Page 7 of Me and My Christmas Familiar
Lachlan slid his hand along Kit’s fur. “And to think it was just two weeks ago when you began visiting me. And now you’re my pet!”
Kit purred and curled in close to Lachlan, relishing the feel of the heat that came from the man’s body.
“Jack will probably go out after work or hang out in the main room. He usually only comes in to sleep. And he would never hurt you!”
Kit closed his eyes, as the warmth of the room chased away the remaining cold from his bones.
I’m safe. I’m Lachlan’s pet. Lachlan is my human. He will look after me.
He must have fallen asleep, because at some point, he awoke. The door creaked open. A man stood in the doorway, carrying a lantern. Kit had seen him earlier in the day, entering and leaving the bakery. He glanced at Kit.
Kit tensed.
“It’s all right,” Lachlan murmured, stroking Kit’s back, not even opening his eyes. “It’s just Jack.”
“I see you got yourself a pet, Lachy.” Jack chuckled and placed the lantern down on the cupboard. Then he opened his coat.
Kit perked up. An iguana had been tucked away in Jack’s clothes. Murmuring soft words to the iguana, Jack placed her on a shelf above his bed. Then he got undressed and lay down in the other bed, turning off the lantern.
Kit stared at Jack in the darkness for several moments. He stared up at the large iguana. Finally, deciding all was safe, Kit closed his eyes and snuggled close to Lachlan.
CHAPTER 5
“Lachlan, can you serve?” Casimir, Lachlan’s adopted brother, flew through the bakery, wings fluttering as he exited through the back door. Today, Cas dressed in a red velvet outfit, with accents of shimmering gold. He was the self-proclaimed Christmas pixie, and as always, he was breathtakingly stunning. “I’ve just got to take care of something.”
“Of course.” Lachlan wiped his hands on his apron as he stepped back from the table where he mixed a bowl of cookie ingredients.
Kit lay curled on a cushion beneath the table. He blinked his eyes open, stretching and gazing up at Lachlan as he rolled onto his back, clearly wanting pats.
“I can’t right now,” Lachlan said. “I have to serve.”
Kit mewed pitifully, and Lachlan chuckled as he walked away. “I’ll be right back. I promise. Then I’ll pat you.”
Kit had been with him a little over a week now. His cat seemed more and more content with Lachlan and their life together. His siblings’ noisiness no longer caused Kit to startle or tense. And Kit had even put a bit more flesh on his bones.
They spent all their time together. Kit worked with Lachlan. He slept with Lachlan. And when Lachlan went out, Kit stayed tucked in the front of his robes, purring contentedly.
Having Kit in his life put a spring in Lachlan’s step. It felt like they were made for each other. With Kit, everything just felt fuller, brighter, and less lonely.
Lachlan came around the large table separating the front and back areas.
“Good afternoon. What can I get you?” Lachlan asked the elf customer perusing the cookies behind the glass.
He pointed. “I’ll take three of these cookies, thanks.”
Lachlan completed the elf’s order, and the bell above the door tinkled as the elf left.
They’d be closing for the day soon, but a few patrons sat, enjoying their baked goods, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, in the front area. A decked-out Christmas tree stood in one corner. Garlands and baubles hung from the ceiling. Cas, the Christmas pixie, of course had been in charge of the decorating.
Lachlan let out a breath and pressed his hands to the counter as he looked over the patrons.
May you be at peace. May you find nourishment in this safe place.
Lachlan wiped down the counter. The bell above the door tinkled. Lachlan straightened.
A man came towards him, a strikingly handsome man who wore robes marking him as a mage. He looked around the bakery.
“How can I help you today?” Lachlan gave the man his brightest smile.