a long, grateful look. There's tenderness in it, love and thankfulness that Corrigan fully intends to show once Kurt is calmer. Their mate's presence in the pack doesn't mean Corrigan intends to neglect his duties as Alpha. Showing physical affection is an important part of reinforcing harmony in the pack.
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Date: 2023-06-24 02:44 am (UTC)The Alpha’s soft smile is partially for the pack and partially in pride. Kurt is already so much braver than they realize. He drops a kiss on the top of their head, murmuring, "Sweet little bird, that's it. Let's get you warmed up, hm?"
Of course, Corrigan hadn't let Kurt get even slightly chilled, but the words give the pack something to do -- Leo pulling a fluffy ermine skin from the pile in the corner and hesitantly offering it, Benji scurrying over to shut the door against the chill, Naseer scooping the warm, savory stew into a bowl. Corrigan settles on the furs once more, accepting the ermine and the bowl on Kurt's behalf, ensuring that his mate's space is honored until they're ready.
But he does pause to stroke his fingers over the back of Naseer's hand, giving him a long, grateful look. There's tenderness in it, love and thankfulness that Corrigan fully intends to show once Kurt is calmer. Their mate's presence in the pack doesn't mean Corrigan intends to neglect his duties as Alpha. Showing physical affection is an important part of reinforcing harmony in the pack.