Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 2

made his way down to the holding room. He stepped inside. A young man with bright red hair turned to look at him inquiringly.
    "Hello, Bobby. I'm Investigator Atwood. We'll be working together. Right now I'm going to return you to the hat factory."
    Bobby nodded. "Is Constable Dart all right? This has been a trying time for him."
    "He's deeply engaged in his mission right now. You understand what that mission is?"
    "Yes, Investigator. He's to lead you to Dr. Ophelian's followers, and you'll arrest them. And he's to neutralize Dr. Ophelian. It won't be easy for him."
    "No, it won't. But in our own way we're going to try to help him. I hope we can count on your assistance."
    "Of course. Dr. Ophelian was my designer, but Constable Dart is something more, isn't he?" He tipped his head to the side. "I think an analogy might be an orphan who is adopted. One man may have provided the sperm to create the child; but it is the man who raised him that is truly father. I have studied humans, good ones and bad ones, and Constable Dart is very special. We will bring him home safely, won't we, Investigator Atwood?"
    "We will do our best. But now it's time to go."
    "Yes. I must make sure the rooms are in tip-top shape for the Constable's return. I think he would like that."
    Love was indeed a very interesting emotion. Atwood studied Bobby for a long moment. One couldn't really tell he wasn't human at a quick glance, but he had to wonder about his workings. They said he didn't experience emotion, but Guarde had to wonder. Bobby Robbins might just have a few things to teach him. For now, duty called in a most unusual case. Something told him it was unlikely to end happily for everyone. And likely love would suffer untold damage. Bobby might just need to be kept strong and healthy, because likely he'd be the only one around to pick up the pieces on a sad, disturbed piece of work.
     
    THE END
    Author bio: Darcy Abriel delights in the stories that flirt with the dark side of emotion and passion. Going back to the days of Saturday Night Chiller Theaters, series such as The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits , toss in a dash of Alfred Hitchcock, and these are the stories that have always fascinated Darcy. That edgy sense of danger that leaves one tingling. Be it a roller coaster ride, a Dracula movie, or a good erotic horror read at the darkest slice of night. Visit the dark side with mystery and passion, eroticism and tingling fantasy. Explore what makes your heart pump faster, your blood run hotter, and the adrenaline surge. Darcy always looks forward to hearing from her readers and she may be contacted at Email . Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter, Torrid Tidbits .
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CORY'S PRIDE
    by Amanda Corlies

    I'm a zookeeper and I care for the big cats. See Bogo on the left, he's been limping for a few days and I had to call in the vet. But the vet who just waltzed in here like he owned the joint is not Dr. Kate Sullivan. He's the new guy at her clinic. And I think the only way to wipe that cocky, arrogant grin off his face is with a hard kiss...
    ~ Deanna

    genre: contemporary
    tags: zoo; African lions; zookeeper; veterinarian; hurt/comfort
    word count : 17,778
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    CORY'S PRIDE
    by Amanda Corlies
    "All right boys, time to put on a show for the fans. Get your lazy butts moving," Cory said.
    Bogo cracked one eye open, but he made no move to get up from his comfy nest of hay. He lifted his head and yawned, showing a mouth full of shiny, white teeth. Then he rested his chin on his forepaws once more.
    Pogo, on the other hand, was up and pacing the front of the cage, his saucer sized feet made shushing noises against the hay covered, concrete floor. He shook his golden mane and puffed a greeting that sounded like a reverse sneeze.
    Cory waited. He didn't want to let Pogo out until Bogo was up and moving. Otherwise, all of the food he had hidden around the exhibit this morning would be gone before Bogo made it outside.
    "What's the matter, old man?" Cory frowned at Bogo when he simply gave him a bleary look.
    Pogo looked at Cory, then at Bogo. He walked to the shift door that led to the exhibit and slammed it with his paw. He looked back at Cory as if to say, "What the hell are you waiting for?"
    "Well, you could help me get the old boy up, you know," Cory said.
    Pogo turned and walked to Bogo, rubbing and