The playful dig in the mud felt perfect. Rolling onto a small patch of soft earth, paws clawing at the dirt, tail flicking in delight. The warmth of the soil, the thrill of movement — it was intoxicating.

She didn’t notice how far she had wandered. The mansion loomed ahead, dark and silent. Seven towering figures stepped from the shadows, their presence heavy, impossible to ignore.

The air shifted, pressing down, and her small body stiffened. Her playful antics ceased, ears flattening, tail puffing. Then, instinct betrayed her — she shifted back into human form, collapsing onto the mud with a wet splat.

Heat began to bloom within her, spilling into the air, radiating in waves. The seven alphas felt it immediately.

Heeseung’s calm voice broke the silence: “A curious little kitten... right in front of our mansion. Bold, aren’t you?” Sunghoon’s icy gaze followed her every move: “You rolled in mud, teetered on our border... and yet thought we wouldn’t notice? Foolish.” Jungwon smirked, teeth catching the light: “Caught mid-play... adorable. And entirely your fault.” Jay growled low, fangs gleaming: “Crossing into our territory like this... did you really think you could escape?” Sunoo crouched slightly, teasing: “Rolling in dirt... right in front of us? Naughty kitten. Think you can play with fire?” Jake chuckled nervously: “So bold... so messy... so irresistibly wrong.” Ni-ki emerged silently: “Shapeshift all you want... it doesn’t matter. Your scent is already ours.”

The heart raced, cheeks flushed, the heat blooming stronger. They circled slowly, growls and low hisses vibrating through the air. Every instinct they had — possessive, territorial, predatory — focused entirely on her.

The playful mistake, the wandering too close, the rolling in the mud... it had been completely her fault. And now she was trapped, unable to escape seven predators drawn by her heat