HOBI POV:

My hand dithers at the door, wondering whether or not to step through, whether I was prepared for the sight behind it. Whether I was ready for the carnage and crafted chaos I knew Tae and Jiminie would've left; the intertwined, peaked scents of them and (Y/N) lingering in the living room, trailing over to the bedroom. The others are already up, moving about and getting ready, making breakfast and the sound of voices drifting across the floor.

I knock lightly before silently pushing the door open, slipping in the small gap before my body jolts and goes taut. Swamped with the scent of arousal pooling in the air, heavy and intoxicating and cloying, entirely at odds with the soft scene before my eyes. My mouth waters, fangs aching with the want and need to sink themselves into the source of the entangled heady scents, eyes softening as I spot the large tiger sprawled across the mattress; an ever-constant stream of rumbly chuffs pouring into the air, content and heavy with sleep and satisfaction, stripes draped over the centre of the bed, paw draped over (Y/N)'s curled up figure, her body pinned under Tae's large sprawling shifted frame, head resting on her chest, burrowed against her throat.

Curled just as contentedly, nose wormed firmly against her scent gland is Jiminie, small sleepy fox, tail swishing back and forth in low hazy movements, unconsciously positioned close to where the scent of anise is strongest. But as I step close towards the bed, it's clear to pick out the threads of arousal laced through with their sleepy pheromones, faded yet still prominent enough. It clings go (Y/N), evidence in the rucked up clothes and when Tae shifts, snuffling against her throat with a rumble, his furry head shifts to the side slightly, revealing glimpses of colouring marks splayed and smattered across skin.

It's almost startling how heavy the anise is. Heavy with how richly it pours off of (Y/N) and heavy with how it clings to the boys; dousing them in it. It's heavy in the way that the room is Joon's and Jiminie's and yet her own pheromones threaten to permeate the ever present haze of their intertwined scents... how perhaps it may already have.

I sink down on the edge of the bed, carefully drawing my legs up, body propped against the headboard as I slowly scoot closer, fingers running through thick glossy fur, nails scratching lightly at the base of Tae's ears, rubbing and trailing fingers across his back, feeling the vibrations of his chuffs as they grow louder and heavier... sensing the touch even if he doesn't turn or lean into it as he would if he were awake. The scent of berries sweeten, turning soft and ripe and heady in the familiar way a mate's scent does; enticing and curling around my instincts, tugging and coaxing me closer and yanking at every biological need to be close, close, close and keep my mate content.

I hover. Body twisting as my legs stretch out, propping myself up on an arm to observe the three of them, fingers carefully drifting across to rub at flickery orange ears, small muffled hazy breathy chirps as Jiminie remains asleep. Both of them I realise are posturing. Even in sleep the two are shifted to drape over (Y/N), her scent glands, so thoroughly claimed and doused with their scents, covered and therefore protected. That the heaviness to her scent, cloying and warm and vulnerable in its floral softness is a scent coaxed out in such potency by them.

A pheromone high.

The two had wanted to stay and protect her in her vulnerable state.

Biology making them feel proud and satiated as potential mates for nudging her into instinctual satisfaction and then shifting and staying close to keep her protected but also unable or unwilling to leave her.

My hand goes to (Y/N), drawing back strands of hair, watching her ears flicker droopy at the touch, leaning to press a kiss to them, to her temple, nosing at her skin and breathing in her scent, strong and satiated.

I don't account for the shifting tiger that brings to move, sprawled across her but now turning slightly, bonking at her throat with a rumble and tail swishing slowly. The paw that belts against the two of them tightening slightly.

Then he goes unsettlingly still before there's a burst of movement, a louder chuff and his head turns, body twisting to fall back against me, knocking me off balance as he sprawls belly up and peeks upwards at me with eyes that blink awake.

The tickle of fur and his swishing tail as he spots me, a wide stripe of skin marked with an enthusiastic lick and paw flailing slightly. The weight carefully shifts off her and pins me down.

Rumbly growl in greeting, ears flicking and tickling skin.

"Hi cub." I murmur quietly, a smile stretching wide across my lips.

His head bonks against my jaw, sleepily nuzzling and encouraging pets and I oblige with a huff, grinning as I let my fingers sink into fur, pressing kisses to his face, watching his eyes flutter and his rumbles deepen, the timbre of his chuff vibrating against me. Paw splayed across me to keep me pinned as if he wasn't already.

"Did you take good care of our fawn?" I coo.

Louder chuff. Swishier tail. Curling and swaying as he nods.

I press a kiss between his eyes.

"Good cub."

"Did anyone take care of you?" I murmur playfully, a softer keening growl; wide eyes imploring.

I've spent years trying to maintain a resistance to it. Usually I fail.

But seeing the petulance on his face, a droopy tiger, makes me laugh, sound muffled against his fur when he nudges at my cheeks.

"That's because it's not always for you." I tease.

Rubbing his ears as he shifts slightly.

"Sometimes Tae all the pleasure is in giving it. In watching the person fall apart." I croon.

The bed shifts slightly, the giving scent of anise telling me it's (Y/N) whose awoken and her voice bleary with sleep.

"Hobi I love your voice but how can you sound soft whilst talking pleasure?" A mumbled question, laced with a tinge of flushed awareness where the conversation has shifted to.

Tae scrabbles upright so fast, a flurry of paws and tail and furry body lifting off me so his paws can sink into the mattress; peering down at her with an excited, pleased rumble, immediately his head ducks to nose at her cheeks and exposed skin, scenting and lathering her up with even more berry as if the scent of crushed mint and strawberry didn't radiate off her.

It's when he rises, his larger shifted body moving out of my line of sight to see her, do I notice just how deep the colouring of the marks is, trailing down past the shoulder of her top, red and purple blooming across soft skin.

I groan at the sight, finger curiously trailing across them, the lightest pressure applied and I watch her eyes flutter, lips parting.

"Because there's a pleasure in giving dear love. A pleasure in seeing the person you want and crave shatter with ecstasy that you gave them. There's a pleasure in holding them as they tremble and writhe in the sensation." I murmur, voice dropping power, fingers curling against the shoulder of her sleeve and tugging, curious to see where the smarter of colour goes, fangs aching to sink against her shoulder over the purple that curls across it.

She shudders bodily at the words.

Her scent fluttering our slightly before she blinks, trying to physically shake the haze off her as she reaches for my fingers and draws my hand away from her shoulder.

"Is it ever too early for you all to turn on your game?" She asks.

I hum.

"Nope."

She huffs, pressing a kiss to my knuckles, lips warm, thumb rubbing against my knuckles before she smiles.

"Good to know." Her fingers letting go of mine to carefully cradle the slumbering fox on her and curls her hands around him, stifling a yawn as she sits up, supporting his body as she moves to get out of bed. Legs swinging out and slowly setting themselves down. Tae pads forward at the slight wobble, nudging anxiously at her back in question, my own legs hurrying me forward as I clamber out.

But she steadies, moving slowly to the door.

"I'm fine. Should've been worried last night Tae. Orange menaces." She huffs.

The scent of her is rich. Heady.

And she doesn't realise it as she trails down the hallway with Tae trailing behind in front of me, tail swishing as he watches her step through the living room.

She doesn't see all the expressions shift.

Doesn't see Kookie's ears perk as he spot her before his nose scrunches, eyes flickering with realisation, a grin on his face.

She doesn't see Jin's eyes trail over the marks, head cocked and wings flapping, gnawing at his lip, eyes seeming busily in thought. His gaze slowly drifts to settle on his own mate, arms looping around to murmur something.

It's Joon whose ears perk and stiffen and eyes widen, thrown off with the intoxicating sweetness of her scent when she leans over him at the couch and carefully hands over the snoozing fox to him, depositing him onto the startled wolf's lap, fingers gently disentangling and giving a final rub before she straightens.

Looking sheepish when she catches the expression.

"Ahh sorry... I was going to wash up but I didn't want to leave Minnie alone and to wake up without anyone." Voice soft.

And she definitely doesn't notice the way Yoongi hyung's eyes burn at her scent washing over, the windows open to clear out the heavy insinuation in the pheromones that hovered from last night. Tail going still as his nose flares, a small growl muffled at the thought of her washing it all away and with it the proof that she'd been taken care of.

Territorial, possessive wanting panther.

And to think he was trying to hedge carefully. To think he tiptoed around the idea of telling (Y/N) when he found out she was his years long harboured crush.

To think he was taking courting sweet and slow. Because their minds had already reached out and connected and he wanted the time for them to physically grow closer.

But who was he kidding?

He wanted her. Craved her.

And he'd been in love with her before he even knew it.

Tae pads over, nosing at Jiminie's sleeping form, rumbly when the supposedly slumbering fox squirms and chirps loud at the grooming lick, shuffling and inching away, tail swishing across Tae's face.

Amusement flickers across (Y/N)'s face.

As if she'd already known.

Joon beams at the tiger crowding close, bonking and nudging at his hand and tilting into the touch, paws bracing against the couch as he rumbles happily. One orange nuzzles against his hand, chuffing at the immediate pets and scratches and the other chirps, paw tugging at Joon's top before scrabbling under it, burrowing against his mate's skin and warmth directly, the swish of his tail distinctively pleased.

"I'm going to get ready. I have training today." She says as she steps away, face alight with laughter at the muffled, alarmed chirp, straightening her clothes as she turns.

She doesn't realise but she glows with contentment, glows with her radiant smile as she steps away, the curve and sway of her hips catching my gaze as she walks down the hallway, the smooth unmarked skin an almost taunt.

The light happy trail of anise curls around my lungs.

Happy fawn.

With more and more time her scent seemed to be happier.

And that alone made my instincts keen, a smile stretching across my lips.

Happy fawn.

And the small oof draws my eyes back, seeing Tae sprawl across Yoongi, now insistently chasing attention from our mate.

Everyone's scattered around the living room and kitchen but everyone's smiling, content and

Happy pack.

———-

"You smell... drained. But somehow in a good way." I remark when (Y/N) leans against the living room doorway, skin glistening with sweat, cheeks flushed and breathing ragged. Posture slumped as she peers at me and the mass of notes sprawled out around me.

She gives a nod, a tired smile on her face.

"The best way to get my head clear is a run. Add a wolf on the hunt and it gives instincts quite the workout too." She remarks, voice breathless, dabbing at her temple with the hem of her sleeve, ears flickering as she peers back towards the sound of footsteps and an equally flushed wolf appears, dimpled grin and rumpled damp hair as he peers over her shoulder at me.

"I can see now why you didn't ask Jiminie." He says with a wry grin, ears perked up and tail swishing with satisfaction. I watch, transfixed gaze, on two throats as sweat gleams at skin, tracking the path the glistening trail takes before it vanishes under damp shirts, fangs aching to sink into the thick column of his throat and the slender curve of hers, to mark up the unblemished canvases with blooming stains of red and purple.

She peeks back at him and for a while I forget the work in front of me, focus curiously on him as he shifts, posture tall and proud.

A preening wolf.

"And why's that? Why wasn't her fussy fox guard running with her?" I prod.

She gives a sheepish smile, scent curling sweeter and Joon's own earthy musk sharpens and strengthens with tease.

"Because how would he do anything but chase her as a mate, as a predator... especially when she came back smelling of SJ? And he was ready and raring to do anything to get rid of it." he teases, enjoying the way her posture stiffens at the challenge, ears flickering with a deeper elation; unbothered by the gentle ribbing.

"I had training! We're not just meant to be aware of how to look after hybrids... we need to know how to protect ourselves!" she says defensively but she's grinning, a loose curved lilt to full lips, her scent pouring off her in pure, rich pheromones; spiked with adrenaline, heavy with sweat and her natural musk.

She leans against the doorway, a betraying jitter to her legs that tell just how much she must've run, just how fuelled she must've been by her prey instincts cornered and chased and hunted by a sizable predator. She looks pleased and Joon looks satiated, a low rumble building with the swishing of his tail as he leans in, finger rubbing at the back of her flickering ears almost absent-mindedly.

"And so that means Minnie can't really be jealous, not when it's really work and Joon can just easily swap over and be my running partner." She surmises proudly, eyes shining as she looks at me, laughter ringing in her words, contained in the tremble of the tone as she tries to contain her giddiness.

"Very logical dear love~" I coo, lips tugged up by her own happiness, infectious, seeping out with the curl of her pheromones, tugging and coaxing to revel in the feelings with her.

"She's very fast. If I wasn't extensively training or if I let my guard down... she'd get away." Joon adds, the pride in his tone directed to her.

Towards her using her biology to her advantage.

Deers were always skittish. Bolted at the slightest indication of a threat, at a potential risk.

So using her skittish biology to fuel herself to give Joon a run for his money and worth as a wolf, quite literally, is ingenious.

And he's proud of her, proud of her mind for using or turning a supposed biological weakness into an advantage for herself.

"I'll shower and then join you?" she says, words ringing with question, eyes gleaming with hope.

I nod eagerly.

"My time for some fawn. How can I woo if I don't get fair opportunity to?" I ask, leaning forward with interest, head tilting and eyes narrowing onto the slight bob of her throat, skin glowing with exertion.

"Can't have that. I'm courting all three felines aren't I?" voice soft and certain.

I nod.

"Three of us. One of you."

The implications the words ring out with is clear.

Can she keep up?

Can she deal with three felines simultaneously wooing and desiring her?

Can she deal with me?

But the determination and challenge is just as fiercely aglow in her wide doe eyes.

She can.

She will.

"I'll wait for you. Joon-ah, how about you shower before one predator or another jumps you? I wouldn't mind turning the tales after all." I say easily, grinning at the flicker of confusion on his face, lips twisting slightly.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean~ the big bad wolf can be eaten up too. Maybe he just needed a bigger predator to do the job." Watching as (Y/N)'s turning figure stiffens, ears turning perked and scent spluttering; heady and in spikes of anise that makes me itch to toss the papers aside and curl around her. To mouth at the taste of her until it's branded across my tongue and my fangs are gland deep and claiming her.

It's hard but it's worth it to hold back. Worth it when Joon flushes, the pink inching up his cheeks and he leaves, hand ruffling his hair, eyes gleaming with interest; drawing unintentional attention to the swell of his bicep when his arm lifts, muscle taut and bulging.

It's hard to not coax that same broad strength against my own frame and see if he gives just as beautifully as I'd heard him take, Jiminie's breathless plea ringing in my ears at the show of strength and rippling muscles.

It's hard but it's worth it when (Y/N) steps back into the living room a stretch of time later... body stilling when she spots the tray of snacks and the two steaming mugs of hot chocolate waiting. It's worth the wait when she spots the strung up lights and the blankets steadily held up and forming a canopy.

It's worth the wait when her eyes shine.

Worth it when she hurries forward, head ducking as she clambers in beside me to the fort, scent pulsing sweet and gentle and a pulse of excitement corded through it.

My hands catch around her waist, tugging her down onto my lap instead, nosing gently at her nape to breathe in the mix of soft anise, hazelnut and woodsy musk. Breathe it in past the soft vanilla wafting off her.

Jin hyung's trademark scent.

She smells like her old pack and like a part of her new one.

"I want you here fawn love." I murmur, brushing a kiss across her nape.

Her hand squeezes my knee.

"You have me.... Hobi you did all this... all this for me? So quickly?" voice warm and thrilled, tinged with awe.

"Of course. You said yes... you said you'd come back. I want to charm the socks off you. Cute as they are." I remark, reaching over to poke at her feet, covered in the thick and fluffy material; patterned with little hearts.

She leans back, relaxing against me, the soft warmth of her seeping against me. The jumper isn't hers. It isn't ours either... and with a jolt I realise it must belong to her pack-mates; the scent of them is still rich and strong and seemingly woven into the very fabric itself. She never says... but she still misses and yearns.

"Have you talked to Eunwoo and Binnie recently?" I ask curiously, nudging against her cheek with my nose when her scent drops slightly, nuzzling at the warm skin, trying to scent and even her own tinge of hurt.

"I have... they sound happy. Which is good." But her voice betrays her as does her scent and the nervous flicker of her ears.

I press a kiss to her cheek, fingers tilting her face to meet mine.

"But..." I push.

Her head ducks, trying to make herself look slightly smaller... but she doesn't ever need to hide with us.

"I thought I was selfish at first. That compulsion took me away from my pack and yet still I was being happy... I was finding happiness and I've gotten more than I ever expected. I never thought I'd get four courting partners where I lived my entire life so far being happy for just one mate at the end of it. I thought smiling and laughing... I couldn't be happy when I was intruding on a new pack's space... their territory. But I am. And they are too... and stupidly I don't want to be forgotten by them. I don't want to lose my pack. And yet I'm finding a place in another." Voice fragile and raw, aching with confusion and yearning.

Her hands fiddle, anxiously wringing together. Eyes flicking up to look at me.

"Oh sweetheart... you will always belong to your pack and they to you. Always. It's just that now... now you've got another pack who wants you too. You belong with more and more people. There's nothing wrong with that." I reassure.

She gives a small shaky smile.

"Now I know how Binnie felt... it feels like I'm missing out. I'm missing out on Binnie's baking weekends, missing out on being woken up with Woo's stupidly tall body pinning mine in sleep... I just miss home. Should've scented them more the last time I saw them." Voice wanting and yearning.

I press another kiss, lips lingering at her jaw.

"You'll have it again one day. When this is all over. Now I can't bake and I'm not stupidly tall but I can and have swiped freshly baked cookies, I make a mean hot chocolate with all the trimmings and I will so very gladly pin you in sleep if that's what you want." I say seriously, watching as her expression shifts from longing to amused, lips curving generously, leaning in to press a soft kiss to my lips.

Warm but fleeting.

Even if the touch and feel lingers.

"You don't have to be them." She murmurs.

I lean back, closing the distance to press a kiss to her lips, chasing the feel and warmth of them, chasing the soft giving heat as she parts them, tongue curling against mine, inviting and sweet.

My fingers cup her cheek, grazing across her jaw, fangs scraping at her bottom lip, tugging and nipping to swallow the small gasp of breath, head tilting close to her.

"I want to be more... I want to be everything and give you everything." I murmur against the slick, swollen flesh of her lips, curling away from the urge to dive and only resurface when she's shuddering for breath and I've heard enough of the pretty moans and cries she can make.

That's for another time, another place.

Her nose brushes against mine, the gesture tender and soft, head pressing against mine as she cups my cheeks.

"Me too." She echoes.

And when she leans against my chest, head curling close to my throat, it's warm promise pulsing between us, in the quicker thud of my heartbeat I can hear ringing in my ears.

"So... you need help with...." She examines carefully, peering at the textbooks and pages.

I shake my head, reaching for my latest assignment.

"I was just studying... I've got a test coming up. I wanted to show you this." I say, arms wrapping around her once she's taken the essay, her body jolting at the grade before she wriggles back, a quick kiss pressed to my throat before she focuses on the paper.

"Hobi!! You did so well kit~" she coos, scent bursting out richly, the endearment slipping off her tongue with a habitual ease as she leans in to read it, eyes drifting across the page.

My fingers curl around her stomach, drifting low to inch under the hem of the large jumper, smiling against her shoulder when she gives a small startle at fingers pressing directly to skin.

Relaxing just as easily when I do nothing but let my touch linger, skin to skin as I hold her, revelling in the pride her scent gives away, nosing at her crown and lips trailing to press kisses to her nape.

And as she reads she goes still.

Goes still as she reads the paper, pouring over it.

Stillness melting and giving away to restless fidgets, unconsciously moving on my lap, hips shifting uneasily. Her scent blooms, spluttering with dawning comprehension, fingers tightening around the papers, throat bobbing.

"Why? Don't you like my research?" I ask, fingers moving against skin, tracing slow circles against the soft, giving warmth of her stomach.

She wriggles against the touch, hips accidentally pushing back against my own, stilling at the groan puncturing past my lips as my hold tightens; trying to still her.

"I do... it's thorough." She forces out.

My fingers continuing tracing circles across her skin.

"Oh? Enough to get the floral stamp of approval?" I ask, teeth grazing the shell of her ear, tongue flicking against skin and the pads of my fingers pressing tighter when she shifts, moving forward with a shaky exhale.

"Enough. I didn't know you were researching prey and predator breeding." She gasps out the word, jolting when my fangs nip, lips moving lower to nose at the crook of her neck and shoulder, inhaling lungfuls of her scent, mouth watering at it. Laced with the tell-tale syrupy quality desire and arousal brought.

I hum.

"Oh but sweet dear... my degree's in hybrid care. And breeding after all is a form of care. Of claim and protection." I croon, relishing in the sharp grip her fingers take.

"And predator breeding a prey? Ultimate form of trust and requires delicate care. See predators can lose sight of everything... they hunt with carnal desire and they breed just as primally. Don't you think the bred prey would need care afterwards?" I ask, teeth grazing against the soft skin of her shoulder, nosing at her gland, tongue flicking against it.

She shudders, it wracks her body as she shifts on my lap, back arching away from the touch, a muffled groan as she pushes at my legs, swatting as she breathes shakily, scent fluctuating in response to my words, spiking headier and stronger.

"Hoseok you animal! You lured me into your blanket fort for this didn't you?" she accuses as she twists, my fangs leaving her skin. I watch as she pushes herself off my lap, scrabbling back. Not knowing how inviting the gesture is, coaxing ang tugging at my predatory instincts to push forward and close the distance. To keep her caged between my body and the floor. To hunt.

Laughing when she shoots me an accusatory glare, the effect ruined by the pink colouring her cheeks and the bitten red hue to her lips.

"As if I'd lure in a prey to my oh-so-fancy lair with the intent to seduce~" I reject, leaning over when she moves back, eyeing me suspiciously. Arms keeping her upright, body at an inviting sprawl.

I put a hand to my chest.

"I'd say I'm wounded you think so but~ it's one of my many reasons." I acquiesce.

Her eyes narrow.

"The others being?"

I lean forward, hands bracing themselves on either side of her hips, head cocked as I look at her.

"First and foremost... I want to court you. So I wanted to do something for you. Second... I wanted to hold you. Third... I really did want to share my grade; you actually helped a lot. And then... then comes the seducing." I list off, watching her expression soften slightly.

Looking appeased.

Eyes glimmering playfully now that there's a slight distance between us.

Toying now that she's not pinned against a predator.

"And what did you learn?"

"Well as my mate-to-be is a deer, I did my research. Extremely flexible hybrids with one of the sharpest senses of hearing. It makes me wonder what a certain fawn would do... how flexible she can be and how she'd be with her senses blocked. How much more intensely she'd feel every touch, every sensation in all sorts of positions." I drawl.

Her skin seems to burn with heat, scent an intoxicating pulse, molten as it brands itself across my lungs, arms trembling slightly as I lean in.

Breath shuddering exhales that curl against my throat.

"There's so much I want to do... so much I want to give. So much I want to practice... I could spend days unravelling you, seeing what makes you writhe and thrash against sheets. I want to spend my time learning just what makes you scream and what makes you sob from pleasure. I want to learn and experience first-hand just how much you can take." Leaning closer, mouthing at her gland, watching as her arms fold to lower her away, reclining against the spread of blankets and duvets.

I hover further, chasing her scent.

"Say the word fawn and I'm yours for the taking. And you're mine."

(Y/N) POV:

The moment I step into the car, the hands tighten at the wheel and I'd be amused if it wasn't for the growl that ripples through the air, fangs bared at the scent of peach drowning out everything else. With the lack of my own scent, all I can smell is SJ.

So when I sit down, door closing behind me, it's trapped within the space, pooling into every inch of air, sweet ripe peaches that curls and mingles with the heating; thaws my body but makes the fire in sharp eyes burn hotter and stronger.

"You smell..." he grits out, fingers loosening from the wheel, hurriedly taking off his belt as he looms over the console.

"Like SJ. I know... don't start growling at me." I warn, lips tugged wryly at the way his scent spikes; sharp mint crowding and batting at the peach, trying to worm through it and push it away.

"But it's not fair! Why can I only smell him... and why is it everywhere?" he growls, petulant and huffing, words laced with a low timbre that makes my ears flicker, threaten to curl at the predatory hum in it.

"I had training! He teaches me combat, defence... he pretty much keeps me in shape and works my body to its limits." I reply mindlessly, not realising how it sound until he growls and his fangs snap, leaning closer, nose grazing against my jaw, breathing in SJ's scent. His fangs nip, grazing skin, as he crowds against me, my back pushing against the door, the armrest digging against my back.

"He keeps you in shape? I can do that. He works your body to its limits? I can do that." He growls, mouth pressing to my jaw, warm plush lips lingering with promise.

My hand comes up to curl against his chest, fingers grazing the sharp crisp fabric of his shirt.

"You don't work with me, SJ does. He knows what I can or can't take. He's helped me for years with my heats Minnie... it's not... it's not against you as a person my jealous fox." I try to say lightly but his body cages closer, muscles tensing under my touch, the nip to my jaw petulant and jealous and huffy.

It's endearing just as much as it makes my body jolt with the thick weight of his minty scent.

"I could help you. With your heats. I could and I would. I want to." He murmurs, voice a low hum.

My fingers slide up the pane of his chest, curling at his collar and undoing the top two buttons, fingers grazing skin as my hand slides to curl around his nape.

"I know... I know you could. But not now... not this soon." I murmur apologetically.

Knowing that the attraction between us, the constant game of push and pull we played was too intense and fraught with tension and challenge... that pushed into a shared space during my heat could lead to decisions we regretted.

And I didn't want to... didn't want him to regret spending my heat with me.

Not when we were still courting... still testing our biology leaning and trusting the other. Not when being with him was like touching a live wire; body thrumming and pulsing with adrenaline, heart racing and breath quickening.

I didn't want either of us to be caught in the moment and mate before we were ready to.

I didn't want to be mated when a threat still hovered over me.

The very bond that was meant to protect and guard and love and trust could be used against me.

And I wasn't willing to compromise the bond for that.

He whines, a keening disappointed sound but his eyes flash with sincerity and knowledge, knowing full well as me that we felt too deep for each other to want to push ourselves over a ledge, over a point of no return when biology and instinct domineered everything.

"One day... one day I'll have you helping me through my heat. One day when we know biology won't make us mate in the throes of it all. But until then... you know I have help. You know I'll be safe and taken care of." I murmur.

His fingers curl around my jaw, thumb sweeping across my cheek.

"I know. I hate it but I know it's the better option. I hate smelling peach on you... hate seeing claims and marks that someone else has left behind but I know it's safer for you. You're not at risk of being forcefully mated. And if I... if I ever did that I wouldn't be able to forgive myself." He mumbles, sounding pained by the thought.

I nuzzle against his cheek, pressing a kiss to the curve of it.

I didn't want him sad and worrying over a what if that would never happen... that we wouldn't ever force ourselves through.

"And one day... one day I'll help you through your rut. And you'll knot over and over until your body's spent." I croon.

His scent bursts.

Heady rich overpowering mint that clouds and consumes every particle of air.

Forces the peach away with the intensity of the mint that makes my eyes water and lungs burn, breath shuddering with the heavy weight of it.

Eyes gleaming hungrily.

"Don't be so sure. You won't be able to escape once I do." A sensual promise in the shadowed lilt to his lips and the gleam to dark brown eyes.

His ears are perked up and stiff, tail swishing slightly.

"We'll see officer." I murmur, voice slightly breathless, tasting the scent of his mint on my tongue and breathing out when he leans away, hand drawing the belt across me when I straighten, fingers lingering against my thigh.

"We will."

But I don't wait to see what the growled promise holds when I step out of the car, hurrying through the apartment with a panicked call of needing to scrub the scent off; not sure whether I would be able to handle the sheer powerful pheromonal claim that trailed after me, that tried to rush forward only to be held back by Yoongi; eyes twinkling with silent promise, head tilted towards the bathroom when I emerged with clothes.

He holds back Jiminie despite the keening whine he gives as he thrashes, trying to duck away from the arm curled around him, eyes pleading and tail swishing impatiently.

"But hyung~" he whines.

"Let her scrub the scent off pup." The only indication of being affected is the scrunch of his nose and the way his ears flicker and curve, drooped forward.

"But I can! Let me scent if off." Voice beguilingly imploring.

But then Tae appears, grin wicked as curls behind Yoongi, pausing to examine the situation before he flashes his fangs, arm curling to help steady their wriggly packmate.

"So you can what? Flood it with yours? I think we got that covered last night Minnie." He drawls.

His words sending a bolt of electric want to curl around my spine, eyes widening.

His gaze is predatory and fixed, the lopsided lilt to his smirk giving away how thoroughly he's still revelling in it.

Last night was a heady intoxicating mess.

An entangled mess of two bodies sandwiching mine, arms curling around my body, hands pinning my wrists to keep them from twisting free. It was a heady mix of sweet saccharine berry and crisp, fresh mint curling around me, the taunting, teasing game of toying and drawing out the pleasure; of fangs and teeth grazing skin, sinking down into flesh to colour it up with their claims.

Remember the pleasant throb that had coloured into purple blooming across my shoulder... remembered the sweet teasing lilt of their voices as they coaxed me to give in to the ministrations. I remembered it through a haze, remembered searing hands clamped onto my hips and tugging me close, hips rocking against the firm, tense muscle of Minnie's thigh; hard and unrelenting and making my thighs throb, body pulsing with arousal, chasing the friction as he guided my body back and forth to the pressure in my abdomen growing, a tautness as my body coiled up, strung up with pleasure until I shattered. Fell apart with my face burrowed against his shoulder, mouthing messily at bare skin and shaking at the pleasure making every limb jolt. I remembered a body pressed against mine from behind, remembered long fingers cleaving under fabric to twist and tug and tease, unrelenting at the infliction of the swirling mix of pain-pleasure. I remembered my mind doused in fog, sensing and experiencing everything as if detached from my body, instincts curling and submitting and giving to the fog of crushed mint and berry, lost and drowning in the sweet mix of their scents. Remembered body limp with pleasure, body buzzing with pheromones lulling me to let myself go limp, to trust the predator scents curling around me, sinking against the mattress, eyes blinking slowly to take in the looming tiger hovering over me, fingers barely reaching out to ghost along fur before he settled on me, nosing at skin and grooming as he sprawled, weighs deposited over me; enough to keep me pinned, paw resting on my stomach and then soft chirps cutting through the fog with a quiet reassurance, nose burrowing against me, the soft swish of a tail against my leg and the heavy weight of sleep coaxing me go to relax and let go.

I look at Minnie tugging at Yoongi's unmoving arm, see the playful gleam to Tae's eyes. Look at them and feel phantom touches linger, feel and remember what it was like to be sandwiched and pinned between them. One giving and the other holding; binding me to them, compelling me to take and take. Remember them switching, body compelled and coaxed to pleasure; hot searing pleasure that had made my vision whiten, body taut before it jolted and trembled in their hold.

Yoongi's eyes burn, ears flickering and tail curling behind him, grip unconsciously loosening around Minnie as his fangs peek past his lips and I realise my scent must be betraying me.

Flushing as I step away, ignoring, or trying to, the weight of their gazes tracking me as I walk away. Somehow feeling pinned and hunted despite making it safely to the bathroom.

And I carefully scrub off the scent-blockers, scrub my skin and watch my reflection as my throat pinks slightly, liberally applying the scrub and rubbing circles into my gland to wash off the accumulated scents from work, detecting as the peach scent recedes with it. My fingers move slowly across my wrists, carefully clearing the glands off, bringing them to my nose to check if my own scent is finally breaking through before changing. Tugging on the fitted running clothes before stepping back out.

The three of them have vanished through the living room when I emerge, peering into the kitchen and spotting Hobi bustling about with Kookie and Jin. Slipping in to lean over to help, managing to surprise Jin with a kiss to the cheek, smile giddy and infectious when he looks at me with slightly startled eyes, wings fluttering and flapping as he leans to reciprocate.

"Chickie~ you're back." Lips stretched wide with greeting.

The sight of it, disarming and warm and welcoming, makes my heart skip a beat. So fiercely reminded in that instant of Binnie's buoyant greetings, crowding against me in the hallway because he was always too impatient to wait. Nose diving to scent even if I was lathered up and dosed with suppressants.

Jin in his own way, is so welcoming and invitingly pack. Inexplicably warm and safe and for an instance... for one instance I want to burrow against him and ask him to curl his wings around me, to bask in an embrace that even for a few moments makes me curl away and hide. To stop that fierce aching pang of longing for Binnie and Eunwoo.

"Hi Jinnie... hi Koo." I say, startling before relaxing when a sudden press of lips to my cheek from behind has me peering back, smiling at the toothy grin and floppy ears that greet me.

"Good day at work?" He asks.

I nod.

"Ji Ah and Min Junie are inseparable now. Quite literally... he demanded to share a room with her." I say fondly.

"And the in rut boy?" Jin asks curiously. Wings fluttering as he passes a tureen of soup to Hobi, fingers hovering until he sees its secured.

"He'll be in pre for a few days, he won't leave his nest." I add, reaching for the basket of fresh bread, snagging a piece, spotting Hobi's silently sneaking arm about to make a swipe when I step away with it, smiling with full cheeks as I chew. Teasingly waving the basket out of reach. But in consolation I hold out my own piece, watching as his pout melts to a grin and his fingers capture my hand to keep the bread in reach as he leans over for a bite, fangs nipping at my fingers.

"You should see why. She made him such a cosy nest... if that was me I wouldn't want to leave either." Hobi pipes up after he swallows, looking proud as he trails behind me to the table.

My instincts preen at the praise. I made a safe nest for Jae. I made it safe and homely... he didn't want to leave.

Hobi liked the nest. My potential mate approved of my nest. Of my safe space.

"This time chickie... leave your nest be after your heat. You tore it apart after the first... I never got to see the second and I want to see how they look." Jin says as he sets a bowl of soup in front of me, nudging one of the bread baskets forward.

The mention of the first heat has me wincing in guilt and a sparking spike of scents from around the table; turning potent and heavy.

There's interest and a silent imploring weight in his eyes, wings shifting slightly.

Swans prided on their nests. And he wanted to see my own.

A mixed urge to make my nest the cosiest and warmest I'd ever made mingles with this want to please Jin with it, to see and want him curled in that space beside me.

"You can... you don't need to wait until heat. Pre is often strong enough to get me nesting." I admit, bringing a spoonful to my lips, carefully swallowing the mouthful of hot soup.

"You'll be going into pre within a week... is there anything you need by then?" Yoongi asks, voice soft as it carries across the table, ankle silently hooking with mine.

I pause.

Surprised slightly that he knows, that he's kept note of it... and his cheeks flush when my gaze remains on him, the slow curling of his tail a nonchalance that his wobbly citrus scent can't feign.

"I didn't want us to be unprepared... I want to help." He admits, gaze unwavering off mine despite the glances the others direct him; a mixture of warm, pleased and proud.

"I... it's usually just post heat that I need heat packs and medication for... pre heat is just nesting really..." I hedge, shrinking under the table's combined gazes fixing on me.

Besides me Jin's wings flap as if in protest.

"Not true... you need to eat a lot during pre-heat, you barely touch food during or after." Sounding pained at the notion, a frown twisting the sweet openness of his usual smile.

I feel chastised slightly, as if his words had been a rebuke but his fingers are gentle as they curl around my wrist to gently scent my gland.

"So let me do the fussing for your pre." He murmurs quietly, the restless flutter of black feathers shifting behind him the only indication that perhaps just as much as my instincts need to feel safety, need to feel that I'm safe and taken care of to be able to even go into heat... Jin needs this. Needs to satisfy that nurturing, caring instinctual need.

I nod.

It's almost overwhelming with how prepared they are, with how willing they are to be there through every step. It's startlingly easy for them to offer comfort, offer protection and to nurture. Easy for them to reach out and silent at the knowledge that SJ will help me through my heat. Especially as things have considerably changed since the end of my last heat... when I've gained partners to court me.

But the bonds, the newly forming relationships are far too fragile and vulnerable to test by putting them through my heat with me. It's too much too soon.

The conversation falls back, changing and shifting as everyone talks about their day, my eyes softening at the sight of the near constant blush on Joon and Kookie's faces as they sit together, stealing glances when they think the other isn't looking. It's endearing. Unconsciously they all gravitate close to each other, tactile touches that linger, scents curl and merge together.

They don't realise but they've long since shifted past that tentativeness that had been there when I'd first come. There's a new shyness but that's with budding feelings and blooming bonds, chasing and seeking each other out as more than packmates.

And as we're clearing the table, Joon joins me, eyes nervous as he precariously balances empty dishes until someone relieves him of them. Tail thumping with relief and happiness that they've survived without incident.

From the corner of my eyes I spot an orange predator approach, throat bobbing at the incomplete conversation and promise that fizzed between us.

My hand grips Joon's forearm, turning to him.

The initial plan had been to take Minnie but he still looks silently riled up, eyes dangerous and promising.

"Can you come on a run with me?" I ask, angling myself behind him, unashamedly using his physical broadness to hide myself away.

"No officer guard this time?" he asks amused.

I curl behind further.

"You're an officer too~ wolves are fierce protectors too."

And I can hear the smile in his words as he reaches back to nudge me behind him, covering me away from his mate.

"That's true. I can protect and chase just as well as a fox."

--------

My lungs burn, shuddering as I draw in air, body pushing to run, run, ears turning towards the sound of the growls rippling in the air behind me, the playful gasping breaths as Joon chases after me, his instincts just as thrilled at a chase, eyes gleaming with determination and muscles rippling under the loose fabric of his tank when I dare a glance back.

Squealing when his eyes narrow and he rushes forward, a burst of speed to close the distance between us, chasing as my body weaves through the park, legs propelling me further away, biology snapping into survival mode, into that thrill of a hunt; not afraid of this very predator prowling after me.

Behind me I can hear the smallest of sounds, ears catching to frost crunching underfoot, to the ragged breathing as both of us push on, the air chilly and numbing the heat of our bodies, the low rumbly growl that builds in intensity and volume, arms suddenly curling around me. Tightening around my torso and body yanked backwards, back crashing against a firm chest that shudders and trembles with heaving breaths, foresty musk rich and potent and fangs grazing the shell of my ear.

"Got you pup."

My body hunches over, lungs burning with cold air, panting as I feel sweat trickle down my body, his arms caging me against him, body hunkering over mine, lips curved victoriously.

"After how many rounds? You officers need to step up the game." I retort, adrenaline slowly wearing off, the instinctual urge to run and make him chase ebbing away, air curling around us as we catch our breath.

His breathing is loud and ragged, sounding like a stream of growls as he straightens, drawing me up with him, his skin glistening with sweat, beading at his temple and drawing my gaze all at once to the bob of his throat, to the shifting of his muscles under the damp tank, his scent pulsing out thickly; the salty tang of sweat cording through it.

"I'll admit I wasn't expecting you to have so much stamina." He relents.

I grin, feeling my own damp skin, tugging at my shirt to try draw cold air to my heated body.

"Who knows alpha~ maybe you can be taken down too. I'll have to try one day." I remark lightly.

His eyes flash as his lips curl. Dimples appearing.

"One day I'd love to see that happen. I have a feeling you can protect yourself perfectly fine too." He muses as he tugs my hand away from my shirt, shaking his head.

"You'll get a cold."

"I can. I like to think so... I managed to pin SJ a lot more today." I share as we begin walking back towards the apartment complex.

He hums, sounding pleased and his grin is infectious and proud. Tail swishing and cutting through air.

"The training is to help you with more difficult cases?" he asks curiously.

I begin the trek up the stairs, feeling his body right behind mine.

"Kind of. We do get a lot of cases of volatile, aggressive hybrids consumed by the need to attack as a way to protect. But we've also had some cases where guardians or parents have tried to take their children back... so it's to protect the kids and ourselves from aggressive demanding and brute force."

His scent spikes. Turning damp and cloying.

"Have you... have you ever been hurt?"

I shrug, turning back to face him. Seeing the hesitance and worry on his face, ears drooping at my silence before I give the hand on the railing a squeeze.

"We can't help getting hurt protecting the ones we care about at times Joonie."

And if he presses closer as we step back through the apartment, scent a lingering embrace then neither of us say.

But his hand remains, splayed on my back as he leans close as I talk to Hobi, leaning close with the unspoken to promise.

And I know, with a fierce certainty, as I look at Hobi's delighted smile, that I'd protect them. Protect my packs at whatever cost.

------

We fall asleep in the fort Hobi made. Bodies pressed together under the haze of dim lighting and blankets cutting off the world, scents intertwining in the same way our bodies do. We fall asleep curled on top of duvets, head tucked under his and the scent of sweet caramel curling close; the thud of his steady heartbeat soothing me, arm curled around his waist.

The books lie forgotten and hastily abandoned to the side, the tray empty and placed out of reach and his own arm slung over me, leg curled over mine, nose buried against my crown as he sleeps.

My hand fumbles for sheets, for a blanket to drag over us, sleepily shuffling closer to his throat, nosing at his gland, feeling his own arm tighten in response, leg shifting as it sprawls heavier across my thigh.

"Is it morning already?" Hobi mumbles, voice rough with sleep, nose dragging against my nape when my head lifts slightly, blinking blearily for a nearby blanket, curling away from the sunlight streaming through the living room windows.

"Mhm..." I grumble, fingers curling into his shirt, breathing in the soft sweetness and shifting to it, eyes fluttering shut as I burrow back.

"I can hear the others. Noisy pack." He complains, hand snaking to grip my waist, twisting and manoeuvring so he's sprawled over me, weight pinning mine to the ground, head dropping to rest in the crook of my neck, hands looped loosely around me.

My body relaxes at the weight, at the sprawling blanket his larger frame makes, hand curling around his nape as my head turns to nuzzle at his cheek.

"Tell them to be quiet." I mumble, eyes fluttering with relief and languidness when his nose begins to brush against my gland; chasing my scent and claiming it.

"I'm busy." He murmurs against my skin, indulgently layering his scent over me, slow thorough trails over my gland; coaxing out my own pheromones in response to his.

So I let my head fall back against the pillows, legs shifting to let him slot between them properly, his body shifting slightly against me, lips pressing a soft line of kisses, fingers tugging at the neck of the jumper to bare the skin for him.

It's comforting, loose, light touches that almost lull me back to sleep, sleep tugging at me once more when the rustle of wings and the scent of light cotton and vanilla draws me back.

Eyes blinking open to the soft palm that cups my cheek, unconsciously tilting into it as I focus on the swan hovering over me.

"Morning Jinnie..." I whisper, eyes crinkling at the pair of floppy brown ears that peek and perk over his shoulder and the curve of his wings.

"Koo bun." I murmur, sleepily wriggling under Hobi's frame, feeling his weight shift as he curls over to one side, arms and legs still entangled with me. Jin's other hand goes to rub at slowly twirling ears whilst Kookie ducks closer, gaze drifting over the fort with wide shining brown eyes.

"A blanket fort! Hyung you should've told me this was what the snacks were for!" wriggly and huffy, body bubbling with energy as he shuffles closer, straightening the rumpled duvets and pillows.

"Sorry bun bun, Jin hyung looked like he wanted to hog you last night." He says unrepentantly.

Jin's wings flap but he's nonchalant.

"I did, wanted him alone on my sheets." Relishing in the flush that crowds Kookie's cheeks, burning pink, flustered as his ears flop and he drags them forward to hide slightly.

"Hyung!" he says indignantly at the same time as Hobi speaks.

"He's always been public about the bedroom Kookie... even back in uni."

My eyes widen with interest.

Eyeing Jin as I straighten up, poking at Hobi to roll off me.

"You and Hobi?" I ask.

He nods, grinning as he eyes the caracal.

"He was fun in the sheets." A casual admission as if it doesn't make Kookie lean over with curiosity, eyeing Hobi.

"And how was hyung? Top? Bottom?" he asks, laughing as he dodges the poke from the side, nose scrunching.

"He bottoms if it's the right power that makes him." Hobi admits easily.

Now the tips of Jin's ears burn.

"It's too early for this." I decide, pushing myself free from the curiosity that burns in Kookie's gaze, eyes shifting as if he's prepping to hunt, something crackling and simmering between Jin and Hobi.

"I'm going to shower... Hobi maybe a cold one for you." I call as I step away.

It's too early.

How on earth did they all survive, seemingly constantly pumped with need and desire?

How did their bodies not tire?

But even as I wonder I already have the answer.

Already know biology makes it that much more easier to give in to desire and needs, no inhibition and hesitation that humans had for casual outlets, hook-ups and partners.

For us it was normal... for humans it was abnormal... perverse to want needs satiated regularly.

It was normal but it was disconcerting. Surrounded with this ever present attraction between the pack, with new and old ties pushed and challenged. With desire crowding the space.

It was disconcerting for me but already I was beginning to settle in the flow of it.

I was already losing myself to it.

JIN POV:

Kookie's grin is telling, a furtive press of lips when he spots me looking at him... attempting to hide the curve of his smile as he turns away. Eyes gleaming with laughter as he sets fresh fruit down at the table.

"Spit it out Kook-ah." I call exasperatedly.

He doesn't waste time in leaning against the counter, hopping up, legs swinging as he eyes me.

"I never knew you bottomed so much. That's all." He says easily, floppy brown ears bouncing as he shakes his head, tilted as he stares me.

I shoot him a look.

"I bottom for your ruts. Or when you're especially needy to hear me call you a good bun as you take care of me." I retort, gathering up cups and setting them in the middle.

His cheeks pinken but he doesn't let up.

"But still! Did Hobi hyung just need to manhandle you onto the bed?" he asks eagerly.

I huff, cups set down with a shakiness to my hands. I ignore the heat that inches up my throat at his words, eyes clenching shut to push back a tirade of memories and sensations.

"No! He bottomed too... listen bun why are we having this conversation before breakfast?" I grumble, having half a mind to find (Y/N) and find shelter in her away from this curious teasing that Hobi had sleepily blurted out and triggered.

I'd seen realisation dawn across his features, becoming more awake as he registered his words but it had been too late to take back and he'd smiled wryly, shrugging his shoulders in empty apology.

Too late.

It was out now.

And now Kookie was hunting for any titbit of information with unrelenting curiosity, hungry to find out everything he could get his paws on.

He falls silent for all but a few more minutes, speaking up as he sets down toast.

"So does this mean you'd bottom more for me?"

I whirl, indignation about to colour my tone for how he won't drop it when my eyes catch onto the silent longing in his eyes, falling silent when I realise the question was a carefully voiced request... a want. It wasn't riling up anymore... he genuinely wanted to know.

A part of me sinks, wondering whether I wasn't letting his instincts and needs be met, whether he needed more time to explore both parts of his dynamics as a bunny hybrid; to satiate that breeding urge by both breeding and being bred.

Was a part of him craving more and not getting it?

Was this tying into those ruts he was suppressing?

But I also knew that to get him to accept it and not brush it off, I had to ease it into our relationship and dynamic.

"Kookie..." I begin but he's shaking his head, legs swinging as he moves to hop off but I crowd against him, hands curling around his calves and squeezing gently. Pushing against him and crowding close, mouth pressing to his jaw.

"It's fine hyung... I'll stop teasing." He mumbles sounding chagrined.

"So you'll turn away if you find me waiting for you in bed? You won't take if I offer?" I murmur, fingers inching to grip his waist, thumb sweeping across his hipbones.

Lips inching higher to press to the corner of his mouth, his shaky exhale the confirmation I need. Tilting his face towards mine, feeling his legs wrap around my waist as he cups my cheeks, chasing my lips with a frantic hunger, whimpering against my mouth at the flick of my tongue sweeping against his mouth for entrance, parting easily and readily brushing his against mine.

"Never. I'd take you any way you'd give yourself to me hyung. I'd present and submit to you over and over. I trust you... I love you." he mumbles against my lips, teeth dragging at my lip, groaning against me when my fingers sink into his hair to tug him closer, throat arching at the firmer tug.

My mouth slots over his gland, teeth nipping and sinking down over the permanent mating claim his body recognises; shudders and goes pliant with, the faded silvery scar of my claim to him as my forever.

He bucks, hips rising off the counter, legs tightening around me as he clutches at me, fingers locked around my nape.

"If I want you to make me submit? If I want you to take more control because I trust you to?" I murmur against his skin, tongue flicking against the darkening mark on his gland, puffy and swollen and releasing thick, soft cotton; heavy enough that my nose scrunches, pleased with being able to smell him.

"Then... then I'll do my best. I'll be the best for you." he promises, voice shaky.

My lips quirk against his throat.

"You're already the best bun. Just... if you need more, want more... don't be scared or hold back from asking. I'll give you everything." I promise, murmuring against his collarbone, teeth scraping gently.

"I'll hold you to that." He murmurs shakily.

I straighten, lips curving with relief against his.

"Please do. Please bun." I murmur, fingers tightening to cradle him closer, hand sliding down to squeeze his thigh.

Only disentangling from our curved embrace, fingers trailing to tug his legs wider, ankles locked around me when his stomach rumbles. Loud and growling.

His lips quirk sheepishly as he winds his arms around me, fingers trailing against the edge of my wings to see them flap at the touch.

"Feed me hyung~" he pouts, eyes twinkling and his legs tighten when I hook my hands under his thighs, gripping him close as I walk over to the table, slumping down into a chair with him still crowded against me, body leaning against my chest, chin rubbing at my crown with a happy, pleased hum as he hugs me.

"A mate always provides. I'll keep you full baby." I promise, laughing at the squirm he gives at that, ears flopping with embarrassment, reaching for fruit just as the others pile in, surprised to be on the other end of the apartment but sinking into the chairs easily.

(Y/N) slips into the seat beside me, smiling as she spots Kookie sitting across my lap sideways, his ears tickling the edge of my jaw everytime they perk when he likes a particular food.

"A particular reason for the turtleneck?" I ask.

She shrugs, reaching for toast, meticulous in spreading chocolate across it, handing over a slice to Kookie before reaching for another to fix for herself.

It's after she's taken a bite, tongue swiping to lick the smear of chocolate off that she talks.

"The marks two oranges left have gotten too dark to conceal with makeup and I don't want weird questions." Eyes crinkling at the weight of the accused, eyeing the turtleneck with newly renewed disdain and disgruntlement.

"Is it someone bothering you?" Joon begins with a worried, fretty tone but she's already shaking her head, a mock glare directed towards Tae; nothing but warmth and giddiness in her eyes.

"Yes actually... one tiger who won't stop oversharing with the kids! So I won't have them asking where it came from for him to share the story." Laughter in her voice as she takes another bite, eyes narrowed in warning at the gleam in his gaze. Stripey ears perking up with interest and chuffing with pride as he leans against his chair, nodding along.

"You have to educate them properly about mating rituals!" he defends very happily, preening as his scent seeps out if Yoongi's exasperated look is anything to go by.

"Save the exhibitionism for the bedroom Tae... kits will learn when it's time to. I'm sure the employees don't need to witness your very action-driven courting." Yoongi mutters under his breath, the words not escaping hearing because Hobi splutters into his glass, a grin stretched wide across his lips, fangs peeking out.

"Save it for a willing audience he means cub. Consent is key." He advises solemnly, eyes alight.

(Y/N) and Kookie shift, sharing a look of exasperated resignation at the bubbling scents their noses wrinkle against, a conspiratorial lingering exchange. It's endearing how she automatically reaches out to wipe the smear of chocolate off his nose; my eyes watching it scrunch under her touch, almost absently doing the gesture before handing him a glass of milk.

So attuned to each other because she's handing a napkin to him before he reaches for the hem of his sleeve to wipe the milk off his lips and he moves first to make her a mug of hot chocolate, sliding off my lap to bustle about the kitchen.

An ease and fluidity between them that has my wings fluttering; it wasn't hard to miss just how easily the two slotted together. There wasn't any denial that perhaps the two of them felt safest with each other. I hadn't missed how Kookie had vanished the night after he'd gotten harassed and is found him safe and snug with (Y/N)... cradled close and soothed, his small, shifted form peeking out at me. I knew... that their shared softer prey scents and naturally gentler pheromones made them turn to each other for comfort and for grounding... that she may well be courting predators but for her safety was in Kookie.

Seeing them made that small idea bloom further in my head. Tentatively unfurling and connecting, a bigger picture forming as I watched Kookie hook his head over her to chin, scenting her as she packed lunch, completely at ease at his larger frame wrapped around her tightly.

They could help each other.

In ways more than one.

———

My eyes track Kookie, observing the path he makes around the bedroom, towel slung low on his hips, rummaging for clothes. Gaze tracking the water that still clings to skin, disappearing under the towel as he bends over, drawing out boxers .

"Hyung you're staring." He calls without turning, sensing my eyes on him as he lets the towel fall, dropping it to the side as he draws the boxers up and across his legs, hands busily searching for a shirt before he decides to forgo one, curious eyes meeting mine.

"I know. I was just thinking..." I admit, watching him pad over to the bed, clambering on across the sheets to flop down beside me. Body curving to press against mine, nose brushing against my collar, hand curled around my waist.

"About?"

"Maybe you should consider coming off suppressants regularly." Feeling him stiffen in shock, head lifting as he peers at me.

My fingers reach out to brush back floppy brown ears, still damp to the touch, fur rumpled and messed. It's automatically that I straighten it, fingers lightly brushing through it.

"You suffer so much with them... Kook-ah I know you do. So what if... what if you got off them, for a while on a regular schedule?" I propose, nervous as I look at him.

Watch as his expression shifts, morphing with confusion and uncertainty.

"But hyung... ruts are too much for you and for me. They're exhausting anyways but just how many times do you think you can physically go?" straightening up to sit on the bed, kneeling beside me, hands dithering and wringing anxiously.

I hastily follow, cupping his cheek.

"I don't mean me Kookie, I know that I can't give you a week worth of breeding... but what if you went off suppressants around the same time as (Y/N)'s heat?" I ask.

Suddenly worried at the silence that falls, hands dropping down to take his, feeling him clutch back tightly.

"Why? Why would she share her heat with me?" he voices after long minutes.

"She trusts you. She feels safe with you." I murmur.

"But SJ—"

There's a knock at the door. A tentative light rap of knuckles against wood and we both pause- my heart racing as if I've been caught doing something wrong... words tight in my throat when it opens at Kookie's soft answer.

I don't expect (Y/N) to appear in the small slither, peeking tentatively and looking all snug in a large shirt that looks suspiciously like Joon's.

It feels like my heart clenches tightly, painfully... but Kookie's hesitance wavers slightly, eyes flicking to mine in question before he pats the spot beside her.

"Right on time... we were just talking about you." he mentions.

She shifts uneasily, smile not bright as she steps through.

"Good things I hope." Padding over to the bed, legs drawn up to the side as she sits beside Kookie, curling close unconsciously. She chases comfort from him and he gives it immediately, arm curling around her, drawing her against him.

She almost doesn't even seem to notice his lack of clothing, cheeks pinkening at his legs shifting to draw her closer.

"We've been talking about your heat... are you feeling fully prepared for it?" I ask.

Her expression smoothens out, relaxing as she nods but I've known her long enough that I spot the fidget of her fingers and the nervous flicker of her ears, gaze sliding away.

"I am..."

"But? There's a but." Kookie senses aptly, eyes focused on her expression.

She shrugs.

"It feels wrong to ask SJ when I know it makes the pack... tense to say the least." She admits quietly.

"But at the same time I can't.... I can't spend a heat alone. I physically can't it's—" she begins, voice slightly trembling.

Kookie's arm curls around her waist tighter, squeezing reassuringly.

Knowing exactly how it feels, how it is to be biologically prepped and pushed into a breeding haze and being utterly unsatisfied.

I can't even begin to imagine how excruciating the memory of her heat alone must've been.

"What if... what if I help you with it instead? We're already pack... we're friends, we trust each other and it won't affect the balance of the pack because it's not that threat of an unknown in the nest." Kookie proposes quietly.

Voice level but painstakingly soft.

Her expression stilts, eyes widening slightly as her gaze flickers back and forth between us. As if trying to ascertain whether it's fine for her to even consider it when Kookie is mated.

SJ wasn't. But Kookie definitely was.

"But you're mates... won't it be weird for you Jin? Or you Kookie?" she asks gently.

I lean forward, watching her eyes flutter slightly at the closer proximity, ears flickering.

"I love Kookie. I know he's my mate. But I want him to be happier and healthier. I want him to feel less pent up and anxious and I know letting his body have ruts will help because he's not stifling that need because of me. And we trust you, we care for you. You're pack to us. And you'll both be helping each other. Why would I be against it?" I say, revelling in the small shudder Kookie gives, a bodily reaction to my words and claim that I stake, eyes softer and vulnerable.

Silently his hand reaches for my own, lacing together.

She frowns, concern scrunching her face as she turns to look at him, gnawing at her lip worriedly.

"Kookie I never—" she begins apologetically.

"It was a decision I made. Being able to fall into a rut daily is mentally exhausting just as much as it is physically... but it makes me feel caged." He shares.

She shifts then, moving across, legs unfolding as she leans into him. Delicate touch as she cups his cheek.

"I think ruts will do you good. It's healthier to let biological cycles run their course than stifle them. Trust me." she says.

Gaze softening as she watches him tilt close, head resting against hers, eyes fluttering shut.

"So you want to share my heat with your ruts... will you take care of me Kookie? Will you breed me?" voice turning lilting.

His ears perk, floppy brown ears standing tall to attention, eyes shooting open, lips falling open in surprise.

His scent bursts. Rich cotton that seeps across the air, so sudden, so strong that my wings flap and rear at it.

"So well... I'll take care of you... so well. Over and over." He vows.

Her fingers trail to his ears, a light drag against his fur as she smoothens it out.

"I trust you Kookie. I trust you with my heat." She murmurs.

Trusts him because they don't share a courting bond. Don't share that biological need and instinct to seek each other out as potential mates.

Because they're not in danger of an accidental mating during their rut and heat.

Because they won't emerge with regrets. They won't be driven by instinct to claim each other in a haze and feel remorse and guilt afterwards.

They're safety to each other... and that means they'll look after each other at their most vulnerable.

"And I trust you with my rut. Take care of me too." He whispers shakily.

My hand grazes across his calf, inching up to rest across his thigh.

"I will. I'll be good for you." voice a coy murmured promise even as they curl closer in an embrace.

And finally my wings settle, feathers shifting and coming to rest, that tight knot that had been taut and growing more constricting with every growing nervous tic, with every look of weariness slipping away.

Kookie will be okay.

(Y/N) will be okay.

They'll take care of each other.

(SO!! WE REACH THE CONCLUSION THAT KOOKIE WILL BE THE ONE TO HELP HER WITH HER HEAT BUT I HOPE THE REASONS MADE SENSE... BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT COURTING... THEY'RE NOT IN LOVE, NO ROMANCE THERE SO THEY'LL BE SAFER... I REALLY HOPE THAT CAME ACROSS!! THAT BEING SAID... CAN'T WAIT TO WRITE THE UPCOMING HEAT AND GAHHH! SO MUCH! I HOPE THE PLOT IS FLOWING EASILY AND IT'S MAKING SENSE... IT TAKES A LOT OF RESEARCH AND PLANNING; AND I'VE NEVER DONE THAT FOR A LOT OF MY WRITING BUT I WANT TO DO THE HYBRIDS RIGHT! SO Midiiplier  IF AT ANY POINT I'M FAILING THEN LET ME KNOW!! AND!! HOPE YOU LIKED THE SMALL TEASY FLIRTY SNIPPETS COMING IN AND OUT AND WE HAD SUCH A DOM HOBI COMING THROUGH... BUT THAT'S THE MERE TIP OF THE ICEBERG!! GAHH! I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER ALREADY.... SORRY FOR THE MASSIVE DELAY AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY!!)

QUESTION... detailed heat scene with Kookie, yay or nay?

Mine is... well it's a HEAT which I've described before but it's KOOKIE so~ I'm a yay but I don't want it being repetitive or BORING for you...

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3