"The most important and central figure in Lycan life and culture is the pack Alpha. Although in most cases the title of Alpha is an hereditary one, if the born heir is determined to be unfit in some manner then the reigning Alpha may select a replacement. Alphas are always, without exception dominant wolves. Their word to their pack is law and is not questioned, however, if an Alpha's judgements or actions are determined to be a detriment to the pack, a challenge by an Alpha in Training or Beta may be issued to remove the errant Alpha from power. This is a very serious undertaking, however, and is used only in the most extreme cases."
-an excerpt from The Politics of the Wolf by Arthur Abrams of Lima
"What are you doing here?" Kurt snapped at Blaine when he showed up after school to see him. The Alpha in Training was quite pleased to see the boy back to his usual snippy self.
"Your Dad called and said the prisoner might like some visitors, besides I think he and Carole were going out for dinner." Blaine answered.
"Oh, so you're the warden for the night." Kurt wasn't in a good mood.
"Kurt, we are doing this because you're too wonderful for Karofsky to ever get another chance to get at you."
"Still doesn't make this any less of a prison, Blaine." Kurt said. "Can I order Chinese or is that not allowed while I've serving my sentence?"
"You can place an order through me and one of my guys will go pick it up. We can't allow a delivery person here because they could be working for Karofsky."
"Seriously? We live in Lima, not a big spying mecca, Blaine."
"Can't hurt to be too careful, Kurt."
"Whatever. Order me the veggie special and call me when it gets here. I'll be in my room."
"I think your Dad called me so we could spend some time together, Kurt. That can't happen if you're locked in your room."
"Get used to it, Anderson." Kurt stomped down the stairs to his bedroom and went to slam the door when Blaine caught it easily and forced it back open. "Go away, Blaine."
"Now, now, Kurt. We're going to be mated and storming off and slamming doors isn't acceptable."
"I really don't care what you think is acceptable, Blaine. This is still my house and I can storm off and slam doors when I want to." Blaine just sighed. Kurt had been warming up to him and then Karofsky had ruined that.
"Don't make me resort to using my special Alpha tactics on you again, Kurt." Blaine smirked.
"They won't work on me this time, Blaine." Kurt challenged back.
"I think they will, either way, I'll enjoy trying." He chuckled when Kurt slammed the door in his face and went to order dinner.
ZZZZZ
"Kurt, we're in this together." Blaine appealed to Kurt once they'd both had their fill of the Chinese food. "I can't help you deal with Karofsky if you don't let me. Please, tell me what he did to you, so I can help get through this." He pulled Kurt onto his lap, trying to comfort him with his presence.
"You would just freak out, Blaine, so no; I don't want to tell you what happened at school." Kurt tried to wriggle out of Blaine's arms, but the Alpha was stronger than him and he was unable to break free.
"Look." Blaine said, doing his best to maintain his temper. "I'm not even going to try to tell you that I won't freak out. We both know that would be a lie, but Kurt, I care about what happens to you. I don't want to see you hurt. Please just tell me what happened. I promise, as mad as I get, I won't do anything stupid." Kurt quietly studied Blaine for a moment before speaking.
"I was talking to Artie. He's our Historian. He's been doing research on Lycans with eyes like mine. Karofsky came up and started hassling us. He's…he scares me a little, but I know better than to let that show. He said some really vile things and I let my temper get the best of me and told him what a Neanderthal he was. I ordered Artie to go find Finn and I sort of lost it and shoved him." Kurt admitted.
"What! Kurt, do you have any idea how dangerous that was? Karofsky is three times your size. He's an Alpha in Training! This is why people worry about you and make decisions for you…you do things without thinking them through."
"Everyone always does this." Kurt hissed. "No one in either pack thinks I can handle myself. I am not a defenseless puppy who needs to be coddled."
"I never said you were, Kurt. I know in most circumstances you are more than capable of taking care of yourself, but…" Blaine placated.
"If that were true, I'd be able to go back to school like everyone else. I wouldn't have to be guarded every moment of the day." Kurt said. "I was almost the Alpha of this pack. I think I can handle myself. I'm just as strong as the rest of you."
"I don't doubt your strength. In some ways, you're the strongest person I know. You're also probably the most caring, which is why you could never be an Alpha. To be the Alpha, you have to have a certain ruthlessness when it comes to deciding about things. You just don't have that killer instinct in you. It's one of the reasons I'm so determined to make you mine."
"I…Blaine, you know…" Kurt stuttered, completely thrown by Blaine's words.
"I know, Kurt. You don't want this, but I'm not giving up. I need you and so does my pack." Blaine said earnestly.
"Blaine…" Kurt tried again, unsure what to say.
"It's okay. I'll drop it for now, but just know that this doesn't mean this is the end." Blaine said, clearly changing the subject. "So, what happened after you shoved Karofsky? How did his stench get all over you like that?" Kurt shut his eyes, shuddering at the memories flooding his brain.
"He was enraged that I had dared to push him, an Alpha in Training. He grabbed me and pinned me up against the lockers. God…he was…terrifying. I thought he was going to hit me. Then…" He trailed off, looking at Blaine uncertainly.
"What did he do, Kurt?" Blaine asked as calmly as he was able. He sensed whatever Kurt said next was going to send him off the deep end. He mentally practiced every relaxing technique he could think of.
"He kissed me…my mouth…my throat…he was everywhere. I reacted instinctively. I kneed him in the groin and I ran to the parking lot." Kurt said his voice barely a whisper even if they were the only two people in the house. White hot rage slashed through Blaine at Kurt's words. He had never come closer to an involuntarily change in his whole life. He forced his voice to remain level.
"Thank you for telling me, Kurt." Blaine began placing gentle kisses on each of the spots Karofsky had touched. It warmed his heart as he watched Kurt fade off into sleep in his arms for the first time.
He had almost drifted off to sleep himself when he heard the front door open and the unmistakable sounds of the Lima Pack upstairs. After tucking the blankets around Kurt, he rose and shut the door carefully behind him. People were going to pay for what had happened, starting with those who had failed to protect his mate. Things were going to change right now. There might be a few months until the Winter Solstice, but he would not allow anything like this Karofsky incident to happen again.
"Is he still downstairs pouting?" Burt asked when Blaine walked into the living room, his face twisted in anger.
"No, he's sleeping and I am glad that he isn't up to hear what I have to say." Blaine's voice went deep and harsh. The others reacted instinctively, placing themselves between their Alpha and the young man whom they suddenly sensed a threat.
"What exactly is that?" Will, the most senior of the betas present, asked. He didn't bother to hide his defensive posture.
"This pack has done nothing to ensure my future mate's safety. I am this close to taking him with me today, as our laws say that I can." Blaine said, his eyes gleaming golden with fury.
"Excuse me?" Burt demanded his voice deadly quiet. "You dare come into my home, my territory, and say something like that to me about my son? He's not yours yet, pup."
"You're damn right I said that. Do you know? Do you even have the slightest clue how your Alpha in Training and your Betas have failed to protect my intended?"
"We didn't fail." Mike said, defending himself and the others. "McKinley is neutral ground. Nothing bad happens there. It's a safe place for everyone."
"Really? How safe was it for Kurt when Karofsky continually went after him and harassed him? Were you even aware of what was happening to him or were you too busy sniffing around the most convenient and available skirt to notice?" Blaine snapped.
"Come on, man. Don't you think you're taking it a little too far?" Finn asked. "Seems like Kurt's drama queen-ness is starting to rub off on you."
"Do not go there, Hudson. You failed as Alpha in Training when Kurt's safety was less important than you spending time with Rachel Berry and you know it."
"Dude, seriously…" Finn said, starting to get irritated with this pint-sized hobbit making him look like an idiot in front of his Alpha and step-father.
"No, it's time someone called you all out on your irresponsibility. You all knew Karofsky had it out for Kurt and yet, you all left him unprotected when he was with Artie. Is that how you plan on running this pack someday?" Blaine chastised him.
"All right, that's enough." Finn growled. "You don't even know my brother. We knew Artie wanted to talk to him about the blue eyes thing and how uncomfortable Kurt would be if we were around. We thought we were doing the right thing."
"Is there a reason why he couldn't have talked to him here where it's safe instead of someplace where Karofsky is skulking around? That dog lives to harass Kurt and make his life miserable." Blaine didn't care that he was probably overstepping, but he wasn't about to let them put Kurt at risk again.
"We didn't think of that." Finn admitted.
"Of course you didn't because you weren't thinking. Do you even have any idea of what happened? Do you know how close Kurt came to being a permanent chew toy for Karofsky?" Blaine growled.
"All right. Someone had better tell me what the hell happened, now." Burt practically roared, exerting every last ounce of his authority.
"Karofsky was harassing him again and they had words. That dog shoved Kurt against some lockers and kissed him; on the mouth, on the throat, and his shoulders which explains why he reeked of him when he found me in the parking lot. If Kurt hadn't had the presence of mind to knee him in the crotch, he probably would have marked him right there in the hallway like some cheap two dollar whore," Blaine said harshly. Burt dropped heavily into a nearby chair. The betas and Finn all paled dramatically and exchanged guilt filled looks. They had screwed up in a big way.
"Oh my God." Burt murmured, his anger replaced by guilt. He should have ended the Karofsky's years ago. They'd been a thorn in his side since he was in high school. This had crossed the line. "I want a meeting with Sue to discuss this altercation."
"I don't think a meeting is going to solve this problem with Karofsky." Blaine answered. "I think the larger problem is how your Alpha in Training and your Betas failed."
"We did the best we could." Santana snapped. "We didn't know what was happening with Karofsky."
"You should have." Burt snapped back. "You are supposed to be this pack's best and brightest and you failed both me and my son completely. We will be discussing this later. For now, you are all dismissed. I suggest you take a good hard look at yourselves and your actions and try to figure out how you can rid yourself of this disgrace."
Wordlessly, Finn and the others filed out of the room and into the kitchen where Carole and the girls were making tea, heads down and eyes averted.
"I will be assigning two of our betas from Westerville to keep a watch on Kurt until we are officially mated." Blaine said turning to Burt. "I assume that will be okay since he is still being kept at home."
"Yes, that's fine, Blaine, and yes, Kurt will continued to be home schooled. For what it's worth, I apologize for their failures. Rest assured it won't happen again."
"I appreciate that. I, for my part, am sorry if I overstepped, but they needed to understand just how serious this was. "Blaine said as he shrugged into his coat. "For now, it is pretty late and I need to go speak with my father. I will be by tomorrow afternoon to see Kurt. Wes, David, and Nick will be outside if you need anything."
ZZZZZ
Hummel House…
"What the hell were you thinking, Finn?" Burt exploded later once he had calmed down somewhat and summoned Finn and the others back into the living room. "You are the Alpha in Training and Kurt is your brother."
"I just wanted to talk to Rachel. I mean, Kurt was with Artie."
"That doesn't make it okay, Finn. You had orders and you failed. I certainly am disappointed in you."
"I am sorry, Burt."
"I'm just glad nothing worse happened or we'd be having a whole different discussion."
"I understand." Finn nodded.
"Good, and my Betas. You are supposed to be the best of the best, taking care of members of this pack and you also failed." Burt addressed Will, Puck, Mike, and Santana. "How would you feel if someone failed to protect one of your family members?"
"No one has ever bothered Artie and we thought Kurt would be safe with him. I mean, I didn't want to hear about the blue eyed thing either." Puck shrugged. "I thought they'd want some privacy."
"Hmm. I don't want this to ever happen again. You go home and get some sleep. You all have school in the morning." Burt said. "But this issue will be addressed at the next pack meeting, you can be sure of that. This will not be allowed, for anyone, regardless of their pack status."
"What about protecting Kurt?" Santana asked.
"I think Blaine's guards and I can protect Kurt during the day." Burt said. "I know he gave them strict orders not to let Kurt leave and I don't doubt they'll live up to their orders."
ZZZZZ
"Hello, Mr. Hummel." Blaine said when Burt opened the door.
"Blaine, come on in. Kurt is refusing to leave the attic study." Burt sighed. "He's pissed at me because I told him he couldn't come to tonight's pack meeting."
"Oh?" Blaine was surprised. He figured Kurt would be more than welcome at any meeting of the Lima Pack.
"I didn't think it would be a good idea for Kurt to be there when I dress down the Pack for their failure to protect him. I didn't want him to be on display." Burt's heart was weighing pretty heavily. He would never admit to his son that there were some in the pack who were prejudiced because of Kurt's beautiful blue eyes.
"My father was not pleased with my failure as well, Mr. Hummel." Blaine's ears were still ringing from his father's dressing down.
"Why? You weren't responsible for Kurt, Blaine. What happened wasn't your fault." Burt said.
"But he is my future mate and it is my responsibility." Blaine answered. "My guys just changed shifts, so the wolves out there tonight are fresh and rested."
"Good to hear that, but like I said... Kurt really isn't in the mood to be social."
"I'll see what I can do, Mr. Hummel. Has he had dinner?"
"He hasn't left the study since noon, so he's probably hungry." Burt said.
"Okay. Let me worry about him tonight." Blaine smiled.
ZZZZZ
Attic Study…
Kurt was pissed. How dare his father start excluding him from Pack meetings? He was the son of the Alpha and now he suddenly couldn't go. It just wasn't fair.
"Kurt?" Blaine said knocking on the door and jiggling the knob, only to find it locked. "Would you please unlock the door?" Kurt refused to say anything.
"You know a cheap lock won't keep me out if I want to get in, Kurt." Blaine laughed.
"Don't you dare even think about destroying my house, Anderson." Kurt yelled. Blaine easily slid the door open with the credit card trick.
"I don't have to destroy anything, but I wanted to see your face."
"Go away. Go back home. Just go away from me."
"I know you're mad, but I thought I could cook dinner for you and we could spend some time together."
"I don't want to spend any time with you, Blaine. Go away."
"Really, Kurt? Acting like a spoiled child is a little ridiculous."
"You want to see spoiled child?" Kurt sneered, even though it wasn't Blaine's fault he was in a bad mood. Blaine sighed.
"Haven't we had conversations like this? You know I'll always win, so give in now, Kurt. There's no reason to act like this because you're mad."
"It's not your life that everyone thinks they run, Anderson."
"You know, Kurt, it would be nice if maybe just once, you tried to stop and remember that you're not the only one who had no choice in this." Blaine said, shaking his head and shutting the door behind him. He didn't feel like fighting with Kurt tonight and with the mood he was in, it was probably better if he just left the blue eyed boy to sulk.
ZZZZZ
"Well, this is certainly interesting." Sue taunted as the men sat down. "To what do I owe the pleasure of Burt Hummel, Will Schuester, Drake Anderson, and Lane Hughes meeting with me?"
"We're here to discuss the problem with Karofsky."
"I wasn't aware there was a problem with David. He is my Alpha in Training, you know, personally trained by me."
"The problem, Sue, is that Karofsky doesn't seem to get Kurt is promised to another and not available."
"Promised doesn't mean officially mated, gentlemen. Until the mating ceremony is completed, young blue eyes is still available. I see no fault with my Alpha in Training. He's a young healthy wolf looking for a mate."
"If you don't get a handle on Karofsky, he may end up disappearing one of these days."
"Now, see, I thought we were being polite and you go and make a threat like that. Not very gentlemanly, boys."
"It's not a threat if you follow through. Just remember that," Burt reminded her. Sue smiled coldly at the men.
"Since we've decided to take the gloves off, Burt, do you know where your son is because I do. I know every move blue eyes makes. I certainly hope you keep him on a short leash from now on."
"I would have thought the past had taught you not to go there, Sue. You won't win."
"The past has taught me many things, Hummel. Including using any method to get what I want and with one exception, I always get what I want."
"You won't this time. My son is quite attached to his potential mate and you don't want to take on the Westerville Pak. We don't lose…at anything. You would do well to remember that."
"I guess we'll see what happens when and if the mating ceremony takes place and exactly who the participants are."
"Oh, the ceremony will take place. You can be sure of that. You know we protect what's ours at any cost. Don't let your boy make a stupid mistake that could cost your pack their next Alpha," Drake Anderson growled.
"Now, now. There's no reason to get angry. My David is simply a young wolf growing into himself and this is the age of experimentation."
"My ass, Sue. Keep him away from my son or I will act as the Alpha of my pack and handle it myself. You know, I have every right once he put his hands on my kid," Burt snapped.
"How do you know blue eyes didn't want Karofsky touching him?"
"Because I know my son, Sue. He doesn't want David near him for any reason."
"Hmm…" Sue said, standing up and gathering her things. "Remember what I said. Promised doesn't mean mated." With a final smirk, she strode out of the shop.
"That went well," Burt said sarcastically. "We have to increase our patrols and protection on Kurt. She's devious enough to plan another attack."
"Kurt is being home schooled and isn't allowed to leave the house. She's not brave enough to launch an attack on an Alpha's house," Drake scoffed.
"You'd be surprised at what people do when they're desperate, Anderson, besides she's done it before," Burt said bleakly, remembering the attack in which Lizzie had been killed
"I'll leave it up to you Hummel… you know her better than I do. I will not, however, commit any more of my pack to your son's protection. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have important matters to tend to," Drake said, pulling on his coat and leaving. Burt glared at the man's retreating back. He was really starting to hate that guy and couldn't help but wonder what he had sentenced his son to.
