One

Chapter 19

More and more of the pack had personally met Sean or Jamie. And with each introduction, Brandon felt himself let out a sigh of relief whenever it went over smoothly.

Of course, the introductions with Sean were extremely rare. The poor Omega was too nervous, too afraid to be introduced to any of the higher ranking wolves.

None of the Alphas dared to approach on their own, especially not after word had spread of Sean's first public encounter.

The humans, Omegas and Deltas had made sure to remind every single Beta and Alpha that Sean wasn't being disrespectful.

Sean was afraid. Stressed to the point of working himself up into sickness. And those that had been present during the small gathering, those who had seen Sean shake apart at the sight of a single Alpha, had known there was no way the poor Omega could deal with Alphas and Betas walking up to him.

Even if it was for a mere introduction.

So far, the select few that Sean had been introduced to, were a few humans, a few Omegas and a single Delta. Brandon had been stunned when Sean had been incredibly nervous around the Delta male, whom had only replied with kindness and shyness.

But he was also quick to understand the reason behind Sean's hesitation. With all the introductions, Brandon had been present on Sean's request and he still remembered the blood leave Sean's face when Rick had gently shook Sean's hand...

While his Alpha mate kept to herself in the back of the room. Only offering Sean a gentle smile and a wave of her fingers, as to not terrify the Omega further.

He must've smelt the Alpha on Rick's skin. Brandon kept a close eye on Sean and walked closer when the boy started to visibly shake.

Instantly his nostrils were flooded with the acrid scent of fear, of stress. Even Rick had clasped his hands over his nose, momentarily deprived from air that wasn't polluted by an Omega's distress.

Even across the room, Megan had been holding her breath, keeping her smile gentle as to not distress Sean any further. But Brandon could see the veins at her temple bulging, as Megan was fighting against her own instincts.

Their Alphas were called out in response to the Omega's distress, wanting to soothe and comfort. Even if Sean wasn't their mate, any Omega's distress would have Alphas crawling over one another in an attempt to remove the source of that Omega's fear, protect them from the world.

Yet both Alphas knew that their approach would only instill further distress, even more fear.

Well, for one of them at least.

Without any prompting, Brandon had removed his sweatshirt before gently tugging it over Sean's head. Hearing the muffled, panicked gasp as his sight was momentarily blocked.

But he also heard the soft whiffs Sean took. How the Omega's breathing slowed to acceptable levels as he properly wore the hoodie and bathed in Brandon's pheromones.

Of course, it would be much more effective if Brandon were able to physically scent mark Sean.

But he also knew that the second he leaned in to even do so, he'd not only make Sean even more distressed. No, he'd irrevocably damage any built trust between them.

Which led them to the present, with Jamie interacting with several other Betas and a single Alpha. Malcolm was supporting his heavily pregnant mate but gushing over her like a lovesick pup.

Something that Brandon appreciated, as it gave Jamie a new perspective on other Alphas. No matter how good Brandon treated the community, that wouldn't be enough to convince them the pack was safe.