Prince of Cats by Susan A. Bliler Read Free Book Online Page A

the night and even now he still cursed his lack of control.  He wasn’t accustomed to dealing with females so his natural instincts overrode good judgment when she’d challenged him.  She should have known better .  And not because she was a slave.  In fact, her status didn’t matter at all to him, what did was the fact that she’d brazenly disrespect one of the guardian Cats. 
    For what felt like the hundredth time in the past day, anger bubbled to the surface.  What in all the temples had she been thinking?   He knew for a fact that had she dared to address any of the other Cats in such a manner she would have paid dearly.  He cringed when he thought of the likes of Hondo getting his hands on her.  She was small and fragile looking and that fact brought forth his protective instincts.   His eyes darted to the mouth of the hall when he heard muffled voices. 
    Why he felt the need to apologize again made no sense but it was still so mething he felt compelled to do.  He knew she could never understand his need for dominance, it was the animalistic part of him that he couldn’t control.  He was neither ashamed nor proud of what he was, but he wanted Neomee to understand .  For some strange reason it was important to him that she not fear him.
    He caught sight of her near the end of the line .  W hen her bright blue eyes snagged on his, she quickly bowed her head, her feet stutter ing to a halt.  Bray watched as slaves behind her nudged her out of the way to walk past.
    Even with her head down he could see her eyes shifting from side to side in indecision.  Over the scent of the processional of slaves he picked up the all-too familiar scent of Neomee’s fear and it angered him.  His lips pulled back to reveal sharp canines that had elongated involuntary when his Cat became displeased .  The slaves parading by took notice and it only took a moment for their quiet talking to cease as they dropped their heads to pass in silence.
    Bray stomped toward Neomee who still stood motionless near the mouth of the corridor.  He tried to control his angered response at her reaction to seeing him but when his words burst forth he realized too late that he’d failed.  “You will not avoid me!”   His eyes dropped to her full lips as they parted but no words came out.  He inhaled a calming breath and tried again more slowly .  “Are you well today?”  He lifted a hand to touch on her throat where it was bruised from his assault a day earlier.   Neomee jerked back at the action and Bray’s brows speared down before his expression softened along with his tone.  He dropped his hand to his side, “I meant you no harm.”   Drawing in a deep breath he took a step back when he noticed her trembling.  “I wanted to apologize again for my behavior yesterday.  I lost control and if I hurt you…I am sorry.”
    Perfect teeth dented Neomee’s lower lip for a fraction of a second before she offered tremulously, “Please do not apologize to me Master.  Whatever punishment you see fit shall be mine to endure.”  She jumped when Bray roared.
    Two thickly corded arms braced on either side of her, pinning her against the wall.   The scent of her fear spiked but Bray couldn’t control his reaction.  He wanted her to look at him, talk to him… smile at him.  Instead she cowered submissively.  He’d remembered the challenging glint that typically burned in her eyes and he wanted to see it again.   “Do not play submissive with me .  I know you better than that .”
    ***
    Neomee couldn’t take it anymore.  Everyone demanded she be more slave-like and now that she was finally playing the role it was obvious that Bray was displeased with the display. 
    Perfectly manicured brows knitted over her thin nose as steady eyes leveled on his .  “ My submission is required.  I am a slave.”  She’d foregone the use of the word ‘Master’ since every time she’d u sed the term with him he’d clearly been