It doesn't feel real. It can't be. It never is. Kurt has so rarely known comfort like this, they don't know what to do with themself, caught between wanting to push away and curl further into it, disappear within it. Only the women at school and church would hold them like this, gently rock them, soothe their pain and fear with kisses and kind words, but even that stopped as they grew older, because boys shouldn't cry. So this must be some kind of trick. Some kind of ruse in order to punish them.
But Alpha promised. He promised the pack wouldn't hurt them, he promised they would be safe here. He promised they wouldn't ever have to go back. Even now, as they tremble and bawl in his arms, Alpha tells them they've done nothing wrong, they won't be punished, they'll stay with the pack who will love and protect them no matter what, no matter how hard they cry.
He gives them permission to cry. Despite their fear of retribution, all Kurt wanted more than anything was permission.
A life time's worth of grief pours from them in shuddering wails, splitting the cool evening air. They weep uncontrollably for a while, grasping their Alpha, clinging to him for safety, for comfort. Every inch of their body hurts as tension they never knew they had starts unraveling, melting away as it finally starts sinking in that they're safe. They're safe, they're safe, the pack will protect them, Alpha will protect them, they're finally safe.
It feels like an eternity, but their sobs eventually fade into wet brittle hiccups, their frame going slack and shaky in his strong arms. They haven't cried this hard in a long time. Haven't been able to. Or allowed. It's only in the safety of Corrigan's arms that their fear and grief could finally escape. "S-Sorry," they whimper, but it's not the panicked plea for mercy from earlier. "I d-didn't mean to get s-so frightened..."
The entire village. Everyone who stood by and knew what was happening and did nothing to stop it. Every one of them who overlooked Kurt's bruises, their fear, their misery, who turned the other way and slept peacefully at night with the rationalization that it was none of their business. Every one of them will pay.
The thoughts aren't exactly verbal, more an echoed cacophony of emotions between the pack, telegraphed through the link and through the scent in the air. Corrigan and his wolves are of one mind on this, and the promise of future vengeance is enough to calm their ferociously protective instincts. For now.
Kurt hopefully misses it -- they might protest, might insist they deserved it all, the mistreatment and violence and abuse. It'll take time for them to understand that they're safe, not only to weep and mourn their stolen life, but to look back and recognize it was stolen in the first place. Corrigan understands that much, an old internal wound from the months after Naseer's rescue from another village, remembering the way his Beta had behaved in those days -- like a caged beast relearning how to walk and talk and exist without fear. Corrigan remembers how long it takes to unlearn that kind of terror.
So he settles in the hollow of a tree, back against it's trunk, rocking and murmuring to Kurt as they sob against his chest. When it passes, when his mate is weary and weak, he kisses their forehead, strokes their hair back. "I know you didn't, love," he responds softly. "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault, all right? Not a bit of it."
He'll say it until Kurt believes it. Until they accept that it's true.
He's right. They may never accept that as truth. It may well take the rest of Kurt's life to recognize the true depths of their trauma, how badly they'd been betrayed by not only their family, but by their community as well. It may well be months or years until they believe Corrigan when he says they're not at fault, if they ever actually do.
But one thing they can believe—tentatively, with major trepidation—is that Corrigan wishes them no harm. He and the pack alike have been nothing but kind to them, playful and eager and loving, so happy to claim them as their collective mate. Even after spilling Naseer's carefully prepared medicine, after shattering Benji's beautiful handmade bowls, after thoroughly ruining dinner, Corrigan still has only their safety and happiness in mind. He cradles them close, kisses them, soothes them with touch, chasing the shivers and hiccups away with those big warm hands. He afforded them the privacy to break down, without leaving them cold and alone with their fear.
He cares. They all care. They must.
"Th-Thank you..." It's quiet and hoarse, not entirely convinced. Trembling, they bury their face in Alpha's shoulder, arms slowly looping around his neck. "I f-feel awful. I..." Kurt frowns, trying to pull at the threads of all the things they're feeling right now, sort them all into boxes that make sense. It's hard to concentrate through the blooming headache.
"I can f-feel them... th-the pack." It's the only thing that makes sense. Their arms tighten around him. "Everyone feels s-so upset... I-I didn't mean to upset anyone, A-Alpha."
Aware that this might, in fact, be the very first time Kurt's ever been allowed to verbalize what they're feeling, Corrigan waits patiently, settling his mate in his lap, cuddled close to his chest. One hand smooths up their back, chasing away the night chill, finding the back of their neck and slowly rubbing his thumb in small, massaging circles. It's been a while since Corrigan has cried -- much less as violently as Kurt just did -- but he remembers the wrung-out headache that follows.
"Not upset, little bird," he corrects gently, chin resting on Kurt's hair, coaxing away the last shivery hiccups. "Not at you. They're worried about you, that's all." Not strictly true -- the pack is enraged, but they're doing their best to project a sense of calm instead, rather than letting the anger bleed into the link. "You didn't do anything wrong, Kurt. If anything, they're more annoyed at me for spriting you away."
Corrigan slowly rises to his feet, easily carrying Kurt back towards the warmth of the cabin. "Close your eyes, beloved. Feel what they're truly thinking, what they want." Interpreting the pack link is a nuanced art -- wolves don't think in words, more emotions and senses and pictures, and everything that travels through that connection is pure wolf. There's a sense of unease, of concern, the impression of things being tidied up, put away -- no more broken glass or cracked bowls. There's the food over the fire and the fluffed-up furs, the pack clustered together and waiting.
And above it all, an eager, hopeful sense, so vivid it’s nearly an audible plea -- come back home. Come back to us. Come home.
Kurt clings onto Corrigan as he rises, curling up tighter in his arms, whimpering softly like they're nervous to return to the cabin. Yes, Alpha says the pack is not upset with them, not angry at them for their little outburst, but it's not so easy to believe. The rage Kurt feels isn't their own, but it's still real, even if they only feel inklings of it. This is more than annoyance at Alpha for taking them outside. This is blood fury.
But they try their best to believe him. No one would blame Kurt for feeling a little vulnerable in this moment, right? Who could fault them for still being fearful, apprehensive, a touch spooked? Their chest still hitches with every breath, echoes of their wrenching sobs. But Alpha wouldn't lie to them. Right?
So they try their best to do as he says, pushing down their own fear as the cabin approaches so they can close their eyes and focus. It's hard, disentangling all the warring sensations within, naming which feelings are their own. But there is one emotion that rings out louder than the rest. A hopeful sensation, a wanting, a loving call.
Come home.
Kurt opens their eyes as the door creaks back open, the warmth of the fire against chilled skin making them shiver. They see their mates perk up, one by one, anxious eyes turning towards them, relieved that they're still here, safe and held and much less frightened. Kai is scrubbing at his face, eyes red-rimmed and glassy, Leo's face splits into the biggest smile they've ever seen, Naseer deflates with relief, nearly sinking through the floor. They're all so happy to see them. Even Kurt can't misinterpret that swell of emotion through the pack link, making their eyes burn anew.
"Remember," Naseer gently whispers, a big hand squeezing Benji's trembling shoulder. "Give them a little space. They'll let us know when they're ready." The Beta seeks Corrigan's gaze, hoping and praying for good news. That it all went well out there. Hearing their wails of despair while trying to stay calm for the rest of the pack was one of the hardest things he's ever had to do.
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.
The pack hurries to tend to them, being so so mindful of their space, and Kurt has never been more grateful of anything or anyone in their life. There are no demands for their attention, no insistence they touch or speak to anyone until they want to. No punishment.
It will still take some time. But as Kurt curls up in Corrigan's lap, feeling the warmth of the furs draped over their shoulder and the bowl in their hands, seeing the love in the gazes of every wolf around them, they get closer and closer to believing Alpha's words.
They're safe here. They will always be safe here.
"Th-Thank you," they murmur hoarsely, cradling the bowl of stew. As it becomes clear they won't face punishment from the pack, Kurt starts to feel embarrassed for having reacted so strongly. It prompts a warm curl of understanding through the pack link, Naseer gazing up at them from his seat on the floor, tending to the food. No one blames you, it says. Kurt sniffles, trying to believe it.
"Why don't you pups get ready for bed?" the Beta suggests, glancing around at the boys, all aimlessly standing around, not sure what to do. "It's been an exciting couple of days. We all need our rest."
There's some frowning from the younger members of the pack, who seem to be fully content to stand there awkwardly for the rest of time -- or at least until Kurt summons them. Leo glances sideways at Corrigan, who returns the look with two arched eyebrows, clearly saying you know damn well I'm not gonna disagree with Naseer, you better do what he says.
Kai exhales, still red-eyed, then elbows Benji, taking initiative. "Hey, race you to the river!" Benji stumbles, swats at Kai and hurtles after him and Leo out the door.
There's a soft curl of approval from Corrigan towards Kai -- he'll be rewarded for that, later, too -- before he turns back to nuzzle at Kurt's shoulder. "Eat up, love, you need your strength," he murmurs. Then, giving Naseer a woeful, doe-eyed look: "Where's my dinner?"
The pot is literally right there and Corrigan can totally reach it himself, but he wants to be waited on.
Naseer couldn't be prouder of Kai. The growth he's shown over the years has been promising, if a little slow—some wolves seem to stay pups for life—but the sensitivity and grace he's shown just in the day and a half they've known Kurt has been breathtaking. Taking initiative, reading their emotions, encouraging his pack mates, being so careful and gentle with Kurt...
Should he ever splinter off from the pack someday, it would be a terrible loss. But he'd make a great Alpha someday.
Maybe he wouldn't expect to be waited on hand and foot the way their current one does.
"Say please," Naseer quips, eyebrow raised, already scooping stew into a bowl for his no-good lazy-bones Alpha. "Like you ever listen to me. Maybe you could help teach Cor some manners, little dove." Kurt blushes, hiding their face in their own bowl, making the Beta laugh warmly. "I have a feeling he'd finally learn something for once, if it came from you."
"I d-dunno about that," the human manages, shakily wiping stew from their chin. The warmth, the food, the quiet, all the attention... it's helping them relax once more, settling heavy and boneless in Alpha's lap.
"Pleaaaasse," Corrigan obliges, dragging the word out as he plucks the bowl from Naseer's hand, then catches it, bringing his Beta's wrist up to kiss. There's an old mark there, his mark, even though it's not traditional for Alpha's to mark their second in commands. Naseer's always been more than just a co-pack lead, after all.
And today had been hard on him, hard on them all. But so, so worth it, with Kurt going relaxed and warm in his lap. Corrigan finds his bite on their neck, kisses it softly, a silent reminder of who they are, where they belong. "Are you all right with everyone sleeping close by?" It's gentle, no pressure. If Kurt still needs their space, Corrigan will stay up all night making sure every pack member gets his comforting presence.
Especially Naseer. The Alpha tangles their fingers together, not too close -- not until Kurt says it's all right -- but not letting him out of reach. There are old ghosts awakening in his Beta, and Corrigan won't allow that. He needs to put them back to rest, before he can sleep.
The Beta is immediately soothed by Corrigan's affections, the kiss to his wrist prompting a release of breath he's been holding in for a while. For as much as he whines and gripes and rolls his eyes at him, the Alpha is still the center of his world, still the axis on which everything turns, his one constant to anchor him when storms roll in from the past. Gods and spirits only know where Naseer would be now if not for Corrigan. He saved him all those years ago. He continues to save him now.
Just as he has saved their mate. The fear and trauma that left them bawling and near catatonic earlier is eased away with every kiss, every gentle reassuring word, every caress by those same hands that ease Naseer's own ghosts. They look so small and pale curled up against Corrigan, shivering from his touch.
How anyone could bring themself to hurt such a precious being is a mystery to him. No one will ever hurt them like that again.
"Um... I th-think that's fine," Kurt says, feeling the line of tension in their shoulders give way from the kiss to their claiming bite. Being surrounded by all of their mates through the night doesn't sound so overwhelming anymore. If anything, it makes them feel safer. Protected from ghosts in the night.
Having convinced themself, they close their eyes and nod firmly, settling fully against Corrigan. "Y-Yes, Alpha, I'll be all right."
Corrigan frowns a little, lips still pressed to his mate's bare shoulder, feeling the pinpricks of his teeth -- well-cleaned and well-healing, much faster than other injuries. Being a werewolf is genetic, not passed via bite, but it's impossible for Kurt to come in contact with...as many bodily fluids as they have recently and not be affected. The fact that they're healing so fast is a good sign that other changes the pack longs for will be soon to follow.
Unconsciously, Corrigan’s hands have drifted to rest over Kurt's stomach, a sign of where his thoughts are. His mate as an individual is precious, perfect, beloved -- and even if there's no changes to come, they'll still be worthy of every bit of love and care the pack can lavish upon them. Still, the Alpha can't help but hope that someday, maybe...
Gently pushing the thoughts away, he settles back in the furs, taking his bowl and starting to eat contentedly. "We can always kick them out later if you need a break -- or sneak off together," he teased, breath hot against Kurt's ear, followed by a teasing kiss.
"Not fair," gripes Leo from the doorway, where he and the others definitely weren't hovering and waiting to be summoned back inside.
Alpha's hand feels really good on their tummy. Really good.
For reasons they can't articulate, the touch of his palm to their stomach immediately soothes their remaining nerves, sending tingly shivers of delight down their spine, just like his lips to the scarring bite had. That, at least, they get. The bites are important. Even a human could feel that, the way their body had immediately reacted to being bitten, being bound to another being as if his teeth had clamped onto their very soul. Each bite is a promise as much as a claim, a precious gift, a tether both physical and spiritual changing them in innumerable ways.
The only thing that's really changed about their stomach is how much stew and come it's been filled with. Right?
Maybe they're just tired. Kurt can feel their eyelids starting to get heavy as they sit in Corrigan's lap, feeling his breathing, hearing his heartbeat, their body warming inside and out from the dinner and fire and furs. That's probably it. They're just sleepy. They just like being touched. That's it.
"Mmm... Leo's right," they giggle softly, shivering from the kiss, snuggling closer to their Alpha. They crack an eye open to see the rest of the pack shuffle back inside, waved closer by Naseer, who hasn't moved from his spot kneeling before Corrigan. "It wouldn't be fair t'keep me all to y-yourself, right? I wanna share."
Feeling warm, sated, safe once more, Kurt reaches an arm out, reaching for the rest of their mates to join them in the furs.
Corrigan huffs out a bemused sound, already reaching to pull Naseer up and onto the bed. He might argue that keeping Kurt all to himself is entirely fair, since he's Alpha, but his mate has expressed they want to share, and what his mate wants, they get.
And get, and get, and continue to get over the coming days. The brightness of spring gives way to the lazy, sticky heat of summer, and the pack continues to indulge themselves in various creative ways. Benji figures out a way to dam up part of the river with stones and mud, creating a deep, cool pool that Kurt can bathe and swim in without worrying about the swift current. Leo meticulously mends the holes in his mate's vivid red cloak, just in case the weather turns, and finds other ways to repurpose their shredded clothes -- though of course, everyone prefers to go naked most of the time. Naseer teaches Kurt which of his myriad little bottles of powder and dried herbs do what, and let's them help patch up scrapes and treat headaches and season meals to their hearts delight. Even Kai finds ways to prove himself, hunting almost relentlessly, foraging for bird's eggs and berries and nuts like a fiend, bringing home anything pretty or interesting for Kurt to examine, in the faint hope that it'll make them smile or light up.
And Corrigan watches his pack, watches them embrace their mate, figuratively and literally, watches and delights in how Kurt gets less shaky, less fearful every day. Sometimes they still go glassy-eyed and panicky, sometimes their voice pitches up high in fear or shuts off entirely. Sometimes they still cling to him and cry, though never as devastated and gut-wrenching as that first day.
The sun lights their chestnut hair, bringing out strands of gold and auburn, and leaves freckles scattered across their nose and cheeks and shoulders. Their eyes are brighter, their cheeks rosy, their body softer and fuller, well-fed on wild game and fresh fruit and fish. And every time they smile up at Corrigan, it's easier, freer, more genuine.
It gets to the point where even without the link, he can tell when they don't feel well, sensing it in their forced smile and cautious movements. He sees it, one day by the river, as Kurt sits up and starts collecting their scattered clothes. Corrigan knows very well by now the difference between a good, deep ache after his mate's been thoroughly pleasured by one of the wolves, and actual discomfort, and thus is the latter.
Frowning, he reaches out, catching Kurt's wrist gently to tug them back to sit. "Are you all right, beloved?"
It's almost too good to be true. Every morning they wake up, they half-expect to find themself back in their childhood bedroom, finally awake from a beautiful dream that couldn't possibly last. But they never do. That feeling dwindles day by day as they get accustomed to life with the pack, slowly unlearning all the ugly doubt and self-loathing, slowly forgetting the urge to look over their shoulder.
They're not waking up from this. No one is coming to take them away. It's just them and their wolves, playing and learning and loving each other fearlessly. Kurt has never felt happiness like this before.
Something's come over them lately though, dampening their bright mood. What started as weird little pangs and random nausea throughout the day has grown into a persistent stomachache—nothing too severe or painful, but definitely distracting. It must have started showing on their face, or been felt through the link, and as soon as Corrigan asks, they huff softly, annoyed at their own body. They can't overindulge in the affections of their pack with an upset tummy!
"I'm fine, Alpha, I think. It's just—" Kurt frowns, cupping their stomach, naked skin warmed by the sunlight. "My stomach's been feeling weird lately. Maybe I ate something I shouldn't have?"
"Mmm," Corrigan hums in assent, sitting up as well and leaning forward to press his lips against Kurt's soft, freckled shoulder. It's partially to reassure them, but also for himself, like nothing bad can truly happen if he's touching them. It works -- plus there's no telltale acrid scent of illness, just Kurt's natural smell.
"Was it those berries Kai found? I thought they were suspicious." He's entirely teasing, earning himself a splash of water from where Kai is lounging in the pool with the rest of the pack. None of the wolves would've let Kurt eat anything even remotely unknown. Corrigan’s seen Leo, who's known for eating actual roadkill, insist that leftovers might not be up to standard, and go out to hunt fresh meat.
Shaking water droplets from his hair, Corrigan lies back in the sunwarmed grass, pulling Kurt atop him. "Do you feel anything else? Feverish, sore anywhere?" His big hands easily roam up and down his mate's delicate frame, ostensibly to see if he can feel anything amiss -- though of course it's just another reason to touch them.
"Those were just huckleberries, love," Kurt teases back, giggling and squealing as they too suffer the splash damage, ice cold water on sun drenched skin. Even with a tummy ache, being with the pack feels so good now. Natural and free. Any fear they have felt has been completely accidental and randomly triggered, through no fault of the wolves.
None of them would ever hurt them. Kurt can't remember having ever laughed so freely in their life.
"Aside from the usual places?" they quip, shooting their Alpha a lopsided grin as they wriggle their hips into his lap. It's been a while since the wolves have actually left them in pain. Turns out the human body is tremendously adaptable when full of wolf pheromones. "Um... Just kinda nauseous now and then? And my chest," they say, sitting up straight and cupping their hands over their chest. "It's felt really tender and puffy lately..."
Down by the river, Benji takes vengeance on behalf of his splashed Alpha and mate by pouncing on Kai, and promptly getting dunked. Leo is sprawled out in the sun in wolf-form, half-draped across a dozing Naseer's lap, all of them apparently relaxed and unconcerned. But Corrigan can feel their subtle alertness, the way each is in tune with Kurt's discomfort, ready to leap up and assist if needed.
Not yet, though. The laugh is genuine, and despite their mysterious aches, Kurt wiggles their hips easily (and temptingly) into Corrigan’s lap, clearly not too ill to enjoy their Alpha’s attentions. "Mmmm, right, huckleberries. Perhaps they were fermented? A bit...intoxicating?"
Kurt's hands come to their chest, drawing Corrigan’s eyes there. They've filled out quite a bit in the past few weeks, all the healthy food and sunshine and rest, and all the wolves enjoy just how sensitive their pert, pretty nipples are. But now Corrigan can see the swelling, the fullness, the way Kurt's delicate hands cup over actual rounded peaks. That's new.
A thrill of hope runs lightning-fast through the pack link, a vague thought thats been simmering at the back of all their minds coming to the front. Corrigan gently tugs Kurt's hands away, replacing them with his own, the rough pad of his thumb stroking slowly over one tender, swollen nipple. "Right here?" he prompts, feigning ignorance, like he can't feel exactly what his touch is doing to his mate. "How does this feel, little bird?"
Kurt has gotten better at reading the pack link over the past few weeks—not great, not even good, just better—but it's still too subtle and fickle of an art for them to fully grasp yet. They can parse big and simple emotions quite reliably now, like joy or rage or hunger, and can even pick up on who's feeling what to some extent. They're quite proud of themself for understanding even that little.
But even with all that, they have no hope of understanding the sudden rush of emotion the wolves share just now. It's like a jolt, a sudden positive feeling shooting through all of them, making their mates perk up all around them and pay close attention—though to what, they can't say.
Not that they're thinking too hard about that right now, because Alpha starts toying with their nipples and Kurt's mind is suddenly terribly preoccupied. "Aah—! A-Alpha, that— ohhh, that feels s-so good," they whine, hands finding Corrigan's stomach, bracing themself against it as they arch into his hands. "It's so sensitive there, m-much more'n normal... F-Feels really tender, Alpha..."
"I've got you, love, you're all right," Corrigan murmurs, glancing sideways towards Naseer, the most medically-inclined of the pack. Kurt's always been sensitive, and admittedly their body's changed under the focused attentions of the wolves. But if anything their stamina has increased, not their sensitivity -- it's normal now for them to take much rougher treatment and beg for more, instead of a break.
But Corrigan can feel how tender their chest is now, how their whole body shudders in almost-pain when he circles the tip of his thumb around the swollen bud of their nipple. He's barely begun, and his mate is squirming like he's been toying with them for hours. That definitely isn't typical.
Hope and concern and protective ferocity are pulsing through the link, less a coherent thought than a fervent tangle of emotions. It's real, it's happening, it must be, and the pack reacts with wordless joy -- all except for Benji.
Sweet Benji, ever the clumsy one, puts his foot in his mouth by scrambling out of the water and suggesting cheerfully: "Maybe you're finally pregnant!"
...not. Exactly how Corrigan would've handled things.
Their loud, stuttery reaction definitely isn't typical of them. If it really is happening, then it's much too early on for Naseer to confidently tell. He certainly can't smell anything on them. But maybe this is a sign that their body is finally ready, finally changed enough to comfortably carry and deliver their children, and that hope soars through the Beta as he sits up, petting Leo behind the ears. It's finally happening.
The sudden incredulous look on Kurt's face at Benji's excited words is a little chip in that hope, proving it more brittle than first assumed.
"B-Benji, love, that's— aaah, Alpha, yes, right th-there... Benji, b-baby, that's ridiculous," they manage, glancing over their shoulder at the pup with their eyebrows quirked. They don't like belittling Benji the way his brothers do, having become so protective of him, even when he bumbles around like an overgrown puppy. But this? This is just silly. Even having their sensitive body toyed with, feeling their cock already hardening against Corrigan's stomach, Kurt can't help but giggle, wholly unconvinced.
"I can't g-get pregnant, honey. Only girls c-can have b-babies."
Corrigan should be able to feel the full weight of his Beta's bewildered stare on his skin, the accusing tone of his first and only thought cutting straight through the pack link, aimed directly at him: You mean you haven't told them yet?!
The way the entire pack's attention swivels towards Corrigan would be funny -- even wolf!Leo tilts his head to one side, ears pricked up in bewilderment -- if it weren't for the accusation laced through the link. Or for how genuinely Kurt seems to believe their own words. It's enough to cut Corrigan’s seductive teasing off entirely, prompting him to sit up straighter and frown down at his mate.
"Love, you know we aren't -- we don't do things like humans do." Despite his bewilderment, Corrigan is careful to school his expression into something gentle, mindful of how hypervigilant Kurt is about making the pack upset. And they aren't -- or, rather, they're bewildered that their Alpha apparently hadn't explained one of the biggest aspects of bring a werewolf pack's mate.
The thing is, Corrigan is under the genuine impression he had. More or less. Kurt had arrived with very set ideas of what tasks belonged to which types of people, and had gotten very fretful when one of "the men" did "women's work". Corrigan had explained then that wolves didn't bother with all that stuff. If there was work to be done, everyone assisted. If they chose to wear clothes, they wore what pleased them best. If they enjoyed one another, the physical act of giving or receiving -- who bent over and who mounted -- was determined mostly by whim.
However, there's a pretty big leap from "gender roles don't apply here" to "being part of this pack will physically change your body to be able to carry pups". Corrigan realizes this now, hands settling on Kurt's hips, trying to keep his voice gentle -- and ignore his Beta's flat glare from across the grass. "My darling, did you really -- have no idea? I know I've mentioned it. Haven't I?"
He has. In the heat of passion, growling it against Kurt's neck, as his knot swells inside them, promising to fill them, breed them and so on. Not exactly the most clear-headed moment.
Kurt whines pitifully as Corrigan's touch falls away, not picking up on the shift in mood, too upset that Alpha isn't playing with their nipples anymore to notice. Besides, Benji's suggestion is just so ludicrous, so completely off the wall random and silly, the last thing on Kurt's mind is the thought that any of the wolves are taking it seriously.
So it's fair to say that Corrigan's words are a complete shock to their system. They frown up at him, disbelieving, trying to fight down the blush and arousal so they can really process what he's asking them—which in itself is a tall order.
"Wh-What are you talking about, Alpha? Mentioned what?" The little human's gaze goes from one of their mates to the next, confusion plainly written on their blushing face. They're all staring at them. "Wait, you... y-you don't actually believe I can get pregnant, d-do you?"
Just the very thought is absurd. Sure, with the wolves it doesn't matter if you're man or woman or somewhere inbetween or something entirely different, everyone are equal and can do as they please, not chained to what's decided by society. That's great! Exactly what Kurt always wanted! But that doesn't change the surely immutable laws of nature! When Alpha would growl about breeding them, they definitely didn't think he meant it literally. Is this another species divide, like the transformation and the pack link? Can true werewolf mates actually fall pregnant..?
"I can't. I-It's impossible, I don't have the... parts..."
Unconsciously, the pack draws closer, the energy shifting to one of bewilderment. There've been multiple times where Kurt's beliefs or experiences have left their mates baffled -- that's normal. Just the adjustment of going from human to wolf.
But this is a fundamental part of a pack. The chosen mate cares for and keeps the others together, is the center of their world, rules over the den and carries and cares for pups. In bigger packs, yes, it's common for the role to belong to several individuals, either simultaneously or in succession. And some choose never to have children, preferring to grow the pack by taking in loners and orphans.
But that doesn't mean it's impossible. There are herbs to suppress pregnancy, but the potential is always there. That's known.
Kurt expresses their confusion, refers to their body, and Corrigan is quick to smooth his hands up and down their back. "Everything about you is right, love. Being our mate means -- changes can come. Being with us, around us, these things always happen, regardless of what...parts are there at the beginning."
Kai speaks up then, softly, reaching out to stroke back Kurt's hair and prompt them to look back at him. "Is that somethin' you -- don't want, baby?"
It's a heavy question, and one Corrigan himself should've asked. He shouldn't have assumed. He should've made sure .
That can't be right. There's no way. Bodies can't just change like that, there's no treatment or medicine in the world that could change the unchangeable! Kurt is missing very pivotal organs needed for a pregnancy! You can't just grow new organs, how is that even possible?!
But then again... they have changed a lot ever since coming here. Their body can take so much more than they ever thought possible. Their wounds heal faster now, their senses have improved, and they can feel their mates' emotions like they were their own. All things that seemed impossible when they were trapped within humanity.
Could it really be possible..?
Kai's hand is cold and wet from the water as he touches them. But it's not his touch that makes them shiver. If it was really possible, would they want to have babies? Kurt frowns, thinking. In truth, they've always wanted children, but gradually had to settle on the fact that no woman would ever want someone like them. Certainly not to father her children, raise them, provide for them. But if they could truly cut out that step...
Instinctively, they cup their stomach with a small pale hand. Their heart is racing, pulse spiking at the thought that they could actually be pregnant. "I... I mean, if I could, b-but..." Kurt blushes.
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But Alpha promised. He promised the pack wouldn't hurt them, he promised they would be safe here. He promised they wouldn't ever have to go back. Even now, as they tremble and bawl in his arms, Alpha tells them they've done nothing wrong, they won't be punished, they'll stay with the pack who will love and protect them no matter what, no matter how hard they cry.
He gives them permission to cry. Despite their fear of retribution, all Kurt wanted more than anything was permission.
A life time's worth of grief pours from them in shuddering wails, splitting the cool evening air. They weep uncontrollably for a while, grasping their Alpha, clinging to him for safety, for comfort. Every inch of their body hurts as tension they never knew they had starts unraveling, melting away as it finally starts sinking in that they're safe. They're safe, they're safe, the pack will protect them, Alpha will protect them, they're finally safe.
It feels like an eternity, but their sobs eventually fade into wet brittle hiccups, their frame going slack and shaky in his strong arms. They haven't cried this hard in a long time. Haven't been able to. Or allowed. It's only in the safety of Corrigan's arms that their fear and grief could finally escape. "S-Sorry," they whimper, but it's not the panicked plea for mercy from earlier. "I d-didn't mean to get s-so frightened..."
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The thoughts aren't exactly verbal, more an echoed cacophony of emotions between the pack, telegraphed through the link and through the scent in the air. Corrigan and his wolves are of one mind on this, and the promise of future vengeance is enough to calm their ferociously protective instincts. For now.
Kurt hopefully misses it -- they might protest, might insist they deserved it all, the mistreatment and violence and abuse. It'll take time for them to understand that they're safe, not only to weep and mourn their stolen life, but to look back and recognize it was stolen in the first place. Corrigan understands that much, an old internal wound from the months after Naseer's rescue from another village, remembering the way his Beta had behaved in those days -- like a caged beast relearning how to walk and talk and exist without fear. Corrigan remembers how long it takes to unlearn that kind of terror.
So he settles in the hollow of a tree, back against it's trunk, rocking and murmuring to Kurt as they sob against his chest. When it passes, when his mate is weary and weak, he kisses their forehead, strokes their hair back. "I know you didn't, love," he responds softly. "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault, all right? Not a bit of it."
He'll say it until Kurt believes it. Until they accept that it's true.
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But one thing they can believe—tentatively, with major trepidation—is that Corrigan wishes them no harm. He and the pack alike have been nothing but kind to them, playful and eager and loving, so happy to claim them as their collective mate. Even after spilling Naseer's carefully prepared medicine, after shattering Benji's beautiful handmade bowls, after thoroughly ruining dinner, Corrigan still has only their safety and happiness in mind. He cradles them close, kisses them, soothes them with touch, chasing the shivers and hiccups away with those big warm hands. He afforded them the privacy to break down, without leaving them cold and alone with their fear.
He cares. They all care. They must.
"Th-Thank you..." It's quiet and hoarse, not entirely convinced. Trembling, they bury their face in Alpha's shoulder, arms slowly looping around his neck. "I f-feel awful. I..." Kurt frowns, trying to pull at the threads of all the things they're feeling right now, sort them all into boxes that make sense. It's hard to concentrate through the blooming headache.
"I can f-feel them... th-the pack." It's the only thing that makes sense. Their arms tighten around him. "Everyone feels s-so upset... I-I didn't mean to upset anyone, A-Alpha."
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"Not upset, little bird," he corrects gently, chin resting on Kurt's hair, coaxing away the last shivery hiccups. "Not at you. They're worried about you, that's all." Not strictly true -- the pack is enraged, but they're doing their best to project a sense of calm instead, rather than letting the anger bleed into the link. "You didn't do anything wrong, Kurt. If anything, they're more annoyed at me for spriting you away."
Corrigan slowly rises to his feet, easily carrying Kurt back towards the warmth of the cabin. "Close your eyes, beloved. Feel what they're truly thinking, what they want." Interpreting the pack link is a nuanced art -- wolves don't think in words, more emotions and senses and pictures, and everything that travels through that connection is pure wolf. There's a sense of unease, of concern, the impression of things being tidied up, put away -- no more broken glass or cracked bowls. There's the food over the fire and the fluffed-up furs, the pack clustered together and waiting.
And above it all, an eager, hopeful sense, so vivid it’s nearly an audible plea -- come back home. Come back to us. Come home.
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But they try their best to believe him. No one would blame Kurt for feeling a little vulnerable in this moment, right? Who could fault them for still being fearful, apprehensive, a touch spooked? Their chest still hitches with every breath, echoes of their wrenching sobs. But Alpha wouldn't lie to them. Right?
So they try their best to do as he says, pushing down their own fear as the cabin approaches so they can close their eyes and focus. It's hard, disentangling all the warring sensations within, naming which feelings are their own. But there is one emotion that rings out louder than the rest. A hopeful sensation, a wanting, a loving call.
Come home.
Kurt opens their eyes as the door creaks back open, the warmth of the fire against chilled skin making them shiver. They see their mates perk up, one by one, anxious eyes turning towards them, relieved that they're still here, safe and held and much less frightened. Kai is scrubbing at his face, eyes red-rimmed and glassy, Leo's face splits into the biggest smile they've ever seen, Naseer deflates with relief, nearly sinking through the floor. They're all so happy to see them. Even Kurt can't misinterpret that swell of emotion through the pack link, making their eyes burn anew.
"Remember," Naseer gently whispers, a big hand squeezing Benji's trembling shoulder. "Give them a little space. They'll let us know when they're ready." The Beta seeks Corrigan's gaze, hoping and praying for good news. That it all went well out there. Hearing their wails of despair while trying to stay calm for the rest of the pack was one of the hardest things he's ever had to do.
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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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It will still take some time. But as Kurt curls up in Corrigan's lap, feeling the warmth of the furs draped over their shoulder and the bowl in their hands, seeing the love in the gazes of every wolf around them, they get closer and closer to believing Alpha's words.
They're safe here. They will always be safe here.
"Th-Thank you," they murmur hoarsely, cradling the bowl of stew. As it becomes clear they won't face punishment from the pack, Kurt starts to feel embarrassed for having reacted so strongly. It prompts a warm curl of understanding through the pack link, Naseer gazing up at them from his seat on the floor, tending to the food. No one blames you, it says. Kurt sniffles, trying to believe it.
"Why don't you pups get ready for bed?" the Beta suggests, glancing around at the boys, all aimlessly standing around, not sure what to do. "It's been an exciting couple of days. We all need our rest."
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Kai exhales, still red-eyed, then elbows Benji, taking initiative. "Hey, race you to the river!" Benji stumbles, swats at Kai and hurtles after him and Leo out the door.
There's a soft curl of approval from Corrigan towards Kai -- he'll be rewarded for that, later, too -- before he turns back to nuzzle at Kurt's shoulder. "Eat up, love, you need your strength," he murmurs. Then, giving Naseer a woeful, doe-eyed look: "Where's my dinner?"
The pot is literally right there and Corrigan can totally reach it himself, but he wants to be waited on.
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Should he ever splinter off from the pack someday, it would be a terrible loss. But he'd make a great Alpha someday.
Maybe he wouldn't expect to be waited on hand and foot the way their current one does.
"Say please," Naseer quips, eyebrow raised, already scooping stew into a bowl for his no-good lazy-bones Alpha. "Like you ever listen to me. Maybe you could help teach Cor some manners, little dove." Kurt blushes, hiding their face in their own bowl, making the Beta laugh warmly. "I have a feeling he'd finally learn something for once, if it came from you."
"I d-dunno about that," the human manages, shakily wiping stew from their chin. The warmth, the food, the quiet, all the attention... it's helping them relax once more, settling heavy and boneless in Alpha's lap.
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And today had been hard on him, hard on them all. But so, so worth it, with Kurt going relaxed and warm in his lap. Corrigan finds his bite on their neck, kisses it softly, a silent reminder of who they are, where they belong. "Are you all right with everyone sleeping close by?" It's gentle, no pressure. If Kurt still needs their space, Corrigan will stay up all night making sure every pack member gets his comforting presence.
Especially Naseer. The Alpha tangles their fingers together, not too close -- not until Kurt says it's all right -- but not letting him out of reach. There are old ghosts awakening in his Beta, and Corrigan won't allow that. He needs to put them back to rest, before he can sleep.
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Just as he has saved their mate. The fear and trauma that left them bawling and near catatonic earlier is eased away with every kiss, every gentle reassuring word, every caress by those same hands that ease Naseer's own ghosts. They look so small and pale curled up against Corrigan, shivering from his touch.
How anyone could bring themself to hurt such a precious being is a mystery to him. No one will ever hurt them like that again.
"Um... I th-think that's fine," Kurt says, feeling the line of tension in their shoulders give way from the kiss to their claiming bite. Being surrounded by all of their mates through the night doesn't sound so overwhelming anymore. If anything, it makes them feel safer. Protected from ghosts in the night.
Having convinced themself, they close their eyes and nod firmly, settling fully against Corrigan. "Y-Yes, Alpha, I'll be all right."
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Unconsciously, Corrigan’s hands have drifted to rest over Kurt's stomach, a sign of where his thoughts are. His mate as an individual is precious, perfect, beloved -- and even if there's no changes to come, they'll still be worthy of every bit of love and care the pack can lavish upon them. Still, the Alpha can't help but hope that someday, maybe...
Gently pushing the thoughts away, he settles back in the furs, taking his bowl and starting to eat contentedly. "We can always kick them out later if you need a break -- or sneak off together," he teased, breath hot against Kurt's ear, followed by a teasing kiss.
"Not fair," gripes Leo from the doorway, where he and the others definitely weren't hovering and waiting to be summoned back inside.
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For reasons they can't articulate, the touch of his palm to their stomach immediately soothes their remaining nerves, sending tingly shivers of delight down their spine, just like his lips to the scarring bite had. That, at least, they get. The bites are important. Even a human could feel that, the way their body had immediately reacted to being bitten, being bound to another being as if his teeth had clamped onto their very soul. Each bite is a promise as much as a claim, a precious gift, a tether both physical and spiritual changing them in innumerable ways.
The only thing that's really changed about their stomach is how much stew and come it's been filled with. Right?
Maybe they're just tired. Kurt can feel their eyelids starting to get heavy as they sit in Corrigan's lap, feeling his breathing, hearing his heartbeat, their body warming inside and out from the dinner and fire and furs. That's probably it. They're just sleepy. They just like being touched. That's it.
"Mmm... Leo's right," they giggle softly, shivering from the kiss, snuggling closer to their Alpha. They crack an eye open to see the rest of the pack shuffle back inside, waved closer by Naseer, who hasn't moved from his spot kneeling before Corrigan. "It wouldn't be fair t'keep me all to y-yourself, right? I wanna share."
Feeling warm, sated, safe once more, Kurt reaches an arm out, reaching for the rest of their mates to join them in the furs.
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And get, and get, and continue to get over the coming days. The brightness of spring gives way to the lazy, sticky heat of summer, and the pack continues to indulge themselves in various creative ways. Benji figures out a way to dam up part of the river with stones and mud, creating a deep, cool pool that Kurt can bathe and swim in without worrying about the swift current. Leo meticulously mends the holes in his mate's vivid red cloak, just in case the weather turns, and finds other ways to repurpose their shredded clothes -- though of course, everyone prefers to go naked most of the time. Naseer teaches Kurt which of his myriad little bottles of powder and dried herbs do what, and let's them help patch up scrapes and treat headaches and season meals to their hearts delight. Even Kai finds ways to prove himself, hunting almost relentlessly, foraging for bird's eggs and berries and nuts like a fiend, bringing home anything pretty or interesting for Kurt to examine, in the faint hope that it'll make them smile or light up.
And Corrigan watches his pack, watches them embrace their mate, figuratively and literally, watches and delights in how Kurt gets less shaky, less fearful every day. Sometimes they still go glassy-eyed and panicky, sometimes their voice pitches up high in fear or shuts off entirely. Sometimes they still cling to him and cry, though never as devastated and gut-wrenching as that first day.
The sun lights their chestnut hair, bringing out strands of gold and auburn, and leaves freckles scattered across their nose and cheeks and shoulders. Their eyes are brighter, their cheeks rosy, their body softer and fuller, well-fed on wild game and fresh fruit and fish. And every time they smile up at Corrigan, it's easier, freer, more genuine.
It gets to the point where even without the link, he can tell when they don't feel well, sensing it in their forced smile and cautious movements. He sees it, one day by the river, as Kurt sits up and starts collecting their scattered clothes. Corrigan knows very well by now the difference between a good, deep ache after his mate's been thoroughly pleasured by one of the wolves, and actual discomfort, and thus is the latter.
Frowning, he reaches out, catching Kurt's wrist gently to tug them back to sit. "Are you all right, beloved?"
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They're not waking up from this. No one is coming to take them away. It's just them and their wolves, playing and learning and loving each other fearlessly. Kurt has never felt happiness like this before.
Something's come over them lately though, dampening their bright mood. What started as weird little pangs and random nausea throughout the day has grown into a persistent stomachache—nothing too severe or painful, but definitely distracting. It must have started showing on their face, or been felt through the link, and as soon as Corrigan asks, they huff softly, annoyed at their own body. They can't overindulge in the affections of their pack with an upset tummy!
"I'm fine, Alpha, I think. It's just—" Kurt frowns, cupping their stomach, naked skin warmed by the sunlight. "My stomach's been feeling weird lately. Maybe I ate something I shouldn't have?"
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"Was it those berries Kai found? I thought they were suspicious." He's entirely teasing, earning himself a splash of water from where Kai is lounging in the pool with the rest of the pack. None of the wolves would've let Kurt eat anything even remotely unknown. Corrigan’s seen Leo, who's known for eating actual roadkill, insist that leftovers might not be up to standard, and go out to hunt fresh meat.
Shaking water droplets from his hair, Corrigan lies back in the sunwarmed grass, pulling Kurt atop him. "Do you feel anything else? Feverish, sore anywhere?" His big hands easily roam up and down his mate's delicate frame, ostensibly to see if he can feel anything amiss -- though of course it's just another reason to touch them.
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None of them would ever hurt them. Kurt can't remember having ever laughed so freely in their life.
"Aside from the usual places?" they quip, shooting their Alpha a lopsided grin as they wriggle their hips into his lap. It's been a while since the wolves have actually left them in pain. Turns out the human body is tremendously adaptable when full of wolf pheromones. "Um... Just kinda nauseous now and then? And my chest," they say, sitting up straight and cupping their hands over their chest. "It's felt really tender and puffy lately..."
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Not yet, though. The laugh is genuine, and despite their mysterious aches, Kurt wiggles their hips easily (and temptingly) into Corrigan’s lap, clearly not too ill to enjoy their Alpha’s attentions. "Mmmm, right, huckleberries. Perhaps they were fermented? A bit...intoxicating?"
Kurt's hands come to their chest, drawing Corrigan’s eyes there. They've filled out quite a bit in the past few weeks, all the healthy food and sunshine and rest, and all the wolves enjoy just how sensitive their pert, pretty nipples are. But now Corrigan can see the swelling, the fullness, the way Kurt's delicate hands cup over actual rounded peaks. That's new.
A thrill of hope runs lightning-fast through the pack link, a vague thought thats been simmering at the back of all their minds coming to the front. Corrigan gently tugs Kurt's hands away, replacing them with his own, the rough pad of his thumb stroking slowly over one tender, swollen nipple. "Right here?" he prompts, feigning ignorance, like he can't feel exactly what his touch is doing to his mate. "How does this feel, little bird?"
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But even with all that, they have no hope of understanding the sudden rush of emotion the wolves share just now. It's like a jolt, a sudden positive feeling shooting through all of them, making their mates perk up all around them and pay close attention—though to what, they can't say.
Not that they're thinking too hard about that right now, because Alpha starts toying with their nipples and Kurt's mind is suddenly terribly preoccupied. "Aah—! A-Alpha, that— ohhh, that feels s-so good," they whine, hands finding Corrigan's stomach, bracing themself against it as they arch into his hands. "It's so sensitive there, m-much more'n normal... F-Feels really tender, Alpha..."
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But Corrigan can feel how tender their chest is now, how their whole body shudders in almost-pain when he circles the tip of his thumb around the swollen bud of their nipple. He's barely begun, and his mate is squirming like he's been toying with them for hours. That definitely isn't typical.
Hope and concern and protective ferocity are pulsing through the link, less a coherent thought than a fervent tangle of emotions. It's real, it's happening, it must be, and the pack reacts with wordless joy -- all except for Benji.
Sweet Benji, ever the clumsy one, puts his foot in his mouth by scrambling out of the water and suggesting cheerfully: "Maybe you're finally pregnant!"
...not. Exactly how Corrigan would've handled things.
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The sudden incredulous look on Kurt's face at Benji's excited words is a little chip in that hope, proving it more brittle than first assumed.
"B-Benji, love, that's— aaah, Alpha, yes, right th-there... Benji, b-baby, that's ridiculous," they manage, glancing over their shoulder at the pup with their eyebrows quirked. They don't like belittling Benji the way his brothers do, having become so protective of him, even when he bumbles around like an overgrown puppy. But this? This is just silly. Even having their sensitive body toyed with, feeling their cock already hardening against Corrigan's stomach, Kurt can't help but giggle, wholly unconvinced.
"I can't g-get pregnant, honey. Only girls c-can have b-babies."
Corrigan should be able to feel the full weight of his Beta's bewildered stare on his skin, the accusing tone of his first and only thought cutting straight through the pack link, aimed directly at him: You mean you haven't told them yet?!
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"Love, you know we aren't -- we don't do things like humans do." Despite his bewilderment, Corrigan is careful to school his expression into something gentle, mindful of how hypervigilant Kurt is about making the pack upset. And they aren't -- or, rather, they're bewildered that their Alpha apparently hadn't explained one of the biggest aspects of bring a werewolf pack's mate.
The thing is, Corrigan is under the genuine impression he had. More or less. Kurt had arrived with very set ideas of what tasks belonged to which types of people, and had gotten very fretful when one of "the men" did "women's work". Corrigan had explained then that wolves didn't bother with all that stuff. If there was work to be done, everyone assisted. If they chose to wear clothes, they wore what pleased them best. If they enjoyed one another, the physical act of giving or receiving -- who bent over and who mounted -- was determined mostly by whim.
However, there's a pretty big leap from "gender roles don't apply here" to "being part of this pack will physically change your body to be able to carry pups". Corrigan realizes this now, hands settling on Kurt's hips, trying to keep his voice gentle -- and ignore his Beta's flat glare from across the grass. "My darling, did you really -- have no idea? I know I've mentioned it. Haven't I?"
He has. In the heat of passion, growling it against Kurt's neck, as his knot swells inside them, promising to fill them, breed them and so on. Not exactly the most clear-headed moment.
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So it's fair to say that Corrigan's words are a complete shock to their system. They frown up at him, disbelieving, trying to fight down the blush and arousal so they can really process what he's asking them—which in itself is a tall order.
"Wh-What are you talking about, Alpha? Mentioned what?" The little human's gaze goes from one of their mates to the next, confusion plainly written on their blushing face. They're all staring at them. "Wait, you... y-you don't actually believe I can get pregnant, d-do you?"
Just the very thought is absurd. Sure, with the wolves it doesn't matter if you're man or woman or somewhere inbetween or something entirely different, everyone are equal and can do as they please, not chained to what's decided by society. That's great! Exactly what Kurt always wanted! But that doesn't change the surely immutable laws of nature! When Alpha would growl about breeding them, they definitely didn't think he meant it literally. Is this another species divide, like the transformation and the pack link? Can true werewolf mates actually fall pregnant..?
"I can't. I-It's impossible, I don't have the... parts..."
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But this is a fundamental part of a pack. The chosen mate cares for and keeps the others together, is the center of their world, rules over the den and carries and cares for pups. In bigger packs, yes, it's common for the role to belong to several individuals, either simultaneously or in succession. And some choose never to have children, preferring to grow the pack by taking in loners and orphans.
But that doesn't mean it's impossible. There are herbs to suppress pregnancy, but the potential is always there. That's known.
Kurt expresses their confusion, refers to their body, and Corrigan is quick to smooth his hands up and down their back. "Everything about you is right, love. Being our mate means -- changes can come. Being with us, around us, these things always happen, regardless of what...parts are there at the beginning."
Kai speaks up then, softly, reaching out to stroke back Kurt's hair and prompt them to look back at him. "Is that somethin' you -- don't want, baby?"
It's a heavy question, and one Corrigan himself should've asked. He shouldn't have assumed. He should've made sure .
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That can't be right. There's no way. Bodies can't just change like that, there's no treatment or medicine in the world that could change the unchangeable! Kurt is missing very pivotal organs needed for a pregnancy! You can't just grow new organs, how is that even possible?!
But then again... they have changed a lot ever since coming here. Their body can take so much more than they ever thought possible. Their wounds heal faster now, their senses have improved, and they can feel their mates' emotions like they were their own. All things that seemed impossible when they were trapped within humanity.
Could it really be possible..?
Kai's hand is cold and wet from the water as he touches them. But it's not his touch that makes them shiver. If it was really possible, would they want to have babies? Kurt frowns, thinking. In truth, they've always wanted children, but gradually had to settle on the fact that no woman would ever want someone like them. Certainly not to father her children, raise them, provide for them. But if they could truly cut out that step...
Instinctively, they cup their stomach with a small pale hand. Their heart is racing, pulse spiking at the thought that they could actually be pregnant. "I... I mean, if I could, b-but..." Kurt blushes.
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