Page 11 of Me and My Christmas Familiar

“Careful, Kit!” Lachlan laughed. “I almost tripped.”

Kit’s witch had the best laugh. He had the best smile. The best face.

Kit sat on his heels, just staring up at Lachlan. He was the strongest witch in the family, he was the kindest, he gave the best neck scratches, and he was the best witch ever.

Kit felt so full of joy and pride to be Lachlan’s familiar.

“Now where did I put those trays?” Lachlan asked, looking around.

Kit spotted the tray, stacked onto a crate. Kit pounced next to them. He shoved his nose against the tray and meowed.

Lachlan turned toward him. He laughed again.

Kit loved making Lachlan laugh; it made his insides feel all warm and soft, like when he napped by the oven.

“You’re so clever, Kit. The cleverest cat there ever was.” Lachlan gave Kit a pat and picked up the tray.

Kit’s tail swished back and forth.

I helped my witch. I am a good familiar. The best.

This was the first time they’d worked at the Christmas markets. Lachlan told him he didn’t work them often. Tonight, his brothers Jack, Cas, and Grady also worked. Jack and Cas remained at the counter, serving the line of people, whilst Grady did something in the back of the stall.

Kit liked Lachlan’s siblings. But they weren’t as great as Lachlan. But no one was as great as Lachlan.

The side door to the stall opened. “Hello!”

Kit perked up. A faun he didn’t know stepped in. He frowned. This wasn’t one of the siblings. Only the siblings should be back here in the stall.

“Hey, Tony.” Lachlan smiled and stepped toward him.

“Hello, Lachlan.” The stranger pulled Lachlan in for a hug and squeezed him tight. Too tight. “You’re looking well.”

Kit’s eyes narrowed, and his ears flicked forward, gaze focusing on this strange man’s hands on Lachlan.

Why is this faun hugging my witch?

The faun released Lachlan, but his arm remained on Lachlan’s shoulder. “You’re busy tonight.” He glanced at Cas and Jack serving.

“We are.” Lachlan laughed.

This intruder had made his witch laugh. Kit didn’t like that one bit.

Kit didn’t like the man touching Lachlan, smiling at him, or being anywhere near him. Kit’s tail twitched.

“Come outside for a second,” the evil faun said. “It’s crowded in here, and I don’t want to get in the way.”

Lachlan nodded and followed the man out.

Kit followed too.

“So what can I do for you, Tony?” Lachlan asked.

“I’m delivering this.” Tony reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a brown package.

Lachlan took it. “What is it?”

Tony took another step towards Lachlan as he handed him the brown package. He clasped Lachlan on his shoulder. “Well?—”