(Y/N) POV:

Sleep slips in and out of reach. Body slowly beginning to wake up, eyes drifting, trying to chase the faint dredges of dreamless sleep but it slips past touch, evades capture. There's a soft rumble reverberating against my skin, head buried against soft, firm warmth, curled towards the sound, chasing after it and the scent of soft, heavy earthy musk, sinking under the protective embrace of the arm slung over my hip, the head tucked over mine, warm skin pressing to my waist. There's a small wriggle, a sleepy muffled chirp that cuts through the content haze, my fingers involuntarily curling and unfurling, drifting across soft, worn fabric and gripping at it. Shifting closer to it.

My nose chases out the earthy scent, brushing against skin and body relaxing, unconsciously loosening all at once, when I find his scent gland; the small, raised bump of skin that I burrow closer to, inhaling the sleepy rich pheromones; imbued with protective authority and safety. Ears flickering against the side of his face, a small sleepy growl as he shifts, moving and leg shifting, brushing against mine, curled over my calf.

A small nuzzle as his head dips, nose brushing against my temple slow and unhurried and a soft light exhale.

Hand shifting off my waist, small chirps before a soft weight clambers over me and settles beside me, a nose pressing to my throat and snuffling sleepily, small licks that have me squirming, sleep and alertness warring before I blink my eyes open, vision hazy and blurry before it focuses on the neckline of a shirt, face tucked close to Joon's scent gland. Leaning back with a small yawn, eyes fluttering open and shut before they drift down to see a fox tucked up against me, nosing contentedly at my throat, sleepy throaty chirps and languid swishes of his tail. My fingers flutter over his fur before sinking into the orange warmth, scratching lightly, eyes slowly drifting back to the large alpha, drinking in the sleepy gaze fixed on me; warm and pleased.

"Morning pup."

My lips curve up.

Hand drifting away from orange fur to brush against his jaw gently.

"Morning Joon."

His eyes crease, hair rumpled and ears flickering as he looks at me.

"Go back to sleep." He murmurs, cheek smushed against the pillow, gaze drifting to the slumbering fox, a hand running from between his ears and down his back.

I twist back slightly, sheets twisting and brushing against skin where the shirt had ridden up, where Joon's hand had weighed against it; the feel of his palm and fingers still a ghost sensation grazing across skin.

"I can't. Not tired anymore." I mumble, feeling the soft chirp; indignant and sleepy, peer back to see a sleepy fox blink at me, pawing at my shirt to try coax me close once more. Ears flickering and droopy with sleep.

"I don't think pup wants to let you go." Joon huffs, lightly scratching the back of Minnie's ears, coaxing out a sleepy whine, chirping dolefully, pawing at my shirt, nosing at my throat when he curls closer.

"Sleepy baby. I've got to get up at some point Minnie... I doubt Tae's going to let me. I'm his painting partner today." I say softly, thumb rubbing a line between his eyes and down to the tip of his nose, gently booping it.

He scrabbles, paws slipping over the sheets and bed in haste, clambering onto me and perching on my torso, sleepy stare focused on me. Head dipping to nuzzle at my jaw, chirps brushed against skin, soft mint curling around me as his paws slip and brush against my chest and throat.

Stay.

That's what the pawing and scenting and nuzzling say.

Stay.

And so I stay, sinking back into the sheets, Joon shuffles close, arm curling around my abdomen, slung low near my hips as he noses at my cheek, slow scents as I tilt my head to the side for Minnie's nose dipping lower, ears brushing against my jaw; chirps muffled and tail swishing.

But my alarm rings, blaring and cutting through the comforting haze, pausing Joon's nosing at my jaw and Minnie burrowed against my scent gland.

My hand stretches out for it, eyes catching onto the messages waiting for me once I turn the alarm off, carefully wriggling to get up.

There's a disgruntled chirp but Minnie hops off, tail swishing and dragging the sheets off me to burrow into them himself; his keening whine sad and huffy.

My eyes linger on the small bundle he makes under the sheets, chirping and whining and dragging the sheets away from me.

"Minnie... oh huffy baby, come on~" I wheedle.

But he burrows deeper, the pile of sheets wriggling.

Disgruntled whine reaching my ears.

But Joon's grinning and shaking his head, dimples forming as he pushes himself upright, waving it off.

"He's being a clingy pup, I've got him (Y/N), you get up then before we have a tiger coming to whisk you away." he says, voice smooth and low, a natural rumble to it.

I nod, shuffling up, eyeing the forlorn lump under the sheets before sighing.

"I'm going then Minnie. I'll give your morning kiss to Tae then—" I begin, twisting to get off the bed when the sheets suddenly rustle, the small lump under them vanishing to give way to a lithe muscled figure that stretches out with it, a rumpled fox peering out, grinning past stretched plump lips, fangs brushing against his bottom lip.

I blink, startled by the sudden appearance before his hands clamp around my waist and tighten, shuffling out of the sheets to reveal the broad set of shoulders tapering down to a small waist and toned abdomen, sheets pooling dangerously low around his hips.

"Jimin what?" I yelp, trying to push myself away from his very much naked form under the sheets, legs scrabbling against the sheets until his hands curve around my calves, a brief squeeze before his grip tightens and he yanks.

My body tilts back, head falling against the pillow, torso drawn down the sheets until I'm peering at him breathlessly, air pushed out of my lungs, his thumbs sweeping lines across the back of my calves, tugging my legs wide so he can coax me closer, tugging me until my legs are slung over his shoulders, his face looming and predatory; sleep mussed hair a beguiling look because the way his fangs pool over his lips is hungry and wanting, the watchfulness intensity in his eyes causing my hands to fist into the sheets, watching as he leans over, hands pushing at my shirt to raise it up. Face diving and burrowing against my stomach, nose brushing across my skin in slow sweeps, breathing me in, lips brushing against my body when he speaks.

"Stay. Stay in bed." He implores.

Voice rough and dripping with persuasion, low and husky with disuse, with the natural thickness of his dialect.

I push at his shoulder, squirming from how the puffs of his breath make me shiver, trying to wriggle away.

"I've got to go to work Jimin." I insist, stilling when his lips brush against skin, pressing a kiss to my navel, fangs scraping lightly.

"Please. It's too early. And you came to bed late." He implores, the huffy pout clear in his words, lips marking a slow trail across skin, words brushed against my stomach, hands curling around my hips as he shifts to nestle into the space.

My hips jerk at the sudden nip to my stomach when I continue trying to wriggle away, his ears brushing against me.

"Stay still little fawn. You suggested giving my kiss to another orange. I can't have that." He grouses, voice tinged with indignation, the next kiss to my navel softer and lighter, nose brushing a line as he scents, head turning to rest his cheek, peering at his mate.

"Fine I won't, but Minnie can you move? I try pleading, drawing my legs back, flushing when the movement just made them spread wider with invitation, makes a small burst of rich earthy musk and mint curl out at the sight.

But where Minnie doesn't relent, Joon does, carefully curling a hand around my ankle and motioning for me to swing my other leg to him, tugging me free in a quick hoisting movement that has Minnie's face falling into the sheets, a small growl rippling past smushed lips before he sets me on the other side of the bed.

Go. He mouths and I scurry to my feet, cheeks burning when I spot the predatory stare follow me, protesting as he shifts and rises, inked letters coming into view and arms propping himself up, sheets shifting lower down his back, abdomen in full view, eyes tearing away from the sight just as I see Joon tackle him, draping over him from behind, pinning his restless body to the mattress, hands curling around muscled arms.

The sound of a growl rippling through the air makes my head turn, body stilling at the sight of Minnie twisting to free himself, fangs snapping playfully at Joon's neck, growling back when Joon's head ducks. Nosing ever so lightly at his jaw before coaxing him to arch his throat, diving in at the slightest tilt to clamp fangs over his scent gland; nipping down hard enough that Jiminie's body jolts, arching and pushing at Joon's before he slumps, boneless as a keening whine tears out his mouth; rumbly and throaty, submitting to the burst of dominance.

"There's my sweet pup. See why don't you show (Y/N), our pretty little fawn that while you're her fox, you're also always my sweet pup first." He croons.

Jiminie's head falls back, throat arched in submission, successfully distracted and pinned as he whimpers; the sound intoxicating as it bubbles past plump lips, shuddering as he draws his mate close rather than struggling and pushing away.

He's rewarded with a kiss to the same gland, tender and soft.

"Good pup. Now whilst we let (Y/N) get ready, let me hold my mate." Already tugging him as he spins, to curl close, leg slung over him, an encouraging dimpled smile shot at me.

"One fox restrained for you sweetheart."

And my throat bobs.

Joon really was alpha.

And the thought lingers even as I hurry away, cheeks pink and moving to the other end of the apartment, ears flickering and breath caught in my throat at the breathless alpha please that tauntingly follows.

But it's not only me who's heard.

A pair of ears twirl, the scent of sweet caramel hidden under sleepy citrus greets me as Hobi steps out of his room, brows rising with curiosity.

"Morning sweet darling~" Hobi coos, eyes bright when he steps into my way, wide eyed and awake, arms curling around me for a quick hug and kiss to the tip of both ears and my temple.

"Morning Hobi."

His arms tighten fractionally.

"Did Jiminie's plea for his alpha wake you? And cause you to flee the scene of crime~" he trolls curiously.

The heat in my cheeks burn hotter but I meet his curious gaze, shaking my head and poking the corner of his lips, heart fluttering when he smiles and it makes a small dimple form. The pad of my finger brushing against the groove in his skin.

"It's Joon's way of distracting a clingy fox." I divulge.

He hums, nodding thoughtfully before his eyes crinkle.

"Jiminie is... after all a pup. Because if anyone tried distracting me to get away from you... I assure you nothing would make let go until I wanted." He charms, pressing another quick two kisses to my cheeks before he gives a light nuzzle.

Stepping aside and gesturing down the hallway.

"But alas a tiger has laid claims for his fawn fairy. And I dare not upset my stripey cub." He acquires.

And as I step away, walking down the hallway back to my room, his voice follows, bright and eager.

"But be back so we can get some morning scents in before he whisks you away."

And bit by bit, I fall deeper into the enticing comfort and love of the nest the three kits create, fall more and more for sweet scents and sweeter smiles. I was being courted and it felt like constantly being spun away from one partner to the other, it was a testing of the waters but I was already sinking, fully submerged in wanting them, wanting a permanent bond.

It was easy and natural and everything flowed so readily, the attraction ever bubbling and building.

Because when I step back, showered and changed, I don't expect my heart to lurch as sudden and as deeply as it does when Tae's ears perk up and his tail swishes quicker when he sees me.

My heart thuds quicker when he beams, fangs grazing his lips and excitement pouring out of him, his hand darting out to curl around my wrist and tug me close, stripey tail curling around my waist as he swings our hands together.

And every inch of me thrums with giddiness, with elation when he thrusts his phone in Jin's hands and elatedly asks for him to take a picture.

"We're matching for our first painting date! We have to add this to the album Yoongi hyung!" He calls, watching his mate's lips quirk with fondness, gummy and fangy smile as he nods.

Jin's gaze is fond and endeared as he holds the phone up, wings rustling as he directs us. taking in the dungaree sets we both wear; his soft citrus blooming out and I know now that he had pressed the clothes with hidden meaning, new but scented, held out with a sweet smile as I'd moved towards the bathroom.

Silently watching and waiting, a gummy smile breaking out when I'd taken the courting gift.

And now... now it slots into place because Tae wears a matching set and he beams, berry scent bursting out richly and a large chuff rumbling through his chest when he spots the mirrored version on me.

"Hold your fairy Tae~"

And the flash goes off at the same time as his tail tightens and his arms loop around me, nosing at my cheek. Scenting happily.

The photo when I look at makes me fall that much more, falling in love with the sight of Tae's body curled close to mine. His face tilted close and our bodies pressed to each other.

He looks in love.

And I feel it.

More and more I fall in love with the three kits.

Note and more the puzzle pieces slot into place. And a rightness rings out at the sensation.

This is what I'd waited years to find.

And now that I had it, had gotten a taste for it, I knew two things for certain.

I'd wait all those years all over again because I knew who waited for me on the other end of it.

And a constantly strengthening clarity that I saw my forever in them.

--------

"Fawn fairy goes in the centre!"

"But I want fawn fairy to be next to me!"

"But she should be with the babies! Cos she's like a mama!"

"But I want her to be holding me."

"What about tiger prince? Does he go next to the other kitty boys?"

"Why doesn't he hold the babies? He's got big arms..."

"Ooh! Tiger prince should hold fawn fairy... he said he was courting her."

The voices build in volume, clamouring and hands tugging at my trouser legs, hands hooking into the patchwork of pockets curling around the calves and thighs.

My cheeks flush when Tae chuffs in agreement, nodding happily as his tail swishes giddily.

"The last idea. I like that. Five kisses for the sweetheart that said it." he cheers coaxing out another clamour of voices, hands stretched out, grabby motions as they peer up at the tiger artist, giggling when he scoops up two twin girls and presses kisses to full cheeks and the tip of their noses.

"Stop encouraging them Tae!" I huff, fingers brushing over the floppy ears of the small bunny peeking out of the breast-pocket, a small baby bunny girl who'd hopped over when I'd been going past the nursery. Snuffling at my wrists until I'd scooped her up and tucked her close.

She seems content to peer out, nose twitching and wriggling until I reach for the bowl of sliced veg, bringing it to her mouth and watching her nibble.

"But why? I am your tiger! Let me be your prince too princess~" he croons, voice low and smooth and encouraging the giddy squeals and giggles, the twin girls with pinkening cheeks and heads ducking away shyly from his deep safe voice.

I flush.

"Stop that! You're making the kids have even bigger stories to share. I already got clucked at by the mother hen. First a stag, then a fox, then a wolf and now a tiger." I list, echoing her chiding tone.

But he just looks delighted, tail swishing.

"The tiger prince who whisked you away from the stag~" he says confidently.

I roll my eyes teasingly.

"Don't be so sure. The kids still love my buck." I coo, pressing a kiss to floppy ears that perk when I bring another piece of veg to her mouth, small fluffy head turning and nose twitching against my fingers, chasing the light pets as I rub a line behind her ears.

His mouth opens, eyes glittering dangerously but a tug at his leg has his eyes drifting away, setting down the twins to ruffle the hair of the jaguar curled around him, head nuzzling and bonking against his hip.

"Fairy noona and tiger hyung in the middle. Mates always stay together." He insists.

And there seems to be a consensus reached, the kids tugging and nudging at us until we come to stand at the centre, the mural is still drying with the outlines of the children, the large space left untouched at the centre of the playroom.

There's gaps scattered across the walls, where the other caregivers will be traced out at another time, the other favourites of the children.

"Mates. They do." He echoes, softer, fond and tender.

Lips curving in promise as he pets the jaguar's ears.

"So come on aegis' mama, come to your tiger." He calls, hand stretched out for me.

And I've barely reached, tips of my fingers grazing across his when his hand curls around mine and tugs me close, lips brushing gently across my knuckles, nuzzling at skin.

"Unnie kiss him back!"

At the same time as a huffy

"That's not a proper kiss! The mates in cartoons always kiss on lips and have twisty tail braids!"

And his eyes gleam, shining as his nose brushes against mine, slotting our mouths together for a kiss, lips warm and soft, gentle and newly explorative even though it's not the first time his lips have pressed to mine. There's an unhurried gentleness in the kiss, warm and light, bolstered on by the giddy squeals and clamouring voices and flustered giggles, hand cupping my cheek to brush long, slender fingers against skin.

I lean back, giggling when he tries to chase my lips, fangs pooling over his lips as he stares imploringly, nudging him away with an elbow.

"Stop teaching the kids to kiss anyone anywhere." I say, lips tingling with the pressure his had curled to mine with, slightly slick.

Cheeks burning at the curious looks directed to us.

"Oh but I'm just listening to them~ mates kiss on the lips, and well your tail isn't long but I guess this works too." He says smoothly, tail curling around my thigh and keeping me tethered to him, arms curled around me as we go still for two elder teenage hybrids to trace us out. There's something calm and settled about the teenager girl, beaming happily as she begins tracing around Tae, laughing when his ears flicker at the approaching pencil and she has to stretch onto tiptoes to reach them. The boy however is completely different, coiled up and high strung, flinching at loud yells and when some of the children brush against him, tail swishing anxiously.

And on the seventeen year old boy I can smell spluttering pheromones, the tips of his ears pinkening when he leans close, his scent sparking when I smile back. Posture loosening slightly before it stiffens when he has to lean closer to trace over my ears. The tail around me gets tighter and the look on Tae's face pouty and huffy, tugging me closer. If I wasn't so fixated and taking in every subtle shift of the boy's body I would've been endeared by Tae's possessiveness.

But then his pheromones continue to thicken and my ears flicker with concern, watching the steady flush climbing in his cheeks, the fidgetiness and how he jolts at any of my slight movements.

My hand tugs at Tae's curled around my waist, a frown curling at my lips when he growls sadly.

"No Tae love... let go. Give me a moment." I urge, and the second his hands are off me, tail curling away sadly, I shift closer to the boy, hand brushing against his nape and carefully feeling for his gland.

He goes impossibly slow, breathing shallow, fingers trembling as they clutch at the pencil, eyes flickering nervously to me. Apologetic when he flinches back, my fingers grazing across a swollen scent gland, eyes flickering with understanding and immediately retreating the touch but his hand curls around my wrist, keeping it there.

"Please noona." He implores shakily, tilting his throat for me. I hesitate for all but one moment before my fingers rub gentle circles into the swollen gland, coaxing out his scent in a stronger burst.

Wild honey curling into the air as his head droops, russet fox ears curling and bending over, a keening whine slipping out.

"I need to get him out Tae-ah, I'll have to cut this short here." I say apologetically even as I curl my arm around him to draw him away.

My nose twitches, ears flickering at the sharper tinge to his honey, the predatory pheromones settling as his pre-rut pulses, fluctuating on and off, skin flushed and heated, body thrumming with sensitivity.

It's weak, barely settling yet but it's there. it's new and alarming because it's crept up on him and he didn't know. First ruts were always so temperamental and trying, so physically exhausting.

"(Y/N) what?" Tae asks, a frown on his lips, trying to detect whatever it is my nose has picked up, eyes drifting over my stiffening frame, breathing lightly to avoid the pulsating scent.

"Rut. Jae is going into rut, I need to get him safe. I... he'll want to nest." I say, fretting at the way his fingers loosen and tighten, his eyes flickering between glassy and focused, trying to fight off the instincts beginning to thrum under the surface.

"Jae honey, let's get you to a healthcare specialist." I fuss, supporting him to lean against me, his eyes blinking nervously at the children, head ducking at Tae's gaze even if something bristles at the challenge of a predator being close during his biological instincts flaring to challenge but also to protect.

"Noona... noona make it stop. Everyone's scents are just hurting." He whimpers, clutching on now that his biology is recognising a prey, shifting to curl closer, body fluctuating with spurts of pheromones shifting for that mating urge, breeding urge.

It's been barely ten minutes since he's stepped into the room but the combined weight of all the children's scents has him staggering away when I urge him towards the door.

And the breath he lets out is shaky and relieved once he steps out, the air unscented and clean, neutral. Safe ground.

Jae's body shrinks back from anyone passing by as I hurry to get him to his room on the far end, his body shuddering when he finally steps through.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart, but you're in for a rough first rut. They're always hard at the beginning." I murmur once I've coaxed him to lie down, fingers brushing through his hair.

"What about you noona? Was your first heat hard?" he asks, breath brushing against my wrist from how he tilts into the touch.

My fingers still momentarily but his eyes shutter with apology.

"Sorry noona I—" he begins remorsefully.

"It's okay pup. My first heat was honestly brutal but it was also safe. I felt safe. And don't worry... I'll make sure your rut goes as smoothly as it can. I'll make sure you're safe." I promise.

Thinking back to it, remembering the searing agony licking at my spine, that restlessness, body writhing on sheets damp with sweat, keening and chasing for someone to satiate instincts that couldn't be fulfilled; that outside of the heat I hadn't wanted to be fulfilled... remembered my two stags, nesting with me, their own ruts triggered, chasing relief in being close to pack, remembered being herded and shepherded around by the two of them, constantly close and in their line of sight. Remembering just as feverish bodies, remembered arching and pleading incoherently, remembered that the feverish instinctual want was only subdued and calmed by hands pinning my wrists and a body settling over mine; physically keeping me pinned and tricking newly settling urges with the consolation that I was being held, being kept still and safe by that promise of big, someone bigger than me, their body holding mine.

And his hand curls around my wrist, silently anchoring me to my words.

Chasing after the comfort and touch because he firmly believes I'll bring it.

The comfort I'll do anything to bring.

I had had safety during mine and every child under the centre's roof deserved a safety in theirs, deserved safety through every step.

JIMIN POV:

I set down a set of files in front of Joon, watching as his eyes flicker away from the screen, eyes tired and strained behind the thin rim of his glasses, curious and ears perking up.

"What's this?" he asks, voice slightly rough, thrumming with flickers of a growl.

My body automatically responds, straightening at the tone, leaning forward as I pull it open, nudging forward the arrest warrants.

"The two employees at the factory you've been hunting down. I've gotten them identified, ran them through the database and I've got two arrest warrants on their name." I say firmly.

His eyes flicker with pride, smiling at me as he rubs the back of his head, a whoosh of breath that's a relieved sigh as he looks at the files.

Ears flickering before they still, gaze narrowing and focusing.

His eyes drift to me in silent question and I nod. Knowing already what he's found.

"Two employees who are incidentally scorpion hybrids and tied to a man who pours a substantial fortune into buying his son countless hybrids to use as sex toys." I state, voice corded with rage and I don't hesitate to perch on the desk, body tilting downwards towards him, pointing out lists of addresses that they've worked at.

More than just the trackers factory, they've been listed under other blacklisted or shutdown factories; spotted on CCTV footage across the district. Poster boys for shady businesses.

"It could be coincidence but it's too close, it ties into exactly what the traffickers seem to be doing with children; prepping them to be mindless, submissive bodies and Ji Ah was one of them. She was subdued with so much venom her body relapsed without." I say, voice taut and strung tight.

He nods, jaw clenching before he rewinds something on the computer.

"Come here and look at this. Focus on Lee's expression." He orders quietly.

And when I round the table, peering over his shoulder I see he's playing back a snippet of the footage from the undercover op.

I frown, gut twisting painfully at the sight of Lee's face, so settled and confident and assured.

Lips quirking when I think of how defeated and broken he is now.

Joon's finger taps on the keyboard, resuming the footage, my eyes fixed on every shift and tell of Lee's face, ears perking up when I spot it.

His lips twitch, eyes gleaming as his posture relaxes imperceptibly, almost unnoticed even to the trained eye but I lean over to rewind it, to replay the small snippet, confirming what Joon has been wondering over, what immediately strikes me.

"Barnyard of animals. His body language changes in five different ways at the phrase." I observe.

His eyes. Gleaming with untold knowledge.

The loose set to his posture; cockier.

The tiniest tilt to his lip, quirking up at one corner.

The twitch to his fingers, drumming against the table as he looks at over at me.

And the way he straightens, relishing in the phrase, triggering some sort of thought.

A horrible thought dawns in my mind.

"When he reacted to barnyard animals you don't think he could be referring to hybrid species that are typical to farms and rural spaces do you?" I hedge.

Joon's eyes flicker, dark gaze swallowing up the soft brown in them, scent sharp and earthy and thick; cloying as it coats my tongue.

"I... I have a feeling that's exactly what it means. Think about it. Where did we find Min-Jun? Where were all the missing reports filed?" Joon prompts.

Rural areas. They were all found in rural areas or beyond the suburbs of the city.

"Forest. Beyond the suburbs. An old farm. A cottage. Sparsely populated locations." I list.

My head tilts.

"I'm going to get the head of surveillance to pull up footage and maps, I need to confirm something." I say, straightening up, leaning away from the steadily thickening forest scent.

"Why? What is it Jimin?" he asks, pushing his chair away from the screen, getting to his feet behind me.

There's a growing hunch blooming in my mind, connecting the frail links together, something tentative... but if they tie together then it's a solid lead.

But I need to test it first.

"Barnyard animals. Lee reacted to it which made me realise it might not even necessarily be farm hybrids. It might be a name, it might be referring to an actual physical space." I say, eyes searching for Min Da.

The surveillance sector of the station is busy, thrumming with activity as they all work on their allocated tasks; countless screens splayed with data being processed, a thrum of razor sharp focus in the officers' eyes.

"Min Da-ssi, where is he?" I ask the nearest officer.

His fingers pause the footage of a mall, fingers pinching the footage and making it smaller, sending it across through to another officer; moving over the touchscreen before he turns to me. Head dipping in greeting.

"He's out on his break. He should be back soon." He says, gaze running a sharp eye over the desks in confirmation.

That antsy feeling threatens to mount, to burst out.

Min Da is needed because he can align the maps perfectly and create the digital track I need him to chart out.

Behind me Joon's no better, foot tapping restlessly, stepping away to speak to Jinyoung who hands over a file; voice too soft to be picked up on.

"Officer Park. Is something the matter?" a familiar voice calls, my ears perking up as I spin towards the sound, some of that restlessness seeping away at the hurried pace of Min moving forward.

"I need your help to test out a theory. I need a 3D model of the city and I need it with large enough dimensions that it extends out past the suburbs and towards the countryside." I order out, voice naturally steeping with authority.

And he doesn't hesitate, nor flinch or jerk away from the authority, doesn't question it as he sets his coat down and starts a path towards one of the larger tech rooms; used and kept for this same purpose.

"Is this related to the undercover agents we have situated in the red districts because I haven't heard back—" he begins, already moving to the central computer and fingers moving fluidly, hurriedly, over the keys.

Slowly the holographic image of the city forms, appearing in the centre.

Joon doesn't speak.

Waiting for me to fill the silence.

"Get rid of the layers of tourism, agricultural and public relation buildings."

A massive chunk is removed from the map, buildings morphing out of sight, skyscrapers vanishing and the cute touristy streets melting away.

"Take away every corporate business and every school, park and public space. Leave the suburban line as it is and highlight the point for where the missing person reports were filed and were we found two victims and the deceased." The words bitter on my tongue.

So many children taken.

Homes broken. Families torn.

To fuel a carnal inhumane want to defile and take, to satiate pervasive desire.

It leaves only a network of crisscrossing roads, train lines and the sparsely dotted buildings that remain within the urban space.

But it's the suburbs and what lie beyond it that are the main point.

I examine the red points highlighting where the cases were filed, the specific locations of the missing people's homes and their distance to how far they were when they were taken.

"Far enough that no-one they recognised would witness it." I murmur to myself, leaning over the holographic model hovering in front of our eyes.

"The locations of where the victims were taken weren't in correspondence..." but Ji Ah and Min-Jun know each other my mind fills silently.

"The spaces were marked with excreted waste in shifted form. Marked territories to establish the kidnapping as a point of animal pride..."

Hyenas. Hunted in packs, established territory as a very clear marking. We still had no suspects on that because hyenas were a rare enough animal breed that it didn't cross over into human and animal biology much.

But that also meant when we would have a clue it was more likely to be definitive simply because of their rarity.

"How far are the marked territories from any sort of farm?" I ask.

Min Da's fingers tap again promptly forming links between the territories and any building or property or space that can be established as 'farm'.

There's many, crisscrossing endlessly over each other in a way that threatens to make my head throb with the knowledge of many countless nights.

Still Joon doesn't speak, though his eyes burn with fierce curiosity and intellect, examining the links with sharp focus.

"And now... leave only the links that tie the locations to barns. Abandoned, derelict, fully functioning, miss none." I call out, voice soft but firm; carrying over the hum of the screens.

Bingo.

Four links.

Out of the messy web of lines and connections four remain.

Just four.

"And these are all specifically barns?" I push.

He hums in confirmation.

I turn to face Namjoon, eyes bright and body thrumming with the solidified knowledge. The added confirmation we need.

I wait for Min Da to send over the file, wait for it to disintegrate in front of my eyes and when he steps out of the room, I run a check to ensure it's been deleted from the system too. No other copy other than the one that remains on my account.

Turn to face Namjoon, hands leaning against the empty table, head cocked as I look at him. Confidence and assuredness

"So Officer Kim, what are the chances of getting SWAT teams prepared for the four locations we have locked down?"

His eyes gleam, posture tall and ears perked up. His tail swishes back and forth and there's pride and satisfaction oozing out in his scent, curling around me in a deep embrace long before he steps forward to wrap his arms around me.

Nosing gently at my skin in a light nuzzle.

Breath teasing at my throat, against the ache of his nip, fangs sinking into my scent gland, that I still felt, felt my gland pulse pleasantly with the memory.

The kiss he presses to it is chaste but the growl that vibrates against it is promising and pleased.

"Officer Park, say the word. And I'll hand it to you on a platter."

--------

There's an entirely different experience to rush to get (Y/N) with the clear knowledge of the shared desire and want pooling between us; with the steadily mounting crackling want whenever I tug her close, mouth chasing hers.

There's an entirely different experience to be waiting against the car and see the very person my biology, mind and heart had long since accepted as mate step out; a silent exhaustion clinging to her frame and waving off both Tae and Hobi's help, head ducking away and down as she hurries forward.

And when I hurry close, pushing away from the car, concern bleeding into my scent, her ears flicker with alarm and she backpedals, shifting away from my reach when my hand darts out for her.

"(Y/N).... Just let me scent away the smell. Please~ you don't smell like us anymore." Tae laments, stripey ears drooping and folding as he looks at her forlornly, trying to silently wriggle close but she shakes her head firmly, her glands hidden away under the collar of her coat, lips twisted.

"Tae no... it's just going to make you all... possessive. Even if you know the logical reasoning. I'll wash it off when I get home." She argues.

"Sweetheart what—don't be silly, as if we're the..." Hobi hyung begins but his ears curl, nose twitching despite the steadfastness he looks at her with; warm inviting brown eyes.

She raises her eyebrows, clearly not buying it and I take the opportunity to hurry forward, hands curling around her wrists and tugging them away from the lapels of her coat.

But a mixture of sweat, arousal and pain strikes my nose, head rearing back from the open collar of her jacket, ears pinning back at the foreign predatory scent of... my nose twitches as it takes another tentative inhale, a growl slipping out... of another fox.

"Stop growling Minnie! Kids go through ruts too you know." She says part defensive, part admonishing, eyes fiercely protective.

I feel my ears wilt, drooping at the chiding tone and my immediate base response to the mixture of scents, eyes flickering to the way Tae's nose scrunches, tail swishing anxiously, Hobi hyung's face the calmest even if the slight twitch gives away that it affects him.

"I know... it's just new. Sorry." I say chagrined.

She gives a small nod, lips twitching when Tae leans in close enough to nuzzle but she ducks away.

"I don't think I can handle three predator courting partners with me in a confined space. Sounds awfully like I'm walking into a trap." She says, head gesturing to the car.

Her eyes spark with the familiar tease, as if purposely stoking the slight edge of possessiveness simmering at the smell of a foreign predator, though a pup barely cresting into foxhood, still makes my eyes narrow at the silent challenge before she even speaks.

"I'd be safer with open air and someone non-threatening." She contemplates, hand fishing for her phone.

The ripple of growls and rumbles that fill the air are clouded with mint and stronger notes of berry and caramel seeping through.

"You didn't join me for one break, you didn't have lunch and now you're threatening to leave. I never knew my mate-to-be was a sadist." Hobi huffs out, promptly tugging her hand back into her pocket and lacing it with his, keeping it occupied as he nudges her from the side.

My ears flicker, tail swishing.

"You didn't have lunch?" I push.

She shrugs.

"Jae's rut was triggering his nesting need, I had to stay to help him and give him the thumbs up." she says easily.

It doesn't slip by my notice or the other two how monumental in itself that decision is. That the pup Jae so easily and readily wanted her to be there for.

Nests were safe spaces. Were private and intimate and built on the foundation of keeping its maker feel secure and settled.

And he'd wanted (Y/N)'s opinion on it. Had wanted her to stay to help make it but also soothe that approval need.

Unconsciously Jae had threaded (Y/N)'s presence as part of that feeling of safety. He'd threaded the memory of her presence into his nest; that shepherding instinct would soon follow.

To herd his own to the nest, to fuss and groom and provide.

Easily enough I could see (Y/N) being roped into it, could already see her coming home doused in the pup's maturing scent, in his confusing mix of pheromones that were unconsciously, without actively trying, leaving a claim on her as a primary caregiver.

"We're going to get home, you're going to eat first because you missed a meal and then you can wash off that scent." I say.

But she dithers, deliberating over where to sit, eyes flickering back and forth until she makes a decision.

"Hobi you drive. I don't trust the two oranges." She says warily as she slides into the passenger seat.

And whilst he nods, grinning and fangs gleaming as he hurries to slip into the driver's seat, I eye the Tae before darting after Hobi.

"You can have the seat behind her."

Knowing the pup's scent will be radiating off strongly, directly to whichever one of end up sitting behind the front passenger seat.

And the forlorn whine I get, imploring devastated brown eyes that look at me as he sidles in tugs at my heartstrings.

I lift an arm up and laugh when he immediately buries against my side, plastered close and nose immediately diving for my scent gland; away from the affronting scent that just rubs at instinct and a biology in a wrong way; despite the constant self reminder that it was to help someone settle, that he's a kid, one of the many she's helped and will continue to help.

But when she sits down at dinner; her body shifts under the intensity of the gazes shot at her, fiddling until Jin hyung banishes everyone from the kitchen, wings flapping and gleaming, rustling with protectiveness as he curls around her.

His gaze is sharp when it drifts over me and Tae.

"Don't be menaces cubs." He warns.

My brows lift, lips curving in challenge.

"Or~ what will happen Seokjinnie hyung?"

His eyes darken, wings curving around (Y/N) and hands holding her gently.

But his words are heavy and dripping with promise.

"Or you won't be the first cubs I'll have to put in place." He retorts.

And interestingly enough all the hyungs pinken, and the two feline hyungs eyes hold stories and secrets, deliciously tempting and distracting.

Ones I can't wait to hear or tug out.

And Tae's stare is just as invested.

———

When (Y/N) pads back into the living room, it's with a towel being wrung between her hands, damp hair dripping slightly onto her pyjama top. But the scent of pre-rut is gone. And with it every scent, every claim and every subtle trail of her own.

She approaches the sofa, body tilting close to Yoongi hyung when his tail curls gently around her calf.

"I used Scent Scrub... it's one that Woo's given me, is it all gone?" She asks, tilting forward at Yoongi hyung's gentle grip around her wrist, her hair falling forward with the movement of her body curving over his, damp strands tickling and brushing against his skin, eyes meeting his shyly.

He leans in, nosing lightly at her jaw before dipping his head to brush his nose against her gland, scenting lightly and sniffing to check.

But there's a grimace on his face, fingers loosening from around her wrist even as his tail tightens around her calf, hand curling around to rest on her back and coax her closer as he mumbles against her throat.

"You don't smell like anyone. Not even yourself." He remarks, gentle but thorough drags of his skin against hers dousing her in soft citrus, adding the first scent back onto her skin. And his gaze is tender and loving, doting and gentle as he rubs his fingers in small circles before tilting his throat in invitation too, hand coaxing her closer until she's leaning against him, hand curled around his shoulder and rubbing lightly at his gland, slow touches that make the citrus sweeten, his ears flickering as his eyes flutter.

"Don't overwork and head straight to bed after work Yoongi." She murmurs as she leans away. He nods, cheeks pink and watches as Hobi tugs her eagerly to him, finally able to coax her close to delve in for scenting where she'd steadfastly been ducking away during her shift and as she ate, his fangs scrape lightly across her pink cheeks, nipping before soothing the small sting with lingering kisses that trail to her jaw, cheeks rubbing and the tips of his ears flickering and grazing the curve of her throat as he continues; sweet nutty caramel seeming to glide over skin, drip from it with rich warmth.

"That's better. All scented." He preens happily.

It doesn't take long for Jin hyung to whisk her away between his wings, Kookie curving behind her as he slowly rubs his scent over her; their shared smiles something tender and sweet and so, so safe. And it's her who reaches out for Joon hyung with a shy smile and nuzzles at his jaw, coaxing our a rumbly growl even as his cheeks pinken when Kookie turns to nose at his cheek softly too. Flustering under their combined scenting, by how instinctually satisfying it is for both preys to be rubbing their scents onto him, for his wolf to whine happily with having his pack's scent linger.

She moves to step out of the living room as the others do, spotting the tiredness and ushering them off with a fond smile, stepping out after Hobi when Tae leans over, hand curling around her waist, the wide breadth of his hand splaying across her stomach before wrapping around fully, the thick strength of his arm banding across to tug her back, his chest flush to her back, fangs scraping across the back of her ears.

"No scents for us?" He asks, voice low and smooth.

I watch the soft brown ears flicker as her head tilts back, doe eyes wide and shining.

"It's late..." she begins.

His fangs nip at her ears, eyes flashing as he leans in.

"And? You thought we'd let you go without our own claims? Jagi you have no idea~" he drawls, voice dangerously soft even as it reverberates with a growl.

The spurt of anise is only the first of many I intend to coax and tug out tonight.

"I hope you weren't too eager to head to bed baby. See~ I haven't even begun to take all I want." I croon, stepping forward, hands skimming across her sides and squeezing her hips where they come to settle.

Her breath shudders our even if her eyes pin mine.

"What is it you want to take?"

My lips curve wide.

"Everything you have to give of course."

My hands tighten, tugging her close, nose brushing against hers and drinking in the sight of how her eyes flutter, the sweep of her lashes brushing against skin, ears flickering and lips parting, hands sliding up to curl around my neck as she peers up at me.

The tilt of her head when I kiss her has Tae growling in satisfaction, the angle sparking a bolt of desire and want with how it arches the slender column of her throat, scent gland exposed and inviting. Her lips are soft and unhurried, sweet pecks that turn lingering, that burn and scald the feel and shape and taste of them against my own; moulding together as she tries to lean in only for long fingers to trail up her neck and the pad of his thumb pressing firmly to her gland. The strangled whimper that presses against my lips is shaky, mouth falling open and head tilting back, resting against Tae's shoulder and I chase to close the distance, body caging hers between us as I lean forward, head slanted over hers and lips bruising, crushed to hers, tongue delving in at the small shudders she lets out at Tae's firm touch, coaxing out her scent in thicker pulses, curling over the two of us.

My tongue sweeps against hers, roving through her mouth, exploring every nook and cranny, running over the dips and chasing her tongue that tries to push back, tries to dominate for control, swallowing the slew of whimpers, the shuddered exhale as her fingers tighten around my nape, sliding to sink into my hair and tugging closer, closer.

And behind her Tae groans, a deep rumbling sound that makes the want flare in my gut, blood singing with the need to have him closer, one hand sliding off her hip to curl behind his back and tug him closer against her, his nose brushing against her jaw, head dipping lower to nuzzle at her gland, added stimulation to the rub of his fingers that have her eyes lidded and pupils dilating.

My mouth slides away from hers, relishing in the slick swollen look, teeth sinking into her bottom lip, tugging at it, fangs grazing to hear the small broken sound so full of need my body pulses with arousal and want, ears perking at the sound, only moving away when they're kiss-bitten red and flushed, grazing my lips and teeth across the sensitive skin of her jaw and throat.

Her fingers tighten in my hair, body arching and pushing at the touch when Tae's mouth closes over her gland and sucks harshly, hips bucking against mine, writhing and pushing to move away from the sensations.

"Stay still kit." Tae murmurs, fangs pinching at the gland, eyes lidded with pleasure as he drinks in her flushed expression, ears flickering when her throat bobs heavily, gulping down air; eyes fluttering open and shut.

"Or what? She shudders out, hands falling lax from my hair, sliding forward down my shoulders to my chest, pushing slightly.

Tae leans in.

"Or that can easily be arranged." He promises, head tilting forward to press a kiss to my lips. A kiss that's all teeth and fangs and tongue; messy and fuelled with desire, crackling and pushing and hungry, groaning low in my mouth, gripping my hip in a touch that's bruising and electric.

"Bed?" he murmurs.

I nod, head resting against his even as my fingers dip under (Y/N)'s pyjama top, rubbing circles into her hipbone, squeezing at the soft warm flesh.

"Bed. Sweet fawn looks like she's going to buckle any second." I tease and true to word when I move away and Tae's hold loosens, she tries to move, legs jittering violently and easily supported by his hand tightening, keeping her anchored against him.

And he relishes in the way that she refuses to be carried, drinking in the jitter to her legs, trembling as she walks out the living room, guided by his hand still curled around her, steadying her wobble with proud predatory satisfaction gleaming in feline eyes. His tail swishes silently, curling around to graze at the back of her thighs, curling around skin and a rumbly chuff slipping out at the way her legs buckle, keening at the pressure to her scent gland, unrelenting and toying, shaking against Tae who stops to steady her, keeping her from falling.

"Easy there sweetheart." I murmur, hands curling around her thighs to hoist her up, banding across her back to cradle her towards me, nosing at her temple.

Her throat bobs, breath shaky and grip weak as she tries to steady herself, pupils dilating further, anise sticky sweet and enticing.

When I set her onto my bed it's to smooth sheets, her head pillowed by the sprawl of cushions, hovering over her and nuzzling gently to check if she's overwhelmed. Mouthing softly at her jaw with a row of kisses, feeling the bed dip as Tae clambers on.

"Still with us beautiful?" he murmurs, thumb sweeping over her cheekbone.

She gives a weak incredulous huff, coherency in her eyes as she pushes at my shoulder, propping herself up on her hands to peer at us.

My fox growls proudly at the flushed sheen on her face.

"It takes more than that to have me gone. Are my two predators playing it tame?" she goads, the taunt softened by the breathless quality to her voice.

Tae growls, surging over to knock her back when his body sprawls over, caging her to the bed, hands planted on either side of her face, predatory intent in the dark brown of his eyes.

"Never. I could eat my prey right up if she wanted me to. I could very gladly devour you." he promises.

Leg worming between hers to nudge her thighs apart, widening them until he can slot between them easily, hands gliding over her pyjama shorts, curling around her calves and squeezing promisingly.

Her head's risen off the pillows, staring at him with just as fierce ferocity and hunger, legs shifting wider and I watch her thighs lock on either side as her legs cross around his hips, tugging him closer.

"Is my pretty kitten hungry?" she muses, finger brushing over his lips, stilling when his fangs scrape skin, trapping her finger between his teeth before he lets go.

"Always. For you... always. I can never get enough of you. I could drown in your scent, sweet with pleasure, sticky with arousal and still want more." He groans against her skin, mouth brushing across the skin above the neckline of her top, lathering her in his scent just as strong and potent with desire.

She shudders at his words, gaze drifting over me. Something searching and wanting in them, torso rising off the bed.

Hand reaching out for me.

"And you?" she breathes.

I surge forward, peppering kisses across her face, ears flickering at the giddy giggles as she squirms.

"Do I need to remind you..." I murmur, whispering to her just how much she affected me, how my biology screamed and thrashed for her constantly.

She flushes, cheeks pink and her hands tremble when I slide behind her, settling her between my parted legs, hands curled around her wrists to keep them still.

I grin at my tiger hovering over her.

"Let us show you how much our biology craves you. How much we want you."

And when he dives in for a kiss, my instincts burn hotter at the arch of her back, wrists twisting for purchase, caged between the two of us.

But we have no intention of letting go.

We have no intention of ever letting go.

Mate. Mine.

---------

The scent of anise gets thicker, sweeter. Saccharine sweet with arousal and desire, pliant and pupils blown out fully, lips slick and parted in a silent cry, body writhing on the sheets as she pushes and tugs at the restraints my hands form around her wrists, eyes glassy as she tries to escape Tae's mouth marking a line of claims from her throat to her shoulder, fingers curled into the fabric of her top, tugged to the side as he continues to sink his teeth into her.

"Sweet mate. Giving so much." I croon, fingers brushing over the back of her ears that flicker constantly, eyes fluttering shut and teeth sinking into her lip when Tae's grip on her thighs tighten, the breadth of his palm splayed over her glands and constantly applying pressure to them, her legs shaking and trembling with jolts of pleasure thrumming through her body.

Tae's mouth is slick and his fangs are bared, pooling over his lips, grinning proudly, the focus in his eyes consumed entirely with predatory instinct, the biological need to mark his potential mate, to leave a claim so others can see.

"And still she keeps giving more and more. Our floral fawn." He croons, voice rough and laced with a seeming permanent growl, tugging her thighs wider so he can lower himself down, nosing at the skin and lips curving wide when they tremble, long since fallen apart and away from his waist.

Splayed across now rumpled sheets, ruined and dishevelled from her twisting and writhing, breaths shaky and hips bucking for relief.

"Too much." She groans, eyes forcefully opening, skin glistening with a sheen of sweat.

My hands squeeze her wrists gently, thumbs rubbing circles across the small glands.

"But you said to take." I coo, nosing at her temple and breathing in her scent, peppering kisses across even as my hands tighten when she bucks, legs trying to close to avoid Tae's fingers.

"And take." Tae echoes.

She whimpers, the sound needy and wanting.

Head shaking, ears grazing the side of my face, mouthing shakily at my skin, nose brushing against my gland in a gesture that's sweet and tender and grounding for herself, fingers unfurling and furling, the thud of her heartbeat accelerating, tasted on my tongue when she sinks into the kiss, lips parted and breath ragged.

"Please." She whimpers.

My lips move away and she tilts after it, trying to chase them to close the distance, nose skimming across my throat.

Please mumbled against my gland.

"Want to touch. Want you to hold me Minnie." She pleads, suddenly stiffening as her back archs, pushing away from my body as she goes taut, a breathless shaky sob as she shakes.

But Tae finally relents, easing away his hands from her glands, smoothening out his fingers and kneading the tension and stiffness from her calves, knuckles easing away the ache and pressing soft kisses to skin.

Murmuring and cooing gently as he brushes her hair back and kisses her sweetly.

"Our perfect fawn. Giving so beautifully."

She tilts into the touch,

She tilts into the touch, shaky fingers cupping his jaw, brushing against skin, trembling fingers dropping to his throat to scent-mark; the gesture uncoordinated and messy, trying to blink by the growing haze in her eyes, slipping fingers that clutch at him.

I move to swap with Tae, her mouth tilting to his, body sagging against the mattress when he slips away from between her thighs, relaxing slightly when I rub my hands up and down her calves, watching him slot behind her, support her as he holds her. Hands looped around her waist, slung low as he leans in to the kiss, their eyes fluttering shut as they chase the touch and taste of each other's mouth, his growl swallowed by her, body uncoordinated and shaky but so, so giving.

My hands grip her hips, the scent of her arousal painfully thick; clogging my throat and clinging to my lungs in sticky rivulets with how much her body thrums with electric need and want. Nose burning with the scent of her increasing haze.

She shifts restlessly on the bed, twisting as her hips buck for relief, crying out into Tae's mouth when his hand grips her jaw and keeps her mouth tilted to him.

I shift closer, leaning against the head of the bed, legs sprawled out across the mattress as I watch them; blood burning hotter.

Her head drops away, panting harshly as she tries to draw air in, chest heaving, the swells of her breasts outlined despite the loose drape of fabric, curves that draw attention to them, a slither of skin where the shirt had been rucked up by his other hand, tracing shapes onto her back, the dip of her waist; fingers itching to grip at it.

"My turn. My turn to make my fawn feel good." I insist, voice breathless, instincts thrumming and pulsing stronger with the need to keep on making her feel good. To constantly make her feel good.

And Tae acquiesces easily, lips curling into a grin.

"Going to leave a claim as the only fox in her life?" he asks.

My ears perk, scent bursting out even as I shake my head.

"Better. I'm going to have our fawn leave her claim on me." I say, easily lifting her up, drawing her across my lap, her body straddling mine, body slumping forward, nose brushing against my shoulder.

Her fingers tug at the fabric, eyes pleading.

"Off."

A one-worded request.

Slowly she'd been slipping more into incoherency, eyes clouded with pheromones, drifting in and out of focus.

But it's answer enough and I lean back, tugging at my shirt, looping it off my head and letting it fall aside, watching with gleaming thrill as her fingers brush against bare skin, head resting against my shoulder, mouthing lazily at my skin, teeth a slow graze as she wriggles closer, a small whimper slipping out and pressed to my skin when the wriggle makes her hips grind against mine. Flush to the aching arousal I felt.

She leans back slightly, hips canting forward experimentally, eyes clenching shut as she groans, the sound slipping past lips she gnaws fiercely at. Tae's thumb comes up to free her lips, rubbing gently where blood rises to the surface; making them darken, bruised and red.

My own hips jerk against her shifting, arousal burning a line across my spine, hands clamping on her waist, squeezing warningly.

Stilling her movement as she looks at me, pleading and wanting.

"Minnie... Mimi please." She gasps.

I kiss a line from her throat to the curve of her jaw, teeth dragging her earlobe between and nipping.

"I'll give you it sweetheart. But let me give it to you. Please." I implore.

She nods, breath shaky against my own ear, lips pressing to my cheek.

"Please. Please." She murmurs.

My hands grip her waist, slowly guiding her movements, drawing her hips against mine, feeling her body shudder as her hips ground down on mine; whimpering with a mixture of pleasure and pain.

"Use me. Use me for your pleasure." I encourage, mouthing wetly at her skin, teeth grazing against her shoulder, Tae's fingers tugging the fabric aside for my fangs to scrape across the curve, slotting over it to bite down a groan when her hips cant forward, messily and roughly grinding on me. Shaky pleas when she shakes her head, eyes sparkling with tears; pupils consuming her irises almost completely, searching and chasing relief.

"Mimi you... you give it."

And I growl against her skin, tail curling with satisfaction, tugging her off my hips, moving her to straddle my thigh, hands pushing her hips back and forth, leg tense under her trembling thighs, her fingers clutching and scrabbling at skin as she sobs with pleasure, the scent of her arousal thickening.

"Come on baby. Fall apart for us." I coax, harsher drags of her hips against my leg, her pheromones spiky with need, breath shuddering and her wavering exhales ringing in my ears, curling close to me, arms looped around my neck as I draw her body over mine, push her body to pleasure, feeling her body tauten, back bowing as my hands drag her forward, my own hips twisting with search for friction.

My hands control her movements, ears ringing with her shaky cries, scent streaming out in rivulets and mingling with it is berry and mint; sweet and strong intertwining with hers, Tae's low croon as he tells her good she is, how perfect of a mate she makes, how she looks beautiful falling apart under our touch. His hand curls over her breast, slithering under her top to brush against the soft generous curve, coaxing out a stronger wave of scent when he tugs and teases it out of her, her movements shakier.

"Come on kitten. Look... you drive us mad." Tae croons, nipping at her ear, watching as her head rises, curling away, hips still being guided forward, eyes drifting down.

Pupils blown out when she sees the imprint of Tae's knuckles and fingers under the fabric of her top, her legs trembling on either side of mine and she goes still, body stiffening as her back arches, the swell of her breasts straining against the shirt, Tae's hand continuing its ministrations, prolonging the pleasure as she shudders; arousal clouding the room, tasted on my tongue, her fingers gripping at me as she shudders through it, breath ragged, overwhelmed tears slipping down her heated cheeks.

I groan at the sight of her, that taut feeling of pleasure curling tighter and hotter in my abdomen as she convulses with ecstasy, body slumping forward, hands feverish as they clutch at me, head resting against my shoulder.

My hand rubs a line up and down her spine, head tilting to press soft kisses to her skin, murmuring to her.

But she doesn't hear or respond, her scent constantly blooming; anise in full floral headiness, intoxicating and rich, and when my hand cups her cheek to draw her face back, she tilts immediately into it, nuzzling, eyes flickering, consumed by pheromones, hazy and uncoordinated.

Floating on a pheromonal high, scent-drunk on the two of us.

Her face is blissed out with pleasure and relief, eyes glazed and body no longer holding itself up, head lolling and resting against my palm, eyes fluttering shut.

"(Y/N), sweetheart..." I murmur quietly.

She doesn't respond, eyes flickering as her ears pick up the sound, tilting towards me, burrowing closer, hand stumbling for Tae's that rests on her thigh, slowly lacing together.

"Pheromone high." Tae confirms, voice hushed and full of awe and love.

Pressing soft kisses to her nape, coaxing her down from her high, legs still shaky and trembling, her arousal clinging to every fibre of our clothes.

She just slumps against me, boneless, hands looped around me as she nestles close, intent on closing every millimetre of space between us.

"Let's get her lying down." I whisper, cradling her close, the slightest shift of my body making her scent bloom with vulnerability, settling when my hands tighten and draw her closer to me.

"Not going anywhere." I reassure, watching Tae smoothen out the sheets, fix the pillows before he stands.

(Y/N)'s head burrows against my neck, nose tucked close to my gland and the flutter of her lashes brushing gently against skin indicate that she's struggling to keep her eyes open.

Her gaze is away from Tae and he makes sure of it before tugging off his pyjamas, smooth honeyed warmth of his skin rippling as he strips himself off, body bare and all long lithe limbs and toned muscle as he sets them aside.

His grin is confident and cocky when he catches me staring, unabashed and ashamed and the smallest sound from (Y/N), needy and imploring, has my gaze drifting down to her when the bed sinks and a tiger clambers on, paws sinking into the mattress as he stalks over quietly, sleek shiny fur glowing under the bedroom lights before he noses at her nape. Waiting for her to slowly respond, her limbs putty as she twists, the smile curling at her lips languid and relaxed before he bonks at her cheek, chuffing gently, nuzzling at her skin.

"Tiger love." She mumbles, hand reaching out for him and his tail swishes with anticipation.

I carefully lower her down, manoeuvring her body onto the sheets and watching with an aching twist when her face scrunches with hurt, smoothening out when he distracts her by nosing at skin, snuffling eagerly at her, shaky, soft giggles filling the air. He hovers over her, pawing lightly at her stomach, long strong frame a protective barrier as he keeps her occupied, ducking his head low to rest on her chest.

Rumbling contentedly when her fingers immediately sink into his fur, rubbing at his ears in slow circles; uncoordinated movements that are far slower and shakier.

And I hurry to shift and do the same, a softer clamber onto the bed, paws slipping in their haste to get back to our fawn, chirping softly when I duck past his paws to snuffle at her cheek.

My tail swishes happily when she turns to the sound before her throat arches, presenting her glands with hazed, lidded eyes that track the two of us curling close to scent lighter, Tae's paw keeping her steady and caged under him; a protective flank when her scent is so enticing and so soft. Vulnerable.

Her fingers scratch gently, rubbing over the back of my head as I curl closer, satisfied chirps at the petting, Tae's tail swishes and curls over her legs, body sinking down to sprawl on the mattress, head resting on her torso and bonking at the underside of her jaw, kitten licks as he grooms her, laves her in his scent.

Her eyes flutter, drooping heavily, the touch of her fingers turning softer and lighter, scent softening, body splayed with submission and pleasure, fatigue now tugging at her.

I move to clamber on and curl up beside Tae when his body shifts, moving to carefully prop up and drape over her, nuzzling at her skin and curling close to her, settling completely over her.

He acquiesces with a chuff when I paw at his cheek, fangs scraping lightly against my fur, paw tugging me close and settling me under the touch. His paw's draped loosely over me, fur brushing against my own, chuffing with contentment, the deep rumbles soothing (Y/N)'s body further, lips parted in a silent exhale, banding across her with a fierce protective tenderness.

I nose at the paw curled across, snuffling and scenting the berry, chirping with elation, tail swishing and brushing against her stomach.

Her body's loose and relaxed; skin coloured and the indents of teeth and fangs left behind. Claimed by future mates.

But a part of my mind thrums, growls with pleasure.

My mate.

Marked.

Safe.

Protected.

And her hand comes to settle beside me, my nose burrowed against her wrist; mind full of the gentle lull of anise that tugs me to sleep.

(THERE WE GO! AS SOON AS THIS IS UPDATED I'M GOING TO HIDE. FOR A LONG TIME. PREFERABLY TO NEVER RESURFACE. I'M CHANGING MY NAME. CHANGING MY IDENTITY. AND LEAVING. AND~ TWO POVS THIS TIME. BECAUSE MINNIE WAS JUST DOMINATING THE CHAPTER AND NOT WILLING TO SHARE. THE FOX WANTS IT ALL! ENJOY THIS 12K CHAPTER WHERE OVER 3K IS JUST... REALLY INTENSE SCENTING. Midiiplier  THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT. ALL YOUR DEVIL WHISPERS COS YOU'RE A MENACE. SO! ENJOY. WHILST I MOVE AWAY TO LIVE HIDDEN FROM THE WORLD. HOPE THE ORANGES TAGTEAMING WAS WORTH IT! ONLY THE FIRST OF MANY STEAMY SCENES TO COME AND A REMINDER... HONESTLY, SERIOUSLY... IF YOU ARE UNDERAGE, IF YOU ARE NOT READY FOR MATURE SCENES PLEASE LEAVE THIS FIC. THAT BEING SAID- FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING TO BE READING... BE PREPARED. HYBRIDS ARE PART ANIMAL BY NATURE... THUS, THEIR DESIRES AREN'T EXACTLY TAMEABLE. WELP~ OFF I GO! *POOF*)

QUESTION... A tagteam you want to see happen?

Mine is~ I've got some kits and black swan stuff in mind!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3