Cat Scratched! Read Online Free PDF Page A

particularly motivated by such things. Perhaps she was a faulty version of a Familiar? Perhaps this was her chance to find out?
    Her hesitation was his answer. He took her hand and quickly led her through the forest.
    Moonlight brightened his path through the dense woods to the secluded pond where the night before he had floated his thoughts and slept on the gentle ripples of fate. The air smelled of night. Damp, rich, and at rest. Snow inhaled an image of the forest through its scents. Sweet, night-blooming flowers, the slightly sharp tangy fragrance that the crushed grass released beneath their feet, the night air humid from the nearby pond–each sense swirled over her like ribbons on the wind.
    Salair bent down at the water's edge to snap off one of the pod's at the tip of a swaying reed. He crushed the seed, and the milky liquid slid down his palm and between his fingers. Its alluring, heady scent filled the air, but Snow thought it was no match for the Familiar's own savory scent. She had always believed that stories of the intoxicating scent of the male Familiar were just that–stories.
    Now she knew better. By Aiyah, his scent it was irresistible !
    Snow sniffed the air delicately. Seemingly at the crushed pod.
    They both knew differently, though.
    "So, you have discovered our lallax plant. It is quite alluring, is it not?"
    "It is," he drawled. "Do you have any practical use for it?"
    "Yes. We use it in cooking. The flavor adds a unique, almost addictive taste to our sauces that is much sought after by those who favor such culinary things."
    "Perhaps it has more interesting qualities. . ." Her brow furrowed. "Like what?"
    "We shall see," he answered enigmatically. Snow was not sure she was comfortable hearing such a cryptic tone coming from a Familiar. She was sure it presaged getting a good ' scratching' . She suddenly remembered her mother saying: ' Always beware of any male who is also a cat. For no matter his outward demeanor, he will always act true to his nature. Even more so at night. '
    According to her mother females were always sweet and perfect. (This always caused her father to growl and laugh simultaneously.) Salair's true nature was feline–and even a female Familiar would do best to never forget it in his presence.
    Such men might purr, but 'capturing' was never far from their minds.
    As if to give credence to her thoughts, she heard the distinct rustling of garments being removed. She inhaled, then exhaled. "Why do you remove your raiment, Salair Ner?"
    "I remove my clothing because you will want to touch me, Snow."
    Said so reasonably! "And why would I want to do that?"
    "Well, I am about to give you untold pleasure. For such an experience–you will surely crave touch." Before she could even think of a response to that, his hands gently skimmed her shoulders, undoing the clasps of her robe. Her garment obediently rustled to the ground for him. The only sound in the still night was the soft intake of her breath.
    "You are very beautiful." The Familiar's throaty voice sounded husky to her ears. As if his words themselves were purrs . No wonder they were considered experts at seduction!
    She was not surprised by this man’s actions; he was only being true to his nature. It would be more of an oddity if he did not attempt such a seduction. So. . .
    What could it hurt to explore a little with him? Such an opportunity would likely not come again for her. Taking her hand again, he led her into the cool water. He seemed to sense her curiosity and her hesitancy.
    "You are shy to. . . swim with me?" He carefully brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. The graceful touch was expert.
    "You are the first Familiar I have met on this planet. I am more curious than anything else, Salair. In fact, it is something I suddenly have an outrageous curiosity for; although I am not sure I can explain it. Mayhap, you are my only opportunity to swim at night."
    "Ah, so you would use the hand of your own kind to kill your