(Y/N) POV:

The sight of Min Jun submitting makes me feel both nauseous and furious. Disgusted and horrified at the lengths and extents the traffickers have been grooming him, already clearly having begun to implement training to prepare him to be a sex slave, a sex toy and it makes my instincts flare immediately- surging and welling up to the surface like the rapid, forceful crests of strong waves, scent turning softer and more soothing in response to the young bear hybrid but also underlined with silent seething fury.

I don't even realise my scent has begun to seep out pass the scent blockers- strong enough to filter through because it makes Min Jun turn, eyes widening and a low sad rumble from his chest, immediately dropping from his submitting position to get close to me, a sad snuffle as he responds to my pheromones- both calmed by it and yet seeming to feel my distress, be hurt on my behalf.

And he's not the only one to make a sound. There's two deep growls coming from behind me, one deeper than the other and both laced with anger and the room spikes with protective rage, sharp pheromones that make me scrunch my nose, breathing in shallowly so my head doesn't start to swim with the domineering scents, fighting the urge to bow my head and make myself smaller.

My hands are trembling as I bring Min Jun close to hold, feeling only slightly settled as I find him tucking himself close, his own frail body trembling with confusion, with being exposed to the predator officers- given how much of his basic instincts he'd been denied of, it's no wonder. I get to my feet, legs wobbling slightly with the influx of pheromones and of my own instincts welling up to the surface- my eyes fall to the closed door.

Namjoon must've shut it behind him. it would be a standard police procedure and it was one I followed too, it ensured that whoever I was caring for wasn't startled by sudden appearances, but right now it meant that the scents were just filling the air up with no way to escape.

"You're both free to wait, but I should...I should get Min Jun bathed." I say feet fumbling slightly and tail rising slightly when I get closer to them, to pass by them to get out of the office.

A gentle hand stills me, resting on my forearm and when I peer up at Namjoon's face, his imposing authoritative aura has receded slightly to give way to a soft thoughtful expression. This look is warm and welcoming, different to the authority he carries himself with.

"Take your time (Y/N), Min Jun needs you. We can come back another time. One that suits you." he says gently, lips curving into a small encouraging smile when I seem to hesitate. The smile does it, a hint of faint dimples appearing and brown eyes soft as he looks at me.

I nod, the movement slightly stiff because of how stronger his dominant pheromones seep into the air and fill my lungs and I rush out, breathing in large gulps of air to cleanse the way their scents had filled my senses, feeling the stiffness to my posture ease.

I head over to the large bathroom, opening the door with a careful hand and frowning in confusion when I see the large basket filled with gentle unscented soaps and shampoos and body washes. I walk over to fill the bath- checking the temperature with my hand first.

"Sweetheart do you want bubbles? And you can choose the scent too." I say, gently rubbing my hand up and down his back to get his attention. He lifts his head, eyes wide, tawny irises blinking in surprise.

"Bubbles?" he asks, head cocked- both curiosity and uncertainty in his voice.

And not for the first time today I feel my heart clench- because the poor cub has been denied of so many simple joys, of simple knowledge. And the slightly fearful reaction he has towards the words makes me think back to his early reaction and wonder just how much goodness and normalcy from his life has been shattered, forcefully dispelled.

"Bubbles are the most fun I ever have in baths; I love splashing around! Make sure you try it!" a bright jubilant voice exclaims from behind me, the suddenness surprising me too because it hadn't come accompanied with a scent.

And I turn to see a lithe muscled frame, auburn slightly wavy locks framing a beaming face, kind eyes and a bright expression. The man is dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and my eyes take in the muscular arms, leading down to hands holding my missing basket that I'd been searching for.

He doesn't enter pass the doorway but waits there, ears curling and shifting languidly on his head, eyes wide and observant and body carefully poised.

Allowing me to judge whether or not I see him as a threat I realise within a few beats of silence.

"You are?" I ask, body still slightly angled to hide Min Jun from view, but I can feel his head resting on my shoulder, peering curiously and slightly tentatively at the new figure.

He startles, before shooting me a heart shaped grin. An odd but sweet quirk.

"Jung Hoseok...but please call me Hobi, I'm working at the shelter as an assistant. I've been told you'll be my head in charge- your orders are what I follow." He says, still not entering.

I smile.

"Well Hoseok you get your first ticks in my books, you didn't enter, you've allowed me to assess whether you pose as a threat and you've applied scent blockers. You can come in." I say, feeling my lips curve up in a small genuine smile.

He beams and bounds forward, still maintaining a slight distance from Min Jun who's clinging to me in earnest.

"Hey bud! Wait until you try bubble baths. You won't want to come out." He promises, smiling at him before stepping around me to carefully reach over for the bottles before pausing.

"What scent?" he asks, turning not to face me but the boy in my arms.

Another tick. Not ignoring the child in favour for appealing and asking the other workers.

"Scent...want to smell like you." he mumbles, gently nuzzling my skin.

I smile fondly at him.

"Hoseok can you use any light florals or fruity tones?" I say directing my question to said man who nods quickly, plucking a bottle from the tiered trolley and adding a generous amount to the water, hand swirling in the water to help mix it up before standing.

And his smile brightens as he watches Min Jun slowly unstick himself from me, head rising from my shoulder and eyes widening with awe as he leans forward to peer at the mass of bubbles that cover the water. I turn the tap off, dipping a hand in again and removing it when I check it's not too hot or cold.

"Want to get in baby?" I ask.

He nods, eyes bright.

"Let's get you out of those clothes cub." Hoseok says, leaning forward slightly, hands outstretched but it's not a surprise when he shakes his head shrinking back from his arms.

His basic instincts are telling him to stay away from another predator.

But when I prop him down on the counter, I gently begin helping him remove his clothes- soothing him everytime he stiffens when he meets Hoseok's eyes, ducking to hide behind me.

I carry him towards the bath and gently lower him inside, allowing him to cling to me, fingers digging in but not breaking skin this time as he accustoms himself to the water but when his hand experimentally darts out to prod the bubbles, a small gasp escapes him and his hands delve into the soapy suds, marvelling at the way it clings to his damp skin.

"Can I...can I play with it?" he asks, gesturing to his full hands of the suds and yet his eyes flicker between the longing he has as well as the need to ask for permission. As if fearful he'll be denied.

I nod eagerly.

"Of course darling, everyone loves bubbles!" I say, kneeling on the floor next to the tub to be at eye level with him. He gives a trembling smile, lips quirking up the slightest before becoming smoothened out- face impassive but there's no hiding the delight in his eyes or the way his hands flap about in the bubbles, sending suds and warm water splashing everywhere.

Hoseok laughs when he spots the suds and water clinging to me, hair slightly damp and face wet.

"At least he knows how to have fun." He defends when he sees me glancing at him, out of harm's way.

I shake my head. Can't deny that.

And then I ask for a small water jug, not wanting to use the detachable showerhead or ask him to dunk his head in the water, instead I soak his hair, shielding the brown ears perched on top of his knotted hair- gently lathering it up with the scentless shampoo and easing out the tangles, massaging his head. It coaxes a smile when he lets out a small happy growl, head tilting back into the touch and eyes fluttering, relaxed against my now soaked arm as he lets me rinse his hair, ears once again shielded, and Hoseok passes me a washcloth instead of a loafer, wiping his body down first before lathering his body up- hands tentatively roving, careful not to trigger anything. But thankfully, mercifully, he doesn't recoil or jerk away- too immersed in splashing the water, limbs loosening up.

But the difficulty comes in getting him out, his sad frown tugging at my heartstrings but it seems Hoseok is immune to the cute cub's charms.

"None of that bud. Don't you want to nap?" he asks.

Min Jun who'd been an excitable child, seems to pause- eyes wide and drawing attention to the dark circles under them.

"I'll clean your ears and pet them for you sweetie." I offer and that seems to be the dealbreaker, he nods- raising his arms to be plucked from the water, and whines low in his throat when his body loses that warmth of the water, Hoseok's arm dipping in to empty it, stepping away to dry his hands thoroughly.

He passes me a fluffy white towel- grinning when Min Jun melts in it, seeking out the comfort it provides when I wrap it around him, taking another one to towel his hair dry, fingers combing through the damp strands to ease out any more knots or tangles, surprised when I find his hair actually hangs to near his jaw.

"Hoseok can you pass me the smallest towel and make it damp- a warm temperature please." I say, turning to him.

"Of course, cub needs his ears clean- he might get an infection. And they're just the worst." He grimaces, moving closer and noting that Min Jun doesn't flinch as much, just shuffles closer to me.

His hand gently clucks him under the chin.

"Chin up bud." He says softly before handing the damp towel over, my hands carefully going to clean the base of his ears and moving up- gently cleaning his fur, holding my breath when Hoseok leans in close and Min Jun restlessly shifts at my hands being near his ears.

"Calm down cub, she's helping you. You want your ears to be nice and clean don't you?" he asks to which he gets a quick nod.

"Good..." he begins.

"Don't." I sharply cut him off, mentally wincing at how cold and demanding my tone had turned but I couldn't bear it if Min Jun tried to submit again, whether my heart could take the blow of such an anguish a second time.

He stiffens but nods tightly.

"Min Jun you're a cutie. I don't think I can let you go. You need lots and lots of cuddles and sleep." I say brightly, lifting him up- still swaddled up in the large fluffy towel, looking even more tinier and vulnerable.

When we walk back towards my office, Hoseok follows.

"Can we talk please?" he asks quietly.

I nod.

"Let me set him down, get him some more supplements and someone to watch over him first." I say, rushing off to carry out the tasks and approximately seven minutes later I step out of the office- receiving an encouraging nod from Mrs Kim who'd stepped in, a sweet mother hen hybrid, who makes a shooing gesture.

I turn to Hoseok.

"What is it Hoseok?" I ask, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other. Not feeling comfortable with leaving Min Jun so soon, especially when the connection I wanted to make with him still forming- still new.

He doesn't say anything for a few moments, eyes carefully examining me.

"Come on...I've got questions. But first things first, you need to change- you could get a cold." He says, hands fluttering uncertainly before he places them on my shoulders and steers me forward.

And when I begin to protest he cuts me off, voice good-natured and enthusiastic.

"You should know from the beginning. I don't buckle easily. Even if I get the biggest, saddest pair of doe-eyes staring at me." he says, continuing to guide me away from my office and down a shortcut- he seems to have gotten used to the place already.

Impressive.

Another tick Hoseok.

HOBI POV:

When I was assigned to one of the top specialist carers at the centre, I didn't expect them to be so...normal? Or so invested in caring for the children they looked after, or perhaps so active in their attention towards them.

But it was more than refreshing, seeing her bustle about with the young boy scooped up in her arms, murmuring terms of endearment and soft encouragement- so attuned to his needs and unconscious desires as a child denied of basic instincts- it was a breath of fresh air, exhilarating fresh air which cleansed my lungs and filled me with an airy feeling- light and buoyant.

And it had been so hard to fight back the instincts which demanded that I respond to the nurturing nature that was welling out of her, that was seeping into her every action, in every movement. I had to fight back the urge and remember what I'd been taught, remember the instructions I'd been given, the handbook and manuals I'd read over and over to make sure I didn't commit any blunder whilst working. This opportunity mattered a lot to me but there was no lying that it was so so hard to fight the impulse to soothe, to protect and to get closer to the poor cub and help settle him, but it was clear he wouldn't accept me near him. Not when he'd barely settled being at the centre.

There was something so strong about the way she carried herself, despite the small twitch of her tail or ears when I got too close- but the fact that she didn't let any other outward sign show that she was affected by being in close proximity took great inner strength and control. I knew I could learn so much from her, that she could help me become a better person in charge of my hybrid instincts but more than that she could help me understand the best way to take care of the hybrid children who lived at the centre.

Which is why I took a gamble by steering her away from her office, hands resting lightly on her shoulders- thankful that she didn't recoil or snap. Though I doubted she would've even if she had wanted to. And whilst she hadn't taken the offer of calling me by my nickname, I felt I had to earn that privilege, she still addressed me with warmth and kindness- my name rolling off her tongue pleasantly.

"Come on...I've got questions. But first things first, you need to change- you could get a cold." I say, feeling the dampness of her blouse and wincing in sympathy. Colds at this time of year when the weather was shifting to a few degrees cooler wasn't ideal.

"Hoseok I didn't bring spare clothes with me today, I'm not on rotation for night shifts this week." She tries to explain, turning her head to peer at me, eyes wide and slightly amused.

I shake my head at her protests. You'll have to do better than that.

"You should know from the beginning. I don't buckle easily. Even if I get the biggest, saddest pair of doe-eyes staring at me." I say, glancing briefly at her to see her, lips twitching at the slight exasperation they carry. Not sad. But definitely can be used to persuade.

She sighs, a soft light exhale before turning her head back allowing me to steer her towards the staff lockers.

"Don't you at least keep a jumper or extra top?" I ask.

A shake of her head.

"I took them home last week. Hoseok this really isn't necessary." She insists.

I nudge her towards the large table at the centre, one of the many breakrooms for staff.

"Listen (Y/N), I work under you and for my supervisor to actually have tasks to give me, she needs to be here. Preferably in prime condition as she gives me work. Not stuck at home, unable to care for the cute cub because she got a chill." I say, grinning at the huff she gives- lips quirking up slightly.

I rifle through my own bag drawing out the jumper I'd tugged off with my jacket, one of Yoongi hyung's doings as he sent me off for my first day, and hold it out towards her.

Her nose wrinkles slightly, a small scrunch as she gets a waft of the scents its drenched in.

"I don't think that's appropriate Hoseok. I can hardly go around wearing a jumper that's been scented by your pack. One...it might trigger Min Jun and two I'm not pack. It's a nice gesture so thank you..." she rambles until I sigh, proffering her the customary t-shirt that was waiting for me in the locker when I'd arrived. A blank plain t-shirt with a small logo on the breast pocket.

"It's new, it doesn't have any scent yet on it because no-one's worn it. Now will you please stop being stubborn and change?" I insist, her cheeks warming slightly both at the scolding and my insistence.

"I'll take it." She says rising from the chair and taking the offered t-shirt, holding it close.

Before she leaves my sight, she turns.

"Thank you Hoseok. You didn't need to but you still offered help. I think we'll get along just fine." She says softly, giving me a gentle smile before leaving, and it's with no little satisfaction that I note her tail doesn't rise fully, just a small twitch at being close to me, a predator.

I smile at her retreating figure.

I think so too (Y/N).

----

It's as we're both sipping from our mugs, a hot drink that she'd insisted she make me, that I ask her about the scratches on her cheeks. She waves it off, saying Min Jun had been startled by an officer earlier and she'd been trying to urge him out.

"He seems to have attached fairly quickly to you. I haven't come across cases where hybrids begin to form such quick attachments with caregivers. Especially when it's not their parent." I say curiously.

No textbook had taught me what I'd witnessed today.

She nods.

"I noticed that too. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and effort to form even the slightest bond. But I think Min Jun being denied of so many instincts made him eager to begin connecting with those suppressed impulses. And his impulses were demanding that he ensure his safety." She remarks, fingers drumming slightly against the mug.

"Why did you stop me earlier in the bathroom? I was taught praises can be a great way of helping unsettled hybrid children settle- because their need to please figures important to them is still a dominant instinct." I ask, trying not to remember how sudden and sharply she'd switched from being all gentle to someone who in one word had become a figure of authority to be respected and obeyed and within the next instant all soft and affectionate for Min Jun.

She shakes her head.

"Don't use the phrase 'good boy' around Min Jun. Not until his counter conditioning therapy is complete." She says lightly but the tone of her voice is carefully contained. My ears perking up at the slight waver.

"Why not?" I press.

"Because...when one of the officers said it earlier thinking along the same lines as you. And it triggered some of the responses he'd been taught. He submitted himself, placed himself into a breeding position. So, whenever you're around him- please be careful and gauge his responses and reactions, of any child you'll be helping." She informs me, eyes holding mine- carefully informing me but not provoking in any means.

Her words make my heart clench tightly, breath catching in my throat at her words- at the realisation of how far some people can go, how many limits they cross.

I nod.

"Noted." I reply.

"Do you have any more questions Hoseok? Or..." she tails off but it's clear by the way her legs continue to jog up and down she's feeling restless, feeling the need to rush to Min Jun even if he is sleeping.

"He's sleeping (Y/N). Mrs Kim will be there- you don't need to run yourself into the ground, how will you take care of him then?" I ask, mentally taking note that her behaviour indicates that she's the type to go all in, the type to put all her energy and attention into being a caregiver that she'll forget she's human too.

"Hoseok I..." she begins before I cut her off, shooting her an apologetic smile- showing that I don't mean to be rude.

"You wear scent blockers but you're still carrying a light scent of a male. It's making my nose tingle." I say, slightly teasing and watch as she ducks her head biting her lip.

"Sorry...I have a roommate going through rut at the moment. It hopefully should end today, he's in the last stages. Pretty much just demanding affection now." She says, face lighting up with pure genuine joy and love, transforming her face into something tender and sweet- eyes flickering with thought.

"Are you sure you should be here then? And not with him?" I ask, head cocked.

If male felines could go into rut, I knew there would've been no way the other two from us would've been willing to leave, especially in such a vulnerable condition where their animal biology was fighting to become dominant, when their needs were driven by deeply-rooted instinct and they were in that stage of needing to feel close to their close ones.

And whilst Yoongi hyung, Tae and I didn't have those instincts to breed assigned to a specific time period, Tae could certainly be needy for affection, huffing and whining and letting out low rumbling sad growls when the two of us were busy and swamped with work. It made his tail swing low and his ears droop. Though that look never stayed too long on him if we could ever help it.

"He's fine, our youngest will be back earlier than me. Now Hoseok...any more questions?" she says, looking at me teasingly and amused.

I shake my head.

"That's enough for now." I reply lightly, taking our empty mugs to wash before leaving with her.

She nods, smiling as she heads towards the door first, throwing me a look over her shoulder.

"Come on then Hoseok, let's see how good you are at creating nests. Maybe Min Jun needs a buddy." She says.

I rush after her in haste.

I'm the best at making nests. And I'll prove it too!

If there's anything, it's that felines are adept at marking territory. It's time to give Min Jun some tips from a pro just how a safe space should be made.

And it's as I follow her that I realise she's the first prey hybrid who hasn't shrunk away from me, that has accepted me easily and welcomed me into her safe space when she allows me into her office.

It might not seem like much.

But it means a lot to me.

And I'll make sure not to betray that trust and faith.

(THERE YOU GO! ANOTHER MEMBER! AND AHHH! I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE WHAT THE UPCOMING CHAPTERS BRING!! I AM SO PUMPED TO WRITE THIS FIC. I THINK THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL FOCUS ON HOW THE OTHERS GET TOGETHER AS PACK- SO IT'LL BE A MIXTURE OF TIMESKPIS OF THEM MEETING AND FORMING THAT PACK- AND IN THAT TIME, OBVIOUSLY HOBI, MINNIE AND JOON WILL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH (Y/N) TOO! BUT TO GET TO THE REAL REAL PLOT OF THE BOOK, IT'S NECESSARY- SO I HOPE IT WON'T BE CONFUSING OR WEIRD TO READ!! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS AND WHETHER ANY OF YOU HAVE GUESSED WHAT HYBRID (Y/N) IS, AND ANY GUESSES WHAT HOBI MIGHT BE?? IT'LL PRETTY MUCH ALL BE REVEALED WITHIN A CHAPTER OR SO BUT STILL! I'M CURIOUS! HOW'D YOU FIND IT?? I HOPE THIS FIC IS ENJOYABLE TO READ- I ALWAYS WANT TO CREATE SOMETHING NEW AND FRESH WITH A USED TROPE SO HOPEFULLY THIS DOES IT TOO!! STAY SAFE AND TAKE CARE LOVES!!)

QUESTION... CELEBRITY INTERACTIONS WITH BTS THAT YOU ADORE?

Mine is...I will forever ADORE how Tae's Hwarang hyungs are so besotted with their maknae Hwarang. He literally breathes and they burst into uwus, he's the darling cute baby of the group! I just love seeing some of my most favourite actors in the kdrama world dote on Tae! It's seeing two of the best worlds coming together. Kdramas and BTS! I also love the 97 friendship group! Love how they hang out together, have a groupchat, just those small normal things that make my day!

Borahae!💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3