Feral

By MW Brown

Nina Grey blamed her addictions on anosmia - her non-existent sense of smell. But as they spiraled out of control, Sam, decided enough was enough. He knew the best way to help was to take her away from all the temptations that New York had to offer before their apartment became overrun and her addictions took a darker turn.

Far away from the seductive shops and lurking drug dealers, Crazy Town seems the perfect choice.

However, Nina is about to take crazy cat lady to a whole new level.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crazy Ink
• Release date: May 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201308506

Book preview

Nina Grey blamed her addictions on anosmia—her non-existent sense of smell. But as they spiralled out of control, Sam, decided enough was enough. He knew the best way to help was to take her away from all the temptations that New York had to offer before their apartment became overrun and her addictions took a darker turn.

Far away from the seductive shops and lurking drug dealers, Crazy Town seems the perfect choice.

However, Nina is about to take crazy cat lady to a whole new level.

Dedication

To Natasha

One day you’ll become

a crazy cat lady, just like me

Chapter One

W elcome to Alabama , announced Sam. Our new home state.

Nina looked up from her kindle. The sun had finally risen above the hilltops, and she watched the blur of trees rush past the window until the constant darting back and forth of her eyes made her eyeballs ache.

It’s so...green. She opened the window of their newly purchased Toyota and tilted her head. The crisp air blasted her face and rushed into her lungs. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. She longed to experience the beautiful blend of forest smells, but the aromas of damp moss, dry bark, and fallen leaves eluded her. She sucked on her tongue hoping for a hit of the outside air on her taste buds, but there was only the faintest hint of diesel fumes in the back of her throat. Dr Burns had mentioned there was a slight possibility that she might be able to train her brain to smell again by breathing in familiar scents and trying to remember them. She closed her eyes and dragged up childhood memories of long walks through the forests in Catskill Park.

Nothing.

Nina pursed her lips and closed the window.

Excited? her husband asked, glancing over.

Nina forced a smile onto her face and grunted.

His hand snaked over and squeezed her thigh. You know it’s for the best.

I guess. She folded her arms, staring straight ahead.

I know Crazy Town isn’t exactly New York but think...there won’t be drug dealers living downstairs. We won’t have to worry about muggers.

Friends? Shops? Night life?

You’ll make new friends quickly. You always do. And do we really need more stuff? There was only just, and I mean just, enough space for everything in the moving van. And—

You know why I like to surround myself with all those things, interrupted Nina.

I do, honey. Your anosmia. Sam stroked the outside of her thigh with his thumb. One day, I’m convinced your sense of smell will come back. Until then...there’s always Amazon to fill the void, but I’m going to have to limit you on size. Maybe collect thimbles not dollhouses? He gave her a cheeky grin.

Nina unfolded her arms and rested her hand gently on top of his, feeling the warmth of his skin radiate into her chilly fingers.

And think of all the space the cats will have. They’ll be able to roam outside, stalking mice, and climbing trees. They’re going to love it.

Finally, a smile crept onto Nina’s face. She turned in her seat to check on her little monsters. Ludo and Hoggle were curled up in a black and white mass. She brushed the tufts of fur sticking through the wire door.

You’re a genius for thinking of putting them in the same cage. Their constant yowling would have driven me insane before we’d even reached Harrisburg, said Sam.

They didn’t like being separated. Nina said, turning back after the bundle of fluff remained still and quiet.

I know how they feel. With you that is.

Nina patted Sam’s hand. The neighbours did complain a lot about your yowling when you were left on your own.

Very funny. But seriously, think of all the time we’ll have together and the things we can do—long walks, hobbies, pumpkins in the yard, Christmas lights on the roof, log fires...

Are we moving into a Hallmark movie?

Sam huffed. Would that be so bad?

Nina pursed her lips. She was thirty-three not sixty-three and Sam was only four not forty years older than her. He looked sideways at her with wide, sad eyes. Nina sighed. He was tearing them away from the excitement of New York for a good reason...to stop her obsessive addictions from spiralling out of control.

She smiled and squeezed his hand. I guess I can give it a go.

And you’ll finally be your own boss. Have you settled on the name yet?

I was just thinking about that. I think I’ll keep the name, Little Paws. It sounds inviting, and I think, as well as pet supplies, I’ll offer a pet sitting service. Owners can drop their pets off for the day, or longer for the smaller ones like fish or hamsters. What do you think?

Great idea. Sounds better than chasing after snot-nosed kids and their demanding parents.

You’d be just as demanding a parent.

You’re probably right. One day we’ll find out. He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. But let’s just concentrate on us for a while. We can try again once we’re settled. When we’re ready.

Nina leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. Okay, Dean.

Sam chuckled. Nina had never kept it a secret that the only reason she’d agreed to go out with him was because he’d looked a little like Dean Winchester from her favourite TV show, Supernatural. To which he always added that he’d only asked her out because she looked like the actress Amber Heard.

Why don’t you try to grab some sleep until we get there? The removals van should arrive at eleven, and it’s going to be full-on chaos.

Mmm. I think I will. Nina settled back in her seat and closed her eyes.

She was glad she did because when they arrived outside their new house on Calmness Court, she only had time to brush her hair, take a quick peek through the front door when the Move-It truck pulled up with a grating squeal of its brakes.

The following hours were fraught and frantic as Nina tried to look after Ludo and Hoggle while keeping an eye on her precious collections and furniture.

Thank God, they’re gone, said Sam when he finally closed the front door.

They weren’t too bad, and I don’t think anything’s broken or damaged.

You didn’t see the way they looked at you, especially that big one, Carter ...Colton.

It was Carson. Anyway, it’s all in now. All we have to do now is put it away, Nina said, sinking to the floor and peering inside the cat carrier. Both cats had shrunk to the back. Their wide eyes shone at Nina as if blaming her for the trauma they were going through.

"I saw one of our neighbours peering out at us from behind his curtains. He seemed to be giving you the once