YOONGI POV:

My eyes drift over the sight of fingers rubbing at the base of shiny brown ears, lightly scratching at the base before her fingers trail up to rub at the draped, flopped ears on her stomach, a smile curving sweetly across her lips, peering at Kookie whose face is burrowed against her stomach, arms curled around her, the band of ink snaked low around her hips sparks something both warm and settled at the two preys but also something carnal and thrilled at the sight, at the rightness of it.

When her attention drifts, a small, huffed complaint draws her fingers back to rub once more, drifting occasionally lower to card through wavy locks, coaxing out more and more of the biologically satisfying soft-cotton scent, pheromones settled and calm, nosing at the fabric of her thinner pyjama top. My ears perk up at the rumbled, deep huff of breath before a large head bonks against her cheek, indulgently leaning further into (Y/N), nosing at her cheek, a large tongue lapping at skin, making her squirm and laugh as she wriggles away from the ever-affectionate grooms of the tiger curled behind her. Something akin to a whined rumble when she tilts away, head ducking to wipe her cheek when a paw reaches over to swat her hand down, warning before he noses again, grooming by giving big kitten licks to her cheek and throat, immediately drenching her in saccharine berry.

Chuffing happily at the half-hearted wriggle, squirm holding no strength in it as she tries to duck away only for him to nose and snuffle at her temple, lapping at skin wherever he can, her giggles entangling with deep content rumbles that reverberate through his entire body, tail swishing and curling in content.

Pawing at her until Kookie turns, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling under the living room's lights, ears perking when a paw tries to swipe for him, large, long body curling closer so he can have more access to our bun mate. Rumbling with approval at the proffered wrist that he paws at, claws scraping ever so gently at the discrete glands. Scenting the two of them with satisfaction evident in the loud chuff that masks their amusement and fondness, berry heavy and syrupy sweet.

"Babiest kit but such a big, big stripey love." Hobi coos, stepping out the kitchen and carefully holding the mugs when a head bonks against his calf, ears rubbing and indulgently nuzzling against the bare skin, fangs scraping and nipping playfully, paws trying to wrap around him to drag him closer. Torn for choice for mates and pack to drag closer to him and to get a paw on.

The others are scattered throughout the living room and right beside (Y/N), Joon curls close, glasses perched on the rim of his nose and leaning against the stripey barrier, body angled towards (Y/N)'s, hand occasionally flitting down to rub cursory circles onto Kookie's nape or the scent gland on the other side of his neck, fangs peeking out in a small smile at the content bun sprawled out on the floor.

A mess of entangled limbs and bodies pressed close but a mess that works perfectly, beautifully.

What surprises me is how Jiminie seems almost purposely set off to the side from them, pouring over Hobi's snagged textbook and studying it intensely, pouring over the words and ears barely flickering, as if indulging in the comfort will distract him.

My nose turns in his direction, chasing out the pulse of mint in the entangled scents, ears flickering as I try detect any sour sharpness to it, any cloying edge, anything that broadcasts that he's anything but happy or satisfied or content.

Watch as Hobi slowly extracts himself from Tae's paws that refuse to unwind or unlatch from his calf until he's coaxing him back to the giggling preys, fingers brushing over his large stripey ears.

"Going to leave fawn and bun unscented? Not gonna be a stripey blanket?"

Smiling, twirly tips curling, when he rumbles in response, loud chuff as he bonks the side of his calf before turning back, paw stretching out to drag (Y/N) closer, deep snuffly sounds against her skin.

Eager to scent and rub his scent on any packmate close enough, eyes scanning the room, long, rippling muscles stretching to curl around, to try blanket and cover as much of them as he can.

The, now free, caracal slips back into place beside Jimin, head plopping onto his shoulder and peering at the textbook with a hum, leg splayed over his and drawing his tail over his lap, fingers sinking into thick fluff.

"Why the sudden interest Jiminie? Although I do love Seong's theories about hybrid children attachment... they're worlds apart from human theories." He murmurs, flicking through the pages with both deft ease and carefulness, tapping the page.

"Like this one."

"Nesting dynamics?" he reads out.

Hobi hums in response, curled close and pressing tighter against his side, wound together in an entangled embrace.

"The same way maternal attachment is stressed so much... nesting is the core of a child's safety, a baby that grows in a pack grows very secure." Voice soft and warm.

My ears quirk at that, eyes drifting to re-examine Jimin.

"Studying for..." I trail.

"The kit and pup at the centre! They're the youngest victims we rescued and I want to help their recovery process... to try minimalize the long-term impact as much as we can." He answers without preamble, intently studying the page, the notebook next to him steadily filling with notes.

My lips curve up with amused fondness when I see it's one covered with berries and a bite-sized chunk missing from it.

The design Tae had picked, insisting that it was his way of staying with Hobi, and now Jimin, to remind our mate of his forever love for berries. Joking he must've taken a chomp out of it.

(Y/N)'s eyes stray to his, turning softer and tender, scent reflecting the same; anise turning into light floral that entangles with the biologically heavier scents of predators; cording through it and a sigh on her lips. One that has Tae pausing his pawing at Kookie to peer at her, a small exhale of breath, rumbled and deep, eyes drifting to her in silent, probing question.

"Minnie we've got plenty of notes between me and Hobi... but, it's sweet. Seeing the hard growly officer turn soft and squishy around them. Now... what's gotten into the big bad alpha pup~" she lilts, laughing as she turns her attention to the wolf burrowing against her neck, scenting her with almost as much enthusiasm as Tae is. Squirming before a muscled arm curls around her front and tugs her closer with a small growl, teeth pinching and nipping her already impressively bruised gland. Ears rubbing against her cheek and jaw as he tilts closer.

"Nothing... can't I be the growly officer every now and then?" he retorts, voice puffing against her skin.

Tail thumping with contentment when she tilts her throat in invite, containing the wriggles and suddenly trapped between a shifted tiger and a wolf equally intent on layering their scents onto every inch of skin they can reach.

"You can... I know for a fact Kook loves the growls... it's led to... experiments." Jin hyung says with a laugh, entering through to the living room, carrying the tell-tale scent of baked goods with him, the enticing gift of cookies he walks in with, wings fluttering and tucking in tighter against his back as he scans the odd scattered pattern of bodies across the floor, navigating them deftly.

Laughing at the scandalised muffled hyung against (Y/N)'s stomach and the way his ears suddenly flop, tugging at them to hide the pink tint to his cheeks, cotton tail twitching.

It distracts Joon from his aim of trying to meld (Y/N) impossibly closer, ears perking and a keening whine slipping out, tail thumping quicker and wagging, knocking against the sofa as he straightens slightly.

Dimpled and pleased, endeared and bashful. Coy but satisfied.

An alpha pup all the way. As if torn between flustering at the insinuation Jin hyung's words, and his wriggling eyebrows suggest, or preening with primal pride.

Slowly before, quicker now, pack dynamics settle more and more, form deeper and deeper, become intertwined bonds that entangle in an unbroken web. Fierce love and protection melding alongside tentative sweetness morphing into something heavier and wanting.

And it's easier. Easier to indulge in those feelings, in giving into biological urge and want, there's no reason to shy from it. To curl away from it.

And something primal preens and rumbles at the sight of (Y/N) and Kookie flushed and scented and safe. Protected. Encased between their predator packmates even if my own instincts urge to pin and cover with another meaning and intention entirely.

"Is that true Jungkook-ah? Cos bun I won't mind giving privacy to you and strong wolfie. If an audience isn't what you want~" Jimin teases, eyes full of laughter, gaze finally tearing away from the textbook to snag a cookie as Jin hyung passes, grinning victoriously around a mouthful.

Tail swishing with smug satisfaction, squirming from the ticklish flutter of wings, chewing happily.

Kookie's cheeks burn hotter, scent spluttering, clinging onto (Y/N) as he opens his mouth. Then closes it. Then opens it once more.

"His growls in bed are... quite something." He confides with an exaggerated wink, fangs peeking out over his bottom lip, before biting into the chunky cookie once more.

Humming happily around it, shooting a thumbs up to hyung.

See the plate be held out to me, proffered with a heart-fluttering smile, full lips stretched wide. His eyes sparkle with knowingness... there's no way he doesn't know how much hold and impact he has, how easily he makes our instincts purr and keen and whine all at once.

"Want a cookie pretty kit?" he offers with a lilt, eyes raking over the flickering tell of my ears and the way my tail, traitorously, curls towards him. Feel the cookie be nudged against my lips, fingers grazing across to brush errant crumbs, poking my fangs gently.

My scent spurts, softening citrus, that aches to curl around him and tug him close, to run my fingers across the fluttering glossy feathers.

A restlessness even as my body settles against the sofa, holding the rest of the cookie, eyes constantly flitting to track back and forth across every movement, across every slight shift, subtle or not. Watching them. Tail curling and unintentionally poking Jin hyung when he moves back to sink onto the large armchair.

He smiles with amusement and fondness, giving a small poke to the tail in return.

"Restless kit?" curious as he tucks his wings back and sits, holding out a mug of tea towards me.

The others already holding their own, Tae pawing and rumbling as he tries to swipe for the cookies, fangy mouth open and awaiting for Kookie to proffer one, to hold it out.

"Is it safe to...? Hyung sticks to a safe bun diet for me..." he muses, eyes flickering to (Y/N).

She coaxes his arm forward in response, laughing when he uses the opportunity to capture Kookie's hand between his fangs, precariously careful.

But the message is clear.

Trapped.

Two cookies in one shot.

And he has no choice but to tilt closer in a more comfortable perched position, leaning in to brush a kiss to the soft stripey winter fluff, a happy chuff rumbling.

Encouraging the soft kisses pressed to fur, his large frame looking tiny next to Tae's shifted form, small against the bulk of muscle hidden under thick, thick fur.

His hand is freed only to indulge in lathing his tongue over both cheeks, his neck, chuffing against him, at the chance to extend the same affection, paw settled on his lap to keep him from wriggling.

Clingy sweet cub.

He'd come home carrying the strong, strong baby powder scent of hybrid children, pink-cheeked and paint-splattered, grinning about the familiar fate that had fallen onto (Y/N), streaks across her neck, fingerprints on her cheeks that were distinctly his and swollen lips; the imprint of berry on her.

Jin hyung's eyes are still on me when my gaze drifts, catching the flutter of feathers in my peripheral.

He leans over to tap my knee with a finger.

"What's wrong cub?"

I shake my head.

"Nothing hyung."

His brows raise, head cocking.

"You look... distracted. As if you can't keep your focus. Herding the pack? Or something else?" he remarks.

I ponder over the words, mull them over.

"It's not herding instincts... it's almost... where do I look?" I add with a laugh, ears perking at the hum of voices on the other side of the couch as their conversation renews.

"Sounds like herding to me. Although maybe focusing on one thing at a time might help..." he teases.

Eyes warm and playful.

My lips curl up.

Waving the cookie in front of him.

"The baking or the baker? What'd you prefer?"

He hums.

"The baker. I can focus on feeding you kit." He decides, voice light and distracting.

Lulling and drawing me into conversation, slowly calming an unsettled instinct I hadn't even known, a keening unrest that quietens, softens in the presence of the dominant prey. Jin hyung might not commandeer authority by scent, might not have the instinct to herd and protect in the way Joon's biology flares up with... but he's easily and undoubtedly the head of the pack. A calming, grounding authority that comes with that unsettled composure, with that unflappableness because scent doesn't betray or influence his emotions as heavily as it does ours.

"It's... caginess. Maybe you should come out a bit more... visit a swan at work. Give him a reason to preen, to feed his kit. Go out, see the city some more... I know Tae sees and finds the quirkiest nooks and crannies and hidden gems. Try... try courting outside maybe." Jin hyung suggests, this time drawing my hand forward when my eyes unconsciously drift from the mug, drifting back to check on Joon; see how he's managed to draw (Y/N) closer, arms wound tight around her waist, Kookie's body curled next to Tae, head resting against the crook of thick fur at his neck, rubbing and petting. The chuffing deeper, content and the air berry-hazed. Drift to the quiet murmur of Jimin and Hobi, jotting down dutifully answers and questions and further observations he makes himself. Slithers of words slipping into my perked ears.

I duck my head, sheepish and contrite at his gentle nudging back to him, eyes flickering with slight concern.

"Ahh sorry hyung-ah." I mumble.

There's something contemplative in his eyes.

"Felines don't get ruts. But what happens when your biological cycle is unconsciously sensing that your mates are on and off heat and rut cycles?" he observes.

I still.

Tail pausing it's silent sway and curl, sprawling across Hobi's lap.

"I... I don't know... nothing happens. Because we always take suppressants to stop the entire pack falling into ruts."

His wings flutter as he leans close, flaring slightly as if trying to encompass his words within the safety and privacy of them.

"So it stifles the instincts to shepherd and nest and herd your pack and your mates. It makes for a cagey panther." He whispers, eyes sparkling with fondness.

Watching as comprehension slips into place, spine loosening slightly with the realisation, with the rightness of his words and how deeply they resonate with fidgety instincts that keen and whine in response.

That yes.

Just want to be a good mate.

Just want to look after them all.

"Is that why your scent burst at the mention of growls and experiments?" he asks casually.

Grinning around the rim of the mug, looking more catlike and smug than I've seen him as he takes a sip. My nose cautiously chases out my own scent, picking it apart from the wounded web of the others.

It's nowhere near the stronger levels of scent, heavy enough, that hyung's able to pick up on them.

"Heighted swan instincts also means I can pick up the subtler telling scents." He winks with a hushed whisper.

Undoubtedly carried through anyways.

Preening as he settles back, wisdom shared, a panther wiser and a swan satisfied.

"So why don't you let your instincts be settled... and indulge them."

-------

Focus on one thing. One thing at a time. When instinct tries control you... you let it run its course but in a way you want.

It'd been easier to sink into the focus and lull of work, room sound-proof... and therefore sound-proof. And though it'd initially been disconcerting when I'd first started the show... it grew to become a chunk of space that existed distinctly cut off from every worry and concern.

Though that didn't mean the scent of primarily the other felines, Joon and (Y/N) didn't linger and long since come to settle into every fabric, every nook and cranny. That it didn't bring a great comfort to have their scents permeate space as if they'd always belonged.

One thing at a time.

So when I step out of the room, drawing it shut behind me... the sounds of quiet murmurs, gentle, hushed voices make my ears perk. Tail stilling in its swaying before continuing once more... following the hum of voices back to the living room.

Pausing in the doorway at the sight, lips curving up, watching silently at the sight of (Y/N) tucked into Hobi's lap, his head over her shoulder and the two of them peering at his notes, going over his last assignment... such a strong, visible acceleration of his knowledge and skills and confidence in himself and what he wanted to do after his course ended.... an assuredness I knew came from being under her wing, from being assigned to her. He'd come a far way from days of complaining his i -charge supervisor wasn't going to trust him near kids.

And the steady warmth of their pheromones give away their alertness, new mugs of tea emptied and their bodies holding that gravitational tug... tilted to each other. Voices soft and quiet, to avoid disturbing the others but awake.

Then their scents pulse. Throbbing with a sticky sweetness as (Y/N) stills in his lap, his fangs grazing the shell of her ear. A low croon that has my eyes narrowing onto the slight shudder that wracks her body... see the tilt of his head as he grins and acknowledges me.

"Good show hyung." He says, ears twirling as he watches me silently approach, tilting his head for the brush of my fingers across them, curling and tickling my palm.

(Y/N)'s the same, head tilting to me and smiling up with wide doe eyes, fingers reaching to brush against the inside of my wrist in a light scent.

"Much better than Hobi's derailing conversations." She teases, though the sweetened pulse of her scent still carries alongside the weighted dulcet richness of his own. Silently brewing.

So whatever he'd said still lingers in mind. Lingers between them.

Eyes widening with surprise when I tilt my head curiously.

"And what derailing words did he speak? To honey your scent sweet fawn?" my eyes narrowing and focusing on the flicker of her ears, the tiniest part to her lips.

See the way his hands snake around her securer, tighter... with intent to hold or restrain or indulge in keeping the pinking fawn captive.

See her eyes flicker from me to Hobi, silently wandering... gauging before she takes the leap. And goes for it.

"The sort of good show flexibility can give."

This time her eyes hold mine... refusing to tear gazes with me even as the pink in her cheeks blooms. Even as Hobi hums in confirmation.

"I told her a while back about hybrid flexibility... especially does~ and I was just asking... if she'd be evidence for me. I've read studies but not quite the same as a practical is it?"

Eyes flashing with amusement at the caged position she finds herself in when I crouch down, tail curling with interest. Citrus blooming sweeter in silent response.

"It's not the same at all. What sort of show do you think you make sweet girl? Better than the one you gave me during my own show?" I murmur, eyes focusing entirely on her but not missing the way Hobi's own flash, pupils dilating slightly.

He hadn't been expecting the rich headiness of her scent spiked with arousal... that clinging sweetness that scent diffusers and windows could only diffuse so much before he'd caught it. Had growled at, scent bursting richly. Eyes raking over... trying to figure just how and where.

Groaning dismayed and wanton both at once when I'd drummed my fingers across the work station.

"Depends... Hobi's the one with the ideas... the curiosity. Cos I can put you in touch with SJ if you want really detailed studies of my-" her teasing taunt cut off by the surge of my lips towards her. Hand angling her mouth to mine, growling against the immediate pliancy of her lips. At the bait she dangles so wickedly, tilting forward to chase the feel and taste of soft lips tasting faintly still of mint tea. My hand curls around her cheek, tilting her face up higher, lips brushing over hers, a deeper contentment settling as she tilts closer, her hand moving to curl around my nape, scent softening. Anise curling around me, her fingers slipping into my hair, nails lightly grazing my scalp. Warm soft lips that my own trace, chase the feel of, mapping them out with my own, recommitting and relearning countless times the imprint they leave behind. The soft exhale is gentle and light, sweetly enticing in a way she doesn't even realise, her tongue flicking in silent implore against the seam of my lips, brushing and dipping against the seam of my own in request. My mouth parts quickly, easily for hers, tongue brushing against her own, coaxing the curl of her tongue against my own, delving deeper into the open enticing invite that her breathy shudder brings. Chasing hungrily the sweetening scent of her pheromones, the fluttery brush of her lashes against her cheek as her mouth goes wonderfully lax for a few moments, body twisting and head tilting as she archs, whimpering against the stroke of my tongue. Fangs scraping against her lips, tugging at her bottom lip, sinking into it slightly, citrus pulsing out satisfied at the broken, keening sound muffled against me. Drag my lips away unwittingly to press against the corner of swollen lips, across the curve of her jaw, the soft curve of it, teeth and lips and tongue trailing, breathing in her ragged scent and breaths.

Eyes finally tearing away from the sight of her to see Hobi's hands have slipped under her shirt, curled around her stomach and inched dangerously low, fingers having snuck past the waistband, tracing circles onto her skin, body caging her between his legs.

"I suggest sweet girl that you focus on us, felines you should know are the possessive type. And I might have unwillingly shared you before... but I won't anymore. Now you're ours. Just as much as we're yours." A tinge of a growl laced into my words.

See the fierce possessiveness radiated in dark brown eyes, head dropping to press soft kisses to the bare curve of her shoulder, teeth dragging the thin strap away. A rumbled purr of appreciative wonder at the tilt of her head, almost immediately arching to present the line of her throat.

Something hot and wild and wanting brews in the pit of my stomach at the loose smile on her face, eyes filled with something knowing... something that reels and coaxes me in closer, body tilting towards her. That gravitational urge I can't and don't ever want to resist, gladly being tugged closer by it, by the tug of her hand in my shirt, coaxing me against her. Hobi's hand brushing just under the band of shorts slip lower, the sight of knuckles and fingers straining against the fabric makes my throat bob, tongue flicking over my fangs, leaning to let my lips brush down her jaw, down the inviting curve of her throat to the expanse of her torso until my fingers hook in at her hips, dragging the fabric down when they rise in invite, before tugging them back up. The fingers circling and slowly inching closer and closer to the apex of her thighs pause, eyes flickering with question and curiosity.

"As much as I'd like to see you writhe on the carpet... bed. Let us spoil you in bed sweet love." I breathe, voice low and rasping, drawing back from her.

Every sense has come to narrow to this.

To focus on just the two of them, the way Hobi's hand darts teasingly closer before withdrawing, a ripple of movements as he stands and hoists her easily, hand splayed across the low of her back and mouth tilting to hers. A messy brush of tongue and teeth that coaxes out the enticing entangled roughness of a groan and whimper.

Feel my senses narrow onto the trickle of pheromones, pulsing sweeter and heavier with every brush of skin and lips, with every coaxing tug, her hands winding around his nape, her eyes dark and tugging, reaching out for me to close the distance.

The door closes behind us, tail nudging it shut before leaning close, lips brushing against her jaw, hand skimming and drifting across Hobi's waist, hand curling around the soft warmth, thumb brushing up and down. Hand curling to rest against his stomach, drifting up and down, bracketing him.

"Bed sweetheart. I thought you asked baby fawn for a demonstration."

-------

(Y/N)'s eyes are glossy, bright under Hobi's intense, lazy stare, eyes boring into hers, hungering over every inch of skin, at how she looks settled against me. Her scent, a steady pulse, throbbing with sweetness, with the curl of arousal as her breathing wavers. Hitches.

"You gave hyung such a show... private and exclusive... won't you give me one too?" Hobi coaxes, body leaning forward to bracket hers against me, tucking and caging her more successfully between the two of us. His eyes are dark and his voice deceptively soft, lips curved in a dangerous lilt as he ducks his head to press one kiss to her trembling lips. Then another.

"I'm..." she shudders, her legs kept splayed and pinned open, thighs spread wide and sprawled over either side of my own parted legs. Shaking and back arching slightly against me as I continue to suck dark marks on her gland. It'd barely been days since Kook had coloured them so beautifully purple, had bruised them, left them swollen and aching and still so wonderfully... sensitive, as she keens at the bite of my teeth and fangs sinking into the soft tissue, hand tugging and drawing her pyjama top upwards, two hands splayed across the inside of her thighs, a predatory gleam in his eyes as he watches me slowly trace circles onto her slick centre. Already bare and obscenely, almost, spread for his eyes. Hungering at the sight, fangs peeking out, ears curling as his eyes flash.

"You're..." he coaxes, voice low and dulcet, body hunkering over with the gait of a prowling predator stalking forward, head ducking to mouth at the curve of her cleavage, dipping to nose and press open mouthed kisses from under the bra's band and down the plane of her stomach, fangs nipping and scraping against the soft flesh and growling with approval against her body when it makes her scent bloom richer. Sweeter.

"So so sweet." I murmur around her throat, the words muffled and reverberating slightly, tongue flicking against the small indents, fingers trailing, feel the slight tremble of her legs when two fingers sink in, slowly burying deep to the first knuckles, her keen swallowed by Hobi, hips bucking before his hand coaxes it back, pushing down and tongue flicking against hers as my fingers sink deeper, stilling when they're sheathed at the hilt, feel the flutter of her body, legs closing around my hand.

"Trembly fawn... Tae's going to riot he missed out." I laugh, breath puffing against her skin, the blatant lack of berry and his large striped form vacant from the room since before we'd entered. I didn't doubt he'd trotted and padded off after Kookie, to keep the berried bun close. I didn't doubt that regardless the comfort he'd sought tonight, he'd be grumbling when he'd smell our scents imprinted onto her body.

Slowly drawing my fingers in and out of her, slow drags of my fingers stained with her arousal, Hobi's head bent over the curve of her breasts, shirt pinned up as he mouths and sinks his fangs into the contained swells. The drag of fingertips thrusting deeper, rougher, alternating between slower curls of my fingers and withdrawing them just to plunge deeper again, coaxing a third finger in. Her plea sobbed into the clouding fog of pheromones, thighs pushed open wider by Hobi's hands; pinning them in place, refusing to let her close them around the intrusive pleasure mounting between her legs.

Coaxing out pleasure from the depths of her body, the fluttering tightness around my fingers thrusting in and out, tugging out breathless pants as Hobi's face slowly lowers, shifting down on the bed until he kneels between the space of her thighs, pushed upwards so it presents the sight of my fingers entering and leaving her, his hand curling around my wrist and suddenly ramming upwards. The pleasured cry hoarse and trembling with want, ducking down to press kisses to the soft skin of the inside of her thighs. Mouthing slowly and indulgently at the soft flesh, sucking and biting dark blooming bursts of colour that his lips mark her with. Groaning as he hovers over where my fingers curl inside, beckoning and drawing arousal to stain them, the press of his lips against where my knuckles are buried deep. A soft brush of his tongue, before he closes his lips around her centre and sucks. Tongue lapping at her, flicking against where my fingers withdraw, rubbing circles onto her nub, harsher, rougher drags and slow, drawn out pressure, head bent over the apex of her thighs, forced wider open, nothing and nowhere for her to grasp onto, to twist and escape the onslaught of stimulation. Writhing and mewling with pleasure, pupils dilated and blown wide, head resting against my shoulder, mouth pressing shakily, unevenly to my gland, teeth trying to tug at the tissue, tongue and mouth uncoordinated with her urgency, with the simmering pleasure bubbling and searing through her veins.

Her legs tremble, jittering, thigh glands branded by the splay of his palm and fingers, relentless as he continues to mouth and suckle, his lips stained with her pleasure, tongue curling alongside fingers that slip and bury themselves back in, the dual stimulation making her thrash, twisting against me helplessly, sobbed delirious desire against my throat, ears perking and standing to proud attention to it.

"Sweet girl..." I coo, feel the scrape of teeth against her centre, her body jolting and hips bucking at it when he groans against her.

"Going to make a mess... going to stain my tongue and mouth with your nectar." He growls with promise, eyes dark and pupils dilated, scent rich and honeyed. Dripping molten caramel that burns a fiery, thick path down our lungs. Leaning up to press messily against my lips, sharing the stolen taste of her to me, tongue and teeth clashing for dominance against my own, his fingers digging into her thigh glands; demanding her scent to pour out in thick rivulets that thicken the air. His lips curl in a satisfied smirk against my own, at the shuddery breaths trapped between us, curling around us, before he stills, groaning and jerking forward.

Lips tearing away to draw his eyes over her, the flushed but pleased expression curling across her face, her hand inched down to cup him over his shorts, holding his burning gaze with her glassy eyes, squeezing briefly, pressure enough that he bucks to the touch, hissing between lips bitten by his fangs, slick with her arousal, with saliva.

"Not if I beat you to it."

Dilated pupils boring relentlessly into dark brown, lips tugging up wryly, lips parting in a silent moan when my fingers curl deeper, resuming the deep thrusts.

"We're also competitive." Hobi grins wickedly, the effect lessened by the bob of his throat, the curse exhaled quietly when her hand slips past fabric.

"Forget a show Hobi... game on."

Focus on one thing at a time...

And right now. All my focus was on (Y/N), on being her undoing.

(Y/N) POV:

The fingers curled around my nape go lax, stilling as he spills himself into my mouth, groaning out my name, a plea and cry, but it doesn't cause the fingers and tongue between my thighs to stop or let up, stronger and fiercer and more intent to coax me to another release, growling against my centre. This time to be on his tongue and fingers.

Throat bobbing and swallowing around him, eyes teary and peering up at Hobi, hands curled around his hips, groaning when he rocks himself in and out, prolonging the pleasure, tongue flicking against him, throat relaxing to let him in deeper. Cheeks hollowing around him, see the flutter of his lashes, the way his ears twirl, folding forward, breaths sharp pants before he draws himself out of my mouth, watches my lips part, drawing in lungfuls of air that grate my throat. Hoarse and wrecked. One feline then the other. My head drops forward against his hip, mouth pressing to skin, shaky as the pleasure in my gut blooms hotter and fiercer. Groaning against his skin, legs trembling with the tell-tale sign of approaching release, his hand pushing down on the low of my back, forcing me to stay in the position he wants, skimming to grip and brand his broad touch across my glands. Imprinting the sharp sweet citrus across it.

"Let hyung make it even honey. One more." Hobi coaxes, fingers ghosting along the back of my ears, skimming to drift over my nape, massaging lightly at the presented tilt of it, hand resting on my back.

Hear and feel the rumble of agreement, fingers crooking deeper, as if trying to draw the pleasure out, tugging that tether tauter, until it shatters, body crumpling against Hobi, his fingers tracing circles onto my skin, Yoongi's hands turning lighter, gentler, drawing me down from the peak with the way he slowly, carefully withdraws, a soft kiss pressed to the back of my thigh, to the curve of my hip, smoothening over the trembling muscles.

"Sweet girl..." he murmurs, voice a soft rumbled praise, hands careful as he turns me over, coaxes me to lie against the sheets, body sinking gratefully at the reprieve, muscles loosening, head turning to take the way the two of them lean into my sight of vision, smiles warmer, gentle.

"Good enough of a demonstration?" I ask, voice breathless but lips quirked up.

Feel lips press to mine, amusement thrumming in the pulse of caramel, rich and sweet and nutty, quirking up against my mouth.

"Very hands-on... definitely has my stamp of approval." He murmurs as he leans back, my hand fisting into his shirt to tug him back onto me, relishing the way his arms immediately buckle and fold, laughing as he sags on top of me. Weight settling carefully in an offhanded manner, burying his nose against the crook of my neck, pressing a smatter of kisses to the gland. His lips barely graze it but still it throbs and pulses out anise, still feeling the weight and pinch of Yoongi's fangs sinking in deep, hard enough to leave indents.

Feel him roll away only when Yoongi murmurs for him to, gently brushing a damp washcloth over my trembling legs, tiny jitters pulsing through my body, Hobi's body angled and curved close to me, head resting near mine.

"You're your own distraction Hobi." I finally breathe out, when my lungs aren't shuddering and pleading for air, laugh breathless and shaky.

His lips curve wide into a grin, disarmingly sweet and smug in one.

"I might not focus in class my sweet tutor~ but what about all my efforts?" pouty and pleading and playful.

I hum, tilting to Yoongi's touch, hips lifting to help the glide of underwear that he slips back carefully. Looser and baggy. One of theirs. His body curls around mine, peering over my shoulder as we face him.

"Hmm... I'd give it an A. Still could improve though." I tease.

He huffs, tilting his face closer to brush a kiss across my lips.

"Don't worry... I have a lifetime for that."

Voice soft and earnest. Turning from toying to sincere, dark eyes lulling me closer.

"A lifetime to be worthy mates." Yoongi murmurs, nose nudging my cheek, before his own rubbing against mine, gently scenting.

"You're more than worthy... I hope I can be too one day." I admit.

A pack of seven that'd let me into their lives and dynamics. Seven who'd accepted my biology and me... I had seven to become a worthy mate for... and they were already it. They were worth waiting lifetimes for, they were worth it.

And then a nose brushes against mine.

"Gotta charm the pretty swan first. Not that he isn't smitten already~"

This time it's my turn to lean forward, cupping his cheek. Warmth blooming at the immediate tilt of his face, nuzzling into my palm, nose brushing against it before he presses a kiss to my wrist.

"Any tips wise one?"

--------

Tae grumbles. In a mixture of pouts and furrowed brows and slow dragged feet as he moves about the apartment, eyes wide and imploring and body distractingly bare save for the loose slung shorts, trailing after the entangled scents he can smell on me and the other two felines.

"I can't believe kitty hyungs took invitation to mark you without me... you leave them alone for one night and suddenly loyalty doesn't exist." He moans, sounding disgruntled as he trails after me, following me, his tail curling and swishing and eyes flickering when I peer back at him. Ears folding.

"But you had fun of your own. I could smell you all over Koo. I can smell him all over you." I laugh, see his lips twitch from their pout, huffing as he sticks his nose in the air, tilting his face away to hide the smug spurt of berry pheromones; rich and heavy and satisfied.

"So! It's the principle... the courtesy... the manners and decency to ask and extend the invitation!" he retorts, trailing into my bedroom behind me. Watching me flit about gathering clothes to shower and change into.

"The decency for what? To see how deep I can take both felines?" I snort, stilling when he growls behind me, the sound rippling through the air, tilting and leaning towards primal and rough. Guttural. The sound deep and rumbling from the depth of his chest and when I turn, it's to see his body still and to be greeted by a wave of pheromones.

His lithe frame moves from its lean against the doorway to move forward, a predatory gait in the careful, slow but large strides he takes to cross the distance; the richness of his scent enticing and heavier here, eyes sparkling with eagerness.

"We have work. There's no time!" I laugh when he begins to nose at my neck, burrowing against my gland with clear intent, hips slowly brushing against mine, his hands splayed across the curve of my behind, dragging me bodily close.

"Why say it like that? Whilst smelling so... yummy." He complains petulant but the drag of teeth and tongue against my skin is anything but endearing, prowling very quickly into dangerous territory. Squirming at the small nip to my throat.

"Everyone in the pack smells yummy... Tae love, we're going to be..." I protest, his mouth beginning to press kisses down the curve of my shoulder.

"Late. Don't devour her cub." An amused voice calls, his teasing nips pausing to turn to the newcomer.

Grinning boxily at Joon.

"Oh but hyung~" he wheedles, tone purposely stretched out.

"No buts stripes. Don't you have work too? That mural's going to look so empty without the berry prince." He drawls, voice low and warm. Laughter contained within the deep dimpled groves of his smile.

Indulgent and happy.

He hums, deliberating purposely slow.

"I suppose~"

"And no fawn fairy either? You're depriving the kids."

He sighs, arms loosening slightly, a lamenting whine before he presses a final nip to the curve of my cheek.

"The things I do for you all." He sighs, I turn in his arms tilting up to brush a kiss to the corner of his lips, nosing at his cheek.

"I'm sure at least one of us would be willing to make up for it later." I laugh, Joon's voice rumbling in assent, ears perked and flickering slightly, tail thumping audibly as it wags back and forth behind him.

Tae leaves first, nudging playfully at Joon's cheek, fangs scraping and snapping and stripey tail whipping and swatting lightly at his thigh, murmuring something low that has earthy musk blooming slightly, amusement and predatory. Softening entirely when he turns back to me when the last of the stripey tail vanishes, snagging me close when I move to head to the shower.

Nosing at my temple.

"I'm coming with you today too... is that okay?" voice gentle.

My arms wind around him, hugging him briefly.

"Don't even need to ask."

And he's there, waiting at breakfast, tail thumping quicker when I slip into the vacated seat beside him, a pleased keening whine muffled in his throat as his ears perk, the amused, warm expressions on the rest of their faces suggesting that he'd kept it so.

"Sure I won't be putting both officers out their way to drop me off? It's been a quiet few months... surely it's fine for the protection detail to... lessen?" voice trailing off questioningly when both of them in question flash their eyes, ears pinning at the unseen threat, scents taking a sharper tinge to it.

"No." the voice beside me is rough and steeped into a sudden growl that jolts my instincts, ears folding at the sharp crackling tinge his scent takes before its subdued, reigned in by the hushed hyung and the folding of bunny ears, nose scrunching and recoiling from it. Expression firm and set regardless, despite how considerably lighter his pheromones pulse out.

"A threat we can't see doesn't stop being a threat." Jimin says, voice soft but eyes dark, tail swishing away.

"Unfortunately the protection detail is only going away when the case is solved. When we know who sent you those letters and who the main figures in the trafficking case are. Until then sweetheart you've got me to warm your winter mornings." He adds, lips quirking slightly, trying to dispel the sudden thickening silence until Hobi leans over and swats Joon's thigh with his hand. Eyes dark and voice low.

"Stop posturing big alpha. It was just a harmless question."

The chagrined whined sorry is softer, scent naturally softening.

"It's just... I know we've caught and closed down the barn. That their sentences are guaranteed and that we took down a major centre. But... rings like these don't operate from one place." Joon murmurs, hand entangling with mine, an apologetic squeeze to it. I squeeze back, thumb brushing over his knuckles.

"I just meant... I feel bad enough seeing how busy Minnie is, always rushing about these days... I'd rather not do it to both of you."

Head ducking when Joon tilts closer, nosing at my cheek in softer apology, silent nuzzles and scents, the tension dissipating slightly when I lean to the touch.

"I'm going because I want to spend time with my courting fawn. Can't let Jimin hog you... he's a selfish fox." He says with a laugh, the others echoing almost immediately in their agreement, leaving the fox opposite me a mixture of incredulous and faux-shock but he's grinning. Fangy and preening. Eyes narrowing onto me, gesturing to his scent glands with a tilt of my own.

"Though it seems like that's not the case at the moment."

Joon's hand tightens around my own, drawing it upwards to brush a kiss across my knuckles, eyes softening when I lean forward to reciprocate.

"Then by all means alpha~ whisk me away from the minty fox."

----------

"I definitely think the case is beginning to bore down heavier on Joon." Hobi says conversationally, accepting the proffered take out cup I hold to him, leaning forward to sniff cautiously at mine first then his.

It's a habit I wish he'd never learnt or observed from me. Something wary and guarded in the way he lingers, the tip of his ears twirling before he leans away after I take a sip.

"I meant what I said earlier Hobi... they've quietened down. I don't know whether that's freaking Joon's instincts or whether quiet is something he can't trust after so much." I murmur.

Just as unsure as to what to pinpoint the sudden burst of his scent, so strong it'd slammed into everyone, had left an imprint of his scent behind that the receptionist had immediately detected. Face flickering before smoothening out, voice soft and polite as she leant forward.

"You're carrying an aggressive scent... might want to clear it off before heading in." hands nudging forward scent-scrub wipes. Offering me a small smile as I'd rubbed it over my glands, trying to get it off before it permeated skin and fabric deeper.

"So he's almost... too cautious?" he frowns, voice lilting in question, taking a small sip before hissing, the drink scalding his lips. The sudden curl and fold of his ears and narrowed eyed stance jolts me out of thought, a smile tugging at my lips, poking his puckered lips, murmuring careful.

"I don't know... I don't know the ins and finer details of the case. I know the barn was a major part of it but that's just it. We have countless victims but no clues to work on. Not selfishly... but we can't force the victims to confront their traumas before they're ready to. And yet every day is a ticking time bomb."

His eyes scan the open layout of the small cubicles and larger office rooms, the winding hallways.

A veritable maze of offices and rooms and storage.

"How's the serpent hybrid recovering? I heard his burns have healed significantly. He didn't display deep levels of psychological trauma, he was very aggressive and open about what happened... maybe he's a good starting point." He suggests, his body turning first to walk down a hallway, small tail flicking and swishing back and forth.

I hum in response, mind briefly drifting to the man. He was aggressive towards both female or human staff, recoiling with sharp hisses. It'd been a reason why I hadn't been able to check up on him, but Hobi had. Done a brief visit a few times with the head doctor.

"Good point... it could lead to more clues or names for how far wide the network is.", ducking forward at the last instant to fist into the back of his shirt and tug him back, steering him down another hallway, near identical of the one he'd begun ambling into.

"Wrong hallway."

His brows furrow, peering back at the direction he had been taking.

"I could've sworn it is that one... I've been here a few months, you'd think I'd know by now." He muses.

I lean forward conspiratorially.

Tugging at his shirt till he obliges and indulges by flickering and turning his ears in my direction; perked with curiosity when I whisper quietly.

"You didn't hear this from me... but that's the whole point. The centre's blueprints look like a maze. It's meant to be confusing and disorienting. You get used to it... eventually."

He looks confused.

"It's intentionally... identical?"

I nod, drawing closer to him, leading him further down the correct hallway, see recognition flicker across his face when it opens up to the familiar opening to the children wards and rooms.

"It's a defence built into the architecture. Strangers and wanderers and unauthorised visitors can't get very far if they're walking in circles."

Navigating past the administration office and leading the way towards the nurseries when he finally seems to recognise the inner workings of the hallways and offices entangled, methodically, drawing my hand in his as he leads his way this time.

Though his scent is hidden, his preening posture isn't at the stage whispers of the children at spotting our linked hands, or the way he draws me closer purposely at their hushed murmurs, wide-eyed wonder and parted lips.

"What happened to the stripey prince?"

"He didn't give enough hugs so fawn fairy went to find a new prince."

"Maybe they had a duel..."

"Maybe both princes charmed fairy noona."

"Giving the rumour mill quite the run. Another scandalous not-so-secret secret I'm left out of." A deep, disappointed voice drawls, silently having snuck up, plucking the cup out of my hand to draw it in his own, chuffing as he takes a sip of the hot chocolate, tongue flicking over his fangs and lips with satisfaction at the squeals and giggles his actions coax.

Bolstered by them if anything.

Stripey tail wrapping around my waist, teasing and toying and slipping briefly under the hem of my jumper, brushing against the skin of my waist before lowering.

"You're the leader of the rumour-mill I'm sure and if not... a strong middleman. Shouldn't you be happy both feline mates are in the ever bright eyes of the babies?" I laugh, trying to reach for my cup, watching him move it out of my immediate reach, turning his head to draw another sip.

"Ah ah... the secret in this is you've got to spread a rumour or two and let the babies... the labour force for the mill do their small shares." Indulgent and playfully furtive, eyes darting about before he hands the cup back, splitting off with a quick peck to my ear.

But though he bustles away, stripey tail curling and calling over his shoulder about finishing early today... his words linger. Worm their way through my mind.

A smaller number of people controlling the larger, almost disposable, workforce in the trafficking ring if the large number of arrests made were a testament of any sorts. There'd been several casualties though and no sort of message or response shown... was that the silence that made Joon worried and antsy?

Scorpions. The workers at the factory making the tracking chips. The middlemen providing the hybrids for the twisted, sickening desires of, at the moment, solely humans and their taste for what felt like a mixture of hybrids. Preys. Predators. Rare species. Common species. Abusing and either using their biology against them or breaking them... leaving them as husks and shells of what they were.

"I'll be leaving with Tae but I'll still be here until you come back from the medical assessments for Ji-Ah, I'll go with baby bear." Drawing the door open.

"That's fine... make sure to leave a copy of his files for me on my desk and another sent to the administration office... we need to keep their files up to date."

He nods, moving round to gently rouse the sleeping bear, his cheek squished against a pillow, burrowed under a thick blanket that he's burrito wrapped himself in. Tucked and pink.

"Little cub..." Hobi coos quietly, carefully brushing the back of his fingers across a pink cheek, sees the unconscious tilt for it, small wriggles as he stirs.

Sleepy blinks as he peers up at Hobi, a yawn and rumble slipping out as he mumbles.

"Twirly hyung." Reaching out a hand for him, a sleepy giggle when Hobi noses and nudges at his cheek, trying to worm his way out of the burrito he'd entangled himself into.

"Hi baby bear... sleep well?"

He mumbles incoherently, soft grumbly sounds as Hobi slowly helps unravel the blanket from around him, arms wriggling and reaching out to be held, turning on his bed.

"Wanna sleepy more." He protests, snuffling at his cheek and burrowing closer, sleepily bonking clumsily against his jaw to try get to his gland.

"You can nap after we meet Dr. Kang. He's been missing you." carefully scooping the sleepy limbs, the burrowed head lifting and peeking up at him.

"Grandpa Bear?" he asks curiously, voice soft and hazy, ears droopy but perking with excitement before folding with sleepiness once more.

"Mhm... he might even give you a caramel if you're good."

Sleepy snuffles and tilt to him.

"Like twirly hyung..."

Hobi's eyes crinkle, fondness on every feature as he keeps Min-Jun tucked to him, slowly drawing the blanket back and watching as he burrows further against him in response, tucked against him and hands clutching at his shirt.

See the sleepy blinks in my direction as I gather his files and hand them to Hobi, one hand clutching them before winding around the bear trying to stay awake but teetering on that edge of falling asleep once more.

"I'll see you later sweetheart." I murmur, pecking his soft cheek before Hobi tilts to quickly peck my own, tail flicking against me with a grin before he leaves.

My eyes drift over the vacated room, moving to straighten the few toys dangerously tilting on the edge of his nested space, carefully folding clothes and resorting his room, relishing in the comfort and safety it exudes. In the warmth it imbues and the splash of his growing personality, his wants and wishes fulfilled in the small toys, in the plushies he still chooses to cling onto and rest his head against more than pillows. In the tiny meerkat toy he keeps closest to him, tucked into his arms to protect in a way he can't for Ji Ah.

It makes my heart ache, twist and thud painfully against my ribs, at the thought of the two of them being separated, albeit to find new homes and families to love and be loved by.

Min-Jun's treatment phase was coming to its end, and soon he would be adopted. And Ji Ah... Ji Ah was slowly thawing... but slower. Her age and experiences combined had made her cautious and wary and apprehensive of kindness and strangers. It'd take time, it'd take longer. It was a deeper healing and reconditioning process.

My feet lead me out the room, drawing me away from his room and towards Ji Ah's, at the end of the corridor. I knock lightly, half-expecting her to be asleep, not expecting that when I open the door the slam of sour, tart pheromones to slam against me, nose recoiling from it. Ears folding at the sheer distress in her scent, her figure trembling and curved up, thrashing and silently tossing on her bed.

My body slams into motion, hurriedly pressing the diffuser to activate and lighten the weight of her pheromones, to diffuse the fog of her own emotions pressing in on her. Draw the entangled blankets off her, calling her name over and over as I rouse her, coax her awake, voice quiet and soft.

Feel her shudder as she thrashes, broken half-muted sounds of pain, groans and shrieks emanating from deep in her chest, swallowed and stifled even now unconsciously. Trying to keep the raw agony from spilling out, pushing it deep down.

But the deeper she pushes the trauma, the deeper she drives the injury inwards. The deeper she drives the wedges further and further into a still-healing body and mind.

"Ji Ah love... it's okay. Sweetheart it's just a bad dream... come back, come on... open your eyes, come back to me." I coax, voice lilting. Watch as her eyes, wet with tears, stare through me, still swallowed up in the depths of her nightmare, a choked noise slipping past shaky lips.

"Ji Ah... sweetheart... focus on me. The nightmare's over... I'm here. I'm real." I murmur over and over again, feel her cling to me, pressing herself tightly against me, burrowed close, fingers trembling as they brush over my back. Wormed under fabric and pressing to skin.

It takes a few minutes, once her breathing evens slightly, to focus on the touch of her finger.

Realise it's letters she's tracing, over and over. Three letters. Three letters over and over again.

L.

I.

Z.

L.

I.

Z.

L.

I.

Z.

L. I. Z

Liz. Who's Liz?

"Ji Ah... who's Liz?" I ask, feel her flinch against me.

A name.

Liz.

"Did this Liz hurt you?"

Her shuddered exhale is answer enough. As if the tighter press of her body against mine.

For the first time... for the first time she tries to hide herself. To find protection and safety. To put herself first. To try find comfort in someone.

Trusting me to keep her safe.

"It's okay Ji Ah... Liz can't hurt you... I won't ever let Liz hurt you again." I promise, brushing a kiss across her temple, feel her curl closer. Breathy whimpers muffled against my skin.

She traces the name over and over. Alongside a three letter word.

Liz bad. Liz bad. Liz bad. Liz bad.

"Did she take you?" I ask.

A breath and then a small nod.

I hum, continuing to rub a hand up and down her back.

"Did this Liz hurt anyone else in front of you?"

Y. E. S. traced against my back, her finger warm against my skin.

"Is that why you can't speak? Because Liz hurt you?"

Y. E. S.

Anger and hate and venomous rage pulses through my veins, thankful for the suppressants keeping the spiky, jagged emotions from burning through the air.

"Liz can't get you anymore. I'll keep you same from her. She's never hurting you again." I promise.

Feel her burrow further against me at the promise, lips mouthing against my throat.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And this time I'm grateful her head is tucked away, so she can't see the fierce sting to my own eyes as I cradle her tighter against me.

----------

"Is everything okay? You seem... off." SJ murmurs, body a protective flank beside me, a smile curved across his lips at the sight of Jangmi cradling a giddy cub, feeding cubed chunks of fruit with something tender chipping at the weary exhaustion that clings to her. The smell of honey is lighter. Ever so slightly gentler but affected, nonetheless.

I drag my hand across my cheek, shrugging.

"Just a really long day. Ji Ah had a nightmare... the serpent victim won't visit Dr. Lee, and she's specialised in sexual traumas. But... but at least there's two happy bears." I admit, tilting to him as he watches the sight with me. His scent light and sweet, cutting through the weighted heavier pheromones I'd smelt and sensed boring down on him since he'd found out about Jangmi.

Relieved as he looks at her.

"I really thought she wasn't going to come with me. I think... she's not hurting herself physically but she's shutting away her grief. Her apartment is a prison more than it is a nest or solace at the moment." he admits quietly, hand curling around my shoulders.

"That's why you brought her to the centre today." I surmise, watch as Jangmi flusters slightly, trying to keep Min-Jun's wriggles on her lap, hand banded around him, a crook he leans into, gnawing at the fruit and offering a half-chewed piece to her, grinning stickily.

"She needs... she needs to be outside... anywhere but isolating herself to her own thoughts and scent. She needs to stop suppressing biology."

"And giving her a lapful of sticky bear seems to be a good idea." I muse, lips quirking up, moving forward towards them, see panda ears flicker and gaze tear away slowly from the sight of Min-Jun to peer at me. Dark brown eyes slightly sluggish behind the frame of her glasses, lips curving in the slightest.

"He might make a mess of your cheeks if you keep saying no you know." I say with a smile, arms wrapping around her to hug her, curling towards the familiar honey sweetness I've always known. Nosing at her ears, feel one hand wrap around me as she tilts slightly to me.

The wriggly bear on her lap crows happily, holding out a piece of melon to me.

"Fairy noona eat!" he offers, grinning when I lean forward, mouth open to let him slip the chunk past my lips.

Honeydew.

"Honey!" he exclaims happily in response to my smile.

Pointing to Jangmi then the fruit.

"Honey honey. Twins!"

I nod, watching him pat her cheek with a sticky hand.

"Twins! Will you keep my honey bear safe cub? Hugs are the best way!" I whisper, hushed and loud, hearing the small giggles and nods as he pats her cheek with the same hand.

Tilting against her.

"Lots of honey hugs." He echoes, voice serious with promise and intent. His grin following me as I leave, SJ stepping in as I step out.

"Going to stay?" I ask, peering back at the sight, watching him observe it too.

He nods, scent softening imperceptibly.

Sweeter and gentler.

"I'll have both bears safe sweetheart, you go find your minty mate." He grins, crooked and teasing.

And with him left to the sight of Jangmi's face softening, squirming as she tries to pat her cheek dry, I find that SJ is right... she needs this.

And the way Min-Jun leans to her... maybe he needs this too. The chance to grow and explore and make friends.

------

There's always been quiet save for the soft yowls when the little kit detects the scent of mint and the sound of the door opening. This time we step through, Minnie stepping aside with a soft smile, moving to go closer to the small, huddled nest when a startled, frantic chirp shatters it instead.

His head whips towards the sound, ears perking up at it, a small, rumbled growl in automatic, biological response. The yowl is just as distressed, startled by the intensity of the chirp and the loud shuffling sounds that appear from the huddled nest. The sound of scraping and shuffling, a keening whimper swallowed down and the rough sound of paws unevenly scraping and scrambling across the floor.

I hurry forward, watch as Jimin tries to calm the small pup, her distress sour and sharp, her urgency in the way her ears flicker and fold with her pain but she drags herself forward, her injured hindleg shaky and using her other three paws to move closer.

Making a beeline and squirming past Jimin to scrabble to me, the shock of the suddenness of her movement has my body immediately tilting close, kneeling down in front of her, fingers curling gently around her front paws that scrabble across my thighs and stomach, slipping and pawing with high chirps, deep rumbles from her small body, tail frantically swishing back and forth.

"Little love what's wrong..." I begin, eyes wide with alarm, carefully steadying her as she tilts, slipping on my legs, trying to clamber up, pawing and stretching up on her injured leg, whining and chirping loudly; the sound setting off distressed yowls and meowls from the bundle she'd hurriedly vacated.

She ignores the sounds of the kit she so fiercely guards, suddenly frantic and fumbling to get closer, chirping, ears folding and perking, nose twitching. For all the careful, tentative touches we'd used, so aware of her guardedness, her sudden scramble to get closer, tail swishing anxiously, nose immediately bonking against my cheek, snuffling against skin, chirping and burrowing closer and pawing has my heart aching.

"She really needed the comfort. I guess there's only so much instincts can be quietened." Minnie murmurs, his hands full of a yowly kit, tucking her into the crook of his arm, fingers rubbing gentle circles to her stomach, drifting up and down to soothe her, voice a soft coo when he murmurs to her, even as his eyes flicker to the unsettled pup thrashing in my arms.

There's something almost spooked and raw in the frantic movements, pawing at my gland and throat, trying to scrabble up, my throat tilting invitingly to her. Trying to soothe the frazzled need, her nose bumping against my jaw, head ducking close, chirping and pawing.

"Pup it's okay..." Jimin soothes, hand gently and carefully brushing over her back, her fur almost standing on edge, her tail swishing back and forth, chirping against skin.

She rumbles in protest, a sharp yip that sounds threatened and urgent at the same time when he tries to coax her away but then she keens. A pained cry when her leg buckles, my hands immediately steadying and covering the injury, soothing her instincts that it's out of sight. Carefully scooping her and tilting to gently set her down, heart twisting into knots at how she still tries to paw and scrabble upright, her leg stilted.

Whimpering when I try to coax her to lie, offering my hand out instead, hoping that the instinctual, frazzled need to be closer relaxes slightly.

"Pup I'm not going anywhere." I soothe, her sounds of urgency getting louder, yipping and chirping, pawing to get closer, her scent souring with pain.

"Just stay closer to her..." Minnie suggests, trying to soothe the kit who just won't settle in his arms, twisting with distress once more, yowls agonized that she's too far away from the pup.

Jimin quickly leans forward, hand carefully cradling the small kit and when she's drawn closer to the little pup she stops thrashing, eyes wide and every inch of fur quivering before sagging, limbs folding.

Chirping low and rumbled but her scrambling paws moving to draw the kitten closer, baleful wide eyes staring at me, pleading me to stay close. To not move away from her.

"Pup must be scared." I murmur.

Fingers brushing over folded ears, rubbing at the base of them, forlorn chirps and eyes beady and trained on me. Scanning and searching.

One paw curled around the kit she drags close and the other stretched out towards me, pawing restlessly at my leg and wrist, trying to draw me near.

And she stays like that, anxiously pawing and snuffling at my wrist, trying to tug at me whilst fretting and curling tighter around the little kit. Body on edge but chasing comfort.

"She might need some more time... I don't want to leave till she's settled." I say quietly.

His body tilts close, nose nudging me cheek.

"There's no rush... we need to stop by at the station once we're done here. Take your time."

And together we sit, trying to soothe the frazzled instinct-driven pup in the nest, the blankets rumpled and her injured leg trembling.

Medicine too.

Medicine. Food. Rest. Scents.

It seemed as if the pup had woken shaky, sleep and bleariness morphing into need, raw and vulnerable. And something had disturbed her... something that had pushed her need for comfort to be greater. Something which had caused her to put herself first.

First Ji Ah, now the pup.

I only hoped the nightmares would ease off and they could find respite and safety from the prison their minds wouldn't let them escape from.

I only wished time ticked quicker and every person was caught.

And the sight of the tended to, now sleeping, though still silently fretty pup reminds me time and time again.

Lives ruined.

Not another... please never another.

JIN POV:

"Hyung!" Kook crows delighted and beaming, his floppy ears perking upright when he spots a familiar figure passing through the door, flickering black ears perking and tail swishing and curling quicker when he spots the enthusiastic greeter.

Stepping through to the warmth and scanning the bakery, the corner of his lips curving up, stretching wide into a gummy grin when Kook hurries round the table he was clearing, moving closer to him.

"Yoongi-ah~" I greet, pushing past the counter, moving the latch up to get to the two of them. Smiling at the small, subtle scent of his fingers curled around Kookie's wrist.

"Hi hyung..." he greets, letting himself be dragged forward for a quick embrace, wings flapping behind me as I draw the panther close, rubbing his flickering ears which fold, head tilting to the touch.

"What brings one of my pretty kits here? Evening snack... an early dessert, something to munch for your late night shows?" I ask, drawing him further into the bakery, watching his eyes rove over the inside, his eyes gleaming as he drinks in the surroundings. Letting himself be drawn to the glass displays by Kookie; ears perked and grin wide as he points out what he baked today.

"None actually... I wanted to get out a bit. Sneak in a date if I could... late night snacks don't sound bad, (Y/N) might be awake..." he muses, eyes drifting over the miniature macarons, avoiding eye contact but it doesn't hide the way his cheeks pinken slightly and the way his fingers curl tighter around Kook's wrist; keeping the bun anchored to his side.

I grin at him.

"A date huh? What a charming idea~" I lilt, wings fluttering as his scent blooms, Kook's nose twitch the indication of it.

"I may have a card or two up my sleeve... or a swan that whispers something every now and then." He admits with a fangy smile, turning to face me and tapping the glass with his finger.

"Can I get some of the miniature cupcakes?" he asks.

"Want me to bring them home later or a sweet treat?" I offer.

"You're not coming?" he asks with a small frown, the tips of his ears folding.

"Someone needs to man the close... and drag a wolf back home." I say, moving back round to draw the tray out.

"But I wanted to take both of you..." a slight droop, a softer tone, quiet but shuffling slightly.

"Or~ you can take me... there's really pretty festive displays on at the centre square and they have late night hybrid bars too." Kook sweetly says, eyes bright with enthusiasm, grinning knowingly at me, sparkling with excitement as he bristles beside him. Jittering with energy beside Yoongi's mellow calm.

Yoongi dithers, even as his body turns towards him, fretting about it.

Silly panther.

"I'll even buy the first drink kitty hyung~" he lures sweetly.

"I owe you a drink in the future then hyung." He murmurs finally, drawing Kookie's hand closer, their bodies tilting close, a wider tug to his lips at the infectious enthusiasm of the bun brimming beside him.

"I'll hold you to that... I like bubbly drinks and candlelight." Leaning back to pluck Kook's coat off the hook, handing it over before packing up the cupcakes, eyes drifting up to see Yoongi helping thread Kookie's arms through. The gesture's sweet, taking longer than necessary because Kookie's begun chattering about the little nooks and stalls they set up, because of the street food he loves snacking on.

Before they leave I draw both closer, pecking the smiling feline and the giggling bun whose hands fist into my apron to tug me closer, a quick dozen pecks pressed against my lips, his smile wide against me. Lingering for an instant longer each time.

"See you at home hyung."

"Don't get too tipsy... I don't know if Yoongi-ah can manhandle you back." I tease, laughing at the dark flash in his eyes, the familiar feline slit when they narrow, a small huffy hiss.

"I can so." He retorts. Tail swishing.

Kook's delight mirrors in my own, ears perking in interest as I lean forward, fixing his coat and tugging him forward by the lapels, lips ghosting along his.

"That's useful to know... go on then. Have fun~"

Patting the box now wrapped with a black satin ribbon, entirely different from the festive wrapping starting to be used.

"I'll take these and a pup home. You go and have some late night fun." I wave off, watching the two of them leave together before beginning to slowly wind up.

Clearing up the last of the tables and packing up the bakery goods, handing them over to the two part timers who'd been clearing in the back.

And armed with a box of pretty cupcakes I head out to drag home a stubborn pup.

Knowing full well he was fussy and tried to stay as long as he could, even more so since the barn raid, and if I had to wrap my wings around him or use them to whack the files out of his hands so be it.

--------

Instead a familiar doe catches my eyes as I wander into the station, navigating past desks and offices, wings rustling at the sight of her. Oddly enough there's no sight of the orange fox guard she always has hovering or clinging to her, my lips curving up as I silently sneak up behind her, wings flaring out at the last moment to wrap around her, arms snaking around her waist and wrapping her into a hug from behind.

"Hi beautiful."

She tenses for all but one second, melting against me, ears flickering as she peers back at me, relaxing in the circle of my arms and turning to smile at me.

"Shouldn't I be calling you that?" she asks curious and soft.

"Charmer... you could always reciprocate." I suggest with a smile drawing her closer, leaning to peck her cheek.

"Hi beautiful." She echoes, patting my cheek gently, eyes crinkling slightly as she smiles, her scent lost within the overwhelming cloud of pheromones that seems to clog the air, clinging to every particle and every fibre of clothed officers and civilians.

My nose scrunches, playfully dipping to sniff exaggeratedly at her flickering ears and the crown of her head, solace in how it stops the throbbing pulse of pheromones from slamming into me, curling my wings tighter around her to keep her encased in a hug that's only us. Only our natural scents.

"What brought the pretty swan to a station?" she asks, tilting her cheek to me when my head dips lower, brushing a kiss across the soft curve of it, bunching happily when I press one kiss. Then another to it.

"I was here to wrangle a pup home... didn't know I'd be herding home two pups and a curvy sweetheart too." I say with a smile, feel her hand tap the handles of the bag slung over my wrist.

"Bribing him home with treats?" she says with a teasing lilt.

I shrug.

"I'll try the nice way first~" I murmur.

"And if it doesn't work..." she trails off.

"Then I'll try the not nice way of herding a pup home... but let's let him be the big bad wolf at work." I whisper with a wink, wings unfurling unwillingly to peer at the rest of the station, eyes scanning for the two officers.

"Where did Jiminie go?"

"I told him something Ji Ah mentioned today... any and every clue helps so I think he wanted to run a quick database check to see if any Liz flags up in their system already for similar crimes. Though we have no physical features or other details to go on." she murmurs, her face flickering for an instant, pained and angry.

Nudged out of it when my hands curl tighter around her, crisscrossed and banded across her front, head tucking over hers.

"They'll get there. Every detail is going to build an iron-clad attack against them. It'll make a noose... they're not getting away. They'll pay." I say firmly.

She nods, body startling before relaxing; scent blooming sweet when she recognises the newcomer whose approached.

"Jinyoung oppa! Where's JB?" she says with a wide smile, drawn away by me, my hands falling away easily to see her be encased in a fierce hug, twirling her slightly before pressing a kiss to her temple. Cupping her cheeks and scanning her face intently, scrutinising and observing and trying to see that she's okay. That months away haven't worn away their pseudo packmate.

I step back, moving to flop down on a bench, sprawling and wings shuffling to tuck comfortably. Scanning the station, eyes flicking back and forth to (Y/N) every now and then... see at some point another canine hybrid slotting close to her, touches equally as affectionate as he scents the fawn the two have sandwiched between them.

There's a mixture of restless jealousy at the sight, feathers ruffled because she's my chickie. I know she's their pup too but my chickie. My final puzzle piece, my fawn. But the happiness makes her face glow, radiant and giddy, her scent unknowingly draws glances, hybrid officers pausing. It has human officers unconsciously drawn even if they can't astutely scent.... It brings a mixture of possessiveness and satisfaction; that that's my packmate. That's my fawn. But all the same, something prickles at having so many eyes turn to her, the officers' cautiousness slowly engrained into our minds.

My eyes sweep away, drifting to the office labelled as Joon's. Gaze settling on it, watching as it swings open, a tall figure stepping out.

Entirely unfamiliar. Gaze stern and sharp, files tucked under his arm and posture imposing despite the slight curved hunch to it.

There's authority in his silent movement, officers bowing their heads in respect, stepping aside for him.

There's something sharp in the way his eyes pierce every officer, calculating and observing and when he steps through to the Surveillance Unit, it becomes clear why.

The sharp astuteness belonging to a senior officer who commands the small unit he moves to give orders to; demanding presence felt even through the glass walls. Something ironic about the surveillance team being entirely in view.

But then he slams the files down and taps a sequence of buttons, the walls flickering and morphing into opaqueness. Solid, dark walls that shuts them away.

Huh.

Nifty.

Then my vision's blocked by the sudden blur of color of uniform, eye to eye with buttons and fabric, eyes drifting up to see a woman in front of me. Smiling at me, eyes drifting as I stand, wings flaring out before tucking back, interest gleaming in light eyes.

"Can I help you?" I ask politely, eyes falling to her name badge.

Officer Kwang.

"I should be asking that... are you waiting to file a complaint? I can..." she begins, hand beckoning to her vacated desk.

I shake my head.

"Just waiting on a few people."

"Can I get you anything? A hot drink?" polite and courteous but eyes gleaming with interest.

I shake my head, stepping away.

"Please no bother. I'll be leaving in a bit, there's really no formality." I insist.

See her lips twitch, eyes rueful as she nods and respects the words, moving away.

Having shot her shot and tried.

But they don't appear immediately, (Y/N)'s still engrossed in conversation, something tight and shadowed in her eyes and the set of her jaw as the other two talk to her.

The sight making me frown.

Neither Jimin nor Namjoon are finished with whatever they're holed up doing. I'm about to stand, ready to shake my feathers out and move back towards (Y/N) when another body suddenly tilts and curves and presses into my space.

The sharp, sour stench of stale sweat, bile and alcohol slamming into my nose, lungs shuddering and trying to expel it immediately. Glaring at the unwelcomed newcomer, meet inebriated, hazy eyes, the leering grin across his lips baring wide. A feral, unseemly baring of teeth.

"You need to move." I say hardly, lips pressing tight and nose scrunching, tilting back to avoid the closeness of his face looming near mine.

"I need to make a move. So. Number handsome? Or are you less talk and more about... show?" closing the distance.

My wings press to the hard, cold wall. Glaring hotly at him, aching to push past but that'd put me directly closer, to loom forward against the caged space of his body, his hands on either side as he sways, both to steady himself and to press closer.

The revulsion grows thicker and heavier.

"Hard pass. Drunk and reeking is not a taste for anyone." I say, hating that when he moves closer I have to turn my head to avoid the clumsy press of his body until it curls against mine.

"Don't be hard to get... I'll make it worth your while pretty bird-so fucking hot... are they sensitive?" he muses almost to himself, hand moving to brush against the rim of the wing, my body tensing, moving to push him away when he's suddenly moving back. Body twisting away, hand snatched away from near my wing and forcefully dragged off me.

The hand that'd been about to brush against the edge of my wing is wrenched back sharply, a slurred groan slipping past his lips.

"I don't like when people touch what's mine. I certainly don't like my swan being harassed by a drunk." A voice hisses, sharp and low with venom and rage. Blazing doe eyes that flare with anger as (Y/N) pushes the man away from me, posture defensive and prickly.

My lips part silently, part in admiration, part shock and nearly all parts fluttering silent gushing.

My swan.

"Who's this? Mind your own business slag. Hybrids are good for nothing but spreading their legs. And unless you're going to spread yours instead of him move." He hisses, stumbling and tilting dangerously.

And that flare of warmth spirals into something hot and vicious and furious. About to lunge for his throat myself when (Y/N) reaches a decision herself.

But there's something darker and more dangerous in her eyes, a hard steeliness and the slam of her fist against his jaw is almost as sudden as it is surprising and satisfying to hear the sickening crack, as if her entire weight's been propelled into the move.

Breath sharp as she stares at him clutch his mouth.

"Don't fucking dare talk about my mate like that. I'll make sure to file for harassment on several counts and attempted assault after I make sure that nose is broken." She hisses, body a protective flank unconsciously trying to shield me.

And he growls, animalistic and unhinged, as he lunges forward, her own body tensing to strike back when he's dragged back, a vicious, louder, authoritative growl snapping through the air, cutting the man's pitiful whine silent.

Blazing, furious eyes as Joon stands there, snapping an order for the man to be put into a holding cell, his scent a storm of forest musk, almost suffocatingly sick. Every limb seeming to tremble with barely contained rage.

Voice a low rumble of sound, a mixture of growl and voice.

"Fuck... that shouldn't ever have happened. (Y/N)... Jin hyung are you okay?" he asks, rushing forward, body cagey and posturing heavily, a tall alpha glaring at anyone who tries to veer close enough to help or step into the orbit of a growling seething wolf.

His hands fret over hers, the knuckles unsplit and barely red. Something viciously pleased and proud in his eyes even as his thumb brushes tenderly over the slightly pink skin.

"You can pack quite a punch." Jimin muses, admiring and preening.

"If needs be." Silently enduring Joon's fretting whilst Jimin hovers near me, hands darting about and scanning my wings, scanning me before I nudge him back with a grin.

"It might have to be knight in shining armour and not fawn fairy." I say with a smile, even though something aches at her having to hear a derogatory slur, at having to be reduced just like every other hybrid to being nothing more than animal with breeding urges.

As if that's all people will ever see.

"I'm fine Joon. Didn't need to storm the station and make everyone cower." She says lightly, but his scent is still strong and frazzled, dominant alpha pheromones pulsing out as he ducks his head to nuzzle at her throat, lathering her immediately with earthy scent. Claiming her publicly and claiming her so the others... so everyone in the station can detect that she's ours.

Her hands slip away from Joon, turning to face me. Hands brushing off my jacket, curling around my forearms before slipping up.

A sudden tug as she loops her hands around my neck, drawing me closer until my head's tilted towards hers. Voice soft.

"Are you okay Jinnie? Sorry I didn't get to you sooner." She murmurs, nose brushing against mine, voice light but hands coaxing me closer.

I grin, pecking the tip of her nose.

"It's fine sweetheart, who knew a possessive fawn could be so-"

Her lips press to mine, scorching and fierce and hungry. Soft fullness pressing to mine, curling closer, her body pressed to mine. My hands wrap around her, drawing her infinitely closer, hands splayed across the low of her back, chasing the feverish scorch of her mouth, the intense brush of her lips tracing and learning my own, tilting towards her to chase the sweet press of her lips, curling against her coat and wings fluttering behind me, flaring with the urge to encase her, to hide her, to draw her close. To keep us and this moment like this. Her tongue flicks against the seam of my lips in fervent want, curling against my own, my groan muffled against her at the flick of her tongue where her teeth nip slightly. Her mouth against mine is a brand, slowly tearing away before leaning back. Pressing to my lips once. Twice. Thrice. Four times before she leans back, nose brushing mine and voice soft but firm.

"I meant what I said. My swan. And the last one I'm going to let near is a leering drunk." Her sharp pant a breathy claim, the feel of her lips still a searing imprint against my own.

My lips surge forward, teeth scraping slightly, delving to taste the promise, the words against her tongue.

"My mate. I thought I'd die waiting for you and Kook to figure things out. Wanted to kiss you both stupid." I mutter.

"Pining preys was it so hard to admit it wasn't just heat or rut talk?" I groan, pecking her between each word, hands cupping her cheeks to keep her close, huffing as my wings flap, rustling with my discontentment about how long it'd taken them to admit they saw each other as mates.

And when we part, the scent of mint and earthy musk has grown to a rich intensity that even my nose burns with, the wickedly amused smirk tugging at Jimin's face and the stunned stillness, contrasted by dark glinting pupils that are frozen to the sight.

Voice a low rough growl that sounds wrecked and on the barest threads of the end of his tether, of lunging forward to press whoever he reaches first to the wall.

"I don't appreciate the free show everyone's seemed to have made of it. Eyes off my mates." Joon growls, eyes tearing away, a possessive stance and glare shot to any lingering eyes, his ears perked and tail still.

"How about we go home then? I'm not done with this." I breathe, hands curling around (Y/N) to drag her closer, wings tucking her closer.

"How about remember this is a station not your nest hyung?" Joon groans, eyes flickering and sweeping over the station, taking in his surroundings, accepting his proffered coat by Jimin who'd silently vanished for a few moments. Murmuring the office was locked.

"I won't apologise for such a handsy fawn." I shrug, feel her smile even though I don't see it. Wings untucking to usher her along out of the office.

My eyes drifting to the office that'd gone incognito, walls turned dark.

"You've got really nifty tech by the way. Surveillance is all hush hush." I remark as we walk past it.

"Ahh... Min Da's unit. He's formidable even just as a desk-assigned officer. Never seen someone so astute and handy with keeping tabs on the black market and red-light districts." Jimin muses, pushing the door open, his ears flickering and folding to brace against the curling brush of cold air.

"He's been working the desk duties long before we even became officers. He knows the ins and outs of the legal system... his unit's help solve crimes across all the divisions." Joon adds.

"So the factory surveillance, the undercover officers you mentioned... he heads that." (Y/N) surmises.

The other two hum in response, coming to a standstill when realising there's two cars to head back into.

Without thought or discussion I draw (Y/N) to me.

"I get sweetheart." Brooking no argument, staring at the two of them who seem to wilt, drooping, mouths opening to protest.

"Protection detail or not you can follow our car. But I want (Y/N). I've just gotten her to confess... you really think I'm letting go?" I ask, brows raised.

"But hyung-" Joon refutes, a twist to his lips, tail thumping anxiously. Frettingly.

"Pups... non-negotiable. We're driving back the same way with you right behind us."

"Come on alpha Joon~" (Y/N) wheedles, eyes big and imploring, ears flickering and threatening to fold when it seems like he'll dither, he'll refuse.

But he caves.

Nodding as he slumps, watching the two of us get in before leaning to peck her quickly before tilting to me.

A small, huffed whine when my lips brush his quickly.

"Don't make me bite." I tease as he withdraws, eyes tracking the two of them to their own car, waiting for Jimin's nod, his own car visible through my rear-view mirror. Eyes sharp and focused.

"Let's get you home (Y/N) and right into my nest." I trill, driving out of the station parking.

Voice soft and quiet and honest when she replies, hand reaching over to draw mine between both of hers, warm fingers encasing mine.

"I've waited a long time to hear that with a new meaning Jinnie."

"I've waited a long time to call you mine."

---------

"Oh! I like this..." Kook coos with delight, cheeks flushed and eyes lidded, laughing as he leans against Yoongi, his ears endearingly flopped on either side of his face.

The pink tint is visible on Yoongi's cheeks too, so is the glassiness to his eyes, but his senses are far sharper, far more aware, far more conscious as he steadies the sway to Kook's body, tail wrapping around him.

"Like...?" Tae trails off, equally delighted at the sight he tilts his head to take in, stripey tail curling behind him, a fangy, boxy grin stretched wide across his face as he watches Yoongi lower Kook down onto the couch, watches him sprawl with content across Hobi and Jimin, nosing affectionately at Hobi's cheek. Nose scrunching at the mwah pressed to his cheek and then his floppy ear.

"The wing tuck!" he gestures, giddy smile as he wriggles on their lap, my arms curled around and resting on (Y/N)'s lap, her scent delightfully sweet and curling off her glands; slightly reddened and puffy.

"Ah~ I like something too." Tae replies with seriousness, straightening up slowly, propping himself up his arms, his gait reminiscent of his sprawling tiger frame that'd prowled about the living room and apartment only last night.

It's fair to say... with Kook's enhanced metabolism that the alcohol burns through his system quickly, so he's just indulgently affectionate, instincts and soft, sweet nature shining through. Playful and giddy and pink.

"What is it?" Hobi asks, voice a loud hushed whisper, ears twirling, head affectionately bonking against Kook's, cheek rubbing against his, the twirling tips of his ears bending to graze and tickle the curve of a rosy cheek. Watches with his arm thrown over our bun's waist at the way he squirms and laughs and tilts to the touch even as his eyes remain on Tae's slowly tilting body.

Caging him in against them, stripey ears flickering.

"You."

The chuffed response pleased and preening when Kook just tilts his lips upwards, sandwiched between three predators. The coy I like you too hyung-ah. The small playful growl before he surges forward at the invite, a mess of giggles and entangled limbs and soft pecks turning into lingering kisses, a snap of fangs trying to coax out a groan against eager lips.

Yoongi slowly draws his coat off, undoing his scarf, fingers stilling slightly at the curled up figure Joon makes on a single armchair, pouring over files, glasses perched on his nose.

His eyes drift to me, head tilting and silently asking.

Is he okay?

My wings flutter around (Y/N) slightly, shrugging my shoulders silently, though his silent solitary figure hasn't gone unmissed by the rest of the pack either. But his scent hasn't caused a nervous shift in the others, it hasn't caused worry in Jimin whose already gravitated close to peer over his shoulder, hand curled around him and peering over at the files.

"He's brooding." (Y/N) murmurs, watching as Yoongi tugs off the rest of his outer-layers, drifting over to silently check on the wolf.

My eyes settle on the perk of fluffy brown ears, head tilting back to greet the panther behind him. Voices quiet murmurs.

"What about? Cos if this is the car thing still-" I start.

Feel her hand rest over mine.

"More alpha wolf headspace... he looks like he's thinking things over. Officer headspace more so actually-" she muses, slowly slipping off my lap to quietly pad over to him.

Drawing the files away momentarily as she ducks her head to peer at his own ducked expression; hand cupping his cheek.

She murmurs something quieter to him, coaxes him to stand and tidy up the file he'd been mindlessly staring at, eyes falling to the cluster of four still giggling and squirming on the couch.

"How does a tea party for four sound Jinnie?"

Hand drawing up Joon beside her.

"A panther, a swan, a wolf and me!"

And it sounds like the opening of a new fairytale.

One written by us.

---------

There's something decisively off about Namjoon. Flitting moments of growly possessiveness snapping at the smallest and surprising of moments, a caginess to his movements and an increasing amount of time the pack finds themselves being shepherded and herded along by a shifted wolf nosing at the back of their legs to nudge them towards a bedroom or the living room. Tail thumping with contentment only when he's either sprawled beside one of us or curled up close after nosing and sniffing and pawing about the perimeters of the room.

Guard mode Jimin calls it the first time he stumbles into the kitchen, sleepy and bleary, the side of his leg nudged at by Joon's nose, fingers absently scratching at the perked ears before he realises it's Joon, dropping down to wind an arm around him, humming happily, eyes fluttering open and shut as Joon scents him on the kitchen floor with a paw steadied on his thigh and shifted weight used to pin him from moving until he's sufficiently lathered in earthy musk.

But what triggers the guard mode I don't know.

What triggers the silent but sharp alertness in his eyes, shifted or not, I don't know... can't tell whether it's because winter deepens as it plunges into its coldest and darkest nights, whether the smell of cold crispness and scents doused by the chill seems to make him fret or whether it's because the office work is stirring up even more fretty instincts.

"Is there something going on at work Namjoon-ah?" Hobi asks, nudging forward a bowl of soup, eyeing the shadowed eyes with similar concern.

He shakes his head even as Jimin echoes it.

"No horrible spin or lurch in the case... Joon love if this is about the scorpions then I've told you we've got people on that." Jimin says with a sigh, worried and concerned as he looks at his mate, a different weariness in his eyes. The pain of seeing and sensing a mate thrash and keen with distress that he can't solve or take away.

"You've been getting cagier since that day at the station." Tae points out, ears wilting at the thought.

"That's sorted. The man's facing charges he can't escape. He committed crimes with countless officers and CCTV as witness." I retort, knowing full-well that though I'd seen pure feral, raw anger in his eyes that day it wasn't that.

Instincts and gut feeling told me it wasn't.

"I'm sorry... am I making the nest uncomfortable?" he asks, head ducking low on his shoulders as he stirs his spoon through the soup, looking chagrined and scolded.

Kicked puppy. That's what the expression means. The look of downcast eyes and folded ears and looking lost and swallowed up in a big hoodie, that I recognize as my own, fiddling with his sleeve.

That's what the expression means come to life in front of my eyes.

"No!" Kookie disagrees, ears flopping and looking hurt at his hurt, shaking his head quickly.

"If there's something wrong Joon then you can tell us. We're pack." I say softly.

But it feels as if our concern is coming across as confrontation for how his body shrinks, how it makes him swallow nervously as if the words are pressing in on him from either end.

"Stop."

The plea isn't said by him, it's said by Yoongi, his tail curling silently behind him, eyes narrowed onto the sight of the drooped, small posture he makes. So different from the imposing broad figure Joon usually makes.

"Leave it for another time... eat up pup." He coaxes gently.

The weight seems to bear down on his shoulders regardless, but his body silently gravitates towards the preys after dinner, drawing (Y/N) down onto his lap and silently nuzzling, finding comfort and solace in having Kookie lean against him, and scenting the fawn he keeps encased between his arms.

Maybe it's shifting pack dynamics. Maybe it's alpha wolf instinct calling and tugging at him to fret and fuss and keep the prey packmates close now that the whole dynamics have settled or been labelled.

"You're going all alpha you know..." Koo muses distractedly, chin resting on Namjoon's shoulder, rubbing back and forth absently, silently scenting and nuzzling.

Joon's own snuffles at (Y/N)'s throat pause. A small, confused whine when he has to turn away to peer at him, ears droopy with hazy, scenty comfort.

"What do you mean?"

"You're all grrrr at anyone trying to steal away the preys. I'm not even sure you'd let me whisk away a fawn..." he muses, fake swiping for her, a half-hearted tug that has a mixture of a keening whine and growl mixed together ring out, ears folding and tail thumping anxiously before swatting him on his thigh when he realises it's just a joke.

"It's cute. I didn't think the word alpha was cute... but you're a big pup hyung." Koo laughs.

"I am not!" he refutes, (Y/N) reaching up to rub the base of his ears, her own flickering happily when he keens and thumps happily at the gentle rubs and the trail of her nails. Arms tightening around her.

I lean forward from where Jimin's curled against me, rubbing circles onto his nape.

"You really are."

---------

The slam of the door is harsh and forceful, knocking against the wall before it's shoved abruptly shut, my body twisting on the bed, Hobi's hands stilling on my wings, movements paused.

The smell of sharp earth is tangibly thick, worming through every crevice and immediately commanding the air with its cloying intensity. Dominating every particle of air as he hurries past, body a whirlwind of movement, a deep guttural growl rumbling low in the depths of his chest.

I twist off the bed, scrabbling after him, feel Hobi right at my ankles, hurrying behind me as I follow the angry, raging inferno of pheromones clouding the apartment.

"Namjoon wait! What's wrong?" I call after him, alarmed and voice rising, back twinging with the dull aches that'd only been half-soothed away.

The twinges return in full intensity at the alarming jolt of his scent pulsing and threading through the open doors, the agitation and bristling aggression in his pheromones yanking at the others.

There's a blur of movement as the two of us move after him, hurrying to get past the partition to where his scent leads, a clear trail left behind by the scent of cloying waterlogged earth. Rich and saturated and heavy with moisture and dampness; the scent of leaves crushed underfoot. A decaying sharp tinge to it.

My heart clenches tightly, plummeting to dark depths when I'm hurrying past the living room door and a sound entangles with his dominating, possessive pheromones.

The sharp cry yanks at every instinct, lungs burning for breath and staggering to a stop.

Unable to believe the sight in front of me.

Not daring to.

(AND THERE WE GO!! A 17K CHAPTER FOR MY ONE AND ONLY LOML MIDI MY DARLING I HOPE IT'S SOMETHING THAT SURPRISED YOU AND COS YOU DESERVE THIS!! THERE'S JUST SO MUCH HAPPENING THIS CHAPTER THAT I ALREADY CAN'T WAIT TO GET STARTED ON THE NEXT CHAPTER!! GAHHHHHH! I'M SCREECHING AND DYING WITH ANTICIPATION FOR ALL THESE CLUES TO SLOT TOGETHER AND JUST. I CAN'T GAHHH! I CAN'T WAIT!! THERE WERE SO MANY SNIPPETS OF SO MANY MOMENTS! TAGTEAMING SOPE! THE CLUE FROM JI AH! THE FRETTY LITTLE BABIES!! SO MUCH FLUFF! JIN AND BABY FAWN!! LET ME KNOW YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT AND JUST GENERALLY WHAT YOU THOUGHT!! TAKE CARE AND ENJOY!!)

QUESTION... Choose from the letter

A. Namkook
B. Taejin
C. Yoonmin

What it's for in Claws who knows~

Answer... NOT TELLING

Borahae!💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3