His Singularity

I have always thought that cooking is half science, half art.

There is a science to the measurements, the preparation and the timing. But the artistry is what goes into the food, and what is on every plate.

Cooking is one of the few things I do well. And I do it very well.

"Lala, how's that sauce looking?" A familiar voice pierces through the usual rattling of a busy kitchen.

"Two minutes out." I do not have to check to know. But I do need to check on the chicken in the oven.

I moan at the olfactory assault as I open the oven. The scent is enough to tell me that it is ready, but Henry always insists I check visually.

Henry, is my boss and the head chef of Mikret Dining, one of the best high end restaurants in Europa. He demands nothing but the best of every employee, from the chefs to the cleaners and inspects every plate before it is sent out.

The man is a perfectionist.

I have only been working here for seven months and he has taken a shining to me. He has taken me under his wing and is teaching me so much. So much that I deeply appreciate.

I do not have the heart to tell him he is wasting his time on me.

After removing the chicken from the oven, I turn the lamb chops before I turn off the sauce burner and begin plating.

I love this job.

The hours are insane and I am incredibly sore after every shift, but it is the best job I have ever had and I know to be grateful. It has afforded me a better lifestyle than most humans dream of.

Not only do I live in Yellow City, one of the few human-friendly cities left, I am also guaranteed three square meals a day. I am living the dream of every human out there.

So I work hard and do not complain.

You never complain. As skilled a chef as I am, there are five other equally skilled chefs waiting for me to screw up so they can replace me.

Henry may like me, but I am human, and even in Yellow City, supernaturals are priority hires. Especially in places like this that cater to the elite.

All it takes is one snobby vampire, or worse, a mermaid, to find out that their food was prepared by a human and take it up with the owner.

I would be fired and kicked out of the city in the blink of an eye.

So I make sure to work harder than everyone else and produce nothing short of perfection every single night.

"Is it really him?"

"It can't be."

"Shit."

"I think I'm going to be sick."

The kitchen is suddenly buzzing and I realise I missed something. It is probably a lycan sighting or someone of importance is here.

I do not have time to think about it.

If I make a single mistake, Valdus and I are on the street. Again.

I ignore the chatter around me and focus.

Until it happens.

The kitchen becomes silent.

Kitchens are never this silent, so I finally look up only to be met with crystal blue eyes.

A vampire. I can tell. And an old one too. The older the vampire, the stronger it is and this one feels stronger than most.

Shit. I might as well kiss my job goodbye.

Older vampires hate humans.

Something about humans torturing them for decades before the Grand War.

He takes slow steps towards me and I know I have been made.

"Who is this exquisite creature you have hiding back here, Henrique?" His voice is silky smooth as his eyes bore into mine.

No. No. No. No. No.

I'd rather the hateful looks I am accustomed to than this. Interest is never a good thing.

"She is an employee and under the protection of the Mikret pack." Henry tells him, but I do not miss the fear in his voice.

"I have already called them. They are on their way." He continues in a warning tone.

What is happening? The Mikret pack is coming here? Why?

"I'll see you soon, mon cherie." His voice gives me chills before he flits away.

Something is wrong.

I can tell by the way everyone is looking at me that I am missing something. Even Valdus is here. That means he thought I was in danger.

Do I at least still have my job?

"I am so sorry." Henry comes over to me.

I am still stunned silent.

I know I am in some kind of trouble, but I have no idea what is going on. I do know it has to do with the vampire.

Before I can ask, the atmosphere changes once more. Goosebumps erupt on my skin as the very air around us seems to change.

I know this feeling. The feeling of danger. It is a warning of the presence of nature's apex predator; a lycan is here.

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit.

I notice them immediately. Two large stunning specimens enter the kitchen and sniff.

Lycan senses are impecable, much stronger than the other shifters I work with.

Their eyes immediately zoom in on Valdus before they walk over to him.

Over my dead body.

"Identify yourself." I hear the blonde one instruct him.

"Gentlemen." Henry calls for their attention as I sprint over to Valdus. I immediately grab hold of his arm and he pushes me slightly behind him so he stands between me and the imposing creatures in front of us.

"Let's go talk in my office." Henry insists walking over.

Everyone is staring at us and I do not blame them.

We may technically work for the Mikrets and cater to the elite supernaturals, but even for us seeing a lycan is a rarity. It is like seeing a witch. These two species in particular keep to themselves. Even merfolk are more common.

"Is she the girl?" The other, more intimidating lycan, asks looking at me.

I immediately lower my gaze as is expected of a human in the presence of such a superior being.

"Yes." Henry's answer is solemn and I cannot help but wonder; what have I gotten myself into this time?

"These two come with us." Blondie says pointing at Valdus and I.

Shit, we are in trouble.

"Alright, let me get someone to cover for Lala." Oh no. I completely forgot my station. The lamb is probably burning and I should have checked on the sea bass by now.

There goes my job.

"They're coming back to the Manor." Blondie clarifies.

Th-th-the Manor? The Mikret Manor? Home to the Mikret Lycan pack?

"You cannot be thinking of using her to catch him." Henry argues.

"We will if we have to." Blondie replies.

"It is too dangerous." The vein in Henry's forehead is about to pop so I know this is serious.

"You cannot make me come with you." I may be a human, but everyone in Yellow City is supposed to have rights.

It is already blatantly clear that these lycans have no regard for my safety.

"You are right, we cannot." Blondie finally acknowledges me,

"But we can apprehend your mate. All supernaturals must declare themselves upon entry into Yellow City. He is not in our files."

Dammit! Lycans! Of course they noticed.

"Either you come with us or your mate rots in our prisons until we decide what to do with him." The other one plainly states.

I look up at Valdus who I can tell wants me to leave.

I know he can take care of himself, but I cannot do that to him. I cannot leave him behind. He is all I have.

"And once we help you, you'll let us go?" Blondie smirks knowing their plan worked.

"You can even keep living here."

We won't, but he doesn't need to know that.

I look over at Henry who looks furious and hurt. He is the first friend I made in a long time, I'll well and truly miss him.

He took a chance on a random human girl and gave me so much more than I have had in years.

I mouth a silent 'thank you' to him before turning my attention to the towering giants in front of me.

I feel Valdus squeeze my hand in reassurance. At least I have him with me.

"We agree to your terms."