After about two months of working on it, the chapter is finally finished! Thank you all for your patience with me! The next chapter is guaranteed to be nothing but smut, so please enjoy some build-up in the meantime!

And thank you so much to java-jowgie for being an incredible beta and friend once again, and for putting up with all of my overly-beefy sentences and late night writing rants! 3

With Sebastian out of sight and the sky growing dim, Ciel retreated to his burrow. He knelt before his rumpled nest with a slow, exhausted sigh, turning to eye the furs piled into the opposite corner of the den with regret weighing heavily on his mind. He had waited far later than usual to clear away the bed of pelts, and was left completely unprepared for his heat aside from the assortment of dried meats and berries. With the wolf's arrival, he had been putting preliminaries off to spend time with the persistent, yet charismatic alpha, resigned to bending to his every whim and spontaneous hunt or adventure he was determined to drag him on. Yet in some way, he found it strangely endearing; Or perhaps that was just the early stages of his heat talking, making his mind foggy with an uncharacteristic softness. Either way, he had to remain focused on his task - he needed to rebuild his nest anew with thicker, softer materials that were welcoming for both himself and his future mate.

The fox gathered the blankets betwixt his clawed hands, folding them into a small, haphazardly assembled stack where the fresh ones resided. He then retrieved the unused ones, pulling a soft, sable one to his chest with a deep inhale. To his delight, most of its bearer's scent had worn off by now due to the winter air and the pine needles folded into it for neutralization purposes. Said remnants of the fallen branch he'd found near his fire in late summer fell from the fur when it was flicked open, and his wrist was immediately drifting across its surface to spread his scent and mark it as his own. It was the largest of the hides he possessed, hewn from an old black bear who had passed on the edge of his territory at the peak of spring. Though she never threatened him the few times she had wandered through his territory with her cubs many years ago, and he held great respect for the bear who had lived in such peace, he felt no regret for harvesting the remains that would aid him in survival. It was the way of life, similar to the manner in which vultures loomed and circled the edge of his borders for days after. She felt no pain and had no use for it anymore, nature taking its course as it had since the creation of time itself. Due to the harsh climate said bear had travelled from however, the pelt he clutched was warm and cumbersome, far too weighted to wear as a cloak. It was the perfect base for his new nest, though.

Spreading the fur across the ground at the tenuously dug-out portion of his den, shaped into a gentle dip to accommodate his nest more easily, was the easy part and took no time at all. What took more effort was forming a comfortable pattern with the remaining pile of fluff awaiting sortment. He took the next two in the stack, both from fairly sizable stags, and layered them on top, building up the cushioning until the shifting of soft soil could scarcely be felt beneath them. Several more, from less impressive hunts, followed suit until his nest was fully formed from new bedding. He then set about scenting each and every one of them again. It was an action often done by mates or family, but with his family gone and a lack of knowledge on the habits of alpha wolves, he found himself soothed by the knowledge that no predators would scent the initial being whom held the coats over the heady aroma of his own sweetness. But after the third covering, he was forced to pull back whenever his wrist began to throb from the vigorous rubbing of his wrist across the expanse of the dusty fur perfectly matching the one of his favourite cloak.

A frustrated growl parted his lips as he nestled into the nest to test its feel, displeased to find it still lacking the plushness he had hoped for as well as a fully masked scent. His agitation was short lived when Sebastian's increasingly familiar fragrance of sage, cranberry, and peach graced his senses. With a grumble, the testy omega moved to sit closer to the entrance ushering the wolf in whenever he stopped outside to ask permission. "How polite you are now that you've gotten your way... Just come in, I could tell it was you before you stopped anyways - there was no point in asking." The reverberating chuckle his exaggerated annoyance incited made it impossible to resist flicking his tail in a show of faux elegance as he watched Sebastian settle in front of him with a stash of pelts larger than his own collection.

"Now, now, vixen. Must you be this way when I come bearing gifts?" The alpha mocked, taking in the mussed hair of cinereal and the new nest housed just a couple of feet away with a small smirk. Though Ciel didn't seem entirely irked, he didn't appear satisfied with his creation either, despite the comfort it seemed to exude. He placed the pelts he brought aside when he noticed the tod's ears twitch in interest and his eyes widening in wonder, allowing the boy to browse through them at his own speed. As soon as they touched the ground, petite hands were buried into them, running the fur between his fingers and thinking over their possibilities. "The one on the bottom will preserve the most heat," he pointed out kindly, not interfering as the reynard sorted out the best fits for his nest. In the end, he chose all six of the provided hides, some of them spilling over the rim of the small pit he'd formed beneath the blankets. He watched Ciel work in silence, but he could hear the faintest of purrs filling the hush, and his cheeks instantly became flushed. How precious this creature was… He watched his intended press his palm into the fluff, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips when it was as cushiony as he'd hoped for. Sebastian found himself breathless whenever that oddly bright expression was turned to him. He couldn't wait to claim the seductive little fox, to bond him, and stay with him for the rest of their days. His face was one that he wouldn't mind waking up to every day, and his snark was sure to make each moment they spent in each other's presence interesting.

"I was simply stating the truth… But thank you for letting me borrow your pelts, Sebastian. They were just what I needed to complete it," Ciel said, gesturing to the mass of fur beside them, an appreciative croon penetrating his sentence whenever he slipped up. He quickly composed himself, embarrassment nestled deep into his core as he went on. "I just have to scent it and then it's finished." Though traces of the wolf's miasma permeated the materials, intoxicating with every whiff he caught, there was nowhere near enough. And while he wanted to request that Sebastian add his own scent to the nest they would share, he couldn't get the words passed his tightly sealed lips in worry that scenting wasn't so common among wolves. "For now, feel to put your other things wherever you'd like. I don't mind where they go," he stated mildly upon seeing the small satchel the alpha held, likely containing a few of his own items. Turning away, he began to attempt scenting the more plentiful array of furs. He didn't get far before he yelped, wrists slightly pink from the rough leather innards of one that unintentionally scraped across his hand. The sound didn't go without notice.

Sebastian jolted and dropped his leather pouch just before he leaned to place it, quickly making his way to Ciel's side whenever the pained sound met his ears, that drooped worriedly when the fox rubbed his sore wrists. Without a moment's hesitation, he took the dainty wrists within a single palm, studying them closely as his brow furrowed and his bushy, onyx tail stroked the boy's thighs in a sign of consolation. "You have rubbed your wrists positively raw, pet. You must not be so harsh on your scent glands. They're more sensitive right now, are they not?" he questioned, briefly releasing Ciel before retrieving a rigid leaf from his discarded luggage. The misty green was split in half and a goopy, transparent liquid began to drip languidly from its wound. He gingerly pressed it to the boy's reddened scent glands, catching a relieved noise whenever the cold slickness relieved the chafed spots with it's healing properties and lack of heat. Had he never found aloe vera in the past? How did he heal himself when he was wounded? Careful not to press his claws into the alabaster skin, he rubbed in the natural remedy with gentle touches. The boy seemed adamant to scent his creation, but perhaps he would allow it to bare his own musk as well. The prospect of the fox's den possessing his claim as well made him bubble with joy even before he'd spoken his question aloud, filling him to the brim with an anticipation he hadn't felt over anything since he was a mere pup. His plum eyes shone hopefully as he gently pressed a kiss to the irritated skin before releasing his hold on Ciel. He was surprised to have the touch returned though, the omega's palms coming to rest atop his own before he could fully pull them away. "If you are interested, I would be more than willing to scent them in your stead if you'd like."

"You would be willing to do that for me?" Ciel breathed, fangs digging into his bottom lip to prevent his stunned enthusiasm from shining through too deeply, lest he be teased for the rest of the night. His wrists burned minimally, stinging much less now that the cold gel had been spread across his forearms like the smooth insides of an overly-ripe winterberry, and the offered reprieve would not only be a suitable substitute, but a welcome replacement. The new scent would be as equally reassuring as it was protective, and such a thing would be a godsend at the moment. His skin was itching with a new sensation that he couldn't quite put his finger on, one that was just as emotional as it was physical. Was it lust, longing, fatigue, or something else entirely…? Coupled with the heat building between his thighs, it made him squirm uncomfortably, white-tipped ears swiveling back in an anxious motion. With his next inhale, he was unable to focus on anything but the new tang in Sebastian's spiking aroma, likely due to his own increasing fragrance. It was of the sweetest amber, heady and intoxicating, leaving his mind foggy and his dick twitching excitedly as the first traces of heat began to make themselves known. His fluffy tail curled over his lap to conceal the source of his sudden embarrassment, ignoring his increased sensitivity to the brush of his own slate and obsidian fur as he cleared his throat. Luckily, there was no slick dampening the ground of soil and leaves beneath him yet, but he could clearly feel the muscles in his legs beginning to tighten and ache, as well as the thin layer of oily essence that the scent glands in his neck, wrists, thighs, and tail began to produce. "If you don't mind, I would appreciate it greatly."

"Then it would be my pleasure," Sebastian preened, the galvanizing glow of his merriment causing an unnamed sense of calm to wash throughout the small den and over it's owner. When Ciel moved aside to grant him access to the nest he hoped to share, the boy's frantically tapping fingers caught his attention. Whether it was of impatience or trepidation he was unsure, but when the omega's breath could be heard faltering for a fraction of a second, the wolf thought he had an inkling of what caused the nervous energy. Mismatched eyes bore into his back without words and he froze, taking in the welcoming mound of downy furs with a purr in his chest and a tentative brush of the outermost fell. Ciel wanted to know what he thought of it. He smiled. "Ah, how lovely. It looks very soft and sturdy... you have quite a way with crafting. It will hold up perfectly,. bBut as nice as it looks, I bet it will feel even better." His wrist swept over the first two layers with careful precision, and a gasp was pulled from his lips whenever he caught a whiff of their intermingling scents. They twisted and twirled with the most elegant flourishes, complementing each other beautifully as if they were always meant to be one - two fragments forming a complete coalition and becoming one with the Earth upon which they wandered. A quiet, satisfied growl echoed from deep in his throat, and he began to spread his own miasma more eagerly, determined to blend their natural fragrances as much as possible and leave them to permanently stain the burrow with their wintry scents. So little time was left before Ciel would be in heat and he wanted to pamper him as much as possible as a sign of his appreciation. His efforts would be rewarded tenfold by the end of the week, but that wasn't what his focus was on. Instead, he was set on making the fox smile. He didn't see it enough, and he wanted him to be happy. "There now, fully lathered in scent. Won't you try it out? I'm curious to see if it's as cozy as it seems," hHe questioned, watching the omega's ears flick forward attentively as his small chest rumbled its own fondness for the comforting aroma wafting throughout the enclosure.

"Very well," Ciel muttered, eyes fluttering to half-mast as the warm atmosphere wrapped itself around him like the thickest of hides or a soothing summer breeze. He inched closer to his new nest with a curious twitching of his tail, willowy frame all but seeping into the sea of furs the second his palms met the bedding. It was far more welcoming than any of his nests over the years, perhaps even more comfortable than the one his mother used to craft for them in the winter months when he was a small pup. The soft soil beneath them could no longer be felt through the cloud-like materials, and the smell of wet Earth no longer dulled and permeated his every sense. Instead, he was encompassed by the whiff of alpha pheromones swirling so tenuously with the sweet and easing aroma that curled around him as if he were a column overcome by a vine-like wave of scent. The ginger brush of mink fur felt resplendent around his nude form, especially around his thighs, where he often became the most-sensitive during his season. He sighed, allowing himself to melt into the source of heat and serenity, and forget about his company for a split second. Though he lounged in an alert fashion rather than reclining fully, his knees coiled close to his stomach and his tail curled blissfully atop his legs, white tip swishing weakly to ward off a stray snowflake that had settled on it when he moved to invite Sebastian into his den. He knew the wolf was waiting for his verdict on his fulfilled task, to be told if he did well or if it was still lacking, but rather than speaking his approval aloud, he chose a different tactic. As he settled down deeper into his nest, ignoring a quick yet uncomfortable rush of heat from head to toe as well as a feeling of unsteadiness, he tapped a single, clawed-finger atop the upper blanketing he shifted beneath. He shivered as he beckoned the alpha forward, a drop of sweat dripping languidly from his nape despite how cold he felt, cursing his body's contrasting reactions as he awaited the taller male. He suspected his heat was moving along faster now that he was close to a man his body deemed a suitable mate, but if anything, that only made it more agitating as he was given less time to adjust to his increasingly feverish and anxious state.

Not oblivious to the nervous twitching and uncomfortable squirming of the tod, Sebastian was quick to concede his unspoken request - not only from his own desire for closeness but out of concern as well. His actions were slow as to not frighten or disorient the little omega, but planned as he settled in beside him without a single graze to his heated skin. He would let Ciel come to him rather than taking hold of him himself, unsure how he would react to his sudden touch. His patience was rewarded with more haste than he expected, the warm body soon pressed to his side as the tremor-ridden reynard wiggled closer, his following yawn sounding as languor as he appeared. The wolf's hand rose to the bare shoulder furthest from him, tentatively stroking it in appreciation. How lovely that soft skin felt beneath his own, blushing and perspiring so beautifully under his touch… "Ah, your nest is splendid, vixen. You must teach me how to craft one in this fashion someday," He cooed, words genuine despite their reassuring nature. It truly was the most comfortable place he had yet to perch. "Is there anything you need that you happen to be lacking? I am more than willing to provide whatever it may be." A thin arm came to wrap around his back and he found a pleased growl resounding from his throat, lips finding purchase upon the slate locks that so cutely framed twitching ears. A quiet, mildly grumpy huff from Ciel caused a sly grin to manifest upon his lips, and he repeated his previous movement, stopping only when he was swatted away by the seemingly sleepy male. He could feel the weight upon his shoulder increasing as the fox's head began to lull against it, his blinks rapid in an attempt to combat his fatigued state. If anything was keeping him awake, it was likely the shivers racking his lithe form. The alpha gave a thoughtful hum, claws scraping against his knees in silent contemplation before an idea struck him. With great gentleness, he disengaged himself from Ciel's hold, unhooking his inky cloak before curling it around the willowy frame. Alongside his own body heat, it was sure to warm him and soothe his chill, just as it had done when he was ill.

As warmth ensconced him, emitting from the alpha he nestled near, Ciel allowed his eyes to flutter shut, fatigue leaving him limp and pliant in the wolf's hold. He gave a soft sound, not entirely unlike the gekkar he produced in his fox form, in appreciation of the praise regarding his nest. Sebastian liked it, a fact that made his heart feel strangely light and pleased something instinctual that coiled deep within him, a piece of him that had been abandoned for nearly a decade. It was beginning to resurface now, as he finally relaxed his sore muscles and gave into the fever starting to fog his mind. He could easily care for himself, protect his home, and sate his own hunger alone, yet just this once, he wanted to sleep and rely on another to keep him safe. And once his heat was over, he would be sure to return the favor generously. He hunkered down further in his nest, knees curled close and eyelids leaden, as he laid down completely in the mass of silken pelts and enticing scent. How could Sebastian possibly smell so good…? His miasma was as intoxicating as that of the pure white roses that grew near the lake in summer, if not more so. Remembering the wolf's query, he peered up at him from his fetal position, keeping the man's cloak close to make up for the disappearance of body heat his movement brought. "No, I already have everything I need. But it's getting quite late and I feel a bit lightheaded, I hope you don't mind me resting for awhile." The back of a pale hand graced his forehead, gauging his rising temperature with a quiet tisk, and he leaned into the touch. It alleviated his discomfort as it slid down to pet his cheek, thumb rubbing languid circles beneath his jaw to subdue him further. He kneaded at the blankets he was situated in, adjusting their placement until they possessed more shape, before reaching up to grasp Sebastian's free hand. If they were going to do this, they were going to do it right - without worries or separation between them. Besides that, he found that he ached terribly for skin to skin contact at the moment. "You don't have to sit there, you know? Lay down. I feel odd having you stare at me from above," Ciel mumbled, tone one of sleepiness as well as exasperation.

"By all means, get as much sleep as you possibly can. It will do you good," Sebastian supplied, understanding how malaised the omega must feel. If heats were anything like ruts, he would surely be restless and tense in a few hours, it was for the best that he rested for as long as possible until then. It also would also give him time to become more familiar with his future alpha's body. The wolf's mouth quirked at Ciel's following grumble, the boy's quick temper and impatience remaining despite his current state. As ever, he was an enigma, always reacting in ways completely unexpected. It was enticing in a way; He would never see another boring day with this creature by his side.

The distance he considered respectful to the omega's currently overwrought senses seemed to be more of a nuisance than anything else if the insistent tug on his wrist was anything to go by, and it was something he aimed to assuage as soon as possible. He let his thoughts slip away, instinct replacing reason as he obeyed the request, or rather command, from the fox. "My apologies, vixen. I didn't intend to vex you," He chuckled as he took his place by the tod, not an ounce of hesitation remaining as he curled his arms around the boy's thin waist. With a single palm, he stroked the expanse of Ciel's lovely tail from its fluffy, slate base to its snow white tip, gathering copious amounts of the honeyed aroma secreted from the hidden scent glands at the base of the furry appendage. His lips twitched at the sweet keen he beckoned forth, but he didn't fail to continue lavishing the salt and pepper fur with leisurely caresses. The rich fragragrance of patchouli, plum, and basalm was ripe on the young omega's skin, tainted with the ambrosial traces of vanilla when he bent to nuzzle into the fair, unblemished neck he bore. The tickle of his hair and the interested twitching of his sable ears caused the boy to jolt weakly, hand defending his neck against the delicate kisses brushed along its length. The barrier didn't stop him, however, he merely laid playful pecks across the boy's knuckles as well, catching the tail-end of a stilted whimper.

"Wait…" Ciel murmured, eyes completely shut and words slurred as he balanced between the realm of dreams and the world of the waking. "No marking. Not time yet…"

"I'm aware. I promise I won't do anything quite so drastic without telling you first. I just want to pamper you a bit and grow more used to your scent, that's all," The wolf assured, nuzzling the faint pink surrounding Ciel's bonding gland. He wasn't ready yet, but he would be soon. His embrace tightened around the fox, and he all but whined in delight whenever he curled into his arms, nose pressing to his clavicle with a sharp inhale as he tucked his head beneath the alpha's chin. The hand resting idly atop the small of the reynard's back began to move, rubbing small circles into the tense muscles and applying the slightest pressure to lessen any unnecessary stress lingering near the boy's spine. To his surprise and relief, he found that the body he held was completely relaxed within seconds, breaths deep as he slumbered and ears flopped back, occasionally flicking beneath his jaw as he dreamed.

Sweaty palms fell astride his chest limply while the unconscious omega instinctively sought out his scent, plump lips managing to exhale each warm breath against his bonding gland as he napped. With a soft smile and an enamoured tilt of the head, Sebastian kissed his forehead tenderly, beguiled by the tiniest raise of the boy's lips. He adjusted his hold when coltish legs wound around his own, placating Ciel's stirring with a brush of his jaw atop his head. However, that seemed to only exacerbate his frustration, as he soon released a rumbling growl, wrists rubbing against his abdomen in a somewhat irritable fashion. Ah, he was trying to combine their scents and was unable to while asleep. Adorable… When his future mate failed to find a mutual point to exchange and spread their scents, further disquieting him, Sebastian chose to release his hold on the fox's tail and intertwine his own tail alongside it instead. The effect was instant. The second the contrasting furs met, allowing their natural perfumes to blend together in harmony, the smaller creature stilled, falling back into a serene state.

With his free hand, Sebastian rubbed his wrist along Ciel's neck, the oily dredges of his own miasma clinging greedily to the supple flesh he traced. He trailed down further when he felt the affectionate rumble from the boy's chest, chasing after the delicate curve of his waist and the tantalizing edge of his hip-bones. Draping down onto the milky thighs that entrapped him so possessively, he twisted to gingerly pry the boy's legs from his own, forearm temporarily making its home betwixt the velvety skin. Ciel's scent seemed to be the strongest amidst his flawless thighs, drowning the alpha in its titillating waves of saccharine musk. The wolf's own cheeks flushed vermilion, eyes narrowing dangerously as he was taken hostage by the enticing smell. Rather than retreating after scenting the tod, his fingers curled around the leg nearest to him, keeping it parted from his own skin just enough to allow his aroma to roam the den freely.

With a contented growl, Sebastian swathed them both in the heavy cloak he had offered Ciel, merlot eyes falling shut as he buried his nose in the sea of ashen blue locks. His ears remained pointed forward, alert as he listened carefully for the slightest of disturbances outside of their nest. To his relief, nothing could be heard aside from the howling of the brisk wind and the soft vibrations echoing from the throat of the slumbering fox. His protective tendencies were allayed by the sounds he adored most, and he found himself involuntarily beginning to drowse. His claws halted in their pattern of faint, soothing scratches along the vulpine's back, and his chest began to rise and fall more steadily. That was alright though, he too would need his energy come morning, and he took comfort in the fact that nothing could breach the perimeters of Ciel's territory without his knowledge. The boy was safe to last out his heat by his side without the risk of intruders or harm befalling him, Sebastian would be sure of it… And so he slept alongside the little omega he had grown so very fond of, arms around the object of his affections, and scent permeating the plush nest. At last, he would have a mate.

The bright, white light of a winter morning was the first sight to greet Ciel the moment his eyes slid open. In his partial doze, it was blinding, piercing his sensitive eye with every blink as it shone through the entrance of his den. It cast eerie shadows of trees along his burrow's walls, tall and disfigured, appearing as if they were created by that of another creature entirely. For a split second, the fox believed them to be that of a living being, his tail bristling and eyes narrowing defensively at the threat, but the scents around him belied his wariness; there was nothing unfamiliar anywhere near his territory. However, the gap allowing the intrusive daylight to flood into his earth would soon need to be covered to avoid any unnecessary panic later on... The second thing to register in his hazy mind was the suffocating heat entrenching him, making him feel jittery, panicked, and irate all at once. The air was thick and stuffy, aiding his sore muscles in weighing him down, and causing him to feel trapped. Strong arms still kept him flush against the wolf's beautifully defined chest, head cradled intimately betwixt his bicep and collar. The secure, yet gentle hold, kept him grounded, bringing him some semblance of solace despite his pounding heart. He needed air, he needed space to breathe, but he was so very reluctant to part from the protective aura swathing him. He felt safe here despite his mounting anxiety. But he needed to move, if only a short walk to relieve his spiking stress. This truly was the most dreadful part of his season…

He considered waking Sebastian before he left to spare him the confusion of waking up to an empty embrace, or perhaps even ask him to accompany him, but decided against it quickly as a dull pain settled in his thighs. He wouldn't be gone for long and would hardly be good company at present. Despite the tug in his chest yearning for him to stay by the other hybrid's side, he managed to disentangle himself from the taller male without waking him, reluctantly standing on wobbly legs. He took a moment to study Sebastian as he slept, raven tresses fanning out around him like the most exquisite plumes. His thick lashes were equally dark as they shuddered against the pale rose his cheeks bore from the chilly air above the pelts, the rest of his alabaster skin masked by the furs blanketing him.

A whine left the omega's throat as he rose from his nest, his sanctuary, and ventured into the snow outside, wrapping the obsidian cloak he clung to more snugly around his quavering body. Fresh snow was beginning to fall heavily, likely the beginning of a blizzard, as Ciel sucked in a greedy breath, nose stinging and feet sore from the aggressive cold clinging to his being from the icy gusts of wind and the snow crunching beneath his feet. The farther he paced from his den and the alpha within it, the more his chest welled with an unspoken panic. It wasn't safe to be out this way, disoriented and reeking of estrus, but the longer he was awake, the more unsettled he became. Hazy thoughts plagued his mind and clouded his judgement. What if Sebastian was only here to mate for a single season? Would the wolf be gone the second his fever diminished, leaving him alone to regret his decision in trusting the beast of whom he was natural prey to? Perhaps he wouldn't even wait that long, abandoning him after one night together if he proved to be a disappointment. It would be humiliating, to face betrayal after he was lured in so shamelessly!

Unknowing of the twin garnets now watching him cautiously from the stump near his hand-dug fire pit, he snarled quietly, eyes alight with rage at the prospect of falling for a trick he should have seen coming from the start. His tail swished in frustration, claws digging into his palms harshly when he came to an abrupt stop near a pine carved with the image of a lenten rose. His breaths were harsh and his fangs bared with every stuttering pant forced through chapped lips, body tingling unpleasantly as he swayed in place. The uncomfortable prick of his claws drew a lonely drop of blood from the frail skin they pierced, sanguine staining the pure white beneath him as it fell from its precarious perch on the edge of his hand. The harrowing sting and unpleasant warmth beading at the new wound went unnoticed when his legs suddenly weakened, sending him falling to his knees when he tried to take another step. The frozen slush surrounding him felt like heaven against his burning skin, but to his disappointment, the cool sensation disappeared as quickly as it had appeared when he was swept into strong arms.

Though concerned by the coppery scent of blood and the omega's trembling, Sebastian was determined to soothe the anxious being he held. He placated Ciel's shock by pressing a faint kiss to his nape whenever he was scooped up, shushing him softly when the boy released a pitiful whine. He was only thankful that his aroma hadn't gone unnoticed, the boy would have surely lashed out in a flash of defensive fury had he remained undetected. When he received no complaint upon returning to the den's entrance rather than remaining beneath the falling snowflakes, the wolf ducked into the small space without releasing his precious burden, gingerly placing the increasingly delirious fox back into his nest. The narrow fingers curled into his hair didn't let him stray far when he settled down alongside his intended. With a frown, he took in the sight of the tod cradling his left hand against his chest, carmine staining his nails and the pads of his fingers from the punctured flesh at the center of his palm. Cautious of the weeping wound, he raised the injured appendage to his lips, nursing the minor wound with a single, languid lick and a series of butterfly kisses. He thrummed lustfully at the flavour of the rich sanguine before hastily blotting away the red hue with the edge of a dark fur, crooning softly as the smaller male drew himself into a tight ball. "I see you've gone and over-exerted yourself, pet. What's wrong? Was your nest not satisfactory? Are you in pain?"

Though wavering betwixt consciousness and slumber, Ciel forced an appreciative hum as the alpha's saliva quelled the aching indentations in his hand. He was overheating, craving nothing more than the relief the cold wind outside brought about, but still he nuzzled closer to the source of heat he was closest to, unintentionally seeking the raw comfort of Sebastian's hold. "I'm fine, as is the nest. I was restless. I needed to move, but it didn't help as much as I'd hoped it would," he lamented, avoiding any mention of his worries as his shaking finally began to calm with the patient strokes along his back. He was silent for a long while, seconds ticking away into minutes, and minutes fading away into an hour. The longer he laid there in the fluffy mass of his nest, the more his fever sluggishly increased, dashing his fears in the process as he was taken by the tempting pull of exhaustion. But one thought continued to eat away at his mind, taunting him even as his eyes fluttered shut. Unable to fully calm with the question nagging at him, he finally spoke, smoothing his uninjured hand along the wolf's nape as he did so. "Sebastian… You will stay afterwards, won't you?"

The query took the alpha off-guard as much as the uncharacteristically timid tone in which the reynard spoke, his ears swiveling back curiously as he trailed a hand through the boy's cobalt locks. What could have possibly brought this up? Had he unintentionally neglected one of the vulpine's needs that made him second guess his intentions? His expression became pinched with consternation as he pondered, not missing the way the high strung omega's silky tail drifted to slip between his own thighs. With one glance at Ciel's rosy cheeks and damp brow, his expression softened considerably. Perhaps this was simply common behavior near heats, he supposed it wouldn't be unusual taking into account his own disquieted behavior during ruts. "Of course I will. I had assumed you knew that I was searching for a life mate from the beginning. I apologize if that was unclear, but rest easy, vixen. I shall remain here for as long as you will have me." Petting the flattened ears of his future mate, he released a deep rumble, beginning to knead at the tense muscles at the base of Ciel's spine. His efforts were rewarded with the sound of a slower purr alongside his own, strong and steady as it vibrated against his chest. "You're rather warm… Is there anything you need?"

"No… I just want to sleep for a while longer. Though I'm sure it won't be for long," Ciel groaned, oddly jittery as his stomach twisted with the first buds of a blooming desire. This would be the first time it was sated properly, and while he was nervous, it would be a lie to say that he wasn't the slightest bit eager. Forcing a small smirk, he opened heavy eyes to peer up at the alpha who now fondled and massaged his hips with all the tenderness he could possibly muster. It felt exquisite against his aches… "I do hope you're prepared to prove yourself useful, dog. I would hate to find out that you were all talk."

"I wouldn't have chased you for so long had I been all talk. You are ever so finicky, one not determined to prove his worth would have surely left the second you showed any signs of being both strong and demanding. I, on the other hand, find your stubbornness and expectations admirable. Alluring even…" He smiled, tone saccharine despite his teasing words. "And I am more than ready to show you what I can do, little fox. I will leave you wanting for nothing, that I can swear to you." He waited in anticipation for the jab that would surely come in retaliation to his careful choice of words, but was met with disappointment when five minutes passed with no snide reply. A quick glance to the warm body he held easily explained the boy's silence, however, a muted snuffle making him sigh in amusement as he clutched tighter to the one he embraced. He had fallen asleep.

Sebastian's claws scraped languidly against Ciel's left hip bone as they lounged together for hours, the wolf merely watching over the other hybrid as he napped in his arms. His protective instincts kept him from so much as moving from the feverish creature he possessively sheltered in the crook of his neck, sharp eyes never leaving the long lashes and pale freckles spattered across the bridge of the boy's small, elfish nose. His own onyx tail swished placidly as he bent the slightest fraction, pulling himself closer to the pinkened scent gland beckoning him forward to where it exuded that enthralling scent from the fox's tempting neck. If he had it his way, that lovely skin would never be unblemished by his bite again. He only hoped Ciel would have no objections to being marked daily. The wolf laid a kiss upon his forehead as he inched nearer to his throat, the sweating skin damp yet sweet against his mouth as he lingered for a moment longer than necessary. The wait had been long, torturously so, but those pouty lips would meet his soon enough, and he was certain that there would be no going back the second they did. He was utterly taken by the little thing as it was, but with one kiss, he was sure to be hopelessly addicted to his elysian taste and wicked tongue. A strained whine had him reluctantly retreating from the velvety skin he nuzzled at ever so kindly to watch Ciel, movements slow and calculated as he studied him.

Bright lips curled downwards as the boy hissed softly, squirming sluggishly as a tingling ache lit his thighs and hips aflame, spreading like wildfire to the pit of his stomach and into the tips of his toes. His tail shuddered as it, too, was taken over by the encompassing wave of heat, claws bearing into the alpha's back as he sucked in a sudden breath, startled into wakefulness by an impenetrable fog coiling around his mind and the twitching hardness buried betwixt his thighs. His tail as well as the bedding beneath him was slowly growing damp, small clumps of fur saturated by the first traces of slick beginning to weep from his sweet hole. "Sebastian…" He mewled, tone desperate and needy as he pressed deeper into the man's hold, embarrassment lost in the sea of desire as his stiff arousal pressed eagerly against Sebastian's thigh. He needed the alpha… He longed to have everything the man had to offer, from his easing touch and firm hold, to his scorching kiss and generous girth. He wanted this blinding fire writhing deep inside him to be calmed; to be thoroughly claimed, fucked, and knotted by this alpha… His alpha. He sought out the increasingly pungent scent wafting from the wolf's scent glands with a renewed sense of urgency, breaths short and eyes glassy as he pressed his nose into the warm skin of Sebastian's pulsing jugular. He all but moaned at the seraphic aroma residing there, arms tightening around the man's waist with unspeakable yearning as he pleaded for the undivided attention he was sure to be granted. He couldn't wait any longer.

A deep growl reverberated from Sebastian's throat as his grip on Ciel grew firmer with every wriggle of those tiny hips, rapaciously drinking in the sight of the little vulpine so overcome by his base desires. He slipped a single thigh betwixt the fox's own to accommodate his needs when he felt his prick glide against his leg, fangs clearly visible with the devilish grin he bore when his intended practically sobbed at the friction. How delightful his treacle begs and drawn keens were… Each one sparked his interest further, sending sparks of pleasure straight to his own flushed cock. His excitement grew further when he caught a musky scent spiking alongside the cloying one he reveled in with each breath. A lone sweep of Ciel's tail along his knee left behind a thin trail of wetness, drawing a lewd groan from his ravenous maw as he recognized the source of the new dampness. A final whimper from the little omega was all it took for his control to snap.

"Alpha… Breed me."