Chapter Text
Varian blinked his eyes tiredly. He looked around his bedroom apartment; tiny rays of sunlight peeked through, lighting the room a little bit. Rubbing his face, an arm wrapped itself around his waist. Varian softly smiled and glanced down to see a pale, muscular hand with blue stripes painting the soft skin. As his finger grazed along the marks, a soft glow of blue followed—a canvas of beautiful aurora.
Well, they sure glowed brightly last night.
He leaned back down in the comfortable bed, his head hitting the plushy pillow. Soft blows of warm breath tickling his ear beside him. Adjusting his body to the side, observing the sleeping face of the werewolf. Varian quietly raised his hand, and let himself wander to the sharp jawline, long nose, and soft petal-like lips. His eyes landed on the tiny freckles painting the older man's features, closing in and kissing the mole underneath Hugo’s eyelid. Like a princess waking up to a true love's kiss— Hugo’s silver eyes blinked open, staring down at the perpetrator who awakened him.
Hugo raised a brow and a playful smile rested on his features. He huffed and switched his position to lay at the top of the older man. He began an onslaught of small kisses on Hugo’s face.
“Is this a good morning kiss?” Hugo laughed.
“Be grateful, I'm actually giving you kisses in the first place.”
“Oh. So it's my lucky day?”
“Can't help it, pretty boy.” Varian mumbled on Hugo’s cheek.
Hugo chuckled. “Lucky me then…”
Varian hummed in acknowledgement, before he got off from his lover. Strong arms immediately circled his waist, stopping him from going anywhere. Varian tried to free himself, but miserably failed. Stupid werewolf strength. This is fucking unfair. Hugo leaned towards him, forcing him to sit on the man’s lap. Hugo took one of his hands and kissed his palm while staring at him with pretty eyes—pitiful expression, begging him to stay and cuddle. Varian's eyes twitched and his lips pursed.
Don't fall for it! He's just pretending! Varian Gale, you're smarter than this! You promised Eugene to meet-up at 9am. Don't be tempted, no matter how absolutely adorable he looks right now!
Varian kept repeating in his head. His hands resting on the werewolf’s shoulders, trying (and failing) to push Hugo away. Suddenly, Hugo summoned his wolf ears and tail. Flattened those fluffy ears and his tail wrapping itself on his thigh like always. He turned his head away from the older man. Focusing on the white-colored walls. Wow. The wall color sure looks good.
“Varian…” Hugo whined.
Fuck.
He's really doomed.
Unfortunately, Varian was a weak man and let his entire body weight fall on the man’s arms. Burying his face on the middle of Hugo's neck and shoulder. His freckled hand petting the wolf’s ears, Hugo started purring and snuggled his face onto his hair.
Eugene probably won't mind right? Just a few minutes..
Then, a sound of ringing interrupted their cuddle time. Hugo groaned in annoyance and glared at the source. Varian turned around and paused. It wasn't his phone ringing—it was Hugo’s. On the screen, the name of a woman showed—Ivanna? Oh… Hugo’s eldest from his pack.
He recalled Hugo telling him about the members of the pack. A vague image of a young woman with dark brown hair, amber eyes, and wore a wine-red suit as she sat beside Hugo during his interview.
That must be her? Ivanna Rottenwange. The eldest and chairperson of Hugo's jewelry line.
Hugo begrudgingly let him go and grabbed his phone. He looked at Varian apologetic and stood up to take the call. Varian could vaguely hear the voice of a young woman complaining. Hugo sighed and quietly answered back. He didn't want to bother Hugo while talking to his daughter? Successor? Apprentice? Honestly, he was still confused. However, he knew Hugo loved them all, he personally saw the fondness in Hugo’s eyes while talking about his pack.
Varian lips quirk up and when he was about to open the bathroom door, his eyes widened in surprise.
“When are you going to let us meet him?” Ivanna whisper-screamed on the phone.
“Soon.”
“How soon exactly?”
“Until he's ready. I've told you all this. I don't want to overwhelm him.”
“Tch. Fine. Just let you know, the others are getting impatient.”
The conversation flowed from there. He closed the bathroom door, and he stared at his reflection on the mirror.
They want to meet him.
Sure he was nervous at the prospect of Hugo's pack meeting him. That's Hugo’s pack for moonsakes. He was excited to meet them too. After all, Hugo told him all about them— they were wonderful. He's scared. What if they don't approve of him with their alpha? What if they think Hugo deserves someone better? Hugo is a literal billionaire! Plus an immortal creature!
However, he knew running away from the inevitable would worsen the situation. He would never force Hugo to make this decision. They were partners. Whatever happens they always stick together. Suddenly, a flash of memory — a field of flowers and someone beside him.
Together?
Always.
Varian blinked and touched the teal stripe on his hair. He has been slowly getting memories from his past life lately. He could probably ask Hugo about this. Although, the werewolf seemed to only tell him bits and pieces. Every time he prodded for more information— the wolf would give him a guilty and sad look. He knew when to stop, but that doesn't mean he was about to give up. But, first— the meeting.
Afterwards, Varian came out of the bathroom. He kept wiping his hair with a towel and froze seeing Hugo’s conflicted expression.
Okay. It's time.
“Hugh..?”
Hugo's wolf ears perked at his voice and gave a playful smile.
He's hiding again.
“Hey, moonlight—”
“I want to meet them too.”
Hugo froze for a minute. Then his white tail started wagging.
“I— are you sure? They're bit too much sometimes, but—”
“I would love to finally meet them, Hugh”
His wolf stood up and dashed towards him. Hugo embraced him, purring affectionately as the wolf started rubbing his forehead against his. A slight blush and wide smile rested on his wolf's features. Varian chuckled and his hands rested on Hugo’s sides.
“Y'know, I still haven't forgiven you.”
Hugo raised his brow. “For what?”
He only gave him an unimpressed look. The werewolf took a few moments then laughed.
“Ah, I see now. Getting revenge on me?”
“Absolutely. I will never let this down.”
“Pettiness is not a good look on you, googles.”
“It's fine. At least I have dirt on you now.”
Hugo smirked. “Hmmm… sure, chem-mazing.”
Hearing his senior quote. His eyes darkened.
“Oh. It's on.”
(^ー^)
Did he bake about twenty-four boxes of treats?
Yes.
Was that a good idea?
Absolutely not.
Outside of his small café, holding stacks of boxes in the middle of a busy street was a horrible decision. The sun's heat was killing him. To top it all off, he was wearing a blue cardigan and baggy pants—he was sweaty and probably about to pass out. Finally, the screeching of a car pulls a stop. Hugo got out and hurriedly ran to him. The werewolf kept glancing at the boxes confused.
“V… what's this?”
Varian scoffed. “Obviously, gifts Hugh! I'm not about to visit someone's house empty handed.”
Hugo sighed. “V. It's fine really.”
“Hell no. Hugo, have you ever lived in the countryside? It's basic courtesy to bring presents for the host. Besides, I don't want to be seen as rude.”
Hugo rolled his eyes and took the boxes. Meanwhile, he secretly sticks his tongue out at the tall man.
＼(^_^)／
Varian lazily stared at the highway. The car ride was long and agonizing, though he wasn't surprised as Hugo said it was a long journey. No wonder he bought an apartment complex. As they passed by countless trees and greenery—he briefly saw a wolf with black fur jumping in excitement and ran back to the woods.
Huh. Are they a normal wolf or…?
Hugo snickered. “If you saw him. Yes, that's indeed one of mine.”
He moved his head to the side.
“Which one exactly? You have…a lot of kids.”
“The first youngest of the pack.”
“Oh. Well he's pretty sweet-looking.”
“You haven't even met him yet.”
“You raised them. I know they will turn out good.”
…
Hugo let out a small laugh. “They don't need me to be a good person. They already are.”
Up ahead, large golden gates opened as he gawked at a large mansion with a fountain in the middle. Hugo parked his car and an older man in his sixties approached them.
“Good morning, sir. Your children are inside waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Richard.”
Richard hummed and glanced at him. He lent his hand for a handshake.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Varian.”
Clasping his hand and a small shake.
“Nice to meet you too.”
Richard straightened his back and accepted the keys. As both of them walked towards the large doors, he couldn't help but ask.
“You never told me you have a butler.”
Hugo shrugged. “It slipped past my mind, I guess.”
“When did he start working for you?”
“He was a homeless man. His daughter and him were huddling in a tree during a snowstorm. I didn't want to see them die due to freezing, so I took them in.”
Another hand clasped his own.
“After the snowstorm, Richard told me he was looking for a job to support his daughter. I knew that old man would never accept the money given. So as a compromise, I asked him to work for me and I'll be his daughter's financial supporter in return.”
Varian smiled. “So he's been here for..?”
“thirty-five years.”
“What about his daughter?”
“Graduated with a degree in biotechnology.”
“He can quit anytime. But I guess he likes it here?”
Varian giggled. “He probably got a soft spot for all of you.”
Hugo only smirked in return and opened the large doors. Varian imagined the mansion to be beautiful, but not like this! He couldn't help but gawked at the marbled columns, paintings, dark plank floor and a large chandelier at the top. It was like a medieval styled palace. Everything was decked in gold designs and a lot of expensive furniture.
“Well? What do you think?”
“It's beautiful, Hugh…” He said with awe.
Hugo simply smiled. “Thank you.”
As both of them walked the long hallway. Carrying the boxes of treats—which poor Richard had to bring—to one of the living rooms. Yes, there are multiple living rooms for some reason. He heard the murmurs of different people at the other side of the door. Varian gave Hugo a nervous look. His lover rubbed his forehead against his and pecked on his lips.
“You'll be fine. Don't worry, Moonlight.” Hugo whispered softly.
Finally, the door opened and inside were young men and women in their early twenties.
Running around chasing each other, while others were busy doing their own thing.
Hugo summoned his werewolf form and whistled. Everyone froze at the same time turned towards them. The pack took half a minute to process, they were in an unofficial staring contest. Suddenly, a girl with curly rose blonde hair ran and hugged him tightly.
“OH MY GOD! WE FINALLY MEET YOU!!” she beamed.
That broke the freezing contest as the others joined in. Hugo laughed and ruffled the girl's hair and sat down by chair at the side. Watching the chaos about to unfold.
“Well since I was first, I have first dibs with him!” She said proudly.
Oh dear.
“Anyway, I'm Beatrice! I've heard so much about you! We'll specifically our alpha over here daydreaming and rambling about you.” Beatrice said while her hand kept pointing at the very unamused Hugo.
He laughed and hugged back. “Well I guess, I don't have to introduce myself, but it's a pleasure to meet you too.”
Beatrice immediately whispered in near his ear while she vented all of Hugo's so-called yearning.“Seriously, I'm not joking! Our alpha keeps mentioning you all day long! There was never a day without ‘Varian would love this’ and ‘Varian that!’.”
While talking she also copied all of Hugo's expressions and actions.
He raised a brow, smirking. “You don't say?”
“He even have an embarrassing room full of your picture—”
“Alright, that’s enough Bea. Let the others meet V.”
Varian wanted to laugh, as Hugo tried to cover-up his face. He can still see the beet-red blush spreading. Hugo? Embarrassed? Oh he was about to enjoy this.
Beatrice pouted, but listened as she gave him one last hug and onto the next person. This time a tall young man with a freckled face, black hair, and blue eyes. Varian blinked at the uncanny resemblance with him. He locked eyes with Hugo and he only shrugged in response.
The cheeky young man gave him a playful smirk and winked. “As you can see, I'm the favorite wolfling in the pack!”
“Boooo!”
“Desperation is not a good look on you, pup!”
He simply sticks out his tongue back and continues. He puffed out his chest with a smug expression introducing himself as the youngest pup, Dmitri. He was one of the first ones to join the pack. Suddenly, a mischievous smile creeped his features. Varian grinned because the pups might have formed an alliance to embarrass Hugo, in front of him.
Dmitir walked towards Hugo and unceremoniously plopped down at Hugo's lap, the back of his hand dramatically on his forehead as he told the heroic tales of Hugo. Hugo facepalms himself and massages his temples.
“He! Wearing nothing, but obsidian armor. Swoops in and saved me from my suffering! Heroic, handsome, charming, fearless alpha he was!” Dmitri rambled as he wiped a fake tear in his eyes.
Varian laughed at the youngest shenanigans. However, Hugo looked like he regretted even coming here. His face ashen and blankly staring at the wooden floor. After Dmitri finished his story, Hugo pinched his ear hard. Dmitri squawked and rolled off Hugo. He turned around and gave Varian a pitiful face while pointing at Hugo, saying ‘Look at him! He's bullying me!’.
He only giggled and Hugo gave Dmitri a warning. The young man huffed and went back towards his siblings, but he still gave Varian a victorious smile. Then, two girls followed. One with raven hair with olive-toned skin and the other auburn hair with honey brown eyes.
The ravennette leaned on his side, at the same time the red-haired girl on the other.
“Did you know, our alpha made you our bedtime story?”
He heard Hugo cursed. The girl gave a sharp grin and the other giggled.
“Anyway, the name's Kiera and my sister over there is Catalina. We're the middle children, you could say.”
Varian glanced at Catalina, and she waved her hand shyly with a soft smile. She looks similar to one of his cousins.
“Hi,” he smiled.
“Hello!” She replied.
“So yeah, I'll tell you later since big brother is here.”
He nodded in response and the girls left. God. They were so much more. This could take a long time.
(^-^)
Afterwards, all of them went to the dining room. On the table, lay a variety of food and deserts. Then, he started unboxing the cookies he baked which all of them were excited to try. Two people started helping him.
A quiet young man with brown hair and a ruffled looking guy. Aiden calmly started taking out the cookies and placing them neatly on the plate. Pausing for a moment before unboxing the others. It was peaceful, Varian understood that Aiden is not much of a talker. He was one too back then. So, both of them just nodded at each other and grinned.
Flynn, one of the middle children, helped bring the boxes to the both of them. He reminded him so much of Eugene—reliable and protective. Flynn shouted at the others to behave and set the boxes down.
“Really, thank you for the treats!”
“No problem. Baking is one of my favorite hobbies. If I had time, I could bake more batches for all of you.”
Flyyn softly smiled. “You're very nice in person. I'm very happy big brother finally found you…”
“I'm happy, he found me too.” He whispered back.
“I know you love him a lot, but please take care of him for us okay? Moons help big brother needs it.”
“Of course, I promised.”
“Thank you.”
Meanwhile, Aiden opened the final box of treats and froze. The scent of chocolate spread through the air and with the enhanced senses. All of the pack stared at the box Aiden was holding—growing nervous as their ears flattened. Varian looked around confused. Hugo walked towards Aiden and gently grabbed the box of chocolate cupcakes. Sweat fell down his temples and gave Varian a helpless smile.
“My moonlight…we appreciate the sentiment, but we're not allowed to eat..chocolates.”
Varian gawked at them, surprised.
Not allowed? Do they have a rule against chocolates— wait. They're werewolves. Oh my fucking god—
Varian blue eyes widened and immediately grabbed the box and closed it. His face turned red. Why didn't he realize this! Fuck. He almost killed his boyfriend's children!
“I AM SO SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TOO! OH SUNS! I KNEW SOMETHING WAS MISSING! OH GOD THIS IS EMBARRASSING—” Varian rambled as his face slowly morphed into panic mode and his hands moving to different directions.
Everyone laughed amused. Hugo grabbed the box and gave it to Mr. Richard as the butler accepted the free food. Hugo kissed him on the cheeks and he buried himself on the taller man's shoulder. Mumbling apologies and trying to erase this scene from his mind.
After the blush died down, they all started eating and he sat beside Hugo. At his left, a girl with dark-skin and calico-colored hair sat. She had paint marks on her clothes—Hazel. He mentally noted that he would introduce her to Rapunzel next time. Knowing both of them love craft, they would get along splendidly. Seeing she was having a difficult time reaching for a piece of chicken. He took the plate and gave her a piece.
“Uh— thank you.” She mumbled.
“Nervous?”
“Yeah..sorry if I come off rude..”
“No, don't worry. I get it.”
“Really..?”
“Getting along with strangers is a bit scary at first.” He laughed.
She blinked and laughed with him.
＼(^_^)／
They all gathered around the living room playing board games. Well specifically monopoly. It was absolute chaos. He observed the surroundings, trying to find someone to form an alliance with. He was not joining Hugo. He wants to make sure that man's money and properties are his.
“Dmitri, you fucking ass!” A girl fiercely glared.
“It's not my fault, you landed on my property dear Ivanna~”
“I swear to the moons above—”
She paused and looked towards him. Right—he was the moonstone host. Then, she shuffled towards him.
“Alliance?”
“That fast?”
“Well, all of them have formed alliances. Even alpha over there is teaming up with Flyyn.”
“On what grounds?”
“I'll give you all of big brother's embarrassing photos.”
“Kiera already did that.”
Ivanna observed him up and down. Assessing him like a potential business partner. He could see Ivanna mentally formulating a plan in her mind. He can see why Hugo trusted her with his company. She was sharp, careful and calculating— a dangerous knife to others. Ivanna then smirked.
“Have you ever seen him…cross-dressing?”
What?
“Huh..?”
“I'll give you a limited edition of his latest photoshoot. Unless, of course, you agree.”
“...”
“You can have two of my properties.”
“I choose.”
“Hmm…only on that lane.”
“Very well, it's a pleasure having business with you.”
After a handshake. Ivanna swiped two of his cards and playfully grinned at her siblings.It was fun hanging out with them. They were laughing, joking around, and generally fun to hang out with. Although, he needed some fresh air, so he stood up. He saw Hugo about to follow him and signaled the werewolf to stay.
He went out to one of the balconies. The fresh and cool air hitting his face. They liked me. He couldn't help, but smile in happiness. Suddenly, behind two individuals walked towards him. He glanced back and saw Eleanor and Gillian.
“Breather?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
Gillian spoke up. “Sorry, if we're a bit too much.”
Varian shook his head. “No, no…you all are pretty sweet. Hugo is lucky to meet all of you.”
Gillian murmured while pinching his nose.
“Unless, you have to hear screaming matches early in the morning.”
Eleanor slapped his shoulder. He squawked and in return slapped his tail at Eleanor.
“Be nice.” Eleanor said.
“I am nice, Eli. Let your big brother vent for some time.”
Eleanor rolled her eyes and gave Varian a toothy grin.
“Since you've met us. Expect a lot of chaos from us for now on.”
Gillian laughed a little. “Since when are we not chaotic?”
“Count me in then.” Varian replied.
At the end of the night, it was time to go back home. Dmitri keeps begging for them to stay, but both of them silently agree they can't have their little..private time with the others snooping around. Before, he could say anything—Jordan swooped in and pushed the other werewolf.
He was holding a small box. It was wrapped in blue paper and a white ribbon. He accepted the gift. Seeing him wagging his tail—he opened the box and saw a necklace with a wolf's fang in the middle.
He paused and slowly looked up.
“Welcome to our pack, Varian!” Jordan grinned.
“Although, we know that you're the moonstone host…you're still part of our weird family!”
Jordan winked. “It's a tradition for senior wolflings of the clan to give a wolf's fang to new members, so here ya go.”
“I— thank you.” He beamed. Gosh he wanted to cry.
“Aww. He's about to cry!” Kiera butted in.
“I'm not.”
“You are!”
Everyone, excluding Ivanna, embraced him tightly. As they said their goodbyes, he kept staring at the necklace the others gave while the car drove.
“Fun time?” Hugo smiled.
“Very much."