Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. Please don't sue me I'm poor.
This story is also on AO3 under the same name.
"Hello pup"
Athelstan's eyes went wide and his breath quickened as he pulled his son closer to his chest. This man was big compared to him and very intimidating. He had jet black hair that reached half way down his back he wore it in a braid, he had a very sly smile and his eyes were brown but had a tint of gold in them.
"There is no need to fear me pup. My name is Jonathan" He said calmly, this did not help him calm down.
"I still smell your fear, I only wish to talk"
'He can smell my fear? How is that possible?' Athelstan thought
"Pup I will not hurt you or your pup. I only wish talk to you"
'Pup? Why does he call me this? and my son?'
"I have been watching you for the past three days" He played with a piece of grass as he spoke
"Watching me? But I have not seen you since you came here" Athelstan wonder how it was possible
"Then I have proved I am a good predator, for I should never be seen by my prey" He grind wildly
'Predator? Prey? He talks like a-a' Athelstan was starting to get suspicious
"You protect a wolf pup and treat him as your own why?" He asked
"You know?" Athelstan wanted to leave and tell father Cuthbert
"I knew before I saw him, I could smell him" He leaned it a little bit closer
'Smell him?' Athelstan knew what he was
"You are a wolf?"
For a second the man's eyes flashed gold and as he answered "yes"
Athelstan was close to having a panic attack "What do you want?" His fear reached its peak with that question
"I want to know why you protect a wolf where as the others would kill him"
"He is just a baby I couldn't let him be hurt, by anyone" Tears filled his eyes but he held them back.
"You are a good man, there are not many of those about"
When the baby held out his hand toward Jonathan he wanted to hold it "may I? I will not hurt him" Alistair leaned a little bit further towards Jonathan.
"Yes" Athelstan wan not sure why he said yes but he did anyway.
Jonathan smiled and held Alistair's hand gently. Alistair curiously studied Jonathan's hand before Jonathan stroked his cheek, Alistair gave a small smile and cooed.
"He is very healthy And happy" He said
"You will not tell anyone?" Athelstan was not sure why he asked
"No! Why would I? He would die if I did" Jonathan frowned
"Thank you"
"There is another reason I came to talk to you. I want to help you with the pup"
"What do you mean?"
"On his first birthday he will change into a wolf you must be prepared" He said sternly
"He will become a wolf?" he whispered
"Yes. I will help you. I have told you my secret and you may tell others if you feel I am a threat to you or him"
Athelstan thought for a moment and came to the conclusion that this man was truthful and no threat to him or his child "I will not tell if you help me"
"You must love him a lot to trust me just like that" He smiled
"Yes the moment I laid eyes on him I knew I had to protect him. Didn't I little one" Athelstan rubbed his nose against Alistair's. Jonathan smiled at his kindness.
"Very well from now are you and him are my pack. What is your name?"
'Pack?' Athelstan knew that wolves lived in packs "My name Athelstan" Jonathan put his arm around Athelstan's shoulders and began to scent mark him as pack, he had already marked Alistair when he rubbed his cheek.