Taming Beasts | MxM | Petshop

Part 1

A/N: Moondrop is sort of a humanoid. Animal traits were bred into humans to create these "pets" that are being sold in "petshops". (Because there's been some confusion about that. Detailed descriptions follow later in the book.)

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The animal attendant gave me that look. "You're supposed to wear these clothes, not tear them to shreds."

My tail leisurely whipped from left to right, and I yawned, showing off my pointed fangs before I leapt from my bed close to the ceiling. It was merely a thick wooden plank screwed into the wall, but it was enough for a tiger like me. Upon landing, I stretched my back, then pawed at the flimsy fabric that had once been pants.

Haydn narrowed his eyes at me, but I had never minded and wasn't going to start now.

"You're such a freak," he muttered, shaking his head at me. My lips twitched at the insult, and a snarl rose in my throat. Haydn's glare intensified. "You know, if you could behave for once- once! Then you might even get out of this cage you hate so much."

My tail slashed through the air, while my throat resonated with my feline voice. The threat wasn't lost on Haydn. He barely flinched though, aware of the firm metal bars keeping me at bay. Honestly, I think he was more interested in getting rid of me than I was in getting out. As far as I was aware, this world wasn't kind when it came to pets. This world wasn't kind at all.

"Oh, want to try me?" Haydn sneered and pulled a sleek, black staff from his belt. After he'd pushed a button, the device came to life, giving off the high-pitched sound of an electric current.

I snarled at the taser, exposing my fangs once more. Slowly, I rose to my feet, so I was staring down at Haydn.

He scrunched his nose in disgust, then pointed the taser at me. "Come here. I'll give it to you good this time."

I judged my chances. Scratching Haydn was the only fun I had since management had decided that I wasn't allowed to use the fenced enclosure anymore. That had happened about a month ago after I had refused to come back inside, leading to a very grumpy Haydn having to drag me back. I'd give him a good one on the cheek that had left a nice scar. They'd called the vet afterwards, and the guy had shot me with a heavy dose of narcotics.

Sensing my reluctance, Haydn dashed forwards and tried his pathetic best to taser me. My paw-like hand easily whipped the staff from his grip. It landed inside my cage with a loud clatter, then rolled aside towards the bars.

Haydn's eyes darted back and forth between me and his weapon, right before he decided to get the hell away from the bars lest I take out his eyes this time. I allowed a content smile onto my lips at his retreat – and especially at the way he covered in fear, pushing his back flat against the far wall.

Carefully, I got back onto my hands that were covered in soft fur and well-muscled. They were sporting extra phalanges, which allowed me to walk on all fours, and sharp claws were hidden by the skin connecting my fingers. My knuckles were cushioned by small pads.

I made no sound approaching the taser. Once I reached it, I pawed the device around playfully, cocking my head aside as I watched it roll around. Haydn left me with a scowl on his face, but I minded neither him nor his expression. Curious about the electric force and dying for any kind of pastime, I very carefully touched the tip – and jumped back as the shock hit my spine, hissing loudly and snapping at the air.

Of course, my sole enemy was my own stupidity.

Snarling at a low pitch, I stalked back to the taser and turned it off before I hurt myself once more. I glanced around to see if anyone was enjoying my predicament, but no one was around. Strangely enough, the truth of being lonely made my spirits drop.