Chapter 1

Discovery

Scam's POV

I walked my property. There had been something killing animals and leaving them around, half buried. I wasn't sure it was a poacher. It was getting dark so I started heading back toward my house.

The alarm on my phone went off. I looked at the cameras. I saw something run away from the apple orchard. I had set it so that wild animals wouldn't trip the alarm. Then I saw the humans a bit further back. They had guns of some kind, but that was all I needed to know.

I called the police. They said they would be here soon. I heard a woman scream. It was too close for comfort. I ran toward the sound. I hoped they weren't trying to kill the woman. I heard running and followed it. There were four men. They were near the bramble covered rock. I hid behind the Camellia and Daphne shrubs.

A Satyr fox was cornered. Its fur was red and her legs had black socks up to its ankles. The human half was wrapped in an elk fur coat. She had long red hair and emerald green eyes. She screamed again.

"Shut it, you damn pest." One of them, flannel cap, aimed their gun and shot. It missed.

I smelt the beer coming from them. Were they mad at the fox? Killing Satyrs wasn't illegal, but it was frowned upon. I picked up a pine cone and chucked away from us. They looked and the fox ran away.

"Damn it, it couldn't of gotten far." Another, blue scarf, barked.

I was about to leave when a bullet whizzed past me. I froze. Boots crunched against the snow.

"The fuck are you doing out here?" He slurred.

"You're the ones who came onto my land." I growled.

"Just ignore the bastard. We're getting rid of a pest." The first one, he had earflap hat, told him.

"You're trespassing." I spat.

"What're you-" The very drunk one waved his gun at me.

Something jumped out the brush and tackled the one pointing his gun at me. The gun skittered away. Farther than I could reach. There was no cover until the trees near the stream. I'd have to run in the line of fire to get it and come back.

The fox barked and scratched at the man. He swung and hit her shoulder. She yelped loudly. Shots rang through the air. Those idiots! I ran for the gun and felt a stinging in my calf. Then another pain in my arm. I swore. I didn't think it was too bad, but I had also been outside for awhile. The man screamed as she dug her teeth into his neck. He laid there, still alive, but barely. They stopped for a moment.

"That bitch bit Derick!" Earflap yelled.

"Your guns, on the ground." I pressed the muzzle into his temple.

They watched me.

"I said your guns on the ground!" I pulled the hammer back.

"D-do what he says, boys." He stammered.

They tossed them far enough away. I heard the police sirens. They wouldn't find us back here.

"Stand near Derick." I shoved the man toward him.

The fox had moved and hid behind me. They did as I told them. I looked behind me. The Satyr's face was bloody, but fine. I called the cops again. I directed them to where we were. The men were handcuffed and taken to jail for trespassing and some other charges. Derick was taken to the hospital. The paramedics looked at me and said that I was just grazed.

"Where's the Pet?" One officer asked.

"Must have ran home." The other replied.

"Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital, Mr. Scam?" The paramedic asked.

"I'm fine." I said.

They dropped me off at my house and left. Jerry looked other my wounds and confirmed what they had said. Clean, bandage, repeat. I went to my study and logged onto my laptop. Jerry brought me some tea. I found an article.

Pet Basics and Common Misconceptions

By Layuh Simone

1/5/19

Satyrs, also called Pets, are humanoid hybrids. They typically have an animal lower half and human-esque upper half. They also may have ears or horns on their heads as well. Their senses are normally twice as strong as humans. Physical strength varies between species. However, these are not the only things that distingue Pets from common animals.

Pets have secondary genders: Alpha, Beta, and Omega. Alphas are very territorial, especially during ruts. Ruts are when an Alpha's hormones spike and the desire to mate increases as well as their aggression. Their pheromone production also increases to attract any potential mates. They can go into rut little as once every six months or every three months depending on the species. Though it may change if there are any unmated Omegas/Betas in the area.

Heats are when Omegas are most fertile. Their hormones spike and produce more pheromones as well. Omegas will be warm to the touch, but if they become delirious or faint, then a vet should be called to monitor the Omega. They will often isolate themselves in their nests for the duration of their heat. It is important not to disturb the nest as Omegas feel most vulnerable during their heat. However, it is not uncommon for an Omega to want physical contact with their owners or other Pets. Heats can happen once every six months or every three months depending on the species.

Betas do not go through heats or ruts. Their hormones do not change as dramatically as Alphas or Omegas, but their pheromones do increase when they are willing to mate. In wild packs, they often protect Omegas and Alphas during the heats or ruts, and thusly become territorial when their pack mate(s) are going through their heats/ruts if they are not chosen.

Misconceptions

"Alphas are dangerous. They attack for no reason."

Alpha Pets are no more dangerous than a large dog. They want to protect their territory and pack. However, problems arise when owners do not correct their Pets behavior. There is training and/or therapy for every species of Pet. There are dozens of types of birth control: pills, implants, injections. Neutering/fixing your Pet should be a last resort. It can be a traumatic experience for Pets of any age. But most behaviors can be fixed with time and patience.

"Omegas only attract strays."

As I stated in the previous paragraph, there is birth control for Pets. If it is a stray Omega, I suggest calling your local Omega shelter. Alphas will fight other Alphas and Betas for a chance to mate.

"Betas cause mischief."

Betas need toys and attention from their owner. They are often neglected because they do not have a consistent reaction when they crave attention. Omegas become clingy and Alphas will become insistent in an attempt to play or cuddle. It is up to the owners to learn how their Betas response.

I clicked off it. The fox must have been a stray or something. I didn't think I saw a collar under the coat. Whatever it was, it was gone now. I finished my tea and went to bed.

Scam's POV End