Page 7 of Blade

“I’m going to taste like sand too. It’s everywhere. It was somehow in my pants from just the hike out here, but I have no idea how that happened and now I’m gritty everywhere.” Why did people like this part of the world, much less this part of the state?

Somehow they had grass growing in sand but that didn’t keep the sand on the ground. “I was holding out for a shower later tonight at the campground but that plan seems kind of shot because the whole eating me thing.”

I really was sandy and starting to itch.

Was it possible to be allergic to sand?

“But since you haven’t eaten me yet, I’m going to say thank you for getting me out of the tree.” Manners couldn’t hurt. “You’ve been very helpful and you saved me.”

Wait.

Why had he stopped growling?

Did he actually seem less pissed?

Could animals have praise kinks too?

“You came when I was alone and trapped.” What else had he done right? I was pretty sure I had to sound at least slightly sincere for this to work. “You got me out of the tree even though the rope is weird and magical.”

Something else…I needed something else.

“You haven’t eaten me yet even though I’m sure instincts are hard to fight.” No matter what he was, all creatures had instincts, so I couldn’t be wrong about that. “Now you’re…you’re keeping me company until you know that I’m safe and…and not going to do anything stupid to get myself trapped again.”

Hopefully?

“I promise to be more careful?” Fucking Hell. He moved back. “Thank you, pretty kitty.”

It couldn’t hurt to play up to his ego, as long as he had one.

Every man I’d ever met had one, so murder kitty probably did too.

Ugh.

All men were idiots…me included because he moved again but I wasn’t nearly scared enough anymore.

I wasn’t in the clear, but instead of his teeth being parked over my face his muzzle was now over my chest. Was that the right word? Oh. Had things gotten worse? Did his species go quiet before they had dinner?

Well, lunch.

“My first step to being careful is going to be working on the knot at the top of the net and then I’m going to get my bag and drink some water.” And eventually I’d figure out that dehydration timeline but better safe than sorry. “Once I’m free, I’m going to eat the protein bar I put in my backpack because this has to be affecting my blood sugar.”

Did he want me to have more sugar before he ate me?

Murder kitty climbed off me.

What the fuck was going on?

He wasn’t moving far but he wasn’t standing over me anymore and he actually looked at my backpack.

Please don’t let me scare him into attacking just because I thought he was smart.

“I’m going to move my hands and reach above my head. I’m not sure if you understand me at all but you’re safe and I’m safe and nothing is dangerous.” Or stupid because as soon as I got free, I was going to find a less dangerous monster to hunt. “You’re going to be safe and I’m going to be safe. No sudden movements. Nothing scary besides those impressive teeth and claws and muscles.”

Ego.

Yes.

Slowly reaching above my head, I did my best not to make any sudden movements as I tried to find the knot. My new friend didn’t care for that at all, but growling aside, he didn’t move any closer. “Good murder kitty. You’re so patient and you know I’ve learned my lesson.”