#dens

Alphas naturally have an enhanced sense of smell (linked to those good hunter vs. gatherer days).

So imagine that it’s been a hard day at work. The only thing you want is the comfort of your den. Literally the only thing holding you together, is the fact your car smells so solely like you.

That you spent an hour within its confines

In your driveway, yeah. It’s pretty bad.

Even the truly faded scents of betas that had brushed you during day are overwhelming. Even worse the preteen on the verge of presentation.

Who had knocked into your back while roughhousing..

Oh, like the volatile teen hormones aren’t enough. The higher being from hell had to throw in budding pheromones… which produce at varying strengths, regardless of overstimulated senses!

So yeah, you’re pretty sure you hate kids. Adults. Hell even the stairs that bar you from your den.

Who had the audacity to make them so steep, why did you lock your door again???

Deep breath, it’s so other people don’t fuck up the one good thing. The unscented paradise.

Your den. Which offers no outside scents, as you’re quick to shed scented clothes outside its walls. Just arguably clean air, rife with your scent.

It would be so soo easy to climb within its cushiony cacophony. Accepting temporary death in accordance with tempering your senses.

But meticulousness has you climbing in the shower. Washing away the invading scents.

Until Finally. You are able to launch yourself within the angel soft masterpiece.

The piece de resistance, your denned in bed. Which feels so so cool, on every sense.

Like a cold plunge

A factory reset.

A damn good place for an after work nap.

.

..

Dens. I picture Jacky in a village raising situation with fae as a kid. She went home to mom but spent her day in the woods learning from whoever would teach her (or hiding in their cave when someone unfriendly came stalking). That's probably where she got the goblin temper.

Everyone nests. Nests are generally rebuilt every two weeks or so, to clean the blankets, pillowcases, and nest covers. Scented items may be changed out more frequently, to keep the scent fresh/strong.

There are several different types of nests, with three being most common:

The classic, built on a frame (generally round) or the floor. They’re often surrounded by canopies.

Dens, which are more built somewhere more enclosed—such as a closet or modernized victorian box bed.

Perches, which are built somewhere raised—such as a loft/bunk bed or hammock.

The materials and set up of nests vary. Some prefer soft and blush, others more sturdy. Some want fuzzy, others silky, and others more linen/cotton. I've got a pinterest board with several examples.

(The stereotype is that alphas prefer dens, betas prefer perches, & omegas prefer a classic nest. This is reflected in media, & marketing for the various types.)

Each dynamic can be very territorial over their nest. Entering without first being invited is a good way to get yourself bitten.

Victims of abuse, or who lacked stable lives, may show a lack of interest in nesting, doing only the bare minimum. Others become even more territorial and defensive of their nests, not even allowing pack in. Still yet others may hide their nests. It can take time for their instincts to realize they’re safe.

Omegas become very fussy nesters during pre-heat. Their nest has to be just right, and this can cause frustration, sometimes to the point of tears.

If there’s space enough in the home, a pack will have a special pack nest they’ve built together. These are communal lounging spaces. Pups spend a lot of time there. If there isn’t space enough, the pack leader’s nest will double as the pack nest.

Pups tend to nest with their parents/guardians for the first two or three years of their lives. After that, they generally share a nest with other pups until around ten to twelve, when they develop a desire to have their own space.

If there aren’t enough pups for a pup nest, pups may stay longer with their parents or rotate between nests.

Older packmates may also choose to nest together, especially in times of stress… but also just because.

Pups usually build nests with their parents and/or siblings, to teach them how to do it on their own.

Pups moving into their own nest is something of a coming-of-age event. If funds are available, a big deal is made of picking out and setting up a frame (if applicable), and pack members will all gift pillows, stuffed toys, blankets, etc. Some will be new, others hand-me-downs. The pup then assembles their nest, usually alone, and shows it off. They usually have company the first night, though some want to prove they’re Big and sleep alone. There’s often a bit of an adjustment period, though, and they may end up regularly back in their childhood nests.

I love this new den 🥺

So much 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

They can. And I think in an emergency that's all there's left to do. BUT my Tumblr page doesn't have "Pack's Den" on the title for nothing. I like to headcanon Alphas have Dens. Now a Den CAN just be a room, like their own bedroom, and that's most likely what would happen in a modern AU, but I also like to headcanon dens to be more special.

A den is a space, usually a large space, that can contain an Alpha during their rut, and it often has things to calm them down during it. Things to bite and get their pent up energy out on. But it's also a space that has a dedicated area for a nest. Which is what may make it more different than a regular bedroom. Many Alphas will project and build nest frames and or little podiums for their mate's or future mate's nest. Assuming they like Omegas, that is. They also hoard food in that space, but only if they have a mate. Otherwise Alphas can go days without eating.