BINNIE POV:

Just like a horrific ticking of a large ominous clock, the time shifts towards the end of the day at the bakery, minutes slipping by as we move about cleaning and packing up the extras. Just like clockwork that heaviness comes to settle deep within me, unwilling to drag myself back to a place that didn't feel like home. Not truly and wholly anymore. Not without (Y/N). Not when our pack was incomplete. And had a gaping hole, ugly and vicious tearing through the middle.

Not when her scent was a ghost now, a weak faint trail that was slowly losing itself, was slowly fading. Not when a part of the large bed remained empty, where she'd lie there and curl around me. Not when her own room, rich with her anise scent was slowly turning staler. When it seemed abandoned and forgotten. Not when her favourite cup remained untouched and the shared shelves of toiletries in the bathroom weren't scattered and messed around, didn't have her own filtering through ours.

Not when noona wasn't there.

I keep stacking the leftover loaves of bread, watching as they topple, over and over no matter how many times I draw the packaged loaves to restack, restless when they keep falling over, a frustrated growl slipping past tightly pressed lips.

A hand comes to settle on my shoulder, squeezing lightly.

And the voice that follows it is even softer.

"Bin-ah, ready to scent?" voice light and gentle, but also something warm and eager about it.

I turn to face the voice, peering at Jungkookie hyung and failing to dredge up a matching smile to his, unable to pretend again and again that it's okay.

That doing this compensates for that gaping hole that is soft and curvy and just (Y/N) noona's shape.

And then hyung's face shifts, concerned and open and soft.

Sympathy flashing in his large eyes.

His eyes always reminded me of a larger pair of doe-eyes that I was missing, yearning to see. Reminded me of the very pair of eyes that I couldn't see look at me with tenderness and affection.

See them and crumple.

Face falling at the sight of his gentle expression.

"Bin-ah...I'm sorry that this is all I can do." He whispers, drawing me away from the pile of packaged loaves and drawing me away, tugging me out from behind the counters before he's wrapping me up in an embrace.

Solid and firm and warm.

Not like (Y/N) noona's soft smaller frame folding in within mine, wrapping herself up in my arms whilst tugging me to her.

"It's okay hyung...it can't be helped." I whisper against his shoulder even if my voice trembles and wavers.

Even if I have to scrunch my eyes shut to stop the prickling sensation from winning.

Feel him squeeze me tighter.

"It can't be. And it's unfair for your pack. But we're doing our best. For her. And hyungs are doing their best for you all. I promise." Jungkookie hyung says.

Everyone was trying.

And I knew just how hardworking the police officer hyungs were, if Jin hyung and Kookie hyung weren't anything to go by, then (Y/N) noona most certainly was. But it didn't stop that feeling of hopelessness, didn't stop or change the fact that (Y/N) had done this for us.

Separated away from us to protect us.

To stop whatever mess she was caught up in from reaching us.

To stop the traffickers from turning their attention to me and Eunwoo.

"I know...I just miss (Y/N)." I say quietly.

His hand comes to card lightly through my hair.

"She misses you two as well. She's always got some sort of clothing of yours or Eunwoo's and she loves getting your scent. It really helps her." he soothes.

And I curl closer, reassured and settled slightly by that knowledge. That she takes the scent, that she keeps a bit of me with her. That she wears our clothes long after they lose the fresh scent on them.

"Can I scent you then hyung?" I mumble.

Get a squeeze to the nape of my neck.

"Of course."

And that's all the invitation I need to raise my head from his shoulder and lean in to nuzzle at his throat, nosing at his skin and glands to leave my scent behind, turning my head to rub my cheek across his neck, the barest edge of his jaw.

Content and happy and feeling a bit better when I lean my head back and see hyung looking at me with soft floppy brown ears on either side of his face and gentle warmth in the brown of his eyes.

"Better?" he asks.

I nod.

"Better." whispered and quiet.

A few moments pause between us, my eyes taking in the way Jin hyung now brings the spare packed food to the front, smiling at me as he sets them down onto the table.

"If...if (Y/N) noona isn't smiling or isn't happy. Then this does the trick." I confide, hands moving to lightly cup Kookie hyung's face and thumbs gently brushing against the soft skin under his eyes, sweeping across the top of his cheekbones.

See Jin hyung move close to watch and see wide eyes blink at me, slightly confused even if his eyes had fluttered instinctively at the movement of my hands near them.

"Does have small scent glands under their eyes. It's why when she's crying you can smell the sadness on her." I say sadly. Heart aching and wanting.

What if noona had been crying? What if she wasn't sleeping well....she never did when she was alone. What if she wasn't eating well? What if she was still drained after the toll the sudden heat took?

What if they were doing everything they could for her...but it wasn't enough for my noona? Wasn't enough because they didn't know that post-heat she didn't just need leg massages but sometimes needed that grounding weight of someone pinning them down. That she liked getting gentle rubs to the back of her ears when she watched movies or sitting on the kitchen counter to be taste tester when her legs were too sore to be working and flitting around. That she adored tactile comfort even if at times you had to drag her in for it.

I watch Jin hyung and Kookie hyung exchange glances, small frowns twisting their lips even if their gazes are warm and understanding. Learning.

"Anything else Bin-ah?" Jin hyung asks.

I nod.

Feeling a lump in my throat.

"She really really doesn't like sleeping alone. She can't sleep most nights when she's alone." Feeling that lump thicken when I remember that the shadows of exhaustion hadn't stopped rimming her eyes. That though she insisted she was sleeping more, there was this weariness and fatigue that clung to her. That could be felt even through a phone screen.

It was why more often than not, she was more likely to drop off to sleep in front of us, through the screen, soothed by that unconscious closeness she felt by seeing us. But I didn't know if after the call ended, after we ended up falling asleep whether noona woke up. Whether she was too restless to sleep deeply.

"We knew that...but we didn't know it was to that extent." Jin hyung says with a sigh, looking concerned.

I look at the two of them, heart aching and yearning to hold noona, to be close to her, to hug her.

Knowing that I couldn't have that.

But they could still be her comfort, could be the ones to help her when we couldn't as a pack.

"Hyungs please. Please don't let her wither away and crumble under all the work and pressure." I plead. Eyes stinging.

Jin hyung's wings flap and rustle, face frowning and sad.

But firm too.

Determination and promise shining in his eyes.

"She won't. We'll take care of her, just as much as you would as pack." He reassures.

That restlessness abates even more. And when we're drawing on our coats, bundling up, my eyes catching onto Eunwoo's scarf wound around my throat, I clutch at it, fingers sinking into soft material.

"And can you...can you bring something scented by noona? Without her scent...it's not the same. We're not whole." I murmur.

Hands drawing up the packed food to give away. Autumn and winter was merciless in Seoul. And starving in such conditions was worse.

"I'll bring something tomorrow. For you and Eunwoo." Jin hyung promises.

I smile.

Knowing just how much her scent would help.

It would make that antsy feeling vanish, it would make that fidgetiness Eunwoo hyung had been feeling since his rut had finished, pacing and always fidgety. Still unsettled because our pack wasn't complete and his instincts were crying out for her, were fidgety because she was vulnerable too and didn't have someone to help her.

Because I'd seen that pain when he'd gone into pre-rut. And he'd felt her absence in his nesting habits, wrapping around me close and scenting. But there had been sadness and pain in his woodsy scent as we curled together post-mating, bodies bare and pressed together but forlorn. There was tears in his eyes when he opened the door to her room and found it stale and empty.

And knowing that he'd have something of her scent would make it easier.

It makes the walk home easier too.

------

"Eunwoo hyung~ how did the shoot go?" I ask over the phone as I walk down the street, smiling at the small sound of delight he makes on the other end.

"It went good baby. The brand for the new hybrid line of clothing are really impressive. Maybe I picked something for you." he teases.

I feel my ears perk up.

"Did you? What is it? Did you get something for yourself and noona too?" I ask excitedly, walking down and eyes searching.

He hums.

"I never said I definitely got something for you." he retorts, tone playful.

I sigh.

"You're a fusser and a spoiler. And you purposely tease just to make us curious and eager." I retort.

"Well...you're right. But it's not the usual sort of stuff you're used to. It's...sparkly." He says.

I perk up. pace unconsciously quickening.

"Sparkly? I like collecting pretty things..." I muse, excited by the thought.

Maybe it was sparkly and soft. I wondered if I could add it to the nest, curious as I walk towards the next street.

"That's what you said to me. Charming." Eunwoo hyung says dryly.

I spot a curved-up figure sitting under the awning of a shop, body clutching at a thin blanket and head dipped low. Hasten towards it, clutching at the bag in my hand tightly.

"You're the prettiest." I say with a smile, moving closer to the figure. Frowning at the ragged blanket the homeless woman has around her, body shivering.

Feel a pang of remorse and guilt.

"Hold on hyung..." I say before bending down.

Drawing the bag forward instead to set it beside her, she could do with a sandwich...a few actually.

"Excuse me...it's not much but please eat." I say softly.

About to step up and leave, feeling ashamed at only being able to give her food, hand moving back to pat around for my wallet.

But as I'm twisting around to searching through my other pocket, her curved up figure straightens and a hand latched onto my hand, tight and unrelenting.

My head flies around, panicked until I see her eyes flicker with gratitude.

She loosens her hold.

"I'm sorry...but thank you. Not a lot of people stop or approach the homeless." The woman says, bitter and honest, voice trembling and aching with resentment.

The smile I try to dredge up wavers.

She didn't deserve that. None of them did.

"I'm sorry I can't do more. Actually wait..." I say, leaning back to tug my coat off, knowing if I hurry I can get the bus before I get too cold.

She shakes her head.

"Keep the coat. The food is enough. Really." The woman insists.

I hesitate. Eyes glancing to the blanket.

Thin and ratty, worn-out.

It wouldn't do her much help.

"But your blanket..." I stress, hand going to my jacket to tug the zip down.

She falls silent, watching with a shrunken posture as I hastily tug it off, emptying my pockets before handing it over.

Shivering as the wind nips.

But it's worth it when it makes the discomfort abate from the woman's face, ducking gratefully as she draws it around her, curving into it.

Makes a small wet sniffling sound as she burrows into it and draws the blanket around her.

"...smells nice." I hear her mumble to herself as I stand.

See her turn her gaze to me, staring at me through exhausted eyes.

"Thank you." she murmurs.

"It's okay. Take care..." I say, trailing off.

But she takes the silence as a step.

"Eli."

"Get to a shelter Eli. Get somewhere safe." I say quietly.

Watch her nod before I'm turning away, trying to ignore the coldness biting at skin.

Pace quickening, fingers curled into the sleeves of my jumper, wind rustling at my tail and ears. Clutching at my phone and wallet as I rush to get to the bus stop, cold unforgiving as I hurry under streetlamps. The sky is already darkening, an ink blot that steadily spreads and seeps outwards when I get to the bus stop, shifting from foot to foot under the roof of the stand.

And then realise I'd left Eunwoo hyung on hold, drawing it to my face quickly.

"Sorry hyung I was just..." I begin, voice spilling out in a rush.

"You were being sweet. Don't apologise." Eunwoo hyung corrects softly. I can hear the smile in his voice.

Know that even if I can't see him, his eyes are crinkled and his hair habitually falling forward to brush against them.

"But now you're also cold. I'll have a bath waiting for you when you get home. And warm clothes." He continues.

I smile, watch as the bus approaches.

"Will you join?" I ask, stepping out to get to the bus's opening doors, sighing with relief at the wave of heat that brushes against my face.

"Of course."

And as I take a seat, body relaxing slowly against the heated inside, phone loosely hanging on my lap, I look at my hand. Remember the sight of dry weathered fingers clutching at mine.

But for all that she'd shivered, her body trembling... her hands, burrowed deeply under the blanket before it had darted out, had still been warm.

EUNWOO POV:

Binnie returns home cold and shivering, tall frame curved in to duck into his jumper, teeth chattering and tail stiff, ears flickering with discomfort.

And I waste no time from tugging him across the threshold of the door, arms wound around him and walking backwards as I guide him to the bathroom, wincing when my fingers brush against the chilled skin of his neck when I draw him close, door shutting behind us.

"Oh baby..." I breathe as I nudge him to sit on the edge of the bathtub, coaxing him down to sit on the wide rim.

"'s fine hyung. Not that cold." He defends but his teeth chatter and his hands when I squeeze them are chilled blocks of ice that latch gratefully onto mine.

"You're freezing. My squirrel baby's all cold." I murmur as I kneel in front of him, drawing his clothes off, tugging his trousers down his legs, fingers darting under his jumper in a ticklish tease before I draw it over his torso, smiling when he squirms but raises his arms for me. Letting me tug it off him, smoothening his rumpled hair even if it's about to get wet.

I lean up to press a kiss to each twitching ear, before standing.

"Get in Binnie." I urge.

Watch him as he stands and clambers into the bath, hand gripping my forearm as he lowers himself in with a relived sigh.

But he doesn't move his hand away.

Keeps his hold on me as he raises his head imploringly.

I lower my head to his for a kiss, drawing his chin up as I smile against his lips. Fingers curling around skin.

"I'm proud of you Bin-ah. Now let me get in." I say as I straighten, smiling when he juts his lip out but lets go of my arm, leaning against the tub as he watches my tug off my clothes, hands reaching out impatiently when I'm done.

"My little spoon?" he asks hopefully.

And I'm already clambering into the tub too, sinking down to recline against him and turning my head to nose at his jaw, a light nuzzle as he winds his arms around me.

"Your little spoon." I echo.

Settling with my head resting against his shoulder, mindful of my antlers as I twist to get comfortable. The two of us sitting together, the water leeching away at the cold in his body, lapping around us in gentle sloshes when we shift slightly.

"How was work?" Binnie asks, nuzzling against my temple.

I tilt my head into the touch.

"Good. It was for the more club scene. Hybrid tailored outfits." I say, sighing at the gentle hand that cards over my antlers, fingers trailing over them to rub at the base. Twisting my head into the touch and leaning in to press kisses to his throat, nuzzling at his scent gland.

Coaxing out that sweet hazelnut scent, dragging my teeth over the raised bump, over the tender patch of skin to mark.

Hand sliding away from around his waist to slide up his torso and curling around his neck to draw him close, breathing in his scent, unhurried and slow as I tug at his skin with my teeth, tongue flicking against his gland.

Nose full of his scent and resting my head against his shoulder when he speaks.

"That'll be good. You look good in sheer shirts." Binnie says breathily, hands tightening around my waist.

I smile.

"You'll look good in what I've gotten you." I say with certainty.

Knowing that he'll love the sparkle, he'll love the style.

Knowing that my mate looks good in anything and everything.

"Can't wait to see it. Order dinner?" he asks. Voice sounding steadily relaxed, low and smooth.

"Already done Bin-ah." I say.

Hear him hum in response, feathery light kisses pressed to my antlers.

"It'll be here soon. We should get out in a bit." I say, already mourning the loss of the warmth of our bodies pressed close, of this shared moment together.

"We should." He echoes.

And the two of us slowly begin to move to get out of the tub, showering off together before getting dressed into thick pyjamas.

I nudge him towards the living room, moving towards the front door to buzz up the delivery person.

But my feet stop on the way back to him, dragging to a halt outside (Y/N)'s shut bedroom door, heart aching at the sight. It was never shut. Never closed.

And Binnie in the first few days after she'd had to move, had been curled up on her bed, burrowed under the piles of clothes and blankets he'd amassed that had smelt most strongly like her scent and had cried when her scent hadn't been as strong. We'd closed the door as a way of trying to keep her scent present in her room, hoping that it wouldn't fade from at least one part of our home.

Wishing again and again that she could be home. Wishing that this threat hovering over us, that had pushed her to move vanished. Wishing that she could be here. That I could just hold her, could be soothed and settled by having her scent merge with mine.

Could have her just be there.

"Hyung..." I don't realise that Binnie's stepped out of the living room, that he's moved to me and has come to stand beside me.

Feel his fingers loop around my wrist as he tugs me to him.

"I miss her too." He whispers.

But missing her wasn't the right word.

Not when it made an aching chasm open up inside. Not when this was by far the longest we'd ever been apart. Not when her very absence tore at my heart, made my instincts writhe with worry and pain because pack wasn't meant to be absent, you weren't meant to leave pack.

Not like this.

Not this feeling of helplessness and incompleteness.

And I let Binnie lead me down to the living room and onto the couch, let him tug the bags free from my hands as he rushes about opening boxes and putting them onto plates. Let him pin me as he clambers onto my lap, effectively keeping me under him and on the couch as he puts a plate on his lap. My hands automatically wrapping around him.

"But no sadness. (Y/N) noona has a sixth sense for these things. She'll be able to tell through the screen." Binnie says as he brings the first mouthful of food up to my lips, nudging at them until I part them for him.

Letting him feed me.

Hand moving to take the fork from him, though it falls to the side when he moves it out of reach and spears a piece of meat, chewing as he looks at me. Fingers absently brushing over my damp hair.

"She does. I don't know how she can tell." I muse.

Stealing the fork away from him to feed him another mouthful before taking one for myself.

"It must be her pack instincts. She's sharp under all that softness. Very observant." Binnie states.

Soft sharp doe.

Soft sweet girl.

Sharp defensive protector.

My aching, hurting girl. My lonely girl.

Alone. Hiding away.

Forcing herself to be apart.

"You're drifting on me again hyung. If (Y/N) noona sees a frown on those pretty lips I don't know what she'll do." Binnie says, drawing me out of my reverie.

Fork once more stolen and nudging at my lips.

He looms close, fingers thumbing under my eyes, frowning slightly.

"Just like me isn't it? To get two packmates who have troubles sleeping. Hyung...just take the medication." He encourages as I open my mouth to take the next mouthful.

I shake my head.

Frowning at the thought.

The idea sat heavily at the pit of my stomach, threatened to make my throat close.

"What if I'm needed? I'm not taking them Bin-ah. We've been over this." I say with a sigh, leaning back against the couch and ducking my head away from the next mouthful, hand nudging it back to his lips instead.

The thought made my instincts shift in a panic. Restless at the thought alone of being unable to help my pack. At something happening and me not realising.

Of Binnie or (Y/N) needing me and I wasn't able to wake up.

Swamped under with the heavy wave of sleep that medication would bring.

"But hyung. Exhaustion isn't the way either. You need to sleep. I can only imagine how they tried to cover up these today." he says miserably, looking sad as he takes in my face.

Then he perks up.

"Actually...Jin hyungie told me a way to make milk. It's meant to help with sleep. I know he and Kookie hyung make it for (Y/N) noona sometimes." Looking determined as he begins to eat with gusto, physical enthusiasm in the lines of his body as he perks up. Feeding the two of us.

He's a mate on a mission and when we're finished eating, he's clambering off to head inside with the dishes, shooting me a warning look over his shoulder to stay put.

Hurrying back to dive for the space beside me, head splayed across my lap and peering up at me.

"But first I want you. Like this."

Smiling up at me.

And with a lapful of mate, I'm not complaining.

Perfectly content and satisfied to run my fingers through his hair and trace the planes of his face. Soothed by his scent seeping off him. Thick and heavy.

Content to let all that anxiousness ebb away with his grounding presence.

Content to drift.

Even if a part of me still worries. Still frets.

Wonders how long we'll have to be this way.

A divided pack.

------

The sound of my phone ringing cuts through the sleepy haze, my eyes blinking open at the sound cutting through our bedroom. Raise my head from the pillow to lean over Binnie's shoulder and reach for it, buzzing on the side table.

Binnie begins to shift in his sleep, brows furrowed as the phone keeps ringing, my fingers curling around it even as I press my lips to his temple, trailing down to peck his bare shoulder, drawing the blanket higher up around him.

I answer the phone.

"What?" I ask.

Voice rough and heavy.

Groaning when an awake, cool voice calls out in response.

"Early shoot today."

I groan, slumping back down onto the mattress, wriggling closer to Binnie's heat.

"Why? We finished late yesterday." I ask, rubbing at my eyes, stifling a yawn against my hand.

"To finish early today. You're not the only one who's suffering. Up you get Eunwoo." The voice enthuses, amused and dry.

"I'll get food before I drive over." He says before hanging up.

I slump down, sighing with desolation when Binnie's arm snakes around my waist and he presses his head against my shoulder. Burrowing close to me.

"S too early hyung. Come cuddle." He whispers, sleepily scent marking as he noses at my throat. a lazy, slow mark, messy and uncoordinated.

I bite my lap. Wincing at the plaintive tone in his sleepy voice. At the way his scent, heavy and drowsy, tugs at me. Tries to draw me close.

His leg worming through mine to lace together, latching on.

"I've got a shoot Binnie. Car's coming." I whisper apologetically.

The hold tightens.

"You need to sleep more though." He mumbles and I feel the flutter of his lashes against my skin, know that he's opened his eyes.

"You need to sleep more. I'll nap when I finish." I say softly.

Carefully and slowly trying to wriggle out of his hold, to extract myself from the pile of sleepy limbs that is my mate.

Even if I want nothing more than to curl back against him, to allow myself to be tugged back by the broad muscled arm that tightens around my waist.

"Promise?" is the sleepy mumble. Petulant and insistent.

"Promise." I whisper before turning to kiss the top of his head, nuzzling against his temple in a light scent mark before his hold loosens.

And I draw myself away, tucking him in before stumbling towards the bathroom.

The day was going to be long. I could feel it in the way weariness was already settling in my bones.

-----

"And...done!" the photographer calls, final shot finished. I shrug the hand resting on my shoulder, smiling when he turns to shoot me a look, eyes flashing playfully.

"Don't start games Eunwoo-ah. You're dead off your feet, no stamina to actually win." SJ taunts.

I frown.

"Is it that bad? First Binnie and now you." I ask.

He nods, giving me a small shove and watching how my feet stagger, fisting into my blazer jacket to yank me back.

"See. Dead off your feet." He repeats.

"Not dead off my feet. Where are you going? Home?" I ask.

A shake.

"Centre. Training is starting up again."

I look up at that.

Intent.

"Centre? I'll come too!" I say eagerly.

A raise of brows.

Slow taunting scan of my body.

"I'm not lugging your dead weight around." He says with narrowed eyes.

"You won't be. Not that a nice strong man like you couldn't. Manhandling is your thing no? A speciality." I drawl, tugging off the jacket as I begin to walk to the dressing rooms.

Laughing at the splutter behind me before the sound of hurried footsteps follow me, blocking the door from shutting behind me when a lithe tall figure slips in behind me.

Leaning against the door and staring at me through the mirror.

"That's a special privilege that you don't get Woo Woo. I'm not manhandling you anywhere." Eyes flashing with fire, hand fiddling with his hair as he ruffles it, brushing across the base of his own antlers.

I smile, unbuttoning my shirt.

Unbothered by his presence.

"Just for a certain girl SJ. I see how it is." I sigh, lamenting, folding up the shirt and setting it down.

Hit in the back of my head with his own tossed up one.

Laughing at the look of satisfaction and pride flickering silently in his eyes even if his stance is defensive and tall.

Unconsciously straightening.

"What about it?"

I shake my head, tugging my jumper on.

"Nothing...nothing at all. Hurry up and change." I say once I'm done dressing.

Picking up my phone to check the time.

Centre first. Nap second.

Surely Binnie wouldn't mind.

I would still nap when I got home.

Because sleep is pushed aside for favour of eagerness, body jittery with the excitement coursing through my veins as we drive to the centre, fingers tapping against my knee, against the arm rest, against my phone.

And the second the car stops, I'm unbuckling the belt and sliding out, door shutting hastily behind me, ignoring the yell to wait as I hurry towards the entrance.

Phone to my ear.

"(Y/N)~ I'm at the centre. Are you busy?" I ask.

"Woo Woo! I was just going to take my lunch break. Min Junie just drifted off for his nap." (Y/N) says, voice soft but excited. The sound of a low murmur as she talks to Yugyeom. Of the door shutting behind her.

"I'll come see you at reception." She says before hanging up.

The silence and impatience of waiting without her voice in my ear has me restlessly fidgeting at the reception.

Even if the receptionist recognises me and makes a gesture to wave me through. Hanging back and shaking my head. Waiting by the desk for her.

And then there's a pattering of rushing footsteps and a delighted call of my name.

Turning to see (Y/N) hurrying forward, eyes alight and ears fully perked up. Lips curved wide.

And her smaller softer frame colliding with mine, burrowing close as she winds her arms around me.

Sense her scent, a thin small trail of anise pulse out from under the layer of scent blockers. Happy and sweet.

My arms tug her closer, clutching tightly at her, nuzzling at her temple, layering my own scent onto her skin. That itch that had been mounting under my skin since pre-rut had settled was finally soothed, calmed.

That need to have her close has me drawing her close, smiling when she burrows herself into my arms, wriggling closer, hands fisting into my jumper from where they'd dove under my coat.

"Missed you bokki." I whisper to her bent head.

She raises her head.

Eyes glossy.

"Missed you too. Missed your scent." She whispers.

My heart twists and my instincts whimper in pain.

Pressing my lips to her forehead to hide the way they wobble.

See the way she draws in a shuddering gasp, burrowing close to take deep inhales of my scent, unwilling to let go just as unwilling my own body is to unwind from around hers.

"Let's get lunch." I say softly.

Drawing her back only to take her hand.

She nods.

Smiling.

Sweet light scent going surprised.

Peering past me all of a sudden.

"Oh! I didn't know you were coming too."

The light smirk she gets in response has her scent turning heavy.

I wrinkle my nose.

"Do you ever stop?" I ask, talking over her shoulder to stare incredulously at SJ.

Get a small shrug. See the pleased smug look he shoots me before he ignores me entirely in favour for (Y/N).

"Not at all. Now come here sweet thing." He croons, I see the way (Y/N)'s tail flicks and the way her cheeks pinken, eyes darting around the place before she's clutching his hand and yanking him along.

"Not here! I work here!" she hisses as she draws the two of us inside.

"And I don't?" he replies easily.

Stopping at the cubbyholes for post.

"Wait. I haven't checked my cubby. There might be some files and paperwork." (Y/N) says, trying to free herself from one side and failing.

I smile at her.

"I'll get it." I say with a small squeeze, stepping away to get to her cubbyhole.

Lips twitching when I see how she's immediately tugged back, bracketed by SJ's body, his hand splayed across her hip.

I turn to scan the cubbies for her name, smiling when I spot it. Hand worming in through the hollow circle to reach for any papers. My hand grabs at nothing, flapping as I try to see if there's anything at the base of it when my hand touches something sticky and thick. Slightly warm.

Wet.

Hesitant to draw my hand back and see what it is.

Slowly inching my hand away, cringing at the wetness clinging to my hand as I draw my hand away. Breath pausing at the flash of colour painting my skin.

Draw trembling red fingers away from the cubby.

Staring at with horror and nausea.

The dark red drips from my hand and automatically my other one shoots out to cup it.

Turning around with fear threading through my body.

See how (Y/N)'s head snaps up at the heavy iron tang that fills the air.

No mistaking exactly what coats my hand. Eyes wide as she looks at me and then my hand.

Smell her scent going from rich and syrupy to startled and scared.

Watch as SJ's posture stiffens, hand protectively clamping down on her and tugging her back even as she rushes forward.

Her throat bobs as her hands hover around me.

"Is that yours?" (Y/N) asks with a waver to her voice.

I shake my head.

It feels like my head is stuffed, thoughts wading through treacle. Numb to the light touch to my wrist when she draws my hand to her.

"No...no it's....why was your cubby full of blood?" I ask. Voice tinged with hysteria.

"Is everything okay (Y/N)-ssi?" a voice asks.

The receptionist.

And unconsciously, (Y/N) grips my hand, my hand stiff and wincing when she's curled her fingers with mine. Drawing the hand she clutches behind her.

"Nothing. It's nothing." She says.

And with our hands sticky and intertwined. That thick warmth of blood that clings to skin makes me feel sick.

And I wonder just how many times she's had to say that.

How many times she's had to feel this way in her own workplace.

Nothing.

But it was everything. More.

It was terrifying.

And she was pretending, though I could feel the way her grip slackened, turned stiff.

Not nothing.

Far from it.

(Y/N) POV:

I feel sick. Feel revolted at the scent or the iron tang that burns my nose and sticks to skin. I want to move my hand away, want to get rid of the thickness that clings to it, but can't bring myself to. Not when Eunwoo's own hand is gripped by me, when his own fingers stiff and tight try to hold me but are frozen.

"Are you sure (Y/N)-ssi? You're looking a bit peaky." The receptionist asks, concern on her kind face. Open consideration and warmth in her eyes.

SJ steps forward, shooting her a disarming smile as he comes to stand behind me, a supporting hand on the base of my back. Hiding our intertwined, bloody hands from view.

"She's fine." He says shortly, scent sharp and fierce, nudging us forward without turning back. Taking us away from the receptionist's worried and confused gaze that follows us, burning a line into my back.

"Hold on (Y/N). We need to clean that off." SJ says quietly.

Voice low and smooth and reassuring. Instantly easing some of that stiffness that had my body all locked up.

And there's only the feeling of his hand guiding me forward, his voice low in my ear as he guides us to one of the bathrooms in the distant side of the building. Secluded and out of sight.

I remembered it for entirely different reasons than why he'd taken us here today.

"Eunwoo first." I get out when I catch sight of the sink. See the way SJ leans over to twist the taps open, a spray of water that splashes outwards.

But Woo's hand tightens around me when I try to let go, his eyes filled with panic when I look at him. Woodsy scent bitter and sharp, eyes wide and mixed with worry and rage.

"You first. Your cubby..." and then he shudders, terrified by the thought.

I couldn't imagine how it must've felt to reach in, expecting to find papers but hand grasping at blood. It made nausea claw at my stomach, gnawing away at any appetite I had had.

I feel that feeling of safety I'd felt since my post-heat, that cocoon of warmth and protection, suddenly snap. That bubble of haziness, of security, pop. Suddenly thrusted into a nightmare.

But I can't...not when his hand is stained red and he's staring at it, aghast and horrified.

Snap out of that numbness that threatens to settle because Eunwoo's scent is harsh and disturbed, because he's suddenly been thrust right into it all.

I draw my hand with his under the water, watching as it colours red and then pink, streaming off our hands. Lather up Eunwoo's hand with soap, rubbing and massaging and cleaning until it's a healthy pink. Until it's snapped Eunwoo out of that fearful silence when he squeezes my wrist to stop me.

"It's gone (Y/N). It's gone." He whispers.

Voice sounding more stable.

It's gone. But I can still see it, still see the phantom remains of that blood staining his skin, see it in the beds of my nails and drying on my own skin in places.

"It's gone." I repeat.

But it doesn't do much to reassure me, not when my hands are fitful as I scrub at them, twisting the tap on colder, freezing as it burns and leeches away the ghost of the warmth of the blood sticky and thick between our hands.

Scrubbing and clawing at skin, frantic to have it off even after my skin is cleaned, even after the red is gone and it turns pink with cold and force.

Until the tap is abruptly twisted off and my hands gently cradled, long fingers looped around my wrist and drawing them back.

"It's done. It's done sweetheart. It's done." And when I glance up at the mirror, it's to see SJ holding me and Eunwoo...Eunwoo staring back at me, eyes reddened and brimming with tears that silently trickle over.

Have me twisting away from the sink, unable to bear the sight of pink splatters to look at my packmate.

Slumping when warm hands cocoon my cold ones.

"Has...has this happened before?" he asks.

I shake my head quickly.

"Never."

"Has it been worse than this? Bokki...have you been threatened before?" Eunwoo asks.

But his voice is fearful. A low hushed whisper. Terrified about discovering something but at the same time needing to know.

The scent behind me thickens too. On-edge and protective.

"No. I haven't been threatened before. Nothing more than what you already know." I reassure.

But even so. I know that this can't be overlooked. That I'll have to tell Namjoon or Minnie.

Know that even if I want nothing more than to go back to my cubby, it's best I call them now so they can know, so they can test the blood, to see who it belongs to.

A niggling worry at the back of my head, growing louder and larger, was that it was the blood of another victim, worry that it was a glaring sign from whoever was accessing the building. A warning, a taunt, a promise of yet another child.

"We need to report this." SJ says. Voice tight and trembling with rage.

And when I twist to face him, the hardness in his eyes burn, softening a fraction when he looks at me.

"I never knew it was this bad." He says, brows furrowed.

"You knew?" I ask.

Eunwoo's hands around mine squeeze apologetically.

"There's only so many times he can turn up and you're not there. Your scent's fading too." Woo says quietly.

Sorrowful.

My heart twists viciously at that. Pained at my own scent fading from my home. I push away that wide aching yearning feeling to tug a hand away but Eunwoo's hand tightens.

"My phone Woo...I need to report it." I say.

"I've got it." SJ says, hand squeezing my hip before his fingers hook into my back pocket to tug my phone out.

He takes the unlocked phone from in front of my face and taps the screen.

"Who do I call?" he asks.

"Jimin." I say without hesitation.

Knowing he'd be here soon. Knowing he'd be quick.

But his phone is unreachable. One call. And then another.

But we don't have time to lose.

"Namjoon. Call Namjoon. We need to get back to reception...it can't be, it can't be cleaned up. We need that evidence." I say hurriedly, tugging my hands free, even as I shoot Eunwoo an apologetic look. Hear two sets of footsteps following me and SJ's voice forcefully level speaking.

Rushing to get back out, a roaring in my ears, instincts screaming that slowly, more and more, the centre was becoming unsafe. Was becoming a threat. It made my instincts recoil and tighten up, on edge and defensive in one of the places that was meant to mean safety, was meant to mean home and sanctuary.

Slowly the place was becoming poisoned and violated. Was becoming tainted with that vicious ugly smear that the traffickers brought back time and time again.

And it feels like an infinity passes since I hover in the reception of the centre, the two of them wait with me are jittering, on-edge. Defensive and protective.

And I find that in the wait, several times, the two of them come to rub their scent on me, nuzzling against my crown, the side of my throat, the inside of my wrists. A franticness in their actions. And it makes me realise that Woo had just as many difficulties post-rut too. That a part of him that needed to take care of his packmates in post-rut hadn't been satisfied or fulfilled.

But then Namjoon is striding in, posture quick and urgent, demeanour powerful and demanding and eyes searching around, landing on me quickly. And his scent swamps in, thick waves of rich earthy musk that seeps into the reception, heavy and strong, striding forward to us.

He takes in sight of Eunwoo and SJ behind me. Takes in the stiff postures as he approaches me.

Eyes scanning me with a feverish intensity, narrowed and worried.

Arms hurriedly drawing me close and clutching me as he noses at my temple, an unconscious soothing tactic to both calm me and calm himself. The gesture is sweet and sudden. But so welcomed. So safe.

His scent washes over me, brushes against my frazzled instincts with something richer and more promising, more soothing and gentler despite its intensity.

"You're not hurt? You're okay aren't you?" he asks, voice hushed and afraid, nosing at the top of my head as he holds me close, scent seeping out. Body firm and protectively curved around mine.

"I'm fine." I mumble. But his eyes scan me, searching for something. Trying to see if there's any injuries, or anything wrong.

"The blood was in her cubby. Why is there blood in her cubby?" Eunwoo asks. Voice forcefully calm.

Namjoon stiffens.

"Not you. It wasn't you." he repeats to himself. Soft and gentle and relieved. And then he's slowly retracting his arms from around me, even if his gaze is unwilling, to turn to scan the cubbyholes.

Voice steeped with authority when he next speaks. Eyes landing on SJ.

"You must've called then...?" he asks.

An officer talking to SJ.

SJ nods as he steps up beside me, hand resting on the low of my back, silent support.

"I did. I'm SJ."

But he leaves something unspoken hovering.

Something he doesn't know that Namjoon and the others know.

"SJ is my heat partner." I explain.

Watch as understanding flashes in Namjoon's eyes.

Something simultaneously challenging and accepting about his stance that suddenly becomes imposing. Straightens as his ears perk up and tail stills.

And then smiles.

"It's nice to meet you SJ. I'm sorry that we failed to get her you during her heat." He says contritely.

But his attention is occupied by the line of cubbies near reception. Eyeing them.

"Blood. Not something else?" he asks for confirmation.

"It was still warm." Eunwoo says, voice trembling slightly. Repressing emotions and instincts.

Namjoon's face shutters. Hardens.

And then he's moving forward, posture stiff and controlled. In his element as an officer as he tugs gloves out of his pocket to snap over his wrists, drawing out a vial as he approaches the cubbies.

Searches them and sees my name.

I watch, pressing back unconsciously against SJ, as he puts his hand into the cubby, unhesitant to extract some blood.

But the sight of the glove bloodied, plastered against skin still makes me shudder, eyes fluttering shut to block out the sight, head dropping down away from it.

It made me feel jittery. Nervous that there was blood in my cubby. From I didn't know who, didn't know how. Didn't know what they meant by the blood. Whether it was a warning, a challenge, a taunt. Didn't know if the blood was a ticking time bomb for something.

"(Y/N). It's okay, we're getting it cleaned. We'll run tests to see who it belongs to." Namjoon's voice cuts through the nervous stream of thoughts drowning my mind.

The gloves are gone. And only honeyed golden skin remains. I look up.

Grateful for the way his body blocks out the sight of the cubby, the way his body flanks my front and makes me feel cocooned. Protectively so between him and SJ. My eyes drift to his.

See the storm and fury brewing in his.

And rather than feel afraid of it. I feel safe.

Inexplicably safe and protected by it. Because it's for the threat towards me, for that uncertainty hovering over us.

I nod.

Hesitant but not moving to edge around to peek at the cubby.

"I won't be able to tell right? It won't...smell like blood will it?" I whisper.

See his eyes darken and flash.

Shaking his head slowly.

"No. It won't." he promises.

"It's clear that whoever is getting access to you, is getting through to the reception, to the only open unguarded space. The drinks you keep getting, the blood...whoever it is is taking advantage over the blind spot the reception is as a publicly open space. I'll get CCTV and run it myself." He reassures.

I nod.

Whoever it was, was shrewd. Was careful and precise.

And that intelligence being used so viciously had a shudder dancing over the curve of my spine despite the heat that seeped through clothes and onto me.

The same heat that curls around me as SJ bends his head towards my ear.

"I've got to go sweet thing. But...I'll come find you. The new caregivers need to be trained too. It's clear there's some things that need to be discussed. And I'm not meant to be here for them" He murmurs apologetically before dismissing himself. Carefully examining the situation.

Drawing my attention away from how Namjoon's eyes, dark brown that brims and spills over with emotion, to twist to look at the buck holding me.

Smiling at the light nuzzle I get and the quick peck on the cheek.

"It's okay SJ...no rush. Go train." I encourage.

Watching him step away, a squeeze to Eunwoo's shoulder as he murmurs something and then passes.

I wince at Eunwoo. Apologetic and hurting and so so mad. That he came to visit and was plunged into the worst of it all.

Hold my hand out for him and feel settled when he takes it.

He squeezes tightly.

And Namjoon's gaze drops to our intertwined hands and smiles.

Softens a bit.

"I should get going...get the sample tested. I'll stay as they run results, we don't know who the mole is after all." He says quietly.

Smiling as he takes a step back. Reassured.

But that step has my heart twisting.

Suddenly panicking at the thought of that safety vanishing.

"Joon! Please stay...for a while." I say, urgency propelling me.

And his face softens, small dimples as he looks at me, tail swishing a bit.

"It's clear your presence calms (Y/N) Namjoon-ssi. Please stay for her." Woo echoes.

But there's something knowing in his tone and deceptively ignorant in his gaze when I look at him.

Joon nods.

"I'll stay."

-------

Joon ends up staying. Stays and frowns when I push away my plate, appetite gone with the memory of blood too raw and starkly clear in my mind, a low rumbly growl slipping out of his mouth and nudging it back.

Eyes fixed on me as he gestures to the plate.

"You need to eat. You barely take breaks." He says resolutely.

Eunwoo's head rises at that, fingers stilling on my leg where they were tracing shapes. An unconscious light touch to soothe both of us, to feel me close.

He flushes. The lightest tinge of pink as his ears flop. Looking caught out.

"Hobi and Tae are very observant. And they're not wrong." He defensively says.

Eunwoo's face softens, a wry quirk to his lips. Eyes flickering with warmth and less of that numbness that I was scared would linger.

"You're not wrong there. She's an excellent carer but she sucks at self-care." He says, giving my leg a squeeze before he nuzzles against my cheek, the light drag of his antlers against the side of my head as he scent marks.

More frequently returning to layer his scent over me. Heavier given everything that's happened.

Joon's face is thoughtful, storing away the information. Nodding.

"I'll add it to the list." He mumbles, voice quiet and soft enough, gaze distant that makes me realise he hadn't been telling us.

But my ears perk up at it. Stand tall to attention with curiosity.

"What list?" I ask.

Watch as surprise widens his eyes.

Expression sheepish as he plays with the rim of his plate.

"A (Y/N) list. Just things that help or to keep an eye out for...?" he hedges carefully.

I look confused but I sense Woo's scent spike, sharpen with interest. A soft 'ah' slipping past his lips.

"Must be continuing from post-heat then." Woo muses besides me.

It feels like I'm out of a loop but comprehension quickly dawns.

The massages. The low flow of conversation as Yoongi kneaded at my calves.

The snacking. Jin and Jungkookie and the others time and time and time again pushing snacks to me, nudging me to eat or drink something.

Minnie's watchful eyes as I drank water, at the way I stumbled getting up.

My cheeks burn when I realise that the entire pack had been attuned to my post-heat needs, that they'd been consciously and actively trying to make me feel more at ease, to make me feel soothed and settled after that heat had left my instincts screaming and sobbing for closeness.

"You guys...knew exactly what I needed because you'd asked?" I ask voice soft and surprised.

Watch that pink tint on his cheeks deepen, tail thumping against the table leg.

And his head dipping into a quick nod.

"That's really sweet of you Joon." I say, cheeks warm.

And his scent, rich leafy forest, curls around me.

Tells me that he's happy at that.

A look that's entrancing on him. Wide shy grin and deep dimples, ears perked up and scent rich.

It's something that tugs me close. Tugs me to the sight of a happy satisfied wolf.

"You should give post-heat thanks too then bokki~" Woo whispers.

The words sink in and then I'm elbowing him in the side even as he spins away, a kiss pressed to my cheek before he's straightening up and putting distance between us.

Looking teasing and mischievous and a bit more unburdened.

I know that final amount of stress weighing down on him, of that fear will only truly be settled when he's talked to Binnie, seen Binnie.

"You're going already?" I ask.

He nods regretfully.

"I promised Binnie I'd nap. And he'll be back early today, I have to actually fulfil the promise." he says, reaching for his coat.

That worry that he'd be alone to his thoughts, alone at home then he'd be thinking constantly about what had happened. But if he was going to sleep and be with Binnie, then I was relieved.

"You'll be okay alone Woo?" I press.

Hesitant to let go fully.

He nods, ducking close to peck my forehead.

"I'll be fine." He promises.

But his eyes scan me as he leans away, searching and examining.

"She'll be fine too. I've got her." Joon's voice cuts through. Promising and reassuring.

Our eyes go to him, see steadfastness and sincerity in his gaze. Warm promise as he looks at us.

And it reassures Woo, who's posture lightens before he's scooping me into a final cuddle and nuzzle, directly rubbing scent against my scent gland and leaving.

A final teasing whisper of 'post-heat thanks' as he leaves.

The look of curiosity in Joon's eyes is telling enough that he's heard. Ears perked up and tail swishing, thumping lightly against the desk.

"What's post-heat thanks?"

------

Joon stays until the end of my shift, leaving for a while to meet Jinyoung oppa to hand over the blood sample, I'd only known because whilst dressing Min-Junie into his pyjamas, a sudden rich scent had barrelled into me and his familiar scent had wound around me, nosing at the back of my head, a low rumbly growl; so familiar, so soothing had me twisting to see him. Dressed in his uniform and face expressing relief and overwhelming happiness.

His growl had caused a sleepy Min-Jun to suddenly shift and perk up, wriggling close in my arms even as he peeked over my shoulder at the new face. Had given a little wave before ducking down to hide. Too sleepy to want to be sociable.

But oppa's face is fond as he peeks over my shoulder, settling back to give Min-Junie distance and scanning the inside of the nursery, observant and examining in a way that's down to his biological instincts and his training as an officer.

"Hi pup." He says as he watches me lower Min-Jun down onto the bed, tucking him in and smiling when a pair of chubby arms wind around my neck to tug me back, a final scenting as goodnight before he settles.

"Hi oppa. Here for Yugyeomie?" I ask, stepping away from the bed.

"That wasn't why I was called. Namjoon called me, needs to run blood and he knew Mark could get it done. Quietly. And quickly." He says.

I nod.

Makes sense. Especially with a mole; Joon didn't know where to put that trust and he was being wary.

"Gyeomie won't be happy to hear that. Your sweet big puppy." I tease as we step out of the nursery.

But I don't get a response. And when I turn to look at him, it's to see a serious look creasing his face.

"I heard what happened. Cub it sounds like it's getting worse, are you sure there's no other way around this?" he asks quietly as we step out.

"Min-Junie is going to be given a new caregiver soon. That should lessen it, they seem to have a grudge that he's recovering well." I say.

Trying to ignore the way the mere thought had me feeling sick. So thoroughly unsettled by the idea of letting go, of having to create a distance when I'd done everything to close it, to bond with him.

"It doesn't feel that way though. It feels like it's gone beyond that...it doesn't sit right." He muses as he follows me back to the office.

Joon catches the tail end of it, nodding as he stands. Scent thickening as he moves towards us.

"I'll give you a drive back." Jinyoung oppa offers, hand curling around my shoulder.

The scent of forest becomes heavier. Leaves rich with dew.

"It's okay, Jiminie's already outside."

The hand squeezes my shoulder. And a pair of lips press to my temple.

"Get back safe then. I'll be hounded when I get back." Jinyoung oppa says with a fond sigh.

Leaning away.

"Why's that?" Joon asks.

"The whole pack hasn't been able to see her since she's moved in. It's been a while since we've gotten to have pack cuddles." He laments.

Joon's face shutters with understanding.

"My bet's on...Bambam." I say with a smile.

Watch as Jinyoung oppa's face turns softer.

"I'll let you know cub." And then Gyeomie's peeking through the door and dragging him away with a bright smile.

"Come on then cub~ Minnie's waiting." Joon says from behind me, lips quirked into a teasing lilt.

And when we get into the car, Minnie's face stiffens when he turns, smile stilling on his face as he examines the two of us.

"There's something I'm missing." He concludes.

"Me too. (Y/N) owes me an explanation." Joon says pointedly.

And in the darkness of the car, I'm grateful that they can't see the way my cheeks warm at Joon's pointed, curious stare. Still wondering what exactly post-heat thanks means.

It's not like I can tell them exactly.

------

A small pleading whine follows me.

"Joon, you're really persistent you know." I say as I toe off my shoes and walk in to the apartment. His scent turns pleased. I hear the way his tail wags quickly.

"I know." His pleased scent is followed by a confused minty one that trails behind us, and I duck away to my room, ignoring the plaintive huff of indignation Joon lets out as the door shuts.

Smiling as I lean against the wood.

More and more Joon seemed to be more of a big puppy rather than a fierce wolf.

It was disarmingly cute.

And so was his insistence to find out. And I felt my resolve to keep deflecting it crumble.

So when I step out, padding towards the other end of the apartment, it's with resolve.

I spot fluttering black curl against the side of my vision as I step into the living room.

Goal set.

(WELL SO WHAT I WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNING ON HAPPENING...DIDN'T. MAINLY COS IT WAS A LATE DEVELOPMENT BUT ALSO BECAUSE THE CHAPTER WAS GETTING SO LONG! IT ALREADY REACHED 10K AND I DIDN'T WANT TO STRETCH IT OUT AND MAKE IT SEEM BORING IF THAT MAKES SENSE?? SO~ KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR WHAT HAPPENS NEXT CHAPTER! COS PERSONALLY I AM SO, SO EXCITED FOR WHAT'S TO COME NEXT CHAPTER!! LIKE DYING TO WRITE IT ALREADY! I'LL PROBABLY GET TO WRITING THAT STRAIGHT AWAY...SO LET'S SEE WHAT SORT OF UPDATE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU GUYS WHEN I RETURN TO WRITING! SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THOUGHT! IT WAS TOO LONG AND THE BOYS HADN'T BEEN GIVEN ENOUGH ATTENTION! SO THIS CHAPTER WAS SOLELY THE LITTLE TRIO PACK! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT BECAUSE I LOVED WRITING BINNIE AND EUNWOO! AND CAN YOU SPOT ANY CHANGING MOMENTS OR THINGS HAPPENING? KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR MORE! HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY AND TAKE CARE LOVELIES!)

Question... next thing on your watchlist?

Mine is.... It's quite a bit. But! Once Upon A Time, The Promised Neverland, Shadow and Bone!! Lots and lots really!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3