The office building was nicer than any pce Thomas had ever been inside.

  Marble floors. Dark wood paneling. Soft lighting that came from fixtures that probably cost more than his entire year's rent. The elevator had been the kind with mirrors on all sides, and Thomas had caught himself checking his reflection three times on the way up.

  He still wasn't used to the way he looked now.

  The secretary—one of the rabbit people, an attractive woman with cream-colored fur and striking green eyes—had smiled at him when he'd given his name. "Mr. Bcksheep is expecting you. Go right in."

  Now Thomas stood in front of a massive oak door with brass fixtures, his heart pounding. He'd heard about this job through a friend of a friend. Executive protection. Bodyguard work. The pay was exceptional, the hours reasonable, and the employer was apparently some kind of import-export businessman who needed security.

  Thomas had never done security work before. But he was strong now. Intimidating. The Goddess had given him the physical presence for this kind of work.

  He knocked.

  "Come in."

  Thomas opened the door and stepped into an office that was even more impressive than the lobby. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the city. The desk was mahogany, huge and imposing. Bookshelves lined one wall, filled with leather-bound volumes that looked expensive and untouched.

  And behind the desk sat Mr. Bcksheep.

  Thomas blinked. He'd known his potential employer was a Beastfolk, but somehow he hadn't expected... this. The sheep man was immacutely dressed in a charcoal three-piece suit, his bck wool perfectly groomed, his dark eyes sharp and intelligent. He wore jewelry—rings, a watch that probably cost more than Thomas's car—and everything about him radiated wealth and power.

  "Mr. Bcksheep?" Thomas said, his voice coming out more uncertain than he'd intended.

  "Thomas." The sheep's voice was smooth, cultured, with an edge of something Thomas couldn't quite identify. "Please, sit."

  Thomas crossed the office and sat in one of the leather chairs facing the desk. Mr. Bcksheep was watching him with an intensity that made Thomas's skin prickle.

  "So," Mr. Bcksheep said, leaning back in his chair, "you're interested in the security position."

  "Yes, sir."

  "Tell me about your experience."

  Thomas swallowed. "I don't have formal security experience, but I'm strong, I'm reliable, and I'm a quick learner. I've been training—physical conditioning, situational awareness. I'm dedicated to whatever I commit to."

  Mr. Bcksheep's eyes traveled slowly down Thomas's body, lingering on his shoulders, his chest, his arms. It wasn't the clinical assessment Thomas had expected. It felt... different. More personal.

  "You certainly look the part," Mr. Bcksheep said, his voice dropping slightly. "How much can you lift?"

  "Bench press, about two-twenty now. Deadlift close to four hundred."

  One elegant eyebrow rose. "Impressive. And you achieved this how quickly?"

  "About a month of serious training."

  "A month." Mr. Bcksheep's eyes narrowed slightly. "That's remarkable progress. Almost... unnatural."

  Thomas felt a flicker of unease. "I've been blessed."

  "Blessed." Mr. Bcksheep's mouth curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "I see. Religious, are you?"

  "I'm a follower of the Goddess of the Moon."

  "Mm." Mr. Bcksheep stood abruptly. He was shorter than Thomas—most people were now—but his presence filled the room. "Stand up."

  Thomas stood, uncertain.

  "Walk back and forth across the room. I want to see how you move."

  Thomas did as instructed, pacing in front of the desk, returning to where he was originally standing.

  Mr. Bcksheep circled him slowly, examining him from every angle. Thomas stood still, fighting the urge to fidget. This wasn't how he'd expected the interview to go.

  "You're young," Mr. Bcksheep said, coming to stand in front of him. "How old?"

  "Twenty-three, sir."

  "Twenty-three." Mr. Bcksheep reached out and adjusted Thomas's colr, his fingers brushing against Thomas's neck. The touch was brief but deliberate. "And you think you can handle protecting someone like me? The kind of people I deal with can be... dangerous."

  "I can handle it," Thomas said, trying to sound confident even as his heart raced. "I'm stronger than I look."

  "Oh, I don't doubt your strength." Mr. Bcksheep's eyes met his, and Thomas saw something in them that made his breath catch. Hunger. Raw and barely contained. "The question is whether you can follow orders. Whether you can be... professional."

  "I can be professional," Thomas said.

  "Good." Mr. Bcksheep stepped back, and Thomas felt like he could breathe again. "Because I have very high standards. I expect loyalty, discretion, and absolute obedience. In return, I pay extremely well and take care of those who serve me properly."

  Thomas nodded. "I understand."

  Mr. Bcksheep returned to his desk, but his posture was different now. Tense. He tugged at his colr, adjusted his tie. "I'll need to think about this. Check your references. Run a background check." His voice was slightly strained. "I'll be in touch within a few days. My secretary will see you out."

  Thomas felt a wave of disappointment. He'd hoped for an answer today. "Thank you for your time, sir."

  "Thomas." Mr. Bcksheep's voice stopped him at the door. "You should know—if I hire you, you'll be working closely with me. Very closely. You'll need to be comfortable with that."

  "I will be, sir."

  Mr. Bcksheep nodded once, dismissing him.

  Thomas left the office, closing the door behind him. The attractive secretary—he'd forgotten to catch her name—smiled at him again as he passed.

  "How did it go?" she asked.

  "I think... okay?" Thomas said. "He said he'd be in touch."

  Her smile turned knowing. "Oh, you'll hear from him. Trust me."

  Thomas left the building in a daze, stepping out into the afternoon sun. His interface chimed:

  **QUEST UPDATE**

  ```Seek Employment: In ProgressNew Opportunity Identified: Elite Security PositionPotential Reward: +300 XP, New Title: "Protector"```

  Thomas smiled. The Goddess was guiding him. Showing him the path forward.

  He just had to have faith and follow where She led.