Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Mama, Mama!” 

Kyle kept walking. There wasn’t anyone to call him that. He heard the laughter so often, and it was always for someone else. Faintly, the call meant for another echoed in his ears. He tried to ignore it. It’d be terrible if he let it make a home in his heart. 

One day it’d happen for him. One day. 

“Mama, wait! Stop walking!” the small voice called again. Kyle hummed to himself as he continued. The mall was crowded. Maybe the pup’s mother was somewhere ahead of them. They really should pay closer attention to their kid. If Kyle hadn’t been working on minding his own business, he’d have found the negligent parent and told them off. There wasn’t a reason for the pup to call so much for them. 

“Uhm, excuse me, sir? I think your pup is behind you,” a gruff yet taunting voice drew Kyle’s attention. 

“Excuse me?” he raised a brow. 

“Mama, wait for me!” the cry grew close to him. A jolt shot threw Kyle’s heart as a pup, no older than two or three, appeared at his side with tears in their eyes. Kyle couldn’t quite make out their face, only their messy mass of ginger curls that looked far too close to his when he was younger. “Mama, why’d you go?” The hurt voice demanded. 

“I…I’m sorry?” Kyle blinked, confused. Unbelievable. It was simply unbelievable. There wasn’t any way the negligent parent he wanted to berate was…himself? “I’m sorry, kiddo. Maybe I can help you find your mama, okay?” he tried to ease the tears down. 

“You’re my mama!” the child began wailing. 

“I-”

“Kyle, what’s been up with you lately?” a mature voice called his attention. His head snapped in the direction to find another faceless figure. A man, tall with broad shoulders. An alpha. One who had a ring that matched the one to suddenly appear on Kyle’s finger. 

“W-what? I-I don’t know what’s happening. I-”

“It’s okay, babe. We’re here,” the alpha pulled him in close. 

“Here for Mama,” the tiny pup hugged their legs protectively. 

Kyle wasn’t sure what to say. His heart ached with joy and sorrow alike amid his confusion. He didn’t know what was happening or why. This alpha, this pup, he didn’t know them, yet they held onto him for dear life. It made him feel so loved in a way he had never before. 

“I-I’m sorry,” he said quietly. Guilt for indulging was heavy in his belly as he let phantoms hold. “I’ll pay more attention. Can we go home?” 

“No,” the alpha was firm. Kyle swallowed hard, trying not to cry. A teasing smile took his lips. “We have to stop for ice cream.”

“Yay, ice cream!” the tiny pup squealed. Kyle choked on a laugh, wiping his tears. 

“Ice cream,” he agreed with a nod. Tears were still on the verge of falling. Bittersweet and overwhelming. He found himself swinging a pup with the mystery alpha. The child’s laughter had replaced their cries as they continued outside. Kyle didn’t know where they were headed, truly. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. All he knew was he had to enjoy it while he could. 

This dream wouldn’t be there when he awoke. 

****

Kyle’s brows furrowed. Faintly, the sound of whimpering began to wake him. He felt tiny hands on his face attempting to give soothing pats. Try as they might, they were only comforting in gesture. It took a moment for Kyle to blink himself into consciousness. The dream he was having was intoxicating. As much as he wanted to stay there, he couldn’t. Those tiny hands and tiny whimpers demanded he to reality. 

Cruelly ironic. 

He so badly wanted to stay with the little hands in his dream when he had little hands there with him. Then again, those weren’t his little hands to keep. Not really, anyway. They were his honorarily, something that helped fill a growing void. Ultimately, they were truly someone else’s. Why they were in his room was purely been because of two reasons. One, their parents were likely still asleep. Two, he was their den-omega. 

Assuming that role had been one of obligation. Admittedly, when Kyle, Stan, Kenny, and Cartman decided to start their own pack, the role was automatically given to the only omega present at the time. As their pack grew, there was never a reason for Kyle to step down. He hadn’t wanted to. Being of comfort to his packmates was an honor, something that kept him going. Leading beside Stan gave him purpose. That purpose just meant he was the primary caregiver in their home, especially to the two little ones wanting his awaking. 

“Mimi, don’t cry,” the older of the two pups whimpered. Kyle’s eyes finally fluttered open to find a teary-eyed three-year-old blonde girl looking at him with worry. She was so much like her mother. Butters’s empathetic ways had to have been hereditary. Otherwise, Julie had no reason to be so enmeshed with the emotions around her. 

“Mimi’s not crying,” Kyle cleared his throat tiredly. His wet cheeks suggested he was lying. Quickly, he started wiping his face. 

“Did you have a bad dream?” she asked softly. 

“No,” he was quiet. “It wasn’t bad,” he sat up as the smaller pup, a noriette one-year-old boy, whined.  Kyle watched Daniel “Danny” Marsh attempt to burrow under his blankets. He had half a mind to join the boy, but he knew better.

Responsibilities like breakfast needed to be taken care of. That and reassuring the worried little ones that he was fine. 

“I had a really good dream. So good it made me cry. Sometimes people cry when they’re happy. Like when your daddy gave your mommy flowers last week,” Kyle entered a slight tug of war with Danny. If he had to be up, so did the boy. 

“You not sad?” The McCormick girl tilted her head, still concerned. 

“Mimi’s not sad,” Kyle shook his head with a yawn. “Are you ready for breakfast?”

Julie nodded. “M-Mommy said we can have pancakes.”

“Then let’s make pancakes,” Kyle pulled the fussy tot up with him as he climbed out of bed. Danny’s usual whines weren’t distracting as Kyle headed to the kitchen to start his duties. Outside of childcare, he handled cooking and a few other details around their home.

 Primarily, he nurtured his pack members. He was there when they were sick or expecting. Catering to their needs, offering advice, and nesting with them when they were in distress. It was his job to make sure they were healthy and content. The job was serious to him. It always had been. Even when it was just the four of them, he cared about his packmate’s well-being. In return, they did their part to make sure Kyle was safe and secure. Stan in particular took the task with the most care. 

When they were younger, Stan was trusted by Sheila to keep an eye on her son. That meant a lot coming from the older alpha. Since Gerald and Randy were friends before motherhood, it was a given that their pups were introduced to each other early in life. When Stan was old enough to understand that he and Kyle were different he was somewhat confused on how to proceed. The only thing that made sense to him was to protect Kyle. 

And so he did. 

Often. 

He kept Cartman from going too far and made sure Kenny didn’t make passes at Kyle. Kenny’s management was easier, considering he was more interested in the pale blonde who would become his mate. Handling Cartman was a different animal, one that frequently annoyed Stan but thankfully Kyle could hold his own easily. Still, Stan’s constant presence around Kyle led many to think they would eventually mate. For a time, they unspokenly thought so too until someone else became more of an interest. 

The second person to join their pack after Buttrers was none other than Wendy Testaburger. Her off-and-on relationship with Stan stabilized as they matured and by the time they were graduating college, they decided it was time to officially mate. Kyle smiled brightly as Stan’s best man during that wedding. Hurt feelings were limited and faded with time. Stan still kept an eye on Kyle, however. He always would. Kyle was too precious to be put at risk. 

“Alright, you get a pancake,” Kyle hummed with a soft smile as he placed a freshly buttered and cut pancake in front of Juile. “And you get one,” he said, doing the same to Danny. The pups’ song of pancakes was sung as they ate. Kyle smiled to himself as he went back to cooking. He loved them so much it hurt. 

He wished it didn’t. 

Stan knew it. That’s why he did his best to redirect Wendy’s jealousy of Kyle’s bond with their pup. The omega had nobody else. While the alpha empathized, it wasn’t her problem. Seeing Danny prefer him to her wounded her. Kyle shared that sentiment quietly.  He always did all he could to get Julie and Danny to bond with their parents. The fine line of the matter was that he, too, was their parent. He had so much authority and such a predominant role in their lives, he was just as much a parent as their biological ones. It was assumed he would be to any pups that entered their pack, and nobody had any real argument against that. 

Except Kyle. He so badly wanted to shift the boundaries, but it wasn’t entirely up to him. There were things he wanted for himself, so he tried not to take them from Butters and Wendy. How would it be fair when the time came for him? It was hard, though. Expectations were placed upon him as the pack’s den-omega. When Butters first fell pregnant with Julie, Kyle faintly remembered how Stan and the others talked about what would be expected of him. It felt like they were trying to be inclusive at the time, but when it came time to practice, he was truly expected to act as another mother. Something about it always made him feel off. 

It was like his pack knew he had nobody else, like they thought he never would. At this stage, he wondered if they knew something he didn’t. After all, he was the only one without a partner currently. 

In her stabilizing relationship with Cartman, Heidi had come to join the pack a few years earlier after Wendy. Mere weeks later, Theresa and Isla also joined. The pair was currently on a romantic getaway. Everyone expected them to come back with news of an engagement. It was a sore spot for Heidi, considering Cartman and she were still only courting after all this time, but she was at least thankful he had matured. 

Sighing, Kyle sipped his freshly brewed coffee. He felt it warm his chest. The sensation lingered where his heart had been tight all morning. Being on the brink of a panic attack didn’t seem likely, but then again, he knew better than to just assume. With another sigh, he kept at his coffee. Lasting impact from the dream kept lingering in his mind as it began to loosen from his heart. He didn’t want to think about what it meant. He only wanted to finish breakfast. 

Then he could handle whatever else came next. Just so long as he didn’t have to keep giving energy to a dream. 

A dream that may never come true. 

Chapter Text

“Breakfast was great, Kyle. I swear I can never get my ends to be crispy like yours,” Butters hummed while doing dishes. 

“Just a lil more butter in the skillet,” Kyle sipped his third cup of coffee. “Glad you enjoyed it, though. What do you think’s good for lunch?”

“We just ate breakfast. Don’t worry about lunch,” Butters laughed. 

“I mean, I have to prep.”

“No, you have to rest. Why don’t you go grab a book or nap? I know those two woke you up pretty early today.”

“Eh, they’ve done worse.”

“Oh yeah, like Vacation Day.”

“God, we had eleven hours before the flight, but it was absolutely imperative that I was awake.”

“Was the utmost important thing the entire day,” the blonde shook his head with a smile. “Seriously, go nap, and I’ll figure out the lunch menu. There’s plenty of time.”

“I think I’ll head out for a run. My heat’s next week and I need a couple of things for the center.”

“Gosh, Kyle, I-I know it’s not really any of my business, but why do you always go? Y-you don’t have to spend your heats with a stranger. Isla and I are happy to help you through it.”

“It’s really not so bad. I’d feel awful if my heat triggered yours. Then that'd be more work for your mates and throw off your cycles. Just better if I spend those few days away.”

“We can take suppressants. Really, it’s no trouble,” the blonde urged. He felt awful that Kyle didn’t have anyone to share his heats with. While Cycle Centers were healthy and safe, he thought Kyle deserved more than just having a stranger assigned to him. 

“Butters, it’s okay,” Kyle hugged him warmly. A soft pur showed how touched he was. Not wanting to impose kept him from allowing his packmates to aid him during his heat. It wasn’t something he thought he could handle. 

His trip to the store was quick. Not much was needed beyond cold compresses, fruit cups, melatonin, and extra slick pads. When he returned, Butters was more than happy to spend time nesting while the pups took their afternoon nap. 

Nesting was peak relaxation, especially when shared with someone dear. Butters curled into the crook of Kyle’s neck. The den-omega held him close, licking his neck comfortingly. Purring rumbled through their chests almost in sync. It wasn’t until a certain beta came looking for them that they separated. 

“There he is. We found our Mimi,” Heidi carried in an upset Danny. 

“Mmm, what’s the matter?” Kyle cooed with his arms open.  Butters slipped out to retrieve his daughter. 

“Someone woke up early from their nap.” Heidi handed the boy over. “Stan’s in a meeting and couldn’t hold him so he asked me to find you.”

“Aww, I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up,” Kyle patted the nuzzling boy’s back. “Thanks for bringing him. Sorry if he was a distraction.”

“No problem,” she breathed. As she made her exit, Butters made his return. Julie was still asleep, content in his arms. The two omegas got the pups situated between them. Their purrs eased Danny back into slumber while keeping Julie asleep. 

After Stan’s meeting, he ventured to Kyle’s room. There wasn’t a doubt his son was with his Mimi. When Butters fell pupped, an absurd amount of time was spent googling names for a den-omega to be called by a pack’s pups. 

Den-ma

Omi

Some just opted to say mama or mommy.

The option of being called simply by name felt too informal.

Finally, they settled on Mimi as a nice medium. Kyle didn’t really have a say in it. He’d have been fine with anything besides “mama”. That felt like a hard boundary, especially in Wendy’s case. He was Mimi, and it worked.

Stan was pleased to find his pack’s omegas and pups resting peacefully. Kyle had been awake, lazily scrolling while the others napped. 

“Good?” He broke the silence.

Kyle’s eyes found the source of the noise before returning to his phone.

“Good.”

There wasn’t much else that needed to be said. Kyle kept his eyes fixed on his phone. He needed to check Butters’ last heat. The blonde’s scent gland tasted differently. He recalled what he said to Julie earlier that day. Butters had gotten emotional when Kenny gave him flowers. That wasn’t so uncommon. It was the extent to which Butters started crying that was. Pursing his lips, Kyle made a mental note to keep tabs on Butters until he was sure. 

The rest of the day passed by as it normally did. The workforce slowly filtered back home. Julie was absolutely thrilled when her auto mechanic daddy came home. Danny clung to his politician mommy’s legs the moment she walked through the door. Time with Mimi was always nice, but there was a certain level of joy that was reserved only for the return of the parents who worked outside. 

Dinner time as a pack was refreshing. Theresa and Isla were missed, but they’d be home soon. Kyle probably would miss their return, however. Flesh over his spine was growing heated, and he knew a few heat bumps were starting up his arms. His neck was warming, and he was losing his appetite.

Not being able to look after Kyle the way he did them was a growing bother to his pack. While he understood, he wasn’t in a place to be open with them. Dealing with his heat would be burdensome, something he never wanted to be. He was a pack leader. It was his job to love and protect his packmates. When it became a question of how they could return the favor, Kyle genuinely never had an answer. 

Chapter Text

Curse Uber. It was far too slow bringing Kyle home. By the time it pulled up to the front of their home, Kyle’s two little ones were eagerly awaiting him. He could tell by their eager yet panicked faces that they needed him immediately. It warmed his heart with a soft chuckle. The Uber driver made a slight joke to tell the pups he was sorry for getting caught in traffic. Who knew things would get so delayed on a Thursday? The omega thanked him for the ride as he collected his bags from the driver. He was nearly tackled when he opened the front door. 

“I’m sorry I was gone so long,” Kyle laughed softly as he hugged the two pups attached to his legs. The pair only whined with emotional relief. It was known plainly to everyone that it’d be an exercise in strength to remove the strong-willed toddlers from their Mimi. 

“Welcome back,” Butters happily scented the other omega. He or Isla were usually the first ones to greet Kyle when he returned home. Kyle was glad Theresa and Isla had made it back safely. They refused to hear any apologies for him not being there when they returned home. Having to be away for his heat was more than enough reason to be away. They knew that under any other circumstances, their den-omega would’ve been the first scent they were greeted with when they got back. 

“Oh, thank God the Mimi is back from his extended stay,” Cartman rolled his eyes.

“I missed you too, Eric,” Kyle accepted the greeting as Cartman rubbed his wrist to his neck.

“C’mon, let’s get you settled,” Isla took his suitcase. She couldn’t wait to tell him about her trip. True to everyone’s expectations, Theresa asked to mark her, and they couldn’t wait to start planning their ceremony. 

“Thank you,” he breathed as he adjusted the pups in his arms. Their refusal to let him go was heartwarming. Anytime he left for more than two days, they went to pieces. This time, he had been gone ten whole days. 

“Glad you’re back,” Stan rubbed his wrist to Kyle’s neck last. The alpha didn’t exactly approve of Kyle’s extended time at the Cycle Center. His heats were usually three to four days. This time, he called saying he’d be extending his stay to help the alpha who’d serviced him. Apparently, Kyle felt it was only right to help with his rut after the alpha had helped him. 

Damn his good nature. Sometimes it bothered Stan and the others. Even if Kyle was a sound-minded adult who could handle himself, he was still an omega. Their omega. His safety was important to his pack. He knew that and loved them for it. That’s why he tried to stay close to home to appease them. Things couldn’t always work that way, however. 

He had his own life.

It took some convincing to pry the pups from him so he could take his coat off. Once it was off, they were back attached to him. He’d never been gone so long from them. Truth be told, he missed them too. His mind didn’t think of them much while he was in heat, but while he was tending to the alpha, he certainly did. Not just them but the pack in general. They were his family.

He could tell the feeling was mutual based on his warm welcome. Butters and Isla were helping unpack after he had been properly scented by everyone. Love was a wonderful feeling. Kyle wore a contented smile as Isla talked happily about her trip. 

As it turned out, the shy Theresa was quite the romantic. Isla loved her new engagement collar. She couldn’t wait to be marked. It was rare that the vocal omega blushed so deeply, but she couldn’t stop. Kyle enjoyed teasing her as much as he could with small children in the room. He half expected them to lose interest in him not long after his return, but that was hardly the case. After an hour of unpacking and gossip, Kyle decided it was time to get back to business.

“You guys,” Kyle laughed softly. “I can’t cook dinner with you in my arms,” he tried to get them out of his hold, but they refused. 

“Who said you were cooking?” Heidi started finding cookware. 

“Well, it’s my job to cook. I’m back now, so no need to fend for yourselves anymore.”

“You just got back from helping some alpha for almost a full seven days. You can leave dinner to us for one more day,” Butters blushed. 

“I’m totally fine,” Kyle insisted. 

“Well, too bad you have a bad case of the pups,” Kenny smirked. Julie and Danny had no intention of letting their Mimi go anytime soon. 

“Ya know…I’m shocked they missed me so much.”

“Why?” Wendy tried not to snort. 

“Well, just figured they’d get excited for a bit and then calm down like they usually do,” he shrugged as much as he could with them nuzzling him. 

“Maybe if you were gone for the usual three days. It’s been a week and a half. They probably thought you were gone forever,” Kenny kept his smirk. 

“That’s an exaggeration.”

“Is it?” Heidi raised a brow, nodding at the clingy children. Kyle looked at them a moment before deciding perhaps it wasn’t. 

Casual conversation continued between the five adults as Butters and Heidi took to preparing dinner. Kyle felt awful, being home and doing nothing. He was always told to rest, but usually, he could combat that with his usual duties. But now, he just felt useless. Seeing meal time taken care of without him made him feel like he didn’t belong.

He hated that feeling. It crept into his chest every so often. When his packmates were to cuddle him and not just their partners, when they watched movies. When he had to get a gift from the family on Valentine’s Day and then he’d be left at home alone with the pups while everyone had a date. When his kiss under the mistletoe came from the other omega’s cornering him with playful laughter before returning to their partners.

Somehow, he felt so alone in a house full of people. Sure, he had the pups, but he wasn’t their mother. Mother’s Day gifts were obligatory, no matter how thoughtful. Sometimes he felt more like a live-in nanny than a part of a family. Weren’t they family, too, though? He wasn’t a nanny. He was a fucking den-omega, a leader in their pack along with Stan.

Why did he feel so insecure, so miserable then? He had plenty of love. That’s why he felt guilty for not thinking it was enough. Maybe that’s why working so hard to care for his pack made him feel better. It kept that feeling of purpose in place.

It distracted him.

“Kyle?” Wendy called his attention.

“Hmm?” He shook himself. Growing flushed at the staring eyes, he continued, “S-sorry, what were you saying?”

“I was asking why Craig texted you, saying sorry for breaking something." Her eyes were hard. 

“W-what?” Kyle blinked, looking at his phone on the table. Wendy hadn’t been sitting far so seeing the other alpha’s name and text preview wouldn’t have been hard. Shifting Danny, Kyle was able to pick the phone up. “Nothing. It was nothing.”

“Craig and you don’t talk often. What’s he got to be sorry for?” Heidi pressed him. Butters and Kenny kept a close eye as well. Craig was the leader of another pack. A good friend, but not someone Kyle talked to regularly. At least as far as anyone at home knew. Tweek would’ve been more inconspicuous. 

“Nothing,” Kyle repeated. 

“Right…so what did he break then? ” Wendy wasn’t swayed. If an alpha was saying sorry to an omega, it likely wasn’t for something good. If he had done something to Kyle, the pack wouldn’t take that lightly.

“It was-”

“If you say nothing again, we’ll call a meeting,” she held firm. That was the last thing Kyle wanted. This wasn’t a major issue, and yet he couldn’t find it in his heart to tell them the truth.

“My collar,” he said quietly. 

“But you said the alpha at the center did that,” Butters interjected. When met with looks from the others, he continued, “W-when we were unpacking, we saw it missing. Kyle said…it got broken, but the center was replacing it soon.”

“So then, how was it Craig who broke it?” the alpha female demanded. 

“He was the alpha…I saw for my heat.”

Despite trying to avoid a meeting, one was called anyway. The pups were pried from the ginger and sat in front of a TV somewhere in the house. Kyle couldn’t look at his pack mates. The alphas looked angry while the others were disappointed. Only Butters showed soft concern. 

“Explain,” the pack leader said curtly. To know the den-omega was lying with another pack leader was infuriating, to say the least. 

“A few months ago, when Craig was away, Tweek had to use the center, too. That’s how we found out we had the same heat cycles. When Craig came back after a couple of months, Tweek invited me to share his alpha during our heats. Craig was open to it. I-I don’t know why I agreed to try it, but I did. And…well…it’s been working out for the past few months. Craig services both Tweek and me, and well, his rut hit this time. I meant it when I said I didn’t feel right leaving after he’d helped me. Tweek was glad of the help.”

“And he broke your collar, how?” Cartman glared at him. 

“Instinct. It was only instinct during his rut. At the height of it, he tried to mark me and damaged the collar in the process." He pulled his sweater down to show his bare neck. “Wasn’t successful, though. The collar held up through the rest of his rut but needed replacing. That’s why he was saying sorry. T-to make sure I made it home okay and to tell me he and Tweek ordered a replacement.” 

“How long were you seeing him?” Stan’s hard eyes remained fixed on him. 

“It’s been eight months…”

“Shit, Kyle. You’ve been sleeping with Tweek and Craig for almost a year but won’t let Butters or Isla fucking touch you?” Cartman cursed him. Heidi tried to hold his hand to calm him. Kyle could only whimper while Butters patted his leg. The other omegas were hurt by the revelation, but knew that sharing heats was something more sentimental than others gave it credit for. 

“I-it’s not that,” the ginger fought tears.

“Then what is it?” Wendy’s anger was calmer than Cartman’s but was still quite notable. 

“I just don’t want to cause anyone trouble,” he finally broke down in tears. “It’s not their job to take care of me in my heat. I didn’t want them or any of you to see me that way. Craig and Tweek are far enough away that it isn’t embarrassing, but close enough that I can trust them. What went from a one-time thing just became regular,” he cried. 

“Well then, let me make it clear if it wasn’t before: We. Are. Your. Pack. It doesn’t matter what state you’re in. We are your home. We see you through hard times. We protect you. We take care of you. I don’t care if you think it’s embarrassing. I don’t care if you feel weak,” Stan stressed. “We were respecting you wanting this boundary, but knowing that another pack leader almost claimed you, instinct or not, we won’t be anymore. From now on, you spend your heats here. The other omegas will tend to you. Like they always should have.”

“But Stan-”

“No,” he let off a warning growl, causing the omega to cower. The alpha straightened himself with a sigh. “No,” he tried softer. “I’ve made my choice. After you get the collar from Craig, that’s the end of your whole arrangement with him and Tweek.”

“Yes, Alpha,” the crying omega buried his face in his hands in shame. Butters sat by him comfortingly. Isla rested on the other side. Stan always had the final say. The others didn’t exactly disagree with his ruling. It was risky for Kyle to come close to being taken by another pack. It didn’t matter if they were friendly with them. Craig may have been a good alpha and Tweek may have been fine sharing but Kyle belonged to Stan’s pack. Anyone bold enough to mark Kyle would have to go through them and take to their family.

 They’d be damned if just anybody thought they could take Kyle. 

Chapter Text

After the humbling meeting, life continued as normal. Kyle found his rhythm again, taking care of everyone else and skirting around getting help in return. When he found himself lactating, he delicately approached Butters about being expectant again. The blonde was stunned that Kyle picked up on it so quickly. 

“Guess I can’t pull one over on my den-omega,” he said sheepishly. 

“Not when he gets sympathy symptoms and can taste the change in your scent,” Kyle hugged him. Butters purred happily in his arms. Later that night, Butters and Kenny announced their news. Julie was thrilled to have another sibling on the way. Everyone was delighted, including the tender den-omega. 

“ One day,” he thought to himself behind his bittersweet smile. The room was filled with gleeful talk that made his head swim. He felt so guilty for his jealousy. There had to be a way to get past it. That’d be his objective in the coming weeks to keep himself grounded.

Green eyes locked onto his frame in the mirror. His small breasts were growing sensitive with milk production. Butters was three months along. Kyle took note of how his body changed along with his packmate’s. Omegas were the only subgender that could lactate without being pregnant. Kyle nursed both Julie and Danny in place of their mothers when the time called for it. The new pup would be no different. Exhaling, he finished getting dressed for the night. Their pack, save for the little ones, was due to a party across town. Some of the girls from their school days had grown bored with the quietness of their town. A party would liven things up. 

Kyle decided orange and black-toned cameo cargo pants with a sheer black top were suitable for the affair. His hair was loose under a black ushanka. No makeup. No jewelry. Simple black combat boots. The replacement collar from the Tuckers that Stan hated so much rested securely on his neck. He wasn’t sure he was trying to impress anyone. He bit his lip as he surveyed himself in the mirror more. His hips were widening. He needed to get more active. Chasing pups around was exercise, but not the kind he needed. 

Maybe he should start working. 

The pack would probably enter anarchy if he did. 

“Ready?” Theresa manifested in his doorway, shocking him from his thoughts. 

“Y-yeah. How do I look?” he turned for her. 

“Hot. Let’s go.”

The pair smiled as they joined the others. They’d ride in two cars. Kyle would have the window seat beside Butters, who rode in the middle of the backseat. It was a fight to keep the sadness from his eyes. The omega was always an extra in car rides. He didn’t know why he was so in his head lately. It wasn’t like he didn’t belong in his pack. He was a fucking den-omega! Just because he rode alone didn’t mean he wasn’t wanted. But then why did he feel that way? Why did he feel like…like…

“Like an obligation,” he thought to himself as he looked at the night lights. 

Stan’s eyes caught the wandering look on his friend’s face in the rearview mirror. More and more, he found the ginger shutting down. He was in a slump, Stan knew it. They all knew it. Hopefully, the party would help him, and after that, they’d talk to him. Kyle was always such a vital person. Big projects and long to-do lists were the essence of his being. He likely just wasn’t feeling as challenged as he was used to. There was silent hope that the new McCormick pup would help his attention. That and perhaps a potential mate they were subtly working on pairing him with. 

Rebecca was a nice alpha. Smart, kind, quiet. She was an impressive doctor with an impressive vocabulary. She’d do right by Kyle. Wendy scoped her out at a Professional Women’s Conference. Seeing the unmated doctor from their childhood seemed kismet. The pack had been in private conversation about getting the two together on a date. If things went well, it’d be strongly encouraged that they court. 

Strongly . 

The party had been in full swing when the group arrived. Drinks were flowing, and the music was loud. Everyone was either dancing, drinking, or jumping in the pool. Craig's pack had already been living in the festivities. Between the two groups, it was already known of the offense made. Stan talked to Craig, alpha-to-alpha, about the situation. Craig didn’t appreciate Stan’s entitled manner but he wouldn’t fight him over an omega that had made his allegiance known. 

He doubted that the last time he slept with Kyle was the last time he’d sleep with Kyle. Stan’s ego was just bruised because it hadn’t been him Kyle trusted with his heats. That simple fact kept Craig smug amid Stan’s power trip. The two caught each other in a passing glance; they knew where they stood. Kyle hated that he made things tense between them, but Tweek kept assuring him it didn’t matter. 

Alphas were aggressively territorial. Their moment would pass. 

“Kyle, you have to take a shot for me tonight,” Butters laughed in his ear. Kyle blinked himself into focus before returning the smile. 

“Yeah, of course. T-totally,” he nodded. “Get your shit together. Stop zoning out.”

Cartman, Kenny, and Stan exchanged knowing looks. They’d have to keep an eye on the ever-distracted omega.

Before long, Kyle had a few drinks in him. Jungle Juice was dangerous; even more so with a depressed house-omega in the middle of an existential crisis. Cartman couldn’t help but scowl seeing Kyle grinding against Tweek under Craig’s lustful gaze. 

“I’m going to get him,” he growled. 

“No, don’t make a scene,” Heidi stopped him. “They’re just dancing. Butters and Kenny are over there, too.”

“Craig's about to get handsy on fucking purpose just to piss us off.”

“I doubt it. He’s not gonna start a fight here. Not over a dance.”

“Heidi-”

“Let it go, Eric. Go get a drink,” she urged him. 

The brunette grumbled about her not knowing the lengths someone like Craig would go to just to make a statement. Heidi kept her eye on the dancing cluster, and Kyle seemed fine with Tweek and the others. Cartman was just getting possessive. His dynamic with Kyle was unique, thee most unique in all of their pack. They respected each other, loved each other, and yet hated each other by the same margins. Cartman would kill for Kyle, but he’d also try to kill Kyle just for fun. 

Not as much as when they were kids, but every now and again, the omega found himself in a headlock for a tad too long. 

Cartman stopped in his tracks when he saw him near the drink table. Blonde hair. Grey eyes. Tattoos up his arms. Brass knuckles on his right hand. 

“Oh, fuck me,” the alpha muttered as he went to find Stan and Kenny. Not that they were afraid of him anymore, they didn’t care to cross paths with him either. Every blue moon, they crossed the blonde alpha, and he’d made it a point to appear as threatening as possible. 

It was too hot. Dancing under the influence in a room clouded with smoke was starting to take Kyle.  He needed a break. Water would’ve been great too. Surveying the random cups around him, he found they either had soda or more alcohol. Temptation to just drink something with ice was strong, but the omega knew better. After assuring his friends he’d be back in a few minutes, Kyle made his way to the drinks. Focusing on the task at hand, he pursed his lips looking for water .

 Beer. Jungle Juice. Soda. Mixers.

The drink table seemingly had everything besides water. God forbid anyone get dehydrated. Kyle’s hazy eyes kept searching. There had to be at least ice. Before he could turn to seek out the kitchen, someone caught him with his so-desired treasure. 

“Need this?” A water bottle was extended to him. 

“Yeah, thanks,” he breathed gratefully. It was only when he looked up that he found the grey eyes that sent Cartman out for reinforcements. “Trent?”

Chapter Text

“Yeah,” the cocky tone poked at Kyle. “Shocked to see me or somethin’?”

“Maybe. Didn’t know you were in town,” Kyle swallowed. Trent made him nervous, and the alpha knew it. He enjoyed teasing Kyle, the petite omega that he was. Even he had respect for pack boundaries, though. He never threatened to take Kyle. Not in front of the others, at least. 

“Need help with that?” Trent rolled his silver toothpick between his teeth. Kyle hadn’t moved to open the bottle yet, his dazed state suggested he needed it badly. 

“Mmm,” Kyle tilted the top towards him. Trent took the bottle back, drinking from it before giving it back to the omega. Kyle averted his eyes before the alpha handed him the bottle back. If he didn’t need the fucking hydration he’d have turned it down. Trent smirked when Kyle got a good drink. 

“Better?”

“Y-yeah. Thanks,” Kyle looked down. He was still hot. More people had filtered into the suddenly small house. “I uh, need to get out-I mean back. I need to get,-”

“Air. You need air,” Trent stood from his place beside the table. Kyle sweated as the 6’4 alpha towered over him. Grey eyes caught green ones. A gold flash ran from Trent’s to Kyle’s. The omega began sweating more. 

If Trent weren’t so dangerous, he’d easily have had a mate. Maybe even two. Despite running with a pack that had its share of pups, not many wanted to get involved with the biker. He was still known to have a temper and struck fear into the residents of South Park at random. Many thought it was to remind them not to assume he’d gotten soft. Such a theory wasn’t bad to have, considering the man’s temperament. 

“Air,” Kyle echoed gently. 

“Air,” Trent smirked. 

Seamlessly, the pair exited outside, leaving Kyle’s packmates to scramble. 

“Fucking Craig, where’s Kyle?” Cartman barked at the other alpha. 

“I told you I don’t know,” he glared as his omega crawled onto his lap. 

“He said he was going to get water,” Tweek co-signed. 

“It doesn’t take that long. We need to find him now,” Cartman pressed. 

“So look for him instead of picking a fight with me.”

“Yeah, should try outside. Saw him leave out with a certain alpha,” Clyde smirked, passing his joint to his pack leader. Craig took pleasure in watching the color drain from Cartman’s face as he left to tell Kenny and Stan. 

“Find him?” Stan breathed worriedly. 

“They said he went out with Trent.”

Kenny wasn’t one to panic. The blonde moved as quickly as the crowded space would allow with his packmates behind him. 

“Like it?” Trent showed Kyle his bike. “Limited edition El-Diablo. Looks good, don’t it?” he said proudly. 

“Uh-huh,” Kyle swallowed. He had never ridden a Harley before, or well, any motorcycle. His hand shook when Trent placed the helmet in his hand while he mounted the bike.

“Wanna go for a ride?” Trent eyed him. The helmet was already in his hands. All he had to do was get on. Kyle wasn’t dense, however. He wasn’t in the mood to end up drunk on the ends of the Colorado Mountains alone after Trent would use and abandon him. 

“I-”

”Need to get the fuck away,” Stan interjected. He sharply took the helmet from Kyle and harshly shoved it into the other alpha’s chest. 

“Hey, watch yourself there, Stanny boy. I paid good money for this,” Trent warned him, getting off the bike. 

“Look, I don’t give two shits what you say or do to us three but you do not target Kyle,” Stan bared his fangs. The threat was made, and Trent would never let it slide. 

“Target Kyle? Don’t flatter him. All it was gonna be was a ride around the block. Isn’t that right, Kyle?” Trent’s fangs were sharp in his smile. Kyle couldn’t look at him even if he wanted to. The omega was embarrassed in the arms of Butters and Isla while Heidi and Theresa stood nearby with Wendy. Kenny and Cartman were behind Stan. Trent’s own pack members, boys he left juvenile detention with, were now nearing by. 

“Don’t talk to him. Don’t even look at him. I better not ever catch you near him again,” Stan growled. 

“Or what?” Trent stepped close. The mood of the party shifted as eyes fell on the tentative fight. Kyle never felt so low. 

“I want to go home,” he cried. His tears broke Stan’s attention, and shockingly enough, Trent’s. Wendy was quick to comfort the omega, as were the others of his pack. Stan, Kenny, and Cartman kept a barrier watching Trent and his pack retreat for the time being. Trent dismissed them as not being worth it. He caught a glimpse of the crying omega before taking off on his bike. 

Whatever bullshit Stan tried to dictate didn’t matter. Much like Craig, Trent was hardly concerned with the other alpha’s power trip. He knew Kyle was as good as his. Stan would have to get over it. 

“Shh, Kyle, it’s okay,” Butters cooed. 

“No,” was all the ginger could manage. 

“We’re going home,” Stan declared. There was no argument from his pack. Kenny traded places with Isla for the car ride home. Kyle was moved to the middle seat so Isla and Butters could hold him on the car ride home. 

The night was disastrous as far as he was concerned. How had he let Trent Boyett of all people lure him outside? Trent couldn’t have been serious, showing off his bike and offering to take him for a ride. And for what, just to piss off the other three boys that got him locked up when they were kids? Was that all he was good for? Being a vulnerable piece on the alpha’s chessboard? 

The omega’s cries grew into pained sobs at the thought. Wendy and Stan exchanged worried looks. Thank God they’d be home soon. 

Chapter Text

With Kyle crying himself to sleep, his pack held another meeting with him safely tucked into bed. Butters wanted to stay with him, but the greater part of him knew he needed to be in the meeting. As much as he loved his chosen family, they weren’t always the most rational in a crisis. That was usually Kyle’s job, but since Kyle was the crisis, someone else had to be a good voice of reason. 

“I can’t believe it. He fucking went off alone with Trent fucking Boyette of all fucking people. Fuck!” Cartman vented.

“Shut up before you wake him, fatass,” Kenny took a long drag from his smoke. The affair had made his nerves tense, and that was hard to do.

“Maybe Trent forced him,” Theresa worried.

“If he did, that fucker’s closer to death than ever before,” Stan clenched his jaw. 

“Let’s take a breath here, everybody,” Heidi encouraged. “We don’t know what happened, but I think we need to consider why it happened.”

“What do you mean, why?” Cartman looked at her.

“I think what she means is why would Kyle go off with Trent,” Butters picked at his fingers. “He’s more level-headed. He’s loud. He could’ve thrown a drink on Trent and kicked him in the nuts if he was trying something weird.”

“So why would he feel comfortable enough to go with him?” Heidi nodded. 

“That’s true,” Kenny exhaled his smoke. “Kyle’s not a bitch. Why would he give Trent the chance, especially to even leave the party with him?”

“Because Trent commanded him,” Wendy said from her place beside Stan. Her eyes were on her phone while she scrolled. “Checked in with Annie. She was near the drinks when Kyle came over. Before she could tap him, Trent got hold of him.”

“He used his command on him?” Stan growled, fangs protruding. 

“Not the verbal one. That’s why there were no hysterics.”

“So a mental one? He had Kyle’s gaze long enough to influence his will,” Isla scoffed at the alpha’s audacity. Mental commands were softer than verbal ones. By locking eyes, an understanding was made and the omegan party, while still more of free will than a verbal one, would be more willing to the alphan party’s influence.

“He charmed him,” Cartman scoffed.

“In more than one way,” Wendy shook her head. 

“If Kyle was buzzed and Trent used command, he was probably more willing to indulge him. There’s no way Kyle would be interested in Trent. R-right?” Theresa offered.

“Of course not! Trent’s given him the worst punchies in his high school life. Not to mention all the other shit he’s done. Kyle would be welcoming a shit storm by messing with Trent. He’d never.” Stan grew heated. His wife squeezed his hand, trying to calm him.

“I think we need to keep a closer eye on Kyle,” Heidi sighed. “He was drinking way more than he usually does at those parties.”

“And the crying spell on the ride home was extreme. The ride there was weird too,” Wendy sighed.

“Weird how?” Isla raised a brow.

“He was kinda in his own world,” Kenny took another drag. “Quiet, dazed. Went into the party that way. It wasn’t until Bebe put that drink in his hand and smacked his ass that he realized where he was.”

“Kyle was a little off tonight,” Butters looked at his lap.

“He’s been more than a little off in general,” Cartman’s frustrated growl sounded. “Even before that shit with Craig he’s been acting weird.”

“I agree with Eric for a change,” Isla sighed. “Kyle’s been more distant in every which way. Something’s bothering him, and we need to find out what.”

“Before we get Rebecca involved. It’s not fair to her if Kyle’s completely disengaged. We said maybe a relationship would help, but it won’t if there’s something deeper going on.” Wendy agreed. 

“We should give him a couple of days,” Butters suggested. “He needs time after tonight.”

The pack looked at each other in silent agreement. It was worrisome to see their den-omega drowning in himself. They needed to talk and fast. Any prospect of losing Kyle was unbearable. It wasn’t an option. 

Chapter Text

Kyle’s mood was noticeably down after the party. His chosen family wanted to wait three days before talking to him. Little did they know that on the second day of space, he would announce he would be going home for a visit. 

“I’m sorry, what?” Cartman didn’t hide his upset. Kenny elbowed him before turning his softened gaze to the omega.

“Why home? You usually try not to go,” he tried to kid. 

“My parents’ wedding anniversary. Booked themselves on a ten-day cruise. Ike and I are uh, taking them out to dinner before they leave. Ike’s leaving for Vegas for some bachelor party, so I have to house sit.”

“You aren’t staying alone for ten days,” Cartman argued.

“I mean it’s not the full ten days. Ike’s staying for five after his trip. It’ll be good to hang out for a bit,” he smiled with weak fondness. 

“Still, that’s a long time.” Isla urged. “Are you sure you don’t want one of us to come with you?”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll be sure to check in every day.”

“Kyle-“

The plea fell on painfully deaf ears. Kyle made an abrupt beeline to his room to start sorting his clothes. Things would be better when he got back. It was a silent promise to himself and his pack. 

Why couldn’t Stan have a calm date night with his mate? They returned home from dinner to news that Kyle was leaving for twelve days. To say he was upset was an understatement. 

“I’m sending Theresa and Isla with you,” he said sternly from his place in Kyle’s doorway. 

“No, that’s okay. I won’t be gone long.”

“Kyle, I wasn’t offering.”

“I know,” Kyle paused with a sigh. He turned to face the alpha, who was supposed to be his Super Best Friend. “I’ll be okay. I-I know you guys have been worried about me, and I’m sorry. But you don’t have to worry about this. I’ll be with Ike half the time, and the other half, when I’m alone, I’ll be…I’ll be working on myself. You guys don’t deserve to have to handle my bullshit.”

“What does handling your bullshit mean? How many times do I have to say that it’s our job to take care of each other? That includes you, Kyle. Yeah, you’re our den-omega. You take care of everyone, but we’re supposed to take care of you, too. Why won’t you let us?” 

Green eyes fell low. Expressing his feelings wouldn’t end well. Stan would lock him in the house if he knew what Kyle really thought about himself. 

“That’s for me to figure out when I’m alone. You guys love me and I’m so lucky,” his voice shook. “I just need to figure some things out, okay? I promise that when I get back, things will be better.”

“Kyle…” Stan’s heart broke. He didn’t understand the omega’s pride and reservation. There was nothing to be ashamed of. A heavy pit in his stomach didn’t trust Kyle to go alone, but he couldn’t help but want to give him the chance to sort things out himself. “Fine, but we’ll come by and check on you.”

“Not every day. Please, not every day,” he sobbed. 

“Why?”

“I can’t put you out that way.”

“You know that we-

“Please.”

Stan swallowed the nagging feeling in his chest before agreeing. He hoped Kyle would make the best of this time away. When he got back to his pack, things would be different.

They’d make sure of it.

Dinner with his family was nice. Kyle didn’t expect anything exciting or lavish. It was just the four of them at his parents’ favorite restaurant. The omega never realized how much effort it took to pay attention to conversation lately. He’d be damned if he let his parents see him in a state of depression. His dad would cancel the cruise to swaddle her poor baby. Kyle would never forgive himself for ruining their anniversary trip. They deserved to have a nice time. 

The following day, the Broflovski boys saw their parents off. Later that night, Kyle dropped Ike off at the airport. He didn’t get to drive often. It wasn’t that he couldn’t, but his pack’s dynamics didn't call for him or the other omegas to ever do it. If they had somewhere they wanted to go, someone would drive them if they couldn’t walk. Now, he felt something about controlling the car that made him feel like he had some sense of control in his life. 

After dropping Ike off, Kyle took the liberty to drive around in the car he got his license in. Fond memories of his parents’ pride when he passed driver’s ed junior year came flooding back. Practice drivers were easier with his mom than with his dad. Gerald was generally calmer over his pups than his wife had been. Kyle guessed omegas in general were calmer compared to alphas. His mom was always more receptive to the things he wanted to do.

Airsoft. 

Driving. 

Study abroad. 

The list went on. Kyle had to admit his mom had been pretty cool. His dad was pretty cool too, just super protective. He and his brother were always well-kept and cared for by the stay-at-home dad. Never hungry. Never dirty. Her heart was as big as her mouth. That fierceness helped carve him into who he was. 

 A soft smile rested on Kyle’s face as he cruised around the nightlights of South Park. The town had changed so much. The streetlights seemed brighter amid the neon signs of the fresh nightlife. It was tempting, the thought to go out for a drink or two, but he found comfort in his family’s trusty car. Riding around was enough for him. 

That is, until he got hungry. 

It was just past midnight when he got a call from Wendy. Humming, he debated on answering since it was FaceTime. He’d probably get told off for being at a diner so late. It’d probably be worse if he didn’t answer. 

“Hey,” he tried to sound casual while he slipped his AirPods in. He met her frown with a smile, still trying to maintain a casual appearance. 

“Why are you at a diner so late?” she sighed. 

“W-what ever do you mean?” he asked coyly. 

“Kyle, seriously. Stan’s two minutes from going there himself.”

“ Fuck .” Kyle thought. He forgot that the pack leader had everyone’s locations shared with him. The noriette was probably pulling his hair out watching him drive around for the past few hours. Kyle swallowed hard on his milkshake. 

“I’m sorry.  Got hungry on the way back from the airport.”

“You dropped Ike off? He didn’t just take a cab?” 

“Of course not. My parents left me the keys.”

Wendy exhaled. That wasn’t the reason she called. His driving wasn’t a battle that needed to be had at the moment. 

“Look, can you get home soon, please? It’s late, and I assume you’re out alone.”

“My nuggies haven’t come out yet.”

“Kyle!”

“Alright, I’ll ask for it to go. I’ll be home in a bit,” he sighed. “Call you when I get in?”

“Please,” she breathed again. Kyle nodded before they parted ways. He wasn’t quite ready to go home yet. After he ate, he still had riding around to do. With a sigh, he waved over his waitress. She gave him an understanding smile, having caught a glimpse of the call he got. It was just his luck that as she scurried off, he got approached by an alpha. 

“Leaving so soon, Omega?” Trent slid into his booth. 

“Yup. Gotta stay safe from alphas like you.”

“Alphas like me.” He echoed with mock hurt.

“Yeah, alphas like you,” Kyle avoided his gaze. 

“Huh, too bad. You still ran into an alpha like me.”

“And I’m leaving, so it’s not like it’ll be long.”

“Heading home?”

“What’s it to you?”

“I can take you.”

“Thanks, but I’m driving tonight.”

“Stanny gave you the keys?”

“I’m at my parents’,” Kyle sassed, but quickly realized his fatal mistake. Trent smirked and went to the counter. Kyle silently cursed himself, praying the waitress would hurry up with his food so he could barricade himself inside before Trent finessed his way in.

Moments later, Trent magically still wound up on the Broflovski’s couch. Kyle’s attempt to scare him off by glaring while they ate didn’t move the former jailbird. 

“Chicken nuggets. What are you four?” Trent taunted him. 

“I didn’t feel like tenders.”

“Right, that’d have been too much with the double cheeseburger and large fry.”

“Oh fuck off.”

“Or I could fuck you.”

Kyle nearly choked as a blush ran rapidly across his face. Trent laughed at his distress before drinking down his beer. His eyes studied the omega as their respective cough and laughter died down. 

“I really can fuck you,” he offered.

“No thanks. In fact, why did you follow me home? Was it just to get in my pants?”

“Would you believe it if I said I wanted to make sure you made it in okay?”

“No, I would not,” he said curtly.

“Then I followed you because I was bored.”

The blush was staining Kyle’s cheeks as he tried to focus on his late dinner. It was a risk to let the alpha in while nobody was home. He didn’t know what Trent’s game was, but he wasn’t interested. After they ate, he’d kick the alpha out.

Chapter Text

If the sun didn’t wake Kyle up, Trent’s kisses would’ve. It was starting to feel like he gave in to the alpha too much. He gave in to letting him into his house and then his bed. Now, Kyle couldn’t help but give in to the purr in his chest that Trent’s affection warranted. Trent lay over him, his arm tucked under Kyle’s middle, keeping him close. Shockingly enough, he wasn’t interested in Kyle’s scent gland. He behaved himself, planting tender kisses on the omega’s shoulder blade. 

Kyle’s skin was warm in the sunlight. He didn’t know what time it was. He didn’t care. They didn’t care. Only their moment together mattered. It might’ve been premeditated on Trent’s part. Kyle wasn’t naive to think that Trent had bedded him without it being some form of dig at Stan. It’d sour the mood to dwell on that, though. The blonde alpha had been kind to him that night. Much to Kyle’s pleasant surprise, Trent was a man of passion. Not that Kyle slept with a lot of people, but Trent was the best he’d ever had. 

“Mmm,” he hummed, feeling Trent licking his neck. “Don’t bite me,” he muttered into the pillow lazily. 

“Not right now, I’m not.”

“What do you mean right now?” he stretched slightly as Trent pulled him close. 

“I’ll bite you when I’m good and ready.”

“I don’t recall agreeing to that.”

“Who said I needed your permission?”

“Usually, you ask someone to be your mate.”

“I don’t have to ask,” he buried his nose in Kyle’s flesh. It was inviting, making him want to take the omega again. 

“So what, you’ll mate me and then kill me before striking Stan and the others when they're grieving.”

“I see you’re still the smart one, even if Stanny’s got you at home playing nursemaid.”

“You didn’t deny planning to kill me,” Kyle rolled on his side, inwardly facing Trent. Grey eyes looked relaxed as they looked at him. “When will you?”

Trent moved his head closer to Kyle’s. His eyes flickered from the soft lips to those green eyes. 

“When I’m good and ready,” he repeated before kissing the ginger. Kyle returned the kiss. Sadly, it thrilled him to think Trent wanted to kill him. It made him feel alive to know that he could. 

Getting lost in Trent’s touch was easy. His hands were strong, warm. Every grab was direct and intentional. It made Kyle feel desired as he lay under the alpha. He knew better than to sleep with one of the most dangerous alphas in South Park, and yet, he felt empowered. His moment of escape came to a pause when his phone rang. 

“They don’t leave you alone, like, ever, do they?” Trent rolled over, not hiding his annoyance. 

“It’s because they love me,” Kyle breathed quietly as he answered. Trent decided it’d be worth it to mess with the omega while he talked to his needy pack. Kyle glared at the nuisance, swatting at him while he handled his phone call. 

“Yeah, everything’s fine,” he felt Trent nuzzling his neck deeply. The alpha let off a low growl, prompting Kyle to push him away. 

“What was that?” Isla asked sharply. 

“Nothing. How’s it at home?” Kyle shifted as Trent continued his crusade to rush him off the phone. 

“Fine. Things aren’t the same with you gone,” Butters spoke up. 

“I feel the same. It’s been so long since I’ve been home. Can’t believe how different everything feels but somehow…still familiar.”

“Well, going home is always like that,” Kenny smiled. “How’s Ike?”

“Fine. He landed safely in Vegas. Haven’t heard a peep since.”

“Peep,” Trent whispered loudly, and Kyle pushed him away. 

“Is someone there?” the protective pack leader sounded. 

“No, just the TV,” Kyle’s speech was slightly broken by him throwing a pillow in defense at Trent trying to hit him with one. 

“That doesn’t sound like the TV.”

“My parents put in one of those 3D surround systems. Kinda shakes the house and shit.”

“Shake, shake,” Trent again whispered loudly as he tried to shake the omega. Kyle snorted a laugh before catching himself. 

“I have to go. I’m missing the good part,” he said quickly. 

“B-but you didn’t say anything to the babies,” Butters rushed.. 

“Are they there? They’re so quiet,” Kyle said gently. 

Butters motioned for the two little ones to come near the phone. They had been pouty in the absence of their Mimi. 

“Hi Mimi,” Julie finally spoke up sadly. Kyle’s heart broke hearing her. 

“Hi sweetie, how are you? Doing okay?” Kyle’s voice was warm. 

“No,” her little voice warbled. 

“Why not, honey?”

“I miss you,” she said as the smaller pup beside her whimpered. Kyle pushed the alpha away from him, only for Trent to come back and pull him in a hug from behind. 

“I miss you, too. And Danny. I miss you guys the most out of everyone,” the den-omega emphasized. 

“Can we come over?” she pleaded. 

“Tomorrow. Mimi can see you guys tomorrow. We can go out for ice cream, okay?”

“Okay,” sadness still laced her voice. 

“What time am I picking you up?” Stan returned. He needed to assess the omega for himself. 

“I can meet you at Willy’s Chilly’s after they have their nap,” Kyle offered. 

“So I’m getting you at two?” 

Kyle closed his eyes and swallowed a sigh. Trent kissed his shoulder comfortingly. 

“Closer to one-thirty if they have an early nap.” 

The morning check-in ended with Kyle promising to eat breakfast soon. It was unusual to hear he was lounging about that way without food. To his packmates, he sounded strange. They had a feeling someone was there, and the omega did a poor job of hiding it. That’s why Stan needed to see Kyle for himself. After knowing the omega was out alone so late. It was bothersome to know he was doing things without them, especially knowing his state of mind. 

Kyle studied his bedroom ceiling. Since Trent was doing something in the kitchen, he had time alone in his room. The fact that he’d slept with Trent Boyett was still heavy in his mind. His body, too. Scratches and bite marks were proudly on display. Thank goodness he had a day to let things fade. Stan would have a meltdown if he knew. 

Tender musing was interrupted when Trent returned with food. The alpha made breakfast sandwiches. Kyle thought it was odd that he made four, but he guessed Trent was a big alpha. Cartman could easily eat three sandwiches, so why couldn’t Trent? He didn’t know what to make of the alpha presenting him with two. When he tried to reject the extra, he was met with a warning growl. It was then that he registered it as a courting gesture. Kyle could hardly believe it.  

Trent Boyett was courting him. 

The blonde had been serious before. Kyle’s stomach twisted as he ate. Excitement didn’t play well with anxiety. There was no way his pack would accept this. Did he even want to? 

Chapter Text

Kyle passed Stan’s inspection. He couldn’t believe the alpha managed to be so invasive in public, but he probably got a pass due to their subgenders. The pups were all too happy to see their Mimi. He was happy too. With their ice cream social hour, they had been refreshed by seeing him. Compared to his Cycle Center stays, this was a lot more tolerable. They could see and talk to him more.

And they did often. It was a game of skill to talk to his pups and pack while Trent was around. A part of Kyle found it thrilling to have to sneak around, but he kept that thought to himself. 

Spending time with Trent felt surreal. The normally aggressive alpha was fairly considerate of him. He always secured Kyle’s helmet himself before they rode his motorcycle. The omega’s needs were always met first when they had sex. Trent also made sure he had plenty to eat. Kyle returned home nearly five pounds heavier after his stay away. It wasn’t noticeable, but if Trent kept it up, it would be. 

The best thing Kyle could do was game the system. That meant he’d be waking up early to join Wendy on her runs. She didn’t mind his company; Kyle wouldn’t slow her down. His stamina just needed a bit of fine-tuning. Nobody so batted an eye at the omega when he started his fitness journey. After a couple of weeks of running, Kyle managed to find a fitness class that took place in the local park. Since the class was comprised of betas and omegas, his pack didn’t mind his attendance. 

It was strange, having such restrictions. That’s why not everyone rode in a pack. There were always dynamics, each unique to the various groups. Some packs had looser expectations, some more rigid. As far as Kyle was concerned, there was nothing exactly strict about his pack. Sure, when it came to things like working or driving, there were some restrictions on the omegas, but there was nothing Kyle found to be unfair. He was just worried about finding a mate. He so badly wanted one but whoever he chose would have to be accepted by Stan and the others or else, he would be faced with the decision to either leave his pack or find someone else. 

Choosing between loves sounded awful. 

That’s why he didn’t know why he was allowing himself to become so attached to Trent Boyett. 

“Let’s go for a ride,” Trent lit a smoke. He pulled up alongside Kyle. The omega’s workout class had just been dismissed, and he was supposed to be walking home. Just as he always did, Trent stopped the en route ginger. 

“No, sorry. I got pups to feed,” Kyle kept walking. It was always the same game. He’d reject Trent and then give in under the pressure of heated kisses or some sort of courting gift. Usually, it was harmless. They only ever ventured around the park or near Kyle’s parents’ house, places his pack alpha wouldn’t be suspicious of if he checked Kyle’s location. When Trent said go for a ride, Kyle knew he meant somewhere new. He wasn’t exactly game for that, not today. 

“There are literally two other omegas at your house that can cook. Come with me,” the gruff alpha voiced. 

“Hmm, no,” the omega mused steadily on his way. 

“Kyle,” Trent stopped his bike. Green eyes briefly flashed to him before the omega sped up. Trent was quick, taking after the fleeing omega. “I said we’re going for a ride,” he grabbed the omega’s wrist. 

“And, if I recall correctly, you invited me and I said no.”

“Don’t get cute with me; get on the damn bike.”

As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t. He needed to get home, and he didn’t have time to worry about Trent taking him off somewhere. 

“Look, I really want to, but I-” he was interrupted by the heated kiss of the alpha. There was a growl in Trent’s throat. Being so close to Kyle gave the omega understanding. Trent’s scent was bleeding through his patch. “Y-you need help, don’t you?” Kyle stammered worriedly.  

“Two days max. My spots don’t drag out,” he panted. 

Kyle’s eyes shifted to the ground thoughtfully. It’d taken a lot for Trent to ask him for help. Sighing, Kyle fired off a text to his pack’s group chat. The omega bit his lip as he watched the disapproving responses flow in. 

“After two days, you’re on your own,” Kyle’s voice was unreadable. Trent only swallowed with a nod as he mounted his bike. He steadied it and let Kyle climb on. Only when Kyle’s helmet was secure did the alpha speed off from the park.

***

“What the hell does he mean he’s helping out someone with their rut? Who the hell could he be helping?” Cartman ranted. Just when Kyle’s behavior was on the verge of being normal, the omega went and did something weird again. 

“Well, he said it was one of Ike’s friends from college. Said he’s having a spot rut. I-I don’t think it’s so bad. If he trusted Kyle enough to ask, it was for good reason,” Butters offered. 

“Kyle doesn’t have to help every alpha he meets with their ruts. There’s a fucking Cycle Center in the middle of town,” the pack leader disagreed as he studied the message. He hated that Kyle turned his location off for “privacy reasons”. If the alpha wasn’t known to their pack, he had no business bedding Kyle. While it wasn’t exactly their business who Kyle slept with, it was somewhat. Especially when in conversations about ruts and heats. Those weren’t to be shared with just anyone. 

“Did he say which one of Ike’s friends it was?” Heidi sighed. 

“No, said he was embarrassed at having to ask Kyle for help, so didn’t name drop,” Butters explained. 

“Sounds like we need to ask Ike,” Cartman declared. 

“Shut up, Cartman. Let’s just wait for him to come home and talk about it. Kyle doesn’t need our permission,” Kenny rolled his eyes. It was true, he didn’t. It was more of a safety concern than a control thing. 

“He said two days,” Stan continued studying the phone. “He has two days. If he isn’t back in two days, then we'll talk to Ike.” The pack alpha was really trying not to kill Kyle’s stride. The den-omega had been doing a lot better, and he always had a knack for helping. Stan would accept this one-off offense but if the ginger was gone for more than two days, there would be more than just a pack meeting. 

Only Wendy knew where Stan’s mind was when it came to Kyle’s security in their pack. He needed her permission if their final play had to be used. If all else in the world failed, if Kyle couldn’t find a mate worthy enough, Stan would mark Kyle himself.

Chapter Text

Damn those grey eyes. Kyle could get lost in them. He did get lost in them. Staring at the alpha beside him made him forget about the world. Nothing else mattered. All that mattered was the rutting alpha staring back at him. 

The grey eyes Kyle loved so much flashed gold ever so often. It didn’t impact Kyle, however. Gold eyes were a symptom of rutting. Since Trent was in a spot rut, he was still conscious enough to talk and eat; he still had control, mostly. His body was just on fire, and he needed relief. This was the first spot he’d had since he was a teenager. He was sure it was because of Kyle. They were spending so much time together that their cycles were probably syncing. That or he was becoming hooked on Kyle’s pheromones. In any case, his sudden attachment to the ginger was affecting more than just his heart. 

Damn those green eyes. Trent never thought he’d want them the way he did. When Kyle’s brightness shone, it shone the most in those eyes. Trent never wanted anyone else to see what he saw. Kyle was supposed to be his and his alone, but he waited too long and the omega formed a pack with those assholes. Sure, Kyle got him in trouble just the same but with an ass like his, he was more forgivable. With eyes like his, Trent could look past the transgressions if he could stare at those green eyes all day. 

So he did.

At least while he could. The first day had already passed, and he felt like time was obnoxiously fast. He and Kyle barely moved out of bed. The past several hours had consisted simply of moving around in the bed. Kyle was the greatest cowboy he’d ever known. The ginger was more helpful than he’d ever known. He never complained when Trent initiated; he only welcomed the blonde with open arms and open legs. Several times, Trent had to call his mind back from marking Kyle. Thankfully, they were able to grab a collar on their way to Trent’s cabin when they picked up supplies. The interesting thing was, Kyle would’ve still laid with him without it. 

As much as they danced around Trent’s statement about marking him, they both wanted it. Falling in love was never supposed to happen; then again, what had the aim been? Trent forgot the plot the first time he followed Kyle home. He honestly didn’t plan to sleep with the omega that night. 

Following an annoyed and tired omega to his room was meant to be a taunt. A kiss on the forehead after invading the omega’s room was as far as he intended to go. When Kyle told him he’d kick him out of bed if he hogged the covers, Trent took the invitation into his bed. So easily did he forget what he was supposed to do. Kyle’s scent filled his nostrils. One kiss to the shoulder led to many up the ginger’s neck to his lips, finally. Trent didn’t think that night would be so indulgent. Kyle fucked him like he was running from pain. Reckless and passionate. Everything was laid out, and somehow he had no stakes left to claim. Something about that intrigued Trent. 

Or perhaps it worried him. Knowing Kyle was on the edge stirred a sense of conflict in him. He did actually care about Kyle’s safety. That’s why he tailed the omega every day he stayed on his own. He even became familiar with Ike. The younger alpha didn’t invest in his brother’s love life. As long as he was happy. Kyle returned the sentiment. 

“You feeling okay?” Trent broke the silence. Kyle’s eyes flashed to his lips before bouncing back to his eyes. 

“You’re asking me if I’m okay when you’re the one rutting?” The omega moved his face closer to the alpha’s. Trent instinctively kissed his companion. It was heated as he bit Kyle’s lip. Kyle loved how possessive the alpha was. It was like he didn’t know he was the only one. Maybe he didn’t know. Publicly, he was thought to be single, and ever so often, a potential suitor tried to approach him. They never interested him, though. Nobody could compare to Trent. Fuck, they were in deep. 

“Still have to make sure you’re okay,” Trent groaned lowly when they parted for air. He felt a cramp in his lower belly that turned into a pulsating sensation in his cock. Another wave was coming, and Kyle at least needed to be hydrated. The ginger could tell when he saw the alpha push past a wince. 

Sitting up, he stretched, sighing, “I’ll be back, okay?” 

He didn’t see Trent nod slightly as he slipped out of bed. Grey eyes watched the bite-covered man escape the bedroom. Kyle looked at home in his cabin. Trent bought the place away from his pack house. It was deep in the woods, peaceful away from every damn body. Kyle was the only person to see it, and the fact that he took to it so flawlessly made Trent resent him. Kyle wasn’t supposed to fit so well in his world, and yet, he did. He wanted a life with Kyle, to bring him to the cabin all the time, so they could escape. So he could mark Kyle there, to pup him. 

“Shit,” he groaned as he rolled over and grabbed his cock. His grey eyes blurred gold again. The wave was strong with the thoughts that passed through his mind. 

From the kitchen, Kyle heard Trent’s agony. It seemed like the alpha grew pained every time he got deep in thought. He wondered what was so heavy on Trent’s mind. It was probably better that he didn’t know. If Trent was thinking what Kyle thought he was, then Kyle would be in trouble. Well, he was already in trouble. 

After finishing his pack of peanuts and bottle of Gatorade, the omega slowly ascended the stairs back to Trent’s bed. His mind kept reminding him that this was bad, even though it felt good. Trent was another pack’s leader. Stan was his pack leader. Trent and Stan did not, under any circumstances, like one another. Kyle would have to pick one or the other, and he didn’t like that fact. He kept telling himself to enjoy Trent while he could, but he didn’t know if he’d be able to let him go when the time came. That would mean he’d have to let his pack go, and he wasn’t sure he could do that either. He couldn’t serve two masters; he couldn’t love both sides of the fence. 

In some sick way, he hoped he’d drop when it was all said and done. If he died, he wouldn’t have to live with the heartbreak that was on the horizon. It felt better to just love and live for the moment and then leave Earth’s plane when it was all over. What was there possibly after?

“Hmm,” he swallowed the thought down. Guilt wouldn’t ruin this time for him. Trent was showing that special part of himself. Kyle never thought he’d see it. Lucky for Trent, he didn’t kiss and tell. Lucky for himself, too, he guessed. If Stan and the other’s knew he’d either be exiled or locked in their house forever and a day. 

Pushing his conflicts aside, he manifested on Trent’s side of the bed. Readily, he assumed the position, climbing over the throbbing alpha. Trent looked moderately panicked as his hips instantly bucked into the omega, who took it like a champ. 

His little rodeo star. 

It was lovely to have Kyle on top, but the alpha needed him beneath him. With Kyle under him, it gave him more control, more freedom, and access to the omega’s body. Kyle didn’t mind the alpha licking his spine and shoulders as he thrusted into him from behind. His skin tingled with the sensation. He could tell the rut pheromone was seeping through Trent’s saliva. Something like that was usually meant to be an aphrodisiac. Thank God, Kyle had enough sense to take over the counter suppressants before they got started. It’d be just his luck that he went into heat with a rutting alpha. Trent’s spot rut would turn full-blown, and there’d be no way the alpha wouldn’t get him pregnant during their shared cycle. As much as he wanted a pup, he could never bring one into the world in such a state of conflict. So instead, he thanked his lucky stars as he threw it back against the alpha with his mind still clear. 

Kyle loved the feel of Trent’s strong hand gripping his thigh as he kept them steady. The alpha’s heated breath kept warming his ears anytime the alpha lifted up from his shoulder. His other hand had been holding the headboard for support. Kyle loved the sight of Trent’s toned arms. Aside from his eyes, they were Kyle’s favorite feature of the alpha. Big arms, big hands, and a big cock. Kyle hummed out a moan when he felt Trent’s fingers massage his pussy after dancing down his inner-thigh. Trent’s eyes fell on the collar around Kyle’s neck, finding it offensive. 

“Omega, mate omega. My omega,” Trent’s inner being demanded. 

 “ No. Not my omega yet,” he argued back. 

“Mine!”

“No.”

“Mine!” 

“Fuck,” Trent growled as he bit his own arm. Kyle’s eyes grew wide in sudden fear when he saw Trent draw blood from himself. The alpha ejected himself before he knotted. Kyle was quick to pull himself up and roll the alpha on his back. He didn’t dare try to get the alpha’s fangs from his upper arm. They were sunk deep. Instead, he pushed himself from the bed, leaving the bedroom quickly. 

The alpha felt a possessive rumble in his chest as he tried to calm himself. His mind raced on the severity of the pass he’d just made. There was no way Kyle wasn’t throwing his clothes on to get the hell out. He was so angry with himself that he ended up biting harder. 

“Stop that, you’re hurting yourself!” Kyle yelled when he returned. Startled eyes fell on the omega holding a first aid kit. Kyle himself looked shaken but strong on the same token. Trent stopped his self-punishment but didn’t release his arm entirely. It was hard to, he had punctured his flesh. He was also embarrassed about it. Kyle didn’t care, however. The alpha couldn’t just bite himself forever. “Let me see,” he said gently. Trent seemed to stall before shifting slightly. The omega bravely gloved his hands before trying to massage the alpha’s jaw so he’d loosen it. 

It took some twenty minutes of working Trent into relaxation before Kyle could bandage his arm up. The blonde wouldn’t look at him. In silent glances,  Kyle would look up from his work, trying to find Trent’s face, but the alpha remained insistent on facing away from him. When he saw Trent’s middle clench slightly, he knew another moment of need was coming, but Trent didn’t seem interested in indulging his body’s need. 

Slowly, Kyle reached for the still-erect member of the alpha. Even if Trent wouldn’t face him or ask, he wouldn’t let the alpha suffer in silence. Trent winced, closing his eyes in shame when he felt Kyle’s mouth on him. He didn’t deserve the kindness. The worthless feeling only deepened when he mulled over the fact that Kyle had cleaned and bandaged up the offense he had made. 

Why the fuck did he care so much?

Trent wished he knew. There was no way Kyle actually liked him. He was just there for fun. That’s all they had been having, fun, fun, fucking fun. His chest hurt as his stomach clenched. Kyle prepared from the release as he continued massaging Trent’s balls with his hands while he dined upon his cock. 

“Shit,” the alpha grumbled when he felt Kyle slurping his release. He didn’t have to see him to know Kyle didn’t waste a drop. 

Kyle swallowed, his eyes watching Trent’s member grow relaxed. He faintly saw the alpha’s eyes grow grey again. His moment of pain was over, and he could rest for a moment. For that, Kyle was thankful. Maybe he could get some food in Trent and then some answers out of him. 

Chapter Text

“Alright, this is you,” Trent pulled up outside of the Broflovski residence. He drove his car instead of his bike this trip. With his spot rut intensifying, he didn’t want to risk Kyle’s safety any more than he already was, so he opted to drive instead of ride. Kyle looked at his childhood home before looking at Trent. 

“And you’re sure you’ll be okay?” He was barely audible. Trent only nodded, not meeting his gaze. He said two days tops, and it had been two days. Warmth in the belly was still present, but he wasn’t cramping with urges anymore. Just a good night’s sleep and he’d be back to normal. Kyle looked at Trent’s hand in his. 

They held hands on the ride home- more like Kyle held Trent’s hand. One of the alpha’s large hands that Kyle loved so dearly was held captive between his two more delicate ones. He held onto it for dear life on the silent ride home. There was a lot said at the cabin, perhaps too much. Kyle’s eyes briefly caught a glimpse of the bandage on Trent’s arm that he’d changed before they drove back to town. Trent still didn’t look at Kyle, not like he had prior to the bite. It took a lot of willpower for him to sit still while the omega changed his dressing. He didn’t think he deserved it, but Kyle begged to differ. 

Biting himself in place of Kyle was the kindest thing Trent could’ve ever done. The collar had been flimsy; Trent’s bare hands could’ve done away with it easily. Rather than savagely taking him, he diverted his impulse somewhere else. Kyle thought that to be a loving gesture. Trent took it as offensive. He never should’ve come so close to losing control to begin with. The two men didn’t come to an agreement on the matter. That’s why their second day was so tense. Trent kept trying to deny himself of Kyle, and Kyle kept offering himself. They went in bittersweet circles of sex before Trent’s spot finally died down enough for him to drive home. 

“I’ll…I’ll see you round then?” Kyle asked with more hope than Trent could handle. He so desperately wanted Trent to look at him. The ashamed alpha only swallowed as he kept his eyes straight on his dashboard. Kyle fought the brewing sob as he climbed out of the car after Trent’s short, stiff nod.  Trent didn’t watch, he only listened to Kyle rush inside before taking off. He screwed up. Why couldn’t Kyle accept that? Trent swallowed down frustrated tears; he’d be damned if he cried now. He’d let Kyle cry for them both. It would be better this way. 

Kyle would get over their game. 

“Oh, bubbe, what’s wrong?” Sheila asked her crying son in her embrace. “Did that alpha hurt you?”

“No. And I don’t know why he doesn’t get that,” he sobbed. Sheila didn’t quite understand, but she chose not to pry. She rubbed her son’s back while he cried out his sorrows. Once he’d calmed down enough, he was able to grab a shower and get something to eat before calling Kenny to get him. 

As per Stan’s directive, Kenny was quick in going to get the den-omega. Kyle looked sad but otherwise in one piece. The beta decided not to ask any questions. He’d get enough of it when they got home. Not that he cared to be medicated himself, but seeing Kyle flip between such good and bad periods made him think Kyle needed more medical help. Maybe getting him a therapist would be the first thing. He’d bring it up to Stan later. 

Kyle wore his best smile when his pups, who weren’t really his pups, rushed to him. Butters and Isla scented him first, as usual, before the betas and finally the alphas. Stan surveyed him before scenting him. Kyle could tell the alpha didn’t like something based on the hard look he wore. Whatever it was, Stan didn’t say anything. It was business as usual as Kyle navigated to his bedroom. 

He really wanted to sleep, but the two little ones were too wired with his presence. They followed him, ready for whatever fun their Mimi would offer. Just being near him was enough. That’s why they tried to lie down with him despite their high energy. Julie was more aware of her Mimi’s mood than Danny was. The younger pup kept trying to wiggle around the bed rather than just staying still. Julie didn’t like the tired, sad look on her Mimi. He was usually so bright and happy. When Kyle noticed the concern on the blonde pup’s face, he tried to shake himself. 

“I’m just a little sleepy,” he cooed. “Mimi’s gonna take a nap. Can you take Danny to the living room and play? Mimi will come play too when he wakes up,” he offered kindly. Julie only furrowed her brow but did as she was told. Danny whined, having been stripped of his Mimi. The man had just gotten back after an eternity, and now they were being separated again. It made Kyle feel bad. All he could do was roll over and pull the blankets over his head. 

When the adults saw the saddened children released from Kyle’s room, they officially knew something was wrong. Had the alpha Kyle helped hurt him? Was he insulted? Did something else happen? They were sick with worry. Stan ordered Isla and Butters to join the omega in bed to see if they could find something out. He wasn’t pleased when he watched from the hall outside of Kyle’s room. The den-omega rejected the omegas the same way he did the pups. The pack leader bit down on his lip when he saw the concerned looks from the other omegas. He gestured for them to leave. Once they were out, he closed the door. 

“Go back to the others. Nobody messes with Kyle until I figure out what to do,” he commanded before leaving for his office. The two omegas looked at each other before relaying the message to their packmates. More concern for Kyle rose when Kenny decided to approach the alpha. 

“I think he needs to start seeing someone,” he sat beside him. Stan only glanced at him before refocusing on his laptop. “He’s been weird since I picked him up. I don’t think we can wait to talk to him this time. He’ll just escape again.”

“Thanks for the newsflash, Kenny. I had no idea he was spiraling again.”

“I think we need to get someone from Cartman’s arsenal of therapists. If they can break his mind down, they can handle Kyle’s.”

“Do you really think he’d be open to it?”

“Are you really giving him a choice?”

Stan inhaled sharply. He guessed the beta had a point. Kyle needed help, and they needed reinforcements. When Kyle woke up Stan would put the omega on house arrest while he arranged for psychiatric help. His episodes were becoming deeper. One day he’d be glowing and then another he couldn’t get out of bed. Stan only wished he knew what caused this. 

“He needs someone to help until he’s ready to talk to us. This is our best chance,” Kenny exhaled. Stan glanced at him another moment before sighing. 

“Yeah, yeah…” he rubbed his face. “Tell Cartman to send me his Rolodex.”

Chapter Text

Getting out of bed was a task. Kyle tried not to cry again when he felt himself lying down long enough. Trent was all he wanted. He couldn’t believe their whirlwind romance came to such an abrupt end. Kyle knew there was always a chance that they’d end, but he didn’t think it’d end over a bite. He’d rather Trent had bitten him if it meant the alpha would be forced to still see him. But then again, would that have made either of them happy?

Kyle rubbed his face, taking a deep breath. He had things to do. The world didn’t stop because his love affair ended. Being a den-omega meant there were others that came first; his pack came first. That meant addressing something he’d noticed lately. 

Depressed, he stumbled out of bed. The stretch he forced onto his body traveled down from his arms, through his spine, and down to his legs. Hearing his bones crack was moderately satisfying. Exhaling and inhaling five times grounded him before he left his room. Kisses to the pups would earn their forgiveness, then he needed to call a meeting.

“Mimi,” Danny whined for him. 

“Danny,” Kyle returned the whine with tenderness as he picked him up. Quickly, he pulled Julie into his arms. The girl was still pouty, letting him know he needed to make it up to her the most. “How about we bake cookies tonight?”

“Hmph,” she crossed her arms. He nuzzled her with kisses. 

“Whatever kind you want.”

Pale blue eyes peaked at him before she closed them again, still pouting. “Chocolate chip bomb…”

“Yeah, we can make chocolate chip bombs. It’ll have all the chocolate chips you want,” He kissed her forehead. When he saw the smile on her lips, he knew he’d officially been forgiven. That was one stressor gone from his list. 

“Feeling better, Kyle?” Theresa asked from her place on the couch. She was always so kind, so soft. It amused Kyle that she and her soon-to-be mate carried the traits of the other’s subgender. He offered her a smile with a slight nod. 

“Mind getting the girls in here for me?”

“The girls?” she tilted her head. 

“Just a quick meeting for us,” He bounced Danny and Julie on his hips. “I’ll get these two to Butters. Call the others here.”

Theresa wasn’t sure what to make of the request, but sent a message for the women to all meet in the living room. When Stan saw the message in the group chat he decided to investigate. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t recall inviting you,” the ginger said coyly upon his return to the living room. 

“I’m the leader. I can sit in on whatever meeting I want,” he challenged. 

“Not this one. Out,” Kyle said firmly. The two met each other in a battle of will, their eyes locking on one another. Heidi and Theresa only looked at each other while Isla and Wendy filed in. 

“Stan, just go,” his wife sighed. 

“I want to be told about whatever you’re calling for afterward,” Stan kept his eyes locked on Kyle’s.

“Maybe,” the attitudish omega retorted. A low growl in Stan’s chest sounded as he walked past the guarding omega. When Kyle was sure he was gone, he took his place in the center of the room. 

The four women exchanged looks as he silently sat in the middle. He said nothing, only looked at each of them for what felt like an absurd amount of time. This was easier with Butters because the blonde was recreationally in his orbit. Despite spending a lot of time together, it wasn’t the same for the women, even Isla. 

“Kyle, why are we-” Theresa was interrupted by him holding his hand up. 

“Just give me a minute,” he released a concentrated breath. It was tired and a bit sad. Wendy furrowed her brows. Kyle was such a strange entity. 

“A minute for what?” the alpha pressed. Kyle only tapped his finger to his lips thoughtfully as he ignored her question. 

“You,” he looked at Heidi.

“Me?” she shifted. 

“Mmhmm,” he took to hovering over her. He bent down, making himself eye level with her. Heidi looked confused but held the omega’s gaze as he demanded. A soft smile cracked on his lips after a while. 

“What about Heidi?” Isla voiced strongly. 

“Yeah, what about me?” the beta tried not to get defensive. 

“You’re pupped,” Kyle said as if it were the most simple thing in the world. Her look of offense shifted into panic. 

“W-what? I’m not- how did you- Kyle, what the hell?” she almost yelled. 

“You’re pregnant,” he sat beside her. “Still early. Probably why you didn’t outwardly notice.”

“And you did?” Wendy raised a brow. 

“It’s my job to,” he purred, rubbing his head on Heidi’s shoulder. She shook, unsure of what he was saying. He was acting weird again. This must’ve been a fluke of his imagination. There was no way she was pregnant. There was no way he’d know before her. There just was simply no way. 

“How can you be sure?” Theresa tried to ease the tension. 

“Well, there are only so many of us in the house who can get pregnant. I know it’s not Butters because, well, it’s already him. It was someone else. None of you guys besides Heidi, struck me. Plus, I lactated when I got near her,” he lifted his shirt. True to his explanation, he was rather leaky beside the beta. “It’s early, like I said, but I noticed a slight change in the scents here. When it’s this soon, the scent change is very delicate. I caught it in passing.”

“So you think I-I’m…” the beta continued, shaking. Kyle nodded, taking her hand into his. He knew the revelation was shocking; probably upsetting, too. Cartman not mating her was a sore spot. They had been courting for years, and while they were mostly fine with it, there were moments she wished she were Mrs. Cartman rather than still just Ms. Turner. Now that she was pupped, she feared their official union would happen for the wrong reason. She wasn’t even sure she was prepared to be a mom. 

“Let’s get you a test, okay?’ Kyle said gently. “We can go to urgent care and knock it out with certainty. Then we can talk about options.”

“Options?” Wendy eyed him. 

“It doesn’t take a lot to see she’s uncomfortable,” Kyle ignored the gaze. “This isn’t something to take lightly. I’ll take the time to work with her. In the meantime, none of you breathe a word to anyone else about this, especially Eric,” the den-omega ordered. Heidi subconsciously gripped his hand as he spoke. She was too stunned to say anything, to even cry. 

The room fell quiet after Kyle’s directives. They weren’t in a position to challenge the den-omega’s ruling, not even Wendy. There were certain instances that even she had to yield to him as a pack leader. 

“When do you want to go?” Isla asked Heidi gently. 

“Now, I wanna go now,” she said quickly amid a choke. 

“I’ll drive,” Theresa rose. 

“Isla and Wendy,” Kyle breathed as he rose. “Carry on. And remember, not a word.”

“Right,” the other omega nodded with a sigh. Wendy only looked away in a way that said she understood but didn’t agree. She didn’t have to, as far as Kyle was concerned. It’d be a bigger issue if she acted on it. As long as this didn’t get blown out of proportion, he was fine. It was meant to be kept under wraps until the beta knew what she wanted to do.

Thankfully, the trio was back from the doctor within forty-five minutes. Heidi was in a worse state upon their return. Theresa gave her fiancé and Wendy silent nods, confirming their den-omega was right. Kyle stayed by the grieving beta’s side. She was shaken to her core, not wanting to be anywhere near her boyfriend. 

Cartman was stunned by Heidi’s sudden move to Kyle’s bedroom. She had never rejected him this way, and he didn’t know what to make of it. After this sudden meeting, Kyle called, she was just as distraught as the omega had been, it seemed. Kyle poured himself into tending to her amid his other duties. 

The secret of her plight remained between him and the four women. Kyle’s baby meter had caught her extremely early at three weeks pregnant. How he did it was beyond any of them but they guessed as a den-omega he was cosmically gifted. Heidi chose to be thankful for it. It gave her time to think of what to do.

Chapter Text

“Alright, what was your meeting for?”

Kyle glanced at the alpha, who called himself cornering him in the kitchen. It had been two weeks, and Heidi was still avoiding Cartman. Wendy was in a mood. There was a somber feeling in the house. Stan needed answers.

“None of your business,” Kyle focused on preparing lunch. With Butters and Isla handling the pups, the den-omega had the space to think while he worked. He only wished Stan would leave him be but it was clear the pack leader was taking advantage of the solitude. 

“Everything that happens in this house is my business. When you guys are distressed, it’s up to me to help.”

“Well, this doesn’t concern you. I have it under control.”

“Do you really, or do you just think you do?”

“Excuse me,” green eyes finally glared at the alpha when Kyle turned from his work.

“You’ve been acting distant again, Kyle. Moping around. Giving the silent treatment. Zoning out. You don’t even play with the kids much anymore. Something’s up with you, and now it’s spread to Heidi.”

“Look, I know I’ve been out of it, but what’s going on with her is unrelated. I’m doing my job as her den-omega, so butt out,” he argued.

“No, you don’t get to keep any more secrets from me, Kyle,” Stan refused.  “I want to know everything.”

“Well, I’m not telling you shit,” the omega spat.

“You have no idea how tired I am,” A bitter, humerousless laugh escaped Stan. “Everything around you has been falling to shit. I was going to send you to therapy, but honestly, now I want to know everything before I do.”

“I can accept a therapist. What I don’t accept is you threatening me,” Kyle crossed his arms. He wasn’t afraid of Stan; he never would be. There was nothing the alpha could do to break him.

Not freely anyway.

“Don’t make me, Kyle. I really don’t want to.”

“Then don’t. If you do, I swear to God I’ll never trust you with anything.”

“And I’m supposed to trust you, though? You’ve never shut me out like this. We run this pack together. We keep each other informed. We look out for each other. That’s how it’s been for almost six years, and now suddenly you treat me like a stranger.”

“And you think by using your command on me that’ll make it better? I know I’ve pulled a part and I don’t mean to. I meant it when I said I was working on it. Why can’t you just accept that? Things will get better. Just give me time.”

“You’re leaving me no choice, Kyle. You say things will get better, but it’s been weeks now. Ever since you went to stay at your parents’ place, you keep giving me the same excuse. I’m working on it. I’m getting better. I’m okay. Those are all lies! What’s so bad about opening up to me? I’m not asking you to broadcast to everyone, just me. Why is that so bad?” his voice was low. “Talk to me, Kyle. Help me to understand. Give me something.”

Kyle blinked away tears, averting his eyes from Stan’s. The fact that Stan was threatening to command him over this was stressful. Just when he was coasting from his heartbreak over Trent, Stan comes and re-breaks what fragments he was trying to piece back together.

“You have three questions. Then I’m done talking unless it’s to a professional,” the omega swallowed. Stan nodded, snorting back his own frustrated tears.

“What’s wrong with Heidi?”

“She’s dealing with decision-making right now. She’ll know what she wants when the time comes.”

Stan wasn’t happy with that answer but it was better than nothing. 

“What happened during your rut help that changed your mood?”

Kyle’s jaw flexed as he looked to the floor for an answer. 

“I lost someone who was important to me.”

Stan studied the omega. He had one question left, and he wasn’t sure what to ask. What was valuable information was hard to sort through. There were a million questions he wanted to ask Kyle. It was torturous to find a single one.

“What can I do to make you happy?”

Tears brewed in Kyle’s eyes as he snorted back a bitter laugh. Even without speaking, he knew his voice would shake. His mind tried to find a vague answer, but couldn’t find one at all.

“I don’t know,” he answered truthfully. “I really don’t.”

***

Misery loves company. That single bitter thought ran through a drunken Trent’s mind. He hadn’t been sober since he dropped Kyle off. Randomly, he felt pain in his arm, reminding him of the worst sin he’d ever committed.  At least when he was picking bar fights or beating up the homeless, he didn’t have to think of anything else. It was when he was alone that the pain was always the worst, both in his arm and his heart.

His behavior got him arrested one fine night after he broke a bar-back’s nose when he tried to break up another fight Trent instigated at the pool table. All he wanted was violence. He yearned to see the world burn. Maybe through the ash, he’d find Kyle.

Really, he was just making it hard on himself. All he had to do was kill Stan and take the ginger for himself. Maybe he could kidnap Kyle on his way home from the park.

Or maybe, just maybe, call him.

When Trent’s one phone call was offered, he could barely see straight. Instinctively, he punched in the number for the omega.

Kyle sighed heavily through his nose when he heard his phone buzzing. TV time with the pack was interrupted. Kenny had been closest to the charging device. Keeping his trademark teasing smirk, he put the phone on speaker.

“Hello?” He answered with his best imitation of the omega.

“Baby? Baby, it’s me, can you hear me?” Trent’s speech was slurred. It made Kyle’s heart race. Swiftly, he pushed himself from the couch, making an exit to another room so brashly that everyone could only watch in wonder. The adults looked at each other, confused as they tried to listen to the odd conversation happening in a nearby hallway.

“Y-yeah, I hear you. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Kyle hissed in agony.

“I’m sorry. I fucked up real bad, baby,” the country drawl was thick. “Say you forgive me. Please.”

“There was never anything to forgive.” Kyle’s breath was shaky. “Where are you?”

“County,” the drunken alpha swallowed.

“You got arrested?” Kyle whisper-scolded.

“I miss you, Kyle. I-I wanna see you when I get out. Say you’ll see me.”

Kyle rested his fist on his forehead, tapping it gently in silent distress. He couldn’t believe Trent was using his one phone call to ask him out. It was so stupid it was laughable. 

“You’re a piece of work.” He said after a moment.

“One you miss, right?” The drunk man had an air of humor in his voice. Kyle was no match for the smile that overrode his tears.

“Yeah…yeah, I do.”

“So you’ll see me? I promise I’ll shape up. Even ask that shit alpha of yours for your hand.”

The omega nodded gently before vocally responding, ”Alright, I will. But get your head on straight first.”

“Working on it,” the drunk alpha hummed. Kyle hated that he heard the smile in his voice. It made him want to. He hated how light Trent made him feel. 

Damn him. 

Trent made bail the next morning. A few of his packmates witnessed his arrest and did what they must to get him out by daylight. When they received the hungover blonde, he was in the best mood they’d seen in weeks. Whatever broke the spell of violence and beer was Heaven-sent. Hopefully, the worst of it was over. 

Chapter Text

Duck and Dodge.

Duck and Dodge. 

That’s all Kyle did after his phone call. Everyone spared no expense in trying to find anything out. He was just as unrelenting in his aversion. 

“Who the hell was that country bumpkin calling?” Cartman pressed.

“Nobody.”

“Are you being courted?” Isla pried.

“Nope.”

“Why was he drunk?” Butters worried.

“Don’t know.”

“The fuck was he calling you for?” Stan growled.

“No reason.”

It was maddening how easily Kyle avoided direct answers. He didn’t seem nervous or upset. Each non-answer was effortless. 

“He’s better than most politicians,” Wendy breathed over her wine. It had been a week since that fateful night, and as a whole, nobody moved any closer to finding out about Kyle’s mystery man. 

“I can’t believe he’s been dating someone. Imagine how long and he never said anything,” Butters was flustered. He liked to think the two of them were closer than anyone else in the house. 

“Wonder why it was a secret,” Isla huffed. “Think he’s embarrassed about it?”

“He should be. That asshole sounded like a poor redneck,” Cartman snorted. His response garnered eye rolls from his packmates. 

The four of them sat gossiping in the basement over wine and cheese. It was their way of bonding. Usually, Heidi and Kenny would join, but she was still anti-Eric, and Kenny was on a daddy-daughter date. Their conversation shifted to how Kyle’s potential mate would affect their pack. 

Stan was taking it the hardest. He couldn’t believe Kyle was seeing someone and didn’t tell him. Nothing he could think of would make Kyle keep it a secret. Trying to wrap his head around it only gave him a headache; it only made him angrier. When did he and Kyle grow apart this way? It seemed like the two of them could take on the world one day, and then the next, they were strangers. The feeling was enough to make the pack alpha whimper.

Standing outside the work study was a labor of bravery.. After meeting with Trent, Kyle knew the time to tell Stan the truth had come. It’d be better to get it over with sooner rather than later. Danny had been playing around his dad’s desk. He was meant to be a distraction for the sad man. Stan wasn’t sure how effective that attempt was but as long as his pup was safe. His blue eyes watched Danny invest in the toy cars, rolling them around the floor. After a moment, Kyle’s cover was blown when the tot squealed happily, having smelled his Mimi nearby.

Since Danny discovered him, Kyle was forced to have the talk he’d been avoiding since Trent’s call. Clearing his throat, the omega put on a soft smile before entering the room. Stan’s eyes were tired, not masking his hurt, when he looked at Kyle. Kyle tried not to let guilt take over his mind as he sat at Heidi’s desk. The swivel chair was turned to face Stan who mirrored it. 

“I-I’m ready, Stan,” Kyle exhaled. “But if we have this talk, I want you to promise me you won’t get mad, and if you do, you’ll still hear me out. This’ll be hard,” he tried not to get tearful. “And I want us to find the best resolve we can.”

The tired pack leader only nodded. He had been emotionally exhausted and could only listen. Speaking wasn’t something he had the will to do at the moment. He was sure there was nothing Kyle could say to make things worse. 

Kyle licked his lips as he gazed at the playing tot in the room before starting. 

“So, it’s been a complicated few weeks. The person who called me…we’ve been seeing each other for a while. We weren’t official or anything, but,” he paused to breathe. “But we really started to like each other. It felt natural; we got each other. Courting wasn’t anything we ever said we’d do. I think the reason we never did was because we both knew we shouldn’t have.”

Stan rubbed his temple and forehead, applying pressure to help the pain before he refocused his eyes on the omega. 

“It’s fucking crazy. I don’t even know how we got here,” Kyle choked back tears. His voice shook when he continued, “It was just something fun, something rebellious, something stupid, and it grew so much deeper,” he breathed.

“Who is it?” Stan finally spoke. 

“Trent…”Kyle whispered. The alpha across from him had heard it perfectly, but it didn’t stop him from asking Kyle again.

“Who?” The anger was deep in his voice.

“Please Stan-”

“Who?” the alpha growled. His son looked worried, sensing the distress in the room.

“Trent, okay? Trent fucking Boyett,” Kyle sobbed finally. Danny crawled over to comfort his mimi, but his father picked him up midway. He set the boy in the hallway and closed the door. The tot’s tears did nothing to move him to let him back in. “Don’t do that!” Kyle argued.

“Don’t fucking tell me what to do. Not now,” Stan challenged. “We are going to have this talk, and you are going to tell me everything. And I mean everything, Kyle. No bullshit answers. No lies. Everything.”

Kyle only fought to wipe his tears, to calm down so he could meet Stan on his level. If there was any chance at all for his relationship to have Stan’s approval, he needed to put everything on the table. When the tears stopped, he met the strong look of the pack leader. He swallowed after a moment.

“Where do you want me to start?” he shrugged, dismissing their staring contest. 

“At. The. Beginning.” 

Chapter Text

House arrest was a lovely time. Kyle brushed up on bread baking. Spending an infinite amount of time with the pups was nice. He was able to pump milk for the coming McCormick baby. The relief was well received, especially since he slept with a pregnant beta most nights. 

Heidi managed to talk to Eric about their situation. Facing him was still hard, but she could gradually take him a little more each day. There was no interest in sharing a bed with him, however. Sleeping with Kyle had been the best alternative; she didn’t mind. His bedding was comfortable, and so was he. Despite Kyle being in the pack’s hot seat, Heidi couldn’t deny he was a damn good comfort source. 

Aside from holding Heidi close at night, Kyle took to exercising again. Since he wasn’t allowed outside, he did his workouts to 80s TV programs. The pups liked joining him, finding the outfits silly. It was honestly fun for Kyle, too, stretching and running in place with the little ones trying to imitate him. Their laughter distracted him from Stan constantly looming over his shoulder. 

After finding out that Trent wanted to court Kyle after he almost marked him pushed Stan into a new level of protection. He didn’t trust Trent by any means. Nothing good ever came from dealing with him. Kyle should know that, but the lovesick omega seemingly forgot it. People like Trent Boyett didn’t change. That’s why Stan had already decided he’d say no to the courtship but was just playing along to the consideration game. He only needed Kyle to think there was a chance. Then he’d confront Boyett about whatever he’d done to warp Kyle’s mind. 

He told Trent once already to never look in Kyle's direction. The offending alpha had done that and more. Now, Kyle was serious about wanting to be with him and somehow maintain his place in their pack. Stan could’ve allowed Kyle to float freely with between another pack if his mate was worthy. Trent Boyett wasn’t anywhere close. Until he had cooled down enough to properly think of what to say to Trent, Stan decided the “lovers” couldn’t see each other. They could text all they wanted, even if it made Stan want to break Kyle’s phone. The pack leader thought the safest thing to do was to keep Kyle on lock at home. He couldn’t go out unless he was with one of their pack’s alphas. 

Stan’s eyes studied Kyle as the omega did jumping jacks with the laughing pups. His smile was bright, and he seemed happier. Boyett possibly being what caused the change in the den-omega made Stan’s blood boil. It was sickening to think Kyle loved Trent that much. He doubted the feeling was mutual. 

“Good job, bugs. Let’s get some water and cool down,” Kyle chuckled. The littles cheered and ran ahead, expecting their mimi to be on their heels. He would’ve been if Stan didn’t stop him. 

“A moment, Broflovski,” Stan pushed through his teeth. 

“Of course, Marsh,” he returned the passive-aggression. Ever since he came clean, he and Stan had been tense. Everyone in the house felt it but unanimously decided not to get involved. The relationship between their den-omega and pack leader was unique. It was better to let them sort it out themselves. 

Butters and Isla handled the pups while Kyle and Stan made off somewhere else. Since Heidi was working from home Stan instead saw Kyle to his room. Kyle tried to avoid the master bedroom as much as possible. It was no secret that Wendy didn’t enjoy his presence there. Stan knew that. Kyle knew that Stan knew that. He was suspicious of the alpha’s ploy.

“Do you really think you can mate Trent and still be a part of this family?” 

Kyle was moderately taken aback by the question but quickly recovered. 

“Yes,” he said firmly. “Do you?”

“I don’t know,” Stan sat on his bed. “Tell me why I should.”

“You asked me a few weeks ago how you could make me happy,” Kyle sat beside him. “This would. I know we haven’t had the best history with Trent, but…he makes me happy. I don’t think I’ve felt this way before.”

“Why does he make you happy? What does he give you that we don’t?”

“Well,” Kyle shifted, trying to find an answer. “The love is different. He’s a life partner, someone I’d have pups with. You guys are family. Being with you fulfills me in a different way.”

“Trent strikes you as the fathering type?”

“Yeah, yeah, he does,” Kyle breathed with adoration. “His pack has a few pups. It may seem crazy, but he’s actually pretty good with them.”

“You’ve been around his pack?” Stan raised a brow. The omega sheepishly nodded. That only seemed to warrant more questions. It bothered Stan that Kyle had such a full life outside the walls of their home. How was he to cope? 

“If I said I didn’t approve, what would you do?” He didn’t look at Kyle.

“Would you make me choose?” Kyle asked quietly.

“I guess so. But I’d make you an offer to try and help.”

“What offer?”

“You said that you love him, that you want a family with him, right?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m willing,” was all the alpha said. Kyle bit the inside of his cheek as he closed his eyes mournfully. Stan’s offer was thick, resting openly between them. “Think it over.”

“So are you saying no now?” Kyle shook.

“I’m saying think about it,” Stan patted his thigh. “We can make things work.”

Chapter Text

After their talk Kyle had a hard time facing Stan. He loved Stan, truly he did. But not in the way the alpha was proposing. Trying to imagine mating with the norriette made him nauseous. Having Stan’s pups, marrying him, it was all too much. It was hard to believe Wendy would tolerate it. In fact, Kyle knew she wouldn’t. If there was any end to the madness, she’d be the cure.

The alpha had been content in keeping to herself when Kyle pulled her to his room. She’d known Stan’s last resort; she just didn’t know he’d offered it up front as a means to sway Kyle from Trent. To say she was less than thrilled at the bribe would’ve been an understatement. 

“Look, Wendy. I know we’ve had our differences, but please. You know how much I love you guys. I just…love Trent too. We can make it work, I know we can. I just need Stan to be more open.”

“And what am I supposed to do about it?”

“Talk some sense into him. I know he’s just playing the long game here. He’s planning to say no. But maybe if we worked together, we could get him to say yes,” he proposed. 

“Why should I? Stan’s stubborn and is just going to mark you either way.”

“We both know you want your husband to yourself. I want your husband to yourself. It’s not fair to either of us to share if we don’t want to. I think if we just show him our packs can co-exist, he’d let me stay and mate with Trent.”

“And what’s honestly stopping you from just leaving us, Kyle? Not saying you don’t do a lot for this pack, but…traditionally if someone mates outside then they…”

“I know,” he looked down. “But it’s hard to even think about saying goodbye. You know…I always fear I’ll drop if it happens. I just…don’t think I could survive having to leave.”

“But picking us is so hard?”

“Why did you mate Stan?”

“Excuse me?” She was caught off guard. 

“Why did you mate Stan? Marry him, take his last name?”

“Because we loved each other. We wanted to spend our lives together, so we committed.”

“And don’t I have that same right?” Kyle looked up at her woefully. “I found someone I love, Wendy. I should be able to love them and love my family too.”

Wendy looked at Kyle for a moment before sighing. His making good sense was overly complicated. Love was complex. Her feelings for Stan had blossomed over years. Whatever Kyle felt for Trent seemed to fester overnight. That didn’t mean it was any weaker or stronger than what she felt for Stan. Based on Kyle’s pleading eyes, she was forced to face facts. 

“So, you think if I talk to Stan it’d change things?”

“Yes. I really do. He listens to you. We both know we don’t want to coexist as Stan’s partners. It was a bit selfish to ask, don’t you think?”

“But he had a good reason. We just don’t want to see you hurt, Kyle. Trent hasn’t done anything to prove he’s trustworthy. Until he does…I doubt it’s worth talking to Stan.”

“So, you think Trent has to start…repenting?”

“That’s one way of saying it,” she rubbed the back of her neck. “Only you see this so-called good in him, Kyle. And for all we know, that’s because he wants something from you. It could be just to say he stole you from us, or to hurt you, or anything really. Part of the fear of Trent Boyett is that he’s as unpredictable as he is rough. He can beat you with a pipe and leave you for dead somewhere in the mountains, and we’ll never know. We can’t take that risk blindly. You know that.”

“That’s-”

“Something realistic. You wouldn’t be the first.”

There was no argument about that. Kyle knew Trent’s history just as much as anyone else. Wendy’s point struck him. Trent would need to do more than respect Stan’s no visitors policy in order to win the alpha over. 

“What do you think would help Stan believe that Trent’s changed?”

The question stalled Wendy longer than it should’ve. A sigh escaped her before she even contemplated an answer. It wasn’t like Trent had done minor offenses over the years. He’d have to become a saint to truly win over Stan Marsh’s judgement. 

***

“Requesting a day outside, Alpha,” Kyle asked with an air of sarcasm. Stan only glanced at him before turning his attention back to his son. 

“Where?”

“To see Trent.”

“Request denied.”

“Stan, seriously.”

“No,” the alpha held firm. “I don’t trust him, Kyle. Now that everyone knows, the last thing we need is Trent running off with you because he thinks he can.”

“It’s not that serious,” Kyle rolled his eyes. 

“It is. The fact that you don’t see it that way concerns me.”

“Really?” The omega’s hands found his hips. “Why’s that?”

“Because he’s the kind of person that will fuck you over the moment he’s done with whatever game he’s playing. When he leaves you after you inevitably choose him over us, are we just supposed to take you back like nothing happened? What happens when his true colors show after he’s had a few too many? You can’t seriously think this nice guy shit is the real him. We’ve known Trent since we were four. Even before we…we started the fire, he wasn't the kind of person to get involved with. Everyone knew that. They still do. I don’t know why you’ve forgotten that.”

Kyle’s nose pushed a wave of air. There was a glint of consideration in his eyes as they fell on Danny, blissfully unaware of the conversation happening. Kyle wouldn’t deny Stan’s concerns were valid but he thought the alpha was being a tad unreasonable. People could change, and he was sure Trent had. 

Mostly, anyway. 

“If I can’t go to him, then he’ll just have to come here.”

“What?” Stan stood as the omega turned on his heels. Danny gripped his father, enduring the sudden motion. Stan followed after Kyle, who kept a strong stride to the living room. “Trent is not allowed in this house.”

“Oh really? Too late.”

“Too. Late.” Stan grit his teeth as in his pack house’s living room stood Trent Boyett with others Stan didn’t know. It was offensive to have guests the pack leader was unfamiliar with. Kyle was playing a dangerous game. To make matters worse, Wendy seemed to be added to the play. 

The first lady of Marsh’s pack seemed relaxed in her conversation with another alpha and beta. Trent stood with what Stan identified as an alpha and two omegas. Three pups who had enticed Julie into a game on the floor had stirred want in the pup in his arms. Stan could barely contain the look of hurt on his face at his son’s betrayal. 

“Mmm, come here, big boy.” Wendy took her pup to join the others. Julie was thrilled her playmate had come to meet the new pups. Stan’s eyes bore into his wife, who seemed unmoved. Theresa awkwardly remained seated next to Wendy as she returned. Kyle kept the same calm demeanor as her before introducing everyone. 

“Everyone, this is my pack leader, Stan. Alpha, you know Trent. These are some of his packmates,” Kyle said easily. Trent said nothing while his lover introduced Stan to his second in command and her mate, their pack’s den-omega. The other alpha and beta were courting. The smallest pup belonged to them, while the largest belonged to the den-omega, and the third pup belonged to the other omega there, along for the ride. Stan kept an angry yet blank gaze as Kyle spoke. 

“It’s nice to meet you,” the surprisingly bubbly den-omega beamed. She was quite round in Stan’s opinion. Her mate must’ve kept her well fed, but if she did anything that Kyle did, she was responsible for the rather healthy pups on the floor, too. 

“Fine.”

“Stan,” Wendy glared at him. The man only shifted on his legs, releasing a breath to calm himself. 

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” he struggled. 

An amused look on Trent’s face made Stan want to punch the blonde right there and then but he had to have self control for no other reason than the pups in the room. If it were just the adults, he’d have done it fearlessly. Cartman and Kenny were lingering around. Who cared if a fight broke out? Certainly not the most disrespected alpha in the house. 

“Is there a reason you’re here?” Stan cleared his throat. 

“Pups got lonely for Kyle,” the other den-omega kept a steady smile. 

“The pups.”

“Mhm, he makes their alpha so happy, and he’s great with them. His being around gives me a break. Guess I miss him too,” she teased. Kyle rolled his eyes with a light smile. 

“Trent wanted to talk,” Kyle breathed. “His family's coming was just a gesture of goodwill. Show you they don’t bite.”

“Not unless we need to,” the red-haired alpha beside him glared. It was clear why she operated as Trent’s second. Stan only wondered how she mated such a nice omega. Then again, the omega was in Trent’s pack. She was likely as dangerous as they were. 

“Care to step outside, Stan?” Trent finally spoke for himself. 

Feeling that he had no other choice, Stan agreed. Once they were outside, the blonde instinctively lit a smoke. Blue eyes focused on him, making sure he didn’t start a fire in the front yard’s bushes or burn the front door. 

“Relax. If I were going to launch an attack, I would’ve,” he exhaled his smoke. 

“You already have,” Stan growled. 

“You mean coming over?” Trent raised a brow before relaxing his face. “That wasn’t my idea. Your wife invited us.”

“No, she-”

"Wendy invited us. She’s friends with Betsy,” Trent took another drag. Stan thought he’d recognized the beta in Trent’s collection. She was a student at South Park Elementary but had been in and out of detention so often that she was barely ever in class. 

“And you thought it was a good idea to come?”

“No, but Jessie got tired of this shit. She’s not the only one. Kyle’s become a part of my family, Stan whether you like it or not. For months, he’s been between this place and mine.”

“So, what, you think just because you have your pack here that you can just take him and leave? Kyle’s a part of this family. Our pups need him. He belongs with us.”

“With you or to you?”

“Excuse me?” Stan growled. 

“You act like you own him, Stanny. If you didn’t, you’d be willing to let him make his own decisions.”

“I do! Just because I won’t let him pick death doesn’t mean I think I own him. If you were literally anybody else, I’d be more than willing to let Kyle go. I’d combine packs with someone if it meant merging families, but I can’t trust you. I don’t trust you. You’ve done nothing but screw us over for years. Just because you want to use Kyle now doesn’t mean I’ll fall for it.”

“I’m not using Kyle for shit,” Trent took offense. “Is it so hard to believe I actually have feelings for him? I’ve done nothing but do right by him. That won’t change just so I can piss you off.”

“Once you get what you want, Kyle’s as good as beaten and bruised. Everything you’ve ever done says so. Just because you’re bought him a few meals and a bouquet of roses doesn’t mean shit to me. If you were really interested, you’d have come to me, alpha to alpha, man to man, to ask me for Kyle’s hand. Instead, you snuck around, almost marked him, and now you are playing games to force my hand. Who is that benefitting? Kyle? You think making him choose between you and us is a good thing? You think taking him from his family is what’s good for him? Right, because that makes total sense.”

Trent’s eyes narrowed slightly. He listened to Stan’s rant while he continued smoking. It wasn’t just Kyle’s safety Stan was angry about. His pride had been bruised as the pack leader and Kyle’s best friend. He was angry that Kyle had such a life apart from him. Trent knew Stan was more than interested in mating Kyle. He’d known since they were in high school. It wasn’t Trent’s problem, however, that Stan chose Wendy. 

Now that he was there, Stan was tightening his hold on Kyle to prevent him from leaving. If it was someone Stan could control, he’d have no issue letting Kyle court them. Since it was him, Stan knew he couldn’t dictate anything. Stan knew he would have a threat to his place as Kyle’s true alpha. Somewhere, Trent pitied Stan. Kyle was one hell of an omega; he would know. But he deserved better than petty feuds and hurt feelings. 

“So, let’s talk about it.”

Stan’s eyes snapped to the calm man beside him. Slowly, grey eyes shifted from the grass to find him. The angry questioning look on Stan’s face prompted Trent to continue. Pushing smoke out of his lips while balancing the cigarette, Trent sighed by the same means. 

“Let’s talk about what it would take for you to accept me as Kyle’s alpha. You say it’s me tearing your family apart, and it’s not. It’s you; you’re the one refusing to accept that he found someone. You’re the one making him pick. How is that fair to blame me when all I did was love him the way he wanted?”

“You’ve got some fucking nerve-”

“I get I should’ve asked you for his hand when I had the chance. But you aren’t his daddy. I didn’t have to ask you to take him out. We’re adults, Stan. The same fucking age. I wasn’t coming to you on hands and knees about this. But I will talk to you like a man so we can figure this out.”

Chapter Text

“How’s it going, you think?” Wendy asked as she watched the pups. 

“They aren’t killing each other,” Sally said. The red-haired alpha continued watching from her place in the window. 

Her mate had managed to get on the floor with the pups, who were getting along great. Butters smiled, watching, having now joined the impromptu ambush. His swollen middle made for good conversation with Jessie. Theresa remained nervous, waiting for the other shoe to drop so she could grab her pack’s pups and run. The only thing keeping the nervous beta remotely sane was her den-omega next to her. 

Kyle remained stressfully calm with his potential mate and pack leader outside. He shared glances with Wendy every now and again as they waited. This wasn’t the last ditch effort to derail Stan’s priorities, but it’d get the ball rolling. The goal wasn’t to wear Stan down. It was to change his mind. Trent wasn’t as big of a threat as Stan was making him out to be. Wendy knew Stan just wanted Kyle close. She supposed she understood. 

The pair was introduced early in their lives. Before school came into view, the two had known each other. Stan’s protection of Kyle went beyond the school playground as it bled to middle school basketball games and through high school track meets. Even when he didn’t have to be there, Stan was always Kyle’s support. At times Wendy thought Stan would chose the omega. She waited to hear how the two were together when she and Stan would break up. Shockingly, the news never came. 

Instead, it was always that Stan wanted her back. He was quick to jealousy when she was with someone else. She’d once even heard that he cried over it. Kyle himself would deliver word that Stan loved her. Despite Stan’s devotion, there was always a gnawing feeling that her partner still had unresolved feelings for the ginger. His current boycott of Kyle’s relationship only deepened that opinion. It being Trent Boyett was merely a sour blow to the whole endeavor. Stan never seemed keen on Kyle mating. The alpha was always content with Kyle at home, within reach. Wendy at times wondered if Stan regretted marrying her. 

She saw the looks he wore when the omega nursed Danny. Her tenderness over the den-omega handling her pup wasn’t simply because the little one attached to his caregiver but also because Kyle looked more like a mother in Stan’s eyes, too. Wendy mused that Stan wished Kyle was Danny’s mother rather than her. Their family time felt like a formality at times.  

A sigh escaped her as she shook herself slightly. 

Stan loved her; he loved their family. He was just reeling from Kyle’s implied rejection. The problem wasn’t her or Kyle but rather Stan’s unresolved feelings. With some luck, a massive amount, Stan could begin letting go. Kyle deserved happiness, but he also deserved safety and security. While Wendy was well aware of Trent’s legacy and his apparent change, she didn’t want Kyle at risk. She would never want to dismiss Kyle for who he dated. If anything ever happened, with Trent or anyone, she would want Kyle home with their back without judgment or argument. That’s what being a family meant, being a pack. 

They were to support each other and keep each other safe. That didn’t mean wholly removing autonomy. Whether or not they always agreed didn’t matter. There was plenty that Wendy didn’t agree with in her pack, Trent aside. That didn’t mean she loved Kenny or Cartman or Heidi or anyone any less. It was okay not to agree. It wasn’t okay to control. 

“Your alpha’s red in the face,” Sally kept watching. 

“That happens,” Butters said casually. 

The others nodded silently, prompting a smirk on the redhead’s face. If this merger happened, she couldn’t wait to to annoy Stan to hell and back. A part of her thought he deserved it anyway after how he’d been acting. Keeping poor Kyle hostage.  There was plenty of lost time to be made up. 

***

“Alright, we’re leavin’,” Trent declared. 

“Fucking finally,” Betsy pushed herself from the couch. Her mate only rolled his eyes while collecting their pup, who seemed less interested in being broken away from the floor. 

Seeing it was time to go, the children seemed reluctant. Kyle’s face softened at the sight of both packs’ pups becoming friendly so easily. If only it were that easy with the adults. 

“We’ll have to take the kids out sometime soon,” Jessie got up. “Have they been to the splash pad in West Park yet?”

“No?” Butters tilted his head, unaware that such a place existed. If he had, his water fairy would’ve gone for sure. 

“We should go there! It’s so fun and they’ll love it.”

“That sounds like a good day trip,” Wendy agreed. Stan’s nostrils flared. There’d be words once the invasion ended. 

“We’ll set it up,” Kyle rose from the couch with a stretch. Fearing his Mimi would be on the move again, Danny whined with his arms up. A pang of guilt reached Kyle’s heart as he picked the pup up. He didn’t want Danny or Julie thinking he was abandoning them. That would never happen if he could help it. 

“Great,” the impatient beta started towards the door with her pup on her hip. Trent eyed her. Conversations would be had later. He stayed quiet while Jessie separated her pup from Julie. The two girls had become quite fond in only a couple of hours. Butters couldn’t wait for their trip to West Park. It’d be what they needed to break the tension in the house. 

Sally ushered her packmates out of the house, leaving Trent to part with Kyle and his faction. 

“Thanks for coming by,” Kyle kissed the alpha in front of his family. Theresa had half a mind to duck for cover. She may have still needed to because once Trent left, Stan was liable to lose himself. Wendy and Butters only exchanged quick glances at the parting kiss before Trent finally left. 

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Stan growled once the door closed. 

“Nope,” Kyle said simply as he walked away carrying Danny on his hip. Julie followed, excited to go wherever her Mimi would lead. 

“Don’t act like that shit was okay!” Stan followed after him. 

“Go get the pups,” Wendy directed Theresa, who sprang into action. 

It was going to be a long night.