Chapter 103

Feral refused to come near us, no matter how often we came out here, and here he is, by his own volition, rubbing against me gently and purring at me because he wanted to. It’s a massive show of trust and affection, and I can’t believe Alexi doesn’t get it at all.

Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision as my hand trembles around the can I am still holding. Instantly blown away by something so basic. I mentally shake it off as I check myself, pulling my shit together, breathing out the overwhelming wave of emotions, and leaning down slowly to tip the contents into his bowl. I lay the can on the ground, still bent over and tentatively reach for the cat’s back, pausing with nerves cascading out of every pore—Tense and hopeful.

He makes another sweep against me, even though his food is there, and gently I run my fingers along his spine, grazing his soft fur and surprisingly warm body heat, which completely soothes my soul. The cat butts his head up to meet my palm and, for a