They listen intently, eyebrows still furrowed, clinging to his every word even as they fight to stay cautious and guarded, still feeling like they have to protect themself. As much as Kurt wants to believe him, he could be lying. Trusting too easily is what got them into this mess, after all.

But he's their Alpha. Something in their bones insists he can be trusted, must be trusted. He's the center of their universe, the one piece holding everything else together. Miles even insinuating that Corrigan lied to them made their whole world crumble. If they can't trust their Alpha, they can't trust anyone.

"Benji..?" They never would have guessed. Even though he's the youngest, he fits so seamlessly into the pack, as if he's always been with them. Kurt can't even imagine how painful it must have been for everyone, but especially Benji, trying and failing to establish that mating bond. They didn't even know you could fail at that.

They're quiet for a while, slowly digesting his words, nodding softly with confirmation. It does make sense why he didn't tell them all of this. But it still doesn't explain the pivotal issue: "Why did you get rid of M-Miles, then? I thought th-the pack was a bond for life..."