31. Xeraphine

31

Xeraphine

Twenty Minutes Earlier

N ot sure why, but my apartment doesn't really feel like my home anymore. I can't quite explain it, but the moment I walk in, it feels like something has changed. There is absolutely no way that I'm already feeling that comfortable at Kai's place.

"Ugh…" I groan aloud to no one.

I've packed my bag, which I knew would only take minutes, and open the patio door. Mister must have heard me come home because he was waiting there for me.

Murroowww. Murrrow! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooow!

"Okay! Okay!" I bend over and stroke his back, giving him the butt scratch he likes, and stand up.

Bbbroowww! Rrroowwww!

Gods, he is needy. Never before has he pawed at my leg as though he wants me to pick him up. He is rubbing his entire body along my bare legs, and I cock an eyebrow. "Up? You want up?"

Brrowww!

I don't speak cat, but if he scratches me, I'll toss him from the balcony. That's a lie, I'd never, even though I'm sure he'd land on all fours.

Bending, I put my arms out, and he leaps into my embrace. I'm more freaked out that he leapt, like he couldn't wait long enough for me to just pick him up.

A soft chuckle comes from my lips, and I cross back into the kitchen and grab my phone. May as well call Sydni, Gods only knows how long Kairhyse will be.

I dial her and place the phone between my ear and shoulder, holding onto Mister and stroking his back. He's patting at my hand, but not with his nails, more like trying to play I suppose. I honestly have no fucking clue with animals. They typically don't like me, so for him to even just enjoy being with me is strange.

"Hello, my bestie Phiny-bear!" Sydni greets me with her sing-song tone. "How're you? I miss you. Can I come hang out with you and Rhysie-poo?"

Rolling my eyes, I step out onto my patio, the night clear of clouds, allowing the crescent moon to grace me. "You're wild, you know that?" I say through a chuckle, matching her giggle. "Miss you too, I'm doing… good."

Her squeal makes me release a ugh .

"I suppose you can come over, I'm sure Kai wouldn't care. He'd probably be elated to talk more about my choice in drinks."

She squeals again, "Phiny, I'm so excited." Honestly, I don't want her to elaborate, so I leave it for her to just keep talking. "Okay, I'll make sure to ask Rhysie if it's fine. I already know where he lives so I don't need directions."

I'm beginning to see a trend with the people I hang with. She is equally a stalker, and I kind of like it.

Brrroww! Mister is shifting and climbing up against my chest, his paws resting on my shoulder. He begins yowling, the tone low, and I can feel his hair sticking up.

"Hey, you wanted to be held! Don't start getting pissy with me."

"Is that Mister? Wait, he let you hold him?" She sounds as shocked as I was.

I look over my shoulder. No one is there, so he must be irritated with me. "Yeah, but now he is—" He begins hissing, his claws digging into my shoulder.

Something is wrong, but before I can register what it could possibly be, the blast shatters my eardrums. The force at which it slams into my back barely gives me any chance to grab hold of Mister and shield him from the flames that pour from my apartment.

Then, I'm on the ground, four flights down, staring straight up at the sky. The fire and smoke billowing out of the fourth floor is slowly consuming the moon I had just been looking at.

I can't hear anything, not even my own cough. My arms won't move, and I know I've broken my spine from the fall. On my chest, I feel pressure, and while I can't move my head, I peer down to see Mister lying there.

He isn't moving.

"No—" I'm not even sure if the word escapes my lips, as all I can hear is the ringing in my head.

I can smell blood everywhere, most of it is mine, but I do smell others.

"Mister…" Please be okay. Please be okay. Oh my Gods.

I just need a few moments to heal, and then I can move. Then I can save him. Rush him to a veterinarian who will save his life.

Except, a pair of hands grab hold of my wrist and begins dragging me. Then another pair lifts my shoulders, and just before I'm shrouded in darkness, I see Mister rolling from my chest to the ground.

No… please…

Suddenly I feel a bite on the back of my neck, and I know it's a Vampire. The venom slices straight into my spine, coursing through me with a relentless speed that strips away my consciousness in a single, agonizing breath.