The Manticore’s Mate by Andie Fenichel

Leona
I thought I could handle it, but I was wrong. My ex just married my sister at a fancy hotel in upstate New York. The party is just getting going when I reach the last of my strength. I can’t take it anymore. With no idea where to go, I run into the woods, hoping to catch my breath. In my panicked state, I get off the hiking trail and lose my way. The music is so far away, I’m not even sure what direction it’s coming from. That’s when I see a lion. I must have lost my mind because there are no lions in New York. My instinct says to run, but there’s something in his eyes that’s almost human. I see pain and hopelessness, and in that moment, I can relate to this beast. Thinking he must be injured, I carefully draw close enough to see there’s an injection dart protruding from his chest. I might lose an arm for my troubles, but I move in and pull the needle.

Cade
At first, I imagined the beautiful brunette running toward me was a woodland sprite. I’ve been stuck in my manticore form for too long. Soon I’ll lose my humanity completely. I don’t know who shot me, but with the poison still pumping in from the syringe, I can’t turn back. Then she speaks, telling me to please not bite her. Her voice is sweet and soothing. She pulls the damned needle. I immediately shift into a man, wanting to know more about the angel who saved me. So, when she runs, I chase her. Why she’s more scared of a naked man than the monster? I don’t know, but I’m willing to spend the rest of my life trying to find out.