Chapitre 15 :

°Disclaimer still in the prologue.

° Just to avoid confusion:

"speech"

'Mind speech'

It had been two weeks since Cordelia and Larry came to the library panicked by the absence of Oz at her birthday. They had been unable to even come close to him, as Willow and Buffy kept him in their clutches. At one time Xander had been able to follow him in the boy's bathroom, but had been shocked by Oz's terrified look, when he had realised he was alone with Xander.

Xander had tried to speak with him; to ask him if he was alright, but Oz hadn't had the time to say anything, before Willow had rushed in. She had taken his wrist forcefully, violently leading him out of the room. As they had passed before Xander, he had heard the words "I'm sorry" and "freak" coming from Oz. He wouldn't have been able to hear them, had it not been for his hyena's senses. That had been the only time they had made contact with the other boy. Willow had been suspicious of why he had been alone with Oz and if it had been deliberate or not; he had felt extremely frustrated at not being able to help Oz and had been really worried about what Willow was going to do to the other boy that day. He feared he had made it worse for the boy, they had not seen him since that day and Cordelia was worried out of her mind.

Even though they failed to approach Oz during those weeks, Xander decided to form his pack using the knowledge he had gained from Mayaeb. He had waited a few days after seeing Oz in the boy's bathroom, knowing that he had to be careful of Willow. He wanted to protect all his loved ones, well those he could anyway. He wanted to mark Angel but wasn't sure how he would react, it was well known that Were and vampire considered themselves as enemy, but Xander knew the truth. They had all been manipulated and betrayed, but they had never been meant to be enemy. They would have to talk about it and there was also the problem of his vampire line, he wouldn't be able to mark him till Angel became the rightful leader of the Aurelius clan, as he should have been.

So after the boy's bathroom incident, Xander had been patient waiting for the right time and it had come sooner than he had expected. The two girls had decided to have a sleepover at Willows and that they would not come patrolling that night. That had angered Xander to no point; they were basically telling Ripper to do Buffy's work when they would be having fun. They were completely oblivious of the danger that Ripper would be in, if he was to patrol alone.

Seeing Xander's anger the girls told him that he could come too of course, that the more the merrier; completely misunderstanding his annoyance. Though it was better that way, they wouldn't like the fact that he was more worried about Ripper's safety than to spend the night with them anyway. Looking back to Ripper he was sad to see the resignation in the other's eyes, the man had tried all he could to keep the slayer sane but he never had a chance. Buffy was already insane when he took his place as her watcher and even if he had had access to all of his power, the girl had already been lost. She had been lost since before her arrival in Sunnydale, they weren't at fault for it and Xander had come to term with it. The fact that he had never felt right around her was a dead give away, like he had never felt right around Willow.

He had finally came up with a plan; as he didn't have any class that afternoon he would go to the manor and mark Kyle as his Beta, then he would join Ripper on his patrol to keep him safe, he was hoping to mark him once they returned to the manor. He would mark Cordelia later as it would be too dangerous for her if Willow was to realise their new relationship. Once she was pack it would be impossible for Xander to hide his protectiveness and Willow's jealousy was sure to show its ugly head. For the moment it was really important for Cordelia's safety, that the two of them continued to hide their new found closeness.

So when the bell of his last class rang, Xander went to the library to tell Ripper that he was taking advantage of his free afternoon to go to the manor and to not worry about him. He had waiting long enough to mark Kyle and he felt that he had to do it now, something told him that he was going to need his pack really soon. He told Ripper that he would join him this evening, that he wasn't going to let him patrol alone, it was too dangerous and completely unneeded.

Telling his goodbye for now, Xander left the school with a smirk on his face. Kyle's marking was sure to be interesting if nothing else and he was eager to reach the manor and proceed with the marking. It was the perfect opportunity seeing as Angel would still be sleeping and not disturb from any noise or sound coming from the two boys.

He reached the manor's front door in record time and licking his lips in anticipation, he went to find Kyle. Using his sense of smell he found the boy stretched out under the sink working on some plumbing problem. Licking his lips at the sight, who wouldn't? That boy was extremely handsome in a dangerous way; Xander made his way silently to the sink a mischievous gleam lightening his eyes. Reaching the boy's feet Xander made sure that he had not been noticed and in a quick movement caught his ankles pulling him to himself, making Kyle cried out in surprise.

At the look of alarm and then exasperation coming from him Xander burst out laughing, he was laughing so hard that he fell beside Kyle, clutching at his arm in support. Kyle's frown disappear in favour of a fond smile at seeing Xander laugh himself silly, he hadn't done it since Jesse's death and it warmed his heart to finally see Xander healing from the loss of their brother. So waiting for the other boy to stop laughing, Kyle took his arm and helped him stand up leading him to sit in one of the kitchen chairs. He had to wait for ten more minutes before Xander was able to reign in on his laugher, and five more for the snickers to stop, to be able to question the boy about his presence at the manor.

"Hello, Xander. I'm happy to see you here, but shouldn't you be at school" Kyle asked curiously.

"No." Xander said still having problem to stop his snickering. "One of my teachers is ill and I have my afternoon free. I came to see you; I really needed to speak with you."

"Of course, Xander. What do you wish to talk about?" Kyle asked.

At that Xander finally became serious. "I think it's high time that I began to form my pack and made you my Beta, I know that you are worth so much more, but I really want you as my Beta. Please Kyle will you accept to be my pack's Beta? I wouldn't trust that responsibility with anyone else, you are my friend, brother, lover; even though we aren't soul mate." Xander said, wanting to explain what he was feeling for Kyle as clearly as he could.

"Do you really have to ask, Xander?" Kyle answered smiling brightly. "I have been waiting for this since I met Draith and he explained to me the real meaning of a pack. I would be so proud and honoured to protect our new family at your side. I wouldn't want nor accept anyone else as my Alpha beside you. I can assure you Xander that you are the only one I could and would trust in leading me and our loved ones through life. So do we need to go to somewhere special to do the marking or here would be alright?" Kyle asked him.

"No, all we need is a place were we are comfortable. Though the kitchen is a definite no, you deserve so much more than that. Why won't we go to your room, I know that you have a nice bed there and that you will be completely at ease in your territory." Xander said smiling softly.

Returning his smile, Kyle took his hand, led him through the corridors and up the stairs to his bedroom never seeing Angel, who was looking at them from his room smiling happily. Xander though saw him and nodded happily in his direction a smile firmly on his lips. Angel must have woken up at Kyle's surprised cry but must have been relieved and appeased at hearing Xander's voice. He had spoken to Angel the day before about marking Kyle, needing to be sure that the other boy would not reject him, he had been really nervous about it. Though Angel has quickly reassured him, telling him that the longer Xander was waiting, the more Kyle was doubting himself. Angel must have been waiting for them to pass before his room to show Xander his support and it warmed his heart, a feeling of hope beginning to grow that Angel would accept to be part of his pack as well.

He was promising himself to talk to him soon when they reach Kyle's door. Kyle let him enter his room before closing his door behind them for privacy.

"So…" Kyle said beginning to feel nervous.

Not wanting Kyle to doubt himself nor feel uncomfortable, Xander went to him taking him in his arms a fond smile on his lips.

"Don't worry Kyle everything will be alright; all you need to know is that I couldn't hope for a better Beta than you. I know that Draith has already explained to you what the role of the Beta in a pack should be; but I want to be sure that you will accept my mark knowing the place I want you to have in our pack. Every pack is different, though in this pack you will have one of the most important roles." Xander said walking towards Kyle, looking him in the eyes so seriously and caringly that Kyle was stepping back in the direction of his bed overwhelmed.

Once he felt the back of his legs touched the bed he began to feel really nervous, Xander had not looked at him in that way since they had been together. The lust in his eyes made Kyle felt like a rabbit before a hungry wolf, he wasn't sure what was going on but he trusted the other boy.

Xander leaned against him, caressing his back in a soothing gesture and then pushed him on top of the bed. Kyle didn't have time to regain his balance as Xander pounced on him and kissed him with all he was worth. Though Kyle was shocked, he never tried to push the other boy off of himself and kissed him back with passion.

They may not be in love with each other anymore but they still love each other as more than friends or brothers. They had a special relationship, they were completely at ease with each other and it wasn't rare to see one kiss the other in comfort, love or when it was needed. They had a special relationship, they weren't soul mate but they were more than just brothers.

As the two continued to make out Xander used their mind link, he had used it from time to time when he wasn't able to visit Kyle on the week-end, but this time was certainly different. For one, he was holding Kyle in his arms but what he was feeling was so much better than the worry of not seeing him for two weeks. Feeling Kyle shook in his arms at the feeling of one his hand stroking his hair as the other was massaging the back of his neck; Xander focused his concentration back to their link and spoke to Kyle.

'I know that you are surprised but I want you to understand that I love you as a friend, a brother and more. I don't want you to think that I just need you as my Beta for the protection of the pack. I want you because I trust you with our loved ones but with myself as well, you know me better than myself and I know that you would be a wonderful leader in the case I couldn't be there for the pack, for one reason or another. I want you by my side; I need you as I have always needed you since we were kid.'

Tears were shimmering and threatening to fall from Kyle's eyes at the words and love coming from Xander. Unable to say anything, he decided to show the boy what he really felt. With that decision made he stopped to try to dominate the kiss and submitted completely to his Alpha's. For someone like Kyle who has always be wary of others and needed to be in control; it showed his complete support and trust in Xander. He would have never let himself submit to anyone else, only Xander would have this honour.

Feeling those feelings through their bond Xander never hesitated and after one last kiss, he bit the soft spot between Kyle's neck and shoulder, feeling his Hyena's magic marked Kyle. The mark would never fade away, nor did the scent which would repel most of their enemies. The force of the magical bite combined to their love pushed the two boys to their climax. They looked at each other completely happy and sated, falling in a deep sleep in each others arms. Neither noticed the green light that enveloped them for a minute before being absorbed by their bodies.

Though they noticed it, when their dreams pulled them to the place where the memories of Mayaeb and Draith were resting. They recognised the African savannah, and instinctively knew that they had to go to where they met with the Hyenas that first time. Kyle looked at Xander hoping the other boy would know why they were there, but Xander could only shrug in confusion. This time though they didn't have to search for the Hyenas as the two of them came to the boys, looking a little too transparent to be real.

They explained to Kyle that they were the physical incarnation of memories that Draith and Mayaeb left them, because like with Xander, they saw the glimmer of hope that they were still alive in the boy's eyes. They didn't want to hurt him so they preferred to tell him in the first place. Kyle was disappointed and sad, but thankful at being told the truth. They gathered in a circle and sat on the ground, the boys anxiously waiting for what they were going to be told.

Mayaeb was the first to speak, "First thing first boys, I have to say congratulation on making your pack! Xander you don't have to worry, you didn't hurt Kyle and the mark is perfect. You did well." Xander blushed at having been discovered but felt a proud smile make his way on his face. "We don't have much time, but Draith and I have some things to explain to you regarding the pack. First how you mark them will be different with every person you want to take in your pack, according to your relationship with them." At that Xander sighed in relief, he couldn't see himself doing that to anyone else than Kyle and his soul mate and Kyle chuckled.

"Next is Kyle's role as the Beta; you will be responsible for the protection of your pack with your Alpha. You will be the one to lead the pack in the event of Xander being absent, injured or… They will come to you with their problem and needs should Xander be too busy to help. Should you need it you would be the one to lead the hunters in search of food, though your biggest role will be to protect everyone. And don't worry it's in your blood; you will take to these tasks like a fish in water. Now that you have been bitten you are becoming a Were, your transformation is taking place even as we speak, but you don't have to worry about your powers and instincts, Xander will be there to teach you and help you." Draith said proud of his chosen one like a father would be of his son.

"Of course Xander your role will be to lead and protect your loved ones and chose the one who deserved to be marked. I won't worry about that because unlike me as a luenor you will be able to feel the intentions of those you chose to mark. You won't make the same error as me and I'm extremely relieved about it. Tough to be sure you should always discus the introduction of a chosen new member with Kyle, as a protector he should have his say in this. Now all you have to know is that you will be able to resolve any problem or challenge with your pack, by using your… our instincts. They will never let you down. I'm sorry but we have to leave now, please take care of yourself you two and make us proud." Mayaeb finished; then Draith and she disappeared, leaving the boy sad but hopeful.

It was some time later, before Xander awoke feeling refresh and prepared himself to join Ripper on his patrol. When he was done he went to the bed and kissed Kyle on his forehead, smiling as the boy was too tired to even move. He looked at his watch and seeing that it was already late, hurried to leave. Passing by Angel as he was exiting his room, Xander asked him to let Kyle sleep as the bite and transformation had taken a lot out of him.

With that said Xander run outside in the direction of the cemetery where he knew Ripper would be beginning his patrol.

AN:

° Thank you Carlough for your review, it was extremely nice!!!

I'm sorry I thought Oz would make his appearance in this chapter, but it didn't happen that way… I'm beginning to think that this story as a mind of its own. Though I promise that he will be in the next one! (Well I hope)^^

° To everyone else who read this story; is it that bad that you won't even try to review it? It's sad, but I'm beginning to doubt myself…

° Well, please review.