Page 46 of Feline Good

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When Maya awoke, it was to a painful, pounding throb inside her head. Her face hurt, and her whole body ached. Hell, at this point, even breathing hurt.

Fuck. Me.

With a groan, she opened her eyes and shifted, getting her palms underneath her and pushing herself up. That fucker had hit her hard, if the nausea now swirling in her stomach was anything to go by. Cradling her head in a hand, she stood and glanced around the bar. Amir and Asher both were knocked out, surrounded by a few sand piles dotting the floor.

She trudged over, her steps heavy against the wood floor as she stumbled. It seemed every second, her head cleared a little more, but it still wasn’t quick enough, if you asked her. Sucking in a deep breath, she studied Asher’s features as she crouched beside him. His face was bloody and bruised, one eye already swelling and coloring, while a cut above his eyebrow slowly seeped blood.

Amir was in much the same shape. Even from here, she could see the bruises blooming on his forearms, his knuckles cut and bloody from the way he’d defended himself with vicious intensity.

Leaving them for now, she stood and moved across the way to August, whose breathing was deep and easy. With a soft touch, she shook him and called his name.

He awoke with a start, bursting up from the floor in a fluid movement of muscle and grace. It brought a smile to her lips.

“Sorry, you missed the fight.” She teased.

He looked disappointed for a split second before he saw the way she cradled her head. He crouched down beside her and lifted her into his arms before stalking to the kitchen and depositing her onto the island countertop.

“You’re okay though? Besides an obvious hurting head?” He leaned down to peer into her eyes, and she melted at the concern in his gaze and the affection in his tone.

She nodded before realizing the motion was a big no-no. “Yeah, I’m good, I think. Asher and Amir are still out cold, but they looked okay for the most part.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine, hayaati.”

It was silent for a moment as he gathered ice in a clean dish towel, the clack of the cubes smacking each other a comforting sound. He was taking care of her, and Maya’s heart swelled when he held it to her head.

Still… it couldn’t be avoided. Doubt filled her, and her voice was quiet as she spoke. “But will they? Will you? They have the amulet now.”

He looked doubtful for a moment. “Remember what we read in the library? About the guys who fucked up the first time, which made your job even necessary?”

Smiling at the thought, she nodded for him to continue.

“Well, based on that story, we’re going to change. Not back to cats, but… into different people, I think. Our morals will change to fit the needs of the person holding the amulet… and assuming that person is…”

“Evil?”

He waved his hand back and forth in a so-so motion. “Basically. If their morals stem from vengeance, or hatred, then so will ours.”

They were quiet for a moment, the possibilities of their situation endless. Would Maya even recognize them when the time came?

“I can’t imagine you being cruel.” Her words were paired with a kiss to his clothed chest as she pulled him closer, setting the ice pack to the side.

“To be honest… I can’t either. I don’t want to be. I need you to know that, Maya, before anything happens. I’m so sorry, hayaati.” He pulled back to cup her face and stare down at her, the emotions in his eyes laid bare for her to see.

Shaking her head, she brushed his apologies aside, her throat closing up with emotion. “Don’t apologize. It’s fine. It’ll be fine. I’ll figure it out.” She tried to lighten the mood. “I’m the Chosen One, remember?” A half smile curled her lips, but even she could tell her heart wasn’t in it.

August chuckled, bopping her on the nose with his finger. “Yeah, and the power of three will set you free.” Rolling her eyes, she laughed off his reference and pulled him closer. Her hand slid over his chest and shoulder, cupping the back of his neck and bringing him down to her.

He obliged, his lips sliding against hers gently at first before the intensity grew, mimicking their desperation and the fear that battled inside of them. Desperate to hold onto this, as it was now, she clutched at him, trying to pull him closer. Spreading her legs wide so he could fit between them, she sat at the perfect height for him to grind against as his arms circled her and pulled her close, her ass balancing on the edge of the countertop.

August was already rock hard as he ground into her, his hands dropping down to cup her ass and knead her flesh through the material of her jeans. His hands slipped up to tease the skin underneath her shirt, sending waves of goosebumps across her body, hardening her nipples and making her breath catch.

When he made a move to lift her shirt, she raised her arms and tugged it off with his help, breaking the kiss for a moment. They crashed back together as Maya unsnapped her bra, too caught up in the passion, in taking advantage of the time she had with him, to slow down.

“Not here, take me to the office.” She gasped between kisses.

Frowning, he stared down at her and lifted a brow. “Why?”