Only Human: Monsters and Men

Chapter 25: Jason Hendrix

Sorry for the short chapter. If I get some votes or comments, I can post another one before the Friday drop. Otherwise there will be more on Friday.

-Lucinda Croft

Change of POV

Lunch was delectable as always. Knowing that Stanley enjoyed a fine sushi plate, I had a famous sushi chef flown in yesterday. I can also appreciate a nice unagi roll, so it wasn't an inconvenience. It was nice to hear how well the business had been going, but I was already aware of its success. It was just a good practice to make your employee leads feel accomplished by rewarding them from time to time.

With Stanley engaged with his lunch I took a peek at my human. She hadn't said anything. Not even when Stanley was assessing her. She was lounging against the bookcase with a book in her lap. Mary had provided her a plate of sushi as well, so she was eating a few rolls with her chopsticks while reading. She seemed engrossed in whatever book she had. It was actually a bit sexy seeing her pouring into it like a sophisticated librarian. She would occasionally hold her short brown hair out of her face, or bite her lip oblivious to how suggestive it was. Even while sitting in a dog bed with a collar around her neck, she seemed elegant in her white dress.

"Jason." Stanley's voice tore me from my thoughts.

"Yes?"

Stanley glanced between the human and myself with a knowing smile. "You sure are smitten."

"Are you suggesting that I have feelings for a human?" I said surprised and disgusted.

Stanley quickly put up his hands in surrender. "Of course, not. I was only joking. Care to tell me what's on your mind? You seem a bit distracted."

I quickly calmed myself and took a quick glance at the human again. "Do you remember when I showed you my Angel's Heart?"

"Yes. I believe you showed it to me a few visits back," Stanley said with raised eyebrows.

"I believe it isn't doing too well. You grew up in Alturess. Is there any care you would suggest?"

"I'm sorry to say that those flowers are doomed once they leave their blessed nursery. I'm actually surprised that your plant has lasted this long."

"Yes, but there must be something. Money isn't a concern."

Stanley shook his head. "Angel's Hearts earned their name because those flowers can only thrive where angels have blessed the land. From what I understand they feed off of angels' energy for fertilizer."

"Is there a way I could get an angel to bless my land then?" I asked earnestly.

Stanley laughed, but stopped when I didn't join in. "I'm sorry, Jason. I didn't know you were serious. You know as well as I do that, like the demon race, angels cannot walk among us. They have to be channeled through another species, and unlike demons, angels are picky about who they bond with. There is a select group of individuals who partake in this practice, but they are concentrated in Alturess. That is why the blessed ground is found there and not in Vania."

I tapped my cheek while I processed this information. If what Stanley says is accurate, then there is no way my Angel's Heart should be acting as it does. I glance at the human once more to find her oblivious to our conversation. She was too absorbed in her book. The Angel's Heart and its sprouts only responded to her. Could she be bonded with an angel?

"You say that angels can bond with species, but are picky. What sort of species have bonded with an angel?" I asked cryptically.

Stanley thought hard on that one. "That's tough. It would probably be easier to list what species they won't bond with. They won't bond with vampires because their lust for blood goes against their principles, they won't bond with werewolves because they are too controlled by their animal instincts, and they won't bond with mermaids because their gluttony is too much to fight against."

"What about humans?"

"Now that's an interesting topic. Apparently, there is this group of angel followers that believe the most perfect bonding of angel and creature is with a human. But that is only if the human is completely pure. They are actually raising humans to have no ill-thoughts, actions, or experiences. Any bad thought or impurity and the angel will reject them."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. But there is this other group that believes humans to be the lowest creatures to have ever been born. These groups are continually at odds. It's a large feud down in Alturess."

"How would you know if you ran into a creature bonded with an angel? Do they have some symbol on their forehead or something?" I asked intrigued. I have never heard of these angel followers, and I had a pretty extensive network.

Stanley shrugged. "It's almost as impossible as knowing when someone is bonded with a demon. They would have to show you their abilities for you to be able to tell."

I glanced at my human again. She did have a way with the Angel's Heart, but she hasn't shown any other abilities. If she had them, she would have used them by now to save herself. I have also put her through quite a few impure acts. According to Stanley, that would have been enough to make any angel reject her if there was a bond.

"Well, I have loved our luncheon, but I believe I must return to work. No rest for the wealthy I always say." Stanley stood and stretched. I quickly followed suit. "Oh, I almost forgot the gift I got you."

Stanley strode to the door and knocked. "Mary, would you mind bringing in my gift?"

At this point the human had finally looked up from her book, and was watching what was happening with mild interest. Mary then entered with a rolling tray. Atop the tray was a corked glass bottle and two wine glasses. From the smell I instantly knew what was inside the bottle.

"You shouldn't have." I said with fake enthusiasm.

"Nonsense! Our company would be nothing without your guidance and support. This is an aged white category said to have been from a saint, but I think that's just the marketing talking. The one true thing I can assure you is its flavor," he said while uncorking the bottle.

The smell was indeed strong, but it did not tempt my appetite. In fact, it did the opposite. "I appreciate the gesture, but I just fed from my human before you arrived. I'm afraid I don't have much of an appetite." The human gave me look, as she knew I was lying.

Stanley looked disappointed. "Oh, but I was hoping to see your face once you tasted it. Do you think you could muster a glass with me? Just to celebrate our success." Stanley had already filled the glasses and was looking at me expectantly.

"Of course." I said not being able to think my way out of this. I noticed Mary watching on with concern written all over her face. I confidently took the glass and raised it for a toast. "To another year of success." Stanley clinked my glass with his and quickly downed the blood like the fine refreshment it should be. I quickly followed suit trying not to smell or taste it, but it was of little help. As the blood slid down my throat, I felt my stomach lurch and my nostrils fill with a repugnant scent.

"Right? Isn't it the best blood you've had! I almost cried myself. Consider the rest of the bottle as my gift. I will take my leave." Stanley bowed his head and walked out of the room with Mary following behind. She glanced at me once more as if apologizing for what she knew was to come.