Snow always calmed me.

The city on the tundra was my territory – quiet, white, smelling of resin and frost. I worked at the café because I liked people-watching. They were different from the hybrids. Lighter. More delicate.

And then she came.

She asked for directions to the hotel. Her voice was soft, calm. Like something constricting us, this unnecessary compliance. The hood was pulled low. I couldn't see my ears. Fine.

"I'll walk you," I said, before it even happened.

We walked together. The snow crunched under my boots. I could breathe calmly, but my heart was beating too fast. Outside the hotel, she thanked me and left.

And I… I didn't leave.

That night, I was alone in my room. I paced back and forth. Instinct demanded something you didn't want. I held her close so I could connect. The fade was a low, trembling sound – a growl mixed with a purr that wouldn't stop. I bit the power supply, moaned, and even licked, configuring my beloved. The scent was too strong.

"Son."

The door exists. Father slowly walked away. Immediately, immediately.

"You're in love," she said calmly.

I shuddered. My ears drooped.

"She's human," I whispered. "And probably not hybrids."

Father, watching me for a long time.

"If you're suffering," he finally said, "then it's my duty to cause it."

The next day, we'll use her in our home.

She sat stiffly opposite. Small. Quiet. She smelled cool and gentle. My tail twitched of its own accord, giving everything away.

"Honey..." I blurted out before I could control myself.

I sat down next to her. I had to. My heart pounded in my chest, and a soft purr escaped, unabated. It was just for her. My dad was… pleased.

“She’s adorable,” he said, assuming the obvious. “Perfect for you, son.”

Nika’s protective version.

“If you can be sure you’re there, shelter, whatever—you’ll get it. You’re safe here.”

During dinner, things began to overwhelm me. My ears drooped, my cheeks flushed warm, and the scent in the air became sweeter, strawberry. A purr filled my chest. I moved closer, not touching her, just… being.

I showed her my belly—soft, fluffy fluff. It was viral. For us, it meant trust. Devotion.

My dad laughed softly.

“Lynx breeding season”—calm down. "But what was in my son yesterday... was new. More possessive. More focused on one person."

I blushed even deeper. "Father..." I murmured.

"Don't be ashamed," I said, a shared one. "It means you've made a choice."

to protect Nika.

"I suggest you stay the night. In my son's room. It's prepared... like a den. Safe. Warm."

My ears pricked with shame. My tail quivered. I didn't search.

But deep down... I was there.

Because it was close.

I won't leave.