House of Alphas Chapter 168: We Are All In This Together (Patreon)

You had gone over your plans for the Zenin family and told them how important it was to keep everything a secret. If they wanted to be part of this pack, they needed to keep their lips sealed.

You trusted everyone to do so, since their witch connections could be used if necessary.

It wasn’t something you wanted to use, and it felt cheap, but if you needed to, it was there.

It was also a good thing since Mai was or was not spying on you.

Honestly, you were starting to doubt she was.

But if she tries to take you down, you're going to take everyone she loves with it.

You told them that you expected them to start the Raven boot camp ASAP.

First, you needed to get scolded by Nanami.

You made your way to his office, but just before you turned down his hall, you were stopped again.

Toji was stepping out with books in his hands. The two of you seemingly froze seeing each other.

“Hey…” He said awkwardly, “…I see the…the...” he pointed at the gaping hole in the wall. “…training is going well.”

“Yeah, probably not so much… Nanami is mad.”

“I’m sure it’s fine; I mean, nothing can beat me…” he realized that his joke was hitting a little too close to a freshly blown-up home. “…Sorry- I shouldn't have said that-" He looked like he wanted to hit himself. "- I think I found something that might help… with your call.”

“Ok.” You nodded. “Can you speak with the others about it? I gotta…go talk with Nanami.”

“Yeah yeah, go ahead.” He nodded.

You flashed him a small smile, and then you moved past him. You felt your throat tense as you walked down the hall.

For whatever reason, you had turned around and found Toji was in the same spot looking at you. He looked surprised and quickly moved along.

You hated when your alphas did something that rightfully pisses you off because you didn’t enjoy being angry at them.

It hurt your heart to be mad at any of them.

They needed to do better so you didn’t have to feel this way.

You finally made it to Nanami’s office; he was sitting back in his chair staring out the open wall.

The others were already gone.

“I know, I know, this bonding thing isn’t working out how I thought.” You started before he could scold you.

“I already spoke with the others. I told them they need to build a training realm for you to practice in. They have already run off to figure it out.”

Your lips perked up in a slight smile. “That would be pretty cool…” You get a training sphere later in the game to help level up your characters. But it requires a lot of cursed crystals to utilize. “…Thanks for not being too upset.”

“I’m not…” he began ever so slowly. As if there was something else he was about to say. You could tell by his expression and tone.

“You’re not but…?”

“…I may not be upset, but perhaps a little jealous.” He stated, removing his glasses to look upon you. “You do not wish to practice your bond with... me?”

Your eyes widened a bit. “I-I do, but you are in pain when we do it. It doesn’t seem right…Like, we can try… but if you are suffering then… I’ll try to be silent, but I think it will distract me… and with everything going wrong with all my other bonds, I just don’t want you to… die… or something bad to occur if we do it wrong…”

His eyes drifted. “I see…”

“…” You felt a lump in your throat, not wanting Nanami to feel left out. You don’t like hurting him physically or mentally. Maybe you can change the subject. “Are we… still going out on our date tomorrow?” You asked softly.

He looked almost surprised. “You still want to have our date? I thought you’d be too focused on our new mission.”

“Yeah, but taking breaks and enjoying our time together is just as important for my health. I would love to still go on our date if that is alright with you.”

“Oh- then alright. I must have things set up- I had pushed it aside- please, I need you to get measurements for the dress I want Suguru to make for you.” His eyes seemed bright now that he could resume his date with you. He stood and adjusted his jacket. “I have preparations I need to put back in order.” He said, moving to you before he paused his excitement, “I just want to make sure you are fine…we can postpone it until after we are done with our situation…”

“I need this Nanami. I’ve been stressed out for far too long; this will help me greatly, I promise.”

“Good.” He kissed you on the cheek, and then he rushed out of his office. “Kasukabe! Come with me right this instant! No, drop that right now on the floor!- Yes, right now, do it!"

You heard a crash of dishes.

You laughed at his excitement, feeling excited yourself. This will be your second date. Or third if you count Sukuna bringing you to the sex dungeon…

Needless to say, you wanted to be happy. You have… no… your pack has been through so much.

And continues to be tested.

You had to make time for everyone to breathe.

Or it will never come.

Later that day, Suguru came to your room to measure you and create his design.

He had you blindfolded the whole time so you couldn’t see what he was doing. You felt him tightening something around your limbs, then moving to place your feet in flats.

You giggled at times at how much noise he was making, clicking his tongue in annoyance or going ‘aha~’ when he found something he liked.

You don’t know what he was doing, but you felt like a dress-up doll.

“You are so beautiful have I ever said that?” He said, fixing your hair and speaking behind you. You assumed he was looking at you in the mirror.

“Hmm~ I don’t know, but I don’t mind hearing it again if you so desire.” You grinned.

He chuckled, “You make everything look amazing. It’s so easy to work with something that is already perfect.”

Your heart warmed at his words. Your stomach fluttered. “Stop getting me riled up.” You used one of their sayings, making your alpha laugh again.

But then he was back in concentration mode.

“Alright… first one is done.” He stated.

“First one?” You questioned him.

“Satoru wants me to make you a kimono for his date too.” He sighed. “I’m being worked to the bone here!” He huffed.

“You have an eye for beauty; it’s the price you have to pay.”

“So it would seem~.”

“Speaking of having an eye for… things… I had noticed you didn’t seem the slightest bit surprised when I told you about my call with Mahito.”

“Huh? Whatever do you mean? I was sooo surprised.”

“…” You turned to look in his direction with sass. If he can't see your eyes, he will see for sure from your body language.

He snickered, turning your head forward. “Alright, I didn’t know for certain, but I had a good idea that it was your secret.”

“What’s a good idea?”

“Ninety-nine percent.”

You scoffed, “That’s pretty certain!” Why didn’t you say anything?”

“It was your secret; I knew you wouldn’t do anything to put yourself in danger. But I did keep an eye out just in case you tried to slip away and make a call.”

Jokes on him, you would have done it in the bathroom.

“Although I'm sure you would have done it in the bathroom, just like your secret meeting with Choso.”

You couldn’t see his face, but you knew he was grinning.

Damn him.

“Well… no more secrets… we are a secret-free pack.”

You felt him kiss your temple. “I know.”

He finished with Gojo’s design, and then he was fitting you for something else.

‘This is for me. Something fun.’ He had said.

Oh boy, whatever that means.

Afterwards, you had gone to the training ring… location… since you blew the place up...

The others were sparring with each other.

Megumi, however, was sitting on the side staring at his hands in annoyance. Like they were failing him.

“Hey? Are you okay?” You questioned.

“Fine.” He sighed, crossing his arms.

“Is training not going so well?” You asked, watching Yuji and Todo fight. The two were all muscle and sweat. Yuji looked determined, and you didn’t think he had taken a break since he started.

He was serious about his mate.

“Your stupid alpha said I’ve been wasting my time.“

You narrowed your eyes, assuming he meant Sukuna. He had an eye for these types of things. “Is he stupid because he’s stupid or because he’s right?”

“I don’t know, both maybe.”

“Maybe I can help you if you explain why you think he is stupid?” You looked down at the beta whose eyebrow twitched.

“Apparently I’ve been using the wrong weapon to fight. He said my power is weak.”

“Ok… so try out different weapons! That’s not even that big of a deal. Look, try this.” You picked up a bow and arrow that had been lying on the ground. “Maybe you are a bow and arrow fighter.” You started trying to hand the weapon to him.

He blushed, “I’m not allowed to-“

“DON'T GIVE HIM THAT!” Momo shouted from afar.

“HE'S BANNED!” Mai added.

“I don’t understand... what did you…” You then noticed that everyone looked petrified except for the ones locked in their sparring match.

“He’s not allowed to use any bows and arrows! Look at what he’s done!” Maki pointed at Inumaki, who looked like a pincushion with arrows sticking out of him.

He was being nursed back to health by Panda and Notoroshi.

“Wait that’s not bad… you hit your target-“

“My target was the training dummy… over there...” He pointed in the opposite direction.

“Oh… oh no…Megumi, how the hell did you do that...”

“Leave me alone.”

~

You watched everyone practice their fighting style. Making note of what classes they all were and how you’d set them up in a game.

They all greatly impressed you.

Notoroshi was a good archer, using his blood to enhance his arrows.

Todo was surprisingly very strong. A special brawler class is what you noticed. He had this interesting move where he could switch places with people.

That would for sure come in handy.

Yuji had wild stats and a protagonist-like spirit. You actually have no idea what his class is. He could play music, use magic, and had incredible strength and defense. What the hell was he? A brawler bard? He threw hands while tap dancing on his foes and simultaneously playing his own boss music?

Panda was also a unique class of some type of fighter. He used his claws and his fluffy body as a weapon.

And Inumaki had his puppeteer spell, where he could mind-control foes.

Mai didn’t really showcase her moves, but you heard Sukuna had come out here, took her gun away, threw it to the hills, and shoved a magic sniper into her chest.

All without saying anything.

Apparently, your alpha had made his rounds with everyone. With a cutthroat attitude, you knew it was his highest form of affection, and he was doing it for you.

He also gave Maki a two-ended spear that could snap apart in the middle and become two short swords.

For Momo, he told her to control something else besides a broom. So now she fought with four little pea shooters that zapped foes with a blast.

But his observation clearly wasn’t done because Yuji said he was still watching, hiding from afar.

Which made Megumi call him a creep and everyone else laugh.

You will have to express your appreciation for his assistance.

After dinner, you sought out your men.

It was time for your call.

Even though you gave your alphas such a stern declaration about calling Mahito… you felt nervous now that you were coming up to the task.

You were going to do it.

But a part of you was getting cold feet.

You hoped they found something to aid you.

You found all of them in Toji’s office.

Toji was showing them something in a book.

“Can you cast this spell?” Nanami questioned Getou.

The alpha nodded. “I know it.”

“What do you guys have for me?” You questioned, getting closer to the book.

“A barrier.” Suguru stated. “To ward off spells.”

“I’m not sure if it will work in this situation though.” Toji stated with worry.

“So we are going based on hope?” Sukuna spoke in displeasure.

“It’s the best we have. With the time given…” Satoru commented.

You felt his comment hinted that you were giving them a strict schedule.

“How can we test it out?” You ask.

“I’ll cast the spell.” Getou offered, “Choso and you should link. Then we can see if he can tap into your mind or attack you.”

“Then let us try.” Nanami gestured.

You looked towards Choso, awaiting Suguru to put the spell shield on you. The shield blocks all magic but not physical attacks. Since the link is a connection of minds, you can see how this could be helpful if it works.

You felt this cool sensation wrap around you like a cold towel.

“Ready?” You asked Choso.

“Yeah…” he nodded.

When you tried to connect with him, it didn’t work.

“Uhm… I think it’s blocking me from linking.”

You felt the shield disappear.

“Then, I’ll try to put it on when you connect.”

“How would you know when they connect?”

“…Well, I’m not sure…”

“If you do it too soon, you can’t connect, and if you do it too late…” Gojo looked around at the others.

“Let’s practice… the two of you link and let me see if I can look for clues…”

You practiced, connecting and disconnecting with Choso. Your alphas observed your state as you did so, but there weren’t any indicators that you were connecting to Choso.

“What if we got Mahito to call you? Then as soon as you connect, Getou can put the barrier on.” Nanami suggested.

“Ok...so I call him and then disconnect so he will call me back?” You questioned.

Everyone nodded, agreeing to the plan. “Yes.”

“Alright, let's try it first. Choso, call me.“

Your beta did so, and when the two of you were within the astral grounds, the barrier immediately covered you. It was a purple shield.

"Can you hear me?" You tested from your bubble.

Choso nodded, "I can...now let me try to attack you... something light!" He added swiftly.

"No, you must do a heavy attack, so I can see what the shield can withstand. Mahito will not take so kindly to me as you."

Choso seemed to agree with you, but you could see his hesitation. He didn't want to attack you.

"Give me all you can, Choso, this will save me in the long run. Don't be afraid to hurt me now for a better future."

After that last push, he closed his eyes and then thrust his palm forward against the barrier. It began to sizzle as he pushed all his might into it.

It was working.

"Keep going until it breaks." You watched him do so, finally pushing the shield to shatter. "Good, good."

"If he attacks, disconnect from him...don't wait until it breaks..."

You agreed. Then you were returning to the real world to tell the others of your findings.

"Alright, so it works."

"I felt when my shield gave way..." Suguru stated, "...But I was unable to place another on you..."

"I told her to cut the call if he tries to do anything." Choso stated what all of your alphas would have said.

“There is also another problem. I can hold the barrier for a minute, so as soon as you feel it weakening, you disconnect.”

“If you don’t, Choso is doing it manually.” Sukuna warned.

“Got it.” You did not want Choso to force you out. The last time he did that, it was super uncomfortable.

“Thank you, Toji.” You thanked your alpha for finding this piece of information.

“We don’t know how well it will work just yet…” he stated solemnly.

“I know, but it’s something. I’ll be back then.” You called Mahito, and after two rings you swiftly ended it.

“…”

“Now we wait…” You said, sitting down upon the couch.

And wait you did.

Gojo slid onto the couch to lie his head in your lap so you could play with his hair. And everyone stayed vigilant.

Of course the room couldn't be silent for too long.

Nanami coughed into his fist, “Suguru did you-“

“Yes, Kento.”

“And you think you can have it done by tom-“

“YES KENTO.”

“What about mine?” Gojo jumped in.

“If either of you bothers me with this again, I will light them both on fire in front of your windows.”

“Please don’t annoy him anymore. I would love to see the finished products.” You smile.

“Is this for your dates?” Choso questioned with a bit of a red tint on his cheeks.

“It is! Mine's going to be the best, better than anyone’s !” The alpha cheekily smiled. “You are going to love it.”

“I will love them all equally.” You stressed the equally part.

“You liked Sukuna's as well?” Suguru teased.

So they did see that as a date!

“Yes! Even Sukuna’s, it taught me a lot about myself.” You nodded like your lesson was a holy one.

“Yes, she came to my date expecting an audience in the theater.” Toji smirked, making everyone chuckle.

“How scandalous darling.”

“Look, the bar was set to those standards; I was just following the guidelines!” You joked back, not feeling shy about the topic.

“Who would have known you would match your fiends.” Nanami smiled. The twinkle in his eyes was not missed.

“Maybe you should invite the whole town to the show.”

“Absolutely not! I don’t mind doing things in front of strangers, not my pack.”

“Isn’t a family supposed to be closer?”

“That’s called incest brother.”

“No pups no- no pack- no family- no service!” You shook your head, crossing your arms repeatedly to make sure they knew that you would not get down and freaky in front of anyone close to you. "Let’s not make things weird here.”

“So technically she didn’t say no to the whole town, did you guys notice?”

“Yes, I did notice.” Getou snickered.

“That’s not for our date.” Nanami held up a hand. “I wanted something a little more private.”

“I’ll have to save that for my date.” Suguru winked.

Oh boy.

You had noticed Sukuna was a bit quieter during the conversation. He looked to be in his thoughts.

You spoke a bit loudly to get his attention, “Thank you, Sukuna, for helping the others with their training.”

He glanced at you with a, “You know how I like my thanks.”

Now why did he have to ruin everything?

“How?” Choso questioned, the only one in the group who didn’t understand.

“He-“

“The same way I like my apologies.”

“Is that for everyone?”

“Fuck you Satoru.”

“So…it is?”

“Ah-“ Nanami popped up as if remembering something important. “Choso, I forgot; you wanted to see the book. You will have to ask (Y/n).”

You looked toward the beta who turned extremely red.

“Ah-ok.” He said nervously.

“Well?” Suguru drawled, leaning over.

“I-I will ask…” Choso nodded shyly, looking around.“…Some time.”

“Dude, she’s right here. Ask now.” Gojo gestured.

Damn your fiends because the old you would come to Choso’s rescue… the new you, however...

“Go on.” You pushed with as much innocent flair as you could muster to hide your smirk. “I don’t bite Choso.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“She can get a little nibbly.”

“He would like that.”

All of your alphas' teasing made him look feverish and like he was about to faint.

Your words were his saving grace and his demise.

“Ask me Choso.” You smiled sweetly.

He repositioned himself and took a deep breath. “Will you…grant me permission to see your pictures…”

“What pictures?” You pushed for clarity.

He blinked a few times before he could mutter out the words, “The ones…of you in your beautiful moments…”

You let out a little giggle at how he addressed your lewd pictures. “You may. Thank you for asking.” You gestured to Nanami.

Your blonde had passed the book to Choso, and he took it like it was fragile.

Satoru sat up swiftly. “Let me show you my favorite.” He took the book and threw it backwards, then flipped through it...he stopped abruptly. “Aye- what the hell is this?” He questioned, flashing the book at the others.

“Oh my~ I’m so bashful.” Getou hid behind his sleeve with a blush.

“What?” You questioned, bending over to see.

“When did you draw that?”

“This is unfair!”

“Why is he in there? I don’t want to see that.”

“Ah- rude! She wanted a drawing of me!”

It was the picture Nanami had drawn of Getou and you.

Your blonde crossed his arms as he addressed the others, “She requested the picture; who am I to deny my muse?”

“It looks amazing Kento. You did such a wonderful job, Alpha.” You complimented with giddy claps.

Some jealousy was definitely spewing.

“Didn’t he? Captured just how you like me.” Suguru delicately added to the fires that were already burning.

“You don’t want a picture of me?” Satoru pouted, while Choso quietly slipped the book out of his outstretched hand and tucked it into his robe.

“I do. I want a picture of all my alphas. So I can have something to enjoy too- ah!” You jolt, raising your hand.

It was buzzing.

“Is he calling?” Everyone flipped their attitudes in a second.

“Yes, he is…” but something was different this time.

“Alright, I’m ready.” Suguru reassured.

“No, wait, something's wrong. What’s wrong?” Kento noticed your facial expression.

“This...” You sniffed deeply. “It smells different; it doesn’t smell like popcorn. It kind of smells like…” You twitched your nose. “Like cilantro?”

“What is cilantro?”

“A herb in my world... I don’t know what it would be compared to here…“

“But this is someone new…”

“Someone different calling, someone you don’t recall.”

You nodded as your hand vibrated.

Your alphas looked not pleased with this situation.

“It has to be someone north, right? Why else would they call you right after you called Mahito?”

“Yes… But who?”

“Maybe... It’s my father…” Choso stated.

“…”

You blanked at his words.

Out of everyone, he would be the last man you would wish to speak to.

With Mahito, it felt like you were getting somewhere…

But to talk directly to the last boss?

Your stomach felt queasy.

Fear flooded your system.

“The barrier will protect me…?” You questioned Getou in a small voice.

They could sense your anxiety.

“Baby, you don’t have to answer...” Toji reassured. "...I would rather you didn't..."

“This wasn’t part of the plan.” Sukuna cracked his fingers, showing his uncertainty without saying it out loud.

“Yes… I know but…if the barrier will protect me, then… I will feel much safer.”

Suguru slowly nodded, his eyes moving to Choso, “You couldn’t use any spells on her, and when you tried, it disappeared.” He was restating what the beta told him.

“It withheld a bit of protection until it gave way. As soon as you feel him attacking, that would be your signal to disconnect immediately.”

You slowly nodded your head. You could see Gojo’s wide expression as he stared at the floor. He hadn’t said anything, but you knew he didn’t like this.

No one did.

“I will be okay. I trust Suguru.” You added, looking at your other alpha. “His barrier will hold, and if it is tampered with, I disconnect immediately. I’ll go in with my hand on my forehead, ready to pull the trigger.”

Kento stood. “Choso, be ready to break her out…If you aren’t out in a minute or if Getou feels his shield wavering even a pinch, he’s disconnecting the call immediately.”

“Ok…” You took a shaky breath but tried to put on a brave face because your alphas looked terrified.

If you were to vote right now, everyone would vote against you.

But they were biting their tongues.

Allowing you to deal with this situation and trusting you to keep yourself safe.

This was wholly your choice.

And if something happened to you, they would take all the blame. No matter the truth.

That is something you can’t allow. And it is your burden that you shoulder.

You lift your hand to your head, ever so slowly. Maybe you were hoping in your discourse your hand would stop vibrating…

It didn’t.

“I’ll... be back.”

Chef's note: Hello diners! I have been working on our celebration meal! I know we are having our celebration meal for the holidays haha. I don't like to underestimate but I hope to get it finished between now and Christmas. I know we are having our anniversary meal for the holidays. But that's just how the cookie crumbled XD. I was planning for it to just be a simple small little meal, but it turned into its own short story and I wrote more than I anticipated. I don’t know how this keeps happening 🥹

All side dishes aside! Next chapter we talk to the papa roach 🪳 😀

And Inumaki files a complaint to HR