Page 6 of Cursed with Fortune

Turning to watch her, she looked back at me with a glare but didn’t run away.

She was the one.

I lowered my voice and crooned to her. “How would you like to come home with me and be a pampered princess?”

She stopped walking away and looked over her shoulder at me. And if I didn’t know better, I’d swear that sadness flashed in her beautiful amber eyes.

The young girl from the desk walked towards me. “Have you picked someone out yet?”

“Her.” I nodded to the beautiful lioness.

Her eyebrows rose high on her face. “Are you sure you wantthatone?”

“Is something wrong with her?” I looked from the young woman to the lioness, noticing the gem studded collar she wore.

That’s one of Vincent’s designs!

“She was in terrible shape when she arrived.” The young girl looked sad, and I moved my head to find her name tag.

“Missy, I’m sorry someone hurt her.” I smiled. “I promise I’ll more than make up for it. She’ll be a pampered princess.”

“Well, I should hope so, Frank.” I heard my old friend’s voice behind me.

Getting up off the ground, I turned to face Dale. “Got a favorite?”

“She’s a special one.” He nodded to the golden cat, who came back to the front of her enclosure.

“Maybe she needs more space?” I shrugged, hoping to give the cat the benefit of the doubt.

“I know with you she’ll be loved.” Dale smiled at me. “Her name is Pricilla.”

“Pricilla.” I smiled. “I love it. When can I take her home?”

Missy jumped up and down in excitement. “Just as soon as we get the paperwork done, Mister Frank.”

I went with Missy to complete the paperwork and when I got back to my cat; I saw her hunkered down in a corner, hissing at Dale and Roger.

“What happened?” I ran over to her space.

“Oh, she don’t like to be touched.” Roger scrunched up his face.

I lifted the latch and entered the space with them. “Let me see what I can do.”

Dale and Roger dropped back and let me take the lead. “Here sweet girl. Come to daddy.” I crouched down and held out my hand.

The tiniest little roar came from her. “Rawr.”

“C’mon, be a good girl.” I wiggled my fingers and duck walked closer to her. “I’m not gonna hurt you.” Her paw was a blur as she swatted my hand, cutting my palm open. “Shit!”

“Here’s a rag, Frank.” Dale handed me an old bandana, and I wrapped it around my palm.

“Thanks, Dale.” I dropped to my hands and knees and crawled closer to her, pausing before I reached for her. “This might hurt me more than you, but it’s the only thing left, Prissy.”

My words seemed to disarm her, and I reached out to pick her up. Her paw slapped me across the face. She drooled and her slobber soaked me. Dale and Roger brought the crate closer, and my whole body felt wet.

Then my body warmed, and then the smell hit me.

She pissed on me.

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