[Point of view: Marcus Carvalho]

  With no other place serving decent meat or a cold beer at this ungodly hour, I accept my miserable fate and step into the Femboy Hooters.

  The atmosphere hits me like a physical wall. Anthros of every species imaginable crowd the tables, their laughter and chatter blending into a constant drone that competes with the dozen TVs plastered everywhere. Human attendants, all men in dangerously short shorts and tight tops that leave their midriffs bare, glide between tables carrying trays of grease and booze. The air is a thick, nauseating cocktail of fried oil and cheap perfume.

  Edith and I snag a corner table, as far from the epicenter of the noise as possible. She looks just as overwhelmed as I feel, her wide, nervous eyes darting around the room. The only difference is that she looks fascinated, trying to absorb the spectacle, while I’m trying to filter out as much as humanly possible.

  Within seconds, a blonde waiter approaches. His shorts are shorter than my fight with Honey Badger. He sports a wide, bubbly smile and eyes that are clearly hunting for more than just a tip.

  "Good evening! Welcome to Hooters! What can I get for you today?" His voice is lively, effeminate, and practically hums with energy.

  Edith mumbles her order quickly, her voice almost lost in the din. Even though my soul is slightly crushed, my stomach is still a bottomless pit, so I place my order with grim determination.

  "Your biggest serving of ribs, spicy wings, and the largest glass of cold beer you’ve got in the house."

  "We actually have a free refill offer on the ribs tonight," the cheerful twink chirps.

  "Perfect." It’s the first piece of good news I’ve heard since I walked in.

  The waiter scribbles it down, but before leaving, he leans in with a curious, flirtatious grin.

  "Wow, you’re like, super strong, mister!" His tone is high-pitched and almost childish, making my stomach churn with annoyance. "How did you get such big muscles? Is there a special secret?"

  I let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the night making me even more irritable. "Just a lot of training and... eating protein."

  The waiter lets out an impressed whistle. "Wow, I guess that’s why you eat so much, huh? Can I feel your bicep?"

  I let out a low growl, giving him a look that clearly says absolutely fucking not. "W-well, if you need anything, just c-call," he stammers, suddenly terrified. "My name is Luni."

  He scurries off, leaving me to my dark thoughts. I watch the other femboy waiters move between tables, flirting and giggling with the Anthro clientele. It’s the polar opposite of everything I expected from this brand.

  "Shit..." I mumble, dropping my head onto the table with a thud.

  The move catches Edith’s attention. She places a soft, comforting hand on my arm. "Marcus..." her voice is thick with concern. "Are you okay?"

  Her delicate hand is the only thing keeping me sane in this neon-lit nightmare. I force a smile, trying to bury the whirlwind of frustration inside.

  "I'm just... really frustrated," I reply, glancing around the room again. "This place is a hell of a lot different than I thought it would be."

  She blinks, tilting her head like a curious wild rabbit. "And what exactly were you expecting?"

  The combination of hunger and pure aggravation finally snaps my filter. I stop mincing words and launch into a full-blown rant.

  "I expected to see a lot of waitresses with massive tits in tight tops and juicy asses in short shorts!" I bark, my voice rising well above the background noise.

  The sudden relief of the outburst distracts me from the fact that the entire restaurant is starting to tune in.

  "Marcus, I think you should probably lower your voice-." Edith starts, but I’m already hitting my stride.

  "I expected a bitch who knows how to give a proper glock glock 9000!"

  "Wow!" Edith squeaks, her face turning bright red.

  "You know, a girl who’ll bounce on my dick so hard I’m walking crooked for a goddamn week!" I exclaim with a nostalgic, longing sigh. "That is what I expected to see."

  Edith immediately grabs her long ears and pulls them down over her face, trying to vanish.

  "What's the matter?" I ask, finally noticing her strange behavior.

  I look around. The entire restaurant has gone dead silent. For a heartbeat, the only sound is the distant hum of traffic outside. Every single Anthro in the building is staring at me. I can feel the collective weight of their gazes pressing down on me.

  "Wait... how the hell did they all hear me?" I whisper, stunned.

  Edith leans in, her ears still shielding her face, her voice a frantic whisper. "Marcus, Anthros have better hearing than humans. They heard everything."

  I freeze. The reality of the situation hits me like a punch to the gut. I just unleashed a horny, perverted monologue in the middle of a crowded restaurant.

  Great, I think. Now I’m going to get kicked out of this femboy hellhole before I even get my ribs.

  The silence stretches for one more agonizing second, and then something impossible happens.

  A large woman with lioness features stands up on the other side of the room and starts to clap. The sound echoes through the hall, and soon, other Anthros join in. Within seconds, the entire restaurant, waiters included, is giving me a standing ovation.

  "Oh my god, he’s so brave!" a waiter by the bar gushes. "You do you, king!"

  "An honest male? Now that’s a first," a mare grumbles, her voice ending in a slight neigh.

  "The kind of guy you don't bring home to mama, am I right?" a hippo jokes, occupying two chairs, one for each massive cheek.

  "I'm so wet I just slipped off my chair," a sheep comments casually.

  I stand there, paralyzed, as the room fills with applause for my depravity. Edith’s jaw is on the floor, the poor bunny is just as shocked as I am.

  "Oh shit," I murmur, cringing at the comments. "I must look like a total TikTok 304."

  "For the love of the Goddess, Marcus," Edith moans, massaging her temples. "Nothing makes sense when you're around."

  I let out an awkward, jagged laugh, but before I can even apologize, a massive, hairy hand slams down onto my shoulder.

  "Hey there, cutie."

  The voice is deep, feminine, and dangerously familiar. I turn around slowly. The hand gives my shoulder a firm, dominant squeeze. I find myself looking up at a tall, muscular hyena Anthro dressed like a hardcore biker. Her black and red leather jacket is draped in heavy chains that rattle with every breath she takes. She’s staring down at me with a predatory smirk, her eyes glowing with a mix of genuine amusement and pure, unadulterated hunger.

  [Image]

  "So the bunny isn't up to the task, huh?" Her voice is husky, more of a growl than a word, but laced with a nasty, playful edge. "The name’s Drika. You’d better memorize it, because you’ll be screaming it all night."

  I feel Edith shrink beside me, her presence withering under the shadow of the imposing Anthro. Drika notices the flinch and lets out a thick, throaty laugh.

  "Relax, bunny. I just want to play with the cutie. I promise to return him in one piece." She licks her lips, her eyes roaming over me like I’m a piece of prime rib. "At most, he’ll just have a few bite marks."

  Drika laughs again, and the pack of hyenas behind her joins in with that high-pitched, mocking cackle. Despite the smell of wet dog and cheap leather, I have to admit she’s got a hell of a body, but...

  If she wasn't such an insufferable asshole, I wouldn't mind clapping those cheeks in the bathroom, I muse, sizing her up.

  But as I’m mentally calculating the most efficient way to fold Drika’s arm into her own ass, something impossible happens.

  "Leave him alone." The voice is firm, despite a slight, betraying tremor. "He’s not interested in you, y-you b-b-b-bitch."

  Edith, the shy, stuttering bunny I know, has stepped directly in front of me. Her small frame is shaking like a leaf in a storm, but her eyes hold a fire I’ve never seen.

  Drika sneers down at her. "And who’s going to make me, bunny? You?"

  The little white rabbit hesitates, looking paralyzed for a heartbeat. I don't even blame her. Her opponent is three times her size and pure muscle. For a girl with zero combat training, this is a suicidal move.

  But she surprises me again.

  Edith doesn't back down. She takes a step forward, her eyes bright with a sudden, desperate courage.

  "I will." Her voice steadies, the tremor vanishing into thin air. "I know you're bigger and stronger, but that doesn't give you the right to harass someone who clearly wants nothing to do with you!"

  Drika laughs, but there’s a new note of irritation, maybe even a hint of concern, hiding in the sound.

  "You're a brave little bitch, bunny," Drika says, glancing at me before focusing back on Edith. "But do you really think you can actually stop me?"

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Edith doesn't flinch. "I can try!" she exclaims, crossing her arms in a defiant stance.

  The restaurant falls into a heavy, expectant silence. They look ready to tear into each other. And as entertaining as it is to have women fighting over me, I have my priorities. As my wise grandfather used to say: Good food is more important than pussy.

  "Listen here, you Lion King villain on steroids," I say, beginning to rise from my chair. "I don't like hitting women. But I make plenty of exceptions for bitches like you."

  As I stand to my full height, I lock my eyes onto the hyena. She looks weirdly familiar.

  As she faces me head-on, her arrogant smirk begins to rot away. Her pupils dilate, and I can see the gears turning as recognition finally dawns on her. Her body starts to tremor, the chains on her jacket rattling against each other. The hair on the back of her neck stands straight up.

  She looks like a wild animal that just realized it walked into a dragon's den.

  "No..." Drika murmurs, her voice cracking. "No, no, no, no... are you that knight?"

  I step forward, my shadow completely swallowing Edith as I block the hyena’s view.

  "So your name is Drika, huh?" I say, my tone conversational but drenched in a lethal threat. "I warned you that if I caught you or your friends harassing innocent people again, I wouldn't be so merciful."

  I punctuate the threat with a wide, jagged smile.

  Her "friends" don't even wait. They bolt for the door, abandoning their leader without a second thought. Drika swallows hard, her knees knocking together. I can see the desperate struggle she’s putting up just to stay standing, her wide eyes pinned to mine. When she finally finds her voice, it’s a pathetic, stuttering mess.

  "I-I... I d-didn't know i-it was y-you." The arrogance is gone, replaced by pure, unadulterated terror. "I'm sorry, I... I d-didn't mean to..."

  She takes a shaky breath, looking around for an escape that isn't there. When her gaze returns to mine, it’s pleading.

  "I s-swear! I w-was just j-joking! I d-didn't want any t-trouble!"

  The moment I take a single step toward her, she lets out a sharp, pathetic yelp like a cornered cur...

  ...and she wets her pants.

  Drika trembles as the smell of urine fills the air. I actually feel a brief pang of pity for her, but pity isn't going to fix her attitude. I reach into my inventory and pull out an item: the Condemned Shackle. It’s a magical little trinket I’ve used more times than I care to count.

  The shackle glows with a cold blue light as I snap it shut around Drika's wrist. She screams, more from shock than pain, and tries to pull away, but the magic has already taken hold.

  "What... what is this?" she stammers, staring at the glowing metal.

  "Your third chance," I reply, my voice dropping to sub-zero temperatures. "Now get the fuck out of here."

  The hyena bolts, her chains rattling frantically until the sound of her flight fades into the night. I look around the quiet Hooters, wondering if I just made things weird. Are these people going to be terrified of me now?

  The silence doesn't last. A human at the next table stands up, eyes shining with awe, and starts to clap. Then an Anthro rat and her companion join in. Soon, the entire restaurant is on its feet, a thunderous ovation echoing off the walls.

  It’s bizarre. I was just applauded in a massive arena and felt fine, but being cheered by this small crowd makes me feel weirdly embarrassed. I give a stiff, awkward wave and sink back into my seat, heat rising to my face.

  Edith, still standing, looks down at me with a mixture of pure admiration and something much softer. "Marcus... you're amazing."

  Before I can even process that, Luni, the blonde waiter, reappears at my side. He’s carrying a tray loaded with enough food to feed a small army.

  "Here you go, sir!" He sets the plates down with lightning speed. "Ribs, wings, and your beer!"

  The aroma of grease and spice hits me, making me forget my embarrassment instantly. But as I reach for a rib, Luni leans in close, his eyes sparkling.

  "Mister, are you like, a superhero?" he whispers excitedly. "I’ve never seen anyone handle a hyena like that! She was all 'Oh no, spare me!' and you were like, 'Never again!' It was so totally awesome!"

  A vein throbs in my forehead. I glance at Edith. She clearly reads the look on my face, the look that says if this twink doesn't shut up, I’m going to lose my mind.

  "Look, Marcus is really tired and hungry, so he-."

  The waiter catches the hint immediately. "Oh wow, I’m so sorry! I’m such a klutz, getting in the way, right?" He gives himself a playful anime-style bonk on the head. "Enjoy!"

  As he finally vanishes, I look at Edith and let out a long, weary breath.

  "Thanks."

  [Point of view: Edith]

  I finally found something more incredible than the power and confidence of Marcus Carvalho, the hero from another world...

  His appetite.

  CHOMP! MUNCH! GNAW! NOM!

  He looks like a shark in a feeding frenzy, or maybe one of those overpowered action anime protagonists.

  "This is really good," he says, finishing off a rack of ribs. "Junk food is fine once in a while, but nothing beats real meat and a cold beer."

  Marcus has already piled up a third plate of bones and wings before my very eyes. I can only watch in a daze.

  "Good thing he actually has the money to pay for all this," I murmur to myself in relief.

  "LUNI!" Marcus shouts, flagging down our waiter. "Another round of everything. And more beer!"

  "Okey-doke, daddy," the waiter chirps, appearing instantly with another massive mug.

  "Hmph!" Marcus snorts, a vein of pure irritation throbbing in his forehead.

  Luni has clearly realized that his 'special attention' makes Marcus angry and uncomfortable, and the little deviant seems to love every second of it. Every time he swings by the table, he makes sure to poke the bear.

  "Don't call me that, or I'll break your ass," Marcus threatens, though he’s mostly focused on the food.

  "Don't threaten me with a good time," Luni shoots back, arching his back and sticking his rear out before bouncing away.

  I turn my gaze back to the mountain of bones Marcus has left behind. I don’t understand how he manages to eat like a black hole and still look that good. My curiosity finally wins out, and the question slips out before I can stop it.

  "Do you always eat like this?"

  Marcus raises a finger, asking for a moment while he drains the kind of oversized mug usually reserved for elephant Anthros.

  "Only when I'm hungry and it's been a while since I've had decent meat," he responds, shoving the empty plate aside to make room for the next one. "What about you, Edith? Are you really just going to eat that?"

  I look down at my plate, a green salad with fresh carrots and tomatoes. Compared to Marcus’s banquet, it looks... pathetic. But it’s what I like. Still, I’m hesitant to answer, carnivores and omnivores always find a way to make fun of an herbivore’s diet.

  "Anthro rabbits can eat meat, unlike wild ones," I explain tentatively. "But we still prefer plant-based things."

  Marcus raises an eyebrow, genuine curiosity in his eyes. "Really? What about stuff like ice cream? Or plant-based snacks made with animal fat, like chips fried in lard?"

  I let out a sigh of relief. I keep forgetting he’s not from here, he’s not judging me, he’s just a curious guy trying to learn.

  Are you crazy? a primal voice screams from the back of my mind as I catch myself staring at his defined chest. That’s a MAN!

  "Dairy and gelatin can be harmful in large amounts," I reply, trying to focus on the conversation and not my own lustful thoughts. "I’m not sure about the lard thing, but a little bit probably wouldn't hurt."

  "What about alcohol?" Marcus asks, offering me a fresh mug Luni just dropped off.

  "Same as humans..." I mutter.

  I take the mug, staring at the golden liquid swaying inside. I’m not exactly a beer fan, but I don't want to be rude. Marcus is looking at me with such an honest, bright smile that I can't bring myself to disappoint him.

  I take a sip. The cold liquid hits my throat with a sharp, bitter bite. I try not to grimace, but I fail miserably. Marcus lets out a deep, genuine laugh that sends my heart racing.

  "Not a fan?" he asks, still chuckling.

  I set the mug down, pushing it away. "Not really my kind of drink," I admit, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

  Marcus grabs the mug and takes a massive gulp as if to prove there's nothing wrong with it.

  INDIRECT KISS! my primal side shrieks. He wants us! Jump him now! Are you really going to die a virgin?!

  "To each their own," Marcus says, setting the glass back down. "But if you don't like beer, what do you like?"

  I think for a second. "Sweet juices," I finally say. "And tea."

  Marcus smiles, and for a moment, his whole face seems to light up.

  I hope our kits have that smile, my primal side whispers.

  Bad brain! I reprimand myself. Not the time!

  You’re right, the voice agrees. Let’s focus on how to fit that smile into our-.

  "How about a sweet drink, then?" Marcus asks, snapping me back to reality.

  "A sweet drink?"

  Before I can protest, he’s already calling Luni over. The waiter appears instantly, like he was lurking just out of sight, waiting for another shot at Marcus.

  "What can I do for you, daddy?" he asks with a mischievous glint in his eye.

  Marcus ignores the nickname, but I don't miss the faint blush on his ears. "Bring Edith something that actually tastes sweet."

  Luni claps his hands together. "I’ll be right back, darlings!"

  He disappears toward the bar. Marcus shakes his head, laughing softly before turning back to me.

  "Are you sure this is a good idea?" I ask.

  Marcus shrugs, relaxing into his chair. "If anything goes wrong, I’ll protect you." He points a thumb at his chest.

  The sheer bluntness of the statement freezes me. "Huh?"

  Marcus lowers his head, focusing on his beer to avoid my gaze. "This isn't my first time landing in another world," he says, his voice tinged with a heavy, melancholic nostalgia. "Once the shock and excitement wear off, the fear and loneliness start to settle in."

  I place my hand over his, wanting to offer whatever comfort I can. He looks up, surprised for a second, then lets out a long sigh and smiles.

  "The good thing is, now I know what to value while I’m here," he says, regaining his posture.

  "And what’s that?" I ask, leaning in.

  "Treasures, sex, adventure... they're all cool," he says with a shrug. "But the people who actually care about us? That’s what makes life worth living."

  "The people who care about us..." I repeat softly. It’s so simple, yet so true.

  "And that’s why I want to thank you, Edith."

  "Thank me?" My ears perk up in surprise. "I didn't do anything special. I was just paying you back for saving my life."

  Marcus shakes his head. "You didn't have to follow me into the heart of a Chinese mafia den," he says, pointing a finger at me. "I might be the most powerful thing in this world, but you still bothered to worry about me."

  I look down, feeling a bit like an idiot. He’s right. Marcus spent the night crushing Anthros and staring down mob bosses like it was a walk in the park, and I spent the whole time terrified for his safety. A guy who probably kills dragons for breakfast.

  "I’m grateful for that, Edith," he says, catching me off guard again.

  "Huh?"

  "Knowing someone here actually gives a damn about me, regardless of my powers... it brings me peace." Marcus sets his mug down and takes my hand in both of his.

  His hands are massive and warm. Even though they’re rough and calloused, he holds me with such incredible gentleness.

  "That’s why I’m swearing this to you," he says, his eyes burning with the same intensity they had in the arena. "As long as I’m in this world, nothing and no one is going to hurt you."

  I freeze. My face turns so red that even my white fur can't hide it. My mind is a chaotic mess, while my heart is redlining at three times its normal speed. Only my primal side is still functioning.

  MALE! BREED ME! NOOOOOW! For once, I don't even argue with the voice. Marcus’s words wrap around my heart, and I find myself wearing a goofy, helpless smile. I feel so safe with him. It’s a terrifying mix of protection and raw, primal desire that leaves me completely dizzy.

  I open my mouth to finally say something, anything, but I’m cut off by Luni, who arrives with a vibrant green drink.

  "Here you go, Miss Bunny!" Luni flourishes the glass. "A sweet drink, just for you."

  It’s a beautiful green liquid decorated with ice, lemon, and a tiny umbrella.

  "Go on, try it," Luni insists.

  I glance at Marcus, then take a sip.

  "You like it?" Marcus asks.

  "I do," I reply, the flavor dancing on my tongue. "It’s like... black licorice and herbs? I can’t quite place it."

  "Just take it slow-."

  But before Marcus can finish the warning, I tilt the glass back and drain the whole thing in one go.

  "What the hell, Edith!" Marcus exclaims, leaning forward.

  I swallow the delicious liquid, ignoring his overreaction. The taste was strange, sure, but now a wonderful, fuzzy warmth is spreading through my entire body.

  "You weren't supposed to chug that, you crazy bunny," Marcus says, moving to sit closer to me.

  I just nod, giggling to myself. My head feels heavy, and my balance is starting to get a little... creative. "It's all good! Tee-hee!"

  Marcus looks worried, but Luni just looks impressed. "Wow! We’ve got a real party girl here," he comments. "I’ve never seen anyone smash an Absinthe Frappé that fast."

  "Absinthe?!" Marcus roars, snatching the glass to smell it.

  "That's right, daddy," Luni says, flashing a peace sign. "And I made this one extra strong for my new besties."

  Marcus stands up so fast his chair flips over with a crash. Every eye in the place turns toward us, but he doesn't care. His face is flushed with rage, his green eyes glowing with a terrifying light.

  "Check. Now," he commands, his voice low and dangerous.

  Luni pales instantly. "B-but daddy-."

  "NOW!"

  Marcus pays the bill instantly with a card from the mafia folders and hauls me into his lap.

  "Iiiiih!" I squeal happily as he crushes me against his muscular chest.

  "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice suddenly soft and full of care.

  "I'm great," I mumble, rubbing my face against his warm, hard chest. "You're so strong... like heated marble."

  Marcus lets out a sigh of relief. "I'm taking you home," he says, carrying me out of the Hooters. "At least it can't get any worse."

  HUUURGH!

  "Fuck!" Marcus growls. "I liked this shirt."

  As he ducks into an alleyway, my vision blurs into a brilliant orange light. I feel my body lift, floating away into an infinite, glowing void.

  [Image Shirt]