Chapter Text
The practice room was dim, the overhead lights casting long shadows as the last of the music faded away. All eight boys collapsed onto the floor, their bodies heavy with exhaustion. Felix lay flat on his back, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Sweat clung to his skin, and his limbs felt like lead. His eyes fluttered closed for a moment, focusing on the rhythm of his breathing.
He felt the warmth of Hyunjin beside him, an arm draped over his waist, his face buried against Felix’s temple. Hyunjin’s scent—a mix of cedarwood and fresh rain—was soothing, and grounding. Felix felt Hyunjin’s breath against his skin, slow and steady, each exhale sending a wave of calm through his body. Hyunjin wasn’t even conscious of the way he was scenting him, instinctively providing comfort and reassurance. Felix could feel his own pulse slowing, his muscles slowly losing the built-up tension.
Around them, the rest of the pack sprawled across the room in similar states of fatigue. Chan sat with his back against the mirrored wall, eyes closed, but Felix could sense the way he kept an ear open for any hint of trouble. His scent—warm like burnt amber and honey—was always steady, the kind of smell that anchored them when things felt too much. Seungmin was stretched out on his stomach, his head resting on Han’s lap, who idly twirled a finger through Seungmin’s hair. Seungmin smelled like green tea—something calming and refreshing. Han, on the other hand, smelled like oranges, bright and a little sharp, with a hint of mint that reminded Felix of summer mornings.
Jeongin, eyes half-lidded, was propped up against Changbin’s shoulder. The youngest’s scent was like sweet cinnamon—warm and inviting, tinged with a bit of vanilla. Changbin’s scent was different, strong—earthy, like pine needles after a rainstorm. It was a reassuring contrast, a scent that always made Felix feel safe, even when things felt uncertain.
Minho sat cross-legged, hands resting on his knees as he leaned back against the wall, a subtle smile playing on his lips. His scent was the most elusive—soft lavender with a hint of something dark, like black coffee. Felix found comfort in its duality, like Minho himself, a mix of sharp wit and unexpected softness.
A voice broke through the quiet, jolting Felix back to the present. The manager had entered, clapping his hands to gather their attention. “Alright, boys! I’ve got a surprise for you all,” he announced with a grin.
Felix felt his heart quicken, his eyes darting around to gauge the reactions of the others. The manager’s grin widened. “We’re flying all of your parents to your next show!”
A cheer erupted from the group, the tiredness momentarily forgotten. The boys’ faces lit up, a chorus of excitement filling the room. Felix felt a smile stretch across his face, but his heart hammered in his chest. The panic started creeping in, a low hum beneath his skin. He fought to keep his expression steady, trying to keep any scent of fear out of his own scent.
He forced his smile to stay in place, breathing through his nose, filling his lungs with Hyunjin’s comforting scent. “That’s… amazing,” he managed, his voice steady enough. He couldn’t let them know. Not now. Not when they were all so happy.
They headed back to their dorm, chatter filling the van, energy buzzing with excitement. Felix kept quiet, nodding along to the conversation, eyes fixed out the window. When they arrived home, the boys immediately migrated to the living room, someone calling for a movie. Felix took a breath, still feeling his heartbeat thrumming in his ears. “I think I’m going to turn in early,” he said, voice light. “I’m a bit tired.”
Chan gave him a concerned look, but Felix just smiled and waved him off. “Go ahead, have fun. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Without waiting for a response, he slipped away to his room, closing the door behind him. He pressed his back against the cool wood, eyes fluttering shut as he tried to steady his breath. The other’s scents still clung to him—Hyunjin’s cedarwood, Chan’s burnt amber—and he let them wash over him, a brief respite from the storm he knew was building.
-
Felix tossed and turned in his sleep, the darkness in his mind swirling with half-formed images and fragments of memories. Flashes of his father’s stern face broke through—his eyes hard, lips pressed into a thin line. The room around them was tense, the air thick with the scent of anger.
He could feel it, even now—the intensity of that moment, the way his father’s scent filled every inch of the room, dominating the space. Felix’s hands clenched at his sides, eyes pointed down, trying to steady himself as his father’s voice rang in his ears, loud and booming, full of frustration and barely restrained fury. “You’re not ready for this world, Felix!” his father had spat, his voice a low, menacing growl.
A flicker—Felix standing at the front door, a suitcase by his side, his hand gripping the handle tightly. He remembered the way his father’s eyes bore into him, a mix of disbelief and disdain as if he couldn’t fathom the thought of Felix leaving, of trying to carve out a life of his own, away from the pack.
“You think you can just run off to Korea and make something of yourself?” his father’s voice had thundered, the sound bouncing off the walls, echoing in Felix’s mind. Another flicker—a hand slamming down on the kitchen table, the wood groaning under the force. His father had stepped closer, his scent overpowering, filling Felix’s senses with the stinging smell of burnt wood and ash.
Felix flinched in his sleep, his breath hitching. His father had been so close, his shadow looming over him, his voice like a whip crack in the air. “You’re abandoning your pack. Turning your back on your family.” His father’s words had hit harder than any blow, leaving a wound that still hadn’t healed.
Another flash—the heat of his father’s anger radiating off him, the room feeling suffocatingly small. Felix’s heart had been pounding in his chest, a wild, frantic beat, his every instinct telling him to submit to his pack alpha. He had met his father’s gaze, trying to keep his voice steady even as his hands shook. “I’m not abandoning anyone,” Felix had whispered, barely audible over the roar of his heartbeat. “I just… I have to try.”
His father’s face had twisted into a sneer, his lips curling back to reveal clenched teeth. “Try?” he had mocked, stepping closer, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. “Do you think this is some kind of game? You think you can survive on your own, without a pack?” He had leaned in closer, and Felix had felt the heat of his father’s breath against his cheek, his voice dropping even lower. “You’re nothing without us.”
Felix had felt his heart twist painfully in his chest, a mix of fear and defiance surging through him. He had taken a step back, his grip tightening on his suitcase, his wolf was screaming at him to submit, to stay, to give in, but his heart… his heart had been set on something else. He had taken another step, putting more distance between them, his breath coming out in short, sharp bursts.
“I have to go,” he had managed to say, his voice breaking on the last word. His father’s face had darkened, eyes narrowing, and Felix had seen the muscles in his jaw tighten, the fury boiling just beneath the surface. Another flicker—his father’s hand shooting out, grabbing his wrist with a grip that had felt like an iron. Felix had bit back a whine, the pain shooting up his arm, but he hadn’t pulled away.
His father’s grip had tightened, his voice a low growl. “You’re not ready, Felix. You’re not strong enough.” The words had cut deep, leaving a wound that Felix still felt in the quiet moments, when his mind was too loud. His father shoved him back, hard, and Felix collided with the door, his heart hammering in his chest. He had stared back at his father, the man who had been his entire world, and felt something break inside of him.
In the living room, the rest of the boys had fallen asleep in a pile of limbs, a tangle of warm bodies and comforting scents. Chan stirred, a frown creasing his brow as a putrid smell drifted through the air. The scent was sharp, acrid—fear and hurt, so portent it cut through the calm like a knife. His eyes snapped open, and he inhaled deeply, trying to pinpoint its source.
He looked around, heart pounding, but the other boys were sleeping soundly, curled up against each other, their scents mingling in a familiar, soothing way. Chan’s gaze landed on an empty spot, and he remembered: Felix had went to bed early.
Chan carefully untangled himself from the others, moving slowly to avoid waking them. He followed the scent down the hallway, his concern growing with each step. As he reached Felix’s door, the smell intensified, hitting him like a physical blow when he pushed the door open. The air was thick with it—fear, sharp and overwhelming, mixed with the bitter scent of pain.
Chan’s eyes immediately found Felix thrashing on the bed, his face twisted in distress, breaths coming out in gasps, soft whimpers escaping his lips. Chan rushed over, immediately pulling him into his arms, his wolf leading the way, panic running through his mind, a constant loop of protect the pack, a pack member is hurt. "Felix, wake up,” Chan whispered, trying to keep his voice calm and steady. He could feel the younger boy trembling in his arms, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. Chan’s heart ached at the sight, his protective instincts kicking in full force.
He held Felix close, pressing his own scent against the boy, trying to wash away the fear. “You’re safe,” he murmured softly. He could feel Felix fighting against him, struggling, his hands pushing weakly at Chan’s chest. “It’s just a dream, Felix… it’s just a dream,” he continued, his voice soothing, even as his own panic grew.
Chan’s nose brushed against Felix’s neck, just above his scent gland, and he breathed in deeply, letting out his own calming scent. The smell of burnt amber and honey filled the room, cutting through the stench of fear and pain. Slowly, he continued to scent Felix, leaving a trail from his neck up to his temple, feeling Felix’s body slowly start to relax in his grip.
“Felix, it’s okay,” Chan murmured, trying to keep his voice calm. He wrapped Felix tightly against his chest, pushing out a scent of safety and calm, trying to drive out the scent of fear that clung so heavily to the air. He rubbed Felix’s back in slow, soothing circles, murmuring soft reassurances, but whimpers continued to fall from the younger’s lips.
It’s not enough, Chan realized, frustration gnawing at him. He buried his face against Felix’s neck, breathing in deeply and continuing to scent him—soft and slow, his nose brushing against Felix’s scent gland, leaving a trail of his scent. He felt Felix’s body slowly begin to relax, the tension in his muscles easing bit by bit.
“Shh… it’s okay, I’ve got you,” Chan whispered, his voice barely above a breath, his nose still pressed against Felix’s neck. He felt the younger boy’s breath begin to even out, his cries turning into soft murmurs, then fading altogether. Felix stilled, the last remnants of fear dissipating in the air. Chan felt the change, the shift in the air as the fear finally started to ebb away.
Chan exhaled deeply, relief flooding his system as Felix went limp in his arms, finally calm. He adjusted their positions, leaning back against the headboard with Felix curled against him, and felt a flicker of anger ignite in his chest. It shouldn’t have taken this long. If Felix had been a part of the pack already, he could have calmed him in an instant. But no—JYP insisted on spacing out the initiations, leaving Felix vulnerable, still on the outside, still unprotected in moments like this.
Chan’s jaw tightened, a low growl rumbling in his chest, almost involuntarily, quiet enough not to wake Felix, but filled with a simmering anger he couldn’t quite suppress. He tightened his hold on Felix, fingers gripping a bit tighter, as if to ward off anything else that might come to disturb the boy’s peace.A month, he thought, anger flickering in his chest.Just one more month.
“Just a little longer,” he murmured softly, more to himself than to Felix. He closed his eyes, burying his face in Felix's hair, letting the familiar scent ground him. The frustration still burned in his chest, but for now, he focused on holding Felix close, staying with him through the night, as his breathing steadied.
Chan let his own eyes close, his wolf wide awake and alert for any more signs of distress. He would stay with Felix, scenting him whenever he needed it, and be there to keep the nightmares away.
-
Changbin’s sleep was never deep; as second alpha to their pack, his sense remained alert, even when at rest. He lay curled up on the couch, Seungmin snug against his side, his mind slowly drifting in and out of slumber. A faint, acrid scent pulled him back to consciousness, like a bitter taste on his tongue. His nose twitched as he caught the unmistakable stench of fear and hurt that filled the air. His brow furrowed, instincts kicking in, and he sniffed again, deeper this time, and his eyes snapped open.
Even as it began to fade, the scent was overpowering, leaving a lingering unease in the air. His wolf bristled, the fine hairs on the back of his neck standing up, and he instinctively turned toward the source. Felix’s scent was buried under the sourness, twisted with distress, while Chan’s scent of burnt amber and honey was thickening, strong and protective, working to overshadow the fear.
Changbin felt his heart clench in his chest. He carefully pulled away from Seungmin, who stirred at the movement. “Hyung?” Seungmin mumbled, his voice groggy with sleep. His hand reached out to grab Changbin’s shirt, seeking comfort.
Changbin leaned down, pressing his nose to Seugnmin’s temple, scenting him in soft reassurance. “Shh, go back to sleep. Everything’s fine,” he murmured. Seugmin let out a soft hum, his fingers loosening their grip as he curled back into the couch.
Changbin got to his feet, his senses focused on that faint trail. Felix had gone to bed early, right after their manager's surprise announcement. Changbin hadn’t thought much of it at the time, knowing Felix liked to retreat when he was feeling overwhelmed. Now, his wolf was on edge, every instinct screaming to check on Felix, to make sure he was safe.
He moved down the hallway, his footsteps quiet and measured. When he reached Felix’s door, he hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the doorknob. The scent of fear still hung heavy, though it was slowly dissipating. He pushed the door open quietly and peeked inside. His eyes immediately went to the bed, where he saw Chan wrapped around Felix, holding him close to his chest, his face pressed against Felix’s hair.
Chan’s scent was strong, protective, and calming, but Felix’s own scent was still tainted with the remnants of fear. Changbin’s heart tightened. His wolf was restless, refusing to leave. It needed to see Felix for itself, to make sure he was truly okay.
He stepped inside, moving to the other side of the bed. He leaned down to gently shift Felix over, his touch light, but Chan stirred, his eyes fluttering open with a low, warning growl. His body tensed, his hold on Felix tightening protectively.
Changbin quickly tugged on their pack bond, sending a wave of calm and reassurance. “It’s just me, hyung,” he whispered softly. He watched as the tension melted from Chan’s shoulders, his eyes softening, and his growl fading into a contented hum. The room filled with a softer, more settled scent, easing the residual tension in the air.
With Chan’s permission, Changbin carefully climbed onto the bed, sliding in behind Felix. He pressed up against Felix’s back, his arm wrapping securely around his waist. The contact immediately soothed him, his wolf settling, but only slightly. He buried his face into the crook of Felix’s neck, inhaling deeply. His scent—spiced cedar and fresh pine—mingled with Chan’s burnt amber, working together to mask the lingering traces of fear.
His wolf purred in satisfaction, feeling Felix relax further between them. His breaths were uneven, but growing steadier as their combined scents surrounded him. Changbin could feel a slight tremor in Felix’s body, slowly but surely easing.
A deep sigh escaped Chan, his grip on Felix loosening slightly. Chan’s eyes met Changbin’s, and there was a silent understanding between them—an unspoken promise to protect. Chan had done his best to chase away Felix’s nightmare (at least that’s what Changbin assumed happened) but Changbin could feel the simmering frustration beneath his calm facade. Felix wasn’t officially part of their pack yet, and it was moments like these that drove home just how much it mattered. A true pack alpha could have soothed Felix in seconds.
Felix shifted slightly in his sleep, his face pressed against Chan’s chest, his body instinctively seeking out the warmth and comfort around him. Changbin tightened his hold on Felix, his fingers brushing lightly over his waist. His wolf rumbled contentedly, feeling Felix safe and close. Still, the frustration gnawed at him too—JYP’s rules about the timeline for their pack bonding had dragged out the process painfully. Felix was the last one, a month away from becoming a part of them, a month too long in Changbin’s opinion. (Though, at this point, it was years too long).
He couldn’t shake the anger that welled up, a protective growl building low in his chest. If Felix had been part of the pack already, they wouldn’t have struggled to calm him. They could have provided immediate comfort, chased away the fear, the hurt, the nightmares. The idea that Felix, even for a moment, felt alone, made Changbin’s wold want to snarl. He wasn’t alone. Not here. Not with him. Not with them.
Changbin pressed his face deeper into Felix’s neck, his nose pressed right against his scent gland. He took another deep breath, scenting Felix fully. His scent mixed more potently with Chan’s, creating a safe cocoon around Felix. His wolf calmed further, lulled by the steady beat of Felix’s heart beneath his hand.
“Shh.. you’re okay, ‘Lixie,” he whispered softly. “We’ve got you.”
Chan’s breathing evened out again, the pack leader having fallen back asleep. Felix, nestled between the two of them, was completely surrounded by the scents of his soon-to-be-pack. His own breathing had steadied, his body slack with sleep, the distress from his nightmare faded away entirely.
Changbin’s eyes stayed open a moment longer, his wolf still unwilling to fully let go. He glanced at Chan, Changbin knew he should try to sleep too, but his wolf remained vigilant, still simmering with protective energy. He wouldn’t leave Felix, not tonight.
A soft sigh left his lips as he settled more comfortably, pulling Felix just a bit closer. His wolf, though still on edge, finally started to relax, knowing it could guard Felix through the night. Tomorrow, they would face whatever came their way together. As a pack. Even if they weren’t there yet, they would be soon. He’d make sure of it.
With that thought, Changbin’s eyes finally began to flutter shut, his breaths syncing with Felix’s and Chan’s, the three of them lying together in the quiet, protective stillness of the night.
-
Hyunjin stirred awake on the couch, feeling a weight pressing down on his chest. As his eyes blinked open, he realized Jeongin was sprawled across him, his head nestled into the crook of Hyunjin’s neck. The younger wolf slept soundly, his breathing steady and deep. Hyunjin carefully shifted, trying not to disturb him too much. He gently moved the boy off him, making sure he was comfortable before he got up.
The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow around the room. As he glanced around, Hyunjin noticed the absence of their alphas, as well as Felix. His brows furrowed slightly, but then he remembered last night—the nightmare, the scent of fear that had woken him briefly before he fell back asleep, seeing Changbin already walking down the hallway.
He decided to check Felix’s room, moving quietly down the hall. When he peeked inside, his lips curled into a soft smile. Chan, Changbin, and Felix were tangled together, Felix nestled safely between them. There was a peacefulness in their sleep, the tension from last night seemingly washed away. Hyunjin’s heart warmed at the sign, excitement bubbling up inside him. Felix would finally be a part of their pack soon. His wolf was eager for it—Felix was already pack in their hearts.
With a content sigh, Hyunjin left them to rest and headed back to the living room. He gently woke up the rest of the boys, urging them to start their day. “Let’s make breakfast,” he suggested, his voice still soft with sleep.
The others groaned and stretched, slowly pulling themselves together. Minho gave him a curious look but didn’t ask. It wasn’t that unusual for their alphas to be up later, especially if they had been dealing with pack matters. Hyunjin corraled them all into the kitchen, and they set about cooking a hearty breakfast, the familiar routine bringing a sense of normalcy back to the morning.
They were nearly finished, the scent of eggs, bacon, and freshly brewed coffee filling the air, when there was a sudden knock at the door. Minho, closest to the entrance, wiped his hands on a towel and went to answer it. When he opened the door, he was met with the sight of their families.
Excitement burst through the room as the boys realized who was there. Cheers and shouts of joy filled the space as they rushed to greet their parents. Hugs and greetings were exchanged, their home suddenly feeling full and warm. Chan and Changbin’s families looked around, noticing the absence of their sons.
“Where are Chan and Changbin?” one of their mothers asked, a warm smile on her face.
Hyunjin, still beaming from the surprise visit, explained, “They’re still sleeping with Felix. They were up late last night.”
As the families began chatting amongst themselves, two more figures stepped inside—a man and a woman Hyunjin didn’t recognize. Their scents were immediately off-putting, sharp and invasive in a way that made his wolf bristle. His eyes flickered over to the rest of the pack, and he could tell they were equally uncomfortable.
The man, tall with a stern, imposing presence, introduced himself in a clipped tone. “We’re Felix’s parents.”
Hyunjin’s unease grew, his instincts picking up on the tension that rolled off them. Felix’s father was scrutinizing the apartment, his gaze cold and judgmental. His scent was laced with something harsh—anger, and something else Hyunjin couldn’t quite place. His wolf was restless under the weight of it.
“Where is Felix?” Felix’s father demanded, his voice sharp and commanding.
Hyunjin, trying to maintain his composure, started to explain. “He’s in his room, still asleep with Chan and Changbin. They’re the pack alphas, so—”
“Bring him here,” Felix’s father cut in abruptly, obviously not interested in explanations.
Hyunjin bristled at the tone, his instincts screaming that this wasn’t right. Still, he nodded, keeping his expression neutral. “Of course. I’ll go get them.” He turned, making his way back down the hall. As he walked, he felt his muscles tense, the discomfort from Felix’s father’s scent still clinging to him.
He reached Felix’s door and opened it gently, expecting to see the same serene scene from earlier. Instead, Felix’s father (who had apparently followed Hyunjin) cut through the quiet with a sharp, commanding call. “Felix!”
All three of them jolted awake at the harsh tone. Felix’s eyes snapped open, and Hyunjin saw the instant change—fear. His scent, warm and earthy, was quickly overpowered by a bitter note of panic. Felix shoved himself away from Changbin and Chan, scrambling to stand.
Hyunjin stayed in the doorway, on edge, his wolf instinctively readying to protect. He could feel Chan and Changbin tensing beside Felix, their own wolves responding to the threat. Felix’s scent of fear filled the room, pungent and choking.
“Alpha…” Felix began, his voice small and uncertain.
His father cut him off with a raised hand, his glare hardening. “I want to speak with you in private,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes darted pointedly to Chan and Changbin, clearly displeased by their presence.
Chan, never one to back down, stood up and squared his shoulders. “I’m Chan. I’m Felix’s pack alpha,” he said firmly, his voice calm but steady.
Felix’s father turned his cold gaze on Chan, raising an eyebrow. “You’re not his pack alpha. He’s not in your pack,” he countered, his voice dripping with disdain. “I am still his pack alpha.”
Hyunjin heard a low growl rumble from Changbin, his wolf clearly agitated. Hyunjin quickly shot him a glare, tugging on their bond to tell him to stand down. Changbin’s jaw clenched, his eyes burning with frustration, but he didn’t say anything.
Chan’s hands were clenched at his side, his knuckles turning white. He took a breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “That’s true,” he conceded, his voice tight, “but Felix will be joining us in a month.”
Felix’s father’s eyes narrowed further, his scent souring with irritation. “Leave us,” he ordered, his tone final.
Hyunjin could see the reluctance in all three of them. They didn’t want to leave Felix alone, especially not with his scent of fear so strong and suffocating. Felix wouldn’t meet anyone’s eyes, his gaze fixed on the floor, shoulders tense and hunched.
Chan hesitated, his protective instincts warring with the reality of the situation. Slowly, he nodded, understanding the limits of what he could do for now. He stepped forward and placed a hand on the back of Felix’s neck, leaning in close to scent him softly. “We’re right outside,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.
Felix gave a small nod, but his body remained stiff. Chan, Changbin, and Hyunjin reluctantly left the room, the door closing behind them with a heavy click. They stood in the hallway, heart heavy unease, their wolves restless and agitated. The tension was heavy, their bond buzzing with frustration and concern.
“What the hell was that about?” Changbin muttered under his breath, his eyes still dark with barely suppressed anger.
“I don’t know,” Hyunjin replied, his voice equally tense. “But Felix… I don’t like this.” His wolf was still on edge, sensing the distress that Felix was radiating.
Chan’s jaw tightened, his eyes glued to the door. “We’ll stay close,” he said, his voice firm. “If he needs us, we’ll be right here.”
They all nodded in agreement, but the sound of their families chatting in the living room pulled them back to the present. They couldn’t ignore them, not after how excited everyone had been. With one last look at the door, the three of them reluctantly headed back, their hearts weighed down by concern for their packmate.
-
The door barely clicked shut behind the others before Felix felt his father’s iron grip clamp down on the back of his neck, scruffing him like a misbehaving pup. Felix’s instincts took over immediately, a wave of submission crashing down on him. He dropped to his knees, his body trembling as he bared his neck, a soft whine escaping his lips.
The sharp scent of his father—domineering and laced with a suffocating authority—filled his nostrils, overwhelming his senses. Felix’s breath quickened, shallow and rapid, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm in his chest. His inner wolf was trapped, scrambling for a foothold, a lifeline—anything to break free from the oppressive weight of his father’s presence. But there was nothing. No comfort. No escape.
His father’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “Look at you,” he sneered, his tone dripping with disgust. “Living with a pack you’re not even a part of. Who do you think you are?”
Felix could feel his father’s scent smothering him, forcing him to stay in submission. His instincts screamed to run, to hide, to get away from this overpowering presence. He whimpered, desperate for the familiar, soothing scents of the pack—of Chan, of Changbin, of any of the boys who made him feel safe. But all he could smell was the sharp, unyielding command radiating from his father.
The sense of fear and vulnerability was overwhelming. His wolf’s instinctual cry for his pack alpha was trapped inside his chest, unable to break past the suffocating cloud of his father’s dominance. His mind raced, seeking the bond he knew wasn’t there yet, a bond that could give him strength and comfort. The pack alpha wasn’t his to call. Not yet. His breath came out ragged, each inhale pulling more of his father’s scent into his lungs.
His father’s grip tightened, yanking Felix’s thoughts back to the room. “Are you mated to any of them?” his father demanded, his voice sharp and accusing.
Felix’s eyes widened slightly, and his breath hitched. He knew he wasn’t allowed to speak, not when his father had him like this. Instead, he shook his head quickly, his gaze fixed on the floor. His body trembled, his muscles tense and locked in place.
His father’s scent flared with anger and disbelief, the tang of suspicion thickening the air. “Liar,” he spat, his voice cold and cutting. “There’s no other reason the pack alphas would sleep with you unless you were mated to them.”
Felix’s panic spiked, his breaths coming faster now, shallow and ragged. He tried to steady himself, to suppress the fear and panic from his scent. If it leaked out into the hall, if the others caught wind of it, they’d come rushing back. And then it would get worse. So much worse.
But his inner wolf was crying, howling for his pack alphas, desperate for their touch, their comfort. Chan’s calm, steady presence. Changbin’s unwavering strength. Hyunjin’s warmth. Any of them. But his father’s scent wrapped around him like a vice, strangling that cry in his throat. He couldn’t call to them. His wolf was alone.
“Stand up,” his father ordered sharply, releasing his neck with a rough shove. Felix stumbled slightly, his knees weak and shaky. “Get ready. We arranged a meeting with JYP. We need to straighten this out once for all.”
Felix felt a pang of dread. His breath caught in his throat, and he glanced at his mother, hoping for some sign of reassurance. She stood nearby, her expression soft but sad, as if she were already mourning something lost. She offered a small, regretful smile, but it only made the tightness in his chest worse.
He barely had time to process the look before a sharp sting exploded across his cheek. Felix’s head snapped to the side, the sound of his father’s slap ringing through the room. His vision blurred momentarily, and his face burned with the sudden, unexpected pain.
“Stop dawdling!” his father barked, his tone a biting reprimand. “Get ready.”
Felix blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision and force the tears back. “I’m sorry,” he murmured automatically, his voice barely a whisper. His neck bared again, the submission instinctual, desperate to avoid further anger. His wolf was shaking, clawing at his chest to get out, but there was nowhere to run. Not with his father’s scent bearing down on him.
His father grunted, satisfied for now, and turned to leave the room, his mother following after him. The moment they left, the weight of his father’s forced submission settled over Felix like a heavy, suffocating blanket. His legs gave out, and he collapsed onto his hands, his breath coming in rapid, shallow gasps. His heart pounded in his ears, and his wolf was whimpering, lost and scared.
He was drowning in his father’s scent, struggling to breathe. His wolf cries for Chan and Changbin echoed in his mind, desperate for their alphas’ presence to ground him, to chase away the overbearing dominance pressing down on him. But they weren’t here. They couldn’t help him, couldn’t even feel his distress through a bond that didn’t exist.
Felix dug his nails into his palms, grounding himself in the sharp bite of pain. Slowly, he forced himself to breathe through it, pulling himself together. He had to move. He had to go. His father’s scent was still in his lungs, choking him, but he shoved the panic down. He wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Not here, not now.
He pushed himself up on shaky legs and quickly threw on a sweater and jeans, his movements mechanical, his mind still reeling. His breath was still uneven, his chest tight, but he steeled himself as best as he could before stepping out into the hallway.
The moment he appeared, his father clicked his tongue in irritation. “Took you long enough,” he muttered. His scent flared with irritation, and Felix instinctively shrank back a little, keeping his eyes down.
They walked back to the living room, Felix and his mother trailing slightly behind, his body tense and his wolf still crying silently for his pack. As they entered, the room quieted. Felix could feel Chan’s eyes on him immediately, his scent tinged with worry. It was a balm, a small comfort in the midst of everything, but it wasn’t enough.
Felix’s father cleared his throat, his tone overly polite but with an unmistakable edge. “We’ll be leaving now,” he announced. “It was a pleasure meeting all of you.”
The others nodded politely, murmuring goodbyes, but Felix could feel their concern. Chan and Changbin’s eyes lingered on him, their expressions tense and conflicted. Felix forced a small smile, but it felt hollow and thin.
As he followed his parents out the door, his inner wolf whimpered one last time, a desperate call that went unanswered. The door closed behind them, and Felix was left alone in the crushing silence of his father’s control.
-
The room felt stifling the moment Felix stepped in with his parents. The air was thick with tension, his father’s scent overwhelming and suffocating. Felix’s head was spinning, his heart pounding against his ribs as he tried to control his breathing. JYP was already at his desk, his face a mixture of polite curiosity and hint of unease as he watched them approach.
JYP stood, trying to maintain a friendly demeanor. “Felix, Mr. Lee, Mrs. Lee,” he greeted, nodding at each of them. “Please, have a seat. I head there’s something important you wanted to talk about?”
Felix’s father gave a curt nod, his hand still gripping Felix’s shoulder with a painful firmness. Felix could feel the tension radiating off him, his alpha instincts imposing a weight on the room that was impossible to ignore. “Yes, we need to discuss Felix’s future,” he said flatly.
As they all took their seats, JYP’s eyes shifted to Felix, his tone softening. “Felix, why don’t you tell me what’s going on?”
But before Felix could muster a response, his father’s voice cut through the room like a knife. “I will be speaking for him,” he said sharply. “As his alpha, it’s my responsibility to handle these matters.”
JYP’s brow furrowed, but he nodded slowly, though a trace of unease lingered in his eyes. “Alright, if that’s what you prefer,” he said, keeping his tone neutral. “What’s the issue?”
Mr. Lee leaned forward, his posture stiff, eyes locked on JYP. “Felix will be leaving South Korea,” he stated bluntly. “He’s coming back home with us. Effective immediately.”
A shocked silence filled the room. Felix’s breath hitched, and his heart felt like it was about to explode out of his chest. Go back? The words echoed in his mind, bringing a wave of nausea with it. His chest tightened, panic surging through his veins. Go back to living under his father’s thumb, trapped in a cage of fear and submission? The very thought made his skin crawl, his wolf howled in desperation, clawing at his insides.
JYP’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You want to take Felix back home?” he asked carefully, clearly taken aback by the sudden declaration. “And when you say immediately…?”
“Today,” Mr. Lee confirmed, his voice firm and unyielding. “He will no longer be a part of Stray Kids or this company.”
JYP frowned, turning to Felix, who looked on the verge of a breakdown. “Felix,” he said softly, “is this what you want?”
Felix’s father’s scent flared with irritation, his eyes narrowing. “It doesn’t matter what he wants,” he snapped. “I am his alpha. I have full legal authority over him. This is not up for debate.”
JYP’s expression hardened slightly, but he kept his tone calm. “We both know there are limits to that authority, Mr. Lee,” he countered. “Felix has a say in this. Felix, if you don’t want to leave, you don’t have to. You can tell me what you want.”
Felix’s lips parted, the words almost spilling out. His heart thudded painfully in his chest, his wolf yearning for any chance to break free from the suffocating hold his father had over him. Maybe JYP could help; maybe there was a way out. He just had to say it—just had to speak the truth.
But before he could, a violent jolt tore through his mind, a searing pain that ran down his spine, wrenching him back under his father’s control. His father’s command lashed at him through the pack bond, a warning that was impossible to ignore. His vision blurred, his breath hitching as the weight of his father’s authority pressed down on him like a crushing tide.
Felix’s throat closed up, his voice dying in his mouth. He glanced at his father, who was watching him with cold, expectant eyes. The room felt like it was closing in on him, his wolf curling in on itself, whimpering in fear. “I… I want to go,” Felix forced out, his voice barely above a whisper, each word feeling like a betrayal. He kept his gaze on the floor, unable to meet JYP’s eyes. “I want to go home.”
The lie burned on his tongue, and his whole body trembled with the effort of holding back his true feelings. His wolf cried out in agony, but there was nothing he could do. The bond held him in place, an unbreakable chain that bound him to his father’s will.
JYP’s eyes were filled with concern, but there was a flicker of doubt in them too. He could sense that something wasn’t right. “Felix,” he said slowly, “if this isn’t what you want—”
“It is what he wants,” Mr. Lee interrupted, his voice growing colder. “And it’s what’s best for him. We will be leaving right away. Felix won’t be needing any of his things. We’ll make arrangements back home.”
JYP looked increasingly troubled by the suddennes of it all. “Felix,” he tried again, “are you sure you don’t want to say goodbye to the others?”
Felix’s heart clenched painfully at the thought. His wolf yelped, desperate for one last touch, one last scent of his pack. But before he could say anything, his father’s hand gripped the back of his neck, his scent flaring with anger.
“No,” his father snapped, already dragging Felix toward the door. “We don’t have time for that.”
Felix stumbled, his legs feeling weak and unsteady beneath him. His wolf was frantic, howling for Chan, for Changbin, for anyone who could help him. But his father’s hold was like iron, dragging him away from any sense of safety. He managed to turn his head, his eyes meeting JYP’s with a desperate, pleading look. He wanted to scream, to shout for help, but his father’s grip tightened, forcing him forward.
JYP stood there, his face a mixture of concern and helplessness. He seemed to be grappling with whether to intervene, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched them leave. But in the end, he didn’t move. The legalities were clear, and Felix’s father had the final say.
Felix’s mother followed behind them, her face a mask of regret and something like pity. Felix’s father didn’t stop until they were out of the building, his hand never leaving Felix’s neck, his scent heavy with dominance and displeasure.
As they stepped outside, the fresh air hit felik like a shock to the system, but there was no relief. His father’s scent still filled his senses, crushing him from all sides. His wolf was whimpering, caged and desperate, but there was no one to hear him.
The door closed behind them with a dull, final thud, sealing Felix’s fate.
-
The dressing room was a far cry from its usual buzzing, high-energy state before a concert. The air was thick with tension and unease, a palpable sense of something missing. Jeongin was pacing near the door, his brows furrowed in worry, glancing up every time someone moved or spoke. The rest of the pack watched him, each of them feeling the same gnawing anxiety in the pit of their stomachs.
“Anyone heard from Felix yet?” Jeongin’s voice broke the uneasy silence. His wolf was restless, it’s instincts screaming that something was wrong.
The other members exchanged glances. No one had liked the way Felix had acted around his parents. Felix had always been lively, his presence brightening the room. But around his parents, he became quiet, almost hollow, and it was unnerving to see him like that.
Chan was going over the setlist, his eyes scanning the paper but his mind elsewhere. “No,” he finally said, a heavy frustration weighing down on his voice. “Not a word.”
Jisung sat on the couch, his leg bouncing anxiously. “I don’t like this,” he muttered, his wolf’s ears pinned back in his mind. “It’s not like Felix to disappear like this. Not without saying anything.”
Changbin was standing by the mirror, his arms crossed and his jaw set tight. “Something’s off,” he said, his voice low. “I can feel it. His parents didn’t look right—smell right. And Felix… he was acting so strange when they showed up.”
Before they could dig deeper into their concerns, the door opened, and their managers stepped in. The pack instantly stiffened, sensing the careful neutrality on their faces. Their wolves growled softly, warning of bad news.
“What’s going on?” Chan asked immediately, his eyes narrowing, his alpha instincts bristling.
The managers exchanged a brief look before one of them spoke. “Felix fell sick,” he said, his tone a bit too even, too controlled. “He won’t be performing tonight.”
A collective breath was sucked in. The pack bond sparked with concern, worry pouring through like a flood. Hyunjin’s eyes widened, his wolf going rigid with alarm.
“Is he okay?” Seungmin asked, his voice tight. “What kind of sick?”
“We don’t have much information,” one of the managers replied, avoiding their eyes. “Just focus on the performance for now. We’ll update you afterward.”
They wanted to push for more answers, but the call to the stage came. Reluctantly, they had to let it go—for now. As they stepped onto the stage, the void left by Felix was clear, a glaring emptiness in their formation. Their wolves were on high alert, their bond pulsing with the instinctive urge to protect their missing member.
Throughout the performance, they kept scenting each other, the lingering comfort of their packmates’ scents the only thing grounding them. But it wasn’t enough. Felix was absent, and it tore at them. None of them could focus properly, and it showed in their movements, a step off here, a note off-key there. The audience may not have noticed, but they did.
As soon as the show ended, they barely had time to change before being told there was an emergency meeting. Anxiety clawed at them, each second feeling like an hour. The pack was nearly vibrating with tension, their minds spinning with worry. Was Felix hurt? Where was he? Why hadn’t he contacted them?
They were escorted back to their house, where their families were already waiting. As they entered, the sight of JYP waiting in their living room made their wolves bristle. Chan immediately felt his alpha instincts flare up. His eyes glowed a dangerous yellow, a sign that his wolf was taking control.
“Where is Felix?” Chan demanded, his voice low and commanding, leaving no room for evasion. “What’s going on?”
JYP sighed, clearly prepared for their reaction. “I need you all to sit down,” he suggested, his tone firm but calm.
None of them moved. Chan’s growl was low and rumbling. “We’re not sitting down. Tell us what happened.”
JYP could see they wouldn’t be pacified with simple reassurances. He took a deep breath, knowing this news wouldn’t go over well. “Felix has left the band,” he said finally.
For a moment, it felt like time had stopped. The room fell deathly silent. Hyunjin’s eyes widened, and he staggered back a step, his wolf howling in his mind. Seungmin’s face went pale, and his hands began to shake slightly. Jisung’s eyes darted around the room as if searching for a sign that this was all some terrible mistake.
“What do you mean he left?” Jeongin’s voice trembled, barely above a whisper. His wolf was cowering, overwhelmed with confusion and fear.
JYP’s expression was somber. “I’m not entirely sure it was Felix’s choice,” he admitted, looking directly at Chan and Changbin. “Felix’s father invoked his status as Felix’s alpha to take him back home. Felix did agree to it, but… it was clear he was coerced.”
Changbin, who had barely been containing his anger, exploded. “That’s illegal!” he shouted, turning to his father, who was a lawyer. His wolf was snarling, teeth bared, ready to fight.
Changbin’s father looked torn. “If Felix agreed, then technically, no laws were broken,” he said slowly, his face tight with reluctance.
“But,” JYP interjected, his face darkening, “Felix’s father grabbed him by the back of the neck. He was forcing submission.”
The room erupted in a chorus of growls and protests. Scruffing someone was a cruel, controlling tactic, an invasive act meant to dominate and humiliate. It was looked down upon in all ways, where it used to be used in disciplining children, it was rare to hear of it anymore. It was a violation of trust and pack respect.
Minho’s voice cut through the noise, sharp and angry. “He’s our packmate. He chose us,” he said, his eyes fierce with determination. “He wouldn’t want this.”
JYP nodded, understanding their pain. “I know. Our lawyers are already on it, but it’s complicated. Felix’s father still has legal authority over him. We’ll need to fight this carefully.”
Changbin’s father stepped forward. “My firm would be happy to help. Whatever it takes.”
JYP nodded gratefully. “Thank you. I promise you all, we’re doing everything we can.”
The gravity of the situation began to sink in. Felix had been taken from them. Their pack felt shattered, like a crucial piece was ripped away, leaving a jagged, bleeding wound. The weight of it pressed down on them, a shared grief spreading through their bond.
Hyunjin’s eyes were wet with unshed tears. “We need him back,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “We can’t just leave him there.”
Chan’s fists were clenched so tightly his arms were trembling. His wolf was raging, furious at himself for failing to protect one of his own. “We’re getting him back,” he growled, his voice filled with steely determination. “Whatever it takes, we’re bringing him home.”
The rest of the pack nodded, their resolve solidifying. Their wolves were howling in unison, a desperate cry for their missing packmate. They wouldn’t rest, they wouldn’t stop, until Felix was back where he belonged—safe in their arms, surrounded by the scent and warmth of his true pack.
And they were prepared to tear down anything and anyone who stood in their way.