Hate Me (Black Mountain Academy)

by Ashley Jade

I brush my hand along his fur, hoping I don’t startle it away. However, the kitty is so tired, it makes no protest about being touched. “Hey, buddy. Where’s your mama?” Because a kitten this small is definitely still nursing. I glance around the yard, hoping to find a larger cat somewhere…but there’s no sign of her. “What are you doing?” I jump at the sound of Knox’s voice behind me. Turning my head, I look up at him. “Did you know there was a kitten in the backyard?” His face scrunches as he glances down. “No.” He starts to walk inside, but I halt him. “Where were you? I knocked on your door.” He gestures to the sweatpants and damp t-shirt he’s wearing. “I went for a run.” His eyes narrow. “What do you want?” Telling him about Candi is going to have to wait because I need to get some food into this kitten. “Right now? A can of tuna.” His lips curl. “You shouldn’t feed strays.” “If I don’t, he’ll die, asshole,” I shoot back, glaring at him. Visibly annoyed, he rubs the back of his head. “Fine.” I pet the kitten, trying my best to console him. “Hang on, little guy. You’re gonna get food soon.” A few minutes later, Knox returns with an open can of tuna. “Here.” I place it in front of the kitten, but he’s so lethargic, he doesn’t move. Not even when I place some on my finger. “Come on, baby,” I urge. “Take one little bite.” “Maybe he wants to be left the fuck alone.” “He’ll die if I leave him alone. Something must have happened to his mother.” Swallowing...