Destined (The Rangers of Ridge County #1)

Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

MILLIE

I massaged the calluses forming on my palms as I descended the stairs and stepped into the hallway. Glancing down at my bare feet, I reluctantly trudged into the kitchen while reminding myself to add slippers to today’s shopping list.

It had been four weeks, and this place still felt dirty despite having scrubbed every square inch of it—likely due to the mouse I had seen scurrying along the baseboards last night.

If my life hadn’t felt stagnant before, landing here surely would have tipped the scale.

After another disheartening discussion with Frank yesterday, I finally succumbed to this nightmare and uncovered my furniture. My plan for today was to tackle the unopened moving boxes scattered throughout the house.

The silver lining was that the overwhelming urgency to clean trumped my anxiety about the entire situation—until this morning.

Grabbing my electric kettle, I moved to the sink. Through the picture window, the roses on the trellis stole my attention as they swayed in the breeze. Maybe I would open the windows and let the aroma of the flower garden mask some of the lingering staleness.

But first—caffeine.

I filled the kettle with water, returned it to its base, selected a mug from the cupboard, and grabbed a bag of my favorite tea from the pantry. This was the only room with any semblance of order to it so I made it a priority to start each day here.

After a few minutes, the kettle whistled—prompting me to pour the boiling water into my mug. As I steeped my tea, the rhythmic motion helped soothe my worries.

Movement caught my eye, and I stepped back toward the sink. A vibrant butterfly landed on the outside sill and leisurely flapped its wings.

Captivated, I reached to raise the window. The peeling paint prickled my fingers as I opened the latch one-handed. To my surprise, it slid up easily. I took a step back and returned both hands to my warm mug. The bright blue butterfly fluttered inside, and my mood hit a high I hadn’t felt in weeks. Maybe longer.

Mesmerized by the scene unfolding before me, I didn’t notice the much larger figure jumping through the window until it was too late.

The scream I let loose reached uncharted decibels as a jet black ball of fur landed in my sink. My tea went flying as I threw my hands up. Somehow I managed to hold on to the mug and brought it back in front of me as a makeshift weapon.

“What the hell?” I screeched as I surveyed the cat staring back at me seemingly unimpressed. I stumbled backward until I bumped into the kitchen island.

What do I do now?

The cat solved this dilemma for me when it leapt from the sink into the puddle of tea then darted down the hallway. I gave chase and followed the wet footprints into the living area.

Maybe I could coerce it back outside through the front door.

When I entered the room, I found the cat lounging on my very expensive rug.

If I hadn’t been freaking out, I might have admired how quickly it made itself right at home. Something I had yet to accomplish after weeks of living here.

I moved toward the door all the while cooing at the cat, “Here, kitty kitty. Let’s go back outside.”

I bent at the waist and rested my hands on my knees. I was still a few feet away, but as the cat’s head swiveled to me, I saw a long, skinny tail hanging from its mouth .

My soul left my body along with all rational thought.

I squealed and started hysterically hopping from one foot to the other. The cat—unfazed by my theatrical meltdown—continued to hold the rodent hostage.

Was the mouse dead?

Brainstorming ideas on how to find out without getting any closer had my mind spiraling. It was bad enough living amongst all the dirt and grime, but now the house had leveled up—adding vermin and feral animals to the mix.

I was ill-equipped to deal with this shit.

“What do we do now?” I posed the question to the cat like it would answer back.

I liked animals, but I was barely able to take care of myself at the moment. Despite my gratitude for its prowess, I was not looking to adopt a pet anytime soon.

Exasperated, I retrieved my overused broom and dustpan, resolving to herding both interlopers outside. As I reentered the living area, the cat lazily lifted its head to look at me. We made prolonged eye contact, and I felt a sense of understanding pass between us.

I moved, and the cat stood.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so difficult after all.

“Good boy,” I praised. I had no proof he was a male cat, but I was basing this assumption solely on his demeanor.

I closed the distance to the front door, and he mirrored my movements. As I opened it, he passed by me while lightly brushing up against my leg.

I smiled down at him reverently, and in response, he dropped the still twitching mouse right at my feet.

Scanning the shelves, I finally spotted a value pack of mouse traps. I threw six in my basket. Two traps for each room should do.

After frantically sweeping the injured mouse onto the front porch, I sprinted for my purse and keys. Tim had returned my car after his inspection as promised. Though it still had some quirks, it wasn’t making strange noises anymore.

I was on my way to the general store in a flash, disregarding the fact I was still in my pajamas and without a bra. Honestly, it was a miracle my shoes made it onto my feet in the madness of the moment.

Satisfied with my selection, I turned in the direction of the checkout only to slam into a wall of muscle. Rearing backwards with an apology prepared, I locked eyes with none other than Emmett Ranger.

My right eye twitched, but no words passed through my parted lips.

I didn’t miss how he neglected to excuse himself as well. Instead he smirked down at me before asking, “Cat got your tongue?”