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Violet Thread

Wang Yixiang/Nicholas x female reader

Wordcount ≈ 32k

Warnings: Jealousy, possessivness, flirting, teasing (not sexually), blood, bullying, insecurities, something similar to a panic attack (kinda), I think that’s everything but do let me know if I’ve missed anything,

Taglist: @voucearse, @nadiakittyy, @evemeri, @seodami, @charlie-sk, @somswib, @yumnyangiexx, @petunia05. Let me know if you want to be added for future parts of the series!

Please reblog and/or comment if you enjoyed this!

Network: @k-records,

Finally, the next part in this AU! You asked for it, I wrote it, it’s time for Nicholas!!!!

Featuring Enhypen’s Jay and Jake.

Aya = K’s, Miyu = Yuma’s, Sora = EJ’s, Sana = Jo’s mate

Yudai/K. 2. Yuma. 3. EJ. EJ special part. 4. Jo. 6. OT9 Special fic 7. Fuma 8. Harua 9. Maki 10. Taki

A little note, while writing this one, I realized that I have kind of messed up the timeline, like from Kei meeting Aya, about 2 years have passed, yet Maki has remained 19 throughout everything… at least in my head but I don’t know how clearly I’ve stated that… So we’re just not gonna think about time, it is what it is lol, I don’t know if anyone else has thought of this, but I realized while writing this one that it doesn’t really work, but anyway we’re just gonna keep going and dismiss the concept of time.

Sana fit in just as well as all the other girls. Within weeks, it was like she had always been there, her laughter echoing through the house, her warmth blending seamlessly with Aya’s charm, Miyu’s calm energy, and Sora’s quiet grace. The four of them had grown close, often teasing their mates by declaring, “We need a girls’ night without you guys.” Of course, their playful rebellion never lasted more than a few seconds before they’d turn around and hug their wolves, promising they were only kidding.

The pack loved seeing them like that, happy, united, vibrant. But among the joy, there was also something quieter. The mate-less wolves Nicholas, Harua, Fuma, Maki and Taki, would sometimes glance toward the girls, smiles soft but eyes distant. It wasn’t jealousy, not really, but a longing, a wish for what their brothers had found. That fated bond, that unshakable connection. Still, they were genuinely happy for the others. This was their family, after all. Love for one meant love for all.

Nicholas, especially, seemed content to sit back and watch. Yet, even he couldn’t deny that sometimes, when the night was quiet and the laughter had faded, he wondered what it would feel like to have someone look at him the way Miyu looked at Yuma… or the way Jo looked at Sana.

And maybe that was why, out of all the mates, Sana had become the one he grew closest to. Not romantically, no, never that. But there was a certain gentleness to her, something in the way she approached him that reminded Nicholas that there was still light in the world. After all, Jo and Nicholas were close. Always had been.

And Sana, being Jo’s mate, naturally found herself around Nicholas often, asking him for advice, chatting during quiet afternoons, or seeking help when she wanted to surprise Jo with something special. Sometimes it was about gifts. Sometimes about movie nights. And sometimes, she just needed someone who could listen with patience.

Nicholas was gruff at first, a little awkward when faced with her boundless energy and kindness, but soon enough, he found himself softening around her. Her presence didn’t irritate him like most people’s did. In fact, it was almost calming. He’d never admit it aloud, of course, but Jo noticed. The pack noticed.

~~~

A few days later, Yuma came home from work with a storm cloud practically hanging over his head. Everyone noticed. The normally composed wolf dropped his bag by the door, muttered something under his breath, and sighed so heavily that even Jo’s wolf stirred in concern. By the time the pack gathered around the dinner table, it was clear something was off.

It was one of those rare evenings when Miyu and Maki weren’t working at Koyomi, and Miyu, ever perceptive, immediately leaned forward. “Alright,” she said, resting her chin on her palm. “What’s wrong?” Yuma hesitated for a moment before groaning. “It’s work.” The table went quiet, only the sound of plates being passed around and the faint clink of silverware filled the space.

He exhaled again, rubbing his temples. “Our studio’s been chosen for this huge collaboration with a bunch of famous designers.” Miyu’s eyes widened. “That’s amazing, Yuma! Why do you sound like it’s a bad thing?” “Because,” Yuma said dramatically, “the whole thing is chaos.” Sora chuckled under her breath. “That’s new.”

He ignored her teasing, continuing his rant. “They’re pairing designers up for joint projects, but the pairs are still secret. No one knows who they’ll be working with yet. I just…” He slumped a little. “What if our aesthetics clash? What if I get stuck with someone who thinks neon feathers and fishnet are couture?”

Kei coughed into his hand. “You… did put me in a full-feather outfit last time I modeled for you,” The table erupted in laughter. Yuma’s face turned pink. “That was avant-garde,” he argued, pointing a spoon at his older brother. “Avant-whatever,” Kei muttered, trying not to laugh himself.

Yuma huffed, then brightened slightly as an idea struck him. “Well, since you mentioned feathers, actually…” Kei’s expression immediately shifted into one of suspicion. “No.” Yuma pouted. “Kei.” “No.” “Come on. I need models for the collab! They said every pair needs at least two, and the organizers couldn’t provide enough. You’re tall, symmetrical, and your face photographs well; you are a model.”

Kei held up a hand. “You’re not selling me on this, Yuma.” But the younger wolf was already giving him that hopeful, puppy-like look, the one Miyu swore could melt mountains. After a long moment of silent resistance, Kei sighed heavily. “Fine. I’ll do it. But if you bring out feathers again…” “I won’t! Promise!” Yuma said quickly, grinning. “That’s one down!”

Jo laughed softly, leaning into Sana’s shoulder. “You’re really going to make him model again?” “Art requires sacrifice,” Yuma said dramatically. Then his eyes slid to Nicholas. “No,” Nicholas said immediately. Yuma didn’t even blink. “You didn’t even let me ask yet.” “You were going to ask me to model,” Nicholas deadpanned. Yuma crossed his arms, locking eyes with him. “Yes, and I still am.” “I’m saying no.”

They stared at each other, one with stubborn intensity, the other with calm defiance. Maki leaned over from the other side to whisper to Sana, “Five seconds.” “Five seconds until what?” Nicholas groaned. “Fine. I’ll do it.” Maki grinned. “Called it.” The table broke into laughter again. Yuma smirked triumphantly. “See? You do love me.”

“Don’t push it,” Nicholas warned, though there was a faint smirk tugging at his lips. As the laughter settled, the conversation drifted to other things, but none of them knew that Yuma’s upcoming collaboration would soon be more than just another project. Because sometimes fate doesn’t announce itself with a bang. Sometimes, it starts with a simple “yes” you never planned to say. And Nicholas had just taken his first step toward meeting her.

Sana looked across the table at Nicholas, her eyes wide with surprise. “Wait,” she said, tilting her head. “You’re a model too?”

For a moment, the table went silent. And then… The entire pack burst out laughing. Taki was the first to recover, grinning from ear to ear. “I know, right? Unbelievable, isn’t it? I mean, look at him, he’s barely passable!” Nicholas shot him a sharp glare, a low growl rumbling from his chest. The sound made Taki flinch and immediately hide behind Harua, who was already laughing so hard he almost dropped his fork.

“Hey, hey, I was kidding!” Taki said, peeking out. Sana giggled softly behind her hand. “Don’t be mean to him.” Jo glanced at his mate with amusement, murmuring, “You just met him and already you’re defending him?” She elbowed him playfully. “Of course. I like Nicholas, he’s nice to me.”

Nicholas, who had gone back to his food, looked up then, giving a small, almost reluctant smile. “Yes,” he said simply, his tone steady and calm again. “I’m a model. Though, unlike Kei, I do it full time.” Sora leaned forward curiously. “Really? Like magazines and runway shows?” Nicholas nodded. “Mostly. I’ve done a few campaigns, and I travel sometimes for shoots. Kei mostly does sports brands and events, but I’m usually in the studio or fashion work.”

Sana blinked in surprise, glancing at Kei. “Oh, I didn’t realize there was such a difference between what you do.” Kei shrugged. “He likes standing around in fancy coats. I like moving.” “I like getting paid,” Nicholas countered dryly, earning a fresh wave of laughter from around the table. Sana smiled, her eyes softening. “That’s actually really cool,” she said sincerely. “You always seemed like the composed type. I guess that fits the whole model thing.” Taki snorted. “Yeah, composed. He’s all broody and mysterious. People eat that up.”

Nicholas didn’t even deny it, he just leaned back slightly in his chair, one corner of his mouth lifting. “Well, apparently it works.” “Of course it does,” Miyu said, sipping her drink. “You and Kei are basically the pack’s poster boys.” Kei groaned. “Please don’t start that again.” Jo laughed quietly beside Sana. “It’s true, though,” he said. “You can’t walk into a store without seeing one of them on a billboard.”

Sana looked impressed, then teased lightly, “Wow, so I’m surrounded by celebrities, huh?” Nicholas shook his head. “Hardly. Just wolves who got roped into the human fashion industry.” Still, her smile lingered, soft, genuine. And as the conversation moved on to other things, Nicholas caught her looking at him once or twice, thoughtful but friendly. There was something warm in her gaze. Something that told him, even before he realized it himself, that she saw him for more than just his intimidating exterior. Maybe that’s why he didn’t mind when she smiled at him again across the table. Maybe that’s why he smiled back.

Another week passed, and Yuma was still no closer to getting the update he so desperately wanted. Every morning started the same: pacing near his phone, checking for emails, muttering under his breath about how “these people are killing me” while Miyu tried to coax him into eating breakfast before he drove himself insane.

The pack did their best to help him relax, though “relaxing” Yuma before a major project was about as likely as convincing Fuma to take a day off training. Fuma had even tried once, clapping him on the shoulder and saying, “You’ll do fine.” To which Yuma had dramatically responded, “Fine isn’t good enough, Fuma! This could define my career!” At that point, everyone decided to just let him stress in peace. It was part of his process, nervousness first, brilliance later.

While Yuma’s anxiety took over the kitchen table, Nicholas had been away for a few days, working a quick runway show in the nearby town. He came back the next evening, exhausted but visibly relieved to be home. Sana greeted him first, waving from the couch where she sat sketching something for Jo. “Welcome back!” she said cheerfully. “How was the show?”

Nicholas gave a small shrug, setting his bag down by the door. “Same as always. Lights, cameras, and too many people trying to touch my hair.” That made the whole room laugh. Jo grinned from where he was sketching beside her. “At least it’s over now.” “Thankfully,” Nicholas said, rubbing the back of his neck. “A night away feels like a week when you’re used to a full house.”

“EJ didn’t like it either,” Kei remarked from across the room. “He’s been twitchy all day.” “I’m not twitchy,” EJ said from the kitchen, clearly eavesdropping. “I just don’t like the pack being spread out. We do better together.” “Yeah,” Yuma muttered, pacing again. “Tell that to my studio, which still hasn’t emailed me back about the collaboration from hell.”

Miyu groaned softly. “Yuma, sit down. You’re making me nervous.” EJ sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We’ll survive one stressful project, a runway show, and a week of chaos,” he said. “We always do.” He wasn’t wrong. For all their differences, for all their quirks, teasing, and occasional arguments, the pack always found its rhythm again.

But even with the laughter and the warmth of home, there was a steady undercurrent running through them all: responsibility. Between work, school, and everything else, the truth was simple: they needed money. With the younger wolves still in university and high school, and their appetites being… what they were, the cost of feeding a full pack was enormous. So, even though EJ preferred everyone close and safe, they all understood that being apart was sometimes necessary. That was life, even for a pack of werewolves.

And for Nicholas, who’d just returned home, the thought of another trip or job didn’t exactly thrill him. He wanted rest. He wanted quiet. He wanted normal, at least for a while. But fate had other plans. And its timing? As always… impeccable.

~~~

The sun hung low over the trees, the afternoon light casting long golden shadows across the clearing where Nicholas and Taki trained. The sound of fists hitting pads had faded into a tired rhythm, each strike slower than the one before.

Nicholas could feel it, the frustration radiating off his younger brother in waves. Taki’s movements were sharp, desperate, his breathing ragged. It wasn’t just training anymore; it was him fighting himself. “Alright,” Nicholas finally said, catching Taki’s wrist before he could throw another punch. “That’s enough for now.”

Taki pulled his hand back, his chest rising and falling quickly, eyes fixed on the grass beneath his feet. Nicholas watched him for a long moment before sitting down on the ground, motioning for Taki to do the same. “Sit,” he said, voice calm but firm. “And breathe.”

For a minute, there was only the sound of wind through the leaves and their heavy breaths. Then Nicholas leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Alright, kid. Talk to me. What’s going on up there?” He tapped the side of his own head. “And don’t say ‘nothing,’ because I can feel it.” Taki stayed quiet for a few seconds, his jaw tightening, before everything came pouring out.

“It’s just,” he began, his voice breaking slightly. “University’s… hard. Harder than I thought. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing, and I’m just stuck. I can’t shift, I can’t keep up, and I just…” He pressed his palms against his face, exhaling shakily. “I feel like I don’t belong anywhere. Not with them, not even here sometimes. Everyone’s so strong and… I can’t even get this one thing right.”

Nicholas felt that ache deep in his chest; he’d seen this coming. Slowly, he reached out and pulled Taki into a hug. The younger wolf tensed at first, then sank into it, like the weight he carried had become too heavy to hold. “Hey,” Nicholas said softly. “Listen to me. Whether you can shift or not, that doesn’t change who you are, or what you mean to us.”

Taki’s breathing hitched. “You’re pack,” Nicholas continued, tightening his hold. “You’re my little brother. You always will be. That’s not something you earn by shifting; it’s something you just are. Understand?” Taki nodded weakly against his shoulder, a quiet sniffle escaping before he muttered, “Yeah… thanks, Nico.”

Nicholas gave a small chuckle, ruffling his hair. “That’s what I’m here for. And don’t forget, you’re not alone in this. We’ve all struggled. Even me.” Taki pulled back, wiping at his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. “You?” Nicholas nodded. “Shifting seemed easy at first for me, I managed to shift perfectly into my wolf form, but shifting back? A whole other story, I nearly broke my ribs the first few times. Ask EJ, he still teases me about it.”

That earned a small laugh from Taki, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. “You’ll get there, in your own time,” Nicholas said, patting his back. “But for now, it’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to rest.” The two of them sat there for a while longer, the training forgotten, the quiet between them peaceful this time. The scent of pine and soil filled the air, familiar, grounding. For Nicholas, it was simple. No matter what happened, no matter how long it took, Taki would always have a place here. Because that’s what family was.

Just as Nicholas and Taki began brushing the grass off their clothes, preparing to head back, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the clearing. Yuma came barreling toward them, his hair slightly disheveled and his eyes wide with excitement, and maybe a bit of panic.

Nicholas straightened, instincts on alert. “What happened? Is someone hurt?” Yuma stopped right in front of him, gripping his shoulders as he bent over, panting. “N-no, no, not that,” he wheezed between breaths, “it’s, it’s about the project!” Nicholas frowned, less alarmed now but still confused. “You scared me half to death for that?”

“I just… I needed to tell someone…” Yuma took a dramatic breath, straightening as his eyes practically sparkled. “They finally revealed the pairing list!” Taki raised an eyebrow. “And?” Yuma’s grin was so wide it looked painful. “My partner is her! (Y/n)! The (Y/n)!” Nicholas blinked. “The designer?” Yuma nodded so fast it was a blur. “Yes! The one who does all those conceptual alt-urban pieces! The woman’s a genius! Her color theory, her structure, her eye for form, it’s like she gets how fabric breathes!”

Nicholas couldn’t help the amused huff that escaped him. But as Yuma kept rambling, something strange happened: a quiet pulse in his chest, a spark. The name (Y/n) replayed in his mind like an echo he couldn’t shake. He didn’t know why, but his heart skipped a beat.

Taki, ever the chaos bringer, leaned against a nearby tree with a grin. “You look more excited about this collab than you were about finding your mate, Yuma!” Yuma froze, mid-sentence, before glaring daggers at him. “What did you just say?” Before Taki could reply, Yuma lunged, shouting, “Take that back, you little menace!” The clearing filled with the sound of laughter and mock outrage as the two of them chased each other between the trees.

Nicholas stood watching them, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle. He could already tell that Yuma would spend the next week bouncing off the walls in excitement, and Miyu would have her hands full calming him down. Still, as Nicholas turned toward the path back home, the faintest smile lingered on his lips. (Y/n). Something about the name stayed with him, a gentle tug, deep in his chest. He didn’t understand it yet, but his wolf stirred, curious.

~~~

Four days later, the day finally came. (Y/n) arrived in the small town just before noon, her assistant trailing behind her with two large suitcases and a garment bag. The studio had sent everyone the other’s contact information a few days earlier, and after a few cheerful emails, she had insisted she’d be the one to travel. “I need a change of scenery anyway,” she’d written. “Besides, small towns always inspire me.”

Yuma couldn’t believe his luck; he got to stay home with Miyu, the pack, and still work on this massive collaboration. EJ was relieved, too; the thought of one of his wolves being gone for two weeks, especially one as excitable as Yuma, had nearly given him a headache.

The night before her arrival, the pack had gathered at Koyomi. Miyu had decided they deserved a small celebration, “for Yuma’s career and for my sanity,” she joked, and everyone joined in. The restaurant buzzed with chatter and laughter, plates clinking and music humming softly in the background.

Yuma was, of course, talking non-stop about how excited he was, describing every possible design idea he had in mind. Kei teased him that he should take a breath before he passed out. Nicholas sat at the end of the table, quietly listening, occasionally smirking when Yuma’s enthusiasm hit dramatic new heights.

At one point, Jay, who had come over to check on their table, tilted his head. “(Y/n), you said?” Yuma nodded eagerly. “Yes! You know her?” Jay frowned slightly, thoughtful. “The name sounds familiar… but not from the fashion world. Maybe I’ve heard it somewhere else. Don’t mind me.” He brushed it off with a small wave of his hand, though his crimson eyes lingered on the table a second longer than usual before he returned to the bar.

Nicholas noticed that brief moment, the flicker of curiosity in Jay’s expression, but didn’t think much of it. He leaned back in his seat, watching as Yuma’s excitement reached new levels. The younger wolf’s hands were practically flying through the air as he spoke. Sana giggled softly beside Jo. “It’s so sweet seeing him this happy.” “It is,” Jo agreed, smiling, “but I don’t think he’ll sleep tonight.”

Nicholas chuckled under his breath. He didn’t say it aloud, but something in his chest tugged when Yuma said her name again. (Y/n). The sound resonated strangely in his head, familiar yet unknown. His wolf stirred faintly, a ripple of energy that made him shift slightly in his seat. He brushed it off. It was probably nothing.

~~~

Yuma stood outside the studio, practically bouncing on his heels, the crisp afternoon air doing nothing to calm his nerves. His wolf was restless, a jittery mix of excitement and curiosity that made his tail twitch invisibly beneath his skin. When a sleek black car pulled up by the curb, he straightened his jacket and tried to look composed.

The first to step out was a man, carrying two suitcases and a garment bag that looked way too heavy for one hand. His scent hit Yuma before anything else, faintly earthy, with a trace of something wild underneath. His nose wrinkled slightly. Weird, he thought. He smells almost like… a dog?

Yuma blinked a few times, trying to clear his head. No, that can’t be right. His wolf stirred, sniffing the air again, confused but intrigued. Before he could think too much about it, the other door opened, and out stepped (Y/n).

Her presence hit him like a gust of wind. Confident, steady, and graceful, she adjusted her sunglasses and scanned her surroundings before spotting him. Her hair caught the light, and her outfit was as sharp and artful as the designs she was known for, effortlessly stylish without feeling forced. She looked like someone who belonged on the cover of a magazine rather than the streets of their small town. For a second, Yuma froze. Okay, he thought. Yeah, I’m definitely underdressed.

“Yuma, right?” she asked, her voice calm but with a polite warmth to it. “Ah, yeah! Yes, that’s me!” He nearly tripped over his own words but quickly recovered, flashing a grin. “Welcome! It’s so nice to finally meet you, (Y/n)!”She smiled faintly, tilting her head as if assessing him. “Likewise. You seem… energetic.” “Guilty,” he said with a laugh. Jake, her assistant, came around the car, placing the luggage down beside them. “We’ve got the essentials,” he said.

Yuma nodded, though he couldn’t stop himself from sniffing the air again. That weirdly canine scent was definitely coming from Jake. Maybe he’s one of those guys with a lot of dogs at home, he reasoned, mentally brushing it off.

Once the introductions were done, (Y/n) seemed to relax more. The initial intimidating aura she carried, that quiet confidence that reminded him a little too much of Nicholas, softened. She even laughed a few times as Yuma animatedly told her about the small-town charm, the local café, and the chaos of living with his pack.

She listened with genuine curiosity, and Yuma found himself thinking that maybe working together wouldn’t be so nerve-racking after all. When she smiled again, really smiled this time, he thought she’s not scary at all. Just sharp, self-assured, and… kind.

Still, his wolf stirred again when she reached out to shake his hand one last time before heading inside. There was something familiar about her energy, something warm that made the air feel charged. He shook the thought away. “You’ll love it here,” he said brightly. “It’s not as fancy as the city, but it has heart.” She smiled again, a little more genuine this time. “I think I will.”

Once inside the studio, Yuma’s excitement only grew. He moved around the space like it was his second home, pointing out every little thing as if it were the most fascinating object on earth. “This is where we’ll be working!” he said, motioning toward a large open room filled with natural light, mood boards, and bolts of fabric. “It’s not as big as the city studios, but the lighting here is amazing and the energy is so much better.”

(Y/n) smiled as she took it all in. The space had a certain charm to it, lived-in, creative, filled with a quiet hum of inspiration. “I like it,” she admitted, running her fingers over one of the fabric rolls. “It feels… genuine.” Jake followed behind them, his energy matching Yuma’s. He seemed like the kind of assistant who doubled as a best friend, bright, enthusiastic, and always ready to help. He was about the same height as Yuma, with the same animated way of talking, though Yuma noticed something oddly familiar in his scent again. Not important, he told himself. Focus.

Yuma led them down a short hallway and pushed open another door. “ If you need anything, while staying in the town, just ask, we’re basically all family around here.” “That’s very kind of you,” (Y/n) said, smiling as she set her bag down. She didn’t seem used to being treated so casually, but she didn’t seem to mind it either. “And there’s a shared workspace across the hall,” Yuma continued, pointing. “It’s big enough for both of us to spread out, brainstorm, and… hopefully not destroy everything.”

Once they’d settled in a bit, Yuma checked the time before looking back at (Y/n). “By the way, I already arranged our models for the project,” he said proudly. “Oh?” she asked, interested. “Who are they?” Yuma leaned against the table, grinning like a child with a secret. “Two of my brothers. Kei and Nicholas. They’re both models, Kei mostly for sports and lifestyle brands, Nicholas for magazines and high-end shows. They should be here in about an hour to meet you.”

(Y/n)’s brows raised slightly. “That’s impressive. Family models? You’re lucky.” “Yeah,” Yuma said with a laugh. “They’re used to me dragging them into my projects at this point.” She smiled at that, though her gaze flicked briefly toward Jake. There was a silent exchange between them, just a look, quick but knowing. Jake’s grin softened, and he gave the smallest nod, like they had some unspoken understanding. Yuma caught it, though he couldn’t make sense of it. He tilted his head but decided not to comment. Artists were always weirdly in sync, he reasoned.

~~~

When Kei and Nicholas arrived at the studio, the air changed the second they stepped through the door. It was subtle at first, the faint hum of sewing machines in the distance, the light scent of fabric dye and coffee. But underneath all that, there were two new scents, ones that didn’t belong to Yuma or anyone else from the pack.

Kei slowed his pace, exchanging a glance with Nicholas. “You smell that?” he asked quietly. Nicholas gave a short nod, his expression sharpening. “Yeah.” The first scent was unmistakable, canine, but not wolf. It carried that domestic, tamer note that came from something more human than feral. A dog shifter, maybe? That would explain the doglike undertone that clashed faintly with the wolves’ own scent.

But the other one… that one made Nicholas stop in his tracks. It was soft and complex, layers of florals, old parchment, and something darker beneath. It smelled like moonlit forests, candle smoke, and midnight air after a storm. There was a pulse to it, something ancient and steady. A witch, perhaps. But there was more.

Something within that scent resonated deep inside him, not the raw hunger or possessive pull most wolves felt when meeting their mate, but a low, steady awareness that made his wolf go still. Listening. Waiting.

Kei noticed the shift immediately. “You okay?” Nicholas’s jaw tightened slightly. “Yeah… just…” He inhaled again, quieter this time. “Something’s different about one of them.” Kei studied his younger brother for a moment, then shrugged, though his tone was gentle. “Maybe you’re just catching the witch energy. It’s strong. One of them’s a designer, maybe she’s got some kind of charm or protection spell on her.”

“Maybe,” Nicholas murmured, though he wasn’t convinced. His wolf wasn’t uneasy; it was focused. The difference mattered. They started walking again, their footsteps echoing softly down the polished hallway toward the workroom. As they neared the door, Nicholas felt his heartbeat pick up, just a little. He didn’t know why. He wasn’t nervous, not exactly. But something inside him whispered that after today, things wouldn’t be the same. He rolled his shoulders back, steadying himself, and pushed open the door.

The two wolves followed their brother’s scent through the hallways, their footsteps steady but unhurried. The closer they got, the stronger the unfamiliar aromas became, the faint spice of witchcraft, warm fabric, and that strange underlying note of canine musk. They stopped outside the studio door just as Yuma’s voice floated through from inside, animated and bright as always. Kei shot Nicholas a quick look before pushing the door open.

The moment Nicholas stepped in, his entire world seemed to still. His eyes locked with hers, the woman standing beside Yuma, papers and fabric swatches in her hands, and everything else fell away. His wolf howled instantly, the sound echoing deep inside his mind. Mate.

Her scent hit him like a wave, the same floral and midnight aroma that had lingered in the hallway, only now it was intoxicatingly close. His chest tightened, his heartbeat heavy but steady. He wasn’t surprised; a part of him had already known the second Yuma had spoken her name days ago. Still, having her there, in front of him, made it real.

But then his gaze shifted, and landed on the man standing next to her. That same dog-like scent clung to him, tangled with hers. It was everywhere, in the air, on her clothes, her skin. The sight, the smell, stirred something primal in Nicholas. His wolf bristled, a growl threatening to rise from deep in his chest. Kei’s hand clamped down on his shoulder before the sound could escape. “Stop it,” he hissed under his breath, his voice low enough that only Nicholas could hear.

Nicholas took a slow breath, forcing his wolf to settle. His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing briefly before he managed to compose himself. He wasn’t going to make a scene, not here, not in front of Yuma or their new guests.

Yuma, oblivious to the tension, beamed as he turned toward his brothers. “Oh, there you guys are! Perfect timing!” He gestured toward the pair in front of him. “Nicholas, Kei, meet (Y/n), my partner for the collab, and her assistant, Jake!” Nicholas’s gaze flicked back to her, softer now but still intense. Mate, his wolf whispered again, quieter this time, reverent. He gave a curt nod, his voice calm when he finally spoke. “It’s a pleasure.” Inside, though, every instinct in him was already in motion.

(Y/n)’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she looked between the three wolves, their expressions frozen in collective shock. “Nice to meet you guys,” she began smoothly, her tone playful yet composed. “I really see the wolf influence in your stance and build, you’ll do fine as our models.” The words hung in the air for a moment. Yuma blinked, confused, while Kei and Nicholas both stiffened. “You… know?” Kei finally managed to ask, his voice careful.

(Y/n) laughed, a warm, melodic sound that filled the room. It hit Nicholas like a physical touch, his wolf giving a single sharp thump in his chest that he had to suppress by tightening his jaw. He’d never heard something sound so alive. “Yes, I know,” she said easily, resting a hand on her hip. “And so does Jakey.” She glanced toward her assistant, who was grinning ear to ear. “I should probably introduce us properly,” she continued. “I’m (Y/n), and I’m a witch. And this,” she gestured to Jake, “is my golden retriever familiar, who poses as my assistant when we’re around humans.”

With a small flick of her wrist, the air shimmered faintly. Suddenly, the faintest golden glow surrounded Jake, and a pair of soft, fluffy golden retriever ears appeared atop his head, matched by a wagging tail that seemed to have a life of its own. Yuma nearly choked on his own breath. “You, what, that’s, oh, that’s so cool!” he blurted out, eyes wide as he circled Jake like a fascinated child. Jake laughed, wagging his tail a little harder. “Thanks, man! You’d be surprised how often humans think it’s cosplay.”

Kei, on the other hand, looked more amused than shocked now. He crossed his arms, exhaling with a soft chuckle. “Well, that explains a lot. The dog scent, and the witch aura.” (Y/n) smirked, clearly pleased that they’d pieced it together so quickly. “Good noses. You wolves always do have a way with scents.”

Nicholas hadn’t said a word. He stood quietly, observing her. Every word she spoke pulled at him, the cadence of her voice, the self-assured way she carried herself, even the faint flicker of power that glowed beneath her skin. His wolf pressed forward, alert but calm, recognizing her now without question. Mate.

(Y/n) finally turned her attention to him, perhaps noticing his silence. “You must be Nicholas,” she said, smiling gently. His voice came out low, steady. “That’s me.” She met his gaze, and for the briefest second, her smile faltered, her pupils dilated slightly, her breath catching. Whatever she saw in his eyes made her pause. Jake glanced between them, his tail giving one uncertain flick. “Uh… everything good?” “Yeah,” (Y/n) said softly, her gaze still locked with Nicholas’s. “Perfect.”

(Y/n) broke their gaze first, her composure snapping back into place with practiced ease. She turned toward Yuma, voice steady again. “Alright then,” she said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Let’s get started, shall we?” “Right!” Yuma said, clapping his hands together, eager to return to familiar ground.

Jake, already on the same wavelength, darted over to one of (Y/n)’s sleek black bags and unzipped it with a dramatic flourish. From inside, he produced a measuring tape and a small leather-bound notebook, handing both to her with a grin. “Thank you, Jake,” she said warmly.

Then she turned back to the two wolves still standing by the door, gesturing for them to step further inside. “Kei, Nicholas,” her tone was brisk, professional, “why don’t you both come in so I can take a look at your proportions.” Kei stepped forward first, ever the calm and collected one, offering a polite smile. Nicholas followed a heartbeat later, his movements smooth but deliberate, every step feeling heavier than usual.

(Y/n)’s gaze swept over both of them, a designer’s eye mixed with something else, sharper, more instinctive. “Hmmm,” she murmured, almost to herself, circling slowly. “Both of you have good posture and balanced frames…” Her eyes lingered on Nicholas a little longer. “But I’ll take Nicholas as my model, if you don’t mind,” she said, turning to Yuma. Yuma waved his hand casually. “No problem! Kei, you’re stuck with me then.” Kei chuckled. “Guess so.”

(Y/n) gave a small nod before focusing on Nicholas again, stepping closer. “Stand straight for me.” He obeyed, though his muscles tightened automatically when she came within arm’s reach. Her presence was… distracting, to say the least. She began working methodically, moving around him in slow, measured circles, scribbling down notes, occasionally murmuring small numbers to herself.

The brush of the measuring tape against his skin felt like a jolt each time, his heightened senses catching everything: the scent of her magic, the rhythm of her heartbeat, even the soft hum she made under her breath while she worked. “Shoulders… broad,” she muttered softly, as if confirming it to herself, “arm length… symmetrical…”

Nicholas wasn’t used to being observed like this. Being studied. Normally, when people looked at him, they looked away just as quickly, intimidated by his quiet intensity or the barely leashed strength that came with being one of the older wolves. But (Y/n) wasn’t intimidated.

If anything, she seemed intrigued. Her eyes lingered, thoughtful, and it made something deep in him stir, both a spark of pride and an unfamiliar unease. Because for once, he didn’t feel like the predator. He felt like the prey.

(Y/n)’s focus shifted upward as she circled him one more time, her gaze catching on his hair. It was longer than most of the men she’d met, thick, black, and falling in soft layers that brushed against his neck. The ends had the faintest natural wave, a shape that framed his face in that sharp, effortlessly rugged way that matched his quiet demeanor.

Without thinking too much about it, she reached up and lightly ran her fingers through it, lifting a strand between her fingers. The unexpected touch made Nicholas tense for half a second, not because he disliked it, but because the contact sent a spark through his nerves that his wolf didn’t quite know how to process.

“You’ve got really nice hair,” she said casually, still inspecting the strand. “The texture’s great. But…” she tilted her head, her lips quirking into a thoughtful little smile, “I think blonde would suit you better.” Nicholas blinked, caught between amusement and disbelief. “Blonde?” “Mm-hm,” she hummed, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Just a second.”

She flicked her wrist, whispering something under her breath, a soft chant that hummed in the air like static. The faint scent of magic, herbs, smoke, and rain, surrounded them for a heartbeat. Then, right before his eyes, the black turned to a rich golden blonde. Yuma gasped dramatically from across the room. “No way! That’s awesome!” Kei just smirked. “You look like you belong in a K-pop group now.”

Nicholas turned to the nearby mirror, his usually stoic expression faltering. The reflection staring back at him was… strange. Unfamiliar, yet oddly fitting. The blonde lightened his features in a way he hadn’t expected, softening the sharpness of his gaze, bringing warmth to his complexion. He wasn’t vain by any means, but he couldn’t deny it, she was right. He looked good.

Before he could say anything, though, the golden color shimmered and vanished, fading back into its natural black. He frowned slightly. “Why’d it disappear?” (Y/n) smiled, stepping back. “Because I can’t actually change your hair permanently with magic. I can only project the illusion for a minute or so. It’s more of a visual trick than a real transformation.” “A shame,” she added softly, brushing her fingers lightly against the ends before lowering her hand. “It suited you.”

Nicholas didn’t answer right away. His mind was already turning, an idea forming, quiet and deliberate, though he wasn’t sure how he’d pull it off just yet. But he would. If she liked the blonde, then he’d make it happen, not through magic, but his own way. For her.

~~~

Nicholas’s patience was being tested in ways he hadn’t experienced in years. He stood there, trying to keep his expression neutral, his arms crossed as (Y/n) moved across the room toward Jake. She laughed softly as she reached out, ruffling the familiar’s golden hair and scratching lightly behind one of his ears. The retriever’s tail was wagging so hard that it nearly knocked over a nearby stool. Nicholas clenched his jaw.

The sound of her laughter filled the room again, sweet and unguarded, the kind of sound that made something primal in him respond. His wolf stirred restlessly, growling low inside his chest. Every scratch, every affectionate gesture directed at that damn dog made his instincts flare.

He told himself to breathe. To relax. To not give in to the ridiculous possessiveness curling in his gut. She’s just being kind. She doesn’t know yet. She doesn’t know she’s yours. Or does she? Still, sharing her attention was going to be a challenge, more than he cared to admit, because Nicholas wasn’t used to sharing. Especially not when it came to his mate.

An hour passed. Yuma and (Y/n) had finished their measurements and were sorting through fabric samples, comparing textures and shades. The mood in the room had lightened; even Nicholas had managed to calm his wolf enough to stand quietly by, observing. Then it happened.

(Y/n) reached for two pieces of fabric, intending to hold them together with a pin, when the needle slipped. “Ah! Ow!” she hissed, jerking her hand back.

The small sound, that single note of pain, nearly sent Nicholas into overdrive. His wolf surged forward instantly, panic and protectiveness clashing in his chest. He was already halfway across the room before reason caught up. But Jake moved faster.

The familiar darted to her side, worry written all over his face. “You okay, (Y/n)?” he asked, taking her hand gently to look at the tiny drop of blood forming on her fingertip. “I’m fine, Jakey,” she reassured him with a soft smile. “Just a small prick.”

Nicholas stopped in his tracks, every muscle in his body locked tight. He could feel his claws threatening to break through his skin as he watched Jake lean closer. Then (Y/n), ever the affectionate one, scratched behind the retriever’s ear again.

Nicholas inhaled sharply through his nose and turned away, trying, and failing, to hide the twitch in his jaw. He took one deep breath. Then another. Murder is illegal. Everyone would definitely scold me. Fuma would give a lecture. Taki would be disappointed.

He exhaled slowly, muttering under his breath, “You’re lucky you’re a dog, Jake.” Jake’s ear twitched, but he only grinned, oblivious to the internal war raging inside the older wolf. Nicholas ran a hand down his face and silently promised his wolf that they would get through this. Somehow.

~~~

The studio had finally begun to quiet down for the night. The sewing machines were silent, the scattered notes tucked neatly away, and the last streaks of evening light painted the windows gold. Yuma stretched his arms, yawning loudly. “That’s a wrap for today, folks! Kei, Nicholas, thanks for helping out. We’ll pick up again tomorrow.”

Kei nodded, already halfway to the door. Nicholas followed behind, slower, his senses tuned in to every flicker of movement and sound in the room. His wolf was calm now, though the sight of Jake and (Y/n) chatting earlier had done little to help that state. Just as he reached for the doorknob, he heard her voice. “Nicholas!”

He stopped instantly. Turning, he saw her walking toward him, confident, steady, a small smile playing on her lips. Jake had already bounded over to Yuma and Kei, chatting cheerfully about dinner plans, leaving the two of them alone in the fading light. Nicholas waited, his usual stoic mask slipping into place, though his pulse had picked up again.

(Y/n) stopped in front of him, close enough for her scent, that intoxicating mix of wildflowers and midnight, to settle around him. Then, without hesitation, she reached up and ran her fingers lightly through his hair again, just as she’d done earlier. Her touch was deliberate this time. “You’re cute when you’re jealous,” she said softly, amusement glinting in her eyes. “Did you know that?”

Nicholas blinked, caught completely off guard. He cleared his throat, trying to summon his usual composure. “What do you mean?” Her smile deepened. “That you’re jealous of Jake,” she teased, tilting her head. “You want me all to yourself.” Her tone dropped a little, playful but sure. “I’m your mate, aren’t I?” For a split second, Nicholas’s carefully built calm cracked. His wolf stirred, not with aggression this time, but with surprise and a deep, bone-deep recognition that rumbled quietly in his chest.

He couldn’t help but laugh, low and quiet, shaking his head. “Of course you know,” he murmured. She grinned, stepping back just slightly, her eyes bright. “I am a witch, after all,” she said lightly. “And besides… It’s kind of obvious.” Nicholas raised a brow. “Is it?” “Painfully,” she said, her grin turning mischievous. “You’re going to have to work hard if you want me to fall, though.” She turned on her heel, her voice trailing as she walked away. “Good luck, wolf boy.” Nicholas stood there for a moment, staring after her, a quiet, involuntary smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His wolf huffed in satisfaction. Challenge accepted.

~~~

The ride home was quiet at first, or at least, it tried to be. Kei’s car hummed down the road, the last traces of sunset painting the sky in pale orange streaks. The faint sound of music played through the speakers, some old playlist of Kei’s, but it couldn’t drown out the restless energy radiating from the passenger seat.

Nicholas sat there, arms crossed, staring out the window with a scowl that wasn’t entirely anger, more like frustration he didn’t want to admit out loud. Yuma, sitting in the back seat, kept glancing between his two brothers. He could tell something was off, but he wasn’t sure what. Kei, on the other hand, looked far too amused.

“So,” Kei said after a moment, smirking slightly, “the witch is your mate, huh?” Nicholas grunted. That was confirmation enough. Yuma leaned forward, gripping the headrest of Nicholas’s seat. “Wait, what?! How do you know that?” Kei laughed, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. “Because I wasn’t blind or deaf, Yuma. You didn’t notice Nicholas growling half the time we were in that studio?”

“I, he was growling?” Yuma blinked, genuinely surprised. “I thought that was just his stomach!” Nicholas gave a sharp exhale, turning his glare from the window to the dashboard. “Very funny.” Kei chuckled under his breath, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. “You’re usually the calm one, Nico. I’ve never seen you so… what’s the word, possessive?”

Nicholas’s grip on his arms tightened slightly. He felt ridiculous, and worse, he knew he was being ridiculous. But the words came out anyway, low and rough. “None of your mates,” he muttered, “had someone else that close to them. Not like her and… Jake.” He said the name like it was poison, bitter and burning on his tongue, something he needed to spit out before it made him sick.

Kei started laughing, and even Yuma joined in, trying and failing to hide it behind his hand. “Oh, this is rich,” Kei said between laughs. “The big, scary Nicholas brought down by a witch and her golden retriever.” “Shut up,” Nicholas grumbled, sinking further into his seat.

Yuma was still giggling. “I didn’t think you could even get jealous.” Kei nodded in agreement. “Yeah, this is a new side of you. I like it.” Nicholas didn’t respond. He just muttered something under his breath that sounded vaguely like a threat, though the faint pink tint creeping up his ears betrayed him.

The other two wolves just laughed harder, the sound filling the car as they drove the rest of the way home, teasing, lighthearted, but underneath it all, genuinely happy. Because for the first time in a long while, Nicholas looked like he’d finally found someone who could truly get under his skin.

~~~

The pack house was alive with its usual evening buzz when the three wolves walked through the door, laughter from the kitchen, the faint hum of a record playing somewhere, and the smell of dinner still lingering in the air. Nicholas barely hesitated before calling out, “Girls! Can I talk to you all for a second?”

The sudden announcement earned several raised eyebrows. It wasn’t often Nicholas initiated group conversations, much less with all the girls at once. Aya peeked out from the kitchen, a wooden spoon in her hand, while Miyu appeared beside her, curious. Sana tilted her head, wiping her hands on a towel as she came from the living room.

“What’s up?” Aya asked, glancing between the brothers. Nicholas hesitated for a second, something that never happened, before gesturing toward the door. “Can we talk outside? Privately.” That got everyone’s attention. Even Sora, who had been comfortably seated in EJ’s lap, looked surprised. EJ’s arms tightened instinctively around her waist. “Why do you need to talk to her privately?” he asked, frowning. Sora gave him a look, though her smile softened as she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Relax, it’s Nicholas. I’ll be right back.” EJ sighed but didn’t argue further, at least not aloud.

Outside, the evening air was cool and calm, stars beginning to flicker faintly across the darkening sky. Nicholas stood awkwardly for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck as the girls gathered around him in a small circle. Aya crossed her arms. “Okay, spill it. What’s going on?” Nicholas took a deep breath. “I found my mate.”

The reaction was immediate, a mix of gasps and excited squeals. Sana clasped her hands together, her eyes wide. “Really? That’s amazing, Nicholas!” “About time,” Sora teased with a grin. “So, who’s the lucky one?” “She’s a witch,” Nicholas said simply, his tone calm, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Her name’s (Y/n), she’s the designer Yuma was paired with for the collab.”

The girls exchanged intrigued looks. Witches weren’t exactly an everyday occurrence around the pack. “And,” Nicholas added, almost sheepishly, “she… uh… said I’d look good blonde.” There was a short pause, then Miyu burst out laughing. “That’s why you called us out here?” Nicholas exhaled sharply, trying to keep a straight face. “She liked me with blonde hair. I need to dye it.” Aya smirked. “A witch complimented your hair, and you’re already planning a makeover? Wow, she’s got you good.” Sana chuckled softly. “It’s cute, though.”

The girls started discussing possible methods, box dye, salon appointments, and temporary bleach, while Nicholas stood there, hands in his pockets, quietly enduring the chaos. Finally, Sora raised her hand slightly, her tone practical. “I’ve dyed hair before, like twice. I can help you, but we don’t have any bleach or color here.” Nicholas nodded. “Tomorrow then?” “Tomorrow,” she confirmed, smiling. “We’ll make you look good for your witch.”

He exhaled in relief, muttering a quiet “Thanks” before turning toward the house again. Aya nudged Sana as they walked behind him, whispering just loud enough for the others to hear, “He’s totally whipped already.” Sana giggled. “Absolutely.” Nicholas pretended not to hear them, but the small, reluctant smile on his face said otherwise.

~~~

The hotel room was quiet, soft light filtering in through the gauzy curtains as the city outside settled into the rhythm of night. (Y/n) sat cross-legged on the bed, her notebook open beside her, sketches and fabric swatches scattered across the duvet. Jake sat at the small table near the window, legs swinging lightly, a mug of cocoa between his hands.

He looked up at her, tail flicking lazily behind him. “So,” he started, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, “are we going to talk about the wolf in the room?” (Y/n) glanced up, pretending not to understand. “What do you mean?” Jake raised an eyebrow. “Nicholas. The tall, quiet one who looked at you like you hung the moon.” She sighed, though the faint smile on her lips betrayed her. “Of course you’d bring that up.”

“Well,” Jake said, leaning back in his chair, “I’m curious. You told me before we came here that you had a premonition about a pack of wolves and one name, Nicholas. So did you know he was your mate before today?”

(Y/n) paused, the air between them stilling for a second. “Not exactly,” she admitted. “The vision wasn’t clear, just flashes, wolves, moonlight, a name whispered over and over. I didn’t even know what he looked like. But when we met…” She trailed off, her voice softening. “It just clicked. My magic didn’t even have to tell me.” Jake tilted his head, watching her closely. “So how do you feel about that?” Her cheeks flushed instantly. “You sound like a gossiping aunt, Jake.” “Maybe,” he said with a teasing grin, “but I’m your familiar, I get to pry.”

(Y/n) groaned, grabbing a pillow and tossing it at him. He caught it easily, laughing. “Fine,” she relented, her tone turning quieter. “He’s… different. I find him really attractive, obviously, but it’s more than that. There’s something about the way he moves, how he looks at people, like he’s always thinking five steps ahead but never says a word. It’s intimidating, but…” She hesitated, a shy smile forming. “I kind of like teasing him. He gets all stiff and serious, it’s cute.”

Jake’s grin softened into something more genuine. “You like him.” (Y/n) rolled her eyes, though she didn’t deny it. “I might.” “Well,” Jake said, taking a sip of his cocoa, “for what it’s worth, I think you two are a good match. You’re going to drive him absolutely insane, and he’ll love every second of it.” She laughed, tossing another pillow his way. “You’re impossible.” “Maybe,” Jake said, still smiling, “but I’m right.” (Y/n) leaned back against the headboard, her blush lingering, her thoughts already wandering back to the quiet wolf with the storm-gray eyes and the look that made her pulse skip. Jake was right. She could already tell this was going to be interesting.

The hotel room had gone still. The last of the city lights shimmered through the curtains, and Jake had already curled up on the couch, his breathing slow and steady. (Y/n), however, couldn’t sleep. Not after everything that had happened today, meeting Nicholas, feeling that magnetic pull, the quiet intensity of his gaze that lingered even now in her thoughts. Her chest felt tight with a strange mix of excitement and unease.

She sat up, brushing her hair back from her face, and whispered, “Just a glimpse. I only need to see if this path is safe.” Jake stirred slightly, but didn’t wake as she reached for the small pouch of herbs she always carried, mugwort for clarity, lavender for calm, and a few drops of moonwater she’d gathered weeks ago. She lit a single candle on the nightstand, murmuring softly as she passed her hand over the flame.

The air shimmered faintly. Her eyes clouded over. And then, a flash. Not of peace, or light, or the gentle warmth she hoped for. But of blood. It was everywhere, a dark puddle spreading across a cold floor, growing larger with each passing breath. The smell of iron filled her senses. She couldn’t tell where it was coming from, or who it belonged to, but her heart pounded in her chest as dread clawed up her throat.

She tried to pull away from the vision, but it wouldn’t let her go. The scene pulsed, closer, louder, a low growl in the distance, a hand outstretched toward her through the red. Then it all went black. (Y/n) gasped, sitting upright in bed, the candle flickering violently before going out. Her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath. Sweat dampened her hairline.

“(Y/n)?” Jake’s voice was instantly beside her. He’d jumped up the second he’d heard her gasp. His ears flicked forward, tail stiff with alarm. “What happened?” She didn’t answer right away. Her hands trembled as she pressed them to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. “I…I just… I wanted to see what would happen,” she whispered. “With Nicholas.” Jake knelt beside the bed, his golden eyes wide and worried. “And what did you see?” She shook her head, tears welling despite herself. “Blood. So much blood, Jake. It felt like it was far away, but also… close. Like it could happen anytime.” Jake’s expression softened. He didn’t ask more. He just climbed up beside her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “We’ll figure it out. Premonitions don’t always mean what they look like.” “I know,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. “But it didn’t feel wrong. It felt real.” Jake held her tighter, his warmth steady against her trembling form. Whatever she had seen, whatever fate was weaving, it wasn’t just some distant nightmare. It was coming.

~~~

The morning sunlight spilled softly through the kitchen windows as laughter filled the pack house. Sora hummed cheerfully while preparing everything she needed: bleach, toner, gloves, and an old towel she didn’t mind ruining. She had gone out early that morning, Euijoo tagging along, of course, to buy all the supplies. Now the alpha sat nearby, chin resting on his hand, watching her with the lovesick expression he always wore when she was busy doing anything. “I still don’t get why you have to do this,” EJ mumbled, though the faint smirk on his face gave him away.

“Because,” Sora said sweetly, squeezing a line of bleach onto the brush, “our grumpy wolf wants to impress his witch. And I, being the generous vampire that I am, am here to help him.” Nicholas rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. “Let’s just get it over with.” “Relax,” Sora teased, tugging on her gloves. “You’ll thank me later. Or well she will.”

Three hours later, the whole house smelled faintly of chemicals, and Sora finally leaned back with a proud smile. “Done!” Nicholas blinked at his reflection in the mirror. His normally dark hair was now a striking blonde, soft, almost golden in the light. It looked… surprisingly good. Even he had to admit it.

“You actually did it,” Kei said as he walked in, arms crossed, trying to hold back a laugh. “Didn’t think you’d go through with it.” “Yeah, well,” Nicholas muttered, running a hand through his hair. “She liked it.” That was all the reason he needed.

The rest of the pack slowly gathered around, unable to hold back their laughter, not mocking, but warm and full of teasing affection. “I give it two days before it’s back to black,” Taki said between snickers. Miyu covered her mouth to hide a giggle. “No, no, it suits him! Right, Sana?” Sana smiled brightly from her seat beside Jo. “It actually does! I can’t believe you bleached your hair for her, though, Nico. That’s so cute.”

Nicholas grumbled something under his breath, tugging his hood up to hide the color. But the tips of his ears were red, a dead giveaway. EJ clapped him on the back, still chuckling. “You look good, man. The witch won’t know what hit her.” Sora grinned, handing him a small bottle of conditioner. “And remember, this is for keeping it soft and shiny. You’re welcome.”

Nicholas sighed, pocketed the bottle, and stood. “Alright, laugh all you want. We have to get to the studio now.” As he walked toward the door, the sound of their laughter followed him, warm, familiar, and filled with love. The blonde wolf couldn’t help but smile to himself. If (Y/n) liked it, then maybe, just maybe, it was worth every teasing comment.

Kei and Nicholas made their way out to the car, the morning air still cool as they walked across the gravel. Kei glanced over at his brother, smirking at the hood still pulled tightly over his head. “You really think she won’t notice the smell?” he teased, unlocking the car. Nicholas shot him a look. “It’s part of the surprise.” “Yeah, a surprise that reeks of peroxide.”

Nicholas just grunted in response, climbing into the passenger seat. Despite his calm expression, his heart was beating faster than usual. He didn’t even know why he cared so much, it was just hair. But the thought of (Y/n)’s reaction made his stomach twist in anticipation.

When they arrived at the studio, Yuma and Jake were already there, chatting about fabric textures and potential color palettes. The moment Nicholas stepped inside, both turned their heads, noses twitching slightly. Jake blinked. “Did someone bleach a rug or something?” Yuma sniffed the air and squinted toward the door. “Nope… that’s definitely Nicholas.”

Nicholas ignored them, leaning against the wall, waiting. Kei rolled his eyes and went to greet Yuma, muttering something about “dramatic wolves.” (Y/n) was focused on her sketchbook, her hair falling forward as she made a quick note in the margin. “Oh, you’re here,” she said without looking up, her voice smooth and distracted. Nicholas grinned. Perfect timing.

He stepped forward just as she turned to face them, and with one simple motion, he pulled his hood down. The room seemed to pause. (Y/n) froze mid-step, her pen slipping from her hand as she stared at him. Her mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out. For once, the confident witch looked completely speechless. Jake burst out laughing, clapping his hands together. “Oh my god, you did it?! You actually dyed your hair for her!”

Yuma’s grin stretched wide. “No way, so you weren’t kidding yesterday!” Nicholas smirked, his golden hair catching the light. (Y/n) blinked a few times before she finally found her voice again. “You… you actually…” she stammered, her cheeks warming. “I didn’t think you’d do it!” “Do you like it?” Nicholas asked, his tone calm but his eyes glinting with something softer. (Y/n) stepped closer, almost unconsciously reaching up to touch a strand of his hair. “It looks… really good,” she admitted quietly. “Better than I imagined.”

Jake snickered. “You two are ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.” Yuma just smiled knowingly, nudging Kei. “Wolves and their mates, never a dull moment.” “You have no right to speak, remember how you were acting prior to Miyu accepting you?” Kei countered. Nicholas didn’t respond, not to the teasing, not to the laughter, because all he could focus on was (Y/n)’s hand still brushing lightly through his hair. If his wolf could purr, it would.

(Y/n) shook her head quickly, snapping herself out of whatever daze Nicholas’ new look had put her in. Her heart was still beating a little too fast for comfort, and she turned around under the pretense of searching for something on the counter, really, she just couldn’t face him while her cheeks were still burning.

“Alright,” she said, trying to sound composed. “Before we move on with the fabrics, we need to test some makeup looks for both of you. I want to make sure the tones match the pieces I’m designing, and that the overall aesthetic feels balanced.” Kei nodded, already familiar with the process. “Got it. Just tell me where you want me.”

Nicholas leaned back against the wall, arms crossed casually, though his eyes followed (Y/n) wherever she moved. “Guess that means I’m your canvas again,” he said with a hint of teasing in his tone. (Y/n) didn’t look at him. “That’s right, model. Try to sit still this time, hmm?”

Kei chuckled under his breath, glancing between them, already sensing the tension. “I’ll take this chair,” he said, motioning toward the one closer to the worktable, leaving the other, slightly tucked-away seat for Nicholas. Nicholas didn’t hesitate, taking the spot further from the center of the room. The small distance gave him what he wanted, a chance to watch (Y/n) work without the constant interruptions from Jake or Yuma.

As she began setting out brushes and palettes, Nicholas rested his chin in his hand, quietly observing. Every small movement she made, the flick of her wrist, the way her hair fell forward when she leaned over her kit, fascinated him.

She glanced back at him once, catching the soft, steady gaze directed her way. “Don’t look at me like that,” she said, trying to sound stern but failing to hide her smile. “Like what?” he asked, voice low, knowing exactly what he was doing. “Like you’re planning something,” she muttered, turning back to her brushes. Nicholas’ lips curved into a half-smile. “Maybe I am.”

Kei coughed loudly from the other chair. “I’m still here, just so you know.” (Y/n) laughed quietly, grateful for the distraction. “Good,” she said. “Then you can go first.” Kei groaned dramatically, and Nicholas leaned back in his chair, satisfied. For now, he’d let her focus on someone else, but as soon as it was his turn, she’d have to come closer again. And that, his wolf was already looking forward to.

(Y/n) exhaled slowly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she turned toward Nicholas. Okay, she thought, I survived Kei, I can survive this. Nicholas leaned back in his chair, watching her through half-lidded eyes. There was something about the way she always squared her shoulders before focusing on a task, like she was preparing for battle. And if he was being honest, the way she looked at him made his pulse quicken.

“All right, your turn,” she said, trying to sound professional. “Finally,” Nicholas muttered, sitting up straight. His voice was smooth, teasing, that same deep tone that always seemed to vibrate through her chest. Before she could even start, Yuma spoke up. “Actually, while you two work, we’ll head out for a bit. There’s a café next door, I’ll grab something for everyone.” “I’ll tag along as well,” Kei added. Jake nodded. “I’ll pick up her drink. I know what she likes.” The moment the words left his mouth, a low growl rumbled from Nicholas’ chest. It wasn’t loud, but it was definitely there. Kei turned, giving him a sharp look, Don’t you dare. (Y/n) raised an eyebrow. “Nicholas.” He cleared his throat and looked away, suddenly very interested in the floor. “Sorry,” he muttered. “Good,” she said softly, though the corners of her lips twitched upward. He was so easy to read, his jealousy almost adorable if it wasn’t paired with that lethal stare.

Once the others left, the studio grew quiet except for the faint hum of the lights. (Y/n) gathered her palette and brushes, walking over to him. The closer she got, the more Nicholas’ wolf stirred. Her scent, jasmine and something faintly metallic, like magic it kept switching just slightly in tone, it wrapped around him, soothing and intoxicating all at once.

She placed a hand under his chin, gently tilting his head upward. “Stay still,” she said. “I’ll try,” he replied, that same hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. (Y/n) dipped a brush into the powder and began dusting color along his cheekbones. Nicholas closed his eyes, letting out a quiet hum. Her touch was featherlight, her concentration absolute, until she realized just how closely she was standing. Her breath brushed against his skin as she leaned in to blend the color near his jaw. Nicholas opened his eyes, and their faces were inches apart. “You’re staring,” he murmured. “I’m working,” she shot back, though her cheeks flushed instantly. “Uh-huh.” She huffed, reaching for another brush. “You’re worse than Jake when he’s restless.”

Nicholas grinned at that, and she quickly moved to the next step, his lips. “Don’t move,” she instructed, picking up a small applicator. She applied a soft neutral shade, one that complimented the golden tone of his new hair and made his sharp features stand out even more. He held still at first, obedient, quiet, until she pulled back to admire her work. Then, just as she reached for another brush, he licked his lips slowly.

“…Nicholas,” she said warningly. He blinked innocently. “What?” “You just ruined it.” “Did I?” His grin widened. “Guess you’ll have to do it again.” She narrowed her eyes. “You did that on purpose.” “Maybe.” (Y/n) sighed, dipping the applicator again and stepping closer. “Stop moving, or I’ll glue your mouth shut.” “I’d like to see you try.” “Don’t tempt me, remember I can spell you.”

She reapplied the color, this time keeping one hand lightly pressed under his chin, steadying him. He didn’t move, not until her thumb brushed the corner of his mouth to wipe a stray bit of pigment. His breath hitched, and his wolf rumbled quietly again, but this time, it wasn’t a growl.

(Y/n) froze for a second, her pulse quickening. The sound was deep, low, and undeniably intimate. Her hand lingered for a heartbeat too long before she stepped back. “There,” she said, voice softer now. “Done.” Nicholas looked up at her through his lashes, lips curling into a small smile. “You sure you don’t want to fix anything else?” “Positive,” she said quickly, turning away before he could see her blush.

He chuckled under his breath. “You know,” he murmured, getting up from the chair, leaning closer until his mouth was at her ear, “you’re cute when you’re flustered.” Her entire body shivered at the whispered words, she quickly handed him a make up wipe that he could use once she had taken a picture. “You’re impossible.” He took it, laughing quietly. “You love it.” (Y/n) didn’t answer, but the small smile tugging at her lips said enough.

(Y/n) circled around the worktable, gathering the last of her brushes and palettes, but she could feel him, that looming warmth that followed her like a shadow. Every time she stopped, Nicholas was a step behind, quiet but undeniably present. “Do you ever not hover?” she muttered, not bothering to look back. “Maybe I just like the view,” he answered smoothly. She rolled her eyes and bent down to put something away. “You’re impossible.” “And yet you haven’t sent me away,” he said, voice lower now, closer than before. She could hear the grin in it.

When she turned, her breath caught, he was right there again, arms loosely crossed, golden hair catching the light, that infuriatingly confident smirk on his lips. Those lips. And then she noticed it. The faint shimmer of the product she’d so carefully applied was gone. “Nicholas,” she said slowly, narrowing her eyes. He tilted his head innocently. “Hmm?” “You licked it off again.” He had the audacity to grin. “Maybe it’s just a habit.”

(Y/n) groaned, setting the brush down with a soft clack. “You are the most…” She stopped herself, exhaled, and stepped toward him, eyes sharp. “Sit,” she ordered. He obeyed, sitting on the edge of the counter, watching her approach with that calm, predatory ease that made her heart beat faster no matter how hard she tried to ignore it.

She leaned in, one hand coming up to grab his chin, fingers warm against his skin. Nicholas stilled instantly, his breath caught, his wolf thrummed beneath his skin, barely contained. She was so close, her scent wrapping around him, sweet and heady and dangerous. (Y/n)’s eyes flicked down to his lips, barely a few centimeters away. “Keep your tongue in your mouth,” she said quietly, her tone somewhere between warning and a whisper.

Nicholas smirked, that slow, lazy smirk that always promised trouble, and deliberately dragged his tongue across his lower lip. Her hand tightened on his chin. “Nicholas.” “Yes, my witch?” His voice was soft, teasing, threaded with heat. “You seem awfully focused on my mouth. You sure it’s just about the makeup?”

(Y/n) froze. Her heartbeat betrayed her, thump, thump, thump, loud enough for his sharp hearing to catch. He grinned wider. She let go of his chin like it burned her, stepping back quickly. “You’re insufferable,” she muttered, turning away, pretending to fix her brushes just so she didn’t have to meet his eyes. Nicholas leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees, watching her with that same amused softness. “If I didn’t know better,” he murmured, “I’d say I’m getting to you.” “You’re not,” she said too quickly. He chuckled lowly. “Sure.”

(Y/n) refused to turn around, if she did, he’d see the faint blush on her cheeks, and she wasn’t about to give him that satisfaction. Still, the air between them was thick, charged, and when their eyes met again a few seconds later, neither of them looked away. It was going to be very hard to keep things professional.

When the door opened and the others stepped back into the studio, the air hit them like a solid wall. It was thick, charged with something unspoken but obvious to anyone with even half a sense.

Jake slowed first, his golden retriever instincts picking up on the shift immediately. His eyes darted to (Y/n), whose posture was far too stiff for her usual calm composure. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her palette, eyes flicking between the wall, the floor, and, inevitably, Nicholas. Every few seconds, her gaze betrayed her, drawn back to him like a magnet before she caught herself and looked away again, cheeks just a touch too pink. Jake had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning. Oh, something definitely happened while they were gone.

Kei and Yuma noticed it next. Nicholas was seated, leaning back in his chair with infuriating ease, one leg crossed over the other, arms resting lazily on the armrests. He wasn’t even pretending to hide the smugness on his face. His eyes, usually cold and sharp, held a dangerous glint of amusement, locked entirely on (Y/n) like a hunter who already knew his prey would come closer on her own. Kei’s shoulders tensed. He’d seen that look before; it was the same one Nicholas wore before a sparring match he knew he would win. Except this wasn’t a fight in the training field. This was something far messier.

Yuma looked between them, confusion flashing in his golden eyes, until even he realized what was happening. The silence in the room was heavy; the kind of silence that carried heat and tension instead of peace. (Y/n) pretended to check her notes, but the slight tremor in her hand betrayed her. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, the faint shimmer of the gloss she’d reapplied not long ago still catching the light, proof that something had flustered her before they arrived.

Nicholas didn’t move, didn’t say a word. He just watched her, that faint smirk curving his lips, patient, knowing. The kind of look that said: I’m not done with you yet. Jake coughed softly, trying to diffuse the moment, but Kei caught his eye and gave a subtle shake of his head. There was no breaking this tension. Whatever was going on between the wolf and the witch, it was only just beginning, and everyone in that room could feel it.

~~~

Yuma had just finished explaining a new fabric choice when her hand brushed his. It was so small, so unimportant a gesture, until the world fell away. (Y/n)’s body stiffened. The pen she’d been holding hit the floor with a sharp click. Her lips parted, but her voice was gone, trapped somewhere deep in her chest. “(Y/n)?” Yuma said softly. No answer.

Then came the sound, a low, strangled gasp as if the air itself had turned against her. Jake shot up from his chair instantly, his pupils flashing gold. “She’s having a vision!” But something was wrong. Magic shimmered around her like static, crackling and twisting in the air, snapping against her skin. Nicholas could smell it, wild, panicked, burning. His instincts screamed at him. Before Jake could even reach her, Nicholas was there, catching her as her body lurched sideways. He lowered her to the ground, his heart thundering, her pulse fluttering weakly under his hand. “(Y/n)! Look at me!” His voice came out half-growl, half-plea. Her eyes were wide open, glowing faintly violet, but she wasn’t seeing him.

(Y/n) couldn’t hear them, her entire mind stuck in the vision. She was standing in a dim room. The air smelled of iron and smoke. It was quiet, too quiet. Then, the sound. Drip… drip… drip. She looked down. A pool of blood was spreading beneath her feet, thick and dark, soaking into the cracks of the floor. Her breath hitched. It was the same vision from last night. She turned, searching for the source, and froze.

There was someone lying on the ground. The figure’s body was half in shadow, but she saw the outline, broad shoulders, familiar hands streaked with crimson. “Nicholas?” she whispered, voice trembling. The moment she said his name, everything lurched. The blood surged outward as if alive, crawling across the floor toward her. The air filled with screams, deep, agonized, inhuman. She covered her ears, falling to her knees, her heart pounding as the world shattered into fragments, fire, the scent of rain, the echo of a howl that sounded like grief. Then she saw eyes. Golden. Dimmed. And a voice desperately calling her name. “(Y/n)!”

Nicholas didn’t realize he’d shouted until the others turned to look. He could feel her trembling, her heart racing out of control. Her magic flared, the scent of ozone filling the studio. Jake crouched beside him, panic lacing his voice. “This, this isn’t normal, she’s drowning in the vision!”

Nicholas’s wolf roared within him, the sound almost spilling into reality. Without thinking, he pulled her close, pressing her against his chest, his voice dropping low, a grounding rumble that vibrated through both of them. “Come back to me,” he whispered. “You’re safe. You’re here. Come back.” Her trembling began to ease. The static hum of magic faded, dissolving into soft sparks of light. She let out a shaky breath and then went still, slumping in his arms, unconscious but breathing evenly.

Nicholas didn’t move. He just held her, one hand still stroking her hair as if trying to soothe the ghost of whatever nightmare she’d seen. Jake’s voice broke the silence, quieter now. “That wasn’t a normal vision,” he said. “Whatever she saw… it was bad. Really bad.” Nicholas’s jaw tightened, his eyes glowing faintly gold. “Then I’ll find out what it was,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. He looked down at her face again, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek with trembling fingers.

Nicholas stayed where he was, knees pressed against the studio floor, (Y/n)’s limp body still cradled against his chest. Her head rested in the crook of his neck, her breathing shallow but steady now. His thumb brushed against her temple in slow, grounding circles, more for his sake than hers. His wolf still paced beneath his skin, restless, protective, refusing to let go.

Kei crouched down beside them, his usual composed demeanor wavering slightly as his sharp eyes flicked between the unconscious witch and her familiar. “Jake,” he began, his voice calm but edged with curiosity, “what exactly just happened to her? I’ve heard of witches losing control of their magic, but this…” he gestured vaguely toward the faint shimmer of magic that still lingered in the air, “this felt different.” Jake hesitated. His golden eyes darted from Kei to Nicholas, then back to (Y/n). He bit his lip, ears twitching nervously. “It’s… complicated,” he admitted, voice lower now. “And not exactly something she likes people to know.”

Nicholas looked up sharply, his expression unreadable. “We just watched her collapse,” he said, his voice quieter but heavy with restrained urgency. “I think we deserve to know what’s going on.” Jake sighed, his usual playful energy dimming. “Alright,” he said finally. “But you have to understand, she hides this for a reason.” He glanced down at (Y/n), as if silently asking for permission she couldn’t give. “(Y/n) isn’t just a witch.”

Kei frowned. “Then what is she?” “She’s… half-oracle,” Jake said. The silence that followed was thick. Even Yuma, who had been frozen a few feet away, seemed to forget how to breathe. “A half–witch, half–oracle?” Kei repeated, disbelief threading through his tone. “That’s not, I mean, those two bloodlines aren’t supposed to…”

“They’re not,” Jake finished for him. “They don’t mix well. Ever. It’s… rare. Dangerous, even. Her mother was a witch, her father an oracle. That kind of union usually tears the child apart before they even reach adulthood. But somehow, she made it.” He ran a hand through his blond hair, exhaling shakily. “Her witch side is steady; it’s what lets her live like a human, blend in, create, and control her magic. But her oracle side…” He trailed off, his tail flicking anxiously. “That’s different. It’s wild. Uncontrolled. The visions come when they want, not when she calls for them. And when they hit, they hit hard.”

Nicholas tightened his grip on her slightly, jaw flexing. “And she goes through that alone?” Jake nodded, guilt flickering across his face. “She doesn’t like people knowing about it. You saw how powerful it is, it scares people. Even witches don’t trust oracles. They think they bring misfortune, that they’re cursed.” Kei’s brows furrowed, his tone softening. “So she hides that part of herself to survive.” Jake nodded again. “Pretty much. The visions don’t happen often, maybe once every few months. But when they do, they always mean something. Something big. And if she reacted like that…”

He stopped himself, glancing at Nicholas, whose golden eyes burned brighter, fierce and terrified all at once. “If she reacted like that,” Jake said finally, quieter now, “then whatever she saw… it’s something she’d give anything to stop.” Nicholas didn’t answer. He looked down at her face, brushing a strand of hair away with trembling fingers. She looked peaceful now, fragile even, but the scent of fear still clung to her skin.

His wolf growled softly, low and possessive. Whatever she saw, he thought, whatever’s coming… it won’t touch her. Not while I’m still breathing. Kei exhaled quietly, rising to his feet. “We need to get her somewhere safe to rest. Yuma, grab some water. Jake, help me clear that table.” Jake nodded, moving fast, but his worried gaze never left her. And Nicholas… he just stayed where he was, holding his mate, every part of him silently vowing that he’d never let her face her nightmares alone again.

While they waited for (Y/n) to wake up, the tension in the studio remained heavy, unrelenting. She now rested on one of the large worktables, a folded jacket beneath her head and another draped across her body. It wasn’t ideal, not even close, but no one wanted to risk moving her until she came to. The rhythmic sound of her breathing was the only thing keeping Nicholas grounded, though his eyes never left her face, not even for a second.

Jake hovered nearby, his tail low, guilt and worry clear in every motion. Yuma had fetched water and set it beside her, but his hands still fidgeted, unsure what else to do. Kei, however, stood a few steps back, expression unreadable, though his eyes flicked between each person in the room, assessing, thinking. Then he exhaled and quietly said, “I’ll be back in a few minutes. I need to make a call.”

Nicholas didn’t even look up, just gave a faint nod, his hand still tracing idle circles against (Y/n)’s arm. Kei slipped outside, closing the door behind him, letting the cool evening air hit his face. He walked a few steps away from the entrance before pulling out his phone. It rang twice before a smooth voice answered, playful as always. “Kei! To what do I owe the pleasure? You miss me already?”

“Jay,” Kei said, tone sharp enough that the vampire’s teasing stopped instantly. “This isn’t a social call. I need to ask you something, and it’s important.” Jay went silent for a beat. “…Alright. What’s wrong?” “The designer working with Yuma, her name’s (Y/n), the other night, you seemed to recognize her name, have you figured out why?”

There was a pause on the other end. Then a slow inhale. “Ah, yes, he name felt familiar the other night.” His voice had dropped now, the warmth replaced with something colder, heavier. “I didn’t think it could be the same one, but…” “But what?” Kei pressed. Jay hesitated before continuing. “Back at the coven, years ago, I used to hear stories. Whispers, really. About a witch, young, powerful, but… different. They said she wasn’t just a witch. That she was half-oracle, you can imagine how that went over with the other witches.”

Kei’s expression darkened. “They shunned her.” Jay’s sigh was soft but full of weight. “Yes. They said her visions brought nothing but pain. That everyone she grew close to met a terrible fate. The coven called her ill-starred, cursed by the moon itself. Most avoided her. Others… well, you know how witches handle things they don’t understand.”

Kei stared out at the trees beyond the road, jaw tight. “And you think that’s her?” “I can’t be sure,” Jay said. “But if it is, then she’s been carrying that burden for a long time. It’s not that she brings misfortune, Kei. It’s that misfortune seems to find her. That’s a very different thing.” Kei nodded slowly, his grip tightening around his phone. “That’s all I needed to know. Thanks, Jay.” “Kei!” Jay’s voice softened again, almost hesitant. “Be careful with her. If she’s anything like the stories said, then she’s suffered enough already.”

“I know,” Kei said quietly. “I don’t believe she’s cursed. I think bad luck just doesn’t know how to let go of her.” And with that, he ended the call, pocketing his phone before looking up at the dimming sky. The first stars were just beginning to appear, their light faint but steady. He exhaled, running a hand through his hair, the faintest hint of resolve settling into his features. Then he turned back toward the studio, toward the witch lying unconscious on a table, and the wolf who wouldn’t let go of her hand. Because whatever kind of fate she carried, the pack wouldn’t let her face it alone.

Just as Kei pushed the door open and stepped back into the studio, a soft sound broke through the silence, a faint groan, the rustle of fabric, and then (Y/n)’s fingers twitched against the jacket draped over her. Nicholas was at her side again in an instant, his chair scraping against the floor as he moved. “Hey,” he murmured, his voice low but laced with unmistakable relief. “You’re alright. Easy now.”

Her eyelids fluttered open, the violet of her irises dimmed but still faintly glowing. Her gaze found his first, as if her soul recognized him before her mind caught up, and then drifted to the others gathered around her. Her throat felt dry, her body weak. Nicholas lifted the bottle of water from the nearby table and gently pressed it into her hands. “Drink,” he said, tone soft but firm. She obeyed, sipping slowly, the cool liquid easing the burn in her chest.

Kei stepped forward, his usually steady voice calm but carrying a weight that filled the room. “(Y/n),” he began, “I think it’s best if you and Jake come with us. Stay at the village for a while.” Her eyes flickered up to him, reading the serious tone, the looks of concern shared between the wolves. There was something else there too, pity, maybe fear. Her shoulders tensed as she turned her gaze toward Jake, who stood a few feet away, tail low, avoiding her eyes.

“Jake,” she said quietly, “you told them, didn’t you?” Jake flinched, his ears drooping instantly. “I…” He swallowed hard. “Yes. I did. I had to, (Y/n). You passed out, and none of them knew what was happening, I couldn’t just…” She lifted a weak hand, stopping him. “It’s alright,” she said, voice gentle despite the exhaustion threading through it. “I’m not upset. You did what you thought was right.” Jake blinked rapidly, relief and guilt mixing in his expression.

Nicholas helped her sit up properly, one arm braced behind her back as she swung her legs over the edge of the table. His hand lingered at her waist, steadying her as she tried to find her balance. The contact, the quiet steadiness of him, made her feel grounded again. Then she turned to Kei. “You really want someone like me around your pack?” she asked, her tone calm but heavy. “Someone who brings death?”

Nicholas’s entire body went rigid, a low growl rising in his throat before he could stop it. “Don’t say that,” he snapped quietly, his wolf close to the surface. But Kei raised a hand, motioning him to wait. “No,” he said evenly. “I don’t.” The words hit like a cold wind. Even Jake stiffened, his tail stilling behind him. Nicholas bared his teeth, his voice a dangerous snarl. “Kei,” But Kei continued, his tone unwavering. “I don’t want someone who brings death, (Y/n). But I don’t believe that’s what you are.”

Her eyes widened slightly, confusion flickering across her face. Kei stepped closer, his calm, alpha-like presence radiating quiet assurance. “I made a call while you were unconscious. I heard the stories. I know what people say about you, that you’re cursed, that your visions bring misfortune.” She lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening around the bottle.

“But I don’t believe that,” Kei said. “I don’t think you bring death. I think death has been chasing you, clinging to you, trying to convince you it’s your fault when it’s not.” His voice softened. “You don’t scare us. You won’t be alone with this anymore.” (Y/n)’s breath trembled. She looked at him, then at Nicholas, the wolf who hadn’t moved an inch from her side. His expression had softened, but his golden eyes still burned with fierce protectiveness.

Nicholas reached out, his hand brushing against hers. “You’re not a curse,” he said, his tone low, intimate. “You’re my mate.” For the first time since waking, she let out a shaky breath that almost resembled a laugh, fragile, disbelieving. “You really think you can fight fate?”

Kei gave a small smile. “If fate wants a fight,” he said, “she’s picked the wrong pack to mess with. Besides, we’ve already had a twist or two.” The room was silent for a long moment, the tension melting into something steadier, fragile hope, maybe even acceptance. (Y/n) exhaled and nodded slowly. “Alright,” she said softly. “We’ll come with you.” Jake smiled faintly from where he stood. Nicholas looked down at her, thumb brushing over her knuckles, and for the first time since she collapsed, his chest didn’t feel so tight. Because maybe Kei was right. Maybe fate had picked the wrong pack.

Kei’s voice echoed through the mind link, calm but firm, reaching every wolf in the pack. We’re bringing Nicholas’ mate and her familiar back with us. Two rooms need to be prepared, one for each of them. Instantly, the link erupted with questions. Nicholas’ mate? Finally! Wait, her familiar? But then came Ej’s voice, steady and authoritative even in the shared space. Did something happen? Kei sighed quietly before answering. I’ll explain everything once we’re home. Just make sure the rooms are ready. There was a moment of silence, then Ej’s reply came through, calm and trusting. Alright. We’ll be ready. Drive safe.

With that, the link faded, leaving Kei to exhale and focus on the situation in front of him, and the pair currently bickering by the studio door. Nicholas stood with his arms crossed, his expression sharp with irritation. (Y/n) mirrored his stance, though the stubborn set of her jaw was slightly undermined by how pale she still looked. “I can walk,” she insisted for the fourth time, glaring up at him. “You can barely stand,” Nicholas countered, his voice low but firm. “You nearly passed out again just now.”

(Y/n) rolled her eyes, muttering something about “overprotective wolves.” Jake stood a few feet away, tail twitching nervously as he tried to decide if he should intervene. Kei, however, stayed quiet, watching with the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes, this was so Nicholas. “Nicholas,” (Y/n) began again, her tone laced with exasperation, “if you try to” But she didn’t get to finish. With one smooth motion, the wolf simply scooped her up, one arm under her knees, the other around her back, holding her securely against his chest.

She let out a startled yelp, gripping the fabric of his jacket. “Nicholas!” “I warned you,” he said, unfazed, already heading for the door. “You had your chance to agree.” Her cheeks flushed, whether from the warmth of his body or pure embarrassment, even she didn’t know. “You’re impossible,” she mumbled under her breath. “Glad you’re catching on,” he muttered back, lips twitching in a faint smirk.

Jake followed close behind, carrying (Y/n)’s bag. When they reached Kei’s car, he opened the back door, clearly intending to sit beside her, but the second he took a step closer, a deep, unmistakable growl rolled out from Nicholas’ chest. Jake froze mid-step, blinking. “Seriously?” Nicholas didn’t even bother answering, his golden eyes narrowing slightly, possessive and unamused. “Nicholas,” Kei said sharply, tone brooking no argument. “Enough. Jake’s not your competition.” The wolf shot his brother a look that clearly said, He’s still too close.

Kei sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Fine. Jake, front passenger seat. Yuma, you sit in the back with our overly territorial wolf.” Jake smirked as he moved around to the front. “Guess I’ll leave you two lovebirds to bond.” (Y/n) snorted softly, but Nicholas didn’t respond, though his glare did make Jake hurry a little faster. Once everyone was settled, Kei started the car. The engine hummed to life, headlights cutting through the dim light as they began the drive toward the village.

In the backseat, Nicholas adjusted his grip on (Y/n), who had relaxed slightly against him, exhaustion pulling at her again. Yuma sat quietly beside them, shooting Nico a teasing look but choosing, wisely, to stay silent. As they drove, (Y/n)’s head slowly dropped against Nicholas’ shoulder, her breathing steady. He looked down at her, his thumb brushing gently over her arm, his earlier irritation melting into quiet protectiveness.

Kei caught the look in the rearview mirror, the kind of look that said Nicholas wasn’t going to let anything hurt her. Not ever. And with that, the pack was one step closer to bringing home the witch who saw death in her dreams and the wolf who refused to let fate take her.

~~~

When the car pulled into the village, the air was already alive with quiet anticipation. The entire pack had gathered outside, the front porch lights from the main house spilling golden light across the gravel road. Shadows moved between the cabins, curious eyes, familiar faces.

Kei had barely turned off the engine when every pair of eyes locked onto the car. The first door to open was the passenger side, Jake stepped out, tail flicking once, ears twitching under the porch light. A collective gasp rippled through the group. “Whoa,” Taki blurted out, eyes wide. “He’s got ears. And a tail!” Aya elbowed him sharply. “Don’t be rude.” But it wasn’t Jake who kept their attention for long.

The second the back door opened, Nicholas stepped out his expression unreadable. In his arms, cradled close to his chest, was a girl. Her hair fell across her face, her head resting against him, completely still. The pack went silent. Even Fuma, gasped.

EJ stepped forward slowly, his alpha aura faint but steady, scanning the two new arrivals. His gaze swept over Jake, noting the canine features with faint curiosity, and then landed on Nicholas, who was holding the unconscious witch as if she were made of glass. EJ didn’t speak. He just looked over at Kei, silently demanding an explanation. The eldest wolf’s eyes met his, steady and calm, silently promising later.

Sora, who had been standing just behind EJ, slipped forward, her hand lightly gripping his arm as if to steady herself. Her eyes were fixed on the girl in Nicholas’ arms. “May I?” she asked softly. Nicholas hesitated but then gave a small nod, adjusting his hold so that Sora could reach out. The vampire extended her free hand, placing it gently against (Y/n)’s arm. Her eyes glowed faintly red for a split second, the telltale sign of her healing power activating. And then she gasped. “Sora?” EJ’s tone sharpened instantly.

Her eyes darted to him, wide with disbelief. “Her body…” She drew in a quick breath, her fingers trembling slightly. “It’s reacting like she’s actively bleeding, not on the surface, but from within. Like every nerve, every vein is screaming.” A chill swept through the wolves. Nicholas’s grip tightened protectively around (Y/n), his wolf snarling just under the surface. “What does that mean?” he demanded, voice low. “I don’t know,” Sora said truthfully, pulling her hand back slowly, her expression troubled. “It’s not something I’ve ever felt before. It’s like her life force is drained, constantly fighting itself.”

Jake stepped closer, ears flicking back. “It’s her oracle side,” he said quietly. “It takes a toll on her, sometimes worse after a vision. It’s like her magic rips itself open from the inside.” EJ’s expression softened just slightly as he looked between the three of them. The situation was strange, even by their standards. But he wasn’t going to ask questions now, not while Nicholas was clearly on edge and the girl in his arms looked barely conscious.

“We’ve got two rooms ready in the third cabin,” EJ said finally, his voice calm, authoritative. Nicholas didn’t wait for permission. The second the words left his alpha’s mouth, he adjusted his hold on (Y/n) and started walking toward the cabin, his long strides purposeful. Sora watched him go, her hand still faintly glowing with residual energy. “She’s strong,” she murmured, “but whatever she’s carrying… it’s heavy.” Kei nodded quietly. “That’s why she’s here. We’ll figure it out.” As Nicholas disappeared into the shadows between the cabins, the pack exchanged uneasy glances, curiosity, concern, and something else, something they hadn’t felt in a while.

As Nicholas disappeared into the cabin, the screen door closing softly behind him, the rest of the pack stood in uneasy silence for a few moments. Jake lingered just outside, glancing back once before following his witch’s scent inside.

The tension broke when Miyu suddenly clapped her hands together, her expression determined. “Alright,” she said, turning toward Maki, “we’re not just going to stand here and stare. That girl’s been through hell, she needs a real meal. Come on, let’s cook something warm, something with actual substance.” Maki nodded instantly, his usual easygoing smile replaced by genuine concern. “Yeah, I’ll grab what we have left in the pantry. Maybe make some soup and rice too, something gentle on the stomach.” Miyu smiled softly, patting his arm. “Good thinking. Let’s get started.”

As they disappeared toward the kitchen, Sana turned to Jo, her brow creased. “Do you think we should go check on Nicholas? He looked… worried. More than usual.” Jo glanced toward the direction of the cabin, his expression thoughtful but calm. “I think it’s better to give him space for now,” he said quietly. “He’s already on edge, and if she’s still unconscious, he won’t want anyone hovering around.” Sana sighed but nodded, trusting his instinct. “You’re right. Still, poor girl.”

Meanwhile, on the far side of the yard, Fuma and EJ had approached Kei, their faces serious. Even Sora stayed close, her hand brushing against EJ’s arm again, her crimson eyes still troubled from what she’d felt earlier. Kei exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He’d known this was coming. “Alright,” EJ said first, folding his arms. “You said you’d explain. Now’s the time.”

Kei nodded, his voice calm but weighted with the gravity of what he was about to share. “Her name’s (Y/n),” he began. “She’s Nicholas’s mate. And she’s not just a witch, she’s half-oracle.” Fuma’s eyes widened slightly, but it was EJ who reacted first, his jaw tightening. “An oracle,” he repeated, the word sharp. “You’re sure?” Kei nodded once. “Her familiar confirmed it, the one with the ears and tail, Jake. Said she’s half-witch, half-oracle. It’s a volatile mix. He said her visions come without warning, and when they do, they… hurt her.”

Sora frowned, arms crossing loosely over her chest. “That explains what I felt earlier,” she murmured. “It wasn’t just pain, it was her magic tearing through her own body. That kind of imbalance can destroy a person from the inside out.” Fuma looked between them, disbelief flickering in his usually steady eyes. “Oracles aren’t trusted for a reason,” he said quietly. “You all know that. They bring warnings, but never good ones. Every story ends in loss.”

EJ nodded slowly, his voice lower now. “They’re seen as omens. Witches don’t trust them. Vampires avoid them. Even other wolves…” he trailed off, glancing toward the cabin where Nicholas had gone. “They’re unpredictable. Dangerous.” Kei met their eyes, his expression calm but resolute. “I know the stories. Jay told me as much. But he also said something else, that it’s not her who brings the misfortune. It’s that misfortune seems to find her.”

Sora tilted her head slightly, her voice quiet. “Cursed by fate itself.” “Maybe,” Kei said. “But if that’s true, then we’ll just have to be stronger than whatever fate throws at us.” Fuma let out a slow sigh, his expression softening. “Nicholas won’t leave her side. You know that, right?” Kei’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Yeah. He’s already made that pretty clear.”

EJ nodded, his earlier tension easing slightly, though the concern in his eyes remained. “Then we protect her, like any one of our own. Until we know what that vision meant.” Sora reached out, brushing her fingers lightly against his hand. “I’ll keep an eye on her magic when I can,” she offered softly. “Just in case something changes.” “Thank you,” Kei said, his voice sincere.

The group fell quiet for a moment, each of them lost in thought. The sound of pots clinking came faintly from the cabin kitchen where Miyu and Maki worked, laughter breaking through the heaviness of the moment. Kei looked toward the cabin where Nicholas and (Y/n) were, his gaze steady. “We’ve dealt with curses, vampires, and monsters before,” he said finally. “A witch with a haunted gift isn’t going to scare us off.” Sora smiled faintly. “Let’s just hope fate knows that too.”

~~~

Nicholas sat in silence, his chair drawn close to the side of the bed where (Y/n) lay sleeping. The only sounds in the small cabin were her slow, steady breaths and the occasional creak of the wood as the evening wind brushed against the walls. His eyes didn’t leave her, the soft rise and fall of her chest, the faint color returning to her cheeks.

A few feet away, Jake sat cross-legged on the floor, hands resting loosely on his knees. He hadn’t said much since they arrived. The familiar could sense the tension radiating from the older wolf, not hostility, not exactly, but a deep, territorial protectiveness. Jake respected it. He wasn’t her mate, and though he’d protect (Y/n) with his life, he understood the way Nicholas’ instincts worked. So he stayed where he was, silent and patient.

For a long time, no one moved. Then a gentle knock broke the quiet. Nicholas’ head snapped toward the door, his posture instantly alert, but Jake was already standing, padding softly over to answer. The door opened to reveal Maki, balancing a tray overflowing with food. The smell of rice, soup, roasted meat, and something sweet immediately filled the room. “Hey,” Maki said with a small smile, stepping inside. “Figured you guys might be hungry.”

Nicholas’ eyes followed his every movement, his wolf bristling slightly at anyone getting too close to his sleeping mate, but his growl was low, almost restrained. Maki didn’t flinch, he knew Nicholas well enough to understand it wasn’t a threat, just instinct.

The moment the tray hit the bedside table, (Y/n)’s lashes fluttered. She stirred, her hand twitching before she blinked her eyes open. For a second, she looked disoriented, until the scent of food reached her, and her stomach betrayed her with a loud rumble. Jake laughed softly. “Guess that woke her up.” Nicholas’ entire demeanor softened, his hand twitching as if he wanted to reach out but didn’t want to startle her. “Hey,” he murmured, his voice quieter than usual. “You’re awake.”

(Y/n) rubbed her eyes, still groggy. “Barely,” she mumbled, then her gaze landed on Maki, and something flickered behind her eyes. “Eat,” Maki said kindly, his usual gentle smile still in place. “There’s plenty more in the main house if you want seconds.” “Thank you,” (Y/n) said softly, her voice carrying a strange undertone, distant, almost distracted.

Just as he was about to turn to leave, her gaze went glassy for a brief second. A vision, quick, like a flash of lightning. She saw a young boy, maybe eight or nine years old, sitting on the steps of an empty cabin. Alone. The air smelled of rain and pine, and though his eyes were downcast, he didn’t seem lost, just waiting. Then, another image followed: the same boy, now laughing as a taller, older wolf ruffled his hair. A bond, brotherly and deep, something core to who he was.

(Y/n) blinked rapidly, the image fading as quickly as it had come. Maki was still standing there, smiling kindly, unaware of what she’d seen. “Thank you,” she repeated, her voice softer now, tinged with something almost knowing. Maki nodded, still smiling. “Get some rest after you eat, okay?” He turned and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

Jake sat back down on the floor, letting out a small sigh. “He seems nice,” he said. Nicholas didn’t answer right away. He was still watching (Y/n), his golden eyes gentler now. “Yeah,” he said at last. “They all are.” (Y/n) picked up a spoon, the smell of warm broth curling around her. “It smells amazing,” she murmured, glancing up at Nicholas. “Did he really cook all this just for us?” Nicholas nodded once. “He and Miyu, they’re out signature chefs,”

As she began to eat, slow but steady, the tension in the room eased a little. Jake finally stood and grabbed one of the rolls from the tray, sitting cross-legged beside the bed, while Nicholas stayed where he was, unmoving, watchful, his wolf calmer now that she was awake, safe, and eating. For the first time since that terrifying moment in the studio, the three of them sat together in a fragile peace, the air thick with the scent of food, comfort, and something new blooming quietly between them.

Soon enough, the tray was empty, only a few smudges of sauce and half-drunk tea left behind. (Y/n) let out a quiet sigh, sitting back against the pillows, but her eyes betrayed her. They lingered on the empty plates a little too long, tracing the edge of the bowl as if she were debating whether to admit she was still hungry. Jake caught the look instantly, a small smile tugging at his lips. He knew her better than anyone, knew that despite her magic, her pride was still very human. But before he could say anything, Nicholas’ low, steady voice broke the silence.

“You’re still hungry.” It wasn’t a question. (Y/n)’s eyes snapped up to him, cheeks warming. “I, no, it’s okay, I’m fine.” Nicholas tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes narrowing just a touch. “You want more.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Do you want to go to the main house, or do you want me to bring you something?” She blinked, startled by his matter-of-fact tone, and then gave a small, shy laugh. “I can walk, you know. I’m feeling better now.” “Good.” His lips curved, not quite a smile, but something close. “Then let’s go.”

Jake trailed after them, hands stuffed into his pockets, his tail flicking behind him as he glanced around the quiet village. The air was cool and smelled faintly of pine and smoke from the kitchen. When they stepped into the main house, the shift in atmosphere was immediate. Warmth hit (Y/n) first, not just from the hearth fire burning in the corner, but from the way everyone inside seemed to radiate a kind of easy, familiar comfort.

Laughter rolled through the space, soft and genuine. The smell of cooked meat and spices hung heavy in the air. Someone, probably Sana, was humming in the kitchen, while Sora and Aya sat at the long table, their hands intertwined with their mates’. The second they saw (Y/n), the chatter dimmed, then flared right back up, this time directed at her. “Oh, she’s awake!” Miyu exclaimed, rushing over with a bright smile. “Are you feeling better? You gave us quite the scare.”

(Y/n) nodded, caught off guard by the immediate attention but warmed by it nonetheless. “I am. Thank you, the food was amazing.” “That was mostly Maki,” Fuma called from the far end of the room, flashing a small, proud grin. (Y/n) smiled softly, recognizing the warmth from earlier and the faint flicker of the boy she’d seen in her vision. As she spoke, her gaze drifted around the room, to the wolves, their easy camaraderie, the tenderness between the mates, the faint pulse of something ancient yet familial in the air. Then her eyes caught on the pale-skinned woman leaning lightly into a tall wolf’s side.

Sora. (Y/n) froze for half a heartbeat, her magical senses sparking instinctively. She could feel it, the stillness in the air around her, the cool undertone beneath her scent. “You’re… a vampire,” (Y/n) said before she could stop herself. The room fell briefly quiet, everyone’s eyes flicking between them, unsure how the witch would react. But to everyone’s surprise, (Y/n)’s lips curved into a small, awed smile. “That’s incredible,” she said softly. “I’ve never seen a vampire in a pack before.” Sora chuckled, her fingers brushing EJ’s arm. “It’s not the most traditional arrangement,” she admitted. “But we make it work.” He continued.

(Y/n) nodded, still absorbing the sight, the gentle affection between species that, by all logic, should’ve hated one another. Yet here, it felt natural. For the first time in a long while, she felt something inside her loosen, that constant quiet dread that her presence would bring nothing but misfortune. Here, surrounded by wolves, a vampire, and warmth that felt like home, she allowed herself to breathe.

Nicholas stayed close beside her, his hand brushing the small of her back as if grounding her. She glanced up at him, and for once, he wasn’t the intimidating, brooding wolf she’d first met. He looked… calm. Safe. Home.

Nicholas leaned down slightly, his voice low, the kind of rumble that vibrated more in his chest than in the air. “Go on,” he said, tilting his head toward the kitchen. “You’ll find Maki in there. He’s the one who made the food.” (Y/n) looked up at him, hesitant for a moment. The air between them still buzzed with something unspoken, something electric. She didn’t want to step away from him, not yet, but she gave a small nod anyway. “Alright,” she said softly.

As she started toward the kitchen, Jake made a move to follow her, his tail flicking once in reflex. He didn’t even make it two steps before a low growl rolled through the room. Nicholas’ hand shot out, grabbing the collar of Jake’s shirt, yanking him backward with effortless strength. Jake froze mid-step, arms slightly raised in surrender, his tail drooping. “Really, man?” he muttered, half a whine in his tone.

The room went dead silent for half a beat, until Sana stepped out of the kitchen, holding a plate of fruit. The sight that greeted her was so unexpected she nearly dropped it. Nicholas, towering as always, had poor Jake caught like a misbehaving puppy, his fingers fisted in the fabric of the familiar’s collar. She blinked once… and then burst out laughing. “Oh my god, Nico!” she gasped between laughs, trying to steady the plate in her hands. “You look like you’re scolding a child who stole your food!”

That broke whatever composure anyone else had left. The pack erupted into laughter, Yuma leaned against the counter to keep from falling, Sora hid her grin behind EJ’s arm, and even Fuma’s usually serious face cracked into a rare smirk. Jake looked completely betrayed. “I didn’t even do anything!” Sana walked over, still laughing, trying to pry Nicholas’ hand off Jake’s collar. “Come on, wolf boy, let the poor dog go. He’s just being protective.”

Nicholas’ only response was a low, grumbling noise, halfway between annoyance and territorial instinct. He still hadn’t moved, though his grip loosened slightly. “Nich-o-las.” The way Sana said his name had that older-sister lilt to it, firm but teasing. Finally, two sets of heavier footsteps approached. Kei and Fuma, both wearing identical looks of amused exasperation, stopped in front of Nicholas. “Let him go,” Fuma said simply, arms crossed. Kei’s tone was less serious but just as commanding. “Now.” Nicholas met both their gazes, sighed deeply, and finally released Jake’s shirt, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like “shouldn’t have tried to follow her anyway.”

Jake straightened his clothes, glaring at the wolf before glancing toward Sana for moral support. “See? This is why I prefer witches. They don’t grab you like you’re a chew toy.” That sent another round of laughter through the room. Sana smiled sweetly at Nicholas, patting his arm as she passed. “You’re lucky you’re cute when you’re jealous, Nico,” she teased. Nicholas growled softly but didn’t argue, his eyes flicking briefly toward the kitchen where (Y/n) had disappeared. Fuma sighed, shaking his head with a faint smirk. “We’re going to have our hands full with this one,” he muttered. Kei chuckled lowly, clapping a hand on Nicholas’ shoulder. “You think?”

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, (Y/n) stepped quietly through the doorway, following the sound of soft clattering and humming. She found two wolves inside, one familiar, Maki, the one who’d brought food to the cabin, and another she hadn’t met yet. The unfamiliar one turned at the sound of her footsteps, his expression lighting up instantly. “Oh, hi!” he said with the kind of cheerful warmth that filled a room. “You must be (Y/n)! I’m Taki.”

He had his hands halfway submerged in a sink full of soap and bubbles, sleeves rolled up, the faint scent of lemon and something distinctly wolfish clinging to him. Maki glanced up from where he was covering a tray of leftovers. “Hey, you’re up,” he said, his usual calm tone paired with a smile that reached his eyes. “Feeling better?” “A lot better, thanks to you,” (Y/n) replied softly.

The youngest wolf’s tail (if it had been visible) would have wagged with excitement. “That’s good! Do you want more food? There’s still plenty left, Miyu and I cooked enough to feed a small army.” (Y/n) couldn’t help but smile at his energy. “I’d love some,” she said, Taki and Maki both grinned wide, Maki grabbing a clean plate and handing it to her with the kind of enthusiasm only the youngest sibling type could muster. “Dig in! We’re all about making sure everyone eats too much around here,” he said proudly.

She thanked him and took a seat at the counter, serving herself a bit of stew and rice. Taki leaned his elbows on the counter beside her, curious eyes watching. “So,” he began, “how do you like the town so far? It’s small, but it grows on you, I’d say.” “It’s beautiful,” (Y/n) admitted between bites. “Cozy. It feels like… home, in a strange way.” Maki looked up from the counter, giving her a faint nod of agreement. “That’s what most of us thought when we first came here,” he said quietly. Taki smirked, nudging her playfully with his elbow. “And how’s Nico? He’s not driving you crazy already, right? Because, trust me, he’s usually worse when he’s not trying to impress someone.”

(Y/n) laughed, a genuine, warm sound that filled the kitchen. “No, he’s… actually been really sweet. Overprotective, maybe, but sweet.” Maki chuckled under his breath. “That sounds like him.” The witch couldn’t help but feel her chest warm at how natural it all felt, the laughter, the teasing, the lack of judgment in their voices. Not even a flicker of hesitation in their gazes.

It was strange and comforting all at once. For most of her life, people had treated her visions and her oracle side like a curse, something to fear. But these two, no, all these wolves, they just treated her like her. Like someone they’d known forever. Only Jake had ever made her feel that way before. She glanced between them as the conversation continued, her heart swelling with something she hadn’t felt in a long time, belonging.

(Y/n) stayed in the kitchen with the two youngest wolves for a while, the scent of herbs and warmth still lingering in the air. As she ate, she mostly listened, smiling as the two boys bounced off each other with the easy rhythm of brothers.

Taki had taken to pacing back and forth, waving his hands dramatically as he ranted about his university workload. “I swear, my professor is out to get me. Like, who assigns a twenty-page essay and expects us to show up to class with a full presentation the same week? It’s criminal!” Maki laughed quietly, shaking his head while stacking some bowls. “Maybe if you stopped procrastinating until the night before, it wouldn’t feel that bad.” Taki gasped, clutching his chest like he’d been struck. “Et tu, Maki?”

(Y/n) hid her laugh behind her hand, her shoulders shaking a little. It was comforting, the normalcy, the humor, the domestic feel of the whole scene. Maki then began talking about his work, his voice lifting with pride. “Last night was wild. I think almost everyone ordered my new dish. Miyu said a couple even asked if it was going to be a permanent item on the menu.” “That’s amazing,” (Y/n) said sincerely. “You must be really proud.” “I am,” Maki admitted, scratching the back of his neck, a shy grin spreading on his face. “It’s kind of weird, actually… seeing people enjoy something I made.” “You deserve it,” she said simply. And she meant it.

Before either of the wolves could respond, the kitchen door opened, letting in a faint chill and the softest trace of a familiar, cold scent. An elegant woman stepped in, her presence both serene and commanding, (Y/n) recognized her. The vampire. She crossed the kitchen gracefully, offering (Y/n) a warm smile that softened her sharp features. she spoke in a gentle tone that carried quiet strength. “I’m Sora. It’s really nice to finally meet you.” (Y/n) blinked, momentarily taken aback by the calm kindness in her eyes, not the kind of look she’d ever expected to receive from a vampire. “It’s nice to meet you too,” she said, her voice soft.

Sora stepped a little closer, her smile turning reassuring. “I know it’s probably overwhelming, all of this. Being here, being surrounded by wolves, all the new faces…” She paused, her gaze flicking briefly toward Maki and Taki, who both nodded in encouragement. “But I want you to know, this pack does everything it can to make you feel like you belong. I’m proof of that.” (Y/n) tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. “You mean…?”

Sora chuckled softly. “I wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms when I first came here. I was an outsider, a vampire living among wolves. But they didn’t just accept me; they made me part of their family.” Her expression softened even further. “You’ll see. This place has a way of healing people who never thought they’d find home.” The warmth in her words settled deep into (Y/n)’s chest, quieting that ever-present hum of unease inside her. For once, maybe, fate wasn’t cruel. She smiled faintly, nodding. “Thank you, Sora. That… actually means more than you think.”

Once (Y/n) finished the last bite on her plate, Taki was quick to snatch it from her hands, grinning. “I got it! You’re a guest,” he said, already turning toward the sink. “But I can…” she started, half rising from her seat. “Nope!” Maki cut in with a laugh, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Trust me, if you don’t walk back out there right now, Nicholas is going to lose it. Fuma’s practically wrestling him to keep him from storming in here.”

(Y/n) blinked, then let out a quiet, amused chuckle. “He’s that impatient?” Taki snorted. “He’s a wolf in love. Patience doesn’t exist.” That made her cheeks warm, and she shook her head, murmuring a soft “thank you” before turning toward the door. Sora fell into step beside her, the vampire’s cool presence balancing the lingering heat of the kitchen.

The moment they stepped back into the main room, the noise softened, laughter, the hum of conversation, the crackle from the fireplace. The home smelled of cedar and warmth, of family. Sora gave her a little nudge, smiling knowingly. “Go on,” she whispered. Then the vampire crossed the room toward Euijoo, who immediately wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close with a tenderness that made the scene almost glow. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, murmuring something only she could hear, and Sora’s soft laugh filled the air.

(Y/n) couldn’t help but smile, that kind of love, that quiet devotion, it was beautiful. And then her eyes drifted. Nicholas was standing by the entryway, his arms crossed, his expression caught somewhere between irritation and relief. Fuma was beside him, looking more than ready to let go of the metaphorical leash.

When Nicholas’ gaze found hers, everything else seemed to fall away. His sharp posture eased instantly, shoulders relaxing as that familiar warmth bled into his eyes. That same look, the one she had seen in Euijoo’s, the one filled with fierce affection and something deeper, rawer, and far older than words.

Her heartbeat quickened, but it wasn’t fear. It was the strange, inevitable pull of fate, two souls drawn toward each other, caught in that silent recognition of mine. Nicholas didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. His gaze said it all. And for the first time since her vision, (Y/n) felt something new settle into her chest. Not dread, not uncertainty, but safety.

Nicholas could barely contain the restless energy in his chest. Every instinct screamed for him to pull her into his arms, to hold her against him and breathe her in, reassure himself she was real, safe, his. But he fought it back, muscles tense beneath his skin. He didn’t want to scare her, not when everything that had happened today was already so much.

When she stepped closer, her eyes soft, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at her lips, Nicholas thought his heart might actually stop. And then, she reached for him. Her fingers brushed his, then intertwined, warm and small in his calloused hand. The world narrowed down to that single point of contact. He followed her wordlessly as she led him out of the main house, his chest tight with quiet joy. She was holding his hand. Her heartbeat was calm, trusting, and every step she took beside him soothed something deep inside his wolf.

She called over her shoulder, “Come on, Jake!” Nicholas’ jaw clenched. He almost groaned aloud. Of course the mutt was coming. His grip on her hand tightened slightly before he caught himself, forcing a deep breath through his nose. She’s holding your hand, idiot. Don’t ruin it.

When they reached the cabin, the soft light spilling through the windows felt almost too intimate. (Y/n) immediately moved toward the bed, sitting down with an ease that told him she was finally regaining her strength. She patted the space at the other end, looking up at him expectantly. “Sit,” she said simply. Nicholas hesitated for half a second, his heart tripping over itself at the casual command. Then he obeyed, lowering himself onto the edge of the bed, careful to keep a respectful distance, even though every cell in his body screamed to close it.

Jake, ever the convenient nuisance, poked his head in from the doorway. “I’m gonna crash in the other room, yeah? Don’t burn the place down,” he teased lightly before disappearing, his tail flicking once behind him. The click of the door shutting was the sweetest sound Nicholas had ever heard. Finally, finally, they were alone. He turned his head, studying her in the quiet. Her eyes were half-lidded with exhaustion but still shone with that strange, unbreakable spark. He wanted to reach out, to trace his thumb along her jaw, to memorize every inch of the woman fate had given him. Instead, he just smiled, small, almost shy, and murmured, “You should rest. I’ll stay right here.” Because for the first time in his life, Nicholas didn’t need to be anywhere else.

(Y/n) shook her head, saying that first she needed to tell him about her vision. She wasn’t entirely sure of what she had seen, she just knew there was blood, so much of it, and a body lying unconscious on the floor. It might have been Nicholas, but she wasn’t too sure of it. Nicholas listened carefully, every word she spoke tightening something in his chest. Once she seemed finished, he asked quietly if she knew what it meant.

She shook her head again, running a hand through her hair. “Blood sometimes means addition,” she explained softly, her voice trembling. “Like something new is coming, something that changes the path of fate. Other times it means literal blood, that someone will be seriously hurt, or even die.” She looked down, her shoulders sinking slightly. “The visions have been intense, but I can’t exactly say I know if this one was good or bad.”

Nicholas leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees, his golden eyes fixed on her. “You saw blood,” he repeated quietly. “And a body. Maybe me?” (Y/n) hesitated, biting her lip. “I, I’m not sure. It felt like you, but sometimes visions blur things. I can’t always tell what’s real and what’s symbolic.” Nicholas nodded slowly, though his jaw tightened. “And you don’t know if it means something bad?”

She shook her head again. “Blood isn’t always death,” she murmured. “Sometimes it means change. Or a new bond. Sometimes it’s just pain, not an ending, but a beginning. But I don’t know. It felt… heavy. It felt real.” The silence that followed was thick, the kind that pressed on their lungs. Then Nicholas spoke, his voice low but steady. “Then we’ll figure it out,” he said, tone firm and unwavering. “I don’t care what it means, good or bad. We’ll deal with it together.”

(Y/n) looked up at him, surprised by the conviction in his words. “Together?” she asked, almost whispering. He nodded once, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You think I’m gonna let some vision scare me away? Not a chance.” He reached out, hesitating for a moment before taking her hand in his. His palm was warm, steady, and something about the touch grounded her. “You’re my mate,” he said simply. “Whatever’s coming, I’m not going anywhere.”

Her eyes softened, but the worry didn’t vanish entirely. “I just… don’t want you to get hurt, Nicholas. If it’s you I saw…” He gave a small, quiet laugh, shaking his head. “I’ve had worse than a little blood. But if fate wants to take a swing at me, it’s gonna have to go through both of us first.” Something inside her eased at that, not because the fear was gone, but because she suddenly knew she didn’t have to carry it alone.

(Y/n) looked down, her fingers twisting in the hem of her shirt as she bit her lip softly. She suddenly realized something she hadn’t thought of before, she didn’t have any other clothes. Not even pajamas. She and Jake hadn’t exactly planned on staying in the village, so she’d only packed what she needed for work.

Her eyes flicked up to Nicholas, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Um… I just realized,” she started, her voice small, “I don’t actually have anything else to wear. Do you think maybe one of the girls would let me borrow something?” Nicholas blinked, and then a small, knowing smile spread across his lips as understanding dawned on him. “They probably would,” he said, leaning back a little, that familiar teasing glint sparking in his golden eyes. “Or…” He tilted his head, the corner of his mouth curling into a smirk. “You could borrow something of mine.”

(Y/n) let out a soft, scandalized laugh, reaching out to lightly smack his hand as he pretended to stretch it toward her. “Behave,” she said, trying to sound stern but failing to hide the smile tugging at her lips. “But… maybe a warm shirt wouldn’t hurt.” Nicholas chuckled quietly, the sound low and rich. “A warm shirt, huh? I think I can manage that.” He stood, straightening his hoodie before walking toward the door. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.” (Y/n) watched him leave, shaking her head fondly. She didn’t know why, but her heart was racing faster than it should have.

Once Nicholas reached the main house, he pushed open the door, instantly met by the comforting hum of chatter and laughter from the pack inside. Aya, Sora, and Sana were sitting on the couch, chatting about something, while Kei, Jo and EJ were talking quietly near the stairs. The second the girls saw him, all three pairs of eyes turned his way, Aya the first to speak, her tone curious. “You look like a man on a mission, Nico. What’s up?”

Nicholas rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, (Y/n) didn’t pack clothes. She didn’t think she’d be staying here, so… I came to grab her something to wear. I was gonna lend her one of my hoodies, but she probably needs, uh, pants too.” The way the girls looked at each other made him instantly regret his wording. Sora and Sana both tried to suppress smiles, while Aya snorted into her sleeve. “Oh, so she’s already borrowing your clothes?” Sora teased, her tone sing-song and mischievous. Nicholas gave her a deadpan look. “She needs something to sleep in,” he muttered.

Aya laughed softly, getting up from her spot and walking over to him. “Relax, lover boy. I’ve got a pair of sweatpants that might fit her.” She disappeared into one of the side rooms, returning a minute later with a pair of soft grey pants in hand. “They’re loose and comfy, should work, might be a bit too long though.” Nicholas nodded, grateful. “Thanks, Aya. Appreciate it.” She handed him the pants with a smile. “Tell her she’s welcome to raid our closet anytime she wants. It’s nice having another girl around.”

Nicholas smiled faintly, taking the sweatpants and heading upstairs to grab one of his hoodies, black with a faint wolf emblem stitched on the sleeve. He gave it a quick sniff to make sure it was clean before hurrying back toward the cabin. Aya called out after him, laughing. “Good luck, lover boy!”

Nicholas didn’t even turn around, though his ears were burning red. He muttered something under his breath about meddling packmates as he jogged back through the cool night air, clutching the hoodie and sweatpants like they were precious cargo.

When he stepped back into the cabin, (Y/n) looked up from where she sat on the bed, a small smile spreading across her face. “That was fast,” she teased. Nicholas held up the clothes proudly. “Told you I’d find something.” She accepted them with a warm smile. “Thank you, Nicholas.” “Anytime,” he said softly, watching her with a look that was equal parts fondness and awe. He didn’t say it, but in that moment, he’d have brought her the entire wardrobe of the pack if it meant seeing that smile again.

(Y/n) walked over to the small bathroom connected to the room, closing the door behind her. She took a moment to breathe, her hands brushing over the fabric of the clothes Nicholas had brought her. Aya’s sweatpants were soft and a bit too long, pooling slightly at her ankles, but that didn’t matter, they were warm, and they smelled faintly like lavender detergent.

The hoodie, though, was something else entirely. It was thick, cozy, and smelled like Nicholas, earthy, smoky, and musky, like pine forests after rain. The scent surrounded her the moment she slipped it on, wrapping her in a strange sense of safety and comfort. She wasn’t sure if it was the hoodie itself or the thought of it being his that made her heart feel so full.

She pulled her hair free from the hood and turned to glance at herself in the small mirror above the sink. The sight made her smile softly. She looked so small in his clothes, the sleeves covering her hands entirely. When she walked back out, Nicholas was sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, his gaze instantly finding her the second the door opened. For a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

His hoodie hung loosely on her frame, the sleeves too long, the hem reaching mid-thigh, and the faint scent of his own wolf coming off of her made something primal inside him stir. His wolf practically purred, proud and content. Ours, it whispered in the back of his mind. A slow grin spread across his lips, softer than most people ever saw from him. “You look…” he paused, stepping closer until he was just a few inches away, eyes gleaming playfully, “…way too cute for this world.”

(Y/n) laughed, rolling her eyes just as he reached out and tugged the hood up over her head, the movement light and teasing. The hood almost fell over her eyes, making her look even smaller, and Nicholas couldn’t help but chuckle. “See?” he teased, gently adjusting the hood so she could peek out again. “Too cute.” (Y/n) pushed at his chest lightly, trying to hide her blush but failing miserably. “You’re impossible, you know that?” “Yeah,” Nicholas admitted with a small smirk, his voice low, “but you like me anyway.” She gave him a mock glare, but the corners of her lips twitched upward, betraying her amusement. “Maybe just a little.”

Nicholas’ grin softened into something more genuine, more tender. He looked down at her for a long moment, committing the sight to memory, her in his hoodie, her laughter still hanging softly in the air, the warmth of the dimly lit cabin wrapping around them both. His wolf settled peacefully in his chest, for the first time in years feeling entirely at ease.

“Get some rest,” he murmured, stepping back slightly, his tone still playful but gentler now. “You’ve had a long couple of days.” (Y/n) nodded, pulling the hood down again just to tease him, and climbed into bed. Nicholas sat down beside her, leaning back against the headboard, watching as her eyes grew heavier by the minute.

When she finally drifted off to sleep, the faintest smile still curved her lips, his scent surrounding her completely. Nicholas stayed awake a little longer, quietly keeping watch, his wolf satisfied and proud, his mate, here, safe, and wrapped in his scent.

~~~

The next day dawned quietly over the village, sunlight slipping through the trees and casting soft golden lines across the forest floor. Life in the packhouse returned to its usual rhythm, laughter spilling through the open windows, the smell of breakfast drifting from the kitchen, and the low hum of voices filling the air.

(Y/n) was feeling much better. Whatever exhaustion or unease had clung to her the day before was gone, replaced by her usual confidence, and mischief. She was back to teasing Nicholas, which didn’t go unnoticed by anyone. As she stood by the counter, helping Aya and Miyu dry the breakfast dishes, Nicholas walked past, pretending not to notice her. That only made (Y/n) grin wider. She called after him, her voice playful and sweet.

“Hey, wolf boy! Forget to say good morning?” Nicholas turned, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “I didn’t forget,” he said smoothly, “just waiting for you to say it first.” (Y/n) gasped dramatically, hand over her heart. “Excuse me? Pretty sure I deserve a ‘good morning’ after I kept you from snoring through the night.”

That earned a few laughs from around the room. Jo choked on his drink, trying to hide it, while Kei and Yuma exchanged amused looks. Even Sora and Miyu giggled quietly to each other. “Snoring?” Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “I don’t snore.” “Sure you don’t,” (Y/n) teased, her grin widening. “Do too,” Harua muttered under his breath as he walked past, earning himself a pointed glare from Nicholas and more laughter from everyone else.

The teasing, the smiles, it was good. It meant (Y/n) was settling in, and Nicholas could feel his chest loosen just a bit seeing her laughing again. Kei and Yuma exchanged a glance, a silent understanding between them. If she was joking like this, she must really be feeling better.

But beneath the easy rhythm of breakfast chatter, Nicholas felt something else, something quieter. A faint tension that pulled at the edges of his mind. It wasn’t from (Y/n) this time. When the group began getting ready to leave for the studio, Nicholas caught sight of Taki sitting on the porch steps, staring off toward the woods. His shoulders were tense, his usual bright energy dulled.

Nicholas hesitated a moment, then walked over, leaning against the porch railing beside him. “You okay, kid?” Taki looked up, startled, and quickly smiled, too quickly. “Yeah, of course. Just tired, that’s all.” Nicholas studied him, crossing his arms. “You sure?” Taki nodded, eyes darting away. “Yeah, really. I’m fine.” Nicholas didn’t buy it for a second. He could sense it, the younger wolf’s energy felt off, clouded by something heavy. But he also knew pushing wouldn’t get him anywhere. He sighed softly, standing straight. “Alright,” he said, though his tone made it clear he didn’t believe him. “But if something’s wrong, you come to me. Got it?” Taki nodded again, trying to smile. “Got it.”

As Nicholas turned back toward the car, he spotted Jo and Sana talking quietly near the side of the house. An idea sparked. He walked over to them, lowering his voice. “Hey,” he said, glancing briefly back toward where Taki sat, “can you two try to spend some time with him at uni? He’s been off lately, and I don’t like it, something’s wrong.” Jo frowned slightly, nodding. “We don’t have any classes together, so it’s hard to run into him, but…” He looked toward Sana, who instantly understood.

“I can try,” she said softly. “We have the same campus area, I’ll check in on him whenever I can.” Nicholas gave her a grateful nod. “Thanks. That’s all I’m asking.” He wasn’t sure what was wrong with Taki, but his instincts told him it was something bigger than the boy was letting on. Still, there wasn’t time to press further, not today.

As Nicholas, Kei, Yuma, Jake and (Y/n) packed into the car for another day at the studio, (Y/n) leaned her head against the window, humming softly to herself. Nicholas glanced at her reflection in the glass, calm, beautiful, and so very unaware of the storm quietly building beneath the surface of their peaceful lives.

~~~

Once again, (Y/n) was working on perfecting another makeup look on Nicholas, or at least trying to. It was hard to focus when the wolf sitting in front of her seemed determined to test her patience and her self-control. Nicholas leaned forward just slightly, the glint of mischief in his golden eyes unmistakable. “You’ve been staring at my face for a while now,” he said, voice low and teasing. “You sure it’s just for makeup purposes?”

(Y/n) tried not to smile, failing miserably as she dipped the brush back into the powder. “You’re lucky I need you for this project,” she said evenly, though the faintest amusement played in her tone. “Lucky,” he echoed, leaning in closer still. “I’d say you’re the lucky one, my witch.” (Y/n) raised an eyebrow, pretending to focus on his eyeliner. “Oh? And why’s that?” Nicholas’ smirk widened. “Because you get to stare at me all day.” (Y/n) rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed. “You’re insufferable.” “I’m honest.”

She tried to continue working, but the air between them had shifted, charged, playful, a little dangerous. Nicholas’ gaze dropped to her lips, his wolf howling quietly in his chest. He leaned in, slow enough for her to stop him, yet bold enough to make her heart skip a beat. He licked his lips, his breath brushing her skin. For a moment, the world felt suspended, her hand stilling, their faces barely inches apart. Then, just as their lips were about to touch, (Y/n) brought her hand up, her palm resting against his cheek. Her fingers were soft, her touch feather-light.

Nicholas’ heart thundered in his chest, until she shifted her grip, thumb and forefinger pressing against his chin, and she gently but firmly pulled him back. “Sorry, wolf boy,” she said, smirking up at him, her voice a smooth mix of tease and command. “It’s not gonna be that easy.” Before he could react, she patted his cheek, almost mockingly sweet, and turned on her heel, walking away with her head held high. Nicholas blinked, his wolf somewhere between impressed and infuriated. He ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath, “You’re going to be the death of me.”

A while later, Nicholas’ smirk had faded, replaced by the sharp edge of possessiveness that came so naturally to him. Across the room, Jake was laughing about something with (Y/n), and even though Nicholas knew there was nothing romantic about it, he couldn’t stop the growl building in his chest.

When (Y/n) stepped out of the room for a moment to grab something, Nicholas seized his chance. He moved fast, cornering Jake near one of the tall studio shelves. The wolf’s shadow loomed large, his sharp gaze cutting through the air like a blade.

Jake froze, his tail nearly bristling in instinctive defense, though he tried to keep his composure. Nicholas leaned in close, his scent heavy with warning, his voice low and gravelly. “Leave us alone for a while, yeah?” he said, the deep rumble of his growl vibrating in his chest. Jake swallowed hard, his golden retriever instincts screaming do not challenge the predator. “I wasn’t”

“Don’t you dare try anything,” Nicholas interrupted, voice low, dangerous. His eyes glowed faintly, the gold of his wolf seeping through. “She belongs to me.” The words had barely left his mouth when a familiar voice cut through the tension, smooth, confident, laced with amusement. “Oh, wolfie,” (Y/n) said, walking back into the room, one eyebrow raised. “Don’t you know it’s the other way around?”

Nicholas turned, startled, his wolf instantly calming at the sound of her voice. (Y/n) closed the distance between them, her steps slow and deliberate. When she reached him, she reached up and grabbed his tie, her fingers curling around the fabric as she tugged him down until their faces were only inches apart. “You belong to me,” she said softly, her smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

For a moment, Nicholas forgot how to breathe. The possessiveness that had burned through him moments ago melted into something entirely different, submission, devotion, the raw instinct to please his mate. He stared into her eyes, and for once, the usually confident wolf found himself completely disarmed. “Yeah,” he murmured, voice low, rough, his lips barely moving. “Guess I do.”

(Y/n) let go of his tie with a satisfied smile and brushed past him, leaving the wolf standing there, heart pounding and wolf purring deep inside his chest. Jake, now safely out of Nicholas’ reach, chuckled quietly. “Looks like she’s got you wrapped around her finger.” Nicholas shot him a glare, but even he couldn’t deny the truth of it. She did. Completely.

~~~

Later that afternoon, she felt a strange sense of déjà vu, standing once again in front of Nicholas, brush in hand, trying to fix the same spot she’d fixed yesterday. “This feels familiar,” she said dryly, brushing another layer of pigment across his lips. “Can you keep that damn tongue in your mouth? You’re ruining your makeup,” (Y/n) scolded, narrowing her eyes as she once again leaned in to fix the smudge Nicholas had caused.

The wolf sat there, completely unbothered, his smirk betraying exactly how much he was not taking her seriously. She dabbed the small brush against his lower lip with precision, trying not to get distracted by how close they were, or how his golden eyes seemed to glow every time she leaned in. “You know,” Nicholas said casually, voice low and smooth, “you say that like it’s a bad thing.” “Because it is,” she muttered, wiping the corner of his lip with a cotton pad, pretending not to notice how he was watching her mouth more than her eyes. “Hold still.”

He did, for about ten seconds. Then he licked his lips again. (Y/n) froze mid-motion, exhaling through her nose in pure frustration. “You did not just,” Nicholas tilted his head, looking up at her with that same teasing glint in his eyes. “If I do keep my tongue in my mouth,” he said, completely shameless, “you won’t pay any attention to me, and I like your attention.” Before she could respond, he moved, fast, fluid, wolf-like. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until her balance tipped, and she ended up half in his lap.

Her breath hitched, eyes widening as he leaned forward slightly, his mouth close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek. “See?” he whispered, his tone softer now, coaxing. “Back where you belong, in my arms.” The words were barely audible, a rumble that carried straight from his chest to hers. (Y/n) blinked, her heart stuttering for just a moment before she caught herself. Her lips pressed into a firm line, eyes narrowing. “Quit playing around, Nicholas,” she said, pushing herself off his lap and straightening her clothes. “This is serious.”

He looked up at her, his playful expression faltering for a brief second, replaced by something uncertain, but before he could say anything, she had already turned on her heel and walked away. (Y/n) found Yuma on the other side of the room, bent over his sketches. She stopped beside him, still slightly flustered, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve. “Is your brother always this damn…” she started, struggling to find the right word.

Yuma looked up, one eyebrow raised, his lips twitching into a grin. “Annoying? Infuriating? Flirtatious?” She sighed. “Yes. All of it.” Yuma laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, that sounds about right. Don’t worry, you get used to it. Eventually.” (Y/n) groaned, muttering under her breath, “I doubt that.”

From across the room, Nicholas watched them, his wolf torn between smug pride and the faint sting of her retreat. He wasn’t used to someone walking away from him, especially not someone who made his heart race the way she did. But as she laughed at something Yuma said, the corners of her mouth lifting, Nicholas’ smirk returned. Challenge accepted.

(Y/n) walked over to Jake after her talk with Yuma, ruffling the dog’s hair and scratching gently behind his ears as she smiled. The familiar wagged his tail, leaning into the affection, his golden retriever energy impossible to ignore.

Nicholas watched from where he sat, his jaw tightening slightly. The easy warmth in her touch toward Jake, that soft fondness, it made something ache inside him. He wasn’t jealous of the bond itself, but he couldn’t help wondering if he was too harsh around the edges for her. Should he smile more? Be gentler? Less teasing, maybe? Then again… no. Fate didn’t pair people who were supposed to pretend. Fate brought together opposites for balance, not imitation.

(Y/n) came back over, interrupting his thoughts as she placed a hand beneath his chin and tilted his face toward hers. “Finally,” she said with a teasing smile, “the lipstick’s dry. Now then, let’s keep going with your eyes. Think you can behave for that?” Her tone was playful, challenging. And Nicholas never turned down a challenge. He moved faster than she expected, standing and stepping closer, close enough that the air between them shifted. His hand landed on the wall beside her head, his other hand lightly resting on her waist. His breath brushed her skin, warm and steady.

“Am I not behaving now?” he murmured, his voice low, almost a growl. His golden eyes glowed faintly as they met hers. “You really think you can tease a wolf and get away with it, witch?” (Y/n)’s heart skipped, but she didn’t back down. “Maybe I like testing limits,” she replied softly, though her pulse betrayed her calm tone. Nicholas leaned in just slightly closer, close enough for her to feel the heat of his skin. “Careful,” he whispered, “you might find out what happens when you push too far.” For a moment, the world seemed to still. The air around them was charged, their breathing shallow, both caught between instinct and restraint.

Then (Y/n) pressed a hand against his chest, steady but not forceful. “You should sit down, wolf boy,” she said, her voice softer now, though the edge of amusement never left it. “Or I might start to think you actually enjoy this.” He stepped back, letting her go, but the smirk stayed on his lips. “Maybe I do.”

“You know, your lips look a bit dry, allow me to help you with that,” Nicho said before diving in. (Y/n) gasped as his lips landed on hers. She had been working on his makeup all morning, yet she never thought his lips would be so soft. She couldn’t help but reciprocate the kiss as his lips worked on hers. He was like a starving man finally getting some food. He wouldn’t stop, and neither would she. Her hands tangled in his hair, his slightly long, recently bleached hair.

His arms were wrapped tight and secure around her, his body warm and toned. Neither one could have enough. They were insatiable as they kissed. Once she finally pushed him away, just slightly, she was out of breath. Nicholas wiped away some lipstick from the corner of her mouth, a cocky smirk on his lips, yet his eyes were shining like never before. “There, now I’ll behave, darling,” “Nicholas, you-,” her words got stuck in her throat, no malicious or annoyed words would escape as she still only thought of how his lips felt against hers. Nicholas sat down once again, leaving (Y/n) leaning against the wall. She knew he could hear how fast her heart was beating, she knew he was enjoying it too, but she didn’t mind, not right now.

~~~

The sun was high above the university campus, casting long shadows across the courtyard as students hurried between classes or lounged on the grass. It was lunchtime, the air buzzing with chatter and laughter. Sana walked through the crowd, her bag slung over her shoulder, searching for a familiar face. She wasn’t particularly close with Taki, not like Jo was, but now, she’d made it her mission to look out for him. She and Jo had talked about him after Nicholas had mentioned worrying about the younger wolf.

Sana had asked her mate if he understood what Nicholas meant, and Jo had sighed softly, the protective edge of his voice barely contained. “Out of all of us, Taki’s had it the hardest,” he’d explained. “His wolf’s… different. He can’t shift like the rest of us, something is blocking him. He struggles to control it the wolf in other ways as well, and people can tell he’s not like them. They notice things, his eyes, his reactions, and they don’t understand. I think he’s been getting picked on again.”

The words stuck with her. So now, during her free period, she searched the crowded courtyard, determined to find him. It didn’t take long. At the far end of the open quad, near one of the old stone walls, she spotted a group of guys walking away, laughter trailing behind them. Something in the sound made her stomach twist. When the group moved, she saw him, Taki, on the ground. His bag was tossed a few feet away, his lunch scattered across the pavement.

Her heart lurched. “Taki!” she called, rushing over. The boys turned briefly before walking off faster, pretending not to hear. She dropped to her knees beside him. His lip was split, and a bruise was already forming along his jaw. Worse, his hands, he was clutching them close to his chest, trembling. She caught a glimpse of sharp claws glinting under the sunlight before he tucked them away, ashamed.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Sana said softly, her voice steady even though she felt like screaming. “It’s just me.” Taki looked up, forcing a weak smile. “Sana… hey. I’m fine, really. They were just, uh, joking around.” “Joking around?” she repeated, frowning. “Taki, jokes don’t make people bleed.” She reached up, brushing his hair back gently so she could see the bruise better. He flinched a little but didn’t pull away.

He looked embarrassed, more than hurt. “I didn’t mean to let it happen,” he muttered. “They just… said some things, and I felt my wolf pushing forward. I tried to hold it in, I really did, but they could tell something was off. And then they started pushing, calling me names, and I…” He stopped himself, voice cracking.

Sana’s chest tightened. “They don’t know what I am,” he continued quietly, “but they know. You know? I can see it in their eyes. They can tell I’m not normal. And when I can’t hide it, when my claws come out or my eyes change, they look at me like I’m… a monster.” For a moment, neither of them spoke. The sound of students laughing and talking nearby felt far away, like it belonged to another world entirely.

Sana reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch gentle but firm. “You’re not a monster, Taki,” she said. “You’re one of the kindest people here. If they can’t see that, that’s their problem, not yours.” He blinked up at her, his eyes glassy. Then, unexpectedly, a small, shaky laugh escaped him. “You sound like Nicholas,” he said quietly. “He says the same thing.” Sana smiled softly. “Guess you’ve got a whole pack who believes in you, huh?” That earned a real smile from him, tired but genuine.

“Come on,” she said, standing up and offering him her hand. “Let’s get you cleaned up before we go home, if they see you like this? I think we’ll have a whole pack coming here to fight, and I don’t want to be responsible for that chaos.” Taki chuckled, the sound still weak but warmer now. He hesitated, then took her hand. As she helped him stand, she could feel him trembling, his wolf was restless, still close to the surface. But she squeezed his hand, grounding him, letting him know he wasn’t alone.

Together, they walked toward the nearest bathroom building, leaving the chaos of the courtyard behind them. The walk was quiet, the tension fading slowly with every step. When they reached the bathroom, Sana handed him a wet paper towel, letting him clean his face while she stood by the door, keeping an eye out. “You know,” she said softly after a moment, “Nicholas worries about you a lot. I think he sees something of himself in you.”

Taki looked over, one corner of his mouth lifting. “That’s… kind of terrifying,” he said, trying to joke. She laughed quietly. “Maybe. But he also sees strength, Taki. The kind that doesn’t come easy. You just have to stop fighting yourself long enough to find it.” He nodded slowly, looking at his reflection in the mirror. His claws had receded, his eyes back to normal. “Thanks, Sana,” he said after a moment. “For helping me.” She smiled softly. “Anytime.”

~~~

Sana leaned back in her seat on the bus, her phone still in her hand after ending the call with Jo. He’d asked if something had happened, and she had almost told him, almost spilled everything right then and there. But one glance at the younger wolf sitting beside her—head bowed, bruised, eyes distant, made her stop. “I’ll tell you when you get home later,” she’d said instead, her voice calm but firm. Jo hadn’t pushed, only told her he loved her and to be safe.

The bus rattled quietly down the road toward the outskirts of the town, the ride unusually silent. Taki sat with his hood pulled up, avoiding every curious glance thrown their way. His hands fidgeted in his lap, and when a couple of students across the aisle whispered something and looked at him, his shoulders tensed. Sana’s eyes flashed, sharp as glass, and she shot them a glare so cold they immediately turned away. He noticed it and gave a small, grateful smile. “You didn’t have to do that,” he mumbled. “Yeah,” she said softly, “I did.”

The rest of the ride passed in silence. The closer they got to the forest and the hidden road that led toward the pack’s village, the more the tension seemed to ease off his shoulders. Home always had that effect on them, even if home sometimes came with difficult conversations. When the bus finally came to a stop near the path leading into the woods, Taki stood hesitantly. Sana nudged him forward with a gentle smile. “Come on, you’re safe now.”

They walked the rest of the way through the forest path. The air was crisp and familiar, carrying the scent of pine and earth. The village slowly came into view, its cozy cabins glowing with warm afternoon light. Standing at the edge of the clearing, waiting for them, was Euijoo. Sana wasn’t surprised, Jo must have told him.

The Alpha’s eyes were serious, scanning the path as they approached. His expression softened the moment he saw Sana, his protective instincts flaring for a brief second as he looked her over for any sign of harm. When he saw none, his attention shifted to Taki.

The young wolf looked smaller than usual, his shoulders hunched under invisible weight. His face was bruised, lip split, and his scent carried the faint tang of frustration and shame. “Taki,” Euijoo said softly, stepping forward. His tone wasn’t stern, it was heartbreakingly gentle. The second youngest looked up, guilt swimming in his golden-brown eyes. “EJ, I, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” He didn’t get to finish. The Alpha reached out, pulling him into a tight embrace. The motion startled him, but then Taki melted into it, his body shaking slightly as Euijoo’s arms wrapped around him, protective and warm.

“Don’t apologize,” Euijoo said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. “You didn’t do anything wrong, do you understand me? Nothing.” For a long moment, the only sound was the wind through the trees and the soft, almost childlike way Taki clung to his Alpha’s shirt. Sana stood nearby, watching the scene unfold, her chest tightening at the sight. It was such a raw display of care, the kind that only existed between family, even if not by blood.

When Euijoo finally pulled back, he placed his hands on Taki’s shoulders, looking him straight in the eyes. “Do you want to tell me what happened?” Taki hesitated, his throat tight. He looked down, muttering, “It’s fine. Just… some guys from school.” “Doesn’t sound fine,” Euijoo replied. His voice was calm but firm, the kind of tone that carried quiet authority. “You know you can talk to me, right? To any of us?”

Taki nodded weakly. “I just don’t want to be a burden.” Sana stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “You’re not a burden, Taki. You never were.” Euijoo gave her a small nod of gratitude before turning back to his pack brother. “Why don’t you go inside? Get cleaned up, eat something. We’ll talk when you’re ready.” Taki nodded again, his eyes glassy, and walked slowly toward one of the cabins.

Once he was out of earshot, Euijoo exhaled heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Jo told me you’d bring him home early,” he said, looking at Sana. “He didn’t say why, but I had a feeling. Thank you, for looking after him.” Sana shook her head. “He’s family,” she said simply. “That’s what we do.” The Alpha smiled faintly at that, his expression softening. “Yeah,” he said. “That’s exactly what we do.”

He looked down the path toward the cabin where Taki had disappeared. “He’s been trying so hard lately. Sometimes I forget he’s still so young. We’ll have to make sure he knows we’re here for him, every one of us.” Sana nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “He knows,” she said softly. “He just needs to be reminded sometimes.” And with that, the two of them walked toward the main house together, the air around them filled with the quiet, comforting scent of the pack, home, safety, and belonging.

~~~

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, and the pack house glowed softly in the dark, light spilling out from its windows onto the grass. Normally, this hour was filled with laughter, the hum of voices, maybe a movie playing in the background. But tonight, the air was heavy. When the sound of a car pulling up broke the silence, everyone turned. Kei, Yuma, Nicholas, (Y/n), and Jake stepped through the door. It didn’t take long for them to realize something was off, the mood inside was tense, quiet in that eerie way that comes just before a storm.

Kei was the first to ask, “What happened?” His tone carried the authority of an older brother, but the worry in his eyes betrayed the calm front. It was Jo who answered, standing near the couch with his arm around Sana. “Taki got jumped,” he said simply. The two words were enough to ignite chaos. “What?” Kei’s voice was sharp, and before anyone could explain further, Nicholas had already taken a step forward, his eyes glowing faintly gold. His wolf was clawing to get out.

“Who?” Nicholas demanded, the growl in his chest deep and dangerous. “Some idiots from campus,” Sana answered quietly. “He didn’t want to fight back. He said he didn’t want to hurt anyone.” That broke something inside Nicholas. His breathing quickened, muscles tensing, the growl in his throat deepening. His claws began to form, eyes burning brighter. Kei moved fast, stepping in front of him, but Nicholas’ fury was like wildfire, unstoppable once it had caught.

Until (Y/n) moved. She didn’t hesitate. She reached for him, her hand finding his. “Nicholas.” Her voice was steady, calm, like water dousing flame. He froze. His chest rose and fell rapidly, but his eyes flicked to her. The fury in them softened slightly at the sound of her voice. “Anger won’t help him right now,” she said gently. “He needs his family. Not more fire.” Nicholas clenched his jaw, forcing his claws to retract, though it was clearly an effort. He squeezed her hand, grounding himself with her scent. “I just,” he started, but his voice broke with frustration. “He’s a kid. He doesn’t deserve this.” Kei placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “I know,” he said quietly. “We’ll handle it. Together.”

Across the room, Fuma stood near the back door, his fists tight at his sides. His face was unreadable, but the sharp scent of pine and smoke clung to him. Euijoo glanced at him. “You went out training again?” Fuma’s jaw tightened. “If you call knocking over three trees ‘training,’ then sure.” “Fuma,” Euijoo started, but the older wolf cut him off. “Don’t. I needed to burn it off before I did something stupid.” His tone was low, the anger still simmering beneath the surface.

At the table, Harua was quiet, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. His brow was furrowed in thought. “We can’t just let this go,” he said finally. “But we can’t go after them either. Not unless we want more trouble for him.” Yuma nodded. “He’s already struggling enough at school. If they find out what we are,” “They won’t,” Kei interrupted firmly. “I’ll make sure of that.”

In the kitchen, the soft clatter of dishes offered the only normal sound in the house. Maki and Miyu were preparing food, the comforting aroma of rice and soup drifting into the room, but even that couldn’t mask the tension. Miyu glanced at the youngest wolf. “You’re quiet,” she said softly. Maki didn’t look up from the pot he was stirring. “I’m just… angry,” he muttered. “He didn’t do anything wrong. He never does. Why do people always have to be cruel to someone different?”

Miyu’s heart ached at the frustration in his voice. She reached out, brushing her hand over his shoulder. “Because they’re scared of what they don’t understand,” she said quietly. “But that’s why he has us. We protect our own.” He finally looked up, nodding, his eyes still stormy.

Back in the living room, Nicholas had finally sat down, his elbows on his knees, hands clasped tight. (Y/n) sat beside him, her fingers still intertwined with his, grounding him. EJ stood in front of them all, his Alpha presence calm but commanding. “No one leaves tonight,” he said firmly. “Not until we know Taki’s okay. Fuma, you’ll keep watch outside just in case those kids decide to follow him here, though I doubt they’d make it far.” Fuma gave a curt nod, already heading toward the door.

Nicholas finally spoke again, voice low and hoarse. “He’s just a kid, EJ. He’s been trying so hard to fit in. To shift, to study, to be like us. And they treat him like… like that.” His hand tightened around (Y/n)’s. “I should’ve been there.” EJ crouched slightly, meeting his eyes. “You can’t protect everyone all the time, Nico,” he said softly. “But you can make sure he knows he’s not alone. That’s what we do.”

(Y/n) looked at the Alpha, then back at Nicholas, her hand still warm in his. “He knows,” she said gently. “Because he has all of you. I’m been alone almost my entire life, as someone who’s always been an outsider, I can tell, he’s lucky to have you all,” “And now, you do too,” Sora said as she smiled at the witch.

~~~

The evening air was crisp, the kind that hinted at the coming change of seasons. The forest surrounding the pack’s village was alive with quiet sounds, crickets chirping, leaves rustling softly in the wind. Out on the porch of the main house, five girls sat huddled together under a thick blanket, mugs of tea warming their hands as they looked up at the night sky. Tonight, the stars seemed brighter than ever, the first streaks of the promised meteor shower already cutting faint lines across the dark expanse above them.

For the first time since she’d arrived, (Y/n) found herself alone with the other girls, Aya, Miyu, Sana, and Sora. She hadn’t realized how easily they all fit together until now. Aya, with her confident energy and bright laugh; Miyu, warm and nurturing, always making sure everyone was comfortable; Sora, calm but playful, teasing her mate whenever EJ wasn’t looking; and Sana, soft-spoken and kind, with the sort of gentle wisdom that only someone deeply in love could carry.

They made space for (Y/n) in the circle without hesitation, wrapping her in warmth and inclusion. It was strange, witches didn’t do this. Covens were colder, structured, more about power than companionship. But here, sitting with them, she felt something she hadn’t in a long time. Home. “So,” Aya said, breaking the quiet with a grin, “we have to ask… what’s it like?” (Y/n) blinked. “What’s what like?”

“Being with Nicholas,” Miyu chimed in, leaning forward, eyes sparkling with mischief. “You two have been orbiting each other like magnets all week.” (Y/n) laughed softly, setting her mug down beside her. “I’m guessing you all went through this with your mates too, didn’t you?” “Guilty,” Sora said immediately, raising her hand. “EJ used to glare at me for just excisting. Now he follows me around like a shadow.”

That made them all laugh, and even (Y/n) couldn’t hide her smile. She looked up at the stars, watching as another streak of light crossed the sky. “It’s… strange,” she admitted quietly. “He’s so intense. But not in a bad way. It’s like he sees everything. I’ve never met someone like that before.” Sana nudged her lightly with her shoulder. “That sounds a lot like love.” (Y/n) sighed, a small, nervous laugh escaping her. “Maybe. Kind of. I just…” Her voice trailed off. The others turned toward her, their smiles softening when they saw the look in her eyes.

“I’m scared,” she finally said. “Not of him, but of me. My oracle side, it’s unpredictable. It ruins things. Every time I let people close, something happens. People get hurt.” A quiet fell over the porch, not awkward, but heavy with understanding. It was Sora who spoke first, her voice steady but gentle. “Fate doesn’t put people together just to tear them apart. You saw something in your vision, didn’t you?” (Y/n) nodded slowly, eyes on her hands. “Blood. So much of it. I don’t even know what it means yet.” Aya reached over, taking her hand. “Then don’t face it alone. Whatever it means, we’ll face it together. You’re one of us now, oracle or not.”

Miyu nodded in agreement, her tone warm but firm. “We’ve all had our challenges with fate. But we learned that fear doesn’t stop it, it only makes you miss the good moments before the bad ones come.” Sana smiled softly. “And besides, Nicholas isn’t exactly the kind of guy to let fate scare him away. You should’ve seen Jo when I first met him. He was terrified, and look at him now.”

(Y/n) looked up, following Sana’s gaze toward the open yard. Down below, laughter filled the night. The boys were gathered around the basketball court, Jo, Maki, Yuma, Nicholas, and Fuma, who had returned from patrol not long ago. The sound of the ball hitting the pavement echoed through the clearing. Jake was among them, darting between the wolves with surprising speed, his tail wagging every time he managed to score a point.

(Y/n) smiled, her heart warming at the sight. The pack’s laughter mingled with the sound of crickets and the rustle of trees. For the first time, she didn’t feel like a visitor. She felt like she belonged. And maybe, she thought as she looked back up at the sky, fate hadn’t been cruel to her this time after all.

~~~

The date of the collaboration show drew closer with each passing day. The air around the pack village buzzed with energy, excitement, nerves, and the constant hum of preparation. (Y/n) and Jake had checked out of the hotel completely, moving into the village full-time. The comfort of the pack’s home was unmatched. But most of all, it satisfied Nicholas, more than he’d ever admit aloud. Just knowing she slept under the same roof, that he could hear her laughter drifting from the kitchen in the mornings, or feel her presence through the walls at night, settled his wolf in a way nothing else could.

She and Yuma worked tirelessly, their creative minds blending seamlessly. The studio’s main room had been turned into a whirlwind of fabrics, pins, threads, and half-finished designs. Kei and Nicholas filled their roles as models perfectly, Kei with his calm professionalism, and Nicholas, for once, with surprising restraint.

He still smirked every now and then when (Y/n) passed him a fabric sample or adjusted a collar, but he’d turned down the flirting. She needed to focus, and he could respect that, even if every instinct in him screamed to distract her. (Y/n) noticed the effort, though she never said anything. Instead, her heart softened more each day.

She’d grown comfortable here, with the pack’s warmth, the laughter that echoed through the houses, and the quiet strength that seemed to bind them all together. The other girls felt like sisters now; Aya’s confident teasing, Miyu’s steady kindness, Sora’s quiet guidance, and Sana’s cheerful honesty all wove around her like threads in a tapestry. For the first time in her life, she didn’t feel like an outsider. The nightmares and visions had gone quiet too, for now. She didn’t know if that was a sign of peace or a warning, but she allowed herself to enjoy the stillness. The calm before fate decided to turn again.

Meanwhile, at the university, Sana and Jo had made it their shared mission to help Taki. Sana sought him out every day at lunch, refusing to let him eat alone anymore. She didn’t push him to talk about what had happened, just sat with him, her chatter filling the silence, reminding him that he wasn’t alone.

Jo would find him in the afternoons during his free hour. The two wolves didn’t talk much either, but they didn’t need to, sometimes Jo would just sit beside Taki on a bench near the old oak trees, sketchbook in hand, quietly drawing while his younger brother stared at the sky. It was their silent way of saying we’ve got you.

~~~

The night before the big show, the pack once again gathered at Koyomi, their favorite refuge for both celebration and comfort. The restaurant smelled heavenly, a blend of roasted meats, simmering sauces, and sweet pastries, the kind of scent that lingered in the air like warmth itself.

Miyu and Maki had been in the kitchen since morning, working tirelessly alongside Jay. It was one of those rare nights where the restaurant was completely closed to outsiders; only those who knew of the supernatural world were allowed inside.

Lila had stopped by earlier in the day to help with the desserts, her laughter filling the kitchen as she teased Maki and Jay for being too serious about plating. When she was done, she left behind a tray of beautifully frosted tarts and a list of serving instructions taped to the counter before waving goodbye, promising to visit again soon.

Now, the long wooden tables were covered in plates of food and half-empty glasses, laughter echoing through the restaurant. For the first time in days, everyone looked relaxed. (Y/n) and Jake sat near the end of the table, right across from Harua and Fuma. The witch and the familiar had heard plenty of stories about Jay, but meeting him in person was something else, his calm, charming demeanor instantly put them at ease. He seemed to know everything that was going on without needing to ask, his dark eyes sharp but kind as he welcomed them to what he called the most chaotic family in town. “Welcome to the inner circle,” he said with a grin, raising his glass toward (Y/n). “I’d say brace yourself, but you’ve already survived Nicholas, so you’ll do fine.”

Jake burst into laughter, his tail giving a small flick before disappearing out of sight. (Y/n) tried to hide her amusement behind her glass, but Nicholas, sitting beside her, rolled his eyes, though even he couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. “Hey, I’m not that bad,” he muttered. “Sure,” Jay teased, leaning back in his chair. “And I’m not nocturnal.” The whole table erupted in laughter. EJ cracked a smile where he sat with Sora leaning against him.

Miyu emerged from the kitchen then, wiping her hands on a towel and announcing that dessert would be served soon. Maki followed right behind her, proudly carrying the tray of tarts Lila had prepared. As everyone began to eat again, (Y/n) looked around at the table, at the wolves, the vampires, her familiar, the humans, all of them together like one strange, mismatched family. The sound of their laughter filled her chest with a warmth she hadn’t felt in years. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t an outsider looking in.

She glanced at Nicholas beside her, his arm resting on the back of her chair, his head tilted slightly as he listened to Yuma and Kei argue about whose outfit was going to steal the spotlight tomorrow. His golden eyes caught hers for a second, and a small, private smile passed between them. Tomorrow would be big. Tomorrow would be chaos. But tonight, tonight was perfect.

A while later, after everyone had finished helping to clean the restaurant, tables wiped, dishes stacked, and laughter still echoing faintly in the air, Nicholas found himself quietly watching (Y/n) from across the room.

She was helping Miyu stack glasses behind the counter, her sleeves rolled up, her hair falling loosely over her face. The faintest tremor ran through her shoulders, and Nicholas caught it instantly, a shiver. He’d noticed it before, too; she always seemed to run cold, like her warmth was just a little harder to keep.

Without a word, he grabbed the jacket that hung over his chair, a thick black one she’d teased him about wearing even though it had looked very good on him, and walked over. (Y/n) was about to reach for another glass when she felt something warm and heavy settle across her shoulders. She turned her head, ready to protest, but the scent hit her before the words could. That familiar, grounding scent of pine and smoke and something uniquely him.

Her body relaxed instantly. The jacket was too big for her, but it was soft and warm, and the moment she slipped her arms into the sleeves, she felt as if she’d been wrapped in a piece of Nicholas himself. “You didn’t have to” she started, but her voice trailed off as he moved closer, standing just behind her, his presence radiating warmth that seemed to seep into her bones. “I did,” he said softly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

(Y/n) tilted her head up to look at him, her lips curling into a small, genuine smile. “Thank you,” she whispered, barely loud enough for anyone else to hear. Nicholas didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close against his chest, resting his chin lightly on the top of her head. His voice dropped to a low rumble, one that she could feel more than hear. “Anything for you.” And for a moment, the world felt still. The noise of the others faded into background warmth, laughter, clinking dishes, the hum of music, but none of it mattered. All that mattered was the steady rhythm of his heart against her ear, and the quiet realization that she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

~~~

Night passed quicker than anyone expected, the hours slipping away beneath the hum of excitement, the buzz of preparation, and the electric current of anticipation that ran through everyone in the building.

The pack filled the front rows of the audience, a solid wall of warmth and loyalty. EJ sat tall in the center, his arm resting behind Sora, while Jo and Sana whispered quietly to each other, her hand resting on his knee, Harua and Aya taking thousands of picture hoping to use them for an article or two in the coming days. Maki, Taki, and Fuma were all discussing if this collab was some kind of competition or just something for fun. Kei’s and Nicholas’ names were on the program, the two wolves set to walk for the final collection of the night. Behind the curtain, it was chaos.

Backstage, the air was heavy with the scent of hairspray, fabric, and adrenaline. Models hurried from one fitting to another, designers barking last-minute instructions, assistants weaving through the crowd like currents of energy. Amid all that movement, (Y/n), Yuma, Kei, Nicholas, and Jake stood as a small, centered unit, calm in the storm.

Their designs stood out instantly. Where others had gone sleek, modern, and metallic, theirs felt alive, threads of nature and night weaved into silk and leather. (Y/n)’s pieces carried hints of her own magic, deep forest hues, threads that shimmered subtly under the lights like enchantments. Yuma’s designs mirrored them, elegant structure with a wild edge. It was cohesive in a way no one else had managed. And anyone who knew them could feel the connection between wolf and witch reflected in every stitch.

Nicholas stood before her now, tall and unmovable, letting her work. For once, he wasn’t teasing, wasn’t smirking. His expression was composed, eyes locked on her face as she focused on painting color onto his lips with the kind of concentration that made his chest ache. She leaned closer, carefully blending the edges, and for a rare moment, he didn’t even think about licking it off. He just… watched her.

(Y/n) stepped back, head tilted, examining her work. She focused on the way his warm brown eyes glowed faintly beneath the stage lights, the way the blonde hair framed his sharp features. He looked unfairly good, and worse, he knew it. “Stop looking at me like that,” she said softly, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. “Like what?” he murmured, voice low, smooth, dangerously close. “Like you know exactly what you’re doing to me.”

Before he could reply, she leaned forward, quick, decisive, and kissed him. It was brief, a soft press of lips that stole his breath before she pulled back. Nicholas blinked, stunned. She had kissed him. (Y/n) smiled, her fingers still holding his chin, her eyes glinting with mischief. “If you work your ass off out there,” she whispered, “I’ll accept you as my mate officially.” He stared at her, pulse hammering, then gave a crooked smile that made her heart flutter. “I was already going to burn the stage for you, sweetheart,” he murmured. “But now I might set the whole damn building on fire.” She laughed, shaking her head, and pushed at his chest lightly. “Go get ready, wolfie.” Nicholas grinned, a feral, beautiful grin, as he turned toward the runway entrance. The challenge was set, and every inch of him was ready to prove himself worthy of his witch.

Kei and Nicholas were the final act, the ones meant to end the show with a statement. Backstage, the air was thick with tension and excitement. Kei cracked his knuckles once, rolling his shoulders as Yuma gave him a last approving nod. Nicholas stood beside him, calm but dangerous, his usual stoicism replaced by something sharper, a quiet confidence that hummed just beneath his skin.

When their cue came, Kei stepped out first. The lights hit him like sunlight breaking through clouds, and the crowd reacted immediately, gasps, murmurs, the flash of cameras. Kei knew how to move, every stride measured, commanding attention but never trying too hard. Yuma’s design, sleek, bold lines and a perfect balance of structure and softness, looked like it had been made just for him. He carried it with a touch of arrogance, a smirk that earned a few cheers from the audience.

Then Nicholas stepped out. The moment he did, the entire room changed. There was a collective inhale from the audience, a sound that rippled through the crowd like wind through trees. The lights found him instantly, the red and green of (Y/n)’s design catching and reflecting in a way that made him seem almost otherworldly. (Y/n)’s concept had been simple yet stunning: the beauty and danger of a rose.

The cropped crimson top clung perfectly to his chest, showing off the sculpted muscles beneath, the way his abs tensed with every slow, deliberate step. His arms, toned and inked with faint veins, caught the light like polished marble. The dark green pants sat low on his hips, the fabric flowing just enough to suggest movement, to echo the idea of petals caught in motion. A rose, dangerous, breathtaking, impossible to ignore.

Nicholas walked like he owned the world, every stride a mix of grace and predatory power. His expression stayed steady, eyes locked forward, sharp, golden, and hypnotic. The faintest smirk tugged at his lips as he reached the end of the runway, his aura radiating pure confidence. The crowd went wild.

(Y/n) stood backstage, watching, her heart thundering against her ribs. She’d designed that piece, every stitch, every line, but Nicholas was the one who brought it to life. Seeing him in it, the way he carried it, made her breath catch in her throat. Beside her, Jake let out a low whistle. “He’s eating that runway alive.” (Y/n) could only nod, unable to look away. Her wolf looked magnificent, untamed yet controlled, wild yet perfectly hers.

Out in the crowd, the pack couldn’t stop cheering.Almost all of them had their phones out, Fuma was laughing loudly, and EJ looked impressed, proud, almost emotional. Fuma leaned over from laughing, holding onto Maki on the shoulder with a grin. “Okay, I get it now. That’s why Nico’s been working out like a man possessed the last few weeks,” he joked. “Guy’s been preparing for this exact moment.” Harua smirked, shaking his head. “Yeah. Guess we know who he wanted to impress.”

At that moment, Nicholas reached the end of the runway, turned, and met (Y/n)’s gaze over the flashing lights and roaring applause. He didn’t need words, the look said it all. He had kept his promise. He had worked his ass off. And now, the only thing he wanted… was her.

Nicholas didn’t even wait for the applause to die down. The second his feet hit the floor backstage, he was already moving, purposeful, determined, every line of his body screaming one thing: mine. Before anyone could react, he strode straight up to (Y/n), scooping her up and tossing her over his shoulder as though she weighed nothing at all. She let out a startled yelp that turned into laughter, her hands pressing against his back as her hair brushed against his side.

“Nicholas!” she protested between giggles, her voice echoing in the hallway. “Borrowing my mate for the rest of my life,” he announced loud enough for Yuma, Kei, and Jake to hear, his tone smug, possessive, and so unapologetically happy it made the others burst out laughing. “Hey! We still have post-show photos, you lunatic!” Yuma called after him, half amused, half exasperated. But Nicholas didn’t even slow down.

He carried her through the maze of backrooms until he found an empty room and kicked the door closed behind them. The sudden quiet wrapped around them like silk, the muffled noise of the show fading, replaced by the sound of their breathing. He gently set her down, but she barely had time to take a single breath before he leaned in, his hands cupping her face, and kissed her. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t desperate. It was real.

The kind of kiss that carried all the teasing, all the tension, all the quiet moments they had stolen, finally unleashed. His lips moved against hers, soft at first, then deeper, hungrier, until she was clutching at the collar of his shirt, pulling him closer. When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless. Nicholas didn’t move away though, his forehead rested against hers, his chest rising and falling in time with hers.

Then he smiled. Not his usual smirk. Not his cocky, teasing grin. But a real smile. Bright, warm, open, the kind that stripped away every wall, every bit of the intimidating wolf persona he usually wore like armor. For the first time, (Y/n) saw the side of Nicholas that not many others did. The tough, brooding wolf was gone. In his place stood a lovesick puppy, eyes soft and glimmering with something dangerously close to adoration.

(Y/n) blinked at him, caught off guard by just how cute he looked. “Oh no,” she whispered with mock horror, reaching up and pinching his cheek, “you’re adorable.” Nicholas didn’t even try to stop her, he just grinned wider, his cheeks heating under her touch. “Adorable, huh?” he teased, leaning in closer again, his voice low and amused. “Better be careful, witch. You’ll make your wolf start wagging his tail.”

She giggled, giving his chest a playful push, though she didn’t move far. “Maybe I don’t mind that.” Nicholas’s grin softened into something more tender, his thumb brushing along her jaw as he looked down at her, his mate, his other half, his entire world standing right there. “Good,” he murmured. “Because I’m not letting you go.”

Perhaps her vision hadn’t been a warning after all. Maybe the blood she’d seen hadn’t been a sign of death, but of rebirth. Maybe it had been a symbol of new beginnings, of change. Perhaps it had alluded to Taki’s struggle, the pain and healing that followed, or maybe it was something else entirely, something she would never fully understand.

Maybe it was fate’s way of testing her, of seeing whether she would still choose love, even when she feared losing it. (Y/n) didn’t know. There were so many things she didn’t understand about her visions, about her power, about the strange way the universe liked to twist its stories. But as Nicholas’s hand found hers, steady, warm, grounding, she realized that maybe she didn’t need to know.

Because what she did know was this: She was in love. Deeply, wildly, completely. And for the first time in her life, she wasn’t running from it. She wasn’t afraid of what her visions might say or what the world might think. She had found her place, a home, a family, a love that was both fierce and gentle. The pack had become her safe haven, a strange, beautiful collection of souls bound together by more than blood. And Nicholas… he was her heart’s anchor. Her wolf. Her chaos. Her peace.

As the night settled around them and the noise of the world faded away, (Y/n) leaned into his warmth, smiling softly against his chest. Perhaps fate had only been trying to scare her, to see if she was brave enough to hold on to what she was meant for. And she was. Because this, right here, Nicholas, the pack, this new life, this was where she belonged. Her forever place.

~~~The end (for now) ~~~

Thank you guys for reading! I hope you enjoyed this slightly longer part!

Good job with the guessing from the teasers, a couple of you guys knew it had to be Nicholas, and we all cheered!

Also, Jake appearing and not being a vampire… were you guys shocked? And (Y/n) being half-witch half-oracle, how do we feel about that? Do you think her vision was a test? Or perhaps was it eluding to something that is to come?

How do we feel about Taki and his struggles? Who do you think will find their mate next? And will there perhaps be more enemies entering their town?

And don’t worry, we will see a lot more of their relationship grow in the coming parts, I had so much to add to this one that I probably could have reached like 50k if I added it all, but I decided to cut some scenes to add in future parts.

Did you guys understand kind of what outfit I was describing for Nicholas during the runway scene? If not, I’ll add a picture, I did change a few details but I’m obsessed with this look on him and come on, how could I not add him wearing a crop top?

#nicho x reader

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