Not A Pet story

Chapter One

"I can't breathe," I hear myself whispering.

Everything was dark, I didn't know how to open my eyes and I felt that if I did, I would probably die. Now my priority was to get some air into my lungs before I suffocate.

"It's fine, you will be able to in a second," a cold, deep voice assured me.

Hearing it made me forget about my desire to breathe. Now I just wanted to die. It would be so much better than to be here, where this... this person is next to me. I've opened my eyes and let a cry out. I remembered the ceiling. I remember the disgusting sweet smell of roses in this room and the smell of whiskey coming from the person sitting in a chair right by my side.

"You've been very, very naughty, kitsune," he said, leaning closer to my face when he saw me open my eyes.

"I I-m sorry, I won't do it again, I promise."

"Oh, I know you won't, my dear," his lips softly placed a kiss on my forehead and I shut my eyes again hoping this was all just a very bad dream "I found a buyer for you and you will not like him at all," Mr. Ashford said in the most excited voice I have ever heard.

"I will obey, please."

"He's coming tomorrow, so please have some rest. I'm sure you'll need it."

My capturer stood up and left the room. I waited for another minute before opening my eyes again and slowly, I pushed myself to sit up. Nothing had changed in here – my bed was still in the corner, a chair by its side, a desk with a chair, a sink, and a little cabin for a squat-down toilet. By the ceiling, there was a single lamp and a diffuser which constantly let a rose scent in the room to make me weaker. Everything was a nasty grey color and just being here could make anyone depressed. I noticed he didn't chain me like before and it's probably because he knew I would be too weak to move too much.

I managed to stand up and pace a bit around the room. I needed a plan and I needed one quickly. Hell knows Mr. Ashford was not a kind man and if he said I wouldn't like my buyer, it means I will definitely not like it. My kind was rare as it was, let alone expensive as hell. I only knew another kitsune like me and she got luckier than I did – when we ran away, she managed to get on the bus and fled the country. As we couldn't have been seen together, I promised to stay in town for a few days to create an illusion that both of us were still here, but obviously, it didn't go as well as planned. Though I'm happy that at least she's safe – or I think she was and that was enough for me to bear that I'm here again.

Ashford was a rare species dealer and breeder. He was collecting supernaturals like myself and selling them off to whoever had the most money or something that he needed. Since finding a male kitsune was basically a mission impossible, he made sure to get us sold for the best price that he could get. I only thank the Gods that he didn't know that Amaria, the other kitsune, was pregnant at the time he caught her and he still didn't know she was, otherwise he would have done terrible things to me to get her location. Sure, she was a big loss, but it's better to lose one of us than have me beaten up and bruised which meant no one would buy me for aesthetic reasons. We did heal quicker than most other supernaturals, but since there was a rose smell everywhere, it blocked my powers. I guess he didn't want to take his chances since the buyer is coming tomorrow.

I sat down on the bed again and took a few deep breaths. We got lucky the last time, could I get lucky again? Just as I was having that thought, doors opened and a guard came in with a tray.

"Dinner, Catherine."

He closed the door behind him and put a tray down on the table. I got up again and came closer, knowing I can't be loud.

"Please tell me he didn't get Amaria," I whispered, gently placing my hand on his shoulder.

"No, he didn't," Hunter vaguely smiled and I let out a relieved sigh.

"Thank you. I don't know how we'll ever repay you for your help," I said, finding his sad eyes looking straight at my face.

"But here you are," he shook my hand off of his shoulder and I could tell that the guard was upset about it.

"No, Hunter, listen to me. It's fine. I'm fine, I'll survive. I know you had to do what you did; it's my fault I didn't hide better. I don't want you to get in trouble because of me. Amaria was far more important anyway" I calmed him down, gently stroking his hand. "How is your wife? Is she getting better after getting my blood?"

"It's like she was never sick," Hunter's face lit up when he thought about his wife "Thank you again."

"We helped each other. As long as Mr. Ashford doesn't find out, lets say we're even. Now go, before he gets suspicious."

He gave me a brief hug and left the room. I quietly finished my food and before I knew it, I was back in bed ready to sleep.