Hunger Awakened

by Charlene Hartnady

  Talon cracked a half-smile. “Not with that ugly beak on you.”

  “Don’t make me wish feather rot on you.” Cadon laughed.

  “We’ll stay in touch.” Talon bumped shoulders with the male and then did the same with the other two.

  “Any ideas on where to start?” Pace had a bewildered look on his face.

  Cadon shrugged. “Not even the slightest clue. You two head that way.” He pointed to a treed area. “Are you happy to head in that direction?” he asked Talon, pointing to a lake.

  Ducks floated aimlessly on its surface. There was a footpath just to the right of them that made its way over to the lake, joining another such path. "You can go left, and I'll go right." Cadon shrugged, like he didn't particularly care either way.

  It didn’t make any difference to him either. “Let’s do this.” Talon began to walk in that direction.

  “Good luck,” Cadon called after him.

  Luck had nothing to do with it. He needed to find a place to settle in and then he needed to start researching. The ducks splashed and cavorted. Talon was alerted to the approach of a human by rhythmic footfalls. It was a female. She jogged towards him. This was as good a time as any. He may as well start working right now.

  Her eyes flared as they landed on him. Talon smiled at her. He knew he was a big male. Especially next to most humans, but surely he could come across as friendly. The rhythm of her footfalls faltered for a moment or two before resuming.

  “Excuse me,” he tried to sound kind and easy-going, “can I—”

  The female turned. As in pulled a one-eighty and all out sprinted in the opposite direction. He looked around him. There was no one else anywhere close to them. No one behind him. By fur and feather, he had frightened her off. In hindsight, maybe approaching a female in a deserted place was not the best way to go about things.

  Talon started walking again. After just a minute or two, he broke free from the grassy area. All around him were tall towers as far as the eye could see. The ground was hard and compacted. There were several people he could see.

  Another female approached him. Her hair was pinned up. Her clothing looked more form-fitting underneath the long coat she was wearing.

  “Hello.” He smiled at her.

  The female narrowed her eyes. Her mouth tightened. She quickened her pace, giving him a wide berth.

  “I was hoping you could …” he tried again, talking to her retreating back but she kept on walking. Definitely moving much quicker than before.

  He sighed. This was going to be more difficult than he had initially expected. Talon looked around him. Chaos was too casual a word. His nose twitched even though his sense of smell was not nearly as developed as the other shifters. Talon could still scent stench from the vehicles that whizzed past. The stench of human occupation. Rotting food and foul excrement. Lights blinked different colors on every corner. Many people occupied each of the towers. His jaw dropped open. Although he had seen pictures, he hadn't expected it to be quite this.

  There was a loud barking to the left of him. “Hey boy!” a male shouted. Talon turned in that direction. A large dog dragged his owner, teeth bared, eyes on Talon. “Hey! Toby! Heel boy. Heel!” The male kept shouting but the dog broke free, running straight for Talon, who held his ground. He looked the small beast straight in the eyes. Very courageous for one so insignificant.

  What did this measly creature think it could do against him? Teeth bared, the creature leaped towards him. Talon made a soft screeching noise from deep in his throat. A warning. The animal would get one chance. One only. The timid beast ground to an immediate halt. It's back end and tail curled underneath itself, ears flat. The animal whined as its owner ran up, grabbing its lead. "I'm sorry." He was completely out of breath. "I'm not sure what came over him." He turned to the cowering animal. "Bad dog, Toby. Bad, bad boy." He gave the animal a scratch behind the ear as he spoke. The action in complete contradiction to his tone. It confused Talon, but the beast seemed to understand. It relaxed somewhat.

  Talon frowned. “No harm done.” The scent of something delicious attracted him. It came from the other direction. He continued moving that way. One of the vehicles ground to a halt, its front end touching his shins.

  There were a couple of loud noises that hurt his ears. The male in the vehicle was shouting something and Talon couldn’t make out what he was saying at first. Then the shouting grew louder as the male stuck his head out of the vehicle. “… nuts? Are you completely out of your freaking mind?” he shouted.

  Nuts. Hmmmm.

  Maybe he was offering Talon food. “No, thank you,” he said, trying to be polite. He didn’t mind eating nuts, but they certainly weren’t his favorite. Besides, he had eaten before embarking on this trip.

  “I could have killed you,” the male added, still screaming at the top of his lungs.

  Killed. Him? That puny human? Talon tried not to laugh at the male. It wasn’t nice to laugh at someone. “There is no way you could have killed me, human. Just so you know, I can hear you just fine.” Talon pointed at one of his ears. He smiled at the male. Maybe he thought Talon was hard of hearing. It was nice of him to shout so loudly to ensure he could understand.

  “What the …” He made a growly noise. Or tried to. Humans weren’t very good at making such sounds. “Get the fuck out of the road, asshole.”

  Talon looked around him. Not sure what the male was trying to convey. Before he could ask what a road was, the male went on.

  “Get. Out. Of the road, before I run you the fuck over.” He pointed at the path Talon had just stepped off of.

  Talon shrugged. He walked back to the path and the male took off, his vehicle made a loud screeching noise as it moved away, going much faster than before. They really were timid creatures.

  “You could have been killed.” The male with the furry creature was still there, eyes wide. The animal growled as Talon moved closer, his lip curling back from his teeth. When Talon looked down, it whined, putting its ears back and then moved behind the male’s legs. “I’m not sure what Toby’s problem is, he normally loves everyone.”

  The animal could most likely sense that Talon wasn’t human. He didn’t say anything to the human about it.

  “You’re obviously not from around here.” The male raised his brows.

  Talon nodded. “That would be correct.” He decided not to elaborate. For the most part, they had decided to keep their non-human status quiet. If need be, they would disclose that they were shifters but nothing of their ‘real’ heritage.

  “You can cross the road at any of the intersections.” He pointed to where the bright lights at the corners were. “I would recommend that you stick to the pavement all other times.”

  “Pavement?” Talon looked down.

  “Yep, that’s right. The cars will run you over if you try to walk on the road. You could even get a ticket for jaywalking.”

  Talon nodded. “I will do that, thank you.”

  “Aren’t you cold?” He looked at Talon’s arms.

  He shook his head, wishing he could get rid of these clothes. They were so tight and uncomfortable. So restricting.

  “It must be all that muscle keeping you warm.” The male wore a hat and thick garments. There was even a long, knitted piece of clothing wrapped tightly around his neck. How could the male even breathe? Talon wasn’t sure how it didn’t drive him mad. The human patted his animal. “Anyhow, take care. I need to get Toby home.” He looked down at the beast.

  “Do you have any idea where I can go to get information on females?” Talon blurted before the male could leave. It was worth a shot. Perhaps he could help him. At least he wasn’t scared of Talon, which was something at least.

  “Females?” He looked uncertain. “What kind of information?”

  “How to meet them.” Talon shrugged.

  The male frowned and scratched his chin. Then he smiled. “Oh, I get it, I take it there aren’t many women where you come from? That’s why
you’re here isn’t it?”

  “You would be right.” Talon nodded, glad that the male understood.

  He looked Talon up and down. “Yeah, I see what you mean about needing some help. Maybe she can help you.” He pointed at a big board. It was tall and wide and perched high.

  There was a smiling female on the board. She looked kind and friendly and yet, sad somehow. Something he read in her eyes.

  “She’s a Love Doctor.” The male laughed. “It says right there that she can teach you everything you need to know about the opposite sex.”

  Sounded perfect.

  “That’s her office right there.” He pointed to glass doors. “Or you could send her an email or contact the 800 number supplied.”

  “I’ll go and see her.” He felt something in himself ease. “I’m sure she will be able to help me,” Talon added. Besides, what other options did he have?

  Chapter 3

  Her office door flew open, hitting the wall with a loud bang. It happened just as Vicky was bringing the coffee cup to her mouth. She jumped. Who wouldn’t in a situation like that? It sounded like a herd of buffalo were stampeding into her office. Coffee spilled down the front of her top. Vicky yelled. It hurt like hell to have scalding liquid hit her chest and the white fabric of her blouse would be ruined for life. Both very good reasons to shout. Especially since she couldn’t afford medical treatment or to replace the clothing.

  Maggie, ashen-faced but smiling broadly ‒ odd combination ‒ came hurtling into her office. Her assistant was out of breath. Odd! “You won’t believe it.” She shook her head. “You really won’t.” She smiled and frowned. Again, an odd combination.

  “Won’t believe what?”

  “We have a client,” Maggie whispered. Then she giggled. Yup, her straight-laced, analytical-as-they-come personal assistant giggled, even putting a hand up to cover her mouth. Her eyes twinkled but her skin remained unusually pale.

  Vicky shook her head. One client was not going to save her business. One client was a drop in a bucket that needed filling. Why was Maggs so excited about one client? Besides … advice on love. Really? Was she up for it? No! No and no! “I’m not sure …”

  “Oh, but you have to meet him.” Maggie giggled again, this time a snort escaped.

  “Are you okay? You’re acting weird.”

  “I’m fine. I’ll send him in. You can decide for yourself.” Before Vicky could protest, Maggs left, still giggling to herself. “Let me know if I should call security.” She flung back over her shoulder in a low tone.

  Maybe Vicky had misunderstood that last comment. Three seconds later, Vicky realized why. Her first thought was ‘big’. Not just because he was big ‒ flip, he was freaking ginormous ‒ but because the word was written on his shirt in capitals. Vicky looked back up at his face, finding him cute but in a weird sort of way. He had a tattoo running down the length of one arm. It was impressive, especially considering how buff said arm was. Then she took another look at that shirt and thought ‘hell no!’ “Um, can I help you?”

  His eyes locked with hers. They were a very strange golden-yellow color. Not like anything she had seen before. Ever! Probably contacts. Although, they didn’t look like any contacts she had ever seen. His eyes were framed by thick lashes. Not unattractive yet … she couldn’t put her finger on it. Bizarre was the word that came to mind. Only because he didn’t look like he fit in. Something wasn’t quite right about him. His eyes narrowed in on her. “Are you the Love Doctor?” Oh, his voice. Sweet like an angel. Deep, yet … melodic. He repeated the question when she didn’t answer.

  “No,” she blurted, realizing that she’d come to hate that name. It had to go. Love Doctor. It was a farce.

  He looked skeptical, folding his tree-trunk arms over his massive chest. “You look just like her. I saw you, outside on that big picture. Are you sure you aren’t her?” He cocked his head to the side as he scrutinized her some more. Those intense eyes of his were boring holes into her.

  That billboard.

  Nothing but trouble. An expensive piece of crap.

  She was getting rid of that stupid name and taking down the billboard. “Nice shirt.” She glanced at his chest, noting that below the word ‘BIG’ was a picture of a rooster. The shirt was black and the print, white. She shook her head. Did he really think that a woman would fall for that shit?

  He glanced down. “Thank you.” He smiled.

  Holy Batman! She had to keep herself from jumping backwards. From running away altogether. That smile. There was nothing remotely humorous about it. The guy suddenly looked like a serial killer. He had a wild, crazy look about him. Thankfully he stopped trying to smile and frowned instead. Much better. The whole brooding look was more him.

  Vicky put a hand to her chest. Her heart was beating wildly. "Your shoes are also … an interesting choice." She looked down at his flip-flops. Why was she provoking him? “I’m surprised you don’t have frostbite.” It was damn well freezing out there. Snow was on the forecast.

  “I run hot.”

  Hot. Yes, he was. That shirt fit snugly around his biceps. His jeans hugged legs made from steel. His dark hair was close-cropped, his eyes seemed to look right through her. His jaw was why the word ‘chiseled’ had been invented in the first place. Hot … yes! But then those same gorgeous eyes had this slightly crazed, predatory look and his outfit was just … no. It made him seem off somehow. Very weird!

  “Are you going to help me?” He took a step towards her.

  She looked at him, long and hard. There was desperation etched into his eyes. For a moment she was tempted to forget all about her whole aversion to love and help him. He might look like a serial killer when he smiled but she didn't get an evil vibe from him. A guy like him could clean up really well. He'd pick someone up no problem with a bit of work. "Sorry, but no." She shook her head. "I'm not taking on any new clients right now." Maybe ever! Stop that, Vicks! That’s negative talk and it won’t get you anywhere.

  He pulled a backpack off of his shoulders and unzipped it, pulling out several wads of cash.

  What the hell?

  Her jaw dropped open and this time she did take a step back. Maybe even several and quickly. Those notes were hundred dollar bills. That was a ton of money right there. "What are you doing," she gulped, "with all that cash?" Gangsters carried money like that. He didn't look like any gangbanger she'd ever seen. Not that she'd seen many in her life. Too small jeans, flip-flops and a stupid, meme t-shirt in the middle of winter. Maybe he was an undercover gangster. The tattoo was gangsterish. Maybe. Then again, why would he be trying to draw attention to himself with a backpack full of money? It didn't add up.

  He dug through the bag again, pulling out what looked like a credit card. “I also have this if you would prefer.” He held it out to her.

  “You want me to help you win over a particular woman?” She must be quite something for him to pull out that kind of money.

  He shook his head. “No, that’s not it. So,” his strange eyes narrowed once more, “you admit that you are she … the Love Doctor?”

  Vicky rolled her eyes. “Yes, okay, but please don’t call me that. Don’t ever call me that again. My name is Vicky.”

  His shoulders dropped. “So, you’re not a doctor then?”

  “I am a doctor, just not a love doctor.”

  “I thought you knew everything about the opposite sex?” He sounded disappointed.

  "I do. I'm just not that good when it comes to love. Can I tell you everything you need to know about women? Sure. Give you tips on how to …" Again, slower this time, she gave him the once-over. At least six and a half feet of pure man. Impressive yet different. His jeans looked like skinny jeans even though they weren't. Just too tight and a tad too short. His shirt … oh brother. The flip-flops in mid-winter were another no. "Tips on how to present yourself better? Absolutely, but teach you about love …" She shook her head. "No way and never."

  “Love?” He didn’t look impressed
.

  “So you’re not looking to find the woman of your dreams.?”

  “No. I’d say you’re the perfect person for this assignment since I’m not interested in a relationship.”

  “Wait a minute.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand. Don’t you want to meet someone? The lady of your dreams? Isn’t that what this is all about?”

  “No.” His gaze didn’t waver. His whole demeanor remained neutral. “I want to learn how to present myself better. About human culture, especially about human females.”

  Human.

  Females.

  Wait … what? “Why do you talk like that?”

  “I’m not from here.”

  No shit! “Where are you from then?”

  “It’s not important. Let’s just say that there are no females … women where I come from and that it’s far away from here.”

  “No women? Not even one?” She frowned, finding it hard to believe.

  “Not many. Our females are different as well. Very different.” It may have been her imagination, but he seemed to drop his gaze to her boobs for a second or two before focusing back on her eyes. He remained indifferent though.

  Then she remembered the coffee spill. She glanced down. Her blouse was plastered to her chest. A big, brown splash was very evident. Vicky suppressed a groan. “That’s why you need help? Not because you want to find love?” It all seemed a bit strange to her.

  “Yes and yes. Females are afraid of me. I tried to talk to two when I arrived in the city and one of them ran away from me.”

  Vicky laughed, feeling instantly bad for doing so. “I’m sorry.” She pursed her lips, lifting a hand to show she meant it. “It’s just … you’re a big guy. Very powerful. And that shirt isn’t helping your cause either.”

  He looked down, frowning. “What’s wrong with it?” He rubbed a hand over the front.

  “It’s a little rude.”

  “A picture of a bird is rude? Why?”

  “That’s a rooster, which is sometimes referred to as a cock and it’s under the word ‘big’.”