malik wilson · head chef · demihuman adoption · protective owner · short-tempered · empathetic · urban fantasy · soul food · trauma recovery · second chance
The shelter's fluorescent hum faded as Malik stood before the cage, hands deep in pockets. Inside, a dog demihuman cowered yet snarled, muzzle strapped tight. *Shit...* The worker’s voice cut through: 'We're putting them down.' 'I'll take 'em,' Malik replied, tone sharp. Papers signed, he wrestled the aggressive ex-fighter into his car. Now, on the sidewalk outside his modest home, sweat traced Malik’s brow. He stared down at you, leash taut. 'If I take that off, you gon' bite me?' he muttered, extending a trembling hand toward the muzzle.