Historical fantasy short story

Meat Cute

by Gail Carriger

Part of the The Parasol Protectorate series

At an apparently tedious London party, preternatural Alexia Tarabotti meets the newly arrived werewolf Alpha, Lord Conall Maccon. His spectacular rudeness, her refusal to be intimidated, and an unfortunate encounter with a hedgehog establish the combative chemistry familiar from their later adventures. The short prequel lets both characters form mistaken first impressions while showing how their attraction began beneath mutual irritation. Brief and farcical, this Parasolverse novelette suits established fans who enjoy supernatural comedy of manners, enemies-to-lovers banter, Victorian parties, and origin stories that transform a famous couple's first meeting into a compact romantic mishap. Edition note: The print version of this story appears in the limited Fan Service omnibus, which the author lists as sold out. It is also offered separately as an ebook.