Chapter Text
The pack's vote took place on a full moon night because, of course, werewolves don't do anything without lunar drama.
The terrace of Stark Tower was transformed into a ritual circle: torches of fire, Wong who came only to watch the circus and eat Pepper's snacks, and two hundred wolves in human or half-transformed form forming a perfect ring around the center.
In the middle of the circle: Tony and Stephen, holding hands.
Tony wearing only black sweatpants, bare-chested, arc reactor glowing.
Stephen, clad in the full red cloak but shirtless underneath, old scars on display, his red-gold eyes defying anyone who dared to open their mouth.
Rhodey conducted the ceremony. "Anthony Edward Stark, Alpha of the Pack, do you present this… " he looked at Stephen with a face like he'd just sucked on a lemon " …supernatural being as your bonded mate?"
" I present " Tony replied, his voice firm, without hesitation.
"Stephen Vincent Strange, Sorcerer Supreme and elder vampire, do you accept being welcomed into this pack, swear loyalty to the Alpha and the pup Peter Parker, and protect this family until the end of your days?"
Stephen raised his chin. " I accept. And I add: anyone who lays a finger on my cub or my alpha will discover what Limbo is like from the inside."
A murmur ran through the pack. Some growls. Some smiles.
Rhodey sighed. "Let the Elders of the Moon be witness." He looked up at the sky. "If anyone objects, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Silence.
Then Harley, deep inside, shouted: " I HAVE IT!... Can I be the godfather?"
Pepper slapped him on the back of the neck again.
Rhodey rolled his eyes. " No valid objections. The bond is acknowledged."
The entire pack howled. A long howl.
Tony squeezed his hand tighter.
After the vote came the party. Because Stark doesn't do anything without exaggerating.
Tables laden with meat, synthetic blood mixed with alcohol, because of course Tony would do that loud music, Harley trying to teach Peter how to breakdance and failing spectacularly.
Stephen was leaning against the terrace railing, looking out at the city, when Tony appeared beside him, two glasses in his hand.
"Blood with bourbon. I tested the recipe. It won't kill me, I promise."
Stephen accepted, took a sip. It was… good. Dangerously good. "Your pack hates me less today" he observed.
" They love you. They just don't know how to admit it yet. Rhodey even asked for your help with a protection spell at the new base."
Stephen scoffed. " Of course. Now that I'm "part of the family."
Tony moved closer, shoulder to shoulder. "You've been part of the family since the first time you saved Peter, Strange. It just took them a while to realize it."
Stephen looked at him. Really looked. " I've never had a home, Tony."
"Now it's here. And it's noisy, messy, and smells like wet dog. Welcome."
Stephen laughed. He laughed for real, his head thrown back, his eyes shining.
Tony had never seen anything more beautiful in his life.
Later, when the party was in full swing and Peter had already been taken to bed by May, Tony pulled Stephen by the wrist to the master bedroom.
He locked the door.
Silence.
The moon streamed in through the enormous window, bathing everything in silver.
Tony stopped in the middle of the room, facing Stephen. "I want you," he said bluntly. "Not as an alpha. Not as a debt. Not as an emergency. I want you because I fucking love you and I'm tired of pretending I don't."
Stephen stood still for a full second. Then two. Three.
Then he crossed the space between them in the blink of an eye, hands on Tony's face, mouth to Tony's mouth, a hungry, desperate kiss, centuries of loneliness spilling out through his teeth and tongue.
Tony groaned during the kiss, his hands gripping Stephen's waist, pulling the cloak down. The garment fell to the floor.
"Finally," Tony murmured against his cold lips. "Finally, Strange."
"Stephen," the vampire corrected, his voice hoarse.