Page 4 of Me and My Christmas Familiar

Just the idea of having the cat in his space, bundled up on his lap as he stroked his fur, filled his chest with warmth.

And then one day, to maybe become his familiar…

Lachlan’s heart stuttered at the thought. But it was too soon to think of that, especially when the cat still clearly had misgivings about him.

The cat kept eating, but he watched Lachlan as if he listened and understood what Lachlan said.

“Do you think I could pat you?” Lachlan held out his hand.

The cat stared at it. But he didn’t move away.

Slowly, mindful of the cat’s response, Lachlan patted the dark fur. The cat tensed beneath his palm but kept eating as Lachlan stroked.

“See, I won’t hurt you,” Lachlan whispered. He could feel the spine of the cat. He was far too thin. “I really would look after you. I’d take good care of you. I promise.”

The cat finished eating and sat back on his heels as if considering Lachlan’s words. Lachlan dropped his hand, holding his breath.

For several moments, they stared at each other. Then the cat turned and sauntered off.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” Lachlan said, hoping the words would be true.

I guess that’s a no.

The cat looked back and paused. Then he darted off.

CHAPTER 3

The cat sat back on his heels as Lachlan rushed down the stairs from the apartment.

“Hey, kitty!” Lachlan called out. “You’re early today.” The man wore his black pointed hat and robes. “I have your food inside the bakery. I’ll go get it for you.”

As the man approached the door to the bakery, it swung open, and he stepped inside. Abruptly, the room filled with light.

That seemed odd to the cat, but he couldn’t place his finger on why.

Lachlan turned and paused in the doorway as he removed his hat and hung it by the door. He hesitated. “If you wanted, you could come in. No one is here yet. I can give you food, and I’ll start the fire so it’s toasty warm.”

The cat stared into the bakery.

Over the past few days, he’d come to believe the man would not hurt him. Still, to come into this human room…

“You’ll be safe,” Lachlan said. “I promise.”

All Lachlan’s actions had shown the cat how kind and caring the man was. And still, the cat felt that strange pull, that deep-down instinct that told him coming inside meant warmth and security.

Making a decision, the cat prowled towards the door.

A bright smile lit up Lachlan’s face. He turned away and was back a second later, putting food just inside the doorway.

The cat sniffed at the strips of dried meat before gobbling them down. His stomach had ceased to ache in the days since Lachlan had begun feeding him.

Whilst he ate, the cat eyed the bakery. He could spot no sign of any obvious danger or threat.

Lachlan knelt. He stroked along the cat’s back. The cat arched into the touch. He purred. No one had ever patted the cat before. And Lachlan had such a nice touch. He knew just where to pat and stroke and scratch. And he gave off such delicious warmth. The cat wanted to curl up with the man and steal his warmth.

Then Lachlan stood, taking his pats and warmth with him. “I’ll start the stove, and I’ll put out some more food.”

A moment later, Lachlan set down a plate with some fish on the wooden floor nearer the stove.