An annoying feeling I can’t identify nags at me.
Mae gasps. Her eyes widen to an impossible round shape and she swallows a few times before actual words come out. “I-Is that...a p-panther?!”
“A jaguar.” I smile, patting his head. “His name is King.”
“H-he’s...y-yours?” She jumps off the bed and glues herself to the wall behind her, stalking sideways.
“Easy there, kitten. I advise you against any sudden movements.” I smirk. “King is terrible with strangers.”
She swallows for the millionth time, gripping the side of the window too tight until her knuckles whiten. Her unblinking eyes travel the length of the feline before focusing on me. “Why did you bring him here?”
“You see.” I push off the entrance and motion for King to follow. Mae’s attention never leaves the jaguar as he waltzes to her. “I moved someone from the dungeons to my own sleeping quarters. I gave them warm food, water, clothes, heating, and even someone to take care of them.” I stop in front of her, invading her personal space. “Do you care to indulge how I get repaid?”
Mae finally glances at me, beads of sweat shine on her forehead as she frantically shakes her head. Her eyes dampen with springing tears.
“How the fuck did you repay my kindness, Mae?” My voice rises.
Mae flinches and closes her lids tight as if afraid someone will pry them open. “I’m sorry,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
“I did not hear that.”
Her eyes flutter open. The familiar defiance burn at the depth of their blue. “I’m sorry!”
At her shout, King stalks to her, his nose sniffing on the way.
“Look what you’ve done.” I release a tsking sound, anger morphing into amusement. “I suggest you remain completely still, little deer.”
She freezes, her gaze hooked on the jaguar. His nose brushes against her leg, and she releases a small whimper. She glances at me and murmurs with trembling lips, “P-please, help me.”
“Hmm...” I lean forward until I’m face to face with her. “Maybe if you apologise and actually sound apologetic.”
She gulps. Her gaze travel from King to me as if calculating which of the two poisons to pick. She releases a shaky sigh and meets my stare. “I’m sorry. I won’t try to escape again, I promise.”
I clutch her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to face me. “Of course you won’t. The next time you attempt such masquerade, I will throw you in the underground darkness for a week and perhaps have King keep you company. Is that understood?”
Her head bobs up and down more than needed.
I release her. “Good.”
“What about him?” she whispers, her voice haunted.
“King, sit.”
When he does as instructed, Mae dashes away from my grasp to hide behind the bed. “Can you please get him out of here?”
“No.” I sit on the sofa opposite the bed and beckon her over.
She walks sideways like a crab to avoid King who’s sitting majestically in the middle of the room, licking his paws.
Her voice softens, upper lip quivering. “Can’t we talk while he’s out?”
I shake my head once.
Her eyes narrow, a hint of rebellion mars them. She steals a glance at King and the opposition dies, keeping her mouth shut.
Smart girl.
She sits beside me. Too close. Out of my comfort zone, close. Her citrus shampoo scent conquers the air around me as her unsettled eyes focus on King.
“He won’t move unless I command him. I suggest you stay on my good side.”
Why the hell did I say that?
Her gaze locks with mine and she stumbles to the other end of the sofa. My hands twitch to make her go back to where she sat before.
Mae glares, the little warrior inside her activated. She’s smart enough to remember keeping her voice low. “You’re not fair! How can I win if you bring jaguars in the game?”
She thinks of this as a game? Well, damn. I must’ve really messed her up.
“Since when did you think you had a chance to win, lamb?”
“Since...” She clears her throat, thrusts her chest forward, and crosses her arms. “Since you didn’t kill me. For some reason, you want me alive.”
“For now.” I capture her gaze, voice harsh. “Don’t tempt me, Mae. I can still finish your little life.”
She swallows, doubt and fear clouding the blueness of her eyes.
She should be