Page 40 of Pack Scratch Fever
9
PIPER
He likes Mister Whiskers.
AverylikesMister Whiskers.
It shouldn’t be a big deal, and it would be impossible to explain to him.
But the fact that he’s fond of Mister Whiskers makes me feel as if Avery understands me.
No, I don’t exactly relate to an angry old cat with a scrunched-up face, but I’m still protective of the feline.
Yet Avery sees the creature just how he is—still wanting care, just misunderstood.
Oh, no. Maybe IamMister Whiskers.
We finish the photoshoot of the cats, and Avery offers to help me tidy up the area. He says goodbye to all the animals and offers a chin scratch to the ones that welcome it.
It’s so endearing that my heart melts.
He’s sokind.
I’ve never been interested in someone like Avery—all the Alphas I’ve tried to connect with have been closed off, self-deprecating, and angry.
Even that awful one-night stand didn’t start off well.
He wanted a quick lay, and so did I, I thought.
When I asked for more, desperate to be taken care of, he left me in the room, all alone.
I shiver at the memory, doing my best not to compare Avery to that nightmare.
“You okay?” he asks, eyeing me curiously as he follows me to the reception area. His amber eyes, gentle and playful, slowly crumble my defenses.
“Yes,” I reply. “I really am. This was amazing. Are you sure I can’t pay you? I have to offer you something.”
“You already are,” he says easily. “You’re having dinner with me.”
I nod, grinning, and Alvin jumps onto the counter as I walk by, his purr as loud as an engine. I scoop him up, place him in the playroom, then shut the door behind me.
All the cats are accounted for, their food and water bowls filled, and litter boxes changed.
The cats we trapped at the packhouse are at Mari’s, waiting to be fixed and then fostered.
Life is good.
After I lock up, Avery stands outside with me, giving me a slight smile.
“So, dinner,” he says. “Any place you like?”
I shrug. “The gastropub three blocks away is good. Blair and I go there all the time.”
He nods. “Do you want me to give you a ride there, or…”
Getting in the car with Avery is a tempting thought.
Maybe if I wasn’t so closed off and guarded, I would.
