Chapter 14 Winston
WINSTON
A new scent rides through the air of my kingdom—soft, floral, and unmistakably feline. My ears perk despite myself as I stalk down the branches of my tree. I freeze, tail twitching.
There she is, peering out of a pet carrier Scott came home with, eyes wide and bluer than the Montana sky.
Scott calls Holly over, introducing the invader. She goes nuts for the thing, cooing, and calling her “Duchess.”
I flick my tail, unimpressed.
What is this? A peace offering? As if Scott thinks a pretty face and a plume of tail will distract me from my war.
Then the newcomer mewls. The sweetest sound draws me like sunlight. I creep closer, ears forward, nose twitching, and finally get an eyeful of her.
We match with the same snowy coat, and gray ears. We’re both of royal blood, no doubt—a destiny for ruling over these humans, side by side.
I narrow my eyes at Scott.
Clever human. Very clever.
He watches us, chest puffed out, and clearly believes this distraction equals forgiveness and could buy my love. He underestimates me.
This doesn’t mean I like him. At all. But perhaps, I’ll allow him to live another day, for now. After all, a companion who shares my glorious fur and impeccable disdain could be a useful ally.
Fine. I’ll let him have his moment in the sun. But the game is far from over.
The scoreboard in my head blinks: Cat 2, Scott 3.