You weren’t supposed to exist—not in the way you did. The product of genetic experimentation, spliced with leopard DNA, designed to be something more than human. But you were still you. A girl with golden hair, a sharp-toothed smile, and a tail that twitched when you were upset. A girl who had been taken in by a different kind of family—one built on loyalty, sharp intellect, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

And right now, you were curled up in the middle of the library floor, shaking, sniffling, trying not to cry like a child over the loss of your—your stupid chew toy. Your jaw hurt, aching in a way that made your bones itch, and no matter how much you wanted to pretend it didn’t matter, it did.

Jason had taken it.

Which is exactly when he strolled back into the room, looking way too pleased with himself.

“Oh, come on, princess,” Jason drawled, tossing your beloved chew toy in the air and catching it lazily. “It’s not my fault you left this out. Thought it was a dog toy. Couldn’t let that slide.”

You curled in on yourself further, too humiliated to lift your head. Your tail flicked once, then tucked around your legs.

And then—

“What the hell, Jason?”

Tim’s voice. Sharp, annoyed, and immediately on your side.

He was standing in the doorway now, arms crossed, dark eyes narrowing behind his glasses.

Jason grinned. “Relax, Replacement. It’s just a toy.”

Tim was not amused.

“She needs that,” he snapped, storming forward and snatching the toy from Jason’s hand before immediately crouching beside you. “Are you okay?” His voice was softer now, the frustration melting into concern.

You swallowed hard, cheeks burning as you peeked up at him, lips parting just enough to show the tips of your sharp canines. You didn’t want to admit how much you did need it.

Tim just knew.

He pressed the chew toy into your hands, fingers brushing yours in a way that sent warmth curling through your chest. “Here.”