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When Megumi woke up that morning, he immediately felt a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. It was his day, one that would decide how he was seen by his pack for the foreseeable future. He knew what was expected of him today, what he would have to do, and yet, he chose something else for the moment: comfort. Last night he'd crawled back into his parents nest, scared it would be his last opportunity, even though he knew his Mama would always welcome all his pups into the nest. It was emptier than last night, as Satoru was already up and about, always a disturbingly early riser even for alpha standards. It left him alone all cuddled up to his mother, who most definitely was also already awake but equally unwilling to part. They spend more moments together in the safety of the nest, Suguru gently patting his head and asking him how he slept, if he was anxious about today.
"A little. I'll just do my best."
"You will do well Megumi. Don't worry too much."
The sun was already well onto its way to the zenith, all early morning hours spend longer in the nest than usual, but neither did Megumi leave nor did Suguru chase him out. It was peaceful and soothing, as everything smelled of both his parents. It helped his anxiety. A warm comfort, one that Megumi rarely actively sought out.
Eventually it was time though. Megumi and Suguru had gotten dressed but not in their usual robes which maximized comfort and freedom of movement. Suguru put on heavy robes adorned with gems and teeth he hunted himself or Satoru presented to him. He brushed his hair and got his pins and jewelry ready while Megumi slipped into his hunting gear. A heavy, layered silken robe lay waiting for him too, but he would only be able to wear it should he pass today.
Megumi checked everything thrice. His knives, his bag, even the straps of his boots, because what if he had forgotten something and he needed it? If he had left his knife, if his boots weren't fastened properly and he fell mid dash, and what about the herbs he-
Suddenly, warm hands cupped his cheeks, gently.
"You are ready. I know you are."
Megumi's heart thrummed, wanting to believe his mother's words, but the knot in his throat threatened to undo him quicker than lightning. Even so, he nodded and steeled himself, even when his mother's kiss to his forehead made him want to curl back up in the nest.
"Oh! Look who made it out of mommy's nest! We were betting you'd hide away til sundown, you know?"
His sister, the older of the twins, peeked her head through the fabric into their parents den, immediately followed by Mimiko as she slipped inside. Megumi wanted to ask where Tsumiki was, but fell silent immediately upon seeing the full hands of his sisters. His shoulders drew up and his eyes narrowed.
"No."
"Yes! Sit down, we'll be so quick!"
"No. I don't want it."
"What? No you need some make up and jewelry! It's a matter of-"
"Ah Megumi! Look, I got you- eh, what's wrong?"
Tsumiki slipped into the den and froze when the scene in front of her registered in her brain. Nanako looked like she was ready to pounce, Mimiko behind her at the ready with a sash threateningly wrapped around her hands, while Megumi seemed to gauge the distance between himself and freedom. Ah, she knew it wouldn't be easy with Megumi... Unlike the girls, he was rather aversed to make up and "decorations", as he called it.
"Memi... maybe just the flowers? Look, aren't they pretty?
His frown was still rather severe, and even the use of his nickname didn't soften him at all. This was what they feared!! It was such a special day and all of them had adorned themselves in some way, even Yuji! They hadn't let him leave for his alpha hunt before putting necklaces and newly woven wrist and ankle bands on him. It took them weeks of pestering but even so he agreed to have one of his ears pierced too!
"They'll fall off. And how am I supposed to focus with all those things dangling off of me?"
"But today is special! You can't go bare faced!"
"Yes I can. What is wrong with it? Mama never paints his face."
Before their bickering escalated, Suguru stepped in, placing one hand on each of their shoulders. It was true he never really painted his face, but he did wear jewelry frequently.
"No fighting. Nanako is right, today is a very special day and if you do not want make up or jewerly that is okay. However... You know, it doesn't have to look the same as Mimi and Nana like to apply. Maybe a little red around the eyes, a little kohl? Not make up but war paint." Suguru directed a smile at Megumi, who gave a shy nod after mulling it over a little. All girls immediately lit up in smiles and got to work, assessing what they have to work with while Suguru watched with a smile. It was always so easy for Suguru to change Megumi's mind! Anyone's really...
"Just be quick with it." Megumi still insisted and his sisters need not be told twice. The silent understanding was clear: take advantage of Suguru being with them to do to Megumi what they want. For ages they had tried to get him to join them in braiding their hair and adorning it with flowers, painting lips soft shades of pink and red with rose petals or simply put on one of the many necklaces, bangles and even tiaras that their parents had gifted them personally. He had always declined, much to all of their displeasure. Even Yuji was happy to let them use him as a model, often either wearing their many self woven bracelets and anklets or standing still while they drape fabrics around him.
"You know, we don't just randomly put colors on you? There is meaning!"
"Uh huh." Megumi's gaze was focused ahead of himself as if this was already part of his ceremony that he had to grit his teeth through.
"I'm serious! Look."
Nanako held her hand out and Tsumiki wordlessly passed a mirror to her while she was focused on his hair. He could feel some tugs and clips, but she was exceedingly gentle.
"The red symbolizes your maturity. You are no longer a pup! Your heat-"
"Can we skip this?!"
"No. So like, red is a mature color! On your lips it will show..."
"Fertility." Mimiko finished for her twin while she rummaged through a box full of pins and jewelry. Every now and then she pulled something out, held it up against Megumi's face, only to shake her head and put it back and rummage some more.
"Why does that even matter?! What's it anyone's business if I am- that!"
Increasingly, his cheeks began to heat up and his skin prickled under the attention and hands working on him.
"Megumi..." Came Tsumiki's calm voice from behind him, but before she could once more speak, Suguru turned from his own spot on a small vanity. His face was a little troubled, brows slightly furrowed and eyes exposing his empathy.
"It isn't a shameful thing. In fact, it is a sign of great health and strong pack ties when an omega shows openly that they have matured."
Nanako cut in immediately.
"Yeah! And don't you wanna let Yu- OUCH!"
She yelped when her hand ended up between Megumi's sharp teeth, the force behind the bite not enough to harm or draw blood but most definitely leave indents. Even though he let her go immediately, Nanako yowled like she had ben struck by an arrow.
"Megumi!" Tsumiki and Suguru scolded both, but he was unrepentant. Nanako recovered quickly enough anyway and finished applying whatever creams and powders she used by dabbing it a little more forcefully than necessary.
"Suguruuuuu! When are you done? You've been holed up forever!"
All heads whipped to the entrance of the nestroom, all movements halted. They could see Satoru's legs and feet, but not the rest due to the deer skin hung up to grant some privacy.
"Don't come in! You'll curse Megumi!" Tsumiki gasped when one hand peeked through the side, as if to move the skin aside.
"You guys are leaving us poor alphas alone! We worked hard you know?"
"Satoru." Suguru's voice left no room for shenanigans or pushing it. But when his mate didn't budge and leave, Suguru sighed and stood to walk over and peek his head through the deer pelt, making sure nothing else could be seen behind him.
"Leave. We'll be done shortly."
"Suguru we- did you apply make up?"
"Maybe. Now shoo."
"Now I really don't wanna leave. You here often?" The smile in his voice was so evident. All the omegas rolled their eyes at the shameless flirting.
"I am. This is my nest and if my alpha wants to see it again anytime soon he should behave."
"Yeah? Can my omega take a few nights without me in his nest? And if I really wanted to, Suguru, I could take you-"
"SHHHH!" Suguru hissed, while all the others grimaced. They should have been used to it by now, the shameless flirting really had never lessened and all of them had been unfortunate enough at some point to walk in on their parents to some degree, but they never would.
"Gross..." Nanako and Mimiko quietly said and even Megumi scrunched his nose. But even worse: only a moment later the wet squelch of kissing rang through their ears.
"EWWWW!"
"Do it elsewhere!"
"Oh dear..."
Their loud reactions compounded into one big ruckus of gagging noises and sticked out tongues. Unfortunately, their mother did not share their displeasure of Satoru's cheesy stupid lines and personality. His scent betrayed how buttered up he was, all sweet and happy as if those few hours apart were inhumane. There were some hushed whispers between them, something definitely not for their ears, before Satoru relented and walked away.
But not before cheerfully yelling "Don't make Megumi too colorful! The bears will eat him!".
When Suguru turned around, his cheeks were a little red and he had that dreamy look to him, and that's nothing compared to the sweet scent permeating from him in droves. Despite his attempts to act cool and composed, when it came to his mate, he really turned into the most pliant omega. That happy look vanished instantly once he took in the several faces staring at him with rather open "that was so gross and you fell for his flirting again" grimace. Try as he might to immediately compose himself again and steel his face into a neutral expression, the scent wasn't lying and it was practically screaming "my mate was just here and I wish he kissed me more!".
"He won't bother us again."
"Bother" was certainly a choice, when he was evidently pleased. It was nothing new, this playful banter between their parents was a never ending play. As small pups, they would usually turn jealous upon seeing Satoru hog Suguru's attention and with their tiny fists grab onto their mother's clothes to not be forgotten. Suguru never resisted, nor would he ever forget about them, but small pups acted often on nothing but instincts. They'd bare their small pup teeth at alpha and snuggle up to their omega mother like territorial boars. Suguru was quite fond of it and had thought it cute and thankfully, Satoru was not the type of alpha who would discipline his pups over such displays. He was quite the gentle father in many aspects, despite his otherwise crude and brash personality. Especially towards the omegas he was incredibly lenient, so really only Yuji occasionally got disciplined.
"So Mimiko! Why don't you explain to Megumi the choice of jewelry while I finish his hair?" Tsumiki smoothed over the silence that Suguru tried to ignore as gracefully as he could.
"Nothing noisy or too colorful. Look." She held up a woven bracelet which she had made herself. Mimiko was incredibly talented with weaving and sowing and often used her spare time to create clothes or bracelets and the like for them all. This one was a deep, dark shade of green with a few details woven into the fabric. Bunnies and some sort of... mass? When Megumi's questioning gaze settled onto her, she gave a shy smile.
"It's supposed to be kuro. I can't make dogs yet..."
"It looks good."
"Mimi-chan, you really have done a great job! Kuro and Shiro will be happy." Tsumiki joined in on Megumi's praise, to which Mimiko's cheeks turned even more pink. Her hands were a little shaky as she wrapped the bracelet around Megumi's wrist before moving on to hold up a necklace.
"Oh! Are you sure?"
"Yes!"
"That's too big. I won't wear it."
The necklace Mimiko held up was rather massive and unlike the bracelet, it seemed everything but unassuming. A massive, round jade pendant was in the middle of the thick cord. To the left and right, two sharp teeth were hung from, and Megumi could tell from a glance they were from a large predator, possibly bear. He knew this wasn't made by either of the twins; no this had been personally made by Satoru and Suguru. It held meaning beyond the time and effort placed into it to make it look nice.
"You have to! It's special! Tell him, Mama!"
Suguru focus broke when Nanako yelled his name and the carefully arranged top knot of his hair unraveled before he had a chance to pin it with an ornate hairpin. He turned around to face them, a little annoyance plain as day, before his eyes softened at the sight of them. The necklace was indeed rather flashy, but it had a reason: it was a ceremonial necklace, not meant to be worn on usual days but rather special occasions such as this. The last time anyone had worn it was when Tsumiki had her coming of age ceremony a year prior.
"You don't have to, Megumi. But..." Suguru paused a moment before a warm smile lit up his face.
"It is special. It means something. Satoru found that beautiful jade and when he killed that bear last winter he kept the teeth."
"Oh it was from the same bear? He made the coat from?" Tsumiki asked. Last winter, Satoru had ventured out in the depths of a snowstorm to hunt. It wasn't like it was necessary, and Suguru often was very annoyed by it, but simply because Satoru thrived hunting and especially under harsh conditions. He loved to challenge himself, never shying away from even the largest predators that other packs avoided. The evidence of it was etched into his skin; countless scars littered his entire body, some so deep it had taken Suguru many weeks of nursing to make sure his mate wouldn't fall sick or be permanently injured. No matter how angry Suguru got, Satoru never stopped. It allowed him to provide for his pack in abundance. They hadn't lacked neither food nor fur, even rare gems and pristine horns were common gifts by Satoru.
That last winter had been an anomaly though. Despite well stacked pantries and neatly cut and stacked wood to keep the hearth burning and house warm, coldness had crept into the house. Cruel winds and heavy snowfall had made the roof ache and eventually crack, not badly enough to truly break, but definitely big enough to allow snow and wind to pierce through the warm bubble they had. Satoru had immediately set out to fix it, but it wasn't easy. He had to free their roof of the heavy snow just to get access to the splintered wood and unfortunately the mess only became clearer once he did: many of the wooden planks had already bend to the harsh winter and were truly struggling to hold. It was a whole three days of labour that Satoru had spend fixing the roof, the daylight sparse and short during the dark season which only prolonged the process. He had to rip out the wood already splintered and cut down trees to make new planks out of, all in the midst of frost and ice. Suguru and their pups had huddled in their nest, wrapped tightly in furs, but Suguru also has to cook for them and when he left the nest he also left most of his furs with the pups. Every bit of warmth counted when the cold seeped in, even if Satoru worked diligently to fix it quickly. Unfortunately, once it was fixed, Suguru had fallen very sick. The lack of warmth he allowed himself in order to keep their back then very small and young pups safe came back to bite him. Satoru had to chase the pups out of the nest before they caught a fever too and for the next few days he spend his time nursing Suguru and caring for their pups. He'd set up a small nest still in the same room but further away to keep them from also getting sick while he made sure they were fed, washed and Suguru cared for. The memory was sweet, despite it all. Once Suguru was healthy again, Satoru had immediately ventured out and only returned many hours later with a massive bear dragging behind him. Suguru could hardly believe his eyes and their pups, who had been taught young to avoid bears due to their ferocious nature, had immediately rushed inside all scared by the massive creature Satoru had dragged home. When he gave his mate a rather helpless stare, Satoru had flashed him a bright smile and only said "My omega got sick due to my negligence. This one will make a nice coat, one for you only. I love how you care for our pups, Suguru, but it's my responsibility to care for you."
And true to his word, Satoru had taken the beast apart efficiently, not one to waste a single resource from the kill. The entire pelt was used for a magnificent black coat for Suguru, warm and incredibly soft, while the meat and bones were kept to cook and teeth and claws used for jewelry, exactly like the necklace.
"The very same." Suguru said eventually when the soft memory dispersed and he was back with his now grown up pups. Presented and matured, all of them with their coming of age ceremonies already behind them, with only Megumi's still ahead of him.
"The bear teeth show you belong to a strong alpha's pack. Not many dare to fight big predators such as bears, and many less are skilled enough to survive and have a successful kill. You are well cared for and expect an alpha of equal skill, equal qualities of providing. The red beads show you have had your first heat- you are an omega now, not a pup anymore. Fertility, maturity, the choice to find a mate, those are all things to be proud of."
"And the jade?" Nanako asked immediately.
"Ah, well... it's just very beautiful, isn't it?" he gave a soft smile.
Expectantly, the twins turned back to look at Megumi, their faces wordlessly spelling out"well you can't not wear it now".
"Fine, I will wear it." he sighed, but inwardly he was a little honored to wear it after he heard their Mama's explanation. Especially since Tsumiki had also worn it before. And maybe, however small that part of his was and how hesitant Megumi was to acknowledge it, he found pride in the fact that his new identity as an omega would be acknowledged. Acknowledged by Yuji.
"Oya, look at you. Why are you getting red?"
"Megumi is shy. But don't worry! Nothing will change between us." Tsumiki immediately cut off Nanako's curious question, a ever helping savior. They continued to work and chat, thankfully without interrogations about Megumi's flushed cheeks. Suguru was equally focused on finally taming his abundant hair into the style he wanted, that beautiful ornate hairpin Satoru had gifted him ages ago finally put in place and securing his dark hair properly. He moved on to a stunning headpiece with several blue and red stones and beads which were placed onto his head, with its prominent centerpiece right above his forehead and several beautiful tassles dangling from silver chains. It was something only Suguru had, unlike much else which either everyone shared or had; the headpiece was intricate and beautiful, a clear way to show his status as head omega and the pack alpha's mate. Satoru had taken more than a year to finish it for his mate, with resources from precious stones and gems to the fine silver sourced by himself and occasionally refined with the help of artisans and craftsmen from other packs. It was an old piece too; one Satoru had wanted to replace by a newer piece, even more stunning than this which he had made after mating with Suguru more than a decade ago. But his omega had refused. He was incredibly attached to the headpiece and it was evident from how reverently and carefully he treated it.
"Alright! Look how pretty we've made you!"
All his sister's hands finally fell away from his hair and face. A mirror was held up, eager eyes staring at him and awaiting approval for their hard work. And when Megumi did look at himself, he almost couldn't believe it. It was him, yes, but also prettier. His sisters had honored their promise of keeping it light and modest, and yet, Megumi could appreciate their work. His lips had a pretty, colorless sheen to them, and his eyes seemed sharper thanks to the black they applied to his waterline. Several strands of his hair had beautiful beads woven in and Tsumiki even managed to use those flowers she had gathered too. The necklace was big, but not oppressive, and neither did it make any sounds as Megumi moved, something he appreciated. Silent, not flashy. Perfect for stealth and yet honoring tradition and showcasing his new status, even if only temporarily. Should Megumi not be able to successfully complete his ceremony today, he would remain a pup until the head omega deemed him ready enough to try again.
"It looks fine. Thanks." he gave them a small smile to which all three of them beamed with pride and clapped their hands together. Their pickiest customer, finally satisfied!
"You will do so great, Megumi! And then you can finally confess to-"
"SHHH!" Tsumiki and Mimiko immediately hissed and put their hands over Nanako's mouth, throwing nervous glances towards Suguru in hopes that he hadn't heard. He gave no reaction that indicated as such, and they sighed.
"Mama, we are ready! Do you need help?" Tsumiki asked. Suguru rose from his spot and shook his head, the headpiece swaying with his movement beautifully.
"No need. Let us see if the alpha's have died yet from a lack of attention."
"Woah! Mama, you're so beautiful!"
"The prettiest!"
The twins chirped excitedly, abandoning Megumi in favour of running up to Suguru and latching onto him like small pups.
"Don't say that..." Suguru smiled a little helplessly at the praise but nevertheless hugged his girls back. He made a motion with his hand to beckon Tsumiki and Megumi closer too, allowing them to join the cuddle pile filled with purrs and smiles.
"My sweet babies." Suguru gave them all a kiss to their heads or foreheads before they parted and finally left the den behind. The house was silent, both alphas out and about since sunrise, Satoru even earlier. The hearth was dark for now too; the late spring made it unnecessary to keep a steady fire going at all times.
Immediately upon leaving the house, Megumi was greeted by both dogs, Kuro and Shiro, whose excited tail wagging betrayed how eagerly they were awaiting him.
"Finally! I thought you guys were about to lock us out forever!" Satoru's exaggerated whine came immediately as he walked up to them, eying them with a bright eyes.
"You look so nice! Oh, even Megumi let himself be groomed?"
"Didn't we do a great job?" Nanako immediately fished for a compliment.
"You did! You guys look very pretty!"
He gave all of them a headpat, regardless of whether they wanted their hair tussled or not. Tsumiki was the only one who obediently and gladly allowed it, while Mimiko accepted it without fuss and Nanako and Megumi scowled and tried to move away. Thankfully, their reprieve came in the shape of their mother finally stepping out of the house. Immediately, the shift in Satoru was felt. It was always fascinating to watch how Satoru's world narrowed once his omega was in sight. His scent changed immediately and his eyes got that glimmer in them as they focused solely on Suguru.
"Beautiful." he spoke so gently as he stepped closer to Suguru, his hands immediately finding his waist and his lips their counterpart.
"You look gorgeous."
"You always say that."
"Because it's always true."
"Satoru..."
Despite how embarrassing it could be to watch their parents fawn over one another like a freshly mated couple, it was also inspiring in a way. The devotion both showed to one another in gestures big and small was probably the main reason why all of them had high hopes of romance and love akin to the fantasy or romantic stories Suguru had always told them. Stories of fated mates, soulmates, of couples overcoming all odds to be with eachother and fight for their happy end. Such were the types Suguru had often told them in his nest to make them fall asleep to.
Satoru stole many kisses immediately, shamelessly, even when the twins made a face and gagging noise. It was one thing to appreciate their parents love and see it as a future standard for their own lives, but another to watch them make out!
"You guys! Are we gonna do the ceremony or not?!"
In moments like these, Megumi really appreciated how outspoken and fearless Nanako was. And it was highly necessary; if left alone, Satoru would without a doubt pick up his mate and carry them to their nest to be alone, ceremony be damned. Thankfully, Suguru had enough discipline to push his mate back and stand firm.
But his eyes were just as sparkling with love and the smile on his lips was undeniable.
"Don't get distracted, Satoru. It's Megumi's big day."
"I know, I know. I'll behave." the alpha relented after all.
Megumi wanted to remark how big of a lie that was, but his back gave a shiver and he instead turned around to see Yuji staring at him with wide eyes. For a moment, he too felt frozen and simply stared back, cheeks warm and heart racing. A part of him wanted to move closer, to hear Yuji praise him too before he set out. Wish him good luck, maybe mention if he looked nice? But at the same time, he felt frozen, mirroring how stiff Yuji stood only a few meters in front of him. For a moment, Yuji's scent hit him, warm and comforting but also tinted with-
"Yuji."
The growl send immediate shivers down Megumi's spine and the faint hair on his neck stood on end. Yuji even flinched at the sound, and for a moment even the forest around them seemed to hold their breath. It was only when Satoru came to Yuji and put his head in a -somewhat- playful headlock that the tension dispersed as quickly as it came.
"Doesn't Megumi look cute today? You should say something instead of using your scent!" The smile and higher pitched voice did little to hide the disciplining enforced by the pack alpha. It had been like this for a while, ever since Yuji presented and his crush on Megumi became very obvious. But the thing was: Megumi was, as of right now, still a pup. And Satoru was not happy about the advances Yuji showed Megumi, however accidental and subconscious. Yuji was a good young alpha , but unfortunately he had trouble with reigning in his instincts and behaviors that were tolerated or even normal for pups. All the pups used to roughhouse and chase eachother around a lot under the careful supervision of Suguru. It was good for them; for one it sharpened their instincts but also helped them develop a sense of boundaries. However, while between pups it showed nothing but closeness, it was an entirely different matter between presented alphas and omegas. The constant hackling and itching for a chase and fight had decidedly different connotations. As such, Satoru had kept a very close eye on Yuji ever since he presented months ago. While his first rut had been entirely manageable and really only annoying to Yuji himself, who felt like he couldn't burn off energy no matter how much he did and how he was constantly hungry, it was definitely innapropiate for him to initiate mating behavior towards Megumi, who wasn't an omega until he finished his ceremony.
"Y-yes! Megumi looks very cute!" Yuji managed to stammer out from where Satoru's massive bizeps squished his face.
"Satoru." Suguru's chiding made his mate immediately released the poor boy.
"Let's not waste more daylight. Gather around."
Suguru called for them all to come to the centre of the clearing which their house was built in. As the head omega, ceremonies such as this were his responsibility. He had guided and judged all of their pups, down to the last one today. Satoru stood next to him once he began to speak, a small smile on his lips as he listened to his mate explain the rules to their youngest once more.
"Two weeks ago, your heat passed and marked you as ready to take on the coming of age ceremony. Your sisters have adorned you, symbolizing the maturity you have now reached."
Everyone listen with rapt attention, even if they had heard it many times before. Suguru had a way with words, with grabbing and holding attention when he wanted. Gone was the softness of earlier, replaced instead with a stern coldness.
"However... sometimes, the body ripens before the mind does. Being an omega comes with a great responsibility to yourself and your pack; you are free to find a mate, to bear children and leave the pack should you wish. As such, today we will assess whether you are ready to bear that responsibility, or whether you must wait another year as a pup."
Megumi gave a firm nod, despite the small nervousness fluttering in his belly.
"You will enter the forest by yourself and prove your abilities to your pack. Your skill in foraging and hunting. Return with the ceremonial dagger and a sacrifice within a day."
Megumi hoped he'd get lucky and spot a hare. The twins had managed to bring a mountain goat and carry it back, while Tsumiki knew she was horrible at hunting and instead focused her efforts on capturing fish, successfully. Yuji was on another level; he had dragged home a young bison all by himself, as always eager to push himself and help provide for the pack in the way an alpha should. Suguru had been a little horrified while Satoru had been all smiles and slapped the boy on the back, pride brimming in his eyes.
"I understand. I'm ready." Megumi said.
Suguru gave a nod and together they walked to the edge of the clearing. It was evident that this was difficult for him, always was, despite the seriousness with which he spoke. He placed his hand onto Megumi's shoulder and gave him a soft squeeze and smile when the young boy looked at him before he ventured into the wilderness, ready to prove himself. The forests were safe overall, no large predators lived here really, but even a boar could seriously harm him or a stray mountain lion could-
Suguru startled when strong, scarred arms wrapped around his waist but even so, he immediately leaned into his mate's hug.
"He will be fine."
"I know."
"Megumi is a tough kid."
"He is..."
"So don't worry. Send him off with pride and a smile."
Satoru's hand slowly slid up his arm until he could wrap around his wrist and give a small wave.
"Good luck, Megumiiiii!~ Don't get lice out there!" Satoru yelled.
Their pup's shoulders stiffened and he turned around with annoyance making his eyebrow twitch, but it vanished upon seeing the bright smile of Satoru and the decidedly wobbly smile of Suguru as their intertwined hands gave a wave. He smiled back too, maybe already too far away for them to see such a small, precious thing, but he had a feeling that they would know.
"You will do great, Megumi!"
"Come back safe!"
"Don't be scared!"
"We'll wait for you!"
His siblings chimed in too, arms high up in the air and voices loud enough to startle some poor birds out of their nests. Nevertheless, Megumi's heart felt lighter and he walked ahead, letting the forests swallow him.
Once he was out of sight, Suguru had to sigh. His shaky smile wasn't convincing at all, but these ceremonies were always difficult for him. Even with his mate's lips on his temple and body wrapped around him, he felt uneasy about watching Megumi go. He knew he was capable, all their pups did so well for their ceremonies after all, but perhaps a part of him was upset by the fact that when Megumi came back home, their pack would officially be without any pups. An empty nest, for the first time since they had gathered all these poor pups from one dreadful situation to the other.
"Let's get everything ready for his return. Come."
Satoru pulled him away, slowly guiding him to the center of the clearing. While Megumi was off to accomplish his tasks, they would prepare everything for his return. A feast, music to enjoy together and wine would all await their last pup once he arrived back home. It was a pleasant day and a honor, like for all of their pups, and yet, the idea that when Megumi returned home they would be officially a pack without pups...
"Need me to distract you? The kids can begin setting everything up by themselves for a little." Satoru bit the side of his neck gently, intentionally nibbling on the mating mark to ease Suguru's sombre musing.
"Your distractions are the worst." Suguru gave a small smile as he tilted his head, allowing his mate to nose and kiss along the stretch of his neck. It helped, as it always did; Satoru simply knew him so well. Through their many years together there wasn't a single mood, thought, emotion or annoyance that Satoru hadn't become familiar with. By now he had learned that Suguru rarely admitted to wanting help or feeling dejected, fearful or anything remotely negative. In their younger years it let to explosive arguments every now and then, Satoru always the louder one between them. But they weren't young anymore, they were mature and had grown alongside one another as mates for over a decade now. That was how Satoru knew his sweet, but broody omega was in his pretty head again. Suguru was incredibly strong, resilient and tenacious, but none of those qualities erased his tender heart. The ceremonies had always been difficult for him, even if he tried not to let it show for fear of scaring the children.
"You're a much better liar usually, Suguru. What's worrying you? I know you think of Megumi as capable."
Suguru sighed, slumping more against his mate. It was easy for Satoru to hold onto him.
"Just- you know. They are all grown up now. They can leave if they want, and I want to be happy and encourage them but it's also just ... too quick. How did these years pass so fast?"
They were out of earshot from their other kids, so Suguru dared to bare his heart to his mate. Every word was true; he should be happy that all these children, whom they found in distress and abandoned one way or another, had grown up healthy and very capable, enough to care for themselves if they wanted to. It was something strangely uncomfortable to Suguru, which only made him feel more guilty. How could he bare to see his children leave the safety of their parents within their pack?
Poor Mimiko and Nanako, whom Satoru and he had found first over a decade ago. Malnourished, neglected and bruised all over, they had cowered in fear when Suguru spotted them after he had followed their scent. It was only him and Satoru back then, young and freshly mated. Suguru had it all planned out for them; they'd build a home for themselves in preparation for pups, eager and uneasy at the same time of the upcoming mating season come spring. They had been out to forage and gather food and supplies, when Suguru had cought the scent he followed until he met two tiny girls. He had sunk to his knees immediately, cooing and smiling at them, releasing his scent with which he hoped to show he was no threat. Satoru had stood back, knowing the presence of an alpha would not help at all.
It hadn't taken much. Mimiko and Nanko were weak and despite their wariness, they seemed to trust Suguru almost immediately. He had shared what little food he had on him with them before turning to Satoru with tears in his eyes and lap full of two little pups. That day, Suguru had carried the small two girls back, Satoru close but still allowing them some space as they immediately tensed upon seeing the alpha. Strangely, even Suguru seemed to avoid him. Something in him had taken to the two girls in the same way they had and he became territorial in a way he had never before with Satoru. It was only a week after when Satoru had told him about it that Suguru even realized how he had acted and it filled him with a lot of embarrassment and even a twinge of shame.
The initially presumed temporary stay of the two pups had turned into Suguru caring for them so deeply that he dreaded them wanting to leave, but they never did. Mimiko and Nanako seemed more than happy to be with their new mother and warmed up to Satoru eventually too. Only when Suguru realized the two girls had been in his life for a year already did he realize that the mating season he had been looking forward to had come and passed, with no heat. He had found his two daughters and thus, his body didn't deem it necessary to have a litter for now.
Now his two girls were two sweet omegas who had blossomed beautifully and developed incredible skills. More than once had they told him while cuddled up in his nest that they would never leave this pack, never leave their mama alone, and while Suguru found that sentiment sweet, it also made his heart twinge. Because one day, wouldn't they want a mate of their own? Pups? And how could Suguru begrudge them for that? Nevertheless in his heart he knew he would feel sadness when the time came.
And sweet Megumi and Tsumiki. Their circumstances were entirely different, and even to this day, he and Satoru weren't entirely honest to them. Suguru couldn't bring himself to. Only a year after they had found Mimiko and Nanako, an alpha had invaded their territory. Suguru had been inside the house with the girls, preparing lunch and watching them practice weaving, when the man suddenly stood in the doorway. Suguru hated remembering that day. How his entire body had frozen, how for several seconds everything seemed still and charged at the same time as his neck tingled and stomach dropped.
He had thought Satoru was dead. Briefly, impossibly, because under no other circumstances would he allow a stray alpha into his territory, much less to their home with all his omegas. In the next second, the alpha had already charged at him and Suguru remembered feeling nothing but blank fear and pure rage. He'd screamed at his daughters to run away while he fought against the burly man invading his home, all punched and kicks desperate to defend his daughters and avenge his mate. It had been useless in the end. His girls were crying and cowering in the corner of the room after the man had simply pushed them when they came close, trying to grab onto the alpha attacking their mother. Suguru had lost the fight. Two deep gashes to his chest had left him gasping for air, still desperate to claw himself from under the alpha to reach his girls and hold them close. Protect them. They had already seen too much, suffered too much, he had sworn under his care they'd never know fear nor abandonment ever again.
The man had his neck in a headlock, choking him out. His vision had already turned black and flickered, when the pressure suddenly vanished and he coughed as his lungs expanded over desperately needed air. For a moment Suguru had felt so dizzy he could have vomited, and even so he slowly got onto his knees and dragged himself to his girls. The fight around him hadn't registered until he had them wrapped into his arms.
Satoru had looked like someone risen from the dead. From his white hair to the furs of his clothes and exposed skin, he had been covered in blood. He moved so fast and so fiercly that Suguru had to curl around their girls and make sure they neither saw nor heard what Satoru was doing, for fear they'd never trust him if they saw.
It had been strange how slowly and yet quickly happened. How his body seemed to properly relax only once Satoru had dragged the mangled corpse of the intruder alpha out by his hair. The house was filled with the whimpering of Mimiko and Nanako. Still filled with adrenaline, and with Satoru back, Suguru's instincts went into overdrive and he carried his girls into his nest, wrapping them up and scenting them before telling them to stay put while he looked for alpha.
Suguru's own injuries were not even secondary to him at that moment. He had staggered outside to see Satoru drag that alpha's corpse still, evidently eager to drop him outside of his territory to rot.
"Satoru...?"
His mate had stilled briefly, turning his gaze back onto him. His voice had been rough and deep, the alpha comman on his tongue without any intention.
"Go inside, Suguru. Take care of your injuries and the girls."
He hadn't argued, despite every fibre of his heart aching and the urge to care for his severely injured mate too. Adrenaline was still pumping through Satoru, so he didn't even feel the injuries, but they were nevertheless serious and Suguru could tell so immediately.
And still, that day he had done something he had never done before. He had quietly obeyed without any fuss or hiss. A part of him wanted to be with his girls, care for them and hold them, protect them and keep a close eye on them. To be in his nest and lick his own wounds. But never before had he so easily given in to Satoru's command, nor had Satoru ever before used one really.
He had managed to wrap up his injuries and apply some ointment and get his daughters to fall asleep in their nest before Satoru had returned. The high of adrenaline had faded, leaving his mate in a strange state of shock. His usually bright eyes seemed muted and his entire face seemed too still to be called calm. He had lost a lot of blood. While Suguru was caring for his injuries, away from the nest to keep the girls asleep, Satoru stared at him, confessing that he was ambushed and fainted due to the injuries. That he had worried when he woke up delirious and furious that he would be too late. A stray alpha was not just in his territory, but had attacked him, overpowered him and was heading straight towards his omegas. To hurt them.
"We're okay now. You saved us."
They weren't okay though, not for a long time. Something had shifted irrevocably. His daughters had to sleep between them in the nest or they'd simply be unable to sleep at all. And Satoru... Satoru had changed too. His injuries were grave but it was unnoticeable from his demeanor. Suguru had to order him to rest because otherwise Satoru would have simply returned to doing his usual routines and responsibilities, even when his injuries weren't scabbed over.
It had been the most challenging time in their lives. Hurt, yet needing to keep going and provide for eachother and their daughters while healing wounds that either scarred or couldn't be fixed by resting and bandaging. It had been incredibly difficult, unsettling even. He had noticed how Satoru seemed shaked so deeply by that incident that once his wounds were even somewhat closed, he began to train and hunt in ways Suguru had never seen before. It made him deeply sad in a way because he knew Satoru blamed himself and was now trying to to his best to never let something like that repeat. Shamefully, Suguru was grateful too though. Grateful that his alpha was training to protect them and their children, that he had bouts of seriousness and leadership he rarely ever displayed before. Even when his easygoing nature resurfaced again in the end, the sharpness and edge had never smoothed.
When the worst of the adrenaline and fear had faded, Suguru had a short lived heat. Evidently triggered by his emotions and hormones in a response to everything more so than desire and most definitely outside of mating season. For two days, Satoru had to tend to him too on top of everything. Caring for both of their injuries, their daughters, hunting, preparing food, scenting the territory, gathering food and water. Suguru had had a couple of heats he'd spend before that with his mate, but this was the only one he had no memories of. He only vaguely remembered waking up in the aftermath all groggy in a makeshift nest outside the actual nestroom.
Tsumiki and Megumi had entered their lives shortly after. Satoru had found them near the territory all haggard and Megumi had been nearly feral. It turned out that they were that alpha's pups. Their father had been a stray and they followed him around, no mother or proper home to properly care for them.
When Satoru had brought them home, Suguru had taken one whiff of their scent and nearly lost it. He hadn't wanted either of them anywhere near his family, but Satoru was firm on wanting to care for them. What he hadn't told them, to this day, was that their father hadn't simply followed through on abandoning them for good, which they easily and readily believed. When he had given them the choice to join his pack or leave the territory for good, he'd not said anything about what their father had done or how Satoru had kicked his corpse down the nearest cliff afterwards. It seemed kinder.
Either way, Suguru had been furious and looking back he felt a lot of guilt over that. Even if mere months later he had been endeared to the poor pups and began to care for them deeply, the secret and initial aversion still stuck to his heart like a pesky thorn.
"Suguruuuu.~"
Satoru was still nosing at his neck, finally ripping him out from the memories that he found himself stuck in. His children were already bustling about, preparing everything for Megumi's return while they stood a bit behind, still wrapped up in one another.
"There you are. What's going in in that pretty head?"
Suguru turned, hugging his mate properly and burying his nose against his neck. Satoru's scent was his comfort.
"Just remembering. You've always been so good to me. To all of us."
Satoru gave a small hum. His arms had immediately wrapped tighter around his omega.
"I'll take every compliment you give me, beautiful, but don't sell yourself short."
They stood together for a moment, which allowed Suguru to calm himself. Wrapped within his mate's arms and having his scent nearby helped him greatly, even if it didn't magically disperse the thoughts. His first instinct was to play it down and not share it, but he knew better than to act on that. In that private moment alone, Suguru spoke.
"I worry they will soon leave... not Nana and Mimi, and even Tsumi might stay longer, but Yuji and Megumi... they might want to start their own pack."
"A bit young for them, no?"
Suguru couldn't help and turn his head to give his mate a stare.
"We are different, sweet omega. We got them on accident."
"Even so... don't you think it will be strange..?"
"How so?"
"A bit more silent, a bit more empty."
Suddenly, Satoru had stopped his nuzzling of him. Instead of pressing his cheek against Suguru's hair, he nosed at his neck before giving the soft skin there a big, slow lick that had Suguru draw up his shoulders.
"If that's what you worry about, I can take that fear from you."
His voice had dipped much lower than usual, raspy and rough. This was a voice Satoru never used with the pups, not even when he was disciplining them. It was a little like his morning voice when he wasn't all awake yet in their nest and Suguru had the urge to bare his neck to his mate.
"We're 27 now, Suguru. We should pick up where we left off our plan. Get you nice and round with a litter."
His hand slid past the furs and into Suguru's robe, looking for the soft skin of his belly. Recently he'd been having dreams about filling it up, making his sweet Suguru a mother. They'd already gained a lot of experience and put it off for a decade.
"You're already a wonderful mother, Suguru. Wouldn't it be cruel of me not to keep your nest filled with young?"
His mate's rough voice send a hot shiver down Suguru's spine, heating his belly and cheeks. He wasn't opposed, quite the opposite; Suguru had always wanted pups of his own, but since he was blessed with so many already, he hadn't thought about birthing any in a long time. Yet, that desire had clearly not faded.
"We'll think about filling the nest later. Come on, let's prepare for Megumi."
Suguru quickly stepped out of his mate's grasp and hurried along, knowing Satoru would behave around the children.
"Suguruuuuu! Don't run from me now!"
"Get to work!" he yelled over his shoulder, cheeks so bright red that Mimiko and Nanako could see it from far away. They all helped with setting up the last coming of age ceremony they'd celebrate for a while. Nanako and Mimiko busied themselves with decorating the house and more importantly the old, nest like swing Satoru had build for them when they were young pups and began exploring the world in ways that had Suguru fussing. Mimiko fetched a new blanket she had managed to finish on time to pad the spacious bed of the swing, its beautiful stichtings and embroidery even more vibrant when Nanako added narcissus flowers, cosmos and camomile flowers. They both withstood the urge to lay themselves into it, leaving it undisturbed and instead using fabrics to tie bows onto the swing's ropes which tied it to two massive trees.
Yuji, meanwhile, was busy preparing the firepit and food. He'd come to love cooking greatly and considering this was for Megumi's ceremony... he felt even more eager to get started. He knew what each and all members of his family preferred, but as this was Megumi's day, he would make sure to include his favorites.
"Yuji, look!"
The young man looked up from the fire he was fanning to see Tsumiki stand behind him, a clay pot on her hand.
"Eh, what's that?"
"Honey!"
"No way!? Where did you get it?"
She gave a sweet smile as she slowly moved onto her tippy toes and down again.
"No telling! I had to keep it hidden away, or else Satoru would have eaten it all..."
Which wouldn't have been the first time.
"I was hoping we could use it to make something nice..." she explained.
"For sure!"
And quickly enough they busied themselves with preparing a meal worthy of a coming of age ceremony. They needed specific ingredients, such as bundles of wheat and dates, as well as tender meat. The honey was a huge suprise that they'd all enjoy later, provided Satoru didn't come by. Said pack alpha was entirely too occupied to be sniffing around for honey, though. Suguru had taken to his sole, honorary task of preparing a nest for Megumi. He had done the same for all presented pups, giving them their own to sleep in and to be considered their part of the territory. This left Satoru with only one other thing to do: prepare the pyre and shrine. This too was a task only to be done by a parent and Satoru had done it many times before for Megumi's siblings. The entire pack was busy, while Megumi, far within the depths of the forest, trailed the faint scent of his mother. It would lead him to the dagger he had hidden a few days before, a challenge meant to test his ability to the track the scent of his pack and read trail marks. Just a few paces earlier he'd caught some fur stuck to a low branch. The faint scent of his mother still stuck to it and it was highly likely from his boots. He'd definitely passed there, so he was on the right track. Megumi trailed the scent and marks for hours, definitely walking into the wrong direction once before he had to return when no scent led him further.
While Megumi was on his own, the pack grounds were bustling.
"Do you think you'll want to leave with him?"
"Eh?"
"I'm just wondering... I think Mama is also a bit worried."
Yuji looked up from the dough he was kneading to look at Tsumiki. She had a way to look sad despite smiling.
"I don't think... I mean we aren't m-mates, you know?!" He always hated having these discussions! It was embarrassing! And who is to say Megumi liked him back?!
"Well, not yet..."
They were just about done with their preparations, only the dough had to bake inside the hearth. Everyone else seemed about finished too with their preparations, just in time for the sun to begin its descent. Megumi did have time until tomorrow morning, but the night was considerably worse to search in and find game.
"Cubs! Come here!"
Their alpha's call immediately made them perk up. Yuji let Tsumiki dash outside first before he followed, heading straight towards Satoru and their sisters. Mimiko and Nanako were evidently excited and they ran past them to fetch Suguru. Why, was clear: Megumi stood in front of them, ceremonial dagger in one hand and a fox carcass and huge rabbit by his feet.
"You did so well, Megumiii~!"
Megumi tried to keep a serious expression, but there was a small, proud smile he couldn't hide. Before Yuji could step closer, Tsumiki threw herself at her brother, hugging him close.
"I'm so proud of you!! We got everything ready for the rest of the ceremony, you'll love it! We even got honey!"
"Honey?! Oh I want some!"
Nanako and Mimiko just appeared from within the house, holding onto Suguru who was already similing. Megumi met him halfway, running into his arms and nuzzling against him.
"Are you injured?" Their Mama asked first, sniffing Megumi's hair in search of the metallic scent of blood. He only shook his head before looking up with his green eyes, gleaming with pride.
"I got everything."
"Mhm. Let us proceed then." Suguru gave his head a little pat before they walked towards the fireplace Satoru had started. When Yuji reached down to carry the animals , pack alpha gave him a nod.
"You have proven yourself to your pack, Megumi. You have used your instincts and knowledge of your surroundings to find the dagger, as well as bring back not just one, but two animals. It is up to you to decide how to split them."
This too, was another part of the ceremony. Megumi had to decide how to devide the game he'd hunted, showing his knowledge of pack dynamics as well as respect of the hierarchy.
Yuji held up both animals, smiling at Megumi. Their hands brushed against one another as he handed them over, and they both froze for a moment, looking at one another. With a small nod Yuji stepped back again, knowing Megumi could read him well enough to know he has full confidence in him.
"Are you ready to begin?" Suguru asked and Megumi gave a firm nod, dagger firm in his hand. Everyone settled down around him as Megumi first cut the rabbit, dividing its body the way Suguru had taught him. He left the heart, liver and thighs in one plate, while leaving the left over pieces of meat in another. The skin and fur were left seperately. Briefly, Megumi glanced up towards Suguru and Satoru, but neither of them gave him a clue as to what he was doing was correct, so he kept going with some newfound hesitance.
He moved onto the fox next. Its fur was much more precious, so he carefully prepared it before moving onto to the rest. By the end, Megumi's hands were drenched red and he had several plates of different pieces in front of him.
"This is for pack omega." He spoke as he held up the plate with the rabbit heart, liver, thighs and the black fox skin.
The heart as a show of love and acknowledgment of the pack omega as the core of the pack . The liver, dense in rare nutrients and minerals. Thighs, fatty and flavourful. Lastly, fox skin, a symbol of wisdom and beauty.
Megumi moved on, holding up the bowl full of meat towards the pack alpha. Rabbit breast, bone marrow and the fox paw. Body parts full of dense meat and filling, while the paw was meant to protect the wearer from bad luck and bless them with good hunts.
At last, he devided left over bones, pieces of meat and teeth amongst his sisters equally, while leaving Yuji with the least. Tsumiki pushed a bowl of water closer to him, allowing Megumi to clean his hands and arms of the blood.
In front of him, Satoru finally broke his neutral expression and smiled wide, turning his head to look at his mate.
"What do you say?"
"Explain your choice, please." Suguru asked, face still devoid of any smile which would relieve the unsettling feeling in Megumi's belly.
"The most nutrients and best fur for the head omega to keep him healthy and warm. For head alpha, rich meat and bone marrow to strengthen him, a fox paw to bless him. For my sisters, meat to feed them, teeth and bones to dress them. For my... for Yuji... he is a young, capable alpha himself. It is not on me to feed him."
Yuji's heart fluttered when he heard Megumi say that. Because that meant Megumi truly did see him as an alpha, as someone capable of providing, not a liability to the pack.
While Yuji's stomach was buzzy buzzing with pride, Satoru gave their youngest omega a wide smile before turning his head once more to his mate.
Finally, then, Suguru gave a warm smile and nod.
"You have passed. From now on, you will no longer be considered a pup. You know which duties, responsibilities but also freedoms come with that, but for now, let us celebrate."
Tsumiki was the first to tackle Megumi, followed by Nanako and Mimiko who piled onto him like roudy cubs. Full of laughter and congratulations, squeals of happiness and heavy scenting. Suguru watched them with immense love warming his chest, making him close to tear up. All his babies were now grown up, no longer small pups to be cared for and fussed over.
A warm arm came around his shoulders, his mate's face pressing their cheeks together. Satoru spoke quietly, for his ears only.
"You have raised them well. Don't be sad."
He really wasn't trying to be, but it was difficult, even more so when Satoru acknowledged it. It was a day to celebrate and be happy, to be grateful that all their pups had survived despite the horrible circumstances and grown capable and strong.
"Mhm. I'm proud of them." he whispered back to Satoru, voice weak and shaky. They watched as Megumi was dragged to the swing to sit in and appreciate the beautiful flowers they had woven, then Tsumiki and Yuji set up bowls and made sure Megumi was the first to dip his bread into the coveted honey. Their last stop would be the nest Suguru had set up. All the kids had long since gotten their own part of the house, for one to give their parents some privacy, but also because omegas needed their own nests. Yuji had his own room and bed to the east, while Mimiko and Nanako shared their nest and Tsumiki and Megumi shared the same room but had their own nests. Yuji being sectioned off was intentional, as he would have to walk past their parents nest if he, or Megumi, would like to sneak into eachother's space, and Satoru would most definitely notice.
It wasn't like they were against Yuji and Megumi mating. But they were still rather young, and the girls did not want him "stinking up" their nest rooms anyway, hence seperation.
Suguru watched as his children ate and celebrated, Yuji finally allowed into the circle to toast to Megumi and eat some of the dishes he prepared so lovingly. They were so precious and would forever be his little pups, no matter how big they grew. He hoped that Megumi and Yuji would stay longer, just a few years, before making their own pack, should they want to. He wasn't ready to part with any of them yet. It was difficult enough that they had slowly weaned off of visiting his nest to cuddle, even if the time alone with Satoru was something he loved too.
Peeking from his periphery, Suguru looked at his mate, who was looking fondly at their roudy bunch of children. But he caught Suguru's gaze immediately and focused on him, holding him close and nuzzling his neck. It calmed him but also made him hot and unable to focus.
Satoru's words were still ringing within his mind though. Suguru hadn't had a single proper heat in a decade, his entire body to occupied with caring for pups he hadn't birthed but loved deeply all the same. But now, they were all grown, and Suguru had always wanted to be pregnant, to carry his own. Maybe it was time...
"Sa-to-ru~..."
His alpha immediately perked up, eying him with those big blue eyes.
"Yeah?"
Suguru leaned in closer, letting their lips brush softly. He knew what such a gentle touch would do to his alpha, and he could smell it from his pheromones immediately.
"I love you."
A sweet, pink flush spread across Satoru's cheeks. He gave him a wide smile, flashing his canines, before taking that kiss that Suguru teased but refused to give.
"I love you too."
As they celebrated together, Suguru couldn't help but keep sneaking glances at his alpha. The way he had cared for them, provided for them and loved their entire pack for a decade now made something below Suguru's belly flutter. If they had a litter now, he knew they'd all be cared for and loved. Satoru really was a great father and pack alpha.
Much later, when the moon was right above them and the celebrations had faded into sleepiness, they brought everything inside their home to say their good nights. Tsumiki was excited to see Megumi take to his nest and they scuttled off, with everyone following suit.
And if Suguru dragged Satoru to his nest and eagerly bared his neck and spread his legs, it really was not a suprise. Satoru was an expert in Suguru, in reading and understanding him, and the eyes he felt on him all night were impossible to miss.
"Made your decision?" Satoru asked with a smile as he dropped his pelts and furs onto the floor, descending slowly onto Suguru and melting into their nest.
"Mhm. See it as preparation, alpha. Next mating season we'll be quite busy.~"
It couldn't come soon enough.