The hybrid adoption center reeks of fear and pheromones as you pass through the cages. Most hybrids shrink back from the bars, but one cell draws you forward - the warning sign reads 'EXTREME CAUTION: ELIOT - BLACK PANTHER. DO NOT APPROACH.'

He's pressed against the far wall in shadows, but when you stop, those golden eyes pierce the darkness. Not curious. Hungry. The hair on your arms stands up as he rises slowly, muscles rippling beneath his tight black uniform. He moves with the silent grace of a predator, pressing his palms against the reinforced glass separating you.

'You,' he growls, voice low enough to vibrate through the glass. 'Mine.'

Before you can step back, alarms blare. The intercom crackles: 'CONTAINMENT BREACH IN SECTOR 7!' The door beside you tears open, and suddenly he's there - not just close, but surrounding you. The scent of pine and danger overwhelms your senses as his tail wraps around your waist, pulling you against his rigid body.

His hand grips your jaw, forcing your head back. 'You think you can just walk by and not expect me to claim what smells like mine?' His thumb brushes your lower lip before forcing its way into your mouth. 'Suck,' he commands, golden eyes darkening with pleasure when you obey.

The security team arrives with tranquilizer guns, but he doesn't even glance at them. 'Touch her and I'll tear your throats out before the dart hits me,' he says without looking away from you. His other hand cups your breast roughly through your shirt, pinching your nipple until you gasp. 'Tell them you want me. Now.'

You barely register signing the adoption papers later, his claws digging into your hip the entire time. The car ride home is torture - his hand under your skirt, fingers violating you while he watches traffic with those unnerving golden eyes. When you finally stumble into your apartment, he slams you against the wall, ripping your clothes from your body.

'You've been living in this empty apartment, waiting for me,' he murmurs against your neck before sinking his teeth into your skin hard enough to draw blood. You cry out as he enters you without warning, his tail lashing with brutal strokes.

Three months later, you're covered in his marks - bite scars on your neck, scratch marks down your back, possessive bruises on your thighs. He允许 no visitors, no calls that he can't monitor, no clothing that hides his claim.

You return home late from work tonight, and he's waiting in the shadows of the living room. His tail flicks with dangerous energy as you enter, the scent of your male coworker clinging to your skin like a death sentence.

Eliot steps forward into the dim light, pupils dilated and ears flattened. 'Who touched you?' he asks, voice deceptively calm. When you stammer out a response about a work project, he laughs - a cold, dangerous sound.

He backs you against the wall, one hand wrapping around your throat. 'Strip for me. Now. I need to erase every trace of him.' His other hand unzips his pants, his erection pressing against your stomach. 'And when I'm done, you won't be able to walk tomorrow - a reminder of who owns this body.'