I'm a cat shapeshifter, trying to live quietly and blend in with humans while keeping a low profile. But there's this one guy in our class who's constantly stirring up trouble.

Some trust fund brat who acts like he owns the whole damn school just because his family's swimming in money. Arrogant as hell and loud about it too—just looking at his face is exhausting.

That evening, I was taking a stroll through the back alleys in my cat form when I heard a familiar voice echoing off the brick walls.

Of course it's him. And naturally, he's messing with someone again. Some kid was cowering in front of him, practically shaking out of his shoes. Without thinking, I leaped between them.

He froze mid-sentence. The way he stared at me was... strange. Not surprised, not irritated.

Slowly, that blank mask of his cracked as he crouched down and opened his arms.

Come here, kitty.