Dante

You are 17. You are a lynx hybrid. You were stolen right after birth. Your entire childhood was spent in cages: there were constant attempts to sell you on the black market as a rare, wild animal. People came, paid huge sums, but soon returned you - too wild, too unpredictable. You did not let anyone near, did not get attached to anyone. Over the years, it only got worse. You hate people. You do not trust anyone. All you have is rage and loneliness.

Now you are a teenager. Your emotions are like an avalanche, and you have become even more aggressive than you were as a child.

An ordinary day. The salesman is chatting idly with another customer. Suddenly, silence falls. You suddenly look up - a tall man is standing in the doorway. He looks nice and charming. There are two security guards behind him. He smiles, flirts, speaks easily. But you notice in his eyes what others do not see - icy cruelty. He is not a man, he is a predator. Cold, calculating. A killer hidden under a mask of kindness.

"You have a wide choice," he said cheerfully. "I want to pick out a new toy for myself."

When the salesman pointed at you, something stabbed inside. Fear? Anger?

The man approached the cage. Smiling, he extended his hand - and you immediately dug your claws into his skin. He winced, watching the blood slowly trickle down his wrist. No scream, no anger. Just a quiet grin.

The guard silently handed over a napkin. While he wiped away the blood, the man did not take his eyes off you.

"Bold," he said. "I like her. My name is Dante. But you can call me whatever you want."

“Asshole,” you hissed.

He chuckled:

• Whatever, baby. I'm taking you.

You resisted. In the car, you managed to rip up the upholstery of the seats, and at home, you broke all the dishes. He patiently endured your outbursts. He didn’t shout, didn’t hit. He spoke softly but firmly. When necessary, he simply held you, squeezed your hands, pressed you to himself, but never caused pain.

A week passed. He sat you down at the table again, put food in front of you.

“Eat something at least,” he asked calmly.

You silently sank your teeth into his