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Chapter Text

Agatha wakes on the morning of her twenty third birthday feeling a strange throbbing in her lower stomach. She lies in bed, staring at the ceiling, as she’s hit with a jolt of pain so sharp she thinks she may be sick. 

The girl springs up from her prone position with the intent to take a shower, hoping that the heat will soothe the pain. She barely makes it a handful of steps before she’s doubled over with a loud cry of pain. 

 The pack’s den mother knocks before rushing in, “Agatha, are you alright dear?”

 “Lilia? Something’s wrong with me,” Agatha begins, “I think I might be sick.” 

With that statement and the girl’s flushed appearance, Lilia thinks her heart might just crack in two. There’s no telling what fate has in store for her now that she no longer fits her mother’s expectations.

“Oh my sweet girl. You’re not sick, you're presenting.”

Agatha feels her stomach fall to the floor. With tears glistening in her blue eyes, she glances toward the only person who has ever shown her a mother’s love. A silent plea, but for what, she doesn’t exactly know. 

 Before the elder omega can utter another word, the brunette cries out once again, gritting her teeth as another wave of hurt rocks her body. 

“Back in bed you go,” Lilia says, ushering Agatha with a gentle hand on her shoulder. Hoping she can make the girl comfortable while she comes up with a way to hide this from Agatha’s mother. 

Agatha has begun sweating now, the cramps striking her one after another. Through gritted teeth, she manages to say, “Mother never said it would be this bad.”

Lilia doesn’t think her heart can manage what she must tell this girl, but if she isn't the one to do it, this poor girl will be destroyed by her own mother’s cruelty. 

“Agatha,” she begins gently, “This isn't a rut. You’ve begun your first heat.”

Agatha bristles at these words, steeling her voice. “No. You're wrong. You must be. Every Harkness is an alpha. I am an alpha! I'm not weak like you, Lilia.” 

The sting of the jab toward her own designation barely registers in Lilia’s mind, too focused on trying to soothe the younger woman’s hurt. How many times has this girl heard this same sentiment from her own mother, that she would deny her own physiology instead of embracing it? What a shame that instead of feeling joy at the moment of her presentation, Agatha feels panic, feels contempt, feels fear.

. 

“Agatha, you’re not weak because you’re an omega. Omegas are just as strong as–” That’s as far as Lilia gets in her attempt to soothe Agatha before the door is thrown open, hitting the wall opposite so hard it leaves a dent. 

The figure in the doorway takes one look at the sweating, shivering, mess that is her daughter before her eyes harden and her lips pull into a shrewd frown. 

Against her better judgment, Lilia quickly exits the room, knowing she was unable to protect this girl who is still every bit the pup she was when she was born.

When Evanora finally speaks, it’s with more contempt than usual, “You stupid girl, you couldn’t even do one thing right.”

Agatha sits on her bed, mouth agape, before she stutters out, “Mother please, I don’t know why this is happening! I can be an alpha, i just need someone to teach me!”

“Silence,” Agatha goes stock still at these words, unable to resist the commanding voice of her mother’s inner alpha, “I knew I should've killed you the moment you were born. Such a weak, sickly pup, I thought it proved you a fighter, instead you turned out the greatest disappointment to this pack.”

Agatha can only watch as her mother leaves the room, incapable of willing her mouth to form any words. With nothing else left to do, she wraps herself within her blankets and sobs, both for the life she was supposed to have and the one she must now prepare herself for. 

…

A wolf, massive and with fur the color of an oil slick, runs through the underbrush. Leaping across a stream with a single bound in an attempt to evade its pursuers, the beast doesn’t realize it’s allowed itself to be led into an ambush. 

With no time to react, the black wolf is tackled from the left by another; small, but considerably faster, with unruly white-blonde fur, and a second larger wolf from the right, auburn fur shining in the afternoon sun. 

All three wolves tumble to the ground in a cacophony of snarls and yelps as they fight for the upper hand. The struggle continues for several minutes until the smallest takes a bite to the foreleg that has it emitting a pitiful yip. 

As soon as the sound echoes out, the other two halt the attack. Within moments, the wolves shrink and contort until the only thing left behind is three women, all naked, in their place. 

“Seriously Natasha!” the smallest woman shouts at one of the others, holding her bleeding forearm.

“Why do you always stick your arm in my mouth if you don’t want to be bitten! It’s barely even a scratch, Yelena,” says the other, who is now a toned redhead with a wolfish grin on her sharply angled face.

The largest wolf, who had faded away to reveal a tall, muscular woman with warm brown eyes and dark hair, couldn’t help but snicker at the exchange between the two. 

That is, until the blonde turns her direction with a sneer and says, “What are you laughing at, alpha. You ran straight into a trap, Rio.”

At that, the brunette’s spine stiffens, and she peers down at the shorter woman. She waits a beat or two before she lunges, tackling her into a puddle and rubbing her face in the mud.

The blonde may be faster, but she knows that means nothing against the raw strength of the alpha, and she has no choice but to acquiesce. 

Rio hops up in one smooth motion while Natasha offers her hand to her sister to pull her off the ground. “I wouldn’t if I were y-,” Rio attempts to warn the redhead, having seen the sly smirk pulling at the corners of Yelena’s mouth. The warning came a second too late, just as the sisters’ hands were meeting, and Natasha was pulled down into the puddle alongside Yelena. 

Natasha shoots Yelena a long-suffering look as she attempts to brush some of the dirt from her pale skin. 

Before any of the trio can say another word, a fourth wolf comes barreling towards them at full speed. Without slowing down it withers away mid stride to reveal an Asian woman with shaggy black hair. 

“Alice. What is it? Is everything okay,” Rio asks in a commanding voice, yet careful to keep her alpha in check.

Gasping for breath, the woman says, “Alpha, I was running the perimeter when I came across a wolf. I don't recognize the scent; you should come quick. It’s heading toward the den, fast.” 

With those words, fur and claws burst from the nude skin of all four women. Four identical howls ring out as they sprint to protect the most vulnerable members of their pack. 

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Gasping for breath, the woman says, “Alpha, I was running the perimeter when I came across a wolf. I don't recognize the scent; you should come quick. It’s heading toward the den, fast .” 

With those words, fur and claws burst from the nude skin of all four women. Four identical howls ring out as they sprint to protect the most vulnerable members of their pack. 

…..a few hours before…..

Agatha couldn’t face her mother. Couldn’t face the rest of the pack. Hell, she couldn’t even face herself . So, there she sat. Wrapped up on her bed and sniveling like a little pup afraid of the dark. 

Her thoughts are interrupted by Evanora’s voice, undercut with the edge of an alpha’s command, echoing through the house, “I want you down here within the next five minutes, I won’t ask again.” 

With those words, a new stream of tears make their way down the woman’s cheeks and drip softly from her strong nose. After a few deep breaths, Agatha begins to walk slowly from her room, finally ready to brave her mother. She is a Harkness after all.

In a voice betraying the pain currently being wrought against her entire body the young omega manages to produce a strong, “Yes Mother?”

Evanora’s mouth is set in a grim line while she gestures to an unfamiliar figure at her side, “This is Ralph. He’s an alpha from the Westview Pack.” 

Agatha gives the man a once over. He’s tall, towering over her mother, with unkempt hair and an air of danger. 

All of a sudden, Agatha feels like she can’t breathe. The alpha is pumping out what she thinks are supposed to be dominating pheromones. Instead of inspiring submission, they make her want to throw up. 

This alpha’s scent is like burning garbage on a hot summer day. But the way he’s looking at her is even worse. Ralph is leering at her, too similar to the way Agatha has seen alphas of her pack look at unmated omegas, like he wants her for himself. 

Agatha throws a pleading look toward her mother as a distressed whine works its way free from the bottom of her throat. 

“Since you refused to present the way you were supposed to,” Evanora says in a cold voice, “I have been forced to make other arrangements for you.” 

The omega’s eyes widen in realization. “Please Mother, I can’t control it! I don’t know why this is happening to me!” 

“You will be leaving with Ralph tonight, Agatha. You’re going to behave and allow him to claim you. In your condition we no longer have any use for you in this pack” the head alpha spits out. 

Knowing she has no other choice, Agatha tips her head in submission as her knees shake from the booming authority in her mother’s voice. 

Evanora gives her daughter one last look before she stalks off into her study, slamming the door in a way that signals the finality of her words.

Ralph picks this moment to address Agatha with a sly grin on his face, saying, “Omega I won’t tolerate this sort of disrespect from you. You’re to be seen and not heard unless you’re telling me how good it feels to be wrapped around my knot.” 

Agatha feels her face heat at these words as an anger unlike any other flares red hot in her chest. Before she can stop herself, she jabs a finger in his chest and yells, “I have a name! It’s Agatha not omega . And if you think I’m going to allow you to claim me, you’re even dumber than you look.”

The alpha’s grin falls off his face at Agatha’s words and he releases a blast of anger that washes over her like a tidal wave. He intends to force her submission but instead the action enrages her even more. 

Without a conscious thought, Agatha explodes from her skin with a snarl. In her place stands a russet hued wolf with wild blue eyes. 

The beast pulls back its upper lip, exposing razor sharp fangs flashing a brilliant white, before pouncing. Ralph has no time to react before the wolf is upon him, jaws snapping dangerously close to his throat. Before the man can shift into his own lupine form he is struck by a well-placed swipe of Agatha’s claws. 

The alpha shakes with fury, one hand gripping his face now marred with three bloody claw marks courtesy of an even angrier omega. 

Knowing she has just made the situation a lot worse for herself, Agatha crashes through her childhood home still cloaked in her wolfen form, knowing she may never return.

Erratic thoughts fly around her brain fast enough to make her head spin as she sprints into the dense forest behind the house.

*Dear Goddess, what have I done? No. I did what I had to do. I can survive on my own, I just need to get far enough away.*

…..

A grey wolf running with a purpose through the forest happens upon an unfamiliar scent. She sends a short howl into the air in warning of a potential threat. Picking up speed, the ashen wolf attempts to catch up to the other. Just as she is closing in, the lone wolf accelerates. The forest is silent, save the sound of huge paws thudding against the foliage. The grey wolf realizes she is no match for the other’s speed and diverges from the scent trail. 

Arriving at her destination, the grey wolf sheds her fur and begins speaking to her packmates. 

“Alpha, I was running the perimeter when I came across a wolf. I don't recognize the scent; you should come quick. It’s heading toward the den, fast .” 

In a single moment, all four women morph into their animal counterparts. 

The alpha’s voice rings through the minds of her pack, **Alice, where did this wolf come from?**

The grey wolf replies in the same manner, ** It came running from the direction of the Salem territory. It looked like it was running away. Or being chased. It was so fast, I couldn’t keep up. But its scent was angry, aggressive, like a raging fire.**

And with that, the shared consciousness falls silent. The only thing on their minds being protecting the pack. The four run alongside one another for miles heading straight for the den. 

As they approach their destination Rio picks up the scent, * Alice was right,* she thinks, * It’s definitely mad.*

In the distance, the pack sees a single wolf pacing before the opening to den it doesn’t belong in. Reddish brown fur shines in the beams of light filtering through the thick cover of the trees. The unfamiliar wolf snarls and releases a scent that catches the pack off guard. 

From the white wolf comes the thought they are all thinking, **Protective? Why is this wolf releasing a protective scent?**

**I don’t know. And I don’t care to find out. It needs to leave, now,**  f ilters in from the mind of Natasha, worried for the safety of those in the den. 

The lone wolf narrows in on Rio, identifying her as the alpha. In a move so quick the others barely register it, she darts for the larger wolf. Caught off guard, Rio barely dodges the canines aimed right for her throat. She creates some distance from the other beast and releases a blast of dominance so strong the other wolf stops in its tracks. 

Unable to resist the strength pressing down on her senses, the russet wolf flattens its ears to its head and releases a pitiful yelp. A wave of distress washes over the pack as they watch the outsider crouch low to the ground in submission. 

The alpha growls low in her throat, a warning and a threat in one, an animalistic demand for the other to shift. 

With all its strength run dry, the other wolf has no choice but to obey. In its place lies a shivering young woman with long brown hair and tired blue eyes shining with unshed tears. 

The pack sheds their fur as well, gathering around the prone form of the unknown woman. 

Before any of them can utter a single word, a raspy voice rings out, pleading, “Please don’t hurt them.” 

The four look at each other in confusion, not understanding what the woman is talking about. Until two figures emerge from the mouth of the den, one with red hair and a swollen belly and the other a tall brunette with clear blue eyes and a hand at the small of the first’s back. Natasha lets out a sigh of relief at the sight of the pair and moves to join them. 

The brunette, still on the ground, lets out a guttural rumble and attempts to stand. 

“It’s okay Agatha, this is our pack,” the pregnant woman soothes, before addressing the pack leader, “Rio this is Agatha. She wandered into the den by accident and decided we needed protection,” she gestures to her distended stomach. 

Rio finally peers down at the woman at her feet. She’s slight but undeniably beautiful. Flowing hair, a strong nose and jaw, full breasts, and rounded hips. But the most striking thing about her is her eyes; the strangest mix of blue and green that Rio has ever seen.

When Agatha finally lifts her gaze and locks eyes with Rio, the alpha’s entire world tilts on its axis. Rio feels her wolf claw to the surface of her consciousness with a thought so absolute she can’t force the beast back into the corner of her mind. 

*Mine.*

Chapter Text

When Agatha finally lifts her gaze and locks eyes with Rio, the alpha’s entire world tilts on its axis. Rio feels her wolf claw to the surface of her consciousness with a thought so absolute she can’t force the beast back into the corner of her mind. 

*Mine.*

A cacophony of howls cut through the silence before Rio can process her inner wolf’s claim over the other woman. She feels identical impressions of fear pass through the minds of her packmates before the wind shifts and she catches the scent of an alpha, one that has plagued her mind for years.

Rio feels a pressure bearing down on her mind before a tingling begins deep in her bones. Without a moment of hesitation, her human veneer is swallowed up by a mass of midnight black fur.

The wolf is driven by pure animal instinct, the human counterpart trampled into submission by a single-minded need. 

* Protect*

The alpha moves with a fluidity earned through many years lived in this pelt. Rio stands tall between the newcomer and the one she has identified as hers. Her immense size cuts a startling image, shadow stretching over the leaf litter like a twisted facsimile. 

Rio takes in the wolf before her. Large, though smaller than herself, with mangy brown fur and three long gashes down its face, blood dripping to saturate the forest floor. 

The sight of another alpha, especially this one, after she has found her sets Rio’s teeth on edge. She glances back to see Agatha still on the ground, though now attempting to cover herself, with tears streaming down her face. 

The other alpha paces back and forth before her, tongue darting out to lick along deadly teeth. Low growls leave its throat as Rio blocks his path to the omega. 

A responding snarl leaves Rio’s throat as her alpha rises to the challenge. She feels a presence in her mind that tells her that her pack has joined her in their animalian forms. 

Knowing this fight belongs to her alone, she gives a command they cannot resist, ** Get Wanda into the den and keep her safe. Do not interfere, this is my fight, and I need to know the future of the pack is secured.**

This order inspires a thread of unease through the pack-mind, but her packmates usher the expectant omega into the den. Two wolves; red and grey take position in the mouth of the den, teeth bared, and hackles raised. 

Knowing the most vulnerable member of the pack is safe, Rio returns her attention to the hostile wolf before her. While her attention was on the pack, he had begun creeping closer. The action enrages Rio, a growl echoing deep from her chest.

Rio begins closing in on him. With every thunderous step she takes the forest grows quiet. Birdsong ceases and the ever-present buzzing of insects vanishes. 

…..

Agatha raises her eyes. When blue and brown meet, she feels her heart stop dead in her chest. The traitorous creature that resides within her has only one thought.

* Alpha*

Before she can open her mouth, a howl breaks through the low hum of the surrounding forest. All at once, Agatha is hit with a torrent of paralyzing fear. She can do nothing but watch as the alpha before her takes notice of him . 

Ralph. The alpha her mother abandoned her to with no care as to what Agatha wanted. Never mind the fact that she had just only begun her first heat and had no ideas as to what it even meant to be an omega. 

The sight of him sickens her. She curls in on herself, not wanting him to see her in such a vulnerable state. 

The pack begins to filter into the den after a look from their alpha. Rio, supplies the wolf pushing toward the front of her consciousness. 

She watches as Rio swings her head around to face Ralph once again. Her great stature and huge skull tipped with dagger sharp teeth warn of a deadly beast. 

A musky scent washes over Agatha’s senses as Rio postures, smelling of pine and dirt after a heavy rainfall. The heady aroma curls around her until she feels herself grow slick. Her wolf has identified the scent as belonging to a worthy alpha. 

Unable to stop the transformation, Agatha is swallowed up by russet fur. A moment later, Rio charges. 

Knowing enough not to get between two alphas, she watches from behind her alpha. 

Her alpha. The thought is both terrifying and comforting at the same time. Before she can ponder the thought further, the two alphas collide. 

Rio’s claws aim for the still bleeding injury Ralph received in Agatha’s escape mere hours before. He dodges at the last second, lunging close to deliver a bite to Rio’s shoulder. Ralph takes advantage of Rio’s injury, shouldering past her in an attempt to reach the omega promised to him. 

The action enrages Rio. With his back to her, she’s free to aim for vulnerable targets. With jaws strong enough to crush bone, she latches on to Ralph’s hind leg. She grinds her teeth together and begins to pull the other alpha backwards, away from her omega. She tastes bitter iron as blood floods into her mouth, feeling his bones shatter between her teeth. Her mouth goes slack once she has drug him far enough from Agatha. She circles him, tail held high, placing herself between him and the omega.

Ralph whimpers in pain as his mangled leg makes contact with the hard ground. Rio presses closer, eager to take advantage of his pain. But Ralph is desperate. As she gets closer, he makes a bold move. He drops low to the ground just as Rio reaches him and strikes.

Agatha can’t move. She can only watch on as Ralph’s jaws clamp around her alpha’s throat. 

Rio lets out a pathetic yelp before the sound is choked out by a tightening of Ralph’s fangs. 

At the sound, a whine breaks free from Agatha’s throat, and she releases a burst of distress.

Unable to witness the alpha’s pain, she leaps over Rio’s weakening body and crashes into her attacker. Her claws dig into his body as she stands atop him, her own canines inches from his throat. Before she can sink her teeth in, he bucks and sends her crashing to the ground. She pulls herself off the forest floor, growling the entire way. 

She changes tactics, circling around until her side brushes up against Rio’s. The feel of the alpha’s weak breathing spurs her on. Belly brushing the ground, Agatha wedges herself under the conjoined mass of the two alphas and clamps her teeth around Ralph’s throat. With his own throat under attack, he can do nothing but release his hold on Rio. 

Agatha drags the alpha back by the throat, unwilling to let go even as she feels him struggle to breath. Before she can deliver the killing blow, she feels a presence brushing against her mind. 

Her jaws go limp as she registers the voice in her head. Rio. Spinning around, she takes in the sight before her. The alpha is laying on her side, whining hoarsely, as blood leaks from the mutilated flesh of her throat. 

Agatha’s own wolf whines at her alpha’s state. She trots over to her limp form. She brushes her nose against Rio’s as another whimper sounds from her throat. 

Another brush ruffles her mind, sharper this time, along with an unfamiliar voice, ** Agatha, I-** 

Agatha feels her presence pulling away before it snaps free. The press of Rio’s consciousness is gone in an instant. She wills her own to butt against the alphas, but there's nothing but agonizing silence.

The stench of fear pours from Agatha as she howls into the night sky. A plea to the Goddess above. 

Chapter Text

The stench of fear pours from Agatha as she howls into the night sky. A plea to the Goddess above.  

…..

Agatha’s mournful call piques the attention of the pack, still holed up in the den. One by one, the five wolves pad out of the mouth of the cave, ears laid back and tails slung low. 

**Is she…dead?** comes tentatively from the mind of Yelena . 

The very thought inspires a slew of thoughts to filter through the pack mind, ranging between, **Oh goddess, she’s losing so much blood,** from Alice to, ** I’ll bring her back and kill her myself if she is ,** from Natasha. 

Agatha turns on the other wolves, eyes blazing a startling purple, and emits a low rumble from the depths of her chest. 

**Stay away from her.** echoes through the pack mind in a strong voice, never before heard by the pack.  

The wolves look around questioningly before five pairs of eyes land on Agatha, standing protectively over the alpha’s unmoving form. Taking note of the confusion, Ralph hauls himself up and limps his way into the surrounding forest, unnoticed. 

Agatha pulls her consciousness free and slams the connection closed. Keeping one eye on the pack she curls up close to her alpha. Covering the vulnerable body with hers, she begins the task of licking the inky black fur clean of clotted blood, tasting nothing but metal and her own despair. 

Acknowledging the clear message from the omega, Rio’s pack keeps their distance as they form a protective circle around their fallen leader, standing vigil between the pair and the rapidly darkening forest. 

…..

A gentle brush comes against her side, the feeling of her so close makes the alpha’s heart race. Feeling her strength waning, Rio extends her mind, searching. Once she finds what she’s looking for she presses fully against the barrier keeping her out. Rio feels their minds become one as she called out to the omega, ** Agatha, I-.** She doesn’t get any further than that. 

The alpha registers a howl, so close yet just out of reach, before she’s pulled under.  

…..

She’s sixteen again and running from the event that destroyed her life. The screams and howls of agony have finally stopped. Her pack’s blood is staining the very earth she was raised on.

 Where she met her wolf for the first time, six years old with a gap-toothed smile, feeling fur sprouting through skin and bones rearranging. Where her father taught her to hunt, his laugh echoing in her mind as she stumbled over gangly legs and landed in the river. Where she watched her parents lead the pack, alpha and omega, together as one. 

Never again will she feel the gentle caress of her family’s minds against her own. Her mother, so gentle and caring, voice soothing in a way unlike any other. The huffed laughter of her father, a stern alpha, but quick to humor and even quicker to love.

Her sister. Only ten years old. Practically a pup. All long limbs and soft fur. She was the first to die. 

By the time anyone noticed, it was too late. A large wolf with unkempt brown fur clamped his teeth around Rowan’s neck. Her eyes meet Rio’s as the attacker tightens his jaws with a sickening crack. Rio watches as the light dims in her sister’s eyes, her scream echoing through her mind before falling silent. 

Rio is pulled through time. The same wolf, mangy fur and a claw mark running down the length of his face, is on the hunt again. 

Instead of her family, he’s after her . The brunette woman lying on the floor. Long hair spilling around her like a river, blue eyes full of terror at the sight of the man. 

The look in her eyes so similar to the one in her sister’s. Once again Rio is powerless to stop the attack. The other alpha rushes past her and fastens his teeth around the woman’s throat as Rio stands frozen. 

No. This isn’t how it went. 

The vision of Ralph blows away with a gust of wind. 

Rio stares, transfixed, at the woman in front of her. Unharmed; lithe throat perfectly intact, pert nipples standing at attention and soft, downy curls between her thighs coated in a sweet smelling slickness.

Much better. 

The omega beckons Rio closer with the crook of a single finger. The alpha obeys, wrapping Agatha within her strong hold, palms cradling the omega’s face.

Rio leans in. Anticipating the meeting of lips, her eyes slip closed. Honeyed breath fills her senses, ghosting over her taste buds and causing her nose to twitch. 

And in the moment before their mouths slot together…

A stoic voice filters into the space between, commanding, “ You need to wake up. ”

Rio is pulled down, down, down, into the darkness, imagining the feeling of warm lips on hers.  

…..

After the silk-soft fur is licked clean, Agatha’s ability to hold herself aloft wanes. Head sagging lower and lower until it comes to its final resting place, the crook of Rio’s neck. Even in her exhaustion, the omega recognizes the need to protect the alpha’s soft spots. 

Her eyes slip closed, the faint thump-thumping of Rio’s heart enough to coax her into slumber. 

…..

Blinking once, twice, Agatha’s vision clears. She’s sitting before a lake, sand and shells rough beneath her bare legs. 

She glances around, eyes settling on a moon-lit mirage, reflected upside down in the stillness of the water. Pale skin, flowing black hair, and eyes as blue as ocean waves.

Agatha has never convened with her but knows instinctively who she is in the presence of, as all wolves would.

Breathing out a reverent, “ Goddess,” Agatha bows low, forehead to the cool sand below. 

A simple, “Rise my child,” spoken in a low timber reaches her ears, “Why have you called me here?” following closely behind. 

Spine straightening, Agatha prays to the figure before her “Almighty Mother, please. Don’t take her. I’ll do anything you ask of me.”

A clipped, “Hush pup,” resounds, Agatha’s jaws snapping shut at the command. “She will live. As will you. But you must prepare yourselves. Gather your strength and your allies, for you will face a great threat. You must learn to rely on one another, two souls as one, if you are to survive what’s to come.” 

A rippling of the water washes away the visage. Agatha is left gazing into her own eyes, wide and unseeing, as a feeling of unease floods her veins. Her breathing grows faster and faster still, chest tightening and vision darkening before all her senses dull. 

…..

Rio wakes suddenly with a choking gasp. She hears a similar sound from the naked body pressed close to her, a mane of wild brown curls spilling over her chest and long legs knotted with her own. 

*Agatha,* supplies her alpha counterpart, a low rumbling released from her chest at the reality of having the omega so close. 

At hearing the sound emitted from Rio, Agatha is reminded of her heat all too suddenly. Rubbing her thighs together reveals a slippery mess at the apex of her legs.

A tightening of Rio’s arms accompanied by a low whine has slick coating the tangle of hair between her thighs. The alpha stretches her head down, nose skimming along the velvet skin of Agatha’s neck until she finds her destination. 

Agatha’s lips part in a silent moan as she feels teeth scrape the junction of her neck and shoulders. A leg finds its way to her molten core, slick covering the length of Rio’s thigh. 

An airy, “More,” is breathed into the air.  

The response comes from a voice wrecked, both by injury and pleasure, “Not yet,” as the warm body pulls away. 

A needy whine radiates from the omega accompanied by the stinging scent of hurt. Rio is quick to soothe, gathering the other woman in her arms and placing a light kiss on her forehead. 

“I’m not saying no, just…not yet,” the alpha explains. Appeased by the words, the omega buries her own nose into Rio’s neck, lapping at the scent gland for a taste of soil and pine. 

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“I’m not saying no, just…not yet,” the alpha explains. Appeased by the words, the omega buries her own nose into Rio’s neck, lapping at the scent gland for a taste of soil and pine. 

……

Sunlight filters in through the open curtains and spills across Rio’s face. Slinging an arm across her eyes, she becomes aware of the lack of another body beside hers. 

A panicked, “Agatha?!”, spilling from Rio’s lips as she stumbles out of bed, pulling on an old sweatshirt and shorts along the way, crosses the room, and wrenches the door open. 

Rio’s sudden presence startles the occupants as she bursts into the living room. 

“Do you know where Agatha is?” she asks her pack, head swiveling to survey those present before her eyes settle on Natasha. 

The redhead shakes her head, a calm, “No, but she must be here somewhere. I don’t think she could’ve left without any of us seeing.” leaving her mouth a half second later. 

With those words, Rio turns on her heel and returns the way she came. Sensing the alpha’s distress, the pack follows her lead and begins to search. 

Rio is filled with a rising panic as thoughts drift through the pack’s collective consciousness as they fan out to check each area of the house:

**Not in the kitchen.**

**She’s not in any of our rooms.**

**Basement’s clear.**

**Not in either of the bathrooms.**

After failing to find the omega, Rio retreats back to her room. She perches on the end of the bed with her head in her hands as she feels her eyes start to burn. Before the tears can work their way down her face, a faint smell has her nose wrinkling; azaleas and the sweet musk of old parchment. 

Standing up from the bed, the alpha follows the scent toward a door set into the opposite wall.

Of course! The closet, Rio thinks. 

She pads softly across the room, the omega’s delicate scent becoming stronger with every step. Rio lays her hand on the door knob and gently pulls the door open. 

The small room is a disaster. All of Rio’s clothes have been pulled from their hangers and strewn across the floor. And in the middle of the chaos is Agatha; fast asleep with her head resting on a pillow taken from Rio’s bed. 

The alpha looks closely at the arrangement of the clothing. Her jeans have been placed in a rough approximation of a circle, thick sweaters just to the inside, and her softest shirts piled on top. 

Rio’s heart swells with affection when she realizes what she is looking at. 

Agatha’s nest. Her first, by the looks of it. 

Before Rio can even think to stop it a purr sounds from within her chest, stilted as if her vocal cords are unaccustomed to producing such a sound. 

Agatha responds to the alpha’s call even in the throes of sleep. Her body shifts toward Rio and a quiet but steady hum fills the air as she releases a matching purr. 

Rio just stands there, staring at the omega’s prone form. Her alpha is pleased to see that the omega’s face is relaxed, limbs slack in a way that signifies that she feels safe. Gone is the tension that was present when they first met, Agatha laying on the forest floor in a heap, limbs wrapped around herself for any semblance of protection. 

Now she’s just…peaceful. 

Rio can’t help the loud rumble that she produces knowing Agatha feels safe, in a nest made from her clothes. The noise pulls Agatha from her slumber, eyes fluttering and limbs extending in a deep stretch. 

The alpha watches as Agatha looks around the room, taking in the disarray and the crude nest surrounding her. Eventually, blue eyes meet her own brown, not expecting the fear that would be flashing back at her. 

Agatha snaps her gaze down, staring at Rio’s feet as her body begins to tremble and her lips move wordlessly. 

Unable to make out any words, Rio steps closer. Her blood runs cold when the omega cowers away, arms coming up to protect her face.

Rio feels a mind meeting her own, not so much a nudge but a battering ram. She can’t discern any thoughts, just the overwhelming feeling of pure terror. 

“Sweetheart, you okay?” Rio questions gently.

Agatha’s answer almost brings the alpha to her knees. 

A barely audible, “I’m sorry,” repeated over and over, eyes closed and arms still raised, as if expecting Rio to strike her. 

Rio moves closer, ignoring the way her heart clenches at the thought that she could incite so much fear in the other woman. She doesn’t speak. She just reaches out and wraps her arms around the omega, one hand slung around the small of her back and the other cupping the back of her head. 

Releasing her best approximation of calming pheromones, Rio lowers them to the floor, the omega cradled in her lap in the middle of the nest. 

Attempting to figure out the source of Agatha’s terror, Rio asks, “Why are you sorry? You haven't done anything wrong.”

The omega’s voice is small when she replies, “I’m sorry. I didn’t ask to leave the bed. And then I ruined all your clothes.” 

“Why would you need to ask me to leave the bed? You can do whatever you please.” Rio expects her response to soothe the other woman, but instead it brings tears to the omega’s eyes. 

“But…I thought…you called me yours?” Agatha says as a wave of hurt drifts off her. 

“You can be, I want you to be,” Rio says earnestly. 

She is confused when Agatha answers with a pitiful, “Then why would I be allowed to do what I want?”

“Agatha, what do you think it means to be someone’s omega?” Rio can’t help but ask. 

The brunette's lips tilt into a frown before she wrangles her expression to stark neutrality. “Once claimed, an omega belongs to their alpha.They must provide pups. Omegas must follow their alpha’s command. If they don’t they are to accept whatever punishment the alpha decides,” Agatha lists off with clinical detachment. 

These words cause anger to roll off the alpha in waves of burning wood. A growl comes from the back of her throat as she feels her skin prickle as her wolf threatens to burst from within. 

Rio’s anger causes Agatha to stiffen once again. She bares her throat in submission, the muscles within taut from the strain.

Realizing her effect on the omega, Rio speaks in a soothing voice, “I’m not mad at you. Never at you. I am furious with whoever taught you that omegas are to be treated that way.”

Now it was Agatha who was confused. 

“What do you mean? That’s how it’s supposed to be. All omegas are treated like that,” she says, head cocked to one side in confusion.

With that, Rio opens her mind and seeks her pack’s. 

**Wanda. It seems Agatha may need some guidance from a fellow omega. Can you please come to my room?**

When she feels Wanda’s agreement through the link, she terminates the connection. 

A few moments later, there is a knock at the door that has Agatha stiffening in Rio’s arms. Before she can say anything, Wanda appears in the doorway, a warm smile upon her face as she greets the pair. 

“Hi Rio,” the redhead meets Agatha’s eyes a second later, saying, “Hello Agatha, it's wonderful to see you again.” With Wanda’s arrival, the alpha shifts the omega from her lap to the floor, causing a distressed whine from Agatha.

“I’ll just be in the living room, I thought you and Wanda could talk for a while,” Rio explains, “It might be easier for another omega to explain some things.”

Agatha’s expression is stoic, but Rio can see the hint of betrayal floating in her eyes as she says, “Yes, Alpha.”

Chapter Text

“I’ll just be in the living room, I thought you and Wanda could talk for a while,” Rio explains, “It might be easier for another omega to explain some things.”

Agatha’s expression is stoic, but Rio can see the hint of betrayal floating in her eyes as she says, “Yes, Alpha.”

…..

Blue eyes follow the alpha’s retreating form, only looking away when she is out of sight. She turns her sight toward the other omega, a warning growl sounding from between bared teeth. The sound ceases when a wave of calming jasmine washes over her senses. 

“It’s alright dear,” Wanda soothes, “I won’t come in your nest. But would you be okay if I sat down?” She places a hand over the swell of her stomach, eyebrows raised in question. 

Agatha’s answers with a nod, her head jerking once, twice, as if she were a marionette. She stands on shaky legs, skirting around the pregnant woman and pulls a chair to one edge of her nest. She watches the other woman until she’s sitting safely in the chair before retreating to the opposite edge of the nest. 

Once settled, the elder omega says, “Now Agatha, Rio told me you might be a little confused. I’m here to answer any questions you have.”

“I don’t understand,” Agatha says, voice thick. 

“What don't you understand?”

Agatha’s voice is bordering on hysterical when she responds, “Why isn't she mad? Why didn’t she hit me?!”

Wanda is filled with a profound sadness at the words. She struggles to keep her voice even as she says, “Honey, that’s not how it’s supposed to be.”

“It’s the way of my pack. I thought-,” Agatha’s words are interrupted by stuttered sobs, “Mother said that’s how it's supposed to be, how every pack is.”

The redhead stands from the chair, hoping the move won’t trigger more aggression, and steps into the nest. She lowers herself to the floor and pulls the other omega into her embrace, pumping out calming pheromones until the tears stop. 

“Rio certainly would not allow any omega to be mistreated in her pack,” Wanda explains. 

“But she’s Alpha,” Agatha states matter-of-factly, “She can do whatever she wants.”

Wanda can barely hold in the sigh that attempts to come out. “There are laws. If any alpha mistreats or allows another alpha to mistreat an omega, they should be held accountable.” 

The brunette’s eyebrows furrow at the idea, before she changes the subject, “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” She receives a small smile from the other woman in acquiescence. 

“Why don’t I tell you a little bit about the pack then?” receives a quiet, “Okay,” from Agatha.

Shifting slightly to ease the strain on her body, Wanda begins, “Well, you already know Rio. She’s the head alpha. Then you have Natasha, she’s the short redheaded alpha. Then you have the tall brunette, Maria, she's a beta. They’re both my mates.” 

The introductions are interrupted by Agatha, voice hard and eyes trained on her swollen midsection as she asks, “They’re good?”

Wanda doesn't need to ask what Agatha means when she responds, “The best,” with a smile on her face. 

“Now, Yelena is the short blonde, she’s Nat’s younger sister. She’s the only other omega. Then there's Alice. She’s the one with black and red hair. It was her who chased you before you found the den,” she explains. 

Agatha can’t help the huff that escapes at the reminder. 

Wanda pulls the younger omega closer as she says, “I want you to come to me if you ever have questions. Or you need help talking to Rio, or advice about being an omega.” A pointed look at the nest around them has a red-hot flush blooming on Agatha’s face and across her chest.

“Is it…okay? Did I do it wrong? I’ve never made a nest before,” she asks in a weak voice. 

“It's wonderful! You know, I felt how happy Rio was when she saw it,” Wanda answers. 

A blinding smile stretches across Agatha’s face at the words. “Really?” she says, “She liked it?”

“Alpha’s love it when their omega wants to be surrounded by their scent. When you used her clothes to make your nest, she liked that she could make you feel safe,” she explains. 

When Agatha speaks again, her voice holds a dreamy quality, “She smells so nice. I didn’t even realize what I was doing until I had already pulled all her clothes down.”

“That’s completely normal. Your wolf must've taken over, you followed your instincts even if you didn’t know why.”

“Hmmm,” the younger omega says, “Do you think…we could go see Rio again?” with a hopeful lilt to her voice. 

The redhead doesn’t respond. Instead, she just stands and extends a hand down to Agatha. She then wraps an arm around the brunette's shoulders and steers her out of the room and down the hall. 

…..

Rio flops down on the worn couch, her pack scattered across the mismatched furniture around the room. Her left leg bounces up and down as she exhales, loudly . 

“She’s fine, Rio. Stop getting so worked up,” Natasha says with a roll of her green eyes. 

The alpha’s voice is hard when she speaks, eyes flashing a deep green as she responds, “She’s not fine , Natasha! You didn’t hear what she said. She expected me to-,” her voice catches in her throat before she continues, “She thought I was going to hit her, or worse. ”

A strong voice jumps into the conversation at Rio’s words, “You wouldn’t.” Yelena’s voice leaves no room for doubt, no hesitation in her words, just pure confidence in Rio’s character. 

“Apparently the omegas in her pack are beneath the alphas in all ways,” Rio says, an animalistic edge bleeding into her words. 

When Maria speaks, her tone is measured, “It’s uncommon, but some packs still believe in the old ways. My birth pack is allied to the Harknesses and share many of the same values, not everyone thinks omegas are capable of being equal.”

The room falls silent after the beta’s admission; rarely does she talk about her life before joining the pack.

Rio’s leg resumes its bouncing. This time, no one tries to comfort her. The pack sits in a quiet silence, waiting. 

…..

Agatha’s breath comes in rapid pants as the pair’s journey brings them closer and closer to the rest of the pack, to Rio. 

Wanda rubs Agatha’s back and gives her a squeeze of encouragement before they reach the living room. 

The omega looks up through her lashes at the occupants of the room, hesitant smiles upon their faces as they stare back at her. 

One face however, is beaming. Rio’s eyes are half closed with the effort, a small gap visible between her front teeth as she looks at Agatha. 

Agatha can’t help the smile that tugs at the corners of her lips in return. She shrugs out of Wanda’s embrace, stepping further into the room, towards her alpha. 

She stops just shy of Rio’s reach, glancing nervously at the people present. 

Sensing the omega’s unease, Rio extends her mind, brushing against Agatha’s. 

** It’s okay. You’re safe with them. With me.**

Agatha doesn’t respond, but the tension leeches out of her body just before she drops onto Rio’s lap.

The alpha doesn’t mind. She just shifts them further back on the couch, chest to chest.

Twin purrs fill the air as Agatha shoves her face into Rio’s neck, breathing in her scent. 

The moment is interrupted by loud thoughts over the pack link:

** Aww!**

**Who knew Rio was such a softie.**

**I’m so happy she finally found someone..**

An unexpected presence catches the entire pack off guard, the collective mind going silent all at once. 

** Hello? I can hear you.**

Rio sits up abruptly, causing a displeased huff from the woman dislodged from her position on the alpha’s chest. 

“You can hear them?” she says incredulously. 

Agatha shrugs in response, “Was I not supposed to?”

“It's just. Incredibly rare,” Alice interjects, “It seems you two have already linked your minds. You have gained access to all of Rio’s collective conscious streams, even without prior bonding.” 

“I don’t understand,” she says dumbly. 

This time, it’s Yelena who speaks, “Haven’t you ever heard of true mates?” 

…..

A figure stands before a crowd of wolves; scowl painted onto a severe face. 

“ Find her ,” the voice commands. 

The mass of bodies moves all at once, led by a snarling creature with a still-pink scar etched into its face. 

Chapter Text

A figure stands before a crowd of wolves, scowl painted onto a severe face. 

“ Find her ,” the voice commands. 

The mass of bodies moves all at once, led by a snarling creature with a still-pink scar etched into its face. 

…..

Stunned by the possibility that they could be true mates, Agatha and Rio are both left speechless. 

The alpha opens her mouth to speak, but her words are cut off by a groan of pain. Agatha is standing in the middle of the room, arms wrapped around her stomach. 

“Please, Alpha. It hurts,” she says as she turns to Rio, sweat dripping down her temple. 

Wanda moves to comfort Agatha, prompting a low growl from the alpha. Unwilling to let another close to her omega while she is in distress, Rio moves to place herself between Agatha and the rest of the pack. 

Still releasing warning growls, she lifts the brunette, holding her close. Agatha noses at the scent gland behind her ear as her legs wrap around the alpha’s hips. 

Wisely, the pack turn their eyes to the floor. Instincts appeased, Rio carries the omega out of the room, only stopping when she has reached her own bedroom. She moves to set Agatha down, prompting a tightening of arms and legs. Rio becomes all too aware of a wet heat on her lower stomach as the other woman rolls her hips into her. 

Forgoing releasing her hold for now, Rio instead presses forward until Agatha’s back is flush with the wall. When large hands slide down to grope her omega’s ass, Agatha’s head hits the wall with a dull thud. She tangles her hands into the alpha’s hair and pulls until their mouths slot together with a clink of teeth. 

Rio traces the seam of her lips for entrance, twin moans echoing out as their tongues meet. She nips Agatha’s bottom lip before moving down. Peppering kisses along the pale expanse of the omega’s neck, she stops at the junction of neck and shoulder. 

Blowing hot air against the skin, she leans in and sucks a mark into the omega’s neck. Agatha’s head tilts to the side to offer better access, eyes closed tight at the feeling of teeth scraping gently against the gland there. 

Agatha bucks her hips again, a breathy request spilling from her kiss swollen lips, “More, please, more. ”

At that, Rio backs away from the wall, lifting Agatha until she’s high enough to bury her face in her chest. She walks backward until she feels her knees hit the edge of the mattress, allowing gravity to drop them to the plush surface.

She mouths at Agatha’s tits through the thin material of her shirt. After working each nipple into a stiff peak, she pulls back to survey her work. 

Agatha, pupils blown, chest heaving, and wet patches on her shirt. A wolfish grin overtakes Rio’s features at the sight. 

Gripping onto the omega’s plush hips, she flips their position. Agatha stares up at her, dazed expression on her face. Soft hands worm their way under her worn sweatshirt, pushing up insistently.

Rio barks out a laugh at the indignant look on the other woman’s face when the material meets resistance. Agatha growls back at her, “Take it off. ” 

The alpha bristles at the command but obeys anyway. Gripping the frayed hem, she tears the shirt over her head, flinging it somewhere behind her.

Agatha cranes her neck upward, attempting to catch a rosy nipple. Rio doesn’t allow her to. She leans back, staring down at her omega. Agatha’s whimper is silenced by a firm press of Rio’s length against her. 

“I’ll give you what you need, don’t worry,” Rio says, moving to tug Agatha’s shirt off. Always impatient, Agatha kicks her own pants off before tugging on the string of the other woman’s sweats. 

She pushes the pants over Rio’s hips, eyes widening at the sight of her cock. She reaches down, hand stroking along the hard length, ripping a rough moan from her alpha. 

“Alpha,” she pants into Rio’s mouth, “I need it.” 

Rio shakes her head, simply saying, “Not yet. Gotta get you ready” She nuzzles her face into Agatha’s neck, just breathing in her scent, “You smell so good,” mumbled under her breath. 

The alpha plants kisses between the valley of her breasts, feeling Agatha’s heart pounding under her lips as she moves downward until she can dip her tongue into the omega’s navel. Agatha threads her hands into thick hair once again, using the hold to push Rio’s head toward where she needs her most. 

Rio grabs the omega’s wrists and pries her fingers loose. “Keep your hands here,” she commands, pressing Agatha’s hands to the bed. When she hears Agatha’s quiet, “Yes, Alpha,” she continues her path downwards. Breathing in the musky scent of the omega’s arousal has Rio’s eyes flashing a brilliant emerald in the low light. She rumbles in delight at the scent, hands gripping the back of Agatha’s thighs with the intent to push her legs apart. But Agatha spreads her legs without being told, knees falling to the side to bare herself to Rio. 

Rio leans in until her nose is pressed into damp curls. She uses two fingers to part Agatha’s pussy lips and blows a stream of cool air on her clit. 

“Don’t tease. I need it, I need you,” Agatha says, leaning up to make eye contact. 

At those words, she licks a stripe from bottom to top, gathering her omega’s slick on her tongue. Reaching up, she grips the back of Agatha’s neck and pulls her until their mouths meet. Agatha moans at her own taste as her tongue licks along the roof of Rio’s mouth. 

Releasing her grip on the brunette’s neck, Rio returns to Agatha’s throbbing core. She lifts her dominant hand and swirls the pad of her index finger around the omega’s fluttering hole. She presses in, warm heat enveloping her finger. At Agatha’s sigh, she presses another finger and thrusts both to the second knuckle. 

The omega moans quietly under her breath, “F-Fuck,” eliciting a huff of pleasure from Rio. 

“Let me hear you. I want to hear what I do to you.” she says, fingers moving faster now. She leans in and sucks Agatha’s clit into her mouth, ripping a rough moan from the omega. 

“Good girl.” 

“Please, Alpha, can I-,” Agatha questions, fingers flexing at her sides. 

Rio stops, lifting her eyes until she catches Agatha’s, “What? Tell me what you need.”

Her fingers dig half-moons into her palms before she rushes out, “Can I touch you?”

The alpha delights in Agatha seeking her permission, nodding her head with a, “Mhmm.” Immediately, she feels hands slide back into her hair and push her face into her cunt.

She brings her fingers back to the dripping entrance, scissoring them apart. Bringing a third alongside the first two, she pushes in. At the same time, she points her tongue and flicks Agatha’s clit fast. She grins when she feels Agatha’s knees clamp around her head. 

Unable to talk, she reaches her mind out until she feels Agatha’s. 

**My good girl.** 

She feels the omega’s surprise upon hearing her voice in her head. 

**Can I come? Please Rio.**

**My omega. Let me see you. Come for me**

Agatha’s walls bear down on Rio’s fingers at the words. A long, drawn-out moan reverberates off the walls as she grinds her hips into the alpha’s face.

Rio licks softly, working her through the aftershocks before crawling up to drape herself over the omega’s spent form. Slick coats her chin as she stares into Agatha’s hungry eyes. 

Agatha’s chest hums with a quiet purr as she skates her hand down Rio’s toned body. Pausing at her toned stomach, the omega takes her time appreciating Rio’s abs. 

“You like my muscles sweet girl?” Rio asks, mirth dancing behind her eyes. 

The omega’s face flushes, scarlet and warm, as she hides her face in Rio’s neck. “You’re strong. You can protect me,” she mumbles into the alpha’s ear. The humor drains from Rio’s face in an instant. 

“Of course I’ll always protect you,” she says seriously, “you’re mine .” Agatha mewls at the words, rubbing her slick cunt against the hard muscle of Rio’s thigh.  “Yours,” she says in awe, tears sparkling in her blue eyes. 

Agatha’s hand continues on its path, finally grasping Rio’s cock. She rubs her thumb along the slit to collect the pre-cum beading there. She raises her finger and takes the tip into her mouth. Moaning, she swirls her tongue along the digit for a taste. Her thumb pops out of her mouth with a wet smack . 

She looks at Rio, a devilish smirk on her face before she pushes away. A growl starts to build in the alpha’s chest at the rejection. Before the sound can escape her clenched teeth, she’s left slack jawed. 

Because Agatha isn’t leaving. She’s turning over on her stomach. The omega arranges herself on her knees, forearms flat on the bed, with her ass in the air. 

“ Fuuuck,” Rio exclaims, “Good fucking girl. Presenting yourself to your alpha.”

Agatha’s answer comes in the form of a needy whine, her cheek pressed to the mattress. Rio brushes the mop of unruly brown hair off Agatha’s neck and fixes her teeth to the exposed skin. 

The omega keens at the feeling of teeth so close to her gland, body going slack under the alpha. 

“ Please,” she begs, though not quite sure what exactly she is asking for. Rio’s teeth spring apart immediately, pressing a kiss to the purpling mark. 

“Not yet,” she says decisively. She shoves her own thigh between Agatha’s, pushing them apart until the space is wide enough for her to slot herself between. She uses the wetness dripping from Agatha’s pussy to lube her cock. 

Rio lays her chin on her omega’s shoulder to speak softly into her ear. “I’ll be gentle, we can stop anytime you want to.” 

Agatha doesn’t speak, she just opens the barrier between their minds. She allows her wanting to flood down the link, desperation in her eyes. She reaches back and notches Rio’s cock at her entrance, rocking back until the head slips in. 

Rio bats her hand away, voice rough as she says, “Greedy little omega.” She wraps her hands around Agatha’s ribcage, slowly sinking in. 

“More, more, more. I need it,” Agatha babbles.

Rio pushes in deeper at that, punching the breath from Agatha’s lungs. She grabs Agatha’s hand and leads it to her own stomach, pressing above her pubic bone. 

“Do you feel that? You’re taking me so well. My perfect little omega,” Rio says. She pulls out until only the tip remains before pushing in until their hips are flush. Agatha arches her back at the feeling, a trembling hand snaking down to rub at her swollen nub. 

The alpha snaps her hips faster now, one hand coming up to grip Agatha’s shoulder so she can pull her back onto her dick. 

“Right there! Don’t stop, please don’t stop,” the omega chants, chest dropping down until it's flush with the bed. 

Rio feels the base of her cock start to swell and limits the depth of her strokes. Agatha is hysterical at that, “I need it! Give me your knot Alpha!” she begs, voice thick. Rio can’t deny her omega anything and on the next thrust she buries her cock into the wet heat of Agatha’s pussy. 

Agatha’s hand returns to her clit, the combined sensations pushing her over the edge. She comes with Rio’s name on her lips, slick dripping from around the seal of her alpha’s knot. 

Rio’s orgasm is triggered by Agatha’s, hot cum spurting deep into her omega’s womb. 

“ Yes, yes, breed me Alpha,” she cries. Those words ignite something in Rio. 

Her teeth find the smooth patch of skin on Agatha’s neck. She sinks her teeth in until she tastes blood, still pumping ropes of cum into her omega. Agatha goes stock-still at the feeling of Rio claiming her, blacking out as she’s thrown headfirst into another orgasm. 

When Agatha comes to, she's laying on her side with Rio’s arm pillowed under her head. Her hand flies up to prod at her neck, prominent indentations marring the otherwise perfect canvas. She doesn’t say a word, just turns her head and reaches over to tug Rio closer. 

The moment she’s close enough, Agatha zeroes in on Rio’s scent gland. She laves her tongue over the patch and promptly latches on. Her jaws clamp together, solidifying the bond. 

Agatha retracts her teeth, eyes lit up purple as she stares into Rio’s own luminous green. 

Chapter Text

The moment she’s close enough, Agatha zeroes in on Rio’s scent gland. She laves her tongue over the patch and promptly latches on. Her jaws clamp together, solidifying the bond. 

Agatha retracts her teeth, eyes lit up purple as she stares into Rio’s own luminous green. 

…..

When Agatha finally pulls away from the alpha’s neck, Rio is left in a stupor. It’s not the blood smeared around the brunette’s mouth or even the feeling of her mating claim being returned. It’s the vivid color of Agatha's eyes. Her usual blue is gone, overtaken by a shade of purple that would have inspired wars between kingdoms. 

Rio finally breaks eye contact, looking around the room. She startles when she locks eyes with herself in the reflection of the mirror. Her own eyes staring back at her are bright green, a far cry from the honey brown she was expecting. 

Rio stares at herself in the mirror and closes her eyes. When she opens them, they remain a sparkling green. She turns abruptly, facing Agatha once again. 

“True mates,” she exclaims, a blinding smile stretching across her face as she tugs Agatha into her arms. 

Agatha blinks up at her owlishly before a matching grin pulls at her lips. Her purple eyes seem to shine even from behind her eyelids as she burrows closer into Rio’s embrace. 

Rio huffs out a laugh as Agatha shifts in her arms. Eventually she gives up and climbs into the alpha’s lap, soft thighs bracketing strong hips. 

The laugh dies in Rio’s throat when she is reminded of their state of undress. She groans at the feeling of her omega’s hot core against her cock, hands falling to the curve of a slender waist. 

Agatha’s head tips forward when Rio guides her hips, dragging her along the length of her cock. Her nose brushes along the column of the alpha’s neck followed by the promise of sharp canines ghosting over the fresh mark.

Rio growls out a low, “ fuucck”, when Agatha’s teeth scrape against the bite. It’s still tender, sluggishly leaking drops of crimson only to be lapped up by a soft brush of the omega’s tongue. 

The alpha feels her impossibly hard length throb at the feeling of slick dribbling from Agatha’s pussy. She grips the omega’s hips tighter, leaving fingerprints in her wake, and attempts to flip their positions. 

What she doesn’t expect however, is the growl that leaves Agatha’s throat. 

“Stay like this,” the omega spits out, pushing Rio by her shoulders until she lays reclined against the pillows. Rio can deny her mate nothing, so she remains leaning back.  

A second later, Agatha’s hips still, dragging a groan from the alpha’s lips, “ Baby , why’d you stop?” She’s met with a wicked grin in return. 

Agatha places her hands atop Rio’s, prying them from their tight hold on her hips. “Keep them here, or I stop,” she says, arranging her alpha’s hands behind her head. At Rio’s stiff nod, Agatha begins to move again, hips stuttering every time the head of the alpha’s cock nudges her aching clit.

Rio entwines her fingers together behind her head, eyes slipping shut. When Agatha’s hands fall to her shoulders, she tugs at the roots of her hair to keep from touching.

The omega slows after a few minutes, sweat gathering on her brow with the effort of her movement. Rio presses her tongue to the inside of her cheek to keep a smirk off her face. Hands still locked behind her head, she plants her feet against the bed and lifts her hips, causing a scowl to splash across Agatha’s features. 

“I didn’t move my hands,” she says cheekily, rutting up once again. The scowl drops off Agatha’s face at the stimulation, nails biting into Rio’s shoulders when the tip of her cock catches her dripping hole. 

All of the sudden, Agatha rises up on her knees. She pins Rio’s hips to the bed with one hand, while the other moves down her body. Agatha brushes over her breast, pinching a dusty pink nipple, before she splays her hand just under Rio’s belly button. She dances her fingers through the coarse hair trailing down her mate’s lower abdomen before finally , her hand wraps around Rio’s stiff cock. 

Rio nearly comes at the sight. Agatha, head thrown back, mouth open in a silent moan, chest flushed, as she throws one leg over and sinks down, down, down until their hips are pressed flush together. 

“ Sh-shit,’ Agatha moans, “Good boy, ” muttered quietly like she didn’t intend for Rio to hear it.

But Rio does. And with those words, she does come. Agatha doesn’t stop, even after the base of Rio’s cock swells. She rises on her knees before dropping back down, over and over, and over. She slams back down a final time, walls fluttering, and her pussy lips stretch around Rio’s knot until it settles just inside. 

“Can I move my hands now?”

Agatha’s head drops to Rio’s shoulder and the alpha feels her smile against her skin. She nods her head in response, body shaking in silent laughter. 

Rio lowers her arms, rolling her shoulders to relieve the tension created by holding the position for so long. One arm she slings around her mate's shoulder, the other she uses to brush the curtain of brown hair away from her face. Agatha stares up from her spot on her chest, eyes returned to their usual blue. A quick glance at the mirror on the wall reveals that her own eyes have also reverted to their natural color. 

Rio pulls the covers up, trapping their shared body heat within. Head craning down, Rio drops a kiss to the crown of Agatha’s forehead. The two lay together, still joined, as they drift off to sleep. 

…..

A figure stands before a crowd of wolves, scowl painted onto a severe face. 

“ Find her ,” the voice commands. 

The mass of bodies moves all at once, led by a snarling creature with a still-pink scar etched into its face. 

…..

A small grey wolf stands alone, ears flat to its head, watching. It waits until all the other wolves have left before slinking away, out into the night. Instead of following the pack, it trots off slowly going the opposite direction. It moves slowly, but with a single mindedness, never once stopping to rest. Nose to the ground, it follows the faint scent trail. 

Finally, after hours spent walking at a slow pace, a small house is visible, nestled in the thick of the forest. Ears perking up, the wolf’s speed picks up to a run. 

Suddenly, the wolf becomes aware of the presence of others. 

Mid stride, the grey wolf is tackled to the ground by a snarling mass of red fur.

…..

**Natasha, there’s a wolf heading right for the house, not one of ours.**

When the alpha hears Alice’s voice echo through her mind, she bristles. 

“Yelena and Wanda stay here. Maria come with me,” the redhead commands, teeth and claws already elongating. 

She exits the house, trusting the beta to follow, and bursts from her skin. With a low growl, she meets the intruder head on. Natasha doesn’t give them a second to react before she’s upon them. Snapping her jaws close to their scruff, she pins them to the ground. The wolf goes slack. Whining quietly, they make no attempt to get away or fight back. 

**Call Rio.**

  Natasha relays to Maria, still holding the other wolf to the dirt. A moment later, Rio and Agatha are rushing through the door. One look at the unfamiliar wolf has Rio overtaken by a cloak of black fur, Agatha’s transformation following a beat later. Rio stalks closer with her massive head hung low, mouth hung open to reveal massive teeth. 

Her slow approach is interrupted by a growl from Agatha. The omega darts forward, sprinting toward Natasha and the unknown wolf. Assuming Agatha knows the wolf, Rio stops, letting her take the lead. 

Rio doesn’t expect her mate to attack Natasha. 

Agatha barrels straight into the redhead, spit flying as she attempts to latch onto her throat. She forces Natasha off the grey wolf, snapping her jaws in warning until she backs up. Once the alpha is a safe distance away, Agatha returns to the grey wolf, still flat against the ground. 

She approaches, tail between her legs and whining softly at the other wolf. Rio watches as Agatha nuzzles her head against the stranger’s and licks at her muzzle. 

Slowly, the other wolf rises and shakes its fur out. Ears perking up, it begins to return Agatha’s affection. Rio watches, confusion growing by the second, as Agatha allows the other wolf to groom her. 

**It’s okay! This is Lilia. She’s my pack mother.** 

Rio’s confusion is solved when she hears Agatha’s voice in her head. Agatha had told her about Lilia, how she was the only person to ever show her love. The only person in her pack she wanted to see again. 

Satisfied that there is no threat, Rio sends a signal to Natasha and Maria to back off. She moves closer until Agatha is pressed into her side. Sensing the strength radiating from the alpha, Lilia bows low to the ground, signifying her submission. 

Rio allows her to submit for a moment, before she leans in and knocks their muzzles together gently. She licks the other wolf’s nose before pulling away. A second later, her fur melts away until only her human form remains. 

The alpha stands tall, accepting a robe from Natasha. She doesn’t cover herself though. Instead she nudges her mind against Agatha’s until she too shrinks down. Rio drapes the fabric over her mate’s naked form, arm coming up to wrap around her waist. 

“We’ll grab you something to wear,” Agatha speaks to the last remaining wolf, tugging on Rio until she turns to walk back into the house. 

Natasha is waiting just inside the entrance with two more robes. Rio accepts one of them, pulling it on and tying it around her waist. The other, she passes to Agatha. 

“Here, you take it to Lilia. I’ll wait here,” she says, taking up residence in the doorway.

 Rio watches as her mate returns to her pack mother. Once Lilia has changed and donned the robe, the pair walk arm and arm to the den. The alpha makes note of the easy smile on Agatha’s face and the way she leans into Lilia’s touch. 

She’s safe with her, Rio thinks to herself, certain that the older woman will not hurt Agatha. 

Agatha leads Lilia to Rio. Before the omega can introduce the two women, Lilia is already  throwing her arms around Rio, crushing her to her chest. 

“I’m so happy Agatha found you dear,” she says simply, like she’d known it would happen all along. 

“She’s my mate, Lilia. Her name is Rio,” Agatha explains, a nervous look on her face. 

Lilia just looks at her with a fond exasperation. “I’ve known since you were a pup, Agatha. A black wolf always lurked in the shadows whenever I had a vision concerning you. I knew you’d find each other eventually,” she said, voice certain. 

The moment is interrupted by Natasha’s raspy voice saying, “Not that you aren’t welcome, but why are you here?”

The elder omega’s eyes turn sad at the question. She turns to Agatha saying, “Your mother has commanded the pack to find you and return you to Ralph. I’m not sure how much time you have, but they will find you.”

Agatha’s eyes grow wide, a whine slipping past her lips at Lilia’s words. Rio just gathers the omega in her arms, wide frame wrapping around her mate as if she can hide her away from what’s to come. 

Chapter Text

The elder omega’s eyes turn sad at the question. She turns to Agatha saying, “Your mother has commanded the pack to find you and return you to Ralph. I’m not sure how much time you have, but they will find you.”

Agatha’s eyes grow wide, a whine slipping past her lips at Lilia’s words. Rio just gathers the omega in her arms, wide frame wrapping around her mate as if she can hide her away from what’s to come. 

.....

The night following Lilia’s warning is ripe with an unease that tears through the veil of peace that the pack had been living in.

Rio is pacing about the room when Agatha’s voice, quiet and quivering, breaks the silence, “Will you hold me?” 

Her aimless pacing ceases at once, body already turning toward her mate. Rio lowers herself onto the bed and scoots close until she can reach Agatha, crushing her to her chest in a tight hold. 

Scalding hot tears leak from blue eyes, running down the slope of her nose to wet the skin of Rio’s neck. The alpha strokes Agatha’s hair in return, rumbling a barely audible purr in an attempt to calm her. 

“What’s wrong baby?” 

“I want you to know how happy I am to be yours. And that you’re mine.” 

Before Rio can formulate a response, Agatha is pulling away from her spot tucked under her chin. The two meet in a soft kiss that speaks of a quiet sort of reverence, undercut with a bitter tang that Rio will soon come to realize is heartbreak . 

It doesn’t go any further than a few soft kisses. Rio falls asleep wrapped around her mate, bodies pressed close under the covers. 

.....

A pup, black fur and blue eyes, looks up at Rio. She looks down. At the small ball of fluff complete with her wolf’s coloring and her mate’s eyes. 

He’s too young to link minds, still tripping over his paws, but she can feel the impression of his emotions. Joy radiates from him as he catches sight of someone behind her. When she turns around, she feels the same joy, heady and warm, within herself.  

Agatha. 

The pup darts forward, small enough to squeeze right through her legs, and pounces on his mother. 

Rio watches as their pup, all big ears and bushy tail, reaches her mate. When Agatha bends her head to lick at his face, he catches one of her ears in his tiny jaws, tugging lightly.  Rio hears Agatha’s laughter echo through their bond, pure adoration for their boy. 

But when Rio tries to join her family, it’s like the ground moves beneath her. Her pace quickens, yet she doesn’t seem to be moving any closer to her mate and pup. Twin laughs ring in her head. The sound is comforting until it morphs, twisting until all she hears is screaming. They fade from view, wrenched backward by some invisible force until the only proof they were ever there is their screams, still piercing her skull. 

.....

She waits until Rio has fallen asleep. And then she waits a few more minutes to ensure she’s not just skimming the edges of unconsciousness. 

Agatha gently pries the warm arm off her waist, holding it aloft as she scoots away. She situates a pillow in place of her own body and drapes Rio’s arms across it. She holds her breath as the alpha grumbles in her sleep and only releases it when the decoy is trapped within Rio’s firm hold. 

She just stands there. Committing the alpha’s, her alpha’s, face to memory. Dark eyebrows, high cheekbones, and full lips she knows are hiding an endearing gap between her teeth. Her eyes burn at the sight, but she doesn’t give in to the urge to cry. 

Instead, Agatha reaches for the worn sweater carelessly thrown, forgotten, over a chair in the corner. She brings the fabric to her face and inhales. Pine and dirt and Rio. She pulls it over her head, swimming in the too-big garment, but needing the comfort for what she’s about to do. 

She takes one last look at her mate; face pressed to the pillow and hair tangled about her head and slips from the room. 

Agatha leaves the house under the cover of darkness. She walks through the forest, not cloaked in thick brown fur, but in Rio’s old sweater, the worn fabric still saturated with her scent. 

She doesn’t need directions or the enhanced senses that come along with her wolven counterpart. She lets the growing feeling of fear, almost enough to paralyze her, guide her. 

.....

Rio wakes with a start, a sharp pang originating from her skull dragging her into wakefulness. With one hand, she rubs at her face, trying to focus her sleep-addled eyes. The other reaches to the opposite side of the bed, searching. Instead of falling on the soft curve of Agatha’s waist, her hand meets empty air. Her palm brushes the sheets, cool to the touch where they should be warmed by her mate. 

She bolts up from the bed. Flinging open the closet door proves useless. The room is empty save for Agatha’s lopsided nest. No sleeping omega nestled within, no blue eyes blinking up at her, no slow stretch of a smirk across lips she’d love to kiss. 

Empty. 

Even more concerning than the empty bed is the silence within her mind. 

Empty. 

.....

She senses the hazy veil of sleep lifting from her mate's mind. A tightening of the bond that links their minds. Agatha slams walls around her mind. Building them up, up, up until she can’t feel her anymore. 

The omega walks, and walks, and walks. Until she sees the one place she had hoped to never return. 

Chapter Text

She senses the hazy veil of sleep lifting from her mate's mind. A tightening of the bond that links their minds. Agatha slams walls around her mind. Building them up, up, up until she can’t feel her anymore. 

The omega walks, and walks, and walks. Until she sees the one place she had hoped to never return. 

…..two months later…..

Rio runs upon the same four legs she has lived in since her mate disappeared without a trace. Every day since waking up to an empty bed, she has been shrouded in midnight fur. Never once has she shed the beast and walked amongst her pack as a human. 

Her fur is dirty. Covered in mud and sticks from constant patrols. Blood from all too rare hunts staining her muzzle. But she doesn’t care to wade in the shallows of the river to bathe. Not when Agatha is still out there. 

She doesn’t sleep. Exhaustion weighs down her limbs as she runs, but she can’t stop, won’t stop.

 Not until she finds Agatha. 

Every day she ventures out a little farther. Her ears prick at the slightest sound, nose working overtime to catch any trace of her omega. 

Nothing . 

Two months. Fifty-nine days and twelve excruciatingly long hours since she last held her in her arms. 

She won’t walk on two legs until she can do so with her mate by her side. That form belongs to Agatha. 

And if Rio never finds her?

By the Goddess, she’ll live and die an animal. Let her body feed the forest she’ll spend the rest of her miserable life searching. 

…..

Agatha refuses to submit. Gnashing her teeth as the stench of Ralph chokes her, she refuses to kneel. Won’t crumple into herself. She stands, spine straight and eyes a violet storm, and resists. 

Truthfully, it isn’t very hard. He’s weak. Weak minded. Weak willed. Just weak. His pheromones are dull. A painfully offensive scent, reminiscent of rotten fruit, but not pressing on her omega’s usual urge to show deference. 

She knows it’s because she’s already mated. No need to appease an alpha when she already has one. A strong one, the strongest she’s ever met. Stronger than even Evanora. 

That’s why they’re still trying. 

…..two months ago…..

Agatha brings the collar of the stolen sweater to her nose, inhaling the lingering scent. Pine and dirt and her. She stops in the clearing before the house.

 A torrent of howls fill the air, overlapping until they blend into one. All at once, they stop. 

The gentle wind carries her mother’s scent. Eucalyptus and crashing waves. It washes over Agatha and settles in the back of her throat. Harsh and icy, like cold water after a mint. 

She just stands there as her mother approaches. 

Twenty feet. 

Fifteen feet. 

Ten feet. 

Five feet. 

Until finally, they’re within arms’ reach. Evanora stands before her, eyes piercing. Her lips thin as she looks over her daughter. 

Dirty bare feet, wild hair, and swimming in a too-big raggedy sweatshirt. 

It isn’t until the wind blows Agatha’s hair back that she reacts. 

Evanora’s hand pulls back. She strikes with an almighty crack against Agatha’s cheek. 

Agatha crumples like a house of cards. Hand held to her face, she stares up at her mother. Tears gather at the corners of her eyes, but she refuses to let them fall. 

Once, she would have cowered away. Apologized and begged for forgiveness. But now, she wasn’t afraid. Not of her mother and certainly not of Ralph. 

Agatha would soon learn that she should be afraid. 

No, not afraid. 

Terrified. 

But not for herself. 

…..present (at the pack house)…..

The sound of crying fills the house, weak distress drifting from the corner of the room. Wanda stands and walks to the handmade wooden crib. Peering inside, she’s met with a scrunched face, flushed red and fists balled in anger. Reaching inside, she brings the small child to her chest. 

 “She’s going to kill herself! It’s like you don’t even care!” she says, rocking the baby side to side. 

Natasha’s answer comes delivered in a clipped tone, “Of course I care. But Rio told me- no, she commanded me to take care of the pack. We all know that she won’t come back. Not without Agatha.”

The baby’s cries increase, sensing his mothers’ distress. At the sound, Maria steps in. 

Hands reaching for the child, she says, “Wanda, let me take Billy. He’s scared.” 

Wanda and Natasha both stop in their tracks at her words. As if they had just noticed his upset. 

Without a word, the omega passes the sniffling bundle into her mate’s arms. 

Maria holds Billy in one arm. The other she brushes along both redheads’ arms as she passes. 

Once the baby has been removed from the room, the fire sparks back into Wanda’s eyes. 

Eyes locked on to her alpha she yells, “You know I’m right! Rio is skin and bones. She doesn’t eat, she doesn’t sleep. All she does is run, day in and day out. It’s been two months Nat. She can’t go on like this. She won’t find Agatha before she drops dead!” 

“I can’t make her stop. I can’t make her stop because I know if it was you who disappeared in the middle of the night, I wouldn’t stop either. I would do exactly what Rio is doing.” 

Wanda never gets the chance to respond. 

Because a spike bangs against the pack link. Red-hot panic . A sharp stab into the collective consciousness, punctuated by an urgent howl in the distance. 

…..

Agatha’s head is wrenched to the side by the iron grip on her hair. Her mating bite is on display, she can feel the gentle caress of the air against the scar tissue. 

“You will not have a pup sired by that mutt, ” Evanora says with finality, “You are going to allow Ralph to mate you and dissolve that bite, or so help me, I will kill you myself.” 

She can’t help it. Those words instill such a deep terror in her that she drops the shield around her mind. Not long, but long enough to broadcast her distress through the pack link. 

Because allowing another alpha to claim her won’t just dissolve Rio’s claim. It will kill the little life nestled inside .  

Her pup. Rio’s pup. 

Her hand falls to her stomach. Barely a bump. Just a slight roundness below her navel. But there nonetheless. 

This time, she’s deliberate. Agatha tames the fear. She visualizes the door she had erected between her mind and Rio’s. And she tears it apart. 

She feels Rio’s disbelief when she presses into her psyche. 

Chapter Text

This time, she’s deliberate. Agatha tames the fear. She visualizes the door she had erected between her mind and Rio’s. And she tears it apart. 

She feels Rio’s disbelief when she presses into her psyche.

…..

Rio doesn’t stop running. Ignoring the faint blackness playing at the edge of her vision, she pushes on. Willing her legs to carry her weight when all her body seems to want to do is give up. 

But then the scenery starts to look familiar. A bubbling river, trees swaying in the gentle breeze, and a great scar upon the land. 

The river. Where she and Rowan would splash around together while their parents hunted. 

The giant oak tree. Its shade was always a welcome relief from the summer sun. 

And the charred patch of land. The place where their family home once stood. It was small, but full of love and happiness. 

Rio’s legs give out beneath her.

The search for her mate led her to the one place she could never bring herself to return. 

She feels tears well up in her eyes at the memories that assault her. Teaching Rowan to swim in the river. Her mother and father dancing around the kitchen while they cooked dinner together. Running with her baby sister, identical black fur as they raced through the forest. 

Her reverie is broken in the best way.

** Rio, I need you now.**

Agatha . 

Rio feels the moment Agatha drops the barrier between them. It’s like all the strength in her, both body and mind, is restored when realizes she can feel her again. She follows the tugging in the center of her chest, knowing that it will lead her to her mate. 

…..

Agatha is curled up at her mother’s feet, arms wrapped around her belly, when she feels it. A steady unwinding in her chest. It feels like she can breathe a little more with each passing second. 

Rio bursts through the trees at the far side clearing. 

Silently.

No snarling or growling. No snapping of her jaws. 

Her usual honey brown eyes are glowing a sickly green, filled with a deadly rage. And she’s heading straight for Evanora. 

Suddenly, Agatha’s head is yanked upward by the hand still tangled in her hair. Feeling the strain on her scalp, she has no choice but to give in to the pressure and stand. 

“Don’t come any closer,” Agatha hears Evanora command as she’s tugged into her chest. One bony arm wraps tight around Agatha’s throat as her wolves flank Rio. All she can do it watch, helpless, as they gain on her alpha. 

…..

Rio’s brain doesn’t even register the command from the other alpha. She is filled with the single-minded need to protect her mate. 

It’s then that she feels the wolves nipping at her heels. Rio doesn’t slow, doesn’t turn around to fend them off. She feels the brush of teeth against her hind leg and prepares to go down, hard.

The bite never comes. 

She hears a series of yelps behind her. This time, she allows herself to risk a glance back. And what she sees is a welcome surprise. 

Her pack. All of them. Natasha, Alice, Yelena, Maria. Even Wanda. They pick off Evanora’s wolves one by one, until none remain. 

Bolstered by the support of her pack, Rio closes in on her target. 

…..

Agatha catches movement out of the corner of her eye. 

Ralph. 

Before she can open her mouth to warn Rio, she feels the arm around her neck tighten until she can’t breathe. 

So instead, she opens the door between their minds once again. 

**Watch out. To your left.**

She watches as Ralph approaches, ready to attack. 

…..

Thinking he has the element of surprise, Ralph leaps toward Rio. 

Her body twists mid-stride and she meets the other alpha in the air. They land on the ground in a pile of limbs, fur flying. Agatha watches as Rio pins him to the ground and grabs him by the throat.

As soon as she tastes his foul blood hit her tongue, his claws come up and dig into her underbelly. She doesn’t bother with a counterattack. She releases him and runs, having sustained no injuries in the scuffle. 

Rio leaves Ralph to her pack, issuing a short command that they not kill him. She hears his cries of pain as they tear into him, but doesn’t stop. She trusts them to take care of him until she can finish it herself. First, she needs to make sure Agatha is safe.

Just as she is closing in on Evanora, she sees it. A flash of steel in the dappled sunlight. A dagger, pressed to Agatha’s side. 

The alpha’s pupils contract, green swallowed up by pitch black. Unable to communicate any other way, she connects her mind to her omega’s.

**Agatha, you need to shift.**

Agatha doesn’t listen. Instead of shifting, she tips her chin down and fits her teeth around her mother’s forearm. She bites down, hard. Rio feels like she’s moving in slow motion as she watches it happen. Evanora snarls at the pain, but doesn’t release the chokehold she has on Agatha’s neck.

The white-hot phantom pain that rips through Rio’s hip almost sends her head over tail. But that pain has nothing on the hurt that suffocates the very air from her lungs as she watches Agatha crumble at her mother’s feet, cherry red blood wetting the grass beneath her. 

Rio feels herself losing control, her humanity pushed to the darkest depths of her mind. When the change is complete, she’s absolutely feral.