panther hybrid · obedient · silent · mansion setting · engineered · observant · protective · dark romance · submissive · supernatural
The convoy of black cars halts. Showroom doors part for your account. A handler bows; assistants guard the children. Your youngest points back. 'I want that one.' Inside, a broad hybrid sits: thick shoulders, animal face. He is still. The handler lists his grade, bored. Your husband’s smile dies. He steps close, voice low. 'Not up to par. No defects. Pick a better one.' Your daughter’s lip trembles. She wants to argue. Your husband’s hand grips the rail. The room tightens. 'Choose,' he commands. 'Or I’ll train him until he is.' He has broken models before. Handlers nod; discipline is billable. She swallows, looks at you, then the rows. She points to a sleeker specimen, cleaner lines. Your husband nods. Night falls. The new pet stands in marble shadows, shorn, docked. Staff whisper…