Warnings: Just some blood and broken bones, not too graphic.

Sorry we were late on this chapter, to be clear we will still shoot for a next chapter upload for the 11th. Happy reading! - Kusasi

Chapter Nine

"You never did tell me where you were the other day," said Kurt mildly. He stirred his coffee and tried not to look interested. Across the table, Blaine swallowed.

"The other day, like, yesterday?"

"The other day like Karofsky." Blaine chewed at his lip and Kurt raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"We…we scented my father and brother when we were on the grounds," he admitted "We went out to greet them." Kurt gritted his teeth and took a deep breath through his nose.

"And that was more important than watching the rest of the Pack?" Blaine frowned.

"Look," he said. "I've already apologized, Kurt. But my father's arrival wasn't something we could ignore."

"So you took everyone?" Kurt pushed. Blaine made a gruff noise and set his jaw before answering.

"I thought that—look, it was stupid, alright?" Blaine exhaled and leaned back. "I didn't think it through." Kurt sighed and leaned forward, sliding his hand over Blaine's.

"Look," he said, softer. "You're a good Alpha. This…wasn't a good decision. I just want to know why you made it." Blaine bit his lip and gripped Kurt's hand.

"I worried for a second," he said. "But—"

The shorter boy hesitated again and Kurt thought he'd never seen him so unsure. He squeezed Blaine's hand and the Alpha looked at him, pained.

"I left youthere," he said, "so I knew everyone would be safe." Kurt's chest warmed even as he smiled wanly.

"I'm not a Beta anymore, honey," he said gently. Blaine winced anyway and wrapped his fingers around Kurt's arm.

"Kurt," he said. The boy shook his head.

"It's okay," he said. "Wes does a great job as acting Beta." Kurt smiled tightly. "You've been running together for years. I wouldn't want to usurp that." Kurt thought for a moment. "Even if your Elders approved." Blaine huffed and rose.

"My Elders don't make my Pack for me," he said. He offered Kurt his arm.

"Let's go. We need to get ready for the Moon."

There was nothing quite like an old-tradition Pack preparing for a run. The Anderson house was full to the brim with Packmates talking and eating and laughing. Kurt had never been around so many werewolves at once. Lima only had the one Pack, and even then, their Elders and children didn't hunt with them like they did in the Anderson Pack. Kurt was unused to seeing parents and younger siblings milling about, interspersed with the teenage boys that made up the main body of the Pack. There were thirty wolves total, but they filled up Blaine's huge house like a crowd of a hundred.

The youngest children had spilled out onto the yard, running and squealing in the cool evening air. A tall girl stood in the center, watching with her hands clasped reservedly behind her back. Kurt joined his Mate on the porch and nodded toward the little girl.

"Who's that sprightly bundle of energy?" he asked. Blaine smiled warmly, eyes trained on the child.

"Terra Bell," he answered. "Flint's little sister."

"Oh," said Kurt, surprised. He squinted at the girl. "I thought Flint was turned." He wrinkled his nose. "I'm usually pretty good at telling the difference."

"He's turned," said Blaine. "So is Terra." Kurt frowned.

"That's…unusual, isn't it?" he said cautiously. "I mean, two siblings being turned?" Blaine's shoulders were tense. "Did something…?"

"I'll tell you about it sometime," he said quietly.

Kurt nodded. He leaned against his Mate, nuzzling and plating a kiss to the underside of his jaw. Blaine relaxed slowly and he wrapped an arm around the brunet's hip, settling his hand over the still-pink scar marring his skin. Blaine ran a thumb possessively over the raised tissue and Kurt shivered.

"Alpha." They turned. A tall, pretty Asian girl was making her way toward them, wrapped delicately in a red cotton dress. Blaine smiled.

"Mollie," he said happily. "How are you?"

"Good," said the teen, grinning back. "Hi, Kurt."

"Hi, Mollie." Kurt gave her a hug a touched their foreheads briefly. "Love the dress." The girl grinned and blushed.

"Thanks," she said shyly. "Have you two seen my brother?" Blaine cocked his head.

"I think Wes is upstairs with David," he said. Mollie rolled her eyes.

"Of course he is," she muttered. "Thanks, Alpha." She smiled and blushed again. "See you, Kurt."

"See you," he said. Mollie hurried off and Blaine chuckled, wrapping an arm around Kurt's shoulders.

"She has sucha girl-crush on you," he said amusedly. Kurt rolled his eyes and shoved the shorter boy half-heartedly.

"Shush, dork," he said. "She's cute. You might have competition." Blaine didn't bother to retort and reached up to tussle Kurt's hair. The taller teen snapped, nearly nicking the Alpha's hand.

"Hey!" Blaine yelped. Kurt grinned and danced out of his reach. The Alpha growled.

"Hold still," he snapped. Kurt raised a brow.

"Because ordering me has worked so well for you in the past," he said dryly.

"Kurt," said Blaine warningly, "don't start fighting early." He crossed his arms over his chest. "We still have to gather everyone outside."

"Then go gather them," said Kurt. He gave Blaine a fleeting kiss on the cheek. "It's almost moonrise. I'll be outside with the kids."

Kurt was off the porch before Blaine could reply. He made for little Terra Bell, still keeping solemn vigil over her younger Packmates. She reached out and caught Antonio before he fell, setting the squirming boy lightly on his feet. The child took off as soon as he was righted, giggling happily. Terra caught sight of Kurt and tilted her head respectfully.

"Hello, omega," she said. Kurt smiled.

"Hi." He touched the back of the girl's neck lightly. "It's Terra right?"

"Alpha calls me Terra Bell," she said softly. Kurt chuckled and smiled.

"Your full name?" he asked. "Just like that?" The blonde girl flushed.

"Blaine says it's pretty," she admitted.

"It is," Kurt told her. "I haven't met you yet, Terra Bell. How old are you?"

"Eleven."

"So you haven't hit the magical preteens yet and got stuck with watch duty." Terra Bell shrugged.

"I don't mind so much," she said. Kurt smiled and the two of them turned to continue watching the children.

Someone howled; a voice Kurt didn't recognize. The door opened and everyone came streaming out of the house in various states of undress. Clothes were strewn behind them as they walked, littering the lawn in tiny piles. Ellie came streaking by already disrobed and let herself be picked up by a tall ebony-skinned woman Kurt had yet to meet. He nudged Terra Bell and they shed their own clothes and made sure the children followed suit. Blaine approached with a smile and gave Kurt a kiss, took his hand. Terra Bell moved away to join her brother, leaving them alone in front of the crowd. The Alpha faced his Pack. He gripped Kurt's wrist tightly.

"Tonight," he said, "is considered a sacred Moon." There were murmurs and cheers and Blaine waited for silence before he continued.

"Tonight," he went on, "we run with a new wolf." He paused. "A new Mate."

In the back, Wes threw back his head and howled. Blaine grinned, teeth bright and sharp.

"Kurt Hummel runs with us tonight and many nights."

Birds rose up from the trees in dark clouds at the chorus of answering howls. The moon hung fat and wax-yellow over their heads. Blaine pulled Kurt to him and bit into his mouth. The taller boy whined and kissed him back and the Alpha pulled away and pressed his fingertips into Kurt's face.

"Change," he commanded.

Pain burned inside his chest and spread through his body like fractures through glass. His bones cracked and his skin split as his body exploded, bloody. New skin grew and knitted together with what was left of his human visage and Kurt screamed under the moon's watchful eye. Blaine pressed himself against the white wolf and some of the pain ebbed, swirling away through the Pack bond. Kurt whined and tossed his head as his wolf-teeth broke the tender tissue of his gums. The white wolf stood, shaking and bloody. Blaine rumbled comfortingly next to him, already steady and tall on four legs. Kurt nuzzled the Alpha's shoulder.

Mate, Blaine said warmly. Kurt.

Blaine, Kurt greeted. Are we going to hunt tonight?The Alpha barked an affirmation.

First Moon,he said by way of explanation. Blaine turned back to his newly-shifted Pack and howled. His parents answered, approaching rapidly. Wayne snuffled at Kurt's neck and Amparo touched her nose to his.

Omega, said Wayne. His tongue lolled happily. Pack. Welcome.

Ellie reached them next, tail held high and wagging furiously. Kurt knocked the little wolf over and buried his nose in the pup's belly, snuffling and nipping affectionately. Elenore squirmed.

Kurt,she giggled. The white wolf growled playfully and let her up.

Nice to see you too, Elenore,he teased. Ellie whined and hid between her father's front legs. Wayne snorted amusedly and lifted the girl by the scruff of her neck. He nodded to his Mate and Amparo nudged Kurt.

You run back there, she said. Kurt cocked his head and looked at his Alpha.

Blaine? he mahogany wolf rubbed his face against Kurt's.

Need you with them, he said. The bond thrummed—pride. Lead the hunt tonight.

Kurt brightened at the words and Blaine grinned at him.

Who wanted to go?he asked eagerly.

Jeff,said Blaine. Kurt barked and tossed his head. Amparo gave a huffing laugh and nudged Kurt's side.

Let's go,she said.

The two of them turned and headed for the rear of the Pack where Kurt could smell the other submissives waiting, restless. Packmates greeted them with barks and growls as they passed, and more than once Kurt was subject to a friendly nip on the ear. The white wolf kept pace with Amparo and brushed against her while they walked.

Do you usually run back here? Kurt asked her as he greeted an over-exuberant Jeff with a heavy paw to the throat. Amparo huffed and her tongue lolled.

I run with Alpha,she told him. Kurt nuzzled under her chin and wagged his tail once.

Thank you for walking with me, Elder, he said. Hunt well.Amparo bit the scruff of his neck and licked it.

Hunt well,she returned.

Amparo took off for her Mate and Kurt turned to greet the rest of his Packmates, tongue lolling happily. He knocked Thad over and planted a paw in his center of his chest, allowing him up only after he'd received a tap under his chin. Kurt gave on last nip to Thad's ear and moved to greet Trent and his mother at the back of the group. The older female wagged her tail lowly and Trent rubbed his jaw against Kurt's.

Kurt, he said happily. Hunt?

Alpha gave us permission,the white wolf affirmed. Jeff howled and barked and wagged his tail furiously. Kurt grinned.

Omega?He turned to a wolf with molten sepia streaked through her dark-brown coat and huffed in greeting.

Kurt, he told her. I haven't met you yet.

Marta Anderson,she said ducking her head. Kurt nuzzled her jaw and licked her chin.

You're Cooper's Mate. He grinned. I've met Antonio. Marta glowed with pride and let her tongue loll.

Little Alpha,she said happily. Kurt huffed and turned to face the front of the Pack, pressing against Marta's side.

Will you hunt with us? he asked. Marta barked in affirmation and flicked an ear, tail wagging slowly.

Kurt tilted his head back and let out a long, low howl. His Packmates gathered around him, lowering their heads and snarling. Kurt barked sharply and bared his teeth. He tugged at the mating bond and Blaine pushed back.

We're ready when you are, Alpha,he said. Blaine's howl echoed over the trees. In the distance Kurt could see him streaking off into the woods, his parents close at his heels.

Wes waited until they'd disappeared into the trees and then launched after the Alphas, his dappled fur melting into the night. The Pack followed him into the forest. There was hardly any sound and yet Kurt could feel their paws hitting the ground, shaking the very earth. The children, surrounded by three dominant males, struggled to keep up with their Elders. A hulking, russet-colored wolf ran behind them, Antonio's tiny form clutched delicately in his jaw.

Cooper,Kurt called. He and Marta raced to catch up the Alpha and he growled in greeting.

Alpha's Mate. Cooper brushed against him. Kurt.

Kurt, Antonio repeated. Kurt Kurt Kurt.

Toni, Toni, Toni, the wolf said back, grinning. How are you, little Alpha?

Good,said Antonio.

Well, hijito,Marta corrected gently.

Well, Antonio repeated. Cooper laughed and slowed to a stop, setting his son down gently.

Marta, he said warmly. Kurt trotted over to the other pups to give them a moment of space. The two other dominants watching the children wagged their tails and nosed his jaw.

Kurt. The white wolf turned back. Marta was grinning at him, teeth blinding. Hunt?

The wolf huffed and gave the dominants a parting bark. He pressed against Marta's side and they let the pups and their guardians pass, waiting patiently. When the other submissives had gathered around them, Kurt shook out his fur and huffed.

Who's all with us? he asked.

Jeff.

Thad.

Trent.

Marta.

Liam Montgomery. Kurt shifted his gaze to the compact wolf sitting quietly to his right. His white paws stood out starkly against his dark, dappled coat.

Wes' father, Kurt acknowledged. Are you hunting with us?The other wolf barked and cocked his head, unsure.

Mate, he said. Pack. Kurt lowered his head in acquisition and allowed the submissive male to pass. He looked to the last wolf siting straight-baked and tall.

Laura Williams, she said. Tawny fur covered her strong shoulders, blending into a spotted underbelly, so much like her son. I'll hunt.

It's good to have you, Mrs. Williams,Kurt older wolf nuzzled his jaw.

David likes you,she told him. Kurt wagged his tail. He moved to an open spot under the trees where the moon shone through onto the ground. He tipped his head back and inhaled, opened his mouth and tasted the air.

I've got three does and a buck, he said. Maybe two miles southwest of us.

Lead, omega, Laura Williams growled.

Kurt howled and streaked away, dodging through the trees. Thad caught up quickly and took his left shoulder, brushing against the white wolf. Jeff took his right flank and Laura Williams took the rear, leading Trent and Marta forward. They drew closer to the deer and Kurt slowed until he was sure they could all smell the animals grazing in the foliage. He brought them to a stop with the deer just in their sight.

Trent, Marta, said Kurt. Go around to the west of them. Thad, Jeff, north and south. But not too wide out; I want you to be able to kill if one of them gets away from us.The four slunk slowly off, their paws silent over the fallen leaves, leaving Kurt and Laura to get into position.

I want the stag,the female wolf growled. Kurt huffed and pawed the ground.

It's big,he warned. Williams grinned with all her teeth and Kurt rolled his eyes.

Fine, he said. But I get both does.

Laura snarled and lowered her head challengingly. Kurt pressed into a crouch.

Trent, he said. Now.

Trent snarled, the sound harsh and reverberating in the quiet. The deer startled, their eyes wide and rolling in terror. Marta came charging forward and the two wolves to the side howled. The four began to funnel the deer forward. Kurt's jaws dripped with anticipation. Beside him, Laura gnashed her teeth.

She waited until the frantic creatures burst through the trees and darted forward, snapping. Kurt leapt a second later and caught a doe by the neck. He clamped his jaws down, cracking the bone. The animal went limp and Kurt sprang after the other before the first body hit the ground. Laura howled triumphantly behind him. Kurt crashed into the second doe, digging his claws into its flank and bringing it struggling to the forest floor. Thad came upon him just as he ripped into the doe's neck, her life draining rapidly. Kurt bared his bloody teeth and the other wolf lowered his head.

Back to Laura? he asked tentatively. Kurt barked and allowed Thad to approach. Together they dragged the body back to where Laura Williams was guarding the other kills. She lowered her head in acknowledgement of Kurt's hunting. Trent and Marta had already joined her and Jeff was trotting up close behind, his fur dirty and tail wagging. He had a hare in his mouth. He placed it beside the deer.

Caught something, he said happily. He'd caught the animal when he and Thad had been chasing the deer forward. Kurt grinned at him.

Great,he said. He tugged at the mating bond, sent gnawing hunger and deer's hot blood in his mouth. Blaine's end of the bond shivered, stained claws and teeth and the burn of a good run. Kurt huffed out a laugh.

Alpha Blaine's hunting fox with the Pack, he said. Let's eat here.Laura and Thad started snapping over the buck almost immediately. Marta tugged tentatively at Jeff's kill.

For Toni? she asked shyly. He likes hare. Jeff grinned lopsidedly and nudged the body toward the older wolf.

For Toni,he said kindly. Kurt snuffled and then Trent was nudging him, whining at the does. Kurt was ravenous.

They ate until their bellies were sated and full, snarling and snapping good-naturedly over meaningless bites. There were no Alphas, no dominants, so they shared everything and lay languidly in a pile when they were done, debating on when they needed to get back. Blaine was always there, a comforting presence in the back of Kurt's mind; the Pack was in all of them. They were warm, and half-sleeping. Kurt barely noticed when a new scent wafted over them, dark, like earth and sweat and something tangier. Citrus.

Who's that?he thought drowsily. Laura, partially underneath him, flicked her tail lazily.

Who? she asked, yawning. Kurt felt it when she stiffened a moment later.

Alpha,she growled. Kurt shot up, dislodging Marta and Thad. He stood facing north, his tail low and his teeth bared. One of his ears flicked. Marta barked at him reproachfully and Kurt snarled.

It's an Alpha, Marta, he snorted. A foreign Alpha. She cocked her head at him and Kurt growled in frustration.

Not Pack, he bit out. Alpha not Pack. Bad. Dangerous. Marta's eyes widened, and then she was sprinting off into the trees, Jeff's rabbit still clamped between her teeth.

Find Cooper,she told Kurt. The white wolf didn't bother to acknowledge her and turned to the others.

He's close, said Laura. Her voice was steady but her scent was thick with fear. He's fast.

Faster than me¸ Kurt admitted grudgingly. We need to get to Alpha. The rest of the boys took off but Laura blocked Kurt's path.

Other one is too fast, she said. Catching up.

Then we'll stay, said Kurt. Laura whined and backed up but had no intent to leave.

You go, she said. Alpha's Mate.

Kurt ignored her and turned toward the rapidly approaching scent. He and Laura exchanged a look and Kurt slunk into the trees behind her, belly almost touching the ground. They waited, seething. Kurt tugged and pushed at the Mating bond, sending urgency and receiving near-panic. Marta and Cooper were rapidly herding the children away but the three submissive boys hadn't reached the head of the Pack yet and Blaine was almost eight miles from them by now.

Kurt looked up and the Alpha was there, looming, dwarfing Laura Williams' smaller form and snarling viciously. Kurt bared his teeth and resisted the urge to tuck his tail, watching. Laura held her ground and growled. The Alpha moved and suddenly the older submissive was on the ground. She scrambled back, yelping, and the Alpha lunged again, jaws wide. Laura got to her feet just in time to get away and swiped bravely at the hulking male's flank. The Alpha snapped and knocked her away, slamming her into a tree. There was a horrible crunch and the tawny wolf let out as close to a scream as she could give. Another wolf howled in response—still too far away to help—and the other Alpha, distracted, turned its head.

Kurt darted out and tore at the wolf's exposed throat. The Alpha jerked and snarled. Kurt's teeth came away bloody and full of fur and skin but he didn't stop, turning and clawing at one of the larger wolf's forelegs. The Alpha slammed into Kurt's side, knocking him harshly to the ground. The white wolf started to run, breathless and aching. The Alpha gave chase and Kurt turned sharply in Blaine's direction, speeding up. The Alpha howled again, terrifying, and a chorus of high, startled barks sounded from some distance to their right. The bigger wolf huffed, veered, and Kurt felt something cold drop into his stomach.

Ellie, he yelled. Ellie, Ellie Ellie Ellie!

Kurt?was the frightened, faint reply.

Kurt? said Blaine.

Elenore! Kurt roared. Run!

He went for the Alpha's legs and tackled the huge wolf, bristling and snarling. The male tumbled but struck Kurt heavily with its paw, winding him severely. Kurt panted but refused to back down and managed to duck the Alpha's next blow, taking it in his shoulder. He winced at the resulting crack but darted forward again, getting in a swipe at the male's leg. It stumbled and Kurt aimed for the Alpha's eye, raking his claws across the wolf's face. It tossed its head in pain and sent Kurt flying into the dirt, yelping in surprise. The male clawed into Kurt's neck, tearing through skin. The white wolf whined and struggled away, panting harshly and the Alpha followed. It growled and Kurt snarled back, baring his teeth and swishing his tail lowly.

Kurt! Wes was coming rapidly up behind him, his voice panicked. Are you

Get to Laura Williams, Kurt ordered. She's injured. Northwest. Follow the deer scent.

Wes didn't bother to argue and gave the foreign Alpha as wide a berth as he could. Blaine was only a few yards behind. The huge wolf snarled but Kurt moved to block it, growling lowly. The Alpha's gaze shot back to him, one eye swollen and bleeding.

Blaine was over him, suddenly, covering his smaller body with his own. Kurt pressed his belly to the ground and stayed put, whining. Blaine's mind was a mess but his snarl was as terrifying as anything, and the other Alpha lowered its head.

Mate, Blaine struggled out, affirming, worried, pleading.

Mate,Kurt replied. The other Alpha began to back away slowly and Blaine growled, maw dripping with fox blood.

I'm going to kill you, he growled.

The Alpha turned and sprinted away, his gray fur getting lost in the shadows. Three Pack wolves went flying past, two in pursuit, the other headed for Laura.

Preston Williams, Blaine explained. Laura's Mate.

Kurt huffed and pressed himself up, wiggling out from under his Alpha. Blaine immediately started licking at the wound on his neck, cleaning the white fur of blood and the other's scent. Wes and Preston approached a moment later, carrying Laura between them. Blaine moved forward and pressed his nose into the female's wounded shoulder.

Crushed, said Laura painfully. Kurt?

I'm fine, he assured her. You were strong.

You stayed alone, Laura said. You kept us safe.

She limped forward on three paws and tucked her head under Kurt's chin, snuffling and nuzzling him gratefully. Preston touched their noses and the pressed against Kurt's face, licking at the smaller wolf's lighter wounds. Blaine growled softly and the Mated pair backed away whining quietly. Wes walked forward and sat, his head held high, amber eyes burning into Kurt's.

Alpha, he said clearly, I relinquish my role as acting Beta. He lowered his head, keeping his eyes locked on Kurt. There is another more fit.

Witnessed, Laura affirmed. Kurt shook.

Mate, said Blaine firmly.

Kurt Hummel, said Wes, I pass this on to you. May you hunt with honor.

Blaine fell upon him then and there was a searing, burning pain in his wounded shoulder. The Alpha held on as he struggled instinctively and forced Kurt to the ground, teeth locked in place. Blaine held him there until he was still and released Kurt's shoulder with a satisfied sound. Blood seeped out of Kurt's body, dripping sluggishly onto the dirt beneath him and the white wolf whined.

Blaine howled, signaling the change to the rest of the Pack. They echoed him. Kurt tipped his head back and his voice rose high and bright above the others, ringing across the forest. Blaine broke off and shivered, his tail wagging furiously. He nipped Kurt's ear and the Beta broke the call, allowing his Mate to rub his scent all over him, letting him lick at his newly-marked shoulder.

Home,Blaine rumbled. Kurt nuzzled his neck and started off back south at a slow run, his body aching with every step.

Blaine kept pace with him until they reached the house and then split off to speak with his parents, his head held high and proud. Cooper joined them and the Anderson's before beginning to speak in low, fevered voices. Kurt limped inside, catching a shivering Elenore in the doorway. He picked her up and carried her into the living room and set her down in the middle of the floor where the other children had already gathered. She whined loudly when he tried to leave but Kurt ignored her and went to retrieve Antonio from outside. Nick was attempting to herd the sepia pup inside but the boy was tired and unresponsive. He snuffled sleepily when Kurt picked him up, his breath smelling strongly of hare. Kurt brought Antonio inside and set him down gently next to Ellie. The children greeted him and then piled together, falling asleep almost instantly.

Kurt yawned and dragged himself upstairs, wincing at the small splats of blood he left on the hardwood floor. He crawled into bed with every intention of going directly to sleep, burrowing into Blaine's sheets. David interrupted him, nosing his way into the room and climbing up beside the Beta. Kurt grunted and let the tawny-and-brown wolf snuggle underneath him, wiggling to get comfortable. David snuffled into one of Kurt's ears.

Thanks for saving Mom, he said. Kurt huffed and licked at the other wolf's face.

You're welcome, he said sleepily. David nipped his ear and settled down, growling contentedly.

Their breathing had just begun to even when they was jostled by another arrival. Blaine, still in his human skin, tucked himself against Kurt's side. He buried one hand in the soft fur of Kurt's belly and wrapped the other arm around his middle. Wes clambered up after him—still shifted—and moved around until Blaine was comfortably nestled in the center of the pile. The Alpha rested his head on Kurt's shoulder and sighed.

"Jeff and Nick are curled up on the floor," he told his Mate softly. "You've turned my room into a puppy pile."

The real one's downstairs, Kurt thought at him. Blaine chuckled.

"Happy being Beta again?" he asked. Kurt nuzzled his hair in response and Blaine grinned.

"It's good to have you, babe," he whispered. "I'll see you in the morning?" Kurt rolled his eyes.

I'll be here, he said. Blaine smiled and closed his eyes and they fell asleep.