It's Simply That I've Always Loved You

Chapter 8

Inducting new members into the pack is a traditional enough affair that everything runs smoothly even though it was last minute. Everyone is gathered outside in the common area, sitting and standing, eating and talking with one another. Renji makes it a point to walk right up to their new group of pack members, slinging an arm around Orihime’s shoulders and giving her an affectionate squeeze when she squeaks and then laughs nervously up at him.

“I’m glad Taicho let all of you join the pack.” He says seriously, before he offers his hand to each of them in turn. “I’m Abarai Renji, your pack beta. If Taicho isn’t around, you answer to me. And if you need help adjusting to pack life at all, I’m the man to help you.”

Chad squeezes his hand the tightest but Ichigo is close, giving him a curious updown before meeting his eyes directly. “You spoke on our behalf. We really owe you one for that.”

“You don’t owe me anything. If Rukia says all of you are safe, then you’re safe. I wouldn’t think for a second she’d betray us.” If he also spoke up for them because he knew it was what Byakuya wanted, saw it written all over the lines of his face as he held his composure before the entire pack, then so be it. It’s hard to read those beautiful grey eyes, but Renji is learning.

“It’s good to see everyone is still fine. I was worried even while I was gone.” Rukia squares her shoulders and sighs before bowing at the waist, startling Renji. “I need to thank you, just the same, for taking care of my brother while I was gone. I could smell you on his skin.”

Renji scoffs and shakes his head at her. “You know you don’t. The fact he felt safe coming to me at all was all I needed. But just know you don’t have to worry about him if it’s me.”

“I know that. It’s why I’m thanking you. I know you’ll take care of him.” Rukia meets his gaze directly and Renji is always impressed at her stature, at her aura even with her small height. There had been others in the pack who ridiculed her, but Rukia can more than hold her own in a fight and every part of her screams alpha. “Byakuya might not ever say it out loud, but I think what happened with Hisana hit him a lot harder than anyone can see.”

The thought is sobering and Renji nods. He’d come to a similar conclusion himself. “Yeah, I could see it when I was with him. He opened up about it a little, too.”

“That’s good to hear.” Rukia laughs softly, hand slipping behind her head to rub the back of her neck. “It’s so dreary to talk about such things when we should all be celebrating! Thank you again, and thank you for welcoming us all home. I’m glad to be back for sure.”

Renji grabs her around the shoulders and ruffles her hair, grinning when Rukia sputters and smacks at his arm. “I’m glad to have you back! And your soon-to-be mate, definitely.”

“Abarai-san?” Orihime tugs gently on his sleeve and Renji turns to her, mouth open to correct her to just Renji , but she speaks before he can. “You and the pack alpha, are the two of you together? I received the distinct impression. He looked to you during the meeting.”

If a stranger has noticed, Renji wonders if the pack has or if they’re all a little too close to home to see what Orihime has. “We aren’t together… Yet. I just haven’t declared my intentions in any formal way. For the time being, we just share our heats and ruts together. We made that decision recently. But I have every intention of courting Byakuya officially.”

Rukia perks up when Byakuya drifts across the common area, punching Renji’s arm. “You should probably go with him now. It looks like it’s time for the welcome introduction.”

“Welcome introduction?” Ichigo asks, winging up one pale eyebrow.

“Taicho will say some things about how he’s glad to have you hear and we’ll run together. Running with pack means you’re part of us now. Guests and strangers aren’t allowed and get chased away.” Renji gives Ichigo’s hair a ruffle and has to admit to himself that Ichigo smells awfully sweet. it’s gonna be hell to keep some of the pack away from him. “No worries, you just gotta keep up with us and it’ll be fine. But I gotta go join our alpha now.”