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Chapter Text

“The Commissioners have made their decision. Going forward you are ineligible for field work.”

Hermione Granger inhaled sharply as she absorbed the non-verbal punch. She did not protest as she would have when she was younger; she simply remained silent and nodded slowly. “May I take a few days off to consider my options.” It was not a request. If they denied it she was going to call in sick.

“Of course Inspector Granger. You have been marked as on leave for five days. Let us know if you need more time.”

Hermione did not know how she made her way to her office and packed her most personal belongings – the rest could be tossed out if she chose not to return. She kept her weapons and badge since she technically was not under investigation. She blindly requested an Uber and made her way to the pickup point.

The driver was overly chatty. She ignored him mostly, paying when she arrived at her flat building. Muscle memory helped her make her way up to her unit. The moment she was in she locked the door behind her, kicked off her dress boots and stripped off her dress pants then her jacket. She collapsed on her couch dressed in just her underwear and her blouse. A pounding headache was beginning behind her eye balls but she did not want to take anything; she wasn’t sure how her go-to remedies would react to her new biology. New biology.

Bile rose in her throat but she managed to swallow it down. She didn’t ask for this. She didn’t ask to be forcefully awakened as an Omega. Hermione was a Guide. She awakened naturally during puberty and trained herself to be self-contained, to manage without a sentinel because there weren’t that many to begin with, and those she did meet were never interested in bonding with her. Being a Guide was expected, her parents were bonded Guide and Sentinel, with her father being the Guide. Tears leaked as it struck her, she had no one she could talk to freely about this because her parents were dead, she didn’t keep in touch with most of her school mates, and most of her friends/work colleagues were treating her like a leper because of her new biology.

Hermione wished she had taken up the cold case assignment rather than the Malfoy case. She might have been bored but at least she would not have been exposed to a new designer drug created by the Malfoy cartel to induce heat in Omegas. It had drawn Scotland Yard attention because it was crossing borders and killing non-Omegas. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, in Hermione’s case it activated her latent Omega genetics instead of simply killing her.

There was nothing wrong with being an Omega – the standard population distribution was twenty-five percent Alpha, fifteen percent Omega, sixty percent Beta with the Alpha and Omega proportion gaining ground every decade because their particular evolutionary mutation resulted in more fertile healthy offspring. A much smaller one percent of the population had Sentinel or Guide genetics which resulted in a individuals with pre-disposition for service/protection/defense oriented callings. Sentinels or Guides were always Betas. A very rare 0.01% of the Sentinel-Guide group were either Alpha or Omega. They were genetic mutations, aberrations that were feared because the medical community and society had no experience handling them. They reacted differently from the typical Alpha and Omega or Sentinel and Guide. It did not help that most of these hybrids were either criminals or institutionalized. Most minds could not handle the conflicting instincts, the doubly strong protective desires. A very rare sort-of-stable few managed to handle the doubly strong protective imperatives and choose to become heroes; most of them were Alpha Sentinels or Omega Sentinel. Hermione could not think of any who were Omega Guides. Guide hybrids tended to break mentally, unable to handle the stressors of everyday life.

Her superiors were correct in pulling her back from field work but that did not make Hermione happy. She had worked too damn hard to reach her current role and she did not want to stay with Scotland Yard if she was going to be assigned desk work and cold cases. She wanted to do field work, to help others. But no agency was going to touch her as she was now: an untrained newly emerged Omega Guide. And to be honest Hermione didn’t want to stay in London. Hell, she didn’t want to stay in Britain or even Europe. Every single erg of her fledgling senses were screaming at her to run, to get out of Europe, to find a pack, a strong pack, not the one made of weak-spined sycophants who did not even try to reach out to her.

She needed to get out of Europe.

~ooOoo~

Alfred Pennyworth stared at the unfamiliar number on his personal cell phone. Most of his social circles sent text messages or emails due to personal responsibilities and time differences; calls were restricted to emergencies. He swiped the number to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Hello, is this Alfred Pennyworth?”

“This is he.”

“You may not remember me but I’m Hermione Granger, Jane’s daughter, your cousin Mary’s grand-daughter. We met at grand-mother’s funeral.”

Alfred nodded slowly. “Yes, you were quite young, eight I believe.”

“Nine,” she corrected. “Mum said she stayed in touch with you.” She hesitated. “I sent a message about them…”

“I received it and sent flowers Hermione. I could not attend in person at the time. I tried to call but the numbers I had were out of service.”

“It was a bit of a mess,” Hermione admitted. “I had to go into witness protection. Some terrorists killed mummy and daddy.”

“What?!” Alfred was now shocked. “I didn’t hear anything about that.”

“It was classified and wrapped in a lot of red tape. I still can’t talk much about it.”

“How are you?” Alfred asked carefully.

Hermione inhaled deeply. “I’ve been better.”

“Did something happen?” The silence told him something had. “If you wish to talk I am willing to listen without prejudice,” he offered.

And then she broke and unloaded her situation between sobs and hiccups – being exposed to a new drug during the course of her job and the resulting side effects, her newly awakened Omega genetics.

“I don’t know what’s happening to me,” she admitted. “No one here can or is willing to help me and I Know it bone deep. Every instinct is urging me to escape as soon as possible. But given my situation I won’t be granted a visa unless I have a sponsor, a pack bond guarantee.”

Alfred blinked at the rather huge ask from someone he had met once years ago. But she was kin and in a very difficult situation.

“Are you actually looking for a pack?”

“Oh no! I just want to get out of Europe. I want to hide in America and heal while I try to figure out what’s going on with my biology and instincts. I know there are a few studies done out of Arkham Asylum on medication that works and honestly I need it. I’m afraid to take over-the-counter pain relief in case it reacts badly.”

Alfred nodded slowly. “Do you have a potential pack?”

“No. And I don’t want to form one within my current circle of friends, they feel… weak, unreliable. I don’t want them.”

“Not a single one?”

“None of them bothered to reach out since I was released from medical. I sent several texts but got no response.”

“Have you had a Heat? Did the doctor give you any estimates on a timeline?”

“No and No. My instincts tell me it’s not safe to have one, not here. I need to get out.”

“Okay. I am a Beta Guide and part of a pack. I can ask my Alpha to sponsor your visa but he will not welcome you into his personal pack.”

“That’s fine. I don’t want an Alpha or a pack, just a place to stay for a few days while I find a flat. Some help locating a good doctor.”

“Have you booked a flight?”

“Not yet.”

“Book one to Gotham City in three days and send me your flight and passport details. I’ll take care of the visa.”

“Thank you Uncle Alfred.”

“Do not leave your flat. Have your groceries delivered. Make arrangements to put everything into storage or sold. Do you own your flat?”

“Yes. Life insurance paid for it.”

“We’ll handle renting or selling it after you get here.”

“Thank you Uncle Alfred.”

“Don’t worry about that dear. We’re family. Just look after yourself and get here.”

Alfred ended the call with a frown. He needed to do some research and talk to Master Bruce about the new situation.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Bruce Wayne frowned as he scanned through the data collated by Alfred using the mainframes in the cave below. It was scanty.

“I’ve heard of the Malfoy drug,” he commented absently. “The League is keeping an eye out on shipments to America but right now most cases are concentrated in Europe. Probably because it is a known lethal product.”

“And very few would choose to use it when here are safer heat inducers available.”

“The single survivor drew my interest. She’s a stable and sane Omega Guide now. Scotland Yard released her out of medical custody though she is on a personal leave.”

“Hermione does not want to stay in Europe and I don’t blame her,” Alfred announced.

Bruce stifled his distaste as he read the details of the medical report. “She refused the request for a detailed genome study, to identify how she survived the drug and the awakening.”

“Can you blame her?” Alfred demanded in near aggressive tones.

“No,” Bruce admitted. “There are already plans to pressure her the moment she returns to work.”

“And she isn’t. She’s going to stay in her flat until the day she steps on a plane to America. I told her to book a flight to Gotham in three days.” His former guardian gave Bruce an expectant demanding look.

Bruce considered the request. He could not refuse Alfred on humanitarian grounds. This was a perfect example of a medical refugee case. Bruce empathized with her situation, he was a born Alpha who awakened as a Sentinel when his parents were killed; if it wasn’t for Alfred refusing to give up, Bruce could have been institutionalized long ago.

But accepting responsibility of an Omega Guide… “I am not accepting her into the Pack,” he stated firmly.

“I told her that and she has no issues. She wants privacy and medical resources to stabilize and explore her options. She is financially secure and can handle her living expenses without assistance.”

“She cannot stay in the Manor,” Bruce warned. “She can stay in the penthouse. Let everyone know it is off limits until she finds a new living arrangement.”

He frowned as he considered her needs. She would need companionship, individuals who could help anchor her. He did not want another Rogue running around.

“Talk to Tim and Steph about her situation. You three are the only ones who will have direct contact after her arrival in Gotham.”

Tim and Steph were Omegas and safe options. They could keep an eye on Granger.

“And take her to Leslie for a complete medical check-up. Let Leslie know so she can prepare for a new patient.”

“Understood Master Wayne.”

Chapter Text

Hermione was stunned by how quickly things moved. She had booked the flight as her grand-uncle had instructed but she hadn’t expected him to come through with the visa. She spent the last day clearing out her kitchen and putting what she wanted to keep into storage. She was willing to sell the flat as is or have the contents sold separately. The flight was nightmare that required all her guide training to survive being crammed into a tight space with hundreds of other human beings for more than eight hours. It was a relief to disembark and collect her luggage. She knew Uncle Alfred said he would pick her up but if he was unable to Hermione was sure she could manage.

She blinked catching sight of an elderly man in a black suite and two teenagers – a blonde girl and a shorter black haired boy. The girl was waving a large handwritten sign with her name printed on it. She walked over dragging her rolling luggage with the duffel looped through the handle on top. Her over-sized tote held her laptop and handbag.

“Uncle Alfred?”

“Hermione, my dear!” The elderly man held out both hands but he did not move closer.

Hermione let go of the rolling luggage and reached out to grip his hand. And sighed in relief because Uncle Alfred had perfect shields. She allowed her tote to slide down her arm to her hand to be set down on the floor as she hugged the elderly man blinking back tears between stifled shuddering sobs. It was several minutes before Hermione pulled herself together to wipe away her tears and look at the teenagers accompanying her uncle.

“My name is Hermione Granger,” she told them directly. “Please call me Hermione. Don’t shorten it.”

The teens glanced at each other and nodded. It was the blonde girl who spoke first.

“My name is Stephanie Brown. I answer to Stephanie or Steph.”

“My name is Timothy Drake. Please call me Tim. Timothy makes me look for my mother.”

“Come my dear,” he said gently. “Master Tim, Miss Stephanie, please look after the luggage,” he ordered as he guided Hermione towards the closest exit.

Hermione did not know how she got into the back of the car. Uncle Alfred was sitting in the back with her. Tim and Stephanie were sitting up front, Tim was driving.

“I haven’t touched anyone since the incident,” she confessed. “My shields were shredded and it still hurts.”

“Something that could have been easily alleviated if everyone bothered to learn proper shielding techniques,” Alfred sniffed. “Anyone can but Sentinels and Guides must.”

“Steph and I are Omegas,” Tim called out from the front. “But both of us can shield so you don’t need to worry about us.”

The information made Hermione relax even more. She dozed off as Tim drove the car through the busy Gotham streets. She woke with a jolt when the car came to a stop in an underground parking lot.

Tim and Stephanie took charge of her luggage while Uncle Alfred looped her arm through his and guided her to the elevator.

“Master Bruce offered the use of his Gotham penthouse. It is heavily shielded and sound proofed with very good security. Perfect for a Sentinel or Guide. The building management requires security staff to be bonded Alphas or Betas only. Guest Alphas are required to be signed-in as visitors.”

Hermione blinked and stared as Tim swiped a security card and the elevator automatically started moving.

“Security cards are keyed to the floor of the owner,” Tim explained. “You need a visitor card or be escorted to go to a different floor.”

It didn’t take long for the elevator to stop and open into a small foyer with only two doors.

“It’s a penthouse floor,” Stephanie explained as she swiped her keycard on the pad next to the door on the left side and opened it. “Tim, Alfred and I will have access to the penthouse but we won’t drop in without letting you know. We’ll help get you settled in Gotham, find the things and places you need. I’m pretty good at finding a deal in vintage and second-hand shops. Tim is an expert on-line shopper.”

Hermione followed them into the penthouse unit and around as they gave a quick tour of the multi-bedroom luxurious unit. It had a locked office, a reading room she could convert to an office if she wanted, there were three bedrooms that were locked and off limits and two guest rooms for her to choose one as hers. The two open rooms shared a bathroom but she was the only one who would be living in the penthouse. There was a guest powder room and a fully outfitted kitchen and wet bar slash dining room slash living area large enough to entertain a party of twenty people.

“The kitchen has staples for breakfast, sandwiches, and some basic meals. Go through the cupboards and make a list of what you’d like to buy,” Alfred stated. “We can do a couple of shopping trips to pick up what you need.”

Tim held out a smart phone. “This is for you to use. Don’t worry about the bill. It’s been added to the family plan we share and the cost is negligible for an extra line. It has some extra firmware to protect your identity and location. Don’t use your old phone in case it’s being tracked. I’ve programmed our three numbers into it in case you need to get in touch with us. Text is preferable because we won’t be able to always answer calls. It’s easier to respond to text. Even if the message is Call me ASAP.”

“If you want to start job hunting you can use our names as referrals,” Stephanie offered. “Tim and Alfred are well-known with good reputations.”

“Or you can apply to Wayne Enterprises. I can send an e-mail to HR to arrange something,” Tim suggested.

Hermione shook her head. “That is kind of you but I need to settle down first.”

“Do you need money?” Stephanie asked hesitantly.

Hermione smiled wryly. “My parents were planners. Between their dentistry practice and life insurance policies I’m good. Once I sell my London flat I’ll have enough cash to buy something in Gotham.”

Tim blinked. “No need for a bank loan?”

“Correct. Besides I doubt an unemployed Omega is going to qualify for a loan any time soon. Not that I need it.”

“Very good Hermione. We’ll let you get settled in and rest. There are a variety of sandwiches in the fridge. We can regroup tomorrow evening say five o’clock? If you need something specific you can call me during the day,” Alfred stated firmly.

“Oh and feel free to use the laptop or tablets in the reading room. They have guest accounts. Do you have an e-mail that you can access? Honestly a new e-mail would be safer,” Tim commented.

Hermione nodded. “I’ll make one and text it to you tomorrow morning.”

“Okay then, see you tomorrow,” Stephanie waved cheerfully as she tugged Tim away. “Come on Tim, we’ll wait in the car for Alfred.”

Hermione relaxed fractionally in just the presence of her relative.

“How are you feeling my dear?”

“Much safer. I feel like I can sleep peacefully here.”

“It’s probably the shielding,” Alfred commented.

“It’s Gotham,” Hermione corrected. “Deep inside I know I’ll be protected here.”

Alfred blinked. “In Gotham? City with the highest crime rate in the world?”

Hermione shrugged. “Crime is everywhere but Gotham is protected by a Sentinel.”

“Every major city has a Sentinel Prime,” Alfred pointed out.

“None like Batman,” Hermione countered. “He’s unique among Sentinels.”

“There are other Sentinels in the Justice League.”

Hermione opened her mouth and shut it. “I’m not sure how to explain,” she said finally. “But he’s different from the others.”

“They say he is an Alpha Sentinel,” Alfred commented casually.

Hermione snorted softly. “If he is, kudos to him for managing his instincts and not going off the rails.”

“Will you be all right?” Alfred asked after a long pause. “Would you prefer if I stayed for a few days while you settle in?”

Hermione shook her head. “No. Your employer has been more than generous with his resources. I do not want to take up more time. Besides, we will be meeting tomorrow, right?”

“Very well. Good night Hermione.”

“Good night Uncle Alfred. Please pass my thanks to Mr Wayne.”

“I will.”

Hermione closed and locked the front door. She sagged against the heavy reinforced door and ran through a centering exercise. She already missed the warmth and stability of her uncle and two omegas. She had wanted to reach out mentally and physically, to taste and scent mark all three but she restricted herself to her uncle, the only one she had any right to mark.

She checked the time, it would be too early to sleep but she was hungry and exhausted. She hurried to the kitchen to check what type of sandwiches had been left for her.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

As promised Alfred showed up at five without Tim or Stephanie.

“First we need to ensure you are stable and healthy,” he told her.

“You know a doctor who specializes in hybrids?” Hermione was sceptical.

“I don’t but the Wayne family uses a doctor who can refer you if needed. Leslie will not betray your trust; she will be honest and discreet.”

~ooOoo~

At first Hermione had doubts when Alfred drove them into the poorer parts of Gotham, a run-down looking clinic that had a long line-up outside the grilled doors.

“Leslie offers free treatment for low-income families,” Alfred explained. “She’s Master Bruce’s godmother and he subsides the cost of her clinic.”

That bit of information made the tension relax and Hermione curious to meet Doctor Leslie Thompkins. Was she truly as altruistic as Alfred claimed she was?

She was. Hermione didn’t need a background check to validate what her Guide senses were telling her – the older woman was the epitome of everything a doctor and any decent human being should be.

“Alfred gave me the basics of your case history. If you would prefer I can refer you to doctors who specialize in your unique dynamics.”

Hermione snorted softly. “No thank you Doctor Thompkins. I’m comfortable with you; I trust you to make the best recommendations for me.” And she had from the start, the first moment she saw the doctor interact with uncle Alfred, like old friends.

The older Beta woman blinked taken aback. “Just like that?”

“Uncle Alfred has known you for a long time. He trusts you.”

Leslie Thompkins nodded slowly. “Okay. Please call me Leslie. The intake nurse took several samples for testing and to create a baseline. The initial blood tests indicate you have a heat approaching. You said this would be your first heat correct?”

“Yes.”

“It is going to be rough,” Leslie warned. “In adolescents it is usually less intense, a quasi-heat to prime the body. Your body is fully mature so it’s going to be full-blown.”

“That’s what the Scotland Yard doctor said,” Hermione murmured. “And she referred me to Matchmaking agencies.”

Leslie frowned. “I would not have recommended that route. But honestly it would be best if you don’t use suppressants or any hormonal medication for your first heat. If you had a pack Alpha I would recommend nesting with him or her.”

Hermione shook her head. “I don’t have one.”

“Any close trusted friends who could assist?”

“No. I only know Alfred, Tim and Stephanie in Gotham. And I don’t want to know anyone else. I don’t want to use an agency heat-partner either.”

Leslie frowned. “Hermione, agency Alphas have bondmates and are fully vetted.”

Hermione smiled wryly. “Maybe, but that doesn’t mean I can’t damage them.”

Leslie stilled. “How so?”

Hermione played with the edge of the blue medical gown for a few seconds. “My father was a Level Four Guide. After bonding with my mother he was reclassified as Level Six.”

“That’s a significant jump.”

Hermione smiled sourly. “I haven’t been reevaluated but I think I’ll be ranked as Six.”

Leslie inhaled sharply. “Unbonded?!? How are you managing?”

“The penthouse shielding is perfect. I’ve managed to actually rest properly. I go through practice drills twice daily to redefine my control.”

“Have you contacted the S&G Centre?”

Hermione shook her head. “I’ve reached out to several other high-level guides and they have been assisting me on the psionic plane. The official Centres can’t do anything for me, just search for possible matches.”

“They can advocate for you,” Leslie pointed out.

“Only for the Guide aspects which I have a good handle on. It’s my Omega side that I have no experience with.” She bit her lip. “When I met Tim and Steph I wanted to scent mark them, claim them as mine. They felt like the younger siblings I never had.”

“Desire for a pack is a driving force in Alphas and Omegas.”

“I’ve never felt anything like this. Before the only bond I wanted was one with my Sentinel. The London Centre sent me matches but they were in the 70s and I did not want to settle so I refused them.”

“That is your right and choice.”

“They didn’t feel that way. After a while they stopped bothering. I didn’t care much. Mum and Dad said the universe provides and I was content to wait.”

“And now?”

“These new instincts are demanding I go looking for potential packmates – strong, reliable, loyal, giving – to mark and claim.”

“Those are Alpha and Sentinel traits.”

“It is a known tendency in Omega Guides as well,” Hermione said wryly. “I wanted to pin down Tim and groom him when he started babbling about his latest work project, to soothe him into napping.”

Leslie sighed. “Tim is not a typical Omega. He looks after others better than he looks after himself.”

“Does his pack have a Head Omega?” Hermione asked in a faintly disapproving voice.

Leslie shook her head. “It’s mostly Alphas and Betas and Tim and Steph, but no official Head Omega.” Leslie frowned faintly. “It would fall to Tim as more senior.”

Hermione bit her lower lip. “I want to look after him,” she admitted. “I know it’s not my place so I’m trying to keep my distance. It’s easier with Stephanie.”

“Several matchmaking agencies arrange mixers where single Alphas and Omegas can meet and get to know each other, no pressure,” Leslie suggested.

“I can’t. Not now. I feel nervous, itchy,” Hermione confessed.

“It will pass after you start your heat.”

“When?”

“It varies but from the blood tests I would say less than four weeks. It would be a good idea to stock up on nesting supplies and energy rich pre-made meals.”

“Already done.” The first day out in Gotham was spent in grocery store stocking up her fridge and cupboards and then a fabric store to purchase a range of textiles since she didn’t have a pack she could borrow bedding and clothing from to build her nest.

“Good. I recommend maintaining a diary of some sort, recording your thoughts and feelings so you can identify your unique pre-heat symptoms. Most people use the recording function on their phone to make notes and transcribe them later.” Leslie gave her a sharp look. “Please give it some serious thought.”

“What?”

“Finding an Alpha for your first heat. An experienced partner can make it a comfortable if not enjoyable experience.”

Hermione snorted. “You’re asking too much from the universe Leslie. I’ll settle for coming out on the other side mentally intact.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

It was Hermione’s tenth day in Gotham and her first day exploring solo. Both Stephanie and Tim had other commitments and Hermione had not wanted to impose on her relative. Besides she had a good handle on the transit system, several apps to help her locate places of interest and get around Gotham. She needed to learn to live on her own; sooner or later she would be moving into her own place, finding a job and reducing contact with Tim and Stephanie – they were not her pack. It hurt but they had their own lives and they were mostly happy and satisfied so Hermione held back from interfering. Besides she had her own life to sort out first. By going out for a walk to get some sun and fresh air.

She dressed in a non-descript outfit of blue jeans, sneakers, a burgundy long sleeved t-shirt under a navy blue windbreaker. A couple of scent blocker patches would keep her pre-heat scent from drawing unwanted attention. Leslie said she had time and she needed to do this before her heat broke. Mace and a rape whistle went into her jeans pocket, her cell phone into her jacket inner pocket. Her hair was pulled up into a tail and twisted into a bun anchored with chopsticks that could double as a weapon if needed.

~ooOoo~

Several hours later Hermione was feeling much more relaxed. Her muscles were slightly sore from all the walking and she would be feeling it the next day but she didn’t care. She needed to find a quiet place to eat the shawarma wrap she picked up from a popular street vendor. Robinson Park looked like a good place with several unused benches under large shade trees.

The moment she crossed the fence line she felt it. There was a territory claim. She looked around but couldn’t see the originator of the claim. She chose an unused bench and sat down to eat her shawarma. She balled up the wax paper and opened her bottle of cranberry juice. She had not even taken two sips when she felt it.

“What are you doing here?”

Hermione forced herself to finish her sip before answering. “Eating lunch.” She turned around and blinked upon seeing the owner of the voice; a red-haired lady with green tinged skin dressed in an outfit that looked as though it was made of flower petals and leaves. “Are you Doctor Pamela Isley?”

The woman blinked. “Poison Ivy,” she corrected.

“I read your paper on using botanicals to reduce stress symptoms in caste hybrids.”

Poison Ivy stared. “That’s an old paper.”

“It’s relevant to me.”

“Do you know one? Or are you one?”

Hermione wasn’t sure why but she was certain she could trust this woman, even though she was labeled as a Rogue, an eco-terrorist.

“I’m one,” she admitted. “It was an accident, a bad drug reaction.”

Poison Ivy’s lips thinned. “The Malfoy heat inducer.”

Hermione blinked. “How do you know?”

“I pay attention to things like that. I’m an Omega.”

“Are you a hybrid?”

Poison Ivy smiled slowly. “You’re a sharp one, and yes I am. Omega Sentinel.”

“I sensed the claim on the Park. And you had to be a Sentinel because you aren’t aggressive towards me.”

Hermione shifted slightly. “Would you mind sharing your experiences with me? The whole Omega thing is new to me.”

“First off ignore everything in the standard books and pamphlets – hybrids are outliers. Trust your instincts.”

“That is difficult,” Hermione admitted. “I’ve always been more of an intellectual, a planner than going with my gut.”

“But you’re here. Talking to me.”

Hermione stilled because Poison Ivy was right. Somehow she made her way to Gotham, to Robinson Park and met a hybrid that could understand and help.

“True. But some of the gut-reactions would lead to trouble.”

“Oh?”

“I want to mother Tim.”

Ivy’s green eyes sharpened. “Tim?”

“He’s part of my uncle’s pack, not mine,” she admitted.

“But you want him to be.”

Hermione inhaled deeply. “Yes. And it’s not possible.”

“Is there any chance of you joining that pack?”

Hermione shook her head firmly. “No.”

Poison Ivy nodded slowly. “You don’t know that,” she commented kindly.

Hermione bit her lip. “I want a pack but at the same time I’m hesitant about reaching out. Especially since I don’t want to intrude in an existing pack structure.”

“Unless you bond with a solo Alpha you are always going to be joining a pack. You have to be prepared for personality conflicts and compromises.” Hermione was silent but listening. “My advice is to put yourself out there and test the waters. You’re going to have to meet and kiss a lot of frogs to meet your maybe-Prince. Or Princess,” Ivy teased.

Hermione nodded. “My doctor gave me the names of several matchmaking agencies. She suggested attending informal mixers.”

“That is a good choice. But make sure you go with a friend and leave together. Sometimes even good agencies hire people who get hooked into trafficking gangs.”

“I can ask Tim and Stephanie.”

“Do that. And don’t settle for anyone. You are unique and powerful. You need a good match to bring out your best.”

“Do you have someone?”

Ivy’s face softened. “Yes. It took us a long time to get to where we are but I wouldn’t give up Harley for the world.”

“Is she a hybrid?”

“No. She’s a Guide.”

“Does that work for you two?”

“Oddly yes. Being Sentinel gives me some Alpha qualities, a sort of self-bond stabilization. I believe it works due to my floral biochemistry. But Harley is my Guide.”

Hermione smiled and held out her phone. “Do you mind giving me your phone number? I’d like to call and just chat. I don’t have many people I can talk to about this.”

Ivy nodded and accepted the device to create a new contact. “It’s under Pamela,” she said returning the cell phone to Hermione.

“Thank you! It was wonderful chatting with you.” She smiled shyly. “It makes me feel much better about moving to Gotham.”

Ivy laughed. “You’re the only one I know of who feels that way.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Hermione locked the door behind her and slipped out of her sneakers before hurrying to her room to take a quick shower. She heated up a portion of pasta she had prepared last night and made her way to the reading room to boot up her laptop. She ate bites of her pasta while it loaded to the login screen. She logged in and loaded her browser and the logged into the matchmaking agency site that Leslie had recommended. She carefully reviewed the profile data she had entered several days before before clicking the submit button, requesting for a high-level match search. Within minutes she received an automated email with a date and time for a virtual meeting to go over her profile and needs. She clicked the button to accept the meeting and save it in her calendar.

She grabbed her phone and opened the contacts. There were six now – Alfred, Stephanie, Tim, the Clinic, Leslie, Pamela. Pamela was the first one she made herself. She debated for a moment before messaging Stephanie.

Hi Stephanie, please call me when you have a few minutes to chat.

Almost immediately the phone rang and Hermione swiped to accept the call.

“Hi Hermione! What’s up?”

“I just registered with a matchmaking agency.”

“What?! What happened to finding yourself?”

“I can still do that. But the only way I can meet others is to put myself out there. And honestly I’m not one for clubbing and socializing. With an agency I know it’s a serious offer with real potential.”

“I guess, if you are looking for a relationship and don’t know a lot of people,” Stephanie conceded. “Do you have any requirements?”

“I requested a North America search, East Coast only. I’ve just moved here and I really don’t want to move again.”

“That’s going to limit your possible matches,” the younger omega warned.

“I know. I’m open to expanding the search range after reviewing the East Coast matches offered,” Hermione commented. “The agency I chose specializes in difficult, near-unmatchable clients. I’ve signed up for a year-long contract with option to renew.”

“Good. Don’t take their first offerings, the first ones they send unless it is a near perfect match. Wait until you have a good feeling.”

Hermione snorted softly. “I will.”

“And when you get names send them to me. I’ll have Dick do a police search to make sure they aren’t assholes.”

Hermione couldn’t help but laugh long and hard.

~ooOoo~

Bruce smiled faintly as he listened with a half ear to the conversations going around the dining table. It was an almost full-table with only Jason and Cass missing but there was a different topic of interest than the usual school, hobbies, work talk (Alfred had banned night work talk from the dining table).

“So when are we going to meet her?” Dick asked.

Tim huffed. “You’re not. Bruce’s orders, remember.”

Bruce blinked and paid closer attention.

“They’re talking about Hermione,” Alfred murmured over his shoulder.

Bruce turned to look at the older man. “How is she doing?”

“Adjusting well. Leslie is pleased and provided several next steps including mixers.”

Bruce snorted softly. He remembered Alfred and Leslie forcing him to them when he was a teen before they gave up. “It’s not going to work,” he warned.

Alfred shrugged. “Hermione says the same but she’s made a few friends who pointed out she doesn’t lose anything by trying.”

“New friends?”

Alfred smirked. “Oh yes, you wouldn’t know.” By now everyone was paying attention to their conversation, even Tim and Steph.

“Who Alfred?” Steph wanted to know. “Hermione didn’t mention anyone.”

Alfred coughed softly. “Yes, well she wouldn’t want to talk about this particular friend.”

“Alfred…” Bruce growled warningly.

“Doctor Pamela Isley.”

There was an immediately uproar. “Poison Ivy?” “Ivy!?” “How did she meet her?” “How is she still alive?” “Didn’t see any police alerts.”

“Explanation please.” Bruce’s voice cut straight through.

“Hermione recently started exploring Gotham by herself. One day she decided to eat her lunch at Robinson Park because it was obviously less crowded. She met Doctor Isley and struck up a conversation.”

“With a Rogue?” Dick was baffled.

“Hermione does not judge based on appearance or reputation, only actions. Doctor Isley was polite and non-violent so Hermione acted similarly.”

“God looks after fools and children,” Damien muttered.

Tim huffed. “If more people were like Hermione the world would be a better, kinder place,” he pointed out acidly.

“Doctor Isley appreciated the chance for some intellectual conversation so they exchanged phone numbers and stayed in touch.”

“What kind of intellectual conversation?” Bruce asked warily.

Alfred smirked. “Hybrid caste dynamics. It turns out Doctor Isley was interested in the topic before she focused on botanical biology.”

“And just like that they became friends?” Steph was baffled.

“Ivy is nice,” Tim defended. “She doesn’t attack without clear reason – usually a corporation or individual causing excessive ecological damage.”

“Has she met Harley?” Bruce wanted to know.

“Far as I’m aware no. Doctor Isley requested to use at-distance communication until Hermione expanded her circle, to avoid developing any dependencies,” Alfred explained.

Bruce considered the information and options to leverage it. If Ivy had a law-abiding anchor, someone she respected and trusted, it would help stabilize her.

“Any possibility of a bond?” Bruce asked.

“Between them no.”

“And how are the mixers going?” Bruce wanted to observe Ivy and this new variable interact in person. He could use the security cameras in the penthouse, at least to observe the public areas for a personal impression.

Steph snorted. “Badly.” She laughed. “She has Alfred’s eyebrow. You know, how he makes you feel like a naughty child who did something very wrong.” Everyone nodded having experienced that in spades. “Well, she does it too. She gives the crass ones a look and they turn tail and run.” She shrugged. “It makes the others too scared to approach her.”

Alfred sighed. “Honestly, young people these days have no spine. Hermione was quite specific in her desired character traits. I will admit she has a tendency to walk right over others because she is almost always right. Most of the people around her tend to follow her lead when she takes charge.”

Tim snorted and smirked. “I wish I could have heard the other side.” Seeing Bruce’s look he explained. “Her old team kept bombarding her with emails and texts so she finally agreed on a phone call. Didn’t hear both sides but they were trying to get her back because their solve rate was dropping like a rock. It was beautiful, hearing her cut them down to size in the most polite way possible.” His expression turned dreamy. “I want to see her do that to the WE Board. It was the most polite ef you I’ve ever heard.”

“Solve rate?” Dick was confused.

Steph growled. “You’re such a Dickhead. Alfred said she was an Scotland Yard field Inspector.”

“With an impressive professional record,” Bruce added. “I don’t want her to get involved. She’s the type to step up and help and that generally doesn’t end well in Gotham.”

Alfred sighed. “You can try to hide it but sooner or later someone is going to slip up. Hermione is not going to be taken in by Brucie Wayne or tabloid press.”

Bruce frowned. “Take as much precautions as possible.” He looked around the table. “I don’t want anyone else to approach her or the penthouse,” he ordered.

“The penthouse is our property!” Damian protested. “She should be moving out!”

Bruce frowned. “It’s one of the few buildings with units that are individually shielded and with high levels of security designed to hold out all castes.” It should since it was owned by WE and the units were owned by wealthy families with high-level members.

“Hermione is still finalizing the sale of her London flat and moving her assets over,” Alfred murmured. “She is planning on going house hunting in a few weeks.”

“Avoid the penthouse and Hermione Granger,” Bruce repeated.

There were some grumblings but in the end agreement.

Chapter Text

Bruce frowned as he scanned the e-mail from Astera Matches, a very exclusive agency specializing in finding matches for difficult clients. He’d almost forgotten he was registered. Alfred had basically blackmailed him into registering when he first returned to Gotham after his training years abroad.

If you do this and make an honest effort into participating in the introduction dates I will support you in your crazy endeavour to dress as a bat and fight criminals.

Bruce had dozens of dates/meetings, most of his public dates in the first few years were agency dates that never ended well because he had to cut and run or was bored to tears. The few that had interested him ended due conflicts with either his Alpha or Sentinel sides. After five years he refused to accept personality matches because even the best personality match failed against biology. He requested to be contacted only if there was a high level DNA match. They never had in the years since. Until now.

He quickly scanned the contents of the e-mail.

Omega Guide. Level Six. Female. Twenty-six years old. Resident of Gotham City. No current pack ties. DNA match compatibility ninety-six percent. There was no name as per agency protocol. He powered on his laptop and proceeded to hack into the company servers to uncover the information.

Hermione Jane Granger.

He hesitated over his options. He could delete the email, decline the introduction meeting, ignore Hermione Granger. And he knew Alfred would make his life a misery if he found out, no when he found out. The agency would not give up easily, not for the chance at matching an unmatchable billionaire.

His other option was to follow agency protocol, inform Alfred and wait for the meeting. There was a possibility she would decline. He could pull an act that would put her off, maybe. He never really succeeded in faking with Alfred and Tim described her insight as being very similar to Alfred’s.

He pulled up the security cameras in the penthouse and quickly cycled through them to find her. In the Reading Room reviewing something on a penthouse guest tablet. Embedded software mirrored the contents on a separate window. She had received an email from Astera Matches as well.

Alpha Sentinel. Level Five. Male. Forty-one years old. Resident of Gotham City. Alpha of an established pack. DNA match compatibility ninety-six percent.

She picked up her phone and dialed a number. He wanted to know who she was calling. He put on the headset and a mouse-click piped sound from microphones hidden around the penthouse.

“Hi Pamela, it’s Hermione.” Her voice was low and smooth with Alfred’s crisp accent. He tapped into the embedded firmware in the phone that would allow him to hear both sides of the conversation.

“English Rose,” Poison Ivy spoke teasingly, “It must be something important for you to call without checking first.”

“It is. I got a match.”

“Oh?” Ivy’s voice was intrigued and skeptical in turn.

“Ninety-six percent DNA match.”

“Oh!”

“I know. I didn’t expect it. My luck is terrible when it comes to relationships.”

“That’s because you think with your head and not your heart.”

A soft snort. “Thinking with my head keeps me alive. I’d rather stay alive.”

“Some would say you are insane for making friends with me.”

“Those same people would turn tail and run at the slightest hint of conflict.”

“Your friend Harry didn’t.”

“No, but he didn’t fight for me either.”

“Did you want him to?”

“Only as a brother, a packmate. Anything else wouldn’t have worked out.”

“Because you refused to fall in line with the Weasley pack.”

“They’re all betas. Molly was intolerable, playing omega when she is anything but! I didn’t like it before and I definitely didn’t after. Ginny would have made him choose so I walked away first.”

“He might have chosen you.”

“Maybe. But he isn’t strong enough.”

“Strength cannot be your defining criteria,” Ivy warned. “There are many criminals who are strong… Intelligent, dominant, and cruel.”

“And I’ve seen plenty of them,” Hermione murmured reassuringly. “I can’t explain it.”

“It’s instinct. You don’t need a reason, just recognize it.”

“Yes.”

“Any other details in the email?”

“He is a Alpha Sentinel, early forties. Has a pack.”

“From a previous bond? Marriage?”

“It did not provide those details.”

“You should be ready for children.”

“Pamela…”

“It is a very strong possibility.”

“Pamela…”

“They are probably in high school or middle school. A really difficult age.”

An explosive huff. “Okay! You’ve made your point.”

“Does it disturb you?”

A long silence. “No. I have no right to have issues with how he lived his life before me.”

“Even if it impacts you?”

“Everything is going to impact me, us.” She sighed. “I just hope those kids don’t hate me before they even meet me.”

Bruce internally winced imagining Damian’s reaction.

“Don’t accept the match even if it is a high DNA match,” Ivy recommended. “Wait until you’ve met and talked; get to know each other first.”

“I will.”

“Do you want to talk some more?”

“No… you’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“Okay. Take care. Call me if you need anything.”

“Thank you Pamela. Good night.”

“Good night Hermione.”

He watched her put down the phone with a pensive expression. Two minutes later she stood up in a rush and grab the phone. He watched her stride to the foyer closet, slide her feet into a pair of sneakers and shrug on a navy blue jacket. She tucked the phone into an inner pocket and stepped out, locking the door behind her.

He followed her on CCTV as much as he could. The tracking chip in her phone indicated she was heading towards a community centre. Suddenly Bruce realised he did not want to wait to meet her, not in a formal structured environment; he wanted to see her as she truly was.

It would not be a good idea for Bruce Wayne to meet Hermione Granger but there was nothing stopping Batman from making sure she returned home safely.

~ooOoo~

Hermione frowned as she carefully slid one hand into the jeans pocket holding the mace while the other hand casually started the recording function on her phone before tucking it back in her pocket.

There was someone watching/following her, she could sense him but he was nowhere in her line of sight. She spotted him more than twenty minutes ago but she felt perfectly safe, in fact she felt secure. It was probably one of the local vigilantes following her. She wondered what had changed, why now. She had spent several evenings exploring Gotham but had never come across them. But then again she had never been the victim of a crime, no reason for a vigilante to keep an eye out for her. Then it struck her, she had never been mugged but she did sort of associate with one particular criminal. They probably found out and were keeping an eye on her.

Satisfied with the theory, she made her way in a loop that would take her past a plaza of take-out restaurants. She considered the possibility of choosing one for dinner when she felt It; a dark oily slick-feeling mind. This one was a threat, she could sense it in the gleeful, violence filled emotions. He wanted to hurt her, to make her suffer. Hermione wondered why he had chosen her out of all the possible victims. She looked around. She was the only one who was visibly walking alone; everyone else was walking in pairs or groups. Casually she changed directions and made her way to an alleyway, as though looking to use it as a shortcut. The sadistic emotions grew more intense and specific in nauseating ways.

She looked around for anything she could use as a weapon before discarding the thought. Her future attacker probably had a knife or gun. She needed to handle this from a distance.

~o~

Batman watched her lure the mugger into the alley. It was a calculated planned move. She scanned the environment and situated herself beside a dumpster out of sight. The thug entered the alley confidentially, pulling out a gun. A snarl curled Batman’s lips as he got ready to throw a batarang to take him out. Eyes widened behind white lenses when the thug collapsed seemingly boneless, hitting his head on the edge of the dumpster. What happened? He could see her moving, probably to secure the thug. Deciding to do just that he jumped down, landing almost soundlessly on booted feet. And then he felt it.

The edges of a Guide generated psionic-net, delicate as lace, strong as woven spider silk. It was unmistakably feminine, almost caressing. The power behind the touch would have knocked out any mundane, or even low-level Sentinel or Guide. He knew Guides were capable of such feats but he had never heard of one to do so without direct touch, not without a bond.

Bond. His heartbeat picked up. He struggled to bring it down. He wasn’t in flight or fight. His body refused to obey his mind. His blood was pounding in his ears. He could smell her despite the offending aromas that filled urban city alleys. He was suddenly hyper aware of every aspect of her scent – the pheromones drifting through the air between them, the musk of pre-heat hormones, the salty tang of perspiration, the sharp taste of cinnamon and cloves filling his mouth, the liquid musky heat between her legs. The Alpha in him immediately responded to the unspoken call. His body reacted putting out its own pheromones to entice and seduce.

He wanted Hermione Granger. He could not resist the urge to reach out mentally, to touch the delicate strands of her power. It was a mistake. Blood rushed and his cock stiffened impossibly fast behind the kevlar and armour. He was very thankful for the protective gear hiding the physical reaction from sight.

She inhaled sharply and stepped back. She tried to pull back mentally as well. Panic made him react uncharacteristically; to mentally reach out and grip tightly. The stronger contact was almost torture, erotic torture in the best and worst of ways. Her mental touch was heated, silken, certain, deft, exploring in ways he could not quantify. He could hear her heartbeat faster, her breath deepen, the scent of her arousal intensify, her pheromones bloom in reaction. She wanted him. Then something changed. She panicked and pulled back hard enough to break the connection.

“I’m sorry,” she blurted out. “I only meant to knock out the mugger following me.”

Before he could gather enough composure to respond she turned and fled. His first instinct was to chase her down, to catch and pin her beneath him. It was the Sentinel, not the Alpha. He had experienced the Sentinel drive to protect plenty of times but this was the first time it was directed to a female with intimate undertones. He wanted to take her to his home ground, to keep her in his bed, under him, covered with his scent, to explore the intricacies of her mind and secrets, to make his claim clear to all. The Alpha wanted him to fuck and breed her, to fill and cover her with his scent and cum, to warn others off from approaching her.

Hermione Granger was the first person both sides of his dynamics agreed upon. Most of the time it was the Alpha who was attracted to strong men and women. The Sentinel didn’t respect anyone, the closest was Diana who was an Alpha in her own right. They had tried and it hadn’t worked out. There had been several Guide matches offered by the Center but none had been tolerated by both his Sentinel and his Alpha sides.

Hermione Granger was going to be a bigger complication than what he had planned for.

~o~

Hermione wasn’t certain how she got home in one piece. She vaguely remembered the concerned looks and words of the concierge and the security guards. She must have said something off because the guard had escorted her to the elevator and front door. She locked the front door of the penthouse and rushed to her bedroom, her nest.

She stripped off her clothes down to her tee-shirt and underwear and dived onto her bed, tugging the cotton quilt up over her head, and rolling to tuck the edges under her body. Once she was fully enclosed she let go and began to cry. The longing was so strong, so right, so impossible… it hurt.

She was a nobody. He was a hero. He was a high level Alpha and a high level Sentinel; there was no way he was unbonded, unmatched. She hadn’t smelled anything but it meant nothing; vigilantes would use scent blockers to protect their identities. She frowned as she recalled the layers of his scent – leather, bergamot, salt, cedar. Why did she remember his scent? She inhaled deeply and smelled her own musky, sharp scent. Brown eyes snapped open and she froze. Her scent. Her scent was filling the quilt cocoon, her nest. Somehow she had burnt through the scent blockers Tim had given her.

She went very still as she debated her options. Her heat was due to start in a few days. Once it was over she’d go and see Leslie to find out what had happened. If scent blockers were unreliable for her it would severely limit her options for a normal life.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

The door chime woke her up. She struggled out of her nest of quilts and pillows and staggered to the front door. It was Stephanie.

The younger woman stared at Hermione with a faint frown. “You smell different.”

Hermione blinked. “My scent blockers aren’t working?”

Stephanie shook her head. “I smelt you before you started using them. You smell different now.” She reached out then stopped before touching skin. “I think you’re in heat now. You should stay indoors.”

Hermione blinked. “Heat?” Her head was feeling fuzzy. “Maybe? Leslie said I’m due.”

“Try to remember how it feels, so you recognize it next time,” Stephanie suggested. “Are you set for food?”

Hermione nodded. “I did an online order that was delivered a few days ago.”

“Okay. Make sure you set the security on and stay inside,” Stephanie ordered.

Hermione huffed. “I’ve got a watch list set up on Netflix.”

“Take showers when you feel overheated. Make a pile of light tee-shirts or tanks and underwear on a chair or convenient drawer. You’re going to need it.”

Hermione nodded and watched Stephanie stalk into the kitchen, pull a pre-prepared batch of ingredients from the freezer and blend it into a smoothie. She poured it into a tall glass and shoved it into her hand.

“Drink,” the blonde ordered.

Hermione grudgingly accepted the tall glass and began sipping at the thick protein-rich liquid. Stephanie watched like a hawk and only relaxed when Hermione finished it.

“Happy?”

Stephanie nodded. “Okay, I need to leave now. Text if you need anything. Alfred will definitely be able to assist if me and Tim aren’t available.”

Hermione huffed. “Not in this case.”

Stephanie snorted. “True.” Her nose wrinkled. “A bit gross to think of.” Her expression turned serious. “It’s going to be difficult. If you feel you need medical help contact us, or Leslie.” She hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t want to ask Leslie to arrange for heat assistance?”

Hermione sighed. “Too dangerous. I’ll manage.” She smiled tiredly. “I’m going to make a bunch of quick snacks and binge on Netflix and nap.”

Stephanie gave her a thumbs up. “Sounds good. Let me help with the snacks.”

It didn’t take long to mix-up and set a batch of enriched banana muffins to bake and make breakfast tortilla wraps that only needed reheating in a microwave. Batches of egg salad, and tuna salad that could be eaten cold or made into wraps or sandwiches. As they cooked they talked.

“Any possible matches?”

“You know I’ve met no one from the mixers.”

“The agency? The center?”

Hermione hesitated. “Center no.”

Stephanie pounced. “Agency?” she ask expectantly.

“I got an email. Possible DNA match.”

Stephanie blinked. “DNA match? What are the odds!”

“Astronomical. I only registered a few days ago too.”

“Do you mind sharing?”

“I don’t know much. Older male, ninety-six percent. He lives in Gotham.”

“When you get a name let me know,” Stephanie ordered. She studied her more intently. “You don’t seem very enthused.”

Hermione shrugged. “I don’t have much faith in my luck. It generally turns sour.”

Stephanie frowned slightly and stared at Hermione’s neck. “Are you using scent blockers?”

Hermione reached up to touch the skin coloured patches over the glands in her neck. “Yes. They’re not working properly for some reason.”

“When did you apply them?”

“Yesterday afternoon.”

“They should be good for at least twenty-four hours.”

Hermione blinked. “Even through heat?”

“No. But they should have lasted through pre-heat, even heat onset.” Stephanie frowned. “I’ve never heard of this particular brand failing.”

Hermione shrugged. “I’m a hybrid; my body chemistry is whacked up. I should have been prepared for it.”

Stephanie shook her head. “No it shouldn’t, not unless you met a perfect match.” Hermione looked away. “Did you meet someone yesterday?”

There was a long silence before she managed to answer. “No one.”

“Scent blockers don’t fail without a reason.”

Hermione sighed. “We just happened to cross paths.”

“Do you know anything about him? His name?”

Hermione laughed. “Trust me he’s definitely not interested in me.”

Stephanie frowned. “Did he say that?”

“He didn’t have to. Guys don’t like girls like me. Too much trouble.”

Stephanie looked troubled. “Try to relax. Do some light yoga. Bubble baths and warm showers will help with the aches.”

“Thanks Stephanie.”

“All right then, I need to get going now.”

Hermione walked Stephanie to the front door.

“Bye Hermione. Text if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks for stopping by.”

Hermione locked the front door and activated the security. She felt isolated and empty already and she wasn’t even in proper heat. She stomped down on the urge to open the door and call Stephanie back. Stephanie wasn’t Hermione’s pack.

~ooOoo~

“Mr Wayne? Mr Wayne? Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong Philip. It’s Philip right?”

It took a huge amount of effort to put the Brucie Wayne persona into play and deflect, deflect, deflect. Something that was usually effortless was too much trouble. Bruce couldn’t find the patience to pretend. He wanted to get up and leave without a word or explanation. If he did that Lucius would kill him.

He held out as long as he could. The department meeting was dragging forever. Bruce didn’t understand why Lucius insisted he attend at least monthly – to make a show for the employees – he didn’t really handle the day-to-day decisions. His mind was drifting, focus shifting. He needed to Go.

He made his move at the break.

“Lucius, I’m sorry but I have to run.”

Lucius Fox sighed but nodded. He was used to this. Bruce was already moving out the door and towards the elevator.

The door opened and Tim entered. Bruce frowned at the unwanted intrusion. He had used the specific over ride key to not stop at other floors. Except for someone who also had an over ride key.

“What’s wrong Bruce? Do you need some help? A cover?”

Tim was already ready to step in and do what needed to be done. Bruce felt guilty for leaning on the teen so much for WE work but it had been a welcome relief when Tim opted for a co-op/internship with WE.

“I need to go.” It said everything and nothing.

Tim blinked. “Did you get an alert for a case?”

That would be a good excuse but Bruce was too distracted to lie.

“No.”

“Then why do you need to leave? I know the meetings are boring but we have a deal – we split the boring stuff between the two of us.”

“I need to go.”

“Why?”

Why? She’s in heat.

“What? Who?”

Bruce blinked. He didn’t realise he had spoken out loud. He hesitated before responding. “Alfred’s niece.”

Blue eyes narrowed. “How do you know that?” Tim wanted to know. “You said no one was to go near her.”

“I saw her when on patrol.” Bruce did not say anything about deliberately tracking her and crossing paths.

“When?”

“Last night.”

Tim hissed. “Steph visited her today morning.” Then eyes widened in shock. “It was you?”

Bruce blinked. “What?”

“Steph said she met someone who burnt through her scent blockers.”

He didn’t realise that she had used them. Her scent had been clear as daylight to him.

“The blockers only fail for true mates.” Tim glared at Bruce. “Did you know?”

Bruce debated his options before erring on honesty. “I received an email from Astera Matches.”

“Hermione Granger.”

“Yes.”

“You must have formed a proto-bond with her last night.”

“I didn’t touch her,” Bruce confessed. “I felt the edges of her psionic field when she took out a mugger.”

Tim considered the information. “You need to go to her,” he decided. When Bruce opened his mouth to protest the younger man spoke fast. “You can’t deny the bond without damaging the both of you. If you can sense she’s in heat now it’s strong despite the incomplete state.”

Bruce froze as he considered the long-term implications of such a move.

“I can’t.”

“You can’t protect her from reality. She’s your mate Bruce!”

“She doesn’t deserve to be burdened with someone like me.”

“Her best friend was a terrorist target when he was a teenager and she was an innocent by-stander but she did not step back to protect herself. She chose to make herself a target and fight.”

“That’s not in her files.”

“There are no official files containing all the details. The only electronic copies are heavily redacted.”

“How do you know?”

“She made some oblique references and I asked a few online friends in the British Sentinel-Guide community. Luna didn’t give details but said it was a miracle Hermione didn’t suffer from more severe PTSD. Most of their graduation year did. Hermione Granger and Harry Potter were the only two who chose to go into law enforcement, Scotland Yard.”

“Potter?” Bruce growled.

“He’s not competition. High-level Sentinel but not compatible.” Tim looked up forcing Bruce to meet his eyes. “If you feel the pull it’s real Bruce.”

Bruce did not answer. He did not want to lie, not to Tim, not now, not about Her.

“How is your Sentinel side reacting?”

Tim knew Bruce’s Sentinel side was the one who gave him the most difficulties in relationships. It was one of the factors in the breakdown with Selina, his longest on-off relationship.

“Possessive,” he finally admitted. “I want to protect her, keep her.”

“She’s your Omega and Guide. Go to her, or I’ll tell Alfred.”

Bruce didn’t even want to imagine Alfred’s reaction if Bruce rejected a near perfect match. So he went.

Chapter Text

Hermione winced and shifted, the wet slick mess between her thighs gluing skin-to-skin and cotton-to-skin. There was a constant low-grade burn in the pit of her belly and it was intensifying. A soft keening sound escaped her lips as she curled into a ball trying to ignore the empty ache between her legs that was a fraction more intense than the one in her mind. Both hurt.

The door chimed. She was pretty sure it wasn’t the first time but she was too scared to open and see who it was. If it was a male Alpha and her control broke… Her phone chimed. A text message. She had been ignoring them and calls. Hermione was pretty sure she’d give in to the urge and ask Stephanie or Tim to come over for a cuddle, to soothe her heat; something she had no right to ask.

She froze sensing someone cross the threshold into the penthouse. There was someone within the shielded walls! She rolled into a sitting position ready to scramble out of her nest. Fear and rage made her gather her psi-power and lash out in a focused attack. To her shock it was deflected then entangled within His mental grip. It was the same Sentinel, Batman. Why was he attacking her?

“You’ve been denying my entrance, my claim. My Omega. My Guide.”

Deep down she could not refute that claim. She did not know his true name or even how he looked but every cell in her body knew He was her Alpha and Sentinel. Her head dropped onto her bent knees. Yours, she conceded.

“Then let me in.”

Hermione hesitated. A Level Six Guide mind was a scary place to the average person; high-level guides saw and felt too much. Hermione had experienced a great deal of apathy, combat, hatred, bigotry directed at her or those around her… everything negative and terrible of the human race. She would never risk driving another insane by exposing them to such memories… but this was Batman; he’d probably seen worse.

Wordlessly she lowered her barriers and allowed him in. His mental projection was of the fully-suited and cowled vigilante. Within her mind it was easier to ignore the ache of her Omega body but the one within her Guide mind and soul increased three fold. Sentinel.

He was standing before her, arms raised and wrapping around her much smaller form. The gloved hands were combing through her hair, massaging her scalp. She sighed softly and allowed herself to sink into his psionic embrace. “Guide.” His voice was low and harsh but it reverberated in her soul. Hermione was certain it would generate a much stronger reaction in person.

“I didn’t think you would acknowledge the bond,” she said out loud, her voice ripping through the psionic plane. “I thought you had someone else.” Another Omega.

“I do, did, but my Sentinel side never accepted them so it never ended well.”

Hermione stilled. “Ended?”

“Ended,” he acknowledged. “You are mine now.”

His voice was blunt, matter of fact, like it was a done deal. Part of Hermione resented his certainty, the other part was pleased and reassured.

“I’m not on any birth control and didn’t plan on having a heat partner so I don’t have any contraceptives. This is my first heat,” she told him in a rush.

~o~

Bruce was surprised and pleased by her honesty. He knew the details of her medical file despite Leslie’s strategy of using un-networked computers and maintaining daily manual back-ups on external hard drives instead of a server.

“It’s rare to conceive in a first heat,” he said slowly.

“I’m an adult, not a teenager,” she argued. “If I conceive I’m not terminating.”

Bruce was very conscious of the condoms he always carried in his wallet. Her concern could easily be turned into a non-issue but he was not planning on using a single one. He wanted to fill her with his seed and cover her with his scent, to mark her as off limits to all others. If she caught so much the better.

“I won’t ask you to support or claim the baby if I concei—.”

It was intolerable. His potential mate denying him before they even came together.

~o~

Eyes snapped open in the physical world as he stalked towards a particular door, her bedroom. He pushed it open and was assaulted by the scent of Her, intoxicating heat pheromones, and arousal.

The room was dark with no lights and heavy blackout curtains drawn over the windows. She was sitting on the edge of the bed-nest, her knees drawn up, arms wrapped around them, forehead resting against them. Her head snapped up in shock and disbelief, eyes dilated in arousal and to see better in the darkened room. Before she could react he was on her. She was lying on her belly on the mattress, wrists pinned above her head by one hand while the other gripped the neckline of her tee-shirt and tugged downwards, ripping the thin material. Her back was bare and smooth, open to his senses except for the tiny pale blue bikini panties covering her bum. The material was soaked and translucent. He could not resist running his fingers over the crotch, stroking her slit through the wet cotton. It would be so easy to slide under the edges and into her.

“If you catch you will be mine,” he told her firmly; there was no give in his tone or words. “You and the pup, I will never let you go.” He felt her relax fractionally, as though the words were a reassurance not a threat. Then she stiffened.

“You’ll change your mind,” she told him frantically. “I’m too much trouble. Everyone says I poke my nose into things that don’t concern me. I’m too bossy and take-charge. I nag and my old co-workers called me shrewish. If I think you’re wrong I’ll make your life miserable until you change your stance.”

Bruce was bemused by how she was trying to change Batman’s mind. He chuckled softly and lowered his head to brush a kiss against her shoulder, setting teeth to scrape gently and draw blood. He could taste iron, cinnamon, musk, and salt along with vanilla coconut scented body products. She stilled and gasped and spread her legs for him. He cupped her core and lifted her to her knees.

“You’ll fit perfectly with us,” he told her as he guided her hands slide out of the torn tee-shirt sleeves and to grip the top edge of the padded headboard. A headboard with slats she could grip would be better. The thin elastic bands at the hips snapped leaving her completely bare. He slid two fingers into her cunt to check if she was ready for his cock. She was too tight despite being the copious amounts of slick.

“How long?” he asked.

“Long?”

“Since you had sex. With a man,” he specified.

She stiffened and stilled. “Seven years,” she told him. “It wasn’t pleasant.”

Fuck. The information irritated his sensibilities, pleased his Sentinel and Alpha sides, and made his cock harden almost painfully behind the zipper of his pants.

“Toys?” he asked scissoring his fingers, stretching her flesh to open and give way.

She shuddered slightly. “Nothing penetrative.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No!”

His free hand glided over her slightly soft belly. His primitive instincts could not help but be pleased by the layer of fat under smooth skin. It would be easier for her to conceive with a higher percentage of body fat.

Her breasts were C-cups, not overly big but filled his hand nicely. Experimentally he stroked the areole and then squeezed the nipple. He felt her cunt contract almost painfully around his fingers. What would it feel like around his cock? Could he make her come just from nipple play?

He moved his hand up to cup her throat and tilt her head back and to one side. She made a sound that went straight to his cock as she submitted to his manipulations. He was careful not to exert pressure that would interfere in her breathing. They had not discussed kinks so it was off the table. His fingers stroked over the hot swollen flesh on the sides of her neck. The bonding glands. He was tempted to bite her, to seal the Alpha-Omega bond then and there. But he did not want to do that. He was already taking so much from her he wanted her to choose this.

“I won’t bite you,” he told her. “Not until you ask me to.” She went very still. He thrust his hips against her arse, rubbing his restrained erection deliberately against her. “I’m going to fuck you, knot you with my cock, fill you with seed, my child. Our minds are already linked as Sentinel and Guide. You are not going to be leaving me in any way, shape, or form. But I will leave the final step to you.”

She shuddered and he knew it was in erotic anticipation. “You are my Alpha.”

He hummed softly and scraped his teeth over the gland on the right side of her neck. He licked and sucked the flesh hard enough to leave a mark. “You are my Omega.”

“Then take me.”

Reluctantly he lifted his hands away to unbuckle the belt, push the zip and trousers down far enough to release his erection. He rubbed it along her thighs and slit to coat it with her slick before guiding the tip into her. She hissed as the thick head breached her opening. His right hand went to her hip to hold her as his left went straight to her clit, pinching the engorged tissue and caressing the delicate flesh stretched around him. He could feel her body resisting the intrusion. He did not let it deter him.

It was a delicate game of give and take, rocking in two inches and then withdrawing a fraction less. As much as he wanted to rail her and take his pleasure this was not the time for that. She gasped and whimpered and begged him to stop, to not stop. He reached out and locked the mental connection to his mind. He groaned at the dual sensory overload. He could feel his own cock stretching near-virgin flesh to the point of pain. He was her second, the first was a disaster brought on by peer pressure and alcohol.

Your only going forward, he told her fiercely.

She tilted her head to the right, baring the left side of her neck in submission.

He manipulated her clit to the edge and the moment he felt her orgasm start he thrust hard, bottoming out. It took every bit of control to not come then and there, to knot her.

“Too much,” she whimpered.

“Just the first time,” he reassured her. “You will adjust, your body and mind will learn to handle the new sensations.”

He felt her mental nod, her submission, her body relax fractionally around him. He cupped her breasts in his hands and kissed her shoulder, marking her with teeth and saliva. He did not move, content to remain within her tight warmth until she adjusted to him. She squirmed minutely seeking out new sensations, friction on the inside and out, rocking back faintly against him.

“Move!”

He smirked and did but not in the way she wanted. He gripped her inner thighs and pulled her back, forcing her onto his lap, legs sprawling open, impaled his cock. Then he pressed one hand over her breastbone and lifted her torso from the mattress until she was pressed against his front. She yelped and reached behind, gripping his neck to keep from falling, not that he would let her. He ran both his hands over her front exploring her curves and dips, the faint scars of childhood falls. There was a longer prominent one bisecting her torso from breastbone to her right hip. He knew she received it in a redacted event. Vaguely he wondered if the culprit was still alive, if Batman needed to hunt him down.

Reading his thoughts through their shared link she spoke. “Dolohov is dead. I killed him.”

Killing was a line Bruce refused to cross but this happened long ago when she was an untrained teenager. And the incident had presumably been investigated and no charges laid. He would need to validate it.

He manipulated the tips of her breasts until she came in a hot rush, soaking his groin and the sheets beneath. Vaguely he wished for a mirror and light to see her expression.

“No,” she told him firmly between soft pants.

The Alpha within snarled. “No?” His voice was deceptively soft. She trembled in reaction but not in fear; he could feel it. “If I want to take you out in the open under the noon sun I will. If I want to take you with my sons standing outside our door so they hear your cries and submission I will. You will not deny me your cunt,” he brushed over where they were joined. “Your womb,” he ran callused fingers over the soft curve of her belly. “Your heart,” he cupped her left breast. “Your voice,” he squeezed her throat lightly while the other hand danced over her lips. “Your mind.” His hands moved up, fingers brushing over her cheeks to her temples and into her hair. “Is that understood?” She trembled but did not respond. He knew she was not afraid, just defiant. “Is that understood?” he stated softly twisting the curly strands around his fingers and tugging hard enough to sting. He was surprised but pleased by the rush of arousal through the link. He bent his head and set his teeth into her collarbone hard enough to leave bruises while his hands cupped her breasts, fingers pinched and pulled at her nipples. She came in a heated rush, her muscles cramping and flexing, toes curling.

“What are you doing to me?”

“Giving you pleasure.” He forced her head to turn and kissed her hard. His other hand slipped down to where they were joined exploring the fresh wet slick, the new softness in the flesh wrapped around him. He bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood before breaking the kiss. “Taking it. Do you disagree with my claim?”

She twisted to reach and kiss him almost chastely. “No disagreement Alpha,” she murmured before the kiss turned hot and heated.

~ooOoo~

Hermione shifted slightly and wished she hadn’t. Muscles she never knew she had ached. Her calves, thighs, belly and arse hurt from the number of times he made her come. She was swollen, sore and but still needy. She had fallen asleep stretched out on his knot and filled to overflowing but plugged up. Now she could feel herself leaking and aching to feel him again between her legs, hard and thick inside, filling her to the right side of pain. God he was so much better than Ron. Hermione was feeling slightly irritated she had denied herself for so long. But perhaps it was for the best. Her Sentinel was definitely not average in any way, shape, or form.

“Should I blush?” he murmured in her ear.

She froze then relaxed. It wasn’t like she could hide anything from him now, he was fully embedded in her mind, a glowing ember that would not go out, not until one of them died and she was definitely not going to let go of him any time soon.

“You’re not leaving me,” she announced firmly. “If you die I’ll drag you back from the psionic plane.” She felt his bemused affection. “I mean it,” she said as she shifted to turn and curl closer to him, throwing her leg over his hip. It hurt but she needed him inside, filling her, stretching her in the best of ways. She reached up to brush kisses against his jaw line, to bite the tendons in his throat.

He hissed and rolled her beneath him, sliding home through the mess of slick and cum. She wanted to cum, she wanted him to cum inside, to mark her thoroughly as his. Again.

“You are mine,” he reassured her in a harsh, gravelly voice, Batman’s voice.

“Yours, yours, yours,” she gasped between sharp breaths as he drove himself into her. It didn’t take long for her to tip over the edge into orgasm.

And she was. Just as he was hers. They had seen too much of each others pasts, the guilt driven desire to do more for others, to help those who couldn’t help themselves, the emotional self-isolation to protect themselves from hurt. True he took on a great deal more physical risk than she, but Hermione knew he took calculated risks; he didn’t throw himself into danger without thinking first, planning, and making back-up plans. Hermione knew she was attracted to strength and Batman was definitely better than a career criminal or a mob boss like Ivy had warned. And she was definitely developing a competence kink, and a voice kink, an everything Batman kink.

He chuckled softly as he rolled her beneath his frame, holding most of his weight off her on his forearms. She enjoyed the caged-in sensation, it made her feel warm and protected. He was sliding into her from behind, pinning her wrists to the soft mink-like spread. She froze minutely. Mink? She didn’t remember seeing or buying any covers with such a texture.

“Your bed was too small,” he told her lazily.

Hermione groaned. “I don’t own this unit. The owner is letting me use it as a favour.”

“And you chose the room with the smallest bed?”

“It’s a guest bedroom and it wasn’t like I planned on inviting anyone to sleep over.” She groaned. “I need to air out and clean this room before closing it up.”

“Don’t bother. The cleaners will take care of it.”

Hermione frowned confused. She hadn’t seen any cleaners and she’d been living in the penthouse for almost three weeks now. Didn’t cleaners come in weekly at minimum?

“Twice a week when it’s being actively used, monthly otherwise,” he murmured kissing the back of her neck. “Alfred suspended the cleaners for your stay, to reduce contact with others who could have reacted badly with you.”

Hermione stiffened and wrenched her wrists free to dig her nails in between the metacarpals of his hands. It was meant to hurt but he did not react beyond a small grunt and twisting his hands to shackle her wrists tightly.

“Why did you do that you little hellcat?!”

“How do you know about Alfred?” she hissed. “How long have you been watching me?”

He went still and relaxed his hold enough for her to slither free from under him, tugging a sheet to wrap haphazardly around her body. “Hermione, I own this penthouse.”

She blinked confused. “What? But Uncle Alfred said his employer owned this unit.”

He reached out and flicked on a switch that turned on the softly glowing bedside lamps. The light illuminated the strong defined planes of his torso, the broad shoulders, thick arms, corded forearms, heavily defined muscles covered by scarred skin. Definitely Batman’s build. He turned, angling his body so the light fell on his face.

Hermione froze seeing a very familiar attractive visage, one portrayed in newspapers, magazines, and tabloids galore: Bruce Wayne. She blinked rapidly and considered what little she did know about the billionaire – mostly gossip and speculation because Alfred did not tell tales about the man he considered a son. One did not just decide to wear a mask and fight crime and keep at it year after year for more than fifteen years. Such dedication required a catalyst, a loss, a paradigm shift.

“Your parents.” It was the same reason that drove her out of her comfort zone to apply to Scotland Yard, to work up the ranks to Inspector, to make sure the same things did not happen to others.

He inclined his head.

She inched forward until she was close enough to rest her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. Uncle Alfred is my only surviving family.”

“I understand. He was my whole world for a long time.”

“But you aren’t alone, right? Uncle Alfred mentioned you have children? Adopted?” She leaned back to meet his eyes, frowning faintly as she saw the new connections. “They wear masks too. Robin?”

“The current Robin is the fifth. His predecessors have other titles.”

“They’re all alive?” Hermione was impressed. A purely human hero going toe-to-toe against the worst and keeping his juniors safe.

His expression fell as old grief came to life. “Not all of them. Jason died. His return was not natural, filled with violence.”

She reached up and cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. “You would not have trained them on if you didn’t see potential. And if they didn’t push you into taking them on. I couldn’t stand back and let things happen. Neither did you.”

Bruce laughed. “Each and every single one of them. Tim actually blackmailed me.”

“Tim Tim?” Hermione asked? “Tim and Stephanie?”

“Yes,” Bruce said fondly. “Jason had died and Dick blamed me and left. I was spiralling. Tim insisted Batman needed a Robin and refused to let go. Stephanie joined us later.”

“And Alfred knows.” It was a statement not a question.

“He’s known from the start.”

She climbed onto his lap and wrapped her legs around his waist, arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

“You don’t have to tell me everything,” she murmured.

“Don’t want to hear the gory details? How I feel?”

“I can research and put together a timeline. You can fill the holes if you feel ready. Or I can ask Alfred,” she told him firmly. “I only need to know if something is affecting you now, or will in the future.”

He exhaled, a sharp shuddery sound.

“You’re the first…”

“Your first what? Plain Jane?” she asked teasingly.

“The first who said they didn’t need to hear everything from me. Who didn’t insist I open up so I can heal properly.”

Hermione frowned and hugged him tighter. “You are entitled to your privacy and the right to heal on your own timeline not what some therapist says.”

“I haven’t.”

“Haven’t what?”

“Healed.”

Hermione stilled. “I don’t think you ever do. Not from a violent loss. You only learn to cope and get through each day. And hope for a day when you don’t remember with regret and grief but joy and hope.”

Some days were impossible, anniversaries, birthdays. Hermione always took those days off and tried to be around friends. In the last few years it had been just Luna and Neville who had experienced similar loss and still grieved. Harry had been too caught up in his new life with Ginny.

He inhaled deeply and let out a slow shuddery breath. “I’m not letting you go.”

“You’ll change your mind,” she murmured. “I’m not the type of girl men really want.”

“I’ve dated and slept with beautiful, powerful and dangerous men and women. None of them made me feel like you do.”

Hermione bit her lip. “It’s the Sentinel-Guide bond,” she told him carefully.

“Perhaps. But it’s more than what I’ve experienced with anyone else,” he murmured as he lifted her just enough to slide home.

She tightened her legs around his waist, grinding in slow small circles on his lap. With her arms around his neck and his around her torso there was barely an inch of space between them.

“I’m not letting you go,” he told her between slow languid kisses.

“If you say so.” She did not believe him, not completely. There was always the risk that he would meet someone who suited him better. Hermione firmly ignored the fact that he had remained unmatched for more than two decades by now.

“I have condoms and I chose not to use them.”

She went still and broke the kiss to meet his eyes. “What?”

“I won’t bite you without your consent, until you’re certain but a child is a tether that will keep you close to me. I will never let another male, another pack, raise my pup.” He gripped her hips and pressed down anchoring her against him, sliding a fraction deeper.

She wanted to be enraged, furious that he had taken the choice from her but he hadn’t. She had accepted him knowing she didn’t have birth control, she had warned him she would keep the baby if she conceived. For someone of his status to willingly risk forming such a connection… he was truly committed to her.

She grabbed his face and kissed him hard, sliding her tongue into his mouth to explore what she was beginning to accept was hers. Suddenly she wished they were not in an impersonal penthouse but in an actual home, his or hers.

“The first wave of your heat should be ending soon. Alfred will pick us up and take us to the Manor for our bonding period.”

“I haven’t packed my things or cleaned up!”

“Tim and Stephanie will take care of that. Just make sure you have enough clothes for a week in one bag.”

Hermione was suddenly mortified. “Uncle Alfred knows?”

He smirked. “You’ll get used to it. Alfred knows all. Even when we would prefer he didn’t. And trust me he’ll be delighted. He’s been after me to bond and settle down for decades now. You can talk to him while he drives us to the Manor.”

“While driving?”

“He’ll be moving to a townhouse with the boys while our bond settles. Everyone will be staying away until I let Alfred or Tim know we’re good.”

“You’re chasing your children out of their home!”

“I can’t tolerate other Alphas or anyone who acts badly towards you, not now when you are in heat and my instincts are screaming at me to protect you. Damian will step out of line and I don’t want to hurt him. If I single him out as the only one required to leave it will cause resentment.”

Hermione relaxed and rested her head against his shoulder. “Understood. When will Uncle Alfred pick us up?”

He smirked. “Three hours. More than enough time for a few more rounds.”

Chapter Text

They barely managed to get dressed when Alfred texted his arrival in the building underground parking lot. A private hidden elevator took them directly down to the correct level. Hermione dressed in a comfortable pair of joggers and a long sleeved tee-shirt under the matching hoody. Bruce had refused to let her shower, to wash away his scent for the trip. She was terribly conscious of the musky scent wafting from the both of them but surprisingly did not feel any embarrassment as Bruce maintained contact with his hands and lips.

Alfred was waiting for the both of them, eyes intent and scanning both of them thoroughly before relaxing.

“Really Master Bruce, couldn’t you have waited?” he chided as the younger man guided Hermione into the waiting car before getting in the back himself.

Bruce smirked and waited until Alfred was buckled in and the engine started before responding.

“It’s a high level match.”

Alfred glanced at the two via the rear-view mirror.

“Oh?”

“I just received an email with the basic details,” Hermione confessed. “Male Alpha Sentinel Level Five. Forty-one years old, resident of Gotham, Alpha of an established pack, DNA compatibility match ninety-six percent.”

“I hacked the agency server to get her name,” Bruce admitted unashamedly. “I followed her two nights ago. Went too close to take down a thug that she handled herself.”

“I accidentally linked with him.”

“I kept getting distracted all morning yesterday. I could feel her.”

“Proto-bond,” Alfred guessed.

“Yes. Couldn’t stay away.”

“And how are you feeling Hermione?”

Hermione inhaled deeply and curled closer to her Sentinel. “Safe. Secure. Pleased.” She reached out and gripped his wrist. “Possessive.”

“It will take a few days to fade,” Alfred reassured her.

Hermione shrugged. “I’m not sure. We’ll have to wait and see.”

“Master Bruce?”

“Similar. Protective.”

“Nesting periods usually last three to four days. We’ll wait a week and see.”

“Have you informed the boys?”

“They know to go to the townhouse, not the Manor. Master Damian was not pleased but he begrudgingly agreed to the move.”

The rest of the trip was spent on casual topics and discussion.

When Alfred pulled up in front of the main doors and parked the car Bruce was out, tugging Hermione with him.

“Hold on Bruce! My bag!” Hermione scolded digging her heels in.

Bruce scowled and waited for Alfred to pull out said item from the trunk before grabbing it and hurrying inside, pulling Hermione with him. He heard the door click and the security activate and relaxed minutely.

Up the steps to the master bedroom suite he used. He tossed the duffel bag down and shut the door before he turned to his new mate and began stripping her clothes off, to touch kiss bare skin. He was fully dressed in a pair of charcoal gray slacks and a black turtleneck. He caught a glimpse of them in the full-length mirrored sliding doors that lead to the walk-in closet and stopped.

She was not model-perfect with smooth unmarked skin. There was the long knife scar on her torso and several smaller ones on forearms probably from deflecting knife attacks, two bullet wounds on her right calf. She stiffened slightly as he examined them, testing the scar tissue for stiffness and finding none. He met her eyes in the mirror.

“You are beautiful. The scars prove you are strong, a survivor.”

She relaxed minutely and leaned back against his front. Bruce hummed as he cupped her hips and then ran his hands up her front, cupping her belly.

“Do you want a baby?”

“Yes.” The response was immediate, uncensored. “I’ve been alone for so long… I thought about IVF but my job wasn’t nine-to-five. Without a partner or family support it would be too difficult so I put it on hold.”

“For when you got a match?”

“For when I retired from field work,” she corrected. “I never expected to be matched successfully. Most of them were put off by me, my work, my views when I was only a Guide.” She met his eyes. “I keep expecting the same from you except that we have two bonds, and DNA compatibility as an extra tether between us.”

Bruce snorted softly. “I have no tolerance for weakness in my partners, any of them, people who cannot make a choice and hold true, even when it puts them in conflict with allies and friends. And they were put off by my inability to emotionally connect.”

Hermione blinked confused. “Excuse me?”

“I don’t know why but I’m usually not this open and sharing.”

“Self-protection?” she theorized.

“Perhaps,” he allowed as he slid fingers of both hands into her cunt, spreading her open for both of them to see in the mirror. Clear liquids mingled with pearly white fluids coated her inner walls and opening. They began to seep out and trickle down her thighs.

She whimpered as he stroked the inner walls of her channel. Her knees buckled and his hands were the only thing keeping her up. “Bruce!”

Gently he lowered her to the thick carpet pleased he did not have to worry about cool wood or tiles. She sat on her heels, her knees spread wide to accommodate his hands between her thighs. She made a soft sound of protest as his hands moved away, up to cup her breasts, smearing slick and cum on her nipples. He set his teeth on her shoulder and bit gently, the sting drawing her attention from the ache between her thighs. His fingers were in her mouth, idly tracing over her lips, sliding in and out in mimicry of what she really wanted elsewhere. She bit hard enough to draw his attention.

“Don’t tease me,” she hissed. “I want you inside me but not there!”

He chuckled softly drawing his fingers out and setting his hand between her shoulder blades, pressing front and down, guiding her hands to the floor, raising her hips.

He watched her in the mirror, watch him strip off his clothes; shoes, turtle-neck, slacks, briefs. He watched her eyes dilate and breath shorten into soft pants. It was the first time she was seeing him in a well lit room, without the cover of bed linens. He knelt behind her, knees between her spread legs and bent over her, his hands atop hers, chin resting on her right shoulder, tongue tracing the swollen glands in her neck. He shifted his weight until she was forced to bend lower, brace herself on her hands. Most of his past partners would have protested the position, being caged underneath his greater weight. Hermione just tilted her head to give him greater access and pressed back against him.

Her slick-soaked swollen flesh gave way more easily this time. Her body was learning to adjust to his girth and length. He could see her breasts dangling, hardened nipples almost brushing the carpet with each thrust, her flushed face, lips swollen from self-inflicted bites as she struggled to contain her pleasure. He could not resist biting the nape of her neck bared by the intricate coronet she had twisted her hair into. The scuff made her scream and collapse on her forearms as her body convulsed in orgasm. He took the opportunity to lift her up, straddling his legs, hands cupping her breasts, stroking her collarbones. The sight in the mirror made him even harder. She was completely submissive to his guidance, a lover he could coax to his preferences, one who he knew was not pretending at all because they were intertwined mentally. Eventually they would need to learn to maintain barriers but that was for later.

“I’m going to eventually take you in my bed, our bed,” he told her idly. “But it’s not going to be the only place.”

She blinked lazily and inhaled sharply. “Oh?”

“I’m going to take you in every room I use. To make memories for when we have to behave decorously.”

She giggled. “I suggest we start with the more public rooms. The private ones with closed doors can be christened later, just in case we run out of time. It’s a big house.”

~ooOoo~

They ended up doing just that. Tours of the Manor and grounds often ended in romps with her under or on top of him. Hermione learnt to wear skirts only, manufacture tunic-dresses from his shirts and tee-shirts, and to forgo underwear because he had no compunction in destroying any and all barriers that kept her from him.

“I’m making a mess!” she complained, because she was every time she sat down. Bruce refused to let her have a proper soak that would rinse away their fluids. She had been restricted to quick showers that ended with her being taken up the shower stall wall or on the bed before she could even towel dry herself. Without underwear she was almost continuously leaking slick or his cum.

~ooOoo~

“I’m not going to let you do this when there are others around,” she warned but Bruce didn’t care and he knew deep down inside she didn’t either. He knew part of it was her heat and his rut hormones. The more sensible part of him wondered if this was normal or if this was Them. The primitive Sentinel and Alpha sides, both enjoyed making her react, to feel her desire, to smell her arousal and their coming together lingering in personal spaces – his bedroom suite, his private office, and the Cave.

~ooOoo~

She was a surprisingly decent cook, quite contrary to his impressions from her memories.

“My mother was much better than me. I’ll always compare my abilities against hers,” she explained as she plated French toast onto a single large serving dish. Then she settled on his lap and began feeding him between bites.

Her breakfast creations rivalled Alfred’s for flavour and appearance. “I had lots of practice. We used to take turns bringing in breakfast for the whole team. Most would buy baked goods and a carafe of coffee. I preferred to bring in homemade goods.”

~ooOoo~

Her personal self-esteem was fragile and most of her drive was focused on her work competence, even more so since her parents died.

“Most people come to me for information, for solutions. I’ve gotten used to giving it. They never really interact with me on a personal level. I’m not saying they don’t care, it’s just that they believe I don’t need it.”

“They see you as strong, unaffected.”

“Yes. And I am. But it’s nice to be cared for.”

“Dick says I’m suffocating, too controlling.”

“I’m controlling too, I have to be. But it’s nice when someone else takes charge. Someone competent who I don’t have to oversee.”

“It’s difficult to trust others. I’ve learnt to but I don’t like it.”

“Do you trust me?”

“Oddly enough yes. I’ve done my research. You’re intelligent, capable and loyal. When you identify a gap you try to bridge it or seek assistance, not deny it. Your skill sets are more limited but you have not trained as I have.” A pause. “Do you wish to?”

“Ask me again in three months.”

He chuckled. “It’s going to be a moot point then,” he told her before kissing her hard. “You will be pregnant by then and I won’t allow you to risk yourself.”

~ooOoo~

Hermione was confused by her Omega instincts, the way she did not fight his possessive actions and demands, her submitting and complying without a murmur. Where was the independent feminism she was known for ever since her first Math teacher put her down as less able than the boys in the classroom? Despite being practically trapped on the estate she still paid attention to the news, social media, made occasional posts that ended up trending in the Sentinel-Guide online community.

Hermione knew her determination to fight for what she believed in was a big part of Bruce’s interest in her. She had been honest about how others reacted to her and he had not been put off. As the mate of a wealthy businessman she was already making plans to leverage it into shifting social views on Guides and Omegas. She was just waiting for Bruce to indicate he was ready to go public. Her heat had ended three days ago but they were still the only occupants of the manor.

She looked up from the tablet she was using to go through her news feeds and to check her e-mail. Bruce was at his desk completing WE work that could not be put off. He trusted Lucius Fox but some projects and contracts needed his final review and sign off.

“You know, you can’t keep us isolated in here forever,” she told him mildly. “Sooner or later you will need to leave.”

He stopped typing and looked up. “Alright.”

Hermione blinked. His answer had always been a huff and stubborn silence. “Alright? That’s it? What’s changed since the last time I asked?”

He leaned back in his chair and met her eyes. “Your scent. You’re carrying.”

Hermione froze. It was early, too early for a reliable test result, but she believed him. He had been less aggressive since yesterday evening. Usually he would have coaxed her into lifting her skirts at least three times by now, but he hadn’t. She had been happy with the break to focus on catching up with her personal research. Then a thought crossed her mind. Was this how it was going to be going forward? Ignored because she had conceived and it would be harder for her to leave if she wanted? She considered the thought and discarded it. Last night was not an expression of cold calculation. She had felt loved and thoroughly ravished though he had been more languid than driven. The constant low-level fear-concern-worry was gone. Then it hit her.

She stood up and walked over to him, sitting down in his lap and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. “I’m not going to leave you Bruce.”

He tensed. “Everyone does.”

She rested her head against his shoulder. “Uncle Alfred never left you.”

He stopped because she was right. “He’s different.”

“I’m different,” she told him. “I don’t walk away because things are difficult. I’ll get in your face if I feel things need to change.”

“And if I refuse to consider your views?”

“It’s your choice to accept or not accept. But don’t expect me to stop trying to change your mind.”

He placed his hands on her lap clenching and unclenching them. “I cannot stop expecting and planning for the worst.”

“And the worst in this case is me walking away?”

“Yes.”

“What if we finalize the bond? If you bite me?”

“I’m not going to force you. I said it would be your choice and I meant it.”

She lifted her head, gripped his chin and forced him to meet her eyes. “It’s not just for you, it’s for me also. I also have doubts, second guessing our situation, thinking you’ll change your mind, find someone better. And when the stressors come it’s not going to get any better. Additional stability will be a good thing. Especially now.” She gripped one large hand and moved it to her waist, to cup her stomach.

He studied her intently. “When?”

“Now works.”

He studied her intently before speaking. “I want you to meet the rest of the pack first. Some of them are very difficult and abrasive. Some are going to tolerate you only at best. I don’t want you to make a choice you regret later.”

“I understand. I’m pretty sure there will be no issues with Stephanie and Tim; I got along very well with them. When can I meet the others?”

“Hopefully tomorrow evening, otherwise it will have to be Sunday. It’s a standing tradition for everyone who can to come over for dinner.”

Chapter Text

Dick had been surprised to get the first message from Alfred in the family group chat.

AP Don’t go to the Manor or the Cave. Use the secondary sites in Gotham. Most of us will be staying in the townhouse.

The townhouse had thrown him off. Usually if the family needed to stay in the city they used the penthouse. Then he remembered that the penthouse was being used by Alfred’s relative, the one who they weren’t supposed to meet.

He did wonder why the Cave was off-limits but trusted an explanation would be forth coming. It wasn’t one he wanted, the explanation from Tim in the group chat.

TD Bruce met his match, and they are in the nesting period.

DG Who is it?

TD Alfred’s niece, Hermione Granger.

AP Master Bruce has asked for complete privacy. Everyone is to avoid the Manor and the Cave. Use secondary sites only until I confirm the Manor is open.

TD Oracle knows and is adjusting the patrol schedules. Check for updates.

Dick was very thankful that Damian had restrained himself from responding in the chat. He might not like the idea of Bruce bonding either, but challenging the pack Alpha was not the way to go.

He glanced at the sullen pre-pubescent Alpha and knew sooner or later the kid was going to blow. Most likely at his father’s new mate.

“That harlot has no right infringing herself where she has no place.”

Tim snorted. “She has more of a place than any of us including you Damian. She’s his Omega match. Ninety six percent compatibility. And his Guide.”

Damian sniffed. “She’s a civilian.”

“A well trained one. She was an Scotland Yard field Inspector with a very high solve rate,” Stephanie chimed in. “Besides Bruce is the one who chased her,” she smirked and looked at Tim. “I’m right aren’t I?”

Tim nodded. “He went too close and they touched psionically. It was enough to create a proto-bond.”

“She said she met someone who had burnt through her blockers but refused to talk about him. It was Bruce.”

Tim snorted. “It was Batman.”

Stephanie blinked. “Oh. She didn’t say anything about that.”

Tim snorted. “And why would she?”

Stephanie considered the facts and nodded. “That would be painting an open target on herself.” She tilted her head to one side. “She went to him?”

“He was completely distracted at work, kept going off on a tangent. Said he could sense her. So I told him to go to her.”

“You sent him to her?!?” Damian roared. “You practically pushed him into that harlot, that gold digger’s lap!”

“Hey! Hermione’s honest and open about her plans and goals. She never asked about Bruce, or any of us. She was quite set on finding an agency match and moving on. It just so happens that the agency match turned out to be Bruce.”

“She bribed them!”

“She didn’t do a damn thing to trick him. Quite unlike your bitch of a mother.”

Dick had to pull the two of them apart. They were going at each other like feral wild cats. He wished Bruce would show up and order them to stay put.

“Hermione is nice,” Stephanie chimed in. “She’s not a drama queen. She had absolutely no interest in Wayne going-ons or even our private lives, just our knowledge of Gotham and general pack dynamics and biology. She didn’t act like anything but a guest in the penthouse. She did not use any of the rooms but the guest suite, kitchen, and reading room. She insisted on paying for her own groceries and purchases and probably would have paid the power bill and water if Alfred had not put his foot down.”

“Leslie likes her,” Tim added.

“And she is my grand niece Master Damian.” Everyone jumped at the sound of Alfred’s voice. No one heard him enter. “I do not appreciate anyone speaking ill of family. You can look after yourself if you cross me on this.” Dark eyes bored into the youngest in the room. He flinched and shrank back from the Beta the whole pack respected.

“Did you know Alfred?” Stephanie asked curious.

“Know what?”

“About the match?”

“Not until Master Bruce contacted me,” he admitted. “I never considered the possibility. The agency had stated it was nearly impossible to match him, someone with a complicated hybrid profile.” His expression turned thoughtful. “But I’m not surprised Hermione found her match in Gotham.” Seeing their confused looks he expanded. “She said she was drawn here, that she felt safe in Gotham.”

Damian growled. “She’s a civilian. Has father told her about Batman?”

“She probably knows by now,” Tim theorized. “She formed the proto-bond with Batman. She has to know Bruce Wayne is Batman by now. It’s not like he can bond with her fully suited up to hide his identity,” he added with a smirk.

Damian huffed sulking. “She entrapped him.”

Barbara laughed. “He’s the one who went all stalker on her and caught her scent. I saw it when I checked the logs.”

“Is it safe?” Dick asked abruptly. “To leave them alone for so long?”

“It’s safer than intruding on the nesting period. She’s also his Sentinel’s Guide match and that side is even more fiercely defensive than the Alpha,” Alfred murmured.

“Are they dual bonded?” Dick inquired cautiously.

“When I dropped them off no. The Sentinel and Guide bond was solid and stable.”

Damian’s eyes narrowed. “Not Alpha and Omega?”

“Bruce has incredible control. He probably restrained himself to give her some choice,” Tim speculated.

“But if they are bonded as Sentinel and Guide she can’t leave him right?” Dick wanted to know. “Every single one of his girlfriends left because they couldn’t handle the Sentinel.”

“You mean they couldn’t handle his emotional constipation,” A loud coarse voice interjected. “I’ll take odds on when this one up and runs.”

Jason Todd had arrived.

~o~

Hermione huffed. She knew the old saying, eavesdroppers should expect to hear bad things about themselves, but she was furious on behalf of her new mate.

“Are they always so disrespectful of you?”

Bruce shrugged. “They aren’t lying. Most of my past relationships broke down over my inability to verbalize and share my feelings.”

“That doesn’t give them the right to disrespect you,” Hermione countered with a sniff. “You were raised by Alfred, a proper British man servant. It’s cultural for upper-class Brits to contain our emotions and not display them for everyone to see.”

Bruce was amused then his expression fell. “It’s difficult for me to open up to people who do matter… my children, my partners.”

“But you have no difficulty sharing with me,” she pointed out.

He opened his mouth and shut it. “It’s easier on the psionic plane. Or when we’re coming out of it.”

“It might be a biological self-defense mechanism, to not connect with non-matches because it could potentially be destructive.”

“That’s a rather scanty theory with only one data point.”

“It’s not like there is a big sampling of near perfect matches among hybrids,” Hermione retorted. “Ivy told me to follow my instincts and I am.”

“And what are they telling you?”

“That I can trust you. You are everything. You will protect me, us.”

Bruce blinked and nodded. “Same here,” he admitted.

She reached out and gripped his hand. “Come on.”

~o~

“So when do you think this one is going to run?” Jason commented brashly. “Six months max. Selina is a tough cookie and the longest stretch she stayed was ten months.” His expression turned thoughtful. “But if she’s his Omega match she’s probably spread her legs and is up the duff.”

Jason’s eyes rolled back in his head and he collapsed. Dick managed to jump and keep his head from hitting the edge of a side table.

“Jason!”

“Perhaps next time he will keep his omegaphobic misogynist comments to himself,” a cool accented female voice murmured with a hint of bite.

Everyone looked to the door where Bruce stood wearing black jeans and a navy blue Henley and casual loafers. One arm was wrapped around a shorter but curvy brunette in her twenties. She was dressed casually in a denim shirt-waist dress and gray socks, her hair twisted and pinned up into a braided coronet. She looked up at Bruce and spoke clearly, firmly.

“If you ever turn into a knot-head I will knock you out. With harsher side-effects.”

Bruce smirked. “Yes dear.”

Jason groaned and struggled to his feet. “What did you do to me?”

“Sit!” The command was spoken softly but the enormous pressure behind it forced everyone to sit, on the closest surface or on the floor. All but the couple in the doorway.

“I would have really appreciated this when the boys were younger. They never listened to me off the field unless I used the Alpha voice and then they would complain.”

The brunette huffed. “You think I’m not using the Guide voice?”

“I’ve seen and felt the Guide voice. We have been trained to resist it. What you are doing is more than the Guide voice.”

“Hermione, I must agree with Master Bruce. This is not the usual Guide voice.” Alfred commented in his usual calm voice.

Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose and huffed. “Okay. Something to research and limit test.”

Cass growled and lashed out to hit Jason on the arm. “Stop,” she signalled via ASL. “Pack mother. Submit.”

Jason glowered. “I’m not gonna submit to some prissy—.”

“Mr Todd, I’m not interested in any of you submitting. I will settle for courtesy and manners,” Hermione stated evenly. “If you cannot be polite then hold your tongue.” She looked up at Bruce. “I was planning on contacting Blair Sandburg for training at some point. I think it needs to be sooner rather than later.”

Bruce glowered. “You’re not leaving Gotham.”

She blinked twice then smirked. “So you’ll agree to let the Primes visit Gotham?”

The entire pack froze. It had been a huge point of contention in Sentinel-Guide politics. Batman had refused to let the North American Primes to step into Gotham, or even allow higher level sentinels in, an effort to protect his civilian identity. There wasn’t a strong Sentinel-Guide pack structure in Gotham and most of the low-level resident Sentinel and Guides had to work with an agency located outside the city limits that served Gotham. The high level ones moved out to New York or Metropolis. It helped that leaving was the natural inclination of Sentinels and Guides who had a distaste for the corruption and apathy that pervaded throughout all aspects of Gotham. Their psyches were designed to serve and defend the tribe, not to stand back or risk being killed.

Bruce gritted his teeth and ground out his answer. “Yes.”

“Good.” Hermione’s response was brisk and matter-of-fact. She turned to Alfred. “I will need an appointment with the Center, preferably video conference and secure with someone high in the chain but discrete.”

“I’ll make the arrangements,” Alfred promised briskly.

Everyone stared at how quickly and easily she manoeuvred Bruce into shifting from a long held stance.

She reached out and gripped Bruce’s hand. “I’ll be careful,” she promised. “I have some ideas that might work as a psi-block to protect your other identities.” She gave him a pointed look. “But you do know it’s just an illusion. I’m pretty sure several high-level Sentinel-Guide pairs that crossed both your paths either know or suspect by now.”

Bruce pressed his lips together tightly. “Plausible deniability.”

Dick frowned. “What do you mean?”

Hermione looked amused. “Do you think I will not recognize your mind now that I’ve touched it? I can pick out any of you in a crowd if I have to. It’s the only reason why I accepted Uncle Alfred’s offer of a shielded unit to stay in. I could have easily sub-letted an apartment or stayed in a hotel.”

“Sentinels and Guides don’t work that way.” Tim pointed out warily.

Hermione gave him a flat look. “Do you really believe the Centre shares everything with the general public? Level Six is not the highest and there are variances beyond it. And that doesn’t include hybrids.”

“You were a Level Four before the incident,” Stephanie pointed out.

“I got involved in a mess involving a Level Six Plus when I was younger than you. I learnt how to evade and survive Sentinels and Guides hunting me.”

“Tom Riddle,” Bruce murmured.

“Yes.”

Dick shifted minutely. “Will you be joining us? On patrol?”

Hermione Granger looked at him directly. “No. I will most likely provide support through comms for intelligence and analysis only.” She rubbed small circles into one temple trying to alleviate a tension head ache. “I suppose I’ll have to put the job hunting plan on hold.”

“On hold indefinitely,” Bruce told her firmly.

She looked at him hard before looking away with a nod and sigh. “Agreed.”

Jason scoffed. “So you’re going to leech off Bruce?”

Hermione inhaled deeply while ignoring the outpour of protest and defensiveness, those cutting down and those supporting Jason’s views.

“One reason why I avoid ready-made packs,” she muttered soft enough for only Bruce to hear. He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “The drama while integrating new pack members… ugh!” she shuddered.

She inhaled deeply and rapped her knuckles against the door frame drawing attention back to her.

“As Mr Todd so crudely speculated I am up-the-duff. Bruce is very reluctant to let me leave the manor unaccompanied which puts interviews and working on hold for most positions. We have discussed some private side projects that are going to be my priority in the next few months. And no, you do not need to know, not right now.”

Bruce cleared his throat to get their attention. “I want to make this clear. We’re going to keep all of this under wraps until after an announcement to the press and general public. I don’t want anyone who isn’t present right now to be informed until after.” He gave everyone present a pointed look, his voice tinged with Alpha command. Dick and Jason glared wanting to fight the restriction but they eventually gave in and lowered their eyes, submitting. Damian refused to look his father in the eye but nodded.

“How are you going to do this?” Tim asked.

Hermione inhaled deeply. “The agency match. We’re going to use it to explain how we met. The public won’t question why we bond right after if they know we have a high compatibility match.”

Stephanie blinked. “You haven’t bonded?”

“Only the Sentinel Guide side.” She shot Bruce a fond look. “Bruce wanted me to choose when we sealed the Alpha and Omega bond.”

Tim blinked. “Did you plan it?”

Hermione shrugged. “No, but it makes a good cover.”

Stephanie huffed. “Where’s the romance in that?” She glared at Bruce. “You should have bitten her already.”

Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. “I would rather protect all of us than wait for a so-called romantic moment. Besides I like it that he held back to give me the choice.” She gave Stephanie a pointed look. “And this is my choice.”

“You’re just as pragmatic as he is!” Stephanie accused.

“Yes I am,” Hermione agreed blandly. She caught Alfred’s eye. “We have an agency introduction meeting at seven tomorrow evening, private dining room at Gotham Royal Hotel. We’ll need to arrive separately.”

“I’ll drive you to the penthouse tomorrow after breakfast, and arrange for a driver.” Alfred responded promptly. “Do you need an outfit? A personal shopper can bring a selection to the penthouse.”

Hermione shook her head. “No thank you. I’m good.” She looked around the room. “I don’t expect you to be happy or supportive but I expect you to be sensible and hold your tongues in public. There will be speculation and gossip about our age and background differences but it will fade because we are bonded. At this point only Damian will be forgiven public scenes due to his age and background. If I hear anything I will make the guilty party hallucinate unicorns and butterflies at the most embarrassing moment.” She smiled sharply. “Trust me, you won’t see it coming.”

No one wanted to risk finding out if she could do as she claimed. She seemed to be as competent as Alfred. And she made Bruce change his mind!

Chapter Text

Hermione rechecked her appearance in the mirror. A conservative calf-length slim fitting, but not clinging, midnight blue silk dress, wrist-length tight sleeves with a black lace overlay for the sleeves, and a demure round neckline. Her only accessories were a pair of jet chandelier-style earrings and a bejewelled silver clutch with matching silver strappy sandals.

She did a once over in the mirror to ensure the bruising and bite marks were covered by the dress, her loose hair restrained only by diamante silver hair combs, or the heavier than usual lip-gloss only make-up. She inhaled deeply to check her scent. The scent blocker patches were working. She couldn’t detect any trace of Bruce on her skin – three long soaking baths had taken care of that. She was already feeling antsy due to the ‘wrong’ scent of herself, the missing scent of her mate.

Her phone chimed. She swiped to check the text message. Her driver had arrived. She picked up the dove-gray cashmere wrap and settled it over her shoulders before sliding the phone into her purse. She stepped out the front door and locked it behind her before sending a single text message.

I’m on the way.

~ooOoo~

Bruce restrained the urge to pace. It would break the image of an indolent playboy.

“Mr Wayne, I understand your concerns but the probabilities of this being a good match are very high. Please keep an open mind and don’t pre-judge Miss Granger by her age and appearance. She is not like your usual dates.”

Bruce glanced at Moira Blythe, an older Beta woman dressed in a high-necked black velvet dress, the assigned match counsellor from Astera. He could understand her point of view but there wasn’t anything he could do or say to reassure her. Then a familiar scent drifted to him, wrong, wrong, wrong. His head snapped towards the doorway. It was Hermione, but she did not smell anything like him. He resisted the urge to curl back his lips and snarl, to prowl over and scent mark her thoroughly with touch and kiss. He could feel the delicate strands of her power reaching out towards him and he wanted to snare her within his mind, to push his arousal and base desires for intimate contact through their connection, to draw her close within his arms and legs.

She was not wearing anything excessively daring or revealing – that relieved him. But she was drawing too much attention due to the contrast of her very conservative dress; most other women her age present were dressed to draw attention.

She was accompanied by a young Beta woman dressed in black velvet, probably her counsellor from Astera. She looked so calm and collected Bruce wanted to say or do something to shake her up. Then her eyes met his and he relaxed. Her eyes were dilated to near black. She was holding onto her clutch a little too tightly. A pink tongue darted out to wet her lips and Bruce fought the urge to bend down and follow the same path, to taste the salt, vanilla and coconut he could smell drifting from her skin.

“Mr Bruce Wayne, meet Miss Hermione Granger, lately from England.”

He wanted to touch her so badly he clenched his fists to resist. Instead he inclined his head shallowly. “Miss Granger.”

She met his eyes and held out a small hand. “Mr Wayne.”

Skin contact at this point would make it evident, their connection. Bruce wondered if he had the self control to keep from pouncing on her. With an internal shrug he reached out to place his hand on hers and inhaled sharply as their Sentinel-Guide connection flared to life. There was a pale blue glow around their hands. Both watching counsellors inhaled sharply. It was Moira who spoke.

“A very strong compatibility.” She looked up between the two of them. “Do you mind sharing which aspect?”

“Sentinel-Guide I believe,” Hermione murmured.

“Mr Wayne is a Level Five.”

“It would be prudent to re-test at some point,” Hermione pointed out. “Bonding sometimes deepens capacity. It did for my parents.”

“Astera cannot assist with that but we can refer you to the Gotham Center.”

“No need,” Bruce countered briskly. “We’ll contact them.”

“Very well Mr Wayne. Do you wish us to remain and play chaperone?”

Bruce declined with a “No thank you,” and Hermione echoed his sentiments. They were shown to a private dining room and seated.

The moment the door closed Hermione relaxed with a soft huff of expelled air. She immediately rose and went around the table to sit sideways on his lap, wrap her arms around his neck.

“I smell wrong,” she murmured pressing a chain of soft kisses against his jaw line. “You don’t smell right either.

He brushed a kiss against her temple. “I know. The moment I saw you I wanted to pull you close and thoroughly scent mark you.”

They kissed deeply, only pausing briefly to breath. He bit her lower lip hard enough to draw a bead of blood.

“No lipstick?”

“I knew we wouldn’t be leaving this hotel without at least kissing.”

“Why don’t we leave now?”

Hermione glared at him. “If we leave now we’re going to have sex. I’m hungry and I’m not leaving without eating.”

Bruce smirked. “We can have sex here after ordering.”

Hermione gave him a look very reminiscent of Alfred. “No,” she told him firmly. Then she smirked. “I’m not saying no to anything not physical. And you can do anything after we leave, after we’re in the penthouse,” she added quickly.

Bruce immediately reached out and twisted his aura into hers, pushing his heated thoughts and plans on exactly what he would be doing to her when they got to the penthouse. He smirked when he caught scent of her arousal. It wasn’t as copious as her slick in heat but it was quite tantalizing. She would not need any prep for his cock. Maybe the private elevator to the penthouse…

“Bruce!” she hissed. The maitre d’ had shown up while he was distracted by his thoughts.

He ordered the house special and a complimentary wine. He didn’t care what he was eating. He just wanted it done so they could leave. He shifted slightly adjusting his hardening cock in his pants.

“I’m not leaving without getting fed,” she told him bluntly. “I know you. You’re going to keep me up all night and possibly into tomorrow morning.”

He couldn’t disagree with that since it was his plan.

The evening passed in a haze of desire. Bruce didn’t care how possessive and protective he acted over Hermione, insisting on female Beta servers. He barely tasted the food – all he wanted to taste was her sweat and cunt. He kept pushing his desire down their connection, seeing the effect in her slight tremor, the flush suffusing her skin, the way she chewed on her lower lip using pain as a focus.

When they were offered dessert Hermione was the one to decline. “Coffee please.”

Bruce watched her barely take two sips of the beverage before rising, holding out her cashmere wrap in one hand.

“Let’s go,” she said.

Wordlessly he accepted the garment and draped it over her shoulders, cupping her shoulders before dropping a kiss on her temple.

Unsurprisingly they were met by the counsellors near the main doors. They had been waiting to get a report.

“Well?” the younger one asked expectantly with a knowing look.

“We will be bonding,” Hermione told her. “Soon.”

Moira blinked and looked at Bruce. “Mr Wayne?”

“We talked and both of us agree the chance of a better match is zero. We have common ground. Hermione is related to my butler, Alfred Pennyworth, someone who I trust and respect. He talked about his great niece but I never met her before.”

Hermione shrugged. “There would have been no reason to. I lived in England. Uncle Alfred visited me when he took vacation time.”

Moira nodded slowly. “You would need to register your Sentinel-Guide bond within ten days. Do you have a timeline in mind for the other?” she inquired discreetly.

Bruce glanced down at Hermione. “Soon. We’ll need to see about announcing our engagement. I don’t have a ring. I didn’t expect such a strong match.”

“No one will hear from us,” they promised. “ Just give us a twenty-four hour lead time so we can prepare for the press.”

And that was it. Bruce rushed through farewells and their departure. Thank God he tipped the valet to bring the Bugatti out as soon as he caught sight of them leaving the dining room.

He expanded his senses and reeled at the heady scent of her desire filling the enclosed space of the car. He could see the hardened nipples poking through the layers of fabric. Idly he wondered about her underwear. She had packed her go bag with practical cotton and spandex, nothing designed to entice. Not that she had worn much of it.

She smirked, knowing where his thoughts were going.

“Lift your skirt up,” he ordered harshly, in Batman’s voice.

He heard the sharp inhalation before she did just that, wriggling slightly to push the material high enough for him to see the soaked black cotton covering her crotch.

“Higher.”

She lifted her hips, just enough to tug the material past her bum to pool around her waist, a scant deference to public decency.

“Show me. Touch yourself.” If he touched her he would never stop.

She hesitated before lifting the silk up, sliding her right hand over her groin. He could see her fingers working her clit through the cotton, the wet material rubbing abrasively against her swollen sensitive flesh. He could hear and smell her secretions trickle out and coat her fingers and thighs. He could almost taste her on his tongue. It had only been twelve hours since he had her. Was it always like this between mated couples? He didn’t think so. Hermione was like an addiction for him, one hit was never enough.

He drove swiftly, almost recklessly, half his focus on the road the remaining on the whimpering woman seated beside him. It didn’t take long before he was pulling into the private parking level and his reserved spot closest to the private elevator. Technically it was part of the penthouse agreement.

He unbuckled himself and Hermione before sliding out the car and going around to open the door and pull her out. She sagged against him pressing her cheek against his heart, wrapping her arms around his chest.

“I need you,” she begged.

He picked her up in a bridal carry and stalked to the elevator. A swipe of his thumb opened it. The door slid shut behind them and it began moving to the penthouse level. He allowed her to slide down to her feet and grabbed handfuls of her skirt, pulling the material up. The cotton panties slid down her legs to pool around her feet. He gripped the back of one leg to wrap around his waist as he pressed her against the elevator wall, other hand on the cool mirrored surface to keep his weight off as he bent down to kiss her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and the other leg around his waist and pulled herself up. His hands moved to cup her hips and assist. He could feel her core pressed against his abs, her wetness seeping through the Egyptian cotton shirt to mark bare skin. He could barely see her irises, pupils fully blown wide with arousal. She whimpered softly undulating against him between kisses.

“In. In. In.”

If he unbuckled his pants he was going to take her in the elevator. It was an exercise in control, making enough space to thrust his hand between them, into her. She was dripping fluids that quickly coated his fingers and palm. Her lower lips were swollen and puffy, clit hard and protruding, her opening giving way to his fingers. He aimed straight for the rough tissue on the front wall while his thumb manipulated her clit. She came hard, fluid gushing from her cunt, the aroma filling the elevator.

The door opened. Reluctantly he pulled his hand away and licked his palm. He wanted to drink her unadultered essence, directly from her cunt, before he filled her to the brim with his seed.

A thumb swipe against the sensor pad unlocked the door. He carried her in and shut the door behind, resetting the security.

The master bedroom had been cleaned. He dropped Hermione on the edge of the bed, her legs dangling over the side, skirt up around her waist. Before she could say anything he was on his knees between her legs, mouth latched over her labial lips, tongue seeking out her hole, splitting time between her cunt, her clit, her slit. Reflexively she set her thighs on his shoulders, tightening her legs around his head, bracing her feet on his back as she arched into his mouth and came.

He made her come two more times before pushing her thighs apart, lifting his head from between her legs to kiss her. She enthusiastically reciprocated uncaring of her fluids coating his mouth and chin.

He helped her sit up and lowered the zip running down the side of her dress. He shrugged off his jacket and undid his shirt buttons as he watched her pull the fabric up over her head and toss it aside, to the floor. Her bra was black spandex cotton and gray cotton lace, nothing like the expensive silk and lace creations he was used to seeing but it suited her – feminine but practical. He watched her unhook the latch at the front and shrug out of it. It too landed on the floor. He had the belt buckle undone, belt pulled and tossed aside, waistband button undone and fly down, boxers pushed down low enough to release his cock before he fell on her.

She made a soft sound as she spread her legs, arching slightly as he slid home, working through flesh soft and slick from her climax. He set his teeth in her shoulder hard enough to bruise; if he didn’t he knew they would be in the bonding glands. He would not do it, not until she asked. She wrapped her arms around his neck running fingers up the back of his neck and into the shorter strands of hair there.

“Mine!” he snarled as he began to move strongly, rough enough to shift her across the sheets.

“Yours,” she murmured reaching one hand over her head to brace herself against the padded headboard.

His entire focus was to set on seeing her come and fall apart around him, to fill her to overflowing and cover her with his scent, to mark her as His. He only managed hold back long enough to make her come before losing control. He rolled onto his back, taking her with him so she was on top, still plugged by his softening cock. He could feel her racing heart and harsh breaths against his chest and neck.

He could feel desire rebuild as she pressed kisses across his collarbones while her hands teased his nipples.

“The Press is going to count the days backwards from when you give birth,” he noted running his hands through her curls, tugging her head up to meet his eyes. “If we are lucky most will assume you conceived tonight.”

She smiled lazily. “I don’t care. A few weeks make no difference in the greater scheme of things.”

He huffed softly and said nothing because she was right. By then they would be married for several months and fairly old news. There was no real scandal in a wed-lock born child being conceived before marriage.

“They’re going to be waiting for us to leave.”

Hermione smirked. “So why don’t we give them something to talk about?” Her expression turned serious. “Bite me.”

He stilled. “Are you sure?” His hands went up to stroke the bonding glands on each side of her neck. Traditionally the first bite was on the left side closest to the heart. A widowed Omega could choose a second mate who would bite on the right side. It was scandalous for a mate to bite both glands like Bruce wanted to but he didn’t care; he didn’t want anyone else to have her because she was His.

She brushed her fingers over his lips with a slow smile. “One side now,” she murmured leaning up to kiss his chin. “But I would not be adverse to a bite on the other side in my next heat.”

Blue eyes darkened at what was implied in the words, the offer. Fidelity in death.

“Are you sure?” he asked roughly.

“Yes.”

The single word was enough to make him sit up fast and shift her on his lap so her legs were around his waist, hands pressing down on her hips. His cock was rock hard stretching her impossibly deep from the new position.

She wanted him to bite her, to seal their bond. This was not a request made in the midst of a heat haze. Yes she was asking it after being fucked into a natural high but it was something they had discussed and agreed on. Bruce saw no reason to deny himself. His fingers stroked the thicker tissue in her neck. They were not swollen and easily accessible by a quick bite. She was not in a heat-induced hormonal high that would mute the pain. But she was consciously asking for this. And for a second bite.

“This is my choice Bruce,” she told him as she tilted her head towards the right, pulling away her curls to bare the left side of her neck.

He could not resist the wordless and verbal invitation. He bent his head down to set his teeth carefully on her neck and bit down hard and fast. The taste of iron, copper and spices spread out on his tongue as his body began to integrate the bonding hormones in the gland oils. He kissed her with bloody lips and teeth, passing the fluids now mingled with the hormones in his own saliva back to her.

He waited until he felt the pain dull a fraction before moving, building up her arousal, making her come and falling over the edge with her. She hissed when he shifted back to slide out of her, to sit back on his heels and watch the mixture of her fluids and his leak from her stretched open cunt. A strong hum buzzed in his senses and mind as he slid two fingers through the mess and brushing them over her lips, the second to last step required to seal the bond. He watched as she gripped his wrist and opened her mouth to lick his fingers clean, to take in every drop of their mingled secretions. Then he watched her watch him with unsteady breaths as he repeated the action, only this time he licked his fingers clean completing the Alpha-Omega bond. In a few hours their biochemistry would shift so they would have permanent traces of each other’s scent in their own without the need for regular marking — a biological bonding stronger than any marriage.

Hermione could never leave him now. It was literally until death do us part.

Chapter Text

Trusted sources have reported seeing Bruce Wayne leave his downtown penthouse apartment with unknown woman.

Sources confirm Bruce Wayne had a matchmaking agency date at the Gotham Royal Hotel last night.

Bruce Wayne seen leaving his penthouse apartment building with agency date. Looks like he’s marked her and is off the market.

~o~

Tam frowned as she went through the list of blogs, tweets, and posts fed to her twice a day, to keep on top of anything regarding the Wayne family, anything that could impact WE. This was not the first time Brucie Wayne’s dates had been flagged. This was the first time the date walked out with a very visible bandage over her neck and other sources confirmed it was a date arranged by a reputable matchmaking agency.

She immediately stood up and walked over to Tim’s office. She knocked sharply and opened the door. She could see he was not a call through the clear glass walls.

“Do you have a few minutes to chat?”

He turned around in his swivel chair and blinked surprised. Tam usually came in with a full to-do list rattling off her lips, not a vague request. Her hands were empty except for her work tablet but he could sense it was not a casual request.

“Sure.” He gave a thoughtful look. “Do you want to sit down?”

She sat down without a word and looked him straight in the eye.

“What’s this I hear about Bruce mating an Omega?”

Tim blinked taken aback. “What?”

She unlocked and passed the tablet over. The younger man quickly scanned the text and images and relaxed minutely.

“They got the facts right.”

Tam’s eyes widened. “Excuse me? I thought he was dating Selina Kyle!”

Tim shrugged. “You know they are on-and-off, off permanently now.”

“Who’s this lady? I don’t remember seeing anything about her.”

“You wouldn’t. She doesn’t run in Bruce’s usual circles. In fact she moved to Gotham just a few weeks ago.”

“How did they meet then?”

“Agency match date, just like the stories say. Ninety-six percent compatibility.” Tim hesitated before adding more quietly. “She’s also his Guide match. They sealed the bond last night.”

Tam blinked rapidly. She knew the stats, the odds that were heavily skewed against hybrids, their mental economic and social stability. Most of the public knew Bruce Wayne was an Alpha but a select few knew he was an Alpha Sentinel. But still… “And Bruce Wayne just jumped straight in without even a background check?”

“We did one. She’s Alfred’s grand niece and just as terrifyingly competent as him.”

That threw Tam off. She knew the strength of the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth. If the grand niece was anything like Mr Pennyworth, Tam could easily see Bruce Wayne seeking out the match to formalize the familial relationship.

“Does she know…? About, you know…”

Tim smirked. “Yep. She met him as Batman first and didn’t flinch.” His grin widened. “She twisted Bruce into allowing the North America Primes to enter Gotham. To teach her.”

Brown eyes widened in shock then crinkled into a smile. “That I would have paid to see.”

“I’m pretty sure you’ll see plenty in the future. Hermione is not the type to blindly obey all his orders.”

Tam leaned back in her head and considered the implications. “Are they getting married?”

“Yes. Private ceremony in the Manor gardens. Alfred is working on the logistics with Hermione. Larger public reception later.”

“So do we sit on it or make an announcement?”

Tim shrugged. “A basic one will be sufficient. Wayne Enterprises is confirming that majority shareholder and co-CEO Alpha Bruce Wayne has bonded with Omega Hermione Granger. Couple are a high compatibility match and introduced by Astera Matches.” Tim hesitated. “I’ll have to check with Bruce about publicizing the Sentinel-Guide bond but I think he will agree. They will be registering with the Center and the North America Primes will be visiting Gotham to train Hermione.” He chewed on his lip. “Probably Bruce as well. Both got boosts from the bonding.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Clark glanced down at the message Superman had just received; Batman was asking for a meeting at the Cave, off the Watchtower. Noting Wonder Woman had been cc’d he immediately went to find her when his shift was done.

“Did you get the message from Batman?”

“Yes.”

Clark noted Diana’s troubled look and was concerned. “Do you know what it’s about? Is something wrong?”

“Batman put in a request for a future dated leave of absence.”

“What? When? Why?”

“In eight months. Paternity.”

Clark did a double take. “You mean the news stories are real?” He was incredulous. Usually the press speculated plenty about Bruce Wayne but rarely did any of it turn out to be real. He frowned. “The lady in the paper is not Selina.”

“Something we can ask when we meet him,” Diana suggested.

“Yes, let’s go.”

It was a fast trip, using the zeta tubes to the restricted zeta-point within Batman’s base of operations. He was waiting for them, fully suited up though his cowl was down.

“Kal-el. Diana. Thank you for coming.”

“Are the news stories real?” Clark asked. “I thought you’re with Selina.”

“They are real. Hermione and I have a high-compatibility match and dual bond.” He met both their eyes evenly. “We haven’t known each other for a long time but I have done a thorough background check on her and I am comfortable with her. Besides she is Alfred’s great-niece.”

That surprised both of them. “I didn’t know Alfred had any living relatives.”

“Very few that he stays in touch with. Hermione’s grandmother was one of them. Later her mother who died a few years ago.” He held out two envelopes made with expensive heavy stock creamy linen paper. “We’re getting married this coming Saturday. I know it’s short notice but we don’t want a big wedding that will draw attention.”

“She’s pregnant.” Diana concluded.

He inclined his head. “Yes. And it’s a desired event.”

Diana blinked. “By both of you?”

“Yes.”

Diana was troubled. “Your relationship is progressing very fast. It’s very unlike you Bruce.”

Bruce shrugged. “I can’t explain it.” He smiled sardonically. “A big part of is instinct – biology and psionics more than conscious thought. When my Sentinel side recognized her as our Guide every action and choice since has been designed to keep her with us, to never let her leave. A child does that.”

Diana’s temper flared. “That’s very manipulative of you.”

“And she was completely aware of the risk, the possibility of pregnancy. She told me if she conceived she would not terminate, she would have the baby. Both of us knew exactly what we were getting into.”

Diana relaxed. “Okay. Does she know about this?” She waved around indicating the sophisticated technology and equipment in the Cave.

“When the link formed she had just taken out a mugger. She knew she bonded with Batman before she knew about Bruce Wayne.”

“And how is she handling it?” Clark wanted to know.

“Much better than I expected. Part of it is her training, she was a Scotland Yard Inspector,” Bruce explained.

“Scotland Yard? Then why is she in Gotham?”

“She’s the Malfoy drug survivor.”

“Oh!” “Hera have mercy!”

“She resigned from Scotland Yard and agreed to handle side project work for Batman and the JLA. Mostly research and analysis using Sentinel-Guide slant. Most of the algorithms we use aren’t designed to include those factors because the cause tend to be biology or emotion driven not fact.”

Diana nodded slowly because it was true. The WatchTower data miners were designed to incorporate Alpha-Omega factors not Sentinel-Guide.

“Is it possible to meet her?” Diana asked slowly. “I’d like to talk to her myself.”

Bruce hesitated then nodded. “She’s on the way down.”

Clark blinked. “You didn’t call her.”

“I did. Psionically. We haven’t tested the limits of our bond but it’s almost indefinite from what I can tell.”

Clark goggled. “That’s not possible.” And it wasn’t. Usually it was just a couple of city blocks for long-time bonded couples though a Guide in distress could broadcast over a larger range.

Bruce shrugged. “It is for us.”

A few minutes later a petite brunette with light hazel brown eyes emerged from the elevator. She was dressed in a long mid-calf length denim skirt and black ballet flats matched with a long-sleeved paisley print tunic blouse that bared her collarbones. Her hair was up in a braided coronet that bared the healed bite mark on the left side.

She immediately went to Bruce and gripped his hand. There was a faint blue glow around their joined hands.

“Hermione, this is Kal-el and Diana.”

“Superman and Wonder Woman.” Her voice was low and husky with a British accent.

“Yes.”

She blinked slowly and looked straight at Diana. “You have questions.”

“Yes,” Diana admitted. “Are you happy? You weren’t coerced, right?”

“I am happy.” Hermione replied instantly. “I knew the odds of getting matched were horrible. I didn’t have any luck when I was just a Guide and wasn’t expecting anything to work out in my favour after I changed. But it did.”

“But you don’t know anything about Bruce,” Diana was concerned.

Hermione looked amused. “We are bonded. I feel his mind within mine and I always will. We are learning to block it but we couldn’t at the start. I know everything that matters.”

Diana glanced at Bruce whose expression was stoic and unflinching. “Bruce?”

“I don’t know about you,” Hermione stated impatiently. “I know about Him. Because he is what matters to me.”

Clark nodded slowly because he was beginning to understand. “A psionic exchange that filtered out information that didn’t involve your bonded.”

Hermione inclined her head. “Correct. I’m not saying I know everything or he does, but we know about what is important, what matters to us.”

“Family. Protection. Defense. Information.”

Hermione turned to Bruce and stood on tiptoe to brush a kiss against his jaw line. “Yes.”

Clark nodded. “I don’t have any issue with your mate having access to the JL databases if it will make your projects progress quicker. I would recommend setting up a support personnel profile with high-level access.”

Bruce turned to Hermione. “Any ideas on a codename?”

She smirked. “Witch comes to mind. Cho Chang kept saying I had to be cheating with magic because my solve rate was so high.”

“Your psionic talents could easily be mistaken as meta or magic,” Bruce mused.

“What about Hex?” she suggested. “It could be a play on magic or hexadecimal which is how electronic data is interpreted.”

“Hex works,” Diana affirmed. “Let us know when the profile has been added. We’ll included it in the weekly communication. Hex will be marked as working on special projects only.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Bruce braced himself mentally as he parked the non-descript gray Honda Civic and walked around to open the passenger side door and help Hermione out. He quickly did a sensory scan of the surroundings and relaxed minutely. There was nothing off, just the sounds of actual residents.

He quickly pulled her towards the side of the building and up surprisingly well-maintained a fire escape.

“Why aren’t we going inside?”

“Cameras.”

“Security cameras? In this building?”

“Cell phones.”

“Oh.”

Once they reached the balcony to Ivy and Harley’s unit he knocked on the glass door and waited. The white curtains were tugged to one side revealing a familiar red-head wearing comfortable olive green joggers and a black tank top. Green eyes narrowed when she saw him before widening with a pleased smile when she saw Hermione.

She opened the glass door her sole attention on Hermione. “English Rose!” Sharp green eyes fell on the gauze pad taped against Hermione’s neck with faint disapproval. “You jumped right in.”

Hermione shrugged. “It’s a dual bond Ivy. I’m not going to get a better match. Ever.”

Poison Ivy blinked and stared up at Bruce who was standing just behind Hermione.

“Does she know?” she demanded to know.

Bruce blinked. “Know?”

“About your running around wearing a mask.”

Bruce froze minutely. Then his expression hardened. “How do you know?”

“Harley figured it out ages ago. When I started paying attention it was clear as daylight.”

She turned to Hermione? “Did you know? Before you bonded him?”

Hermione smiled faintly. “I first met him as Batman. It was Batman who I welcomed into my bed. I didn’t know about Bruce Wayne until the morning after.”

“High compatibility I hope.”

“Ninety-six percent. Burnt through scent blockers.”

Ivy inhaled sharply. “True mate match.”

“Yes.”

“Have you met the brats?” Ivy wanted to know. Bruce resisted the urge to growl because his kids had been called brats by many others, even heroes.

Hermione snorted. “Mr Todd as a tongue and mind that belongs in the gutter.” Bruce could not argue with that because it was true. “And Master Damian could do with lessons in anger management and mediation.”

“Mediation? Not meditation?”

“Yes. I’m sure he gets plenty of meditation from martial arts. What he needs to learn is to negotiate and work with others.”

Ivy smirked. “Very true English Rose.” She slid the glass doors shut and drew the curtains close. “Sit down. Harley’s out so we have some time to talk.” She cocked her head to one side. “Do you want to wait and meet her?”

“Yes.” “No.”

“No. Not now,” Bruce repeated firmly. “We’re on a tight timeline.”

Hermione gave him a hard look before nodding. “I’m meeting her. You can’t stop me. The best you can do is supervised visits.”

He pressed his lips together before inclining his head in agreement.

“Wow.” Both of them turned to a bemused Ivy. “I never thought I’d see the Big Bad Bat bend for a woman. It was Selina’s biggest complaint you know.”

Bruce opened his mouth then shut it. He really didn’t want to respond to that. Hermione did not have any compunction.

“The reason matters. If it’s just to prove a point why should he have conceded?”

Ivy blinked taken aback. “You don’t want his support?”

“I’m a big girl Ivy. Bruce can support me or not but if I want to do something I will. If he disagrees with my choices it’s up to him to change my mind. By that same token I would give him the same privilege.”

“And if he doesn’t care?” Bruce growled, a low sub-sonic sound that made Ivy back step with a wary expression. “Forget I said that.” She studied the Gothamite billionaire more intently. “You truly care about her.” He gritted his teeth and refused to answer. She turned to Hermione. “He has a lot of history. You’re going to be running into them at every turn.”

Hermione snorted softly. “You think I wouldn’t if he wasn’t rich?”

“True. But it’s less likely to turn nasty.” Ivy hesitated. “Selina is unpredictable. She may accept, she may not. But remember, she chose to leave every single time and returned expecting nothing to have changed. Just because it has this go-round doesn’t mean it’s your fault, or even his. It’s Selina’s. She chose to leave.”

Bruce blinked taken aback. He knew Ivy was close to Selina, considered her a good friend. To chose between friends was always difficult.

“Not that it would have made a difference even if she stuck around this time,” Ivy continued. “A high compatibility dual bond is basically a perfect match. It would be crazy to deny it. What does concern me is the speed at which your relationship is progressing.”

Hermione laughed softly. “I know. It’s not my usual style. I’m a planner. I research and fact-check a dozen times before making a decision.”

“Same here,” Bruce admitted. “But I don’t want to wait. I couldn’t. Can’t.”

Hermione reached out and gripped his hand tight. “Now I feel settled. We both do.”

Ivy nodded. “Okay.” She glared up at Bruce. “I’m not going to avoid English Rose just because she’s mated to you.”

Bruce smirked. “I don’t expect you to. Hermione made it very clear.”

Ivy blinked surprised before saying the only thing that came to mind. “Good. Do you want anything to drink? Tea? Juice?”

“Tea please,” Hermione replied promptly. “The hibiscus rose-hip blend you make. And if you have any extra I’ll take it.”

Seeing the concerned look on Bruce’s face Ivy spoke. “It’s safe for pregnant women.” She smirked at both their looks. “I’m a Sentinel too you know.”

“I’m using blockers.”

“There are some pheromones that are quite distinct to someone trained.”

Chapter Text

Selina Kyle was pretty pleased with herself. When she had left Gotham she made a list of items she wanted to ‘collect’ and she was done one month ahead of her self-imposed usual six month deadline. It was time to return to Gotham. And Bruce.

She opened the account that collated articles on Gotham, Batman, Bruce Wayne and began scanning them. She froze when she saw the top ones flagged.

Gotham Billionaire Bruce Wayne off the Marital Market.

Bruce Wayne Matched and Mated to British expat Hermione Granger.

Gotham’s newest celebrity couple introduced by Astera Matches.

Full lips pressed together as she quickly scanned the top hits and started digging deeper. Who was this bitch? The press had nothing substantial, but the publicized fact she was Alfred’s relative struck a deeper chord. Bruce loved Alfred dearly, but would he bond with a stranger to make a stronger familial tie? Selina didn’t think so but she needed to know. Going directly to one of the Waynes was no guarantee of the truth. She scrolled through her phone contacts and called one she could depend on to give it to her straight.

“You’re late.”

“I’ve been busy,” Selina countered. “But I’m done now and ready to come home.”

“Home?” An arch knowing tone. “I hope you don’t expect things to be the same Selina.”

“Is it true?”

“That your ex is mated and quite happy about it? Yes.”

Selina ignored Ivy’s words. “What game is Bruce playing? Is he trying to draw me back to Gotham before I’m ready?”

“Wayne isn’t playing games. Hermione is his mate – his Omega and his Guide. If you have any sense you won’t interfere in their bond – it won’t end well.”

Selina went quiet. “Is she really Alfred’s relative?”

“Yes and he didn’t introduce them. She was living in Britain but moved to Gotham fairly recently. She registered with Astera Matches who set up the meeting with Wayne.” Ivy’s voice softened. “I met her before she even registered. She’s genuine, caring, and loyal. She’s not interested in Wayne’s money, just in him.”

Selina inhaled sharply. “And how are the boys taking it?” They’d known her longer, surely they would have issues with a near stranger mating their father, joining the pack. Selina ignored the fact that she had refused to formally join the pack.

“When she moved to Gotham she only met with Timothy Wayne and Stephanie Brown, and her uncle of course. She’s a newly awakened Omega and was adjusting. From our conversations both of them liked her. They spent a lot of time playing tour guide for her.” Ivy laughed. “The first thing she did after formally joining the Wayne pack was to claim the sapling as hers.”

“Sapling? Tim?”

“Yes. She’s most fond of him.”

“What about the others?”

“They are alphas and more distrustful. The zombie-bird and the angry-bird have learnt better than to be rude in her presence.”

Jason and Damian, the most likely disruptors to any of Bruce’s relationships.

“What about Dick?” Surely he liked Selina better.

“The blue-bird is holding his tongue. He doesn’t want the same treatment or to get on the butler’s bad side.”

Selina didn’t bother with Cassandra Cain or Barbara Gordon, they would either support Bruce or remain strictly neutral on his personal life.

“Have they married? I haven’t read anything about it.”

“Next weekend. Private ceremony with a very limited guest list. I will be attending so don’t try to make a scene.”

Selina bit her lip. No, she needed to get back to Gotham and check out her rival before the wedding. If Selina could get her to run so much the better.

“I hear you. Got to go.”

“Good bye Selina. Please don’t do anything too stupid.”

“Only too stupid?”

“Because you are going to try something. I know you.”

Selina didn’t bother responding to that. “Bye Ivy.”

She immediately pulled up an airline website and began searching for the next flight to Gotham from Paris. It was a long one with layovers in London and New York but it would get her to Gotham sooner than any other. She booked her ticket and immediately started packing. Thankfully she didn’t have much to re-pack since she preferred living out of a suitcase in a hotel room.

~ooOoo~

Selina drove her airport rental car to one of the safe houses she kept in reserve, one unknown to the Bats. She didn’t want anyone to know where she was staying though they would know she had landed in Gotham.

After a long nap and eating the delivered Thai dinner, she began scanning the celebrity blogs. There were not that many sightings of Bruce and his new mate, mostly charity affairs. She was never spotted out and about Gotham during the daytime either. There was no new mask at night. Was she playing support like Alfred? They would be starting patrols soon. With any luck it would only be Hermione Granger and Alfred at the Manor.

~ooOoo~

Hermione sat on one of the breakfast bar stools and watched the hibiscus rose-hip tea brew in tea pot. She stiffened slightly feeling the intruder – unknown, female, Omega. How had she circumvented the security system? She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Alfred.

HG There’s an intruder. Female Omega.

A few minutes later he responded with the identity of the intruder.

AP It’s Selina Kyle. Should I inform Master Bruce?

HG Does she have a tendency for violence?

AP No. But this is new.

HG Just keep an eye on the cameras. Message Bruce if she turns violent.

AP Very well. Don’t let her get too close to you.

HG I won’t.

The tea was ready. She poured herself a cup and added a spoon of honey. She stood up and moved to the other side of the island, close to the pantry that could be a bolt hole if needed. There were cases of water and various canned goods that could be used to barricade the entry point. When she was close enough to sense without trying Hermione focused her psi-field, ready to manipulate and restrain as needed.

Without bothering to look up she spoke. “Miss Kyle. It’s quite rude of you to break into a private home. Even if you had a past relationship with the owner.” A long sip of hot liquid coated her tongue and throat. She could feel her muscles relax from the aroma alone.

The woman stepped into the kitchen, not bothering to hide her steps. She was wearing a gray spandex catsuit with a hood drawn up over her hair, and integrated black mask covering her face. Black boots and black gloves, a multi-compartment belt made of round golden plates rested around her waist, and a coiled whip at one hip.

Hermione gestured to the teapot. “Tea? I have enough for a second cup.”

Selina Kyle, Catwoman, stared at her hard. “No thank you.”

Hermione shrugged and sipped from her own cup. It was best drunk hot.

“You’re not what I expected.”

Hermione smiled sardonically. “Do you honestly think Bruce is attracted to surface qualities? What would interest the average man?”

Selina Kyle shook her head and pushed the hood back revealing shoulder length blonde hair she fluffed around her face.

~o~

Selina suddenly realised this was a very bad idea. Hermione Granger was unflappable, very much like Alfred. And she had no problems confronting an ex-girlfriend. She was absolutely certain about her relationship and bond with Bruce.

“I’ll make it easy for you Miss Kyle. Bruce and I are bonded. Sentinel and Guide.” A faint blue glow surrounded one hand. “And Alpha-Omega.” The same hand gestured at her neck. Selina could see the scars over the left-side mating gland. “All of his children have not accepted the change but it doesn’t concern me. Children grow up and move away. They know better than to get in my face about how much they hate and distrust me because I don’t care. Bruce is my bonded and only his opinion matters to me. And those who I have claimed.” She gave Selina a pointed look. “Pamela, Ivy, she is one of them.” Selina stiffened minutely. “I’m not going to insist you stay away from Bruce but I am asking you to either shift into friend mode or leave. Trying to rekindle cold ashes will only be embarrassing for everyone involved.”

“So you don’t mind me dancing with Bruce Wayne? Patrolling with Batman?”

Now she looked openly amused. “I trust Bruce. We are bonded in all aspects and have no secrets from each other.” She smiled faintly, reminiscing. “It was his Sentinel side that first accepted me as Guide, not the Alpha.”

Selina stiffened at the pointed message because it was Bruce’s Sentinel side that caused most of the problems in their relationship. It didn’t trust Selina’s good intentions because her actions often caused chaos and harm in Gotham. The Sentinel side didn’t trust anyone, not easily, not quickly. It grudgingly accepted the boys Bruce adopted and took in but it took years before they moved into the Sentinel’s inner circle. Even then no one had ever been allowed past the final walls; that was reserved for guide and mate.

“I see.”

Hermione Granger blinked mildly and set down her cup. “Do you? Do you really?”

“Bruce has chosen you.”

“Not really. His Sentinel chose me. His Alpha chose me. Bruce decided to accept those choices and work with it because denial was not an option.”

“And you are okay with that? He chose you because of biology? Because if he didn’t he risked going mad?”

“Why not? It’s the first reason why I chose to accept him. To be honest I chose Batman. I found out he was Bruce Wayne after.”

There was nothing Selina could say to that. Bruce Wayne and Hermione Granger were starting on truly equal grounds, without bad history or slanted impressions.

“I see. I wish you all the best.”

“Do stay in touch Miss Kyle. Bruce would prefer having some idea of your plans without having to go digging for it.”

“I’m going to catch up with some old friends. Follow up with some charities I’ve been sponsoring.”

“You may wish to prepare for the press, for interview requests. They have been chasing down old flames.” A small Alfred-like smirk curled her lips. “It’s been quite amusing reading the articles.”

Selina nodded and retreated. There was nothing else to say and she was not ready to see Bruce in person.

~o~

Hermione sagged slightly when Selina Kyle left the building. She prepared a second cup of tea and hurried to Bruce’s office, the clock-entrance to the Cave.

Uncle Alfred was waiting for her. “Miss Kyle has left,” he noted.

“Yes. She was quite civilized. I don’t anticipate any future scenes involving her except perhaps as a by-stander.”

“Are you expecting something?”

She sat down on one of the chairs closest to the main terminal. “I’m honestly expecting Talia al Ghul to pull something. The way Damian is going on and on about her. From what Bruce has shared with me, she’s not the sort to give up easily.”

“Only death can break a mating bond. And she knows Bruce will never forgive her if she kills someone he cares about, his mate.”

Hermione sipped her tea slowly. “There are ways. I would prefer to get a clear sign of which way she is leaning.”

“Master Damian does communicate with her.”

“Let me know if it looks like he’s going to be meeting her in person. I’d like to watch. From a distance of course.”

“Of course.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

“Be careful Damian.”

Damian Wayne looked at Richard who was looking very worried. He always did when he was dropping Damian off to meet with Talia, not that it happened often; Mother preferred electronic communication over in-person, less risk.

“I will be fine Richard.”

“When you are ready to be picked up text me. It will only take ten minutes. I’m going to have dinner and stay nearby.”

Damian nodded and made his way inside the restaurant. The maitre d’ gave him a second look but eventually led him to the private dining room and closed the door. His mother had already ordered his favourites. He went around to stand closer to her.

“Mother.”

She reached out and squeezed his hand. It was the only sign of physical affection. “Son.” She gestured to the table. “Sit and tell me and tell me of your father’s new mate.”

Damian huffed as he sat down proceeded to do just that, a litany of complaints and slurs and criticism before ending with, “When are you going to eliminate her?”

Talia blinked. “I am not,” she told him. Damian stared at his mother stunned. “She is your father’s true match. Breaking that will destroy him. It will ensure he never turns to me ever. To be honest even if I wasn’t involved in her death I doubt he would ever turn to another. That kind of bond cannot be forgotten; he will most likely mourn her for the rest of his days, very much like how he still grieves for his parents.”

Damian frowned. “Then why do you ask about her?”

“Curiosity. I would like to be certain she is treating you well.”

Damian opened his mouth to complain then shut it. Hermione Granger did not try to placate or bribe him into a more compliant mind. She did not treat him badly, in fact she treated him like most of the others. Only Father, Drake and Pennyworth had her favour though Brown was catching up.

“She is not mistreating me,” he stated. He frowned faintly. “She ignores me most of the time.”

“Even when you are misbehaving?” Talia inquired archly.

Damian thought hard and realised his mother was right. “Yes. She doesn’t say anything. She lets Father or Richard to discipline me.”

“You are not her pup. She isn’t trying to overstep her authority.”

“I am the pack pup,” he protested.

“But you have not accepted her as Pack Mother and you are old enough to defend that right. Until you do she will not attempt to discipline you because it is not her right.”

The dinner conversation turned to other things, Damian’s hobbies and school work, the last case he worked on. When dessert was served he sent a text asking Richard to pick him up.

“When will I see you Mother?”

“Not anytime soon,” she confessed. “I will be travelling, with limited internet access.”

Damian turned sullen and nodded.

~ooOoo~

He was quiet as he got into the car, as Richard drove them home, answering in single words, reluctant to engage in conversation. It did not help that Hermione Granger was waiting in the main foyer with Drake.

Damian was surprised when Drake remained quiet and watchful, making no comment on Damian or his maternal relations. Hermione studied him thoughtfully before speaking.

“I hope you had a pleasant dinner with your mother.”

Damian watched baffled as she turned and walked away, keeping a firm grip on Drake. He could barely hear Drake speak.

“What’s that about?”

“He’s at a cusp and needs time to make his own choices.”

“Do you know what happened?”

“His mother did not react or act as he expected. She’s much more pragmatic than I had expected, which is good.”

Damian gritted his teeth because she was right. Then he froze. How did she know what Talia had said?

~o~

Hermione hurried to the master bedroom, barely beating Damian who was barrelling down the hallways ready to demand answers. She was safe here. One of the new rules Bruce had laid down was to enforce privacy for the pack heads; no one could enter their bedroom unless it was a life-or-death emergency. This was to supplement the basic house rule requiring everyone knock and get permission before entering a private space.

She sat down on a comfortable chair and pulled out her phone to check her mail. It wasn’t long before her mate joined her.

“What happened?”

She put away her phone to give him her full attention.

“Damian met Talia for dinner today.”

Bruce was bemused. “Yes. He informed me ahead of time. Dick drove him there and back.”

“She did not react like he expected.”

Blue eyes narrowed. “Oh?”

“He expected her to eliminate me, the interloper,” she explained.

Now Bruce was confused. “She’s not going to try anything?”

Hermione smiled. “We’re dual bonded. Anything that would damage such a bond… the retaliation from the surviving half is legendary.”

Bruce blinked and nodded. It was part of history but few remembered those facts.

“I think Damian wants status quo to change but he’s reluctant to make the effort to do it.” Hermione explained. “He doesn’t want to be seen as weak, giving in first.”

Bruce sighed. “That’s one of my failings.”

Hermione shrugged. “You recognize it. He doesn’t.”

“What would you recommend?”

“Ask Uncle Alfred to talk to Dick. He’ll be able to get through to them better than either of us. Because it won’t be an order from the heads.”

Bruce picked her up and sat down on the chair, settling her on his lap. “I have no idea how I managed before you,” he confessed.

“You relied on Alfred and Dick. He told me all about it.”

“True. But Dick has been stand-offish recently.”

“I’m taking over some of his responsibilities, being the emotional support for you. He isn’t sure if he likes it or not.”

Bruce was silent. “I never meant for him to.”

“It was something he felt he could contribute towards. And honestly you needed him to provide that support.”

“Needed?”

“Back then, yes. Now you have me.”

Bruce was quiet for a while. “Alfred said Selina stopped by last night.”

“Mmm. She was well-behaved. No issues.”

“No issues? You aren’t angry with her trespassing? What was between us?”

“Like I told you before no. I don’t care about what was in your past; I want your present and your future.”

“And you have it.”

Chapter Text

Harley Quinn stared at the headline. It didn’t change. She put in the Gotham Times URL again. The headline on the smartphone did not change. She looked up at her breakfast companion. “Hey Red, is Brucie-boy really marrying someone who is not Selina?”

Red looked up from her glass of nectar-smoothie. “He is.”

Something in her tone made Harley look a little closer. “How long have you known?”

Red did not try to look away and hide. “Pretty much from the start.”

That made Harley blink. “What? How?”

“I met his mate, his wife-to-be, before she even met him.”

That intrigued Harley. “What? Who is she?” Then she was hurt. “Why haven’t I met her?”

“She’s an Omega Guide.”

That made Harley go still. “Is she…?”

“His match? Yes. Both aspects.”

“True match?”

“Yes.”

Harley put down her phone. “That kind of explains the quickie marriage. And why no one heard of her before.”

“She isn’t a socialite.” Red snorted softly. “She’s actually a LEO from Britain. She Awakened from exposure to the Malfoy drug.”

“Oh? Oh! Wait, why the heck did she move to Gotham?”

Red shrugged. “Lots of reasons. And Alfred Pennyworth is a relative.”

“Alfie? Brucie’s butler?”

“Yes.”

“She’s a LEO and doesn’t have any issues with you?” Harley was sceptical.

Red shook her head. “Hermione’s not like GCPD pigs. She’s kind and open. She gave me her phone number when we first met, because she wanted to make friends who understood being dual natured.”

“Why haven’t I met her?” Harley asked feeling a little hurt.

Red hesitated. “She was newly Awakened on the cusp of her first heat. We kept in touch by text and phone calls. She was going to mixers and registered with an agency to do a match search. There never seemed to be a good time. And then she crossed paths with The Bat.”

Harley’s jaw dropped. “Wait, you mean she met The Bat first?”

Red snorted softly and nodded. “She didn’t give me details but whatever happened was intense enough to create a proto-bond that kick-started her Heat and drew them together. It happened a few weeks before the first publicized dinner match-date.”

Harley shook her head. “She must be really something if you like her.”

“She is. Would you like to meet her?”

Harley blinked. “What? Brucie’s never going to agree to that.”

Red laughed. “I wouldn’t count on that. Hermione is not the type to roll over for anyone, even a True Mate match.”

“Are you still in touch with her?”

“Of course. We’re going to meet next week Tuesday for lunch. Would you like to join us? It will have to be in civilian clothes.”

“Sure! If she’s okay with it.”

“She will be. But before that I’m going to be spreading the word among the Rogues, no one is going to touch the new Mrs Bruce Wayne, not unless they want to become fertilizer for my babies.”

Harley huffed. “Are you sure you want to do that Red? They’re going to wonder and someone like Eddie or Ozzie are going to try to rope her into their schemes.”

“They’ll think twice if you back me up. Everyone knows we have soft spots for kids. She’s pregnant or as good as.”

Harley winced and nodded. “Okay.” She hesitated before voicing the question on her mind. “Do you think she’ll like me?”

“I know she will.”

“How?”

“Because she likes me. And you’re much nicer than I am.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

“If anyone involves the new Mrs Wayne in their schemes I will turn them into fertilizer.”

“And if anyone escapes Red I’ll kneecap and string them up for her.”

Oswald Cobblepot, The Penguin, stared bemused at Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn.

“You can’t be serious!” Eddie protested. “The Waynes are my favourite target. There is no way to exclude her if we’re trying to catch the brats.”

“Then be more selective! Grab them when she Isn’t around. And if I’m right she’s going to be going into seclusion.”

“Right?” Two-Face looked up from his coin.

“She’s Bruce Wayne’s true mate. And more than likely pregnant. If she’s hurt I will make sure you hurt.”

“Why do you care?” Eddie grumbled.

“She’s my friend. And she’s much more sensible and intelligent than all of you. Yes, Eddie I’m including you and Jonathan.”

Jonathan Crane sputtered in protest. “You can’t be serious!”

“I am. If she wasn’t pregnant and mated to Bruce Wayne she would have no issues with meeting any of you if you agreed to not attack her. Yes, even you Croc.”

All the Rogues present stared at Poison Ivy stunned.

“You can’t be serious. She’s a civilian dame,” Killer Croc grumbled.

“She’s mentally tougher than all of us combined,” Ivy stated flatly. “If she wanted she could easily arrange for all of us to be eliminated.”

That stunned all of them. “You can’t be serious,” Jonathan whispered.

“Her uncle is Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s butler. Everyone I talk to agree she’s very much like him – competent, ruthless, loyal.”

All the Rogues knew the rules. Do not involve the Wayne butler, not unless you want all your plans to collapse in disarray.

“Perhaps it would be wiser to honour Poison Ivy’s request,” Oswald voiced out loud. He more than most knew crossing Alfred Pennyworth was the worst possible thing to do.

“Sure sure. The coin agrees,” Two-face grumbled. He looked up sharply. “Does Kitty Cat know about this?”

Poison Ivy shrugged. “She does and she’s taking it badly, but there is nothing to be done, not unless Hermione dies. And Hermione is not the sort to just roll over and give in.”

The male Rogues looked at each other and nodded. “Very well. We will exclude Hermione Wayne from our plans as best we can.”

“Good.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

“Have you heard? Bruce Wayne actually married her.”

“Who?”

“His agency date.”

“What? Didn’t they meet like three weeks ago?”

“She must have been something between the sheets if she got him to put a ring on her finger.”

“I really would not say that in public.”

“Why?”

“She’s his butler’s grand-niece. The one who raised him.”

“Wait, you mean he married her to make his butler happy?”

“I don’t know! Maybe? But you don’t want to make the butler mad.”

Jim Gordon snorted softly because Officer Leighton was right. You did not want to make Alfred Pennyworth mad. He would make your life miserable.

Jim prepared his coffee the way he preferred and retreated back to his office feeling much more cheerful. If the new Mrs Wayne was anything like Alfred Pennyworth she would keep Bruce and his brood under control. He did not expect her to succeed in exerting any influence on Batman and his birds but hopefully there would be fewer Wayne Family PR disasters with her around.

He glanced at his calendar and made note of the next GCPD fundraising party. Bruce Wayne usually made an appearance. Hopefully he would do so this year with his new wife. Jim wanted to meet Alfred Pennyworth’s niece. In a social setting, not because of a crime.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Luna Lovegood was meeting her fiancé Neville Longbottom for their usual Friday lunch date. Usually she would place her order and do some people watching while she waited. Today she was engrossed in her smartphone.

“Hullo Luna.”

She looked up. “Hullo Neville.” She waited until he gave his order before speaking. “Do you know about Hermione?”

Neville blinked confused. “What?”

Luna made an impatient sound and shared the links with him. Neville’s phone dinged. He pulled it out and opened the link Luna had sent. And stared.

“That’s Hermione.”

“Yes.”

“She’s mated.”

“Yes.”

“To an American businessman?” Neville’s voice was incredulous, high-pitched.

“An American billionaire,” Luna corrected sternly.

Neville set his phone down. “I didn’t hear anything about this. Harry didn’t say anything either.” He stared at Luna. “How do you know?”

Luna snorted softly. “I’m not in touch with her. I simply set a search that would send any hits to my e-mail address.”

Neville sighed. The waitress came back with their orders, sandwiches and soup.

“She didn’t tell any of us,” Neville murmured.

“Did you bother reaching out to her after she was released from Medical?” Luna countered. Neville winced and shook his head. “There is giving people space and giving people no support.”

Neville’s temper flared. “Then why didn’t you?”

“I didn’t want her to stay in Britain. It was, is, too dangerous for her.”

“Riddle is dead.”

“But people like Lucius Malfoy are still running around free,” Luna pointed out. “I wanted Hermione to be far away and safe. And she is. She’s where she’s meant to be.”

“With her mate.”

“Yes. He can and will protect her against the world.”

Neville considered the information and nodded slowly. “Harry and Ron don’t know.”

Luna snorted softly. “If they find out we’ll hear explosions and rants about gold diggers in Scotland!” She shot Neville a sharp look. “You better not tell them.”

“I won’t. If they bothered to do an internet search or read the tabloids they could have easily found out.” He made a face. “Lavender and Parvati might find out and talk.”

Luna shrugged. “Maybe. But they haven’t so far so I’m counting that as a blessing.”

“I am surprised there hasn’t been more publicity about her, some reporter digging into her background looking for scandal.”

Luna smiled slyly. “The Waynes are very influential. Bruce Wayne is particularly protective over his pack and his legal team is the best.”

Neville eyed his fiancée. “How do you know?”

“His third son, Tim Drake, he’s an online friend. He was looking for information. I helped for a bit of quid pro quo.” Luna’s expression softened. “Hermione is pregnant.”

Neville exhaled sharply. It had been a long heart-felt wish of their friend, to have a baby, to have a family, to fill the gaps in her heart. “I am happy for her.” He ate a spoon of his cream of leek soup. “Do you think we can send a mating gift for her?”

“I’ll ask Tim for ideas. A local store that accepts international online orders.”

“A chocolate and shortbread basket with those cheeses she likes? Or maybe herbal teas and a nice silverware set?”

“Either sounds nice. I’ll ask Tim if he knows of a place.”

Chapter Text

Blair Sandburg couldn’t help jigging his leg as he reviewed the printed documents and occasionally checking the scanned ones on his tablet. It was truly fascinating in a most horrific sense, the unique set of chemical reactions and genetics blending to create something that tend to fail in nature, only this time it grew and thrived beyond expectations.

“Part of it is her upbringing, her psychological stability,” Jim Ellison murmured. He too was going through the set of documents on his tablet.

“Genetics and environmental conditioning,” Blair countered. “She went through a prolonged terrible and intensive stressor surviving Riddle and his cult. I’ve seen perfectly stable individuals do a complete one-eighty with just environmental stressors.”

“Army training counts on that – breaking you down and building you up.”

“But Hermione Granger did not break down.”

“She’s Hermione Wayne now,” Jim pointed out mildly.

Blair made a face. “Bruce Wayne is going to be a problem.”

Jim sighed. “When is he not?” he asked rhetorically and both of them knew it.

Blair shrugged. “She has enough influence on him to bring us in. Perhaps she can persuade him to relax his stranglehold on Gotham.”

Jim frowned. “I wouldn’t recommend it Chief. Wayne and Batman are keystones keeping this city intact. There are too many outlaw hybrids, Rogues.”

“Arkham Asylum is a cesspool.” Blair stated flatly. “It needs to be torn down.”

“Make that recommendation. Granger, Wayne, she’ll probably take it better than her mate. If she sees the wisdom it will only help bring him around.”

Blair bit his lip. “Does she know? About his night life?”

Jim raised a sardonic eyebrow. “How can she not? She’s his Guide.”

Blair snorted because he had seen plenty of self-delusional arguments coming from people in denial, people who were smart and sharp about everything else in their lives. He inhaled deeply and checked his cell phone. They needed to leave now to meet Hermione Wayne on time.

“Relax Chief. It won’t take long to get to Wayne Towers.”

Blair frowned. “That’s another thing. Why are we meeting her at his business place?”

“He doesn’t trust to invite us into his home ground,” Jim pointed out.

Blair huffed. “We’ve already signed a phone book worth of NDAs. What more can he ask for?”

“Selective memory,” Jim murmured.

Blair shook his head sharply. “Let’s get going.”

~ooOoo~

Hermione inhaled deeply pressing against the slightly hard bump at her waist. It was disguised by the long-sleeved burgundy smock-like top matched with chocolate brown leggings and sand coloured ankle boots.

Blair Sandburg and Jim Ellison had signed each and every NDA Bruce had insisted on. She still wasn’t sure what the point of NDAs. If they were broken lawyers couldn’t do anything about the secrets exposed.

“Hermione? Your appointment is here.”

She looked up and smiled Tim, sweet gentle soul that insisted on staying close to her because Bruce was too irked to be close to another Sentinel Prime. She gave him a pointed look until he reluctantly retreated closing the door, leaving Hermione with the North American Primes.

The Sentinel and Guide Prime pair were older than she expected, worn from life and experiences but she could see the humor and patience in both. Jim Ellison reminded her a great deal of Batman, very no-nonsense.

“Mr Sandburg. Mr Ellison. Thank you for coming.” She did not hold out her hand. Getting their scent on her would be a very big no-no.

Blair Sandburg studied her intently with guileless blue eyes.

“What are you willing to share with us?” he asked bluntly. “We’ll help as much as we can but it’s going to be haphazard with incomplete information.”

Hermione inhaled deeply. “I’m willing to share and learn. My mate is more problematic.”

Jim Ellison snorted softly. “When has he not been so.” It wasn’t a question.

Hermione smiled wryly. “Probably when he was a child Mr Ellison. Before his parents died.” Before he awoke as a Sentinel, an Alpha Sentinel hybrid.

Jim Ellison nodded slowly. “Just call us Jim and Blair. We don’t stand much on formality.”

“Please call me Hermione.”

Jim inhaled deeply and met her eyes squarely. “Do you know?”

Hermione blinked mildly. “Know what?”

Jim huffed. “About his nightly illegal but well-intentioned activities?”

“I met him at night,” Hermione smiled briefly. “I don’t know why he keeps trying so hard when it’s pretty much pointless, an open secret in our circles.”

“Actually it’s not,” Blair admitted. “He’s very good at using scent blockers and false scents to mask and mislead. Only a few high level pairs in North America suspect and we all keep quiet out of respect. He is an Alpha Sentinel and the head of this territory.”

Hermione huffed. “His scent mark is all over Gotham. I’m honestly surprised none of the locals are pointing fingers at him.”

“The press is very attached to Brucie Wayne. They see the illusion more than the reality.”

“It helps that only low level Sentinels and Guides remain within Gotham. None of them have the skill to discern between false and true scents.”

“It won’t remain that way forever. Sooner or later he will be challenged by a high-level Sentinel who wants to challenge status quo.”

“And what do you plan on doing when that comes?”

“I will protect my mate using all means available,” she told them bluntly. She hesitated before expanding. “After mating with Bruce I developed several new gifts including a more advanced version of the Voice.”

“How so?”

“It’s more than the Guide Voice,” she admitted. “My packmates are trained to resist Alpha Commands and the Guide Voice. But they can’t resist my Voice.” She met their eyes squarely. “I’m worried about what I could do by accident, especially if I’m stressed and say something I don’t mean to.”

Blair relaxed. “Ah the Covalent Voice.”

Hermione blinked. “Excuse me?”

“It’s what the anecdotal evidence call the Voice of hybrid pairings.”

“You mean Bruce also has something similar?”

“He most likely does but it will take time and practice to use.”

“So it’s normal for hybrids?”

Blair smirked. “Not hybrids, only for those who the diaries describe as perfect pairings. Covalents.”

“High level DNA matches.”

“I believe so. The description fits. Of course they had no science to do DNA testing.”

“There have been no recent pairings?”

“Very few that have come forward,” Blair admitted. “One living pair in Japan. You two are the second.”

“I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for Bruce’s work,” Hermione admitted. “Something is going to happen sooner or later in Gotham and I’d rather be prepared for it.”

“We can help with that.” Blair assured her. “I’ve been combing through the archives since your match was announced. It’s mainly personal anecdotal evidence, nothing clinical. I was going to send the information if you hadn’t reached out.”

“I will appreciate the reading material. But what I really need is a sounding board, second opinions to help me develop my skills. Bruce is more… martial. I would prefer not to go down that path.”

“You’ve come to the right person,” Blair assured her. “I would strongly recommend you work with your mate. If your powers have increased his has as well. Stable high level dual bond pairings always end up being Covalent.”

“Covalent?”

“It’s the next level up. Sentinel. Sentinel Beta. Sentinel Prime. Sentinel Covalent.”

“The literature doesn’t have anything about Covalents.”

“Because they are always matched hybrids,” Blair explained. “And most of the time they are legends. What they can do has never been properly documented.”

“And we won’t be either,” Hermione insisted. “We’ll maintain diaries that we will share to any others in our situation.”

Blair nodded agreeably. “I can make a note in the Center Archives, to reach out to the Wayne estate if we have another high-level dual bond pairing.”

“What can you tell me about Covalents?”

“The Guide usually has additional healing abilities, empathy to promote calm and control over large crowds. I read a diary excerpt in which the Guide Covalent kept a town under siege calm and in control.”

“And the Sentinel?”

“They tend to be extra aggressive, to protect a highly desirable mate.”

Jim snorted softly. “Kinda explains why Batman chases competition out of Gotham.”

“Actually it has more to do with his Alpha traits. Most Sentinels, even high level ones, they are Betas. They leave because they aren’t welcome in his territory. Due to his hybrid status he has managed to maintain a claim over a large metropolitan city like Gotham; it would never have worked for a regular Sentinel, not without being bonded or having the support of the local prides.”

Hermione winced. “I’m working on him. He’s very territorial, and rightfully so. Most people can’t survive a Rogue attack. And honestly tell me, as a Sentinel, ex-military, and retired police officer, can you stand back and watch it happen?”

Jim winced. “I’d like to think I’m smarter now. But when I was younger… yeah I can see your point. A lot of young hot-heads will get themselves killed.”

“He has changed, made exceptions, but only to those who have proven themselves, followed his lead,” Hermione pointed out. “There was a time when he refused to associate with the Justice League. Now he is the key financial supporter.”

Blair nodded. “We know. It’s one of the reasons why no one from the Prime Council has pushed him on this.”

“Thank you.” She inhaled deeply and rolled her shoulders. “So where do we begin?”

“Does this building have a shielded meditation room?”

“Bruce has one on the executive floor that is rarely used. I’ve reserved it for us.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Bruce excused himself from patrol when Hermione sent a message saying she would not be returning to the manor, that she was staying overnight in Gotham.

He went to the penthouse and waited. Review of security camera footage indicated she had been cloistered almost the whole day with the Primes. There had been breaks and interactions with Tim, mainly for supplies and food delivery. Even dinner was takeout being delivered to the Wayne Enterprises Tower. An alert indicated she had swiped out of the building. Cameras showed her getting into a rental car with the Primes. Instinct urged him to run out and track down his wayward pregnant mate. Trust made him stay put and wait. Hermione was loyalty personified; she would come to him. A ding from the tablet confirmed that she had swiped into the penthouse elevator and was on the way up.

The door opened and it felt like a weighted harness had dropped from his shoulders. He could smell her, the base spicy scent now laced with milk and honey indicating her pregnancy. There was very little foreign scent on her; the Primes had been very respectful about keeping their distance. Bruce didn’t care why. Hermione was his but it had been too long since he had had minimal skin contact, since breakfast. He hoped this separation anxiety would wane at some point. He would be useless if he could not leave her for long-term missions that the League sometimes required.

She dropped a heavy messenger bag next to the door and toed off her shoes. She looked up at him and smiled knowingly. Bruce internally pouted at his inability to surprise her.

“Blair and I were laying bets on whether you’d show up tonight. He thought Batman would be more restrained.”

She walked over to stand in front of him. She gripped the front of his shirt and stood up on tip toe to kiss him deeply. She broke the kiss and leaned back. “I know Bruce is both possessive and protective.”

Bruce frowned faintly. “They know?”

She gave him a pointed look. “How can they not?”

He inhaled deeply and recalled how it felt to weave his mind through his mate’s, how to perceive reality and the psionic plane through her mental gifts. It was very different from how Sentinels perceived the physical world but no less valid. A high level Guide could not be easily fooled except by sophisticated mental compartmentalization, not a sustainable long-term strategy.

He tugged-guided her to the living room, settling on a sofa and pulling her down to sit and lean against him. She complied and relaxed as he wrapped his arms around her and settled his hands on the slight curve at her waist. He had his suspicions but was content to wait for Leslie to confirm them. He nuzzled the side of her neck, licking the scars from his bite. She shivered slightly and tilted her head, baring more of her neck to him. He took his time tonguing the slender column, coating her with his saliva, his scent.

She made a soft sound and shifted to climb into his lap, to press against his front straddling over his legs to grind down against his hardening cock. She moaned and closed her eyes to enjoy the sensations.

He gripped her hips and pulled her down hard against the ridge of his erect cock. “Look at me,” he ordered.

She opened her eyes and blinked dazedly, pupils were so dilated the irises were thin pale brown rings around black.

“Who am I?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. “Bruce. Alpha. Sentinel. Mate. Lover. Husband. Mine.”

It was the last word that settled the small tendril of unease, the fear that the foreign Primes would have turned her against him.

She kissed him again, slow and languid. He gripped the bottom of her tunic and tugged it upwards until it was over her shoulders and head, then off her arms and tossed aside. Her breasts were encased in her practical cotton bras. He tugged the cups down until the full curves were resting outside the cups, framed by the straps and band. Her nipples were a darker rose-pink, hard and engorged from arousal. He could not resist latching onto one breast, tasting and teasing the sensitive flesh with teeth, tongue, and lips. She gasped and ran her fingers through his hair and clenched hard tugging as her climax built. Pregnancy had increased her sensitivity and desire for intimacy and Bruce was more than willing to indulge his mate. She pressed her breast into his mouth and screamed softly as she came.

She sagged against him boneless and soft. It was easy to grip her thighs to hold her against him as he stood up and walked to the bedroom. He laid her down against the black Egyptian cotton sheets and tugged her leggings and panties off at the same time. Her curls were damp from her release. A quick swipe through her slit reassured him she did not need any extra prep. He needed her. Now.

She lifted her hips and wrapped her legs around his waist as he knelt between her legs and then over her, caging her under his body as he reinforced his claim over her. Her flesh always gave way easily when he took her, opening for him without resistance, her cunt a tight sleeve around his cock.

“That’s because you only have to look at me to make me hot,” she murmured.

He couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped. He thrust hard enough to shift her across the sheets.

She dug her nails into the planes of his shoulders, hard enough to draw blood. Her breath hitched as she bit her lip and inhaled deeply and exhaled. He could feel her power stir beneath her skin, spread down her throat and through her arms, to her hands, into him where she had drawn blood. It was a warm golden tingle, spicy like her scent. He could feel the warmth spread down his back to the old wound where Bane had broken his back.

“There’s something wrong,” she murmured shifting her hands so they passed under his arms to wrap around his torso, to stroke down his back past old scars and unerringly to the site of the old injury.

She looked up at him with eyes flickering gold sparks in the irises. She reached up and twisted, rolling so he was beneath her on his back and she was astride him, hands on his shoulders. He groaned when the last inches of his cock slid home and the tip pressed up against her cervix. He was fully sheathed within her. She was below average height and he was much larger than her. They had to be careful when her pregnancy progressed.

“Not if I’m past my due date,” she murmured. “Semen and oxytocin from orgasms would help encourage labour.”

He groaned as graphic images flashed into his mind. Of him taking his heavily pregnant mate, filling her with his cum as contractions rippled through her taunt belly. The gush of amniotic fluids rinsing his cum out. Her juicy slit stretching and opening to birth their pup, their child.

He came in a hard rush coating her inner walls. He could feel her climax ripple through her body, around his cock, in his mind. He felt her collapse on top, plastered against his torso undulating gently against his hips, his now softening cock. He really wished he could knot her outside of a heat or rut. He liked keeping her plugged up and full of his cum.

“We can use a toy for that. And you’ll owe me for walking around all day filled with more than your baby,” she murmured.

He choked and couldn’t help laughing. For someone so inexperienced, Hermione had a wicked tongue and unabashed interest in kinks and sexual experimentation.

Then he realised something and went still. For the first time in years the constant low-grade pain in his back was gone. He twisted slightly, curling around his mate and was stunned to realise there was no pain.

“What did you do?”

“Something Blair theorized. Most guides are empathic healers but Covalents have the potential for physical healing,” she murmured. “It’s not something I’m willing to test outside our pack.” She met his gaze. “It wouldn’t have caused any damage. If it didn’t work it would have just been like a deep tissue massage.”

“How do you know that?”

“I’m reading the diaries of other Covalent Guides. I have a lot of reading to do. So do you. You may get new ideas on what you can do. Blair says you should also have something similar to the Voice I have.”

Bruce absorbed the information and shrugged internally. Ever since Hermione had come into his life he had learnt to accept the changes she triggered. Fighting her was a futile endeavour in most cases.

“Okay.”

She pushed herself up on his chest to meet his eyes. “Okay? That’s it?”

“I’ll worry about it later. Right now I’m more interested in trying a few positions my back did not allow before.”

She looked intrigued. “Oh?”

He smirked up at her. “Yes, oh.”

And then he rolled her beneath him to do just that.

~ooOoo~

Across the city the North America Primes settled into the suite assigned to them by the Sentinel Guide Centre on Gotham’s outskirts.

“What do you think of Hermione?” Blair wanted to know his partner’s thoughts now that they were behind shielded rooms.

“She’s a wily one and I’ve seen plenty of wily guides; in fact I have a particularly wily one myself.” Jim smirked at Blair’s laugh. “Honestly Chief, if she were a man I’d say she has balls of steel, correction, balls of pure titanium.”

“I’d say she has titanium in her spine,” Blair admitted. “There’s no way a weaker mind and soul would last being bonded to Batman, to Bruce Wayne.”

Jim made a face. “His kids are trouble. Entitled little shits. Especially the youngest.”

“Tim isn’t.”

“And that’s why he’s going to be in her court when she’s ready.”

Blair blinked and nodded slowly. “I can see that,” he admitted sitting down on the edge of the bed.

“Wayne is going to resist meeting us,” Jim predicted. “He’s going to use every excuse and then some to cancel, reschedule, and delay.”

Blair smirked. “I have faith in Hermione’s ability to manage her mate. After all she did get him to invite us into Gotham.”

Chapter Text

Hermione shifted slightly as her mind roused into wakefulness. Something was different, not wrong, just different. Bruce was lying next to her, pulling her into the planes of his body. Stephanie was with Tim, both asleep – she must have spent the night with him. Cassandra was meditating. Uncle Alfred was sleeping.

Then she felt it. Tingling in her nipples. Not arousal. She gasped when she felt moisture spread across her cotton tank top, her preferred nightwear. The scent of milk filled the room. Instinct made her reach out and shake her mate awake.

“Bruce. I’m lactating.”

He was awake and more aware than her, nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply, eyes widening as he recognize the new scent. His eyes focused on her chest. His hands went to push the tank up to expose her breasts.

She could read his base desire to latch on and drink her milk, her first milk for her pack. Traditionally it was reserved for the pack Alpha. Bruce would be entirely within his rights to do so. It spoke to his character that he restrained from doing so uninvited.

She lifted one hand to rake his hair back, to gently scrape his scalp and rub circles at the top of his spine.

“Alpha, will you milkbond with me?”

Omegas could initiate milkbonds with select pack members to help increase stability of a large pack Alpha heavy pack. Unfortunately it was a rare phenomena in the modern era due to the rarity of large complex packs. Modern Omegas preferred to wait it out and let the milk dry than form bonds that could potentially challenge an Alpha. Milkbonding was the Omega’s choice and if the Omega was strong enough it could supersede a weak Alpha packbond; an Omega could form his or her own Court. Hermione was not interested in weakening Bruce’s pack, only in enhancing and strengthening their bonds.

“You honour me,” he murmured.

She tightened her grip in his scalp hard enough to hurt. “You are mine Bruce. I will have you in every which way I can.” She pulled his head down to kiss him hard.

He softens the kiss turning it into a languid exchange of saliva and taste. “Who else?” he asks after finally breaking it.

She did not have to think. “Uncle and Tim.”

He stills and nods. “I would be surprised if they weren’t on your list.”

“Stephanie is a possibility but she’s out of town. I have issues with everyone else. The edges are getting sanded smooth but they are still there. I don’t have the trust needed and I don’t believe they do either.”

“I don’t think it will ever be there with Jason and Damian.”

“You underestimate your sons,” she chided him mildly. “It may take years but they will eventually come to me. I am content to wait.” She looked at him. “I’m not going to push myself on either of them Bruce. If they decide to never approach me I’m fine with that.”

Bruce inhaled deeply. “I’m comfortable with that Hermione. Jason is not completely stable. And Damian… there are still League influences in him.”

“I’m going to see if Blair can help with Jason’s situation. A different form of therapy to purify or contain the Lazarus Pits.”

“I would prefer you do not tell the Primes about the Pits.”

“Blair controls a Pit in the Cascades. It was part of a drug-investigations seizure. The Center controls several others internationally. The Centre knows about the League and the Pits. There are archives restricted to high level Primes that document Sentinels and Guides clashing with the League. Ra’s hates us because he is a dormant Sentinel. He recruits Sentinels and Guides but the corruption drives them into dormancy or damages their gifts.”

Bruce’s eyes widened. “What?!?”

“It’s on an independent network. Downloads and transfers are strictly regulated.” Hermione murmured. “Sentinels and Guides hear a lot Bruce and the modern Centers make it a point to consolidate the information. It’s only the oaths and practice to serve humanity that has kept governments from trying to nationalize us.”

Bruce sat up straight. “What do I have to do to get access?”

Hermione smirked. “Meet with Blair and Jim. Acknowledge your status as Gotham’s Sentinel Prime. And act like it.”

Bruce glowered and huffed.

“Debate the pros and cons later Bruce. I want to milkbond with you. Now.”

He shifted and lowered his head to wrap his lips around one nipple.

Hermione groaned as he began to suck strongly. She could feel her nerves flaring and flaring right down into her core. She sincerely hoped she didn’t have an erotic reaction when milkbonding with Uncle Alfred and Tim. That would be embarrassing.

~ooOoo~

Hermione slipped into a tank and cotton lounge pants after a quick shower. A robe went on top as she hurried downstairs to catch Alfred before anyone else woke up.

He was in the kitchen prepping for the buffet style breakfast because everyone in the household woke at different times.

“Good morning Hermione! You’re up early.” He was chopping up onions, peppers and ham for Western omelettes.

“I wanted to speak to you in private Uncle Alfred.” He paused in his chopping and looked up at her. “I’m lactating and I want to milkbond with you.”

He put down his knife and wiped his hands on a tea towel. “With me?”

“I’ve milkbonded with Bruce. Now I want to milkbond with you.” She reached out and touched his hand. “You are very dear to me. I’ve talked to Bruce about this and he doesn’t have any concerns. I know this might seem improper but I really really want this. I trust you Uncle and I want the strongest connection we can have.” She hesitated. “I’d give you time to think about it but I don’t know how long I’ll lactate.”

The elderly man opened and shut his mouth and then huffed. “If you want this old Beta in your court then I am honoured.”

Hermione relaxed relieved. “Please join me in the Sun Room. I’ve set up a Nest in the corner.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’ve been very careful to not go near it.”

“You are welcome in my Nest as kin, honoured elder, and advisor.”

~ooOoo~

Much later the younger members of the Wayne pack stumbled down to the kitchen, for caffeine and food. The kitchen was rich with the scent of coffee, cooked sausages, bacon, and Western omelettes. Above all was the scent of milk laced with honey, Omega milk. Everyone looked around to find the expected source of the scent: Hermione Granger. She was nowhere to be seen.

Dick was the first one to notice something else was different.

“Alfred, you smell… different?”

Alfred gave Dick a patient look before passing over a cup of coffee to Tim. “Hermione is waiting for you in the Sun Room. She’s lactating.”

Everyone froze. Damian was the first one to explode. “Why is that harlot honoring the interloper—.” And was cut off by Cassandra smacking him upside the head.

“You don’t want her as pack mother,” she signed. “So why do you want her milkbond?”

Alfred ignored the two of them and nudged Tim to his feet. “Take your coffee and go.”

Tim glanced over to his brothers with wary distrust. Damian was furious, Jason was sullen, Dick was distraught. He looked at Alfred who continued to meet his eyes. “She’s waiting.” The elderly Beta ignored the others. “She asked for you.”

The butler and Casssandra intercepted the other three males and kept them contained to the kitchen while Tim escaped.

“Why Alfred?” Dick wanted to know.

“Because Hermione asked for Tim and Tim alone,” Alfred told him bluntly. “And it is her choice with whom she offers to milkbond, not ours.”

“Does Bruce know?” Jason asked.

“He does,” the patriarch of the house murmured as he entered the kitchen in pajama pants, slippers, and an open quilted robe. He poured himself a cup of coffee and drank half of it before topping the cup up and claiming a chair at the kitchen table. He met each of his sons’ eyes before speaking. “Hermione asked me first. To bond and for permission. I have no concerns.”

Jason made a sound of disgust. “How can you say that? Another guy is going to—.”

Blue eyes turned glacial with rage. “Stop it!” He turned to his other sons. “Do you feel the same way?” Dick looked away and refused to answer but Damian was quick to answer “Yes”. Bruce huffed and looked at Alfred who gave him a long-suffering look.

“I blame popular media and the internet,” the Beta answered the unvoiced question.

Bruce turned to his sons. “Lactating and breast feeding are not purely sexual acts. They have other purposes that come before kinks or eroticism.” He made a soft sound of disgust. “This is exactly why Hermione holds the three of you at arms length. She knows you don’t respect her as a woman, Omega or Guide,” he ignored the protests from Dick. “You may grudgingly respect her professional skills and competence but she’s more than that and right now her Omega and Guide sides are the ones in play. You believe her weak and submissive. Even after all you’ve seen and heard you still think she rolls over for me because I’m the Alpha.” Bruce glared at Dick. “Is that how you see Wally? Weaker and less able because he is Omega?”

“No!” Dick protested.

“Then why do you treat her like that? Do you think my Sentinel side would accept someone weak? Someone who would comply with my every order? I’d like to know what drug you are hallucinating on because she’s doing the exact opposite and turning my world upside down.”

“You just want her to keep spreading her legs for you,” Damian snarled.

Bruce gave his youngest son an incredulous look. “Of course I do. She’s my mate. I want to please her. I want her happy so I can feel it in our bond, our minds. She doesn’t ask for anything material, not for herself. And I know she was not given the respect she deserves because she was ‘just a Guide’ an ‘unbonded undesirable Guide’ because she valued her beliefs and morals more than popular opinion. She ignores slights against herself but she’s furious with her old colleagues and schoolmates who are trying to use scanty history to get an in with Bruce Wayne’s wife and mate.

“None of you would have experienced that in recent years, not as Alpha males but if you care to remember you have faced similar blatant prejudices when you were younger.” He looked at Dick and Jason pointedly and they looked away shame-faced. Bruce sipped his coffee and leaned back in his chair. “You may lie to yourselves but you can never lie to Hermione. She knows how you truly feel and can see it in your behaviour. She doesn’t trust any of you.” He looked at Cassandra. “She hasn’t had much time to get to know you Cass.”

Cassandra nodded and signed. “Pack Mother, old unseen hurts. Would-be pack no help. Slow trust.”

“Please stay in Gotham. At least until the pup is born.”

Cassandra thought hard and nodded before signing, “Will stay.”

~ooOoo~

Tim made his way to the Sun Room. It wasn’t a favoured spot except as a hiding place. Hermione had pretty much claimed it as her private place, her Nest, except she didn’t really invite anyone into it to cuddle. It was more of a private parlour and reading room slash office.

“Hermione?” He moved past the cane chairs towards the bower at the back. Hermione had set up her nest in a niche. Panels of lace and chiffon curtained the area off but he could smell the milk-and-honey scent more strongly now.

“Come in Tim,” she called out. “Please remove your shoes first.”

Tim had never been invited into another Omega’s public nest. Steph really didn’t build nests anywhere but in her bedroom, the same with Tim. Tim supposed it made sense for the Head Alpha’s mate to have a public nest where she could cuddle with pack members without inviting them into her private bedroom. Omegas in Bruce’s pack really didn’t nest cuddle; they just chose to snuggle with other pack members in the AV room while watching movies.

He pushed the curtains aside and knelt down to avoid getting entangled with the panels of suspended chiffon forming a ceiling. He crawled into an area covered by a padded mat, the base of a nest made of pillows, blankets, sheets, throws and plush towels. The most prominent scents were those of Hermione and Bruce but Tim could catch a different fresh scent: Alfred. Hermione was sitting cross-legged in a circle of pillows dressed in burgundy lounge pants and a gray tank top.

“Come Tim,” she greeted patting her lap. Tim hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to do this. “Just put your head in my lap. We’ll figure out the logistics later.”

“How did… Alfred?”

“We used the chairs. I didn’t want to stress his knees.”

“We can use chairs,” Tim offered.

“No. You need some quality cuddle time.”

Tim felt like an awkward colt as he crawled towards Hermione and twisted to settle his head in her lap. He was a bit stunned when she slid an arm behind his head and lifted him up towards her chest while her other hand pushed her top up. Tim felt horribly embarrassed and wanted to close his eyes. It was like seeing his sister undressed.

“How do you handle your team mates needing medical treatment?” she asked bluntly.

Tim froze and opened his mouth then shut it, because she was right. That made him relax and shift closer to Hermione, allowing the bare skin and the soft curve of her breast to press against his face. It sort of felt good, the skin-to-skin contact.

“Oh it should darling,” Hermione murmured. “Breastfeeding is how mothers bond with their babies. There is nothing wrong with bottle feeding but skin-to-skin is a must.”

“I honestly can’t remember anything like that and I remember things from when I was two,” Tim admitted. “I had a nanny since I was three months and they cuddled me but it was always with clothes on.”

“What about in the summer time? Shorts and a tee? Or a tank top? In the water?”

Tim shook his head. “Just quick hugs and pats on the head.”

“Oh Tim,” Hermione sounded sad and pissed off. Then she practically shoved her breast into his mouth. “Just drink,” she murmured carding her fingers through his hair, scraping her nails over his scalp.

And he did. It was awkward at first. It took a few fumbles to get a rhythm, but when he did it was almost self-hypnotic. Tim found himself falling into a semi-daze as he sucked. He was barely aware of Hermione breaking the latch and shifting to push her other breast into his mouth. It was only when that breast ran dry did Tim come out of the daze, the inside of his mouth coated with milk and his belly oddly full.

He blinked up at Hermione who was stroking his hair with a sad protective look. “What?”

“Oh Tim, if you ever feel the need to cuddle, or if you feel alone and sad, please come to me. I will always be there for you,” she murmured pressing kisses against his forehead. “You are my little brother, my packmate, and I love you for who you are.”

“Hermione?”

“You feel so lonely and isolated, so different from others, like you don’t have a place, that you have to work and earn it. You don’t have to do that with me because you’ll always have a place in my circle.”

Tim blinked back tears and nodded. “Thank you Hermione.”

“Thank you Tim,” she told him firmly. “You are part of my court now and I always protect what matters to me. I will protect you if anyone attacks you, even family.”

“You don’t have to do that!”

“I want to. Because you’re mine.”

Tim didn’t know what to say so he didn’t say anything. He simply cried as Hermione hugged him tight.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Barbara Gordon tried to ignore her ex-boyfriend pacing around her Clock Tower office, her preferred workstation for Oracle. This had become a recurring feature in recent weeks, since Bruce mated and then married Hermione Granger. Dick would show up, complain about the Head Omega, then flounce off. It had become a more frequent occurence she milkbonded with only Tim out of the younger pack members. Bruce and Alfred were understandable and expected but Tim was a bit of an outlier. Not a very major one since he and Steph had helped Hermione settle in, but still.

“I don’t understand your problem,” Barbara stated bluntly. “She’s not playing games or tricks like most of Bruce’s old girlfriends. She’s said it bluntly enough that she didn’t trust easily or quickly and she finds most of us wanting. Because we didn’t tone down Jason.”

“Why should we? Jason is Jason!” Dick waved his hands wildly.

“Because he is your packmate? What he does reflects on you as well? We all know why Bruce will avoid disciplining him but that doesn’t excuse his cruel and crude behaviour to someone who did nothing to deserve it. Like Tim. Like Hermione.” Barbara sighed. “I never really thought about it but she’s right, Jason is misogynist towards Omegas.” It was something Barbara had seen plenty of though never experienced personally due to her Beta status.

“But why Tim?” Dick was baffled.

Barbara shrugged. “She sees something she likes in him.” Her eyes narrowed. “She sees herself. Omega and smart. Under-valued by others, by you, by Alphas. Treated with disdain by colleagues who should offer respect, by Damian, by Jason. If he was younger she would have claimed him as her pup.”

Dick froze because it made too much sense.

“I really would not complain to Bruce. She’s not actively harming you or impacting your pack bonds. In fact I’d say she’s avoiding any interactions with you boys.” Which was true. “Alfred is her beloved kin. Her next favourite is Tim followed by Stephanie. Cassandra has an automatic in because she’s Tim’s favourite.” Barbara waited for Dick to meet her eyes before continuing. “You have to work to earn her affection. It’s not going to be quick and easy Dick. She’s firmly on Tim’s side and as long as you keep giving Damian and Jason slack she won’t give any to you.”

Dick frowned. “So I have to submit and roll over?”

Barbara snorted. “Of course not. Hermione will be perfectly happy with ignoring you for the next few years while you get your head out of your ass.” Dick’s head jerked up. “This is your fault Dick. You can’t charm your way out of this like you usually do. She’s holding you accountable for your choices and actions like a good Pack Head.”

Dick pressed his lips together tightly and looked away, refusing to respond.

Barbara shook her head and focused her attention on the numbers she was running for an upcoming Birds of Prey mission.

Chapter Text

Jason knew he had fucked up. First off by underestimating someone who was Alfie’s blood relative, one who was a DNA match-mate to Bruce. Second by allowing old prejudices to rear their head, to ignore Omegas as weaker and lesser. He’d learnt that the hard way with Replacement and Blondie.

“So when are you going to man up and apologize?” He looked up at Roy who was filling Lian’s plate with some steamed vegetable. Roy ignored the heated look directed his way and continued encouraging her to eat. “You can ignore things changing around you and pretend everything is just fine and dandy.”

Jason made a face. That did not sit well with him either. He was used to getting up close and personal with scum that would terrify the average civilian. He was not going to act like one of those sheep and play ostrich.

“I’m gonna apologize.”

“When?”

“Tonight.” A long pause. “Will you come with me? For moral support.”

Roy eyed his taller broader friend. “Only if I get invited to one of Alfred’s dinners.”

“Yeah sure. I’ll let him know you are eating with us.” Jason thought for a moment. “Can Lian join us? Hermione’s too civilized to let things get into a shouting match.”

“And you’re counting on my daughter’s cuteness to soften her up.”

“Yeah.”

“As long as I get a batch of Alfred’s cookies to take home.”

~ooOoo~

There was pin-drop silence in the dining room while Hermione processed what she had just heard. A genuine apology from Jason Todd for his actions and behaviour towards Tim and Hermione.

“I’m probably going to backslide at times and will need to be called out,” he concluded. “Roy pointed out my behaviour wasn’t fair or rational. He would never tolerate anyone who would treat Lian like that so why should anyone else take that shit from me.”

She was vaguely aware of the other members of the family almost petrified with shock. Bruce was stunned and pleased, and hurt that Jason had responded well to tough love from Hermione but had rejected all of Bruce’s attempts to reconcile.

You’re his father, love. Little boys expect more from mummy and daddy. They’re supposed to be perfect and make everything right.

Hermione nodded slowly and verbally responded to Jason. “I understand. It’s not like there are recognized therapies for Lazarus Pits madness.”

Everyone froze except Bruce. Jason shifted to glare at the older Alpha. “You told her?” he growled enraged eyes flashing green.

“He didn’t have to tell me anything,” Hermione murmured picking up her cup of herbal tea, sipping the honey-sweetened hot liquid. “The Centre knows about Ra’s and the Pits. They’ve done some research into the Pits and have developed some therapies. Nothing FDA approved,” she cautioned.

Jason went still and set his cup of after-dinner coffee down. “What kind of therapies?”

“I’ve read a few cases where a Covalent Pair successfully burnt out the chemicals causing mental instability. It was usually done within a few weeks after exposure. I’m not sure how successful it will be in your case because it’s had more than a year to root in your psyche.”

“I want to try it,” Jason insisted.

“Ok. I can introduce you to Blair Sandburg about setting up a meeting with a high level Covalent Pair in Japan. You will be expected to keep their identities confidential from everyone, except perhaps Bruce and myself. Blair is probably going to introduce me to them and I can’t keep many secrets from Bruce.”

Jason blinked. “I have to go to Japan?”

Hermione gave him a sharp look. “They are a pair of elderly monks who haven’t left their temple in decades. You have to go to them.”

“Wait a sec, you’re a Covalent Guide. Why can’t you do it?” Teal green eyes sharpened. “Or is it dangerous for the kid?”

Hermione blinked and shook her head. “I thought it would be easier for you to accept treatment from strangers, doctors, rather than your estranged father and his mate.” She glanced at Bruce. “There are parts of the ritual that requires trust and submission. And you made it very clear you weren’t interested in following orders from us.”

Jason went very still. “Can I think about it?”

Hermione shrugged mentally. “Let me know in two weeks. Blair is leaving Gotham in a month; if you want me to do it I would prefer to conduct it under his watch.”

Jason nodded sharply. “I’ll let you know in a few days.”

“Which means he’s going to say yes but is delaying to save face,” Roy Harper commented lightly from where he was helping his daughter eat her slice of chocolate mousse cake.

Hermione ignored the grumbles from Jason because she had figured it out herself. “And what is your role in this little drama Mr Harper?”

“Moral support. To make sure Jase didn’t chicken out,” Roy answered just as bluntly.

“And your price?”

“Alfred’s cooking.”

That set off a round of laughter that turned into casual conversation as everyone polished off their desserts and drinks.

Hermione focused on finishing her cheesecake as she linked with her mate.

Are you finally going to meet Blair and Jim in person? It would be best to get trained in case Jason asks us to do the ritual.

He glowered and grumbled behind his stoic impassive visage but Hermione was unmoved. She focused on consuming her treat while she waited for his answer.

Tomorrow. After lunch.

Wayne Towers?

No. Ask them to come to the Manor.

She smirked and fed him the last bite of her cheesecake.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Blair couldn’t quite control his expression as Mr Alfred Pennyworth (a real English butler) led them into Bruce Wayne’s home office. Vaguely he wondered what the office was going to look like – heavy wood and leather traditionalism or chrome and glass modernity? He was a bit miffed that Jim wasn’t so influenced by the very expensive surroundings.

“I grew up in a very similar environment Chief. My father’s place wasn’t old but it was expensive and he spent a lot in keeping it immaculate.” Then Jim smirked. “And you owe me twenty bucks.”

Blair was confused. “What for?”

“You said Bruce Wayne would never invite us into his home ground.”

“But that was before I met Hermione in person!” Blair protested. Then to his surprise Alfred Pennyworth chuckled.

“She does have that effect.”

“She’s like a boulder when she wants something,” Blair agreed. “She’ll drag you down until you give in.” He grinned. “I like that.”

Mr Pennyworth made a thoughtful sound. “I’d like to say that she is very determined. And she knows how to handle equally determined people.”

Blair nodded. “True.” Then he eyed the older Beta male shrewdly. “You know a lot about what happens in this house.”

The Englishman stopped outside a heavily carved door and met Blair’s eyes. “I do.” Then he knocked twice on the door before opening it immediately. “Master Bruce, Hermione, your guests have arrived.” He moved to one side to allow Blair and Jim to step in.

Blair watched Hermione come around from behind the massive desk that had a single oversized chair currently occupied by a broad-shouldered man with dark hair and shrewd stormy blue eyes. He had a pretty good idea of how they had been occupying themselves and Jim’s wrinkled nose confirmed it. The office had to have exceptional shielding to have kept him from feeling those emotions. And Jim from sensing it before actual entry.

“Thank you for taking the time to drive out here,” Hermione spoke calmly with a faint smile before stopping a few feet away. “Guide Prime Blair Sandburg and Sentinel Prime Jim Ellison, please be welcome in our home. This is my husband and Alpha Sentinel Bruce Wayne. Please, choose a chair and sit down.”

She indicated the comfy armchairs and loveseats set up in a corner around a coffee table set with a waiting tray of baked snacks and napkins. There were two insulated carafes on the sideboard along with creamer, sugar cubes, and lemon wedges for tea and coffee along with a small stack of cups and silver teaspoons.

Blair chose a loveseat and watched Jim choose to stand near a window looking out into an immaculate landscape.

“Your boys are running wild,” he commented before joining Blair. “Ganging up on Tim.”

“Cassandra will smack them into place,” Hermione countered placidly.

Blair snorted. “She’d better. Sandra would never tolerate anyone treating an Omega as lesser.” He felt the other Sentinel stiffen and then rise to come around the massive desk.

“What do you know about Cassandra?” His voice was low and gravelly, quite unlike the jovial light-hearted tones used in press conferences and interviews.

Blair forced himself to meet steely gray blue eyes and respond evenly. “Just the basics. She’s the daughter of Sandra Woosan, Lady Shiva, and David Cain.” He made a face. “Sandra really messed up leaving her daughter behind. Cain… Cain is Outlaw.” He saw the surprise on the Gotham billionaire’s face.

“Outlaw?” Bruce asked, settling down next to Hermione.

“It’s a Sentinel-Guide concept,” Hermione explained. “When a member of the Pride does something unacceptable they are excommunicated by the Council of Primes. It’s pretty rare nowadays. It’s basically a precursor to calling a Hunt.”

“Cain is a Sentinel?” Blair could hear the incredulity in the younger man’s voice.

Jim smiled grimly. “Was. He’s dormant now.”

Bruce Wayne was clearly stunned. “I didn’t hear anything about that.”

“It happened when he was a teenager. He declined registration and no one thought much of it; he wasn’t the strongest Sentinel to begin with and Cain felt gypped. So he focused on developing his martial arts skills. He had a sociopathic personality from a young age but was never caught doing anything criminal when underage.”

Bruce turned to Hermione. “Did you know?”

Hermione blinked mildly. “Before I met Blair and Jim? No. I did know the League of Assassins had a large percentage of dormant Sentinels and Guides. Sociopaths. I scanned Cassandra to make sure she didn’t have any triggers.”

“Jonn’z didn’t find anything.”

“He wouldn’t find anything embedded in the psionic plane.” Bruce was clearly confused so Hermione expanded. “It’s not common knowledge or a wide-spread skill. It’s possible to bury commands in non Sentinels and Guides, because their minds don’t have natural shields. Ra’s could easily have paid for triggers to be inserted in his prized agents.”

“Did you find anything?”

“Just the ground work for one. She must have left before it was inserted. I dismantled it and set up some protections for her.”

“You didn’t mention anything about it.”

“Cassandra asked for privacy and I honoured it,” Hermione explained simply.

“Does anyone else know?”

She shook her head. “No. I did the work in the gazebo out back.”

Bruce stared straight at Blair. “How much influence do Sentinels and Guides really have?”

Blair grinned. “That’s for us to know and you to figure out. If you can,” he taunted.

Hermione snorted before picking up a tiny jam tart and popping it in her mouth. After chewing and swallowing she expanded. “In the digital era sharing and collating information is natural. The psionic plane enhances that ability.” She smirked. “Barbara can learn a thing or two from Felicity Smoak. She’s the Head of SG Data Security.”

Bruce frowned. “Isn’t she an old associate of Ollie’s? They parted ways years ago.”

“Yes,” Blair murmured. “She was a Guide assigned to keep an eye on Oliver Queen. There was some belief he would awaken as a Sentinel after his experiences.”

“He didn’t,” Bruce murmured.

“He didn’t,” Blair agreed. “Once Felicity was certain she arranged to cut her ties.”

“The Center have fingers in a lot of pies,” Bruce murmured.

“We do. Just like you do through Wayne Enterprises,” Blair pointed out mildly. “You insisted on standing away from the Community. As long as your actions weren’t severe enough to call for Outlaw status we politely ignored you and your colleagues.”

“Why me?” Bruce wanted to know. “There are other Sentinels and Guides in the League.”

“They aren’t hybrids. They weren’t Prime despite being unbonded. They didn’t have the potential to reach Covalence.”

“Potential?” Bruce challenged. “I thought I’ve reached it as a mated hybrid.”

“You now have the potential but unless you work to achieve it you won’t.”

“I told you Bruce, you have a lot to learn,” Hermione explained softly. “Everything I’ve shared with you are the basics. To really level up we need teachers.”

Understanding dawned “The pair in Japan.”

“Saitou and Aoshi have indicated they will teach but only the both of us, together,” Hermione stated bluntly. “We have time to make a decision.”

“You’re hiding things.”

“Things that have to do with the Sentinel-Guide Community, yes,” Hermione responded in even unflinching tones. “You made it clear you were uninterested in forming connections.” Then she smiled slyly. “Until very recently.”

Bruce Wayne groaned. “Hermione, you’re killing me.”

“No I’m not. I’m simply pointing out the errors of your ways.”

“By rubbing it in my face.”

“Yes.”

Blair felt sorry for the poor guy. It was clear he adored his mate but wasn’t sure how to take a stand against her in matters regarding Sentinels and Guides.

“She’s running rings around you and winning. You don’t have information man,” Blair pointed out kindly. “The best thing would be to ask questions and study.”

Bruce Wayne sighed and met Blair’s eyes. “Would you be willing to teach me?”

Blair blinked. “Sure. But you’d probably get more working with Jim. I can load you with reading assignments that gives more depth into ancient and current history and politics.” He pulled his messenger back onto his lap and pulled out three tablets. “You have meditation and yoga down pat so it would be best to focus on factuals. These two have data on history and current politics. This one has information on our physiology and connection to the psionic plane. It might make something go click when you go through it. Now,” Blair’s expression was hard. “The information will remain strictly on the tablets. You are not allowed to download, duplicate, or share any of it. This is Sentinel Guide business and is not to be even used in reference with the caped crowd, or even with other Sentinels and Guides.”

“What if I need the information for a case?”

“Contact me, the Center, ask us for the data. We will selectively release what is required. Mr Wayne, what we have collected is sensitive and dangerous. We will not share it freely unless there is provable need.”

Bruce glared but Blair was not budging. He’d seen worse from enemies and allies. He helped himself to two jam tarts before Jim could finish off the platter. “Do you have more of these?” he asked Hermione.

“Uncle Alfred is baking more for tea time. Two hours.”

Blair sighed mournfully. “Do you think I can have a Tupperware for take away? I don’t have a kitchen and most cafe pastries aren’t as good as these.”

“I’ll make sure you get one.”

Blair nodded and clapped his hands and looked straight at Bruce. “So, are we in agreement? You’re willing to be trained? To accept a public role as Gotham’s Prime?”

Bruce Wayne growled but subsided and finally said. “Yes. But no PR stunts.”

“It won’t be needed. The whole Community on the Eastern seaboard will feel it.”

Bruce was clearly confused. “What do you mean?”

“First let’s focus on getting you to level up.”

“What do we do first?”

“Do you have an open room? Some place where you can dance?”

Hermione was the one who answered. “There is the ballroom. Or the gym.”

“Ballroom it is.”

Chapter Text

Damian was the first one to hear music coming from the direction of the ballroom. Suspicious he crept into a good vantage spot to see who was responsible.

He saw two much older men standing towards the side of the room with Pennyworth. And his father and the Harlot were dancing. Damian had to grudgingly admit, that despite her weight gain and off-centered body, his father’s mate was surprisingly graceful. Nothing close to the rest of the pack or his mother and grand-father, but still elegant. It was his father’s expression that shook Damian. He was not used to seeing Bruce Wayne smile so openly, so joyfully; dancing so exuberantly.

The movements shifted into something more statuesque, an elegant line dance out of some historical era, coming together and parting ways, moving around each other in eights and circles before meeting once again with palm-to-palm and forearm-across-forearm. With each skin contact he could see a blue haze around the point of contact, the sphere growing larger and larger until it enveloped them as long as they were within arm reach of each other. The halo around father was a deeper navy blue while the one around the harlot was a more silvery turquoise.

“What is happening?” Pennyworth asked the younger looking curly haired man.

“They’re synching up. It’s easiest to do with sex. Most pairs prefer that or meditation but dancing works, anything that requires coordination with a partner.”

“I’ve seen the glow when they touch but nothing to this extent,” Pennyworth admitted.

“It’s a sign of their power and compatibility,” Blair explained. “Most pairs have to concentrate and prepare to even cause a minor visible flicker. They are doing it effortlessly on a large-scale, possibly even bigger if they push their limits.”

“Can you and Mr Ellison do it?”

“Sure. It takes a lot of focus for us to Not do it now.”

“I’ve never heard of a pairing generating such a large prominent aura.”

“And you won’t. It’s unique to Covalents, hybrid pairs.”

All of them watched as the auras grew denser with tendrils that reached out to each other, forming ribbons that connected the pair even when they danced further and further apart, but always coming together, now with visible gold and silver sparks in the blues.

There were small beads of perspiration along the harlot’s hairline but she was smiling, pleased and beguiling as she danced around father.

“When you feel ready do as you practiced,” the curly haired stranger ordered.

Father and the harlot said nothing but they slowed into a more stately dance, forearms crossing, palms touching, back-to-back, legs crossing over each other before unwinding. Damian did not recognize this dance. And then the harlot stopped and took father’s hands, pressed a kiss against the back of each before pressing them together palm-to-palm, trapped between her own hands. Their auras flared more intensely around them, first around their hands then expanding to encompass them both. This time it was almost impossible to discern the edges between the two, it was a single unified deep ocean blue aura.

“Do you accept me into your life, mind, and soul?” she asked, her voice sounding strangely distant, almost echoing.

“Yes.” Father’s answer was immediate, his voice also echoing. “Do you accept me into your life, mind, and soul?”

“Yes.”

“Do you accept your place in my pack, our pack? Will you bear the responsibilities to come? Share the duties, the joys and the sorrows?”

“Yes.” She inhaled deeply. “Do you acknowledge your claim over this land and the people you protect?”

“Yes.”

“Then so be it, Bruce Thomas Wayne, Sentinel Alpha Prime of Gotham.”

“Accepted Hermione Jane Wayne, Guide Omega Prime of Gotham.”

It was almost like a soundless thunderclap, a ripple in reality unseen but felt. It started from them and moved outwards. Damian almost staggered under the brief weight as it passed over him.

“What was that?” Pennyworth asked.

“That was a pair of Covalent Primes making a claim in the traditional way.” The older man with shorter hair answered, voice rich with satisfaction. “Anyone who is pack, who is part of the Community, would have felt that.”

“Anyone?”

“We need to check how far it spread but I suspect all along the Eastern seaboard. Those who feel it more strongly, without other ties, they will start migrating to Gotham. Soon.”

“You’ll need to be prepared for visitors. The polite thing would be to meet all of them at least once. Set up some sort of pride structure with communications and regular meetings.”

“But how will they know who made the claim?”

“They will.”

Damian crept away slightly shaken by what he had seen, heard, and felt.

~ooOoo~

Tim Drake was the first to show up, leaving work early to beat the traffic. He went straight to the Sun Room where the two pairs were drinking tea and eating baked treats.

“What was it?” He asked bluntly, his need to know greater than ingrained manners.

Hermione and Bruce glanced at each other and it was Bruce who spoke.

“Blair Sandburg guided us through a set of exercises. When we ran through it in unison it synched our bonds. We are now the Primes of Gotham City.”

“I thought you were bonded already,” Tim stated confused as he dropped into a chair and grabbed a coffee cupcake to consume.

“We are,” Hermione murmured. “This kicked it up a level. It’s like gradients in a martial arts belt. We were black. Now we’re black plus.”

“Are there higher levels?”

“Yes.” It was Blair who answered. “No one knows the full scope of what a Covalent pair is capable of. When circumstances require it they tend to break through limits.”

“Please stay for dinner. I’m sure the rest of the pack is going to show up. It would be nice to have back up,” Hermione murmured.

Blair frowned. “They don’t believe you?”

Hermione opened her mouth then shut it. “I’m the only expert in the household. They don’t believe me unreservedly. I wouldn’t care but this is an important matter, the beginnings of a Pride in Gotham City. They are part of the Community because they are part of Bruce’s pack, they will have weight.”

Jim nodded. “We’ll stay and supervise the first few waves entering Gotham. There are some protocols that must be observed and others that can be tossed out. Blair can help with that.”

“Do you need any help?” Tim offered.

“Can we reserve a community gathering place? A gym? A church meeting room? It needs to hold at least hundred and be available indefinitely, six months on the outside. We’ll need to ensure housing is available as well. Most will be able to handle their own hotel rooms but a few will need help.”

Tim frowned and nodded. “Leave that with me. I’m thinking a hotel conference room. We can hold a floor of rooms in reserve as well.”

Blair blinked. “That will be expensive.”

“Bruce owns several hotels. We’ll pick the one with the most vacancy.” Tim looked around. “Where’s Damian?” he asked warily. “He’s usually in the kitchen for tea but I haven’t heard anything.”

Hermione looked pensive. “He felt the bond and didn’t react well. He’s hiding right now.”

Bruce stiffened. “What do you mean?”

“He’s been telling himself that this was a temporary thing, that you would become tired of me, send me away.” Bruce opened his mouth to protest and Hermione pressed one finger against his lips. “Hush, I know you would never but Damian doesn’t understand that; he’s not like us, not a Sentinel or Guide. Alphas and Omegas do break-up and separate.”

“So now he’s finally realized that…?”

“His world has shifted. He’s trying to adjust.” She tilted her head to one side. “He’s handling it better than I thought he would. He’ll be down for dinner.”

“Speaking of dinner, shouldn’t we tell Mr Pennyworth to prepare for a full house?” Jim asked.

Bruce smiled wryly. “Alfred doesn’t need to be told.”

“Alfred knows everything,” Tim chimed in. “Even things you don’t want him to know.”

~ooOoo~

Dinner would be a larger than usual gathering, despite it being a weekday. An hour after Tim the others began to trickle in one by one: Barbara Gordon, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown.

~o~

Barbara Gordon was the first to arrive with demands for more information.

“I can’t find anything and I’ve looked. No one is willing to talk,” she complained.

“And you won’t,” Blair told her amused. “You weren’t part of the Community.”

“Weren’t?” Barbara pounced on the word. “Does what happened mean I am now?”

“Yes,” Blair told her and refused to explain. “It’s a long involved story. I’d prefer if everyone is present before we start. After dinner.”

~o~

Next was Dick Grayson who was uncharacteristically solemn.

“Something happened.”

“Yes,” Bruce told him softly. “Blair Sandburg will explain after dinner.”

~o~

Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain arrived together.

“What the hell was that? I felt it in New York and messaged Cass before using the zeta tubes to get to Gotham.”

“After dinner,” Tim told them. “Blair wants to explain this one time only.”

~o~

“What the hell was that old man?” Jason Todd demanded to know, barging into the Sun Room and interrupting the last round of tea and treats being consumed.

It was Blair who answered him just as bluntly. “That was the Alpha Sentinel and the Omega Guide synching their bond and laying claim over Gotham. They are now the official Primes of Gotham City and will be the center of a new Pride.” He looked around the now full room. “Is there anyone else we’re waiting for?”

“Just Pennyworth,” Damian muttered. He had slipped into the room in Jason’s wake.

“Please ask him to join us,” Bruce instructed.

Damian nodded stiffly and fled. Fifteen minutes later he showed up with Alfred. They were not alone. Hermione stood up and walked over to hug Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, both dressed in regular clothes, no grease paint.

“Pamela, Harley, what brings you here?”

“You know very well what brings us here English Rose,” Ivy murmured brushing her cheek against Hermione’s. “I felt the shift. You two have Claimed Gotham.”

“I felt it too,” Harley admitted bouncing over to sit on the coffee table, the only free horizontal surface. “I felt drawn here. I couldn’t wait any longer.”

Ivy coaxed the vines to speed grow into the shape of a wicker chair and settled onto it. Harley was quick to join her.

Once everyone was sitting, in a chair or on the floor, Blair began speaking.

“My name is Blair Sandburg and this is my partner Jim Ellison. We are the North American Primes. We were invited to Gotham to train Hermione Wayne. Over the course of this her husband came to understand there is information and resources he doesn’t have access to, something restricted only to Primes.”

Understanding dawned in all the faces.

Dick turned to Bruce irate. “You turned our lives upside down for more knowledge?”

“I turned it upside down for more knowledge about myself and others like me, to understand what I am capable of, to learn and improve,” Bruce countered mildly.

“I told your father he needed to level up, to become Prime if he wanted that information,” Blair added bluntly.

“We didn’t expect him to master it in a single session,” Jim commented. “The equilibrium between the two is quite remarkable. They were already on the edge of synching. Now they have and claimed Gotham City.”

“It’s what we felt,” Barbara concluded.

“Yes.”

“Being a pair is not sufficient to be Prime, leaders of prides,” Blair explained. “It requires strength, weight, commitment.”

“I was not willing to commit, not till now,” Bruce admitted.

“They still have a long way to go but how they progress is up to them,” Blair added. “What does matter is the ripple effect of this new Claim. You felt it. There are many others who have felt it as well; some more strongly than others. They will be driven to visit, maybe even move to Gotham. Because Bruce and Hermione Wayne are their Pride leaders.”

Damian stiffened. “You are going to take in more hangers-on?” he hissed angrily at his father. “You are going to expose all of us!”

“There is nothing hidden from Sentinel and Guides, Ibn al Xu’ffasch son of Talia al Ghul, grandson of Ra’s al Ghul,” Blair Sandburg stated, his voice resonant and blue eyes glowing. He smirked at the baffled expressions. “Are you so foolish to believe the League of Assassins can hide from those meant to protect the tribe? Your grandfather envies and hates us, to his detriment. He will cross the final line one day and We will witness his fall.”

The knowing, almost prophetic words were enough to silence Damian.

Barbara shifted. “You said people would be moving to Gotham.”

“Yes. They need to be tracked, organized, and in some cases given housing.”

“I was thinking a conference room and a selection of hotel rooms,” Tim murmured.

“The Center outside Gotham will be unable to handle the influx. You will need to build a new one within Gotham. It needs to be funded and staffed.”

“We will be able to track and organize the Sentinels and Guides as needed,” Barbara noted.

“Natural inclination will be to serve, to better the tribe,” Blair added. “You need to create or point them to such opportunities.”

“There are protocols that need to be observed since they will be pledging to a Prime pairing. The visitors will want to meet Bruce and Hermione, to get permission to stay within Gotham.”

Bruce frowned. “It makes better sense to repurpose a hotel as a temporary Centre. We can renovate the rooms as needed. Keep several floors as housing. It will have conference and dining rooms for gatherings.”

“There are very few hotels in Gotham with sufficient shielding. Renovations would need to start immediately,” Alfred pointed out.

“What about an estate outside Gotham?” Tim asked abruptly. “The Drake Manor is empty. I don’t have any problems with us using it to meet visiting Sentinels and Guides.”

Bruce stared at Tim. “Are you sure?”

“I’ll need some movers to pack the more valuable artifacts into storage, but the manor has been empty for years Bruce. At least it gets some good use this way.”

“Reserve hotel rooms for accommodations. Keep the Manor as a Center only for now,” Blair advised. “Start renovations to ensure the rooms have good shielding. Or maybe build an additional building on the property.”

“Distance from an urban center helps for those needing intensive training. But you will need satellite and intake offices within Gotham itself.”

“Perhaps through partnership with the Martha Wayne Foundation?” Tim offered. “The Foundation has a hefty real estate portfolio and experience in handling housing and community initiatives.”

“There is a lot of work to be done,” Hermione noted. “And not a lot of time in which to do it.”

“Did you plan this?” Dick wanted to know.

“Plan? No. Expected? Yes. Bruce is strong and possessive. This is simply another way to demonstrate what he says when wearing the cowl: Gotham is mine.” Hermione rubbed her temples to soothe away the tension headache. “I would recommend all of you enroll in a few advanced Sentinel-Guide courses at GU to get a better understanding of the Community, how a strong Pride and a Prime pair operates.”

“Do not blame your father for following through on his instincts,” Harley stated firmly. “He was stubborn before, he’s worse now because his territoriality is amped up. You are part of his pack but he needs a Pride, basically pack equivalent for Sentinels and Guides. He’s spent two decades fighting a war on crime, now everything is going to shift because there’s no way he’s going to stop.”

“Sentinels and Guides left Gotham, because there were no Prides, no Prime, no center,” Hermione murmured. “Now that there is things will change. We serve the tribe.”

“Your projects,” Tim realised.

“Yes.”

Stephanie Brown lifted her chin and spoke for the first time since she arrived. “You need to use social media to release this information in controlled chunks. Everyone is going to notice newcomers and some may assume it’s some outside gang trying to secure new turf.”

“I’ll get Tam and WE PR to help with that.” Tim offered.

“Sentinels and Guides are foreign in Gotham,” Barbara admitted. “The only ones who live here are low level ones who don’t use their skills if ever. I don’t think the police or hospitals are trained or equipped to handle high level ones. The City Council needs to be looped in.”

Dick shifted. “I can assist with that. I’ve put in a transfer to GCPD and it’s been approved. I’ll talk to the Commissioner about the potential impact in City Services.”

Blair looked satisfied, like the cat who caught the canary. “Jim and I will assist with setting up the Center. We’ll need help setting up the computer networks and databases.”

“I can assist,” Barbara offered.

Bruce touched Hermione’s wrist. “I would prefer it if you stayed in the Manor. Work out of Drake Manor. Only go into Gotham if someone can accompany you.”

Hermione nodded reluctantly. Her growing instincts were centered around protecting her unborn child and her bonds with her mate, both depended on her being safe and healthy.

“Blair, Jim, would you be willing to move into Drake Manor and supervise the packing and set up. You have a better idea of what would be needed. Make a wish list and we’ll get it filled.” Hermione turned to Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. “I would greatly appreciate it if you two would move into Drake Manor as well.” Jason stiffened imperceptibly but Hermione ignored it and looked at the pair earnestly. “Please.”

They both softened but Harley looked over at Bruce warily. He looked annoyed but resigned.

“You can move in,” he stated. “But keep the more dangerous plants and pets contained.”

“What am I? Chopped liver?” Stephanie complained.

“You are a beloved niece, not quite reliable for long-term endeavours since you have a very full schedule and are still finding your own footing,” Hermione responded with a faint smile. “You deserve the opportunity to explore your potential how you choose, not confined by what the pack and pride needs.”

Stephanie opened her mouth and shut it because it was true. She had her classes, her social life, her night life. She was determined to finish her medical degree, scaling back on her patrols to do just that. And no one had complained she wasn’t pulling her weight because they supported her.

“Why are you permitting Isley and Quinn to move into Drake Manor!?!” Damian was both angry and confused.

Bruce’s lips thinned at the minor defiance but he did not say anything. He gripped Hermione’s hand and stroked the back of it with his thumb.

Tim was swift to come to Hermione’s defence. “Ivy doesn’t do senseless crime. Harley has been much better since she split from The Joker and bonded with Ivy.”

Harley laughed faintly. “When we need a violence fix we just need to do a patrol. There are always assholes that need to be taken out in this city.”

It was Hermione who answered, speaking directly to Damian. “My mother is dead and it would give me comfort if my sisters are nearby when I give birth and present for the first few months at least. A last line of defense.”

That silenced everyone because it was a very valid argument. The Bats and Birds might be drawn away due to criminal activity, an Arkham break-out, an urgent global need, but Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn had no obligation to assist. They would stay behind with Hermione and be ruthless in her defense.

“We would be honoured,” Ivy murmured.

“As long as you need us we’ll be there,” Harley echoed.

Hermione’s gaze was unflinching as she caught Jason’s eye. “Let me know if we should make arrangements for your trip to Japan.”

Jason stiffened and shook his head. “You ain’t getting rid of me so easily. I want you and Bruce to do it.” He hunched his shoulders. “I’d like Roy and Kori to be there.”

Hermione blinked, clearly surprised by the request. She turned to Blair. “How quickly can we set up for a Lazarus purge?”

Blair opened his mouth and shut it. “This case is a bit unique. I’d like to discuss it with Aoshi and Saitou, if they would recommend any modifications in the procedure.”

“Please do so. If they say we need instructions we’d prefer meeting on the psionic plane.”

Blair huffed. “I’ll ask.”

“I would recommend holding off any further discussions until after dinner,” Alfred announced.

There were some grumblings but no overt protest.

Hermione stood up and walked towards Ivy and Harley. “Please join us,” she said holding her hands out.

Both women looked warily at Bruce who had a resigned expression. “Please stay,” he finally said out loud in a low gravelly voice, Batman’s voice. “Hermione is… uneasy. From what she has shared it’s usually a precursor to upheaval. It would be safer if all of us are on the same page and coordinate our efforts.”

Blair frowned. “Uneasy? You didn’t mention this.”

Hermione signed. “It’s a gut feeling. I felt it every time things went sideways in Hogwarts. Right before we had to go off the grid. When I was ordered to search the warehouse where I got dosed.” She shrugged. “I know something is going to happen, but what, who, when, it’s up in the air.”

Chapter Text

Inspector Harry Potter was tired, he had pulled three fourteen hour shifts in a row in an attempt to close his cases since his team was down one; every floater Scotland Yard assigned failed to fill Hermione’s shoes and Harry was beginning to believe no one ever could. And now he had been called into the Commissioner’s office first thing in the morning. Not a good sign.

“You asked to see me sir.”

“Yes Potter.”

“May I ask why? If it’s about our solve rate, it’s not as good as it was with Hermione but it’s improving. None of the floaters have proven to be a good fit for the team.”

Commissioner Paddington shook his head. “Your solve rate is satisfactory Inspector Potter. I’ve called you in regarding another matter.” He pulled a printed newspaper from a drawer and tossed it across the desk, towards Harry.

Harry froze when he saw the front page headline. Gotham Billionaire mates English Rose. Quickly he picked it up and scanned the story. Bruce Wayne had mated and married Hermione Granger. The paper was several months old. Old guilt flared to life as he remembered how long it took him, for their friends to realise she was gone. If it wasn’t for Neville insisting on dragging Hermione out to join them on a pub crawl they never would have known she had sold her flat and left Britain, and that was from the new owners, not from Hermione’s lips. She hadn’t even sent an e-mail or text message indicating she was leaving the country. And no one had noticed. No one had noticed this news article either.

“She’s married an American businessman,” Harry commented neutrally.

“She married a billionaire,” Commissioner Paddington corrected mildly. “It has caused some consternation in the politicians.”

Harry smiled sourly. “Why? Because they basically fired and blackballed her to avoid a PR mess? Afraid she’s going to go telling tales to her husband? They don’t have to worry about that. Hermione’s not that type.”

“You and I know that. The upper levels want to make a demonstration of good will.”

“What kind of offer?”

“A consulting role.”

“She lives in America,” Harry commented deadpan. “She’s not going to up and move here for an empty title or money.”

The Commissioner sighed. “It would be a good opportunity to open doors as it were. Wayne Enterprises is an international company.”

Harry sighed. “What do you want from me?”

“To make the offer in person. I think she’ll take it best coming from you.”

Harry shook his head. “She didn’t tell me she was leaving the country. I had to find out from the new owners of her flat!” He ruffled his hair. “It would be a good chance to apologize in person, for being a self-centered arse who expected her to always be there.”

“Do be circumspect Inspector Potter. Her mate has a reputation for being ditzy but I’m certain he has hidden depths for Granger to have mated and married him.”

Harry nodded and pulled out his phone, quickly running a few searches. He frowned. “There are press releases, several interviews, some formal pictures but nothing candid, not since after their marriage.”

“Bruce Wayne is fiercely protective of those under his protection. The Gotham and East Coast press have never published pictures of his underage adopted children. I believe he’s made it clear that his new wife is similarly off limits. The Wayne PR team have confirmed she’s pregnant and due in a few months but nothing else. The Wayne legal team is fast to quash stories stepping over the line.”

Harry nodded. “Understood sir. Don’t piss off the Alpha Sentinel.”

“You’re so certain Wayne is one?”

“Why else would Hermione mate him? She was very reluctant to settle to a lesser match. Given that she’s now Omega and Guide he must be Alpha and Sentinel. And a good match.”

“Everyone knows he’s an Alpha, an atypical one. But there are rumours about Wayne but nothing was ever confirmed. The Center isn’t talking.”

“And that’s a sign isn’t it? If he wasn’t one they would have said so.”

“So are you willing to go to Gotham?”

“Yes.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Bruce frowned as he scanned the flags raised. These were two passports that had been scanned into Gotham International Airport arrivals: Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Both appeared to be travelling separately. Potter’s ticket and lodgings were being paid by his employers.

“Harry’s probably here to smooth things over. I’m the wife of a very wealthy man now, not just any disgruntled ex-employee,” Hermione murmured as she moved to stand behind his chair, and settled her hands on his shoulders. “Malfoy, I don’t know why he’s here.”

“On behalf of his father?”

“Don’t think so. He’s an arse, always has been, but he was trying to distance himself from his father’s business. Narcissa Malfoy separated from Lucius Malfoy but the marriage contracts meant divorce is not something either of them are willing to push for. In any case Narcissa loves her son and is firmly on his side.” Hermione made a face. “Last I heard Lucius was looking for a surrogate-slash-consort, to sire another heir.”

“Any thoughts on why he’s here?”

Hermione shrugged. “I’m not sure. He works for Black International. Harry’s godfather Sirius Black is Narcissa’s cousin. He hired Draco because other companies were too afraid of Lucius. Sirius hates Lucius and is more than willing to spite him.”

“He’s a high level Sentinel,” Bruce murmured. “Both of them are.”

Hermione was confused but responded honestly. “Yes. We were part of the same year at Hogwarts, different House, teams though. Harry and I were in Gryffindor, Draco was in Slytherin, huge school rivalry.”

Bruce inhaled deeply. “They want something from you.”

Hermione frowned. “An introduction to you?” she suggested.

Bruce frowned. “Maybe…” He tapped a finger against his lips. “Can you make sure Jim and Blair gets invitations to the gala. I’d like a second opinion on both of them.”

“Okay.”

~ooOoo~

Harry Potter was pissed when his paths crossed with Draco Malfoy in the Royal Plaza Hotel. Draco Malfoy had reserved an expensive suite on a higher floor than Harry but his scent was unmistakable in the foyer and common areas. Harry planted himself in the waiting areas until Malfoy came out of the elevator dressed in an expensive business suit and spotted him. Silver gray eyes narrowed as the platinum-haired owner came over to join Harry.

“Potter.”

“Malfoy.”

The two Sentinels glowered at each other before Harry spoke.

“What are you doing here Malfoy.”

The taller male shrugged. “I’m here to see Granger.”

“It’s Wayne now,” Harry corrected mildly.

Malfoy’s lips pressed together tightly. “We only have a news story saying that.”

“Gotham City Hall verifying that a marriage certificate and a mating bond were registered. And Wayne Enterprises PR department confirming it and her pregnancy,” Harry retorted.

“No one has seen her in months,” Malfoy protested.

“So her mate is a protective bastard and has confined her.”

“Do you honestly see Granger just agreeing to that?”

“If there was a good reason, yes!” Harry shouted. “Why are you here Malfoy?”

“I need to apologize to Granger,” he muttered. “For what my father did.”

“Malfoy, you know she would never blame you for what Lucius did.” Harry smirked. “She’d blame you for being a bigoted arsehole.”

Malfoy sagged back in his chair. “I have to try,” he whispered. “They’ve been refusing all personal contacts. Even business ones are strictly filtered through Tim Drake-Wayne and Lucius Fox.”

Harry took pity on the Slytherin. “They’re hosting a gala for the new Gotham Sentinel-Guide Center. I’m sure you can afford a ticket.”

Malfoy frowned. “You aren’t going to visit her?”

Harry shrugged. “I haven’t seen her since she went on leave. She didn’t tell me or anyone else that she was leaving Britain.”

Silver gray eyes widened. “What? You’re fucking with me.”

“Nope. Found out from the new owners of her flat. She cancelled her old phone number several month ago and I don’t have her new one.”

“Ouch. What happened to the Golden Trio? Golden Duo of Scotland Yard?”

“Your father happened.”

Malfoy winced. “Okay. I deserved that.” He hesitated. “You really haven’t seen her?”

“And I’m not going to. Not until the gala.”

Malfoy inhaled deeply. “You’re an old friend. She’s not going to make a scene. She’ll forgive you for messing up.”

“And she’s not going to blame you for your father’s sins Malfoy. Buy the ticket.”

“I’ll think about it.”

~ooOoo~

Harry was both pleased and irked to see Draco Malfoy all dressed up and schmoozing with the local elite at the Astoria Sentinel-Guide gala. He was a little concerned when Malfoy immediately made his way towards Harry with a determined expression.

“What is it Malfoy?”

“Things are more complicated than I had thought.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hermione and her mate are Primes. They’ve Claimed Gotham City.”

Harry blinked stunned by that bit of news. “When did that happen?”

“A few weeks ago. Wayne is underwriting all the new centers in Gotham. This gala is a nice bit of publicity so everyone knows what is happening.”

Harry did a bit of math and realized it was too early to call his boss back in Britain. He really did not want to proceed as planned. Approaching a regular Sentinel pair was one thing, approaching a Prime pair was a whole other story; the potential for a diplomatic kerfluffle was very high and when it involved two different nations, a very wealthy businessman… Harry tensed at the dense but electric sensation spreading out through the room. The conversation dropped and everyone turned towards the main entrance.

“What was that?” he asked out loud, hoping someone would answer. Luckily an older silver-haired woman dressed in sapphire velvet and black lace took pity on him.

“You’re new aren’t you.”

“Yes we are,” Malfoy spoke politely. “My name is Draco Malfoy and this is Harry Potter. We are visiting from Britain.”

“I am Isabelle Vanderhout. What you feel is Alpha Sentinel Prime Wayne.”

Malfoy blinked. “Bruce Wayne?”

Isabelle Vanderout nodded. “Yes. Usually he has a very light touch but his levels have increased substantially since his mating. The North American Primes have confirmed it is on the higher rankings of the Prime scale.”

Harry frowned. “The power… it is quite dense. I didn’t expect such an aura from…”

“A businessman? A socialite? A ditz?” The older woman was quite amused. “None of us did but Bruce definitely has hidden depths. Ever since his bonding and mating he’s shifted his views and accepted connections with the Sentinel-Guide community, his duties as Prime.”

“Hermione would never let anyone skate by on minimal work,” Harry murmured. “She would always insist on everyone pulling their weight, doing their best.”

“She definitely is a hugely positive impact on him.” Isabelle frowned faintly. “She is a bit odd, but very kind and generous.”

“Odd? How so?” Harry asked. “Most people describe her as bookish.”

“She doesn’t socialize much but it’s understandable. Bruce is fiercely protective of her and their unborn pup. I still don’t know how she met Poison Ivy and Harlequin, why she is so attached to them. And why Bruce is willing to have them living practically next door.”

Malfoy nodded slowly. “I read they are in charge of the day-to-day operations of the new Gotham Pride Retreat operating out of the old Drake Manor.”

“Correct. You are quite well informed.”

“I tried to do my research. But a lot of the information seem to be common knowledge, implied as known.”

“I see what you mean. Unless you have been following the stories from the start you probably don’t have a complete picture.”

“Yes. For example the new Primes, it’s known but there hasn’t been a single in-depth interview with them.”

“Bruce has always been very private despite his reputation.” Isabelle Vanderhout stiffened and turned around. “I believe they are going to arrive.” And she was correct.

Standing in the doorway was a tall, broad-shouldered man dressed in a black tuxedo and red bow-tie and cumberbund. The more petite heavily pregnant woman was dressed in a matching red dress, a Regency style dress made of red silk, a beaded lace overlay for the bodice and long sleeves, floating chiffon layers for the skirt. Her nut-brown hair was twisted into an elegant braid coronet embellished with diamante pins. Her only jewellery were chandelier-style gold earrings and her rings. The mating scars on the left side of her neck were unmistakable. As was the faint blue glow when her mate touched her bare skin and vice versa.

“What is that?” Harry wanted to know.

“That is a very strong Sentinel-Guide bond,” Malfoy answered in a daze. “I’ve only seen it in few couples; they had to meditate to bring it to the surface.”

“Bruce and Hermione do it without thinking,” Isabelle commented gently. “I saw them dance once, when she was less far along. It was quite remarkable.”

Harry was still confused and glad when Malfoy explained. “The glow is an indication of their bond, how strong it is. Most pairs have to struggle to build and hone the power to make a visual display. A legendary strong pair can make a fireworks display.”

“Legendary strong. Like a Prime pair,” Harry noted.

Isabelle nodded firmly. “Like them.”

~o~

Tim was smugly pleased as he kept an eye on everyone approaching Bruce and Hermione. Some were cautious about getting too close and interacting with their auras but the Sentinels and Guides pressed close to make contact. He knew they were dialing back, keeping their aura contained under their skin. Ever since the day they synched and made their claim their auras were an unmistakable lightshow wherever they went. Bruce had to step back from patrols and allow Dick to wear the suit. Blair had commented their bond was exceptionally strong, strong enough for them to connect from East Coast to West Coast. They weren’t willing to risk testing it across space.

Tim remembered watching Hermione fuss over Stephanie and Cass in the Manor foyer, making minor adjustments to their outfits and accessories, then turning her attention to him and his brothers. Each and every one of them submitted to her grooming, even Damian. Then she focused on Bruce, and her attentions were more intimate and seductive, enough for him to kiss her neck, marking her with teeth and saliva, and making the rest of them gag.

Right now there was no trace of her affection or any discomfort in her smooth even demeanour; she greeted moguls, mavens, and the press without fear or weakness. The socialites who had chased Bruce for years hated her but everyone knew they couldn’t do anything; it was not possible to lure a double bonded pair into an affair and divorce. Tim took special pleasure in dropping hints in public about Bruce and Hermione’s home life, their passion and affection for each other. And it was the honest to god truth. Their sex drive was off the chart and Bruce definitely enjoyed it; something about claimed land and renewing possession. Tim made a mental note to keep those thoughts to himself; he didn’t want to get scolded for being crude.

~o~

Hermione was a bit taken aback by the sight of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy making their way through the crowd towards her. More so by the thought of them co-operating and not fighting with each other.

Harry was the first one to reach her. He stayed a respectful five feet away and met her eyes squarely.

“Hullo Hermione.”

“Hello Harry.” She frowned faintly. “What are you doing in Gotham?”

Harry huffed. “The Commissioner sent me. He wanted to make a consulting position offer. I told him he was an idiot and he said he fully expected it to be refused but he needed to get the politicos off his back.”

“Ah.” That made more sense.

“I agreed to come because I wanted the chance to apologize in person, for being an idiot.” Hermione smiled fondly because that was a very Harry trait. “I honestly didn’t realize how much psych and medical complications hybrids experienced until Luna forced me to read her research.”

And it was the honest to God truth. No one acknowledged that many Rogues and meta villains were hybrids that went over the edge, because no one helped or cared to.

“I’m sorry for not supporting you better. For not asking what you felt.”

Hermione inhaled deeply. Old reflexes urged her to accept the apology. New ones made her stop and consider her words more carefully.

“I didn’t expect you to. You never did.” She ignored his flinch and recoil and instead focused on Malfoy. “And why are you here?”

“To apologize for being an arse.”

Hermione snorted softly. “For what? Being true to your nature? Why bother?”

“Because you didn’t deserve to be the focus of my ire. My personal life was a mess and you were an easy target.”

That was a surprise – an honest, heart-felt apology from Draco Malfoy. Hermione wasn’t sure how to take it so she decided to stay on the practical side.

“I strongly recommend you keep your distance from your father. His experiments are unstable and trying to refine his products is making him complicit in murder, medical experimentation, and genocide charges. The Sentinel Guide Centers are going to act soon enough and declare him Outlaw or perhaps call a Hunt. If you wish for your reputation to be untarnished step back, do not make-up with Lucius.”

Malfoy stiffened slightly but nodded. He was used to his legacy heritage shielding his family from consequences. Perhaps it was his time away from his father that taught him to see with wide-open eyes.

“Understood Granger.”

“It’s Wayne now.”

Malfoy shook his head. “I don’t understand how the two of you hooked up.”

Hermione could sense her husband’s attention sharpen, his focus narrow on Malfoy.

“We were introduced by Astera Matches. A very high level DNA compatibility match,” she explained mildly.

“That doesn’t explain why you agreed to bond with him so quickly.”

Malfoy had a brain but he’d never bothered to use it without the blinkers of prejudice. He definitely had done some growing up since graduation.

“Astera highlighted our Alpha-Omega compatibility. When we first met we reached out and connected psionically, we formed a Sentinel-Guide proto-bond. After that our connection only deepened and became stronger. Didn’t see any reason to wait.”

Malfoy huffed. “That isn’t like you Granger, to make a life changing decision on the spur of the moment without weighing the pros and cons.”

The sad truth was that Malfoy was correct. It was very unlike her. She decided to mix a bit of truth into her arguments.

“I never expected to find a good match Malfoy. My psi-profile was always atypical and you know I never had any success in the school mixers or even after we graduated. After what happened I did a lot of research and very little of it was encouraging; I honestly thought I’d remain single forever.

“Meeting Bruce was a fluke, a one-in-a-million chance. He was considered unmatchable for two decades. We decided to take a chance on each other, to not let go.”

Malfoy studied her intensely and shook his head. “I don’t believe you. The Hermione Granger I knew would have said fuck it and done what she wanted, to be true to herself. She would never have allowed herself to be dominated and subsumed by any Alpha. She would have knocked him out first.”

And Malfoy wasn’t wrong. Hermione had left her homeland behind and travelled to foreign territory to remain free and true to herself. She had begun forging a new life for herself in Gotham, new relationships without hanging onto Uncle Alfred too strongly.

“And don’t tell me you didn’t have options. Zabini and Nott were interested in you but you were too loyal to the Weasel. Krum asked you out too.”

Hermione could feel incandescent rage flare to life through their bond.

“As a friend,” Hermione corrected mildly. “He had a fiancée in Bulgaria and didn’t want a date who had expectations.”

A low subsonic growl interrupted their conversation. Hermione turned to Bruce and rested a hand over his sternum, pressing gently to remind him she was there physically, pushing love and reassurance through their bond.

“Mr Malfoy I don’t see the point in this discussion. Hermione is my wife, my Omega mate, my bonded Guide. She is carrying my pup. End of story.” Blue eyes were glacial with barely restrained rage, nostrils flaring slightly.

He wants you, Bruce told her coldly over their bond.

Hermione blinked confused and rechecked the emotional landscape. Bruce was not… wrong. But he wasn’t right either. He doesn’t want me. He wants the forbidden fruit.

I don’t care. He’s desiring what is not his.

I never would have dated him even if he asked me. We would have killed each other over our different views on morality.

I don’t want him in Gotham.

It is your right as Prime to eject interlopers.

But you think I shouldn’t.

Malfoy is the type to see the grass as always greener. I’m not interested in being his lost one-true love. I want him to leave and forget all about me. His fantasies are no concern of mine. The only one who matters to me is you. Her fingertips slid up over his shirt front, over his throat and chin, outlining his lips. A iridescent blue light flared with each skin-on-skin contact. You are my Sentinel and Alpha, husband and lover, father of my children.

He relaxed fractionally. His lips stretched into a smug smile.

“I have to agree with my husband Mr Malfoy. The past is in the past. We have made our choices and I’m looking forward to the future we’re building together in Gotham: our pups, our growing pack, our Pride.”

Malfoy studied her carefully and nodded sharply. “I see. Then the only thing I can say is congratulations. And goodbye Granger.” Cold silvery eyes glared at Bruce. “Wayne.” He turned on one foot and stalked away.

Hermione released her held breath and sagged against Bruce. “He’s an irritating ferret but a smart one when he bothers.”

“Hermione?” Harry was confused. Poor thing, he usually was.

“Malfoy was nursing a tendre for me. Not that I realised it until Bruce pointed it out.”

Harry blinked. “Wha? He was crushing on you?!? But he hated you in school.”

“Forbidden fruit and all that jazz. Can you make sure he doesn’t go off the deep end when you return to London. Ask Sirius to talk to him.”

Harry nodded. “I will.” Then he shook his head. “I can’t believe it.”

“I don’t either. He just thinks he wants me. Maybe to get one over Lucius.”

Harry brightened. “That I can believe. I’ll talk to Sirius when we get back.”

“And perhaps give him a more concrete reminder that you are claimed,” Bruce murmured in a low husky voice that made her blood rush straight to her core.

Blindly she turned and lifted one arm to wrap it around his neck, to draw his head down, to kiss him languidly, deeply. The fingers of her other hand raked into the hair above his collar, at the nape of his neck, scraping his scalp slowly. She gave one final scratch before tracing along his hairline to behind both ears, then along the outer shell to the glands at the base. The burst of pheromones released were potent and the scent was unmistakably a blend of both Hermione and Bruce.

“Can you hold it until we get back to the Manor?” Dick asked amused. “Or will you be using the Penthouse tonight?”

“The Penthouse I think,” Bruce murmured against Hermione’s lips. “It has pleasant memories and is much closer.”

“We’re not leaving. We just arrived,” Hermione told him firmly between kisses.

Bruce sighed and rested his forehead against hers. “How long?”

“Two hours,” she offered. “The kids can stay a bit longer. You’ll learn by watching Blair and Jim,” she stated bluntly countering their building protests.

“I’ll stay,” Tim offered.

“Me too,” Jason muttered.

“Er, I think I’ll go and circulate,” Harry muttered blushing a bright pink.

Hermione broke the kiss and turned to her once best-friend. “Talk to Blair and Jim. They might be willing to share their plans for Lucius Malfoy.” She eyed him critically. “When is your return flight?”

“Day after tomorrow. It’s a red-eye.”

“If you can do stop by Drake Manor. I’d like to chat before you leave.”

Harry nodded quickly. “I will. I’ll be there tomorrow at ten.”

Hermione nodded regally. “We’ll see you tomorrow Harry.” And she watched him hurry off, chasing Malfoy down.

Did you want to do that?

Not particularly. But we do need to clear the air. And I don’t want to give him my phone number.

E-mail? It is a step removed.

We’ll see.

~o~

It took Harry a bit of effort to filter out all the competing scents and track Malfoy down to a balcony hidden behind a row of potted plants. He was nursing a tumbler of whiskey.

“What was that about?” Harry demanded to know.

Malfoy downed the last of his alcohol before answering. “I needed to know if he was serious about her, really committed to Granger.”

Harry blinked. “He is. No one would marry and mate on a whim. And he’s in his forties and has never been married or bonded before.”

“Do you think he really respects her? Understands she’s brilliant and everything good?”

Harry’s expression softened as he remembered the couple kissing. “I think he’s enchanted by her and willing to give her the whole world.”

Malfoy blinked and nodded. “She deserves someone like that. Someone who is not afraid to show her how much he cares.”

“Someone unlike you?” Harry asked gently.

Malfoy was silent for a while before he nodded. “Someone unlike me.”

“You know you really don’t know her, not the little details that make up Hermione Granger, things that irritate or makes one laugh.”

“I know that Potter. I also know that I’ll never have that chance. Wayne is a smart bastard. He’ll never let her go. He’ll keep her in Gotham or always close to him.”

“And that’s probably one reason why she chose him. Because he’s serious about her.”

Malfoy laughed. “True.” Then he smirked. “Want to make a wager on whether she births a girl or a boy pup?”

“And get smacked up the head when Hermione finds out? No thank you.”

Chapter Text

Harley Quinn fidgeted and tugged down at the edges of her pink dress. It was all respectable and came down to her knees. Harley felt naked without tights or shorts. She wished she had gone with the jeans and hoody outfit but she had really wanted to make a good impression on Red’s new friend. And now Red was running late!

“Ms Quinn? My name is Hermione Wayne. Pamela sent a message that she was running late.”

Harley startled and twisted. It really was the Wayne Dame in the coffee shop. And none of the brats were around. They were probably hiding and watching.

“Hi!” she said in a small voice very unlike her usual exuberant one.

Hermione Wayne looked at her carefully. “You don’t have to be so afraid Ms Quinn. I don’t bite. And I’m not the sort to take offense over small slights.”

“And what about big ones?” Harley challenged.

The younger woman looked at Harley thoughtfully. “I’ve forgiven close friends for a multitude of sins, small and big.”

“Even really really big ones?” Harley asked.

“If you have honest regrets about it, wish to make amends and move forward, try not to make the same mistakes again, then yes, if you were my friend I would forgive you.”

“You’re Ivy’s friend.”

Hermione Wayne smiled gently. “That doesn’t mean I can’t be your friend as well.”

Harley burst into tears and fell forward, burying her face in the younger, shorter woman’s shoulder and cried.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Jason frowned as he had his fifth bath of the evening. Each one had been specially prepared by Hermione and Sandburg, a blend of specific minerals and herbs. Jason was getting pruney from all the soaking.

“You’re almost done,” Blair told him reassuringly as he handed Jason a thin linen robe.

As instructed he slipped into it without drying off the water. The damp material clung to his body but he ignored the restrictive feeling and followed Blair into the lower areas of the Cave, close to the underground river.

Hermione had already set up the area, with Alfie and Tim doing most of the work under her guidance since she was a bit off balance due to the recent changes in her body shape and center of gravity. Bruce was standing behind and to one side, allowing her to take the lead but always there to back her up. It was odd, seeing Bruce take a supporting role.

“Sit down within the circle of inner quadrant. Face the north,” she instructed and Jason obeyed.

He watched as she lit the coloured candles at each cardinal point then the white ones in the second ring. His siblings were taking positions along the outer circle. Alfie, the Replacement, and Bruce were along the inner one. Hermione was kneeling at the north, meeting his eyes squarely, her expression grave and eyes calm.

There was silence. Dickie was fidgeting, Blondie shuffling minutely. The Demon Brat was watching from the steps under the heavy hand of Jim Ellison.

“What do you want?” Her words were simple but her Voice was anything but. It was heavy, resonant, demanding. It made Jason’s bones ache. He wanted to collapse and roll away, but he couldn’t. He Had to respond.

“I want to not be afraid of losing control, going mad. I want the rage to go away!”

“There is no guarantee the Lazarus madness will not be replaced by another. That you will not experience loss that will drive you to the edge again. What is your surety?”

Jason knew he had to be honest. If he lied it was game over. “I don’t have any,” he said honestly. “I don’t want to go back there. It was ugly and cruel.”

“Yes. Just like your behaviour to your father and your siblings.” Hermione stated. “But that is in the past. You must understand Jason everything has a price. I will remove the Lazarus taint from your mind and soul but in return you must let go of all grudges and resentment. You cannot hold onto what happened in the past and throw it in their faces next month. You can throw what happens next week into their faces next month,” she added dryly.

That made Alfie smile, Bruce frown, Dickie squawk, Brown snort and Replacement giggle.

“Can you do this?” she asked seriously.

“I don’t know,” he admits. “When I get mad it’s like everything is a haze. When it clears I’ve already F’d up.”

“The Lazarus madness will not take over your conscious thoughts once this is done,” she assures him. “Only regular rage. Outbursts that any decent human being can and will control, to avoid harming others.”

Jason nodded. Bruce had trained him to control his temper as Robin. He wasn’t the best at it but he was older and wiser now. “I’ll do it.”

She leaned forward and laid her hands on his temples. Bruce stepped forward and kneeled behind her and laid his hands over hers, fingertips touching Jason’s skin. He could see blue around their hands, around him.

The green was rising in his mind, poisonous whispers. But for the first time it was being held back by the cool blue. The blue mist was vaporizing the green into gold sparks that dissipated. It kept going on and on and on and on. Jason could feel Hermione’s hands trembling on his head, Bruce’s hands exerting pressure to support her. It was getting harder to breathe, to see. There were black spots at the edges of his vision. They grew bigger until Jason couldn’t hold back anymore and he passed out.

~o~

Bruce caught Jason as he fell forward, just in time to keep his second son from collapsing on top of Hermione. Carefully he set Jason down on his side before rolling him onto his back.

“Is he all right?” Dick asked urgently from his spot on the outer circle. Blair had warned all of them to stay put until he or Hermione gave the okay to move.

“Just exhausted.” Hermione sounded exhausted herself. “He’ll sleep maybe three days straight and wake up starting. Keep some protein-heavy stew ready in case he wakes up in the middle.”

“I’ll take care of that,” Alfred states firmly. He turns to Blair. “Can we move Master Jason upstairs? Or would it be safer to keep him down here?”

“Wherever he can be monitored,” Blair states.

“Down here,” Alfred decides. Then he looks at Hermione. “Can we move Hermione upstairs?”

“Yes. Go ahead. Jim and I will do the clean-up here.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Talia forced herself to appear impassive as she followed her Father’s agent to the audience room. It was uncharacteristically empty, with only a few attendants. Her father was sitting upon his usual chair on the dais. She moved to stand before it and bowed her head.

“Father.”

“Daughter.” He returned the greeting in a just as serious tone. Then his expression shifted minutely. “Did you meet Her?”

Talia did not bother playing games. “No. I was in Gotham to meet Damian only.”

“Oh? No interest in scouting the competition?” Ra’s al Ghul inquired archly.

Talia snorted softly. “Competition? That implies there is a chance. My Beloved is lost to us. Even if she dies he will not look away.”

Ra’s expression sobered. “Thus is the nature of a Dual Bond.”

Talia sighed. “Did you know?”

Ra’s frowned faintly. “Yes. But you know the sheer impossibility of one meeting his or her match. He seemed perfect for the League.”

“Except that he fought.” Talia stated flatly. “He denied and defied us time and time again.”

“When he was unmated there was a chance he would bend and give in,” Ra’s pointed out.

“And now there is no chance.”

“Agreed. It’s best we cut our losses and avoid all entanglements with the Detective and Gotham.”

“Father?”

“We do not want to go to war with a Prime pair, an Alpha Sentinel and his dual-bonded Omega Guide.” Ra’s pressed his lips together. “The Detective has rules against killing but his mate is much more pragmatic. Her uncle is Alfred Pennyworth.”

Talia inclined her head and forced herself to push back the pain, the finality of knowing the chances of wooing her Beloved to join the League was zero, a lost cause.

“And Damian?” she inquired neutrally.

“Has she bonded with him?” Ra’s asked.

“No. But she is immensely protective of those under her purview, even those she dislikes.”

“Oh?”

“My contacts in the S-G community informed me she has been training with Blair Sandburg. And she has successfully purged Jason Todd of the Lazarus Pit waters.”

Ra’s paled. “The League will avoid all contact with her and the Detective.”

“As you wish.”

Chapter Text

The next morning Harry Potter paid the cabbie and made his way up the path to Drake Manor. The cab ride had run a little late and it was almost ten-thirty but Harry wasn’t too concerned. He was met by two older and quite stunning woman. One was a green-eyed red head that made chills run up Harry’s spine. Her companion was a bubbly blue-eyed blonde.

“Hi there! You must be Harry Potter. Hermione said you’d be stopping by.”

Harry nodded and stopped at the step just below, so his eyes were on the level with the women. He saw a hint of grudging respect in the red-head.

“Good morning. And please call me Harry.”

Then to his shock the bubbly blonde transformed in a ferocious tigress. “Hermione told us plenty about you, how you never had her back. She’s a very good friend of ours, almost like our own sister so I’ll be nice and give you a warning. Hurt her and you’ll regret it.”

Harry sighed. “I already regret it. And I never want to hurt her again. I only came to apologize properly and talk to her.”

“And you never tried to stay in contact. The only phone calls she got were demands.”

“The first few months were bad,” Harry stated honestly. “I was under a lot of pressure and Hermione wasn’t around. I was angry at her for not pulling her weight and returning to work. It wasn’t until a few other friends of ours fought with me and forced me to pay attention that I started to get an idea of how much stress she must have been under.”

“Stress is the kindest word. Your old bosses wanted to turn her into an experiment!” the red-head stated harshly.

“Come on Ivy, Harry didn’t mean to be an idiot. It comes naturally to him,” a familiar voice teased from somewhere behind him.

Harry turned and was surprised to see both Hermione and Bruce Wayne. When had they showed up? And so sneakily too!

Hermione smirked as she waddled over and sat down next to the red-head and nuzzled her cheek. “How are you doing Pam?”

“Busy,” Pam responded honestly. “If Stephanie can find a few students willing to pick up a couple of weekend shifts it will help get us on track.”

“I’ll ask her,” Hermione promised before shifting to wrap her arms and press her cheek against the blonde who giggled and nuzzled her back. “And what about you Harley?”

“Excited. Blair-man has some nifty ideas. We need to start interviewing to hire enough staff to cover all the shifts when we officially open.”

“Don’t hire immediately,” Hermione muttered. “Offer room and board with a basic stipend for a trial period, to ensure they are a good fit.”

“And you don’t have to keep dogging her steps Wayne,” Pam barked harshly. “We will make sure nothing happens and drop Hermione off when she’s done.”

Bruce Wayne frowned faintly. “I’d rather accompany my mate if she needs to leave my private territory Ivy,” he stated in a pointed tone. “And Hermione is gracious enough to allow me to indulge my paranoia and protectiveness.”

“You know Red, Wayne’s not paranoid if it’s rooted in reality and experience.”

“It was one time,” Hermione muttered.

“One time too many,” Wayne countered firmly. “It’s not easy for you to evade and escape. It will be harder to do it with a baby, a toddler. The best option is to keep others who can assist close by.”

Hermione sighed and cuddled against Harley. “I know. It’s why I asked Pam and Harley to move in, so they would be close by.”

“And we’re not moving out,” Harley stated firmly. “Before you know it the kid is going to be running around and you’re going to be knocked up with another pup. Sooner or later the brats are going to move out and go to uni or college. Alfie is getting on in years and you need help. And I know you guys aren’t interested in hiring a nanny.”

Hermione and Bruce looked at each other with a helpless expression.

“Harley, you know we can’t take the risk—.” Bruce started before being cut off.

“I know! I know! That’s why we’re offering to help. Ivy and me. We can set up an office for Hermione in the Center if she needs to work and needs a babysitter. One of us will always be around because we’re splitting the duties to balance with private research. I’m offering the Center cause I know you don’t feel comfortable with us on your private territory.”

And then it struck Harry that these two women were pro-actively offering to help Hermione and her mate, they weren’t waiting to be asked. Because it wasn’t in Hermione’s nature to ask for help, not unless she was on her last rope. Everyone asked Hermione to help but no one offered to help her in her private or work lives. But these two did. They loved and cared for Hermione, enough that they risked friction with the Sentinel Prime.

Bruce Wayne sighed and reached out to grip his wife’s hand, tugging her towards him. Wordlessly she complied, standing and moving until she was seated on his lap, her arms around his neck.

“Would it make you feel better if Ivy and Harley moved in?” he asked.

Hermione cupped his cheek and smiled. “Not now. Perhaps not even in six months. But once the baby starts walking an extra pair of hands and eyes would be helpful. It’s not possible to completely baby-proof a manor Bruce.”

He pressed his forehead against hers, brushing his nose against hers and inhaled deeply. He lifted his head and looked at the other two women. “I’ll think about it,” he said finally. “I know you have reformed but we need to do some PR work before you can move in.”

Ivy shifted. “We would prefer to maintain suites here,” she admitted. “We can help in the day time when there are fewer people around. School, work.”

And then it hit Harry. Ivy, Pam, she was Poison Ivy, the notorious eco-terrorist Rogue. The blonde, Harley, she had to be Harley Quinn. Why did Hermione— He saw her knowing expression and stopped. Hermione was very thorough and careful; she did not make choices lightly. If she trusted them she had very good reason.

Harry stared at Wayne. The man had definitely been attacked by both women in the past, but here he was willing to invite them into his home to make his mate happy. It was in that moment that it struck Harry, why Hermione had chosen the billionaire — because her happiness and well-being was his priority.

“How did you really meet?” Harry asked the couple. “And don’t give me that faff about being introduced by an agency. I know you Hermione. Even if you agreed to a meeting you would have never mated him that same night.”

Hermione sighed. “He’s Uncle Alfred’s employer.”

Harry blinked. “The eccentric play…boy?”

Hermione smirked. “You can say it because it is fact.”

“And that doesn’t explain why you didn’t wait.”

“Uncle Alfred worried about Bruce. He told me a lot that I kept confidential. Besides you should know public reputation rarely matches reality.”

Harry hissed and nodded.

“I never met Bruce but he was kind to a complete stranger. He helped me leave Britain simply because Uncle Alfred asked. He made sure I had a safe secure place and a good doctor as soon as I landed even though I never met him. When we did meet it was an accident. We burnt through our scent blockers. I didn’t know who he was but I couldn’t forget him and move on.”

“I knew she was Alfred’s great niece. Alfred only had the best things to say about her. Alfred has always been honest with me, never led me astray; I could trust his judgment. Hermione was just as honest when we first talked. I knew I wanted to keep her forever.” Bruce Wayne was rubbing a thumb in small circles over the back of Hermione’s hand. The blue aura around their hand was a basketball sized halo of twisting ribbons and vines.

Harry nodded slowly. “As long as you’re happy Hermione.”

She smiled brilliantly. “And I am happy Harry. The happiest I’ve been in a long time.”

Harry could see it. “Good. The only thing I’m going to ask of you is to stay in contact.”

“I’ll try. I can’t promise to call weekly, or even monthly.”

“I’ll be happy with an e-mail or message saying you’re fine. You know I don’t trust what is printed in most papers.”

Bruce Wayne gave him a thoughtful considering look. “You can follow us on social media. Hermione and I, we aren’t regular posters but the kids are.”

Harry blinked and nodded. “Thank you. Just send me the details and I’ll do that.”

And then the conversation turned to lighter matters, discussions about old co-workers and schoolmates.

“I won’t be surprised if McGonagall tries to get in touch with you,” Harry warned.

Hermione frowned. “Don’t even try to defend her,” she growled.

“I’m not. I’m warning you, that’s it.”

“I’d rather work with Snape,” Hermione mumbled. “I can trust him to be brutally honest in his opinions.”

“He’s actually working as a Researcher at the Glasgow Center,” Harry commented.

Hermione’s eyes narrowed and Harry was pretty sure she was scheming. He pointedly ignored it and focused on the snack tray Harley had prepared.

The conversation continued until it was lunch time when Harry reluctantly stood up.

“I need to leave. I have an appointment with Commissioner Gordon. A courtesy call.”

“It was nice to clear the air Harry. Do you need a ride?”

“Already arranged it ahead of time.” He glanced at his watch. “It should be arriving any minute now.” He stood up and hesitated before deciding to stick with a verbal farewell. “Good bye Hermione. Please stay in touch.”

“I will Harry. Have a safe flight back to London.”

~o~

Hermione watched her once best friend leave, guided out by Harley, and then she sagged against her mate’s side.

“That was exhausting,” she murmured.

“It generally is. But I think he’s bought it.”

“It’s the truth.”

“A very carefully pruned truth.”

“But the truth. No lies. Just omissions.”

“Do you wish to bring him in?”

“No. Harry doesn’t do well with subterfuge.” She leaned her head back to meet his eyes. “But we may wish to consider turning Severus Snape.”

“Wasn’t he Dumbledore’s spy in Riddle’s cult.”

“Yes. And he was badly mistreated by both sides. He could be an asset or a future enemy.”

“Enemy?”

“Snape honours personal debts. If he feels obligated to support an ally or friend…”

“So you want to ensure he sides with us.”

“Yes.”

“How do you plan on doing that?”

“What do you think about financing an expansive research grant for the Glasgow Center? We can request an in-person meeting to discuss the results at a future date.”

“That has possibilities.”

Chapter Text

Several months later Severus Snape handed in his resignation to Kingsley Shacklebolt, the head of the Glasgow Center.

“You’re resigning Severus? But why? I thought you were happy here, doing research and not teaching children.”

“I am but I got a better offer from abroad.”

“From where? We can match it.”

Severus shook his head. “Gotham. They are offering me top-notch facilities and my pick of assistants. And I get to work with Doctors Isley and Quinzel. Fascinating women.”

Kingsley grimaced but there was nothing he could say. Offers from Gotham were generally unmatchable. Hermione and Bruce Wayne took especial pleasure in poaching the best and brightest from Britain and Europe for their Pride and Center.

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Severus Snape knew he was not a good man. He had treated Hermione Wayne nee Granger abysmally when she was his student. He had honestly been stunned when he received the contract offer from Gotham Sentinel-Guide Center. But it didn’t stop him from accepting it and preparing himself for the meeting.

He got out of the taxi and stepped up to the massive gates, pressed the intercom.

“Yes?” It was a heavily accented female voice.

“This is Severus Snape. Here to meet Hermione Wayne.”

The gate swung open and Severus walked up the driveway to the modern manor house. As he got closer he saw a blonde woman waiting on the front step. Guide, like Severus.

“Doctor Snape?” It was the woman who answered the intercom.

“Yes. And you are?”

“I’m Harley. Come on in!”

“Doctor Harleen Quinzel?” Severus asked carefully.

She stared at him and nodded. “Yeah. Most just call me Harley Quinn.”

Severus sniffed. “If you prefer to be called that then I shall.”

She smiled at him. “Please do.”

Doctor Quinn led him towards the back, a large room attached to the kitchen, a family dining room. It was full of unfamiliar faces and one familiar one who was cradling a baby in her arms. The little one was dressed in a sky blue one-piece romper and content to be carried in Mrs Wayne’s arms.

Her mate, her husband, he was much older, closer to Severus’s age. There was a shrewd knowing look in the American’s eyes. Severus immediately discarded the profile he had developed through newspapers. He was Nothing like That. He was dense and solid and far-reaching in a way Severus had never felt before. He was everything Riddle had aspired to be and failed miserably.

“Hello Professor.”

Reflex had him responding automatically. “Miss Granger.” Then he caught himself. “I suppose it is Mrs Wayne now.”

“Mrs Wayne,” she stated agreeably before smirking. “It’s better than Know-it-all.”

Severus sighed. “I would not have given you that moniker if you refrained from raising your hand all the time!” he chided.

His former student just shrugged. “Perhaps, but that would not have been me. I like being a know-it-all.” She turned to her mate and leaned close to brush her forehead against his jaw line, press a kiss below his ear. “Some like me just as I am.”

Severus considered the information against public reputation and what his senses told him and knew she was telling the truth. Bruce Wayne appreciated his young wife’s intellectual qualities. He was one himself.

“Then you are most fortunate,” Severus stated quietly. “Hold onto what you have found and never let go.”

She met his eyes solemnly. “I won’t.” Then she began making introductions. “My husband and mate, Bruce Wayne. My maternal great-uncle Alfred Pennyworth. Tim Drake. Doctor Pamela Isley. Doctor Harley Quinzel.”

Severus nodded at each. When it was clear she was not going to keep speaking he did. “What do you want?”

“What do you mean?” Bruce Wayne asked airily.

Severus shot him a dry look. “The offer presented by Tamara Fox was too good to refuse. The only caveat was for me to move to America. I have no issues with that but I am curious to know Why.”

Hermione Wayne shifted one arm and placed a hand over her husband’s. Immediately a blue aura haze formed around their hands, a floating ball made of blue light ribbons interwoven together in a complicated knot that reminded Severus of temari, Japanese embroidered balls. Such harmony was only possible in a true match, a balanced pairing. Since Mrs Wayne was an Omega Guide, Bruce Wayne had to be an Alpha Sentinel. He had heard something of the sort but had discounted it based on Bruce Wayne’s public reputation. Idiot, he scolded himself for trusting hearsay.

The British guide frowned faintly and tapped a finger against his lips. “It’s true then. Gotham has a Sentinel-Guide Prime pairing. A Covalent pair.”

Hermione Wayne inclined her head. “Yes.” She looked a bit confused. “Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy visited Gotham a few months ago. Did they not talk about this?”

Severus huffed. “Mr Potter has learnt discretion the hard way. And Mr Malfoy knows secrets have value that should not be wasted.”

She looked surprised but pleased. “I am glad. People gossip enough about me in America.”

“The papers did not say anything about your child, just that you were pregnant.” Severus looked inquiringly at the couple.

“Astrid was born six weeks ago. We plan on making a formal announcement after she turns six months old.”

Severus nodded. “A sensible precaution. Some older families wait for the first birthday.” A pause. “What do you want from me?”

It was Bruce Wayne who answered.

“Hermione tells me you are a niche researcher in Sentinel-Guide gifts.”

Severus blinked and nodded. “Yes. I track and catalogue ancestral traits, to determine why and how they emerged, if they could emerge again.”

“We want you to continue your work here. With a specific slant.”

“What sort of slant?”

“Hybrids. Metas.”

Severus blinked. He had thought about it himself but never could secure the funding for what was a very niche segment of the S-G community. He did not need to think very hard on it.

“Done.”

Bruce Wayne nodded and gestured at the green-eyed red-head who had been watching quietly from the moment he entered the room. He was warily respectful of her, of everyone in the room. They were all apex predators.

“This is Doctor Pamela Isley. She prefers to be called Ivy. She has begun collecting data on past studies and will be a resource for you. She and Harley.”

Severus inclined his head towards the women. “Understood. I will endeavour to not waste your time.”

“No worries,” the blonde, Harley, responded cheerily. “We’ll show you around the Center. Do you want to move in or find digs in Gotham?”

“Here is preferable,” Severus admitted. “I do not enjoy long commutes.”

“Sounds good. Let’s go then.”

~o~

Bruce watched Harley lead Severus Snape off. Once he was certain they were out of hearing range he spoke.

“He won’t be fooled. Not for long.”

“Not if he’s going to be living close to us,” Hermione agreed.

“Do we take precautions and delay the reveal?” He looked around the table and everyone nodded in agreement.

“As long as possible Master Bruce,” Alfred stated firmly. “If he proves himself trustworthy we can re-evaluate.”

Ivy bit her lip. “You don’t need to worry about him. He guards secrets like a dragon hordes gold. He won’t share anything with anyone.”

“He won’t sell to the highest bidder?” Tim asked sceptically.

Hermione made a soft sound. “I don’t think Professor Snape cares about money. He cares about Knowledge.”

Understanding dawned. Ivy smirked. “We have plenty of that here.” Her expression shifted. “When he finds out what do you plan on doing?”

“It depends on his reaction and wishes,” Bruce admitted. “If he takes it well he can be incorporated as a support personnel, like Lucius and Alfred. If not he can keep to just Sentinel-Guide matters.”

“I don’t know which way he’ll go,” Hermione confesses. “Common sense says he’ll refuse to get involved in another war. But my heart says no, that he is a man of principles; he’ll fight for what matters to him.”

Bruce considered the information. “Then we’ll just have to wait and see.”

~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~

Three months later Severus was meeting Bruce and Hermione Wayne privately, this time at their home just before dinner; he was a repeat attendee of Sunday dinner at the Waynes. Mrs Wayne’s grand-uncle was a superior chef and Severus was always more than willing to accept the dinner invitations. This particular invitation was a bit different because it was almost the end of Severus’s probationary period and he had to inform them if he wanted to sign a longer contract or not.

Severus looked around Bruce Wayne’s private office. The owner was sitting behind the massive desk. Mrs Wayne was sitting off to the side watching her daughter crawling on a playmat spread out in one corner.

“Well? Do you feel comfortable signing a permanent contract with the Center?”

Severus coughed. “I think it would make more sense to sign one to work with the JLA.” Bruce Wayne’s glacial blue eyes made Severus recoil minutely, but he was made of sterner stuff and held his ground. “I feel my research is more applicable in niche situations than the general populace. Like the therapy that is being used to treat Harvey Dent.”

Hermione giggled and shot her husband a significant look.

Bruce sighed and nodded. “Would you prefer to have a cover identity? To limit the number of people who know Severus Snape is working with the League?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I would.”

“How would you like to be known?”

Severus smirked. “Call me Crow.”