“Mixie’s paperwork says Emily Wilson.” I interrupt his building tirade. “That’s all the court will care about.”
Auren’s attention snaps back to me, those amethyst eyes cold with calculation. “You’re awfully invested in this for someone who’s known Emily for what, a week? Two?”
I don’t back down from his stare. “Long enough to recognize emotional manipulation when I see it.”
A tense silence stretches between us. Emily stands straighter beside me, her presence growing stronger with each passing second, as if she’s remembering who she was before Auren diminished her.
“Fine.” Auren pushes away from the doorframe with sudden violence. “Wait here.”
He disappears into the house, silk robe billowing behind him. The door remains open,offering a glimpse of polished hardwood floors and a staircase with wrought-iron railings.
Emily releases a shaky breath. “Thank you.”
The simple gratitude warms me more than it should. I nudge her with my elbow. “We’re not done yet.”
Footsteps approach from inside the house, and Auren reappears with a sleek black cat cradled in his arms. The cat fights Auren’s hold, paws pushing against his chest.
“Do you see what you’re doing to her?” Auren huffs. “She’s distressed.”
Emily takes half a step forward, but stops before she crosses the threshold. “You’re holding her too tight.”
At the sound of Emily’s voice, the cat’s ears prick forward. She twists in Auren’s arms, stretching toward Emily with sudden interest.
Emily extends her arms. “Hey, sweet girl. Remember me?”
The change in the cat is immediate and unmistakable. Mixie strains toward Emily, front paws reaching, a chirping sound rising from her throat.
Auren’s grip tightens before he releases her with obvious reluctance.
Mixie leaps into Emily’s arms and slams the topof her head into Emily’s chin, her whole body vibrating with the force of her purrs.
Emily’s face transforms, years melting away as she kisses Mixie. “Hi, baby. I missed you so much.”
The cat stretches up, rubbing her gums against Emily’s chin, paws kneading her shoulder. Their reunion leaves no doubt. This animal recognizes her person, regardless of who’s been feeding her these past months.
Auren keeps his expression neutral, but when Emily bends to nuzzle the cat’s neck, his lip curls in disgust, the mask slipping to reveal his true feelings. He never cared about Mixie. She was only ever a tool to keep control over Emily.
“I guess you’ll want her food, too.” Auren turns on his heel and stomps back into the house.
I pick up the carrier, opening its door. “Time to go home, Mixie.”
To my surprise, when Emily lowers her toward the opening, the cat enters without a fight, curling up on the fleece blanket inside. Emily secures the door with trembling fingers, her face alight with a joy I’ve never seen before.
Auren returns and thrusts a bag of kibble at me before addressing Emily. “We’ll discuss this later, Emily.Withoutyour guard dog.”
“No, you won’t.” I step between them, blocking Auren from Emily’s view. “This discussion is over.”
Auren’s beautiful face hardens. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“It does now.” I lift the carrier with one hand. “Goodbye, Auren.”
I turn my back to dismiss him, ending any further argument. Emily hesitates for a heartbeat before following me down the path to the truck.
Auren doesn’t call after us, but I feel his gaze burning into my back with every step.
At the truck, I open the passenger door and store the food in the back seat before turning to Emily. “Give me the keys. I’ll drive.”
She pulls them from her pocket, dropping them into my palm without argument. “He’s going to be angry.”