Chapter Two
Setting down my things, glad to be relieved of my burdens, I smile at my familiar as I walk into the kitchen.
“Do you want some warm milk?” I ask. “Of course you do.” I fetch a small bowl from the cupboard and fill it, heating the milk in the microwave for thirty seconds just to remove the chill from it.
Then, setting it down on the wood-topped counter, I sigh, looking at my familiar expectantly.
“Well, come on then,” I encourage. Salem jumps up with natural grace and nuzzles my hand again, then sits to lap up his creamy white gold.
“You’re such a pretty boy,” I coo appreciatively. “Thank you for choosing me.”
Salem arches his back into my gentle strokes as he drinks, the picture of contentment.
With a smile on my face, I reheat my still half-full abandoned cup of peppermint tea and sip at the sugary sweet and refreshing flavor.
For several minutes I simply watch my handsome cat, so grateful that I chose to go ahead with my summoning ritual despite my initial misgivings.
It’s been a while since I last cast real magic, and I had my doubts I could do it.
I usually leave the workings of the universe to their own ends and just observe seasonal celebrations and moon phases.
.. So, my ritual was my first time dipping into the arcane energy pool since I was a teenager.
Draining the last of my tea, I rinse out my cup and put it in the dish strainer to let it air dry.
“All right, well it’s well past midnight, now,” I say, “and I’m exhausted, to be honest, not to mention I’m totally over having a wet butt.
So, I think I’m going to have a hot shower and turn in for the night.
I haven’t organized a cat bed or anything yet, obviously.
I’m sorry, but you’re more than welcome to sleep anywhere you like.
My home is your home now.” Salem purrs in feline appreciation, content to finish his meal while I go about my ablutions.
I had no idea that finding the right companion—a true familiar—could fill me with such an instant sense of innate happiness.
There’s just something about my lovely black-as-night cat that makes my soul feel complete in a way that I can’t quite describe.
The ritual does say that we’ll be bound forevermore, I muse.
With a final giddy glance back, I wander off to the bathroom to wash and change into my pajamas.
Switching on the taps, I strip out of my cold ceremonial garb and the room begins to fill up with steam.
A minute later hot water flows over my cool skin and I shiver as heat infuses my flesh once more.
Lathering up my hair, I crane my neck back and revel in the floral scent with a sigh.
It’s my favorite—midnight jasmine and cedarwood.
Bubbles trail their way luxuriously down my body in soapy rivulets, over my breasts and between my thighs, to swirl down the drain at my feet.
The bathroom door creaks open, and I smile, my eyes still closed in bliss.
“Hello, Salem,” I coo, certain the slinky feline has followed me and found his way into the bathroom.
Rinsing the last of the suds from my hair, I wipe the water from my eyes to find my golden-eyed beauty sitting on the other side of the glass, regarding me with his ethereal gaze.
“You’re such a good boy,” I say as I turn off the water and step out of the shower, dripping onto the plush mat beneath my feet.
I bend over at the waist, my full breasts falling forward, my nipples forming stiff peaks in the cool beyond the steam of the glass cubicle.
I give him a quick scratch, before roughly drying my long red hair and running the fluffy black towel over the rest of me.
“That feels so much better,” I breathe, slipping into my freshly washed flannel pajamas.
Then, running a comb through my curly locks to avoid morning tangles, I wrap up my nightly routine by brushing my teeth.
I literally feel like a million dollars.
Warm, relaxed, refreshed, content, and a proud witch with her very own familiar.
I could probably walk on air if I tried!
Salem feels more like home than it ever has—and I was born here—it’s beautiful and humbling all at once.
Salem rubs up against my shins, then follows me from the bathroom like my proverbial shadow.
He’s already so loyal and attached! The simple realization brings a smile to my face, and I yawn.
It’s definitely time for sleep. Leaving the candles alight on my altar, as well as by the window to burn out with the waning hours of All Hallows’ Eve, I pull back the covers of my four-poster canopy bed and climb in, instantly overwhelmed by its welcoming softness.
“Mm,” I sigh, adjusting the pillows behind me.
Snuggling under the blankets, I get settled in, grateful to be back indoors and tucked away from the elements.
It’s not as cold as winter just yet, but based on the chill factor alone, it’s on its way, that’s for sure.
Salem jumps up and walks over me, practically vibrating like a furry little motor.
“Are you going to sleep with me?” I ask, giving him more scratches around his ears, and then under his chin.
He closes his eyes in elegant kitty bliss, nuzzling into my hand with his wet nose, before kneading my breasts from on top of the covers with some serious affection.
A laugh escapes me. I couldn’t be happier.
“Aw. That’s fine by me,” I say, my heart full.
“Make yourself at home, and Happy Halloween, Salem. I’m glad you’re here with me.
” Salem curls up on my chest, comfortable as anything.
It’s like it’s the most natural thing in the world, like it’s something he’s always done—like it was meant to be.
If I’d had even the slightest inkling that finding my familiar would birth such a sense of harmony within me, I would have attempted to summon one years ago!
No wonder witches have always had familiars throughout history, I marvel.
It makes so much sense, now. I’m not going to be alone anymore!
I can hardly believe it. Tears of happiness prick at the corners of my eyes as they flutter closed.
Our connection just feels so natural and perfectly in sync that I drift off to sleep in short order, lulled by the adorable sound of his steady, breathy purrs, feeling more at peace and content than I have in as long as I can remember.
With my very last spark of consciousness before the darkness claims me completely, I lace my fingers through Salem’s midnight fur and thank the spirits again. “Blessed be,” I whisper.