Chapter 9: The Big Move
It's the big day, the pack is moving to its new territory. The construction took several months to complete, given the number of details required. Everyone in the pack woke up very early to help move everything. They chose not to hire a moving company, wanting to do everything themselves. They just called friends and family for help.
Most have brought all the vehicles they have, hoping that's enough. Of course, there are vehicles of all sizes and ages. Some were even going to be replaced once the move was complete. This is the case of Spencer who wants to replace his old Toyota Highlander with a newer model. She keeps the same model, she just takes a newer one, finding that her current car consumes too much fuel.
In the facilities planned on the new territory of the pack, there is a gas pump, thus allowing them to be completely autonomous on that side. As there will be a lot of vehicles, most of which will be recent, having a gas pump is quite handy. The idea came from Finn, who was just wondering how refueling was going to happen. So the decision to add that to their territory was quickly taken.
There will also be many garages. With so many new vehicles coming soon, there needs to be room to store them and protect them from the weather. The idea also comes from Finn, this time without him asking a question. He just reminded everyone that the land maps were missing garages. He took a pencil and allowed himself to draw them on the plans, thus showing their ideal location. Kurt nodded at that, and Aria did the same. Finn was right and he had done well to remind them. If he hadn't shown up, there wouldn't have been any garages.
The move went very well. Blaine and Ezra inquired about renting a truck or two. Moving so much furniture just in cars is a long process. So they managed to rent two semi-trailer trucks. Blaine was one of the drivers, his physical condition not allowing him to carry heavy things yet.
Blaine has recovered quite well from Sebastian's attack, but his recovery isn't fully complete yet. He still needs a lot of rest, but his desire to help eventually takes over. He got up with everyone else and went straight to work. He didn't even bother to eat, thinking it would delay him. All he wanted to do was help. He wanted to prove his worth, to show that he is still useful, despite his weakening. He didn't want others to think he was useless because he didn't help, so he helped as best he could.
Kurt immediately noticed what he was doing and immediately told him to go home and rest. Blaine didn't. It's the first time he didn't listen to what Kurt had told him, his desire to do well having taken over. Or rather, it was his anxiety that took over. His fear of being judged prevents him from thinking properly. As always, he wants to show that he can be perfect, that he is not useless, that he does just as well as the others.
Kurt went straight to him when he realized what was going on in his head. He took what he was holding from him and began to whisper comforting words to him. While doing this, he was helping him to sit on the floor, because his legs were shaking from the effort he was making. Blaine hadn't even realized it, his mind was so elsewhere. Aria saw what Kurt was doing and she rushed to help him. She felt that Blaine was not well, but she couldn't figure out why. However, she knows that Kurt knows this and that he knows what he needs to do to calm him down. Kurt looked at Aria and decided to give her the explanation she seemed to expect.
"Blaine has always been like that, at least since I've known him. He didn't have an easy childhood. His parents never paid attention to him. They spent their time denigrating everything he did and highlighting everything his brother was doing. Since then, he has been doing everything he can to show that he can also do things. In fact, currently, because of his weakness which prevents him from doing much, he's afraid we'll think he's useless. All he wants is to help. He wants to show that he's there and his injuries won't stop him. He just wants to let us know that he is there to help and that we can count on him".
"I know it and the whole pack knows it. I...I don't know how he's coping with all this, but he's very strong. He survived a very big attack, he's not fully recovered yet and he tries to help us. It's a real strength of character. Few people have that in them. But, he has to rest".
"He won't. Until he helps out, he won't rest. To be honest, I'm not sure what he could do that wouldn't risk aggravating his injuries.ยป
After this conversation, Kurt and Aria decided that Blaine would drive one of the two trucks. Thus, he helps without jeopardizing his health. And, he's happy to do it and grateful that Kurt and Aria understood how he felt. For Blaine, it's not easy to reveal his feelings, his feelings. He knows that no one can read his mind, but he has trouble communicating his feelings. Only with Kurt does he let himself go. But there, he discovered that he can also confide in Aria, because she is just as understanding as Kurt. Blaine can also confide in the pack, as there is always a member near him, ready to protect him when needed.
Sebastian hasn't come forward since that attack. As he is the son of a senator, he managed to avoid prison. It's possible he's out for revenge, but he doesn't know where Blaine is. And, should he find out, the pack is ready to protect him. Since this attack, the whole pack has been on their guard, fearing that he will return. From what they saw, Sebastian looked tough and resentful. He will surely seek revenge and come back to attack Blaine again. No one understood why he decided to attack him, except those who already knew him.
Santana was ready to kill him, and she still wants him. He had taken it out on Blaine before, which resulted in eye surgery. Blaine had gotten a slush containing salt crystals in the face. One of these crystals lodged in his eye and he had to be operated on. Of course, the whole pack, which is smaller at that time, was angry. Santana, in particular, wanted revenge. Kurt, however, didn't want that. He was angry, of course, but didn't want to make the situation any worse than it already was. He just stayed with Blaine, who recovered very well from his surgery. He only had a short stint in the hospital.
So this new attack, again orchestrated by Sebastian, only increased Santana's anger. She still wanted revenge and wanted to go hunt him down. When she learned that he wouldn't go to prison, her blood boiled. Kurt and Aria stopped her from going to kill him, although she had every right to. After all, Sebastian is considered a danger to the pack. They have the right to eliminate the danger. Each pack has the right to do so, because it is in the laws of werewolves.
Santana also felt the anger of all the other members of the pack, but they remained in control of themselves. They didn't want to give in to anger, as their Alphas taught them. So, Santana has finally calmed down, but she's Blaine's staunchest protector. Wherever he goes, she is there. Whether he is alone or not, she will always be there. At first Kurt didn't quite agree with it, but he finally let it go. It was Omega Santana's instincts that spoke for her. If she can't eliminate the danger hovering over Blaine, she must protect him as best she can.
It took many trips to bring all the belongings of all the members of the pack as well as those of their families. There is a total of a good fifteen houses to empty, which is a lot. Blaine's house didn't need to be emptied, as he had already transferred all the things he wants to take from Kurt's. He didn't like the furniture in his room at all, because his parents took care of the decoration. He had no say. When he grew up, he tried to make them understand that he wanted to change the decoration of the room, but his request ended in a negative answer.
So moving into a brand new house makes him happy. He will finally be able to put his paw in the decoration. He was tired of living in an environment that was almost exclusively made up of old wooden furniture. Some were so old that they were visibly deteriorating. Some had even been devoured by termites.
Blaine had already made decoration plans, all approved by Kurt. He was so good at it that some people came to him for advice. He shared his advice with joy, because he always liked the contact with others. Once Blaine got to know everyone in the pack, he didn't hesitate to help them. When the new ones arrived and they were busy training, he didn't hesitate to come and give them advice, to show them how to do it. Kurt and Aria were amazed at his helpfulness, especially with new people he didn't know.
The move was going well, everyone being very organized. For a move to go smoothly, you need good organization. Kurt's dad and Aria's parents took the lead in separating furniture and other items. In fact, the families of the different members of the pack took care of storing everything well in the different trucks or other vehicles present. The Omegas took care of carrying everything, while Blaine and Ezra took care of driving the trucks. Kurt and Aria were directing the operations. They helped carry heavy things, helped put everything away, and made sure everything went well. Once everything has been loaded, the convoy is ready to leave.
When the convoy, made up of two semi-trailer trucks and a good twenty cars, arrived at its destination, everyone was surprised at the size of the territory. As expected, the place where the territory was built is a very large clearing in the middle of the forest. This area is not very far from Rosewood, Pennsylvania. It's only an hour's drive from the city, which is a good hundred kilometers. A werewolf running at full speed can cover that distance in 30 minutes, maybe even less. It is therefore the ideal location. Far from urban areas, but not so much, to always ensure a good supply.
The territory is very large, being able to accommodate more than a hundred people quite easily, and there is still room to expand it. Most packs of non-lunar werewolves are large, but very few have managed to grow beyond 50 werewolves. Yes, there is room for families, but also for werewolves. This gives them enough room to grow and grow the pack as much as they want.
In history, the original pack is the only one to have managed to exceed the hundred werewolves. This feat took place a hundred years ago, but it is possible that it will happen again with this newest generation. The pack has risen from its ashes, even stronger than it was before. All its members are young, they will surely have children. They are already twenty werewolves, but they are more in reality. Humans being counted as full members of the pack, their number amounts to a good forty.
But, we often count the size of a pack with the number of werewolves that compose it. So, taking this way of counting into account, Kurt and Aria's pack, named the original pack, is made up of 23 werewolves. However, there was an official request for the bite and the suspicion of a second request. It seems Kurt's good friend Mercedes is interested in becoming a werewolf and joining the pack. Mike, Aria's brother, made the request not long ago, but, in view of recent events, he sees his inclusion process greatly slowing down. He does not despair and does not fail to remind his sister that he is impatiently awaiting the bite. Of course, this annoys Aria and she does not hesitate to make him understand. A simple low growl is enough to make him understand that this is not the time.
Once all the houses were set up, all the commotion died down. Fitting out so many houses, so big, takes time. It took them about a week to move everything and another week to set it up. The layout of the new houses is different from their old houses, which requires time to adapt. A werewolf doesn't like to lose his bearings. He has his habits and he likes to stick to them. If he were to lose his bearings or take on new habits, it will take him time to get used to them completely. Which is completely normal. It's the same for humans.
About two weeks after the pack was set up, the new vehicles, ordered before the move, arrived. Everyone was happy, finally being able to change their vehicles that were too old and had too many miles for newer versions, which were more pleasant to drive and prettier. Some had even completely changed model or brand, anticipating the possible arrival of children.
This is the case of Aria and Ezra, who have chosen two models. An SUV, a pick-up to be precise, and a sedan. Aria had set her sights on a black Dodge Ram with red highlights with a red and black interior. Ezra, meanwhile, preferred to head to Cadillac and fell in love with the CT-5. It is quite a modern and luxurious sedan, especially in the white color. This color accentuates the luxurious side of the car. He also chooses a black interior, mixing leather and alcantara.
Kurt and Blaine also decided to get new cars, and for the same reasons. Their instincts were starting to kick in. It's almost spring, a period during which there is the most mating in the packs. So they decided to plan ahead, in case they become parents.
Kurt learned about the Range Rover brand and immediately liked one of their models. This is the Range Rover Velar, which he took in metallic red. Blaine had a hard time deciding which brand he was going to choose. After several hours of reflection, he ended up choosing the Hyundai brand and a rather sporty little sedan, the I30 Fastback. He also took it in red, deciding to stick with the same color theme chosen by Kurt.
The other members of the pack also bought new cars. It was especially Spencer who wanted to do it. Her old car was starting to cost her a lot, because she only drove back and forth to the garage. Every week there was a new problem and she was tied up for a day at the garage. Of course, Toby was there to help her on her travels. Moreover, he did not hesitate to boast that his old pick-up still works just as well, despite the years it has. So as soon as Spencer found out she might be buying a new car, she jumped at the chance. She didn't think long about her choice. She is happy with the Toyota brand and the model she had chosen, the Highlander, so she took the newer model. She also had fun with the options she chose, deciding to transform her car into a real rolling living room.
Kurt and Aria lead the truck convoy transporting all the new vehicles through the territory. After the delivery was completed, each person inspected their car with great care, not wanting to find any scratches. When everyone was satisfied, everyone went to keep their car in their personal garage.
Last thing that happened after the installation in the new territory, some wanted to get tattooed. The tattoo has a very big meaning for werewolves. In general, they always have a connection with their pack or with what they hold most dear. Some innovate and decide to get tattoos related to the myths and legends of werewolves. Some are therefore tattooed with the phases of the moon, others with the symbol of silver or the trace of a wolf's paw filled with rainwater. Some do not hesitate and get tattoos of plants that are toxic to them.
It is in the perspective of the desire for children that Ezra decided to honor the tattoos of werewolves. He chose a design very little represented in werewolves. Along his spine, he has tattooed traces of wolf paws, of different sizes. They represent the little wolf and his parents. It's a big meaning, so strong that very few werewolves choose to get this tattooed. Because, if they fail, it will be a disrespect and dishonor to this tattoo.
Blaine also took the plunge, deciding to go with the phases of the moon. He likes their meaning, even if he is not sensitive to it. So, as soon as he got enough energy back, he rushed to the tattoo artist to carve them down his spine. It's an area he appreciates, especially when he saw the rendering of Ezra's tattoo.
The other members of the pack are quite reluctant to get tattoos. Some dread the pain, others just don't want it. Kurt and Aria, they were quite intrigued and they ended up getting into it too. Both have chosen a design that speaks to them, because this is the principle of werewolf tattoos. They must have meaning for them.
Kurt chose a rather simple pattern. A simple triangle with each corner surmounted by a letter of the Greek alphabet. Alpha on top, Beta on the right, and Omega on the left. This represents the pack. Each of the vertices meets in the center of this triangle, a symbol that all the members of a pack are one. Kurt chose to have it tattooed on his back, at shoulder level. So it's not a small tattoo.
Aria chose an equally telling motif. This is called the spiral of revenge. Usually it's scratched on a surface where something bad has happened to the pack. Aria didn't hesitate to leave it on Sebastian's cabin door, wanting him to understand their anger. She chose to wear it unrolled along her right arm. She also chose to keep the same aesthetic. She has, therefore, large claw marks, like the spiral that is always made with the claws.
The last thing Aria wanted to do was stop wearing her foundation. She can't hide her scar forever. There will be a day when she will have to reveal it and she has decided that day is today. She was tired of spending her money on dozens of foundation pots a month. It was a real money pit. And then, she always assumed it, she didn't want to be criticized or judged by others.
So, Aria decided to stop her foundation and show herself to the whole pack. Of course, at first the reactions were amazement. No one but Kurt had seen her like this. Nobody knows how she got it, except Kurt of course. So Aria told her story, skipping no details. It's still hard for her, as it is for Kurt, to talk about this, but it's important. The pack has a right to know what happened, and how she got that scar.
The end of this story ended in a huge hug. Everyone hugged each other, even Rachel and Quinn. They can't stand each other, but they seem to have had a little truce during this move. Who knows how long it will last before their fights begin again.
In any case, the pack is very settled. Everyone took their marks, everything that was ordered arrived. Now all they have to do is start their life and live it well. Those who want to celebrate their union with a wedding can begin to organize it. And, it's the same for those who want children. They can start designing. Everyone can live as they wish, all problems being solved.