Claws

Selfless

KYE

     Handling a lionheart was an odd experience, to say the least. In the same day, I restrained him, treated his wounds, trained him, snuggled, went to a play date, and was "marked".
     It wasn't my area of expertise. I was learning to enjoy it, though. Even though I smelled like a bag of musky feathers.
     Too soon, it was time for dinner. I didn't usually eat in the dining hall, but my miniscule supply of human meat had run dry. It was in the bird's best interest for me to mingle with the likes of the other birds and their handlers, even if I wasn't too keen on dining with my boss, George.
     I tapped on Apollo's shoulder to wake him. "Hey, birdie, it's time for dinner."
     A fanged yawn that pushed the scent of human flesh into my face was unpleasant, but just part of babysitting a lionheart.
     "I don't want the pack to see me like this." He sighed. "I'm a wreck."
     "You still need to eat." I reasoned with him. "You're recovering."
     Apollo groaned. "Fine. Fine, I'll go."
     "Thank you, birdie." I hummed happily, ruffling the bird's hair.
     Dinner was short and uneventful. For me, anyways. Taking notice of the hissing, growling, snarling, and clashing teeth sent this way, I put an arm around the target, drawing him closer to me. He was completely helpless in the kevlar gloves and boots I had to put him in for everyone's comfort.
     I took Luka's place at the table.
     "Good evening, Kye." Came from George.
     "Hello, George." I replied awkwardly.
     "What brings you here tonight?" My boss questioned. "You usually don't eat with us."
     "I'm taking care of Apollo for a few days while Luka recuperates." I answered.
     "Good luck." George let out a huff, then grumbled.
     "He actually doesn't dislike me too much." I revealed, and the eyebrows of everyone in earshot rose.
     "Does he mind you?" Joan asked from across the table.
     "So far, yes." I replied, and she whistled.
     "What's your secret?" The older handler pried.
     "Cubed steak." I revealed.
     Joan laughed heartily. "So bribes?" She snickered.
     "Positive reinforcement training is not bribery." I responded calmly.
     "Sure." Said Troy from a little further down the table. "I prefer a paddle."
     "Positive punishment clearly hasn't worked very well for Apollo." I took a bite of lasagna, letting the handlers discuss my statement while I chewed.
     "Well clearly, Luka isn't beating him hard enough." Said Imani.
     "I agree." Said Tadhg. "Whenever either of my birds act out, they both get the switch."
From even further down the table, Atlas's master, a blond human male wig diminutive stature joined in. "Mine does fine with just the bird collar."
"And mine," said Darnell, "is mature enough not to need it. I'll tell you though— he used to be a horse whip's best friend!"
The handlers chuckled while Fig Newton sat stiff and uncomfortable.
"What did Luka use on Apollo?" George pried.
"He's told me that he's used a paddle and a flogger. I've seen him use his bird collar, too." I answered hesitantly.
"And Will used a knife, riding crop, and flogger." Apollo added. "I'd still tear out his throat if given the chance."
The table went quiet.
"Okay," said Tadhg, "I'd definitely try cubed steak, then."
"Yeah." Said Imani. "That's probably a little kinder than shooting him."
Apollo stopped chewing mid-bite. Through a mouthful of food, he asked, "Shooting me?"
"Well, Luka doesn't want to slaughter you. Plus, you're worth more as a stud than dead." George semi-consoled Apollo.
"That's not very comforting." Apollo said after swallowing.
Fig Newton piped up from further down the table. "Such is life, unfortunately."
The rest of dinner passed with inconsequential chatter. Apollo had a hearty appetite for a bird who had been tortured for a week and a half. It seemed to almost not bother him at all.
On our way out after the meal, I stopped by the kitchen to collect Luka's weekly ration of human meat. Apollo ventured off without me.
"Hey, Beatrice." I greeted the old cook, a curly haired white woman with graying hair and soulful brown eyes. Her skin was wrinkled and tongue sharp with age.
"Dr. Lawerence, to what do I owe the pleasure?" She asked blithely.
"I'm here to pick up Luka's weekly rations." I answered. At her bewildered expression, I clarified, "I'm looking after his lionheart for a few days. I'll make sure he gets the leftovers."
"You poor, sweet thing. I hope you stay safe. I've heard bad things about that bird." Beatrice remarked.
"He actually doesn't mind me too badly yet." I replied with a grin. "We'll see if that changes."
     Beatrice handed me the cold, cardboard box filled with human flesh. "Here's to hoping you stay in one piece."
     "Thanks." I deadpanned.
Upon exiting the mansion, I saw my charge chatting it up with his partner. The two lovebirds laughed and snuggled, sharing each other's scent and each other's company. The sight made me pine for Luka.
"Hey, Apollo, time to get back to the house." I called to him, and he said goodbye to Blizzard, rising to his feet and scampering over to me. Holding his hands out expectantly, he waited for me to deposit the box in them.
I was surprised at his willingness to assist me. "Oh, I've got it." I reassured the bird, and a look of confusion overtook his face, but he shrugged it off a few seconds later.