Chapter 52 - The Last Night
Cat couldn't believe the hatred she heard in Sonya's voice. She didn't even know her, yet Sonya detested her because she was human. Cat may be smaller than everyone else standing there, but she wouldn't let this woman talk to her that way.
"You seem to be the insignificant one to me because I didn't even know you existed. Trey must be embarrassed to have such a petty sister. It's sad, really, because you would be pretty if it weren't for your mouth." Cat looked Sonya up and down like she pitied her. The lioness' face was getting redder and redder.
Trey chuckled, not caring if Sonya heard or not. He loved seeing Cat stand up for herself, even with a few lions around her. He glared at Sonya, daring her to say something else to his mate.
"How dare you speak to me this way? Trey, you better explain to the human how it works around here and how she isn't even worthy enough to lick the dirt off my shoe." Trey felt the rage coursing through his body. Cat had been through too much to have his spoiled brat of a sister disrespect her this way. Just as he was ready to attack her, Cat put her hand in his and stopped him.
"I can speak to you however I want because last time I checked, this is a free world no matter what species you are. You'll be the only one licking dirt if you continue to talk to me this way. Let's go, Trey. The beach no longer feels welcome." Cat pulled Trey's hand and led him back toward their house.
"This isn't over, Trey. I will be talking to mother and father about this." Sonya continued to yell at them as they walked away, ignoring her.
"How can you be related to such an entitled bitch?" Cat asked Trey, her face still red with anger. He smiled and leaned down to kiss the top of her head.
"Now you understand why I have nothing to do with my family. Be prepared; with them knowing we're here, others may try to show up unannounced. We can go further away if you would feel more comfortable." He thought maybe it wasn't a good idea to have her in Monterey for the marking, but he loved this place and thought she would be happy there.
"Are you kidding? After I just showed her that she couldn't intimidate me, I'm not running away. Let them all come. Nothing is coming between my man and me. Let's enjoy tonight, and you'll mark me tomorrow. Screw everyone else."
As they walked into the house, Cat felt the tension in her shoulders leaving. She was glad she let Sonya know she wasn't afraid of her, but she was happy to be away from the nasty lioness.
"Cat, I'm proud of you. Sonya is used to stepping all over people and thinks she is better than everyone else. I'm glad you stood up for yourself. I was ready to rip her head off for talking to you like she did. Why did you stop me?" Trey wrapped his arms around her and stroked her head; he knew that encounter had taken a lot out of her.
"They'll never respect me if I always hide behind you. I had to prove to her that I could defend myself. I can't wait until she tells your family how I talked to her. Maybe it will make the next person change their mind about confronting me. Let's forget about her. What will we do tonight, my last night of being fully human?" Cat smiled up at Trey, and he was beaming down at her. He loved it when she showed her fiery side.
"I have a place I want to take you for dinner. We don't have to worry about running into any of my family; it's not classy enough for them. We can leave in about an hour. How about we unpack our stuff and get ready? Just wear something casual." Trey couldn't wait to take Cat out. He had a surprise for her.
"Casual as in jeans or casual as in a dress? I don't go out, Trey, so you have to teach me even the simplest of things that others would usually know." She started going through her suitcase, looking at what she'd brought.
"Cat, I love being the first to have all these experiences with you. Wear jeans and maybe a sweater because it will be even colder when we leave." Cat pulled out her favorite blue jeans and a dark green sweater.
After they had unpacked all of their things, they took a quick shower and then got ready to go. As they walked out, the sun had started to set, and Cat stopped to stare at all the beautiful red, orange, and pink colors reflecting off the water. It was breathtaking, with the waves gently crashing onto the white sand.
Trey helped her into the truck, and they drove into the small town of Pacific Grove. Trey parked along the main street and said they would walk the rest of the way. Cat loved looking at all the little shops along the way; it made her feel like she had taken a step back in time.
When they arrived at a small restaurant with live music playing, Trey led Cat inside. According to the sign on the door, the place was known for its famous hamburgers. The band was at the back, and small wooden tables were positioned near the walls leaving room in the center for dancing. Most of the tables were taken, but Trey found one for them near the front, close to the stage.
Cat smiled as she looked around at everyone laughing and dancing. It was the first time she'd been to a place with live music, and she had to admit she felt her spirits lifting already.
"Trey, I love this place. Have you been here before?" Cat smiled at the waiter, who came over and took their order. Trey ordered cheeseburgers, a basket of fries, and root beers for both of them.
"I came here all the time when I lived here. No one in my family comes to places like this. I like the live music." Trey smiled at Cat as she kept looking around, trying to take in everything. She looked like a kid on Christmas morning. He pulled her chair over so she could sit against him. He couldn't go very long without touching her.
They ate while listening to the band play when their food came. There was a male and a female who took turns singing. From what Cat had heard, they sang just about anything.
When they were finished eating, Trey stood up and reached for Cat's hand. She was a little disappointed because she wasn't ready to leave yet.
"Are we going back to the house?" She asked as she stood next to him.
"No, we're going to dance." Cat stopped in her tracks and looked up at him in shock.
"Trey, I can't dance. I have never danced in my life, and I'm not about to do it here in front of all these people." She couldn't believe he thought she would be comfortable with this.
"Don't worry, Cat; the next song is a slow one. All you have to do is hold on to me and sway back and forth." She was confused. How could he know what song they were getting ready to sing? She decided to trust him and let him lead her to the dance floor. As soon as they were there, the music switched to a slow song, just as Trey had said.
"Listen to the words of the song, Cat. This is how I feel about you." She looked up at him and smiled as he took her in his arms, and she laid her head against his chest, where she could hear Atlas purring softly.
When the man on stage began to sing, Cat listened to the song and felt tears filling her eyes. The song was Here and Now by Luther Vandross. As she listened to the lyrics, her heart was melting. How could Trey know the perfect song that described their love so well?
As the song came to an end, Trey took her hand, but instead of leading her off the dance floor, he got down on one knee. She looked at him in confusion. Did he need to tie his shoe?
"Cat, you have changed my life from the moment I met you. I never thought I would meet my other half. You are the most amazingly beautiful woman with a heart of gold that I have ever met. I know we've already committed to each other for the rest of our lives, but I don't want you only as my mate and partner. I want you as my wife. I love you with all my heart Cat. Will you marry me?"
Cat was crying as she stared at him and didn't even realize that everyone in the restaurant was watching them, including the musicians. She leaped into Trey's arms, almost knocking him over, before noticing that he was holding a small box with a ring.
Trey pulled her back a little so she could see the ring he had specially made for her. There was a large heart-shaped diamond with small sapphires surrounding it, set on a platinum band. Cat had never seen anything so beautiful in her life. She looked at Trey with her tears still flowing.
"Yes, Trey, of course, I'll marry you. I love you." After he slid the ring on her finger, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him right in the middle of the dance floor. When everyone started clapping and cheering, she turned bright red, realizing they had an audience.
When Trey stood up, he led Cat back to their table, where the waiter brought a small chocolate cake that said congratulations. She was getting suspicious that he had planned this.
"Trey, how did you know what song was going to play, and how did the waiter have a cake ready?" Cat looked at him, trying to be serious, but she was too happy to do anything but smile.
"I called earlier while you were getting ready and told them when I wanted them to play the song. I also asked them to prepare a cake for us to celebrate. I wanted it to be perfect for you, Cat." Trey pulled her over so he could kiss her again before they tried some of the cake.
"Anything you would have done would have been perfect. As long as I get to spend the rest of my life with you, nothing else matters. How about we take this cake back to the house, and we do some celebrating alone?" Cat winked at him as she waved the waiter over.
After Trey paid for their meal and their cake was wrapped up, they left the restaurant. Cat couldn't stop staring at her ring as they walked back to the truck. She felt as though she was walking on air, knowing that not only would they be mated, but they would be married. It was more than she had ever dreamed.
When they got to the house, Cat didn't waste time. She put the cake in the refrigerator and pulled Trey up the steps to the bedroom. After opening the balcony doors so she could hear the waves on the beach and feel the cool sea air, she turned toward him with a smile.
"This is going to be my last night as a human, and I want to spend it making love all night long to my fiance." Trey walked over to Cat and kissed her as he lifted her to carry her to the bed. He fulfilled her wish and made love to her until the sun started to rise.
