Page 108 of Seeking Shadows

“FIGARO!”

The tuxedo cat lets out an irritatedmeowand jumps out of the box, landing gracefully on Seth’s shoulder, where he snuggles up like achaos pirate.

I reach out excitedly. “Come to mommy, baby!”

Figaro growls.

I freeze. “What?”

Seth smirks. “He hates you.”

I place a hand on my chest, offended. “That’s not true! He’s just…” I pause, watching as Figaro nuzzles into my brother’s neck with pure affection and devotion. “…cheating on me?”

Seth nods. “He stayed with me after Charlie had to take care of some business. You really should take your cat with you when you travel, sis. He’s gotten used to me being around. And you?” He levels me with a glare. “You’re just the one who abandoned him.”

“Ididn’tabandon him!” I protest.

Figaro growls again.

“That’s a lie, baby! I love you!”

Seth crosses his arms, clearly enjoying this. “It must be sad to be rejected by your own cat.”

I narrow my eyes. “He just needs to remember that he loves me, okay?”

Figaro yawns and burrows deeper into Seth’s shoulder, as if to say,Don’t count on it.

Before I can recover from this feline betrayal, my phone vibrates. I glance at the screen and see a message from Zane.

Zane:If you need me, I’m here. I’ll let you spend some quality time.

Mia:You’re scared of him, aren’t you?

Zane:Obviously.

I laugh and quickly type back.

Mia:That was a good speech.

Zane:I didn’t lie. Your brother may be scary, but that doesn’t change the fact that you and I are who we are, and no one gets in the way of that.

Mia:Cute… but he wouldn’t really kill you.

…

I hesitate.

Mia:I think.

Seth watches my reaction and raises an eyebrow. “What is it?”

I put my phone away and smile. “Nothing. Now give me my cat.”

“He doesn’t want to go.”

“Give me my cat, Seth.”

Figaro meows, snuggles closer, and closes his eyes, making his choice clear.

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