NO ONES POV

It's freezing cold on the streets of New York City, and the commuters rush to their buildings, as steam rises from each breath they take. But, for those who live on said streets, there is no escape. No rushing to beat the cold, no nice warm office to settle into, no cozy fireplace to sit in front of. Just the blistering cold and a their own bodily heat. It's even harder for those looking after others, putting others needs before their own- but sometimes you need to put yourself first.

Alexander lay on the cold tarmac, his cubs shivering under the canopy he had made in the days prior. He wouldn't take shelter, there wasn't enough room.

Upon seeing one of the small cubs shivering violently he made a decision, one that would result in quite a problem for our dear Alexander, but he didn't hesitate at all.

He removed his long sleeve shirt, leaving him bare to the cold wind that wrapped around him like a shawl, and gave it to the small cub, tucking the sleeves around it so that it preserves as much heat as possible. With that he lay back down, small gravel fragments sticking into his back, and the cold biting at his skin. He wrapped his tail around his stomach, hiding some of the prominent scars from his past; yet the cold still sliced through him like a sword.

The cubs were under a dirty blanket he had stolen from behind a charity shop, and all had their thicker clothes on; but they were no match for the cold.

Now, my dear readers, we are no match against Mother Nature. She will do what she pleases, and we cannot object. Alexander fought the cold, shivering and shifting constantly to preserve any warmth he could find, yet during the night he grew colder and colder, until his body fell still. His chest rose and his breath could be heard- but no movement was seen.

By the time sunrise came Maria had expected Alexander to be out, scouting, hunting or stealing; but all she saw was a shirtless, pale young hybrid lying still on the frozen earth below him. She immediately ran forwards and placed her hands on his cheeks, but he was cold to the touch. Tears ran down her face like missiles and she shook him in an effort to awaken the wolf from his slumber.

After a while his dull, frozen eyes blinked open and he looked up at the cat hybrid above him, blinking in an effort to clear his vision.

"What's the time?" He asked in a hoarse, sore-sounding whisper.

"About 4. 'Xander, what'd you do?" Maria whispers, tears slowing but still slipping from her eyes.

"Nothing, i'm Okay. I've gotta go find some food and warmth for the cubs." The wolf hybrid muttered in response, and before the concerned cat could object he had shakily stood and wobbly stumbled down the narrow alleyway.

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JOHN'S POV

I shiver slightly under my scarf and thermal coat, coffee cup in hand. The floor is icy and the car windows are frozen over.

On my way to the office I walk past a homeless man, and offer a sympathetic smile and my coffee, which he takes gratefully. It must be so hard on the streets, especially when the weathers like this.

I continue speed-walking to the office, pushing the cold door open when I reach it. My skin burns and tingles as the warmth fold around me, which makes me give a relaxed sigh in response.

"Hey, Mr. Laurens. It's freezing, right?" The receptionist Samuel Seabury says to me.

"It's awful, I feel bad for the people living on the streets."

Samuel has lived on the streets for a while, and apparently a nice homeless boy had helped him survive and eventually he managed to meet George King, his now husband. He's worked on the reception for about a year, and I sometimes come down to speak to him.

"You'd best get going, don't want Washington to buy you another alarm clock" He reminds sarcastically. Guess news spreads fast.

I turn and head up to my floor, time to start the day.

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ALEXANDER'S POV

I stumble around the city, my body shaking and my vision slightly blurry. But, I can't stop. I have to keep going.

The longer I go the harder it is to suppress my wolf form, but I can't shift- not here.

I'm not being careful, but I don't think about that. It's dangerous, though I'm willing to risk it.

I stop to lean on a corner, before my vision stars to waver and eventually fades to black.
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JOHN'S POV (again)

I'm walking out of the office, strolling down the street, until I see a figure lying on the ground. It's not someone sleeping, as they're not lying as though they had settled down. I run across the street, preparing to call an ambulance, until I see them up close.

The figure has dark down hair, a pale complexion and a tail and ears... wait... it's-

A hybrid.