Packs typically consist of one alpha, one beta, and one omega; however, packs can contain more than three people and do not have to have an even ratio of alphas to betas to omegas (multiple alphas? Woohoo! More knots!). The ranking usually goes Alpha –> Beta –> Omega, but all can challenge and at times outrank each other whether it be based on age, experience, or strength.

Not all members of the pack have to be sexually involved with each other - or with the pack's alpha or omega, even. They will all, however, protect the omega(s) in the alpha's stead. Relationships within the pack do not have to be strictly alpha/omega - any combination of omegas, alphas, and betas is welcomed (though it is more traditional for alphas to court omegas). Mates are typically in the same pack.

Packs are typically formed by hanging out with people you vibe with (and people can still be friends with each other without necessarily being in a pack). Pack dynamics can play a huge part in the SFW side of things - imagine things like building, maintaining, protecting a pack, climbing up the ranks or trying to hold your own in the pack, being a lone wolf, scenting, courting, nesting, being comfortable in your role, etc.

Typically, any submissive member of the pack will present their scruff or their throat to say "I trust you" or "I will follow you," or even "I recognize you're stronger than me." This can be done to the alpha or to any pack member who they rank as "higher" than them in some form. This is also commonly done as a gesture of respect.