The Stray Who Came Home Chapter 2

My cat mom didn't know what Liam said, but she could read the room.

She meowed anxiously, nudging me to rub against him again, trying to show off my clean fur.

I wanted to explain, but I couldn't.

As far as I knew, no one in Liam's circle was afraid of cats. I loved them. Back in the day, stray cats used to escort me home, and Liam would always smile and give them treats.

So who was afraid of cats? His new partner, presumably.

It had been a year. He had his own life. He had to start over.

No one stays in the past forever.

I looked up at him.

He looked tanner than before, with dark circles under his eyes. Only those eyes were as bright as I remembered.

It was a pity that the reflection in them wasn't me anymore.

I wanted to leave, but Mom wouldn't let me. She grabbed me and dropped me at Liam's feet again, standing guard outside.

Liam sighed.

While we were in this standoff, a familiar male voice came from behind him.

"Babe, what's wrong?"

Wait. Why is it a guy?

Then, my arch-nemesis Wes's big, stupid face leaned into view.

"You're feeding strays? Remember, don't bring them inside. They're full of bacteria. Filthy."

Liam didn't say anything, but his expression was resigned, like he was used to this.

He might be used to it, but I wasn't.

I launched myself at Wes with a combo of fury swipes.

Filthy?! Who are you calling filthy?!

Wes, you piece of garbage! You fought me when I was alive, and now that I'm dead, you stole my boyfriend?!

My paw pads smacked against him with a satisfying thud-thud.

Afraid Wes would hurt me, Liam scooped me up.

"The kitten knows you're bad-mouthing it."

Damn straight.

I started yelling at Liam in cat language too.

If you found a nice girl, I'd accept it. But my nemesis? And a guy? Are you trying to kill me twice?

I swung a paw at Liam, but my legs were too short. I missed.

Liam laughed and poked my head.

I hissed.

Wes frowned, looking at the spot where I'd hit him, lost in thought.

"If you touch the cat, wash your hands. Or don't even think about getting in bed tonight."

Wes dropped that bombshell and went to the bathroom. Soon, I heard the shower running.

"I know," Liam replied, good-natured as always.

Great. Just great.

One year after my death, my boyfriend and my enemy are together.

Judging by that tone, they're sleeping together???

When did this start?

After I died? Or were they colluding while I was still here?

No matter what, I had to make Liam adopt me.

I needed to see what the hell was going on.