Read Online Human Rights by S.L. Armstrong - Free Book Online

lose his position in The Guard because I stupidly embraced him in public. I knew I would never jeopardize him in such a way.
    "Ready for your nap?"
    Again, I nodded, already drifting. The heat of his leg, the rhythmic stroking of his hand through my hair, and my still full belly made it difficult to remain alert.
    Another chuckle rumbled from Sir Jiat. "Lazy Human."
    Sir Jiat lifted me, and I instantly curled against the broadness of his chest. Safe. Here, I was safe. Beloved. Special. I never wanted to let that go. By the time Sir Jiat had me situated in the large bed, dreams were already clawing at me. Warmth. White fur. Honey eyes. Whiskers that tickled my lips as I opened them to welcome my master's tongue between my lips. In my dreams, I reveled in what I knew could never be.
    The next meeting for Sir Jiat was almost a week after my grooming session. Sir Jiat had shaved my skin once more, oiled me, and he had even brushed my hair once I had combed his fur to gleaming. For days, I had thought the meeting at Lady Hyra's couldn't have come faster, but yet, when we arrived and I was sent out into the chilly yard with Jill, I couldn't relax into the games we played. The sunlight on my skin held no comfort with the kiss of winter approaching. The burden of my secret sapped the enjoyment from what would have been a wonderful afternoon with Jill. No matter how hard I tried to play, tried to pretend there was nothing hounding my steps, Jill wasn't a fool. She was the most observant pet I knew, though my experience with other pets was limited. After a third half-hearted attempt at competing with Jill on the metal jungle, she finally flopped down onto the grass and stared up at me.
    "Do you not like me anymore?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
    "I do!" I released the too cold metal bars and collapsed beside her.
    Jill pressed close to my side, and her warmth was welcome as another gust of wind bit at us. "You look really nice. Did Sir Jiat take you to the groomer?"
    I nodded, my chest puffing up a little. "Yes. And Sir Jiat even shaved me before bringing me over. It was a great honor." I heard the doors open behind us, and we both sat up. Sir Jiat and Lady Hyra were standing there watching us. After a moment, Lady Hyra waved us in.
    "The sun is beginning to dip. It's time to come inside. Gerta has run a hot bath for you both, and once you've warmed up, I'll have Tyne feed you both."
    Sir Jiat gave me an affectionate pat and ushered me over to Gerta. The tall, broad woman was of the Lion breed, and she smiled down at us as we padded toward the lower floor bathing room. Inside, the massive tub was full, steaming, and I'd never felt colder. The moment I settled in the hot water, my fingers and toes warming slowly, I finally began to relax. I moaned softly as Gerta shut the bathing room door, leaving me alone with Jill in the bath. It was still odd to be left by myself, but I let the feeling seep out of me along with the cold.
    "Are you going to tell me why you're so far away today?" Jill asked as she picked up the bar of soap and set to scrubbing the grass and dirt from me.
    I blushed, ducking my head shyly. Could I tell her? Or would she tell Lady Hyra, who would then tell The Guard? I didn't want to risk Sir Jiat, but the need to confide in someone boiled inside me. Finally, I murmured, "I kissed Sir Jiat." At her puzzled look, I clarified. "I pressed my lips to his. It was wonderful and everything I had thought it might be."
    "You've only kissed him?"
    "Yes." I nodded, glancing down at the suds in the water. "Though... I ache for more." As much as I liked feeling what I felt for Sir Jiat, it also brought me shame. It was forbidden. Pets were never supposed to lust for their masters, and before now, I never had. But Sir Jiat... his touch... his voice... his gaze...
    Jill laughed softly. "I understand."
    I frowned. "Do you?"
    As she rinsed my body, Jill nodded. "I do. Lady Hyra and I have been more than mistress and pet since