Closing and locking the door, Law followed behind Nicky, who’d raced over to the couch where the murder kitty was perched on the back.
Nicky continued to coo to the cat as Law approached.
Law crossed his arms over his chest when the beast allowed Nicky to pet and love him and didn’t attempt to swipe at the boy.
“Here!” Nicky straightened before handing over the mouse. “Give Hades his just dues.”
The mouse appeared much smaller in his larger hand. Law shoved the toy at the cat.
Hades hissed.
“Not like that!” Nicky huffed.
Law managed to yank his hand back as Hades whipped his claws toward his flesh.
“Give him a break, pretty kitty,” Nicky admonished the little demon. “He’s trying to be your friend. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you liked Law so he could rub it into Jude? Wouldn’t you like that?”
Law would swear that the cat looked from Nicky to him with evil intent in his eyes.
“Now,” Nicky said as he wrapped his fingers around Jude’s wrist. “Gently offer him the mouse.”
With Nicky’s urging, Law once again offered Hades the toy.
The cat sniffed before moving closer. When the boy tightened his fingers, Law would happily risk the loss of some flesh just so Nicky kept touching him.
“Come on, Hades,” Nicky said sweetly. “You know you want the mouse.”
Hades gave a massive sigh before bringing up both paws.
Law stiffened but Nicky giggled as he danced in place. “That’s it. Good kitty.”
Hades grabbed Law’s hand, bringing the mouse and his fingers closer to the demon’s mouth. When the cat began to chew on the end of the mouse’s nose and not on Law, he eventually relaxed.
“See!” Nicky said proudly as he petted Hades back. “Friends.”
Law wouldn’t go that far but at least the little monster wasn’t using him as a scratching post.
“Now you pet him,” Nicky demanded.
“I think I’m good,” Law replied, still eyeing Hades carefully.
“You have to pet him,” Nicky insisted.
“Fine.” Law used his free hand to run his fingers down the cat’s back. Hades continued to nibble on the mouse, not paying him any attention. The cat’s fur was sleek and soft. Law found himself enjoying the little monster’s low rumbles as well.
“Good job!” Nicky praised. “You’ll be friends in no time.”
The front door opened. Law pulled the mouse away to stuff the toy into his pocket. He had promised to keep Nicky’s secret. Plus, it really would irk Jude if Law could get Hades on his side.
“Bestie!” Liam called. “I’m here.”
Nicky bounced. “Me too! Me too!”
Liam ran into the room, nearly jumping into Nicky’s arms.
He had to catch Nicky’s shoulders to keep the boy upright as Liam clung to him. Not that either boy seemed to notice they’d nearly ended up on the floor.
The two boys hugged as Jude walked in carrying several large to-go bags. Law strolled over to help his friend as the two boys didn’t stop talking. They got louder and louder attempting to talk over each other.
