House of Alphas Chapter 166: Something about a Cat and a Bag (Patreon)

Chef’s Note: I know that cliff was super steep so I had the stove running to cook up the next meal haha - enjoy 😂🖤!

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You don’t know what you were feeling.

You don’t know how to articulate it in words.

Confusion…

Yes, confusion would be the first and foremost sensation…

There was talking going on, and it made it difficult to sort out your thoughts…like you were trying to put together pieces of a puzzle.

“Can you… Can you be quiet?” You said, walking away from the noise. You were walking somewhere because you needed to sit down to process what you were reading.

You found a cushioned chair; it seemed to appear in front of you.

You looked at the paper again, tilting your head as you read it for a second...third... and fourth time.

You turned it over to inspect it, “Is this real? This is real? You really made a cursed contract with the Zenin family…for your pups…for three- three of your pups?”

You finally looked up to find Toji was sitting in a chair across from you, head hanging with his elbows resting on his knees. He was slouched over, unable to look at you.

You were in a common area, but your stench along with Toji’s sent everyone running.

"...Yeah..."

“Toji, look at me.”

He finally did, and the pain in his gaze did nothing to your heart that had seemingly turned off.

“Let me get this… let me get this straight…” You set the paper on the side table and slapped it repeatedly. Your speech got gradually faster as you spoke, “You mean to tell me you didn’t just sell Megumi to that awful pack but two more of your pups- and because they never received Megumi they are now taking this to The Judge- unless you either give them Megumi and two of your pups, or you don’t give them Megumi and have to give them three of your pups which your pups means those will be mine- my pups our pups!” You finished, out of breath.

His eyes bounced around, trying to look at you but unable to connect with your eyes... then his head swayed as he bobbed it.

"Ah..." you let out an incredulous laugh, "... That. That is something.” You sat back with your hands clasped in your lap. You peeked at the amount that was traded and continued with your cracked humour, “Haha… oh my gosh-that’s not even that many crystals, fuck Toji. I thought the price was for one-which is horrendous enough but three? What a steal…” The last part you said mockingly.

He frowned deeply. “Baby please…I didn’t… I didn’t think I would have more pups- I didn’t plan on it at the time…and they really don’t want Megumi; he’s a beta-“

“You didn’t know that when you signed this. Megumi got lucky. Lucky that he presented as a beta and they deemed him as worthless and now unlucky that we pissed them off enough to come demanding him anyway.”

Toji looked as though he were crumbling piece by piece as you mentally attacked him. Airing out his dirty laundry that was so filthy it was now affecting you and your future children with him.

There was no way.

No way in this universe's version of hell and yours- that you could just birth two- three- fuck it ONE- pup and willingly hand them over to the Zenin family.

“Is there any way around this? Or are we all about to show up in the Grand Judgment Hall on- what was it…” You peeked over again and slapped your lap. “Oh, fantastic, the date is set on our second ceremony…so tell me howare you handling this?”

Toji swallowed hard, "…Getou has someone trying to negotiate…offer them as much money as possible…however much they want.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

“Then..." His voice dropped into a sinister whisper, "...I kill them…”

You briefly looked around before leaning in, “All of them? You are going to go massacre an entire clan?”

“If it has to be done… but mainly the alphas. The contract wouldn’t be passed to an omega or beta; they aren’t in any of their afterlife blessings. If I make sure there’s not a single alpha Zenin left who knows about this, then it will be like it never happened…”

“…and the judge? Will he not come after you? You are breaking the spiritual code of a contract.”

“Maybe…but it will be my crime and my punishment to bear…it's not like he can take my curse energy...I don't have any to give.”

“That's- that's not all Toji! You can get sent to the Danga Towers! I don’t see you for months-years? Our pups don’t see you... This is a cursed contract- one that you signed. Why-I- just....” You know the why, you could guess the why-but it still pissed you off.

You were extremely angry. That he could hurt and use others because he's going through something. It's not an excuse to drag people down when they weren’t even involved. Megumi didn’t deserve this. He did nothing but be born. And the pups he had doomed in the future. You didn't like it. You hated it. And your facial expression revealed that enough that he could feel it.

Toji flinched as he leaned back in his seat, fists hitting his forehead repeatedly as he turned into a broken record, “I know- I know- I know-" He finished with a toss of his hands. "I will figure it out baby- I will do anything I can I swear!”

"..." You were speechless.

Cursed Contracts and oaths are not taken lightly in this world. Trying to break one could have negative outcomes. Blood oaths may kill you, but cursed contracts still demand their own respect.

The Judge-Hiromi Higuruma, was a man within the laws of justice. Toji was on his permanent list of complaints with all the money he owed to different people. This, however, wasn't about money, not this time.

He became desperate when you stayed quiet. "Worst-case scenario... we just don’t have pups..."

“...And what about Megumi?”

“…I…I don’t know…” That had him backtracking again, because either way Megumi seemed to be screwed unless you birthed a pup to take his place.

You rubbed at your eyes in irritation. You wanted to hit him. Not really but you felt so frustrated with him. You were just filled with overwhelming emotion that you wanted to release it. This is why he hid it from you. He was ashamed. And knew how much this kind of thing would bother you. If you were anyone else maybe it wouldn’t have been so surprising. But this was you. And they all knew. Knew that this was something you would not be okay with. But you needed to hear it from Toji’s lips. You needed him to bare his naked soul to you for you to attack, no matter how ugly.

It was your right.

“Why didn’t you tell me…”

“…” It took him a moment to gather his thoughts. He fidgeted uncomfortably, rubbing his chest like this conversation was hurting his heart. “…When you told me… you knew about me and my story, I was actually relieved…that was until I realized you didn’t know about the whole thing…this was something that wasn’t brought up in your game… thought I could... keep it that way.”

"You were going to sneak there yourself and assassinate them... that's why you were looking at that map..."

"...Yeah...I remember the secret tunnels...I can make it quick..."

"And what were you going to tell me when you did this...when I question where you are going? Were you planning on lying to me..."

"..." His mouth opened in silent shock, eyes wide like he hadn't even thought that far. "...I was...still deciding..."

"..."

“Hello hello~ oh goodness, what’s with this sour smell?”

You heard a woman’s voice approach, someone you recognized from the game.

Turning, you found the alpha with pink hair wearing a purple dress and white cloak. Her heels clicked as she approached.

It was Suda Manami.

Top-tier mercenary and apparently, one of the alphas Getou was going to form a pack with.

What was she doing here?

"Please tell me you have good news..." Toji begged.

"I have good neeeews...aaaaand bad news..." She shrugged. "Shall we gather with the other alphas?"

Toji looked toward you. "Do you...wish to join us?"

You realized she was the one who was sent to negotiate with the Zenin family.

You prayed to Tengen that the good news was that they all croaked.

"I want to hear it too."

~

You never thought about your future after the game ended. Always stayed in what you knew. The now. The mating moon felt so far away from you. And the happy ever after felt even further. You never discussed pup names...what you hoped for...how many you wanted...the idea of it felt so foreign, so out of reach.

Looking into the future made you anxious, because you had too much to do. Too much to deal with. You couldn't fathom having a pup in the midst of all this chaos. So for the first time...you had a solid thought about them- it was with this in mind.

The thought that you'd have to cash in your pups like some fucking quest.

0/3 Pups received - Zenin.

Three.

The number was so small.

Someone only had three shirts? You ate three French fries? Three more days till your birthday? Three... a number you can count on one hand.

Yet in this situation it seemed so gigantic.

One pup would still have you screaming.

It was one too many.

So when Suda Manami said, "Three lives. A price for each. If you give them an alpha then the others can be traded for something else. This is the amount of money they want for one pup."

Now it was one.

But you couldn't feel delighted by the news.

It didn’t settle the issue in the slightest.

You didn't look at the money, but the others did.

"This is an outrageous amount..."

"...I will work for it..." Toji stated.

"You would be working for the rest of your life to pay this." Sukuna snorted.

"One alpha pup..." Your voice cracked once you finally began to use it. "...A pup doesn't present until they are eighteen...so I will have to raise my son or daughter...and once they turn into an alpha, I will have to separate from them...”

"..."

Gojo stood, "...Is there any other way we can double the price for the alpha pup? I'll help him work it off."

"I as well..." Choso added.

"If that's what is needed, I will help." Sukuna declared.

Getou rested a hand upon your shoulder, "We will all work for this payoff...let us see if they will take that deal..."

"I will send a message." Nanami nodded.

"Thanks, guys..." Toji spoke softly.

"We aren't doing it for you; we are doing it for her."

"I know...I'm sorry..."

You felt your heart ache as they all jumped in to slave away their lives for your one pup- because they knew you couldn't fathom giving any. They saw how you reacted with the girls. And you didn’t even know them for that long. What would occur if you actually went through with this contract?

Having your child grow inside you- raising your baby- special moments- whole time you know that you were going to give them away… and once that day would come…and they present as an alpha…You send them to a horrible place… no pup deserves that.

"You said three lives... but you only gave us two exchanges; what's the third…?” Getou sounded anxious.

Suda pulled a sword from her cloak and set it on the table, sliding it over with a hard push. Sukuna slapped his hand upon it just as it got to him. When he picked it up, you recognized it immediately.

It was your old sword.

"For the final request, you will spare the life of Hanyu and stop your manhunt."

Bile rose in your throat. Your jaw clenched hard like it was wired shut.

"Are you fucking joking?" Getou spoke first with a terrifying hiss.

Toji sounded exhausted when he said, "...I thought you said you had good news...?"

"What?! I found your person and adjusted your price! Is that not good news?" The alpha mercenary didn't seem to understand how daunting all of this was.

She was oblivious to the pain her message brought. It wasn't unheard of to sell pups but she had no idea what kind of person you were. How detrimental something like that would be for you.

But your alphas knew. And you felt that Hanyu and Naoya realized that too. Realized that the way to hurt them all was to hurt you. That's why they are doing this. You were the heart of your group and they were trying to rip you out.

They didn't see any gain in this in the game.

But now things have changed.

The desperation showed that this was now a contract they could weaponize. The harder you push, the more they were going to push back and exploit it.

Doubling the price of debt could very well bankrupt your pack.

"Thank you for consulting the clan..." Nanami cleared his throat, pulling out a bag of crystals and tossing it to the woman, who caught it with one hand.

"Of course~ I'll be in town for a moment longer, so let me know if you need anything else." She blew a kiss and left the room.

"..."

"I was hoping that would have gone better..." Getou sighed. "...Seems Naoya has a vendetta against us..."

You stood, everyone, falling silent. "I'm...going to my room. I want that ball, out of my face. If I see it I’m going to blow it up.”

They allowed you to go, no one trying to stop you this time.

You didn’t need to activate your eyes to know that the camera was not in your room. You could smell the guards that appeared not even minutes after you shut the door.

You were alone now.

Truly alone.

No one watching.

You might have fallen asleep.

Maybe maybe not.

You kept thinking.

You couldn't stop thinking.

Your thoughts were a jumbled-up mess.

Yet you hadn’t cried.

You could feel it.

Feeling this need to cry but were unable to.

You knew you couldn’t stay in your room. It smelt like a swamp. It wasn’t helping you. You had to get out. You told the guards that you didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. They made sure they relayed the message to the rest of the castle.

When you walked out it was like you were in the gigantic castle alone. The guards kept their distance giving you the space that you needed. It was peaceful. And quiet. It was late at night you believe. You didn’t know what time it was. But the sky was dark.

You found yourself within the gardens. Truly you don’t know how you got here.

But you kept walking.

Kept moving.

You found a gold shovel in your hand.

Then you were in the cemetery.

And then you were digging.

Right before a tree.

You kept digging. Listening to the repeated *Kachunk* sound of the shovel every time you stabbed it into the dirt and flicked it away.

You wondered if Six would find this spot pretty.

What was her favorite flower? Color? Hobby?

You didn’t know.

You didn’t know anything.

What about the other two who had died? You didn’t even know their names. And no one claimed them.

No one could speak about them. Tell their story. Who was going to tell their stories? It was like they were no bodies… just bodies.

You kept digging.

Kept moving.

Then it started to rain…

Oh wait no…

It wasn’t raining.

That was just your tears pouring from your eyes. You couldn’t feel them. You could just see them.

Something moved-

You stopped mid-motion when you realized it was Gojo next to you. He had a shovel and he was helping you dig.

He didn’t say anything, and neither did you.

The two of you worked in silence.

And once you got deep enough he helped you out and you began to dig the next grave.

He was quiet.

Not a peep or a complaint.

Not cracking a joke, or trying to comfort you with words.

He didn’t work fast; he worked slowly.

He was just there, present. His scent was almost nonexistent. He was holding it in just as much as his overwhelming curse energy. He was like a ghost but not a ghost at the same time. He was minimizing himself so he wouldn’t take up too much space.

It was just the right amount of comfort.

When you finished the third grave you took the time to stare at the results. Gojo still hadn’t spoken, following the orders from the guards that you didn’t want to talk to anyone. He respected your wishes. Even though you meant you didn't want to see anyone- it was actually nice of him to be here.

“I fucked this up, didn’t I…?” you asked.

Gojo was leaning on the handle of the shovel, chin resting upon it. He cleared his throat before saying, “It’s fine. I can redo them if you want. Or I can reorganize all the other graves.”

“No… there’s no need to disturb the others. Thank you though.”

He had no restrictions when it came to your happiness.

You found yourself staring at him.

He quickly straightened up, “Sorry.” He apologized, “I’ll go.”

“No… I want to talk to our inner pack... Can you get them and meet me in the conference room?”

“I got you.” He was about to set off before you said-

“That includes Choso.”

He didn’t look surprised by your comment; if anything he seemed to have expected it, “I know.”

You put your shovel away and headed to the conference room. Waiting while Gojo gathered the others…

You stood at the window staring at your home.

Envisioning pups running around. Full of joy and laughter. Your happy ever after. What kind of fathers will your alphas be? What kind of mother would you be? A good one. A great one. You knew perfect wasn’t real- but you wanted to protect them and give them the best life you could.

You had to protect them.

It was as simple as breathing.

The door opened and your men shuffled in quietly.

You didn’t turn around until they settled.

Walking toward the table you stayed standing as you addressed your pack, “Good evening everyone… I apologize for waking you up… but I felt this conversation couldn’t wait…I couldn’t wait…” You took a steady breath, “…I don’t think the Zenin family is going to back down and there is a problem there. I’m not giving any of my pups away, and we aren’t giving them Megumi, not to mention, I was promised Hanyu’s heart on a platter. The money they ask for is overwhelming; there’s that too but as you can see we aren’t going to win here; there is no negotiation that can be had. So I wish to ask you all how we can go about getting rid of them. Could it be possible that we kill them and Toji doesn’t? That way he’s not violating his contract?”

Everyone shifted glances as they thought about your idea.

Nanami voiced his opinion, “That could work…If Toji isn’t involved then that could be the loophole. It’s just a matter of how we go about this...if people get word we took out an entire pack…”

“Not all of them…just the alphas.” You clarify. “…Toji said the alphas are the ones that receive inheritance. Omegas and betas aren’t included.”

“That may be true… but alphas can still marry into the pack. And then they will get it.” Getou input.

“Then we just kill them too.” Gojo shrugged as if it were simple.

“Or they could be easier to deal with than the alphas that hate you guys.”

Getou hummed, “Hmm~ Choso is right, and if not then we could just get rid of them too.”

“Ok…” You felt like your chest was becoming less tight, “…So this could work… If we get rid of them in secret?”

“Why do it in secret…?” Getou began, “…What if they just so happen to be cursed?”

“Another Chi Village incident?” Gojo stated.

“Exactly.” Getou snapped. “As long as we spread the narrative first… I believe we could get away with it.“

You waited to see if anyone would reject the suggestion but everyone looked convinced.

“I don’t see a problem with it.” Choso finally said. “It would be a good idea to learn anything we need to about these alphas.”

“Toji-“ Gojo began but you cut him off.

“No. He can’t be a part of this, he cannot help in any way. You will be far removed from the situation. It’s the only way to protect you.”

Toji looked confused, “Wait so what am I supposed to do?”

“Sit back and let us handle it.” You commanded.

“But I…” His eyebrows furrowed.

“That’s it Toji. End of discussion. We will do the research needed.”

“She’s right, if the contractor is killed it could be seen as an unfortunate event. If you help us then it will be easy for the judge to prosecute you.”

“We can handle it.” Gojo said with clarity.

“We will handle it.” Sukuna concluded.

“…” Toji sat back looking as though he wanted to argue but otherwise didn’t. “…Alright… I understand.”

“Good… we will have to prepare ourselves and get this done before our second ceremony. Any other questions?” You looked around for more input but there was none. They all looked eager to set out on this new assignment.

“No further comments,” Nanami spoke for everyone.

“Then the plan is set, I wish to get this done as soon as possible… but before you all go I have one more thing to say.” You placed your hands upon the table as you leaned into it. Head hanging, you took a deep breath. “No more...” You finally look up. “…No more secrets- no more keeping me in the dark for my sake- no more treating me like I’m something fragile- I know I lost myself for a moment- I know I had a time of weakness but that time is not now. What pisses me off is when you all can put your life on the line for me but you don’t allow me to do the same. I know you love me and I know you want to protect me- but I want to do the sould be lost- the pain you feel is the same that I feel- but it’s easy for you to go against me since it’s six against one- no more! No more of that. I need you to see each other as just as important as me. We are a pack- we are one. This doesn’t work without all of us. I need you to look at our pack as one unit. To protect me is to protect everyone whom I love and care about. We do this together…and what I need most of all is to make sure this world is safe for us to grow our family…We must get rid of all of those who threaten us. Will you help me achieve this goal?”

“Yes…”

“Absolutely…”

“Is that even a question?”

You got signals and words of confirmation from your pack.

“Alright… then I shall start first...” You state again, standing straight you continue to say, “…I called Mahito when we were within the witches’ realm. Yuta had taught me how to do it. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to try to stop me. However, Yuta was on standby just in case I showed signs of stress. Thankfully he was not needed. I wish to do this again with the help of Choso. Because this is putting me in a dangerous position I am aware that you all would vote against this. Instead of just voting against me, I wish for you all to find a better way for me to do this. Or a way to make it safer. Something helpful rather than just a flat no. And that’s how I’d like to continue in the future. So it’s fair.”

You noticed there were some surprises to your reveal of calling Mahito. From everyone except of course Choso since you told him but Getou didn’t look surprised.

Almost as if he had already known.

“Will you give us a deadline?” Nanami questioned.

“I want to call Mahito as soon as possible… so you have until tomorrow.”

“Toji.” Nanami turned his attention to the other alpha, “While we are busy could you do some reading for this? I’ll give you a few books to look through.”

The alpha nodded before the other finished talking.

“Yeah, I can do that.”

You noticed that the sun was starting to peek. “That will conclude my meeting.” You moved to the door and opened it. “Get your rest; we have a lot of work that needs to be done.”

You stood by the door as they passed. With each one, you kissed their cheek.

Choso was second to last to leave; he was looking down at his feet.

“I’m sorry…”

“Do not apologize Choso. You did what was best for the pack.”

“You aren’t mad at me?”

“No.” Cupping his face you pull him close so you can kiss his cheek.

His eyes lit up, and his skin became warm. “I-I thank you.” He smiled softly walking out to join the others.

There wasn’t a growl, or a stench from anyone.

Instead-

“Aye~ buddy got a kiss!” Gojo grinned.

“Bet he wet himself over that.” Sukuna rolled his eyes.

“Leave him alone guys~.” Getou threw an arm around Choso’s shoulders, “Wait until he gets an actual taste of those succulent lips.”

“I wonder what she will taste like to you.” Nanami stated curiously.

You smiled at that but stopped Toji from leaving, hand upon his chest as you watched the others go. Then you looked at your alpha who looked like his body was heavy.

“…Baby…Baby I’m so sorry…”

“Toji.”

He looked up at you with glossy eyes.

“I’m so so sorry- I don’t deserve your kiss you, should just slap me- " He picked up your hand and placed it on his cheek. “I’m a terrible father- alpha I-“

“Do you love me?” You say rubbing his face with your thumb.

“More than anything in the world.”

“Then you will do better. Become better. Be the alpha and father our family deserves. I don’t want to hear another sorry from you all I want is action. Show me.”

His eyes grew big, he pulled your hand to his lips and kissed it repeatedly, “I-I swear I will.”

“I know you will.”

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Chef's note: I’m curious how you would react in this situation, like would you be like f them kids here’s three pups or would you be like, Alright, we gotta take out the whole clan- chi village part two style because I’m not even giving them my alpha pup when they are of age