Bloody Fangs and Broken Antlers

The Fear of Failure And The Strength Of Will

The morning sky had become heavy with gray clouds, the cold, howling winds a warning of an oncoming storm.

After hours of tracking Juno's scent through multiple alleyways—avoiding any meat-addicts scrounging through the trash—Legosi found himself standing before an interspecies love hotel, recognizing it as the same one him and Haru had stayed in that night. A part of himself wanted to reminisce on that first night he'd spent with her, replaying each precious moment in his head, repeatedly. But he knew, with the situation he was in, every second counted, and he needed to focus entirely on Juno's scent. Though, the fact that her scent had suddenly became so strong and trailed into the love hotel worried him. He remembered Gohin mentioning sex traffickers operating inside the love hotels, sometimes paying off the staff members to stay silent. There was a chance that he'd walk into a room full of males, with Juno strapped down to a bed, drugged and numb. The thought alone had his body tensing and his fur standing on end.

I need to be careful, then. He thought. If I charge in there recklessly, it could cost Juno's life. And Louis's happiness. He'd never forgive himself if that happened.

Entering the love hotel, Legosi made his way through the foyer, the zebra at the front desk too distracted by her phone to notice him. Slowly, he walked down the hall, blissful moans and deep grunts sounding from behind each flanking door, a heavy, arousing musk filling the space. He occasionally sniffed at the air, making sure he wasn't wandering away from Juno's scent. Though, as he moved further and further down the hall, her scent grew stronger, to the point that he didn't even need to sniff intently at the air.

He was close.

Legosi stopped before one of the doors, sniffing at the air one last time, confirming to himself. The source of Juno's scent was inside this room, but when he pressed his ear against the door, he didn't hear anything. It was quiet. Too quiet. Had whoever kidnapped Juno discard her in this room. Dread crushed his stomach and a part of himself wanted to break into the room. But he breathed, calming himself.

Don't rush in. Be thoughtful of every action—like Louis would.

Legosi examined the rickety door, noticing it was left ajar. He peeked into the room, looking for anybody who might be inside.

The room was empty, a queen-sized bed and a few chairs being the only object filling the space.

He pushed the door open, stepping inside, his head turning left and right as he scanned every corner—

His attention snapped towards the queen-sized bed, his eyes going wide at the bloodstain crusted into the sheets. It was then that Legosi realized the bed smelled heavily of Juno and Louis. Dear Rex, he thought, walking towards the bed, his gaze never leaving that bloodstain. He placed a hand against it, the blood cracking beneath his claws. Juno and Louis had used this bed, he thought, most likely as a way to end their date. Was Juno a virgin, then? I've heard about females bleeding on their first time, but... There was too much blood on the bed for it to have simply been from a female being deflowered. So, does that mean someone broke in and attacked them? The door was left open. Or... maybe...

He kneeled, balancing on one hand as he leaned in to smell the dried blood. Herbivore blood... No... Louis's blood...

The realization that dawned on him, it was like a puzzle piece clicking into place.

Legosi slowly lifted his head away from the bloodstain, his expression one of shock. "Juno... Dear Rex..."

The more I think about him, the bigger my appetite...

I think I have an unconscious desire to eat him.

He stood to his feet; his eyes lingering on that bloodstain as guilt pierced his heart. His face tightened with pain. Juno, I'm sorry. I should've done more to help you; I should've given you better advice. He lowered his head, a frown on his lips. This is all my fault. I—...If he hadn't been so reckless with Melon, then he wouldn't have to be hiding out at the school. He could've made it to the black market quicker and possibly save Juno and Louis. And if he'd taken Juno's love for Louis more seriously, maybe he could've taught her to have more control over her carnivorous instincts. Dammit. He wanted to use his strength to protect the mammals he loved, yet he continued to throw them in harm's way, continued to fail them through his reckless actions. Legosi clenched his fist at his side, slowly lifting his head as he glared forward, a fire igniting within him. Juno... Louis... I'll make it up to both of you, no matter the cost. I promise.