Dust drifted in and out of the rays of light peering through the small opening at the top of the cave, the light having changed from a warm yellow to a now cool blue as the moon rose in the night sky. Every inch of Kurt's exposed skin shivered uncontrollably, as puffs of air escaped his blue lips, the rest of his submerged body numb, swaying in the rippling water around him. He had been in the cave for a few hours, listening out for the paws that had padded by earlier but hadn't been heard from for the last hour.

Kurt knew he had to move otherwise he'd get sick, if he wasn't already. He'd decided to wait it out like this, going over and over in his mind what had happened that day and what he was going to do. His mind kept coming up with different ideas, different plans as to what he could do, but each time his plans would always end up at the same point; answers. He needed answers and to get those answers he could either get them out of Sebastian, get the black witch to talk or find out what David had found out from the pack he visited.

Kurt knew the easiest way was to find Blaine and talk with him and his pack, but they'd be with Nathan more than likely and Kurt still didn't know how Nathan felt about the truth he'd probably learnt today. But Kurt had already told himself over and over again, and apologised to his mother over and over again, that he wasn't going to hide anymore. So whatever Nathan thought of him, he was going, and he'd deal with the consequences when he got there.

Pressing numb, blue tipped hands flat on the ledge, Kurt agonizingly lifting his dead weighted body out of the water and slumped down on the cold rock floor, catching his breath and waiting to feel something in his legs. He hissed as he twisted his feet about, slowly bending his knees to help force some feeling back into his joints. Carefully, he pulled himself onto all four, water running off him in streams, his short sleeved white shirt now clinging to his back and chest, almost transparent, while his skinny jeans stuck to his legs, his whole body convulsing in shivers.

His teeth chattered, his lips trembled and his breath came out in hitched gasps as he reached a hand up to grasp a wall, digging his nails into a small crevice and pulling his body up onto his feet with a pained cry. Counting down from ten, Kurt took deep breaths to try and calm himself, closing his eyes as he counted, then, as he reached ten, he opened his eyes and pushed his tired body off the wall, taking a first step towards the tunnel out of the cave.

His hand stayed planted on the wall, taking one shaky step after another, his knees buckling from time to time, the sensations in his legs still not back completely and feet too cold to be anything but numb, making it hard to navigate over the peddles and rocks on the ground. As darkness gave out to the small amount of light from the moon in the tunnel the breeze caught Kurt, and he felt faint, the chill freezing his bone, making it hard to breathe. He wrapped one bare arm around his stomach to hold in what warmth he had.

After an agonising tumble to the entrance, he leant his body against the hilly surround, eyes darting everywhere, passed his clouded breath, into the darkness. He tried to sniff out anything but his nose was already blocked from the cold, only allowing his own faint scent to creep in. He couldn't hear anything, couldn't see anything out of the ordinary and so, he took the deepest breath he could and pushed himself back onto his feet, his eyes on the ground to stop his numb feet from tripping over roots and boulders, ditches and bumps.

Kurt reached out for a tree as he felt his knees quake, fingernails scrapping against the bark while his head spun. But he didn't fall. A too warm hand pressed against his chest as another wrapped around his waist, pulling him against a burning hot chest, and Kurt panicked. Arms flailed everywhere as he tried to reach back for his captor, but he was too slow, his joints still frozen, causing him extreme agony. He heard movement around him, and tried to kick back, but found himself losing balance and collapsing on the ground, his head rebounding off an upturned root, his captor leaning over him, pinning his arms down.

"Kurt! Calm down, it's only me!"

Kurt tried to focus on the deep voice in front him, but his vision had blurred now from the hit to his head. He heard voices as four more blurred figures hovered over him, golden glows coming from the black pins that were their heads.

"Wrap him in this! We've got to get him back now!"

He felt a warmth engulf his whole body as something black was draped over him, while a voice from afar called out with fright in his voice. Kurt swallowed, trying to find his own voice,

"B-Blai...ne?"

But his vision went and with it his consciousness, falling deaf and dumb to the goings on around him.

White wolves huddled around the pearly Gates of Tartarus, gold entwining on itself, reaching up into the clouds high above. Droplets of water hung to the tips of the moss green grass, swaying gently in the breeze. White paws pushed down on the ground from where Kurt had been lying, and he stood tall, tail swishing behind him as he gazed upon the clan.

Young and old stood together, all eyes on Kurt. They had never looked at Kurt before, the young ones would for their first few days, but after that, it was if he wasn't there. He'd sit by the gate and there he'd stay, watching the others interact. It should've been unnerving, having so many look upon him, when before he was invisible, but it wasn't. It was peaceful, loving... accepting.

One Hound approached him and lowered her head to him then brushed her body against his. He knew this Hound, this was Jane. He followed Jane's gaze to the skies above and there he saw a small black cloud, hovering over the once always clear blue skies.

The demon knows, but so do we now and we will not lose our key again.

Blue eyes snapped open, mouth stretched wide to take in a deep, hoarse breath as his back arched off the soft surface below him. Panting heavily with panic, Kurt darted his eyes around the room, white drapes wrapped around the four posts of a large bed, obscuring his view of the room. Pushing his stiff limbs into a seated position, Kurt noted the soft blankets across his body and over the mattress of the unbelievably comfortable bed, though, as the soft blanket fluttered down onto his lap, he also noticed he was no longer dressed in his clothes from before. Peaking under the blankets, he pushed them down fast, a blush on his cheeks when he realised he was naked... and then as his panic subsided, he recognised the room. The fireplace on the far wall, the arm chair in the corner, they were both just blurs beyond the drapes but he still remembered them. This was Blaine's room.

Fingers curled around the small orb around his neck as he thought back to yesterday, replaying everything again. He'd already done this a thousand times in that freezing cave, but he needed to do it once more just to reorganise his thoughts. And what was with that dream? Why were they so aware of him this time when he was but a ghost before? Was it because he'd been found out, his scent freed from its prison, and now all the other Hounds knew about him?

He knew Jane had been hiding something, her Hound confirming it in his dream and that was one more person he could question about all of this. Flopping back on the bed, Kurt allowed himself a moment to bury himself in the single soft pillow, wrapping his arms around it and taking a deep breath, snuggling the large item into his nose and cheek. Sandalwood. Kurt blushed when he realised what he was doing. He could smell Blaine in these sheets and his wolf was trying to rub that scent over his own body. Kurt squeaked a noise of shock and pushed the pillow away as if it scorched his skin, a blush creeping down his neck.

A soft chuckle coming from the door had Kurt reaching for the blanket to hold it high on his chest and cover his body from the intruder. The soft blurs of a black haired, tanned figure, circled round the bed, but Kurt wasn't scared, he could never be afraid of the scent which matched the one in the pillow. Tanned fingers seeped through the drapes to pull them apart and there he stood, dressed in black capri pants and an amethyst short sleeved shirt, a warm but concerned smile on his lips as he carefully sat on the edge of the bed.

"Hey, you're awake. How are you feeling?" Blaine whispered.

"Okay..." Kurt whispered, still holding the blanket high on his chest.

"You gave us all a fright last night. After you ran off, we searched everywhere for you. I went to your house, around the village... but I couldn't find you." Kurt watched Blaine blink back a couple of tears, "When we finally found you... you looked like death, Kurt. You were soaked to the bone and blue all over and you just collapsed in my arms." Blaine's hand reached out to cover Kurt's, thumb rubbing over his knuckles lightly.

"Instincts kicked in... I knew the water would mask my scent if I could stay submerged, I just didn't count on it being so cold... and then it took me so long to get the strength to come out..." Kurt blinked back his own tears, but failed as they skimmed down his cheeks.

"Kurt, you don't need to be afraid, you're safe here." Blaine assured him, shuffling closer to wipe the tears away.

"What about your father? What about the wolves that chased me?"

"My father is confused but he's not about to throw you out, he loves you. Those wolves were kicked out of their clans last night, along with Sebastian's clan." Blaine's growl couldn't be missed as he spoke of the Alpha.

"Kicked out?" Kurt questioned.

"My father listened to all of us, all the Alphas came together with Santana and the black witch, and Nathan told Sebastian to get his clan out of the mines by the end of today." Blaine's hand stayed wrapped around Kurt's securely.

"What did Sebastian say?" Kurt urged.

"We can discuss that later." Blaine squeezed his hand, averting his eyes.

"And the black witch?"

"In custody. Santana has put a spell on our detention hut, which has kept her inside and under control." Blaine confirmed.

"Blaine... I know you know... please... wha-"

"We can talk about that when everyone's altogether. My father called for a meeting where all questions can be asked and where we can work something out." Blaine interrupted Kurt.

"Blaine... is it as bad as I think it is?" Kurt's voice was trembling.

Blaine sighed, squeezing Kurt's hand, "It depends how you look at it."

Kurt lowered the blanket to his lap, his fingers reaching up to the orb, rolling it around as his eyes filled with tears again, "Do... do you want this back?" He whispered.

"No!" Blaine moved up the bed and cupped Kurt's face in his hand, lifting his head to meet his eyes. Kurt leant into the hand, resting his own over Blaine's, "Kurt, this isn't going to be easy, but how I feel for you hasn't changed, if anything, I want you more. I don't want to let you out of my sight, I want everyone to know you are mine and that you can't be touched. I just want to hold you and make all this better."

Kurt sniffed, "You're crazy."

Blaine smiled, "I blame you."

Kurt laughed through a sob, slapping Blaine's shoulder playfully, "Stupid... when's the meeting?"

"Everyone's already here, we're just waiting for you to be ready for this. I can send them all home if you don't want to do this yet."

Kurt shook his head, "No, I need to do this, I need answers Blaine. That's the only thing that's been going through my head since yesterday. I need this."

Blaine nodded, "Okay, do you want me to get you some clothes?" Kurt caught Blaine's eyes exploring his chest and stomach to a hunger he could tell Blaine was trying to hold down.

Kurt nodded, "Oh yes, that would help." Blaine reached over and pressed a kiss to Kurt's forehead then stood from the bed, Kurt's hand on his wrist stopping him.

"So, you still want me?" Kurt had to ask.

"Always." Blaine smiled, leaving the room, gently closing the door behind him.

A young wolf had brought him his clothes, only for Kurt to arch an eyebrow at the girl and hold out the offending items, "What are these?" He'd asked, only for the girl to tell him that Nathan had ordered Kurt to wear the colours appropriate for an unmated Hound of God. He took a bath and examined his body, happy to see all his wounds had healed nicely. It felt strange being able to smell his lavender everywhere he went, but at the same time, refreshing and he thought to himself of how he could get use to it.

He slipped on the skinny white jeans, which he soon realised were his own and he wondered who had gone through his wardrobe. The white shirt had silver wolves embroidered on the left side of the chest, rolling over the shoulder and over the back. Kurt added his own teal belt which had also been taken from his wardrobe, his tan leather cuff, which was only just dry from the night before and let the platinum orb hang free on his chest, no longer hidden. He allowed himself a moment to hold the orb in between his finger and thumb, smiling to himself; even if no one was on his side by the end of the day, at least he'd have Blaine.

Picking up the white scarf with blue and silver edging, he slipped on his doc martins and reached for the handle on the door, but paused to take a couple of deep, calming breaths. With a click, the door opened and Kurt was met in the lounge by Blaine, smiling and admiring his attire. Kurt stepped over, fingering the scarf.

"What am I suppose to do with this?"

Blaine pulled the scarf out of Kurt's hand and unfurled it, "It was my mother's... It's to cover your head." Blaine explained, resting the scarf just behind Kurt's coifed hair, letting the ends drape down to his waist, excess material sitting on his shoulders and scooping over his shoulder blades.

"This is stupid." Kurt muttered, eyes narrowed.

"This is tradition, and right now, you should follow it. Even if just for today, while tensions are high. If they see you in what they've always seen unmated Hounds in then it won't seem as odd and it'll calm them." Blaine assured Kurt, taking his hands in his and squeezing them gently.

Kurt huffed, "Fine, but this is coming off as soon as we get back."

"Deal. You ready?"

Kurt nodded again, humming an agreement in a much higher register than he intended, blushing lightly. Blaine smiled, leading him out of the lodge, to silence. The Warblers sat on the steps of the cabin, staring up at Kurt in awe, fascination and concern. He noted their clean appearance, only a couple of them wearing small scars on their skin; deep wounds still healing. Jeff stood first, stepping up to Kurt with a smile and pulled him into a hug.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Kurt. You scared me! Do you know how long it took us to warm you up so your body could heal? Blaine was a wreck all night! Don't you ever run off like that again!"

Kurt smiled, returning the hug, "I'm sorry I worried you. So... you all know?" Kurt asked Jeff, looking over his shoulder to the others.

"Yeah, we all know." Jeff replied, squeezing Kurt's arm.

"And we all accept you, Kurt. You're a part of this clan now, whether you like it or not." Spoke Wes, from the back of the pack, bite marks still healing on his neck, smiling warmly at Kurt as everyone nodded in agreement.

Kurt gave them a watery smile, wiping the tears away before they could fall; this was more than he ever imagined. "Thank you, guys."

"I need to get Kurt to the meeting, so..." Blaine indicated for his pack to move aside and with a hand on Kurt's lower back, he led him through the pack, hands coming out to squeeze Kurt's arm and hand, while others stroked his cheek and back.

Kurt noted the hesitant looks sent his way from the crowd that had settled around Nathan's cabin, all eyes on him and Blaine, whispers floating in the air, but none of them bore ill will to Kurt, and if they did, Kurt didn't hear them. He wondered how much they knew. Hands reached out to Blaine, which he returned with a touch or a squeeze, as the crowd parted so they could reach the steps of the cabin. Once they reached the door, a chorus of howls spread across the village, Kurt's body freezing, hands twitching to reach for weapons that weren't there.

Blaine's hand on his lower back moved to rub tender circles, "It's okay," he whispered, "It's their acceptance of you."

"How many have left?" Kurt whispered back.

"... twelve wolves left with Sebastian from my father's clan, five from Puck's and three from Will's."

Kurt bit his lip, lowering his head, "Am I worth losing your family, Blaine?"

Blaine nudged his cheek, "How about you listen to everything we have to say before you start thinking like that?"

Kurt nodded, taking a deep breath, watching Blaine open the door for him and on the count of three, Kurt stepped inside, the door closing behind them, leaving the cabin lit only by the flames from the fire in the lounge; all curtains closed, keeping out wondering eyes. As they rounded the corner, a circle of people moved to their feet, turning to Kurt and Blaine with forced smiles, unsure of how to act around the hunter. Nearest to fire stood Nathan, a towering figure in long red robes, a slight glow in his hazel eyes, never taking his gaze off Kurt. Jane was at his side, dressed in an emerald Grecian gown, golden loops around her wrists, a timid look on her face as she tried to gauge Kurt's reaction. Two empty seats were placed next to Nathan's elegant yet worn, tan leather armchair; one draped in white silks and plump cushions, mirroring Jane's emerald chair.

Next to what Kurt presumed was his chair, stood Santana wearing a more relieved smile, hand clasped to her heart over her black leather jacket. Kurt returned her smile, happy to see that she was alright, then let his eyes move to Puck who stood next to her, sporting a still deep cut on his left bicep, visible in his black muscle shirt. Will and Emma stood next to him, Emma dressed in a flowing blue robe, a scarf similar to Kurt's wrapped around her shoulders, blue silk sheets and pillows over her chair. Next to her was David, looking calm and collected even when sat next to Brittany. The white witch remained seat, looking around at the standing figures in amusement, white dress cleaned but still rimmed with mud, hands tied behind her back in cuffs Kurt presumed Santana had made.

Puck was the first to approach Kurt, pulling him from Blaine to hold him in a bruising embrace, hand on the back of his head, his cheek against his own. Kurt allowed himself to return the hug, nuzzling into Puck's neck to show his gratitude. He felt Puck take a deep breath, realising this was the first time Puck would have got a good whiff of him after the attack on Will's village.

"Damn, you did good to hide that scent from me, Kurt." Puck pulled away slightly to pat Kurt's shoulder, "I'm glad you're okay, you know I've got your back, right?"

Kurt nodded, "Thank you, Noah."

Puck stood straight to allow Santana to rush at Kurt, squeezing him tightly, he could hear her sniffling as he wrapped his arms around her, "You stupid idiot! Do you realise how many grey hairs I had to cover up because of what you did yesterday? Never make me worry like that again!"

"I'm sorry... I'm guessing Finn knows now." Kurt pulled away to wipe Santana's tears away.

"Yeah, he's really confused. I left him with Burt to try and explain what he can... and to watch the town." Santana batted Kurt's hand away to swipe at her own tears.

"For Sebastian?" Kurt asked.

Santana nodded, "Yeah, that asshole's not gonna leave quietly."

"Kurt." Came Nathan's deep, commanding voice, luring Kurt over to the Alpha, hands shaking even when Blaine moved back to his side with a warm hand on his back again. Nathan extended his hand to Kurt and hesitantly, Kurt placed his own pale, slender hand in his, large tan fingers wrapping around his, pulling him close. He watched Nathan lean down slightly to kiss his hand, his other reaching out to slide under the scarf and around Kurt's neck, drawing him close so Nathan could run his nose and lips against his neck and breathe in his scent. Kurt's eyes darted to Jane for advice, getting a calm smile and slight nod.

Let him do this. He's trying to figure you out. He's so used to you being a hunter that he's a little unsteady.

Kurt nodded, tilting his neck to Nathan, a small subtle submission, while Nathan's other hand ran over his back and Kurt felt that old twinge he felt when he first met Nathan; that alluring tingle as Nathan searched for answers in his scent, in his body. He never quite understood what an Alpha could find in that touch, but he knew to not let it happen from what his mother had told him, but here he was, submitting to that very touch. The other Alphas stood back, letting the elder do as he wanted, but the low rumble from Blaine's chest was ever present throughout. A light gasp released between Kurt's lips just as Nathan pulled away, his golden eyes meeting Kurt's with a clear understanding that wasn't there before.

"So, it seems the prophecy we know has been twisted," Nathan stood tall, eyes flickering from Kurt, to Emma and to Jane, "Hounds of God."

Jane nodded to her mate, placing a hand to his chest, "Sit, my Alpha. I'm sure we all have a lot of questions."

"None as many as the shiny key, right?" Brittany piped up, tilting her head and smiling at Kurt.

Blaine led Kurt to his chair next to Nathan, easing himself into the plush white surround of pillows and drapes, his feet lifting off the floor as he body sunk into it. Jane and Emma also sunk into their cushioned seats, bringing their legs up and underneath their bodies, Jane urging Kurt to do the same. As Kurt did, he felt his body leaning towards Blaine slightly, the Alpha reaching out a hand to take Kurt's, while Nathan and Will did the same.

Hounds can be as powerful and influential as Alphas, this pose shows the Alpha is above the Hound, therefore relieving any hostilities the Alpha may have.

Kurt was lost in this world of tradition, but was thankful to have Jane and Blaine to lead him through it all.

Once everyone was seated, Nathan spoke, "Kurt, why don't you tell us what you know?"

Kurt's eyes flickered over all those present, everyone looking to him, eager to know what he knew, but none of them looked to him with anger, "I don't know much. I was always hidden from this world and told to never let another wolf know what I was, and what I was, from what my mother told me, was a Hound of God. A being brought down from the heavens by Zeus to defeat demons and black witches." His eyes turned to Brittany, but she just continued to smile at him, "Each Hound has its own ability to help fight against them, and once that Hound passes away, their ability is reborn as another Hound."

"So, from that fact alone, the prophecy is wrong." Nathan interrupted.

"Your prophecy is wrong, the other version isn't." Brittany spoke up.

"Version?" Puck huffed.

"It isn't about the last Hound being needed to open the Gates of Tartarus, it's about 'The Hound of God', we're just killing you off because you're in the way." Brittany spoke to Puck before turning her eyes to Emma with a grin.

Will's growl only caused her to laugh, "Aww, the puppy's mad at me." She pouted.

"When you say, 'The Hound of God', you mean-"

"I mean Zeus' right hand Hound," Brittany interrupted Kurt, "The key... You. You're the key, little Kurtsie, you're the one who can open and close the gates at will."

"I'm going to stop you there, witch." David spoke up, "Kurt, what she says is true. You are the key, and if the demons get their hands on you, they can force you to open the gates and let out the darkness they need to strengthen their malevolence, but you're also the key that allows the other Hounds to send demon souls straight to the deepest depths of Tartarus, where it would take them centuries to find their way through the labyrinth before returning to the surface, but you, your blue flame is what destroys their souls so they can never come back. Without you, the other Hounds can only send the demon souls away for a small period of time."

Kurt gripped his head, trying to stop the swarm of information sending him faint, "But... I don't understand. If that's true then why do wolves hate me so much? Why do they want me dead?"

"You caused the black plague." Grinned Brittany.

"The last time the key was captured by demons was back in the fourteenth century." David growled at the witch, "The black plague was thought to be carried by fleas on rodents, but we know better. It was the demons who brought up the disease with the opening of the gates and spread it across the world. It was meant to just attack wolves but with hybrids between humans and wolves it soon spread to the human realms. Around two hundred million people died because of the black plague... at least seventy five million of those werewolves, almost two thirds of our population. It only stopped when a new Hound of God with the key was born and was old enough to close the gate, and once she had done that... she was killed, she was only six... and every Hound after that with the key was killed as well in fear that the demons would do the same again, and through that, the Gates of Tartarus remained closed."

"Wolves started to believe that the key was evil, that having it around could only lead to something like the plague coming back and wiping us out again. Without the key though, demon numbers have continued to increase, other Hounds only able to send their souls away for short periods of time. The key is what kept the balance, with the key, demon numbers were kept low and wolves could live without fear of demons attacking their homes. The key used to be worshipped, Kurt. You should be worshipped, not hunted. Unfortunately the fear from seven centuries ago hasn't gone away and has led to a lot of clans still believing that no good can come from keeping you around."

"How would the demon force a Hound to open the gates?" Puck asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Kurtsie knows." Brittany tilted her head back to Kurt, "You still have the nightmares about his touch, don't you?"

A shiver shot through his body, his limbs shaking as he recalled those commands, those rough hands and harsh touches. The large body that would lay over him, pushing down on his neck and grabbing his hips to pull them back to accept the pain that shot up his back. A laugh from the black witch snapped Kurt out of his memories, out of the nightmares.

"Yes, you remember him, remember how he forced you to crawl on all fours, to present yourself to him... to suck him off and cry out in pleasure for him." Brittany's smile turned wicked as her eyes went black.

"Shut up!" Santana cried, walking over and slapping Britney across the face.

Brittany's eyes returned to normal, smiling lovingly up at Santana, "Kurt knows exactly how that demon could make him open the gates. It'll be as easy as Kurt opening those legs again."

Blaine was growling, desperate to rip the witch's head off, but he knew she was just trying to rile them and so he stayed at Kurt's side, stroking his hand, bringing it to his lips to get Kurt's attention. He could see the tears in those eyes as he recalled those memories and the pain. "Kurt, we found the blood, he can't control you like that any longer."

"What if he gets my blood somehow? Then what?" Kurt whispered, a tear slipping.

"You should kill the key." Brittany whispered.

"No!" Shouted Puck, "I refuse to follow those shits! They did that because they were scared, well I'm not! Kurt deserves to live, just like the rest of us. If Kurt can open the gates then he can close them, with that demon behind them!"

"Oh good, I'm glad to hear you won't kill him, means the demon won't be making the trip here for nothing." Brittany nodded.

"He's coming?" Nathan spoke up.

"Yes, should be here in a few weeks." Brittany confirmed.

"Why are you telling us all this?" Kurt asked.

"It's no fun if you don't know what's coming. Makes the effort you'll put into protecting what you have all the more worth destroying." Brittany's voice had gone deep and dark.

"Who's the demon?" Nathan asked.

"Hunter."

"He's part of the demonic circle, or at least he was." Emma piped up, "He was the one who'd been stirring so much trouble in Europe. The circle kicked him out and he moved to Asia, where he gained more support."

"Yeah, the circle didn't want to pursue the key, said the demons and wolves were coming to an agreement, but Hunter doesn't trust wolves and neither do those that follow him." Brittany shrugged.

"You used to like wolves." Santana looked torn as she gazed at Brittany.

"Oh I still do, I'm just enjoying the game." Brittany was cold in her response as she turned back to Kurt, "Hunter was so annoyed when I told him it was you yesterday. He had you for seven years without even knowing, torturing the feelings of that jock by making him rape you over and over again, and just like that, he loses you. Such a foolish demon."

"Wait, Karofsky doesn't remember any of this." Kurt frowned.

"Once Hunter left his body he forgot, but during..." Brittany's smirk was sickening, "Oh how his soul cried. Hunter liked making you look up at him as you sucked him off, made that jock-"

"Stop talking about Kurt like that." Blaine growled.

"Or you'll what wolf?" Brittany stared intently at Blaine, daring him to make a move.

"Blaine, son, relax. She's just trying to get a reaction from us." Nathan huffed, standing and walking to the front door to call two wolves in. "Take the witch back to the detention hall. Santana, go with her and make sure the barrier is tight, I don't want her communicating with that demon."

Santana stood, reaching over to Kurt to squeeze his hand, "I'll come and see you after this is all over." With that, she followed Brittany and the two wolves out of the lodge.

The atmosphere went still as everyone tried to calm themselves after the rollercoaster of emotions Brittany managed to steal from them, the only noise coming from Puck's tapping foot on the floor. Kurt was getting a headache from all the information being thrown at him, rubbing his temple to try and ease the pain. Blaine caught the action, leaning over to kiss Kurt's other temple.

"Do you want to retire for now? We can continue later." Blaine asked.

"There's more..." Kurt muttered, looking into the fire. "I've seen the gates."

Emma and Jane shared a look, heads tilted slightly, Jane speaking with Emma telepathically before turning in their seats to Kurt, "How have you seen the gates?" Emma asked.

"In my dreams. It's always the same, there's a field and off to the side there's a gate, large and made of something I can't name, but it's always shining with this eerie white glow. Nick mentioned something about it being the Elysium Fields. My wolf... everyone is in wolf form in my dreams, but my wolf always sits by the gate. I never move, even if I want to I can't. I just sit there and watch." Kurt paused, his eyes unfocused as he goes back into that dream.

"What are you watching?" Will asked.

"Hounds. The fields are full of other Hounds of God, of all ages. They interactive or play or sleep, but sometimes a wolf will disappear and never come back, and on other occasions new pups will arrive. At first, they'll sit with me for a couple of days, but then they'll join the others and ignore me... I have this dream at least twice a week and... I dreamed of the new pup, Liam, but I dreamed of him before he was born." Kurt sat back, looking to Emma and Jane, "Does that mean anything?"

Jane's eyes flickered to Emma with a gentle nod, before Emma spoke, "Kurt, there's a story, which we all thought was silly because we all know where pups coming from, right?" Emma coughed, straightening her back and seating her hands in her lap, "It's umm... It says that when a woman becomes pregnant with a Hound, it's because she was chosen, by Zeus, and it is he who implants the soul of an old Hound in the woman, and that is how the abilities we have keep coming around. Jane's mother had my ability, healing, and from what Blaine informed us of your father passing away just after you were conceived... it sounds like he may have been the key before you."

"Kurt," Jane spoke up to grab his attention, "It's not Zeus who gives us our white pups... It's you. It's always been your Hound who chooses the next Hound to welcome to the world, and then you release them to their mothers. Kurt, only you can bring a new Hound into this world."

Kurt gripped his head, "But, I'm not doing anything! I'm just watching."

"Your Hound will be doing it subconsciously, it has to be for new pups like Liam to emerge."

Kurt shook his head trying to make sense of all this information, but there was so much to take in. Kurt turned his eyes to Nathan, "What are you going to do with me?"

Nathan turned in his chair to reach over and tenderly stroke Kurt's cheek, "I agree with Noah Puckerman, I'm not going to follow in the foolish footsteps of our ancestors. They were wrong to hunt you. I am part of the committee who have been talking with the demons and know that if this demon falls, then you will be safe, and with you, we can make sure that the demon numbers stay under control."

"And what if the demon does gain control of me again?" Kurt asked.

"Then one of you will die, hopefully the demon." Nathan stated bluntly.

"Kurt, you should move out of the town and join us. We can protect you better here." Jane pleaded.

Kurt shook his head, "I can't desert the people there. I don't know what mess Sebastian may have left. I need to be there in case the demons attack and my father's there."

"I'll move my clan into the town." Blaine announced.

"Blaine, you can't, no wolves are allowed to make a home in the town." Kurt shook his head.

"Your house is on the outskirts, we'll build our homes around yours." Blaine suggested.

"Blaine... let me see what's going on first. Let me talk with the townspeople." Kurt pleaded.

Blaine huffed, but turned to David when the wolf sent him a small grunt, "Fine, but I'm not letting you be on your own out there."

Kurt nodded, knowing he wouldn't be able to get much more than that. "So... you all accept me?" Kurt watched everyone nod and smile warmly at him, his own heart warming at their acceptance. "Thank you."

"Rest up, Kurt. We can talk more when you've had time to process all this information." Emma stood from her seat, Will at her side. Kurt stood to approach her, hugging her gently, laughing slightly as Emma patted his shoulder, muttering something about germs. Kurt turned to Nathan and slowly approached him until he could kneel and press his forehead to his knee. A hand stroked his hair through the headdress, then slid round to cup to his chin, lifting his head to greet those golden eyes. He stay perfectly still as Nathan leaned forward in his chair, watching the Alpha as he pressed his forehead to his, a small blush on his cheeks when the move reminded him of Blaine.

"No one who speaks ill of you will have a place here. You are safe, just abide by my rules." Nathan whispered to him.

"Thank you, Nathan." He whispered back, smiling into the kiss Nathan placed on his forehead.

He felt Blaine take his hand, giving it a gently tug and he followed him out of the cabin, reaching out a hand to Puck, who took it with a smile. He couldn't believe it, couldn't believe the support he was receiving after everything his mother had told him. Yes, he knew he'd been chased by those very warnings yesterday and the threat had already been removed, but right now Kurt didn't want to think about that. He'd never felt so free, accepted by so many, accepted by Nathan who had cared for him for so many years... and accepted by Blaine... and it seemed those who mattered, accepted that Blaine had chosen him. His heart gave a flutter at the thought.

The walk back to the cabin was quiet, the crowds outside having departed, except for a few of Nathan's warriors and hunters, who bowed their heads to Blaine and him. Kurt held his head a little bit higher than before, knowing he had the support of the packs, the thought of flight gone for now. Wes and the others had also moved from in front of Blaine's cabin and Kurt felt his heart hammer in his chest at the thought of being alone with Blaine.

Once inside, Blaine turned to Kurt and slowly lifted the scarf from his hair, pulling it away from his shoulders, the silk material slipping over the back of Kurt's neck, causing the Hound to shiver. Blaine carefully folded the scarf and placed it on the sideboard, then stepped over to the fire, throwing a few logs under the chimney and lighting the wood, the flames soon filling the room with warmth. Kurt stepped over when Blaine looked back to him, joining him on the plush rug on the floor in front of the fireplace.

"How are you feeling?" Blaine asked, pulling at a few lugs out of the rug.

Kurt shrugged, "It's hard to say, that was a lot to take in... I was half expecting you all to tear me apart."

"We were never going to do that."

"I know that now, it's just something that's become so natural to me... I feel so lost." Kurt leant back on his hands looking into the fire.

"You don't have to feel lost, Kurt. Stay here, be a part of my clan, learn what you need from us. You know you belong here, we can protect you here." Blaine pleaded.

"I'm going back into town." Kurt stated.

"An unmated Hound shouldn't be alone." Blaine growled, moving over to press his palms either side of Kurt's hips, lifting his body higher than Kurt's.

"I have your claim, and my lotions." Kurt's fingers returned to the small orb around his neck, grasping it tightly as he looked up at Blaine, swallowing hard as he felt his wolf trying to submit.

"It's not the same, not when you haven't returned the claim. You're going to continue to use the lotions?"

Kurt shrugged, looking down at the orb, "I don't know." Kurt ran is hand over the tan cuff on his wrist, licking his lips. "I'm scared to accept your claim."

Blaine shuffled closer, nudging Kurt's forehead against his own, "Why?"

Kurt pulled his eyes away from Blaine's lips, licking his own, "Because what if I do die? What if we mate and I die? You won't be able to take another. You heard what they all said in there, I'm this key that the demons are after and half the wolves want me dead and the other half will kill me if I do get possessed." Kurt blinked away tears at the images he had of Blaine mourning him, shaking his head to get rid of them.

"I wouldn't want to take another mate, even if you don't accept my claim... there's no one else for me. I want this Kurt, more than before, I want you. I will not let them hurt you and no way in hell will I let them kill my Hound... and hopefully my mate." Blaine whispered, nuzzling his forehead into Kurt's neck, pressing light kisses up that beautiful column, over his cheek and up to his temple to try and calm his Hound.

Slowly, Kurt removed the tan cuff from his wrist and shuffled to push Blaine back to sit next to him, reaching for Blaine's left wrist. He wrapped the cuff around the tanned wrist and fastened the buckle, running a finger over the worn leather, "This belonged to my father... It was given to him by my mother... I didn't understand why she gave it to him, but when you told me about the claiming, it all made sense. My father gave me this when he started dating Carole, saying it wasn't fair to her to keep wearing it... He couldn't wear her claim while seeing someone else."

Blaine rolled his wrist around with a small smile, admiring the cuff until he stood and walked out into the hallway, coming back with one of Kurt's sais wrapped between a napkin to stop the silver touching his skin, sitting back down next to Kurt and handing it to him. Carefully, Kurt dragged the blade over his palm, squeezing his hand to gather a few droplets of blood and rested his hand on top of the cuff, but hesitated, looking to Blaine for guidance. Blaine smiled, "I am yours..." "I am yours, and you are mine..." Kurt repeated, "And with this..." Blaine prompted, "And with this, we are one, until we are whole." Kurt completed the verse, a happy chuckle seeping passed smiling lips and tearful eyes. "Until we are whole." Blaine whispered, leaning in to kiss Kurt softly, a moan echoing from one to the other.

As they barely pulled apart, both sets of eyes aglow from their completed claim, Kurt grinned, "So can I go home without you pestering me now?" Blaine huffed, chuckling, "No, at least, not right now." Blaine kissed him again, but more passionately this time, his hand cupping the back of Kurt's neck, enjoying the whimper seeping from Kurt's throat, his scent washing through the room, making him groan with need. "Tell me if it gets too much." Blaine whispered against Kurt's lips, diving back when he gets a nod.

The strong hand in Kurt's hair held him firmly into the kiss, never ceasing in its command as Kurt nipped at his bottom lip, pleased with the growl he gets from Blaine as he tilts his body to move partially over Kurt, one knee settling between his legs, not wanting to crowd the quivering Hound. As Kurt lay back, the hand still on the back of his neck, easing him down, he tilted his head back to deepen the kiss until he felt his whole body settle on the rug, the long fibres brushing over his ever increasing sensitive skin.

With the hand on his neck, Kurt kept his head tilted back, neck stretched out as Blaine begged for entry with his tongue, slipping over his lower lip. Kurt willingly obeyed, battling with Blaine, enjoying the feral play that kept occurring when they gave into their wolves. Kurt chuckled at Blaine's whining growl, nipping at his tongue and moving his lips to Blaine's jaw, alternating his nips and kisses while his hands reaching into his curls, tightening his grip and tugging then loosening and brushing his fingers through, then tugging again. He moaned at Blaine's hand running up and down his side as he arched his neck for Kurt, allowing him to travel down his pulse, sucking on a spot of his choosing just under his jaw. He couldn't get enough of the wanton growls Blaine was whispering into his skin, letting all his worries go and giving in to his heart and his wolf.

Blaine was giving Kurt control, he knew why and he was grateful, able to control his mind from sending him places he didn't want to go and allowing himself to enjoy the small moments Blaine did take control. He could smell Blaine's scent coating him, not his normal smell though, his claiming scent and Kurt moaned his joy at letting that scent seep into his pores. Blaine's soft lips gazed his ear as he whispered, "Let go, think of me, think of wanting me... all to yourself."

Kurt eyes were aglow, biting down on Blaine's neck possessively, fingers tight in his hair and he smelt it, his scent changing ever so slightly as he thought of having this handsome Alpha all to himself. Blaine's groan stirred something in Kurt, meeting those golden eyes then reaching to meet Blaine's bruising kiss. Blaine's hands moved to his shirt, unfastening the buttons and pushing the material aside to enjoy the sight of Kurt's toned porcelain chest, soft ridges running down his stomach that turned in under his jeans. Kurt shivered under his eyes, closing his own briefly when he remembered how Karofsky would drool over him, but the soft hand on his cheek wasn't his. He opened his eyes to greet those worried golden ones, smiling up at him.

"I'm okay." Kurt whispered. Taking a deep breath he raised his hands over his head, arching his back to display himself to the Alpha, "You're not him, I know that." Blaine's eyes gave away the thrill he felt at Kurt's submissive pose, until it became evident in the slight push of his hip against Kurt's, their members brushing over each other, catching a needy moan from Kurt.

Leaning in for a tender kiss, Blaine removed Kurt's shirt, throwing it out of sight, bringing his hands back to Kurt's own, squeezing gently then running fingertips down the soft skin of his arms, down his ribs, counting each one then round his chest, grazing perked pink nipples. Blaine smiled at the little gasps and whines Kurt was giving him, the arch of Kurt's back sending his mouth dry. Kurt's hand reached to remove Blaine's shirt, casting it aside to claw his hands down his chest.

With a growl, Blaine gripped Kurt's wrists, pulling him up to his knees with him, hand threading through his hair to pull him into a battling kiss, nipping at Kurt's lip and tongue for Kurt to return the favour. Arms tangled around waists and shoulders, pulling flushed tanned skin against heated porcelain, fingers digging into the flesh, drawing blood, palms rubbing that blood across their chests. Kurt was overwhelmed by the sensations he was being introduced to by this Alpha, biting his lip as he tentatively pushed his hips against Blaine's, moaning into Blaine's mouth as his lips were captured in another searing kiss.

He arched his neck when Blaine bent down to nibble on his skin, his eyes closing to the pleasure those little touches where giving. Hands reached for his belt and he jumped grabbing those hands, scared. Golden, blown eyes met his own as Blaine slowly removed his hands, Kurt's own hands slipping from his wrists, "Sorry." Kurt whispered, "I thought..."

"Do you want to stop?" Blaine asked, panting heavily, his need obvious in his capri pants.

Kurt swallowed, shaking his head, "No, please... I want this." He gently placed his hands on the zip of Blaine's pants, "I just panicked, but I'm okay." Pushing the zip down, Kurt leaned in to kiss Blaine softly, tenderly, moaning when Blaine gently returned the kiss, allowing Kurt to lower his pants before Blaine carefully placed his hands back on Kurt's belt and waited. Kurt's back stiffened but he forced himself to relax, telling himself that this was Blaine and he wouldn't be hurt.

Slowly the belt loosened, followed by the button and zip, but as Blaine went to lower the jeans down Kurt's slender legs, he started to struggle, his lips twitching, a grunt in his throat before he pulled back to huff and chuckle, "I'm not gonna be able to get these off, am I?"

Kurt laughed, pushing Blaine away to stand, placing his hands on his hips but stopped to watch Blaine who was already removing his own pants and underwear. Kurt moaned as his eyes wracked over the strong form of his Alpha, lying back on his elbows, strong legs slightly bent with his prize standing erect against his stomach. Kurt swallowed hard, licking his lips at the sight of the man in front of him before he remembered what he was doing, twisting out of his skinny jeans and kicking them aside. As he swayed his hips back over to Blaine, he couldn't help the cheeky smile on his lips as Blaine's eyes took him in, down from his tiptoeing feet up his sculpted legs, over his throbbing member with a lick of his lips, up his stomach and chest until he reaches his icy blue eyes, a shameless growl forever present as he did so.

Stepping either side of Blaine's legs, Kurt slid down onto his knees over his hips, their members brushing briefly and a pleasured groan escaping both of them. Kurt felt safe in this position, something Karofsky never made him do, allowing him to lean into Blaine, kissing him passionately while his hand trailed down to Blaine's cock, slender fingers wrapping around the thick shaft, pumping him with increased confidence brought on by the groans and gasps he received from Blaine.

"Kurt... Ah! Don't force yourself to..."

Blaine was cut off when his hand was raised to Kurt's mouth, pink tongue dipping out to lick at the tips of two fingers, then taking longer licks and sucking the fingers into his mouth only letting go when they're lathered with saliva. Kurt pressed his forehead to Blaine's, looking into his eyes, wanting to focus on the man and Alpha below him.

"Just... take it slow." Kurt whispered, taking a deep breath.

Blaine nodded, creeping his hand down Kurt's spine, between his cheeks, wet fingertips dipping and swirling around the rim. He watched Kurt shiver, gasp and moan at the touch, spine arching, sending his butt back into Blaine's hand, their eyes never parting, even when Kurt wanted to close his eyes, he wouldn't. Crystal blue letting gold know he was okay as their lips parted to take a quick intake of breath, lips brushing, as a finger breached within Kurt, pushing deeper and deeper with each rock of his body.

Carefully, Blaine pressed a second finger to the rim, letting Kurt push back, his gasps and moans turning into whimpers and soft growls, dipping forward to kiss Blaine, who returned the kiss with his own growl of need, scissoring his fingers before slipping a third in. He pulled from the kiss when he heard a pained whimper, tears pricking Kurt's eyes, but as he went to pull his fingers out, Kurt's hand shot back to keep him there.

"Don't stop... please." Kurt pleaded.

Kurt moved his lips down Blaine's body, rocking back and moaning against the fingers rocking into him, until he reached his cock, hesitantly licking up the shaft and swirling his tongue around the head, Blaine's groans of pleasure spurring him on, looking up to watch Blaine throw his head back. Taking Blaine's member in his mouth, he coated it in his saliva before pulling away, pushing back the memories that dared to ruin this for him. A hand on his cheek distracted him, lips on his bringing him back to the moment as Blaine's fingers pulled out of him, gripping a hip.

"Tell me, tell me now and we can stop." Blaine groaned, his hips bucking up against Kurt's butt cheeks.

Kurt shook his head, reaching behind him to grasp Blaine's cock, lining it up and pressing down until the head breached, both groaning at the pressure, their scents flying around the room, Kurt's wolf whimpering with need, while Blaine's growled with desire, biting down on Kurt's shoulder. With each shaking breath, Kurt lowered himself a little bit more onto Blaine until he was sitting in Blaine's lap, a satisfied moan escaping both their lips.

They exchanged lazy kisses, Kurt just enjoying being filled in a way so different to what he had become use to. There was no filth, no sickness in his stomach and no shame, just a pleasure he knew he'd want to keep revisiting. With Blaine's hands on his hips to help him, Kurt pulled off Blaine, almost completely then dropping back down with a cry of pure bliss.

With Blaine's body rolling back on the rug, Kurt leaned forward to press his hands into Blaine's chest, the position giving him a sense of power while enjoying Blaine's strong hands holding him steady by his hips. He rolled his body, meeting Blaine's thrusting hips each time as they built up a steady rhythm, Blaine's groans echoing Kurt's. The small orb around Kurt's neck bounced against his chest, the small pearl rolling around inside, creating a quiet jingle beneath their feral moans of pleasure.

Blaine reached in to grasp Kurt's member, pumping it in time with Kurt's movements, smiling at the moan, octaves higher, that Kurt released, his head thrown back with his back arched. As the pressure built up, their movements became more frantic, more needy, Blaine sitting up to pull Kurt into his arm, Kurt's legs shifting to wrap around Blaine while his arms were thrown around his shoulders, palms splayed on his back, nails digging.

Bending down, Blaine took a pink bud in his mouth, sucking hard as Kurt bent into the touch, the new angle causing Kurt to howl a high pitched cry, fingernails digging in Blaine's back. Grinning against the bud, Blaine pulled away and arched into that spot, determined to hear that cry again while watching Kurt lose himself in the passion, sensing Kurt's own scent naturally changing to cover Blaine in his claim.

"Blaine! I'm s-so close. P-please!" Kurt cried, leaning in to nibble on Blaine's ear.

Blaine nipped at Kurt's jaw with a demanding growl, hands sliding to Kurt's butt, squeezing his cheeks to bring Kurt down on his member harder, "Come for me, my wolf. Let me hear your cry."

With a couple more thrusts, Kurt was coming with a heavenly cry, his voice travelling through the cabin, followed only moments by Blaine's, the echoes mingling as they clung to one another, panting heavily. Blaine reached out pressing a lazy, loving kiss to Kurt's lips, growling pleasantly against the touch, smiling when he hears Kurt's own lazy growl while returning the kiss. Slowly, he lowered Kurt to the rug, careful not to pull out of Kurt just yet, both of them groaning at the change of angle. Shy smiles were exchanged before they chuckled into another kiss, slowly coming back from their high.

Blaine grunted as he reached out to grab his shirt, wiping himself and Kurt clean, too tired to head to the bathroom and not wanting to separate from Kurt just yet. Small nuzzles from Kurt began the gentle nudges and touches as they cuddled together on the rug, Blaine finally and carefully slipping out of Kurt and holding the Hound in his arms, planting small kisses on his lips, cheeks, neck and shoulder.

A sniff pulled Blaine to watery blue eyes, "What's wrong?" He panicked.

Kurt shook his head, "Nothing... that was the first time I've had an orgasm, willingly, in seven years... and it was amazing." Kurt smiled up at Blaine, nuzzling his neck and crawling closer to the Alpha, "Thank you, Blaine."

Blaine kissed his forehead, running his hand through his hair, "You're amazing, Kurt. This is more than I could've asked for."

"I thought a claim was just a gift and blood exchange?" Kurt teased, fingers running patterns on his chest.

"You started it." Blaine nipped Kurt's ear, delighting in the giggle he got in return.

"I'm glad I did." Kurt whispered, eagerly plunging into the kiss Blaine pressed to his lips, ready to lay here all day and night with this Alpha if he's allowed. The chorus of howls from outside jolted Kurt, his head spinning to the door, allowing Blaine to trail kisses over Kurt's shoulder blades.

"What was that?" Kurt breathed.

"The clan are celebrating our joint claim." Blaine moaned, his voice deep, "You've scented me."

Kurt blushed bright red, glaring at Blaine when he laughed, jumping on him to slap him and tickle him, the two rolling around on the rug. Playful nips and growls followed as they teased and snapped at one another, the smiles never disappearing and the laughter never ceasing.