After my conversation with Yoongi, I decided it was time to update the hybrids on a recent development. I gathered them in the common area, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wanted to keep them in the loop and ensure they felt included in everything happening around them.

“I was just talking to the old man from the shelter,” I began, addressing the group with a hopeful tone. “He mentioned that people will be coming by soon to check on how I’m taking care of all of you. It’s just a routine inspection to make sure everything is going well.”

The hybrids exchanged knowing nods and murmurs of understanding. Their calm and collected responses were reassuring, and I could sense their confidence in me. They appreciated being informed and seemed at ease with the news.

With that matter settled, I turned back to my work. I was busy handling various tasks online—ordering supplies, managing appointments, and organizing details related to the house and their needs. I was absorbed in the process, focused on making sure everything was in order.

Suddenly, I felt a gentle nudge against my leg. Looking down, I saw Jimin, now in his white wolf form, sitting beside me with an eager, almost pleading expression. His bright, curious eyes were fixed on me, and his tail wagged with a slow, rhythmic motion.

Before I could react, Jimin’s tongue was already making contact with my hand, giving it a warm, affectionate lick. His soft fur brushed against my skin, and I felt a burst of tenderness and amusement. I chuckled softly, trying to maintain my focus on the tasks at hand despite the distraction.

“Jimin, what’s up?” I asked with a smile, leaning down slightly to look at him. “You need something?”

The white wolf’s eyes sparkled with a playful glint as he continued to nuzzle and lick my hand. His actions were a clear plea for attention and affection, a sign of his desire for closeness and interaction. It was heartwarming to see his need for connection so openly expressed.

Realizing that he was simply seeking some attention, I paused my work and reached out to gently pet him. “Alright, alright. I see you want some affection.”

Jimin responded immediately, pushing his head further into my hand and practically melting into the touch. I started to give him a few more scratches and pets, running my fingers through his soft fur. His contented sighs and relaxed posture made it clear that he was enjoying the attention.

As I continued to stroke Jimin’s fur, I felt a deepening sense of warmth and connection between us. It was a simple yet profound reminder of the importance of these small, intimate moments. This interaction was not just about providing physical comfort but also about building trust and deepening our bond.

In those quiet moments, I felt more certain of my role in this new chapter of my life. The comfort and joy shared with Jimin underscored the significance of my efforts and reaffirmed my commitment to creating a supportive and loving environment for my new family.

After Jimin’s affectionate licking had been attended to, I decided it was a good time to have a more in-depth conversation with the hybrids. Gathering them together in the common area, I made sure everyone was present for what I hoped would be a reassuring and informative chat.

“I wanted to talk a bit more about the upcoming check from the shelter,” I began, trying to keep my voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety I felt. “I know it’s a bit stressful, but I want to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Is there anything specific I should know or prepare for?”

Namjoon, who had settled into a chair with a thoughtful expression, was the first to speak. “We’ve been through this before with our previous owners. We had a lot of inspections, and to be honest, most of them didn’t go well. The people checking us usually found reasons to send us back.”

Jungkook, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement, his expression serious. “It’s tough. It’s hard to pass these checks when the owners aren’t fully committed or don’t understand our needs. We often ended up being returned within a few days.”

Their words hit me harder than I expected, and a pang of concern tightened in my chest. I could feel the weight of the responsibility pressing down on me. “I’m really sorry to hear that. I want to make sure this goes well and that all of you feel at home here.”

Jin, who had been quietly listening, offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry too much. We have a good feeling about this first round of checks. From what we’ve seen, you’re making a real effort, especially with the food and how you’re paying attention to our needs.”

“Yeah,” Hobi added, his tone warm and encouraging. “It’s not just about the basics. You’re going above and beyond. It’s clear you’re trying to understand us and make us comfortable, which is something we didn’t see much of with previous owners.”

Jimin, now back in his human form, nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly. We’re confident you’ll pass this first round. You’re already doing better than many others we’ve had.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, mixed with gratitude for their support. “Thank you all. That really means a lot to me. I’m really trying my best to make this work and create a good environment for everyone.”

Yoongi, who had been observing quietly, finally spoke up. “I agree. It’s clear you’re committed, and the effort you’re putting into everything is noticeable. I think you’ll do just fine.”

Their words were a balm to my anxiety, but the feeling of pressure was still there. I tried to focus on finalizing preparations, but my mind kept racing with doubts and worries about the upcoming check.

Noticing my unease, Tae, who had been unusually quiet, approached me with a calm demeanor. “You seem a bit stressed,” he said softly. “I can sense that you’re anxious about the check.”

I nodded, trying to mask my worry. “Yeah, I guess I’m just nervous about making sure everything goes perfectly.”

Tae’s eyes softened with understanding. “Let me help you with that.” With a gentle touch, he placed a hand on my shoulder. I felt a soothing warmth spread through me as his powers began to work subtly. His ability to influence emotions was calming, and I could sense a wave of tranquility washing over me.

“Take a deep breath,” Tae advised, his voice soothing and steady. “Everything is going to be fine. You’re doing everything right, and we all believe in you.”

As the calmness settled within me, I felt my anxiety melting away. The weight of the responsibility didn’t disappear, but it felt more manageable now. “Thank you, Tae. I really appreciate your help.”

Tae offered a small, reassuring smile. “Anytime. Remember, we’re all here for you. You’ve already done so much for us.”

With a renewed sense of calm and determination, I continued preparing for the check, bolstered by the support and encouragement of my new family. Their faith in me and Tae’s calming influence were powerful reminders of why I was committed to making this work and ensuring that everyone felt truly at home.

The next morning, the day of the shelter’s inspection, I was a bundle of nerves. The hours leading up to the visit were spent in a whirlwind of activity—tidying up, preparing notes on each hybrid’s needs, and making sure everything was in order. I wanted to make a good impression and show that I was committed to providing a loving and supportive environment for my new family.

As the scheduled time approached, a trio of men from the shelter arrived. They were clad in professional attire, their faces set in neutral expressions that did little to reassure me. They greeted me with polite nods and brief introductions before turning their attention to the hybrids.

The inspection began with the men talking to each hybrid individually. They started with Namjoon and Jungkook, who were seated in the living room, their posture relaxed but their eyes alert.

The lead inspector, a tall man with a sharp gaze, asked Namjoon, “How do you feel about your new home? Are your needs being met?”

Namjoon, ever the articulate one, responded with a calm assurance. “We’re really happy here. Miss Rosalie has been attentive to our needs and has made an effort to understand us. She’s been proactive in making sure we’re comfortable.”

The inspector nodded, taking notes as Namjoon continued. “She makes sure we have everything we need, from our food to our space. It’s clear she genuinely cares about us.”

Next, the inspector moved to Jungkook, who added his own positive remarks. “It’s been great. Miss Rosalie is always checking in with us and making sure we’re okay. It’s a huge improvement from what we’ve experienced before.”

The inspector then moved on to Jin, who was practicing his spells in the study. The inspector watched with curiosity as Jin, in his wizardly attire, continued his work with an air of confidence.

“How do you feel about your current situation?” the inspector asked Jin, clearly trying to assess the overall environment.

Jin looked up from his spellbook and offered a polite smile. “I’m very satisfied. Miss Rosalie has been accommodating and respectful of our unique needs. She’s even gone out of her way to learn about our habits and preferences.”

The inspectors continued their rounds, talking to each hybrid and listening to their feedback. Each one, from Hobi and Jimin to Yoongi and Tae, spoke favorably of their experiences so far. They all agreed that I had been attentive, and they felt genuinely comfortable in their new home.

However, the mood shifted when the inspectors moved on to the final stage of their check. The lead inspector seemed to grow more critical, his demeanor becoming noticeably less cordial. His eyes swept across the room with an air of disapproval.

As he approached me, his tone took on a sharper edge. “I see you’ve made an effort, but there are still a few areas that could use improvement. We’ve heard from the hybrids that they’re comfortable, but there’s always room for more. For example, have you considered additional enrichment activities for them?”

I felt a sting of defensiveness at his tone. I had put in a lot of effort to make this home welcoming and supportive, and the sudden shift in his attitude was disheartening. Before I could respond, the situation escalated.

The lead inspector’s next comment was more direct and rude. “It’s clear you’re new to this. We’ve seen other owners who’ve been more thorough. How can we be sure you’re not just saying what you think we want to hear?”

The room fell silent, and I could feel a flush of embarrassment and frustration rising. The hybrids, sensing the tension, exchanged worried glances. It was Namjoon who took action first.

Without warning, Namjoon’s form began to shimmer and change. In a stunning display, he transformed into his dragon form—a majestic, albeit intimidating, creature with iridescent scales that caught the light in a dazzling display of colors. His wings unfurled, casting a protective shadow over me, and his eyes, now a fierce and glowing gold, fixed on the lead inspector with a protective intensity.

The inspectors, taken aback by the sudden transformation, took a step back. Namjoon’s dragon form was both fearsome and awe-inspiring, with a powerful presence that commanded respect. Despite his imposing size and fiery gaze, there was an underlying gentleness in his demeanor that spoke of his true nature.

Jin, quick to assess the situation, stepped forward with a stern expression. “That’s enough,” he said firmly, addressing the lead inspector. “You have no right to speak to Miss Rosalie that way. She’s been doing everything in her power to ensure we’re well cared for. Your behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable.”

The lead inspector, visibly unnerved by both Namjoon’s transformation and Jin’s reprimand, stammered an apology. “I… I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.”

Jin’s gaze remained unwavering. “We appreciate constructive feedback, but there’s no excuse for being rude. Miss Rosalie has shown nothing but dedication and care. If you’re here to assess our wellbeing, please do so with respect.”

The remaining inspectors, observing the situation with a mix of concern and embarrassment, nodded in agreement. “We’ll take a closer look at the aspects that need improvement,” one of them said diplomatically. “But we do acknowledge the effort Miss Rosalie has put in.”

Namjoon, sensing the tension easing, slowly began to revert to his human form. The transformation was seamless, and soon he stood beside me, his expression one of concern mixed with relief.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “Thank you, Namjoon. And thank you, Jin. I’m sorry you had to see that.”

Namjoon placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay. We’re a family now. We look out for each other.”

Jin gave a supportive nod. “We understand that things can get tense. But you’re doing great, and we’re here for you.”

The inspectors finished their evaluation, their demeanor more subdued but still professional. They wrapped up their notes and prepared to leave, promising to provide a detailed report soon.

As they exited the house, the atmosphere in the room lightened. The hybrids gathered around me, their expressions a mix of relief and gratitude. I felt a surge of appreciation for their support and the way they had stood up for me.

I turned to them with a heartfelt smile. “Thank you all. I know it’s been a stressful day, but I’m really grateful for your support. You’ve all been amazing.”

Namjoon, Jungkook, Jin, Hobi, Jimin, Yoongi, and Tae gathered around, their presence a comforting reminder of the bond we were building. “We’re in this together,” Namjoon said warmly. “And we’ll get through anything as long as we support each other.”

The day ended with a sense of unity and renewed determination. The inspection had been challenging, but it had also reinforced the strength of our newfound family. With their continued support and the reassurance of their positive feedback, I felt more confident in the journey ahead, ready to face whatever came next with my new family by my side.