Pack house:

Both alphas became alerted at the scent of blood invading their noses. Sharing a worried look, they rushed out of the house, spotting Adhara helping Riley break from the tree line. Her neck and chest were stained with her own blood. A few scratches marked her shoulders and arms. The more concerning wound was the bite on her neck.

Running to her, Barba snatched a rag from the grill side and placed it against her neck. She wasn't healing which meant it had to have been done by another wolf. "What happened? Where are the others? Where is Liv?"

"They are fine. Everyone is fine." Riley quickly settled the worried alpha, falling to her knees on the grass. "This was done by Sarah."

"Sarah?" Aaron frowned still standing by the two. "Marcus's daughter?"

Riley nodded. "She felt I had challenged her authority."

"Auth-" Barba scoffed a growl, dapping the towel around the wound. "What happened?"

"She overheard a few of the other females talking about Alpha Benson. They were thrilled at the possibility of finally having a luna. She didn't like that and stated she already had a claim on you. That a human was weak compared to us. Riley told her to watch her tongue around alpha Benson. Let's just say she did not like that." Adhara motioned to the bloody wolf.

Aaron grabbed Barba's wrist pulling his hand and the towel away from Riley's neck. He winced at seeing the tear in her skin. "I can see that. Let's get you to the healer. They will have to put some wolf's bane on that to trigger the healing."

Riley growled at the thought of the pain she was about to go through. "That pup is dead when I see her." Letting two other males that had run to them upon seeing Riley bleeding, help her the rest of the way, she continued to voice her vengeance.

"Little Sarah did that?" Aaron was surprised, to say the least. When he thought of Sarah, he imagined the runt of the litter tailing behind him and Barba.

Barba scoffed. "She's not little anymore."

"But why the violence? She had always been a shy sweet pup." Aaron remembered. "The others always had to keep her away from the much older females."

"Sarah has become somewhat infatuated with me. Doesn't help that her father drilled into her head the tradition of mating with the new alpha. Since you had already chosen yours, he set his eyes on me." Barba explained. "She just went through her first heat a few months ago."

"You realize you will now have to explain to Benson all about mating."

"What? Why?"

Aaron rolled his eyes. "She must have heard and seen everything. Including the fact that the females are referring to her as Alpha Benson. She's going to have questions."

"I am aware of that." Barba snapped. "I'm just hoping she'll start off with the easy ones."

Aaron laughed. "I have known that woman only a few hours. And even I know that won't happen."

"Let go."

"Where to?" He jogged back for his drink, before following Barba into the woods. "I'm sure she's fine Rafa."

"I still want to make sure."


Woods:

They had stopped at the side of the river that ran through the middle of the woods. Most of the females have opted to take a dip in the water. Benson had noticed just how comfortable they were with each other. Half the women were naked from having shifted back. Yet it didn't phase any of them at all. Benson knew she should feel flushed or awkward, but she felt neither. In fact, she was comfortable with them. Protected even. A part of her knew that should any danger come their way, they would keep her safe.

Glancing around she found the other half lounging on the grass. Some were in human form laying on the rocks and taking the sun. Those that had not shifted had settled around the boulder Olivia had taken a seat on. One of the younger pups had managed to climb up after some struggle and settled around her, with his large head on Olivia's lap.

"That's Sirius." Adhara laid a few feet away.

"Boy?" She had thought it was only females with her. "His parents?"

The delta wolf nodded. "His family was killed just a few days ago, during one of their runs. We all pitch in and care for him. Where we go, he goes."

Looking down at the tri-colored wolf, she ran her hand down his head. "How?"

"The parents were hunted down by hunters." Sierra plopped down beside Adhara. "A rival pack ambushed and killed his brother and sister."

"Hunters?" Now, why did that sound like a bad thing?

"Werewolf hunters."

That's why. "How does one become a...werewolf hunter? I don't see them posting ads under the employment section."

"It's a bloodline thing." All eyes turned to Barba and Aaron approaching them from the back. "There are three hunting families that we know of. The blacks, The Addams, and The Prentiss. The latter being more allies than enemies."

"So they are born into it?" Olivia asked.

Barba nodded. "Riley told me what happened." Walking over to her, he grabbed her chin gently tilting her head to the side. "You were not harmed?"

"No." The warmth waving off his hand alone felt wonderful on her otherwise cool skin. Instead of pulling away, she searched more of it. "How is Riley?"

"She's fine. The bite was not too severe and will heal in a few hours." Moving his hand across her jaw and into her hair, Barba ran his fingers over her scalp. "Sierra?"

"Yes?"

"Start heading home. It's late and Angelous has already gotten the grill fired up for dinner." Keeping his eyes on Olivia he watched as her eyes closed for a moment. After having checked her over for any visible injuries, and touching her skin, he did not wish to let her go just yet. So he did the best next thing and decided to treat her like a she-wolf. Sensing the hesitation from his pack mate, he turned to her. "Olivia will stay with me. We will catch up in a while."

"Yes alpha."

Her eyes fluttered open, watching the females walking away. Glancing up she found Barba's gaze on her. His hands continued to run through her hair. Breaking contact only when Sirius jumped from her lap to follow the others. "Is he always with the females?"

"Sirius? Yes." Taking a seat beside her on the boulder, he stared out at the river. "I going to assume you have questions about Sarah and what she may have mentioned." Olivia nodded. "Go ahead."

"Isn't she a little too young for you?" Olivia didn't mean any disrespect, but after hearing that girl 'claim' Rafael, her heart sank. She couldn't be any older than 15-16 years of age.

Barba raised a brow. "I would like to believe you know me well enough to know the answer to that question."

"Stupid question."

"It's not." He sighed. "I would never bed Sarah, Liv. Nor have I ever laid hands on someone that has been underage. Like I said I may turn into a predator, but I am not a monster."

Placing her hand over his, she waited for his eyes to meet hers. "I am sorry. I heard her and-"

"The detective side of you came out." He chuckled. "We may have different customs and laws, but many are the same as yours." The subject was starting to become a bore. The last thing he wanted was to speak of another female when he had her sitting next to him. "Apart from the incident, what do you think so far?"

"It's amazing." She blushed. "I was frightened, I won't lie. But this, all of this has been...amazing."

"This isn't even half of it." Barba whispered.

Biting her lower lip, she peaked over at him. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Trusting me."

"Always."


Arriving back at Barba's place they found the pack setting up the tables. Angelous and Aaron were currently arguing over grill privileges. Olivia was once more pulled away from Rafael, by the pack of women. He was starting to get annoyed at having her ripped from her side. Still, he stood on the sidelines watching her closely. Although Olivia assured him, she was actually comfortable with the women's attention, he was still worried.

Aaron snuck up behind him, whispering close to his ear. "You going to stand here like a creep all day?"

"I see Angelous kicked off the grill." He swatted the agent away from his personal space.

Hotch huffed a growl. "He didn't kick me off, I walked away."

"Sure." Glancing back at Olivia, he noticed Sirius had once more settled next to her. "Sirius has attached to her quickly."

Aaron hummed, taking a swing at his beer. "He's an omega. They are known to bond and seek the attention of their alpha."

"She's not their alpha yet." Barba reminded him.

"Yet?" He laughed at the look of realization on Barba's face. "There is no denying it Rafa."

"I never denied it. But they will always come before me. I can't-"

"Your mate comes before anyone. They have already accepted her." Hotch gestured to the pack attending to Olivia. "It's you that hasn't accepted her. Even your wolf sees her for what she is."

Hotchner was right, Barba knew he was no matter how much he denied it. The pack already saw her as their lead female. They were already treating her as one. The women were constantly touching her in one way or another. The younger pups were playing with her hair as they would another pack mate. Hell, even the males were standing by in case she needed anything. It was just him standing in the line of denial.

"Rafa?" Angelous held up a plate of food but made no move in handing it to him. Angelous was giving him the choice to decide the next big step for the pack.

In a pack ranking wolves take the first bite, before any other pack mate can begin to eat. It was a show of respect to their alphas. Usually, Barba would be the first since he was their alpha and unmated. But should the alpha have a mate, then the Luna would take the first bite. Not only would the pack show respect, but it gave her a place within the ranks, apart from him.

Looking over at Liv, then back at Aaron he found almost every wolf's eyes on him. Walking over to his pack mate, he takes the plate and makes his way over to Olivia. "Liv?"

"Yeah?" Looking up at him with a smile, she noticed the plate. "Oh."

The pack watched as she took the plate from him. Watched her take the first bite. Before their alpha. They looked at Barba seeing he made no attempt to stop her. To a human this was nothing. But to them, it changed the whole dynamic of their world. They were one step closer to having the one thing they all missed.

Aaron stood watching as his friend made the move. He wouldn't say he wasn't thrilled for him, hell he couldn't wait to see mini Bensons running around wreaking havoc. But he was also weary of the human. Aaron trusted her, sure, but he didn't trust the humans she surrounded herself with. One or two might be trustworthy, but that wasn't enough to keep them safe. She would have to choose between them or Barba when the time came.


Stepping out of the car he walked around the front of the car and opened the passenger door for her. Closing it behind her, Barba followed her up the stairs and into the building. Up the stairs, to the second floor, they stopped at her door.

"Where is Noah?" He hadn't picked up on the boy's scent.

"With Lucy." Grabbing her keys, she was about to insert them when the door opened slightly.

Barba stretched out his arm to stop her from going inside. Pushing the door slowly to open he took a deep breath, exhaling with a loud growl. He picked up the scent of three unknown males. Stepping into the apartment he followed the scent into Olivia's rooms. The place had been searched, but nothing seemed to have been missing. "Do you see anything missing?"

Looking around she shook her head. "No, but they were looking for something."

"You."

"What?"

"They were looking for you." Barba huffed a snarl. "The scent is similar to the ones in the garage. Same pack mates."

Olivia was lost. "What the hell do they want?"

"I don't know." That was a lie. "But I'll find out. In the meantime, you have two options. One, grab what you need for yourself and Noah. Come stay at my place." That got him a no. Which he understood. His place was 30 mins away from the station and another 10 added to Noah's school. "Second option is I stay here with you and Noah."

"Do you really think they will come back?" She wasn't opposed to having him stay, but she didn't want to seem desperate at shouting a yes. Plus she could take care of herself. "Wouldn't be the first time my apartment was broken in. I can handle myself."

"True, but I can guarantee they didn't turn into actual animals." Barba shrugged examining the couch. "I rather not take any chances." Grabbing the small pillow he puffed it up and placed it on the end of the couch, before throwing himself laid out. "I will talk with Aaron tomorrow and set up a plan. But for now, you are stuck with me."

Rolling her eyes, she decided not to fight him. Not that she thought she would. "First flea I find you're sleeping outside."


Olivia had called Lucy to ask if Noah could spend the night at her place. She didn't want her son thinking something it wasn't if he were to see Barba sleeping here. Walking out into the living room, she found the man still in dreamland. He had one arm draped over his face, while the other was hanging off the couch. One leg was up on the couch with the other tucked underneath the back of the other leg's knee. It seemed he had stripped his shirt off sometime last night, leaving him shirtless and in full view of her eyes.

Barba wasn't ripped nor did he show any sort of pack on his abdomen. His stomach was flat, with a small amount of extra 'meat' on it, giving him a buff yet smooth look. He had some hair sprinkled lightly on his chest.

Stepping closer to him, Olivia watched him for a few seconds. She noticed the frown on his face, causing her to chuckle softly. Not even in sleep did this man stop thinking. Leaning down she called his name. All she got was a slight groan. "Rafa?" Running her hand through his hair Olivia was surprised at how soft it felt. "Wake up."

"No." He kept his eyes shut, enjoying the small affection he was getting.

"It's 8 am, we have to get up." Olivia pushed his hair back away from his face. "You need a haircut."

Barba growled at his sleep being interrupted. Without thinking straight, he wrapped an arm around her waist and hauled her over him. Olivia gasped as she landed on top, yet she made no move in jumping off. "You don't need to be in the office until 10. Go back to sleep."

"O-ok." She didn't know what else to do but comply with his demand. Laying her head over his chest, she snuggled herself into his arms. The man was a walking heater, which explained why the blanket was on the ground. "What will you do today?"

Barba sighed, giving up on the attempt of getting any more sleep. "I have to talk with Aaron. Try and sort out whatever the hell is going on. After that, I will be shadowing you."

"Won't it seem off if you're with me all day?" She propped her chin on her hand and laid over his chest.

"It's no different than our normal days." Glancing down at her, he took in a sharp breath. She was breathtaking at any given moment, but right there in the morning light, she was near perfection to him. "I-uh-" He had to take a moment and clear his throat. "I have no meetings today. Carmen moved all my appointments to tomorrow. You will have to deal with the other me for today."

By that, she knew he meant his wolf form. "What's the story for me having a wolf at my heels?"

He shrugged. "Make up whatever story you want." Looking at his watch he noticed they still had 15 minutes before 9. "You hungry?"

"I can eat." A surprise yelped escaped her at being turned around. Barba hovered over with a look of hunger only he can have. Her eyes widen as he leaned down closer to her. Much to her dissatisfaction he nudged her head back and went for her neck. Granted it was still better than nothing, but she had hoped for something else.

"Hold still." Gaining access to her neck, Barba inhaled her sweet scent. Moving her hands off him he held them above her head one-handed. Leaning forward once more he nuzzled into her neck. He was sure Olivia thought he was making a move, which in a way he was, but his main reason was to scent-mark her. He couldn't bite her, not without her permission, so this was the next best thing. It would have to be redone every day or so.

'Was this a wolf thing?' Either way, it felt amazing. Attempting to break from his hold, she growled at feeling his grip tighten.

Barba raised his head with an amused look. "Did you just growl at me?"

"Yes. I did." Wiggling her fingers she gave him a pointed look.

"Sorry." Letting her go he hadn't realized he had done that. "Habit of mine."

"Habit?"

Barba pushed himself off her, taking a seat by her feet. "I did the mistake of trusting someone. Left my guard down around her. She tried harming me during a vulnerable moment." Nothing wanting to get into it, he made his way into the kitchen. "Why don't you go get ready. I'll make breakfast."

"Alright." Getting off the couch, Olivia walked over to Barba. "You know I would never do anything to hurt you right?" Placing her hand on his back, she felt him go stiff for just a moment. "Rafa?"

Turning to face her, he leaned back against the counter and took her hand. "I know. But you need to understand I'm cautious by nature." Kissing the inside of her wrist. "What do you want to eat?"

"Whatever you make is fine." Giving him a kiss on the cheek, she turned on her heels and headed for the bedroom.

Fishing his phone out of his pocket he cursed to find it dead. "Liv, can I use your phone?!"

"It's on the dresser by the bed!"

Walking into her room, he quickly grabbed the phone and ran out. No need to stay within temptation reach.

'Captain Benson?'

"It's me."

'You don't come home and now you're calling me from Olivia's phone. Walk of shame?'

"Shut it." Putting the phone on speaker he got breakfast started. "Olivia's place was broken into last night. Same scent as the ones in the parking garage."

'I am going to assume they didn't get what they were looking for.'

"We need to set up a meeting. This is getting out of hand."

'First, let me see what we can find out about him. From what Enzo told me, he's a bitten wolf and appears to have a past with your mate. Where are you headed now?'

"I'll be shadowing her throughout the day. Keep them a bay until he backs off."

'This would be over quicker if you just breed the woman.'

Barba growled at the alpha. "I am not going to breed her Aaron."

'I didn't mean it that way.'

"I need to make sure this is the right move. Mainly for her."

'Alright, listen I am going to have two or three keeping tabs on. We know they like to ambush with large numbers.'

"That's fine." Hearing the water turn off, he quickly plated the food. "I have to go. I will call you if anything happens."

"Rafael?"

"Yeah?"

"Bathrooms free if you want to take a shower."

"Thanks." Placing the plate on the table with some OJ, he grabbed a towel from the cupboard in the hallway. "Foods on the table."

"You're not eating?"

"I don't eat before shifting. Messes with my stomach."

Olivia raised a brow. "Good to know."

After eating she picked up her plate and placed them into the dishwasher. The shower had shut off moments before finishing, so she gathered what she needed to take. Hearing what sounded like claws on wood, she turned to find the large wolf in the hallway. His fur was sticking out from being wet. Rolling her eyes she grabbed a clean towel, kneeling in front of him she draped the towel over him. Drying him as much as she could before tossing it over a chair.

'I had no clothes.' Shaking himself off, Barba trotted after her.

"You know there is a law against unleashed animals." Opening the door she chuckled at the low growl. "Just saying I am not bailing you out of the pound."


Parking in the garage the duo stepped out of the car. Olivia ignored the looks she received from those around her. Stepping into the elevator Barba used himself as a barrier between her and the other occupants. The doors open revealing Fin and Amaro on the other side.

"Morning 'liv." Fin grumbled. "Wolf."

Barba huffed, scooting closer to Olivia in order to make room for them. 'Seems rather unbothered.'

"Bring your pet to work day?" Amaro asked eyeing the wolf. "Is it even legal to own a wolf in New York?"

"Not a pet." Olivia replied. "Besides I can't leave him alone in the house. Might chew the furniture."

"So you brought him here?" Some unknown detective asked from the back. "A wolf?"

"Is that a problem?" Fin pinned him with a look.

Barba picked up on the man's fear. 'What a joke.'

Coming to a stop Barba followed the trio off the elevator and into the bullpen. Ignoring the whispering and slight jump of those he walked by, Barba headed straight for Olivia's office. Jumping up on the couch, he stretched himself and flopped down. Olivia walked in a few moments later paying him no attention.

It was about an hour into their morning, when someone knocked on her door.

"Come in."

"Morning Captain Benson." Hotch opened the door, letting JJ step in first. "Have you seen Ba-" He stopped at seeing the large wolf on the couch. "Never mind."

JJ raised a brow. "He's asleep?"

Listening to Rafael's heartbeat for a moment, Hotch hummed. "Yes."

"That's a first."

"What's a first?" Olivia looked between the two.

JJ walked over to the wolf, running her hand over his head. "Rafael never lets his guard down enough to fall asleep. At least not outside of his home." JJ has been worried about the idea of a human mating with Rafael. Leading the pack at his side. But at that moment she realized just how safe he felt around her. He would never do something like this if he believed those in the room couldn't protect him. "Rafa?"

Flickering his ear, he gave a small whimper. 'Go away.'

"Hotch needs to speak with you." She whispered. 'We have some background on your neighboring alpha.'

'What is it?' Barba refused to open his eyes. What was it with everyone interrupting his sleep?

"JJ, please show Captain Benson the progress in the case." Hotch ordered softly, handing her the file in his hand.

Taking the hint she grabbed the file, she laid it out on Benson's desk. "We made contact with the biological mother of-"

'Olivia isn't stupid Hotch.' Barba grumbled.

'I know, but it'll take her eyes off us for a moment.' Hotch made an attempt to look as if he wasn't mind talking with Rafael at the moment. Benson might know about them and their abilities such as this, but they still needed to remain under the radar. 'Garcia did some digging into Stabler.'

'What did she find?'

'After leaving here he was MIA for a few months. He reappeared in London. Couldn't figure out why, until we looked into the nearby packs.'

Barba raised his head, tilting his head to the side. 'There is only one pack in London and calling them a pack is being generous. They don't even have an alpha.'

'It appears they do, except he's slowly dying. So they attempted to turn as many as they can in hopes one would rise to alpha.' Hotch continued. 'One of them being Stabler. After the bite, he dropped off the map. His family was told he was on a mission.'

'Family?'

'Wife and four kids.' Taking a seat next to him, Hotch laid his hand on his side. 'He's still married.'

A low growl escaped from the back of his throat. 'And he still attempts to claim Olivia?'

'Before you get all sour wolf, let me finish.' Hotch huffed. 'He moved back here after having taken over the pack in London. Stayed a few years creating a pack of his own. He took this pack by force.'

'Set up a meet.' Seeing Olivia answer a phone call, he stood up and stretched. 'Once the time and place are set let me know.' Following the woman out of the office he stayed close to her side. 'Also make sure Angelous and Enzo have everything set up for the pack trial. I don't like the idea of that bastard staying another night breathing.'

'Since when do you give me orders.' Hotch growled.

Barba chuckled. 'Just do it.'