Page 122 of Pack Scratch Fever
I nod. “That’s what Piper taught me.”
At the mention of her name, Mari looks up at me. “Do you understand what you’ve done toourPiper?” she demands.
I nod. “I do, Mari. And I’m so, so sorry.”
“I swear, Mari, we’ll make it up to both of you,” Maddox says, his eyes burning with intensity.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” she snaps.
I figured the ten-foot cat tree and massive amount of cat food were a good start, but apparently, Mari disagrees.
Blair sighs. “It’s complicated, Mari. Besides, the guys pledged to do litter box duty every day for us, too. Morningandnight.”
I notice Maddox’s slight grimace, but neither of us objects to Blair’s claim.
If I have to spend my life scooping up cat shit just to show Piper I love her, so be it.
My scent match is worth it.
Mari scrutinizes us, then looks back at the bags. “You might as well come in, then,” she mutters. “You can start now.”
“And I’ll be back after I check on Piper,” Blair says, and my heart aches at the mention of my scent match’s name.
Let me go with you,I want to say.
“We’ll go with you.” Maddox says, apparently becoming a mind reader.
“Absolutely not,” Blair huffs. “No offense, but you’re the last people she wants to see. Go and clean the litter boxes so Mari doesn’t have to do it.”
I look to Maddox, and I can tell he’s debating whether to follow Blair from a distance in his car. I shake my head subtly, and he rolls his eyes and huffs in frustration.
“Come on, boys,” Mari says. “And bring all that cat litter with you.”
Maddoxand I let Mari order us around, cleaning litter boxes and washing food bowls while Blair is away.
I’m sure we’re still on the older woman’s bad side, but she seems to soften when I’m content to trim the nails of a few of the rambunctious kittens.
She won’t say it outright, but she appreciates the help.
By the time the rescue closes, every kennel is deep cleaned, and the floor is spotless.
Marialmostlooks pleased.
I can’t even be angry with her.
She cares about Piper, my Omega, and Piper deserves all the care in the world.
“I expect some help tomorrow, too,” Mari adds.
“Of course,” Maddox says. “That was always the plan.”
“I’ll come after my classes,” I tell her. “I’ll help clean up during closing.”
At that, Mari’s expression softens. “I’m sorry I was harsh with you earlier,” she admits. “I’m always going to be like that with Piper. There’s not a lot of people like her in the world.”
I’m aware of how special Piper is, and it kills me that she’s hurting.
I can’t comfort her when she’s in pain because my pack is the reason for it.
