The Broken WereQUEEN

Chapter 3 Meeting the Town

After establishing the boundaries of my new territory and warning away unwanted guests it was time to build my house. To do so I needed supplies that I could only get in human form. I found the nearest town and with utmost stealth, I stole some clothes from a donation box as well as some small tools and supplies. Nothing to warrant a search party or attract attention.

My instincts the entire time screamed at me and my skin crawled with worry.

"Humans....careful"

"I'll be as stealthy as I have ever been in my life"

"If caught....they kill"

"I know, they are the most dangerous species for a reason"

"So many....so close"

"I know. How they live in such clusters I'll never understand"

I passed by piles and piles of discarded items of various types eventually finding everything I needed in that moment. How many of these piles were there?

"Humans....wasteful, terrible"

"I know, they'd hunt me just for fun and throw away the carcass without eating it. Werecats are so much better"

Having successfully acquired clothes and sewing equipment, I used one of the many skills my mother taught me to tailor the skirt and blouse to my petit size. I never liked wearing any shoes but the town streets were absolutely filthy that I would rather wear uncomfortable shoes than let my feet touch those nasty roads.

Looking half presentable and having tied my long jet black hair in a single ponytail I ventured into town to find a job, to get money, to buy supplies, to start building my cottage. Priorities set.

From the outskirts of town and even in human form I could smell the stretch of the town.

"The smells....horrible"

I turned down my sense of smell and hearing to a bearable level. Not able to turn off my cat-like grace, I made many of the humans turn their heads to keep me in their sight. The town near my mother's place had humans just like them.

"Humans....all the same"

It's a different town but they are all the same. I learned from a young age that the males enjoyed my looks. I had been described as beautiful and my small frame giving me a fragile look made me very appealing.

"Fragile....as if"

The town was actually pretty big. Lots of buildings and bustling humans everywhere. Thankfully my territory was far from here. I even saw a train station. They must transport goods which is what made the town so prosperous. I was still very pleased not to be able to hear the train where I lived.

There was also a constant buzzing sound coming from some buildings that greatly annoyed my hearing.

"What is it....annoying"

I glanced into one of the stores that had the buzzing. There was lighting but no candles!?

"Electricity!!! Wow cool"

I turned my sense of smell and hearing down significantly. They were so impaired by everything in the town that it was useless anyway.

I started asking ladies around town and some businessmen if they knew of a job nearby. A female I encountered was very helpful.

"Of course I know where you can get a job little lass. Follow me"

As instructed I followed to the front of the town's Saloon.

"Just go in there and ask the man behind the bar for a job. I'm sure he'll find you something."

I could already smell the alcohol emanating from it. Upon entering my eyes took a breath to adjust to the dimness inside and many of the men started turning their heads my way.

I took note of all the eyes and how very very few women were in the bar. Upon second inspection I believed the only women were the workers as they handed out drinks and sat on the men's lap. I rolled my eyes. I wished the women would stand up for themselves but I wasn't about to start that revolution. Women bending to a man's will was inconceivable among mountain lions. Human men, on the other hand, held their women in total disregard.

"Humans....shameful"

Male and female werecats fully respected and revered the opposing s*x. The males always bowed to the females and let them take charge of the interactions but everything was done with respect, even sometimes playfully. Seeing so many females bow to the male's disrespect without a fight at that moment made me a little angry.

"Job....then leave"

Right, I walked to the wooden counter to wave the manager down.

"Kind sir, I am the daughter of a family outside of town" I lied "and there is no work for me there, I was wondering if this town might offer me employment?"

He looked at me, head to toe, as if to assess my value as no less than that of a piece of meat. My cat didn't like it.

"You're the meat....human"

I held my tongue however and let him continue.

"You're attractive enough, you could work here"

Attractive enough!? I'm definitely attractive enough for this dump of a place. On second thought I'm too attractive for this place. I just wanted to chew this guy's head off. Again I held my tongue. Clearly, there was absolutely no way I could work here and not kill someone.

"I don't think it would be a good fit, I'm so clumsy that I've broken so many things by accident. You would be far too displeased with me. However, I can cook, clean, sew, weave, and farm"

A man from a couch yelled from where he was.

"Pretty thing like her wouldn't need to carry glasses or any breakable dishes to work here. Put her in service!"

They all laughed. I'd break one of his bones if give half a chance.

"Dishes aren't the only breakable things around though"

I replied with poison in my tone. A guy at the bar came closer to me.

"I'd let you break me anytime beautiful"

They all laughed again. I stared at him with daggers. Staying in control of my impulse to snap his neck was proving to be rather difficult.

Thankfully the manager interrupted.

"Enough already men, pretty girl just came in for a job. Let's leave her be for now. Are you any good with kids and household chores?"

"I have helped raise many of my younger siblings"

   "Come back tomorrow. I'll ask and see what I can do. One more thing, be nice to the patrons next time or I'll let them continue"