In the world where the upscale meets the unusual, Jawk Brighton navigates a life marked by curiosity and allure. As the first Kin server at Batchelors, he draws attention—both from patrons and from those who see him as a curiosity. Jawk’s unique charm and playful demeanor shine through, even as he faces the challenges of being different in a world that often overlooks individuality. In this excerpt, we glimpse the dynamic interactions between Jawk and the businessmen he serves, revealing moments of humor, tension, and the unspoken desires that linger beneath the surface. Welcome to a night at Batchelors, where connections spark into life.

Welcome to Batchelors

Waiter Jawk Brighton bowed to the booth full of businessmen. "Have a safe trip, gentlemen. I hope you'll come back to Batchelors again soon." He made no attempt to hide his fangs as he smiled. Ears down and out in respect, he placed a hand over his heart, bowed once more, then took a step back and walked away.

As he turned the corner toward the kitchen, he caught a glimpse of them in the mirrored wall. To a man, all had leaned out and ogled his ass.

Hadn't they seen a Kin before? Or maybe any ass would do. Being the first Kin to work here had brought him plenty of attention last night, and record-breaking tips. And they thought cats were curious! Everyone wanted to see him up close, touch him, and ask questions.

Cool eyes. Can you see in the dark like a cat? Say something in meow. I thought Kin had fur. Do you have claws? Are they sharp? Is it true Kin can't whistle because of their fangs?

But the worst had to be, "Here, kitty, kitty!" followed by laughter.

He blew through the right-side kitchen doors and scanned the staff ID bracelet on his wrist. Up popped a tray at his station, and the hoverbot underneath lassoed itself to his arm. Holding the tray overhead, he swept back out the other side. The time-elapsed-in-kitchen clock over the door read 2.7 seconds.

Beat his trainer's best, and it was day two day on the job. Who was the best, now?

The human-oriented Batchelors Four with its crystal and white tablecloths catered to the upscale gay crowd in the Empire's capitol city. To be seen here, the powerful feigned a gay inclination even if they never acted on it. Whether a proper business lunch, a tycoon-style impress-the-hell-out-of-the-client dinner, a few friendly drinks, or a casual pick-up, business deals rose and fell like the fate of empires in Batchelors' soft-lit booths.

"Who's thirsty?" Jawk bowed to three businessmen sharing a table, all of whom looked up from notes they were making. He parked the hoverbot next to the table. "A Black Mystery for the handsome gentleman in white who seems to be all work tonight." He placed a napkin and the black vodka in front of the man on his left and was rewarded with an immediate smile. "Gin for my friend with the gorgeous ginger-colored hair." He held the gaze of the customer a moment longer than necessary, then served the last drink with a quick flourish of his wrist. "And whiskey straight for a fine-looking gentleman who..." He turned over one hand as if waiting for him to finish the sentence.

"Isn't," his friends finished for him, to laughter all around.

Jawk winked at him. He released the hoverbot, which rose to the ceiling and returned to the kitchen. "Gentlemen, your server's taking a quick break." He pulled a square napkin from his apron pocket and turned it on the table so it formed a diamond. His name was scrawled across one corner. "I'm Jawk. If you want me..." He widened his eyes in a flirty smile. "Oh, pardon. I mean if you desire my services..."

The men broke into chuckles.

Jawk laughed with them. "Just tap this button." He stuck out a claw and touched a glowing button on the table. Batchelors' holographic menu popped up. "I'll come immediately." He patted his chest as if flustered, flashing them another smile. "Oh, well—it might take me a little longer than that..."

More laughter.

Jawk clasped his hands behind him. "Anything else for you, gentlemen? What other appetites may I satisfy tonight?"