Page 93 of Slick Handling

“That’s no name. He’s been here for a few years. No one wants an older cat with one eye.” The man running the shelter explained to me.

He is completely wrong.

“I want this cat.”

“One brain cell!” Griffin makes an oof sound as McKinley elbows him.

The Beta leans in beside me, wrapping an arm around me and nuzzling against my neck. He is supporting me without saying anything about my choice.

I appreciate it.

This morning Mama Joy had gone to straighten out the school issue for me so that I don’t have to go anymore. She was also looking at getting more Omega activities and classes planned to help fill my time so I wasn’t just sitting around. We were going to have the police come over this afternoon to talk about Bryce breaking the restraining order too.

Marcus has texted me several times. None of them were opened yet. I wasn’t ready to see what he was saying to me or feel his betrayal any more. It hurt enough to have a friend taken away from me after wanting one.

“No name doesn’t really do well with people so…oh.” I’m scooping up the cat, kissing his handsome furry face as he meows softly at me.

He doesn’t try to bat me away or use his vampire-like teeth to bite me. Instead he lets himself be covered and pressed the perfect nose against my face in an affectionate little touch.

Be still my heart.

“You love kisses don’t you Mister One. You just love to have that handsome little face loved on. Don’t you, my special boy! So sweet. Little orange angel. My sweet Captain! Oh, kiss kiss kiss for you.”

Meow.

His response is perfect and I hug him close to me as everyone watches us in shock.

“I’ll just get the paperwork started and-”

“That cat is missing an eye.” Apollo had reappeared and deadpanned the statement, looking at everyone like they had made a mistake in letting me choose the most perfect orange floof ball of all time.

He was wrong.

“It also has one brain cell that it shares with all its lasagna eating friends.” Griffin adds, getting a glare from me because he isn’t being helpful..

“It’s perfect.” McKinley reassures me, reaching out to touch the docile cat only to get claws smacking him away.

“Oh, Mister One, we don’t hurt Mickey. He’s a good Beta. Say you’re sorry, please.”

Meow.

“Thank you for apologizing, Sir Purrfect. You’re such a good kitty cat.”

Apollo softens and shakes his head, going to handle the paperwork while I pick out a collar for our new cat. McKinley is getting things that our cat would need as I speak gently to my new best friend.

Griffin and Vaughn stand together, talking, and I realize that even with everything that is going on I felt happy.

“That smile. That is exactly what I want to see everyday.” Mickey is giving me a soft kiss before bringing more things over for Apollo to pay for. The Alpha looks at everything and then at me and Sir Meow-Meow of Meowington.

He waits for me to come over before paying for everything. Making sure I had everything I need for the cat.

The guys are carrying everything as I focus on taking Mister One to the car. Apollo opens the door and lifts me inside, since I didn’t want to let go of the squirming cat who seems to hate sunshine.

Maybe he is a vampire after all.

“Are you happy, cherub?” I nod my head, “Good, get used to the way it feels. That’s how we’re planning to keep you feeling forever.” He shut the door as I bit my lip.

Forever.

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