Read A Lost Kitten for Free Online

jumped underneath the covers naked. Even with a fire blazing in the hearth, he could not get warm, so he pulled the covers over his head. It was another restless night.

.
    Chapter 3
    The following afternoon, an excited Bogdan revealed that a grand feast was planned for the next evening in John’s honor. Everyone was invited. John thought the party was unnecessary. Bogdan told him that King Yudit insisted. Not wanting to insult the king, John agreed to attend.
    During the feast, Bogdan introduced John to several lords and ladies who resided in the castle. The number of people who attended the feast did not match up to what John’s senses were telling him. He decided the cold was the culprit. He would not be able to rely on his senses during his stay on Surreal.
    John was seated at the king’s table, which was at the furthest end of the room from the entrance, raised on a wooden platform. Beside him sat a married couple who were indulging too much in alcohol. They giggled and flirted unabashedly with each other.
    The middle-aged man turned to him, raised his wine goblet, and asked, “Would you like a drink?”
    “No thanks,” he replied.
    John looked around the room. Plenty of oil lamps and candles lit the large area. It was a step back in time. The ‘Great Hall’, as Bogdan called it, was sectioned off into three parts by tall wooden pillars that supported the high timber roof. In many areas, the stone walls and mortar were in need of repair. Narrow, elongated windows were scattered along the outer walls. The wooden shutters were wide open, allowing a slight breeze to enter. For the feast, the stone floor was swept, and the eight long wooden rectangular tables were covered with white linen.
    A lovely young maiden appeared in front of John with a large kettle in her dainty hands. “Would you like some more tea?”
    John smiled. “Yes. Thank you.”
    The young maiden peeked at John while she slowly poured the hot liquid into his metal mug. She had shoulder-length brown hair, pouty lips, and brown eyes. Her generous breasts and hips made her waistline appear tiny. She spotted him staring. She drew from her apron pocket a small bag of herbs. She intentionally tilted forward to give John a better view of her bosom as she placed the bag on the small dish next to the mug.
    John smiled. He enjoyed when women flirted with him, especially the pretty ones. Being part feline had its privileges. He had a high libido and was more than willing to share it with a beautiful woman. The scent of lilac reached his nose. It was pleasant, but not his favorite scent. His gaze followed the young brunette across the table.
    Jasira stopped by the hall entrance. She had decided at the last minute to attend the gathering to please her parents. She was not keen on meeting another stranger and have him turn out not to be the one for her. Therefore, she had waited until she noticed the celebration was nearing its end to make an appearance.
    Her attention was immediately drawn to the stranger who sat at the king’s table. His aura was like a magnet, drawing her to him. She could not pull away. She approached him just as a maiden carrying a large kettle shifted sideways to serve the other guests. Jasira paused in front of him. He was handsome and powerfully built. What was it about him that called out to her? He seemed to radiate energy, strength—and something more.
    Jasira intently studied his face, his eyes. He glanced at the married couple beside him. She watched him watch them. She saw it then. It was in his eyes. Sadness. She was compelled to move closer. She phased through the table and stood beside him. She was careful not to touch him.
    The scent of vanilla reached John’s nose seconds before warm air surrounded him. He was grateful for the respite from the cold and enjoyed it more than the food and drink. It was the first time since he had arrived that he felt warm.
    John scanned the table in front of him, searching for the source of