Chapter Text
Assigned Before Breakfast
Chapter 1
Avidreader85
The first things Mike noticed were the morning song of a lone dove, a pounding headache from the night before, and a dull, aching pain in his neck that just wouldn’t quit. He groaned, tried to roll over, and panicked as he lost his balance, arms flailing before he planted face-first into something soft and wet. Grass.
“Fuck.”
His voice was hoarse, throat burning with the bitter aftertaste of a late night. He forced his eyes open as the morning sun bloomed across a green landscape, dotted with trees and a small pond. Glimmering rays caught the water's mirror-like surface, and the glare stung his weary eyes.
He couldn’t remember much: a night out with friends, a little too much to drink, and the fleeting memory of stumbling home in a thunderstorm.
He sighed as he hoisted himself up, knuckles turning white as he slid onto his makeshift bed, a worn wooden bench sitting on the edge of a small park like a sentry. It was massive, standing a foot higher than any bench he had seen. He plopped down in the seat as he took inventory, patting his front pockets for his phone and wallet.
He pulled out his phone and checked for notifications, noticing he had no signal. He thumbed to the maps application, but it wouldn’t load. He sighed, leaning back against the seat, took a deep breath, and tried to piece together last night. He couldn’t remember a thing after leaving the local dive bar.
He slipped the phone in his pocket, resting his head in his hands as he groaned. A hangover in bed is one thing, a hangover while lost is a whole different animal.
“Late night?” A voice—deep, feminine, and dripping with amusement - called out from directly behind him.
In a fumbling panic he tried to spin around, but his feet slipped on the wet grass, and he landed on his side with a dull thud.
“You alright?”
He startled—eyes going wide as he glanced up, the sight so shocking and impossible he didn’t dare believe it. Not right now, not with this pounding headache. Not after last night.
A hyena woman stood over him. She was muscular and fit, at least eight feet tall, and dressed in a pressed gray uniform, gold buttons glittering in the amber morning light. Her fur was light brown, spotted, and immaculately groomed. She wore a matching gray cap and a black belt, complete with a sidearm, zipties, and what appeared to be some type of dart gun.
She crouched down on bare digitigrade paws, her eyes green like two shining emeralds set in stone, her canine-like muzzle flashing with an equal amount of concern and confusion as she studied him.
“Cat got your tongue?”
Mike stared at her, wide-eyed. He didn’t move. He couldn’t. He shook his head—trying to clear whatever hallucination his mind had conjured in front of him. She was an Inspector, from the Anthrostate stories—an officer of a dystopian government run by anthropomorphic animals. They normally chased down runaway men, and now one was crouching beside him. His heart raced like a wide-open engine as he gave her a once-over.
This isn’t real. You’re still asleep. Someone probably slipped something into your drink. You’ve spent way too much time on the internet. He slapped himself in the face, once.
She was still there. Still bearing that kind reassuring look. Still staring back with those striking eyes. She sniffed, twice, an ear flicked at him like confirmation.
“What’s your name, cutie?”
He swallowed. “Uh… Mike.”
She offered a black-furred paw to help him up, pausing just far enough away that he would have to close the gap.
“I’m Jade.”
He froze. Her pads were huge and black, claws adorning her fingertips like small daggers. Her scent washed over him, a hint of lavender, cinnamon, and spicy-sweet musk. It wasn’t a bad smell. She wasn’t awful to look at, either. Her tail wagged behind her, flicking in anticipation.
“Mike, I won’t hurt you. Promise.” Her voice was low, gentle, soft.
His eyes darted around, looking for an escape route, some way out of this. He was trapped. He glanced back to her, noticing her massive frame, the way her muscles bulged out of her uniform and her fearsome canines flashed with each syllable. He was terrified, a tension building in his chest as he tried to process the situation.
“Please don’t. I’d rather not have to haul you back like a sack of rice.”
“Don’t… don’t what?” He forced out.
She cocked her head, paw still extended like a peace offering. “Don’t run. I’m trying to help get you home.”
He hesitated, taking a deep breath and focusing on her again. She hadn’t moved, hadn't yanked him up, she just sat there, offering him a paw. He sighed in defeat—grasping it, his hand was enveloped instantly; her pads were warm and soft, her touch light and gentle.
She pulled him up like he weighed nothing, grip firm but restrained, as if she had practiced this a thousand times before. As his feet caught she stepped back, paws behind her back, a soft smile concealing her teeth as she looked down at him.
He groaned, straightening himself as his back popped. He stretched his neck side-to-side, the crick in it stiff and painful. He glanced up and their eyes met, hers studying him like a crossword puzzle she hadn’t seen before.
She gestured at the bench as he steadied himself.
“You look like shit, Mike. Let’s chat.”
“You’re an Inspector.”
She smirked and tapped her badge with a claw. He guessed her fangs had to be three inches long, gleaming in the morning sun like ivory. “Inspectorate Officer Jade Sanders, in the flesh.”
He gulped. “Why are you here?”
“Got a call—male, alone, sleeping on a park bench,” she paused, “I could ask you the same thing.” Her smile widened, voice thick with curiosity.
She stepped towards the bench, making a slight turn, and sat down, the sturdy wood holding her massive frame like it was made for her. She patted the space next to her, twice.
“You’re not in trouble, I promise, now—sit.”
He furrowed his brow, shrugging once, and eased the gap to the bench as he climbed up. He leaned against the backrest, hands clutching the wood like it was some type of shield that had a chance of stopping her.
“Mike, where do you live? And why can’t I smell anyone on you?”
He scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously. “About that...”
“What?”
He sighed. “You won’t believe me anyway, and it probably doesn’t matter.”
“Try me.”
“Okay… I’m not from here.”
“From District Eight?”
He shook his head. “No. From… the State or whatever this is.”
“Whatever what is?”
“I’ve read stories about this place, but it's not real.”
She laughed. “Do I look real, Mike?”
He swallowed. “Yes, that’s the point. You shouldn’t be.”
She threw an arm over the back of the bench, looking at the sky—scattered clouds racing above like traffic as she held the gaze of the morning light.
She chuckled. “I’ve heard a thousand reasons why I shouldn’t take someone in,” she looked at him. “But that—is a new one.”
“What if I can prove it?”
She glanced at him and stood up, turning to offer him a paw. “Cmon, jokes over. Will you come with me?”
“Wait. My phone. Can I show you?”
She sighed and met his eyes, like she was cataloguing him. “You have two minutes.”
He reached in his pocket, hands trembling, and slid out his phone. “Do you have human women here?”
She cocked her head at him. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“No. Look”
He thumbed over to his photos app, and started scrolling through pictures like he was on trial. His hands shook as he flicked until he finally found something. He flipped the phone around and held it out like evidence.
“Here, this is my sister, my human sister.”
Jade leaned forward, and her eyes went wide, her ears flicked at him. “Is that AI?”
“No. Promise, here, I have more.”
He fished into his pocket and pinched his wallet between his thumb and index finger, struggling to drag it out of his pocket like an unruly toddler.
She laughed. “You’re really committed to this schtick aren’t you?”
He held out the wallet like a lifeline. “Check this out. Look at my ID.”
She sighed. “Fine.”
She gingerly accepted the wallet, and started flipping through his assortment of credit cards, cash, and finally landed on his driver’s license. She pinched it between two claws and fished it out of the wallet like a prize catch. She studied it, brow furrowing.
“Why do you have a driver’s license, Mike?”
He pushed against the seat, struggling to stand, stretching to his full height, which came up just underneath her bust. “Don’t worry about that, look at my address.”
She glanced back at the ID, and shook her head. “Am I being pranked?”
“Told you.”
“I still don’t believe you.”
“Look at the money, Officer Sanders.”
She pulled out a five-dollar note and studied it.
“Call me Jade. Where did you get this?”
“Do you have lie detector tests here?”
She stared at him, shaking her head as she chuckled to herself. “This morning can’t get any weirder.”
His stomach growled, loud enough he swore he heard it echo across the pond.
“When’s the last time you ate something?”
“Maybe last night?”
She studied him, green eyes flashing a hint of concern. “Here’s the plan, come with me, I’ll buy you breakfast, and we can sort this mess out after, deal?”
His stomach growled again. He examined her, giving her uniform and frame another once over. She held both paws behind her back, hadn’t dragged him away, and seemed more curious than angry.
“Do you guys have pancakes here?”
She nodded, grinning. “The best.”
“You promise you aren’t taking me to a facility?”
“You seem to know a lot about this place for someone who isn’t from here.”
He shrugged. “Promise no facility and pancakes and I’m in.”
She gave a small smile, canines flashing white against her muzzle. “Done. No facility—and as many pancakes as you can eat.”
“Alright, lead the way. I fucking love pancakes.”
Her tail wagged, fanning the air behind her, it was almost cute, if you could ignore the gun and zip ties accessorizing her duty belt. She paused, focusing on his neck and shoulder, letting her gaze linger.
“Mike, can I check something real quick?”
“What?
“I’m going to examine you, that’s it. Just stay still.”
She approached, smooth and practiced, with the unnerving ease of someone who was just having another Tuesday. He flinched, just a bit. She paused mid stride, immediately—leaving a gap and raising her paws.
“Easy, Mike, you don’t need to be scared.”
“Easy for you to say.”
“Can I come closer?”
He took a deep breath. “Okay.”
She closed the gap between them, a brisk breeze picked up, and her scent hit him again, a feminine musk tinged with spice—calming him in a way he couldn’t quite place. She reached out with a paw, lifting the collar of his shirt between two gentle claws, eyes cataloguing his every reaction. He glanced up at her as her eyes locked onto his shoulder again.
“You’re… you’re not claimed?”
“Told you.”
“Do you have any idea how lucky you are that someone called this in?”
He shrugged. “Let me guess, male shortage?”
“Look. You’re cute, unscented, and unclaimed. You’re a lottery ticket. Most girls would drag you home and have their way with you.”
“What about you?”
She let go of his collar, took a step back, and glared at him. “I’m doing my job.”
“Buying unclaimed human males breakfast?”
She placed a paw on her muzzle. “Mike… it’s too early for this shit.”
She turned and took two strides back the way she came, her form fitting pants clinging tightly to her thighs and plump rear, her short tail waving behind her in an excited figure-eight. She paused, turning to the side to catch him staring.
She nodded towards the path. “Quit staring at my ass and come here.”
“I was not.”
She cackled, and gave him a wink. “Bullshit. You have 10 seconds before I pick you up. Let’s go, Mike.”
He let go a breath he’d been holding, and trudged to her side, falling in line with his new captor, a hyena woman that shouldn’t exist but was standing before him like she’d always been there. He was close enough to feel her warmth, a steady heat that radiated from her fur like a small sun. As he walked beside her he felt the gentle tap of a tail at his calves.
“Cut it out.”
“What?”
He stared at her. “The tail. At least buy me breakfast first.”
She glanced down at him, ears drooping, and gave her best impression of puppy-dog eyes; she looked like a piranha trying to be cute. “Please?”
A sigh. “Fine.”
She cackled, her teeth shining as they walked down the path, tail tucking once again behind his legs like a tether—he let it. They approached a break in the trees, leading to an empty parking lot except for a large white sedan, State-issued and modern, fitted with lights, a brush guard, and a logo that read ‘Cedar City : Inspectorate Division.’ The car was huge, intimidating, and seemed to have a personality of its own.
Jade pulled out her keys and hit a button, the car chirping twice to unlock the doors. Mike looked inside as the pair approached, noticing a cage in the back between the front seats and the rear ones. He shuddered and slowly walked to the rear door behind the driver's seat.
“Ride up here with me.”
“Are you not gonna cage me?”
“Nope. But you wouldn’t be the first guy to ride back there.” She grinned at him menacingly, then laughed.
His stomach rumbled, a low growl that he felt more than he heard.
“Let’s hit the road, if we wait any longer, I may actually have to carry you. That means I get to feed you.”
“Careful, I bite.” He grinned at her, showing off his white teeth.
She opened her mouth and displayed a set of three-inch canines, lining her muzzle like a set of steak-knives as she stuck out a massive pink tongue at him. “Two can play that game.”
He gulped. “You win. Let’s go.”
He stepped around the car, reaching for the handle. It was a sedan, so he was able to reach the handle easily enough to open the passenger door. He climbed in, the interior was spotless, a touch screen display dominating the dashboard, sleek and modern, and the seats supple red leather.
“Nice car.”
“Thanks, State-issued.”
She reached over and grabbed his seatbelt—he shot her a glare.
“I’m not a child, Jade.”
She released it with a smirk. “Just making sure you’re safe and buckled in.”
“I’m not used to this.”
“What?”
“Being handled.”
“And I’m not used to males that talk back.”
“Does it bother you?”
She smirked. “Not a bit, this is much more fun than my normal calls.”
She hit the ignition, and the engine roared to life. Jade checked her mirrors and shifted the car into drive, the cruiser shot out of the parking lot like a rocket and slid onto the highway.
He leaned back in his seat, designed for someone at least twice his size, glancing out the window. Trees rushed past them in a blur as she accelerated to a breakneck pace, flying by all of the other cars like they were standing still.
“Do you always drive like this?”
She grinned. “Maybe.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
He swallowed. “What’s going to happen to me?”
She glanced at him. “Do you want the truth? Or do you want to feel better?”
“Truth.”
She sighed. “Regardless of where you’re from, you’re an unclaimed male. You’ll be placed in the assignment pool, and I’m guessing based on your lack of State ID, and other factors, you’ll be placed into the Special Assignment program.”
“That’s the bad one, right?”
She nodded, focusing on the road. Her paws gripped the wheel, tight, the leather creaking under the strength of her grip.
“Can you just… let me go?”
“Mike…”
“Cmon, you can just say I escaped.”
Her brow furrowed. “No. I’ll lose my job. I can put in a good word for you, but I don’t know if it will do much.”
“I don’t even get to pick?”
“Not for a Special Assignment. They did institute opt outs a couple of years ago for everyone else. You have 30 days to back out and reapply. And even if I let you go? It’s not safe here for you, not alone.”
He frowned, sitting back in his seat, trying to distract himself from the impending disaster that was his morning, and the new reality he found himself in. He tried to focus on the road, then the dashboard, and then glanced back at her.
“Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Okay. Fire away.”
“Are you assigned?”
Her grip tightened as her jaw worked, once. She tried again. “I was.”
“Shit. Jade, I’m sorry.”
A shrug. “You didn’t know.”
“I shouldn’t have asked.”
She sighed. “I said you could.”
The car filled with silence, not awkward—just heavy with the uncertain future and revelations he wasn’t expecting. The cruiser zipped down the interstate like a meteor, dodging traffic until she guided it towards the nearest exit. She maneuvered with practiced skill, sliding the cruiser off the road and exiting at the nearest light.
“There’s a diner I frequent, not far.”
“Jade, I’m sorry.”
“You’re fine. Let’s just get some food in that belly of yours before I have to explain to my boss that a male died of starvation in my squad car.”
He snorted. The car pulled into a worn parking lot, filled with squad cars, a fire truck, and several construction vehicles. He glanced upon their destination, a single story building with a red awning, run-down like it had been there since the day the State was founded. It was green, covered in decaying paint, and screamed that people didn’t eat here to be seen.
“This place probably rocks. If cops, firemen, and blue-collar workers eat here you know it absolutely kills it.”
“What’s a cop?”
“Ah—sorry, our word for Inspector.”
She shook her head and stifled a laugh. “I’m gonna need an extra bourbon tonight.”
She nodded at the door. “In there, there will be others, Inspectorate, like me, and other anthros. Do you understand?”
“Yep.”
“Stay on me, keep your mouth shut, and know that I’m not gonna let anyone mess with you, okay?”
He felt his heart race, accelerating enough to make his hands tremble. He nodded, it was all he could do. He gripped his armrest, fingers turning white like frostbite.
She sniffed the air, her eyes flashing with worry. “Mike?”
“I’m nervous.”
A pause.
“I know.”
She held out a paw, pads up on the center console. “Hey.”
He looked at her paw, then her canine-like face. The way the morning light beamed rays of golden sun that danced across her dark muzzle, her canine-like snout dotted with spots against light-tan colored fur. Her ears were large, oversized, and covered in fur and dark-colored flesh. Her emerald eyes were kind and focused, like he was the only thing that mattered.
“You’re not alone.”
His left hand reached out, landing on her paw. It was soft and warm, short fur tickling his palms as she gently squeezed him. The touch calmed him, anchoring him to his seat.
“I’ve got you, Mike.”
He searched her eyes, and found only earnestness. He took a deep breath, relaxing as he sank into his seat and exhaled.
“Screw it. Let’s roll.”
“Atta boy.”
She let go of his hand and slid out of the car with surprising agility, her massive form moving with precision and authority.
He opened his door and hopped down, his shoes shuffling against the pavement. He joined at her side, her feminine frame towering over him as they approached. He felt her tail wrap around his waist, feeling more like a shield than a chain. Her scent and warmth hit him through the gray fabric of her uniform, a known comfort in an unknown world.
They approached the door, and she placed a paw on his chest to stop him, pads warm, heavy. “If I tell you to do something, it’s for safety, not control—okay?”
He looked up at her.
Her eyes were clear and focused. “I don’t want you to think I’m like that.”
“I don’t.”
She held his gaze for a moment. “Good.”
She opened the door, and the pair entered a crowded diner. There were rows of booths filled with various patrons, all anthros with the exception of a lone human tucked nervously against a leopard in an Inspectorate uniform in the corner. They ate together, one hand clutching a paw in her lap like a security blanket as he leaned against her. Mike stayed close like a magnet, close enough to feel the subtle brush of fur against skin.
She gestured to an empty booth with a worn vinyl seat, frayed on the edges and duct-taped in various spots.
“The coffee here kicks like a mule, but it’s best to drown it in cream and sugar.”
He slid into the seat, sinking an inch or two into the plush fabric. He scoffed.
“I take it black.”
She eased herself across from him. “So not only crazy, but a psychopath to boot.”
“Cream and sugar ruins it. Fight me.”
She laughed, resting her paws on the table. “You wouldn’t last ten seconds.”
“Clearly, you look like you could bench press a school bus.”
She smirked. “Don’t need to lift a bus to handle you.”
He blushed. “You’re not what I expected.”
“Neither are you.”
They sat in silence, eyes locked. He noticed the way her ears stuck out of her hat, the way her canines barely poked out from her maw, the subtle smile she carried everywhere she went. Her firm kindness and piercing gaze enchanted him. She was as beautiful as she was dangerous.
“Well, what do we have here?”
They looked up, a fox, tall and lithe, approached their booth with a menacing grin and a snarky beat in her step. She wore an identical uniform to Jade’s, with the exception being an insignia of an “S” on each shoulder pad. Her fur was orange with white accents, her eyes a golden brown, and she was carrying a folder, adorned with a golden logo of a paw with a globe contained within it. Her teeth were perfect, so white they almost hurt his eyes. She leered over the both of them, and he felt a weight in his chest as his brain signaled danger.
“I didn’t think you’d bring a date, Jade.”
“He’s just lost and hungry, Zoe.”
She placed a paw on the table and turned to Mike, sniffing a few times, and leaned closer to him as he shrunk into his seat cushion. Her eyes bulged, just a bit, and her ears flicked in confirmation.
“Holy shit. He’s unclaimed.”
“Zoe, drop it.”
Her eyes bored into his soul, piercing and predatory. “Hey there.”
“Umm… hi.”
“You smell nice, and you're way too cute to get dropped off at the assignment facility like some runaway.”
“That’s enough.” Jade’s neck fur ruffled, glaring directly at her as she continued to lean over him.
Her voice lowered, sultry and intentional. “If you come with me right now, we can sign a little paperwork and forego all the red tape.”
He choked, and swallowed. “What do you mean?”
Jade was leaning forward now, a low growl escaping from her, deep enough he could almost feel it in his seat.
She smirked. “Courtship forms, cutie. Come with me and I’ll see that you don’t want for anything for the rest of your life.”
The fox reached for him and snagged his wrist, he yelped in surprise as she gripped him—hard, her claws digging into his bare skin.
She started to pull as he winced in pain, baring her teeth in frustration. “I said. Come.”
Jade was fast as lightning, a blur of tan and dark spots erupted from the seat across from him and grabbed Zoe’s extended arm at the crux of her elbow before he could blink.
She growled as her mane ruffled—taking a step to close the gap between their muzzles to a few inches, a noise so deep and forceful the entire diner froze around them.
She bared her fangs. “Let. Him. Go.”
Zoe grinned at her, releasing him as he rubbed at his wrist, the claws leaving indentations and a soreness he couldn’t massage away.
“Now now, Jade. Just because your assignment walked out on you doesn’t mean you get to spoil it for the rest of us.”
Jade snapped her jaws in the air and growled once more as she bristled with violence. “If you touch him again, I swear I’ll put you in the ground. Right here. Right now.”
Zoe looked around, relaxing. “Chill. Have it your way. I’ll see you around.”
The fox turned, and with a flick of her tail padded out the dining section and opened the door with a ring of a bell and exited. Silence won, just for a second, then like a twig snapping, the other patrons resumed as if nothing had happened.
Mike looked down at his wrist, red and throbbing from the attempt at him. He winced as he rubbed it, taking a few deep breaths as his heart raced.
She opened and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, adrenaline spiking and pupils blown wide as she panted to catch her breath. She looked down at him and gave a soft whine, gentle.
“You’re hurt.”
She bent down and eased into the booth right next to him, reaching into an accessory pouch on her belt, pulling out a small white bag. She squeezed it, making a small popping noise like a seal broke.
“Mike, this is gonna be cold. It’s for the swelling. I’m so sorry.”
He looked at her and nodded, his racing heart trying to ease back into a steady rhythm. She placed the pack on his wrist, hesitating for a second before reaching for him with her other paw. She placed it on his back, her pads were soft, gentle, and reassuring. Her touch, warmth, and scent were the only things keeping him together.
“Fuck. Is everyone here like that?”
“There are six girls for every guy. It happens.”
“What if the person I’m assigned to is like… her.”
“Don’t think about that right now.” She rubbed his back gently, finding a knot and working it out with her pads as she tenderly scratched him with her claws.
He rubbed his face with his free hand, wiping away a tear he didn’t know was there.
“Jade?”
“Hmmm?”
“What happened to your assignment?”
She stopped, taking her paw off his back as she looked off into the distance. Her jaw worked once, then stilled. “He left. After the first day.”
“Why?”
She swallowed.
“Jade, you don’t have to—“
“Mike, I’m an Inspectorate Officer and a hyena.”
“So?”
“We’re not exactly at the top of the preference list.”
“Why not?”
“You don’t know the stereotype? Musky? Possessive? Domineering? Plus I’m a State Officer.”
“What happened?”
“Never gave it a chance, knew the second we met at the assignment office. Insisted on sleeping on the couch and left before I woke up.”
“What a piece of shit.”
“I’m fine. It was a year or so ago. Bought a house for it and everything.”
He met her eyes, studying them, the green emeralds reflecting back at him with kindness and a hint of sadness.
“Jade?”
“Yeah?”
He shuffled in his seat, closing the gap between them, and placed his free hand on top of the paw holding the ice pack. Her fur was soft velvet, her skin brimming with warmth.
“Thank you, for everything.”
Her head leaned down, towards his left ear, close. “Can I hold you?”
The whisper in his ear and hot breath tingled down the back of his neck as he shuddered. “I’d like that.”
Her tail thumped against the seat, once, twice, as a smile formed, canines poking out in the morning light.
She dropped the ice pack, and in one motion embraced him in a blanket of soft fur and warmth. He felt her muscles rippling underneath plush fur, her size and strength restrained by an unexpected tenderness. Her muzzle draped over the side of his head, burying him in the plush fluff of her neck. He breathed her in—without reservation. Her scent smothered him, a heavy feminine musk tinged with a hint of lavender from her uniform. He felt his thumping heart slow with each passing breath, her presence a safe haven in a den full of predators.
The noise of the diner droned on, a bark of a laugh from a Doberman across the aisle, the clink of silverware on ceramic, the ding of a bell from somewhere in the kitchen. He basked in her warmth, the contained violence of a predator turned gentle just for him.
He lazily lifted his head to look at her. “You’re cuddlier than I expected.”
Her eyes were closed, a small grin forming across her muzzle. “Shut up.”
“You like it.”
“Maybe.”
Her ears perked up as her eyes opened, out of the corner he caught a tiger headed towards them, plush orange and white fur striped with a hint of black, taller than Jade and broader still. She bore a friendly smile and wore a green apron two sizes too small. Her eyes drifted to them, an amused grin breaking across her snout.
“Who’s your man, Jade?”
Jade shot stiff, shuffling him out of her arms like an admission of guilt. They both sat straight as a board, backs flat against the booth, like they’d just committed arson. The tiger gave them a once over and raised her eyebrow.
Jade’s face flushed, fur disheveled. “How’s it going, Mary.”
“You didn’t tell me you were getting assigned, I would’ve brought a gift.”
“He’s not…“
She focused on him, eyes overflowing with excitement. “You lucked out. He’s cute.”
Jade huffed. “He’s not mine, I’m working.”
“You two could’ve fooled me.”
His face turned bright red as Jade’s maw opened, then closed, ears and tail both betraying her as they shot straight into the air like an exclamation point.
Mary caught his eyes. “What’s your name, hun?”
He swallowed, the imposing predator bursting with energy on digitigrade paws, a paw on her hip and blue eyes brimming with excitement. He took a deep breath and pressed himself back into something resembling normal, grounded by the protection of Jade brushed up against his left side.
“Mike.” He forced the words out, smaller than he intended.
A smile beamed down at him, all teeth, gleaming in the diner’s light as she cocked her head at Jade. He always imagined it in books, but somehow a nine foot predator smiling with all those teeth was still terrifying in reality. She sniffed, her striped tail flicking in amusement behind her.
“You must’ve made quite the impression if she’s buying you breakfast and threatening coworkers.”
He snorted, and brought a hand up to stifle a laugh. Jade nudged him with a hip, almost enough to send him sprawling, then shimmied to close the gap again, bringing him again into her side. He shot her a glare, rolling his eyes. Her ears were straight up, working silently; she brought a paw to her muzzle and coughed, once.
Straightening herself up, all Inspector now. “I bribed him with pancakes.”
Mary giggled. “Uh huh.”
“This is just a professional courtesy, if he dies of starvation under my care, I’ll have to file another report.”
Mary pursed her lips as she sniffed again, a smirk on her face. “Will that report mention scent marking and hugging?”
She blushed as her tail betrayed her, thumping against the seat, twice, as her ears flicked.
“I may omit that part.” She grinned.
Mary laughed as she pulled out a small notepad and pen from her apron, readying it with a click and the practiced motion of someone who had already taken too many orders today.
“What can I get you guys?”
“Two coffees, black for him, and my usual cream and sugar.”
Mary scribbled down the order like a veteran and looked up expectantly. “Food?”
Jade looked at him. “Pancakes?”
He looked at her, then at Mary. “She said you guys have the best pancakes in existence.”
“We do.”
“I’ll be the judge of that. Pancakes it is.”
Jade held up a paw. “Can I also order a number seven?”
Mary’s eyes went wide. “Jade, that’s meant for a family of four.”
She grinned, white canines gleaming as she held eye contact. “I worked up an appetite hunting him down.”
Mike glared at her, a small smile forming on his lips as he held up a finger. “For the record, I walked to her squad car on my own because she offered free breakfast.”
“Sure, that’s why you’re rubbing up against her and covered in her scent.”
His finger froze in the air as his ears burned, it dropped to his side like surrender.
“You lovebirds behave, if you guys start going at it in the booth I’ll have to send in the State National Guard to save him.”
Their jaws dropped, frozen. The tiger gave them a wink, turned heel and strode down the aisle with practiced ease, flicking her head to them once last time.
“I’ll be right back with your coffee. Mike, call for help if she tries to claim you, or don’t.”
The silence was heavy, thick with tension like the syrup bottle perched on the table with the ketchup and jam.
He scratched at the back of his head, wincing once at the dull throb in his wrist, laughing nervously. He glanced back up and she was already looking directly through him, eyes longing, the green pools swallowing him whole. His breath caught, and he gulped.
“Well, that was awkward.”
“Leave it.”
“You started it.”
“You leaned into it. You were practically huffing me.”
“Your tail is wagging.”
“You’re impossible.”
He held his hands up in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m innocent here, blame your friend.”
He snickered. “And your penchant for cuddles.”
She groaned as she grabbed her muzzle with one paw and the ice pack with the other, and pressed it once more to his wrist, the cold easing his throbbing pain, just a bit. He winced, relaxing into her side, the warmth of her paw and plush fur a welcome contrast to the ice.
He leaned against her shoulder, a small smirk forming on his face. “You smell nice.”
“Shush.”
“Never.”
“What the hell are you?”
“Not from here.”
She cackled. “I’m actually starting to believe you.”
“Good, because I’m all out of evidence.”
Mary padded down the aisle, her tail flicking behind her like a broom sweeping the air. The tiger carried two steaming mugs and bore a grin like it was tattooed on her muzzle. She reached their booth and set them both down with a smirk, along with a small plate filled with those little packets of cream and sugar.
“Glad to see you two upright.”
Jade rolled her eyes. “We’re just having breakfast.”
Mike giggled, earning a dirty look from her.
“Speaking of that, foods ready, I’ll be right back.” She trotted away, vibrating with an energy that cascaded behind her as they watched.
Jade glanced at him as she set the ice pack down and grabbed a mug, dumping in packets of cream and sugar like they sustained her life force. “Alright—I’m starving, keep your distance while I eat or you may lose a hand.”
He laughed, scooting over just a fraction as he hefted a mug and savored the aroma of the piping hot brew. “I’m so glad you guys have coffee, this hangover is literally trying to kill me.”
He took a sip, savoring the bitter taste and feeling its warmth down to his bones. The caffeine was a lifeline, coursing through his tired veins and bringing him back to baseline; a familiar ritual that he maintained back home each morning.
The hum of the diner filled the gaps, stacked plates clacked along with a symphony of unfamiliar growls, barks, and yips. He took another sip and held it in his mouth for a beat, savoring the bitter warmth. He noticed Jade was examining her coffee like it was someone's assignment about to run from her.
He swallowed. “Jade?”
She glanced up.“Yeah.”
“You alright?”
“Yeah.”
“Why are you staring at your coffee like it owes you money?”
She focused on him, eyes glassy. “Just thinking.”
He set his mug down and slid closer, placing a hand on her shoulder, the starch-pressured uniform stiff against his palm. “You’re kinda cute when you’re brooding.”
“Seriously, can you just stop for one minute?”
He pulled his hand back, eyes flashing with concern. “I’m sorry, I talk when I’m nervous. Coping mechanism.”
“I just…”
“Hey, you don’t have to—“
“Mike, you’re great. This is the most fun I’ve had in years, but when breakfast is over… I have to take you in.” Her eyes were somber, as serious as her uniform.
He let out a breath, his eyes settling back on his coffee. “I know.”
“Then why be nice to me?”
“Because—I woke up on a bench in a world that shouldn’t exist. I’m scared, terrified even. But you’ve done nothing but make this feel… I don’t know… easier?”
She raised her mug and took a long sip, eyes focused across the open diner. “You may be the only human in the State that doesn’t run from me.”
“I’m sure the next guy you get Assigned with won’t.”
She swallowed. “I don’t know if I want to risk it again.”
“I get it, my last girlfriend had to move for her job, one day she just stopped calling.”
“You had a girlfriend?”
He slid his phone out of his pocket again and unlocked it, noticing his battery was less than half full, he thumbed over to a photo album and selected a picture, holding it out for her to see.
She studied it with an intense focus, and looked back at him.
Her eyes were clear, honest. “For what it’s worth, I believe you.”
They glanced up as the tiger returned, balancing several trays on one arm with practiced ease and a pep in her step, setting down a massive tray of meat and eggs and sliding Mike an intimidating stack of pancakes, golden brown, fluffy, and swimming in butter.
“I’ve got one number seven, and an order of medium pancakes, here, and don’t forget our State famous syrup.” She reached down and pulled out a glass bulb container with a handle, filled with a thick dark liquid, handing it to Mike.
“I expect a full review by the time you’re finished. Enjoy.”
He laughed. “I’ll ensure they’re up to the highest standards.”
She turned to Jade. “I love him, you need to make sure they take care of him.”
Her tone was flat and deflated. “I’ll do my best.”
Mike poured the thick syrup over the mountain of pancakes, his stomach rumbling as a reminder of his hunger and need. He grabbed a fork and broke off a piece, stuffing it into his mouth in one singular motion. He chewed and his eyes went wide.
“This is fucking delicious.”
He looked over, Jade was picking at a piece of bacon like she was dared to swallow a bug. Her ears had moved from their usual post, drooping a bit.
He swallowed. “You look like you need to eat a zebra every day. You must be starved.”
“How are you even hungry right now?”
He reached his fork to the plate for another bite. “The way I see it? If this is my last meal as a free man? I’m going to enjoy every second, every bite.” He paused and pointed an impaled piece of pancake at her, their eyes meeting, a smirk on his face. “And I’m never going to forget the company.”
He placed the morsel in his mouth, chewing for a moment, and swallowed again.
“I’m happy that I met you, Jade, even if it’s just for this moment.” He grabbed a piece of bacon off of her plate and handed it to her. “Now eat—before I start feeding it to you.”
She smiled—small and real, grabbing a fork, and started devouring eggs, ham, and bacon like her life depended on it. He’d never seen anything like it, her massive jaw opened, exposing thick teeth better suited to splintering bone than carving meat, opening wide enough to fit most of his head inside.
“You eat like somebody’s timing you.”
She swallowed. “I wouldn’t be so hungry if someone didn’t decide to sleep on a park bench.”
He held up a finger. “Technically I don’t know where I fell asleep.”
She let out a small chuckle, her gaze lingered. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
He sliced off another portion and held it to his open mouth. “Shoot.”
“How are you holding it together? You’re about to get put in the system and handed to someone you’ve never met.”
He chewed, and swallowed—taking a drink of coffee, downing it. “I can’t control that.”
Her eyes watered a bit, just barely. “But I’m taking you there.”
“You’re doing your job, Jade.”
Her jaw worked, once, her ears dropped. “I wish I didn’t have to.”
“Jade?”
“What?”
“You saved me.”
She raised an eyebrow, her short brown fur shining with specks of gold in the morning light of the diner. “I captured you.”
“You protected me.”
She shook her head and whined, soft. He set his fork down, sliding over to her side, brimming with warmth and her familiar scent, taking a deep breath and wrapping his arms around her, burying his head against her side.
Her tail thumped against the table as she gasped, wide eyed and in shock, she leaned down, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. Her claws gently raked up and down his back, setting his nerves alight as he buried his face deeper.
He spoke into her uniform, low but steady. “I’ll be fine, I’m sure I can charm the pants off her.”
She pulled back from him, just enough to see his face, and glared. “Really?”
He stammered. “It’s an expression.”
She softened, lips tugging into a smirk in real time. “You’ll be fine, I’m sure she’ll be buying you pancakes in no time.”
She leaned forward, her warmth and soft fur covering him once more, her velvet-lined muzzle gently nuzzling against his neck, then his ear. He laughed, small and real at the tickle that ran down his neck. She licked him, heavy and warm and wet, a broad tongue setting his nerves alight as she tended to him. She dropped her snout, right to the base of his neck, and inhaled. His body reacted, he shuddered, feeling a stir of arousal as his heart raced.
“Sorry.” She whispered, snout brushing up against his skin.
“It’s… I liked it.”
A whisper of hot breath washed over his ear, a hint of coffee and cinnamon. “I know.”
He smiled into her fur, clinging tighter, her feminine musk drowning his senses with each pull of breath. He felt her heartbeat, powerful and steady, it grounded him, grounded him to the moment—to her. Their embrace of fur and skin like an oasis against a coming storm.
She murmured. “Mike?”
He lifted his head up, chin buried in her neckline, plush fur tickling him. “Yeah.”
She loosened her grip and unfurled her muzzle from his neck, paws moving to his shoulders as her muscles rippled beneath velvet. She separated them, just enough to see his eyes, pads warm and gripping him gently, like he was something fragile. Her claws prickled his skin, not enough to hurt, but enough to know she didn’t want to let go.
His hands fell to his sides—finding purchase on his knees. Her green eyes met his, searching him with a longing gaze he couldn’t break.
“I don't want to hand you to someone else.”
He paused, for a moment, captured by those emerald green eyes before it slipped out in a stammer, “You’re gorgeous, Jade,” embarrassment flushing his face instantly.
She blushed, ears flicking at him, and cocked her head as she huffed. “You really think so?”
“Any man would be lucky to have you.”
Her jaw worked, then stilled, eyes shining with need. She leaned forward as he flinched from the closeness, her warm breath washing over him as she leaned to his ear again.
He trembled, thin-furred lips brushing up against his skin, her whiskers tickling his ear. “Come home, be mine if you want to be.”
He reached out, placing his hands on the gray fabric of her sleeve as his heart thudded in his chest like a sledgehammer. She pulled back, smiling at him, a warm gaze filled with tenderness and desire.
A grin. “I was hoping you wouldn’t make me beg.”
She cocked her head at him, one corner of her mouth tugging upward to reveal a hint of white teeth. “Think you can handle me?”
He laughed, small and real. “Absolutely not, I’ll need a safe word and a shark cage.”
She started to snort, an abrupt sound, her paw flew up to her muzzle and ears flicked towards the aisle behind him, her eyes going wide, paws retreating as his hands slipped off the fabric of her sleeves. Mike spun, facing the sudden interruption as his eyes bulged.
Mary stood in the aisle, head cocked and grinning with mischief, paws on her hips and a raised eyebrow, tail flicking behind her like a question mark. She sniffed the air, eyes flicking back and forth between the two of them. “Am I interrupting something?”
Mike coughed, blushing. “Best pancakes I’ve ever had. Five stars.”
“Uh huh.”
“They were fantastic.”
“Table six said she was licking you. They wanted you guys to shift to the left for a better view.”
Jade’s ear flicked, holding her paws up. “He had syrup on his face. I was simply cleaning it for him.”
“We have napkins.”
She shifted, setting her jaw as she fixed a crease in her collar and settled into a composed law enforcement veteran. “The syrup was too sticky.”
Mike chimed in, face red and eyes wide. “She was just helping me.”
Mary sighed, a paw shooting to her forehead. “She was using her… I brought the check.” She held a single slip of worn paper between two claws, dropping it on the table in front of them. “Always good to see you, Jade, and nice to meet you, Mike, buckle up.”
Jade looked at him and cackled as Mary sauntered off, her tail swinging low, tip moving back and forth like a pendulum in the aisle. The diner droned on, the sound of clacking dishware and conversation settling into a dull hum around them. The silence wasn’t heavy, just unsure, like a new reality forming a shape around the booth they shared.
His hands found his fork, stabbing the last bite as he swirled the pancake around the plate, letting it drag along the edges as he stared into the white ceramic.
He thought of his one bedroom apartment, his distant family, the job that never quite took off the way he wanted, the friends that drifted further and further apart each year, the loneliness of watching tv on the couch alone night after night.
“Mike?”
He glanced up, the sun blooming across the light fur of her muzzle as it caught the morning rays, her emerald eyes were soft, expectant, and drew him in like a winch. “Yeah?”
She sniffed, muzzle flashing with worry. “Talk to me.”
He scratched the back of his head, sighing. “I was thinking about home.”
She reached for his hand, a paw surrounding him in warmth and plush fur, gripping him just enough for him to feel her, but not enough to be trapped. The pads adhered to his skin, warm and smooth and confident. “It’s gonna be okay.”
“How do you know?”
She smiled, gently. “Because you have me.” She slowly reached with her other paw and placed it on his head, ruffling his hair and lightly scratching his scalp. “And I won’t let anything bad happen.”
He leaned into her touch and closed his eyes, the claws tenderly massaging him, a warmth spreading through him, the contrast of soft fur and sharp claws tingling down his spine. He took a deep breath—holding a beat longer than normal, and exhaled as she pulled back.
He smiled as he met her eyes. “I bet you say that to every guy you capture.”
She giggled. “Fair, but you’re the only one I’ve licked in public.”
He blushed. “I thought you said you were just cleaning me.”
She smirked. “You think I’m gonna let you get handed off to someone like that fox?”
“Are you claiming me for yourself?”
She held up a padded finger, tipped with a pointed claw. “Yep. But only if you agree to it.”
“I already said yes.”
Her tail thumped against the seat like a drum. “The State loves paperwork, so we need to head to the DMV.”
“No facility?”
“Fuck no. DMV first, then I’m taking you home.”
He took a deep breath. “As long as I have you there with me.”
She grinned and nodded towards the entryway. “I’m yours, now let’s get out of here before I take advantage of you again in public.”
He shuddered as she reached into her uniform pants, pinching a wallet between two claws, counting out some strange colored notes and change, and slapped them on the table with a satisfied thud.
She slid out, her massive form exiting the booth with predatory precision, gently landing on her padded digitigrade paws, gravity following her as he felt the cushion sag, springing back to shape as her weight left it. She turned around, and held out a paw, eyes patient and hopeful.
“You ready?”
He nodded, and grasped her paw, engulfing his hand in a gentle embrace as she helped him out of the booth. He stood next to her, reaching only her bust, her warmth and scent washing over him once more. They walked down their aisle together, the din of the diner echoing in the background. Her tail wrapped around his waist as she placed an arm around his shoulder, it was close, heavy, comforting. He leaned in, pressing against the fabric, letting her claim him with her presence, a shield against the new world.
They approached the door together, side by side, Jade slowing her pace just enough to let him keep up, she placed a paw on the door, pushing it open as a bell chimed. She held it open for him, and smiled.
The morning sun had crested, rays of amber light meeting his eyes as they crossed the threshold into the parking lot, her paw slid off his shoulder, moving lower to take his hand, and she smiled down at him.
“You sure?”
He met her gaze, his lips pulling back in to reveal a small smile. “I’ve always wondered what the DMV would look like.”
She nodded at her cruiser. “Together?”
“Together.”