“I see we’re back to huffing cats,” Piper chuckles.
“They smell wonderful, and you damn well know it,” I murmur into Alvin’s fur, my voice muffled.
There are two types of people in the world: the ones that know cats smell good, and the others that are just nose blind.
It’s notmyfault that cats naturally smell like clean laundry and sunshine.
Unless we just rescued them from a dumpster, I thoroughly enjoy burying my face in a ball of fur.
“You and your brother are alike in that way,” Piper says, amused. “He does the same thing to Snow.”
“Exactly!” I say, wiping cat hair off my face. “Besides, you know how many videos I’ve seen of people talking about how good their cats smell to them? It’s not just me.”
“I’m not saying you’re wrong,” Piper continues. “You’re just quirky. It’s endearing.”
I shrug. I’ll takequirkyover other words Piper could use for me, if she truly wanted.
Weirdo. Crazy. Annoying.
All descriptions I’ve heard before, but thankfully, never from Blair, Piper, or anyone else at Furs and Purrs.
No one here has ever referred to me as Avery’s obnoxious little Omega sister, either.
Moving to Luna County was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I didn’t fall in love with cats until I offered to volunteer here, but it’s changed the trajectory of my life.
I thought I was happy working at the thrift store, living paycheck to paycheck, and only shamefully asking my brother for money when my situation was dire.
But now, I have purpose.
There is always more to learn about cats, always more to understand about animals in general.
I have drive now.
And that drive is to save every cat I possibly can, huffing them along the way.
“Did I miss anything exciting this morning?” I ask Piper. Alvin nuzzles my hand once, and I give him gentle pats at the base of his tail until he hops off the top of the desk.
“Oh, we have the new vet. He introduced himself to us this morning, but you should go say hello when you have a second.”
I lean on the counter, resting my chin on my hands. “What’s he like? Is he nice?”
“Logan? He’s great. He comes from an emergency animal hospital. We’re lucky to have him.”
I hum in agreement, ready to talk Piper’s ear off some more, when I scent it.
At first, I think there’s a cake left out somewhere. The scent of vanilla is strong, but not too sweet. It’s warm and mixed with a richer, heavier note.
Bourbon, my mind supplies.Bourbon.
Just like the too-expensive glass of fancy alcohol I had on my twenty-first birthday. I don’t know how much my brother paid for it, but I sipped that glass all night, savoring the rich, decadent taste.
I haven’t had a glass of that drink since, convinced I’d already had the best of the best.
Trying any other brand would be a disappointment.
But this?
