HOBI POV:

Merging three small groups, three different dynamics and bringing them together as pack, as something new and wonderful and hopeful and yet scary and daunting.

Who knew that listening to the neighbours loudly claim, within earshot, how much they despised having hybrids stay in the complex, that suffering and enduring under constantly judging and scrutinising eyes that never truly left, and feeling caged within your own home- to an extent never truly able to relax knowing the threats that waited beyond it, the constant judgement would lead to something this wonderful? A solution that rid of us of the burden so easily?

When Namjoon and Jimin had brought up that the flat next door to them was available, that we could join the two and merge it, it had been such a brilliant solution, so bright in the way it became a ray of light to pierce through the fog, the weight of being suppressed in our own homes that I hadn't been able to stop myself from leaping at him, scooping up Jimin and Namjoon into my arms to give a tight squeeze- arms falling away with bashfulness when the two had been startled by it, stiffening slightly even as they'd smiled that my hands had fallen away, shuffling back slightly to give them air to breathe even if I wanted nothing more to smother them in gratitude.

Because it would mark such a monumental change. Yoongi hyung would be able to go out and about with far more freedom, choosing to remain inside because he couldn't bear the stares directed at us or at him, because it triggered every one of his instincts to see narrowed eyes- the world filled with predators disguised as humans that leered and watched, waiting to spring. Because Tae, our beautiful cub, despite being joyful and peppy could smile without restraint, could smile without fear of his sharp incisors scaring away the neighbours- because he'd be with pack, with others just like us.

And for me. Because apart from the enormous benefit and chance it brought to allow us to bond more, give us more direct connection with each other and live together- sorting out the dynamics as we went and navigated it together, it was also in a district that had a more balanced mix of the two, a more hybrid-populated area and somehow knowing that two of my new packmates were officers, added a layer of security I didn't know I needed until my instincts were rolling around happily in it.

And the three days taken as official leave to settle in was surprisingly both too much and too little.

Because there had been this heavy tense air as we'd all turned up, though we'd greeted each other with smiles, there was something noticeably different about the way we glanced around the space, something new and anxious about the way Jimin and Namjoon had opened the door to their apartment to welcome us all inside- their eyes flickering to us to see our reactions, to gauge our responses. Almost hovering uncertainly in what would be our new home until Jin hyung had cracked the stiff silence with an awfully bad pun that had Jimin bursting into giggles, clutching at Namjoon for support, Jungkook's nose scrunching as he tried not to laugh and Tae's face splitting into a boxy grin as he nuzzled at me, looking admiringly at him.

We'd viewed both the apartments, the spare one an almost mirrored version of Namjoon and Jimin's and because we were still testing out the waters, gauging out where everyone fit, it made automatic sense for the three of us to take the second master bedroom, a large spacious room, in Jimin and Namjoon's flat and for Jin hyung and Jungkook to stay next door, until they felt settled and comfortable enough to veer over and merge our living spaces.

And since the last time we'd made the decision to now, weeks later, we'd learnt that Namjoon had had the lease ordered, seven signatures collected at some point and now the two flats were connected by a door, the wall that held the two together, now became something to allow us to drift over anytime, but also reminded the two prey hybrids that there was a safe space if they ever became overwhelmed.

It blew me away. Namjoon's thoughtfulness and when Yoongi hyung praised him for it, the large wolf hybrid seemed to melt and soften into a large pup, an eager cub whose tail wagged happily, about to knock over one of the lighter boxes until Jimin intercepted- with practiced ease and sharp reflexes; the adorable blush and wide-eyed stance more than worth it.

And small instances such as bouts of clumsiness, aptly interjected jokes and the adorable shuffling as the younger hybrids gravitated towards the maknae had the air easing up, into a giddy lighter air that thrummed with several scents seeping out. Some gentle and faint, from the layers of scent-blocker and some strong and potent mingling with the already present scent of Namjoon and Jimin that was woven together intricately, seeped into each corner of the apartment.

And at the end of the three days we reach a sweetly awkward phase of spending the days together and slowly dispersing for the night into our own rooms, doors shutting behind the small groups. It wasn't the strong, life bound pack dynamic but it was natural, it was normal.

And that was more than enough for me.

Because it was healthy. Because it was normal. Because it meant that slowly with time it would deepen.

And even as I curled around Tae and felt Yoongi hyung's tail rest on my waist, the scent was different- there were trails of Jimin and Namjoon's intertwined scent drifting lightly in the air and the sweeter softer scent of Jungkook, and the slight subtle layer of something intrinsically Jin hyung that was laced through it. It was comforting and reassuring and helped lull the three of us to a deeper easier sleep. The scent satisfying some innate need, impulse.

----

And yet the three days also were an eye-opener, that it would take some time to adjust. That even if my instinctual needs were demanding that I leave trails of my scent over our new home, to establish my territory, my safe space- which I satiated by leaving small trinkets and personal touches that began to scatter across the apartment, the slow appearance of lives merging, I couldn't bring myself to casually scent Jimin whenever he sat beside me at breakfast, couldn't tug the sweet shy wolf Namjoon was into my arms for an impromptu cuddle like I did with Tae or Yoongi hyung and though I found myself easily crossing the door connecting the two flats far more easily than the others did at times, I didn't want to fulfil my need to be with another familiar face, catch up with Jin hyung as he cooked, when it meant that poor Jungkook was also a startled bundle of limbs, jolting when I accidentally veered too close or when in my brief scenting of Jin hyung as a greeting, my arms automatically went to wrap around the sweet bun too.

It required gentle hands and a bit of tip-toeing slightly but I felt hope because the friendliness grew, the comfort grew and in the three days I found that I wasn't the only one throwing longing glances to the others, not when Tae mumbled into my skin how nice it would be to cuddle-pile with such nice scents floating about, or when Yoongi hyung thoughtfully contemplated whether Jin hyung's hugs would come with his wings to wrap around them, eyes deep and lost in thought, tail swaying almost hypnotically.

And when I left to return to work, it was with an eager Tae wrapped up all warm and this time, Yoongi hyung didn't send us off at the door with a brief thorough scenting but decided to brave it, easing up when we got nothing but smiles and welcoming glances as we made our way out.

Already it was different.

Already it was positive, and Yoongi hyung's tail no longer swayed with the coiled-up alertness of readying himself to defend, it was a casual light sway as we walked together.

And when we reached the centre he tugged us in for a firm kiss, taking his time to coax out a small needy sound out of Tae and me before leaning back, eyes alight with mischief and narrowed on us, taking us in before he turns to leave, oozing predatory satisfaction as he waves over his shoulder.

Who knew getting more packmates would draw out the teasing, predatory nature even more out of hyung as he walks away silently? Who knew that our lives could change all with a fateful encounter?

And as the two of us split off to head to our individual duties, who knew that I'd walk into (Y/N)'s office and find a sight that stops me? 

Who knew three days could bring about so much change?

JOON POV:

I tug at the ends of my hair with frustration and building anger as I stare helplessly at the case files that my team had put together. Two months and the barest of hints on the trafficking case. Two months and I found myself feeling both helpless and miserable, felt the fury towards the people who thought it was acceptable. Two months and the traffickers were still roaming free, not knowing how many poor young hybrids had been abducted, how many had been sold and just where on earth were they.

"Officer Kim we've been in contact with police stations around Seoul, there hasn't been any kidnappings or abductions being reported that fit with the trafficker's actions. No young hybrids that have gone missing, none that have vanished into thin air." One of the officers report, sighing as he shuts his file to look at me, equally as frustrated and agitated with the lack of evidence we had.

It was all heavily revolving around one case. One young bear hybrid who was being taken care of at the finest hybrid care centre, and we only had the testimony of the old human couple who'd found him stumbling around, growling as he'd torn into their fruit and vegetable patch in their back garden.

No sight, no scent or trace of where he'd come from.

And though Jimin and I had received consistently regular updates, positive updates from (Y/N) that Min-Jun was making steady improvements, that he was getting better- he also didn't mention his life before being found at all.

And I couldn't push a poor cub to relive his trauma. It made my instincts all antsy and unsettled at the thought.

The officers file out once we come to a conclusion that it's best if we draw up criminal profiles, see if any hold links to the trafficking rings when my phone rings.

And a small thread of warmth seeps through me, instincts growling with happiness when I hear Jin hyung on the other end of the phone joyfully calling to say he's sent dosiraks with Jungkook because Jiminie and I had rushed out without food- playfully chiding that pups needed to eat to save the world.

It's a phone call that brings a stirring of hope and tenderness to push away the negativity piling up in my head, the whispers that I'm failing my instincts, failing to assess, defend and protect. Because his words make my other instincts growl happily, that despite being the one to look out for everyone- driven by an innate need to, there was someone looking out for me.

And a breakthrough does come.

In the most unexpected ways.

When a firm knock comes at my officer door and an officer steps in, a big burly officer who sceptically says that there's a shy bunny waiting to meet me.

I note the way Jungkook edges in cautiously, throwing more fearful looks at the officer than to me, a small gift in itself that he doesn't recoil from the way my scent is thick and heavy in the confines of my office, dipping his head in greeting and gratitude but not letting his eyes stray away from the officer, ears perked up and stiff.

"Officer you can leave." I say, dismissing him because I can see the way Jungkook's tail twitches nervously and how despite his broad muscled frame, he seems to grow small almost, tentative and on edge, breathing out when the door shuts.

He smiles, a shy tentative smile that causes his nose to scrunch, as he holds out the wrapped dosiraks, holding them out for me, fingers brushing when I take it, internally celebrating when he doesn't flinch from the accidental, and yet not so accidental, touch.

"Jin hyungie sent them for the two of you. He...uh, has a habit of feeding me and I know it extends to pack too." He confesses sweetly when I place the package down.

He dithers uncertainly in front of me, unsure whether to leave or remain when his eyes catch onto the strew of papers covering the desk, head cocked as he approaches out of curiosity, pushing aside the fear to get close.

His eyes are wide and intrigued as he looks at the papers, cocking his head to try and read the upside-down words and details before he seems to realise how close he'd gravitated, body leaning in close enough that his soft scent tickles the inside of my nose, has my wolf happily rolling in the thin tendrils of scent.

"Oh sorry hyung. Is this the case you and Jimin hyung mentioned? About a trafficking ring?" he asks, stepping back a bit.

I miss the warmth his body exuded when he leaves a slight gap, ears drooping slightly- now that the tension has left his body.

"Yeah, it's frustrating to be stuck on it still. Why were you scared of the officer Jungkook-ah?" I ask, the familiarity slipping off my tongue with ease.

He startles as if he's been caught out, a small pinkening to his cheeks, ears wilting as if expecting a scolding.

But his voice is level despite its softness when he speaks.

"He just gave me uncomforting vibes. Like I knew he's an officer but it made my instincts unsettled. Like when something just triggers the hybrid side of you, you know?" he asks.

I nod along, his words making sense when they sink in, mingle with the jumbled fragments of the case and make me pause.

I blink rapidly as I straighten up, the difference in posture making Jungkook startle a bit as he looks on.

"Jungkook-ah you genius! Thanks bun!" I say, grabbing my jacket before rushing forward, hand gently carding through his hair as an automatic response to wanting to pet and groom alongside the praise and I find myself melting when his ears droop further, relaxing slightly at the light caress even if he makes a startled sound in the low of his throat.

"What? What happened hyung?" he asks, trailing after me as I rush to the door, uncertain and confused.

My eyes are bright as I turn to him, suddenly reinvigorated and energetic at the slight hope his words have blossomed inside me.

"You gave me an idea for the case. Hyung will drop you off on the way, let's go." I say, rushed and buzzing with the need to hurry.

He doesn't say anything as he follows me out, confused surprise decorating his features but smiling all the same.

Bashful and sweet.

And the sight of that is so endearing it threatens to derail me from my focused train of thought.

Focus Namjoon focus. Stop getting distracted at how cute Jungkook looks when he's praised.

----

I knock at the door of (Y/N)'s office, fidgeting restlessly as I shift from foot to foot, waiting for her to respond, for her to open the door, growing more and more fidgety as I wait.

"She's not in the office. She's out with one of the children." A voice says from behind me, a soft fussy matronly mother hen figure who peers at me over half-moon spectacles, the files she'd been holding cradled towards her.

She scrutinises me, a slow thorough observational gaze that pokes at my instinctual need to bare my teeth, to growl out my authority, but I hold back. Somehow sensing it wouldn't be greatly received at all.

"Ahh, well when she comes back can you tell her Officer Kim came, it's regarding the case. If you could just tell her to give me a call..." I ask dithering.

She gives a curt nod before she walks off to her desk, eyes curiously lingering.

And as much as I wished that she was here, so I could propose the idea to her, propose what Jungkook had put into my head, I couldn't make her materialise out of thin air.

And with dejection walk out, wishing fervently that my phone rings soon. That she returns so I can ask her, and hopefully get our first solid hint or lead on this case.

(Y/N) POV:

"Oh honey I'm so sorry. Come here darling, I'll put it away." I fuss when Min-Jun shrieks and wails, fumbling over his body in his haste to backtrack against the walls of his nest, pushing himself into the pillows and softly-scented blankets for protection, peering at me with doleful eyes. Hurt and silently accusing.

Min-Jun stiffens waiting until I've moved the toys from his line of sight before he crumples in his nest, sobbing as he clutches at the pillows, furiously burrowing his face into them. My heart breaks at the way his sobs and cries are muffled in the pillow, curling up over it as he physically tries to make himself smaller.

"Away. Want it away!" he shrieks, voice cracking as he screams, tears flowing down his ruddy cheeks, hair falling forward to hide from sight, his own scent screeching with hurt and fear- the smell so sharp it threatens to overwhelm me, to pierce through the fog that suppressants provide, threaten to rile up and have every instinct screaming in response.

"It's gone. Baby I'm sorry. You won't ever see it again. It's okay sweetheart." I soothe, wishing in one of those rare instances that I didn't have scent blockers on, that I could try soothe him with my scent.

But I never wanted him or any other child to grow dependant on being calmed by scent, for their emotions and reactions to be manipulated or triggered a certain way. I didn't want them to have that dependence on hybrid scents, because they were going to grow up to live in a mixed world. And for that, I couldn't give them such a handicap.

And my usually silent, quiet instincts become unsettled as he continues to fitfully cry and shriek, heart aching at the way he seems to have crumpled and when I open my arms for him, it's with the dismayed thought that I might've severed one of the most important foundations in an attachment bond. Trust.

Not expecting for him to look at me with baleful glassy eyes, to clutch tighter at the pillow for a few moments longer and then suddenly pounce. The suddenness of his motion knocking me backwards as I fall into the soft padded ground, suddenly arms full and torso pinned down by a sniffling sad baby bear.

He scents almost obsessively, nose tucked into the crook of my neck, rubbing furiously to get some sort of scent on him and to be soothed by the floral fruity tones of the products I use, body tight and firm as he clutches at me, winds his limbs around me to cling on.

"Don't wan-na hurt. Don't let bad men take me away." he begs pleadingly, tears wetting the skin of my neck and trickling and soaking into my thin jumper, damp with the proof of his heartache and trauma as he mumbles pleas, promising to be a better boy, to eat all his veggies without fuss.

I run my hand through his longer hair, gently scratch at his scalp whilst the other is equally as tight and needy as I hold him close, running my hand up and down his back to try and settle him.

He remains tightly coiled on top of me for some time, unable to stop the instinctual need to scent and settle, rubbing his skin against mine, sobbing and pleading.

And with each cry, with each tear that wets my neck I silently rue myself, feel the guilt build in the pit of my stomach, gnawing away at me, at what I'd done.

Beginning to regret being bought into Namjoon's idea. His proposed idea as to how to get hints about the traffickers. I'd gotten a hint alright, a blatant screaming sobbing hint, and I feel shame curl around me- that somewhere along the lines, I'd failed to consider how extreme Min-Jun's reaction would be, failed to consider that it might push him into reliving trauma.

And as his body begins to loosen around me, sink into me and relax, sobs trailing off with hiccupping gasps and small nuzzles, the frantic nature to establish his safety lessening as he relaxes, sinks into a soft dazed puddle of limbs.

And as his breaths even, small puffs against my neck as he slips into sleep- tired out from the mental exhaustion and burden of being pushed too far, too sudden I find that I'm unable to move, finding that he's pinned me, that moving will only stir him.

And I don't want to do that, can't do that to him, even if after some time I grow restless and fidgety, trying my best to stay still and motionless under him.

What an eventful day and it's not even noon yet.

But then the door gets pushed open, a sudden trail of scent, subdued because of the scent blockers but there nonetheless, announcing Hobi's arrival and I hear his bright call and greeting trail off immediately, shushed by the sight that greets his eyes.

And on silent feet he approaches, treading lightly as he slips off his shoes to pad onto the soft cushioned ground, approaching my line of sight as he hovers over me, a bright grin gracing his face, auburn soft strands falling forward as he peers at me, seeming far too content to continue his observation.

"Hobi." I breathe, hearing the relief in my own voice and he must too because he pauses, smile stilling as he sinks into a crouch, taking in the position that Min-Jun is sprawled over me in.

Mentally connecting it with his taught knowledge before understanding lights his eyes.

"Did he have a relapse?" he asks almost fearfully, sorrow on his face as his hand hovers over Min Jun, not touching because he knows that Min Jun startles when a predator approaches when he's unaware, it pushes his instincts into fight or flight- and usually ends with him retreating quickly after his claws make a mad slash at whoever it is.

I nod.

"Can you help me move him? I think my back will give out on me." I say lightly, smiling but it's strained and wobbles, eyes ducking away from his observing, penetrative ones.

And carefully he guides his arm around me, slowly helping me sit up as I move with Min-Jun still wound around me, carefully cradling him until I'm lowering him down in his nest, his huddle of pillows and blankets and drawing one over him.

I retreat the moment he's settled, feeling the guilt and shame pulse strongly, coursing through me and feeling them prickle at my skin, make me feel undeserving as I sit close.

"What happened?" Hobi asks, stilling me with a firm but gentle hand on my shoulder, voice soft and yet also underlined with determination.

He's not letting this go.

I scrub at my eyes even if there's no tears that fall, feeling frustrated as my eyes fall to the line of animal toys that I had been using. The same toys that had triggered Min-Jun's emotional outburst.

"I was trying something. To see if his instincts were triggered by the sight of any certain animal or stimulus, to see if we could pin what sort of people the traffickers were." I confess, feeling my voice waver and hating it.

I had to be strong.

There wasn't time to fall weak and prey to emotions. There wasn't the liberty of that when lives depended on me, when lives depended and relied on the care I gave.

"And....(Y/N) what did you find?" he asks almost hesitantly, voice sounding slightly apprehensive, waiting with bated breath.

I find that my face hardens as I bend down towards the toys, when I reach over to pluck a few.

"I found that among the traffickers there are at least three hybrids that Min-Jun has seen or been around. And that one of them is a rhinoceros hybrid, one is some sort of doglike species and the third...the third is a bird, someone with characteristically I'd say a sharp nose, hooked maybe." I muse, trying to gather my thoughts, regretting picking up the set of exotic animals playset from the toy store on the way back from the park.

Who knew it would lead to this?

The information came so quick that my mind buzzes as I try to process it, to sort out why it is that it niggles at me, why the thought of three predators being involved has me feeling on edge.

Maybe it ties with the disgust that people do such things, that hybrids take their own kind and sell them, pairing up with humans to sell children, to exploit lives and ruin them like this.

And I know that this isn't something I can keep bottled up, this is something that Jimin and Namjoon need to know.

I move with urgency, pausing in front of Hobi.

"Can you please stay with him? I need to get Min-Jun's case file, I feel like I'm missing something." I murmur, feeling as if there's something I've missed, something that could help if I go over his details. I place the toys down away from Min-Jun's line of sight, tucking them away before I leave.

Hobi nods, already moving to settle down comfortably near the nest, safely distanced so he's both near enough to tend to him and far enough that he doesn't cause him to stir.

I shoot a final look at Min-Jun as I leave, hoping he remains settled.

And hoping that he doesn't wake up still trapped in the trauma, in the memories the toys had revoked.

His scream and startled cry as he backed away from the toys still fresh in my mind, the way he'd scrabbled away from me, looking at me with confusion and hurt and anger- betrayal clear in his eyes.

I leave with the weight of my actions bearing down on me, navigating to the administration officer where all the files are for every child, every person we have had at our centre.

I pause as I spot a human talking to one of the receptionists, looking engrossed in a conversation. So rather than disturbing them I walk around to bend down, opening the locked desk to get the keys to open the door.

I give a small tap on her desk to give a brief wave of them, dipping my head in greeting to the adult before stepping away to get his file out.

But there's almost the feeling of eyes following me, of burning holes into my back and yet when I peer over there's nothing amiss, no gaze following me.

I sigh as I push the door open.

Min-Jun's revelation seemed to have pushed me onto edge immediately.

And I hate that as the door shuts and I'm engulfed in the dark completely for a few moments, that it's enough to have my body unconsciously locking up, eyes darting to find the light switch and turning it on, relaxing once light fills each corner.

And I find that when I do open his file, scanning over each detail carefully and slowly I slump to the ground with realisation, with seeing that perhaps the hints had just been waiting to be uncovered.

And now that they were, I couldn't wait until the traffickers were caught, hoping that these leads would help push the case into action, that it would put the plan to get them as quick as possible, into momentum.

And as I hurry to my feet, legs slightly shaky, I rush to leave.

Because the sooner Namjoon and Jimin know.

And if it could help, then maybe that would ease that growing pit of guilt in my stomach.

Hoping that the emotional exertion I'd unintentionally pushed Min-Jun through hadn't been for nothing. That it would ensure his safety and security.

Because right now, nothing mattered more.

(THERE YOU GO! ANOTHER CHAPTER...THIS BOOK WILL BECOME THE ONE TO REPLACE BB'S REGULAR UPDATES ONCE I HIT A FLOW I GUESS FOR WRITING THIS; I'M STILL GAUGING THE WATERS EVEN IF THIS IS PERHAPS THE FIC I'VE GOT STUFF MOST PLANNED FOR!! THERE'S SO MUCH TO HAPPEN AND I'M SO SO EXCITED TO GET FULLY INTO THIS, TO DEDICATE MY TIME TO THIS HYBRID FIC! LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FOUND THE SMALL SCENES OF THE PACK BEGINNING TO BOND AND LIVE TOGETHER- TESTING OUT THE WATERS, AND PERSONALLY- I LOVE THE MENTAL IMAGE OF THEM TIPTOEING AROUND EACH OTHER EVEN IF ALL THEY WANT TO DO IS SNUGGLE!! BUT THAT'LL HAPPEN SOON ENOUGH! LET'S SEE WHAT THE NEXT CHAPTER BRINGS! AND POOR MIN-JUNIE! AND POOR (Y/N) TOO! HE DESERVES ALL THE LOVE AND ATTENTION AND HEALING AND (Y/N) WILL MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS FOR IT ALL! STAY SAFE AND ENJOY!!)

QUESTION...A hunch you have for this fic?

MINE IS...Well I can't tell haha or I'll end up giving stuff away!! But I'm excited for a lot of the pack dynamics, to see how they deal and learn along the way!!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3