Rain slowly started to make its way through the foliage above, hitting their fur as the two wolves darted back to the packhouse.

Pack patrol was used to stormy conditions and would keep on running. Teams would be switched more rapidly during bad weather to avoid members from getting sick, however they couldn't stop patrolling in case anyone slipped by undetected.

But Brandon knew that an Omega's fur was thinner than most wolves. Which meant that if Sean got soaked, he would get cold.

He might get sick...

The mere idea made Brandon scowl at the sky, as if he could intimidate the clouds above. Instead he got rained in the face, making him snort and shake his head, chest feeling lighter when Sean's wolf followed close behind.

Though both of them probably needed a bath, judging from the thick muck that stained Sean's fur. It still made amusement flair up within Brandon's wolf as it had only happened a few moments ago.

Evidently Sean didn't have much experience with slick surfaces and when he had wanted to push off from the floor to propel him forwards, the pup had miscalculated.

Instead of vaulting forwards into the woods, the poor Omega's paws had slid out underneath him in the mud, making its smaller, lither form skid out over the cold, clammy muck.

Brandon had to help Sean out of the damp soil, as it was pulling on the Omega's paws, refusing to let go without a struggle.

And now the muddied up pup seemed more than eager to go home and get that good soak.

Brandon was all too eager to guide Sean home, knowing how miserable it could feel. Being caked in cold mud that clung to your fur and skin, matted your fur and added unwanted weight.

Hell, even he was forced to watch his paws, often threatening to slide in the muck. Luckily they were close to the pack house and Brandon sighed with relief when he spotted his mother and father waiting at the door.

"Oh, you poor thing! Look at the state you're in!" Faye cried out, throwing a heated towel over Sean before she clacked her tongue. "A hot bath will do wonders."

Brandon smiled as Sean hesitantly allowed Faye to towel dry him as much as possible. Both of them required a good bath but Brandon knew they needed to rinse off in wolf form first.

Nobody wanted to clean up after a pair of muddy wolves had ran through the hallways. Not to mention that it was easier to clean off most dirt in wolf form, then shifting and possibly relocating that filth to unmentionable places.

Currently a thick layer of fur protected their skins and held most of the mud at bay. But in Sean's case, if he were to shift this very moment, the mud stuck on the fur of his hind quarters would feel very unpleasant on his human skin.

"Let's give you both a quick rinse so we don't need to clean the entire packhouse, shall we?" Ryker chuckled, motioning to the changing rooms.

Sean seemed hesitant, so Brandon nudged the door open, claws clacking on tiled floors as Ryker followed him with a chuckle. The omega hesitantly followed, encouraged by soft and sweet apple pheromones as Faye smiled warmly.

Sensing Sean's unease, Brandon's wolf decided to defuse the tension, waiting until his father was full stretched out to grab the showerhead above them before striking.

Pacing his paws out properly, he started shaking his fur in earnest, huffing happily at the disgusted outcry of Ryker and the laughter from his mother behind them.

"You should've seen that one coming dear." Faye snickered behind her hand while Ryker moved a hand over his now muddied face.

Ryker simply hummed in slight amusement, shaking his head as he looked down at his son. "Last time he did that, the boy was newly shifted."

Brandon snickered before barking out a protest as Ryker promptly sprayed him in the face with water. His wolf bit at the water on instinct before Brandon managed to catch himself, huffing when both his parents chuckled in amusement.

"This brings back memories." Faye smiled, shaking her head slightly as she added, "Though I'm happy you didn't roll into something nasty. Back when you just shifted, your wolf was very keen on finding anything to roll in."

Ryker shivered at that, letting his fingers sift through Brandon's fur to loosen most of the muck. "Gods, don't remind me. I swear, sometimes I can still smell the rotten fish from that carcass he found."

All of them cringed at the memory but it was one of the strongest instincts their wolves had. To roll in a potent scent in order to hide their own and improve their chances of the next hunt.

The stronger, more potent the scent, the better.

The wolf didn't rationalize that they were being well-fed or that they weren't reliant on the hunt in order to survive. They found something smelly and they dove into it muzzle first.

Many parents in the pack house had their encounter with newly shifted teens who came home smelling like a rotten carcass.

Even as adults, there were some who had to slink back to their showers after they had lost the instinctual fight with their wolves.

Glancing at Sean, Brandon was happy to see that his mother had started to work on the Omega's own coat. The young Alpha realized that being washed by an Alpha would've been far too much for the pup to handle.

But the gentle touches of his Omegan mother in combination with the soothing, soft apple pheromones, was succeeding in comforting Sean.

"Oh pup, look at your gorgeous coat!" Faye sighed, cupping a hand over Sean's forehead so the water wouldn't trickle in his face. "Brandon, did you guide him to the deepest, muddiest part of the forest?!"

Brandon's ears flattened at the barely hidden reprimand but he deserved it. He shouldn't have pushed Sean so far on one day. They had all the time in the world to explore the territory, to imprint Sean's scent within the pack and to make the Omega feel at home.

Home...

Glancing down at Sean, Brandon's tail irresistibly flexed in a slight wagging at the sight of the silvery white wolf baring his belly and enjoying the warm spray of water.

Paws curved and relaxed as his legs stretched out to fully enjoy the gentle heat of the water. Add Faye's gentle fingers as they brushed through fur to remove muck with a slight scratch and Brandon knew that Sean was in heaven.

He had half a mind to join the pup, to flop over on his back merely to bask in the Omega's contentment. Before he could do so, he was scruffed and pulled away, protest muffled underneath the towel thrown over him.

"You can go ahead and take a proper shower. There's still some mud stuck in your ear, pup." Ryker teased, rinsing off his own hands before standing.

Brandon wanted to protest, wanted to wait for Sean but his father made it a point to scruff him and guide him out of the changing rooms.

"Honestly, use your head pup. Do you really think either Jamie or Sean would've shifted back if you had remained in the same room?" Ryker pointed out the obvious, ruffling his son's fur atop his head with a chuckle.

"Not to mention, that you spent several hours with Sean." Ryker sighed, stretching his arms above his head and groaning with satisfaction when a few joints popped. "Give the boy some time to collect himself before you push his limits."

The pointed look that was aimed his way made Brandon lower his head in shame. He knew instantly that his father had already been briefed on the short run-in they had with the border control.

And how possessively Brandon, or more so his wolf, had acted. It was shameful, especially so with Sean being unaware of the encounter and thus, unable to protest Brandon's actions.

When Ryker followed him all the way to Brandon's room, the young Alpha knew he was going to receive a well-earned lecture. As he padded into his bathroom and shifted, he was already mentally scolding himself and his beast.

He had a feeling he knew what he did wrong and while his wolf fought against the mere idea, he agreed wholeheartedly.

As Brandon walked out of the shower, hair still damp and sticking to his temples, his eyes instantly landed on Ryker, seated on the edge of his bed.

"You already know what I'm going to say, but I'll say it anyways pup." Ryker started, pushing up from his seat as Brandon plopped down with a nod.

The older Alpha sighed, cracking his neck and making a little relieved sound at the release of pressure. "It's good that you have an interest in Sean. Great even. But you can't just claim the pup without his or rather, their consent."

Brandon nodded, shoulders drooping even as his wolf merely offered an audible and annoyed huff. Fingers gently pressed underneath his chin before amber eyes pierced into his own, directed at the inner beast.

"You cannot claim someone without their consent. Nor can you chase others away because of what you want." He growled lowly, the mental pressure on Brandon's wolf intensifying as the Pack Alpha scolded it properly.

His wolf resisted of course. It was a born Alpha, it wouldn't give up without a fight. Alphas who buckled instantly under pressure would be considered weak.

Weak Alphas don't deserve packs.

"Sean and Jamie have the full and only right to accept or deny anyone's offer at mating. Including yours, pup." Ryker's voice trembled, growl getting increasingly louder until Brandon's wolf placated with a soft whimper.

Finally, the beast succumbed, at least for now, and both Alphas gave a sigh as the tension relaxed.

Seconds later, Ryker yanked Brandon into his arms, tucking his son under his throat and allowed the pup to listen to his heartbeat.

"I'm sorry." Brandon apologized but Ryker simply shook his head.

"I'm not angry pup, nor am I disappointed. But both you and your wolf needed a refreshment of the rules."

Ryker pulled back, shaking his head slightly as he chuckled. "Posturing against Malcom, really? An Alpha who is mated to a female Delta and has a litter of pups on the way?"

Brandon groaned, feeling his cheeks heat at the teasing reminder because honestly, how stupid could he have been to forget that?

He had been to Malcom's mating ceremony, had congratulated both the Alpha and Caitlyn on their mating and on their future pups.

Next time he saw Malcom, Brandon was going to apologize. Hell, he was surprised the Alpha hadn't attacked him for basically implying that he'd be unfaithful to his heavily pregnant mate over a single, unknown Omega.

"It's a struggle, to be born an Alpha." Ryker murmured, tightening his hold on Brandon before both of them relaxed and pulled away. "But you're doing an amazing job, pup."

Brandon smiled at that, albeit a bit wobbly. But now was not the time to give into self-deprecating thoughts, nor could he blame his wolf.

The Beast acted on instinct and rules, on what it knew by heart. And while Brandon's posturing wasn't necessarily bad, it was a small mistake in the wrong direction.

Left unchecked, the inner Beast might've seen it as confirmation, might've start pushing the Omega to see things their way.

"Now, even though I said it's great that you're interested in Sean, there is an issue I can already see happening in the future." Ryker stated, making Brandon look up, confused and worried at the same time.

"What do you mean?" The young Alpha questioned, tilting his head when his father merely sighed and shook his head.

"You're showing blatant interest in Sean, correct?" Brandon nodded at the question before stilling as a finger poked against his forehead. "You do realize it isn't just Sean in there, right?"

Brandon blinked, stunned. Of course he realized that there was more than one being within, that Sean was...

Actually, what is Sean? He's an Omega sure...is he the host? Is he an Alter?

Ryker squeezed Brandon's nape, giving him a little shake. "Brandon, I'm glad you've shown interest and I'm glad you're helping the boy but do realize...if you're wanting to entertain the idea of a relationship...of mating, you have to think of more than just Sean."

Confusion must've been visible on Brandon's face as Ryker scoffed, rolling his eyes as he playfully flicked his pup against his forehead. "DID? Multiple personalities?"

Realization hit Brandon and he sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. If he understood his father's hint, that meant that in order to court Sean, Brandon would also have to court Jamie.

And any other Alter that might be present.

He had read about it during his research. How relationships, any relationship with someone with DID can be difficult because not all the alters might agree.

"Not all of us are as nice as me." Jamie's voice rang through his head, making Brandon swallow thickly before he glanced up at his father.

And the tension in the Pack Alphas jaw told Brandon more than enough. "You know something."

That earned him another, harder flick to the forehead, making him yelp as Ryker stood up. "Pup, I'm Pack Alpha. Of course I know something. It's literally my job to know anything that occurs within my territory."

Brandon snorted at that in amusement, pushing back up on his feet and following Ryker out the door. "It's up to Sean and Jamie to reveal more about themselves, Brandon. It's not my place to do so. However," Ryker looked down at his son, hand landing on the young Alpha's shoulder with a gentle squeeze. "Tread carefully."

The young Alpha nodded at that. He already knew he had a lot to apologize for, even more so toward Jamie and perhaps the unknown Alters.

The fact that he had been treating their community as simply a vessel for Sean, was more than insulting. They were more than just one individual.

Swallowing thickly, Brandon sighed out a deep breath. "I'm going to...have a talk with Jamie. I need to know more about him, about them, in order to properly deal with the entire situation.... And apologize... a lot."

Ryker hummed in agreement before adding, "Don't be surprised if Jamie refuses to reveal everything. If that happens-"

"Don't push the issue. I know." Brandon nodded, smiling gratefully at his understanding father. "Thanks dad."

Ryker simply grinned, giving a short wave over his shoulder as he disappeared down the hallway. Undoubtedly in search of Faye.

Meanwhile Brandon sighed, stretching his sore and tired muscles, pondering over his options. He didn't want to wait with the apologies, wanted to make sure that Sean, Jamie and any other Alter knew his honest sorrow.

Plus, Brandon also had a long overdue conversation with his wolf. He was an Alpha by birth so it was natural for his wolf to fall for an Omega.

However, if they wanted to pursue Sean, to court the Omega... that also meant courting Jamie, and any present Alter.

He could sense the beasts confusion. It was Sean, Sean's body-

"No, it's not. It's Sean's mentality when he's present but their shared body. Do not deny the existence of the others because you have eyes for the Omega." Brandon scolded, stunning his beast in a moment of silence.

After all, Brandon had hardly ever spoken as coldly, as harshly as he did then. The only time was when his Beast, newly awakened, had thought it could claim any Omega without question.

That it was its birthright as an Alpha.

Brandon had put a stop to that instantly, had gone off on a rant of epic proportions that momentarily stunned the beast and had went a step further.

He had marched his ass towards both Ryker and Faye, confessed what the Beast had thought and volunteered for both of them to be punished.

Brandon could feel his beast cringe at the very memory. It had been one of the few times Ryker had used the beast as an example in a public scolding.

A heavy blow to the beast's ego, while Brandon was praised by both pack and parents that he had done the right thing.

Showing the wolf exactly what kind of behavior would be praised and what would be punished.

It had muddled their relationship, for a brief moment. But Brandon had made their connection stronger than ever by pointing out that, had they behaved that way in a pack of their own, their very own pack members would refuse to follow an abusive Alpha like that.

Brandon and his Alpha beast would've been left to rot, to become Corrupted, if he hadn't set them straight.

Thanks to that, his Beast was now more agreeable in certain situations. Especially so when Brandon reacted in the manner he just did.

It was more than enough to give the Beast pause, to make it think of the possible consequences of their actions.

Because it too didn't want the pack to shun either Brandon or itself. The Alpha wolf wanted to be respected, appreciated... loved.

Not feared and loathed.

It too saw the strength and kindness of their Pack Alpha and in turn, saw a goal it needed to achieve. It too wanted to be an example of what it meant to be an Alpha, without becoming another statistic.

But in order to do so, the young Alpha wolf was going to have to swallow its pride and apologize for its mistakes.

Thanks to Brandon's words, it had realized that it's intent on Sean and Sean alone was cruel, neglectful.

It would've been the same as courting a person because you like their inner wolf and not the human attached to it.

The very thought made the beast cringe away in shame, hiding itself for the moment. But it would take full responsibility for its actions.

That was something Brandon could count on.