Archive of Our Own

Levi’s life is laid out for him, it always has been, ever since he was a pup. It’s tradition, it’s right of passage; he’ll lead his pack and it’s coming sooner rather than later. He crossed the threshold of adolescence long ago, his people look up to him, his pack looks up to him.

He’s carried the weight of this conviction on his thin-muscled shoulders since the day his first thought graced his sorry mind.

What’s beyond the rivers border?

Now he wishes he didn’t know.

The pack that partitions the river—just up against Levi’s own—isn’t one that shares the same values, not even close. They’re minglers, shifters. They commune with the normies like they belong with them; going to work with them, buying food from them, living and sleeping in communities with them.

It’s utterly revolting.

The High Mother would have none of it if she were still here but Levi thinks they don’t even pray to her—don’t even have an altar raised in honor of her or for her sacrifices, for all that she has done those thousands of years ago for their people; Werewolves.

It’s disgraceful, really. Humans—they take, take and take from Levi’s pack. Their territories, their trees, their food, their family. They kill, they maim and all without remorse yet this pack across the river finds no problem with it, continuing to live among them.

That’s why no one dares cross that forsaken divide unless their food goes scarce.

Sure, they live in, what one might call, ‘peace’ with each other. There’s an unspoken schedule of when each pack uses the river but it’s purposes are different. That pack never transforms—never in their wolven exteriors, never letting their High Mother show them, guide them, eating from and enjoying the land.

It's like they don't even respect it and all it can provide. Levi is sure they don't even farm, they don't hunt. They sure as hell don't spar or fight—letting themselves all grow weak.

They’re always human.

Levi has found himself wondering, once or twice, if it feels restricting. Wouldn't it make you want to crawl right out of your own skin after being in it for too long? Does it even feel like your own? Doesn’t the High Mother call to you? Are you not her child?

Levi was taught that she loves all, cares for all. She wants nothing more than for werewolves to roam freely, to be themselves in their wolven forms, to give and take from the land in the beautiful cycle of life, always respecting and loving the earth as it was intended. That is what she sacrificed herself for.

Watching those—half-humans act as though it’s not right to be a wolf it’s—it’s bullshit. 

They run into each other often, of course. It’s hard not to when your territories butt up against one another and Erwin, the Alpha and leader of the other pack is always expanding. It’s like a fucking cult—always recruiting and never up to anything good.

Mike, who’s Erwin’s right hand Beta has gotten into plenty of fights with Kenny, who’s training Levi to take over. Territory lines are always shifting which leads to them being crossed. Hunt’s are taken too far over Erwin’s side and in retaliation they expand just a bit further.

Erwin is always civil—always wants to talk. They don’t talk here in Levi's pack, they fight. They settle things the old fashioned way; brawls. Of course, Erwin wouldn’t ever partake in that not just because he won’t transform but because he has 'morals'.

Pussy.

Levi has morals too. He sticks to them fully and they're always for the betterment of his pack, keeping them safe and fed. Just because he opts to use his fangs instead of his voice doesn't make him a lesser Alpha.

Levi tries to move his pack as far inward as he can, far away from car engines, construction sounds that reverberate off of the tall timbering trees as it scares the animals living in the forest, it scares the pups who aren’t yet accustomed to human-life. It ruins the sanctity of nature, the purity that the High Mother wanted.

It gets harder and harder as the months go on, as the years pass by. The humans move further in on them and Erwin's pack grows while Levi's shrinks from attacks on all fronts. It's disheartening but the last thing they'll do is run, they refuse to leave the land the High Mother gifted to them.

Levi isn’t stupid, he knows that Erwin holds a knowledge about humans that others don’t. Things that Levi doesn’t and will never know, but it’s because he fucking refuses. Why would he learn about someone who wants to tear his home to shreds? Use it for their own gain? People who want to murder his pack for blood lust—out of fear.

He’s scared of nothing in this world but the cruelty of man—just as those very men are scared of him.

Humans have taken things from him that no pup should ever have to endure and he thinks that the other side of the river is too naive to see the pain those humans cause.

Since Levi was a pup, he’s seen Erwin across that river. They used to play together once upon a time—when humans were scarce and didn’t threaten his homeland. Their families would have to pull them apart, tutting at them, scolding them and dragging them away to take care of their duties that they now possess.

There was always something in him—something he could never name when he laid his eyes upon Erwin. Something he couldn't explain, something so deep within his chest, a growing pit that only grew larger when the two were separated.

He had grown the courage only once to ask his mother about this feeling, the odd tingling in his spine in Erwin's presence and her response scared him into never speaking of it again.

She was so wise—anything she said he would believe wholeheartedly and still does.

It was the mating pull.

But that absolutely can not happen between two Alphas. It just can't. They can bear no children, carry on no lineage, mating is a hassle that could lead to certain death. It's practically forbidden.

The thought alone scared him shitless, let alone the simple fact that they're from rivaling territories. Yes, different packs come together often but rivals? They were friends… barely. Just someone to play with that wore the same burden.

Levi pushed his mothers words away, hid them deep within himself and never to be brought up again. She didn't speak of it either and he was grateful for it.

Tonight is a warm one, small bugs flit around the trees as Levi makes his rounds along the perimeter of his territory. It's his nightly routine just as he does every morning as well.

The sky is a deep blue, the sun having set just minutes ago. His sleek black form hides among the trees, his steps light but determined as his nose works along the border, looking for anything out of the ordinary. People, mostly.

He continues forward, avoiding twigs and crunching leaves. He’s quick, working up some heat as he stays low to the ground, feeling it radiate through him like the High Mother is fully enveloping him. His tongue hangs out of his mouth, pink and bright—a stark contrast to his deep dark fur.

The rolling river comes into view, babbling and bubbling with a consistent flow. One he’s used to, one he’s listened to his entire life. He’d know the sound of this stream if every other sense was stripped from him.

He's finished his rounds, having gone over the perimeter twice and decides he deserves the break.

He bounds toward it, feet still light on the ground, swerving in between large tree trunks with ease. His night vision is unmatched compared to most. He’s trained in every terrain, every season, every time of day or night; Kenny made sure of it.

Levi comes up to the edge, smelling the fresh air, feeling the tingle of droplets on his snout as it bubbles over rocks and plant-life. He shoves his face in, taking a few well deserved gulps of ice-cold water, earthy and crisp.

His tall ears turn forward, toward the opposite side of the bank, picking up on the creaks and cracks of sticks under foot.

Quickly, he lifts his head out of the water, blinking it away from his small black eyes. There’s a clearing, a large patch of lush grass where Erwin stands; human, tall and blonde. He’s muscular and well groomed but in those forsaken human clothes, they’re uppity and stiff with too many buttons and pressed lines.

That feeling—the hole in his wretched gut sits heavy when he sees the man. The tingling along his spine makes the hair along his back stand on end.

The large alpha is with a small group of people, his pack most likely, they’re all just talking and resting in the grass on top of blankets. The two Alpha’s make eye contact for a moment, like Erwin sensed that Levi was watching.

It sends a seering jolt through Levi's body, almost as if he wants to run but he's not a runner, he doesn't ditch or flee from a fight, though this isn't one.

There’s a look in the blonde’s eye, the moon shining over the clearing gives him a glowing halo over his slicked back, golden hair. It’s a look of—longing. The way his ocean-blue eyes take in Levi’s form, raking over his body and legs.

Against the running anxiety within Levi, his tail and chin sit high baring his pitch black chest to the other Alpha.

Levi knows how he looks, he’s the only all black wolf in his pack. His coat is almost so black that it’s tinted blue under the light of the moon or when caught by the rays of the sun.

When they would play together as pups, both in their true forms, they were contrasted. Black and white, yin and yang, the sun and moon.

Does Erwin ever wish to be freed from that human shell? His eyes bare his soul in this moment, meeting Levi’s across the river in the cover of nightfall. His pack is too busy chatting among themselves and their loud voices travel across the forest, through the sparse trees to the waters edge.

The alpha looks—lonely. Even in the presence of all of the others, he doesn’t seem to sit quite the same, or nod along just as everyone else does.

Does he wish to stretch his legs? Run through the trees with reckless abandon? Levi can’t recall the last time he had seen Erwin in his wolf form—maybe when they were teenagers but he’s probably much more regal now, beautiful even.

Levi doesn’t know why he’s thinking about it, why he’s imagining Erwin’s white coat, his tanned fur along his ears and tail. Why he’s picturing those large blue eyes and his long, squared snout with that brown-pink nose.

It was a rare coloring to Levi and he wanted to see it as often as he could—he still does. Maybe something deep within him is jealous of it, Erwin really does encapsulate an Alpha.

Levi tears his gaze away from the human-form. He’s still hot, over-heated and decides to wander into the water, not caring if Erwin’s eyes continue to watch.

He dips his feet in, then his legs and body following until he’s soaked through. Levi bathes himself in the river for some time, shaking off droplets, licking and cleaning at his legs and chest until a small huff startles him.

When he turns towards Erwin’s side, there he stands. No longer in human form—he’s all wolf and just as Levi had imagined, not that he wants to admit to it. He’s huge, much larger than Levi with his protruding chest—tan and puffed out—proud. Everything about Erwin is large but he carries that childhood curiosity in those eyes that he always had, Levi would always be able to recognize it.

He’s breathtaking.

Levi realizes he’s likely stepped a little too far onto Erwin’s side of the river and decides to take a few steps back—Erwin, in turn, takes a few steps forward into the water. They’re tentative steps, like he’s unsure on his feet—like they’ll hurt if he steps too forcefully. Levi stands his ground, chin held high, eyes locked onto the Alpha in front of him.

He’s not sure what the other is up to, but he refuses to be caught off guard. This is his pack, this is his land. He won’t be the underdog here. In this form—he has the upper hand even while ignoring the buzzing deep within him.

It's grown the closer the other Alpha has gotten like atoms bouncing off of each other at an excelorated rate. He feels like he could catch fire. This is the closest the two have been in—maybe a decade.

Erwin leans forward then, over the territory line and Levi stiffens. The alpha makes a move to sniff at Levi’s muzzle, a friendly gesture but one neither of them are used to from each other.

He stands still, rigid, feeling the ice-water swirling around their legs as Erwin’s wet nose clumsily taps against his face as an attempt to scent.

When was the last time this hound has scented anyone? Levi gives him some benefit, he obviously doesn’t know the etiquette, doesn’t have any boundaries or understand that this is completely disrespectful. He didn’t ask, he didn’t bow out of respect of another pack’s Alpha.

Levi suspects they don’t adhere to any pack dynamics—at all. The thought sends a shiver down his spine and through his tail which in turn alerts Erwin who’s face draws back almost immediately.

He thinks he’s done something wrong, which he has but Levi is surprisingly not upset about it. There’s only one thing Levi can think to do to remedy this, so he steps forward, brushing his snout against the other Alpha’s to show no ill-will.

Levi takes this opportunity to show Erwin how to scent correctly, rubbing softly against the other in short strokes, breathing in, in small little huffs to show docility and potential submission.

It comes natural to Levi and that buzzing inside of him starts to subside, coming to a soft lull.

Erwin smells human, like gasoline, coffee and the parchment of paper. It’s off-putting but Levi continues, stepping forward a little further to continue down the Alpha’s large neck.

That’s where the scent really holds, where it sits in that dense fur. That’s where most will check for mating marks, other mingling scents of family or warnings. Erwin doesn’t have any of those as Levi continues to lightly rub himself along the tan and white fur. He fights the urge to deposit his own scent onto him, to rub the earth into that pristine coat, the Alpha in him clawing at his chest to make his presence known to the rest of Erwin’s pack when he returns to them.

But, Levi knows better.

Something inside of him yearns to take Erwin. Wants to mark, to bite, to be bitten and it's not a thought he's let linger since he was a pup, hoping it would just fade away.

Erwin seems to get the hint, finally. He starts to tentatively rub himself against Levi, it's a little forceful and Levi pulls back a bit. Erwin picks up on that quickly and eases into it, lighter this time. He’s nervous, Levi can tell that much by the way he’s holding his body instead of leaning into Levi like a hug.

The Alpha brushes himself gingerly against Levi, sniffing and scenting around his face and neck. His huffs tickle, they’re large and blow Levi’s fur back with each blow.

Levi doesn’t find a mating mark on Erwin and he knows the other Alpha won’t find one on him. Both of them are far past their prime in that regard, too busy training, too busy leading, too much of this—too little of that.

Levi has smelled the mating pheromones from across the river, he’s wondered why Erwin has never accepted those who have propositioned him. No one had dared approach Levi, sure there were lookers here and there but he’s too stubborn—too ‘intimidating' his mother would say.

They both step back, watching each other closely but with more of a fondness now than the severity of before. Something in Erwin’s stoicism has shifted and Levi’s need for traditional order.

Erwin seems to take a chance, nipping at Levi’s ear. Levi tests the waters, taking a small nip back at Erwin’s neck, at his lips.

His body is craving the other Alpha's now that he's gotten a small taste and if anything is true about Alphas, it's that their urges are hard to control. He wants to indulge, even just a little bit.

Their playful biting becomes more as they brush against each other, nabbing each other’s ankles and thighs. Erwin tugs Levi onto his side of the riverbed, up and onto the grass where they tumble over each other—fluffed fur over fluffed fur.

Black and white becoming a blur.

Levi gets another chance to show Erwin how his pack does it; the fight for dominance. They roll in the grass, Levi’s teeth and claws coming into contact with Erwin’s fur but never enough to cause any damage. They both feel that pull, to pin the other and prove they have the strength.

They butt heads, wet noses knocking, chests pressing close as they try to get the other to yield. Small yelps and whines, low growls and guttural grunts escape them as they dirty themselves all over again.

Levi uses his back legs as Erwin tries to hold him down with his large front paws, pushing him off and to the side where they both freeze for a moment, panting loudly with their tongues hanging from the sides of their mouths.

Erwin steps forward, approaching where Levi is still laying in the deep, green grass. His body language is strong, powerful and it makes Levi puff out his own chest, hold his own chin high to meet him even as he lays there. His ear twitches in the breeze as Erwin leans his large head down, giving a small lick to Levi’s eye.

When Levi doesn’t move away—doesn’t feel the need to—Erwin continues, licking, cleaning, Levi’s entire face.

His tongue is flat and warm, lapping up the dirt and salt covering his mouth, his ears, over his nose and Levi finds himself leaning into it. He hasn’t been cleaned by anyone other than his mother before and that was when he was a pup.

This is something mates partake in, usually, in Levi’s clan, anyway. Maybe Erwin’s clan is more progressive this way? They just—clean each other?

The hum deep within him feels satisfied like for the first time he's finally getting what he wants and his body is thanking him.

When Erwin is finished or seems satisfied with his job, Levi doesn’t return the favor but Erwin doesn’t seem to mind. Levi stands, huffing as he gets to all fours. They don’t bow to each other, don’t nod, nothing. Levi simply just walks back over to his side of the river and when he turns back around Erwin has already turned into his human form.

A surprising pang of disappointment shoots through Levi—one he tries his best to dismiss.

“Levi—“ Erwin starts, wringing his large hands together. “I want to see you again.” He’s unapologetic and honest. It makes Levi uncomfortable. See him again? They see each other frequently, albeit, not under the best circumstances but this feels—it just feels—too much.

A strange feeling blooms in Levi’s chest, a flowering thing that feels simultaneously light and heavy, dragging and freeing. They stay staring at each other for a moment, that confession, raw and real, just hanging between them as the river flows.

Levi turns and walks away.

That feeling in his chest sticks with him when he goes on the next day, it’s all he can think about—that other Alpha.

If people can smell Erwin on him, they don’t mention it but something in him almost wants them to and he’s not sure what in the hell has possessed him to think that.

The thought of changing—transforming crosses his mind. Something he really hasn’t thought about doing ever. He hasn’t needed to, hasn't wanted to but being around Erwin has lodged this idea in his mind and he can’t seem to shake it.

So, as he does his perimeter walk, skulking low around his territory, he decides to do it. The sun is just setting, the horizon is glowing orange, vibrant and beautiful as he takes his first step, then second.

He grabs onto a nearby tree to get his footing, feel out his balance. The river is in front of him, gurgling and dribbling in it’s peaceful flow. His eyes draw up to the large rock on the waters edge, it almost overlaps on both of their sides.

There sits Erwin—he’s in his human form and his blue eyes watch as Levi steps forward on two feet. Erwin reaches a hand out, a soft smile on his face as Levi staggers lightly and takes it, Erwin pulls him delicately—lifting him onto the rock.

They’re more awkward now than they were the night before. Levi doesn’t know why he even did this, why he thought this was a good idea—changing forms, coming back here at all. He has a scowl marked on his face, thin black eyebrows drawn together, gunmetal eyes staring straight into the water below like he can will the tension away. His knee’s are tucked to his chest, smaller and much more feeble than the larger man next to him.

He feels too inadequate in this form.

Erwin sighs. “I was told today that I am ‘far too stubborn for my own good’.” Levi nods, a small smile finding it’s way onto his lips.

“I’ve been there.” Levi replies, hoping its reassuring.

“Really? You? Stubborn?” Erwin teases, his teeth on full display, the beautiful canines are sharp and shining.

Levi pushes Erwin's shoulder with his own and after that it seems the dam has broken.

They chat late into the night about the burden of leading their packs, the need to be strong while the world seems to impose on them, their youth being ripped from them and their goal to never let this happen to anyone else.

Erwin confides in Levi that last night felt like a weight lifted from him, one that he hadn’t had held by another in—well—ever.

It makes Levi relax, it helps him feel at ease around the once previous rival.

“I’m just really grateful you allowed me that, Levi.” Erwin is looking at him with so much sincerity, with so much kindness. This isn’t something Alpha’s usually exude especially not to other Alphas, Alphas of other packs.

Levi wants to reach out—he wants to touch him and he thinks that Erwin wants to touch him too. The way his blue eyes soften, his smile is so sweet, his tone is so low and deliberate when he speaks to him. He just doesn’t know what he’s doing when he’s not in his natural form, what he’s supposed to feel, how he should act, where he should be.

Everything is just—it’s a jumbled mess.

“Erwin—“ Levi starts, his voice quiet and meek and he’s embarrassed for it. It feels like his body is one million degrees, his hands are starting to sweat and he wants nothing more than to change back.

“Let me kiss you.” Erwin interrupts him. He doesn’t ask—not really. Alpha’s don’t tend to ask for things, they just take but he’s trying his best to be respectful and Levi can sense that.

Levi blinks and really without much thought he just nods, allowing Erwin’s large fingers to card through his short, straight black hair, splaying over his undercut.

His eyes flutter closed instinctively as their mouths meet, warm lips against warm lips. Their noses brush and Erwin’s skin is so soft—honeyed and sun-kissed from years spent in this human form. It’s almost indescribable, that building flutter in his stomach—the need to get closer but he’s not sure how they could possibly get closer than this.

His hands move to Erwin’s neck, a strong grip, possessive. He runs one hand up into the blonde's hair, nails scratching lightly at the buzzed section.

Suddenly, as if a torrential downpour, a cold monsoon washed over them both; a howl breaks through the night. Levi pulls off of Erwin in a rush and without thinking he’s already sprinting into the woods—the call coming from his own pack.

He’s transformed back into his wolf—black and sleek as he speeds past trees upon trees, adrenaline running through his system.

The run is short, it takes little time for a wolf as fast as Levi but it feels like a century has past before he reaches them.

The pack is gathered at the fire pit, panic is evident as the pups cower into the elders chests. His mother is in her human form, Kenny along side her while a member lays on a bed of leaves and moss, several wraps—blood soaked and muddied are laid over their body. Crimson has started to pool in the dirt below the makeshift bed.

“It’s another attack, Levi.” That much is evident but his mother speaks loud, over the whining pack, regarding Levi. “The humans—normies. They’ve come into our land again.” Her tone is distressed, bordering on frantic.

Another member, just on a walk, probably gathering berries or flowers for their home in the night was brutally attacked and too young to fight back or there were too many of them to fight off.

They are all lucky they weren't followed back to their camp. Something they're all worried about one day.

It takes Levi hours to calm her down, calm his pack down and get everyone back to their homes and make sure the permitter is secured.

He takes a walk, trying to clear his head, his body aches from the adrenaline and working overtime to protect and care for his brothers and sisters.

He stops in his tracks when he finds Erwin still sitting there—right on that rock where he left him. His chin perched in his hand with a worried look between his thick brows. Erwin perks up when he sees Levi’s slinking form emerge from the woods, he stands and clambers over the rock, crossing to Levi’s territory.

Levi shifts forms and it tires him but he needs to speak to Erwin.

He begins rambling the second his vocal cords allow it. “They’re after us, Erwin. They’re fucking after us again—in our fucking territory—attacking my fucking kind.” His rasp is low and timbered but the more he speaks, the more frantic he becomes. He’s angry, furious. “This is the last fucking time, we can’t take another hit. My people are fucking scared! How can I allow them to live like this? I’m supposed to protect them—I’m supposed to—How am I supposed to—“ He shakes his head and feels the warmth of Erwin’s hands on his shoulders, steadying him.

He feels himself lean into Erwin's touch without a thought. His body reacting before his mind catches up, his touch like a warm blanket of fur.

“I’m trying to solve this very thing, Levi. This is why I’m always in my human form—Why I encourage my people to maintain this form. We want to integrate with them, show them there’s nothing to fear.” Erwin’s tone is so sure yet Levi’s face must be one of pure shock, one of horror because he starts to quickly explain himself. “I’ve been working my way up through their government—Okay? I’m trying. From the inside out, Levi. It’s the only way.”

Levi wants to believe him, everything else they’ve tried hasn’t seemed to have ever worked. Fighting in losing battles, being run out from forests, bloodied and battered. But he just can’t comprehend being face to face with these people day in and day out—people who try to harm you—who hate you. He can’t fight the incessant need inside of him to trust Erwin, this Alpha and the way he exudes confidence.

That deep guttural pull that has always been there, that has always told him that Erwin is there, that Erwin is something special to him even if he didn't want to admit it.

Their chests puff out, each of their instincts wanting to push each other away, both stubborn in their own right but Levi knows Erwin is doing a good thing, deep down. His people never have these issues that Levi’s seem to.

“Come with me—visit my territory. See what we’ve achieved with your own eyes, Levi.” Erwin offers, taking his hands off of his shoulders and holding a hand out to him. Levi takes it with light hesitation, they climb over the rock together avoiding the river and walk the clearing into Erwin’s neighborhood.

It’s early morning now and people have started to emerge from their homes, getting into their noisy cars to crowd the roads but no matter what—they stop to greet each other and mostly Erwin. They all give Levi a polite nod even if their faces show slight confusion but the blonde Alpha doesn’t hide him, doesn’t pull his hand free from Levi’s.

It's a small thing but the Alpha in him is pleased with the possessive notion that they all see them together, smell them on each other, see their hands clasped together.

Erwin guides him around his developed territory and it’s truly a suburb, a small city. There are libraries, parks, stores, schools and most of all the outside—normies are intertwined. Levi can tell them apart by their scent but they all co-mingle, some even having mated with some of Erwin's pack members and when Erwin broke the news to Levi the grasp he has on Erwin’s hand had tightened to a white knuckle, bone breaking vice.

But he held his tongue. He wants to believe Erwin because it's obviously working, whatever this Alpha is doing, his people aren't getting killed in droves.

They circle around to Erwin’s home, it sits at the center of a col-de-sac. It’s modest—just a single level with a garage and a wrap around porch. There’s a small front yard and the cliche white picket fence. The door is unlocked and Levi doesn’t question it as they enter—it’s loosely furnished if you could even call it that.

There’s a small couch in the living room, an out-dated television that looks like it hasn’t been dusted in months. His open concept dinning room seems to be the only room of use—his table is completely covered in papers and books, coffee stained pages and all.

It's nothing like Levi's but he wouldn't expect it to be. Caves and cabins wouldn't have a place in such a developed world.

Erwin clears his throat, dropping his hand from Levi’s as he closes the door behind them and Levi is embarrassed that he misses the point of contact. “So, what did you think?” Erwin asks, his hands folding to the front of him.

Levi hesitates at first, trying to parse through his thoughts. There was so much to take in, such a cultural shock in comparison to his home—his land where everything is natural and remains natural.

“It’s—It’s fine.” Is all Levi can think to say. It is fine, really, it’s just fine. If Erwin’s plan to ‘infiltrate from the inside out’ really works then it’ll be more than fine but as of right now it’s just… it’s too much.

He couldn't ever imagine living like this or proposing his pack try to modernize in such a way. That's just not how they are, not how they want to be but—a middle ground? Maybe.

“I know it’s a lot.” Like Erwin can read Levi’s mind. “The people who are here know who we are, the people who choose to mate with us consider every option, weigh every outcome. They understand what we are, what we become. They want to be here just as we do, you don’t have to worry about it when you’re here.” Erwin is trying to reassure him.

“It’s not me I’m worried about, Erwin. It’s my family.” Levi bites back and he doesn’t mean to.

Erwin nods, understanding. “Okay. I just—I ask that you try and trust me.”

He doesn’t know if he has it in him right now, with the attack so fresh in his mind, so fresh on his pack, on his land.

What other choice does he have? He just nods—always just… nodding. Erwin seems relieved by that nonetheless and he reaches out once more. Physical touch seems to be important to Erwin and Levi isn’t the type to take part in it, the Alpha in him yelling that it's submissive.

He eyes that large hand, wanting to turn his nose to it but remembers the feeling of their mouths connecting earlier and wants it again—needs it again. That feeling in him growing stronger, pulling him toward the other Alpha.

Levi feels emboldened for the first time out of his wolven form, he takes a step forward, holding his chin high, his chest out just as he would in his natural form. He almost prays to the High Mother he’s not about to embarrass himself and then shakes the thought when he wraps his hand around the back of Erwin’s neck, pulling him down so that their mouths meet.

Their noses brush awkwardly at first but after turning their heads, their mouths slot together with ease, Levi resting on Erwin’s top lip, plump and soft.

That fluttering grows again, a tingling growing inside of him with a strong need to dominate—to control. Erwin’s hands fall to Levi’s waist, gripping his muscled hips, pulling their bodies flush. The battle between Alpha’s begins as Levi’s grip around Erwin’s neck becomes stronger, locking them in place. Their hormones are starting to pulse, their scents starting to course through their bodies, spiced and harsh.

Erwin opens his mouth to breathe and Levi takes it as an opening, using his tongue to swipe against the blonde’s lower teeth until his jaw falls open, allowing him full access.

It boosts his Alpha ego, slick tongue running against slick tongue. Erwin doesn’t let him revel in his win for long, he feels the Alpha shift his hips, grinding their bodies against each other, sending a wave of heat through Levi’s core. It’s euphoric but also angers something inside of him.

Levi rakes his pale fingers into those styled, blonde strands, pulling them taught in his grasp, their mouths coming apart with a pop! Their breaths are heavy, chests heaving, brushing against each other with each intake. There’s a sly smile on Erwin’s face, a shit-eating-grin and Levi wants nothing more than to wipe it completely clean.

There’s a tense pause, their eyes locking where no thoughts are running through Levi’s head and he’s so fucking thankful for it.

Suddenly, Erwin’s hands are around his thighs, lifting him off of the ground and his only option is to wrap them around his wide waist. The Alpha in him fights back as Erwin carries him down the hallway and to his bedroom, the blonde's scent growing stronger and stronger as the room grows nearer—if they were in Levi’s home, this would be considered his den, his sanctuary. It’s not just some place that anyone is allowed into, especially not another Alpha.

The beast inside of him starts to scream, wants to tear into the room and take it for himself while simultaneously rolling in the scent of it. It’s confusing, it’s overwhelming—two wolves at war inside of him. He almost wishes he would have spoken to his mother about this, prayed about this before he met with Erwin again.

How do two Alphas act when they’re alone? When they’re intimate? He’s never asked—has this happened before? He’s never been told tales of it in all of his years.

It’s too late now.

Before he realizes what he’s done, his claws have formed, digging through Erwin’s dress shirt and into the skin of his back. Their mouths connect and disconnect so frantically, it’s almost painful, their noses and teeth clashing until Erwin detaches Levi, throwing him onto his bed with brute strength, shaking it on it’s four wooden feet.

He can’t control his heavy breathing, doesn’t want to when he’s surrounded by the other Alpha’s heady scent. He’s aching, his hormones are in overdrive in the presence of the man who stands over him now—looming and strong. Levi’s heart is thudding in his chest, his claws digging into the sheets and mattress, surely ripping holes where they’re punctured through.

Erwin looks rabid, like a feral beast. His straw-colored hair is askew, his cheeks red and ruddy with his canine teeth bared. His large chest is heaving but not with exhaustion—with intensity. Erwin’s pupils are more black than blue, staring so intently at Levi—almost like it’s a challenge.

He can’t wait any longer, whatever game Erwin is playing, Levi doesn’t want it and where he's from, when two Alpha’s are fighting, you don’t wait to strike. You see your opportunity and you take it.

Levi lunges forward and rips the shirt from Erwin’s body, clean in two, exposing his freckled chest.

That gets him riled up, he finally sets into motion, pulling Levi’s shirt up and over his head with little grace. Levi grips the back of the blonde Alpha's head, pulling their mouths together again, probing with his tongue while Erwin pries the pants from Levi’s body, his eyes straining to look while Levi holds them mouth-to-mouth, showcasing his strength.

Their huffing breaths ricochet off the walls of the bedroom like they’re in a wrestling match and they might as well be. When Levi is finally free of the confines of his pants, Erwin’s hand is on him almost immediately, squeezing and tugging on his aching, swollen cock.

He hasn’t been touched by anyone—well—ever but having another Alpha do it, someone just as aggressive and rough as him feels better than all of the times he imagined someone—anyone else doing it.

He’s so pale in Erwin’s grip, his tip a rosy red, pre-cum dripping excessively as the other Alpha tugs him from base to tip, brushing his thumb over the small opening to drag the slick down with his hand. Levi bucks into it, bites the other Alpha’s bottom lip until he can taste the drops of blood on his tongue, his hand digging into the soft blonde hair until he’s gripping it painfully.

Levi groans—a half growl as the ecstasy grows in his groin, in his chest, in his toes, his fingers, his head. He can feel his knot beginning to form, low at his base as Erwin begins to squeeze it, rub over it, just like the rest of him and Levi can’t help but fuck into the man’s large, warm hand.

Another Alpha truly knows what to do with a knot, he's sure Omega's are great, their natural instincts take over to get the job done correctly but this? Alphas know other Alphas.

He leans forward, straight for Erwin’s neck, breathing in, searching for where his pheromones are the strongest. It doesn’t take him long, thankfully, and right at the junction; where this neck and shoulder meet, he finds it.

Erwin bares his neck for him but not without a little fight—his other hand grasps the back of Levi’s, almost enveloping it entirely, pushing it into his neck and Levi bites. His canines digging into Erwin’s scent gland, his vein, breathing in deeply as his orgasm wracks his body. A guttural growl—a yell escapes him—muffled by Erwin’s skin.

That buzzing in him, that hollow feeling begins to fill like he's becoming whole for the first time and now he knows that once Erwin bites him back then that'll be it. He'll feel it, he'll feel truly himself, they'll feel one.

The other Alpha works him through it, his hand still tugging from knot to tip, creamy white spurting onto the mattress, the once clean sheets, into Erwin’s hand, his pants and stomach.

He’s not sated, he’s not tired as he pulls his teeth from Erwin’s shoulder, pushing against the pressure of his hand holding him there. In the presence of another Alpha, one this dominate and pushy, his body is ready for a fight.

“Pants.” Levi growls at Erwin and if the blonde were anyone else, he would have murdered the raven haired Alpha but this scenario is different—it’s rare. Alpha’s commanding other Alpha’s in this environment is unheard of, yet, here they are and Levi is doing it.

Erwin scrambles to pull himself free from his pants, his girth hidden beneath them makes Levi’s mouth water, something he never would have thought even just an hour ago.

He’s large, really large but what did Levi expect with an Alpha of Erwin’s size? It’s his duty to procreate—to continue his healthy lineage. Erwin’s people probably don’t believe in that, but in Levi’s pack, Erwin would have been the most sought after.

Levi gets fed up with Erwin’s struggle, grabbing the hem of the pants and ripping them down the leg. “Hurry the fuck up.” He mumbles.

“Impatient.” Erwin teases, that sly smile back on his face.

“Can it and start fucking.” Levi commands and it sends a shudder through him. Commanding another, commanding an Alpha does that to him.

With the obstacle gone, Levi pushes Erwin down onto his back, his claws leaving small indents in his pecks. He straddles Erwin’s hips, sitting on his stomach, feeling the heat and length of his cock rub against him, in between him as he backs up just slightly. Erwin is so hard, he’s pulsing.

He knows this will hurt, he knows Erwin is about to spear him, will probably go full Alpha and won’t let Levi be in control for very long so, he has to savor this small moment where he has the strength to overpower him because it won’t last long.

It’s a hard thing to admit—a blow to Levi’s ego but the blonde is massive and once he’s deep inside of Levi, Alpha instincts will take control and there’s not much anyone—let alone another Alpha can do.

Levi staked his claim, he took a bite out of the man and now he’ll pay the price, one he won’t complain about, one he’ll look forward to.

Levi picks himself up, dragging Erwin against him as he does so, positioning himself as best he can over the man as his blue eyes watch. They’re locked on to where their bodies will meet, where his cock will force it’s way through Levi like a battering ram.

Erwin’s eyebrows are drawn together, a crease in the middle like he’s in intense concentration as Levi begins to lower himself. Pre-cum smearing over Erwin’s pulsing, purple head as it enters. The stretch is searing and Erwin’s hands clamp themselves around Levi’s waist, hard, bruising, his own claws have emerged, cutting semi-circles in Levi's pale skin. Levi fights against it, wanting to go at his pace but his body starts to go limp in Erwin’s grasp as he pushes Levi down, lower and lower.

He breathes in a hiss, his canines digging into his own lip to stop himself from crying out—showing weakness to the Alpha in front of him.

Erwin is trying to contain himself, Levi can see it. It’s in the way his chest heaves, his grip falters, his pupils dilate and he breathes through his nose. He tries to calm his own, feel the girth of the man inside of him, relax himself before the Alpha below him can’t control it any longer.

Just as he’s thought it, it’s like the string has been severed. Erwin’s claws, sharp and stinging start to dig into Levi’s hips, lifting and lowering him as he pleases, his hips bucking to meet skin-against-skin. Levi’s breath’s hitch with each pounding, Erwin’s thrusts grow more and more aggressive.

“Uh—Ugh—Ugh—“ Are the embarrassing sounds leaving Levi’s mouth and for the first time, he’s glad they’re nowhere near his territory.

He can't keep it in much longer, the Alpha in him growing more rabid as it claws its way threw him.

He wraps his fingers around Erwin's wrists, his own nails leaving crescent marks in the other Alpha's tanned skin. A vigor running through his veins as a snarl rips through his throat, his hips coming down to meet Erwin's thrusts. He releases Erwin's wrists, his claws scraping at the chesty flesh in front of him.

Like they're both thinking the same thing, Erwin sits up, their bodies coming chest to chest as their mouths open, fangs bared to one another—not wanting to let the other Alpha get the upper hand. Their hips still rocking as their climaxes close in on them. They position themselves at each other's necks, biting into the soft flesh, marking each other as they reach their peak.

Erwin's guttural, primal grunting reaches its crest as he spills inside of Levi, the heat overwhelming as he clamps down on him, milking him for all he's worth, his body working him dry as his own seed lands between their chests. Their breathing is rapid, trying to calm itself like they've run for miles in the forests surrounding Levi's home—it's the best he's ever felt.

Their high releases it's choke-hold on them. Erwin returning to his more kind and nurturing nature.

"You okay?" The blonde breathes out, a half-laugh, half-huff.

"Yeah." Levi answers honestly, content.

They're stuck like that, chest to chest for long while until Erwin's knot fully subsides.

That raw hole in Levi's chest finally filled. Finally gone. Finally whole.

They help each other clean up and while Erwin spends time in the kitchen, answering missed phone calls and whatever else an Alpha of his type does—Levi tends to the bedroom they ended up destroying.

He picks the clothes up off the floor, the ones torn to shreds and tosses them in the bathroom trash can. He does the same to the sheets, claw marks and blood adorn the ones that were once nicely tucked into Erwin's bed.

He replaces the sheets and Erwin joins him back in the bedroom. They crawl into bed together and its a shared moment Levi never thought he would have—laying in a space with another, let alone an Alpha.

Erwin has brought so many 'new's into his life in such a short time but if the High Mother hasn't made a fuss about it—hasn't made her presence known to him to tell him this is wrong… then he has to accept that what he's feeling is okay, right?

Erwin puts an arm out, curling it around Levi's shoulders, pulling him into his warm chest. Their human bodies pressed together in what Levi feels is unnatural but if Erwin enjoys it then he'll maintain it.

"I know you're worried." Erwin starts, his voice low like he doesn't want to upset the darkness of the room they're in. "I'll sort out whatever it is that happened. I can assure you of that but it will take time. You have to be patient and I know that's asking a lot, believe me."

Levi stays silent, listening to what the Alpha has to say. He does know more about these normies than Levi would ever care to admit.

"As long as you trust me, as I hope you do…" Erwin sighs. "Just—keep everyone inside of your territory. No straying outside of it—not for anything."

Levi thinks he can do that, as long as he can convince Kenny to stop stepping out of bounds then his little goons will follow along. Sure, Levi is the soon-to-be Alpha of his own pack but Kenny is old and wise—they'll be more persuaded to listen if he has the elders on his side.

His mother won't be hard to convince.

"Okay. I trust you." And he does—he really does. Levi believes it—if him and Erwin can work together, their packs living side by side instead of thinking differently of each other. Maybe they can finally coexist with these people who keep trying to hurt them—maybe he can finally save his pack.

Levi falls asleep that way, with the thought of their triste and the future of his pack at the forefront of his mind.

When they wake in the morning, Erwin is already dressed and has brought in a small breakfast for Levi to eat.

He sits up cautiously, his body sore from the night before. Erwin watches him as he eats and it makes him feel a little uncomfortable but also—seen. He learns every minute with Erwin what his pack dynamic is like, how they treat their mates. It's always such a contrast to his own.

"I'm sorry, I don't have any clothes that will fit you but I figured you'd likely want to turn wolven before you went back." Erwin takes a seat at the edge of the bed.

He's right, Levi will just turn and return to his pack in his wolven form. It's fine.

"Don't worry 'bout it." Levi waves it off until another thought hits him. His hand comes up to feel the mark on the junction of his neck. They won't be able to hide each other's scents from their packs this time—they have to talk about what they are to each other.

Mates, is that genuinely what they will be? How they'll present themselves to others? "Erwin—" Levi starts.

Erwin glances up from the plate in Levi's lap. His blue eyes so sincere in the morning light streaming in through the bedroom window.

"What—What are we? What are we going to tell people? Because—you know they're going to smell this. See this." Levi gestures to his neck, to their bruised bodies and the room.

Erwin seems to ponder this for a moment. Silence falling over them as he sits in thought, his eyes wandering across the room.

"I'm—I guess I'm not sure, Levi. Whatever we are to each other, I would never question it. You feel like a mate to me more than anything or anyone else ever has." Levi watches him as he scratches nervously at the back of his neck. "You're—You're the first person who's seen me. Understood me."

Levi nods. "Me too." He replies quietly. "Has—Have you ever seen this before? A bond between two Alphas?"

"I'm not even sure if these marks even equal a true bond if I'm being truthful. We might have just instinctively bitten each other and nothing will come of it. I mean—I don't feel any different today… do you?"

Levi shakes his head. "No, I guess I don't."

"Usually we would already be able to feel our scents combining. The room would feel more like our den—our scents making it our home." He shakes his head just the same. "I just don't think it works that way between two Alphas. But—" Erwin quickly speaks. "But that doesn't mean we need it. I have never needed that, Levi."

He doesn't feel as inadequate as he thought he might, hearing an Alpha tell him he doesn't meet the requirements to bond.

He doesn't need those things either, never really longed for regular family dynamics or all of the shit his mother would go on about for hours on end. How it just made her so happy to nest.

He's never craved it from himself or anyone else. Sure, the instinct to protect one is there but he can do that still.

"I don't need it either." He reassures Erwin.

"I just need you." Erwin speaks so profoundly, so honestly it makes Levi feel like those words could never be made for him. How could those words be spoken to him, for him and by a man such as Erwin but the truth is—he feels the same. All he needs is Erwin, he can feel it.

It's an instinct he's always had, the ability to read people. The innate sense to know when someone isn't bullshitting and they'll stick around. Erwin is one of those—he's true to his word. The High Mother granted Levi this gift and he's not sure why but he won't question her for it.

"We've gotten this far without a bond, without killing each other as two raging Alphas. I think we can handle it, whatever we continue to be." Levi says, lightening the mood just a bit. "I just need you too, Erwin. You fucking sap."

Erwin smiles at him, sincere and beautiful.

When Levi returns home that morning, knowing his mingling scent is strong, he keeps his wolven head held high, black fur glistening in the sun. He ignores the looks from pack members, their noses sniffing at the air as he takes his strides straight to his mother's den.

When he enters, she's awake, of course. An aura about her that is nearly unreadable to anyone other than himself or his uncle.

She knows. He thinks to himself as her dark orbs, fall over his form, head to tail like she's expecting Erwin to come out from behind him and surprise her.

Levi whines. Its soft, almost imperceptible but it's also respectful and a little pitiful. A boy to his mother, a sound of wanted sympathy and understanding, a sound of confusion and worry.

She nods once, her fur, dark with a pretty reddish hue glints in the fire light that she has sitting in the corner. It's beautiful and he's blessed, been blessed by the High Mother for her presence in his life and he knows it.

He crawls forward, head bowed and shoulders lowered. She laps at his face, his ears. A mother's loving touch, a cleaning. She hasn't done this since he was a child and she's not doing it to rid him of the smell of Erwin—no, it's to soothe his worry.

She nudges his jaw and he sits up, facing her. She changes forms, her human is just as ethereal as her wolven if not more so in her old age, in which has aged gracefully.

"You don't have to say a word, baby." She speaks so softly, his ears twitch forward to take it in. "I see it in your eyes, I could smell it on you before you crossed the territory line." She giggles to herself. "You looove him."

She sing-songs the last part and the embarrassment creeps up his chest and over his ears. If he was human, you'd see the pink flush.

"You know I love to tease you. But really, all you've ever done is for this pack and this one time—I think you're allowed to be a little selfish." She smiles so sweetly, so knowingly, so wise.

She has no idea that it's also for the greater good of them, two birds with one stone. Or—maybe she does. She seems to know a whole lot of things that Levi will never come to understand.

She brings a hand out, running it softly over his head and behind his large, twitching ears. He moves into it until he shifts himself, sitting with his knees pulled to his chest.

"M—Mother." His voice is hoarse, his tone stern and she pulls her hand away, allowing her son to speak to her as the near-Alpha of the pack now, the mood shifting slightly.

He clears his throat before he continues. "It's Erwin. He needs us to keep everyone inside of our territory. No more venturing out—no more passing limits or pushing it. " He explains him and Erwin's conversation from this morning, omitting the embarrassing and personal details of their confession for each other. "It's the only way to keep us safe but he wants to help—he's going to help."

"You want us to come together." When she speaks it's not a question, it's a statement, almost a centuries long—longing.

He just nods, his eyes coming down to his hands that fidget around his tucked legs, keeping his naked form mostly hidden from his mother though it's not something he's bothered by.

"Mmm." She hums and it fills the den, warm and knowledgeable. "I think it's about time you took over completely, don't you think?"

The thought, those words, they strike a fear in him so deep. He sits straight up, his heart pounding in his chest like a shot of adrenaline through his veins.

"Hey, hey. Calm down now. I'm not dying or anything, dear. Okay? Take a deep breath." She smiles again, her hands running over his bruised shoulders, trying to soothe her baby boy. "I'm just—I'm just tired." She pauses for a moment. "You and Erwin seem like you have everything under control." She says the last part with a wink.

He lets out a deep sigh, a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding and falls into his mothers arms.

The full moon is upon them, having come sooner than Levi had expected. He'd been nervously waiting for it ever since his mother had announced to him and the pack that Levi would be fully taking over as the pack Alpha, that she would be stepping down, her input no longer necessary.

Though, he's sure he'll still ask her for it.

She spoke to them about Erwin and though some seemed restless—including his uncle—if it came from his mother's mouth, there was no arguing with it.

The time had come, the ceremony was tonight and Levi had worked up enough courage to invite Erwin to join him. They'd be seen together for the first time, Alpha and Alpha in front of Levi's pack.

It was nerve wracking to say the least.

The grounds are decorated beautifully, colored bottles hang from branches with twine, clanging together when a breeze blows through. Dried flowers are strung between large trunks of trees and the fire blazes large and bright.

There's a shrine to the High Mother, a sculpture cut from wood of a howling wolf, placed on the altar covered with flowers and pearly white bones—offerings.

Levi lays his own, the bone of a kill he had made last summer. It was his largest yet, something he was extremely proud of and he had kept it for a moment like this.

His pack meanders in their wolf forms, vibrant buds and leaves tucked into their thick furs—a signal for new beginnings.

The pups prance around the fire, decorating each other with the leftover pieces, the chittering and yipping of his pack warms him through. They all nod at him as he passes, tails wagging and ears twitching. It's a joyous night—at least he hopes it is and hopes it stays like this.

To the right of the High Mother's altar sits his own mother and his uncle, regal in stature and in decoration. Every once in a while an offering comes, a pack member laying a feather, a small bone or a beautifully bloomed flower into their fur. It's sweet and it's their last.

Soon, they'll be the ones to leave offerings in Levi's fur and if he allows his mind to wander—maybe Erwin's too.

Speaking of Erwin, Levi's black ears twitch at the sound of his large paws padding against the compact earth. His fur wants to stand on end at the thought of the Alpha entering his territory fully, another part of him wants to bound into his arms, lap at his face and neck.

Neither sound right at the moment, not in front of the pack.

Levi turns to him, his beautiful light fur emerging from the dark woods like an angel—ethereal and immense. He greets him half-way, nudges him lightly with his nose and Erwin gives a small lick to the side of his face, obviously not wanting to embarrass him in front of everyone and Levi is grateful for that.

He's still new to this—especially affection and in front of people.

Levi nods toward the fire pit, motioning for Erwin to follow and he does. He shows him around, not spending too much time lingering as the moon is in the correct position for the ceremony to begin.

He walks Erwin over to his mother, where Erwin bows his head in submission. She huffs through her nose gratefully before nodding back and he takes his place with the rest of Levi's pack.

Levi takes his, right next to his mother, his chest out tall and strong, his head held high.

Erwin tries to follow along, Levi can see it from the corner of his eye and it makes him laugh internally. He's trying hard and that's very sweet of him.

His mother motions for them to turn their snouts to the moon, their eyes closed. Erwin matches them, double taking and squinting at Levi every now and then.

Suddenly, his mother's howl pierces the air. It's low and ruminating at first then pitches up. His uncle joins in, one by one the rest of the pack starts to howl in unison, even the pups. Levi waits—his is last until he hears Erwin's low rumble join the group, and then he lets himself go.

They howl together, holding one long and beautiful note and then it's silence. They drop their heads back down as his mother nudges at his large snout. She takes the necklace from the pillow next to her, sharp pieces of bone strung together and lays it around Levi's bowed head.

Then, she steps away, his uncle following, taking a seat next to Erwin who she nudges sweetly to join Levi at the front.

He's hesitant at first, looking between Levi and his mother, his blue eyes wide and unsure.

Levi nods once, his mother once more and Erwin takes the place of where Levi's mother once sat.

The pack is silent, the fire crackling and the sound of the wildlife is the only thing heard in the distance.

Levi looks up to Erwin then, their eyes meeting, grey on blue. They're both soft, pupils wide, knowing and sweet like they've just shared something extremely intimate, more intimate than their night spent on top of each other—and maybe they have.

Levi takes a leap, he is fully the Alpha now after all and he lays a long lick across Erwin's muzzle, covering his eye. When he pulls back, he blinks up at him, feigning innocence.

Erwin doesn't play that game, not for long and instead nudges him back quickly—almost knocking him off of his four feet, scenting at his neck, running his hot tongue along his face.

Howling erupts across the pack, cheers and yips.

Levi thinks they can accomplish great things together—they will accomplish great things together.

They'll protect their clans together.

The two of them will do whatever it takes as long as they have each other—as odd a pairing as they are.

♡