Page 5 of A Skirl of Sorcery
I crossed my arms over my chest. ‘I’m somewhat vanilla when it comes to my preferences,’ I said.
‘No wolf?’
Definitely no wolf. I nodded.
He exhaled. ‘Me too. I guess this will have to wait for another day.’ His voice was hoarse with the effects of his semi-transformation. ‘Anticipation will only make the actual event more delicious.’
At this rate, it would be the best sex of my life given how long I’d been anticipating it. ‘I can wait if you can.’
Relief flashed in his eyes as he realised I wasn’t blowing him off. ‘I’ll fetch Tiddles.’
I made no attempt to disguise my disappointment. ‘That’s probably a good idea, then I’ll get out of your … fur.’
He huffed slightly and vanished from the doorway, reappearing a moment later with his small ginger cat in his arms.
‘Have you chosen a name for yourself yet?’ I asked her.
She stared at me unblinking so I guessed not. She was more than old enough to have sorted out her own moniker; it appeared that Tiddles was a late bloomer.
‘I think she likes being called Tiddles,’ Thane said with an air of misplaced authority,
I snorted. ‘If you say so.’ I took the cat from him. At only about seven months old, she wasn’t yet fully grown though she certainly wasn’t the tiny kitten I had first met. Quite the opposite. I suspected that when she was done growing, Tiddles would be a very large cat indeed.
I scratched between her ears and let her clamber onto my shoulder. It wasn’t particularly comfortable for me, but Tiddles seemed to like it and she’d be safe up there during the journey to Danksville. ‘Shall I drop her off again after the full moon?’ I asked.
Thane nodded, his eyes darkening with smoky, heated promise. ‘Tomorrow morning.’
I raised an eyebrow. ‘You won’t need more time to recover?’
‘No. I want you here before noon tomorrow.’ He gazed at me. ‘Ineedyou here.’
My heart rate ratcheted up a notch. ‘Okay.’
Thane ran his tongue across his lips. ‘Give me your word, Kit.’
‘My, my. That is serious.’
‘Where you and I are concerned,’ he said, ‘I’mveryserious.’
‘In that case you have my word,’ I whispered. ‘I’ll be here,’ I glanced at my watch, ‘in twenty-six hours’ time at the very latest.’
‘Good. Don’t forget about me in the meantime.’
Fat chance of that. I adjusted Tiddles slightly, nudging her to the right so that her tail wasn’t obscuring my vision. Then, still feeling somewhat deflated at the turn of events albeit excited about what was to come, I left.
Chapter
Three
The nearest tram stop was quite a distance away and the streets were surprisingly busy. Normally that wouldn’t be an issue but Tiddles took umbrage at the stares she garnered from various passersby. I didn’t blame her; she didn’t want to be touched by strangers and that was definitely a desire I could get behind.
‘Wow!’ exclaimed a tall witch who crossed the street to get closer to us. ‘Nice cat!’ He stretched out his fingers to stroke her then recoiled when Tiddles hissed. He looked at me askance, as if I’d somehow commanded her to react negatively. I shrugged and swerved around him, keen to get on my way.
Things got worse when three teenage dryads tripped towards us. ‘Oh my gosh!’ The nearest one reached out with her arms extended, determined to move Tiddles from my shoulder to her own. Naturally Tiddles responded with a swipe – and she had no qualms about extending her claws.
When beads of scarlet blood appeared across the dryad’s pale green skin, she looked as if she might cry. ‘Your cat attacked me!’ she complained.
‘You should have asked for permission before you got too close,’ I said.
