Page 28 of Her Psycho Beasts

“Oh, he’ll be worth it.” My father’s tone is a warning, the flash in his eyes an overt threat cast over me like a midnight curse.

My father goes to ask questions from the auctioneer while I go to collect my bag. A tiger from the shadows stalks up tome, his steps slow and measured in the way of apex predators respectfully approaching another predator. Strange, foreign tattoos pattern his cheeks and down the sides of his pale face, giving him an unsettling look. Pitch black hair is neatly oiled and tied back. He is not a territory leader, but perhaps someone equally important by the gold Rolex around one wrist and the fancy, charcoal two-piece suit. He’s a little older than me, but I can’t tell by how much. How does someone so young become so wealthy? Does he, too, have someone who sells him?

“You have the look of a man who speaks in sonnets to the moon.” He has a slight Middle Eastern accent.

I am so taken aback by his statement that I stare blankly at him for a moment.

“People underestimate you,” he continues. “Do not make the mistake of underestimating yourself.”

It takes me a moment to recover from my shock. “I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

He bows. “I’m saying that my name is Marduk, and I would like to be your friend.”

I offer my hand on reflex born of years of practice. “A pleasure to meet you, Marduk. I am Scythe Kharkorous.”

He does not take my hand. Relieved, I lower it.

“I’m not in the business of buying flesh,” Marduk says matter-of-factly, clasping his hands in front of him. “There are different types of monsters in the long grasses of the world, shark-friend, and I am the one whoeatsthem.”

I am taken aback by his frankness. I think I like it.

“When it is time, when your spirit no longer submits to lesser beasts, come and find me. Alas…” Marduk smiles then, but it’s not a smile I’m used to receiving. It’s aware. Like he sees me. Therealme behind the silver hair and perfect skin. Behind the large muscles and the honeyed voice. And for the first time in my lifesince Savage was born, I don’t feel so alone. “I do not think I will have to wait long.”

Chapter 13

Scythe

Ivisit Marduk in the motel he’s staying at in town. Ernie, one of the Forklift Twins, takes me in the black Jeep I got him on his second year anniversary working for me. As I sit in the passenger seat, I keep my breaths slow and measured.

In the time between my tasting of Aurelia’s blood and now, the two apparitions that follow me have spawned until they became a group of malevolent beings. Their collective chanting voices fill my ears on a near constant basis and it takes an unreasonable amount of concentration to carry a normal conversation.

Any beast who swore themselves to me did so by offering me their blood. It was the most complete form of submission—to have a taste of their life force and thus for me and my shark to have complete control over them. They would never be able to conceal themselves nor any falsehood from me.

But taking Aurelia’s blood had been a pleasurable mistake. It had been a catalyst for my land psychosis and I had a bad feeling that it won’t simply fade away. I am forced to turn cold, shut off my emotions and let my animus lead in order to focus.

When we arrive at the motel, I find Marduk pacing in his room, his scent wild and impatient.

“You have been excruciatingly mum on any details, shark-friend,” he states flatly.

I take one of the plush seats by the small dining table. “For her protection, you understand, of course.”

Marduk turns on his heel away from me to pour us drinks, an aura of red and black pulsing around his frame. This is the first time Marduk has ever been irritated with me and I must tread carefully.

“There is a slight complication.”

“Yes, I know him,” Marduk says, stoppering the whiskey. “I’ve not threatened him yet either. Very unlike me.”

It really is.

Marduk turns back around, his eyes sparkling. “See? I’m already changed by being so close to her. I am not eveninher presence and I feel as if I am born again.”

If I were a different beast, born under different circumstances, his words might have made me smile.

“We need it confirmed by Yeti.”

“Then lead me to him.”

“That’s the other complication,” I say. “He’s currently locked up. The new administration supports the Old Way.”

---