Page 31 of Rescued By the Beast
"Take her home?" He stares at me as if a second head has just grown on me. "But when we suggested a pet, you said you didn't want one."
I cross my arms.
"Actually, I ignored the question and asked you to stop bothering me."
For a moment, he just stares at me silently, as if waiting for me to laugh and say I was joking. When he realises I'm serious, he shakes his head in disbelief and stifles a laugh.
"Right." He sighs. "Well, she needs to stay here for at least a day. I want to make sure the wounds don't get infected and that the transfusion goes smoothly. After that... you'll need to get ready."
"What do I need to do?" My voice comes out more anxious than I would like.
"First, a comfortable space. A bed for her. Food." He runs his hand over his chin as he lists them. "A litter box, of course. And patience, Mark. She'll need time to trust you."
I give a short nod, taking it all in.
"I'll take care of that. But besides dry food, what other foods can I prepare for her?"
"Homemade food?" He rubs the back of his neck, thinking. "Well, she'll need food that provides the right nutrients. Lean meats, cooked without seasoning, such as chicken and fish, are safe and can help, but everything must be balanced. I'll give you a complete list of recipes and specific guidelines for cats. That way, you can do everything right."
"Okay, what else?"
He chuckles softly, shaking his head as if he still can't believe it.
“I'll email you everything. But first... Are you sure about this? I can take her to a shelter...”
My jaw locks and I control the claws that want to emerge.
“I'm sure.”
Ethan watches me for a few seconds, as if trying to figure something out. Finally, he sighs and shrugs.
“All right. I'll let you know when she's ready to go home. In the meantime, get the cabin ready.”
“Thanks, mate.”
He gives a half-smile, shaking his head, clearly trying to hide his amusement.
"Just wait until Ted finds out about this."
I snort, rolling my eyes.
"He's going to give me a bloody hard time, that's for sure."
Chapter 11
Sandra
When I open my eyes again, everything is blurry, confusing, as if I were floating between the real world and the world of nightmares.
I try to move, but a strange, cold sensation runs through my skin. My head feels heavy, but I force myself to look around and see a strange place, a white, impersonal space through bars. I am inside what appears to be a large cage, with a hospital smell.
What...?
My thoughts skid, slipping through the edges of unconsciousness.
Then I remember. I finally remember what happened and my heart trembles in my chest, electrocuted by panic.
I remember the monster I tried to escape, the essence I drained until there was nothing left, my near death...
