Part Two: The Exile

Chapter Eight

Munkustrap jerked his chin in the direction of the gate, "Let's go."

I nodded, still reeling from the tumultuous emotions that this stranger evoked. Never had any tom had such an effect on me. Trying not to betray my heightened curiosity, I asked nonchalantly, "So, who was that?"

Munku looked at me, slightly alarmed. I flashed a reassuring smile. He bought it. He put a protective arm around me and steered me in the opposite direction of the stranger's exit, "You don't want to mess with that cat. If I were you, I'd head west to Carlisle and then head home. That's the best-lit way back to your human."

I stopped, slightly shocked, "How do you know how to get to my human's house?"

Munkustrap gave a sheepish grin—an absolutely adorable one at that—and waved the thought away, "I used to go with Alonzo when he left you gifts. Until our father found out and forbid us from going."

I suddenly regretted aiming my barb at Alonzo; it wasn't his fault. The gifts didn't stop because he had forgotten; they stopped because he was forbidden. As if sensing my thoughts, Munkustrap straightened up, his manner all-business once more, "Now, just take Carlisle. Trust me, it's the safest way."

I nodded and headed in the direction he indicated. Once I was certain that he had returned to the junkyard, I quickly turned around and went in the opposite direction. I was intrigued and alarmed by this ginger cat. I wasn't leaving until my curiosity was satisfied.

~*~

I quickly trotted down the dimly-lit street, trying to catch up to the alluring stranger. As I turned the corner, I saw him disappear into an alley. I followed him, melting into the darkness. However, I made no attempts to be quiet; eventually he realized that he was being followed.

The ginger cat stopped in his tracks, turning slowly to face me, his voice low and menacing, "Don't you know the dangers of following a stranger into a dark alley?"

"Perhaps I am not afraid of danger," I stood a little straighter, accepting the challenge.

"Perhaps you should be afraid," he stepped forward, his face just inches from mine. I caught my breath, but I did not back down.

"Perhaps I will be, when I see something worth fearing," I looked him dead in the eye. A tense moment. The air seemed to be made of electricity. He gave a low chuckle, shaking his head slowly, "You are either very brave or very stupid."

"I prefer the term 'curious'," I flashed a coy grin. "It sounds so much more feline."

"Yes, it does," he agreed in a low voice. He began to circle me with slow, methodic steps. I could feel him sizing me up. I stood perfectly still, allowing him to take in every inch of me. I could feel the intensity of his gaze; I could tell what he was thinking and it made me blush. My heart pounded wildly—not in fear, but anticipation.

"What's your name, little one?" He somehow managed to sound seductive rather than condescending.

"Muffin," I replied in my breathy sex-kitten voice, my eyes wide with innocence. This earned me another low chuckled. He stopped behind me.

"Now, I don't believe such a name is fitting," he replied, gently taking his claw and tracing it from the middle of my back to my shoulder blade. "For such a fierce queen."

I steeled myself to keep from shivering in delight at his touch. This was a tough game to play; he was a worthy opponent. But I was not ready to admit defeat.

I looked straight ahead, even though I could feel his breath on my neck, "Perhaps you ought to introduce yourself first. Like a gentleman should."

"I am no gentleman," again, the voice was alluring instead of threatening.

Suddenly I found the idea of chivalry overrated. I didn't know what he was, but he was just what I needed.

"The name," I could feel him straighten up with pride. He stepped around to face me, "is Macavity."

"The Napoleon of Crime himself," I smiled slyly in breathless admiration. I had snagged quite a catch. He gave a sly smile, "I see my reputation precedes me. But truly, I am merely a humble business-cat."

He gave a slight bow, and although I didn't buy a single word of it, I let him work his charm. We both knew he was lying, and it made him seem all the more attractive to me.

"However," he grinned deviously. "I am a master at cards. Perhaps you would care to join me for a small game of poker?"

I knew what this invitation meant, but—pardon the pun—I wasn't quite ready to fold. I boldly stepped into him, lightly smoothing down the ruffled fur on his chest, keeping my paw there just a second longer than necessary, before whispering, "I'd love to."

He tilted his head back a little, the corner of his mouth crooking into a grin. Macavity thought he'd won the evening.

"But," I stepped past him, my tail curling ever-so-slightly around him. "I am a very busy cat. Things to do, cats to see. Perhaps another time, Mac."

I sauntered off into the sultry summer night. I didn't look back. I didn't have to. I knew he was watching every move I made.