"Hey, what do you think you're doing pup?"

Brandon blinked tiredly, mind a haze as for a moment, he didn't understood where he was. As he blinked and shook his head, his father chuckled, teasingly ruffling through his hair.

"Man, this reminds me of when you were just a little pup." Ryker snickered with a shake of his head. "Aren't you a bit too old to be falling asleep on your books?"

Sleep on my books?

Brandon yawned and glanced down before realizing what happened. He groaned, wiping his sleeve over the book and hoping it wasn't absolutely soaked in saliva.

"I didn't mean to, just... was more tired than I thought, I guess."

The pack Alpha scoffed, closing the massive book about mental diseases and debilitations. "Hell, if I had to start this brick, I'd snore too." He helped his son clean up the scattered books and notes that had slipped on the floor.

Brandon groaned as his neck, shoulders and back protested once he stood up.  While he was used spending hours studying back as a pup, or working on pack paperwork, it had been a while since he had snoozed off.

But, as Brandon glanced at his notes and gathered them all orderly, he knew it was worth it. He had found a lot of interesting facts, brushed up on his knowledge while satisfying his Alpha needs to help and protect the pack.

His wolf was placated, at least for the moment, knowing it was putting in all this effort to help a pack member. It growled happily, puffing up at a job well done.

A decent Alpha would ask for their pack's help to satisfy his needs. But a great Alpha would put the pack's needs first, would satisfy their own needs by helping the pack.

Brandon knew that many Alphas saw it differently. They saw themselves as top dog and would use their position to get what their beasts wanted.

They would justify their actions by blaming it on their Beasts. Whatever they wanted or needed, they simply took it. Brandon had heard the horror stories of Alphas running rampant, holding pack membership over people's heads to get what they wanted.

And if they didn't get what they wanted, they took it. With or without consent.

"When is Sean... or Jamie going to be introduced?" Brandon asked, cracking his neck to loosen up the tense muscles there.

Ryker hummed thoughtfully, analyzing the notes Brandon had made throughout the evening... and well into the night.

Meticulous research on how DID affected both the afflicted and their surroundings. How to help, how to cope, small and often useless tips.

The most important thing Brandon learned was to view all the aspect, or alters, as their own person. Which meant that even if Brandon was sweet on Sean, he'd have to remember he wasn't looking at Sean so to speak.

"It's all up to Sean, really. Jamie is fine whenever but, like he mentioned yesterday, they're trying to keep Sean their main... persona."

He nodded, already anticipating the dread within the poor Omega. Luckily there weren't too many Alphas born within their pack, but Brandon assumed that every additional Alpha already was one too much for the pup to handle.

Plus, being introduced to the pack would be relatively intimate and physical to some degree. It was in their nature of being part wolf, after all.

Any new arrival would be introduced to the pack in general but everyone would come to greet Sean in person.

Usually, this meant a simple touch like a handshake, a shared intake and swapping of scents. To imprint the inner beast of whom was pack.

The young Alpha already cringed at the very idea of anyone leaning in to rub their jaw glands against Sean. The poor Omega would drop distressed pheromone bombs by anyone reaching out to simply shake his hand.

"We'll have to postpone the event... or at least explain the delicate matter of the situation to the pack." Brandon suggested hopefully to Ryker, who nodded with a deep set frown.

There was still the issue that the pack wolves needed to take in Sean's scent, sooner rather than later. Otherwise they'd grow agitated, nervous at the scent of an unmarked, unknown wolf on their territory.

And a younger, newly presented wolf might give into their instincts to go after this perceived threat.

Both of them were consumed with their thoughts before a knock sounded on the door. As they looked up, Brandon rolled his eyes at the smirk aimed his way.

"I heard a lil' pup fell asleep on his books and didn't make it to his bed in time." Gabriel snickered, making Brandon scoff at his brother's jab.

Gabriel pranced in the room and hopped on Brandon's freshly made bed, ignoring his brother's growl. Instead the Beta smirked as he rolled around on the bed, releasing his scent on the bedding before grinning at his sibling.

"So, what has your panties in a twist this time around? I mean, the only time I've known you to fall asleep on top of your books was when you had your eye on... Oh." Gabriel sat back up on the bed, observing Brandon closely with a growing grin.

The young Alpha glared at the blonde Beta as Gabriel's green eyes gleamed teasingly. "Look at that telling blush. Seems to me like someone is in lo-UF"

"Brandon." Ryker scolded as Gabriel groaned on the bed whilst Brandon shrugged and averted his eyes. His wolf snickered, feeling proud of hitting the mark and toppling over Gabriel with a book to his gut.

There had always been some form of natural competition between the two. Not to the point where it was toxic, but a health and playful drive to outcompete one another.

It had started as pups, simple yet silly things. Wanting to be the first at the door, outrun the other up the stairs. Get the best high-score in a game, the best kill during the hunt...

"As an Alpha, you shouldn't be using your strength against your pack." Gabriel grumbled as he sat up, running a hand over his stomach, scowling at the massive medical encyclopedia that had jabbed him with one of its corners.

Brandon snorted while their father rolled his eyes. "And as a Beta, you should've been able to dodge that."

"And as my pups," Their father interjected their pissing contest, "You both should know better than to antagonize one another."

"Yes, dad."

"Yeah, sorry pops." Gabriel apologized before stretching out, "I can't help myself when I see my younger brother. I just have to tease the pup."

"You're only older by a minute! One minute Gabriel!" Brandon growled playfully while Gabriel hopped out of the bed, book in hand.

"Which still makes me the oldest, doesn't it?" He grinned disarmingly before placing the book down on the table.

Gabriel thumbed through the notes, letting out a stunned whistle as his eyes flitted back to the book. "You went through most of that brick in one night? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Brandon and Ryker laughed at Gabriel's stunned awe before Brandon sighed, stretching his neck and groaning as his muscles protested.

He didn't need to ask if Gabriel knew about the delicate situation at hand. If his brother had been unaware, their Alpha would never have allowed him in the room or anywhere near the research on the table.

As it was, the Beta looked over the papers thoughtfully, eyes pensive before he tapped the papers. "You know, I've been thinking-"

"Don't hurt yourself with that." Brandon snickered but Gabriel ignored him, continuing as if his brother hadn't spoken up.

The young Beta tapped the papers on the table, stacking them together properly as he spoke. "While I understand where Sean is coming from and wants to hide his... condition, and the plan is quite nifty... It's never going to work."

"Oh?" Brandon turned to his sibling, not mocking in the least. While Brandon and Gabriel had their moments where they worked themselves up to a fight, they supported and trusted one another completely.

Gabriel huffed, rolling his eyes. "Think about it. Even if some of the pack will believe the sibling story, how long will it take for them to wonder why the siblings are never together in the same room?"

As the teen placed the papers down before scratching through his hair, he snickered slightly. "I mean, I know a few airheads who'll never see it coming but most of the pack will see past this Clark Kent trickery."

True... it could've perhaps worked on a small amount of people but tricking the entire pack with such a simple trick was foolish.

"Back to the drawing board." Brandon sighed while Ryker seemed more thoughtful. The Pack Alpha hummed, glancing at the notes and his two pups.

"Not necessarily." He murmured, eyes squinted with a faraway look. "There's no harm in letting Sean and the others maintain their privacy by using the cover we made."

Brandon blinked with confusion before their father continued, "But, this pack is built on trust. Mutual trust. I doubt that the pack will take offense at being tricked once the reason is revealed."

"So, let them ask for answers if need be. Sean or Jamie can inform those who figured it out at their own discretion without us having to air his business to the entire pack." Their father grinned before adding, "We'll make sure that those aware will maintain the secret but that won't be too hard."

Both Brandon and Gabriel nodded, already planning ahead. Neither of them doubted that the pack, at least their pack, would accept Sean and his multiple identities fully.

After all, weren't all of them forced to co-exist with another being within their body? Judging Sean would be hypocritical and they all knew it.

But, there were the outside packs who might kick up a fuss. The young Alpha had to suppress a growl at the mere idea of the purist packs learning about Sean.

They'd see him as some sort of freak abomination, a disturbance of the natural pack hierarchies.

This time Brandon couldn't repress the low growl that slipped from his jaws nor the way his muscles tensed. His Beast was already highly interested in Sean and took offense at the mere mention that the Omega was anything but perfection.

If someone were to say anything different to his face, well, Brandon couldn't promise full restraint.

Gabriel took one look at Brandon before a slow smirk slid over his brother's expression. "Oh my..."

Ryker groaned, already anticipating what was to follow and got out the room. "Don't make me sic your mother onto you pups."

Both Brandon and Gabriel gaped at their father's retreating back. "The pack Alpha hiding behind the Pack Omega? Scandalous." Gabriel snickered, quickly lowering his head when Ryker glowered at him.

"That is your mother you're talking about pup. And I know when to tread carefully." Ryker's eyes flitted over Gabriel's shoulder before smiling. "I might rule the Pack, but she rules my heart."

" And your sexlif-" Gabriel was about to reply something that would definitely gotten him into trouble before he realized his mother was standing just outside of the doorway.

"Oh, hi momma." Gabriel smiled cheekily while Brandon patted his brother on the back with a smirk. "Don't leave me alone!" Gabriel hissed between his teeth, making Brandon bark out a laugh.

"As the eldest, brother, you got this. I believe in you." He teased, grinning as he saw the slight twitch in Faye's lip before she sternly gazed at her oldest pup.

While all of them knew Gabriel only spoke teasingly, Brandon also knew that their mother took any disregard of presented gender very seriously.

He didn't want to stick around for the lecture that Gabriel was undoubtedly going to receive.

Instead, Brandon made his way to the kitchen, pausing only to verify with his father if Sean had received breakfast yet.

When Ryker responded with a negative, Brandon almost smiled, having to hide his eagerness as he quickly filled several plates with food.

"You're like a pup with a new toy." Ryker said affectionately over the rim of his mug, making Brandon clear his throat and fight back a blush.

The laughter of his father chased him out the room, many of the pack throwing him curious looks but let him be.

There was an eagerness to his step, the wolf within pressing closer, already inhaling the air for a whiff of that jasmine scent.

His impatience was quickly rewarded the closer he got to Sean's dorm. For once, Brandon was happy that his father had given Sean a room so close to his own, though it only made sense.

Only a foolish Alpha would've sent an Omega off to live in their own house. Giving an unmated Omega a place of their own wasn't a bad thing, but sending them out of the pack house, where the strongest wolves resided?

An unmated Omega all alone without any defense to fall back to would quickly fall prey to anyone who couldn't control their wolves.

A young Alpha or Beta in their rut wouldn't think twice once they caught a whiff of any Omega within their vicinity.

A low snarl rumbled through Brandon's chest, wolf already throwing a hissy fit at the mere idea that someone, anyone would even think of defiling Sean that way.

Claws extending, Brandon stopped in the middle of the hallway to pull his Beast back from the surface. Soothing it as best as he could, focusing on the food upon the tray trembling within his hands.

"If you make me drop this or ruin the food, Sean will go hungry. Do you want that?" Brandon had barely sent the thought to his Beast before his muscles tensed, tray balanced impeccably.

Panic, anger, sadness. Protect the food. Protect the Omega. Food for mate, provide mate. Protect food, protect mate, protect food, protect-

"For fuck's sake, he's not our mate!" Brandon hissed at the chanting wolf, unable to continue moving as his wolf was forcing him to take calm, calculated steps, not risking any chance to spill.

Yet! Protect food, protect mate. Protect-

Brandon rolled his eyes but gave up on trying to make the beast think otherwise. Instead he allowed it to focus on getting the food untouched to Sean, keeping the Beast occupied and distracted enough so it wouldn't focus on the scents in their surroundings.

When he arrived at Sean's door, satisfaction and utter glee was coming from his beast, creating a wry smile on Brandon's lips.

Balancing the tray on his knee, he knocked on the door, listening for any sort of response. The young Alpha frowned as he waited a few minutes with no response before trying again.

Much to his surprise, the door opened, revealing a sleepy Sean in sweatpants and an oversized shirt. The Omega yawned, eyes glazed over and seemingly barely conscious.

"Mo-" Another yawn interrupted Sean followed by a slight whine as the Omega reached up. Brandon had to bite his tongue to control his wolf at the innocence that poured of the Omega in front of them.

"Morning..."

The oversized sleeves drooped back, baring Sean's arm as he sleepily rubbed a fist in his eye, taking a step back to allow Brandon in the room.

As soon as he stepped over the threshold, his chest warmed, beast eagerly taking little whiffs of the air. Sweet jasmine clung thickly in the air, soft, relaxed. Docile.

Content.

Brandon chuckled slightly when Sean moved back to the bed, crawling under the covers as Brandon moved the tray to the table in the corner.

When he turned around, Brandon froze. He had anticipated the Omega to curl within the warmth of the blankets and slowly wake up. Perhaps even back away frightfully.

Instead, Brandon's jaw slacked as he found Sean fast asleep once more. Nearly curled up, blankets drawn close to his face to nuzzle the fuzzy softness.

He watched as Sean let out a soft, growling purr, rubbing his cheeks in the bedding before his breath evened out. Pink lips parted slightly with soft puffs of breath spilling out.

Brandon swallowed thickly, hands curling into fists as his beast tried to surge forwards. It was captivated by the Omega, wanted to crawl in bed with him.

To curl around Sean protectively, to provide additional warmth and nuzzle into that warm, soft scent...

Wrap his arms around that lithe body, to feel the Omega's soft, bare flesh against his own. Douse him with their own unique scent until it was mingled perfectly.

Mark. Claim.

Own.

Blood filled his mouth as Brandon bit sharply on his tongue, the sudden pain clearing his mind and allowing him to leash the beast, tether it to the walls of his mind.

"Sean is not ours. Keep pressing your luck and you'll scare the omega off. He'll go running to someone else who'll be patient and understanding."

The beast sneered at that, throwing a fit and fighting against the momentary binds. It wanted out. To mark that perfect pale creamy skin, to show everyone that Sean was not up for claiming.

Ours. Ours. OURS.

Instead, Brandon rolled his eyes, setting the table with Sean's breakfast before smiling sadly. He didn't know what Sean preferred, so he had brought along a little bit of everything.

But he guessed that the Omega would prefer to eat his meal warm.

"Sean?" Brandon pitched his voice low, calm, hoping to gently rouse the Omega from his sleep. "Sean... wake up...."

Nothing happened, not a peep came from the snoozing pup in the bed. Brandon snickered slightly, pushing away from the table before gently crouching beside the bed.

"Sean? Seeeaaan...." He smiled at the disgruntled whine that slipped from the Omega, the way his nose curled cutely, hands slipping out from the covers to pull them over his head.

A sigh slipped his lips before Brandon stood. For a split second, he had the idea to sit on the bed and gently shake Sean awake but, not knowing his past, he figured that would be a bad idea.

"Jamie? I don't know if you can hear me but-" Brandon paused, backing away from the bed as soon as his nostrils burned with petrichor.

"What the fuck are you doing in our room?!" The Beta hissed venomously, shooting out of the bed at the sight of an Alpha. "You enjoy sneaking into rooms and staring at sleeping omegas-"

Brandon didn't say anything, allowing Jamie to shake the sleep off before realization came over his face. "Fucking Sean. The fuck is wrong with that pup?!" Jamie grunted, pushing his long hair back with a huff of annoyance.

"Well? The fuck you want?"

The young Alpha raised an eyebrow, unimpressed with that kind of greeting before pointing a finger to the opposite side of the room.

"Fuck..." Jamie sighed at the sight of the breakfast spread waiting for them, rubbing both his hands over his face. "Sorry. I'm not exactly a morning person and you did scare the shit out of me."

Brandon huffed with amusement as he stepped away, giving Jamie more room as he chuckled. "You don't say. Coffee or tea? I could get a glass of juice if you want."

The Beta sighed, standing out of the bed with a groan. "Coffee please. But don't get rid of the tea. If the pup wants out, he's going to pout and sulk because coffee is definitely not to his tastes."