The Mortician

“I’m sorry. This just isn’t working.”
If I had a dollar for every time I heard those words, I’d be a millionaire by now. You would think people would have the common decency to come up with a decent explanation when they break it off with you, but no. It hasn’t happened for me. They always mention my animal form. So what, I’m a Komodo dragon shifter. Apparently, my other form scares people. I know I can be a bit intimidating in either form but I’m not an asshole. It’s not like I’m going to eat them or something. That isn’t me. The tattoos probably don’t help my case either but they never mention them.
The only thing I want is a chance at a decent relationship but it seems every time I try, the other person can’t seem to get past what I am. It hurts and it sucks but I guess that’s my lot in life. I’m not holding out hope for a fated mate. It’s been years since I’ve met any fated pairs and even then they’d already been mated for years. No new pairings have surfaced in over a century. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Especially for all the younger paranormals out there wishing for mates of their own. It hasn’t happened in a hundred years so why would it happen now? Yeah, it won’t. That sucks.
Chapter One

Dimitri

After being kicked out of my parents’ house at eighteen I spent most of my time travelling the world until I found a place to call home. Komodo dragons aren’t known for their parenting skills and even though we’re shifters with a human half my parents weren’t exactly loving. The adults usually raise their young until we reach an age where we can take care of ourselves. After that we’re on our own. I don’t resent my parents for it or anything. They only did what they thought was right. Besides, if they hadn’t I wouldn’t have ended up here in Phantom Creek with the close knit group of friends I have.
My friends and I all work at the Phantom Creek Mortuary. Each of us is a rare type of shifter you won’t find anywhere else. Well, everyone except Triton; he’s a god. We each have specific jobs to do. I’m the mortician. I prepare the bodies for burial. The guys say I’m a miracle worker because I can take the worst injury possible and fix it. I’ve never had a viewing where a closed casket was required. Normally, if the damage to the body is too extensive then the family will request a closed casket. Which is why I work miracles when it comes to repairing the damage. Making it so the family is able to view their loved ones.
I’ve got three to prepare today. Luckily, I don’t have to do too much repair work on them otherwise I’d be here all night. After I clock in, I change into my solid black scrubs and turn on my stereo. Can’t work in the quiet. The silence annoys me. Pulling out the first client of the day, Mr. Williams, I get to work. He died of a heart attack so I don’t have to do any repairing. Still, I have to embalm him, do his makeup, and dress him. Donning my gloves, I get to work setting up the embalming station. Truth be told, I rarely get any paranormals on my table. When I do though, they become priority as they’re one of our own. Mostly it’s just humans. I’m not complaining though, it is how I make a living.