21 comments/ 46670 views/ 50 favorites Enter the Cat By: Mygypsy ­­­­ My life seemed to turn into a series of phone calls ... "I just got a call from Edwin; his team came across the fresh scent of a stray in the pub in town. They found a car he's used in the pub car park and are trying to track him down right now. They think they've come across him before but haven't caught him to give him a warning." I turn at the sound my father's voice. Wade Williamson is the Alpha of our clan, the undisputed leader of our family and its loyal allies. Let me introduce myself before I go any further. My name is Micah Williamson and I am an Australian Werecat. I am a member of the Williamson Clan, the third son in a family of six sons and one daughter. I am also the undisputed leader of the clan's group of warriors – tomcats who police the clan and protect it from strays and outlaw werecats. Our clan lands are in the states of New South Wales and Queensland; our home is near the Border Ranges with the rugged unsettled land our backyard. Here Wade owns huge amounts of land where he grows exotic hardwood trees and pine trees to be cut for the timber industry as well as leases some of the best farming land in the area to local farmers for grazing beef cattle. Some of the land we use to grow lucerne hay to sell for winter-feed to farmers and in winter we grow oats to cut and sell as silage for feeding to cattle. One adventurous farmer tried raising deer to sell to local butchers and supermarkets as venison but he found the wild dingoes in the area quickly developed a taste for freshly killed venison. Now the remnants of the herd run feral breeding in the rough bushland where no one on two legs ventures. Funny thing about those dingoes in the area is they never venture onto Williamson land. And some crazy old bushy who lives in the adjacent Mount Lindsay National Park swears there are black panthers roaming the park having been bred down from two panthers left behind by the American soldiers that had trained in and around the rugged National Park during the second world war. "In town you say?" I ask worriedly. Town is under an hour's drive from home - the stray is too close to my young vulnerable sister for comfort. "I want everyone on this, I want that stray caught." Wade tells me tightly. "We'll be right onto it!" I growl, the sound starting deep in my chest. The natural instinct of a clan werecat tom is to protect any and all Queens and she-kitts. Since Jazzy is my sister this instinct is doubly strong because it is also linked with our being siblings - her existence ensures that my family's genealogy will be passed on. "Catch him and bring him back here. We'll talk to him, find out why he's in the area and set him straight on a few things if necessary. If he's nosing around and looking to settle in the clan lands without permission then I'll see he gets a lesson he never forgets," Wade orders. "Sam! Get your team together! Steven! I want to talk to you!" I yell as I head towards the Warrior Quarters or as we tended to call them the quarters. I can't help thinking of my young sister Jasmine, or Jazzy. She has been sickly most of her life and many had doubted she would make it to ten years old. When she had turned ten many had doubted she would become a teenager. Now Jazzy is no longer a child and fast becoming a grown woman she is finally starting to out grow her childhood illness and thrive. The urge to protect her from any and all threats is very strong; Jazzy is the future of our pride – she will marry and provide the next generation of werecats in our family. Now there is a new potential threat to her safety, a stray so close to home. Strays are different to us clan cats - they tend to be nomads wondering and unable to settle down in one place comfortable with who and what they have become. We are born to werecat parents while they are the product of a werecat crossbreeding with a human or the descendant of one of these offspring with the werecat genealogy. They are born as humans and some event or illness 'turns' them into were cats. Many don't survive their first shape-shift, don't manage to revert to human form and starve through lack of hunting skills or go crazy shortly after returning to human form. "Something wrong?" Sam, my second in command asks as I enter the large lounge room of the quarters. Sam MacIntosh is almost an adopted brother to me, having been raised by my parents when the clan he was born into disintegrated. His mother had disappeared and his father as an Alpha had known that with no Queen or she-kitt his own life and that of his two young sons would be in danger when some ambitious Alpha decided he needed more land to add to his wife's clan lands. So the two young toms had been left with our clan to be raised as members of the clan while their father submerged himself into the human world earning money as an antiques dealer to support his two sons. Sam is one hell of a good warrior and he has proven his worth to the clan time after time. I would rather have him with me than against me. He will be a loss hard to replace when he marries Lotty Inness, a she-kitt from a neighbouring clan. But that is in the future and I don't have to worry about it at this minute. "Edwin and the others have come across the fresh scent of a stray in town. Wade wants it caught and brought out here for questioning and possible warnings and/or discipline," I say tightly, my anger strong within me. As the second most dominant tom in the clan I take the intrusion of this stray personally. The urge to catch the intruder and make sure he knows not to trespass on clan territory uninvited drives me as I go to my room and hurriedly change into tough hiking gear. I try to calm down, I know my fear for my sister often comes across as anger or aggression. "You wanted to speak to me?" Steven asks as he walks into the bedroom we share, makes his way to his side of the room and quickly puts on his army surplus boots. "I plan on giving this stray a personal memento of why not to come onto Williamson clan lands if he's looking for trouble," I tell him tightly. "You plan to kick some butt?" Steven grins. Let me tell you about this tom. We've been best friends since meeting at a werecat engagement party when we were both still too young for school. He's my best mate, my partner when we go off on clan business to deal with strays and outlaws. I know he will have my back no matter how dangerous the situation or whether or not he agrees with what I am doing at the time - we support each other regardlessly. "If he's some stray looking to check out our Queen and she-kitt then when I am finished with this bastard he won't be coming around anymore. He'll be lucky if he can walk properly!" I snarl. It's not uncommon for strays that have adjusted to werecat life to become interested in clan females. Most of the time it is harmless but some of the toms are driven by the strong urge to breed and are after a female for only one thing. "We can't be letting any strays get this close to Jazzy," Mitchell, Sam's younger brother, says from the doorway. I glance at the younger warrior. I'm well aware he is sweet on my little sister and that she returns the feelings. "You telling me my job?" I ask tightly as I turn to face him. Both he and his brother are exceptional members of the warrior force. Mitchell's only faults are his youth and too compassionate nature. "No, I'm saying I know my job," Mitchell says. "Good! See you do it!" I snap. "This is the car with the strays scent in it," Edwin says motioning towards an older model small car parked in the shadows at the edge of the pub's car park; it's a typical cheap rental car. Edwin is my oldest brother and although he leads his own team of warriors it is I who am the Head Warrior, the Beta of the clan. I hold the position through my fighting ability and being able to plan and execute any action needed. I frown as I walk around the car sniffing to catch a clear whiff of the stray's scent. Thwarted I reach out to try the drivers side door only to find it locked. Angrily I take hold of it and with a strong jerk I rip the door open wrecking one of the hinges. Hot air escapes from the car bringing with it the pungent odour of cat. The scent is surprisingly clean and crisp as if the intruder is young and in good health, well kept and clean. Either he doesn't know he is a werecat or he is comfortable and well adapted to his new identity as a cat. It doesn't matter which it is both are dangerous. "Wreck the car! Make it undriveable!" I command as I take in the scattering of possessions and fast food containers on the rear seat. "If he returns for it at some stage I want him to know he ain't welcome here!" I hesitate a moment and look around. There is no one out and about in the fast approaching dusk. Taking advantage of the fact I reach into the vehicle and grab hold of the driver's seat; metal groans and then there is the screech of tearing metal as I rip the seat free of the car frame. "Fuck, he's taking this personal ..." I hear Chris, one of Edwin's team members say to his brother and I turn my head to glare at him. "Why aren't you out there trying to track this trespassing bastard down?" I demand angrily, "Or does it take all of you to watch the frigging car?" "I told them to meet back here. I figger the stray spotted us going into the pub and lit out to avoid us; no sane stray would hang around with four clan cats in the vicinity." Edwin says dryly. "No sane stray comes this deep into clan lands! No sane stray stops on clan lands in broad daylight! That means he isn't thinking right and has no respect for werecat society rules! He is either deranged or after a female or both! And how close is he to Jazzy? It just goes to show you didn't think the situation through! You just did what was easiest for you!" I say angrily. "Considering how well we keep the lands marked even a newly turned stray would know he's on clan ground! And mark that frigging car as well while you wreck it! Make the message strong and clear! " I turn and walk back to my vehicle where Steven leans against the door with his arms folded across his chest while Sam and his three other team members stand between their vehicle and mine. "What do you want us to do? See if we can find any trace of the stray around town?" Sam asks. "Yes and if you have no luck, check the surrounding properties. No luck there ... we'll scout the local districts," I tell him before glancing back where Edwin is supervising getting the stray's car loaded onto a car-trailer to take out of sight before making it undriveable. Once the car has been given its special treatment it will be returned to the car park and left so the stray can find it and receive the message loud and clear if he returns. "We'll keep in touch," my brother Dwayne tells me. He's the brother born between Edwin and me. Dwayne is as trust worthy and conscientious as Edwin is self centred and lazy - interested only in what is easiest and benefits him the most. "So are we going hunting too?" Steven asks with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah I need some bastard I can bash the shit out of," I say as I climb behind the wheel of the vehicle. "Wade wouldn't like it if I gave Edwin the hiding he deserves. Edwin is smart enough to do all his underhanded sabotaging out of Wade's sight and hearing." So there it is, I am waiting for a phone call from either team as Steven and I hunt for the stray. The phone call, when it comes over two hours later, is from Edwin. He and Malcolm came across the stray in the Ampol service station on the highway. When Malcolm tried to corner him so they could catch him without alerting the cashier, the stray had made it clear he knew whose clan lands he was on before fleeing outside. Malcolm changed form and was chasing the stray in cat form while Edwin made the call to let us know where the stray was so we could converge and help capture it. "What the hell's going on?" I demand as I climb out of my vehicle and walk around to where Malcolm and Edwin stand in the shadows by their vehicle. Edwin is fully dressed and Malcolm is wearing only a pair of jeans; as I get closer I see Malcolm is holding a bloody t-shirt to his side. "Why aren't you chasing the blasted stray?" I demand of Edwin as Malcolm moves the shirt aside to reveal long bleeding scratches across his ribs just deep enough to require stitches. "I caught up with her and she flew at me like a scalded house cat!" Malcolm says with a glance at Edwin. "What?" I ask in disbelief. "Malcolm is sprouting some crap the stray is female," Edwin says scornfully. Malcolm frowns at Edwin and looks down at his side then at his shoulder and upper arm and I notice for the first time that he has several bites as well as the scratches. "Making excuses for not doing your job properly?" I sneer before turning away angrily. Now Malcolm is slacking off in his work as well as Edwin, leaving more work to be done by those who do their jobs properly. "Where did you last see him?" I demand refusing to believe Malcolm's claim the stray is female; a female werecat would not fight back leaving wounds like his. Female strays are very rare and don't survive for long. Stray toms hunt them down and use them as sex toys and end up either killing them with their demands or driving them so insane they kill themselves. We clan cats do all we can to find female strays to protect them and look after them, but when we do manage to find one alive, it is generally too late to help them. Even stray females are much cherished, respected and seen as valuable members of our species capable of producing the next generation of were cats. I listen as Malcolm describes where the stray attacked him before racing away. The fact the stray attacked him supports my belief Malcolm is trying to cover up the fact he made a stupid mistake. Female werecats are non violent; they don't know how to fight. A long night of hunting for the stray while in cat form follows. Morning reveals it seems to have left the area but we continue to patrol closer to home to be sure it doesn't sneak close. The next phone call comes several days later from Steven's brother Pete. He lives several hours drive to the northwest of us near the Burringbar range. Pete tells my father of what he believes to be the presence of several strays that are killing livestock. He got the information from his next-door neighbour who helps the local vet and Pete wants us to meet the neighbour and see what we think of them for ourself as he has an uneasy feeling about them. It's a warm sunny evening as Steven and I arrive at his brother's place. I had decided to take the job myself and leave Sam in charge back at the home compound as I hoped to get some physical activity dealing with these strays. My frustration levels had slowly risen to where I was looking forward to a good old-fashioned brawl. "So what do you know Pete?" Steven asks as he greets his brother with a handshake. "We got what could only be stray trouble here. Plus I am sure I have smelt werecat on my neighbour a few times in the last couple of months," Pete informs us as I walk around to shake his hand. "What's this new neighbour like?" I ask. "It's not a new neighbour - it's Tawny Caruthers which is what I don't get," Pete says evenly. "The one that doesn't like men?" Steven asks. "There's a bit more to it than Tawny not liking men. She's the one who was raped as a child ...at least that's the story that went around when her father was killed in a crash. He was supposed to be rushing her to hospital and she disappeared for nearly a year," Pete says seriously. "Then this morning Tawny warned me she had let the local cop think her and I are an item - go figure." "Keeping him away maybe?" Steven offers. Pete shrugs and gives a rueful laugh. "Probably, but why she didn't just ... I'm sure the student that used to live at Tawny's was ... shall I say I think there was a bit of girl on girl action going on?" Pete tells us with a grin. "Well you know what we say ... once a girl has had cat she don't go back to men," Steven says and laughs. "So when do we meet her?" I ask curiously. "I've invited her over to eat with us tonight. We occasionally get together for a meal but Tawny mostly avoids strangers, especially men," Pete explains. "And yet she's coming over for supper?" I ask dubiously. "I haven't told her I'll have visitors," Pete admits. "Besides maybe I'm hoping she'll sit real close to me for protection tonight." He grins. "Sounds like you'd like to make sure she gets home safely afterwards as well," Steven says with a twinkle in his eye and I catch the predatory gleam in Pete's eyes. "Tell us what you know about what the strays have been up to," I tell Pete as I head for his house. I listen to his brief account of what has happened as I walk to his front door carrying an overnight bag. He leads the way through to his study and turns on his computer. "Tawny used my computer to send the report to the police officer. I've seen her type in her password for her email account so it wasn't any hassle to send a copy of it to myself after she left. I removed all traces of having done so of course," Pete says sounding pleased with himself. He quickly finds the relevant message and opens it before stepping aside so I can sit in the chair and read the report. I am surprised to find how detailed the report is; the description of the method used to kill each beast examined as well as details of what parts have been eaten. I frown in concern as I read the details of how one of the kills was marked with both faeces and urine, not a good sign. I study the pictures attached before returning to the report to read where she states the kills are believed to have been made by an escaped exotic large cat or possibly two large cats. "Your neighbour wrote this report right? How much study has she done on large cats and their kills? The descriptions here read almost like eyewitness accounts of werecat kills," I say as I glance between Pete and Steven. "Shit!" Steven exclaims and leans in to read the report. "Shit! Tawny is going to college but I'm not sure what she's studying. But I do know most of it is done long distance," Pete says with a worried look. As we continue to talk I begin to look forward to meeting this human who seems to know so much about werecats ... But as I said my life had seemed to have turned into a series of phone calls and another phone call comes in ... "Pete! I got a call out from Doc. I can't stop - it sounds like an all nighter!" The feminine voice answers Pete's invitation to come into his house and he frowns as he heads for the front door. Curious about the one who owns the voice I follow him out onto the front veranda and look at the pretty woman standing well back from the veranda eyeing me uneasily. I nearly miss Pete introducing her as Tawny Caruthers and take a moment before greeting her in a soft tone so as not to startle her. Still she glances between us nervously as she steps back as if sensing my inner cat. There is a flicker of something in her eyes that disappears almost before it appears. Recognition? I feel it pull deep within me as well as I study her face unobtrusively. "I got to go Pete. There's been more maulings and Doc needs my help." Her phrasing catches my attention and I try to catch her scent discreetly but she says something I don't catch and leaves with a quick smile towards Pete. Her movements scream prey, and something clicks inside me warning me that her motions are too studied, too precise. I watch as she speeds off before glancing at Pete and towards the front door where I can hear Steven breathing just out of sight. "You sure she's not a cat?" I ask Pete. "She doesn't smell like one, doesn't act like ... something doesn't sit right about her anymore. It seems like more than what she went through ... the more I get to know her ... I don't know," Pete says uneasily. I glance at Steven as he steps into the doorway and he gives a slight nod. Enter the Cat Ch. 02 Hi Here as I said is a second chapter of Enter The Cat showing Micah's side of the story. * I slip my keys into my back pocket before I remember Steven will need them to drive my vehicle from here. We are at a small isolated motel situated just off the main highway to the East coast; the night air is cool and clear with the stars shining brightly. A dark shadow moves beside a pale van and I head towards it recognising Alex as I go. "I wonder what Alex did to shit the stray off," Steven says beside me. "Probably was his normal smart mouthed self," I say with a grin. I watch as Alex moves to knock on the door of the cabin in front of the van before heading our way. "I see you got the news," Alex says excitedly as he approaches. He is grinning widely and keeps glancing back towards the cabin with unconcealed excitement. The cabin door opens and Dwayne looks out cautiously. Spotting us he visibly relaxes and glances back over his shoulder. "They're here Sam," Dwayne announces before coming out, shutting the door softly and making his way towards where Steven and I stand facing Alex. Dwayne is wearing a wide grin but I notice there is worry in his eyes when he halts just in front of Alex. "What is the situation with the stray? Is he aggressive?" I ask with a glance towards Alex who has a bruise forming on one side of his mouth. "It's a female! And she is young and pretty and talked to us!" Alex bursts out excitedly. "What?" Steven demands shocked. "Tell me about her," I say to Dwayne knowing Alex will just babble with excited chatter. The sound of the cabin door opening draws my attention and I watch as Sam looks out before moving out of sight and shutting the door. "Alex says the team found a live female stray," I say cutting straight to the point as I look at Dwayne. "Yes. Some strays had her locked in an old cage and were clearly trying to force her into their pack. She has been abused and injured. Mitchell has tried to treat the worst of her injuries but she needs Doc to see to her. She has interacted with us a few times and responds real well to Mitchell and Sam but the moment she feels threatened she withdraws into herself. Push her and she becomes aggressive," Dwayne says evenly. "She's not crazy? Hasn't shown signs she wants to kill herself," I ask with growing hope. I've talked to warriors from other clans who have found live female strays only to find they are already driven insane by the treatment from stray toms --- or they're suicidal. "What did you do to her," Steven asks and I look at Alex. He is flushing deeply but lifts his chin as he meets Steven's gaze. "I was only trying to tell her about being a werecat," Alex says defensively. "You didn't back off when Rosy became scared. She was clearly frightened but you didn't back off," Dwayne tells him patiently. "Rosy?" Steven asks curiously. "Sam and Mitchell managed to win her over with the offer of food and drink," Dwayne says. "She's clearly suffering from starvation and was quick to respond to a bit of kindness." "Food usually reaches stray toms," Steven laughs. "No reason it shouldn't work with a she-kitt." "Well she's been fed, allowed to have a shower and Mitchell even managed to get a good look at her infected shoulder wound," Dwayne tells me. "I'm going to go in and have a look at our new little friend," I decide as I fish my keys from my pocket and hand them to Steven. "One new face at a time might be an idea. We have to be careful not to overwhelm her." "I'll wait around out here and if she is up to it, I'll say hi before heading off," Steven says in agreement. Dwayne follows me to the cabin and when I go to open the door he places his hand on my shoulder causing me to glance his way. "Jazzy could be in for some heartache. Rosy has bonded with Mitchell already," Dwayne tells me softly and I grimace. Our sister Jasmine thinks the sun rises and sets with Mitchell. "If Rosy is as sick as you think, we had better get her back home so Doc can fix her up," I say and open the door. Inside Sam is standing by the far bed studying his brother and the dark lump beneath the covers. As we move into the room Sam looks our way and grins as I hear Dwayne the door shut behind us. "You didn't say the stray was female," I say quietly. "I was more interested in getting either you or Steven here and Alex away from her," Sam says as he walks over to us. "Oh?" I question softly. "He's young and tactless," Sam says telling me nothing new. "Her name, or the name she associates with, is Rosy. Give her a little kindness and space and she is fairly reasonable." I glance at Dwayne and he nods his agreement with Sam's statement. "I'd appreciate it if you could change over with Alex. Rosy doesn't seem to like him and at the moment we're just trying to keep her calm and get her back where we can get her medical treatment," Sam says evenly. "No problem. So we have finally come across a live female stray," I muse, the idea is starting to sink in and glance towards where Mitchell is on the bed. He rolls towards the form on the far side of him and cuddles up against it as he makes soothing sounds. "Trouble over there?" Sam asks quietly. "She jumped again," Mitchell murmurs softly. "She restless?" I ask curiously. "I think she's woken up," Mitchell says as he sits up and moves the blankets uncovering pale hair. I inhale softly taking in her personal scent; it is heavy with fear and infection. "She hurt badly," I ask and notice the slight tremble that tells me she is aware of my presence. "She has an infected bite on her shoulder that seems to be very deep and she's pretty unstable with her changes," Sam clarifies. "Alternates between aggressive and submissive." "Not good," I admit quietly. "Rosy you ready to meet someone new?" Mitchell asks and fusses with the fair hair of the stray beside him. Sam or Dwayne turns the light on and the slight form in front of Mitchell flinches and attempts to burrow into the bedding. "I hear you smacked my brother in the mouth and I can't say I blame you. There's been a time or two I've wanted to do worse," I say trying for the friendly approach as I move closer. There is movement from the stray and Mitchell offers reassurance and comfort. She moves and Mitchell is quick to help her partially sit up and holds her upper arm to support and steady her. She moves slightly and I see a pale face as she looks my way. I catch a momentary glimpse of delicate features with huge violet eyes framed in long dark lashes before she hides against Mitchell's chest fearfully. My inner cat roars and strains against my control as I catch my breath, momentarily stunned. Tawny! I breathe deeply hoping to calm the raging cat within me but he fights, wanting freedom so he can greet the one he wants to claim. "Rosy?" The name feels foreign in my mouth even as my cat recognises it. I chance a step closer and she glances at me once again. I see the recognition in her eyes and the fact she is clearly in possession of her wits even though she is obviously terrified. "See how easy it is to meet someone new Rosy," Mitchell soothes softly offering support and encouragement to her. "I'm not someone new, am I Rosy? We've met before haven't we, when you used a different name," I say whisper soft not wanting to scare her but still she flinches and recoils towards Mitchell. "And you were a cat back then too weren't you?" My cat momentarily takes charge wanting to force her to acknowledge us. "How did you manage it? I can smell you now but I couldn't smell you then, not even when I ..." my cat forces the words from my throat. "You know her?" Sam asks in surprise. "She was living next door to Pete Willoughby," I say as I manage to persuade my cat to back down a little bit. "Pete had to have known what she was," Dwayne exclaims. "Oh Pete had a few questions when I was there - like how come she just happened to drop the theory that the cattle kills were done by exotic cats, the photos she let him ... You were keeping strays away from your home territory! You already knew what they..." Understanding hits me with a savage body blow and my voice disappears for a second. "You had already learnt what they do to you if they catch you. Damn!" I can only watch as she turns to Mitchell for comfort and support, pushing against his chest in a manner very similar to that of a threatened kitt. "What the hell are you going on about," Mitchell demands angrily. "How many times have strays caught you Rosy? How many times have you suffered through what they do to you?" I can't stop myself voicing the terrible question as my cat howls his pain. "Rosy?" "I don't want to talk about it. I just want to forget," Rosy whimpers against Mitchell's chest as she clings to him desperately. I can't control my cat as he growls his anger that this she-kitt has been subjected to stray tomcats trying to force her to become like them. The pungent odour of urine and faeces stops my cat as he realises with horror how badly he is scaring her. "Stop it Micah! Rosy doesn't know that you are not angry with her," Mitchell growls as he cradles her protectively. He looks down at her and I realise she is limp in his arms. I grit my teeth as he eases her down onto the bed. Both Sam and I step forward to help but Sam brushes past me with a disgusted look. I hesitate a moment before going into the small ensuite and finding a face cloth to wet with cool water. Mitchell takes it when I offer it to him and ignores me as he runs it gently over her face. "I didn't mean to scare her," I say contritely. "She is probably the dappled werecat that several of the clans have been chasing for a while," Dwayne announces quietly. "She claims to have a dark coat that shows rosettes under it," Sam supplies. "No wonder she was so skittish when I met her at Pete's! Strays are always scared of cats they don't know. She must have been terrified the entire time," I say tightly as I remember her fear. I move closer and watch as her eyes flicker and she starts to show signs of coming around. I ignore Mitchell's angry glare and stay where I am. I know that doing so will allow her to smell me and hopefully get used to my personal scent. The light blonde hair that falls across her face moves every time she breathes and I reach out using one finger to brush it off her face. She flinches slightly and grimaces before turning her face into the pillow. I realise she is conscious once again and glance at Sam who grins. I begin tracing circles on the soft skin above her elbow, she whimpers and shivers fearfully but I keep my touch light and non-threatening. "Rosy, Rosy look at me. Look at me Rosy," I say on a teasing note and I am rewarded when she chances a quick peek my way. "Come on Rosy. You're real clever at hiding to survive by yourself. How did he find you?" I ask softly so as not to startle her when she has stopped trembling. "Can't you leave her alone?" Mitchell demands aggressively. "How about you and I step outside?" I ask tightly, loosing patience. I know a stray will progress a lot slower if protected by another cat. Just thinking about it sends my inner cat into a fury and he discharges his musk glands with a growl at the audacity of another tom trying to get in between us and the she-kitt he wants. Mitchell immediately coughs but still glares at me defiantly while Sam covers his nose and mouth with one hand and has the wisdom to take several steps back. "Struth," Dwayne mutters as he coughs and moves towards the ensuite. "What?" I challenge Mitchell who wisely lowers his gaze submitting to my dominance. "I thought not." I am silent for a minute as I wonder why I hadn't smelt her cat at Pete's. "How did he find you Rosy," I ask careful to keep my tone soft and gentle as I squat so I am on her level if she chooses to look at me. "He smelt me. He must have tracked me; he smelt me." The way she sobs against Mitchell tells us much more and I stand upright and watch him stroke her soothingly for a few moments before moving away. "Help her get cleaned up if she'll let you. We need to get moving," I order quietly and move to the door. I watch as Mitchell carries her to the bathroom, talking quietly to her for several minutes before coming out and closing the door. "Mitchell." His name comes out in a low savage snarl and my inner cat begins pacing eagerly. "Outside. Now." I watch Mitchell walk out of the room with an uneasy glance my way. I follow him and when he stops I motion towards the darkness behind the cabin. I can hear both Sam and Dwayne following me and I am not surprised when Steven and Alex also appear behind them. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to ..." Mitchell turns to face me but my inner cat takes over and I am on him in an instant. I have the front of his shirt and jacket in my hands as I lift his feet from the ground and slam him back against a tree trunk with a satisfying thump. His eyes are wide with fright but he doesn't flinch as I snarl into his face. I am aware of hands gripping my upper arms and Sam trying to get between us. It is all I can do not to give in to the urge to kill this cat that keeps coming between this she-kitt and us. "Micah calm down! Micah get a grip on yourself," Steven manages to breaking through the rage gripping me and I slowly release my white knuckled grip on Mitchell, allowing him to stand on his own feet once again. "What the hell has gotten into you? You've got better control than this," Dwayne snaps as he pushes me backwards forcing me to move away from Mitchell. "Micah," Steven queries and I look his way. "It's Tawny Caruthers in there," I say tightly. "Shit man! Damn it to hell and back," Steven swears. "At least one of us had better get back and be there when she comes out of the bathroom," Sam points out. Mitchell goes to move but I turn my head and glare at him. My cat is still furious with him. Sam moves to stand between us, as does Steven. They are old enough to recognise the fact it is my inner cat controlling my aggression towards the younger tom. "I'll go and keep an eye out for Rosy," Dwayne says. "She's capable of walking?" Steven asks hopefully. "Yes. But her body is fighting a severe infection in a bite wound and she's getting weaker," Mitchell says as he sends a cautious look my way. I feel a reluctant twist of respect for the tom. He knows I am bigger, stronger and more dominant than him, yet he is willing to defy me in an attempt to make Rosy feel safe. I tune out as Steven briefly fills Sam, Mitchell and Alex in on how we met Tawny who they know as Rosy. It is a name she will be allowed to continue to use. A lot of strays who survive tend to change at least their first name, stating they are now a different individual to who they were before turning. Mitchell moves restlessly and I glance his way with narrowed eyes. "Do you want Mitchell to come with me and Alex," Steven asks. "No, I need to get a grip on my cat. Besides Rosy feels safer with him beside her," I admit grimly. I notice that Sam has left and I head back towards the front of the building only glancing behind me as I hear Mitchell begin to follow. "Alex and I will wait back out of sight so we don't startle her ... Rosy," Steven says stumbling slightly over the name. I see Sam in the back of the van as I walk into the parking lot and it takes a few seconds before realising Rosy is seated in the van huddled under a blanket. I notice she is watching us closely and it is not until I approach the van I see the fear grow in her eyes. "You're in the front," I tell Sam and it comes out sharper than I had intended. Rosy cowers away from the movement as Sam gets out and Mitchell and I climb, with Mitchell sitting beside her. "Try not to murder my brother. He's the only one I've got," Sam says dryly before slamming the door and climbing into the front of the vehicle. Rosy is cowered in the corner but once the van starts to move, her weakness becomes more apparent. Soon she is leaning against Mitchell using him as support. "She's burning up," Mitchell remarks. I lean towards Rosy and put a hand on her forehead while she stares fearfully. I am lifting my hand away when she turns her head away only to force back a groan as she clutches at her injured shoulder. "Rosy I want you to take some Panadol I'm going to give you. It's not going to do much but it might help you be a little more comfortable until we can get you something that will help," I order firmly. I am pleasantly surprised when she takes the tablets without complaint but one good look at her pain and fever clouded eyes tell me how much she needs even the slightest relief. Wanting only to make her more comfortable I lift one of her feet onto my lap and begin to massage gently. She makes no objections as she settles back against Mitchell trustingly. I slowly work the tightness out of the muscles in her foot and reach for the second one. Her eyes flutter open for a second but they are glassy and unfocused leaving me in no doubt she has little awareness of being touched or who is touching her. Over the next two hours whenever she stirs or whimpers, Mitchell murmurs softly to her, touching her, and she drifts back into unconsciousness. Finally he lays her across the seat and puts her head in his lap with a cautious glance my way. "Can't you go any faster Dwayne," I demand. "I'm risking a speeding ticket as it is," my brother reassures me. With only a few kilometres left before reaching home she begins to stir as the Panadol starts to wear off. She sniffs audibly and mutters about clan cats. Just as we turn onto our drive way she wakes and attempts to sit up but is clearly too weak. "Where are we? What's happening," Rosy asks in little more than a whisper. "We'll be stopping in a few minutes and then you can lie down in a bed that's not moving," Mitchell soothes softly as he brushes her sweat-dampened hair back off her face. She falls silent and when Dwayne parks near the house, I jerk the rear door open and turn to ease her into my arms before anyone else can do any different. "I can manage," Mitchell protests as a slight sound leaves her. "Where is the female stray," Wade asks as he walks out to the vehicle. I turn to face him and he wastes no time as he takes in the situation in one glance. "Take her inside," Wade orders. "She is too ill to go in the containment shed at the moment." I head into the main house and pass Marissa and Jazzy just inside the doorway. I see Doc standing to the side as I head towards the bedrooms. "Can I help look after her? What does she look like? Is she pretty? Oh hi Mitchell! Who found her," Jazzy asks question after question excitedly before stopping for a few seconds. "Is that her smell all over you Mitchell? Why do you smell like her?" I hear the hurt in Jazzy's voice and hope she is not in line for a world of hurt from his attachment to my Rosy. "Rosy trusts Mitchell to a degree," Dwayne tells Jazzy gently. "She is weak and injured and Mitchell was kind to her. He isn't overly dominant so she's not scared of him," "How badly hurt is she, do you know?" Doc asks as I place her on my bed in the room I shared with Dwayne as a child. "She has a lot of scratches on her back, a few bite marks. One bite on the back of her shoulder is badly infected and I think there is something in one of the puncture wounds. Someone has stitched up a gash on her head over one ear fairly recently," Mitchell says as he moves to the bedside and pauses for breath. "They'd been forcing her to let them ..." Enter the Cat Ch. 02 His voice trails off and he glances towards Marissa and Jazzy clearly not comfortable with naming the horror all females can face at the hands of strays and outlaws. Doc moves to the bedside and Mitchell steps back but stays in the room watching as Doc begins by taking her pulse. I watch as Rosy stirs slightly and realise she must be aware of the activity around her as she fights to regain consciousness and open her eyes with a whimper. "I'm going to sedate her lightly," Doc says. "It will make treating her easier." "All of you can leave now," Marissa says firmly as she waves towards the door. "Can I stay and help Mum?" Jazzy asks hopefully. "No Jasmine, we can not be sure she isn't going to attack you when she comes around. You are smaller than her and everyone knows strays can be pretty vicious at first until they learn we are not about to hurt them or torture them in anyway," Wade says firmly. "But Daddy!" Jazzy protests. "Rosy isn't vicious," Mitchell protests. "No she isn't," both Sam and Dwayne agree. "Scared, yes," Sam says. "Obviously starved for company and kindness." "And she seems to loose control of her change if she becomes too upset or too scared," Dwayne admits. I leave the room reluctantly and watch as Marissa shuts the door closing us all off from what is going on in the room. "Who will teach Rosy how a clan works?" Mitchell asks. "I think she would listen to me," he adds hopefully. "She doesn't even seem to know the basic facts on how being a werecat affects an individual -- metabolic rate, disliking physical contact with strangers," Sam says quietly. "She has already formed a bond with Mitchell, and to a lesser degree with Sam," Dwayne informs Wade. Wade leads the way to the kitchen and helps himself to a mug of coffee before glancing from one person to the next, making eye contact with everyone in the room. "We can't just make sure she is back to full health, has a job and a home, and knows the basics of how to co-exist with humans as a werecat like we do for toms. No she-kitt would be safe from stray toms and rouges or outlaw cats outside of a clan." "Firstly, Jazzy will go and visit with Stephan and Abby Willoughby until we can be sure that this ... Rosy isn't a threat. Once Rosy is well enough, she can be moved to the quarters so she isn't around Marissa. I will not take chances with my wife's safety. All of you warriors should be able to defend yourselves if necessary." "Most importantly, Rosy should be given lots of special care. After all that she's been through at the hands of the strays, she will need space and time to understand the ways of a clan. She is not to be reprimanded in any way. She is not some stray male werecat to be made follow the rules. It will probaly take a long time for her to learn the rules but we can't help that," Wade announces firmly. "I'm not sure that's a good idea Wade," I say. "She needs to learn the rules right from the start. Yes we can be extra patient and gentle with her but she has to have firm and definite boundaries," I tell him. "No," Wade says forcefully. "I will not have her more traumatised than she has already been. You know as well as I do strays pick up on dominance and are scared of the more dominant warriors. Rosy must not be exposed to too many rules. She will need to be allowed to learn the ways of the clan at her own pace and not be forced to follow them by the dominant warriors. We do not scare our she-kitts." "She is not a child to be sheltered and protected from everything. She needs to learn for her own protection," I argue. "She'll have to learn what she can and can't do, what is proper and acceptable behaviour." "I am sure Sam and Mitchell will be capable of giving her gentle guidance as needed," Wade says with a glance between the two toms. "She already knows Pete Willoughby quite well and has met Steven and me. He can come here. I am sure she will take help from an old acquaintance much easier than a new one," I point out to him. "With two warriors not working I should imagine you will find yourself too busy to be spending time with a stray, regardless of the fact it is female," Wade says dismissively. I open my mouth to speak but Wade slams his fist down on the kitchen table. "You are to keep well away from this she-kitt. I will be obeyed on this," Wade snaps harshly. "And shouldn't you be more concerned with spending time with Donna Stephan than a stray?" Donna is suddenly called to my attention and a sinking feeling fills my stomach as I realise that somehow I have gotten myself into a very uncomfortable situation -- courting and practically engaged to Donna and now strongly attracted to another she-kitt at the same time. "You and Donna?" Dwayne asks and I glance his way. "I'm not sure that is going to happen after seeing his reaction to Mitchell being near Rosy," Sam says in disapproving tones. "Well it was his inner cat's reaction actually." "What," Wade demands with a look from Sam to me and back again. "My cat wants Rosy. H ... heck I want Rosy," I admit tightly. "Hmmm," Wade says thoughtfully. "You'll never be Alpha here over your sister's husband. Or would you want to be given territory to start your own clan with her?" "I don't care about being Alpha! I just want her, " I say tightly. "Does that mean we get to keep her forever," Donny asks with a thread of excitement in his voice. "You're supposed to be in bed asleep!" Jazzy turns to our youngest brother with a frown. "All the talking woke me up," Donny says with a grin. "So do we get to keep her?" * * * * * I watch the passing scenery out of the car window, barely aware of it as I recall the past two months. My life has taken several abrupt and crazy turns. First I met Tawny Caruthers and then Rosy, her werecat half -- and my entire life had been shaken to the core. Then Donna, I still wasn't sure what I should do about her, but I knew that to continue on the current course, my turmoil would only become worse. My feelings for Donna haven't changed - I still admire and respect her but I can't stop thinking about Rosy. I know Rosy is out there somewhere and I can only hope she is safe. Mitchell and Sam begged to go searching for her when she ran from the safety of the clan but Wade declared dragging her back would surely traumatise her more. Forbidden by Wade to have much to do with Rosy, I can only wait and pray that somehow she will return to the clan or another clan will find her and take her in. There have been several reports of a stray with a mottled coat, each time moving fast and freely, so we can only try to be aware of where she makes her home territory. And here I am alone; well alone if I don't count Steven who is driving my car. "Micah! Earth to Micah! Are you receiving," Steven asks loudly and laughs as I look his way with a startled snort. "What," I ask irritable that I have let my mind wander. "I said should we stop in at Nimbin? Check in and see what information we can get from there. It is within the area Rosy has been seen at different times, " Steven points out. "What gives you the idea I was thinking about Rosy," I ask angry that I had been so transparent. "I said do you think we should check in on Baxter Barnes and see how he is getting on? No one has checked on him for a good while," Steven tells me. "And you just sat there staring out the windscreen like a bull staring at a cow through an electric fence, wondering if it was on or not." Baxter is an ex-warrior for the clan. He retired when he'd had a personality clash with Edwin soon after Edwin started training as a warrior. Baxter was not the only warrior who had left due to Edwin. "Yeah we might as well. Be good to touch base with him and have a bit of a chat," I agree. "We can let him know about Rosy and ask him to keep an eye open for her," Steven suggests. "Would you like to tell the entire male population of all the clans?" I ask tightly. "The more friendlies she has keeping an eye out for her, the better her chances of survival are," Steven says bluntly. I don't respond to his remark. I know it is true but I dislike the idea that even just one male will get close to her without me there to watch out for her. The road becomes narrow and winds through the tree covered hills the further we travel from the bigger towns. Nimbin is a small rural town and we drive along the main street before turning onto a side road towards where Baxter lives. His home is a small rustic building hidden behind several large Morton Bay fig trees. The area around the building is manicured lawn edged by well-kept gardens filled to overflowing with both flowers and vegetables. There is much more than even a large werecat can eat so I know he is still selling his extra produce to the poorer families in the area at ridiculously low prices. Last I heard, Baxter had been doing a lot of good by helping the poorer families in the area, and not only with near free fresh fruit and vegies. He was also quick to lend a hand with repairs or construction work when his human friends needed help. He had essentially exchanged a clan of werecats for a collection of struggling families. A large bulky figure moves out of the shadows of a small shed on one edge of the garden beds, and I smile as I open the door of the car and get out to walk to the front of the vehicle. "Hey Baxter," I call in greeting. "Well Hallo. If it isn't one of the Williamsons," Baxter answers as he pauses to look me over. "I swear you get larger every time I see you Micah." His handshake is firm and vigorous as he grins at me before turning his head to look at Steven. "You're not looking so small either Steven." "Well it has been over two years since either of us has managed to get the time to visit," I say as Baxter heads towards his house. "You'll stay for a cuppa and supper won't you," Baxter asks as he walks up the three steps and onto the small veranda. "A bit of werecat company would be a nice change." "Well since you are twisting our arms ... why not," I answer with a laugh. It is good to be in the company of an old friend who I respect immensely. "Haven't seen a she-kitt running about, have you Baxter," Steven asks. "No, should I be watching for one," he asks as he turns to face us with a serious expression. "There's a female stray running around out past Tabulam. Been seen as far south as Grafton, east to Coraki and up nearly to the Queensland border," I supply the information. "Just of late?" Baxter asks. "No, there have been sightings of a cat with a dappled coat for at least six to eight months. Rosettes under a dark coat, that's her. Runs like greased lightening," I say. "Heard tell of that cat," Baxter says with a nod of his head as he fills his kettle and turns it on to boil. "It has outsmarted a few teams of warriors. Out runs and out lasts every team bent on catching it. A female stray you reckon?" "Yeah a pretty blonde. Dwayne, Alex and the MacIntosh brothers found her locked in a cage by a group of strays. She was hurt pretty bad," Steven tells him. "She took off when Doc had her on the mend." "There is a couple of stray toms I know of who usually manage to outrun clan warriors. They're not trouble makers - they just have no use for clan cats," Baxter tells us. "One of them died recently, just gave up trying to exist in two worlds. She could have been connected to him ... or then again she might have caught on real quick to keep away from stray toms." "Turns out she lived next to Steven's brother Pete. She had some way to hide her scent. Pete said she'd been attacked and raped in her early teens, I think it was. Been shy of men ever since," I tell Baxter. I watch as he stops what he is doing and looks at me with a serious expression. "Poor thing," Baxter says with a frown. "She lived next to Pete for close on three years I think it is, and he only just started to have questions about her," Steven says firmly. "You boys should be out there trying to find her and get her into the safety of the clan," Baxter says gruffly. "Wade said not to chase her," I tell him, "If we chance on her we can try to grab her as long as we're sure of catching her. Basically he doesn't want us to scare her." "Heard rumours the clan had a she-kitt about a month ago. Someone told me Wade was being real soft on her and letting her make her own rules," Baxter says with a shake of his head. "A little she like that needs a firm hand, needs to know someone cares enough to see she learns." "If she is the cat that has been around this long, catching her won't be easy," Baxter comments and turns the kettle off as it boils. "Still take your coffee the same way?" "Yeah. So how have you been getting on around here," Steven asks as he pushes two more large mugs towards Baxter. "Pretty good," Baxter acknowledges. "The kids from several nearby families have started their own gardens at home. We strike the seedlings here and I help them transplant them into their own gardens; teach them how to look after them. One boy is learning how to look after the fruit trees. He hopes to get a job in one of the plant nurseries when he is old enough to leave school." "Families are on government payments?" Steven asks. "I wish it was," Baxter says tightly. "One lot of parents spend all their spare cash on alcohol and the other lot buys drugs. Don't bother getting decent food for the kids." "Why do you have to be the one to help," Steven demands, "surely there is some form of help available through human channels. Or just make the parents face up to their responsibilities!" "All the children get for asking for food is a hiding," Baxter tells us tightly. "Doesn't anyone in the community care?" I ask appalled. "Lots care but it's too hard for them to do anything," Baxter tells us. My coffee is strong and sweet - just as I like it. All of us sip the hot brews carefully as we move to an assortment of miss matched chairs in the main room. We sit around discussing a variety of topics from the warriors in the clan through to the run of wet weather we have had lately. As night falls, Steven and I help put together a large meal of roasted chicken and small potatoes that are wrapped in foil and placed in the oven to bake while we gather herbs and salad greens from the garden. Deciding against finishing the journey home tonight Steven and I toss our sleeping bags on the main room floor for the night. The small town is surprisingly noisy and it is close to midnight when a timid knock sounds on the door. Steven and I remain silent as we listen to the young woman begging for food for her children, saying her husband had drunk all their money again. We get out of the sleeping bags and pull on shirts as Baxter lets the young family in and gets the remains of our meal from the fridge. Steven and I find ourselves introduced to his visitors and we sit at the table with tired and hungry small children on our laps while they eat hungrily from the plates in front of them. It is close to midnight when we help get the small children back to their home leaving Baxter to see them safely inside before returning home. Breakfast is enormous piles of thick rich American style griddle pancakes dripping in maple syrup, and we all eat hungrily before Baxter is ready to head to work. "Well you've proven you still know where I live so don't be strangers," Baxter says gruffly as he grips my hand hard and shakes it vigorously, glancing between Steven and I. "Micah might be a bit busy with Donna Stephan these days but I'll try to drag him away now and then," Steven says as Baxter shakes his hand. "He might prefer to come here and keep an eye out for that stray kitt just in case she is in this neighbourhood," Baxter says with a crafty smile my way. As we leave I notice Steven is clenching and unclenching his right hand and I can't help the laugh that bursts forth. "I guess Baxter is still testing us both out even if he is retired. My hand feels like it was caught in a vice grip," I tell him as I flex my own hand on the steering wheel. Upon returning to the compound, the sight of Doc's car at the quarters makes me concerned; we only bother him with either serious injury or Jazzy if she is sick. "Can't see the van Malcolm, Chris and Timny are using this trip. Pete's there," Steven says with a frown and a glance my way. "Doc's car would be at the main house if it was Jazzy," I say but even voicing this does not stop the worry my sister could be ill once again. Both of us are silent as we travel the last small distance to our destination. Steven turns the car off and I can hear the ticking of the cooling motor in the silence that descends. No normal everyday noises come from the quarters telling of activity within and the yelled call when it comes is from the direction of the large shed that contains the gym equipment over by the stone containment shed. "Micah! Steven," Sam calls and I turn to face him as he walks towards us. "Who's injured? And what happened," I demand as soon as he is close. "Micah!" Wade calls and I glance his way to see him walking from the house at a brisk pace. "Sam go back to what you were doing." Sam hesitates a moment, glances at Wade then back at me. "Later," is all he offers before heading back towards the gym shed and several dark silhouettes in the interior. "Micah you will be expected to follow my orders exactly," Wade warns as he comes to a halt in front of me with a hard expression on his face. "What is it? Who have we lost?" It is the only thing I can think of that would cause the deep stress lines on Wades face. "No one is dead and hopefully not dying," Wade refutes. "Pete caught Rosy sneaking around on his land, managed to grab her by surprise and tranquillised her on my instructions to make transporting her here easier." "It looks like she's been living as a cat since we last saw her and she was feeling pretty unfriendly. I had Doc here just to make sure she was okay considering the state of mind she was in when she ran away. Turns out the strays had her long enough to get her pregnant and she appears to have gotten hold of some drugs to rid herself of the unwanted kitt." "Doc doesn't think she managed to do anything before she was caught but she lost control when Edwin had Pete try to get her to open up about what she remembers from just before she turned. She had a flash back of her attack as a child and changed involuntarily. The boys had had her in cuffs to try to encourage her not to try to escape and Edwin only managed to get one wrist free before she lashed out at him and Doc." "From what Sam says, Doc is lucky Mitchell thought to grab one of the lounge seat cushions and drive her away from both him and Edwin before she managed to go after either of them a second time." "Edwin's forearm was mauled to the bone severing an artery; Doc had minor scratches on one shoulder. Rosy has a crushed wrist and had a severe reaction to the tranquillizer that was used to subdue her. She has been very sick for the last thirty six hours but Doc says she is starting to come good now." I stare at Wade in disbelief. "Didn't anyone think to let us know she was back?" I demand angrily. "I forbade anyone telling you! I will not have you sniffing around after her and scaring her worse than she already was," Wade snaps in a voice hard with authority. "Both Sam and Mitchell have been doing quite well with her and now Edwin is managing to reach her. She does not need the pressure of someone as dominant as you interacting with her!" "I have never scared a female intentionally or otherwise!" I deny outraged that he trusts me so little. Enter the Cat Ch. 02 "Rosy is a stray and strays have an irrational fear of anyone even slightly more dominant than themselves," Wade explains patiently. "If she does not see me with the other warriors acting normally, and in no way threateningly, how will she come to learn I have no intention of harming her?" I ask tightly. "Micah is right Boss," Steven says quietly. "And besides you have raised him to be gentle and respectful towards all females, werecat and human alike." Wade glances between us with narrowed eyes and it is the longest minute I have endured in a long time before he gives a curt nod of his head. "Make sure you keep well away from her and leave the training and care she will need to the others. If I hear you have upset her in any way, my punishment will be harsh." "Can we go now Boss?" Steven asks respectfully. "Yes but stay out of the quarters unless it is mealtime or night time," Wade orders in a firm tone before heading back towards the house. I turn my head and look towards the door into the quarters but make no move to go inside. I know Wade will be watching me closely waiting for the least little infraction of his orders. "Let's get over to the gym," Steven says evenly and I glance his way. I realise that he too would be eager to see Rosy once again. Even if he wasn't captivated by her the way I was, he had still enjoyed her company the times we had been around her. Alex greets us at the door of the gym shed; he looks past us towards the quarters before glancing between us and finally meeting my gaze. "You hear the news? Rosy's back and we get to keep her!" Alex says excitedly. True to form Alex is acting the clown and repeating a phrase he has been sure to hear Donovan say every time the subject has come to mind. "Is that Micah and Steven?" Jazzy asks and I see her over by the weight bench where she was certain to have been watching Mitchell pressing bench weights. One requirement I had of my warrior force was that we all kept in top physical condition. "Yes it's us Jazzy," I answer and watch as she hurries over to us. She gives Steven a brief hug but clings to me as she checks to make sure I am not injured. "I'm so glad you're back!" Jazzy tells me as she finally releases me only to take me by the hand and drag me towards the table where we keep a chilled water dispenser. "Wade won't let Rosy stay in the house," Donovan says miserably, "he's scared she's going to attack Jazzy. I heard him talking to Marissa and he was saying he couldn't chance it. Why would Rosy want to attack Jazzy?" "Good to have you two back," Sam says as he walks over from the other side of the shed. "I've explained this to you several times before Donovan -- Rosy probably wouldn't mean to attack anyone but if she panicked it is only natural she would lash out at anyone smaller or weaker than herself in an attempt to make an escape route for herself." "Why would she panic," Donovan demands. "None of us want to hurt her!" "Rosy doesn't know that," Sam tells him gently, "and my guess is every cat that has gotten close enough to her has hurt her in the past." "You didn't hurt Rosy did you," Jazzy demands forcefully as she stalks towards Pete who is talking quietly with Steven. "Of course not," Pete denies swiftly. "But I think Sam is right. Taw ... Rosy never let anyone touch her that I saw and her human uncle's office is just across the street from the building where I work so I saw her coming and going a lot. If anyone ever went to place a hand on her, she'd type of ... melt away from the hand before it touched her." "Well Rosy will feel much safer with Micah around," Jazzy says with a smile at me. "I know I always feel much better when Micah is here." "That's because I'm your big brother," I tell her with a laugh. "No," Jazzy says, her look serious and intense. "Donna and Celeste knows it's because you're so dominant, you make us feel safe, protected." "Can you marry Rosy instead of Donna," Donovan asks hopefully. "Donna is nice but I like Rosy much better." "You just like Rosy more because she is prettier than Donna," Alex laughs at Donovan before glancing at me in apology. "No disrespect for Donna meant." "Oh I think your big brother might agree with you there," Steven laughs as does Pete. "It might be an idea to keep in mind what Jazzy said just now. If the more dominant toms make she-kitts feel safe, being around us might help Rosy adjust." I glance towards Sam thoughtfully. As my second-in-command he was nearly as dominant as me and yet he was one of the first ones Rosy formed a bond with. Mitchell I could understand; he had a gift for being able to reach even the most terrified newly turned strays and frequently helped when we were teaching some new stray how to adjust to their new life. "How does that work Jazzy," I ask with a fond smile for my sister. Jazzy frowns and I can tell she is thinking by the way she chews at one corner of her mouth and stares at a spot past my left shoulder. "When Edwin or Alex are teasing me and won't stop, if I go and stand beside you, I feel safer and they don't bother me as much. They usually look at you and shut up," Jazzy says excitedly after several minutes. "And if you're not here it works with Sam as well!" "Glad to know I'm of some use around here," Sam says dryly but has a gentle smile for Jazzy. She laughs as she goes over and rewards him with a quick kiss on the cheek. "So we get to keep her?" Donovan asks eagerly. "You make Rosy sound like some toy," Jazzy says disapprovingly. "I do not!" Donovan refutes hotly. "Rosy is pretty and I bet she knows heaps of interesting stuff, being a stray and all!" "Looks like you've got some real competition Micah," Steven laughs as he eyes Donovan. "What are you talking about," Jazzy demands with a frown for Steven. "I think your favourite big brother might be very interested in keeping Rosy around," Steven says with a grin. "Because she's pregnant," Jazzy asks with interest as she glances back and forth between us. "But Daddy said Micah wasn't to be told Rosy was here and ..." Jazzy falls silent for a few seconds then laughs with unconcealed delight, "That's why Mum was saying to Daddy he wouldn't be able to keep you away from her for long! You like Rosy the same way you like Donna!" Jazzy stops talking and narrows her eyes at me for a few seconds. "Don't you dare do anything to scare her!" "You're still seeing Donna aren't you?" Sam asks and I hear the censure in his tone. "When I have time," I answer tightly. Everything has happened too fast. I don't know what I think or feel only that I want, no need, to see Rosy. Uncomfortable with the strength of the need I glance around the building looking for a distraction. "Where are Edwin, Malcolm, Chris, Timny, Dwayne and Justin?" "I sent Malcolm, Chris and Timny out to investigate reports of a large black cat in one of the small rural communities. There is some concern it might be a threat to humans especially women and children," Sam tells me seriously. "Confirmed sightings?" I ask. "Serious enough for National Park Ranger Service to be looking into it," Sam admits. Enter the Cat Ch. 03 The jar as my fist meets the resistance of flesh is accompanied by a meaty thud as I land a solid punch to the mid section of the stray in front of me. A slight grunt of pain is all that escapes his tightly clenched jaws even though I put good effort into the blow. "I repeat, why were you stalking women," Wade demands tightly. When no there is no reply to his question, Wade nods to me and I repeat the blow. This time, I strike on the other side of the torso as I search for sensitive spots left by the beating Malcolm administered in an effort to gain answers to Wade's questions. "What were you doing stalking human women? What did you hope to achieve," Wade demands flatly. Again there is no answer and I deliver a flurry of blows at Wade's signal. This time groans of pain reward my efforts but I feel no pleasure. Unfortunately sometimes physical violence is the only way to pry necessary information out of a reluctant stray. We need to know why he has knowingly and persistently been on clan land without permission when he has clearly been doing much more than passing through. Stray werecats rarely travel in the company of other cats and frequently leave behind clear evidence of kills when they feed in cat form. That and their tendency to travel in cat form during the day greatly increase the chances of being sighted by humans. Strays passing through are warned to notify us that they will be moving through our territory. This knowledge helps us work out which few strays are troublemakers and which are merely moving from one location to another. Most of the other clans have similar rules with the movements of strays, and I do know a few clans who strictly forbid strays crossing their clan territory at any time. Clan members always extend the courtesy of asking permission before venturing onto another clan's territory and there has never been any refusal of permission to my knowledge. "Ok already!" The stray gasps, "I get the message! Stay away from humans." "What were you doing stalking human women," Wade demands evenly. "Answer my question." Again there is no answer but I wait for a signal from Wade before punching the stray again. This time I have winded him and it takes a few seconds before he can draw a breath to groan. "What were you doing on Williamson clan territory," Wade asks. "I was looking for someone I used to run with," the stray admits before coughing painfully. "Why the interest in human women," Wade demands harshly with a nod. I give the stray no time to answer as I deliver several hard punches to his ribs. The blows leave him groaning in pain as he swings by his arms where they are bound above his head and secured to a short chain hanging from a cross beam. He raises his head to glare at me a few seconds before letting it fall forward once again. It is a real possibility he had formed a relationship with a human, which raises the possibility of interbreeding between the two. This could result in seemingly a human baby being born only to become turned into a stray at some further time in their life. While the difference in the blood make-up is nearly undetectable in a newborn baby it becomes much more noticeable in those about to 'turn'. Clan Alphas generally try to keep track of any such children in hopes of being able to render assistance at that time in their lives. "What makes you assume I was looking for a human female?" the stray says, clearly relishing the furious growls his taunt elicits. I don't wait for Wade's signal this time and aim for the stray's face. I feel teeth come loose and skin split beneath my knuckles as I hand out a savage beating. Was he hinting he had been hunting the she-kitt born in this territory? Just the thought of a stray like this getting anywhere near Jazzy spurs me on and even Wade doesn't object as I land punishing blow after punishing blow. Cartilage crunches as his nose breaks and I back off several steps as I manage to control the urge to smash his face beyond recognition. A faint sound from the doorway catches my attention and my stomach clenches as I see Rosy just inside the open door staring at the stray with a look of horrified recognition on her face. I realise with shock that the stray is talking to her, knows her and when she responds to his taunts she is nearly hissing and spitting in fear of him. Suddenly the pieces start to fall into place and I glance at Wade and see the realisation on his face as well. "You know him," I ask as I walk towards Rosy. The stray taunts us all, clearly enjoying her distress and fear. He can't help himself and has to boast of his knowledge of her, revealing a lot of information about them both. He subtly reinforces a fear and distrust of clan cats he admits to causing and when he swears at Wade I unleash punishment once again. He was the bastard who had gotten Rosy pregnant! He boasted of tracking her down and catching her to repeatedly and brutally rape her. He intentionally hurt her, making what should have been a very pleasurable experience into a horrifying and painful time for her. I can only watch as Rosy flees the building but not before looking at me with fear and horror. I glare at the stray and when he replies with scorn to a question from Wade, I step forward and deliver several short, hard blows up beneath his lower ribs stealing his breath for several minutes. "How well do you know Rosy?" Wade asks coldly. "Go to hell you clan mongrel," the stray laughs. "Why should I tell you anything? Yous don't even know what has been under your noses all this time." "I would have thought someone smart enough to continually elude us for as many years as you have would be smarter than this," Wade says slowly with a shake of his head. "You know we can't let you get away with one: potentially exposing the existence of our species. And two: the rape of a she-kitt. Now if you were to give us the information we want without us having to beat it out of you ... I would be a lot more lenient with you." I watch as the stray turns the information over in his mind. His eyes dart between the warriors behind me. "What do you want to know," he asks reluctantly. "How long have you known Rosy is a werecat," Wade asks. "Eight, maybe closer to eight and a half years," the stray sneers with a glance my way clearly expecting punishment for his disrespect. I let it go. I know that we will get more information from him if he doesn't fear punishment at every hint of defiance. "You mentioned Kendal," Wade says levelly, "would that be Kendal Darnel?" "Only Kendal I know of," he admits levelly. "We taught her a lot of tricks. How else would she have survived mostly alone for that length of time? Hell even we had trouble catching her. I can generally run her into the ground but the Darnels are the ones who tried to trap her." "Tried to trap her," Wade queries softly. I watch the sneer form on the stray's face; clearly he is enjoying taunting us with his knowledge. "They couldn't catch her so I done them a little deal," the stray licks his lips, his eyes moving shiftily. "I sold her to them. The first time she came into heat fully I drugged her but she was only groggy when they came for her. She nearly managed to outrun them. You should have heard her screaming when they took turns on her. Hell if I didn't know better I would have thought she didn't know what they were doing to her!" I hear the low growls this elicits from several of the warriors behind me and I glare over my shoulder at them as I swallow my own anger. "Tell me all you know about Rosy," Wade demands. "Did you know she integrated herself into human society? Is that why you were stalking human females? No use denying it; we know of several reports of women who believed they had been followed at night and watched for an extended period of time. The reports include a large black cat-like or dog-like animal in the same neighbourhoods on the same nights." When the stray still fails to answer, Wade gives a shake of his head. "It's obvious who you were looking for and why. You're just wasting my time now." Unease flickers briefly on the stray's face as he glances between Wade and myself. "You have given us some information. What is your name by the way," Wade asks neutrally. "Jasper," the stray answers after a short silence. Clearly he is afraid of us but is determined not to hand over any more information. "That all? Only Jasper," Wade asks and when there is no reply from the stray he glances at me and gives a slight nod before turning his attention back to the stray. "Jasper Stray, I as an Alpha recognised by the Were Board of Governors hereby find you guilty of severely mistreating a she-kitt. The mistreatment includes repeatedly mounting her against her will and selling her as chattel to outlaws for carnal purposes. You are also guilty of stalking human females with what could only be a view to force yourself on them sexually." Wade takes a deep breath and resumes. "You have also risked disclosing the existence of our species as a whole by being repeatedly seen in cat form near human dwellings. The sentence for all of these offences is execution, to be carried out ..." "Wait! Wait," the stray interjects frantically, "I know more about that little she-kitt, more about the Darnels!" "What do you know?" Wade asks in a cold even tone. I can tell he doesn't care for the stray's attempt at bargaining for his life. "I tell you," the strays says and licks his lips nervously as he glances at me, "and I get to live. What I know is surely worth that." "You tell me what it is and I'll decide," Wade says coldly. "You got to promise me my life first!" I bare my teeth in a parody of feral delight as the warriors behind me move closer, and he watches us with growing fear. "Or I can get the information the old fashioned way," Wade says with a nod my way. "Timny you got your pocket knife?" I ask with a mockery of a smile for the stray. "It's right here," Timny answers and I growl with satisfaction. "Want to do some cutting Malcolm? Edwin? Teach this stray to be more respectful of all females? Make sure he'd never be a threat to one again," I ask on a low snarl. I nearly miss the snarls of agreement beneath the stray's shout of disbelieving fear as he realises what I mean. I watch in grim satisfaction as the other warriors close in on him and his arms are released from the chain above his head. He is wrestled down onto the floor despite his struggles. He has years of experience surviving as a stray and almost fights free. I take him down to the floor of the shed with a shoulder to the stomach and once Edwin and his team have hold of the stray I back off. He has admitted to brutally raping a female on several occasions but as a stray he probably would not know the standard but seldom used punishment of castration is not used by our clan. Still the scare value of the threat should yield the information he claims to have. I watch as he fights wildly almost breaking free. Edwin punches him several times in the face before he and Malcolm manage to pin the stray successfully. "The knife cut me!" Chris hisses in stunned surprise. Blood soaks one sleeve and down that side of his body indicating a serious injury. "Chris! Oh shit!" Malcolm's voice is filled with panic and both Steven and I immediately move to help hold the stray down so Malcolm can go to his brother. The stray fights our hold briefly but outnumbered and over-powered he soon eases his struggles. "Where is all that blood from?" Malcolm demands frantically. "Your arm isn't that bad!" "It's not his! Damn it!" Steven says from the other side of the stray. I become aware of the weakness of the struggles of our prisoner and look down as I realise I am kneeling in something wet. There is a large dark patch on one thigh of his ragged jeans and a growing pool of blood beneath him. A cut runs up the thigh and across the groin of the leg Chris had been holding down. Steven is jerking his t-shirt off over his head and quickly presses it where blood wells from beneath the fabric rapidly in a pulsing rhythm that tells of an injury to a major artery. "Femoral artery," Edwin mutters even as he keeps his grip on the injured prisoner. One glance tells me the blood loss is fast reaching fatal levels and the position of the cut prevents adequate pressure being applied to stop further loss. I feel for the pulse in the stray's neck even as I take in his ashen face and colourless lips. Wade kneels down and places a hand on the stray's chest over his heart, but the weakening pulse beneath my fingers already tell me Steven's attempts are achieving very little in prolonging the stray's death. "We're doing all we can for you," Wade tells him quietly. "We were trying to scare more information out of you; you were not meant to be injured." "A fat lot of difference it makes now!" Jasper gasps and I can hear the weakness in his voice. "What is it you were going to tell me about Rosy?" Wade asks gently and motions for us to ease our holds on him. "It's my baby ... don't mistreat it just 'cause I'm a stray ..." His voice trails off and although he opens and shuts his mouth nothing more comes from it. "No kitt will ever be mistreated here," Wade tells him. "You have my word as an Alpha." Less than a minute later the stray breathes his last breath. I stand staring at the now dead stray for nearly a minute before glancing at the warriors standing around the body. Malcolm is still occupied with his brother but everyone else is starting to shift from foot to foot restlessly. "It was an accident," Wade says quietly. "I'm sorry Boss," Timny says contritely. "I only meant to prick him with the tip of the blade." "It's not your fault," Wade says quietly, "It all happened so quickly ..." The speed with which death can strike is horrifyingly fast; I know it wasn't meant to end like this. The execution would have been carried out quickly and cleanly; no one should die terrified and in a pool of their own blood. I feel kind of sick as I realise Rosy will probably believe his death supports all she has been told about clan cats killing strays. "What now Boss?" Steven asks in the heavy silence. The accidental killing of the stray has left us all quiet. "Go get cleaned up in the shower here. No one is to clean up in the quarters; I don't want Rosy upset anymore than she has been," Wade orders. "First one through go grab clean clothes for everyone so you don't go back there stinking like a dead stray." I supervise the wrapping of the corpse in an old sheet before helping to clean up all traces of blood in the room with the aide of a high-pressure hose. Wade has left the shed no doubt to report the death of the stray and relay the accusations made against the Darnels to several other Alphas who have had trouble with the outlaws. Edwin is by one of the benches when I carry the restraints we used over to be hung on their hook. He grins at me and glances at Steven, Malcolm and Dwayne who are the only other ones left in the building. "Sounds like that stray had Rosy all trained to open her legs and let him climb on whenever he wanted to," Edwin says in a very soft whisper and I turn disbelieving eyes on him. "A little bit of kindness and I bet she'll let anyone climb on and show her what it's all about," Edwin says in those same soft tones as he moves away from me. But he isn't fast enough and I am on him with a growl of pure fury as I take him down to the floor and begin launching punches at him wildly. "Hey stop it!" I hear the other three yelling in chorus. I become aware of the other three trying to drag us apart and I clasp two hands full of shirt near Edwin's throat forcing the others to rip his shirt to pull us apart. "What the hell was that about?" Dwayne demands angrily as he, Steven and Malcolm force me back against the wall. "I don't know," Edwin mutters from where he is getting to his feet and dusting himself off. "He just totally lost it for no reason." I glare at him. To repeat his words would be useless. Even though he often caused me trouble no one would believe he would say such stuff about a she-kitt, any she-kitt. I shake my head. And I realise the best I can do is keep a watchful eye on him around Rosy just in case. I walk away from the others and run both hands through my hair pushing it back off my forehead before clasping my hands behind my head as I try to calm down. I really need to get it cut, I let out a gusty snort. Some poor bastard dies bleeding like a stuck pig and I'm worrying about a haircut? Man! I really need to get a grip! * * * * * I am the last one to use the shower and take my time washing away the filth I imagine clings to me after dealing with the stray. A meal is being cooked when I walk into the quarters and I glance around the lounge room and kitchen quickly looking for Rosy. "She's hiding in Sam and Mitchell's room," Steven tells me quietly. "That bastard told her nothing but bullshit about clan cats," I say tightly as I run a hand back over my head brushing my hair off my forehead. The stray claimed to have known her for over eight years. How are we to undo so long of being fed lies about clan cats? A feeling of helpless anger fills me. My inner cat rages at the pain and suffering Rosy has endured at the hands of others. I want to smash my fists into something, preferably Edwin's face, until this anger is gone. "Want Pete to go and see if he can get her to come out to the lounge room?" Steven asks. "No, I'll give it a try. She seemed like she wanted my approval until now," I say thinking back on the last few days. "Maybe she'll try to avoid doing anything to aggravate me," I add thinking on Jazzy's remarks about how dominance affected she-kitts. "Do you think he trained her to be nothing more than a trouble maker," Steven asks quietly. "That's one of things we will need to try to find out," I admit softly. "Shame Mitchell isn't here. She'd already be out in the lounge room," Pete says. I take several minutes to ensure I am totally calm before making my way to the bedroom where she is hiding. She is curled up on Mitchell's bed hugging his pillow to her. She avoids meeting my eyes when she glances my way as I enter the room. I can smell her fear thick in the room and take in the way she is laying hunched over the pillow. I try tempting her out of the room with food, refusing to let her eat in there despite her intense fear. She needs to learn none of us intend to hurt her and the best way to learn that is for her to be around us and see how we treat her. "Leave me alone," her voice is thick with misery. "I want Mitchell." "What is it you want? Mitchell explains things to you, doesn't he?" I ask patiently. "Am I in trouble?" She whispers after several minutes, "Am I going to be punished?" "Well you shouldn't have gone near the brick shed as you know, but no, you're not going to be punished. Not this time," I say evenly not wanting her to think she can get away with knowingly breaking rules. "Now come out and try to eat something." I have to urge her off the bed and out to the lounge room and immediately she wants to return to the safety of the bedroom. It is hard not to lose patience with her, and as I try to coax her to stay she claims to be scared of Edwin and his team who are in the kitchen. "Why?" I ask in growing exasperation and watch as she tries to pull away from my light grasp on her uninjured wrist. It seems like her progress has regressed drastically today and I am not sure how to reassure her or show her that no one intends to harm her. My inner cat urges me to hold her, comfort her, but I am not sure how she would take it at this stage. All I can do is offer support with my presence. Enter the Cat Ch. 03 "I told yous it was a she-kitt at the service station several months back when we chased that stray out of the bar," Malcolm says as he moves to where the kitchen opens off the lounge room. Edwin moves up beside him and leads the way into the lounge room. I stand there silently as Rosy moves behind me glancing around me to speak defensively. As she stands her ground it becomes clear we have chased her on numerous occasions. She is fearful and tense but stands her ground with amazing courage until Steven asks me if he should get Wade. Her fear changes to panic, then flight mode, but I manage to wrap her in both my arms and force her to the lounge. She fights with surprising strength but soon stops struggling and I force her to sit down, while I sit beside her trying to calm her and stop her from running from us. I ask questions about her movements and behaviour on clan territory and I am surprised when she begins answering my questions. I hear the ring of truth in her words and realise that although she associated with the executed stray she didn't seem to share his resentful and belligerent manner. It soon becomes evident she fears Edwin and his team because of them chasing her. The more she talks the more certain I am they came closest to catching her. Maybe even closer than the stray, Jasper, had despite his boast. Her near capture several months earlier had been a trick of fate when she chanced stopping for food. She clearly had not planned to cause mischief, just feed herself and maybe snatch a little rest before continuing on her way. The more I hear, the more certain I am she is in no way a troublemaker. She simply had not known the protocol to cross clan territory. It isn't until I growl a warning at Malcolm that a remark from Rosy makes me realise she is expecting to be attacked during any argument as she is the smallest and weakest present. Resigned to her fear of me, I move away and head to the kitchen to dish up a meal for her as well as myself. I hear her moving around and when I turn to return to the lounge room I am pleased to see she had not fled to the bedroom as I had expected. She is instantly all attention on the food and is quick to sit on the lounge for me to hand her a plate. I make myself comfortable near her and I am almost amused at the way she seems to dismiss me as a threat and inches slightly closer when Timny talks to her. It is almost painful to see the way she instantly guards her food. I am not the only one to notice this as the other warriors exchange discreet glances with me. Timny offers her a piece of crackling and it is saddening to see her stuff it quickly into her mouth, her entire demeanour exposing that she expects it to be snatched back from her. When the meal is finished I catch Rosy licking her hand like a child and send her to wash it before I head for the kitchen to pile the dirty pans in a heap to wash later. I am surprised when I hear her return to the lounge room and keep a discreet watch as Edwin turns on the charm and moves close to her. I have to swallow my anger as Edwin pushes to get her to let him touch her and place his hand on her stomach. She is scared but submits to his touch and I move closer to offer comfort and support with my presence. I praise her acceptance of the attention from the others but I also subtlety warn them not to pressure her. I also spare Edwin a glare to let him know I am watching his interaction with Rosy much more closely after his remark in the stone shed. When the subject of her having to change to cat form and back before retiring for the night comes up Rosy panics and flees the room hiding herself away once more. Frustration stirs again; just as she seems to begin learning we aren't out to hurt her, the mention of changing sparks her fear of male werecats. I am shaken to realise it is not a fear of us but more a fear of being vulnerable around us. While basically she knows she can trust us, she hasn't had enough time to be where she does trust us. Slowly and gently I try speaking with her, going over the new revelations from today. I take my time and refuse to react when she clearly expects punishment. As she responds slowly and hesitantly I realise she wants to learn, wants to trust. I offer her a compromise that will hopefully encourage her to change. I wait in the lounge room impatient to see if she will manage to control her fear enough to change to cat form. I know if she can manage it she will make real progress. Once in cat form strays are a lot less fearful of other cats. Hopefully her instincts will take over and enable her to begin to be able to tell we don't wish to hurt her. I am taken back by the beauty of her cat when she appears in the lounge room door way. She moves on three legs; her injured paw held high off the ground but she is all sinuous grace as she moves into the room. There is no wild panic as she looks at us taking in the fact that Edwin, Steven and Pete are in cat form. This is extremely encouraging; we are getting through to her subconscious. I watch as the three toms introduce their cat form to her. I leave them be until Steven starts to get very friendly grooming her shoulders and moving his body closer. I find myself calling Rosy to me. It is not just my inner cat protesting his over friendliness - it is all of me. The feel of her coat under my hand as she settles herself on the lounge near me is heavenly and I stroke her gently wanting her to become accustomed to my touch. I ignore Edwin's not so subtle hint that my touch infers more than simple contact, and I am rewarded with a soft purr when my fingers find the itchy spot behind her ears. Donovan's sudden arrival causes concern but there is no vicious or predatory gleam in Rosy's striking violet eyes, only curiosity. She even seems to welcome his attentions as he scratches behind her ears and then down her spine going over all the hard to reach places. It isn't until Donovan mentions the executed stray that Rosy reacts and then her fear sends her from the room. I try to remain calm as I explain to Donovan what he just did, but anger for what I know Rosy has endured colours my voice as I give Donovan a stern warning before telling Steven to change back to human form and come to the main house with me. It is the early hours of the morning when I relax in one of the lounge chairs before going to bed. It has been a long and tiring day between dealing with the stray and coping with Rosy. It is hard going but I feel we are slowly making progress with her. Two steps forward then one step back; although it felt like all the backwards steps had come at once today and the forward steps seemed too few and too far apart. I am also beginning to understand the way she thinks and what has caused her to think this way. It will be easier to help her with her fears, as I have come to understand they're not as ridiculous as I had once thought. Her world, although nearly the same one as clan cats lived in, had been presented to her from the warped and twisted mind of a troublemaking stray. As I settle in bed for a few hours sleep I smile as I remember the soft, silky feel of her coat beneath my hand. A few more occasions like that and she should start gaining enough self-confidence to begin interacting with us without always being afraid of us. A moment's unease makes me frown; I am sure I have forgotten something. Unable to place what it is I roll onto my side and close my eyes as I imagine what it will feel like to be able to hold Rosy in my arms, what it will feel like when she lets me kiss her once again. The image of her in cat form refuses to leave my mind and keeps my body aroused making me remember kissing her and holding her when she was leaving after the meal at Pete's. * * * * * * I stand beside Donna silently as she lays flowers on Alex's grave. She kneels beside the recently dug soil as she stares down at the blossoms. Slowly she gets to her feet and allows me to lead her away from the grave and to a blanket spread out in the dappled shade beneath one of the orange trees in the orchard. "I'm sorry I didn't make it here for Alex's funeral Micah," Donna says gently as I seat myself on the blanket beside her. "And I'm sorry that the stray she-kitt your clan has rescued lost her unborn kitt. It wouldn't have been able to replace him but the kitt would have been something good coming to the clan." I nod silently. The loss of my brother is still too raw just five days after his funeral for me to be able to talk about him comfortably with anyone who hadn't lived with the irrepressible clown that had been Alex. As for Rosy, it seemed incredibly wrong to talk with Donna about her. "We'll make a good marriage Micah. We both get on with the other's family," Donna says earnestly. "I'm healthy and will be only too happy to give you a daughter no matter how many sons we have first." She turns to look into my face and hesitates a moment before putting both hands on my face and pressing her lips to mine. She runs her small hands down over my shoulders as she wriggles closer on my lap. Her tongue slips between my lips and she moans as she presses herself against my chest. She pulls at the front fastenings of my shirt and I feel the first stirrings of desire. The soft little sounds she makes stir my inner cat and I take control of the kiss as I feast hungrily on her lips. The way her body rubs against mine quickly has me hard and I wrap both arms around her before twisting and taking both our bodies down onto the blanket. Her hands move restlessly over my chest and I am surprised at her boldness as one hand skims down the front of my jeans to cup me through the material. "I want you Micah," Donna whispers. The sound of her voice breaks the hold lust has on my body and I run a hand through my hair distractedly. She pulls away from me slightly only to lean back and look around cautiously before rolling away from me and reaching beneath her skirt to quickly discard her underwear. I return her kisses when she presses against my body once again. She takes hold of one of my hands and I am not surprised when she guides it beneath the skirt of her dress to the mound of curls between her legs. "Micah," The sound of her breathless whimper breaks through the haze of lust and I begin to ease her away from me. "Do you want to play around in my honey pot before putting a condom on and squirting inside me?" Donna offers against my lips, a hint of desperation in her voice. "I don't think we should go that far Donna," I tell her, not sure exactly how to put what I have suddenly realised I need to tell her. I sit up and push my hair back off my face nervously as I try to work out a gentle way to put the blunt truth. "Micah?" Donna's soft voice cuts into the silence between us and I hear the rustle of material as she rearranges her skirt. "Yeah Donna," I question quietly with a glance her way. She smiles a tight, painful smile before looking away quickly. "Timny told me that ... that the she-kitt sleeps with you. I need to know Micah, is there anything between the two of you?" her voice is rushed and breathless, filled with anxiety. "Nothing has happened between us Donna," I say quietly, "Rosy is in a very bad place at present." Just Donna mentioning Rosy makes what I know I must tell Donna all the more pressing. Had Donna intended to try to push any errant thoughts of Rosy from my mind with our coupling? "I saw her in the lounge room of the quarters when Timny took me inside to wait for you to come over from your parents' house," Donna tells me quietly. "She's very pretty, all that long blonde hair and huge eyes." I remain silent; did she want a response from me? What had her brother told her? I can't help but wonder as I take a quick glance her way. "Why are yous torturing her Micah?" Donna asks and I turn to face her angrily. There are tears in her eyes and her bottom lip and chin are trembling. "She's so sad it hurt me to see her. And all she did was sit on the lounge staring out the big window; she wasn't in the room Micah. Not in her head, her body was there but I don't think her soul was and her mind was definitely out on that mountain she was staring at." The words come from her in a rush, and in my heart I know what Donna is saying is true. We are only trying to help Rosy but all we were managing to do was torture her. With that admitted to myself I realise there is someone else I am torturing: Donna. "I'm sorry Donna," I say gently and turn my head to look at her. I watch as she shakes her head, tears filling her pretty brown eyes. She covers her mouth with one hand and looks away from me. "I don't believe things between you and I will ever come to anything," I say apologetically, "Things have ..." "Stop it!" Donna cries sharply and takes a deep breath, "you told me nothing has happened between you and her. You still feel the same way about me don't you?" I hear the desperation in her voice and can't stop myself reaching out to take hold of her hand. "I still respect you and regard you highly. I would never have accepted your second invitation if I hadn't," I tell her gently. "I'm not beautiful like her," Donna says unhappily. "And I doubt that with that tall slender body she will ever have to worry about keeping off the extra pounds that try to creep on once the babies start coming!" "Looks are only skin deep. The real beauty goes down deep into the soul," I say gently and reach out to pull Donna into my arms. I don't like seeing her so upset, and knowing I am the cause of it doesn't sit comfortably. "You're beautiful Donna," I tell her gently. "Don't ever doubt that. I still admire and respect you greatly but you deserve more than that. You deserve someone who thinks you are his entire world. And he thinks of you when he's not with you, wants to be with you when you are apart." I rub my cheek against the side of her head feeling the slight growth of stubble catch on strands of her hair. "You deserve someone, who when he closes his eyes, he sees your face. He thinks of only you and doesn't think about others. You are a very dear friend Donna and I love you but I know now that I am not in love with you, and there is a big difference in that." "We don't get to choose who we fall in love with, it chooses us. One day you'll meet some tom or really see a tom for the first time – see past his appearance and you ... " I find myself trailing off what I was saying and I take a deep breath before continuing. "When you look into his eyes, you'll see his cat as well as the person. You'll notice his heart beats in time with yours." I try to give voice to the thoughts in my head. "Stop it! Just leave me alone," Donna cries as she gets to her feet. She spots her knickers on the grass beside the blanket, snatches them up and heads towards the quarters and house at a run. I sigh deeply as I glance around. The blanket is rumpled and has pieces of dead grass scattered on it hinting at the passion we almost shared minutes earlier. I get to my feet resigned to the argument between us and pick up the blanket to shake the grass from it. I fold it roughly before tucking it under one arm and following Donna at a leisurely pace. I find her at one of the work sheds where Timny, Malcolm, Chris and Edwin are servicing one of the tractors and cleaning the planting combine. Donna is standing close to Timny and ignores me as I pause in the doorway to check on how the work is going. Edwin makes a point of noiselessly acting as if he is sniffing before looking between Donna and I with a huge grin, clearly enjoying the signs of trouble between us. Chris, who is always kind and thoughtful towards she-kitts, is quietly explaining the work he and Timny are doing while Malcolm flexes his muscles as he checks all the attaching bolts are securely fastened. "Wade is talking about taking Marissa and Jazzy to visit Stephan and Abby for a while," Edwin says when I go to turn away. I hesitate as I look his way but he is intent on a bolt that is resisting Malcolm's attempts to undo it, and he doesn't meet my eyes leaving me in no doubt this is a message that was meant to be delivered earlier. Uneasy glances from both Timny and Chris confirm this and I leave the shed as my anger burns at Edwin for his continuous sly manipulations. I find Wade in his private den at his work desk going over some papers; he glances up as I enter the room but goes straight back to what he is doing. "I asked for you to come and see me nearly an hour ago," Wade says when he puts the papers aside and glares at me. "I was breaking up with Donna, and only just got the message," I say levelly. I might as well come straight out with it - he would hear of it soon enough. If not from Donna's father then probaly Edwin would make sure to let it slip at the most inopportune moment possible since he was clearly bent on stirring trouble for me with Wade. "Do you think this clan needs the stress of you walking away from a highly suitable match so soon after Alex's death?" Wade asks coldly. "Not that I didn't expect it when I heard how you have wilfully disobeyed my orders and almost single-handedly taken over the responsibility of mentoring and caring for Rosy." "If you had seen the progress she was making then you..." I tell him only to cut off when he pushes his chair back from the desk and stands up abruptly making the chair rock before settling on four legs once again. "What? I saw how she threatened me over Alex's injuries," Wade demands angrily. "If Rosy continues to do things that make me believe she is a threat to anyone here or she fails to progress in adapting to clan life because you saw fit to interfere and go against my orders ..." I watch as Wade stops to take a deep breath in an attempt to control his anger. "Head warrior or not," Wade bites out tersely, "if anything goes wrong with Rosy I will have you whipped! She is a she-kitt in very fragile health and must be protected at all costs!" I remain silent as I meet Wade's glare. I disobeyed his orders with the best of intentions, but when all is said and done the fact still remains that I have disobeyed him. "I will be taking Marissa and Jazzy to the Willoughby compound for a few days. Your mother is taking Alex's death very hard and Jazzy is fretting over Mitchell's injuries. They both need some time away from here to recover," Wade says tightly. "Can I suggest you take Donny along as well?" I ask calmly, "He and Alex were very close." "Might as well take Justin along as well. Maybe he will be lucky enough to end up becoming an alpha some day. Celeste Willoughby should be reaching an age where she is looking at young toms," Wade announces. I remain silent even though I know this is a not so subtle reference to Donna and myself. "Timny and Chris will accompany us," Wade announces after a few moments thought. "I am sure Timny will want to visit his parents and offer his support to his sister in the next few days or weeks. I am sure Stephan will have a couple of warriors who can escort us home if Timny is still away when Marissa is ready to return." "Yes Sir," I acknowledge evenly. "Go and tell them to get ready; I want to leave within the hour." Wade orders and turns away without any further comment. I am left to walk from the room, Wade's anger with me still thick in the air between us. I pass Marissa in the kitchen where she stands at the sink looking out the window above it; she turns her head to glance at me. Her eyes are red-rimmed and blood shot in her pale face. "Micah?" Marissa questions softly. I hesitate a moment before walking over to her and engulfing her in a warm hug. She feels small and surprisingly fragile in my arms as I hold her, not in the least like the robust and strong person she was. Enter the Cat Ch. 03 "I've lost my clown Micah," Marissa says thickly and sniffs moistly. "Who will make me laugh now?" "Lost is such a harsh way to think of it Mum," I tell her gently. "You haven't misplaced Alex. He is just in a place where you can no longer physically see or touch him. And I know he's still in your heart, in all our hearts." The words come to me as I hold her and I give her a gentle squeeze and brush a kiss against her temple before allowing her to ease out of my embrace. "How did I ever manage to find the most gentle heart and soul to put in such a large and powerful body," Marissa asks with a watery smile. "But then that heart needs a large body to contain it." I smile at her familiar words and drop a kiss on her forehead before turning towards the door. "I love you Mum," I tell her before heading outside. I stop at the work shed to inform Timny and Chris that they need to pack. Timny is holding Donna who is crying and sends an angry glare my way while the other three warriors stand nearby silently. I glance at Donna one last time but she deliberately turns her back on me. I give a slight nod and head for the stone shed where Steven is doing some metal work. "What doing?" Steven asks as I look at the small gate he is making. "Wade is taking Marissa and the kitts away for a few days. I'm in the shit with him for breaking up with Donna and a few other things," I admit with a shrug. "Let me guess," Steven says as he takes his leather work gloves off and half sits on an empty drum. "The few other things all have to do with Rosy." "Yeah," I acknowledge, "he really does not want me near her." "He wants better than a stray with no territory rights for his most promising son. You're Alpha material just waiting for an available she-kitt, and he knows it. Every Alpha with a young daughter knows it," Steven says evenly. I don't make any comment; I know Wade has been subtly giving me Alpha training ever since I became head of the warriors that worked for the clan. "I've been elected the one to speak to you about something else," Steven says seriously. I nod but don't look his way. In my gut I know what is about to be asked of me and I know I won't be able to do it. "Rosy," Steven says quietly and a low growl begins growing deep in my chest. "We can't leave her like she is," Steven tells me and I turn my head to glare at him in rage. "I won't be the one," I snarl. "Micah, she's not crazy yet. At least Dwayne, Sam and I don't think so. But she's not far from it, and if she stays here ..." Steven breaks off and takes a deep breath. "About an hour ago Mitchell accidentally brushed against her foot. She freaked out screaming at him not to hurt her. It's tearing us all apart, mate. She doesn't sleep more than an hour or two of a night, you and I are well aware of that. She is getting all she needs to eat and yet she guards her food viciously; she has even started watching others eat. She is becoming more animal than human and we wouldn't treat any animal like this," Steven says unhappily. What Donna said comes to mind and I narrow my eyes as I turn my head to look at Steven thoughtfully. "Hey!" Steven says abruptly as he gets to his feet and moves well back. "I am just the messenger." "Wade should be leaving soon so our main problem will be Mitchell," I murmur to myself. "What are you thinking?" Steven asks quietly but still from a distance. "If we were discussing an animal I would say it's time to turn it loose and hope it can survive on its own," I say softly. "Wade wouldn't like that," Steven warns. "Leave me worry about him," I say remembering Wade's threat. "She would need a good night's sleep before she left so she is rested." "I think there is some of the tranquilliser Doc left behind, if there was no other way, but still ..." Steven says shaking his head. He clearly hates the idea of drugging her as much as I do. "The pressure point at the base of the skull," I say unhappily. "If Sam or I can get our hands on her before she thinks of turning cat – that pressure point will have her out in maybe ten or fifteen seconds. Once pressure is applied she won't be able to change." "That'll only stress her out being touched..." Steven trails off with a frown, and then grins broadly. "Hey! I bet there's still some of that herbal mixture left from when Justin broke his arm. Doc said it would make him drowsy and he'd sleep soundly after he got his arm set. It worked, " Steven says with growing excitement. "As soon as Wade leaves tell Sam and Dwayne I need to talk to them. I'll go see Edwin and Malcolm, but I'll talk to them after Sam and Dwayne so no one is left by himself with Rosy. Just in case," I say firmly. "What about Mitchell," Steven asks, "If he thinks you're going to upset Rosy ..." "She needs the rest so she doesn't do herself serious damage when she takes the chance to make a run for it," I say flatly. "When he understands the alternative is to put an end to her going crazy ... he'll let her go." "How will we work it so she takes off," Steven asks. "All of us go hunting leaving her here by herself?" "No," I deny. "That's too out of character; she'd think it was some kind of a trap if she was capable of thinking. The others can go hunting and you and I can stay here ..." I trail off as I try to think of some reason for leaving Rosy alone for a period of time. "She curls up, faking sleep a lot," Steven says thoughtfully. "Maybe we can let her think we buy it, and go where she is out of sight and hearing for a while?" "Well we had better start thinking of something that will give her enough space that she feels secure enough to make a run for it." I say hating the idea of letting her run away but knowing we have no other choice. * * * * * * The scent of fear and panic permeate the air in the lounge room as it has the last few days whenever Rosy is in the same room as any of us warriors. I watch as Mitchell places her plate of food on the small end table near the chair along the wall where she sits huddled with up drawn legs. As soon a Mitchell steps back several paces Rosy snatches the plate. One arm is instantly placed as a barrier should anyone try to touch the plate; the other hand grabs the fork on the plate and she begins eating hurriedly. I feel relief to see she is using her previously crushed wrist as freely as her other one as she mixes the gravy into her mashed potatoes. The gravy contains the mixture I am hoping will make her sleep soundly so that she is well rested for tomorrow. She catches me watching her and pulls her plate closer as she eats faster. The smell of her anxiety rises and her gaze darts around frantically. I look away from her and glance at my watch wanting to keep track of the time it should take for her to become very drowsy. When everyone is finished eating I am worried to note Rosy is still guarding the now empty plate as she glances around almost slyly. A minute or two later she gets to her feet and I hear Sam and Dwayne move back into the hallway as she heads for the door. Her footsteps are rushed as she heads along the sunroom and then the bathroom door shuts noisily. "Shit!" Malcolm hisses as we all jump to our feet. "She's not going to be sick from that stuff or pass out in there will she," he voices the concern that suddenly occurs to us all. "Sam," I say tersely, "move to where you can hear if she were to pass out or something." I force myself to sit down once again and watch as Steven, Malcolm and Edwin slowly follow my example leaving only Mitchell standing. Mitchell heads for the doorway and I hear Sam talking to him quietly. Dwayne comes and sits down in the lounge room and I strain to hear where Sam and Mitchell are. Time passes excruciatingly slowly and then I hear the faint click as the bathroom door opens. There is slight movement from either Sam or Mitchell and then Sam moves into sight. "She just headed into your room," he tells me. "She was rubbing at her eyes so she might be starting to get drowsy." The minutes drag by with agonising slowness; Sam moves restlessly in his chair while Steven drums his fingers anxiously on the arm of the lounge. I hear a soft tapping and glance at Edwin to see one of his legs jumping sporadically. "We should have just used the damn tranquilliser," Edwin hisses. I clench my jaw as I look away; I went to lengths explaining to him why it was important not to use a drug on Rosy. It was bad enough that I'd even had to resort to a more natural remedy that would soothe her to sleep. There is a faint noise at the doorway and before I can turn my head I hear the slight scrap of booted feet shifting. "She's asleep," Mitchell whispers sounding very anxious, "she is curled up in the far corner of your room asleep!" "You're sure Rosy is asleep," Sam asks in a whisper as he gets to his feet. He is a step ahead of me as I move swiftly from my chair and head for the doorway. Mitchell heads back towards the bedroom glancing continuously over his shoulder with an anxious frown as he moves up the sunroom. I push past both Sam and Mitchell when they halt in the doorway of the bedroom I share with Steven; I pause just inside the room as I take in the scent in the air. Traces of fear and anxiety still remain but the scents do not rise higher with my presence or that of the toms behind me. Rosy lays huddled in the far corner, a blanket from my bed clutched in one hand and held against her chest as if for comfort. "I'm going to put her in bed," I whisper and make sure I move silently as I approach where Rosy is in the corner looking very uncomfortable. It is easy to scoop her up with one arm beneath her knees and the other arm behind her back. She trembles slightly and makes a faint sound, part complaint part whimper. I turn towards my bed and find Sam is already pulling the bedclothes back so that I can place her where she has been sleeping since he and his team had returned with injuries. I am relieved when she doesn't stir as the covers are pulled up and over her. I tuck them close to her body to ensure she stays warm before turning back towards the door. All of the toms hover there and I jerk my head towards the lounge room as I reach the doorway. Mitchell keeps stopping and glancing back towards the room with a tortured look on his face but he doesn't say a word as he makes his way to the lounge room. I thought he would protest the plan Steven and I came up with but surprisingly he had been the easiest to convince this needed to be done. We all sit around the room in silence. Sam sits on the arm of Mitchell's chair leaning slightly against his brother while Dwayne sits on the floor between their feet. Edwin sits in a chair and Malcolm sits awkwardly on the arm, one foot on the seat behind Edwin while the other leg lies along the length of the arm. Edwin is leaning slightly into his partner's body. It is a long time since I have seen either of them needing comfort. Steven is on the lounge beside me, his back to me as he leans against my side while my arm is stretched out along the top of the lounge. "Do you think Rosy will sleep all night?" Mitchell asks in a whisper. "I made the herbs and gravy strong so hopefully she will sleep for a good stretch," Steven says and I feel the vibrations through his back as he talks. "It's not too late for her is it," Mitchell agonises in a whisper. "She hasn't started to go crazy has she?" No one answers and Sam puts his arm across Mitchell's shoulders. Dwayne whispers something at their feet and I realise how badly this is affecting Mitchell. "Mitchell," I whisper and wonder why I am whispering but I don't raise my voice any louder when he looks my way. "Why don't you go keep Rosy company until I am ready to turn in? I'm sure she'll sleep better with you there. Sam, Dwayne, I don't want him alone with her in case she wakes up." "Taking a chance, aren't you, letting lover-boy near her while she's out to it," Edwin taunts in a whisper. He is up and out of the chair when I take him down in a tackle that has us both landing on the lounge before rolling off onto the floor. We struggle silently, not really trying to hurt each other despite our anger. I manage to get him onto his back and when I go to pin him down, the weight of a hard body knocks me to the side and then I hear the faint grunts of exertion as Malcolm and Steven join the fray. Finally I subdue Edwin and glare down at him. We are both breathing heavily and I turn my head to see Steven calmly sitting on Malcolm while they both watch Edwin and me. I let go of Edwin and move to flop out flat on my back beside my brother. I hear movement and Steven crawls over top of us to sit beside me. I glance at my watch but make no attempt to get up. I'll give Mitchell time to make his peace with the fact that once he leaves my room he won't be seeing Rosy again. I can't risk his distress communicating itself to her in the morning before all of us toms leave to go hunting leaving her by herself. None of us want her panicking and possibly making a frantic dash for freedom. * * * * * I grit my teeth as I glance down at my phone one last time before pressing the button that will autodial Wade's number. It has been twenty-four hours since we returned to the quarters to find Rosy gone and I dare not give her more of a head start than this. I have to trust that she has used the time well, travelling away from here at a fast pace. "Wade speaking." "Boss," I say formally, "we have a situation here. Rosy has disappeared. I think she has run off headed for where ever it is she used to hide out." "Shit! Can't you do anything right," Wade yells angrily and I hear murmured concern in the background. I can hear the sound on his footsteps beneath his heavy breathing, the squeak of a door opening then closing and finally a low growl from him. "Tell me what happened," he demands tautly. "About an hour and a half ago I sent Sam, Dwayne, Mitchell, Edwin and Malcolm off to hunt. Steven and I stayed here with Rosy. Steven was replacing the last of the copper pipe in the bathroom and Rosy was curled up in a chair asleep. I made the mistake of going to check on how Steven was getting on; I was only gone five minutes at the most. When I went to check on her she was gone. What rags were left of her clothes were in the hallway," I say flatly. "The others aren't back from their hunt yet." "She can't have gotten far on that injured wrist! Change and go after her," Wade orders angrily. "Boss, she's been changing two and three times a day. Maybe even more we didn't know about," I say cautiously. "If I didn't know better she has been waiting for the slightest chance to escape as she would believe." "And you weren't suspicious about the amount of times she changed?" Wade's rage makes his voice hoarse as he shouts down the phone at me. "Her entire behaviour has been very erratic since she lost the kitts," I say through gritted teeth. "Get after her!" Wade orders and takes a ragged breath. "I will deal with your incompetence when I get back!" "Wade, I don't think that is a good idea." I say with a shake of my head. I hadn't orchestrated her freedom only to try to run her to ground and capture her. "Get after her! She needs care and protection," Wade orders angrily. "Wade I don't ..." I begin. "Are you disobeying orders," Wade demands in a suddenly even tone. I feel an unpleasant shiver run down my spine, I know that tone of voice and he only ever uses it when someone is about to get into big trouble. "If we chase her and catch her either she is going to turn on us and someone will get hurt or ..." I lose my voice for a moment as I admit to myself what I believe is the more likely outcome. "Dad, it's a real possibility she will go to such extreme lengths to get away. She could end up killing herself." There is silence on the other end of the phone for a few moments and then I hear a heavy sigh from Wade. "Is that all," he asks sounding oddly flat. "I let her go. I planned it all, made sure she would have a chance to run before she totally lost it and lashed out at one or all of us," I admit in an even and firm tone. "You and I are going to have a very serious meeting when I get back," Wade says sounding tired. "In fact I might leave everyone here for a few more days and come home by myself. You've crossed a serious line Micah. I can't just let this go." There is no goodbye before he hangs up and I shut the phone when the annoying buzz starts and glance at Steven where he stands nearby. "He sounds pissed," Steven remarks. "Well do we do our obligatory chase," Sam asks startling me. I glance at the hallway door where the others are having arrived back from their hunt for breakfast. I am surprised to see Mitchell behind his brother; he had taken off yesterday when they returned from a morning hunt to find Rosy gone just as we believed she would be. "She headed north through the national park, keeping to the heavy scrub all the way. I found tufts of rabbit fur several times, so it looks like she is hunting as she travels." Mitchell's voice is thick and I give a small nod at his information. "Wade didn't say to go after her," I say raising my voice slightly. "We just hope for the best for her now." Enter the Cat Ch. 04 First, let me say thank you to all those who have sent their well wishes to my mother and our family. I hope to manage to post chapters of my story but the frequency will depend on the demands that my mother's illness puts on the entire family. Thanks for all the comments left on both ETC and TLAS. I look forward to future comments. MYGYPSY * It's been a long tiring day. The muscles in my upper back and shoulders ache from using a spud bar and shovel to dig holes for the large corner posts on a fence line. I frown as I walk through the quarters towards the bathroom. For the last two months Wade has had me on every hard physical job or demeaning task he could find or invent. For the three weeks prior to that I had been recovering from being whipped. My only comfort was the fact that in those three weeks of recovery time, Wade had taken care not to have Edwin and his team at the compound or in the quarters. That and the fact I wasn't demoted from my position as chief warrior. I was surprised when Wade didn't object to Rosy being allowed to 'escape'. But he took exception to my statement that it was my decision to make and that the other warriors present at the time were in no way responsible for my decision. The entire truth came out when Wade announced I was to be whipped for deciding Rosy would be allowed to escape without asking his opinion or permission. Surprisingly it was Edwin who stepped forward on my behalf stating that all of the warriors were in on the decision. Steven, Sam and Dwayne confirmed it, as did the others when Wade looked their way. My whipping consisted of twelve lashes, two lashes for each warrior who had been here. I received the first lash because I lied - each warrior was consulted and encouraged to give their opinion before I made the final decision. The second lash was for trying to take full responsibility and cover for each warrior. I was instructed I was not to change form until my body healed, which meant the pain and stiffness would remain much longer than if I shifted. The day after my flogging Wade visited me in the quarters where I was temporarily laid up. He explained that only an Alpha could assume responsibility for another werecat and protect them from any punishment. As chief warrior I over stepped my bounds and challenged his authority as my Alpha, hence the harsh punishment. Understanding Wade's reasons for my punishment erased the resentment I felt at the time of punishment and gave me a clearer understanding of his position over this. I can see how I left him with no other recourse but to set such harsh punishment. I challenged his authority. Yes I'd had the best of intentions at the time, but still the fact remained I challenged the authority of my Alpha. He told me he was aware of the friction between Edwin and me, our subtle struggles for dominance. He didn't want to demote me and reinstate Edwin as chief warrior as everything was handled much smoother and there were fewer arguments in the ranks while I was in charge. I am thankful for the support Wade showed me by ensuring Edwin would not be able to challenge me for dominance while I was recovering from the punishment. Knowing he still held my leadership of his warriors in such high respect buoyed my spirits. Wade's confidence and support mean a lot to me. I want to serve my Alpha and clan to the best of my abilities. Hearing I have his approval and support makes me proud of the quality of work I have performed for them. I am pulled from my thoughts as I hear Jazzy following me along the sunroom and I glance over my shoulder at her to see a determined look on her face. "You won't be long in the shower will you Micah," Jazzy asks just before I shut the bathroom door, and I turn around to smile at her. She is dressed in slim legged jeans and a tight t-shirt. I realise suddenly how much she has grown up lately. "You got something special cooking, kitten," I ask with a fond smile. "I want to go for a moonlight run and I want my favourite bossy brother there as well," Jazzy says with a wide grin. "Oh I don't know," I tease her, "I'm pretty tired. Wade has been working me hard lately." "I made caramel tarts," Jazzy says with a smile. "And I made an extra one just so you can have one all to yourself." "Not trying to bribe me are you," I ask with a lazy smile as I prop my elbow on the doorpost beside me. "I might be," Jazzy giggles, "but if you don't want to come I could sneak off with Mitchell all by myself ..." She smiles coyly and there is a mischievous look in her eyes as she goes to turn away. "Go and let me have my shower you little minx, or you'll have to wait until midnight before I'm ready to change and go for that run." I say with a laugh. I shut the door and turn the shower on, adjusting the water before beginning to undress. I am washing the last of the soap from my back when I hear the unmistakeable sound of my mobile phone. I pause a moment, then decide that if it is important whoever is calling will ring back. I turn back to my shower and reach for the shampoo before ducking my head beneath the spray. When I do turn the water off and step out of the shower cubicle I dry off and pull clean clothes on before reaching for my mobile where it sits on the chair beside the sink. I check for missed calls and give a slight smile as I see Baxter's name come up. I am returning the missed call when I head out for the lounge room and grin when I hear the familiar voice on the other end of the line as he answers his phone. "Hi Baxter, you called," I say as I head into the kitchen to grab a cold beer from the fridge. "Yeah I called Micah," Baxter says gruffly. "I got a bit of news you might be interested in. Today when I was on my lunch hour I happened to see a werecat dressed up like a human and walking around town as happy as pie. Well maybe not that happy but she was there large as day." "What's going on," I ask with a worried frown. "Cat sightings? Livestock kills?" "No, no nothing like that," Baxter says reassuringly. "Although I am sure this one could be trouble if she wanted to be. Slender blonde with long hair, moves like liquid silk. No werecat would mistake her for anything other than a cat. Obviously in good health but she seemed a mite jumpy. I just gave her her own space." "You sure about that Baxter," I demand and notice that Steven has gotten to his feet in the lounge room and is not far from the connecting doorway and he divides his attention between the tv and me as I open my beer. "I double checked with that sketch that was dropped in here a while back. I got a good look at her face from a bit of a distance and there's no mistake - it's that little she-kitt yous had there not too long back," Baxter confirms confidently. "That's really great news Baxter. Umm you had better let Wade know what you saw," I say as I clench my jaw to stop myself giving a loud celebratory yell over the confirmed sighting of Rosy from a reliable source. "I don't think you'd want him thinking you're not loyal to him, that you thought it was more important that I know she seems to be coping." "I saw the look in your eye when you were here, boy. Talk to you again," Baxter says before hanging up. "There trouble," Steven asks as I take a large plate of food from the oven and head for the lounge room carrying the plate and my beer. "No," I say as I walk past Dwayne where he sits watching Sam and Mitchell playing some combat game on the play station. He glances my way before turning his attention back to the game being played. "Pause that game for a few moments, you lot," I say loudly. Sam pauses the game and looks over his shoulder at me with a slight frown. Dwayne and Mitchell look my way as well as Donny and Jazzy who are sitting on the floor near Mitchell. "Just had a positive sighting of Rosy phoned in," I say evenly. "She was in the town where Baxter Barnes lives. Seemed ok, sort of passed as a human but he didn't go near her," I relay the information to them. "Rosy was in town, she really seemed ok," Mitchell questions anxiously as he shares a hopeful look with his brother. "She was when Baxter saw her today," I confirm. "Why didn't he go say hallo," Jazzy asks. "Baxter is as large as your brother. Rosy would probably take one look at him, make him for a cat and panic," Steven explains calmly. "I like her. I want her to come back," Donovan says unhappily. "We all like her Donny," Dwayne says softly. "You're not the only one who would like her to come back Donny," Sam tells him quietly. "Hurry up and eat Micah," Jazzy orders suddenly, "I want to go hunting." I catch the glance she gives Mitchell and realise that tonight Dwayne and I will be keeping a close watch on our little sister. I sit in my favourite chair and Jazzy moves to sit beside my legs, leaning against me as she continues to watch the game and cheer Mitchell on. "Did you have to mention Rosy? Mitchell just started to stop worrying about her all the time this last week or so," Jazzy says a touch wistfully. "I want him to stop worrying and start thinking about me again." "Miss Jasmine," I say softly as I reach down and squeeze one of her shoulders gently, "you don't stop thinking about someone just because no one mentions their name. If you care about them, they're never far from your mind." Jazzy turns and looks over her shoulder at me thoughtfully before getting to her feet and taking my nearly empty plate. "Do you want your caramel tart now or after the run," Jazzy asks. "Half now, half later. And I can get it, you sit down," I tell her getting to my feet, reclaiming my plate from her and heading for the kitchen. I hear her following me and I am not surprised when she leans against the bench beside me as I help myself to dessert. "Donna phoned me today," Jazzy says casually. "She asked how you are, if you're seeing anyone else." "I hope you didn't encourage her Jazzy," I say as I look at her. "That would only be cruel. Donna deserves a tom who is in love with her." "I'm not a little kitt anymore Micah," Jazzy scolds slightly as she glances towards the lounge room. The distant sound of a vehicle turning into the driveway catches my attention and I leave my plate with dessert on it on the bench as I use the small kitchen door to look out towards the driveway. "Edwin and his team are back," I call as I come back to claim my food after identifying the vehicle. "Oh good," Jazzy says with a smile, "Timny and Malcolm will be here too." "You be careful little girl," I warn her, "those two are a lot older than you." "Well you better make sure you don't get left behind then," Jazzy laughs teasingly. "Behave or I'll take you over to the main house and tell Marissa you need to be locked in your room," I say with a laugh before heading back to sit down and enjoy my favourite dessert. * * * * * I reverse the ute and trailer into the shed before putting the vehicle into park and turning the engine off. I pull the hand break on before getting out and checking how close I had gotten the double load of lucerne seed and slow release fertiliser to the pallets where they would be stacked. "Perfect parking," Steven comments as he comes to stand beside me. "Give me a hand unloading this will you," I ask as I pull on a pair of leather gloves as protection from any fertiliser on the outside of the bags. "Sure," Steven agrees and moves to the back of the ute to begin unloading the seed while I head for the fertiliser. "Pete's here," Steven informs me with a grunt as he picks up a bag of seed. "Yeah," I say tossing a bag into place on several others I have unloaded. "I noticed his car." "He came for the weekend and to do some hunting," Steven says sounding too casual and I wonder where this conversation is going. "There a point to this or you just wasting breath," I ask. I'd prefer to get the bags unloaded as quickly as possible. When there is no reply from Steven I stop what I am doing to look at him. He has a wide grin on his face and I frown in annoyance. "Pete got a phone call just before we went hunting goats for lunch," Steven says with a delighted laugh. "You get three guesses as to who has surfaced again. The first two don't count." Who would have Steven grinning like a Cheshire Cat? "Rosy! It was Rosy wasn't it," I demand as my heart starts pounding. "Yeah and it sounded like she's starting to get herself sorted," Steven says still grinning. "Add the call to Baxter's sighting a month, nearly two back and we did the right thing." "One confirmed sighting and one phone call in just over five months ..." I trail off what I am saying as the fact that she has voluntarily made contact with another werecat sinks in. "I wonder how long before she calls again," I muse as I resume unloading the bags. "What is it with you and Edwin? Both so sure she'll be calling again," Steven mutters as he returns to unloading the seed. "Why wouldn't she," I ask with a glance his way. "Well when Pete told her he was here, she didn't sound too happy and when he asked if she wanted to speak to anyone else she cut the call short and hung up," Steven tells me soberly. "She has been out there for a long time without voluntarily having anything to do with another cat. No, no just listen a moment," I cut Steven off when he goes to speak. "Yes she had contact with your brother during that time, but how much of it was merely blending into the human world back then? Know your neighbour, get on with them -- that kind of thing." "We have to remember she's been abused by a lot of stray toms," I say after a few moments pause. "She barely knows us and no stray trusts a cat they don't know, at least no stray I've come across. Plus her cat instincts are finely honed. Interacting with us could be going against the survival skills she learnt." "You got a good point there," Steven concedes, "but we never hurt her." I shake my head in disbelief and take my gloves off to knock the dust out of them against the side of the trailer for a few moments. "She has been drugged several times, had her wrist crushed, been forcibly restrained and had no choice but to stay here when she was severely stressed. It hasn't been all fun and games for her," I point out. "I went over and over it in my mind. She also lost Alex, who she identified as hers, and also her kitts. I don't think she could handle losing so much along with everything else happening." "Damn," Steven swears and kicks at the hard packed floor of the shed. "Then there's Mitchell, Sam and even Dwayne," I say quietly. "She felt a strong attachment to them, probably still does." "She did seem quite fond of them, didn't she," Steven muses. "It is possible she knows nothing of the strong bonds that form between she-kitts and their protectors -- usually brothers and cousins," I point out. We return to unloading the ute and trailer, finishing just before dark. I head towards the quarters and Steven follows. Once we are out of the shadows he races past with a laugh. "Race you!" I sprint after him, slowly catching up despite his head start; he only just reaches the door ahead of me and is laughing as he runs inside. "You're getting slow these days partner," Steven yells back at me. The chase woke my natural instinct to hunt and I follow him through the hallway quickly. He takes one glance back over his shoulder at me and dodges into the lounge room away from several others as he turns to face me. I take him down with a flying tackle and I hear him grunt as he hits the floor heavily. I growl as I try to get a hold on him but he twists and turns trying to escape me. I become aware of Donny yelling encouragement as we wrestle on the lounge room floor. Finally I pin him face down and twist one of his arms up behind his back hard enough to make him stop struggling but not hard enough to make him admit defeat. I release him and stand up cautiously; I glance around and see everyone watching us. Sam grins as he steps forward and I bare my teeth in a savage smile as I silently accept the challenge. We circle each other warily and then I launch my attack. We grapple silently for a few seconds before we both back off and circle again. He takes me down onto the floor with a cheap shot that knocks both feet from beneath me; I remind myself that Sam is an experienced fighter. He is not above using dirty moves if that is what he needs to do to take down a larger opponent. I roll towards him catching him off guard but he still manages to avoid being pinned. I grit my teeth as I try to force him from his feet and he locks both arms around one of my forearms. He resists a few moments before using my momentum to try to flip over my shoulder and gain a grip on me from behind. I am expecting his move and counter, only just managing to avoid a hold that would have given him a heavy advantage. After a few minutes we back away to catch our breaths and Sam steps forward with a grin as he offers his hand. I shake his hand as I return the good-natured grin and slap him on the shoulder. We move out of the way and I am not surprised when Mitchell steps towards Dwayne with a serious face. I am surprised when Dwayne laughs off the first shove but when Mitchell doesn't back away I realise this is more than sparring for fun; Mitchell clearly intends to prove a point. Mitchell is quick as he moves tossing Dwayne before he can regain his feet after each throw. I grimace as Dwayne snarls and goes after Mitchell. He tackles the younger tom and when he goes to pin him, Mitchell somehow manages to reverse it. There is silence as Dwayne is pinned and Mitchell holds him down breathing heavily. After a minute or so he lets him go and moves away cautiously. There is silence as Dwayne gets to his feet. He faces Mitchell for a moment then launches an attack that takes them both to the floor. I glance at Sam and he glances my way. I motion towards several mattresses scattered around the floor and Sam nods. The mattresses are moved out of the way and we all stand around watching the action. The deep pile shag carpet offers some padding but the solid thuds of the throws can be heard clearly. There are several startled remarks when Mitchell pins Dwayne and Dwayne is unable to break free. Mitchell holds long enough to enforce the point before letting go and stepping away. I watch, ready to intervene as Dwayne gets to his feet. He is watching Mitchell with clenched jaws but steps forward extending his hand. Mitchell eyes him cautiously before accepting the handshake. When the handshake ends Dwayne steps away and gives his hand a shake before placing it in his armpit with a grimace. Mitchell is clenching and unclenching his hand. Steven steps towards Mitchell and I am relieved when Mitchell quickly drops his eyes submissively. Mitchell moving up over both Timny and Dwayne in rank in one change is enough. The atmosphere is slightly tense making me loathe to leave the room but I look to my second-in-command and Sam makes his way to my side. "You wanted me," Sam asks quietly. "I want to go clean up," I tell him. "Keep an eye on things here would you." I glance from Steven to Sam and back again, both give a nod and I head for the shower. The atmosphere is still tense when I return to that end of the quarters and I make my way over to Dwayne. "Everything ok," I ask quietly. "Yeah, I'll survive," Dwayne says dismissively and I give a faint nod as I fold my arms across my chest and remain beside him silently for a few minutes. I can guess it smarts to lose rank to a younger, immature tom but Dwayne is still my older brother and one of my best warriors. "We need another warrior," Dwayne says casually. "You want another partner," I ask as I glance at him. Enter the Cat Ch. 04 "We need the man power on the ground," Dwayne says. "We are running the chance of ending up exhausted if there is a sudden rise in stray numbers or trouble of some kind." I nod as I consider his remark; it's true we need more warriors to rest anyone over worked or replace those carrying injuries. "You got anyone in mind you would like to work with," I ask him. I notice that Pete is talking quietly with Steven and I frown as it occurs to me that Steven has no blood family here at the compound. Close as we are, I know there is no replacement for the closeness that can only be shared by family members. "Justin has been joining in sparring with me lately. He wants me to ask you and Wade about him becoming a warrior," Dwayne says quietly. "I would have thought it would be Donny wanting to join in the fighting," I say amused. "No, Donny wants to study law," Dwayne tells me. "Justin is pretty good too." "You wouldn't want someone with a lot more experience," I ask glancing at him. "Justin gets mad easily but he keeps his head," Dwayne says and gives a faint shrug. "I suppose if you don't want him working under you I can think of several toms who might consider coming here to work." "It's your choice," I say dismissively. "You are the one who would be his partner." "Well he listens and is a good solid fighter," Dwayne says with a nod. "I guess I better speak to Wade then," I announce knowing Wade would want my approval of Justin joining one of the teams and it is ultimately a decision I must put to Wade as Alpha for his approval. "What do you think of Robby Inness and Mikkarl Willoughby," I ask because I value Dwayne's opinion. He is the second oldest of the warriors and is an astute judge of character. "From what Maurice Donnelly, who they are working for at present has said, they make one hell of an effective team," Dwayne admits. "Don't know Mikkarl and don't like Robby. There's something about that tom - not sly, more shifty." "Robby isn't like either Chris nor Malcolm, that's true," I admit, "and what I remember of Mikkarl as a youngster, he was a handful for his parents to control. Maybe Dave Black and Drew Dorrington would be a good team to have here." "I don't know that Kurt would let them go," Dwayne remarks as Sam joins us. "What do you think Sam? Do you think Kurt Black would let his son Dave and Drew Dorrington work for another Alpha?" "Drew recently went to work for Alan Cummings. Seems Cummings got rid of a couple of toms who are rumoured to have gotten a local girl pregnant. She didn't name just one single guy she had been with; apparently she was supposedly seeing both of them at the same time," Sam tells us. "Wonderful - another child to be kept a watch on. Warriors should know better," I exclaim in annoyance. "What about Dave? Has he got a new partner yet?' Sam glances at Dwayne before answering. "I believe so. You looking for a partner now?" "I got someone in mind," Dwayne says with a shrug. "We were talking about adding another two toms," I tell him. "There's a few looking to move to new jobs," Sam says, "Danny and Mick Francis, Patrick and Neil Baxter at the moment." "What do you think of Robby Inness and Mikkarl Willoughby," I ask. "Damn good team; both of them are easy to get along with and Mikkarl is said to be a real good cook," Sam says. "Don't know if they're looking to change jobs." "Food's cooked - come and get it," Timny calls from the kitchen. "Wow, we got here just in time for tea," Donny yells as the screen door is allowed to slam and I hear hurried steps in the hallway. Justin follows Donny into the room and both head for the kitchen where most of the warriors are helping themselves to food. Dwayne signals to Justin to stop when he goes to pass us and Justin glances between us curiously. "You want something," Justin asks as he looks at Dwayne. "I mentioned to Micah how you've been doing a bit of sparring with me lately when I work out," Dwayne tells him evenly. Justin looks my way and I am surprised at the maturity in his gaze as he meets my eyes squarely. "Dwayne suggested you might be interested in becoming a warrior," I say evenly. "I'm very interested in becoming a warrior," Justin confirms. "I'll be talking to Wade in the next day or two," I tell him. "I don't know how he is likely to feel about it." A disturbance in the kitchen catches my attention as Malcolm and Pete argue over the end cut of roast; Steven heads their way and I turn my attention back to Dwayne and Justin. "Is that Rosy," Mitchell asks sounding very strained. I look his way at her name, but he is distracted, looking at Pete like he is about to rush at him when I hear her slightly tinny sounding disembodied voice. I realise with surprise that her voice is coming from the phone Pete holds as Mitchell hurriedly talks to her. There is a very reserved sound to her voice but it disappears after Donny calls out to her asking if she still has her spots. I join in the conversation speaking to Donny but not directly to Rosy. She sounds tense and uncomfortable. I want to grab Edwin and shake him when he flirts with her, making her laugh and sound more relaxed. I find myself talking to her and we can hear her moving around. She says she has a place to live and I am glad to know she feels secure enough to admit it. Too soon she is ending the conversation and then the line goes dead. Her last words were to Mitchell wanting him with her. My inner cat bristles angrily. We want, we need more than the knowledge she is alive. We need to know she is doing more than existing; we need to know she will be all right. * * * * * I expected Wade to give some resistance to Justin becoming a warrior but he was in full support of Justin's desire to become a warrior and gave his permission without delay. That piece of news had been the only bright spot in my day. The tractor being used to turn the mown grass so it could dry before bailing as hay developed a grinding when changing gears. It sounded as if there was something wrong with the clutch so that meant I had to help Sam and Mitchell take the gearbox out of the tractor. We finally finish wrestling with reluctant bolts and have the tractor pulled apart when Steven arrives on one of the quad bikes with an esky that I assume holds our lunches. "Don't everyone smile at once," Steven says as he gets off the bike. His smile nearly splits his face in half and I grimace as I glance his way. "There better be food in that esky," Sam says flatly and Steven raises his eyebrows at him. "Why bother with food," Steven asks brightly. "I only brought it out here to pacify Jazzy. She was worried Mitchell would faint from hunger." I open the esky and lift out a container that is foggy with steam; I let out a sigh of satisfaction at the aroma that escapes as I open the lid to reveal thick chunky stew. "So do you want the gossip before or after you eat," Steven asks brightly. "Tell us while we eat," Sam growls then begins shovelling stew into his mouth. He alternates between the stew and mouthfuls of crusty bread. "One of you would choke for sure," Steven laughs. "I don't know the Heimlich thing and I ain't doing mouth to mouth." I stop eating to frown at my partner; something has put him in extremely high spirits. Steven glances between us and I guess the other two are watching him as well because he gives a satisfied smirk. "Wade got a phone call from Baxter Barnes; he saw Rosy in town for a second time. Was close enough to speak to her, but she didn't speak to him just watched him suspiciously. She looked healthy and was buying up on food," Steven announces. "That means she is probably somewhere in the Border Ranges National Park," Sam is quick to say. Even as Sam says it I realise this would be the most likely place she is. The National Park is within easy distance of Nimbin where Baxter lives. "But that's No Man's Land," Mitchell says distressed. "The land there would suit her down to a T," I say slowly and the others turn their heads to look at me. "A lot of heavy cover, remote, very few people. A lot of small game, natural water sources." "Practically no other werecats around," Steven adds after nearly a minute. "She probably was surprised to find out Baxter was there in town." I barely listen to the talk between the others as I eat my food. My mind is working over time and the more I think about Rosy the more I feel like I am missing something important. "I said," Sam says stressing the words and I look at him to find him watching me, "Mitchell and I can handle the repairs on the tractor from here if you need to go and take care of other things." "Yeah," I say, "yeah I might as well head back. I am sure there are things that need my attention." "We can go and check to see if Edwin and his team finished replacing those posts along the western side of the front paddock," Steven says sounding like he expects them to be still working. "Sure," I agree vaguely, "I want to stop by the quarters and check something out first." When we have all finished eating, I help pack away the used containers and change over the nearly empty water bottle for a full cold bottle from the esky. With a quick check that both Sam and Mitchell have fully charged mobile phones I help Steven fasten the esky in place before I climb on the dirt bike I had ridden out here. The ride back to the main buildings is quick and I take note of the condition of the crops in the paddocks as we pass. At the quarters I head inside and get my work diary from where I left it in my beside drawer unit. I flick back through the pages looking for something. Not sure what I am looking for I carefully scan my notes until I come to the entry where I record returning home to find Rosy here the second time. Sure I have noted something important, I carefully read each entry. The date Pete captured her - Doc's concerns on her state of mind, her pregnancy. I stop as I come to the page where I recorded Alex's death and suddenly it hits me. The chain of events starts to fall into place in my mind, each one leading to the next event connecting it all together. I skim forward to my note of Rosy having lost her kitts and check the date; I silently count the months forward and grin as the last piece of the puzzle falls into place. Rosy wanted Mitchell with her when she said goodbye, she wanted to go hunting, wanted to talk to us even though she had been hesitant. "That's it," I exclaim aloud. "What's it," Steven asks from the doorway. "The phone calls! I know why Rosy needed to talk to Pete," I say as I put the diary back in its place and turn to face Steven. I listen for a few moments but there is no sound to say anyone else is in the quarters. "It is getting close to six months since Rosy lost her kitts," I say and can't stop myself licking my lips in anticipation as I run a hand back through my hair. "She's on heat," Steven exclaims excitedly. "She didn't sound like it the other night," I tell him, "But maybe her cat is getting restless." "Damn! She asked for Sam, Edwin and Mitchell's numbers. Think she'll call one of them when she is on heat," Steven asks. "Shit!" he exclaims as his eyes widen and he clenches his jaw before speaking again. "That is why Edwin was in such a good mood earlier! He's been counting months, he's guessed as well." "Maybe your brother will get a taste of the good life real soon," I say and can't help feeling the anger that rises in my cat. "That is if Rosy has worked out none of us are like the strays she has come across." "Shit! I hadn't thought of that," Steven says and a slow grin spreads across his face. "I think I better warn Pete. He might need to get supplies in so there is no ..." I frown as his voice trails off but I know what he is thinking, and what he means, and I have to agree with him. Especially after the way Rosy prepared to end her pregnancy, I didn't want to hear she panicked and ended up harming herself because she became pregnant again. "How about we go check up on Edwin and his team," I ask. "Edwin is probably dragging the job out as long as he can." "Bikes," Steven asks as he heads out into the sunroom. "Might as well," I agree as I follow him. The ride out to the fence line where Edwin and his team are working passes quickly and I am surprised to find the group packing away tools as Steven and I stop our bikes. "Finished," I ask as Edwin turns around and looks in our direction. "Yeah, we have a bit of a problem," Edwin announces as he walks over to us. "There are plenty of signs further along the fence showing we have pigs running around. I was just about to send Timny and Chris back with the jeep while Malcolm and I took our bikes to see if we could find them, get an idea of what we are dealing with." "Good idea," I agree. "Steven and I will go along with you pair. Never can be too careful as far as wild pigs go." "The ground is pretty torn up in several spots, so either there are quite a few pigs or they were finding plenty of food," Malcolm answers as he walks over to join us. "Well we better make plans to clean them out. Justin, Donny and Jazzy have been wanting to go hunting every chance they get lately," I say with a worried frown. "It's about time we started taking Justin with us every time we go hunting," Edwin says firmly. "We need to make sure there are no big boars first," I say as I meet his eyes. I give him a firm look to remind him who is the head warrior causing him to look away before I glance at Malcolm and Steven. "I spoke to Wade this morning," I say and Edwin glances back at me. "Justin will be joining the warriors; Dwayne wants him as a partner." "It's about time," Edwin says tightly. "Justin should have been brought in after Alex died." I look at Edwin amazed by his insensitivity; Dwayne had needed time to get over the loss of his partner and brother. We all formed close bonds with our partners, becoming closer than mere brothers. We rely on them to watch our backs when we work; we trust them with our lives and losing someone so close was a terrible blow for a warrior. "We better keep an eye open for any heavily pregnant sow or one with young piglets," Steven breaks in and I glance towards him glad of the interruption. "Yeah," Malcolm agrees, "can't have our newest warrior getting injured before he starts working." "Hopefully there will be plenty of half to three-quarters grown piglets so we can have a decent hunt to celebrate Justin joining the ranks," I say as a lighter mood grips me. "Well there are plenty of tracks left behind," Edwin says and I am glad to notice he doesn't seem intent on turning things into an argument. "Any special instructions," Chris calls from the jeep and I look over to where he and Timny are ready to head back to the buildings. "Yeah," I say and hear the low-pitched growl that comes from Edwin about my authority over his team. "Tell Wade what you guys found so he can make sure no-one comes out this way without knowing the possible danger. Let him know us four are going to take a closer look to see what pigs are there and we should be able to figure out the best course of action between us." I turn my head to look at Edwin and he is watching me with obvious anger. "You got any special orders for your warriors," I ask. "Get Sam and Mitchell back to the quarters. We'll need to go after the pigs this afternoon otherwise they could catch our scent and scatter," Edwin orders. "Yeah I agree the pigs are more important than the tractor," I say when Chris and Timny glance at me for confirmation. I watch as they drive off at Edwin's nod and then head towards the bikes. All four of us start our bikes and Edwin leads the way to where they found the signs of the pigs. We follow the trail they left until Edwin slows and halts his bike. We stop behind him and he gives the hand signal that tells me he wants us to leave the bikes here and move forward on foot. I turn my bike off and leave my helmet hanging from the handlebars as I move to stand beside where Edwin is standing by his bike. He points to a patch of disturbed soil not far ahead of us. "That was disturbed not too long ago. The top hasn't dried out totally," He says as he sniffs the air. I follow his example and the pungent odour of pig urine and faeces becomes obvious. The four of us begin following the torn up earth on foot, and half a mile further on we come to a small cleared flat in between two medium sized hills. A small creek runs down one side of the flat and along the edges in the lush green growth is the mob of pigs. The vast majority of them are white with several black pigs mixed among them. The black ones predominantly have the white belt around their bodies just behind their front shoulders that give the breed the name Saddleback. "There's a big boar over by the reeds on this side of the creek," Malcolm whispers quietly and I focus on the area he mentioned. I soon spot the huge male pig digging in the rich soil beside the water as he creates himself a mud wallow. I see one large sow clearly pregnant not far from the boar; I note she is nearly all black with only a white blaze on her face. "Big black sow with the white on her face is pregnant," I remark. Grunting and squealing breaks out below us and for a moment I am worried we have been discovered until two saddlebacks emerge from the trees on the far side of the creek. They wade across the creek and join the mob amid noisy squealing. The front pig stops and the second much larger one rushes to mount it on this side of the creek. "Randy bastard," Malcolm laughs and I glance at him to see him looking at Edwin who is scowling as he watches the pigs. As the pigs around the mating pair move I notice several clearly pregnant females and the rest of the group appears to be made up of juvenile pigs. I hear Steven shift beside me and glance his way; he meets my eyes and grins before looking back at the pigs. I frown as I realise he is probably thinking that his brother Pete could be getting lucky about now as well. "I make it two large males and five, possibly six mature females," I say quietly. "I like them odds much better," Edwin growls beneath his breath as he spares each of us a glance. I hold his gaze as it connects with mine so that he is aware that I know exactly what he is thinking about. He flushes angrily and I can't prevent the smile that forms before I turn my attention back to the pigs. * * * * * I turn my head to watch as Wade walks to the front of the group gathered at the top of the hill. Dwayne is impatient to start the hunt and it shows as he lashes his tail from side to side. Edwin stands not far behind our father and it strikes me how similar their builds are in cat form. They both have the thick, heavy, shoulders and neck of an older tomcat. I know Edwin's frame is packed with muscle and as he turns his head to glance my way I see the calculating intelligence in his eyes. Malcolm walks up beside him to peer at the pigs along the riverbank below. A sensation of movement on my other side and I glance that way to see Sam and Mitchell side by side as they stand in the cover of shadows cast by thick trees as they study the prey below. I feel Steven brush against my tail as he moves around behind me and I don't need to look to know he has moved into position by my left shoulder. Wade gives a soft grunt and all eight of us slink forward to move down the brush-covered hill stealthily. We move into our pre-determined positions in pairs, Dwayne paired with Wade so neither misses out on this exciting hunt. All except Mitchell are large heavy cats, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in sheer savage ability during the kill. Enter the Cat Ch. 04 Mitchell has obtained his full size but still is a good two inches shorter in height than his brother while in cat form. But to look at him in both cat and human form he appears much larger than what he is in reality. I have heard Wade frequently refer to Mitchell as a large cat in a medium sized body, and I agree with the sentiment. Steven and I are not far from the large saddleback boar while Edwin and Malcolm are matched against the large white boar. The other four are positioned where they can make a rush for the mature pregnant sows. Edwin makes the first move launching the attack as he lunges for the front shoulder of the boar as it turns away. Pigs squeal and rush into the water. My claws find their purchase in the back of the boar as I go for a neck bite. I can feel the rear of the pig go down and know that Steven has achieved his objective of crippling a back leg. I am almost thrown clear of the beast as a large female crashes into the other side of the boar. I try for another bite hold on the boar's neck and feel the beast surge forward as he drops his head and lunges. I feel my teeth sink into flesh and blood oozes into my mouth. There is resistance as my teeth find bones and I bite down hard. I feel the snap of breaking bone and the large body beneath me shudders. A scream of pain reaches my brain and I brace myself as I shake my head like a dog. Every instinct screams at me to release my prey and rush to the aide of my clan mate but I know I must ensure this large boar is unable to injure anyone. I hear Wade, Sam and Edwin roar with rage and I am able to release the dead pig. His neck is broken and only my hold was keeping him on his front feet. I glance around looking to see who needs help. Mitchell has a death grip on the black sow while Sam and Wade are on the far side of her facing off against a huge black feral boar, commonly referred to as a razorback. Edwin and Malcolm are busy finishing off their boar and I know Steven is somewhere close behind me. That leaves only Dwayne unaccounted for. I see Edwin rush away from the downed boar and launch himself on the back of the razorback as it makes a charge at Sam and Wade. Both of them meet the charge headlong and I realise that Dwayne is down injured somewhere behind them as Mitchell is trying to drag the dying sow forward and away from the fight. All this takes only an instant to register and then I am charging towards the melee from a side angle as I skirt the others. I hit the razorback on the side of his front shoulder and my weight knocks him off course. I am aware of Edwin securing a grip high on the back of the pig's neck just in front of the massive shoulder muscles as the pig starts to go down beneath our combined weights. I claw at the far side of the face hooking my claws in deeply as I secure a hold to stop the pig moving towards Dwayne or falling on Edwin who is hanging from his far side. I feel my muscles writhing under the strain; the razorback is larger than me and nearly half as heavy as me again. It is no easy feat to hold him on his feet but somehow I manage with the help of Wade and possibly Sam and Steven. I feel the razorback stiffen then slowly begin to sink down onto his chest and stomach. I don't slacken my grip until I feel the last movement of his chest cease and then I release my hold ready to grab on once again at a moment's notice. I can hear Wade grunting heavily with concern and when I am sure that the feral pig is dead I turn to look behind us. Dwayne is down on the ground on his side changing back to human form from cat form. Blood mars what had been his left front shoulder. It is smeared on his side as if he has been pushed around violently. Wade is standing over him grunting and chuffing as he sniffs above the injury, careful not to touch Dwayne. Edwin moves to Wade's side grunting and giving cough like calls as he sniffs at the corner of Wade's mouth and then at Dwayne. I move closer and sniff at Dwayne's legs and lower stomach while he finishes changing. I can smell blood and fear and pain. I raise my head and curl my lips back as I draw air into my open mouth tasting it as I read the messages it carries. The injury is not serious, painful and temporarily debilitating, but nothing more serious. I give a deep grunt and look to Wade. "What are your orders?" "Make it safe," he chuffs and turns his attention back to Dwayne. I glance around as I begin a drawn out coughing call and all the warriors except for Edwin and Dwayne look at me expectantly. I jerk my chin towards where the remaining pigs fled and lead off at a steady trot. The fight could not have lasted more than thirty seconds yet it seems like hours have passed. I know that the pigs will have run fast for a distance before they begin to slow down. We will soon catch up with them and then we will finish removing all the mature pigs. Over the next week or ten days we will systematically scour the surrounding land to ensure we get rid of all of the pigs. Even half grown pigs can do extensive damage in the nearby National Park and will grow to become dangerous to our vulnerable members. * * * * * I prowl the quarters restlessly. Steven is in the lounge room sprawled on the floor playing solitaire while Edwin and Malcolm are in their room with their heads together muttering about something. I walk from my room out to the lounge room and pause as I watch Steven calmly playing cards. I growl low in my throat before heading to the kitchen and opening the fridge to stare into it without actually seeing what it holds. "Pacing is not going to make her ask for someone, you know," Steven says lightly from where he sits. I slam the fridge door and stalk back to the lounge room to glare at Steven. He barely glances up from the cards before going back to studying them. "I still can't get over the fact Rosy wanted Pete to bring her here," Steven says evenly. "I can't believe I acted like an arsehole," I snarl as I fling myself into my favourite chair and stretch my legs out in front of me restlessly. "All you did was flirt with her," Steven points out reasonably. "And I'd never seen a she-kitt before who objected to a tom having a good smell of her when she is so close to coming into heat." "I should have known," I say my voice thick with frustration. "I knew she was repeatedly mistreated by toms." "What do any of us really know about stray females," Steven asks and pushes the deck of cards aside before turning and facing me. "We know not many of them survive. Look at Alan Cumming's wife Darcy - she's all over any tom she sees. Although rumour has it if any try to follow through on it she'll fight them every step of the way. She can't be trusted around another female werecat; she has attacked several she-kitts," "Yeah, I guess we're lucky Rosy is showing no signs of jealousy or aggression with Jazzy," I admit quietly. "I reckon if Rosy learns she can trust us she will probably stick around," Steven says. "You saw how she was clinging to Mitchell and even Sam. And believe me it wasn't either of them she was studying when she thought no one was watching her." "I might have a word with Doc about her attachment to Mitchell and Sam. It could be that they are distantly related. There are some old rumours that Kurt Black's father had a human girlfriend," I say. "Rule them out as competition, hey," Steven laughs. I can't help the slight laugh that escapes me. I noticed the way Rosy was sneaking looks at Steven, Edwin and me three nights before when Pete turned up out of the blue bringing Rosy to join in with our usual hunting excursions. It wasn't unusual for she-kitts to want to go hunting in the company of the toms they are interested in when they are just about to come into heat. The hunting excursions often ended in the she-kitt sneaking away with her preferred tom for a session of feline sex. All care needed to be taken so that these impromptu sessions of sex did not end in an unexpected pregnancy. Once again my mind strays to the fact that Rosy is inside the main house, in the secure room for her heat cycle. She must be in full heat by now, so why hasn't she asked for one of us? Steven gives a slight laugh as well and grins to himself. An amused smile spreads across his face and he shakes his head before chuckling. "Something amusing," I ask curiously. "You wouldn't find it amusing," Steven says with a wide grin and turns away as he reaches for the cards. He laughs again as he begins shuffling the cards and I raise an eyebrow when he glances my way. "You going to share," I ask dryly. "You can't say I didn't warn you that you wouldn't find it amusing," Steven grins. I scowl at him and he gives a shrug. "Okay," Steven agrees, "I can't stop remembering how funny you looked when Marissa came over here with the razor strap once Rosy was safely in the cage. Boy did she give you a hiding!" I regard Steven silently as I remember the way Marissa marched into the quarters and proceeded to lay about me with the razor strap. Even though Marissa hit me a dozen or more times around the shoulders and upper back, the punishment had been more humiliating than painful. I had no option but to cower in this very chair while my mother dished out what punishment she felt I deserved. Marissa had been very thorough in telling me off for scaring Rosy by catching her and holding her close to take a good smell of her before trying to scent mark her. She punctuated each mention of my error with a hit or two of the strap leaving me in no doubt as to why she felt so strongly as to administer punishment. Steven, Sam and Dwayne witnessed the incident and found it amusing. I certainly had not. "The last time Marissa hit me with that strap I was twelve and I had punched Edwin in the mouth, knocking him out of the loft in the old hay shed. He broke his collar bone," I say tightly. The sound of footsteps just outside on the gravel have us both on our feet and heading for the hallway but Edwin beats us there making me wonder if he had been listening in on our conversation. It is Wade who comes through the door, much to my disappointment, and he halts just inside the door as he looks at the three of us blocking his entry. "You boys are mighty eager," Wade says with a grin. "Who is she asking for," Edwin demands. "Marissa will come down here when it is time," Wade scolds with a trace of amusement. "I decided to spend my time here. I forgot how the smell could work its way past double doors." I turn back towards the lounge room and my chair. I sit down once more and stare at the blank screen of the tv set but I have no desire to turn it on even though it is usually on whenever someone is in the building. Waiting the few minutes or hours, even a day or two until Rosy asks Marissa to invite one of us to join her will be some of the hardest waiting I have ever done. * * * * * Why the hell had I done that? I know Rosy dislikes being sniffed, but I lost control to my cat and grabbed Rosy to sniff her as soon as I was in touching distance after she left the secure room. Like a hormone crazed teenager I lost control to my cat, grabbed her and sniffed her! Even when I was a teenager I was in complete control of my inner cat. Now the blasted tom seems hell bent on challenging my self-control every chance he gets. I no longer have the control I have always prided myself on over that other part of me. My inner cat wants to control me whenever we're physically near Rosy, getting me in trouble at every turn. Before I could think about it I grabbed Rosy and took a long deep sniff, longing to find the sweet spicy scent of her heat still lingering. Neither my inner cat nor I could believe she was still so scared of us that she would choose not to invite a tom, any tom, to visit with her. So I hauled her close and pressed her soft curves against my body. Her startled struggles along with her sweet, clean scent only increased my feelings of uncertainty about my worthiness of her affections. I regain control of myself and release her. I don't need Wade's stern reprimand; it is Rosy's protest of my treatment that reaches me. I am stunned to see her allow Edwin his sniff without protest before she greets Sam fondly. Stupid, insecure words escaped from my mouth; even I winced inwardly to hear them. "I had better not smell any toms from any of the other clans having been here." I couldn't seem to regain control of myself, much to my own embarrassment, as my inner cat writhed in the uncertainty of Rosy's approval. But Rosy had been magnificent. Spirit and fire had shone in her eyes when she yelled at me and punched me in the stomach. Awed into submission by her fiery display, my inner cat surrendered control to me, leaving me to face Wade's wrath and the ridicule of the other toms. "Why didn't Rosy get angry with Edwin when he sniffed her? How come she didn't hit him like she hit Micah," Donny asks confused. "So Micah remembers not to annoy her like that again," Jazzy says with a wide grin. "No, Rosy hit Micah because he overstepped his bounds," Wade says tightly. "Wade ..." Marissa begins only to stop speaking as she looks past him at the quarters. I turn my head to glance at the door to the quarters at a slight sound. It doesn't quite fit in but it also isn't alien. The silence is complete as Rosy pushes the screen door open with her head and walks out into the sunshine. Gone are the sexy clothes she was wearing earlier, and in their place is the sleek fur of her cat. The sun glints off her coat showing her rosettes as she demands the attention of Mitchell, Sam and Dwayne. She moves off before looking over her shoulder enticingly. "I'm going too," Edwin says and I glance his way. He is just reaching for the hem of his t-shirt but mine is already on the ground and my jeans and underwear are quickly following. I yank my joggers off and fall to all four, my change starting before my hands touch the ground. Adrenaline speeds my change and soon I am stretching hastily before dashing after Rosy. She turns to face me as I approach and rebuffs me with a snarl and a soft slap before extending her nose with a friendly sniff. Sam arrives but I snuffle around her ears and nip at her shoulder. She makes no complaint and I use a full body rub on her side to leave my scent on her. Mitchell arrives but I don't bother with him as she stays beneath my chin making him come to her. She is quick to lose patience when the rest of the warriors arrive and crowd close in excitement. A snarl makes them calm down and she whirls away heading for the trees, her tail trailing against my jaw as she leaves. I am startled by the speed at which she moves and as the chase begins to stretch longer I start to worry this is more than a simple game of cat and mouse. I catch clear sight of her, poised on a fallen tree before she disappears over the other side and is soon out of sight. I can hear Edwin not far behind me and further back the faint grunts of effort from Dwayne. A leap over a fallen tree and I hear the heavy rustle in the leaf litter and a thud as someone goes down. I skid to a stop and I am nearly hit by Edwin as he almost fails to stop. I turn around to find Sam and Mitchell making their way back to Dwayne who is just starting to sit on the ground. I smell him thoroughly when I reach him. It just seems to be soreness and stiffness left over from the wound from the razorback. Reassured he will be fine I turn away and find Edwin has already left. Mitchell is right beside me as I begin to gather speed once again. The undergrowth thickens and I can only watch as Mitchell begins to make up ground on Edwin fairly quickly. Soon I lose sight of them and slow to a steady trot, searching for some sign of recent passing. Finally I hear Edwin calling and speed up once again. I am relieved when I come across Edwin, Mitchell and Rosy. Edwin is clearly displeased with Rosy who is busy trying to placate Edwin by grooming his shoulder. I greet her with a purr and a quick nose sniff then Sam is there expressing his displeasure to Rosy before everyone else starts to arrive. Steven is the last on the scene and clearly unhappy about being last to find Rosy. "Silly girl," Steven snarls even though he knows Rosy has no understanding of feline vocalisations. I give Steven a hard slap around the ears and he hisses at me before moving off indignantly. The rest of the toms are set on showing Rosy they hold no hard feelings over the long hard run and she begins to get aggressive. "Calm down," I order and grab hold of her as I try to find a way to silently convey the meaning of my soft grunts. I only have my teeth or claws to grip with so I bite firmly on the scruff of her neck in a calming hold. I am shocked when she squats down, her back feet moving in place for a few seconds before she stills. I feel my cat take control at her submission; he moves over her and she lifts her tail obligingly. Pleasure floods us as we loosen our grip on her neck and thrust into her eagerly. Soft faint grunts come from her in time to our thrusts; the feeling swells and we push deep as our essence pours into her. Rosy leaps away with a screech and slaps our shoulder admonishingly. I am left to stare at her, stunned, as my cat settles down with a contented purr, happy to surrender control once again. I watch as Rosy cleans herself and rebuffs both Chris and Mitchell when they approach her. Deciding to chance a rebuff I follow her as she moves away. She lays her ears back as she curls her top lip but I sniff around her ears apologetically. This seems to pacify her and I head off at a steady trot in search of prey. I know from experience that she-kitts are very hungry after their heat. I soon find some deer by a small stream and drop into a stalking crouch. Rosy is beside me and I nip her flank to catch her full attention. "Let me catch you lunch." My soft purr is lost on Rosy as she keeps her attention on the deer. A few more long moments and then my prey is on the ground dead beneath me, its lifeblood sweet on my tongue as I raise my head and look around. Rosy has made her own kill and Sam is watching her proudly as if he taught her how to hunt himself. I turn my attention back to my own kill and move over slightly as Steven comes up beside me to eat. I eat quickly, taking the edge off my hunger. I keep checking on how Rosy is with her kill. Sam is feeding from the kill as well but Rosy has her ears back flat against her head. Her tail is lashing from side to side vigorously and one foot, with claws fully extended, keeps being lifted as if she intends to rest it on top of the carcass between her and Sam. Their posture says a lot for the amount of trust between them. Clearly Rosy has never had anyone else eat at her kill and is trying to control her instinct to hoard the meat for herself. Sam is obviously aware of her unease but is managing to appear and act non-threatening enough for her to be able to tolerate his presence. When I finish my meal I see Rosy has left her kill. She is by the stream and Edwin is trying to cosy up with her. Annoyed at his attentions to her I stalk over to them and rub my body against hers before moving between them to force Edwin away from her. Rosy leans into my side and I rest my chin on the back of her neck in a gentle question. When she shows no interest in a repeat of our earlier liaison I walk to the waters edge for a drink. I return to her side and wait patiently for everyone to finish eating and get a drink before I give the signal to head home. Rosy's antics on the way home are amusing. She is clearly tired and well fed, wanting nothing more than to rest for a while before returning to the quarters. I keep her moving with gentle coaxing and watch with satisfaction when she races ahead of us all to reach the quarters and hide away so she can change. Enter the Cat Ch. 04 I am halfway through my own change when Rosy comes out of the quarters and grabs up my discarded t-shirt, flinging back her arm for a large swipe with the shirt, her face livid with anger. Almost instantly Mitchell and Steven are there between us arguing with her. I try to follow what they are saying but the changes taking place in my body make it hard to concentrate. When I am in human form I pull my jeans on and storm angrily into the quarters angrily after Rosy. She had been about to hit me while I was changing! "Don't you ever try to do anything to me when I am shifting," I yell angrily at her. "You make one of them your bitch because if you ever do that to me again I will neuter you with one swipe of my claws," Rosy yells back. "I don't seem to recall you protesting while I was doing it," I almost snarl and rub the long scratches that run from point of my shoulder nearly all the way down to my elbow. "I thought you were just being all dominant tom until I realised where you were," Rosy snaps and looks away as a slight red blush tinges her cheeks. "I'm having first shower," I snap angrily and head for the bathroom. Let her stay out here with the others and smell like sex. She might think twice before she leads me on next time. I calm down as I step beneath the flow of water. Maybe she hadn't realised what she was doing. Maybe her cat had taken control just like mine had. I think about what happened as I shower and resolve to talk to Rosy when we are both calm. She might not even be aware of the signals she had been giving me. There is no sign of Rosy when I head out towards the kitchen to get myself a cool drink. Both Sam and Mitchell are in the kitchen talking quietly when I enter and Mitchell glares at me as I head to the fridge. "I don't think Rosy was aware of what she did Micah," Sam says quietly with a frown. I take a long drink of water before I look his way. "I'm sure you're right Sam but I only just figured that out myself," I admit. "What's doing," Steven asks as he walks into the kitchen. I can tell by the way he is glancing between Sam and Mitchell he is expecting some kind of trouble. "Where's Rosy," I ask. "Outside somewhere," Steven mutters with disgust and I hear a low growl come from Mitchell. "Go see if she wants to come inside would you," I ask. "I don't want her brooding thinking she's in some kind of trouble." Steven gives me an annoyed look but leaves without complaint. I hear him speak to Doc on his way out and glance towards the lounge room as I hear him make his way into the room. I make my way to my favourite chair and sit down. I already spoke to Doc about the possibility that Rosy may have distant relatives somewhere and Doc is interested in trying to see if he can trace her family clan. Enter the Cat Ch. 05 Let me apologize it has taken me so long to get the next chapter up. Thank you to everyone sending their well wishes for my mum, my family and myself. All comments are appreciated, and I hope to get the next chapter up sooner. ~~~~~ I hear Rosy's distinctive footsteps in the hallway, light and quick, as she heads for the bathroom. Slowly everyone settles lazily into comfortable spots around the room and I relax as I lean back in the chair and stretch my legs out in front of me. When Rosy comes out from her shower I watch as she enters the room. She is just about to settle herself in a chair when Doc starts talking to her. She clearly is not in a co-operative mood, refusing to allow Doc to take blood for DNA testing. Doc changes tactics and asks about her parents instead. I realise her distrust of males goes back even further than she is probably aware of as she talks about her parents. She talks about her mother and a man who had either abused her mother or had gotten her pregnant then abandoned her to face her cuckolded husband by herself. The Christian name of her mother is familiar but I can't place it when Rosy lets it slip. "Who's Jeddah," Doc asks. "Jeddah MacIntosh, my mother. Harry called her Miss Molly," Rosy says sounding as if she has had enough of his questions. "I don't...!" Sam exclaims. "Sam! Be quiet," I snap as I recognise the name with a start. Could it possibly be? "Do you know the name of her husband," Doc asks in a strained voice. "Ray MacIntosh," Mitchell says and Rosy instantly turns towards him with a hate filled snarl. "How do you know the low down cunt's name?" "He's our father," Sam says getting to his feet. "Jeddah was our mother's name." "That's fucking crap! My mother would never have left any of her children! Hell, both Doc Caruthers and Harry said she was so paranoid about something happening to me she never let me out of her sight! Harry said the only reason I wasn't with her when she died was because she went out to get something to eat." Rosy is snarling angrily as she watches Sam. Mitchell says something I miss as I watch the variety of emotions flicking across Rosy's face - disbelief, fear, anger, desperation, and terror. "What? You're saying I was born a werecat! That's fucking bullshit! I didn't change until after a cat attacked me! I was human," Rosy yells her eyes wide with disbelief and panic. I am aware that Doc is trying to soothe and reason with her but I can smell Rosy's panic rising with each second. "I wasn't born like something out of a fucking freak show! I was born normal! I just got turned into a fucking freak," Rosy screams almost incomprehensible. She is moving from foot to foot in agitation. "Rosy, a simple blood test can clear this up. Potentially two brothers and a father to cross match against..." Doc offers gently and without meaning to makes it worse for her. "No! No! I am so out of here! I am not listening to any more of this shit," Rosy yells in outrage. What happens next is too fast for me to intervene. Edwin says something in a whisper just behind Rosy then grabs her. Her scream of terror is animal like and I realise she is in a blind panic as Edwin and his team wrestle her onto the lounge. She is putting up a hell of a fight but is no match for the four battle experienced toms. I see Doc hurriedly drawing something into a syringe and grimace as he quickly injects it into her thigh. Mitchell heads for Edwin but Sam grabs his brother from behind keeping him well back from the lounge. I can see how upset both of them are; there is no longer any doubt in my mind that Rosy is related to them. I curse Edwin for a fool and an idiot; he was stupid grabbing Rosy like that. She may have run off for a period of time but she probably would have returned once she had time to calm down. She would not be able to resist the pull of the sibling bond, even if they had just one parent in common. All Edwin achieved was to ruin the trust she had in us and terrifying her half out of her mind. I listen as Mitchell worries over Rosy; Sam is still restraining him and I know Mitchell is as likely to lash out at Edwin as try to soothe Rosy as she becomes unconscious. Doc looks my way then glances down at Rosy where she is barely moving. "I can't believe she stood for you," Doc says in disbelief. "It just happened," I say as I watch her. "You fucking idiot Edwin! Why the hell did you have to grab her like that! You should have let me talk to her," Mitchell yells angrily. Doc quickly takes a syringe full of blood before checking Rosy's pulse and looking into one eye. He taps the side of her face gently but gets no response. "She's out to it," Doc says quietly. "Mitchell, Sam, I needed to sedate her. She was in a panic and would have fought until either she got hurt or she hurt someone else." I find myself sharing Doc's opinion as he explains his actions to Sam and Mitchell. Doc sedating her was a small mercy, one she wouldn't have needed if Edwin had not been a complete and utter bastard for grabbing her and sending her into a panic. "You sure she's out Doc," Edwin asks, and I watch in disbelief as he moves one hand to cup a breast to check for reaction. I am not the only one who snarls in fury but I am the first to reach Edwin and I glare down at him as I stand over him. "Ease her down onto the lounge and move the hell away from her," I warn him. Malcolm, Chris and Timny have already released her and moved away as soon as her struggles had weakened to where Edwin could hold her down by himself. I watch Edwin as he cautiously does as I ordered. "You bastard," Mitchell yells and struggles to get at Edwin but thankfully Sam and even Dwayne are smart enough to keep him from starting a fight. "Doc, would Rosy be aware of what is going on around her," I ask in a controlled tone. "It is possible," Doc says. I sit Rosy up on the lounge and look at Sam, Mitchell and Dwayne. "Mitchell, come and let your sister lean on you while she's asleep." "My sister," Mitchell is nearly crying as he moves to sit on the lounge. I settle Rosy against his chest and he wraps his arms around her securely. "It's going to be all right Rosy, I promise," Mitchell whispers softly as he straightens up and glares at Edwin. "Edwin, outside," I order. "Steven, Dwayne, Sam, make sure the others keep out of this," I say in little more than a snarl as I head for Edwin. He backs out of the room carefully, and I don't wait for him to make it out the screen door before I launch myself at him. "You should have let her leave," I say and punctuate it with a fist to the face. "You got no business manhandling any she-kitt," I grunt and slam a series of short punishing shots to his ribs. Edwin is unable to defend himself against the fury of my punishment and I pause for a moment to take a deep breath. "You will never lay a hand on her again unless she gives you a written invitation!" "You heard her. She's their sister or at least half sister," Edwin yells at me as he takes several steps backwards. "We can't just let her leave!" "We can't let her leave," I ask. "Who the hell are we?" "You, me, hell any of us," Edwin says in disbelief. "Any warrior worth his pay does not leave a she-kitt running around the country side unprotected." "Did you have orders to stop her if she tried to run away," I demand tightly. "No, and I have no intention of letting her run off then have to go chasing her across half of the state to catch her," Edwin yells angrily. "Did you even listen to what she was saying," I demand angrily. "Haven't you worked out by now Rosy is not comfortable with the fact she is a werecat?" "Micah, enough. Back off now," Wade orders tersely as he walks up to us. I don't take any notice as I slam another punch into Edwin's ribs; he weaves drunkenly, his arms dropping slightly as he struggles to stay on his feet. He is battered and bleeding but not badly hurt. I intended this as punishment and have been careful to inflict a lot of pain but very little serious damage. "Micah," Wade roars, and at last I take several steps back before brushing the back of one hand across my forehead to prevent sweat dripping into my eyes. Doc and Dwayne are standing with Wade and I have little doubt that they have filled him in on what this is about. "I'm going back inside to check on Rosy," Doc announces tersely before heading inside. I look around and see Malcolm, Chris and Timny standing well back out of the way. Steven is watching them and Dwayne glances their way now and then. "Would someone care to tell me what this is all about," Wade demands with a thunderous look. "Rosy got upset and was about to take off. Edwin grabbed her and she totally panicked. His team had to help him hold her down and Doc had to sedate her. Not happy with that, Edwin had to feel her up before he let her go," Dwayne says with disapproval. "He what," Wade demands. The skin around his nostrils is white and I can tell he is enraged. "He touched her breast through her clothing," Dwayne says, "most likely to make sure she was out cold." "What the hell were you thinking Edwin? You were raised better than that," Wade demands. "And what happened to upset Rosy so badly that she would want to run off?" "Doc was asking her questions about her parents," I admit, "trying to see if he could trace anything back, possibly to a clan." "And this was important enough to upset her so badly she had to be sedated," Wade demands in a low hiss. "Rosy said her mother was named Jeddah and things went bad from there," Dwayne cuts in. "Rosy doesn't have a very good opinion about werecats. I don't think she wants to be one and takes some comfort in the belief she was born 'normal,' as in human." "I'm going inside to talk to Doc. Edwin you go over to the house so your mother can see to your injuries. You are to stay out of the quarters for the time being," Wade says tightly before heading inside. It is obvious Wade is aware there is the potential for Sam and Mitchell to come after Edwin for his disrespectful treatment of Rosy. I stay outside to watch Edwin head towards the main house before I glare at his team then head inside. Wade is talking to Doc over by the kitchen door when I enter the lounge room; I pause as I take in Sam squatting in front of the lounge where Mitchell is still holding Rosy. "How is she," I ask quietly as I move to just behind where Mitchell sits. "Doc says she is perfectly fine," Sam answers quietly. "The stuff he used won't make her sick like last time." "Doc, how long is she going to be out," I ask as I head over to where he is with Wade. "She should start coming around in half an hour, forty minutes at the most, and be fully alert within the hour," Doc says. "She will probably be very upset when she is fully awake." "You mean pissed off over being grabbed and drugged like that," I ask levelly. "Exactly," Doc answers immediately. "Why did you sedate her after the reaction she had to being drugged before," Wade demands tightly. "I used a different drug, much milder and shorter acting, this time. As for my reason, she was in a blind panic from behind grabbed and restrained," Doc says dryly. "What were you thinking ordering Edwin and his team to grab Rosy," Wade demands angrily as he turns towards me fully. "Micah didn't give the order," Sam says tightly as he walks over to join in the conversation. "Edwin has been looking to get his hands on Rosy since she left the secure room. When we were hunting he was hanging around her and trying to win her favour every chance he got." "Did Rosy show any signs of interest in Edwin," Wade asks hopefully. "I think you're looking to the wrong son here Wade," Doc says and I glance his way to see him looking at me. "Yeah," both Dwayne and Sam say in unison. "Well maybe we need to think about somewhere safe and secure for her until the drug has worn off fully," Wade says. "Like the cage in the containment shed - sheltered but well away from everyone. Someone can check on her at intervals, and when she is relatively calm Mitchell and Sam can try to talk to her. I would offer for her to go in the secure room in the house but I don't want her near Jazzy while she is badly upset. We know there is no telling what she will do in any given situation." "You can't put her in a cage," Mitchell exclaims in distress. "Mitchell, she will need time and space to calm down once she is fully conscious. Someone can look in on her every ten minutes or so," Doc says quietly. "She has a lot of new information to come to terms with. I can guarantee all this is a much bigger shock for her than it is for you and your brother." "Well it's settled then. Sam, Mitchell, take Rosy over to the shed and make her comfortable in the cage. Take a pillow and blankets as well as a bottle of water. Lock the cage and be back here in fifteen minutes," Wade orders firmly. I see the look Mitchell gives Wade. He wants to object but he also wants Rosy to be safe once she starts to come around. And he wants to be able to try to talk to her when she does. "You right with her," Sam asks as Mitchell gets to his feet cradling her in his arms. Mitchell frowns as he looks down at her then looks at Sam. "You take her. I know which blanket she will want with her." I want to head over to the cage with them but I know I will be met with savage resistance. Sam and Mitchell believed they had no family but each other and their father; now they probably have a sister and will want her to themselves for a time. "Micah, I need to talk to you for a short while," Wade says firmly and I look his way. "How about we have a cup of coffee and I can see if that cut over your eye needs stitches. I can go check on Edwin afterwards," Doc says in a tone that leaves no room for arguments. I head into the kitchen and opt for a beer rather than coffee as Doc makes a cup each for him and Wade. I wait until they make themselves comfortable at the table before seating myself in a chair and meeting Wade's gaze evenly. "Micah I don't know if you're aware of it, but things could be a little unsettled here for a while. Rosy is going to want to be near her brothers, if they are actually related and ..." "There's no if about it, Wade. I asked Doc to come and talk to Rosy because of how attached those three are. Only I thought maybe Kurt Black's father, Sam and Mitchell's maternal grandfather had fathered one of her parents. There is talk he had a human girl friend," I say evenly. "I never suspected she could have the same mother as Sam and Mitchell." "Rosy will have to stay here at the quarters for a while," Wade says quietly. "Nothing changes the fact she is a stray - well has the mentality of a stray. I need to be sure your sister is safe and that Rosy does not pose a threat to her. My previous orders as to the way she is to be treated remain." "If Rosy doesn't take it into her head to run off, you want her to live here, under my roof," I state calmly. As chief warrior I am the head of this household. "She is not to be reprimanded in any way. She is not to be made follow clan rules. It will probably take a long time for her to learn the rules but we can't help that," Wade says evenly repeating almost word for word his previous orders in regard to her. "With Rosy being so upset we need to make everything as easy as possible for her so she can adjust to life in a clan. No reprimanding her, no orders, no rules," Wade says. "If Rosy isn't comfortable with the idea of being born a werecat, we can't expect she will act like a clan cat. Make the transition as easy for her as possible." "If she decides to live here, she follows my rules and is taught how clan cats live." I tell Wade firmly, "she will get herself into trouble and possibly danger if she doesn't learn." "No, you will not cause her more trauma," Wade snaps. "If she lives here, she lives by my rules," I say evenly. "No, you will do as I order in regards to Rosy," Wade says angrily. "Well she can live in your house. I won't have her here under your terms," I say firmly. "You will do as you're ordered," Wade says, clearly fighting for control. I hold his gaze for several minutes; I intend to stand firm on this matter. I am aware of the warriors listening in discreetly from the lounge room and glance over my shoulder at Steven for a few moments before turning my attention back to Wade. "If she lives here, she lives by my rules," I repeat evenly. "You will do as I order," Wade says through gritted teeth. I get to my feet slowly and Wade stands up as well. I turn away from the table calmly and look straight at Steven. "I'm looking for a new place to work, partner. You staying here or moving as well," I ask coolly. "I'm with you. I won't work under Edwin again," Steven states, and I know it is a sentiment Sam and Mitchell share. I hear the angry hiss from Wade but I walk from the room and then the building. I can only give Wade time to see if he thinks I am calling a bluff. I am not sure what I will do if he does but I do know we should have never treated Rosy the way he insisted. "Shit mate, I hope you know what we're doing," Steven hisses quietly just behind me. I pause as I look around the familiar surrounds of what has always been my home. Justin, Jazzy and Donny are headed my way from the house and it hits home that if I leave here under these circumstances it is highly likely I will not see Jazzy or Donny again for several years at least. "Have you and Edwin been fighting," Jazzy demands in a stern voice as she comes closer. "It's nothing for you to worry about," I tell her not wanting to upset her with what is going on. "Is everyone back from the hunt yet," Donny asks hopefully with a glance towards the quarters. "Yeah we're all back," Steven answers as he steps up beside me. "I'm going to talk to Rosy," Donny exclaims happily and heads for the door. "I'm going to go see Mitchell," Jazzy says with a slight frown and follows him. Justin gives a nod and heads after them. "I'd better let Sam know what is going on," I say with a faint sigh and head towards the stone shed. Uncertainty churns in my stomach and I swallow hard as I see Sam and Mitchell coming out of the shed. We meet up not far from the shed. Mitchell glances back the way they came while Sam regards me with a reserved expression. "We were just heading back to the quarters," Sam says dryly. "You'll hear when you get there but I thought I'd better tell you myself," I say evenly. "Wade is there, and he wants Rosy to move into the quarters permanently if she stays here. Same kid glove rules as before - no rules for her, no boundaries, nothing. I told him straight out that if she stays, she is taught our rules. Either she stays under my rules or she moves into the house. Wade is insisting she stay at the quarters and his orders are to be ..." "Micah turned around in front of Wade and told me he is looking for work elsewhere," Steven breaks in. "Asked if I would be going with him. I won't break up our work partnership and I definitely won't work under Edwin." "Shit," Sam exclaims, "tell me this is some kind of a joke! I won't work for that dickhead and I do not want Rosy at his mercy either." "You saw what he did to her and it was more than making sure she was out to it," Mitchell snaps. "Edwin would charm his way into her bed first chance he got, and Rosy is starved enough for company and affection for it to work!" "I'm well aware that you two will want to look out for Rosy whether or not she is your sister," I say calmly, "which is why I am saying something now. I hope Wade will see sense and not push his 'no rules' rule. Rosy needs to learn how to survive in a clan." Enter the Cat Ch. 05 "You're going to have to finish this conversation later. Wade just came out of the quarters and is headed this way," Steven warns. "Why not finish it now," I ask. "I have no intentions of sneaking around doing things on the sly." "Thanks for the heads up. We'll have to talk this out between Mitchell and I. When Rosy is ready to talk we'll see what she wants to do," Sam says levelly. "Micah, I want to talk to you," Wade snaps as he gets closer. He eyes Sam and Mitchell without a word before turning his full attention on me. "You can not be serious about working elsewhere. Think of how it will affect your sister. She is coming to an age where she needs all of her brothers close by," Wade says and I know he is trying to play on my closeness with Jazzy. "I can not be an effective leader if I allow someone to ignore my orders and do as they please, when they please, if they please," I say evenly. "Rosy needs to follow rules and know the boundaries so she does not get herself into trouble or danger, or get someone else into danger." "Look at Jazzy: she knows what is expected of her, what she is and is not allowed to do. Jazzy does not put herself at risk and she does not do anything to put others at risk. Today Rosy very nearly outran us causing someone to take a heavy fall, and very nearly made a mistake when we found prey. Her mistake would have seen her get a kill and the rest of us go hungry. Where does behaviour like that fit into a clan," I ask tightly. "And what? You'll just leave your sister and your clan, if you can't get your own way on this," Wade demands. "If I can't ensure the safety of my warriors as well as Rosy, yes," I state. "I think you have a good point there. But you're missing something. I believe Rosy would do a lot better if she knew the rules," Sam says firmly stepping forward so he is nearly by my side facing Wade. "Not only will it make things safer for those around her, it should reassure her of her own safety. To Rosy, to be safe is to run away from danger. If she can learn that our rules help to protect her she won't need to run." "Yeah, Rosy was doing so much better when she was learning about clan life before she lost the kitts," Mitchell says as he nods vigorously where he stands nearby. "You're not irreplaceable you know, Micah. Edwin has more experience as a Chief Warrior than you have," Wade says tightly. "He will be only too happy to take back his old job." My heart lodges itself in my throat. It seems to miss a beat then starts racing. I catch the slight flare of triumph in Wade's eyes. Was he about to call me on my threat? "I better start packing then," I tell him levelly. "Right with you partner," Steven says quietly backing my decision. "I won't work for Edwin," Sam says tightly. "Kurt Black has always said he has room for us if we ever want to work for him," Mitchell says with a thoughtful look at his brother. A muscle starts jumping along Wade's jaw while anger and a hint of something else blazes in his eyes. "Micah, in my office now," Wade turns sharply on his heel and heads for the house. I watch until he nearly reaches the house before following after him. He glances back over his shoulder when he reaches the door before heading inside. My footsteps seem to echo in the house as I walk inside and I glance into the kitchen to see Marissa watching, worry clear on her face while Edwin wears a gloating grin. Malcolm is standing by the sink but I ignore him as I head for Wade's office. "Shut the door," Wade orders tightly. I do as ordered before turning to face my father. "You think you are pulling a smart one, don't you? Scheming to get your own way so you can treat Rosy the way you want to treat her," Wade snaps angrily. "I just asked Edwin if he was interested in having his old job back, and he's very interested. Not only are you happy to leave your family and sister short of protection, you have to talk the one tom Jazzy is seriously interested in into leaving!" "I am not going to stay in a position where you make it impossible for me to do my job," I say evenly refusing to become angry. "You didn't have to go and get Mitchell set on leaving. That will break Jazzy's heart," Wade snaps. "Mitchell would leave because he does not trust Edwin's intentions towards Rosy," I say calmly. "Why not? Edwin is serious about her," Wade says tightly. "The only reason he is interested in Rosy is because I am interested in her. Just like he never gave Donna Stephan a second thought until I showed an interest in her, then he chased after her every chance he got. There has not been a single thing that I have taken an interest in that he hasn't made a play for," I say scathingly. "When I wanted to train to become Chief Warrior, Edwin suddenly wanted to train as well a week later. Edwin and his interest in Rosy aside, Rosy needs to learn clan rules. I won't be making rules especially for her; she will be taught rules that are all ready in existence. They provide safety and security for all members of a clan -- and that is what Rosy needs above all else, safety and security." "Rosy has lived as a stray. She has been hounded, abused and tortured as a stray. But as a clan cat she would get the stability and safety she never had as a stray. Once she knows what she can expect on a continuous basis it will give her a sense of security. And when she feels safe and secure she will want to stay here, and hopefully she won't want to run." I take several deep breaths to calm the anger rising in me. "So did Edwin like Rosy before he found out I was interested in her? And does Edwin want to be Chief Warrior? Or is it simply because the job is mine," I ask and curl my top lip in scorn. I wonder what it will take to make Wade see Edwin for what he really is. Edwin, his first born son, has always been the one he expects to achieve major things in werecat society. But then Edwin has always been careful to make sure our father never sees the scheming, conniving, self-serving side of himself. I see doubt flicker across Wade's face for the first time before he narrows his eyes to look at me thoughtfully. "Why did you threaten to leave," Wade asks in annoyance. "Because you are trying to prevent me from doing my job. You tell me to look after Rosy, to ensure no harm comes to her, and promptly handcuff my hands behind my back and throw away the key to the cuffs," I say levelly. Wade walks to the mantle over the fireplace and studies the photo above it. It is a snap shot of the family taken at Jazzy's eighteenth birthday party. "I think I will decide in a day or two who will be Chief Warrior," Wade says turning around to face me. "You better go and make sure Sam and Mitchell does not make any hasty decisions." I stand still a moment as I consider Wade's face saving tactic before shaking my head. "Either Rosy lives by my rules or she moves in here," I say firmly. "I can't take the chance she could turn on your sister or your mother. Rosy's behaviour is erratic and unpredictable. Also Doc feels she will be very pissed off when she wakes up," Wade hisses. "I don't believe Rosy would turn on either of them," I say calmly. "If she stays at all she will have to stay at the quarters. I won't have her constantly near your mother or sister," Wade snaps. "You will be responsible for her safety while she is there." "Then allow us to teach her what is dangerous or not acceptable. Werecats from other clans are not going to be so accepting of her mistakes as we have been," I state firmly. "Do not presume to tell me how to look after a she-kitt who is under the protection of my clan," Wade says tightly. "You are only thinking of your own selfish wants, and you're not considering how this will affect your sister. And what about Marissa? Wasn't losing your brother bad enough for her? Are you going to just turn your back and walk away from your mother?" "I don't want to leave my sister or my mother, or my father and brothers for that matter. But I want to be allowed to make it safer for Jazzy if she is to be around Rosy. Jazzy seems to think Rosy is her new best friend and I think Donny imagines he is half in love with Rosy," I say in exasperation. "If Rosy is taught clan rules and what is acceptable, she is less likely to be a danger to them!" "Why didn't you come right out and say that in the first place," Wade demands, "instead of contradicting every order I gave you." I take a deep breath; I have had about all of Wade's contrariness I can take. I can simply allow Wade to back down from his earlier orders and save face while not forcing me to leave, or I can stand my ground. But a foreign feeling begins to grow within me - the need to make Wade back down and admit his mistake. I shake it off mentally; to do so would mean a full confrontation with him. Wade would not back down and lose face willingly. It is wrong for a son to challenge his father. I would only be able to challenge my father if I had one. Jazzy is my sister and Marissa is my mother. If I challenge my own father when I win I would have no Queen to lead the clan with me. "You can go back to the quarters for now and we will wait and see how Rosy feels when she is able to speak to me. I don't know why you had to push things to the extent she had to be sedated," Wade says shaking his head. I have had enough of biting back angry words that it had not been my fault. It is past time Wade sees Edwin for what he is. "I did not give the order to grab Rosy. I was fine with her leaving to give herself the time and space she needed to come to terms with what she had learnt," I say tightly, my patience spent. "Edwin decided to grab her. His excuse when I called him on it? He didn't want to possibly have to go to the trouble of chasing her to catch her. It was easier for him to grab her and scare her into a panic than take the chance he might have to do some work at a later stage," I snap angrily. "I am sick of covering up the trouble or mess caused by Edwin's laziness. Add that to the fact it is hard to keep good warriors on the payroll because of his poor work ethics and abrasive attitude!" I was no way involved in Edwin's stupid move of preventing Rosy leaving when she clearly had not been able to cope with what she had been learning and I am determined to make sure Wade knows it. I take a deep breath and leave the room. There is a tense silence as I pass the kitchen, telling me my outburst had been audible out here, and then I am outside in the clean air once again. * * * * * * I halt at the edge of a small clearing not far from a stream. There is no way I could miss the stench of urine and faeces even if I had not been in cat form. Also there is a faint trace of muskiness in the air, and I open my mouth as I breathe through my mouth. Anger, fear, sweat, but most of all anger is evident in the scents I detect. I hear the almost silent approach of paws behind me and turn my head to see Mitchell come up not far from me. He moves into the edge of the clearing; he is hyper alert as he moves forward. His nose is up and he is sniffing intently, his ears twitching as he listens for any faint noises. Some cat has scratched up a large area in what could only be meant as an insult. I find Rosy's scent on a small bush near me and draw my lips back in a snarl of displeasure as I realise the extent of her anger. She tricked Sam and I into believing she had not been coming around from the sedation. While Sam was getting Doc, I foolishly opened the cage and went in to see if I could help her in any way. She came off the bunk in mid shift, hitting me before falling to the floor only to immediately launch herself at me once again. I was relieved when she took the opportunity to escape after knocking me down. I saw the rage and desperation mingled in her eyes. In that state, she was likely to do just about anything to ensure her escape. Now with the evidence of her rage in front of me, I am uncomfortably aware of how stray-like she is. A prickling of unease in my mind and I shift suddenly nervous - I am missing something here. Stray-like ... revenge! Jazzy! Rosy could be back tracking and circling around even now to attack the most vital cat of our clan! - Jazzy! "Home! Defend Jazzy!" I whirl and head back as fast as I can go. I pass Sam and Timny as they are slowing to turn around and then I become aware of Mitchell steadily gaining on me as we race for the home buildings. Werecats are fast in sprints but few of us have true endurance; I am really feeling the affects of the long run as I reach the tree line surrounding the compound. I catch sight of Edwin and Malcolm by the main house where Wade has undoubtedly ordered Edwin to stay after the earlier conflict. I slow slightly as I try to regain my breath a little before arriving at the house. I do not wish to appear breathless and exhausted in front of Edwin. "What is going on," Wade demands as I come to a stop near him and start my change. Mitchell is just finishing his change and I leave it to him to fill Wade in on what has happened so I can get back to human form as quick as possible. "We found ..." Mitchell stops for several deep breaths. "We followed where Rosy ran. She didn't try to hide her trail or anything - left it clear as day as if she wanted us to follow. We came to a clearing where she toileted and scratched up the ground real bad. She is more than angry, she is totally pissed off." "Malcolm, get Justin and Donny back over here now," Wade orders sharply. Malcolm heads for the quarters at a run and Wade turns to look after him. "Grab a change of clothes for everyone while you're there," Wade adds before turning his attention to Edwin. "Go and tell your mother I said for her and Jazzy to stay inside. Go around locking all the windows and making sure the motion sensors on the windows are working." I am aware of others arriving but I am unable to do more than brace myself as I feel my body turn human. "Ah, here comes Dwayne," Wade says with satisfaction and he moves out of my range of vision. I get to my feet wearily and roll my shoulders to remove the last traces of stiffness from the change. I glance around and am pleased to see all of the warriors are back, Dwayne and Chris being the last two to arrive. "Mitchell," Wade says and I glance his way, "you know where Dwayne keeps all his fancy electrical surveillance equipment?" "Yes Boss," Mitchell answers. "Turn the perimeter motion detectors back on and bring the control box to the main house," Wade orders before turning to me. "What are your orders," I ask. "We secure the main house and dig in for the rest of the day and for tonight," Wade says firmly. "Turn the games room into a temporary room for the warriors. I want everyone ready if she returns." I know by the stressed tone of his voice that he is worrying over her behaviour. She shouldn't be so openly leaving a trail or leaving such an insult behind. It was as if she wanted us to follow her. "We going to catch her if she comes back," Edwin asks eagerly. "I thought I told you to go inside and make sure your mother and sister stay inside, out of all possible danger," Wade snaps as he turns towards Edwin angrily. I turn away and look around to see who has changed and who is still in the process of changing. "Sam, I want spy cameras set up inside the quarters and around all of the sheds," I say as he stands up and brushes his hands together to rid them of grit. "If she comes back I don't want her sneaking up on us. It might be wise to be ready to catch her and put her back in the cage if she is showing any signs of aggression." I hear Sam give a low-pitched growl but don't call him on it. I know he can be relied on to do whatever Jazzy's safety demands. Within twenty minutes we have motion sensors set up around all the buildings as well as cameras to catch any sign of Rosy if she should come back. Everyone is on edge. We have never had to defend our home but it had all been planned years before because of Jazzy's illness. It is just on dusk when one of the perimeter motion sensors sends out its silent alarm. Wade, Dwayne and I are in Wade's office watching the monitor when it happens. Dwayne sits up alertly and with a few quick keystrokes has the area where the alarm was triggered on display. "Could a rabbit have set it off," Wade asks when there is no sign of movement. "It is possible with several rabbits," Dwayne mutters quietly but I can tell he has his doubts. No sooner has Dwayne spoken then a shadow beneath one of the Silky Oak trees moves and a dark form slinks to the next tree. "Damn," I mutter. I really wish Rosy hadn't come back. All she has achieved is to reinforce Wade in his belief she could be dangerous. I hate to admit it but I am left to start to consider this also. We follow her movements as she sets off motion sensors while skirting the clearing using the cover of the trees. There are no more alarms and the tension makes the back of my neck bristle. An alarm flashes on the monitor board and Wade hisses as he glances at it. "Damn! She's inside the quarters," Dwayne says sounding surprised as he rapidly brings the inside of the quarters up on the monitors. Rosy is in the lounge room of the quarters still in cat form as she crouches by the window with her head lifted high. Her whiskers are twitching and her ears flick back and forth nervously as she turns her head from side to side. "She's checking to see if anyone else is there!" I glance at Wade; surely he can't be surprised she is so cautious. "We're going to have to replace the fly screen in that window," Dwayne murmurs and I concentrate on the window. A faint movement comes from it and I realise it is shredded. Rosy must have leapt up to rip at the screen before making the leap that would get her inside. I watch as she slinks towards the hallway door and I head for the games room to order Sam and Mitchell to change to cat form. I pass out dart guns to Malcolm and Timny who are excellent shots before heading back to the office. "Where is she," I ask in a whisper. "Sam and Mitchell's room packing her stuff," Dwayne answers in a whisper. "She changes forms fast," Wade comments. I nod but don't voice an answer as I watch the monitor screen. Rosy is glancing around the bedroom while she stands by one of the beds with her backpack in one hand. She has on a light shirt that reaches mid thigh but I can tell by the way it moves as she turns it is not fastened down the front. We follow her on the monitor with cameras as she heads back to the kitchen. She pauses momentarily in the hallway but it is apparent she is listening. In the kitchen she grabs several packs of jerky from the pantry before pausing to listen once again. "She's wary," Wade comments. "I don't think she likes anyone much here at the moment," Dwayne says with a grin. "She'll eat then head for where ever it is she hides out," I say voicing my opinion. "No, she'll probably make a nasty mess of the quarters before she leaves at the very least. She's got the mentality of a stray, nasty and vindictive," Wade says with disappointment. We watch as Rosy helps herself to a hasty feed of roast pork and plain milk before heading for the lounge room window. I hear Wade give a faint grunt; he's realised he has misjudged her. She pauses with one foot on the windowsill as she looks back over her shoulder and glances around the room. She freezes as she stares directly at the camera; her eyes narrow and her lips are drawn back in a snarl. "She's made the camera," Wade says assuredly. "Yeah," I agree and I catch Dwayne's nod from the corner of my eye as I watch Rosy change to cat form swiftly. She snatches up her backpack in her jaws and then launches herself from the window. Enter the Cat Ch. 05 The flash of movement from the sensor alarms catches my attention and I look at Dwayne. "Looks like she's taking off," Dwayne says quietly. "She must have only returned for her clothes." "Keep an eye on the alarms," Wade says curtly. "I don't want her sneaking back again." We wait for Rosy to return like Wade is so sure she will. Minutes turn into hours, and hours turn into days. The days stretch into a week and life around our compound returns to normal. I find myself hoping that once Rosy has calmed down from the shock of what happened she will once again give in to the pull of the bond she shares with Sam and Mitchell. I am with Steven and we are just about to head into town on a food run when Wade approaches my vehicle. "Micah, a word with you before you leave," Wade says firmly. I turn to face my father fully and regard him silently. "I've decided to keep you on as Chief warrior. Things run smoothly under your command and the other warriors seem to respect you. Only Edwin has problems with your leadership. I have spoken to Edwin concerning his behaviour towards Rosy and handed out what punishment I felt necessary," Wade informs me. "What punishment was that," I ask not expecting to be answered. "He is to pay a thousand dollar fine to one of the charities in town, and if Rosy returns, he is not to be alone with her until I am satisfied he knows how to treat a she-kitt. Sam, Dwayne and Timny will give me weekly reports on his behaviour if Rosy returns," Wade says levelly. I am surprised by Wade's choice of punishment but I have to admit that it is a good choice. Edwin has a reputation of being tight fisted where his money is concerned and having his behaviour questioned and found wanting by Wade is a real slap in the face. "And what of Rosy when she returns," I ask, "does she learn clan rules?" "Yes but you have to keep in mind she has been through enough trauma already," Wade says firmly. "Be gentle teaching her. If at all possible leave it to Sam or Mitchell." "I intend to treat Rosy as gently as I treated Jazzy when I taught her clan rules," I say evenly. It is hard not to snap at Wade angrily and tell him I know what I am doing. As an older brother, I helped teach Justin, Jazzy and Donovan clan rules at different times. "Just see you do," Wade snaps and heads for the main house finishing the conversation abruptly. I watch him as he walks away. As I am turning back to the car I catch sight of Edwin watching from the stone shed. It is hard to read his expression from this distance but the way he holds himself tells me he is in a bad mood. I push the thought aside as I slip behind the wheel of my car. I glance at Steven in the passenger seat to make sure he has his seatbelt on before starting the engine. "Let's get this show on the road," Steven says happily. A few days later I send Edwin and his team on a job helping a known stray relocate for a job. The aggression Edwin harbours towards me seems to be constantly simmering below the surface and several times he has stopped just short of an outright challenge of my authority. Then comes the day Doc visits to give Sam and Mitchell the news that the DNA testing proved Rosy to be their full sister. I can only listen as they talk between themselves, wondering at why their mother had disappeared. Had she known she was pregnant when she left? A couple of weeks later and Pete calls to say Rosy had phoned him. I hide the relief I feel as he goes on to talk to Sam and Mitchell for a while before ending the call. I am glad to see his call has given them some peace of mind but I don't dwell on it as I have to make the final decision on which team I want Wade to hire on as extra warriors. * * * * * Steven and I are pruning a dead branch out of the navel orange tree by the quarters when the sound of a vehicle catches our attention. I have to hide my smile as Steven curses at the interruption and climbs down the ladder. I watch as the four-wheel drive towing a trailer with two big powerful dirt bikes heads towards the quarters. The windows are tinted for protection from the sun and it makes it nearly impossible to see those inside. "Fancy new wheels," Steven comments. "Yeah, that would be the new team of warriors Wade and I hired," I say as I turn to watch the vehicle as it is parked beside Sam's car. I glance at Steven as both front doors open and two well-grown toms get out. His eyes go wide as he recognises his youngest brother and he grins widely as he glances my way before striding over to greet him. "Mikkarl, you joining the ranks here," Steven asks happily as he engulfs his brother in a back slapping hug. "Sure am Stevie-boy," Mikkarl laughs as he steps back. "Robby," I say as I step forward to shake Robby Inness' hand. "Micah," Robby acknowledges with a nod as he shakes my hand briefly before letting go and stepping back. Something about the tom is slightly off but I can't place it so I shake it off as I turn towards his partner. Mikkarl has a huge grin on his face as he shakes my hand. "It's a real honour to work for the Williamson clan. A lot of other warriors reckon you have some of the best teams on the payroll." "They're not a bad lot," I acknowledge with a grin. Mikkarl is a lot like Steven and I can see we will get along fine. "I heard you hope to train as a chef," I say to him. "I love being a warrior but I don't want to be doing it forever," Mikkarl says with a grin. "Robby can create some beautiful stained glass windows and doors. Neither of us want to be chasing after trouble makers when we're in our sixties." "Well you can practise your other talents when you're not working and I'm sure Wade will be agreeable to you pursuing cooking classes," I tell him seriously. Mikkarl loses his wide grin as he nods seriously, "That would really be appreciated." "You get to practise on us as long as you don't make any of us sick," Steven laughs. Mikkarl glances at his brother, "So does Jasmine come over to the bunk house often?" "Jazzy is quite often about the quarters. Where ever you can find Mitchell McIntosh you'll find Jazzy," I tell him levelly. All warriors like to see their she-kitts around regularly and I might as well make it clear she already has a suitor. "Hopefully we will end up with a second she-kitt around," Steven says and I look his way to find him grinning widely. "Yeah," Robby asks with interest. "It came to light very recently that Sam and Mitchell McIntosh have a sister," Steven says, "but she has lived as a virtual stray for several years." "Would that be the stray that Malcolm and Chris mentioned a few months back," Robby asks. "Malcolm has given her the nickname Stray," Steven admits. "She as pretty as her cousin Jada," Mikkarl asks curiously. I can't help the low growl that rises in my throat and Steven glances towards me with a laugh. "Much prettier," he tells them. "You might want to take your gear inside and settle in before lunch," I say. "Everyone should be back for the meal today." "Need a hand with anything," Steven asks as his brother opens the back of the vehicle up. We all carry bags inside as Steven leads the way to the large bedroom that had been vacant. There are two double beds in it along with two wardrobes; the two toms look around the room once their bags are put just inside the doorway. "Arrange the room to suit yourselves," I say before leaving the room. Steven and I return to trimming the orange tree. With the last of the dead wood removed and several small unproductive branches trimmed we begin cleaning up. It isn't long before Mikkarl comes out and gives a hand dragging cut branches away to a rubbish pile. "There a roster of some kind for cooking meals," Mikkarl asks. "We generally take it in turns, whoever isn't busy or is working close by at meal times," Steven tells him. "I can handle that," Mikkarl says with an amicable grin. "I'm used to working on a roster basis but I'm flexible. Robby makes some pretty good desserts, just ordinary, basic mains but good desserts." With the cut branches cleared away we head inside for lunch. Robby has sandwich makings out on the table and is slicing up a large cold roast. Donovan and Jazzy are in the kitchen with him and I grin to myself as I watch Jazzy flirting with both newcomers. Robby prepares dainty sandwiches for Jazzy and I smother a grin. If one of her brothers handed her a plate of sandwiches like that she would tell them off, not blush and smile prettily. Before lunch is finished Dwayne, Justin, Sam and Mitchell come to the quarters to eat. It is amusing to see the way Mitchell makes a point of standing by Jazzy's chair, one hand always on the chair or her shoulder. The subtle display isn't lost on either of the two new warriors. I know it will take a week or two, maybe even up to a month before the two new toms have worked out their place in the hierarchy of the warriors. Other than possibly Edwin, I don't see there being any friction from those already working here. It is a difficult job selecting a team to become part of our large warrior force, but I am sure I have picked right. As the days go by, the integration of the two new toms proves as easy as I had hoped. Both get on well with all of the warriors already employed and I am pleased to see that neither of them treats Donovan like a child. I take Mikkarl and Robby along on a job Steven and I handle - checking on a stray that is new to our clan lands. I am impressed by the way they work. Mikkarl is clearly the more dominant of the two, often taking the lead. When the four of us return to the compound I am happy to report to Wade that I believe Mikkarl and Robby will fit in nicely. A few weeks later I send Sam and his team off to patrol a section of the clan territory that borders a larger town where strays quite often visit. I decide Steven and I can do a patrol over the state borderline into Queensland. Edwin and his team are to stay at the quarters as security for Wade, with Mikkarl and Robby on hand if any jobs come up. * * * * * Steven and I are helping Toby, a stray, find a house on the outskirts of a small town when I receive the call from Wade. I frown as I look at the display screen of my phone and I look at Steven apologetically. "I have to take this," I say. "You and Toby work on a list of basic furniture he will need." I walk away from the two of them as I answer the call. "Hallo Wade," I say as I hold the phone to my ear. "Micah, how far are you from heading home," Wade asks. "We really need to give Toby a hand. He's having difficulties getting a place of his own. Been living day to day, sleeping under a bridge of a night," I explain. "How soon do you need us?" "I have just been to the quarters, and Rosy is there," Wade says and gives a faint sigh. "I'm not one hundred percent sure how ... Timny came to the house to let me know she had turned up. Mikkarl and Robby found her or caught her? She looked a bit ragged and travel worn when I went to check. Timny says she started asking for Mitchell and Sam, and when told they are away she asked for food." "Tell me Edwin hasn't locked her up," I say worriedly. "No he hasn't. I told Timny to pass on that she is to be encouraged to stay but not forced to," Wade says. "I believe when I go to the quarters in the morning to check on her, I will find she has left during the night." "I'm supplying the money so Toby can move into a house. He signs the lease first thing in the morning when the real estate office opens. We can hit the furniture warehouse and buy him the basic furniture he'll need before the lease signing," I say aloud as I work it out in my head, "and still be on the way home before ten-thirty in the morning." "I'll let you know if Rosy runs off before you head back," Wade says. When the conversation is finished and Wade has hung up I close my phone and head back to Steven and Toby. We are spending the night in a couple of hotel rooms; Toby is friendly in a reserved way but clearly appreciates the solid meal and bed for the night. "There trouble," Steven asks when Toby makes use of the shower. "Wade called to let me know Rosy is at the quarters. We head back tomorrow. We catch the furniture place as soon as it opens at 8am, pay for what Toby needs and arrange delivery. He signs the lease at 9 when the real estate office opens, then head home when we know he's all right," I tell Steven evenly. "Might be an idea to set up a credit account at the local supermarket in case Toby is short of money," Steven says as he sits on the end of one of the beds in the room. "What's the story with Rosy?" "Wade wasn't real clear other than she's asking for her brothers and food," I say and grimace as I hear the frustration in my voice. "The way to Rosy's heart - first the food, and then her brothers," Steven says with laughter in his voice. "By the way, I'll drive tomorrow. We'll get there faster if we aren't being stopped for speeding tickets." * * * * * I am busy paying for what furniture Toby picked out when my phone rings. I frown but I am unable to answer. I feel Steven take my phone from my pocket and hear him walk away. "Yeah hallo Wade, it's Steven. Micah is busy at the moment," Steven says. I feel a wave of irritation go through me but force a smile for the woman behind the cash register. It is a church shop that sells second hand furniture; Toby insisted we could find all he needed here. The staff made sure he had warm clothes and a blanket when he had been homeless and now he wanted to give back by buying from their shop. "Those can be delivered at 11am," she says with a smile. "That suit you Toby," I ask with a glance his way. "Yeah, that'll be great," Toby says quietly. "Micah, Wade wants to speak to you," Steven calls from the doorway. "Excuse me Ma'am," I say before walking away. "It's good news," Steven says quietly as he hands me the phone. "Hallo," I say as I take the phone and lift it to my ear as I walk outside. "I want you back here as soon as you can get here," Wade says evenly. "Rosy is still here and seems intent on staying until her brothers get back. Jazzy overheard Timny telling me Rosy was still at the quarters this morning and she wants to go and see her. I called Doc to come see Rosy, but she won't let him near her voluntarily." "I told Edwin, Malcolm and Chris to see if they can get Rosy to go to town with them and I left them money to get her whatever she wants. She looks like she could do with some new shoes at least." Wade says as if remembering the fact. "We just have to stop by the real estate office, sign the lease and pick up the keys. Everything else is organised. Steven and I can grab a feed when we fill up with petrol before heading home," I say as I head for my vehicle. I can hear Steven and Toby following me. "Stop by the house for a moment on your way to the quarters," Wade says. "Will do. See you when we get there," I say and close the phone ending the call. "If we fill up with petrol now we can grab sandwiches and drinks, drop Toby off at his place and head off from there," Steven says as he opens the drivers' door. I hesitate a moment before walking around to the passenger side and getting in. "Sounds like a plan. You want anything to eat while we're at it Toby?" "I'll be fine," Toby denies the offer. At the service station I head inside while Steven fills the vehicle with petrol. I pick up a small esky and begin putting basic food in it: bread, butter, milk, coffee, a packet of sliced meat, cheese and several other items that will keep cool in the esky. On my way to the counter I grab pies, sandwiches and cans of drink. The cashier rings it all up and I give him the pump number. With everything paid for I head back out to the vehicle and get it. I grimace as Steven guns the engine dashing into a small opening in the traffic. I ignore him as he laughs softly and I turn my attention to the side window instead. "You can drop me at the mail box and I can walk in from there," Toby says as the mailbox comes into view along the side of the road. Steven gives a slight grunt but doesn't stop as he turns into the driveway and drives the short distance to the house. Toby opens the back door as the vehicle comes to a stop. "Thanks for everything. I'll pay back every cent," Toby says earnestly. "Get yourself set up properly then you can start paying the money back. Don't cut yourself short to do so. Someone will stop in if we have people up this way. We won't be checking up - it'll be to make sure your doing okay. Take that little esky; it's got a few things to get you through the next day or so while you settle in," I tell him calmly. "You guys have been great. I can't thank you enough," Toby tells us. "Call if you need any help or if you need to talk," Steven tells him. When we drive off I watch Toby in the side mirror until we reach the end of the drive way and Steven turns onto the main road. "Home James, and don't spare the horses," Steven says and I catch him looking my way. "That's right isn't it Micah? Get you back home where Rosy is?" "Shut your face Willoughby," I say evenly. "I plan to give you a run for your money with that sweet little she," Steven says lightly and I glance his way. He catches my glance and raises his eyebrows. "What, think I'm not going to try to get friendly with her just because you're the biggest, badest, meanest tomcat around," Steven asks dryly. "I'm not the only guy who will notice her. At least with me you know I won't go behind your back to be with her." "I didn't say a word," I deny tightly as I turn my attention to the road ahead. I can feel my inner cat stirring as well as the anger that pulses through him. "We have been best friends for a long time Micah, and partners for as long as both of us have been warriors. I think I know you better than anyone else," Steven says and takes a deep breath. "Your cat ran the show every time you got close to Rosy the last time she was around. You need to pull yourself together and get your self-control back or lose yourself the best thing that is ever likely to come your way." "Either shut up and drive or pull over so I can cram my fist down your throat," I say tightly. It stings that someone else has seen how I have to fight for self control around Rosy. I never had problems with controlling my changes, physical urges or temper, not even during the hormone driven teenage years when all young toms went through control issues. No, I had to wait until I was full-grown and fully mature before my inner cat rebelled. I remember how Edwin teased and taunted me as we were growing up, calling me a freak. My 'unnatural' size and my 'unnatural' control had set me apart, Edwin had claimed, telling me that my 'deformity' was there for all to see. I grit my teeth as I force the memories from my mind. I had never breathed a word about Edwin's taunts to anyone. I know some twist of nature had made me grow unnaturally large but I didn't want anyone's pity over it. Enter the Cat Ch. 06 I am sorry for the time it has taken me to post this chapter but real life demands my time and attention. Thanks to the many well wishers who take the time to email. And thanks to my dear friend Tang for being there when I need time out. ****** Anger and hurt war for control as I storm from the quarters, slamming the screen door behind me. Their mingled scents and the tantalising smell of Rosy's arousal burn into my brain making my stomach churn. Had there been signs I had missed? It had been Malcolm who had been quick to follow her, not his brother Chris. Nor had Rosy been teasing or tempting any of the toms that I had seen. But when Malcolm, Timny, Chris and Rosy had returned Chris had been holding her hand. The slight breeze from the window had blown their scents straight to me. My inner cat had screeched his disbelief, and I had fled the room before I lost my head and handed over control to him. I head for the shed where all the weights and gym equipment are kept. I know in some small corner of my mind that pounding Chris to a bloody pulp is not an option. Every primal feline instinct screams at me to eradicate the male competition but I grit my teeth and keep walking. I need to slam my fists into something, need to vent my fury and hurt. I don't bother turning on the interior light or opening both lots of large doors to let in the sunlight. I head straight to the largest punching bag and deliver a flurry of blows that has the heavy bag swinging. I grunt as I tuck my chin into my chest and roll my shoulders before delivering two sharp left jabs, then a hard right. The right makes the bag swing wildly and buck in mid air. And it hurt my fist. I ignore the slight metallic squeak as more light begins to fill the shed. I don't look to see who has joined me. Instead I slam more hard hits into the leathery bag. "You going to slaughter that bag single-handedly or do you want some help?" Steven asks as he appears on the opposite side of the punching bag. He takes hold of it and steadies it, making it offer more resistance to my blows. "Pounding Chris into an unrecognisable bloody pulp isn't an option is it," I say tightly. Even as the words leave my mouth, I feel foolish. I know it's not Chris' fault; it's not even Rosy's fault that they have become involved. "I wouldn't object if you pounded on Edwin some. I'm sure he has done something to deserve a hiding," Steven offers. Even though the idea appeals to me, I know I can't dish out discipline just because I am upset Rosy became involved with another tom. "Chris is ... too easy going ... for Rosy. She'll end up ... walking all ... over him ... in no time," I say between blows to the punching bag. "Don't know for sure, I didn't take more than one good sniff -- but I don't think Chris mounted her," Steven says quietly. I hesitate, missing a blow in the rhythm I had settled into, and the bag hits me in the chest making me step backwards as it swings towards me again. I glance towards Steven slightly startled; I hadn't thought to smell for any such evidence. Just the tell-tale mingled scents and the sweet smell of female arousal had been enough to send me from the building struggling for control. "She wasn't objecting to you flirting with her when Malcolm was treating her feet," Steven points out and I suppress a smile as I remember how fiery Rosy had been. "She acted more like any young she-kitt just discovering toms are more than just there for protecting them," Steven points out. "The way she's quick to lash out and the fact Edwin says she had a real go at Malcolm while they were travelling concerns me," I admit as I step back from the punching bag. "She's pretty nervous and I am sure she has every escape route mapped out in her head for whichever room she is in. She did get drugged and locked in a cage last time she was here," Steven reminds me quietly. "When I've cooled my temper off, I'll have to have a talk with her. Tell Rosy that we won't force her to stay if she wants to leave. And I think I'll have a chat about her not shifting, or being in cat form near Jazzy or Donny. She's too unpredictable," I say with a heavy sigh. I don't know how Rosy will react to my laying down of some basic rules, but I'm sure it is best if I make it clear what we expect from the start. "How about we hit the benches for a complete workout," Steven asks and I realise I have been silent for several minutes. "Actually I fancy a patrol of the bushland around the cattle paddock. Make sure no feral dogs or dingos have been around," I say even though I know the chance of another form of predator so close to our home compound is highly unlikely. "Sounds like a good way to kill a few hours," Steven agrees. "We can keep an eye open for any signs of kangaroos coming in to feed on the greener grass as well," I tell him. "Feeling like going up against a big buck kangaroo?" Steven asks with a grin. "Not really but it might be a way of working out some of the extra energy," I mutter as I take out my phone and text a message to Wade, Edwin and Timny to let them know where we will be if we are needed. Steven has stripped off by the time I am finished and I glance his way before pulling my shirt off over my head. Does Rosy prefer his dark good looks? I've over heard several of the she-kitts and young Queens commenting on his dark, almost Spanish features, calling him hot and sexy. His own sister has often teased him telling him several of her friends 'simply drooled' over his 'sexy bedroom eyes.' I find myself mentally comparing my large frame to his. Steven is tall at 6'4" but I am another 6 and a half inches taller. He has the typical broad shouldered, muscular build of a mature tom. My own shoulders are even wider and more solidly muscled, making me turn slightly sideways to fit through most normal doorways. I suddenly start to feel clumsy and over sized, even beside my best friend. I force the thoughts from my mind and give myself over to my transformation. Once in cat form I know my feelings of being vastly different from my friends and family will fade away to nothing. I will be Micah, chief defender of the Williamson clan. My size and formidable strength often dissuaded troublemakers. What was once my handicap is now the biggest asset in keeping my clan safe. When both Steven and I have shifted to cat form, we leave the shed and head for the tree line. The day is warm but we trot along until we reach the dappled shade of the trees. We spend the next few hours patrolling and checking for anything that might prove a danger to Jazzy, Rosy or Donovan. It is getting close to dusk when we return to the shed and shift back to human form. I pull my jeans and joggers on, not bothering with my shirt before starting to close up the shed. I notice Steven doesn't bother with his shirt either as I push the large doors closed and secure the chain that holds them closed. "I hope they have a feed cooked," Steven says as we head for the quarters. "With Rosy to look after they better have," I agree. The smell of cooked meat greets us as we walk into the quarters; I pause in the lounge room doorway and glance in. Malcolm is massaging ointment into Rosy's feet while she lays sprawled out on the lounge. I catch her watching me in the reflection from the window where the sky has darkened outside. I smile wryly at how alert she is even among us. "Food is ready to eat," Mikkarl says from the kitchen. "We'll be there in a minute," Steven says, and I hear him move away from behind me. He must have been checking up on the situation with Rosy as well. I head for the bathroom and have to wait my turn to wash-up before heading back to the kitchen. I can't help noticing how Rosy stands well back as everyone helps themselves to the food. It reminds me of how Toby had been careful not to get too near either Steven or myself when we had been eating. I catch Rosy eyeing Steven's chest and shoulders. She keeps her head lowered slightly and darts glances from the corner of her eyes. I smile to myself as I realise she is either developing or already has a healthy interest in looking at toms. Maybe given time, she will recover from all that has happened to her in the past. I step into the clear space in front of the roast meat and spear the thick, crunchy end slice of roast. The faintest of sounds reaches me and I glance towards Rosy. She is watching the slice of meat and I realise she prefers the crispy piece as well. I cut it in half and put the larger half back on the plate of sliced meat. Edwin immediately reaches for it and I grab his wrist in a hard grip. "That is Rosy's. Touch it and you answer to me," I say as I stare at him hard. Edwin scowls but says nothing as I finally release his wrist; he reaches for another piece of meat before moving into the lounge room. "Rosy, if you want that slice of meat you need to come and take it," I tell her quietly. She meets my gaze uncertainly for a few moments before giving a brief nod. She moves forward and begins helping herself to food. With Robby, Mikkarl and Edwin in the lounge room she is bolder around the food but still careful to keep back from the rest of us. When she moves to the lounge room I watch the way she turns her shoulder and hunches it slightly as Chris sits next to her. She is still guarding her food but not to the extent she used to. I continue to glance her way every few minutes trying to gauge her behaviour as I eat. I see when her eyes darken with interest and her lips open slightly. The tip of her tongue darts out to moisten her bottom lip as her pupils enlarge; I feel my body tighten in response and I am startled when she lifts her gaze to meet mine. Rosy looks away hurriedly but not before I see the warm glow rising in her face. She glances back at me then looks away hurriedly once again. I feel satisfaction and pleasure fill me as I realise Rosy had been checking me out as she had with Steven earlier. Suddenly my own doubts and insecurities over my size seem insignificant. Rosy clearly liked what she saw and that is enough for me. With the meal out of the way, we sit back and relax as we watch TV. Edwin and Malcolm leave to do a sweeping patrol around the front of the buildings and further out towards the road. I check the motion sensors and study the record of any movement during the day. Everything is as it should be and I return to the lounge room knowing the area is secure. "Any good movies on?" Steven asks. "There's a martial arts movie on one of the channels," Timny says after studying the TV guide for a few moments. "Turn that game off and put the TV on for a change," I say as I make myself comfortable sitting on the floor in front of the middle of the lounge. Steven soon sits down beside me as we watch the movie; behind us is Rosy who is offering no protests to our company. The hour is late and the movie is nearly over before Edwin and Malcolm return. I hear Malcolm hesitate beside the lounge instead of following Edwin around to sit and watch the TV. "Hey Stray, why don't you go and crawl into bed. You were asleep there," Malcolm says softly. "No, wanta stay here," Rosy mumbles and I hear her move restlessly on the lounge behind me. I glance over my shoulder and catch the uneasy glance she sends my way as she sits up a bit. She turns her attention to the movie but her eyelids are heavy and it looks like she will go back to sleep quickly. From where I sit the angle of my view shows the slight hollows in her cheeks and faint marks beneath her eyes. I remember Edwin saying Rosy had admitted she travelled hard and fast to reach here. "I'm getting a beer. Anyone else want one?" I ask as I get to my feet. I look down at Steven before glancing towards the kitchen, then back at him. "I'll have a look at what we have before I decide what I'll have," Steven says as he climbs to his feet. "I'll have a beer," Malcolm says. "Yeah, sounds good," Timny agrees. "I got a couple of cans of Jim Beam and cola left. Grab me one," Edwin says without taking his attention from the TV. "Can you handle carrying another beer?" Chris asks as he leans forward to look past Timny and into the kitchen. "You want a drink Rosy," Mikkarl asks as he climbs to his feet. "No thanks," Rosy says quietly, her voice soft with sleep. "Beer since it's your shout," Robby says getting an amused snort from Mikkarl. I begin taking bottles of beer from the fridge along with the can of spirits Edwin requested, and I hand several to Steven and Mikkarl. "Steven, make your way to the hallway door. Mikkarl you head towards the big window. I'm going to have a bit of a chat with Rosy and I don't want her deciding to take off in a hurry. You're only to make her hesitate about trying to get past. If she does make a try just step aside," I say very quietly. Both of them give a brief nod then we head back towards the lounge room. Steven hands Chris, Timny and Malcolm their drinks and moves into place by the hallway door. Mikkarl hands Robby and Edwin their drinks before moving towards the TV while I stay back near the entrance into the kitchen. When they are in place I move forward a few steps. "Hey Rosy, you awake?" I ask quietly. The top of her head appears above the back of the lounge and she looks my way silently. I see the suspicion in her eyes as she glances around quickly taking in Steven and Mikkarl's positions. "I need to have a chat to you about a couple of things. Firstly, we need to discuss the way you kicked Malcolm today as well as giving me that slap not long after I got back here. I am sure you felt you had good reason at the time but we don't do that here. Someone says something you don't agree with, tell them so. Or tell them to shut up. Don't go hitting any of us," I say firmly. I see the way her eyes narrow and notice the sly glances towards the exits from the room as she shifts slightly on the lounge. "If you hit us, one of us might turn around and hit back if caught by surprise. No one would mean to, but if we feel we have to defend ourselves ... none of us want to hit you. We don't hit our she-kitts or Queens," I say gently but firmly. "Yeah, you left a big patch of bruising on Malcolm today and there was no need to get stuck into him like that," Edwin scolds in a stern voice as he gets to his feet and faces Rosy. She is quickly on her feet and moves away from the end of the lounge but stops with a quick glance my way. She glances around quickly as the rest of the warriors get to their feet. I realise this could suddenly go the wrong way as I recognise the signs of her rising tension. "He pissed me off! I only elbowed him in the ribs the once but he kept hassling me," Rosy spits the accusation out in defensive anger. "Yeah? Way I remember it you kept arguing with Malcolm after I told both of you to stop it. If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were trying to provoke him," Edwin says tightly. "I was provoking him?" Rosy demands. She acts as though she doesn't like what he is saying as she shifts from foot to foot in agitation. "He's the one who was making out that I'm a freak or some kind of crazy!" "Edwin, enough," I warn, lacing my tone with authority. Edwin opens his mouth then shuts it abruptly as I glare at him; he looks away and wisely remains silent. "Rosy, see how physically hitting someone ..." I begin to try to explain my point to her but she turns to face me and takes several small steps towards me. Her head is lowered slightly, her eyes narrowed, her hands clenching and unclenching by her sides. Clearly she is prepared to take on the biggest tom rather than two or more at once. "Malcolm wouldn't shut up! He just kept on and on at me." Her voice is steadily rising. "You can't make me stay here. You can't stop me leaving," "None of us are going to force you to stay here. I just want you to stay long enough to listen to what I have to say so I can explain how clan cats behave towards each other," I say in a low soothing voice, but my words seem to do nothing to ease her distress. Rosy is glancing around and moving her weight back and forth. I realise that it must seem like she is under attack from both Edwin and myself. I've seen this before in stray werecats. Rosy is in fight or flight mode. To her it must seem like we have her cornered in the room, every avenue of escape blocked. So now she is preparing to take on anyone who gets in her escape path or seems to offer even a slight threat. It hits me with stunning force that for Rosy the incident in the vehicle must have seemed similar. She had been in a small confined space with Edwin, Chris and Malcolm, feeling she had no chance to object or escape from their opinions and points of view. She must have been left feeling trapped and hounded. I realise I need to explain as much as possible to her before she feels she has no option but to run from us. I need to let her know I understand what today's incident was like for her. "Malcolm didn't understand how you felt did he. None of them did," I say quietly and am relieved when suspicion flares in her eyes but she stops stalking towards me. "Malcolm heard you talking - but he didn't understand what you were saying, did he," I tell her quietly. "He wouldn't shut up. He just kept on and on," Rosy insists forcefully. "And what he was saying to you upset you and scared you," I say lowering my voice gently. "Malcolm wouldn't have meant to hurt you or scare you." I watch as she worries her bottom lip with her teeth before glancing back over her shoulder at Malcolm uncertainly. She glances back at me then at Steven and Mikkarl. I am in no doubt she feels trapped. "After hitting him you were scared you'd be punished, weren't you. And you're wondering if I am going to punish you for hitting me," I say in an even tone. "So how about no more hitting from now on? You can yell at us all you like, just try not to hit out if you get scared by us." "You can't stop me leaving," Rosy says abruptly and I know I haven't won her confidence. "All I want is for you to stay here and listen to what I have to say. Besides you do want to stay to see Sam and Mitchell when they get back, don't you?" I ask forcing a light note into my voice. "I came here to see them," Rosy says sharply as if to remove any doubt. "And Dwayne." I press on while she is still prepared to stand and face me. She might not pay that much attention to the content of our conversation but it will sow seeds of thought for her. "Secondly, I have to insist that you do not shift to cat form anywhere near Jazzy or Donny. I know you had trouble controlling your shifts in the past so I insist on this." "There will be times you can shift and be a cat. I even plan on all of us going hunting for a feed once Sam, Mitchell, Dwayne and Justin are back," I say firmly. "I am sure you wouldn't want to hurt either Jazzy or Donny, so no shifting. If you were a cat and lost control, someone could get seriously hurt." "So don't even think about being in cat form around Jazzy because if you hurt her you can be sure we won't hesitate to hit you," Edwin cuts in and snaps tightly. I see alarm flare in Rosy's eyes even as she spins to face the threat in Edwin's voice, and I reach out to catch her upper arm without thinking. Rosy hisses with a mixture of fear and anger as she flinches away from me. Her arm jerks as she raises her forearm as if she had been about to lash out and a low growl comes from her. "Steven, Rosy needs to be able to leave," I tell him and he immediately moves towards the centre of the room leaving the doorway clear. Rosy keeps a cautious eye on all of us as she edges towards the door; a moment later she is out in the hallway and heading outside. Even before the screen door shuts behind her I am on Edwin, grabbing the scruff of his shirt in both hands as I slam him back against the wall hard. Enter the Cat Ch. 06 "I am the Boss Edwin. You do not interfere when I am setting out rules with anyone," I snarl down into his face. "Understand?" "Yes," Edwin grunts, barely audible, after a few moments. "What? Speak up I can't hear you," I snarl into his face forcefully. "Yes Boss," Edwin says through clenched jaws without meeting my eyes. I force myself to let go of his shirt and step back. My rage is seething just below the surface as I watch him turn away and head towards the kitchen. I hear the low growl rumble in his throat and I am on him again. I slam him against the wall and use a handful of hair to force him to look me in the face. "You got something to say?" I demand savagely. I will not stand for his subtle display of lack of respect for my dominance. "No Boss," Edwin spits out after a moment's hesitation. As I am releasing him, it registers that I have not heard the screen door shut behind Rosy. I watch Edwin move away before glancing towards the hallway door. I see a dark shape move in the dimness beyond the light from the lounge room. The slinking silent movements tell me it is Rosy. She is too upset to remain in the room with us but apparently feeling safe enough to stay in the quarters. I turn my attention away from her and watch Edwin sit back down where he had been earlier. I settle myself back in my earlier place and turn my attention to the TV. I listen for any noise that tells me what Rosy is doing. "Will Sam and Mitchell be back tomorrow," Rosy's question catches me by surprise and I glance towards the doorway. She is still back in the dimness but moves forward where I can see her better as I watch. "They should be back sometime from close to dark on," I answer quietly. "You can't stop me leaving," Rosy states and I realise she is trying to reassure herself that we are making no attempt to stop her leaving. "Ok, if that's what you want to do. See you next time you visit," I say managing to keep my tone light and even. There is no sound from the hallway or sunroom; I don't look towards the doorway. She is sure to show up tomorrow or after her brothers have returned. Soon we all begin to head to our bedrooms; Rosy's departure has dampened our interest in TV. I am turning out the lounge room light as I leave the room to follow the others to the bedrooms. Steven isn't far ahead of me and I am strangely glad of his company as I walk quietly. "Shit Rosy! You scared the crap out of me," Malcolm exclaims with a startled hiss. "Can I stay in here tonight?" Rosy asks quietly. She must have snuck up to the bedroom Malcolm and Chris shared in an effort to escape the tension in the lounge room. I know any aggression between us makes her uneasy, and I had confronted her. She did well not to run away. The fact she stayed reaffirms my belief she will be able to adjust to clan life with gentle guidance. "Of course you can stay here Rosy," Chris says gently. ***** I really do not need this, is all I can think as I stare at Rosy in disbelief. Male chauvinistic pig. Had she really called me that? "What did you just call me?" I ask tightly. "Sounds like you think the description fit," Rosy answers and snaps a piece of bacon between her teeth. First she insults me and now she is being blatantly disrespectful. "Rosy, Micah is the dominant tom. You do not speak to him like that," Chris scolds. "So it's okay to think it and believe it, just not say it?" Rosy asks as she looks straight at me. She is being totally disrespectful and insulting. I would not permit Jazzy or even a young kitt to talk to me in such a manner! "Just because you're a she-kitt, do not think you will not be put in your place," I say as I harden my tone. "I don't need to shift to catch fish," Rosy says, "I can use a fishing pole, a net, a trap or even bare hands. It's easy if you know how." I growl as I get to my feet. Is that sarcasm I hear in her voice? Does she think I am some kind of a fool? Rosy quickly breaks eye contact, lowering her head as she averts her face and hunches her closest shoulder submissively. "Do not try to stare me down. It will get you nowhere," I warn coldly. Rosy looks towards the hallway, and a few moments later the screen door opens. I realise she heard someone approaching due to her brilliant hearing. Wade walks into the room and glances around everyone at the table. He nods as if to himself. "Jazzy and Donny will be spending the day here," Wade announces, "Micah and Edwin, you two look out for your sister." "Great," I mutter. If Rosy continues being insolent and disrespectful towards me around Jazzy, Jazzy will object for sure. I almost groan at the thought of an argument between them. "Is there a problem I should know about Micah?" Wade asks. "No there's no problem Boss. I'll see to it." I say as I glance at Rosy wondering how much trouble there will be. "Good morning Rosy. I'm glad to see you're looking much more ... rested today," Wade says tactfully. "Sam's team should arrive home shortly before dark." "Thank you Wade," Rosy says evenly. I am glad to see she isn't as nervous of him as Edwin and Timny had led me to believe. "Can I have a word with you outside?" I ask Wade. "Sure," Wade agrees, and I follow him from the building. Wade stops not far from the door and turns to face me but he says nothing, clearly waiting for me to start the conversation. "I need you to have your mobile with you at all times while Jazzy and Donny are here today. I started explaining a few rules to Rosy and they are clearly the opposite to what she is used to," I say without any preamble. "Does she pose any threat to Jazzy today?" Wade demands instantly. "I seriously doubt it," I tell him. "Jazzy is probably more likely to tell Rosy off for her behaviour and I don't want Rosy to feel she is being pushed into a corner." "Rosy is insolent?" Wade asks. "She has problems with correct behaviour and respect towards others." This is the closest way I can think of to explain my main concerns. "If there is even the slightest hint of threat to Jazzy let me know immediately," Wade says tightly. I watch as he heads for the main house before I turn around and head back into the quarters. I am not looking forward to a day of watching Rosy's behaviour towards Jazzy and Donovan. " ...There is no way you are to shift while they are here, understand?" I hear Edwin saying seriously as I walk towards the lounge room. Strangely I am not surprised to find Edwin will be my biggest ally today concerning Rosy's behaviour around Jazzy and Donny. He is as protective of them as I am. "Why?" Rosy asks sounding very curious. "Because I forbid it," I say sternly as I halt in the doorway. Rosy looks at me and gives a nod. "Promise you'll try to be on your best behaviour?" Edwin asks levelly. "I promise to be nice to them and I promise not to hurt either of them," Rosy says. She meets my gaze boldly, and it is clear she understands how important we consider this. I nod my acknowledgement of her understanding. "Exactly," Edwin says softly in relief. "Let's get this place cleaned up before they get here," I order and everyone helps tidy the lounge room and kitchen. Even Rosy helps us tidy up. Jazzy and Donovan arrive with their usual whirlwind of excitement and descend on Rosy with enthusiasm. I watch the way she responds to them and realise that Rosy missed out on interacting with kitts and other teenagers when she was a teenager. I watch as both Jazzy and Donny boss her around but it is all done with laughter and smiles. It isn't long before Jazzy is perched on the lounge behind Rosy as she fusses with Rosy's hair. Donovan settles down to a game on the x-box with Edwin while all the other warriors gather around. Relief eases my concern over Rosy's possible behaviour but I am not about to let my guard down. I sit on one side of Jazzy and Steven on the other while Chris stretches out near Rosy. The morning passes calmly; the only hitch is when Jazzy wants Rosy to change to cat form to show off her unusual coat. I quickly veto the idea reminding Jazzy that Rosy isn't here for her amusement. Surprisingly the only incident is after lunch when Jazzy mentions Rosy's up bringing by a human. I immediately growl a warning at the first signs of aggression from Rosy but Jazzy is already soothing ruffled feelings. Soon Jazzy and Donovan are napping using Rosy as a pillow. I can't help but notice how happy all of them seem. Jazzy and Donny are getting the attention and devotion they always expect while Rosy gets the comfort of physical contact she is too nervous to allow. Even when Sam and his team arrive back early there are no problems. The bond between Sam, Rosy and Mitchell is obvious as they greet each other. I am glad to note there are no signs of resentment or jealousy between Rosy and Jazzy concerning Mitchell. I have no qualms when I inform Sam and Mitchell of what has been going on between their sister and Chris. I almost feel sorry for Rosy when her brothers demand her lover goes outside with them. She clearly has no idea they are only looking out for her safety and happiness. With her brothers around, I see how Rosy becomes more confident and less defensive. I can only hope that with time she learns she can trust all of us as she instinctively trusts her brothers. * * * * * "It's taking some time," Steven says and I glance up the hall anxiously. Rosy left the quarters after an argument with her brothers, and she invited them to follow her and work it out. The fact she was willing to make the effort gives me hope. She hadn't run from their conflict. "I was hoping after Rosy had done so well at the kill yesterday she would have started to realise how much she can trust us," Dwayne says as he walks over to us. Dwayne's comment brings to mind the task we now face. A large bull had gotten into our private stock paddock that contained the livestock kept for hunting. We now need to find out how the bull got in and if there are any other beasts that will make hunting hazardous for Marissa, Rosy, Jazzy and Donny. "Are you going to wait all morning for them to return?" Edwin asks as he walks over. I grin coldly as I remember the satisfaction I felt when I hit him the night before. He had been drunk and had started taunting Rosy over her involvement with Chris as well as the way she tended to cling to Mitchell. I eye the faint bruise on Edwin's chin as I rub my fist in the palm of my hand. It felt good hitting him for upsetting Rosy. "I want Sam and Mitchell there in case we run into trouble," I say coldly, "cats I know I can trust and rely on." "I'll stay here and keep an eye on Rosy then," Edwin says. I hear the screen door open and the quiet murmur of voices. I am relieved not to hear arguing as I move into the lounge room. "Good, you're back," I say as Sam and Mitchell join the warriors in the lounge room and Rosy heads to the kitchen. "Sam, Mitchell, you can come out to the pasture. We're checking the fence line and we'll try to do a head count and work out what is in the pasture. We need to know if there are any more bulls - anything with horns, in calf or with calves at foot." "Chris, Timny, Robby, Mikkarl and Justin, you're to stay here at the compound and do the chores. Rosy, do you want to come out to the pasture?" I ask as I turn to look at her where she is finishing her breakfast. "You'll need a good feed now in case you have to shift. You are to keep well away from the livestock and do exactly as you're told, when you're told." "Yeah, I can check out the cattle if you have binoculars," Rosy says as she pauses eating for a moment. "Good idea. Binoculars will give us a better view from a distance," I acknowledge. "But you'll stay where we know where you are at all times." "Bikes or jeeps?" Sam asks. "A jeep for fencing equipment and emergency transport, bikes for the rest of us," I decide. "You can ride a motorbike can't you Rosy?" "Never learnt to," she says. "Well you're not learning today. You can drive the jeep. Dwayne you go with her," I say before she can ask to ride behind one of her brothers. I want her in a solid vehicle that offers more protection than a bike if we happen on another bull. "Steven, Edwin, Malcolm, Sam and Mitchell, we'll go around through the thicker bush, let Dwayne and Rosy take the jeep along the track. All of us will have two-ways. I don't want anyone getting separated and into a dangerous situation without being able to call for back up," I state firmly. "You sure about Rosy coming along?" Sam asks with a frown. "We aren't going near any cattle. She will be in the jeep and all of us will be there for protection just in case. Besides I think she'll enjoy being out and about rather than indoors," I tell him easily. "Yeah," Sam agrees. "You're just new to the business of being a big brother," I tell him with a grin. "Don't worry, it gets harder as they get older." Sam shakes his head with a smile and I laugh softly as I walk away. I know I shouldn't tease him but I couldn't resist. With Rosy safely in the jeep with Dwayne, we are soon headed out towards the stock paddock. We leave the jeep to go one way while we head around the fence line from the other end. Edwin and Malcolm check the fence while Steven, Sam, Mitchell and I keep a sharp lookout for any cattle that might be outside the paddock. We stop as Malcolm gets off his bike to test a post and the tension in the wires strung from it. Everyone else is busy looking around watching for cattle or goats; I turn my attention to the ground. Other than tracks where the bikes have gone through the thick grass there is no other sign of traffic, either on wheels or hoof. "Micah," Sam calls and I look his way. He is waving his two-way and I pull mine from the case and strap that attaches it to the handlebars. I frown in annoyance when I see it is not the one I usually carry. It is an old one with poor volume. I lift it to my ear and depress the button on the side. "What," I ask forcing myself not to reveal my annoyance. "Micah, we found a big tree over the fence," Dwayne says evenly. "Rosy reckons a cow and new-born calf went through. She picked up some stuff off the ground." "Make sure you keep a close eye on her! I don't want her off by herself," I snap. "Rosy is currently up a tree with the binoculars. She's not going anywhere," Dwayne says calmly. "Well keep an eye on her. We shouldn't be long," I tell him before putting the two-way back in its case. "Come on, let's get moving," I yell to the others. It doesn't take us more than five minutes to reach Dwayne at the fence line, trimming limbs from a fallen tree. When he turns off the chainsaw he glances into the paddock for several moments before looking my way. "Where is Rosy? Why aren't you with her?" I demand as I get off my bike and stalk towards him. "She's perched high up in a tree. You can see her blue top in that big tree -- about halfway up, near the trunk, third tree to the left from the tree with the dead limb," Dwayne says as he points towards the tree. It only takes me a moment or two before I catch sight of the bright blue of her top. Reassured she is safe and out of harm's way I turn my attention back to the tree that is across the fence. "Rosy picked this up on the inside of the fence line," Dwayne says handing me a piece of something that is whitish and rubbery. "She said it came off the foot of a new-born calf, no more than a few days old." I hear the concern in his voice as I turn the stuff over between my fingers before passing it to Sam who is watching with a concerned look on his face. "Steven, I'm going to speak with Rosy. You come along as well. The rest of you get working on that tree. No-one, and I mean no-one, goes off by himself," I warn before heading into the paddock. Both Steven and I are vigilante as we walk towards the trees. Thankfully there is no sign of any cattle but we search past the tree to make sure. Satisfied the area is relatively safe, I make my way back to the tree Rosy is perched in. "Find anything?" I ask and Rosy gives a jerk before looking down at me. "Yeah, there's a group of six beasts well past weaning. Two appear to be 'Micky' bulls, older uncut bull calves. One is an Angus which is not horned the other is a Hereford with horns about five or six inches long. The other four appear to be females. In another group are two big bullocks with horns and a cow is feeding near them. I'm sure she has a young calf nearby. Still got a bit of ground to look over though," she answers back clearly. "Come back to the jeep when you're finished," I order before heading back towards the fence line. Bulls! Bullocks with horns and a cow with a young calf! How much worse could it get? We are back at the fence line before I realise I didn't leave Steven to stay with Rosy and ensure her safety. I hesitate for a moment. Rosy admitted to avoiding cattle as prey so it stands to reason she'd avoid them if any came near when she headed back here. With both Dwayne and Mitchell using chainsaws, the tree is well on its way to being turned into a pile of firewood. Cut into short lengths it could be transported back to the main buildings and either we use it or give it away to be used in a few months. I discard my watch and t-shirt before joining the others moving the braches out of the way. With all of the branches cut off and the tree trunk cut into manageable sections, I stop to wipe sweat from my forehead as I glance around. When I don't see Rosy I glance at my watch; we have been here over an hour. I look towards the tree she had been perched in but see no sign of her. "Is Rosy here? Has anyone seen her?" I ask as I glance from face to face with growing concern. There are no replies only growing concern on everyone's face as they glance around. Fear churns in my stomach. Rosy herself had said there are bulls, horned cattle and a nursing cow in the paddock. Terrifying visions of Rosy being charged and trampled invade my mind. Or there was the danger of being gored ... maybe stuck up a tree somewhere, frightened and alone. "She's probably just gone to find a private place to pee," I say. "Edwin and Malcolm come with me. The rest of you get this done." Edwin and Malcolm are the most able to read signs or track. If Rosy has gone away from the tree they might be able to say which way she headed. I grab a deep drink of water as Sam and Dwayne use two steel posts to right the wooden fence post. The slight sound of something approaching catches my attention and I look into the paddock to see Rosy walking towards us casually. She is looking around rather than watching where she is going and she is wearing a huge smile, clearly having a great time. I am fearing the worst, and she is traipsing around having a fun filled time. My fear for her safety quickly changes to anger. She has had more than enough time to walk directly from that tree to here. So that means she went wandering around by herself. "Where did you go?" I demand as she I ducks between the strands of wire. "Back through there," Rosy says and lifts a hand and points back into the paddock. "There was a cow down and ..." "Didn't you listen to what I told you?" I demand angrily. "I said you keep well away from the livestock and we were to know where you were at all times!" "But the cow was down and she needed help," Rosy says hotly. Clearly she has no regard for the fact I, heck all of us, had been worried about her. "You disobeyed me," I yell angrily and Rosy glares at me. Can't she see I had been concerned about her safety? She could have been hurt! "I couldn't not help ..." Rosy starts to say, brushing aside my concern casually. Enter the Cat Ch. 06 "You will go back to the quarters and I will deal with you when I get back," I roar angrily. If I say anymore now I am likely to do or say something I will only regret later. "I ..." Rosy protests. "GET BACK TO THE QUARTERS NOW!" My inner cat adds his strength to my command. Rosy storms to the jeep, sends a hate filled glare my way then gets behind the wheel. She spins the tyres as she takes off, spraying leaves and twigs out behind the vehicle. Anger churns wildly as I struggle to maintain control. "Micah ..." Sam starts and I turn to face him angrily. "What?" I demand angrily. "Don't discipline her? Don't inform her that when I give her an order she is to obey it?" I push Sam backwards with a hard shove to the chest and he backs up several steps warily. "She put all of us in danger! There is not one among us who wouldn't defend her with our life and you know it," I yell angrily. "She told me, your sister told me, there are a couple of bulls, horned cattle and a cow with a calf in there! And she went near one of them." I see the stunned disbelief form on Sam's face and hear a hiss of anger come from one of the others. "Rosy wouldn't," Mitchell denies hotly. "Wouldn't she," I demand in a roar and I am on him before he can defend himself. I send him flying back, nearly knocking him from his feet with my hard shove. I turn around to glance between the others. I am in charge and no one will defy me! "If Jazzy or Donny had been here they would have been with her," Dwayne says tightly. "One small mercy," I snap, "they weren't here so they can't think of doing the same thing." "I'll make sure she understands she has to follow orders," Sam says with a nod. "I'll take a belt to her. She won't be able to sit for a day or two, but she'll learn." I look at Sam through narrowed eyes. If it had been one of the warriors or even Donny I would have handed out a tough hiding to the offender. Even Jazzy, if she had made the same stupid move, would have been disciplined firmly before handing her over to Marissa for further punishment. Rosy's actions endangered everyone here, whether or not she meant to. "If Sam can't, I will," Mitchell says and I look his way to see a hard resolve deep in his eyes. "Rosy disobeyed me, not either of you," I snap. I don't like the idea of punishing her but her reckless act was far too dangerous not to be addressed. "Micah, we need to get this mess cleaned up first," Sam says quietly. "Are you telling me my job? Do you think I don't know what I have to do?" I demand angrily as I advance on him. "Well," I demand when Sam holds my gaze without saying a word. "Let's get this finished," Steven says and I hear him move away as I continue to glare at Sam. "I'll punish her for disobeying you and placing herself in a dangerous situation," Sam says quietly. "Rosy disobeyed me," I say as I turn away. "It falls to me to punish her." I stretch out completing the repairs as long as I can before heading back. I lead the way on my four-wheeler and park it near the bike shed before heading for the quarters. I know one of the other warriors will put it away for me while I tend to business. Disciplining Rosy is not something I look forward to and by the time I reach the screen door into the quarters, I have hardened my resolve as I head inside. "You disobeyed me! Not just once but two separate orders!" I start yelling angrily even before I am in the same room as Rosy as I remember the danger she had placed herself in. I see her temper flare in her eyes as she faces me squarely. She puts her hands on her hips as she sets her feet shoulder width apart. "Who the hell do you think you are to try to order me around? Oh blow this for a joke! I do not answer to you!" Rosy yells angrily only to turn and begin to walk away showing blatant disrespect towards me. Anger rises at the insult and I stalk after her to catch her by the upper arm and force her to stop and face me, to face the consequences of her actions. But Rosy tries to jerk away from me. In her struggle to dislodge my grip, we stumble and fall, and I make no effort to cushion her fall. "What do you think you were doing disobeying my orders?" I demand angrily. Her face is filled with fury as I turn her over so I can make sure I haven't hurt her. A clenched fist hits me in the mouth and I snarl as I capture her arms by her wrists and force her arms up over her head. "You will answer to me," I order angrily. I pin both wrists above her head and hold them in one hand as I catch her face in my other hand to stare down at her. She bucks wildly beneath me, fighting furiously and I have to force a knee between her thighs as I secure my grip on her roughly. Suddenly this isn't about her defiance; it's about an outright challenge of my dominance and authority. She has no respect for my authority and my inner cat drives me as I settle my hips in the cradle of her thighs and surge against her. I can feel the softness of her as I grind against her mercilessly. I am within my rights to take her here and now, asserting my position as the most dominant warrior here. It is my place to protect her, even from herself. And if that means subduing her then that is what I must do. "Who is dominant?" I demand as I glare into her eyes. Temper sparks in their depths and an angry sob is the only answer from her. I thrust my hips against her; the feel of her feminine body beneath mine stirring desire within me along with the need to subdue her defiance. "Who is dominant?" "You're dominant! You're dominant," Rosy cries her surrender. I release her and roll away from her before getting to my feet. I look down at Rosy; she is curled up in a protective ball on her side. Anger flares again and the need to assert my dominance beyond all doubt drives me. If she had been male, such disregard for my authority would have resulted in a beating and my expelling her from the clan. Even now, if I were to expel her Wade would not countermand my authority. He would probably ask why I had not taken it further. I put my foot on her hips and push her roughly. I smother the urge to kick her and kick her hard. "I am dominant and if you ever dare disobey me or question that in anyway ever again, I will make you submit to me totally," I yell as I begin pacing angrily. I have not driven my authority home hard enough to satisfy my inner cat and he is demanding I punish her more. I glance down at Rosy; her arms are curled up around her face and head while her knees are pulled up against her stomach. She is motionless except for the slight movement of her breathing. The fact she is laying motionless and defenceless on the floor so close to me does little to calm my rage. "I got you a cup of coffee Micah," Steven says nearby and I realise he is trying to deflect my anger from Rosy. This tells me I need to gain better control over myself. "I don't bloody well want it," I snap as I continue to pace back and forth beside her, unable to stop myself. I become aware of all the warriors moving around in the kitchen, at the back of the lounge and in the bedrooms. No one comes near us and I keep pacing restlessly. I glance towards the kitchen and see Steven, Sam and Dwayne watching anxiously. I ignore them and check to see who is by the lounge. Edwin and Malcolm are there; Edwin watching angrily and Malcolm standing by uncomfortably. Mitchell is in the hall doorway watching his sister angrily. It takes a moment for me to realise everyone else is also angry at Rosy. Her behaviour is viewed as a threat to the vulnerable members of the clan. There is no room for reckless behaviour in any clan. Her thoughtless actions inadvertently put everyone in danger. All of us, every single warrior and even Wade, would put their life at risk to protect a she-kitt. Why can't she see that? I head into the kitchen; I can't afford to let the anger of the situation become any more elevated. I hear footsteps go into the lounge room and I turn around to see Mitchell approaching his sister. I realise he can see her distress from my punishment. But also he is seeing her as a threat to Jazzy - to his future in this clan. "Keep away from her," I warn. I watch as Mitchell moves away from his sister. He sends her several angry glares but keeps his distance. Anger wars with compassion on his face as he moves restlessly. All around warriors are clearly torn between anger and compassion. I walk back into the lounge room and stop beside Rosy. I grasp her wrists and look at them. When she glances my way I glare at her and she instantly drops her gaze almost submissively. I take hold of her chin, checking for marks from my hold. There are bruises on her cheeks as well as her wrists; I feel a moment's remorse before I force it away. "Get up and get in my chair until I say you can move," I snap and she moves quickly to do as ordered. I watch as she pulls her knees up to her chest and buries her face against them as she sits in the chair. Others move to sit in chairs or on the lounge; no one sits near her but I keep a cautious eye on them all the same. "You want that cup of coffee now," Steven asks. "Yeah," I say in low growl as I head for the kitchen. "Are we going after any of the cattle later?" Edwin asks. I send Edwin and Steven thankful glances, I need their calmness. "The cow with the calf and maybe one of the ones with horns," I say firmly. "There're two cows with calves. The other one was having her calf and it was stuck so I pulled it," Rosy says against her knees. "Why the hell didn't you tell one of us so we could eliminate one threat before it became worse?" Sam demands angrily. "Get out of my sight before I really hurt you," I roar in rage and I watch as Rosy dashes from the room. I hear Rosy in the sunroom but I have to turn my attention to Dwayne. He is on his feet watching the doorway as he trembles. "We should never have bought her back here the first time," Dwayne says shaking his head. He takes several steps towards the door with an agonised look on his face. "She's a danger to Jazzy." Surprisingly Edwin reaches Dwayne before I do—he stands between Dwayne and the doorway. He rests one hand on Dwayne's shoulder in a firm but gentle grip as he silently blocks his path. Dwayne has a tortured look on his face and is shaking with the distress I can smell coming from him. "Micah," Edwin questions after nearly a minute's silence. "Rosy told us about the second cow. At least we're not going in unaware of that," I say tightly. "Come on, let's go start the clean up." I follow everyone from the quarters and hesitate a moment as I glance back at the doorway. The quarters will be empty when we return. No werecat would tolerate such a stern assertion of their mistake unless they understood the ramifications of their actions. Rosy wasn't raised clan and most likely will never be able to learn to be clan. Finally I look at Edwin who has stripped down to his jeans. "Go tell Wade to make sure everyone is safely in the main house," I order then pull my shirt off over my head. Edwin heads for the main house at a fast jog and I kick my joggers off before unfastening my jeans. Everyone is naked and ready to shift when Edwin returns. He looks my way as he unfastens his jeans. "I didn't give him details - only told him don't trust her if she turns up over there," he says before kicking his last foot free of his jeans. "We will be getting rid of everything with balls, horns or calves this trip," I say firmly before starting my transformation. When we are all ready, we head towards the stock paddock at a steady pace. As I run, the realisation steadily comes to me that Rosy had only been following what she knows. She trained in veterinary medicine, so her first instinct would be to help a distressed animal. She would not see it as a future danger. It would simply be a suffering animal that needed her help. We make the trip in good time and I indicate for a rest stop by one of the stock ponds within the fence line. After a good half an hour resting in the shade we begin stalking through the bush looking for cattle. Keeping the wind in our faces we manage to locate the two young bulls and their group, then the horned bullocks with the two freshly calved cows near by. One heavily pregnant cow stands near the calves in the shade and I glance around my warriors carefully. I lead the assault on the cattle, aiming for the two cows first. I believe they pose the greater threat with newborns to protect; they are easy kills when we rush them taking them by surprise. The third cow drops her head and charges, but she poses little threat as heavy and clumsy as she is. The calves are easy prey, lying where their mothers left them. We all share in the tender succulent meat, a rare and unusual treat. Since the horns and heavy bodies are able to deal severe injuries to careless cats, the large heavy bullocks are taken down with great care. Despite the wealth of fresh meat, we eat a light feed before stretching out in the shade out of the afternoon heat. As the heat of the day starts to fade I climb to my feet and lead the way back to the stock pond. We drink and stand belly deep in the cool water before heading off after the young bulls. We will eat our fill from them before heading home. Tomorrow the remains from all the carcases can be removed from the paddock by tractors. It is sunset as we make our way back towards the buildings. Several of the warriors pause as we walk quickly towards home; they give heavy sighs before resuming their forward movements. The main house is well lit up as we approach but the quarters are in darkness except for the outside light. Rosy proved herself a liability and a danger but we all were fond of her. There is still a lot of confusion in individuals; I see it in the snarls and laid back ears. Anger with her reckless and dangerous behaviour is winning out over compassion for her situation. I know most of them struggle to understand how to deal with the fact she most likely won't be there. No one is looking for a friendly spar in cat form and a few of the most dominant toms slink along with tails twitching angrily, myself included. We all shift back and make use of the garden hose attached to the tank on the side of the building. The water in the metal tank still retains some of the sun's heat and we take turns cleaning off under the hose. None of us want to walk into the building, be the one to walk through to the bathroom and find all of the rooms empty. Silently we take seats around the lounge room and Edwin turns the TV set on. I get to my feet after a few minutes and head to the kitchen to grab a beer; I hear footsteps behind me and glance back over my shoulder to see Steven. "I think everyone could use one of those," he says quietly. I give a soft grunt and take enough bottles from the fridge for everyone; in the lounge room all take their drinks silently. Justin glances up into my face, one of the few who have made eye contact, before glancing towards the hall doorway. No one has walked through the building to make her departure official; it's something I'm not looking forward to but needs to be done. I leave my beer on the arm of my chair and head through the door turning towards the sunroom instead of the hall. I flick the light switch on and head for the far end of the room. A small huddled form flinches in the far corner and I look towards it in disbelief. Rosy! Joy that she is still here fills me for an instant before harsh reality sneaks in. Does she realise how badly she fucked up? Does she understand that I had to subdue her defiance towards me? The way she keeps her gaze lowered, the hunched shoulders, all of her posture says submission - recognition of my status. I've disciplined her for her defiance and disrespect, now I have to discipline her for her disobedience. Or do I? She had been following what she knows -- helping the sick or injured. That was acceptable. Now I just have to explain to her to think of the future consequences of her actions before taking them. "Have you eaten?" I ask forcing myself to remain calm. "No," her answer is little more than a whisper. "Use the toilet if you have to, then get yourself something to eat and come to the lounge room," I order and head for the lounge room. I watch as she walks through to the kitchen, head lowered, clearly submissive for the moment. Heads turn to watch her as she walks through the lounge room, tension and stress flood the room. "Someone needs to go get a fire permit so we can burn those carcases as well as pick up some wooden fence posts so we can replace that fence post from today," I say breaking the silence. When Rosy returns she hesitates between the two rooms. After a few moments she seats herself against the wall away from everyone else. "I'll go into town tomorrow and pick up those few things if you want," Edwin says. Several of the warriors move uncomfortably. Dwayne glances her way with an angry frown while others curl their top lips. Anger is winning out over compassion. We have never had to deal with someone who simply does not understand why we have rules. If it were Jazzy, once the punishment was over that would be the end of the matter; everything would return to normal. "Quit your sulking and get over here," I say in a hard tone. "Sit on the lounge with your brothers and don't give any trouble." I don't understand why I spoke or what is driving me as I watch her do as she has been ordered. I keep a wary eye on everyone as she eats, and when she disposes of her empty plate I watch with narrowed eyes, looking for any hint of defiance or disobedience. Everyone is silent as she sits back down. She moves closer to Mitchell, whether for comfort or guidance, I'm not sure. He moves away and glances my way, clearly torn between sitting with her and ignoring her as a troublemaker. Rosy is the picture of misery as she huddles on the lounge, her arms around her drawn up knees. I can feel the level of tension rising in the room. No one seems to be concentrating on the TV and several vicious looks are directed Rosy's way. My heart stops for a moment then starts beating frantically as Rosy gets to her feet and heads for the door. You've stayed this long, don't leave now! I promise I won't give up on you so easily. "Get back here," I growl. "I'm tired. I want to go to bed," Rosy says as she stands in the doorway. She is submissive and possibly remorseful, giving me cause to begin to believe that there might be some hope after all. "Well get back here. We're sleeping out here again tonight," I order. With both of her brothers reluctant to comfort and guide her, it is the only way I know of to ensure her safety. There is a real chance some or one of the more stressed warriors will try to scare her away seeing her only as a source of danger and tension. I watch the way both Sam and Mitchell move off the lounge rather than let her stretch out and use them as pillows. I see the misery on her face and the sheen of tears in her eyes as she lays down with her back to everyone. She pulls the blanket up over her head and remains motionless. "She asleep or just laying there?" I ask after a while. There has been no movement from her. "I'm not sure," Mitchell answers curtly. "Malcolm turn the light out," I order. We watch a couple of sitcoms in the dark. No one laughs or comments on the shows. I am aware of the tense atmosphere but I don't know what it will take to fix the situation. My clan, my warriors are suffering and every instinct within me demands I work out how to make things right. I know I can't go to Wade; he'll only come down on Rosy much harder than I already have, or tell me to deal with the situation. Enter the Cat Ch. 06 "I thought for sure she'd be gone when we came back tonight," Mitchell says quietly as he fusses with the blanket at Rosy's feet. I can't tell if he is relieved she is still here or wants her gone. I am only sure of the strain in his voice. "You weren't the only one bud. But Micah couldn't let her get away with what she'd done, and you heard her back here when he called her on her behaviour," Dwayne says quietly sounding very sad. "You saw how mad he was when we walked in. She's real lucky he didn't show her exactly who is boss in one hell of nasty way." "As much as we want her to stay, if she doesn't conform to our rules we might as well not have her here," I explain quietly. "She'll be a danger to herself and everyone around here." "She sure is a feisty little thing," Steven says with a laugh. I am relieved some have started talking. Maybe it will help the others who are having a harder time dealing with the situation. "It's going to get cold before morning," Sam says. "I'd better get another blanket or two for Rosy." "Leave it. She can ask if she wakes up cold," I say decisively. "She needs to start communicating; you can't just rush to work out whatever she needs." We need Rosy to start working with us on our attempts to help her adapt. "She is starting to communicate; we had a good talk this morning. But as she pointed out, she's had nine or so years as a stray and under a month here," Sam sounds angry. I see heads turn my way; I don't have the answers we need here and look at Rosy where she is huddled beneath the blanket on the lounge. Slowly everyone begins to settle into their chosen sleeping spots for the night. I am not pleased to notice both Sam and Mitchell settle down well back from the lounge. In fact everyone has given the lounge a wide clearance. Several get up to use the toilet I am nearly asleep when Chris heads for the door, stumbling against the lounge on his way. There is a startled gasp from Rosy and she scrambles to one end of the lounge. "Mitchell? Sam?" She sounds like a scared kitt wanting comfort. I look at her brothers; Sam seems to be asleep but Mitchell is awake with his back towards her and clearly has no intention of comforting her. I catch him watching me but he closes his eyes, his defensively hunched shoulders suddenly make me realise he has no idea what he should do. "What do you want Rosy? Your brothers are asleep. You're not to wake them," I say in a no nonsense tone. I'm not sure what I could do for her, not sure I would want to but I realise someone has to step up and be willing to help her. Left to face everyone's seeming disapproval by herself she could easily give in and leave. I find myself wanting to prevent that. "He scared me," her voice is thick with misery. "What do you want?" I insist. "Can I cuddle up next to you?" Rosy asks, and then hurries to add, "I'm lonely." "Ok, but you got to behave. No wriggling and squirming," I say firmly, just like I would to Jazzy or Donny. "Ok," Rosy says sounding relieved. She is quick to slip beneath the blanket beside me and stretches out facing me, close but not touching. When Chris returns he hesitates before he lies down behind her. There is no movement or sound from her for several minutes, and then I hear a faint sound. I glance at her face to see she appears to be asleep. One hand rests against her mouth and I realise she is sucking her thumb intermittently. I know Jazzy reverts to thumb sucking in times of severe distress -- when Alex died and then later when I was whipped. I reach out and gently ease her hand away from her mouth; her eyelashes flicker but her eyes remain closed. Something drives me to close my fingers around her hand; she makes a soft sound in her sleep and grasps my hand in return. Something stirs deep within me. To her it must seem like her brothers have virtually abandoned her; I have treated her harshly and ruthlessly. Yet when I offered comfort no one else was willing to give she accepted it. Something told her she could still trust me. Gently I ease my hand from her grasp and get to my feet. I make sure I have my mobile phone as I glance down at Rosy, and then turn my attention to Chris. "Keep an eye on her in case she wakes up," I order tightly. "Yes Boss," Chris says, his tone tells me he isn't happy with the situation. I head outside and stop not far from the doorway before making a call. I look up at the sky as I listen to the sound of my call ringing. Dark heavy clouds hang low and sheet lightning dances between clouds out to the north. "Yeah hallo Boyo. What has you ringing this time of night?" Baxter asks sounding slightly sleepy. "Sorry if I woke you Baxter but I need some advice," I say quietly. "I don't know of anyone else I could ask about this ..." I explain the situation to Baxter - Rosy's disobeying of my direct order, her out right defiance of my authority. Once I start talking it all comes tumbling out -- including the rapidly escalating trouble between Edwin and myself, my own feeling of being forced to deal with Rosy without any back up or advice from Wade. When I am finished he lets out a soft whistle. I had known the situation with Rosy was bothering me but the rest surprised me. I guess with all the other stuff going on, the trouble with Rosy was the straw that threatened to break my back. "You sure you can't go to Wade with this?" Baxter asks in concern. "No. He'll either want her gone or tell me to deal with her," I say with a worried sigh. "Well I got to say this -- Wade has been leaving too much of his work for you to shoulder for some time now," Baxter says firmly. "You should never feel the slightest doubt you can turn to your Alpha. Wade has become too occupied with Jazzy's health as well as his business ventures." "He should have seen the problem Edwin has playing second best to a younger brother. Edwin isn't bad Micah; he's just not a follower. He is Alpha material in is own right, and Wade knows this but he doesn't look closely enough to see that Edwin is unable to admit one of his brothers is the better individual." "Edwin has been about the only other one able to act slightly normal, oh other than Steven. Steven's been more of a steadying or calming influence when he can," I say flatly. I hear Baxter give a deep sigh and sounds as if he is moving around. "I'm listening," I tell him. "You say her brothers are not stepping up to help their sister?" Baxter asks. "And how do you treat her? Stand offish since she messed up?" "Yeah I keep my distance," I admit. "At the moment I am still real pissed with her but I am scared if I punish her any further I'll loose control to my inner cat and we'll really hurt her or ... I don't want to cross that line making her feel she has to leave to keep herself safe." "Yet you stepped up when she needed you to," Baxter says quietly. "She had no one else. Someone had to take that first step," I say tightly, hating that I feel I am defending my actions. "Damn, Wade's bought this down on his own head," Baxter mutters under his breath. He swears for a few moments then takes a deep breath. "Wade has made you assume an Alpha's role; that's why you stepped forward. You are protecting a member of your clan - it is instinct. You will have to watch yourself closely from here on out Boyo. Don't go Alpha in front of Wade or he'll come after you. He'll have no choice if he wants to remain in control," Baxter says quietly. "You show the rest of the warriors how you expect this Rosy to be treated," Baxter says evenly. "They'll follow your lead. You stop being mad at her and they will too." We chat for several more minutes before ending the call. As I head inside all that Baxter said whirls in my mind. I see the times Wade's actions left me in charge of the warriors, pushing me into making decisions without him. The nearly constant struggle for dominance with Edwin - the way the presence of an unrelated she-kitt drives his need for dominance. I reach the lounge room and frown as I see Steven sitting where I had been lying earlier. He gets to his feet as I approach and I catch sight of his smile as he moves aside. "She was whimpering in her sleep so I came over here and spoke to her for a few moments," Steven tells me. I glance around noticing several of the warriors are awake and the atmosphere seems less strained. "Ok, we need to get some sleep," I say as I stretch out behind her once again. I close my eyes to go to sleep but the brightness that comes from the window now and then keeps me from dozing off. The heavy humid air begins to stir with a breeze and the smell of rain comes in with the breeze. Roughly half an hour later a bright flash of lightning and loud roll of thunder brings the heavy rain as well as total silence as the appliances in the kitchen stop running. The clock on the DVD player, the x-box light as well as the hallway light fade away into darkness heralding a blackout. Rosy rolls over turning her back to me before she lifts her head slightly for a few moments. She rests it back down on the pillow and sighs softly as lightning flashes down towards the ground; a loud roll of thunder follows. I reach out and place a hand on her hip lightly; I don't want to startle her. "Not scared of storms are you?" I ask quietly as I move closer. I know Jazzy will be at the house curled up in bed with Donovan hiding beneath the covers from the storm. "No, I like watching them," Rosy says softly. "The electricity is out," I say as I move closer and slip an arm over her waist. I can feel her stomach move with each breath. "I thought it was too dark," Edwin says. Several flashes of light follow each other closely and thunder rumbles. I hear others begin to stir as lightning flashes and thunder rolls. Several sit up but I don't take much notice. I am content to lay here with Rosy's warmth against my chest. "Rosy's gone," Sam says, his voice is laced with sadness and pain. "What?" There is a note of panic in Mitchell's voice. Rosy pushes against my hold and I move my arm. She immediately crawls towards her brothers, avoiding sprawled figures as she goes. In the bright light from a flash of lightning I see her sprawled across Sam, her arms around Mitchell's neck. I hear a loud slap over the rumble of thunder and in the next flash of light I see that Sam and Mitchell now have Rosy tucked safely between them. "Your hair smells like Micah," Mitchell says and I catch the glance he sends my way. I grin widely and watch as he lowers his head to sniff his sister. "I don't like getting sniffed," Rosy warns. "Tough," Sam says and I see his arm move slightly. "Go to sleep," Mitchell orders. I want to protest the loss of her warmth against me but I remain silent as I look towards the window once more. Enter the Cat Ch. 07 I watch Rosy stretch out in the shade; her tail flicks lazily as she makes herself comfortable on her side. "Rosy," Edwin calls enticingly. Edwin is standing over his kill, his front feet poised on the shoulders of the beast. The sun strikes him from the side leaving much of the evidence of his messy feeding in shadow. "Leave my sister alone," Sam growls back as he gets to his feet. He moves forward to stand at the edge of the shade, glaring at Edwin. "Rosy, come, eat," Edwin calls. "I'm not angry with you." "Piss off," Steven calls back. A long coughing sound that betrays his annoyance. "Rosy, I've kept a lot of the best pieces for you," Edwin calls in low tones. "You after trouble Edwin?" I demand as I kick the dirt up with my hind feet in warning. "Huh," Edwin's snort comes out disdainfully. "Leave my sister alone," Sam repeats as he lays his ears back in annoyance. "Yeah, piss off," Steven grunts. "Rosy eats from my kill," I state angrily. I don't want Rosy being influenced by Edwin. She is head strong enough without any encouragement to disobey me from him. I glance at Rosy where she had been resting in the shade to find her watching the exchange with interest. She is on her feet stretching; the sun highlights the inky rosettes beneath her dark coat drawing attention to her. "Rosy, come here with me," Edwin calls softly. "Come with me." I watch in disbelief as Rosy walks towards him; Edwin rushes towards her purring and extending his nose to sniff at the corner of her mouth. He is grunting with excitement and purring softly as he faces her. He raises his tail high over his back as he humps the air slightly. Fury burns through me as I realise he is trying to seduce her in front of me. "No you don't," I growl angrily as I rush forward. Rosy is highly aware she has been in serious trouble and may just yield to him in an effort to please someone. I feel my chest strike the side of Edwin's shoulder heavily and he is sent tumbling to the ground. I see Rosy slinking away uneasily, and then I am focusing on Edwin as he leaps to his feet and faces me belligerently. I rush him, giving him no chance to gather himself properly, and deliver a nasty swipe to his side as I go by. We circle each other cautiously and I leap forward grabbing him as I wrestle for a good bite hold. Edwin leaps away, then darts back in an attempt to surprise me. I take him down expertly, dealing several hard punishing bites before he yowls in pain and flees from me. I watch him retreat to the shade of some trees a comfortable distance away before pulling myself up to my full height and roaring my victory. There is a frightened screech and I look around to see Rosy racing away from us. Her body seems to melt down into the top of the grass, only the top half showing, as her speed seems to increase. If she had the tawny colouring of an African lion, or it was a moonless night, she would be nearly invisible as she runs. I take off after her instinctively and it only takes me an instant to realise this is no attempt to tease or tantalise. I can smell her fear on the faint breeze that wafts back to me as I chase after her. I am left wondering if it was the fight or my roar of victory afterwards that has her speeding across rough ground at a dangerous pace. I strain to keep her in sight, barely aware of the cats behind me. Slowly she begins to pull away from us and when the fence comes into view, I am sure it will force her to stop. Rosy changes course slightly so she will end up running nearly parallel to the fence. I don't see what she has planned until she changes course sharply. She runs at the fence line and I am shocked when I see her leap high, grabbing frantically at a tree trunk as she scrambles wildly. She manages to climb up to a branch and starts to rush along it; it breaks under her weight leaving her sailing through the air towards the fence. A shriek of fear comes from Mitchell who is running shoulder-to-shoulder with me as we watch Rosy hit the top of the fence netting. She seems to hang there a fraction of a second before plunging sharply to the ground; she skids along on her face or neck before spinning in a summersault end over end. She is up quickly and flees into the surrounding bush; just before she is out of sight I see her falter slightly as she seems to miss a stride. I head for the exit from the paddock; I strain to keep going at my fastest speed. Even Mitchell, who is extremely fast, can't leave me behind. Outside the fence line I head along the faint vehicle track, slowing to a swift trot to catch my breath slightly. "Rosy," I roar without breaking stride. The cats behind me begin to fan out into the thick under growth. I hear Sam, then Mitchell call to their sister. More add their voices as we fan out from the fence and the tree she leapt from. The under growth is starting to thin and give way to long thickly growing grass. Ahead I can see no sign of movement as I stop and call once again. "Rosy." Concern for her well-being pushes me forward. I can hear the others calling to her as they move through the undergrowth searching, we are well spread out now to cover as much ground as possible. Some of the calls are faint and I swivel my ears as I listen. "Rosy! Rosy answered," someone calls excitedly in the distance. I halt with my head raised as I listen for any further call. Someone is moving fast with no concern for noise and I follow at a steady lope. "Here, here," Mitchell calls and I change course slightly to head towards him. I find them in a small bare patch among the long grass; Rosy is stretched out on her side while Sam and Mitchell stand near her anxiously. She is still in her cat form and neither of her brothers has changed to human form. I smell the rich metallic tang of blood as I lower my head and sniff near her ears. "We are here, we are here. You are safe now," I croon softly even though I know she has yet to learn to understand cat talk. I glance towards Sam and he leaves hurriedly without me having to tell him to go for a vehicle. Rosy remains motionless as the others begin to arrive and make a protective circle around her. Concerned that she makes no sound or attempt to move, I sniff searching her scent for traces of injury. Gentle nudges make her flick her ears and swish her tail. I put my front paw on her head making sure she remains lying on the ground when she moves. When Donny crawls close to her, giving several little whines, she lifts her head to look at him. She appears unafraid of us all even though she is injured, but the sound of an approaching vehicle brings her to her feet swiftly. She gives a soft mewl of pain as she collapses and I stand over her, licking around her ears in an attempt to soothe her. Sam is with us before she can recover and I move away as he tosses a pair of my jeans towards me. I begin my change knowing he will organise sending the warriors home and getting Rosy back for medical treatment. By the time I am in human form and pulling my jeans on, Rosy is human once again. I expect more of an argument than the slight reluctance I encounter as I help Sam get his sister ready to travel back. Her compliance worries me deeply. How badly is she hurt? An injured werecat prefers solitude. Is she hurt badly enough not to fight us or struggle? Or is Rosy finally beginning to trust us? * * * * * Nearly two and a half hours, a lot of stress, eighteen stitches and much drama later, Rosy is curled up in Mitchell's bed nearly asleep. Sam is sitting by the bed watching her, and Mitchell is off somewhere in cat form with Justin and Donny. The mood in the lounge room is very reserved as I get myself a beer before sitting on the lounge and relaxing with a sigh. "Did Rosy really threaten to castrate you?" Timny asks wide-eyed with a mixture of fear and concern. "Gawd! Tell me she didn't," Dwayne mutters and rubs his face with both hands. I look around as I hear unsettled movements around the room. Everyone except for Steven seems tense with Mitchell, Justin and Donovan absent. "Rosy had a very nasty gash high on her inner thigh. She was terrified Steven or I or both of us might take advantage of her when I stitched the wound. Yes, she did threaten me, and yes, I will punish her for that. There is absolutely no need for anyone of us to worry she might sneak up and try to castrate us. The tool was taken away from her," I say in a calm level voice. "But she ..." Malcolm starts with an uneasy glance in Edwin's direction. "I. Will. Deal. With. Her." I say tightly stressing each word. "I believe she was motivated by fear or rather terror, not by nastiness or obstinacy unlike some others," I send a glare at Edwin who has refused to let anyone help him with the deep scratches I left on his ribs. "But she can't go around making those kind of threats," Edwin growls angrily. "I will be making that clear to her," I tell him refusing to get drawn into another fight. "What about her disobeying you yesterday?" Edwin demands, "You just going to let that go after putting her in her place?" "No one took into consideration her upbringing or her occupation before she came here. Rosy worked treating sick or injured animals. The cow having trouble calving would have triggered the urge to help. She probably didn't even consider her actions or their consequences." I say evenly. "You're just taking it easy on her because you want her! You fucked up your chances with Donna so now you've decided to settle for Rosy. You're putting your own desires ahead of Jazzy's safety and Jazzy is your sister!" Edwin growls angrily as he gets to his feet and faces me. "Rosy threatened you, the chief warrior. Hell, no one is physically bigger than you here and she is prepared to try to take you on. What if she decides to attack one of the smaller members of our clan? Timny, Chris or maybe even Justin or Donny... going to stand aside saying she didn't consider her actions then?" Edwin demands coldly. "You need to put her in her place right from the start!" I can't help noticing Edwin only mentions the smallest members of his own team, even though there are others smaller than them, along with our two youngest brothers. "Micah?" Donny calls uncertainly from the doorway and I glance towards him to see Justin move into sight behind him. "Come in Donny. We are just discussing Rosy's behaviour earlier," I tell him. "Edwin might have a point Micah," Dwayne mutters uneasily. "I have already said I will be punishing her for making the threat and I will be having a very serious talk to her about her actions yesterday," I force myself to remain calm and in control of the situation. I realise this is much more than concern being voiced over Rosy's behaviour – my ability to put everyone's safety above my interest in Rosy is in question. I can see how carefully Edwin is choosing his words. He genuinely cares about the safety of everyone Rosy may come into contact with. "Shouldn't both Mitchell and I be in here when you are discussing Rosy like this?" Sam asks coldly as he moves past Justin and Donovan with Mitchell close behind him. "Rosy is injured. You said you're not sure how bad, Micah. She is in pain and that painkiller you gave her has knocked her out. Do I have to protect my sister?" Sam asks evenly. Sam stands facing me, clearly determined to stand between Rosy and me if he believes it is necessary. Mitchell has positioned himself behind Sam as well as between the hallway door and everyone else. Together they are a formidable defence team. "I never intended to start this kind of conversation without you both here and nothing would be decided amongst the team without you present. Some have concerns over your sister's behaviour and are worried about ... the safety of others," I say evenly. "You planning on punishing Rosy?" Mitchell demands. "She was badly frightened and totally at your mercy when she made sure you knew she was prepared to defend herself." "Rosy wasn't letting me know she was prepared to defend herself. She was making sure she controlled the actions of Steven and me. She refuses to communicate with us or let us communicate with her. Rosy doesn't trust anyone other than Rosy. She didn't even trust you and your brother to protect her even though both of you were close enough to the room to get there to prevent either of us doing anything inappropriate." I try explaining my understanding of the situation to Mitchell and Sam. I stop talking for a moment as I look from Mitchell to Sam and back again trying to read their reactions. "So you're saying you are going to punish Rosy for not trusting you?" Sam asks sceptically. Mitchell growls low in his throat and I hear a slight sound of someone getting to their feet. "From what I can tell, what I understand from Rosy's comments and actions, she thinks the only form of punishment clan cats hand out is execution," I say calmly. Both Sam and Mitchell move restlessly as they glance around uncomfortably. "Rosy will learn that does not happen here. She will learn her actions have consequences and she must think before acting. Yes, she will be punished, in an acceptable way. As we all already know execution or severe punishment is only used in extreme cases," I say firmly as I keep direct eye contact with Sam, then look towards Mitchell. "What are you going to do?" Edwin taunts sharply. "Send her to bed without tea?" "What punishment would Jazzy get if she made the same threat?" I ask intent on keeping calm. "You can't spank Rosy! She's hurt," Donny cries out in distress. Low angry growls come from both Sam and Mitchell and I am not surprised when Mitchell moves to stand shoulder to shoulder with his brother. "It can wait until she has recovered," Mitchell orders on a low gravely tone. "You're not getting your sister out of trouble that easily," Edwin growls angrily and takes several steps towards Mitchell aggressively. "No, it will be done while she is still injured and defenceless, just as Jazzy would be disciplined." I order firmly. "Why she is to be disciplined will be explained, then she will be punished." "Edwin! Mitchell! We are not fighting among ourselves over this," I snap firmly. "Rosy will be disciplined and that is final." "With you one hundred percent of the way, Boss," Steven says not far behind me. "It's the way it has to be," Edwin agrees. "No-one wants to hurt Rosy, but she has to learn," Dwayne says. "As Rosy's brothers, you can ask her injuries be taken into account, and her punishment lessened," Malcolm suggests. "Rosy has to learn," Timny says quietly. "But you can't hit Rosy! She's a she-kitt," Donny protests. "Micah, can we talk to you in the sunroom?" Sam asks stiffly. "Just you and I," I say as I walk past both Sam and Mitchell. I have no intention of trying to reason with Mitchell as he is probably more inclined to decide Rosy should be treated too leniently. I hear Sam follow me from the lounge room. I hesitate at the hall end of the sunroom and glance over my shoulder at Sam. I make my way over to one of the large windows and glance out at the view before turning to face Sam and giving him my full attention. "So you plan on punishing Rosy for disobeying you yesterday and threatening you today," Sam says uneasily. I can tell he plans to protest her punishment and I don't particularly want to get into an argument with him over it. "No, I want to talk to her about yesterday before I decide if I need to punish her for that. Today's episode, definitely punishment for that ..." I begin to explain. "Can you take it easy on her? Rosy is injured and I don't think she'll understand why she is being punished. She was scared, terrified out of her mind when you roared, and she hurt herself. Now you want to punish her for trying to protect herself when she was scared you would hurt her?" Sam argues. "I'll make sure ..." A loud yell of rage along with a crash of furniture and bodies precedes a loud yell. "Micah! Sam! You're needed here!" Steven roars. We rush for the lounge room, and my size gets me there fractionally ahead of Sam, I barely pause as I take in the sight of Steven, Dwayne, Robbie, Mikkarl and Malcolm trying to separate Edwin and Mitchell. Edwin has Mitchell in a hold from behind but Mitchell is slamming savage elbows back into Edwin's ribs earning grunts of pain. I move forward to grasp both of the combatants by their shoulders and pull them in different directions. "Break it up now!" I roar loudly. "Mitchell! Edwin! Back off now both of you!" Sam roars beside me as he grabs hold of Mitchell while I transfer both hands to Edwin as we try to separate them. It takes nearly half a minute but finally Edwin and Mitchell are pulled apart. Mitchell is intent on continuing the fight, struggling against the restraining holds of Sam, Dwayne and Steven. Edwin watches the struggle coldly with a sneer on his face with only Malcolm still holding him by the upper arm loosely. "Sam, Dwayne, take Mitchell in to sit with Rosy," I order. "Let me go!" Mitchell protests but wisely Sam keeps hold of his brother until they are out in the sunroom. "What the hell happened?" I demand as I glance around everyone in the room. "Edwin couldn't leave well enough alone," Steven answers. "He had to make a comment on Rosy's issues of being touched." "Mitchell needs to wake up to himself," Edwin snaps with a glare at Steven. "His job is to protect Jazzy. Rosy doesn't even belong to this clan." "Enough! There will be no fighting among ourselves," I say firmly. "Edwin you are to keep well away from both Mitchell and Sam for the rest of the day. You'll only start a fight if you go mouthing off like that." "Start a fight? Hell I got more than one to finish first," Edwin says on a snarl as he glares at me before turning and heading into the hall with Malcolm following him. Clearly he considers the fight at the carcases unresolved. "Chris, Timny, do you two want to go with them?" I ask. I know Edwin could consider them remaining here an attempt on my part to cause trouble in his work team. Both Chris and Timny glance my way as they head for the door. Timny gives a slight nod and I know he understands why I asked, he'll be sure to put Chris straight if there is any concern I blame the entire team for Edwin's actions. * * * * * The rest of the afternoon passes without incident; Sam and Mitchell spend the time with Rosy while she sleeps. I send Donny back to the main house about an hour before mealtime telling him not to bother Wade with Rosy's injury. Surprisingly Donny nods his agreement without hesitation and I realise how much nearly everyone has come to accept my authority over all matters here in the quarters. Edwin and his team stay out until just on dark, returning in time for the evening meal. Just before the meal is dished out Sam carries Rosy out and settles her on the lounge. Mitchell immediately sits with her, letting her lean against his chest and use him as a pillow while she watches tv or lies with closed eyes. "Rosy awake enough to eat?" I ask Sam as he is dishing up three bowls of thick rich stew. "Yeah, she woke up about an hour ago and has stopped dozing off now and then," Sam answers as he stops ladling out stew to look over his shoulder towards the lounge room where his brother and sister are. "You won't be too hard on her will you?" He asks worriedly when he looks at me meeting my eyes squarely. "No, I don't intent to be but a lot depends on how she reacts," I say as I grab several thick slices of bread to go with my own bowl of stew. Steven lends Sam a helping hand, carrying Mitchell's food into the lounge room while Sam carries his own bowl and Rosy's. Everyone is soon eating with gusto except for Rosy who sits propped up on the lounge, glancing at the tv intermittently and looking at her bowl of food without attempting to touch it. Enter the Cat Ch. 07 "Come on, eat up Rosy," Sam orders firmly. "Not hungry," Rosy murmurs, leans her head against the lounge and closes her eyes. "You have to eat something," I say putting my empty bowl aside. I squat beside where Rosy is and use her spoon to lift a mouthful of food to her lips. I have to nudge her lips with the spoon before I get any response from her. "Not hungry," Rosy says turning her head away. "The painkiller stops me feeling hungry ... for a day or two." The aroma from the stew even half cold is very appetising and I realise what Rosy said must be true for her to not eat. I put the spoon back in the bowl and take it from her hands. "Okay, but you are to drink a glass of warm milk tonight and in the morning you have to eat," I order firmly. "Deal," Rosy murmurs softly. It feels like I just scored a major victory and I have to repress the smile I feel at her agreement. I retrieve my bowl and carry it to the kitchen. Deep, large china bowls for soups and stews are some of the few tableware we do keep so I put the uneaten stew in the fridge and rinse my own bowl before grabbing a cup of coffee. With Rosy and Jazzy spending more time at the quarters, maybe it is time the kitchen is furnished with more than paper or plastic throw away plates that allow us to avoid washing up. "I'll get Rosy her cup of milk," Mitchell says tightly. I turn around to look at him; he gives me a hard glare but has nothing more to say as he pours a cup of milk for his sister. He puts it in the microwave and I stop him before he can set the timer to heat it. "Leave it for a few minutes; she can have it after I have dealt with her," I say quietly as others start to bring their bowls out to the kitchen sink. I hear Mitchell's low snarl as I move away to stand by my favourite chair in the lounge room. Everyone makes their way back to their places except for Sam and Mitchell who hover near the lounge glancing between Rosy and myself uneasily. I push aside the feeling of sympathy that starts to form as I head their way. I refuse to think about how hard it must be for them to know they have to stand back and watch their sister punished. It is best to get the punishment done with as soon as possible; so that once it is over we can all get back to normal, putting the incident behind us. Rosy turns wary eyes my way as I approach the lounge. She sits up straighter abandoning the support of the back of the lounge. Clearly she is aware something is about to happen. "Rosy, I need to talk to you about yesterday," I begin and she meets my gaze evenly. "Did you stop to think before you went near the cow yesterday? What if you had stumbled across a beast with horns, a calf or one of the bulls?" "The cow was in trouble. I had to help, it's what I do. I did take a good look around between that cow and me before I left the tree. And I was really alert for danger both there and back. I am probably more aware of the dangers of being near cattle then any of you - I have worked with them before. I have learnt to have a healthy respect for them and the damage they can do," Rosy answers evenly. "What would have happened if Donny or Jazzy had been there and followed you to the cow?" I ask firmly. "They have no experience around dangerous beasts." "Yeah, Donny or Jazzy would have probably followed you even if you told them to head straight to the fence line," Edwin snaps tightly eliciting a low snarl from Mitchell. "It wouldn't have been a possibility," Rosy snaps sounding slightly annoyed. "I can only be responsible for me, I ..." "You wouldn't be responsible for them?" Edwin demands as he takes a step towards the lounge aggressively. "I wouldn't do anything that could put me in a position where I might even remotely be responsible for another person, another werecat! I am not an idiot," Rosy snaps as she swings her legs over the side of the lounge stiffly and watches Edwin through narrowed eyes. "If either of them had been with me I would have taken them back to the fence myself before going near the cow! I am not a complete idiot, regardless of what you might think! Making sure I am safe in a situation like that is hard enough. I would never contemplate walking into a situation where I would have to watch out for someone else or simply be aware of where they were if things got dangerous!" Rosy's defensive outburst makes me aware she knew the danger of the situation and wouldn't knowingly expose anyone else to danger if she could help it. I glance towards Edwin prepared to make him back off and leave Rosy alone. He is eyeing Rosy with narrowed eyes and nodding slightly. I feel relief as I realise Edwin has came to the same conclusion as I have. Rosy may take foolish risks but she would not knowingly cause or encourage anyone else to do the same. "Now earlier, about that threat you made to castrate me," I say and instantly Rosy jerks her head to look my way. She studies me for a few moments before darting nervously glances towards the others in the room. "I can't let you get away with making a threat like that; there was no need for it," I tell her firmly as I harden my own resolve at the fear I see lurking in her eyes. I realise she is trying to hide her fear but I recognise it in the shadows in her eyes, the slight flaring of her nostrils and the tang that enters her scent. "I already apologised for that!" Rosy protests and glances nervously towards her brothers. "Sam! Mitchell!" "You shouldn't make threats like that Rosy," surprisingly it is Mitchell who steps forward and speaks. "There is no need to make threats. No one would hurt you intentionally." "Threats? It wasn't a threat!" Rosy yells clearly scared as she looks frantically between her brothers and myself. I feel sure she has realised she is about to be punished for her behaviour and is terrified to find out what form that punishment may take. "That was a statement of fact! Don't think I won't defend myself!" Rosy yells as she forces herself to her feet. I've made an error of judgement. I should have left this until she has recovered. For Rosy this must seem like revenge on my part for the threat she made. Yet I feel I have no choice but to continue. Enough! This has stretched out long enough. Rosy will only end up hurting herself! I am on Rosy before she can move or defend herself. I catch her by the upper arm spinning her around swiftly so her back is to my chest as I lift her off the ground. I sit on the lounge quickly forcing her face down across my lap. I try to be careful not to hurt her shoulder or hip while giving her little chance to struggle and tear out her stitches. "What... no!" Rosy squeals as she realises what I intend. I ignore the feel of her breasts as they brush against the side of my thigh as she struggles to escape my hold. The long t-shirt she wears is bunched at her waist exposing the soft curves of her arse. I grit my teeth as I raise my hand and try to ignore my body's reaction to the sight of the pale blue cotton material that lovingly hugs the curve of her bottom. "Never ..." My first hard slap lands on her softly rounded arse and she screams with a mixture of surprise, fear and pain. An intense bolt of lust races through me as my hand lands on the soft curves making her clench her arse cheeks under the impact as she screams. I feel my body jump to instant attention, my hard shaft pressing against her the side of her hip. I realise I have to get this over and done with as fast as I can for both of our sakes. "Threaten ... anyone ... again ... under ... stand?" I punctuate each word with a hard slap. After her first scream she remains silent even though I know her arse is stinging and burning by the feel of my hand. When I am finished, I get to my feet taking care not to drop her or bump her injured side. Rosy glares at me silently as I sit her on the lounge. She raises her chin defiantly when I step back from her. My body is hard with arousal as I stand staring down at her. I want nothing more than to bury my aching length in her soft depths but I see the fear and defiance in her eyes as she glares back at me. I'm not sure what has scared her more: her punishment or my lust. "Because your brothers asked me to go easy on you, I won't give the ten or twelve slaps you should be getting. Do the same thing again and I won't be so lenient with you," I say firmly before walking stiffly to my chair and sitting down. "You've been punished. It's over and done with. We don't throw your mistake in your face and you don't throw being punished at us. Understand?" For a moment I think Rosy is going to ignore me but she gives a curt nod before settling herself on the lounge once again. "I didn't hurt your hip or shoulder did I?" I ask when she moves clearly unsettled. There is no answer from her and I realise she is intentionally ignoring me. "Rosy, I asked you a question. Now stop sulking and answer me." I order tightly. Didn't she learn anything? "You just spanked me like a little kid making my butt feel like it's on fire, and you expect me to talk to you?" Rosy demands angrily as she turns her head to glare at me. "Rosy agreed to drink a glass of warm milk, remember," I say with a glance towards her brothers. I find it hard to concentrate on the tv program as the memory of the feel of Rosy across my lap refuses to fade. I know my arousal from punishing her is wrong but I can't control it. I find myself wishing I were the type who went seeking relief from one of the local human girls when sexual frustration is a problem. "I'm going to the pub," Edwin announces getting to his feet. I glance his way and see the intense look he gives Rosy. Anger starts to boil low in my stomach as I recognise the desire in his eyes. Apparently I was not the only one affected by Rosy's punishment. "I could do with a game of pool or darts," Malcolm agrees. Both Timny and Chris get to their feet as well. The tension in the room has them following Edwin and Malcolm quickly. "Hey Robby, want to came along as well?" Chris asks his younger brother as he hesitates in the doorway. "Sounds good," Robby says getting to his feet. "You want to come as well Mick?" "Nar, I'll be right," Mikkarl answers from where he is seated beside Steven. "Catch ya later then," Robby says and heads out after the other four. A pleasant silence settles over those who remain. The tv continues with the sitcom and I glance around the room. Steven, Dwayne, Mikkarl and Justin have a game of cards going while Sam and Mitchell sit in front of the lounge. Sam has one hand over Rosy's hand where it rests against his biceps. Rosy is curled up on her side with her eyes closed but I doubt she is asleep, judging by the way Sam absently toys with the fingers on her hand. "I could do with a strong drink. Anyone else want one?" I ask climbing to my feet. "A beer, thanks," Dwayne, Steven and Mikkarl chorus without looking up from their cards. Justin glances my way, and there are slight signs of stress on his face but he looks much more relaxed than he had earlier. "I'll settle for a bottle of coke," he says quietly. "Need a hand getting the drinks?" "I'm gonna grab drinks for us," Mitchell says standing up and I glance his way. Rosy has opened her eyes and turned her head to look up at the back of his shoulders. The skin around her lips is white and her eyes cloudy telling me the painkiller I gave her nearly seven hours ago is wearing off. Either that or I unintentionally hurt her earlier when I disciplined her. "Rosy, how badly are you hurting?" I ask as I turn to face her. "Do you need more painkiller?" "No! I am not letting you knock me out again with the stuff!" Rosy protests as she struggles to sit up properly. Her movements are awkward and stiff. Obviously she is feeling the results of her injuries. "Rosy, calm down," Sam orders with a worried glance my way. I can almost hear the thoughts running through his head. He is worried Rosy will panic and get herself into trouble yet again. "Rosy, you need to let us help you," I say gently as I move closer but stop out of reach of the lounge. I squat so I am on eye level with her and watch as she manages to force herself into a sitting position even though movement clearly causes pain. "If you don't want more of your own painkiller – just enough to take the edge off the pain – we have Advil or Panadol. I'd even donate some of my bourbon if you'd prefer a couple of shots of alcohol. Just let us help you. Let us show you we will look after you, make sure you're not in unnecessary pain until Doc gets here in the morning," I tell her quietly. "I don't trust him! Either he jabs me with drugs that knock me out or gives the shit to others so they can," Rosy protests. Fear and resentment thicken her voice. "I promise I will not let him do anything of the kind in the morning," I tell her gently. "Let us prove to you we want to protect you. I know with all that has happened to you it is a big leap of faith but I ask you let us prove you can trust us." I see uncertainty, fear and distrust flickering deep in her eyes. She glances towards Sam and Mitchell and Sam squats down to look her in the face as well. "Mitchell and I will be here," Sam says reassuringly. "There's not a tom in the room I wouldn't trust my life with so I can vouch for them." "I don't want to be knocked out again! Get my things and I'll do the injection myself," Rosy demands. "Steven, get the case," I say with a glance his way. Everyone has stopped what they are doing and watching the proceedings with great interest and trepidation. Steven is quick to do as asked and when he hands me the case, I open it up and take out the black case containing ampoules of medication. "I can do it," Rosy protests, fear and rising panic in her eyes and voice. "Just half a dose to ease the pain?" I ask without looking her way. I can hear her elevated heart rate and rapid breathing but there is nothing I can think of to calm her other than showing her by my actions that I will not knock her out with drugs. I quickly and carefully draw the contents of one ampule into a clean syringe and lift it up as I look directly into her eyes. "You saw for yourself what went into this," I say softly. "Do you want me to pass it to Sam so he can do the injection or are you brave enough to let me do the injection?" "Micah knows how to do it," Sam says and I catch the uneasy glance Rosy sends his way. "Just that syringe and nothing else," Rosy warns uneasily. "Ok then," I say getting to my feet. "Let's get this done. I need a cool drink." I ignore Rosy's nervous growl as I approach and push the hem of her t-shirt up to expose the soft firm flesh of her hip. I am as quick as I can be as I give Rosy the painkiller before moving away. I glance back at Rosy, and she is still watching me suspiciously. I know it will take time to overcome all that has been done to her and for us to earn her trust. "Rosy needs to try to have a drink even if it is only water," I remark to Sam. "There are some unopened bottles of water we usually take on jobs in the fridge. Rosy might feel better having a sealed drink." "I'll get Rosy a bottle of water," Justin volunteers as he heads to the kitchen. When we return with the drinks I watch as Justin hands Rosy an unopened bottle of water. She allows Sam to open it for her before she stretches out on the lounge once again and watches the tv. * * * * * Half way to the cattle paddock for a midday hunt we surprise a feral sow with three piglets. I take off after the sow and leave the piglets for the others. She stands to fight at the edge of a creek. Her eyes glow with hatred for predators and she gnashes her teeth loudly. I am not surprised when Sam slinks around to the left as I head right planning to corner her between the water and us. She keeps most of her attention on me and I fake a charge. She drops her head as she charges to meet me. The chop of her teeth is loud in the air, but she squeals in surprise and pain as Sam attacks from the side and slightly behind. The metallic tang of hot blood is thick in the air as I shoulder Sam aside to lap at the pool beneath the dead sow's body. The still warm blood is sweeter than the cool water in the creek would be and I drink eagerly. Sam begins to open the carcass to feed on the internal organs, and the peace of the day is shattered by the distant sounds of a werecat in serious trouble. Muffled, smothered shrieks of pain and desperation reach me as I turn to face the direction of the sounds. The hackles on my shoulders and neck stand up as I recognise Steven's cries. The dead sow is forgotten and I roar as I charge in the direction the sounds of the struggle come from. Steven is my best friend. We're closer than brothers. We have faced the possibility of death and serious injury together. He has defended me at the risk of his own life and I am not there now! I swerve around large trees and crash through smaller ones effortlessly. The bush flashes past in a blur as I race towards where I heard my friend. He is silent now and I press my ears hard against my skull as I force more speed from my body even though I am going at my top speed. A roar of rage from Mitchell tells me help has arrived for Steven and I think I see the blur of a dark shape in a gully filled thickly with lantana and blueberry bushes. Edwin roars in rage and pain. I hear Mitchell screaming in fury, Sam racing not far behind me. I am racing as fast as I can but it feels like it will take forever to reach my partner. There is no noise from Steven, only the frantic thrashing of lantana bushes as I race down towards the bottom of the gully. A dark shadow tries to crawl from the bushes. Robby, who is in cat form, leaps on it attacking savagely. I recognise Steven's lithe form then he is obscured from view as Mitchell slams into Robby, knocking him away from Steven's prone body. Edwin joins in the fight with a roar of rage and I am surprised yet not shocked by the fierce fight Mitchell puts up against Robby and Edwin. There is no roar of rage or anger behind me from Sam, but it seems as if the thud of his paws increases in power and his breathing almost takes on the puffing quality of a steam train. My charge takes me to the three combatants and I plough into the larger, stockier body of Edwin. Toms are sent flying away from where my partner lies vulnerably and I hesitate a moment as I glance around. Edwin brushes against me as he turns and flies for Mitchell while Sam turns his power of authority towards Robby. I slam into Edwin's body from the side as I try to stop the fight, and a heavy weight slams into my own ribs almost knocking me from my feet. I turn with an outraged snarl to find myself facing Malcolm. He growls and backs up, moving away from the other combatants. I launch myself at him and he tries to break away. I deal punishing bites and hard blows that will cause heavy bruising. With a cry of pain Malcolm tries to escape my teeth and claws. I follow him relentlessly as I dish out discipline for his defiance. Finally I move away from his cowered form and look towards the others. Mikkarl is in human form, working over his brother's nearly motionless form. Only the steady rising and falling of his ribs tells me he is alive. Other toms in cat form stand between the combatants and Steven's prone body while Robby is cowered well away from Sam as Mitchell and Edwin fight on. "Enough!" I roar with all the authority I possess. I see Mitchell try to back off from the fight but Edwin comes after him ruthlessly. Every bite, every blow, is meant to wound. Mitchell is smaller and lighter framed but the sheer intensity of his fighting ability prevents Edwin over powering him. Again and again Edwin attacks and when Edwin ignores my commands to stop, I realise this is no ordinary fight. Enter the Cat Ch. 07 I look at the others where they stand watching the fight uneasily. It is too violent, too savage - no good can come from it. Timny is the first to meet my eyes, and I lay my ears back. "Get Wade," I have barely snarled the order and Timny is racing back towards the buildings. Dwayne trots to my side taking care to keep well clear of the fight that continues despite orders to stop from both Sam and I. "Prepare for injured," Sam chuffs at him. I spare a glare for Malcolm who is cowered beneath a thick lantana bush; he shows no inclination of rejoining the fight. I head towards where Robby is crouched in the spot Sam left him. Robby snarls and lashes his tail defiantly as I head his way. I am on him in a snarling fury of sharp teeth and claws, punishing him for his part in this disaster. He fights back for a minute or so and I continue to deal out my punishment once he has ceased to resist. Finally I am satisfied for now and raise my head angrily. I look back at the fight and watch as Mitchell attempts to break off the fight at his brother's command. Edwin is on him in a flash, taking advantage of the momentum from a charge. Snarls fill the air as fur flies and dust rises above the two whirling bodies. I hurry to Steven's side and see for the first time the extent of his injuries. This was no simple disagreement; it is clearly a calculated attack. Steven probably owes his life to Mitchell's intervention. "Let them fight," I grunt to Sam and he flicks his ears with a concerned glance towards his brother. "I won't let Edwin kill my brother," Sam snarls viciously. "He won't," I growl and continue to watch the fight. Again and again Edwin takes the fight to Mitchell, but his advantage of a heavier more solid body does no good. He is beginning to tire but so is Mitchell. Mitchell is showing signs he wants to stop fighting but he refuses to give in or allow Edwin to best him. A sly under handed slash at Mitchell's stomach barely misses its mark and Mitchell curls his top lip up but remains silent. He doesn't snarl, growl or roar the rage that burns in his eyes. There is almost complete stillness for a second or two then Mitchell is on Edwin in a whirling fury of vengeance. Slowly, one inch at a time, Mitchell begins to drive Edwin backwards. The fierceness within Mitchell gives the illusion of him becoming bigger, heavier, than Edwin. A blink of the eye, a subtle shift of power and Edwin is down. Mitchell keeps at him; again and again he knocks Edwin off balance keeping him from his feet. The snarls suddenly cease and Mitchell has hold of Edwin by the side of his throat. Not a choke hold, not a killing bite, but the hold used to lift and shake prey or our enemies. Finally Edwin cries for mercy as he acknowledges Mitchell's victory. Mitchell stands over him for a few seconds snarling down at the cowered form and then he delivers a series of punishing slaps and sharp nips. I stalk forward and shoulder Mitchell aside roughly before dishing out my own punishment to Edwin. Edwin growls and hisses, resenting my punishment but I press home my point before lifting my head and looking around for Mitchell. He is beside Steven sniffing at his injuries with concerned noises. I charge over angrily and snarl in Mitchell's ear but he lowers his head as he turns it away slightly. I snort angrily several times before jostling his shoulder. My anger begins to die down as he opens his mouth and curls his lips away from his canine teeth. He shows his canines boldly but makes no hostile moves. Sam trots over with laid back ears and lashing tail. Angry grunts come from him as he crowds his younger brother but Mitchell makes no complaint or protest. I watch as Mitchell displays his canine teeth to Sam, arching his neck away from his older brother. Mitchell has shown both of us respect but no fear for our dominance over him. Satisfied with the new order of my warriors I raise my head and begin a long drawn out coughing roar. Sam joins in after a few moments, another few moments and Mitchell adds his voice. I lower my head and swivel my ears as the last of our roars die away. I glance around the group. Wade has arrived with Timny in the jeep, and he looks around angrily. "Everyone back to human form now," Wade orders sharply. "Sam, stay in cat form until everyone else has changed." By the time I have returned to human form Wade is crouched over Steven studying his injuries. I move to his side and look down at my partner. Even after changing forms the wounds are severe. "Mikkarl, you and someone else take your brother back to the quarters. Make him comfortable until Doc gets here," Wade orders. "What the hell happened?" Wade turns towards me with an angry glare as Mikkarl and Chris lift Steven to his feet and drape his arms over their shoulders. He hangs between them weakly but manages to walk with their help. "I heard the sounds of a fight and found both Robby and Edwin mauling Steven," Mitchell says tightly. "I stopped them before they could murder him." "I am higher ranked than Steven and it is the last time he ignores me when I give an order," Edwin snaps angrily. "Steven is ranked over you because Micah is his partner," Sam snaps. "You had him down on his back. He was trying to submit to ..." Mitchell snaps angrily. "Shut up boy, don't speak to me like that," Edwin snaps turning towards Mitchell livid with outrage. Mitchell's reaction is instant; he steps forward and delivers a short hard jab to the chin that knocks Edwin from his feet. "Enough! We will make our way back to the quarters and I will discuss what has happened there," Wade roars. "Justin, go with Mikkarl, Chris and Steven. Let Dwayne know we are on our way back. Edwin, Malcolm, Robby, you three start walking back and there will be no talking between you on the way," I order tightly. "Mitchell? You want to go back in the jeep or walk?" "I can walk," Mitchell says curtly but gives me a slight smile and nod. The walk back to the quarters is steady. Both Edwin and Mitchell are tired and beginning to stiffen up. The group jogs when everyone can manage it but I am quick to slow the pace to a walk as soon as I see the pace wearing at Mitchell's strength. He is a high calibre warrior and I am proud to have him in my group after the integrity he showed today. Wade quickly takes control of the situation once we are inside the quarters. He orders Robby to sit in the kitchen, Malcolm in the hallway and Edwin to sit on a chair in the lounge room. Justin reports that Rosy is working on Steven but isn't finished yet. He passes everyone a pair of their jeans and I quickly step into mine, mindful of Rosy's discomfort when any male is naked around her. "Sam those deep scratches on the back of your thigh need stitching, they're still oozing quite a lot. I'll do them, then we can start on Mitchell," I say as I eye their injuries. "You'll need stitches in those over your ribs," Sam remarks before handing Mitchell a bottle of whiskey. "Here get some of that into you." "Thanks," Mitchell says as he settles himself backwards on a chair and takes a deep drink before turning his attention on Edwin. "Where's my drink of whisky?" Edwin demands. Mitchell lifts the bottle to his mouth and drains the last inch and a half of alcohol before lowering the empty bottle. "Oh, did you want some Edwin?" Mitchell asks lightly. "Bastard!" Edwin growls. "Any more out of you lot before everyone is stitched up and I will take the skin off the offenders back with a whip," Wade warns hotly. We all fall silent as I set about cleaning and stitching Sam's injuries. When I have finished, Sam and I clean Mitchell's numerous wounds. We take turns stitching up the deepest gashes; one of us stitch while the other prepares the next needle and thread. "How's Steven?" Wade asks. "I've stitched him up best I can. A lot of stitches but the worst are his neck and the back of his leg," Rosy's reply is quiet but firm and I look her way to find her watching what we are doing to Mitchell. "You stitch everything up that needs stitches?" I ask remembering the state of his neck. "She's thorough, fast, and as neat as you and Doc," Dwayne cuts in. "Micah, leave Sam to work on his brother while you go get that side of yours fixed up," Wade orders. I put the threaded needle where Sam can easily find it before heading for my room. I want to see how Steven is for myself as soon as I can. He isn't in our room when I enter it so I sit on the edge of my bed and watch Rosy as she walks into the room. She takes a moment to study my side before beginning to clean the injury. Her touch is light and she works quickly but gently. "Did any of you get to eat?" Rosy asks. "No," my reply is clipped and short. The peroxide stings as she uses it liberally and I am glad of the slight pressure as she pats the slashes dry. "How bad did you beat your brother up?" Steven asks with a grin as Mikkarl and Chris help him into the room and to his bed. "Mitchell put him down on his back and made him submit," I say. "Mitchell? Holy shit," Steven says getting comfortable on his bed. "You think he's going to go after your spot?" "I don't think so. Sam and I tried to break them up but Edwin kept going after Mitchell and Mitchell realized he couldn't turn his back on him," I say. I look down at the stitches Rosy is putting in. "You can't do continuous stitches like that or they'll tear out when I change." "I'll cut the connecting threads when I get to the end. Saves picking up the scissors and putting them down again with every stitch," Rosy mutters. I grunt faintly with surprise that Rosy does the same as I do when stitching a wound; I go to comment then decide against it. "Are these the only ones?" Rosy asks. "Want me to take off my pants so you can check?" I ask and have to grin as she blushes prettily. "No thanks. I have enough to laugh at as it is," Rosy mutters. "Cruel," Steven laughs. "I'm going to check on Mitchell," Rosy says before hurrying for the kitchen. "I owe Mitchell my life," Steven says quietly. "I thought I was done for. Edwin and Robby were intent on ripping out my throat and then he turned up. " "I'm glad he got there in time. Now you'll have to excuse me because I want to get back out to the kitchen in case Rosy freaks out when she sees how badly Mitchell got clawed up," I tell him. "Very bad?" Steven asks with concern. "Bad enough, but nothing too serious," I say as I pause in the doorway before heading back towards the other end of the building. "Hey Rosy, you gonna come stitch me up," Edwin calls enticingly. "You shut up Edwin! You've caused enough trouble already," Wade orders angrily. "These darned claw marks over my ribs won't stop bleeding and they've opened up old wounds," Edwin calls back. "I'll sew him up! Sew his damned mouth shut as well," I snarl from the door of the lounge room as I stop and glare at him. "Micah! Back off," Wade orders as he heads for the lounge room. Wade checks Edwin's injuries and makes an angry sound in his throat; he straightens up and glares down at Edwin. "Some of those injuries aren't that old. Who the hell have you been fighting with?" Wade demands. "We had a slight disagreement yesterday," I say evenly. Might as well let Wade in on what has been going on. "What else don't I know about?" Wade demands. "Rosy was spooked and ran from the fight. She got hurt, that's why Doc was here this morning," I say "As a warrior your first priority is to protect all she-kitts, is it not? You got involved in a fight you had to know would scare Rosy. Is that doing your job? I don't think so! As Alpha I am responsible for all females under my care and you allowed one of them to be hurt," Wade is outraged and clearly fighting for control of his temper. "I should have ..." I begin knowing I need to appease his rage over being left uninformed. "A she-kitt got hurt and you didn't see fit to tell me?" Wade yells and heads towards Rosy. I see the alarm flare in her eyes as she steps closer to Sam and he stops sewing up Mitchell's wound to slip an arm around her waist. "Doc cleared Rosy for changing this morning and she's already much better after one change," Sam says quietly. "Is that why you're limping?" Wade demands. "My hip is sore but I'll be better after another change or two. I didn't know changing helps things heal lots quicker," Rosy murmurs clearly cowed by his anger. "I want to know if there are any problems in the future and I had better hear that Rosy has recovered fully in the next few days," Wade snaps before looking at Mitchell's back. "Edwin needs stitches in his side now; it can't wait for Doc to get here." "Doc said he left sedative here last time I ran off ... knock him out and I'll stitch his side up," Rosy says coldly. "Oh come on Rosy, I'll behave for you," Edwin whines with a grin she ignores. "You got both of my brothers hurt and you think I'm going to care if I'm causing more pain stitching you up than when the pain first hit after the injury?" Rosy asks in a deadly voice. Edwin watches her and wisely keeps silent. "I'll get the sedative," I say and head towards the bedrooms. "I am not getting knocked out here! There's no guarantee I'll ever wake up," Edwin denies before I walk out the door. "They weren't just going to make Steven back-off. And he was going to put Mitchell out of the picture at least for a while," my anger comes pouring out. "This was an outright challenge of my authority and position!" "Get the sedative, and before you protest again, Edwin, you get stitched up here then taken to the main house. Malcolm and Robby can spend the night locked in the containment room for their own safety. Tomorrow I am going to get to the bottom of all this business," Wade orders, his authority ringing in his voice. I head off to get the drug. If Rosy is going to see to Edwin's injury then he will be unconscious as she asked. When I return Wade administers the drug and I feel a sense of satisfaction as Edwin struggles to stay sitting up and alert as the drug takes affect. I am glad he is getting to experience a small piece of the feeling of vulnerability Rosy must have felt when he had grabbed her making it necessary for her to be sedated. I notice Rosy leave the quarters when she has finished sewing Edwin up and I take the chance to return to check on Steven. He is stretched out on his bed, eyes closed, with Mikkarl sitting beside him leaning back against the headboard. "How is he?" I ask quietly. "Just taking it easy," Steven says as he opens his eyes. "This wasn't just about you being boss you know. Mikkarl, tell Micah about what Robby was asking this morning." "Robby pulled me aside this morning and started asking if I was interested in Rosy. Would I be okay with Edwin as boss, not you? He hinted that you pair had it planned when Rosy was due around that Edwin's team and us would be out on jobs. No other toms would be invited on her behalf," Mikkarl says calmly. "You didn't think to tell your brother or me?" I demand tightly. "You both were busy and then you suggested the hunt. I did manage to get Mitchell aside for a few moments and he was going to speak to Sam. I was going to call Steven aside but then that sow took off from almost under foot," Mikkarl explains. "Edwin knows Rosy is losing interest in him," Steven says quietly. "And then this morning, I caught him lurking around outside Sam and Mitchell's room when Rosy was changing back. He was trying to peek in the room." "Robby told me Edwin said you're trying to steal everything that is rightfully his: his job as chief warrior, your father's respect, and now the chance to impress Rosy. Something about him being the oldest, he should have been the one to get the size and strength, the power and control that goes so easily with it for you," Mikkarl says evenly. He is silent for a few moments before speaking again. "Last night I overheard Malcolm telling Robby not to take what Edwin said at the pub too seriously. That Edwin had always been jealous of you - your size, your strength, the ability they gave you to protect your clan," Mikkarl tells me levelly. I am struck speechless for a long moment. The contempt Edwin always had for my size. His cruel remarks that had often left me feeling awkward and as if I didn't fit in. "You saying today was planned?" I ask Steven turning my thoughts away from Mikkarl's last comments. I can't allow myself to think on it. "Maybe not for today specifically, but then we were all separated. Edwin had the chance to come up behind me, catch me unaware. Robby backed him up. I could have held my own against Edwin but I can't two on one," Steven says in cold tones. "And Edwin figured he hadn't finished the fight yesterday with Mitchell," I muse quietly as I begin to understand the motivation for what happened today more clearly. "Sam said to let you know Edwin, Robby and Malcolm are out of the quarters," Justin says from the doorway. "Tell Sam I need to speak to him for a few minutes," I say to Justin. "And make sure someone is cooking a feed." "Timny has already started on cook and I'll be giving him a hand," Justin answers before heading back towards the other end of the building. "Edwin made a lot of stupid mistakes today," Steven says quietly. "He has his mind set on getting Rosy but he doesn't give a damn who he hurts to get her." "He could have torn the clan apart today," I say tightly as I think of how his actions would have affected various members of the clan if he had succeeded in his objectives today. * * * * * I walk over to where Sam and Rosy stand and raise my eyebrows with a smile, "So it looks like you've decided to become a clan cat now." Rosy shrugs and looks towards Sam as if for guidance, "It just seemed the right way to address Wade at the time." "I had to try," Sam says as he looks down at his sister fondly before meeting my gaze. "Hey why didn't you tell us Rosy would be acknowledging Wade as her Alpha," Steven asks as he limps over stiffly. He looks from me, to Sam, and back again. "I sprang it on her. Figured if she had too much time to think about it she'd talk herself out of an answer," Sam says. "Hallo in the quarters," Doc calls from outside. He walks in and Steven heads over towards the lounge. "I understand I've got some stitching to check out," Doc announces. "Now who has changed and who hasn't?" I pull my shirt off over my head and stand in front of Doc so he can see the slashes on my ribs. Sam is right behind me showing Doc the stitches on the back of his thigh before Doc moves away to check on Mitchell, Steven and Malcolm. "Micah, Sam, those stitches can come out. Mitchell, you need to do two complete changes before you loose the stitches on your back. Steven you're fine to change, I think you're going to need three or four changes just to be safe with that neck wound. And Malcolm, you should be fine to change without getting stitches." Doc says firmly. Doc glances around and spots Rosy where she has moved to stand near the entry into the kitchen. "Ok Rosy, your turn. I want to make sure your leg is healing nicely," Doc says evenly. Rosy had been hesitant about letting him touch her yesterday but did allow him to inspect her injury with some gentle reassurance from me. "I already took the stitches out, all of them," Rosy says without approaching him. "Come on Rosy, I just want to make sure the muscle underneath isn't damaged," Doc says coaxingly. Rosy hesitates before walking over and putting her foot on the arm of a chair. She flinches as Doc runs his hand over the inside of her thigh quickly and lightly. I remember her remark about hating being touched on the inside of her thighs. Enter the Cat Ch. 07 "It appears to be healing well. Take it easy and it should be completely healed within the week. How is your shoulder and hip," Doc asks. "My hip is still a bit tender but my shoulder is fine," Rosy says as she moves her arm in a big circle to prove the point. "Good and you did a first rate job stitching up the toms yesterday. Both Steven's neck and Edwin's side look like they were tricky jobs," Doc tells her. "Hopefully I won't have to do it again," Rosy mutters. I feel proud of Rosy and Doc's praise for her work. I notice the slight signs of strain in her face, the last few days have been hard on her but she is managing to hold herself together. Maybe later she would enjoy going for a run in her cat form to help distress. "Well I'll go and let you lot get back to whatever you have to do," Doc says before heading out of the quarters. I am sure Wade has ordered him to report back to him with the results of his visit here this morning. I retrieve a pair of tweezers and a small sharp knife I prefer for removing stitches. As I glance around I spot Rosy still standing off by herself and looking slightly lost as to what to do. "Since you stitched me up you can remove your handy work," I say with a grin as I approach her holding up the tweezers and knife. "Wait a moment, I got something better than that knife," Rosy says as she heads for the sink. She washes something at the sink before turning with some extra fine tweezers and a small curved blade in her hands. I move to stand beside the kitchen table and I watch her as she approaches me. Her eyes are on the healed wounds on my ribs. She glances up at me with an almost detached look on her face before setting to work. When the last stitch is removed Rosy runs her hand over the injury lightly, her fingers move back and forth on the faint marks left behind and I feel my body stir to life at her touch. I catch her hand stilling her gentle touch and she looks up to meet my gaze. Her lips part softly and I can't seem to pull my eyes away from them as the tip of her tongue darts out to flick across her bottom lip. I hear the slight hitch in her breathing and then she almost pants softly, breathlessly. I feel movement under my hand and glance towards it. I have caught hold of her hand and moved it from the marks over my ribs to my stomach. Her fingers stroke my skin and I keep my hand over hers. I am not sure if she moves her hand higher, if I do or it is a combination of the two. I only know I can feel her fingers lightly stroking my skin as her hand moves higher. My stomach lurches and my heart starts pounding, her eyes are wide and dark with arousal as she looks up once again. Will her lips be as soft and sweet as I remember? "I'm ready to get my stitches ..." Sam's voice breaks into the moment between us and Rosy jerks away with a startled gasp putting several steps between us. "Rosy ..." I say taking a step towards her but she is already turning towards the door. It seems like my voice just lends speed to her flight as she rushes for the front door. "Did I interrupt something?" Sam asks after a few tense moments. "What do you think?" I ask tightly, and then give my head a shake. "Yeah, maybe," I take a deep breath and glance at the tweezers and blade Rosy had left on the table. "Okay, taking stitches out it is." I say as I take the blade to the sink to rinse it under hot water. I take out the stitches checking how well the wound has healed as I go. With the job done we head into the lounge room and I frown as see Malcolm playing cards with his brother. It annoys me I had been forced to keep Edwin's partner here but we couldn't afford to lose half of a work team. "How long had Edwin been planning that little surprise?" I ask Malcolm coldly. Malcolm stops playing cards to glance at me cautiously. He puts his cards down and turns to face me fully before speaking. "I don't know how long he's been planning what happened or if he had been planning it. I think he thought he saw an opportunity and took it. If he had been smart he wouldn't have tried anything while he was in the same district as you." Malcolm says carefully. "He never mentioned going after my job?" I scoff. "Your job? When an extra she-kitt might be up for grabs?" Malcolm asks dryly. "Edwin has never considered Mitchell his equal or Sam his better. Why would he worry they might object if he could convince Rosy to get to know him better?" "Edwin has a hell of a shock coming if he thinks I would let Rosy have anything to do with him!" Mitchell snarls. "I think he knows that now," Sam says. I glance his way to see a grin on his face as he exchanges glances with Mitchell, clearly he is proud of his brother's rise in status. "And would you have a problem with me if I started asking Rosy out on dates?" I challenge Mitchell. I already know Sam has no objections to me becoming seriously involved with his sister. "If I had thought you were only interested in having Rosy in your bed I would have told you to leave her alone before this," Mitchell tells me levelly. The faint sound of Rosy calling out catches my attention and I look towards Sam, it sounds as if it is important. "Mitchell, you and Steven need to change. Micah can come while I see what Rosy is up to now," Sam says. Sam follows as I head outside without bothering to wait for a reply. "Rosy," Sam yells once we are outside the building. I turn my head as I glance around looking for her. "I'm here Sam! Go away Edwin! I don't want to talk to you!" Rosy's yell has both Sam and I heading towards the brick shed at a jog. As we round the corner I see Edwin backing away from Rosy, she looks both scared and angry. Edwin keeps glancing towards Sam and I uneasily and has moved well away from Rosy when we reach her. "You okay?" Sam asks worriedly as he reaches Rosy. She steps into his arms moving close as if for comfort as he holds her. "Edwin surprised me is all. It scared me," Rosy's voice is soft and she is clearly shaken. "He didn't hurt you did he?" I ask. I can smell the stress coming from her but it has been for the last two days. Something is niggling in the back of my mind, I am missing something but I don't know what it is I am supposed to be looking for. "No, no I'm right," Rosy answers as she snuggles against her brother. "You did the right thing calling us like that," I tell her gently. Some instinct insists there is more to it than she said. An uneasy feeling keeps prickling at me making me eye Edwin suspiciously. "Can we go back to the quarters or something? I don't want to be out here until he's gone," Rosy tells Sam reinforcing my belief Edwin has done or said something that has upset her. "Ok, come on then," Sam says and I catch the concerned glance he sends my way. It only serves to reinforce my feeling something has happened we don't know about. I follow behind Sam as he walks Rosy back to the quarters. Sam keeps an arm around her as if she needs the support. I keep glancing back at Edwin where he watches Rosy as Sam guides her back towards the quarters. I begin to get the feeling Edwin has been trying to manipulate Rosy in someway. Steven and Mitchell are in cat form when we enter the building and I watch as Sam gets Rosy to sit down on the lounge. Both Steven and Mitchell crowd around her trying to offer comfort. I can only watch uselessly as Rosy slides from the lounge to kneel beside Mitchell and hug him to her as she dissolves into tears. Both Mitchell and Sam are deeply concerned, Mitchell making soft cat sounds while Sam sits with them on the floor. When it appears like Rosy is about to strangle Mitchell with her tight hold on him Sam takes her in his arms hugging her against his chest. "Hey, come on now. It's alright, you're safe," Sam murmurs softly to her. "What's wrong with Rosy?" Justin asks beside me. "I'm not exactly sure," I say, hating to admit the truth. Rosy seems oblivious to everyone else as she eases away from Sam wiping the tears from her face and sniffing noisily. She leans against Mitchell resting her cheek on his shoulder seeming to take comfort in the presence of his cat. Her eyes are red rimmed from crying and her bottom lip slightly puffy as if she had been chewing on it. The sound of someone entering the building has her clinging to Mitchell once again and I look towards the hallway door as the uneasy feeling intensifies. "It would appear we have a problem," Wade announces as he walks into the room. "What do you mean?" I ask guardedly. "I have just been informed by Edwin that Rosy told him she wants him here when she comes into heat. She denied it before because she thought it was what her brothers wanted her to say," Wade says in the bland even tone that warns me he is far from happy. "I don't believe it," Sam says angrily. "Edwin will be notified when Rosy comes into heat because from what I witnessed outside, he may have a valid point. Rosy didn't protest when he kissed her," Wade says coolly. "He what?" I roar in anger. Suddenly all the little things I had noticed but paid no heed to fall into place giving me the entire picture. Rosy staring at Edwin as if half stunned, the way she kept hiding her face as if others might see the truth written there, in her softly swollen lips. "No!" My anger and disbelief comes out in a roar of denial. Edwin has no right kissing my Rosy! "Remember, it is Rosy's prerogative to have as many toms present as she chooses," Wade says firmly as he stares hard at me before turning sharply on his heel and stalking from the room. I want to rush after him and tell him Edwin will not be here when Rosy comes into heat. A small but strong part of me warns not to do it, I would be forcing Wade to take a stand against me. "Did you tell Edwin you want him here when you come into heat," Sam asks Rosy calmly pulling my mind back into the room. "No I didn't! He told me he knew I only said what I did because it was what you want. It was him who said it not me," Rosy says turning her face up to his. I have seen that same look on Jazzy's face before. When she has been trying to tell me something she believes very important, but leaving parts out she thought it best not to mention at the time. "It's okay, I believe you," Sam says gently. "And you let him kiss you?" I ask tightly. Even though somehow I know the answer. "Yes," Rosy says quietly with an uneasy glance my way. "And he asked me to leave with him today. That's when I started screaming 'cause he wouldn't let go of me. I thought he was going to make me go with him." "I'll kill the bastard," I hiss beyond angry as I head for the door. Edwin hadn't just kissed Rosy! He had wanted to separate her from her brothers! And without them, without their support and guidance, she would have turned to him for comfort and familiarity. Rosy wouldn't have come on heat, he would have made sure of that. Edwin would steal Rosy, not only from me but from her brothers as well. "Micah don't do this!" Dwayne yells at me as he catches me by the upper arm. Whatever the others are calling out to me is lost in the roaring of my pulse pounding in my ears and my heart thundering in my chest. Justin, Timny and Chris are between the door and me when Sam comes around me to stand firmly in my way. "Leave it be Micah," Sam urges. "Get the hell out of my way," I roar at him in my anger. I slam both hands against his chest forcing him backwards several steps and advance on him in my rage. I want to tear something apart and at the moment I am not too worried what or who it is. "Edwin is trying to jerk your strings," Malcolm yells. "You can be sure he didn't reveal that last part to Wade, and if you go over there after him it will look like Rosy made it up to try to divert attention off her for kissing him. If he can't win fair and square, he'll play dirty." "Of course you'd try to stop me. You're his best friend," I growl turning towards Malcolm. "I am not going to stand by and let him make Rosy out to be a manipulative nasty little stray," Malcolm snarls. Cool cold logic washes over me. Edwin had not only manipulated Rosy, he had taken my interest in her into account and probably planned to make me out in a bad light as well. "He's right you know," Timny says quietly. "I know it! Doesn't mean I have to like it," I hiss as I turn away from the doorway and head towards my favourite chair. At the moment I am still too angry to be near Rosy, she doesn't need any more stress. Slowly the others return to the places they had been. Sam returns to Rosy and Mitchell, while Chris and Malcolm resume their seats at the cards. I notice the way Malcolm keeps glancing at Rosy and study the expression on his face. It is not the interested look he often gives Jazzy or the over indulgent look he gives his sister. No, it's neither of these I realise. There is respect and admiration that I recognise, and surprisingly fondness. I look around the room and it hits me how everyone is ready to defend Rosy, an outsider, against one of our own. "Come on Rosy, stop strangling Mitchell and let him go so he can change," Sam tells her. I watch Sam separate the two and settle Rosy in a chair. He fusses over her brushing the hair back off her face and drying the tears from her cheeks before sitting on the arm of the chair. When Mitchell has returned to human form he is quick to pull on his jeans and sit beside Rosy. I notice the way she avoids looking my way or at me even when I speak. I try to relax, let go of the anger that still burns deep inside at what Edwin tried to do. "Steven, Mitchell, think you'll be up for a bit of light exercise later this afternoon?" I ask. "Yeah, I'm fine," Mitchell says with a nod and a glance my way. "What you got planned?" Steven asks. "I could do a steady trot around but not interested in hunting for a meal." "I was thinking of half an hour or so just trotting around the bush. I figured Sam, Mitchell, you and I could take Rosy for an outing so she can relax and unwind." I say evenly. "Sounds like a great idea," Sam agrees enthusiastically. "Why not take a jeep out to the paddock?" Dwayne asks. "There are enough of us here to bring down a yearling or two." "Yeah, Rosy can hide behind the jeep to change," Malcolm says brightly. "I don't think I'll feel like it," Rosy murmurs quietly. "You got a problem with me?" I ask deciding on the direct approach. "No, no," I catch Rosy's alarmed glance my way, a glance that takes me in but doesn't meet my eyes. "Well give me a good reason for you not to come out to the paddock," I challenge her in a mild tone. "Because you're mad at me for kissing Edwin and I don't go near cats that are pissed off," Rosy says with a hint of defiance in her voice. "I've known Edwin all my life," I tell her levelly. "You think I don't know when he's trying to cause trouble between people?" I raise my eyebrows at her, and then grin as she glances away, only to look back once again. "Besides," I say on a low, almost purr. "Way I remember it, I kissed you first. When we were at Pete's," "Are we all going to start boasting about whose sister's we've kissed?" Sam asks dryly. He has realised I am trying to get past my anger at Edwin and lighten the tension in the room. "Do kisses on cheeks count?" Dwayne asks lightly. "What about when they we little kitts and skinned their knees?" Sam asks with a laugh. "Do bandaids put on in an X count?" Enter the Cat Ch. 08 Hallo loyal lit. readers Sorry it has taken me so long to post this chapter. One more chapter on this story and then onto To Love a Stray ch11 part2 Mygypsy * A shaft of sunlight that slants down between a couple of trees to hit the ground highlights the pattern in Rosy's coat as she trots through the evening light. In her cat form she is swift and bold, only avoiding the cattle kept for eating when she hunts. It has become increasingly clear how good of a hunter she is. Rabbits and hares are frequent prey when she travels. Even when some of us only go out for exercise with no intention of hunting, Rosy hunts as she goes. Despite this she is never too laden with food to keep up and easily keeps pace with whichever toms are along. I grunt softly and she pauses to look my way. I bob my head and trot up beside her with a soft purr as I halt to study the open field ahead. It has been two weeks since Edwin had been forced to leave the clan, and Rosy was learning surprisingly fast how to behave. With no one to mislead her or encourage her towards incorrect behaviour she only needs things explained to her once. An impatient move beside me and I glance her way to find Rosy waiting expectantly. The first thing Sam and I taught her had been not to rush ahead of the toms with her. Our job was to protect her and if she ran ahead into trouble she was only making it harder for us. "Why are we waiting?" Jazzy demands impatiently as she trots up between Rosy and me. Rosy gives her an affectionate nudge with her muzzle before licking a black ear. "Little sister," Rosy huffs. "I told her it was my name," Jazzy purrs happily and I glare at her a second before leading the way into the open grass. I will have to have a few words with Jazzy about misleading Rosy. Steven, Sam and Mikkarl fan out across the field checking for any native wildlife. Rosy stands at the edge of the field watching eagerly. She waits until they are nearly at the far side of the clearing before bolting after them. Mitchell follows close behind her and I stop to watch her with interest as she races across the ground. She turns sharply just before she reaches Sam to race towards Mikkarl. Her love of running shows in the fluid grace of her movements as she executes a sliding turn before heading towards Steven. Half way between Mikkarl and Steven a mottled form launches itself from a thick clump of shrubs at the two cats racing towards it. Furious barking fills the air along with the sound of snarls and hisses. My heart is pounding in my chest as I watch the scene unfolding before me. Mitchell swerves off course, giving in to his instinctive dislike of dogs while Rosy props to an abrupt stop. Her ears are laid back flat on her skull, her back arched up and all of her fur seems to stand on end as she faces the dog rushing after her brother. Rosy stands her ground but as the dog rushes by her, she leaps high in the air even as she slashes with a front paw and razor sharp claws. There is a startled yelp and the two forms separate. The dog facing Rosy appears old and ragged but that does nothing to calm Jazzy who is beside me huddling close and trembling in fear. Despite our natural fear of dogs the warriors rush to surround the dog. Both Sam and Steven press close only to jump back as the dog charges forward yapping at them. I am shocked and alarmed when Rosy flings herself on the dog fearlessly. It is an uneven fight. The dog is much smaller and only has teeth while Rosy has both claws and teeth. Within a minute Rosy is standing over the carcass of her would be attacker; she is still snarling furiously while her tail lashes back and forth viciously. Leaving Jazzy with Dwayne and Donovan I rush over to sniff Rosy anxiously. She snarls savagely, baring her teeth at me but allows me to examine her thoroughly. "Silly, silly girl!" I grumble near her ear and she shakes her head as my whiskers brush against her ear. I glance around the toms accusingly but they are all looking uncomfortable and only Steven steps forward to sniff at the dead dog. Rosy snarls and slaps at his head, driving him away from her kill. She tries the same with me when I step up to examine the dog but a low growl has her moving aside so I can check out the animal. It is an old dog with a bullet wound high in one front shoulder and a bloody furrow across its back. Either it is a stock killer or more likely, an old dog someone has tried to put down. She noses the animal but makes no attempt to begin eating it before she moves away. She stops a small distance away and looks back at us before heading back towards Jazzy, Dwayne and Donovan. What am I to do with her? The toms were meant to protect her not the other way around! I watch her for a few moments before it dawns on me. If it had been one of the others seizing the chance to despatch the dog it would not have been an issue. Despite the fact she is a she-kitt Rosy is clearly able to protect herself against a dog. "We were right there ..." Steven starts with a worried look as he halts beside me. "Rosy isn't a normal she-kitt; she has learnt how to look after herself," I growl without conviction. "We will need to find a suitable compromise." I glance back at Rosy and find her watching me cautiously. Did she feel she had done wrong? Or was she beginning to think that she might be in trouble? I make my way back to Jazzy and groom the smell of fear from around her ears. She meows loudly and rubs herself against my side before walking over to Mitchell for more soothing grooming. I take the time to brush my cheek against both Steven and Sam's front shoulders to let them know I am not annoyed at them. We set off at a steady trot once again and I notice Rosy settle into place between Chris and Malcolm. Occasionally she crowds close to Chris nipping at his front legs or trying to grab a hold on the ruff of his neck; she is in a playful mood. She has become a little more tolerant of being touched while in both forms, the most notable in cat form. I am surprised when Mitchell goes down end over end, only to leap to his feet with a shocked look. Beside him Jazzy yawns then gives a wide feline grin and I realise I need to keep a close eye on my sister. Mitchell edges away from her as he resumes his place in formation but Jazzy slinks after him craftily. Dwayne slips between them and I pick up the travelling pace a little to keep Jazzy occupied. It is nearly dark by the time we reach the tree line surrounding the buildings; Rosy hurries ahead to go into the quarters. The rest of us change to human form before walking inside to the lounge room to pull clothing on. We males only bother with jeans but Jazzy pulls a t-shirt on as well. "I'll start the steaks," Mikkarl says as he heads into the kitchen. Since starting work here, he has happily stepped in to do most of the cooking for the evening meals. "Rosy, I want to have a word with you," Sam says firmly and I turn around to see him frowning at Rosy where she stands in the doorway looking defensive. "It's all right Sam; I want to speak to everyone. Come on in Rosy - you're not in trouble," I say meeting her eyes. "Rosy should be in trouble!" Jazzy cuts in. "Dogs are smelly and dangerous! Oh did I mention how smelly they are?" "Jazzy sit down," I order firmly. Jazzy gives me a sad-eyed look with her bottom lip pouting slightly. I have to repress a groan of irritation so I turn my back on her instead. "Today is clearly not Rosy's first experience with an aggressive dog," I say calmly with a glance at Rosy where she stands just inside the lounge room. I notice the way her gaze flicks around the room uneasily as she takes in everyone's reactions to what is being said. "But Rosy attacked and killed the dog," Timny puts forward. "One of us should have done it." "I am capable of looking after myself," Rosy snaps defensively. "I would have preferred it if one of the warriors had dealt with the dog," I say evenly then cut in quickly as Rosy opens her mouth to object. "But you did right in waiting for more back up than just Mitchell. Please do not go tackling any dogs without several warriors handy and only if they can't get a clear chance." "So I'm not in trouble?" Rosy asks with a trace of surprise. "Let me guess: you thought you were preventing someone getting hurt?" I ask as I voice my thoughts. "Most cats I know run from dogs," Rosy says with an uneasy glance around the room. I realise she must be trying to work out why no one here ran from the dog. "Most cats being strays?" Malcolm asks with a grin. "We don't like dogs any more than a stray does but we are not going to leave any of our clan vulnerable to a dog. Jazzy and Donny would have been prime targets if we had run." "Mainly Jazzy," Rosy says with a shake of her head. "She's the smallest. Dogs pick the weakest, the one that lags behind or the smallest." I watch as Rosy slowly moves into the room making herself a part of the group. It is not the first time Malcolm has been quick to make a connection with Rosy's way of thinking. He seemed to be able to pick up on her train of thought before the rest of us. "I don't see why I should reprimand Rosy," I tell those present. "Rosy is a she-kitt but she is different, more self reliant than a clan raised she-kitt. As long as Rosy doesn't go doing anything outright dangerous, we need to be willing to adjust as much as we are asking her to." "It's not fair!" Jazzy protests. "If it had been me, you would have yelled at me." "That reminds me," I say with a frown turning to face her. "Tell Rosy exactly what you have her calling you in cat." "Rosy has learnt some feline?" Mitchell asks eagerly. I feel my irritation with Jazzy grow as she folds her arms across her chest and lowers her chin mutinously. "Most everyone calls me it," Jazzy mutters under her breath. I clear my throat noisily and Jazzy jumps with a nervous glance my way. It is rare for her to try to defy me and I frown as I watch her. I glance at Rosy; she is watching us with interest but doesn't seem upset or disturbed Jazzy might have misled her. "Little sister!" Jazzy snaps when she sneaks a look my way to find me watching her. "The other day after a run she repeated the words and asked me what they meant. I said it was my name." "Not everyone calls you little sister," Sam says dryly and I suspect he is looking at his brother as he speaks. "I didn't think it would matter!" Jazzy cries, jumps to her feet, and runs from the room. "I'll go talk to her," Dwayne says quietly. I watch as he follows after Jazzy before I turn my attention back to Rosy. "I don't remember Jazzy teaching you to speak in cat form," I say evenly, careful to keep any hint of disapproval from my voice. "It was yesterday morning when Jazzy was supposed to be sitting in the sun room thinking about being cheeky to Sam and Steven. We changed to cat form and she helped me pronounce the sounds right," Rosy says a hint defiantly. I stare at Rosy for a second lost for words. While neither she nor Jazzy had been forbidden to change to cat form when there was only the two of them, it had not been encouraged. "Being in cat form and having someone help makes it easier?" I ask curiously. "A bit," Rosy says with a nod. "But it's not like the other person can tell me in English what they are saying so I can understand. We have to know exactly what to practice before changing." "We should have thought of this sooner," Steven says with excitement. "One or two of us can change along with Rosy, while there are several others in human form to explain what is being said." "Names!" Rosy says excitedly. "I want to learn names first!" "I have to insist on you learning a few basic commands as well. You can be hard to make eye contact with to try to get you to do as I want," I tell her with a smile. "I hate to interrupt but the food is mostly ready," Mikkarl says coming to the lounge room. "Just the few medium steaks to go." "Any bacon?" Rosy asks brightly as she looks his way. "Since we didn't have bacon for breakfast, yes," Mikkarl answers her with a wide smile. "Extra crispy." "You'll make someone one hell of a wife some day Mikkarl," Rosy says with a laugh as she heads towards him. I feel the tension immediately fill the room and hear Mikkarl's sharply indrawn breath. "There's no need to be a bitch to Mikkarl!" Jazzy interjects hotly as she strides into the room. I see the fire in Jazzy's eyes as she stalks towards Rosy and realise her intent as Rosy turns to face her. Luckily Dwayne is close on Jazzy's heels and manages to grab Jazzy before she reaches Rosy. Unfortunately Jazzy does manage to kick out at Rosy, one foot catching Rosy on a thigh. Rosy snarls sharply and I note in some corner of my mind her hands are clenching and unclenching at her sides. "Stop it now!" I order in forceful tones. Steven makes a grab for Rosy but she evades him with a savage snarl as she backs towards the wall flicking uneasy glances around the room. Dwayne drags Jazzy back to the hallway door out of reach of Rosy so she can't continue her attack. "Why the hell did you insult Mikkarl like that?" Steven demands angrily as he eyes Rosy where she stands warily with her back to the wall. "I don't think Rosy realises what she said," I say forcing a calmness into my tone that I am far from feeling. Even as I speak the niggling suspicion starts to form. "Rosy, you just inferred you consider Mikkarl behaves like a woman. Or maybe is only suited to housework?" "You got no call to insult Mikkarl when you can't even speak like a werecat!" Jazzy yells. "I didn't say anything like that!" Rosy spits defensively. "You said I'd be a poor wife some day," Mikkarl growls angrily. "No, I said, 'you'll make someone one hell of a wife some day Mikkarl,' " Rosy says slowly as if to make sure each word is heard. "I happen to be a warrior and I will not be bending over for some more dominant tom. I am not perverted!" Mikkarl snaps angrily. "I never thought you were that way inclined," Rosy protests. "Well you must think I am only suited to menial house work like cooking and cleaning then!" Mikkarl growls. "You ... I... oh fuck werecat speech and fuck human speech! Fuck them both to hell and back!" Rosy's voice starts out soft and slightly confused but she soon starts shouting and shaking her head. "I am so over this! Yous always make me the one in the wrong!" Rosy is trembling as she turns and takes several steps towards the hallway door only to stop and head towards the kitchen when she sees Dwayne and Jazzy in her way. Mikkarl folds his arms over his chest and plants his feet, clearly not intending to move aside. Steven steps forward to back up Mikkarl and Rosy whirls to face him, her eyes seem huge in her face and she snarls menacingly. "Everyone back off and calm down now!" I yell. "The food is ready if anyone is hungry," Mikkarl snaps and turns back towards the kitchen. "You might as well eat while it is hot." I bite back a groan of frustration as Mikkarl lifts a frypan by the handle, looks straight at Rosy, then empties the pan of bacon into the scrap bucket. "Ha! No bacon for you Rosy. Serves you right," Jazzy snaps. "Maybe next time you'll think before you go insulting one of my toms." "I didn't insult Mikkarl! Or at least not intentionally," Rosy yells. "When people say it, when humans say someone will make a hell of a good wife -- they mean the person in point has a lot more to offer than most of the same sex." I see tears glittering in her eyes and feel compassion for Rosy. She is full of defensive anger and struggling to make us understand what she meant. "Explain more fully for us," I tell her gently. "You mean Mikkarl can offer a girl more then what a male usually does?" "Yeah, explain yourself," Sam says levelly. I glance his way and tell with one look he is not happy with the misunderstanding Rosy has gotten herself into. "Well," Rosy says more calmly. "Most guys, men, have some kind of a job to bring in the money. Mikkarl has a job - he's not scared of work like a few humans can be. And he cooks a lot better than most people, human and werecat, plus he doesn't mind doing the cooking. A lot of women have to work to earn a living and a man who helps around the house is a better boyfriend or partner than a lazy b... sod who sits on the lounge drinking beer and demanding their food cooked and served to them." I watch as Rosy focuses her attention on her oldest brother as she speaks. Clearly she is feeling uncomfortable about having to explain what she meant. She finishes with a slight shrug and a quick darting glance towards Mikkarl. "If Mikkarl got a girlfriend, she'd be getting more than most human women get out of a relationship." Rosy adds still sounding slightly defensive. "You sure that's what you meant?" Jazzy demands and I look her way. Dwayne still has a hold of both of her arms and he meets my gaze, sniffs near Jazzy pointedly, and then looks straight into my eyes. "Okay, to the main house for you," Dwayne tells Jazzy. "Someone save me a plate of food would you?" Jazzy is coming into heat which explained her sudden irritability with Rosy, also her abrupt mood swings with any and everyone the last few days. Suddenly the prospect of hunting most evenings seems like a good plan. It will get Jazzy out in cat form since she is healthy and strong. Let her enjoy hunting with her clan until it is time for her to go into isolation. I glance around those still in the room. The tension and hostility had lowered and several of the warriors had grins when Rosy glances their way. "Looks like I have to cook some bacon," Mikkarl says levelly. I am not sure if Mikkarl accepts the explanation Rosy offered or is simply trying to divert any anger away from him. * * * * * I keep a close eye on everyone over the next few days, especially Jazzy, Mikkarl and Rosy. It soon becomes clear that neither Jazzy nor Mikkarl harbour any hard feelings about the misunderstanding of Rosy's remark. Several times I catch Rosy watching one of us but she quickly moves away when she becomes aware of me close by. There seems to be no anger or aggression in her but I am unsure of her exact feelings and thoughts. Four days after the misunderstanding, Jazzy is confined to the main house after getting overly friendly with Mitchell during a hunt. She's so close to being in oestrous this can't be allowed. It is after dark when Rosy, Steven and Chris return after Rosy became upset with Mitchell and Jazzy and running off. I watch her closely as the warriors draw her into their conversation and try their best to distract her from her upset with her brother. I notice how Rosy drinks the alcohol offered to her. She usually drinks sparingly but tonight she doesn't seem aware of how much she is consuming. She begins talking about her time at college when I mention an upcoming Werecat meeting. I realise a lot of her thinking is done as a human, not a werecat and I begin to understand why it has been so hard for her to adapt to our way of life. I concentrate my attention on her, smiling and flirting with her. My efforts are rewarded and she begins to respond. I gently lead her towards revealing more of her past and it works well until she lets it slip she is more attracted to females. Rosy's words betray her desperate need to be needed and wanted. Rosy needs more than to be wanted; some part of her demands she is needed. She is distraught thinking she doesn't fit into the role of a she-kitt. "She liked to go out clubbing and bring home guys with us. It didn't really bother me until she tried to get me to join in with them," Rosy says speaking of the girl who she had lived with. Apparently they had been much more than friends; they had been lovers as Pete Willoughby had suspected. Enter the Cat Ch. 08 I watch Rosy grimace with a mixture of disgust and distaste as she accepts the beer Malcolm offers her. She blinks as she stares at the bottle and gives a little hiccup. "Where's my bourbon?" Rosy asks sounding slightly confused. Rosy is drunk. She definitely does not need to be drinking more of the strong spirits I had offered her earlier. Heck, she would be better off going to bed rather than continuing to drink beer. I move my bottle of high quality bourbon out of her sight and pick up one of the empty beer bottles. "You drank it all," I say holding the empty bottle up in clear view. Rosy sways slightly beside me on the lounge as she turns her body towards me, she frowns as she narrows her eyes as she attempts to focus on the bottle I hold. "That looks like a beer bottle," Rosy says in an almost accusing tone. "You think I'm trying to trick you out of drinking my bourbon?" I ask. I can't help smiling at her. The look on her face is almost comical. I feel my stomach do a flip-flop as her gaze settles on my lips, and her pupils grow leaving only a thin line of colour around them. The tip of her tongue darts out to sweep across her bottom lip. "What would his lips feel like on mine?" Her voice is soft and breathless. I feel my heart speed up and my body begin to come to life as the smile on my face widens at the soft sound of Rosy's voice. I realise she doesn't know she is speaking her thoughts aloud. "Was that kiss at Pete's really as good as I remember?" My body is suddenly so hard it is almost painful. I remember the taste of her lips, the feel of her body against mine. Damn that kiss had been hot! Steven's snort of laughter distracts Rosy pulling her attention from me. She looks towards him and I find myself fighting the urge to pull her against me to claim her attention once again. "What's so funny?" Rosy asks Steven in puzzlement. "Something you were thinking," Steven's grin widens and several of the others laugh. Clearly they are enjoying seeing this vulnerable side - her unintentional remarks showing her interest in a male despite her earlier claim of only liking females as lovers. "What was it ya were thinking?" Rosy asks almost flirtatiously. This time Steven laughs outright and she giggles. "Gee I must be getting drunk," Rosy says with a bit of surprise. "It's a possibility," I admit. "But my beer is still half full," Rosy protests holding up her beer bottle. "Looks empty to me," I tell her. Rosy squints as she peers at the bottle with narrowed eyes. It's hard not to laugh as her eyes widen and her mouth forms a startled 'O'. "Hey! Someone drank my beer," Rosy protests as she looks around and sways slightly. "I think it might have been you," Steven says seriously. I hold back a laugh as she looks at her bottle as she considers Steven's remark. "That's okay then," she mutters. She lifts the bottle and checks the bottom as if checking to make sure there's no hole in it. I glance at Sam on the other side of her but he seems stunned, not sure of what to do with his sister in this condition. Behind Rosy's head Mitchell has an amused look on his face. He seems to find his sister's drunken state as amusing as most of the others do. The only one who seems unhappy about it is Chris who keeps glancing between me and Rosy. "I think it's time you went to bed," I tell Rosy. Someone needs to step in and stop her drinking any more alcohol. "No! I want to stay up with you guys," she protests. "I'm about to go to bed," I coax softly. "Are you?" Rosy asks almost doubtfully. A smile forms slowly on her face and she turns her head, watching from the corner of her eyes almost slyly. "I'll go to bed if you will," Rosy says quietly as she lifts her chin slightly. Hot damn! Is that an invitation or what? My heart slams into overdrive and my jeans become uncomfortably tight. "Micah! She's drunk she doesn't know what she's saying," Sam growls standing up. "Want to come to bed Rosy?" I ask quietly. "Sam is it okay if your sister sleeps with me tonight?" "Sam's not the boss of me," Rosy splutters indignantly as she struggles to stand up. Mitchell seems loathe letting her go and the glare he sends my way is full of warning but he does not prevent Rosy standing. Rosy sways as she manages to stand by herself and I instinctively reach for her as she grabs for something to steady herself. It is hard not to growl at Sam who grabs her other hand. She looks down at our hands holding her hands, and then glances from me, to Sam and back again. "I wanta go to bed. I drunk I'm a bit think," Rosy slurs slightly. "Just a bit?" Sam asks sternly. "I don't drink beer," Rosy says and sways. "I think you'd better go to bed before you fall over," I say and release her hand to slip my arm around her waist and the other arm behind her thighs. She feels right in my arms and I look at Sam pointedly as he keeps hold of her hand. "Don't do anything she'll regret when she's sober," Sam says as he lets go of her hand. I know he means it as a warning but it comes out sounding more like a plea. Rosy has chosen me over both of her brothers in her drunken state, and my being more dominant limits their interference. I head for my room eager to be alone with Rosy. I know that Sam and Mitchell will lurk in the sunroom near the door of my room listening to make sure Rosy is comfortable with anything I do. Still, there will only be the two of us in the room. I don't bother with the light as I walk into my room. Moonlight from the nearly full moon shines in two windows on the far wall illuminating the room. I place Rosy well into the centre of my bed, giving me just a fraction of a second or so if she decides to bolt from me. She is very relaxed and showing signs of sleepiness as I stretch out beside her. I slip one hand beneath the hem of her shirt wanting to be touching bare skin. "Remember when I kissed you at Pete's?" I ask quietly. I don't want her to be afraid. I know she finds closeness with any of us other than her brothers unsettling. I don't want this time with me to be uncomfortable for her. A faint blush tinges her cheeks and she smiles shyly at me. "Yes," her voice is no more than a breathy whisper. "Want to try it again?" I invite. The tip of her tongue darts out across her lower lip and she moves her head fractionally. I can't resist the sight of those soft dusky pink lips - they're full and soft looking. I lower my head for a taste of her mouth. Her breath comes out with a little gasp as I barely touch my lips to hers. Her lips tremble slightly and then I feel her mouth open to me, welcoming me as I close my lips over hers firmly. My tongue slides between her lips into the sweetness of her mouth. She tastes of beer and there is a faint hint of bourbon also. I ease the kiss to a halt; I don't want to rush Rosy. I lift my head and watch emotions skip across her expressive face as she opens her eyes and looks at me. "You're not so scary anymore," Rosy murmurs. "You're not bossing me 'round 'nd being all Alpha like." Something twists inside my chest as I realise she finds me scary. It wasn't my intention to scare her, not ever. Did she mean to drive me, us, all of us away when she revealed she preferred other females to males? Does she think I wouldn't understand she has been hurt in the most terrible way by the toms who caught her? She's drunk I realise. Much further gone than I had thought. Damn I wish she wasn't drunk. I won't be able to take this as far as I want to. Well maybe one more kiss won't hurt. "Is that so?" I ask softly and when Rosy blinks with a confused look I become aware I have been simply watching her and thinking for longer than I was aware. I lower my head; just one more kiss before holding her while she falls asleep. "Don't do anything she'll regret when she's sober." Sam's words run through my mind. I want her sober, alert and this close. Her mouth opens beneath mine. She is sweet and responsive as I kiss her. My body tightens once again. Rosy presses against my chest as I deepen the kiss. She is eager and I cup her face intending to stop kissing her but as I hear the soft little whimpers she makes, my good intentions are exactly that. Intentions. I break off the kiss only to trail my lips and tongue across her cheek, kissing and tasting her. Her earlobe is tender and I nip it gently before searching for that spot where her pulse throbs just below the skin on her neck. I groan against her throat as my hand brushes against the swell of her breast. I cup my hand over it regardless of the material that prevents me touching her bare skin. I feel the nipple bead beneath the material and roll it between my thumb and forefinger. The light brush of Rosy's hands traces the muscles in my upper arms before running lightly across the top of my shoulders. "Like it when fingers and tongue are used, do you?" I ask whisper soft as I explore her body with my hand. Her body is soft and responsive. She wants this as much as I do. I cup her feminine mound through her jeans and a needy whimper comes from her mouth. "Yes," she sighs against my lips before I kiss her once again. My inner cat moves restlessly. He wants to feel her body against ours. I give in to his need to touch more of her, see more of her. The zip on her jeans slides down easily and she arches against me as I ease her jeans from her hips. I break off the kiss and raise my head to watch as I push her jeans from her body. I sit up and move down her body as I slide her jeans off her legs, I toss them aside and run my fingers lightly over the light covering of hair between her legs. I can smell the scent of her arousal and slide a finger into the top of the crease of where her legs meet. I almost groan as Rosy parts her legs without hesitation. My finger dips into the wet, slick folds and her legs open invitingly with a faint whimper as I stroke the softness I find there. Pleasure; make sure she feels only pleasure. No fear, no pain, only pleasure. I follow my carnal instinct as I move between her thighs, kneeling then stretching out comfortably as I look at the arousing sight before me. Rosy's body is inviting and arousing. On the top of her breasts her nipples are tightly puckered. The way her skin is silky soft over her ribs and down to the flatness of her stomach where her navel makes a small dimple. Her body flows into the graceful curves that form her hips and down to her feminine folds, softly swollen and slick with moisture emitting a tantalising scent. I eye the courageous nub peaking out from beneath its hood as it stands guard above the slightly gaping slit. I watch as she runs her hands over her body, cupping her breasts before stroking her stomach and moving down to her feminine mound. They slide into that slick area and then she is holding herself open for me, exposing the most intimate part of herself to my gaze, stunning me with her boldness. I move without thought, my lips close over that proud nub and I suck her clit into my mouth. Rosy gasps and bucks her hips up against my mouth. I sense her need and one hand moves higher as I find the opening of her cunny. I stroke my fingers over the opening, lubricating my fingers before boldly sinking them into her cunny. "Hell that's good." The words that come from Rosy send a jolt of lust through me. Her body is fully aroused, her soft moans needy. I suck, nip, suck and nip at her clit as I work my fingers within her cunny. I can feel her inner walls tighten and ripple as she whimpers and moves beneath my hand and mouth. Rosy is so responsive! So warm and soft. Much more aroused than I first realised. I release her clit and suck and lap at the moisture that comes from where my fingers dance and tease. The soft sounds that come from her throat drive me on, the way her cunny grips at my fingers tells me her release is close. I slip a third finger into her passage and suck her clit into my mouth once again. "Stop! Stop! Not yet," Rosy cries out. Her body arches lifting her hips from the bed, pressing her centre against my mouth. Ripples caress my fingers as inarticulate whimpers come from her throat. It's all about Rosy, her pleasure and fulfilment. We will wait; this only the beginning for us. The urge of my inner cat is forceful in my mind. Suddenly I find myself being pulled away from her body as it melts back onto the bed. I grit my teeth and fight the need to turn on the two toms that are dragging me from between Rosy's thighs and from the room. My entire body is hard and tense as I snarl angrily. "What the hell did you do to Rosy?" Mitchell demands angrily. "She was screaming stop!" I grin as I remember her whimpers and demands. "I made her come," I say and lick her taste from my lips. Suddenly I want to fight: one type of physical release to replace another. Typical misplaced aggression, some small part of me notes distantly. "You what?" Sam demands. "I think it's safe to say your little sister not only likes girls but she likes toms as well. She just hasn't realised it yet," I taunt even as I fight to control my own physical needs. I only meant to kiss Rosy. When I had been bringing her to a climax, I knew I had to stop there. As much as I wanted Rosy, I want her to be in full possession of her faculties when I claim her. Rosy would be fully alert and aware of the significance when she allowed me to claim her. And something told me she would be claiming me as much as I was claiming her. "Rosy said stop! You didn't," Mitchell challenges with a shove in my chest. I grunt faintly as I meet with the unyielding wall behind me. I laugh softly with satisfaction -- I managed to contain my need while I bought Rosy pleasure and completion. I step forward to give Mitchell a shove that has him stumbling back several steps. Sam growls angrily as he slams me back against the wall, his forearm resting across the top of my chest. They have to make sure the man and the cat are strong enough for their sister. I take a deep breath and reign in the aggression and anger their interference has provoked. My mind is starting to clear of its lust-fuelled frustration. Fighting with Sam and Mitchell would only demean the three of us. My inner cat purrs in satisfaction. "If you notice I still have all my clothes on," I say forcing my tone to remain even. "I am well aware your sister is drunk and will at least be embarrassed by what she did tonight." "You should have thought about that before you took her into your bedroom," Sam snarls but eases the pressure on his arm across my upper chest. He watches me for a minute or two before removing his arm and stepping back. "How about we take this out to the lounge room?" Dwayne asks. I look past Sam and Mitchell to see all of the others standing back watching us. I glance into my bedroom where Rosy is curled up on her side with her face to the doorway. She has the sheet pulled up over her hips and clutched against her chest modestly. I am not sure if she has covered herself up in her sleep or someone else has done it for her. "We don't want to wake Rosy up," Steven warns. "I don't think she'd appreciate it." I don't say anything as I push past Sam to head for the lounge room even though all I want to do is stretch out on the bed with Rosy. I want to be able to hear her breathing and watch her sleep. Everything decent in me wants to be there if she disturbs and later when she wakes up. When I return to the bedroom, I know her brothers will be hovering protectively as I assert my right to sleep in my own bed. In the lounge room I take in the collection of empty bottles in front of and beside the lounge, most of them Rosy's. I begin gathering them up and head outside with an armful to put them in the glass-recycling bin. "You alright?" Steven asks quietly just behind me. "I'll survive," I answer quietly. My body is still humming with arousal. Just the thought of Rosy sleeping in my bed is enough to send jolts of electricity spiralling down from my gut to my loins. I try to rearrange the front of my jeans to a more comfortable position. I bite back a groan of frustration at the tightening in my scrotum as I accidentally brush my hand against my rigid shaft. "Sounds like you need some privacy," Steven says with a chuckle. I hear the faint sounds of his footsteps as he heads back inside and I take a deep breath trying to calm the hunger in my body. When my older brothers and I had become teenagers, Wade and Baxter, who had been chief warrior, repeatedly told us there was no shame in spilling our seed onto the ground. The choice to have intercourse or just be satisfied with foreplay was always the decision of the she-kitt involved. As young toms we were encouraged to ease our own needs either by masturbating, or by finding a willing human female. Later as a warrior I had seen some of the more dominant warriors become intimate with their less dominant partner, forming a same sex relationship. Gritting my teeth I reach for the zipper of my jeans. To me masturbation is more honourable than taking advantage of Rosy's drunken state or searching out a willing human female. I groan softly with relief as my hard shaft springs free from my jeans. I squeeze the engorged head in one hand firmly as I encircle my cock with my other hand. I can feel a little moisture in the fist around the head of my cock and suspect I am already leaking precum. I lick my lips; I still have the taste of Rosy's juices on them. I remember the feel of her mouth beneath mine: warm and firm with the right amount of moistness as we kiss. Her breath brushed against my face when I nibbled her earlobe. I change positions with my hands, one cupping the base of my cock and the sack below. One hand slowly strokes the length of my hardness as I remember the feel of her hands skimming my shoulders. Once again I hear the needy little whimpers that come from Rosy; again I see the way she opens to me. I know her passage will be tight and slick, gripping me as we move together. Her heels will dig into the back of my thighs ... arse ... or I may even have her legs up over my shoulders ... I imagine the little whimpers, the gasps and needy sounds as I feel the tension building deep behind my balls. The way she urges me on with her noises, the way she writhes and strains against me tells me her need is growing. I know that she will want me as much as I want her. Pressure grows and swells before pulsing beneath the skin as I pump my hand up and down my shaft furiously. I feel the rush, then jizum bursts from the head of my cock, spraying onto the ground beyond the bins where no one goes. When the last tremor leaves me leaning my shoulder against the guttering down pipe, I groan and take several deep breaths. I shake my cock to remove any last drops of jizum before tucking my semi flaccid cock back into my jeans. What I have just done does little to relieve my frustration but it will make my lust controllable around Rosy. I lean against the wall for a couple of minutes before straightening up and turning around to head inside. "I'm glad to see you had the sense to do that out here, not in your bedroom where Rosy is, or in the toilet where she would have heard you," Sam says dryly. "What the..." The words come out as a startled snarl as Sam steps out of the shadows near the door. I hadn't heard him come outside and clearly he has been there a while, trespassing on my privacy. "Jerk off near my sister while you're muttering her name and I will personally rip you..." Sam's words are cut off as I grab him by the throat and slam him back against the wall making the doorframe rattle. I hear running feet inside the building but ignore them as I lean in close to his face. Enter the Cat Ch. 08 "Next time it might be your sister's hands or mouth," I snarl at him. "Don't go getting in between us. I would never do anything she didn't want." "What's going on here?" Dwayne demands as he pushes in between us. I allow myself to be pushed away from Sam and when he comes after me to give me a hard shove I don't fight back. I am ashamed at my loss of control over his intrusion into my privacy and regret taunting him with my remark about Rosy's possible participation in future. Sam follows the first push with a second one and glares at me a few seconds before giving a slight nod. Even though I am the dominant tom I have to remember that Sam is Rosy's brother and his aggression is in protection of her. My remark about Rosy might have been slightly out of line but I intend to become a bit more assertive and obvious about my intentions with her. I want her to start taking this attraction between us seriously. "I'm just letting Sam know I intend to try to start courting Rosy," I say as I turn my head towards Dwayne but don't take my eyes off Sam. "Shouldn't you be asking permission instead of informing me?" Sam demands hotly. I take a deep breath, my patience at its limit for the moment. "Sam, Mitchell, I wish to start courting your sister. I intend to ask her out. To a movie or dinner, anything to make it clear to her I want to get to know her better," I say evenly. "It's about time you conformed to the proper way of doing things," Mitchell says with a grin as he steps up beside Sam. "Give Rosy time to get over the embarrassment she is gonna probably feel over what happened between the two of you," Sam orders firmly. "Give her time to start forgetting she only got pleasure and no fear or pain?" I ask sceptically. "Don't crowd her," Sam warns. "You oppose my intentions towards your sister?" I ask tightly. "I ... no, but I intend on reminding her she does not HAVE to allow you to do anything," Sam says firmly. "I have to go into town in the next day or two and intend to ask Rosy if she wants to come along. I want to give her time alone with me to realise she doesn't have to fear me," I tell Sam and Mitchell quietly with a frown over their shoulders towards the others who have come outside. "Isn't there a mess in the lounge room to clean up?" Sam asks turning his head to the side. "Come on, back inside," Steven orders. I hear them head back inside but most of my attention is on Sam and Mitchell as they stand facing me. "Rosy might not be willing to be alone with you," Mitchell says evenly. "Well I guess one of you would have to come as well," I say with a sigh. I really don't want to start imagining obstacles to being alone with Rosy. I'll worry about them if and when they occur. "We only want Rosy to be happy and not pushed into anything. She had a lot of bad experiences with strays," Sam says firmly. "I understand your concerns. Why don't we go inside, sit down and see if we can come to a satisfactory agreement?" I ask easily. I guess the grilling I am about to undergo is similar to that between an overprotective human father and his daughter's prospective boyfriend. The following day I find out Rosy has no memory of the previous evening's events. It turns out she avoids drinking beer due to the fact her system does not cope with that specific alcohol and she quickly becomes drunk. She also suffers a bad hangover and temporary memory because she drank so much. Although this reaction is unusual in werecats I do know one tom who only drinks beer because spirits and wine have the same debilitating effect on him. Werecats can usually drink copious amounts of alcohol with very little effect because of our fast metabolic rate. Rosy's reaction when she is told she went to bed with me is far from reassuring. She is upset, blaming her brothers and me before rushing from the quarters to get some space between us all. Even though I know giving her time and space to think things through is her way of coping, it is still a blow. I had hoped she would want to talk to me about what happened between us and want to work out where we go from here. With only four days and three nights to the Alpha meeting I am hoping for some time to spend with Rosy, before she leaves on the morning of the fourth day. I am cleaning any rubbish out my car when Steven finds me and leans against the vehicle as he watches me work. "What's so interesting out there?" Steven asks after a minute or so. "She went that way," I admit. I make no pretence of not knowing what he is talking about. Even as I collect the empty food wrappers and drink bottles from the floor in the back of the car I am aware I glance towards the trees far too often. "You going to sit back and wait for Rosy to calm down in her own time?" Steven asks. "I want to talk to her and explain I had no intention of taking advantage of her last night," I say as I straighten up and look his way seriously. "Yeah, she doesn't understand our morals does she?" Steven says quietly as if he is almost reminding himself as well as talking to me. "It is always the she-kitt's choice." I say evenly. "If there's any doubt, we don't do anything." Steven gives a sigh and turns his full attention on me. "Any reason we can't head to town? Surely Dwayne can manage things here until Sam and Mitchell get back and it might be easier for Rosy if you and I give her a bit of space when she returns, at least for two or three hours." "I am hoping she will return before tea," I admit, "I'd wait until after she has eaten before trying to talk to her. Rosy is always calmer with a full stomach." "Yeah, but if she was to come back right now and see us out here, especially you ..." Steven gives me a grin as I look his way to study his expression. "She'll probably think you're about to take up where you stopped last night." I give a disgusted snort as I look away and study the tree line for a few moments before glancing back at Steven. "Anyone can tell you're still primed from last night," Steven points out. "Rosy will take one look at you and figure you're going to take what you want." I take a deep breath and go to protest that I would never do that to a she-kitt, any she-kitt. Steven has a cocky grin on his face and I turn away as I admit to myself Rosy wouldn't know she is totally safe. "We'll do a food run," I decide as I check the boot is empty. "Want me to go and check what we need?" Steven asks as he straightens from leaning on the car. "Yeah," I say as I slam the boot closed. I follow Steven into the quarters pausing in the hallway as I see Rosy's scattered clothing. Normally we leave discarded clothing where it falls so the owner can find it easily but I bend and pick the clothing up. I hesitate a moment then head for the small room she has claimed as her own. I stand at the foot of the bed as I fold the clothing neatly before placing it on the bed. I look around the room noting the small touches Rosy has added to the room leaving her mark. Bright multi coloured leaves that have fallen from trees and bushes rest in a glass bowl on the small dresser. I can smell the tangy scent of lemon and orange and see the thin strips of dried peel scattered throughout the leaves. Several small pictures of Australian bushland decorate the walls and I smile to myself as I realise Rosy has attempted to bring the outdoors into her room. "Anything special you want to add to the shopping list Micah?" Steven calls from the other end of the building. "Let me see what you got on the list and what's in the pantry," I call as I turn and head for the kitchen. "It's been ages since we had fresh, homemade pasta." * * * * * I answer the phone call just before sunrise. I listen to what Wade has to say, tell him I'll get onto it and then hang up. I rub my hands over my face to wake myself up and get to my feet reluctantly. The ringing of my phone had woken me from a deep sleep and my body and mind were reluctant to greet the early hour. I head for the bathroom; I have time for a shower as I think about who I will send on this job. Ten minutes later I head for the kitchen to start a pot of coffee before waking anyone up. As I come to the lounge room door I see the light in the kitchen and hear the soft sounds of movement. "Coffee is just about ready," Steven says as I walk through the lounge room. "Keep your fingers out of the muffin batter Steven!" Rosy says sounding exasperated. "What are you going to do if I don't?" Steven asks with a laugh. "Attempt to slap me again and miss again?" "I'll put broccoli in some of the muffins and make sure you get them," Rosy retorts brightly. "Steven don't you have something you should be doing?" I ask dryly as I walk into the kitchen. I am surprised to see Sam leaning against the counter with folded arms watching Steven and Rosy with an indulgent smile. My inner cat prowls angrily. Steven is flirting with our Rosy! Even though I know in my head Steven won't try to win her attentions away from me, I find I am jealous of the way she swats at his hand without real intent. The once scared and defensive Rosy is learning to play nicely with others. "Yeah," Steven says with a cocky grin. "I should be quality testing the muffins before and after they are baked." "Hmmm, they do smell good," I admit. The sweet and spicy aroma from cooking muffins is just starting to come from the oven. Apple and cinnamon is my guess. "Sam you had better get Mitchell and Dwayne out here. Got a job to be done and I decided you three will go," I say as I pull a frypan from the pile of washed cookware and place it on the stovetop. Steven retrieves sausages and steak from the fridge as I place a second frypan beside the first. "Micah you know Mitchell will refuse to leave while Jazzy is in seclusion. So will Dwayne; he's the oldest of you lot here," Sam points out. "Damn! I hadn't thought about that," I say and take a deep breath as I think for a moment. "What do you think of Steven and Mikkarl working with you on this one Sam? It's only finding Hank Weston and reminding him to keep to the less populated areas. Doc has seen him three times in the last two days down the main street in town." Both Sam and Steven grimace as they hear the news; Hank Weston is a roving stray who often roams our territory. He has a history of becoming overly attached to human females and ending up with a restraining order against him. If we warn him and head him towards the bush he tends to stay out of trouble for a considerable amount of time. "Steven, go wake your brother would you?" Sam asks. "You're not going to hurt this guy are yous?" Rosy asks as she pulls more muffin mixes from the pantry. There is a worried look on her face when she turns around to face her brother. "Rosy," I say and she glances my way uneasily. "Hank Weston functions better away from large populations of humans. He has a tendency to follow lone women a lot. So far he has been harmless but we just head him for the country areas where he is distracted by the chance to get away and change to cat form. He handles being a werecat much better that way." I explain patiently and I am happy to see a lot of worry fade from Rosy's eyes. She turns back to the items on the bench and looks down at them for a minute or so before looking my way once again. "They're not going to go out and attack this guy Hank for no reason?" Rosy asks a trace uncertainly. "We're going to prevent him getting himself into trouble," Sam says gently. It's hard not to remind her I have told her several times that we do not attack strays but I force myself to remain cool and calm. I can only guess at what poison and lies she had been feed by that mongrel Jasper to make her keep away from clan cats. We have to let her develop faith in us by our actions, I remind myself. Everyone wakes despite the unusually early hour and breakfast is a quiet meal. I notice Rosy is still worried and know it will take her a long time to come to trust what we say. I become aware of tension between Mitchell, Malcolm and Timny. I make a mental note to have a quiet word with Dwayne and then I am busy giving Sam, Steven and Mikkarl their full instructions. I intend to try to chat with Rosy once the three warriors have left, try to ease her concerns about what they will be doing, but Wade comes over as they are about to leave and asks me to come to the main house once they are gone. When the work van pulls away from the quarters I glance around to make sure everything is under control before I head for the main house. I can hear Malcolm taunting Mitchell for letting Sam go off on a job without him and I glance towards Dwayne to make sure he is aware of the situation before turning and following Wade. "Rosy seemed upset," Wade comments as we reach the main house. "She still has to get over the belief clan cats kill strays," I say evenly. "She's worried what Sam's exact instructions are." "She should stop worrying and leave it all to you warriors," Wade says dismissively. "Jim Tuck wants those carved wooden gates delivered as soon as possible. Take the light truck, Rosy and Mitchell, and deliver them today. A trip down along the coast should distract her from thinking about what her oldest brother is doing." "Mitchell won't want to leave the compound because of Jazzy being in heat," I tell him evenly. "One of the others then," Wade says with a shrug. "Who has Rosy developed an interest in?" "I've asked Sam and Mitchell's permission to start courting her," I say evenly trying to keep the pride out of my voice. I guess I didn't do a good job because Wade turns his head to glance at me as we make our way to his office. "I could have sworn Donovan said she was sleeping with Chris Inness," Wade says. "That's all about to change," I say trying to prevent a growl as my anger starts to rise at the thought of Chris touching Rosy. "So you're still hung up on the idea of taking her as a wife?" Wade asks. "I don't remember mentioning wanting to marry Rosy," I say surprised. Wade laughs softly and watches me as he settles himself in his favourite chair in his office. I cross the small room and glance out the window at the view of the well kept lawn before turning and sitting on one end of the couch beneath the window. "I am your father, don't forget. I recognised the look in your eyes the first time I set eyes on you near Rosy. You lifted her out of the work van Sam's team was using," Wade says with a half smile. "So tell me, how do you plan on catching the full attention of this little wildcat?" I can't help the smile I feel curve my mouth as I remember the other night when I had Rosy in my bed. It is a long time since Wade and I have talked like this, like father and son. He started treating me like an employee not long after I became head warrior, orders taking the place of conversation. "I believe I have her full attention; she just has to realise she likes it," I say quietly. "Rosy is reluctant to interact with the more dominant warriors, but I am winning her trust. She still has times she needs plenty of time and space to think things through for herself but she has stopped short of running away." "I guess in six weeks or so when she comes into heat you'll be joining her in the cage, staking your claim and ensuring she catches, gets pregnant?" Wade asks casually. I remain silent for a minute or more as his words sink in and I try to find a polite way to say what I have to say. Wade's assumption that I would join Rosy in the cage with or without an invitation stirs anger I struggle to keep hidden. His suggestion that I would trick her into a relationship and trap her into marriage is an insult. "Tricking Rosy and forcing her to bend to what werecat society expects would be a mistake. I believe with another few months I will win Rosy's trust to where we can build a lasting relationship," I say stiffly. His words have me wondering if Wade has a hidden agenda which is why he talking to me so companionably. "You don't believe living as a stray for so long has warped Rosy to where she is incapable of living the life of a clan cat?" Wade asks quietly. Back to this again. I know Wade has serious concerns as to Rosy's mental state after all she has been through. I know she has issues but the more I get to know her, the more certain I am she will be able to adjust to clan life. "I am sure there will be some things Rosy has a hard time adjusting to, one being learning to think and speak like a werecat. But I believe given time and help she will manage it," I say in a firm confident tone. "Why is Jazzy confined to the secure room? Marissa informed me it could have waited another few days," Wade says evenly. Ah, the real reason for this talk. "Jazzy is coming into heat. She seduced Mitchell in cat form and she has become volatile around Rosy. In fact the reason Dwayne handed her into Marissa's care is because she tried to attack Rosy. Luckily Rosy didn't seem to..." I begin to explain to Wade. "WHAT! You say Rosy attempted to attack Jazzy!" Wade snarls angrily, once again becoming the Alpha I am now more familiar with. "No! Jazzy tried to attack Rosy but Dwayne managed to grab Jazzy before she did more than land a light kick on one of Rosy's legs. It was in the middle of a heated discussion and Rosy could have easily struck back but she didn't," I answer evenly. "You let your sister get into an argument with Rosy who has lived the life of a stray?" Wade demands tightly. "No. Everyone misunderstood a comment Rosy made. Everyone was upset with her, and Jazzy decided to take it on herself to dish out some punishment. Thankfully Rosy seemed more inclined to avoid a confrontation with Jazzy then defend herself. This might be Jazzy's home territory but Rosy is definitely the more dominant," I say with confidence. "Rosy is not aggressive. She will fight to protect herself from toms though." Wade is silent; he sits leaning back in his chair with one leg crossed over the other above the knee. He holds his hands together with fingertips touching but the palms apart as he studies me silently. "Have you talked to any of the others about your thoughts on Rosy being the more dominant?" Wade asks after several minutes of silence. "I had a long discussion with Dwayne, Steven, Sam, Mitchell and Timny the night Jazzy tried to attack Rosy. I pulled Malcolm aside the next morning and asked his take of the situation; he seems to be able to read Rosy better than the rest of us can," I say and pause as I remember the conversations. "Everyone agrees that Rosy would be the more dominant if she wanted to assert herself. We don't believe Rosy will attack Jazzy but at the same time we do not intend for the chance to present itself for a fight between them." "Jazzy, yes she will have a go at Rosy. Jazzy has never had the chance to make her own place in the ranks of the she-kitts because of her illness. I don't believe she sees Rosy as much different to any of the warriors when it comes to bossing us all around. She's just another cat to boss around or demand attention from," I explain calmly. "What do Sam and Mitchell think of your wanting to court their sister?" Wade asks evenly. "Neither of them are against it," I say and pause, refusing to state that both of them had been seriously against the idea of letting Edwin try to gain Rosy's interest. "As long as I do not attempt to pressure Rosy into anything that is her right to say no to, then I have their blessing," I continue evenly. "Having their approval is good," Wade states then gives a smile. "I'll let you go talk Rosy into going for the drive down the coast with you. If you want to take your time returning home so you can show her a good time, I have no urgent need for you to get back." Enter the Cat Ch. 08 I study Wade for a moment wondering at his interest in the relationship between Rosy and me before getting to my feet and heading for the door. "Rosy follows your orders?" Wade asks curiously. I can't help the slight chuckle that escapes me. "If I take the time to explain the reason why I make an order, usually. But she is learning to stop and think about how others are affected by her actions," I admit over my shoulder before heading outside. Enter the Cat Ch. 09 Hi Lit readers Sorry its been so long since I posted. This is the last chapter on this story, I am now combining it with To Love a Stray. Mygypsy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The atmosphere in the cab of the truck is thick and tense. We have only been on the road for half an hour but even now the tightly leashed anger is almost palatable. Malcolm sits glaring out the side window while Rosy sits between us, staring out the windscreen ignoring both of us. I had arrived back from my talk with Wade at the main house to find Malcolm and Mitchell close to blows. Malcolm had continuously taunted the younger tom in my absence until Mitchell had been ready to put him in his place. Unfortunately Rosy had decided that since Sam was away she needed to protect Mitchell and she had been furious in her verbal defence of him. What she didn't think of at the time was her defensive actions made Mitchell appear weak in the eyes of the other toms. I glance across at Rosy and Malcolm, and then reach down to turn the radio off. I am aware of Malcolm looking my way in the sudden silence that fills the cab. I don't have to look to know there is a bruise forming at the corner of his mouth where Mitchell hit him when I dragged Rosy out of harm's way. "Rosy, ever been down the coast highway before?" I ask. I am not sure who she is mad at - Malcolm for insulting and provoking her brother, or at me for allowing the brief fight. Maybe she is mad at both of us. "Yes," Rosy's answer is short and to the point. Obviously she doesn't want to talk. "You've been to the beach before?" I ask curiously. There is silence except for the steady hum of the engine for several minutes and I am starting to think it will be a long day with Rosy sulking. "A long time ago," her voice is soft and almost wistful. "Almost another lifetime." "With Harry Caruthers?" I guess. I know Rosy very rarely talks about the man that raised her as if she were his own child, until his death. I am not surprised when there is no answer this time and I glance at her when the silence starts to stretch out. "How'd you like to go onto a beach and not have to worry about watching your back every second?" Malcolm asks. "Maybe Micah will be able to fit a small break in." "I ... no, Wade'll be wanting you to be getting back," Rosy denies but there is longing in her voice. I move my fingers on the wheel nervously before gripping it tightly; I am surprised at the nervousness welling in my stomach. I swallow hard then let the words out forcing myself to keep my voice even and calm. "We can take all the time we like. Maybe we could have lunch at one of the beaches, make it our first date," I say lightly and glance at Rosy with a half smile. It isn't how I hoped or planned to ask her out. Her eyes are narrowed masking her reaction as she looks my way before glancing at Malcolm. He is busy looking out his window, pretending to be paying us no attention, but he is sure to be listening for her reply. I turn my attention back to the road. The longer the silence stretches, the more taunt my nerves become. "I won't touch you. I won't even try to hold your hand if that makes you feel more comfortable," I say quietly. "I guess I don't have a choice," Rosy says tightly. "I'm not the one driving." "We can have lunch in the truck while we travel," I say evenly refusing to let my disappointment and hurt show. "I'm stuffed from breakfast," Rosy says. "I doubt I'll be hungry." "You miss a meal voluntarily?" Malcolm laughs and puts his arm along the back of the seat behind Rosy's shoulders. "Mitchell too busy nursing his bruises to slip you a few dollars?" "Malcolm," I growl in warning and grip the wheel tightly. I feel stupid; I should have realised it was Rosy's independent streak making her refuse a meal. I have seen Rosy's hesitancy in accepting anything from any of us, other than her own brothers. I am beginning to think she believed our providing food or clothing for her left her indebted to those providing the items. "Don't you two start fighting," Rosy snaps. "I happen to be stuck in the middle here." "The thistle in a flower patch, hey?" Malcolm laughs and drops his arm onto the top of her shoulders. I feel Rosy's flinch through the bench seat we all sit on and grit my teeth as I refuse to snap at Malcolm. I tighten my grip on the steering wheel and hear it groan its complaint. Even after the couple of months she has spent with us Rosy avoids most contact while in human form and sometimes flinches when touched. "There are a couple of beaches very few people go to," I tell her evenly as I loosen my hold on the wheel and flex my fingers. "I'll stop at one of those so we can stroll along the beach and not worry about a heap of people getting in our way." "We got an esky in the truck haven't we?" Malcolm asks and continues without waiting for an answer. "We can stop at one of the fishing co-ops and take home a feed of freshly caught ocean fish. You like prawns don't you Rosy? We'll grab some and I'll cook up a big feed of garlic prawns for tea." "Can you shut up about food?" Rosy asks sounding exasperated and I glance her way to find her frowning as she stares out the windscreen. "Ah, don't tell me," Malcolm chuckles, "all this talk of food is making you hungry." He lets out a heavy breath of air with an 'ooph' and moves his arm from around Rosy's shoulders to clutch his ribs along side of her. "I didn't elbow you that hard," Rosy protests with a nervous glance my way. "If he can make that much noise about it, you obviously didn't elbow him hard enough," I say with a low chuckle. "Don't say that!" Malcolm protests with a laugh and then an exaggerated groan. "I'll end up with more than one busted rib." "Now yous are just making fun of me," Rosy says. Her tone is mild and she doesn't sound upset. The tension and anger in the cab has nearly vanished. I smile to myself and relax my grip on the steering wheel. This could turn into a pleasant trip after all. "Where do we have to take the load?" Malcolm asks after a few moments. "About twenty kilometres south of Coffs Harbour. Jim Tuck's place, the one he's renovating," I say as I look in the side mirror before changing lanes on the highway. "I hope you don't get truck-sick Rosy," Malcolm says lightly. "It's gonna be a long day." "Would travel sickness get me out of being cooped up with you two in a small enclosed space for an extended period of time?" Rosy asks, her eyes narrowed as she studies Malcolm then me closely. "No," I say before she can get any ideas. "You start to get sick and I'll 'Garfield' you to the outside of the cab." "Garfield?" Rosy queries with a frown as she tilts her head to the left as she looks my way. "You've seen those Garfield toys with suction cups on their feet?" Malcolm asks with a laugh. The fat orange tabby cat toys had been a favourite car accessory, nearly as popular as fluffy dice. "Yeah," Rosy's reply is slightly hesitant and reserved in tone. "They're often put on the inside of the back windows..." I say before reaching across to flip the glove box open and lift one of the suction cups for the windscreen shade out. I smile trying to convey we are teasing her, but from the narrow eyed look she gives me I doubt anyone has teased her before. "Damn! We should have stopped to grab some superglue or gaffa tape before warning her!" Malcolm laughs and nudges Rosy with his elbow. "You wouldn't dare!" Rosy says with a nervous laugh. "Or if you're willing to sit on Micah, I'll gaffa tape the suction cups to all four before we put him on the roof of the truck. Think you can handle the job?" Malcolm laughs. "Or do you think he'd enjoy that too much?" "What is it with you pair and gluing individuals to the outside of this truck?" Rosy asks uneasily. "You've never had anyone tease you before?" I ask lightly. "We're only trying to lighten your mood up," "Yeah," Malcolm says quickly. "You nearly had steam coming out your ears." "Sitting in a small enclosed space with two smelly toms is not my idea of a relaxing way to spend most of the day. And a hot day at that," Rosy says angrily and I realise the note beneath her anger is fear. We had unintentionally scared her and her normal reaction to being scared is to become aggressive if she feels cornered. "Smelly? You saying I'm smelly?" Malcolm asks in a high squeaky voice sounding ridiculous. "Yeah, very musky!" Rosy answers as I take a deep breath and confirm her remark for myself. Damn! Malcolm smells musky because Jazzy is on heat and there is rivalry between Mitchell and him. But me? Maybe because I am the boss at the quarters and there has been unrest the last couple of days? "That rules out air-conditioning for the drive," I state and wind my window down entirely. Recycling the air in the cabin of the truck would only increase the musky odour Rosy is finding distasteful. "Stopping at the next servo for ice and cold drinks?" Malcolm asks as he takes several cd's from the glove box. "You like that one?" I glance at him to find him showing Rosy his choice of music before turning my attention back to the road. "Just make sure whatever you put on isn't heavy metal," I warn remembering Edwin's preference in music. I hide my surprise when the music that begins to flow from the speakers is from Kenny Chesney. I smile to myself as he starts singing about some girl who thinks his tractor is sexy. Malcolm sings along, his voice slightly off key but Rosy is laughing at him so I don't tell him to shut up. The kilometres begin to slip behind us, the mood in the cab lightens and Rosy chats easily with us as Malcolm and I laugh and tease. I pull into a highway service station and buy a variety of drinks and a bag of ice for the esky. When I return to the truck both Rosy and Malcolm are silent and I am immediately aware of the tension in the air. I hand Malcolm his preferred lemon squash before offering Rosy a choice between cold water and coke. I catch her glance towards Malcolm after she eyes the offered drinks; she turns her attention back to the drinks and reaches for the coke after a slight hesitation. "No strings attached, we look after each other," Malcolm says quietly. I hear the slight grunt that comes from her but allow no reaction as I pack the extra drinks in the esky along with the ice. I pass the esky to Malcolm leaving him to put the esky in the space behind the seat while I walk around the front of the truck to the driver's door. I pause as I open my soda and take a deep drink before climbing into the driver's seat. "Let's get this show on the road," I say and reach for the key to start the engine. As we head down the road once again I wonder what Malcolm said to Rosy to get her to accept the drink so easily. I shrug it off and concentrate on the road ahead, trying to ignore Rosy sitting beside me. She has relaxed and occasionally her arm brushes mine as we go around a corner or the truck bumps over the uneven road surface. We make good time travelling and reach our destination late morning. Rosy is helpful as we unload the heavy wooden gates. She keeps well out of our way as she guides us manoeuvring the gates into place where they will be hung on gateposts. I accept Jim's offer of morning tea and we stand in the shade of an old gum tree sipping sweet black tea accompanied by a packet of ginger biscuits. I watch with a mixture of pride and envy as Jim flirts with Rosy; he is older than Wade. I tell myself he is no competition but it still angers my inner cat as Rosy laughs at his rusty jokes and blushes prettily at his compliments. I am relieved when I can use the excuse we need to head back home to make a polite departure. I climb behind the wheel and fasten my seatbelt as Rosy buckles up between Malcolm and I. The air that blows in the open windows is warm and dry as I turn the truck onto the highway and head north. "I hope we're stopping for an early lunch," Malcolm announces. "Those biscuits only made me hungrier." As if in agreement, Rosy's stomach makes a loud noise and Malcolm laughs in delight. "Now after your stomach added its agreement with my sentiment, you can't say you don't want lunch," he tells Rosy with a gentle nudge against her shoulder. "Ginger doesn't agree with my stomach," Rosy says evenly and I glance towards her but she is looking at Malcolm. "Why eat the biscuits then?" I ask curious to find out if what she said was true or she was trying to bluff her way out of accepting a meal. "He is a nice old man who wanted company and a female to flirt with," Rosy says evenly. "Besides, if you were paying attention I only nibbled on one biscuit and most of that ended up as crumbs on the ground." "Well why eat it if it doesn't agree with you?" Malcolm asks dryly. "'Cause he's a nice old guy who just wanted company," Rosy says with a shrug. "Grab us all a cold drink out of the esky," I tell Malcolm. "Lunch will be the other side of Coffs." We travel in silence until we reach the outer reaches of Coffs Harbour. I hear Rosy fidget in the seat beside me but don't take my attention off the midday traffic. I can't get the question as to why she would flirt with a human male but not one of us out of my mind. "You're weird, you know that?" Malcolm says. "You talking to me?" I ask startled. "No. Miss can't flirt with a tom but can flirt with an old man who smells like mothballs, here," Malcolm says dryly. I am startled to hear Malcolm voice similar thoughts to my own, but more startled to hear the resentment behind the words. Was Malcolm starting to become interested in Rosy as well or did he simply not like her preferring another species to our own? "What? Jealous because I smiled and blushed at a harmless old man?" Rosy asks amused. "Since your brothers aren't here to put you straight I'll do it for them," Malcolm snaps. "We keep it within our own species." "Oh really?" Rosy shoots back sarcastically as she turns towards him in her seat. "Is that why most of you guys have returned from town or one of the pubs at different times reeking of sex?" "Tit for tat is it? Pissed off because Chris came back from town smelling of sex the other day? Well if you haven't noticed Chris isn't in the truck,!" Malcolm says angrily. "It wasn't about Chris," Rosy snaps angrily and straightens to sit back against the backrest with enough force to make the air hiss out of the seat. "It's none of your business anyway!" "It is when the she-kitt from the clan I belong to starts getting interested in a human!" Malcolm growls back. "You ever been lonely?" Rosy yells turning to face Malcolm placing her back to me. "Really lonely? Not just a little bit, but so lonely it feels like no one else exists? So lonely you put up with shit you swore you'd never take from anyone, just to be near another living creature?" There is sudden silence in the truck cab except for the rumble of the engine and the rush of the air in the windows. Rosy's last sentence hangs in the air between the three of us ominously. I can feel and hear my own heart thudding in my chest and know if I listened closely I would be able to hear Malcolm and Rosy's heartbeats as well. I reach for the gear stick to start bringing the truck engine down through the gears as the tension in the air begins to rise fast. "Stop the truck," Malcolm says levelly from between clenched teeth. I check the rear-view mirror and notice how Rosy sits tensed with her back to me, one hand gripping the dashboard as the other unbuckles her seatbelt. "Stop the truck and let me out," Rosy growls low in her throat and I actually hear her heart rate start to speed up. Her right foot comes up onto the seat and a snarl begins to come from her in a continuous rumble. I switch lanes as a sign comes up for a take-away shop; I slow the truck down before taking the sharp turn. I have to keep my full attention on the road as the truck lurches in loose gravel. Beside me I am aware of sudden movement and I have to control the urge to slam the brakes on. "Don't!" Malcolm yells and I hear the slap of flesh meeting flesh. "Open the door and let me out!" Rosy demands in an angry hiss. "Let me stop the vehicle, let Malcolm get out, then you can get out." I order in a low even tone. "We don't want to cause a scene by you jumping out of a moving vehicle." "Stop the fucking truck or I start yelling and screaming blue murder," Rosy snarls and I can smell the stress radiating off her. "We won't be going far," I say as I pull the truck to a halt in front of a bakery, double parking, and turn my head to watch Rosy hastily jump from where she squatted on the seat to the road beside the truck. I hear Malcolm hiss quietly and glimpse a twenty-dollar note in his hand that he must have tried to give to Rosy. but Rosy is already on the sidewalk and moving away. Malcolm pulls the passenger door shut and I pull into a gap in the traffic. I am aware he is keeping track of Rosy as I drive along the street slowly, watching for a place I can park the truck legally. "What the hell do we do now?" Malcolm curses quietly. "Keep a discreet eye on her, find a park and pray she calms down quickly," I say in a low tone as I wait for a few cars to pass from the opposite direction so I can do a U-turn. There are several vacant parking spaces on the far side of the road and I am sure it is just enough space to put the truck in. "She was perfectly fine one moment, then totally lost it the next," Malcolm says sounding puzzled as I manage to park the truck. I turn the engine off and sit watching the opposite sidewalk for a few minutes. I recognise Rosy's movements and easily pick her out from the people she is weaving through. "Loneliness is part of what keeps her around," I murmur softly to myself. "She regretted that as soon as she said it. I saw it in her eyes. Then she ... well she lost it," Malcolm says quietly. "Rosy doesn't like letting anything slip about herself. She tells us what she wants us to know, and she keeps a lot of stuff hidden as well. But I'm sure she will get better as she learns to trust us more," I tell him confidently. "Yeah, think you've got it about right," Malcolm agrees seriously. "Damn I wish she would hurry up and head over here. My stomach thinks my throat has been cut!" I laugh softly as I think how hungry Rosy must be feeling as well. Surely the lure of food will help get her to calm down quicker. "Let's go look what food's on offer," I say opening the door and getting out of the vehicle. "It's always been an ice breaker with her." "Think I'll start with a cup of strong black coffee," Malcolm mutters. The display of deep fried food looks fresh but I move on to the hot chicken shop and study the menu for a minute or so before heading out of the shop. "Over by the truck," Malcolm says quietly. I glance towards the truck and spot Rosy leaning against a building front in the shade, not far from the truck. She is looking towards us and I have no doubt her eyes are watchful behind the curtain of hair that falls over her face. "I'm going to grab some fish and chips and a few bits an' pieces," I tell Malcolm. "I'll grab something from here," Malcolm says before heading back into the shop. In the shop next door I get three large fisherman's baskets for the variety in them and grab some bottles of drink from one of the fridges before heading for the truck. I open the passenger door and put the wrapped food on the seat while I quickly put the drinks in the esky. "I hope you're hungry," I say with a glance towards Rosy. She shrugs and looks away from me but not before I notice she has calmed down and is nearly back to her normal self. "Malcolm is getting some things from the chicken shop, so we'll have a variety of stuff to choose from," I say as I walk over to her. "Just about ready to get back in the truck?" Enter the Cat Ch. 09 "Yeah." Rosy's reply is abrupt but at least she is speaking and not asking if she is in trouble. Malcolm returns to the truck within minutes and we are back on the highway quickly. Malcolm opens one of his plastic bags to reveal a paper bag of hot potato chips and he begins eating them, blowing on them before popping them into his mouth. "Get 'em into you before they end up soggy," Malcolm mumbles around a mouthful of chips. He holds the bag out so I can grab a handful of fragrant chips and I catch sight of Rosy via the rear-view mirror -- she is waving one hand keeping the steam from the chips out of her face. "I like soggy chips," Rosy says but I notice she is eating the crisp chips hungrily. "You need to be ed-dew-mar-skated," Malcolm says drawing the word out and mangling the pronunciation. "You, eat, tay-toe chips, hot, and, crispy." "Slightly warm, soggy, and smothered in sauce, or gravy," Rosy counters ending her announcement with a slight snort of emphasis. "Awe strewth," Malcolm mutters. "Totally un-bloody civilised." "Barbarian," Rosy says lightly. "Soggy chips are nearly as good as creamy mashed potatoes." The portion of chips disappears quickly between the three of us and Malcolm opens a two-litre bottle of coke he'd bought with the food. He passes the drink to Rosy first and I hear her drinking deeply before there is a soft pop of released air and a long soft ahhh. "Give it here," I say when I glimpse her move to pass the drink to Malcolm. I take hold of the bottle in one hand and drink. I imagine I can taste the saltiness left behind from the chips and her lips as she drank. Malcolm is quick to take the bottle when I hold it out and I hear a soft grunt from him. "You pair didn't leave me much drink," Malcolm growls but his voice lacks conviction. "Tasted too good," I say evenly. A choking noise comes from Malcolm and then coke is sprayed on the inside of the windscreen as he coughs and splutters. "Gross!" Rosy squeals. "Man, you are hard up," Malcolm laughs between coughs. The glove box rattles and hopefully he is getting a cloth of some kind out to clean up the mess. "Here, you clean up the mess. You caused it," Malcolm says. "I did not! You're the one who started choking," Rosy says firmly. "If you didn't have your hand on Micah's leg making his brake foot jump it wouldn't have happened," Malcolm laughs. "I wasn't doing anything of the sort!" Rosy denies virulently. "I didn't touch him!" "What? No hand on the knee?" Malcolm laughs delightedly. "Maybe you should have your hand on his leg. Or be flirting with him. It might keep his mind from wandering," "What are you talking about?" Rosy asks in a stilted voice, her tone completely even. "Oh come on," Malcolm scoffs with merriment in his voice. "You can't be that naive." "Malcolm, enough. Shut the hell up!" I order tightly with a quick glance at Rosy, but she has her head turned towards Malcolm as he continues talking. "He wasn't talking about the coke tasting good - he would have been able to taste your mouth on the lip of the bottle. The salt from the chips, you," Malcolm informs her and laughs again. "You're mad," Rosy says scornfully. "Totally bonkers. I don't leave a weird taste behind when I drink out of a bottle or cup or whatever. You lot do though, and a smell. Smells like clan," with that announcement Rosy gives a soft dignified snort, and turns her attention towards the windscreen as she begins wiping it with a wad of paper towels. "You saying you think I'm weird?" Malcolm asks incredulously as he makes exaggerated hand gestures. "If that's the way you want to take it, yes you're weird." Rosy says evenly refusing to be ruffled by Malcolm's behaviour as she rubs at the coke splatter across the windscreen. "You hear that Micah?" Malcolm asks in awe. "Rosy thinks about me!" "No more than absolutely necessary," Rosy mutters, "unless it is to note how much of an utter and complete idiot you are. Like now for instance." I try to ignore Malcolm's chatter and the mutters from Rosy. I fight the urge to stop the truck and punch Malcolm; didn't he know how easily he could have panicked Rosy? I see the sign for the beach I want and turn the truck onto a sandy road. It is only a seven-minute drive before I am parking the truck under the shade of a tree on the edge of the road. Off to the side we can see the ocean as it rolls into shore, lazy waves that wash up onto a long empty beach. "We'll eat lunch here, then go down onto the beach for a while," I say as I climb out of the truck, reach behind the seat and pull two throw rugs out. "I'm going for a walk on the beach first," Rosy announces as she climbs out of the truck after Malcolm. It is hard not to groan in frustration at Rosy's words. If I didn't know better I would swear she was being difficult to pay Malcolm and I back for the laughs we shared. Or maybe she was aware of the sexual innuendo that had been thick in the conversation just a few minutes before - about me drinking from the bottle after she did. "Eat first," I say firmly. "But I want to go and look at the ocean," Rosy says with a wistful look towards the beach. "It will still be there when we're finished eating," Malcolm points out. Rosy makes no reply as she crosses her arms over her chest and waits impatiently. I roughly spread the blankets out side by side so there is enough room for the three of us to sit comfortably before retrieving the wrapped food and drinks esky. All of the food is open and visible before Rosy sits down and helps herself without being told to. I help myself to some calamari and crumbed prawn cutlets, purposely not touching any of the battered fish pieces as that is the first thing Rosy reaches for. Soon all that remains on the white butcher's paper is a couple of burnt chip ends, squeezed lemon wedges and a scattering of salt crystals. I lean back and rest on one elbow as I watch Rosy pulling apart the quarter of a chicken Malcolm put on the white paper near her. She dismantles the wing completely, pulling each bone away from the rest before nibbling the meat and skin clean off. Her teeth are white between her greasy lips and I watch as she pulls a bite of flesh free before chewing, licking her lips, and then swallowing. I feel my breath catch in my throat as my heart starts to speed up, and a heavy stirring starts low in my stomach as I watch her mouth as she eats. Finished with the wing she sucks each finger into her mouth individually before licking them clean. I grit my teeth to stop the groan that wants to emerge as she tilts her head back, and drops the browned skin straight between her lips and onto her tongue. Her lips are closed and she lowers her chin but her mouth doesn't move. I glance up from her lips to find her watching me in motionless silence. Rosy is watching me unblinkingly. I notice her pupils are large and dark just before she looks away with a start and resumes eating. I turn away reaching for the esky and choose a bottle of coke for myself. "Anyone else want a drink?" I ask without looking at either Malcolm or Rosy. "You get a couple of iced-coffees?" Malcolm asks. "Yeah," I answer as I pass one of the milk drinks to Malcolm. "Coke thanks," Rosy says. There is a soft gassy hiss and I turn my head to look her way. Rosy smiles widely as she raises my open drink to her lips and takes several deep swallows. "Oi! That was my drink," I say as I reach for another bottle of drink without taking my eyes off her. She lifts the bottle to her mouth once again, rubs it slightly on her bottom lip, takes a sip, then offers the bottle to me. Malcolm laughs a low, deep appreciative chuckle making me give a start. I look away breaking eye contact with Rosy only to look back hurriedly as I hear her getting to her feet. I go to get to my feet and she glares at me but I see the shadows of uncertainty and fear deep in her eyes. "I'm going down to the beach, alone," Rosy says forcefully and I settle back onto my elbow. "We'll probably only be five or so minutes behind you," I manage evenly as she turns away and I hear the slight throaty noise of annoyance she makes. I am busy watching her as she kicks her sandals off, before pulling her t-shirt off over her head to reveal a modest tankini top. Too entranced to speak to her further I watch the way her hips and bare legs move beneath her shorts as she heads down towards the beach. "Hot damn!" Malcolm exclaims when Rosy is down on the beach and well out of hearing range. "She had me believing she was blissfully unaware of what I meant when I said you tasted her on the bottle neck." "Yeah, me too," I admit quietly. Down on the beach Rosy is standing in the edge of the water, waves rolling around her ankles as she glances back over her shoulder at us. I watch as she squats and rinses one hand in the water before switching the drink to her clean hand so she can wash the other hand as well. I crumple the used butcher's paper together before getting to my feet and putting the rubbish in an empty plastic bag. "I can pack up here. I think you're wanted down there," Malcolm says. I give a nod of thanks before heading down to the beach. I watch Rosy as I go; she has half turned to watch me walking towards her but before I reach her she begins to walk along the waterline slowly. "Want some company?" I ask as I fall into step beside her. "Okay," Rosy says quietly. We walk in silence for several minutes before Rosy pauses to let the remains of a wave roll over her feet. "Would you like to go out for dinner tomorrow night? There are some good restaurants in town." I say earnestly. Suddenly just the two of us going out for a meal is important. "Maybe go to a movie afterwards?" "What if I said I'd prefer a moon light hunt?" Rosy asks quietly. My inner cat immediately makes his approval known as we hear this and it takes me a few moments before I trust myself to speak calmly. "Do you want just one or two others along?" I ask as we begin walking once again. "Sam, Steven and Mikkarl should be back by then. Do you want Sam and Steven along? We can't all go because Jazzy is in seclusion and Mitchell, Timny and most likely Malcolm, wouldn't leave to go on a hunt." "That's because the three of them like Jazzy isn't it?" Rosy asks curiously. "If it was me in the house, who wouldn't want to go on a hunt?" "Me for a start," I say firmly and pause for a moment before adding, "Steven and probably Donovan would hang around as well." "It would be okay if I asked for Sam and Steven to come along on the hunt as well?" Rosy asks as she stops and turns to face the ocean. "Yeah," I agree, "fine by me." I stand beside her watching the waves rolling in towards shore. I glance at her, hesitate a moment then reach out and grasp her hand. Rosy draws a sharp breath, little more than a hiss and jerks at her hand. I cling for a moment and am about to let go when she stops pulling against my light grasp. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pull away," Rosy whispers faintly. "Some habits are hard to break," I answer softly. I turn my head to look at her and she glances my way, gives a slight grimace, and then nods as she looks away. We stand there for a few minutes before I turn, and with a gentle tug lead the way along the beach. We walk hand in hand silently for a good distance before Rosy slows to a halt. I release her hand and watch as she walks knee deep into the water. She glances back at me and grins before making her way back to the dry sand. "That water feels different to fresh water," Rosy remarks. "It's still wet," I say as I scoop her up in my arms and head out into the water regardless of the fact my jeans are becoming soaked. I plan on her ending up just as wet as I am becoming. "Wha ... no!" Rosy squeals as she realises my intent. She grabs me around the shoulders and hangs on tightly as she kicks her legs wildly. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't drop you in the water," I say as I stop in hip deep water. I watch as Rosy looks down at the water, then up into my face. "If you take me back to the dry sand ... I'll let you kiss me," Rosy offers with a blush. An offer like this is too good to pass up but I pretend to consider it for a few moments before turning and heading back to shore. Once out of the water I stop and move my arm letting her legs down towards the ground, making her body rub against mine as I slowly lower her to stand on her feet. Her eyes don't leave mine the entire time and I feel one side of my mouth lift in a smile as I lower my head until her eyes flutter closed and my lips settle over hers. She tastes of sea air and the slightly sweet batter from the fish and seafood sticks. Her mouth opens beneath mine and I waste no time as I thrust my tongue deeply into her sweetness, mimicking what I want to do to her body. I feast on her lips for a few moments before Rosy gasps and pulls away from me. I release her reluctantly. "Too much?" I guess quietly. "Too fast," Rosy says stepping away from me with an uncertain glance my way. "The other night doesn't count." "You let slip the other night that you are scared of me," I say lightly as I reach for her hand and take several steps back the way we came. "I'm not actually scared of you," Rosy says as she begins walking beside me. "It's just you can be very intimidating at times, especially when it's directed my way." "I have to keep order some way," I tell her quietly. "I understand that," Rosy admits. I look along the beach and watch Malcolm where he is out in the surf diving beneath waves. I wander into the shallow water as we walk. When the water reaches over my ankles, I release Rosy's hand and turn to splash water at her. She gives a startled squeal, jumps back and then reaches down to flick water at me. * * * * * It's dark as I carefully park the truck and turn off the engine. A minute or two earlier I dropped Malcolm and Rosy off near the quarters with Malcolm's bundle of prawns. Malcolm is heading to the kitchen to cook up a feed for us while Rosy wants a shower. I smile to myself as I lock the truck up and head for the quarters. I can't help thinking of the fun I'd had in the surf with Rosy. Both of us ended up soaked from our splashing and I managed to steal several more kisses before Rosy ran into deeper water and dived under an incoming wave. The screen door squeaks beneath my hand as I open it and I mentally tell myself I need to get Timny to see to it. He is a whiz with general building maintenance. I can hear the quiet murmur of chatter along with the buzz of the tv as I head for the lounge room. "No problems today?" I ask Dwayne as I stop in the doorway. Dwayne glances my way from where he stands between the kitchen and lounge room. He grins as he gives a slight nod. "Everything went smoothly," Dwayne tells me. "The iron roofing was delivered so we fixed the roof on the hayshed. How was your day?" "Micah! Micah! You're back!" Donovan yells as the screen door bangs noisily and I hear him running along the hallway behind me. I turn and face him as his scent reaches me. Underlying his normal scent is a sweet and spicy undertone that tells me he has been around Jazzy before coming to the quarters. While the scent doesn't affect me I know most of the toms will be highly aroused by the smell. "As soon as Rosy gets out of the shower you are to have a thorough shower," I order firmly in a sharp tone. "Donovan! Donovan get out here now!" Wade yells angrily from outside. I can hear him striding across the gravel near the door and then the door squeaks in protest as he jerks the door open. I am aware of Donovan scrambling past me, fear coming off him in waves; no doubt it is Wade who is scaring him. "He's here, Wade," I say quietly. "Get out of my way!" Wade snaps pushing me aside roughly and grabbing hold of Donovan by the upper arm. "I told you to shower before you left the house," Wade snarls and gives Donovan a rough shake. "But I wanted to talk to Rosy and Micah," Donovan complains. "Where is Rosy?" "Do you think Rosy will appreciate you upsetting her brother, smelling the way you do?" Wade demands. "But ..." Donovan whines. "No buts about it," I snap, "not only did you disobey your Alpha, you disrespected me as well. Get out of my house and do not return until after lunch tomorrow." "But that's not fair! I need to talk to Rosy," Donovan says tearfully. I place my hands on my hips as I glare at Donovan, his eyes dart from Wade to me and back to Wade before he gives a defeated sigh and turns towards the hallway. "I'll need to have a talk to you in the morning," Wade pauses to say before following Donovan towards the door. "Donny is old enough to know better," Dwayne says as he walks over to me. He stops, sniffs the air and then turns around and heads for the pantry. He returns with a can of air freshener and sprays liberally. "Oi Chris! Peel the prawns don't eat them!" Malcolm growls loudly in the kitchen. "That's the first one he's eaten," Mitchell says mildly and I head for the kitchen to prevent any trouble. When I reach the archway between the rooms I am relieved to find Mitchell, Timny, Chris and Justin seated around the table peeling the prawns while Malcolm dices onions and garlic. "You sure Rosy likes Garlic Prawns?" Justin asks with a glance towards Malcolm. "She said she does," I confirm. "Was that before or after you dunked her in the surf?" Malcolm asks with a chuckle. "Actually I don't think she did say she likes them, but she didn't say she doesn't like them or they disagree with her like ginger does," I say after a moments thought. "Rosy has a problem with ginger?" Mitchell asks glancing between Malcolm and I. "She said it upsets her stomach," Malcolm says lightly. "I'll make sure Mikkarl knows not to use ginger," Mitchell says quietly. I listen as the conversation flows around the kitchen, dislikes are mentioned and different preferences discussed. I turn my head slightly when I hear light footsteps behind me in the lounge room. Rosy grins at Dwayne as she steps past him, then she is slipping past me to move into the kitchen. "Anyone want a drink?" Justin asks getting to his feet. "Pass me a beer would you?" Malcolm asks as he sets a large pan on the stove. Others are gathering up the discarded prawn shells while Timny gets up to carry a large plastic container over to the bench beside the stove. Justin is handing out drinks as preferences are stated; he hands Rosy her drink and I watch her head into the lounge room. As I enter the lounge room Rosy is sitting beside Mitchell as the two of them talk quietly. I sit on the lounge and watch tv, glancing towards where Rosy sits every now and then. "Food's ready!" Malcolm's shout surprises me making me realise I had lost track of time. "Want me to bring in your plate of food?" I ask Rosy as she goes to get to her feet. She looks at me startled for a second then gives a slight smile and nod. "Yes thanks." When I return with our food Rosy is sitting in the middle of the lounge, I hand her her plate and sit beside her. Rosy is silent while she eats and when she is finished she takes her plate to the kitchen before returning to her seat. "You had enough?" I ask as she settles herself with her unfinished drink. "Yeah, I'm still full from supper," Rosy says quietly. We'd stayed at the beach until nearly dark, buying another feed and eating it as we started home. Now several hours later the garlic prawns are a late night snack before either watching the late night movie or heading off to bed. I take my empty plate to the kitchen and grab myself a drink before heading to the lounge room. I am surprised to find Rosy isn't on the lounge and look around only to find that not only is she not in the lounge room, Mitchell is absent as well. Enter the Cat Ch. 09 "I don't think Mitchell is too keen on you getting too friendly with Rosy while Sam isn't here with them," Dwayne says quietly from where he stands in the far doorway. I fail to stop the annoyed growl that swells in my throat as I sit on the lounge once again. I watch the movie on tv but it fails to hold my interest; my thoughts keep straying to Rosy. Another growl rises in my throat as I think of her sleeping in her brother's bed even though I know there is nothing carnal involved. "If you're going to keep growling, I'm off to my room," Dwayne says as he gets to his feet. "I'm going to patrol before going to bed; Malcolm, Timny, Chris, you come too." I order bluntly as I get to my feet. I don't check to see if the others follow; I'm head warrior and on this my word is law. Outside the cool night air feels good on my heated skin as I strip to change to my cat form. I hear the screen door squeak behind me but pay it no heed as I step out of my shorts. My frustration fuels my change and soon I am stretching and yawning widely as I watch the toms go through their changes. Once they have stretched the last tingles of change out of their muscles I greet them and they lower theirs heads slightly in submission. Chris shies away from me but I ignore his reaction as I turn to lead the way to the perimeter of the home boundary. I push all thoughts of Rosy to the back of my mind and concentrate on marking my territory. * * * * * "Rosy's gone," Mitchell says tightly. "What?" I ask startled as I turn to face him. It is just after lunchtime and I have had an unpleasant morning. The last three hours I spent cutting up a fallen tree on a neighbouring property for a retired couple. The tree fell across the driveway during the night cutting the property off from the main road. The dead tree was home to a colony of small native bees that made cutting up the trunk of the tree unpleasant as they buzzed around protesting the destruction of their home. "Rosy's gone," Mitchell repeats. "She asked to be taken hunting for lunch but I told her not today. Apparently she asked several others as well but we have all been busy. She was here half an hour, maybe forty minutes ago checking out what snacks are in the pantry, but no one has seen her since we knocked off for lunch." "Great!" I mutter angrily. I grab the thick sandwich I made for myself and take a large bite before glancing at Mitchell again. "I think she has gone hunting by herself," Mitchell says with an exasperated sigh. "Dwayne thinks the clothes she was wearing are in the dirty clothes hamper in the bathroom and the fly screen from the window is on the ground outside." I wash half of the sandwich down with a can of coke before nodding. "Malcolm, Timny, Justin and Chris are changing to go find her and get her to come home," Mitchell tells me. "I'll be having some strong words with her. Going off like this isn't right!" "If you want me to back up what you say just give me a nod and I'll make it clear I support your view," I tell him evenly. "She's lucky she is too old to be put over the knee and get her rear end spanked for disappearing like this!" Mitchell mutters turning away. "There a problem?" Wade asks as he walks along the hallway. Knowing there is no way to avoid telling him of Rosy's disappearance I put aside the uneaten portion of sandwich and quickly swallow what's in my mouth. "Rosy wanted to be taken hunting for lunch. She was told no, and now she has disappeared," Mitchell says forcing a respectful tone into his voice. "You'll find her over behind the house with Donny, playing in the tree while he watches her from the tree house. They're both in cat form. I was watching them for half an hour," Wade says tightly. "Did you get the tree cleared off the Lancaster's driveway?" "Yes, and cut into fireplace lengths. First thing tomorrow several of the warriors can go over and stack the wood," I say reaching for the remainder of my sandwich. "Do you want someone to go and bring Rosy back here to the quarters?" I am guessing Wade is far from happy about having Rosy in cat form near Donny while there are no warriors close by. I know Wade still considers Rosy volatile and a possible danger to Jazzy and Donny. "Yes, I want several warriors to escort her back here. I don't trust her to the extent I would let Donny come over here by himself with her. If he raced off in front of her ..." Wade leaves his words hanging and I nod my understanding of what he means. "Dwayne and I will bring her back here immediately," I say tossing the remains of my sandwich in a bin before downing the last few mouthfuls of my drink. I intend to have a few words with Rosy about where she is and isn't allowed to go. "Donovan is free to come back unless you wish to ban him from here longer," Wade says stiffly. "I will not encourage him to disobey his Alpha by coming here," I tell Wade as I meet his eyes. I know how heavy Wade's wrath can fall when he is disobeyed. "See to getting Rosy away from the house and make sure she is not in cat form with Donovan without supervision," Wade says authoritively, turns and leaves abruptly. "Dwayne," I call demandingly before beginning to strip. I am on my hands and knees starting my change when Dwayne hurries into the kitchen. I know Mitchell will fill him in on the situation and turn my full attention to my change. Dwayne is part way through his own change when I yawn and stretch as I take a second to enjoy the feel of my feline body. My senses of hearing and smell are sharp and I can hear Mitchell just out in the sunroom talking quietly to those he said would be going to find Rosy. Near me Dwayne stretches before lifting each hind paw for a slight shake. I watch as he drops his nose towards the floor before stepping forward to greet me. I nose him affectionately before leading the way outside. In cat form my bond with my brothers is much stronger at present. When we come to where we can see the old Morton bay fig tree that holds the tree house I pause for a moment as I search the branches for Rosy. Finally I spot a dark shadow close to the trunk of the tree on a thick limb that does not belong; a flicker of movement and I make out her tail twitching. "Rosy, down now," I order firmly aware of the fact Wade is sure to be watching from some place close to see how Rosy responds to my authority. I am aware of Donny making his way out of the large tree house and down to the ground carefully but there is no movement from Rosy other than more twitches of her tail. "Rosy is upset," Donny huffs as he approaches me. I eye him sternly before turning my attention back to Rosy. "Get down here now!" "Wade's watching," Dwayne says barely above a whisper near my shoulder. I mentally debate the wisdom of getting Mitchell to come and coax Rosy down for a few seconds but quickly decide against it. Not only does Rosy need to obey me on this, this area is too close to the main house and Jazzy for Wade to tolerate Mitchell's presence unless he was invited by Jazzy. Deciding there is no other choice I lay my ears back and roar a demand for obedience. I am aware of Donny cowering to the ground and Dwayne giving an uneasy snarl even as I keep my eyes on that dark patch of shadow. Finally it forms into a large dark cat as Rosy stands up and begins to move. Her coat blends perfectly into the dappled shadows as she moves onto a lower branch. If it weren't for the bright sunshine slanting down through gaps in between branches, she would disappear into the darker areas of leaves. I watch as she makes her way slowly from branch to branch; a steady angry rumble comes from her and I watch her closely. She slinks forward not only with feline grace but an almost sinister predatory glide. Her ears are laid back and her muzzle wrinkled while her whiskers arch as she curls her top lip in a snarl. She moves along branches in one fluid motion, not merely climbing down but coming down in a smooth flowing movement. For the moment she is transformed from a stealthy hunter into a deadly assassin, not a trace of civilisation remains to be seen in her movements. I feel the hair along my spine stand on end and my ears press back against my skull almost of their own accord as I growl. My message is clear, don't mess with me. She lands on the ground soundlessly despite the thick carpet of fallen leaves. Her head is slightly lowered as she moves towards me silently, and I instinctively step forward so I am between her and Donny. A loud hiss comes from Rosy and her tail begins to lash from side to side angrily. Rosy makes no attempt to walk up to me or greet me; rather she takes a path that will pass close by as she moves past. Her violet eyes are narrowed as she meets my glare and I sense more than see the hackles along her spine rise. Her steps are slow and measured, her message is clear to me. I know I have to obey you but I will do it in my own time and on my own terms. I turn and follow her as she makes her way towards the quarters. Wade is standing in the shadow of the back patio as we pass the corner of the house. The black tail in front of me lashes from side to side and I realise all the hair covering it has stood on end, making the tail fluffed out like a domestic cats. The very end of Rosy's tail catches my attention for a moment and I notice the last inch and a half is flecked through with almost coppery coloured hairs. Rosy picks up her pace breaking out of her gliding walk and into the heavy but slow lope that precedes a sprint. I spring forward and come even with her shoulders with a growl. It is imperative she obeys me as I order her to the quarters. There is no place in a clan for a cat who does what they want, when they want, with no regard for authority. "Walk to the quarters, now!" I order with a snarl as I jostle against her front shoulder. My shoulder fails to push against her as she melts away from my touch without seeming to alter her course. I lay my ears back and veer towards her to make sure she is headed for the quarters. The slap across the top of my head surprises me and I stop with a startled snarl as I sit back on my haunches. Beside me Rosy is up on her hind legs and she delivers another slap, this time to my shoulders, before racing towards the quarters. I growl angrily and trot after her. Ahead of me she claws frantically at the edge of the screen door to open it before disappearing inside. I speed up slightly ignoring Donny as he races past me. "Donovan! You wait for your brothers before you go inside!" Wade yells and I glance back over my shoulder to see him following after us. Dwayne is not far behind me as I pull the screen door open and head inside to look for Rosy. I find her in her bedroom, in human form and clad only in bra and panties as she looks through her closet for clothes. I halt in the doorway and begin my change back to human form; I can't talk to her while we are in two different forms. Rosy is fully dressed when I climb to my feet heedless of the fact I am totally naked. I know nudity makes her feel uncomfortable but she will have to deal with it at this moment. She looks away hurriedly and I growl inarticulately as I stalk towards her. I strike fast and Rosy is unable to avoid the hand that catches her by the upper arm; I turn away and she is forced to follow as I head for the lounge room. "Let go of me!" Rosy snarls as she tries to resist being dragged along behind me. I whirl around, grab her by both upper arms and use my arms and upper body to cage her against the wall beside one of the bedroom doors in the sunroom. I take most of the impact on my own forearms making a loud thud as I lean my face in close. "I give the orders, not you," I hiss near her ear as she turns her face to the side. "You do what I say, not the other way around! You hear me?" I end on a yell and I am aware of her flinching away from me. I notice that her hair is slightly damp but it barely registers in my mind as I concentrate on the angry glow in her eyes as she refuses to look at me. Rosy remains silent and motionless as I stand over her. Faint noises from others in the room register in the back of my mind even as I focus on her. "You do not go over near the main house by yourself uninvited, and never in cat form! You are not to be alone with Donny while you're a cat, and when I say do something, Do it," I growl forcefully. "If I say get down out of a tree, you get the hell down immediately! Do not wait for me to repeat myself, you do not defy me, you just do as you're told, when you're told. Understood?" I am angry with Rosy over her transgression, but I am also angry with the fact I know Wade is standing there watching to see how I handle the situation. I can't simply explain the main house rules that apply to her, rules I am sure she is barely aware of. I can't remember anyone explaining to her that she is not to go near the main house alone. Now I have to punish her for something I am not even sure she was aware was forbidden. "What did I just tell you?" I demand angrily when she fails to reply. "Don't disobey you," Rosy snarls back without moving. "What else?" I demand as I crowd close using my body to pin her against the wall. "Don't be a cat near the house," Rosy snarls and I hear the defensiveness in her tone. "What else?" I demand. "Don't be alone with Donovan," Rosy snarls. There is more defensiveness and fear in her voice now than anger but I can't allow her to show any more signs of defiance in front of Wade. "Get out in the lounge room and sit in my chair before I forget you are not a tom and give you a hiding for defying me," I roar at her. If one of my warriors had behaved like she had when ordered from the tree I would have dealt harsh punishment the moment they had landed on solid ground. I step back and watch as Rosy heads for the lounge room. Her movements are stiff and jerky as she walks past everyone in the sunroom without glancing at even her own brother. I wait until she reaches the lounge room door before starting to follow her to make sure she does as she is told. When I reach the lounge room Rosy is sitting in my favourite chair in a very proper manner as she stares at the blank tv screen. "Looks like you have the situation under control," Wade says coolly. "If I catch her near the house as a cat by herself again I will give her the hiding she deserves. Rosy will learn. I'll make sure of that." I swallow my own snarl of outrage as Wade leaves. The fact that he added his own threat tells me he has little regard for the manner I used to handle the situation. I turn my attention back to the activity in the room as all present take up seats around the room except for Donny who steps out into the hallway. I glance down and realise I am still totally naked, then head for the kitchen with a snarl. My clothes are on the kitchen floor where I left them and I reject the damp, sweaty shirt opting for only my jeans. I pull them on, zip them up, and fasten the stud at the waist before heading back into the lounge room. "Don't be mad at Rosy, it's not her fault she was near the house," Donny begs as he stands in the doorway wearing a pair of Justin's shorts. "I seen her over at one of the smaller sheds chasing mice or rats and called her over to the tree house. She didn't come at first ... not until I pretended to be too scared to move on one of the thinner branches. Then we started playing tag in the tree." I frown angrily at Donny. Why the hell hadn't he spoken up? "Wade yelled at Rosy and turned the hose on her while he had the pump running. He hit her right in the face with the water and I thought for a second she was going to fall. Then she climbed up where she was and the water couldn't reach her," Donny says as he steps closer hesitantly. "If you want to be mad at someone be mad at me; it's not Rosy's fault she was near the house." "Rosy disobeyed me when I ordered her to get out of the tree," I say evenly as I force my anger at the situation under control. "Rosy has to do as she is told, when she is told. Not doing so could place her or someone else in danger." It is hard to keep my voice even as I explain it to Donny. He is old enough to understand the necessity for this and shouldn't need telling. "But Wade told her to stay there and not move, not even a whisker. He said if he came back and she had moved or hurt me he would belt the daylights out of her himself," Donny protests, upset. "I called her over to the house even though I knew not to be alone with her when she's a cat. You should be mad at me, Not at Rosy!" I take several deep breaths as rage threatens to take control. Wade had not bothered to tell me he had ordered Rosy to stay where she was, nor had he told her to leave the tree. I take in the way she sits where I ordered, staring at the tv not even glancing away to look at anyone. My body feels stiff as I walk over and squat beside the arm of the chair. "Rosy I'm sorry. I didn't know Wade had ordered you not to move," I say contritely. I meet her eyes as she turns her head towards me. I can't read any of her thoughts or tell her mood as her eyes are void of any and all emotions. "I'm sorry I was so hard with you but I hope you have a better understanding of why you need to obey me after what just happened," I say quietly. "Get the hell out of my face," Rosy says evenly. There is no trace of anger or fear in her voice and no emotion in her eyes as she blinks in slow almost measured movements. "Rosy I ..." I don't see the punch that knocks me backwards onto my butt. "Rosy, stop it!" Mitchell yells and I hear plenty of movement. When I look for Rosy I find her in the kitchen angling for the small side door out to the paved area. Dwayne is near the door in her way and she moves restlessly as she looks around wide-eyed with fear. Every exit has a tom in front of or near it, including all the windows. "Rosy, stop! Everyone stop!" I order harshly as I get to my feet. I brush off the seat of my jeans self-consciously. I am embarrassed to have been knocked down by Rosy! "What is one of the first things young toms are taught when learning to defend themselves?" I ask calmly as I watch Rosy where she rocks on her feet going from toes, to heels and back again. "Never let yourself be cornered, especially by a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent," Dwayne says quietly from the kitchen. "I wasn't trying to crowd you or threaten you Rosy. I was trying to apologise," I tell her softly. "In between two separate times of telling me I have to obey you or I could end up in danger or put someone else in danger. Those two little words got lost between those long sentences. In fact the words 'I'm sorry' were so damned little they disappeared beneath your warnings," Rosy hisses tightly. I feel like groaning in frustration but refuse to let a sound escape me as I hold her gaze. She glances at Dwayne for an instant before looking back at me. "I'm going for a walk," Rosy growls and spares Dwayne a glare. Dwayne clears his throat and I glance his way. "Forget it!" Rosy explodes angrily. "I'll go to my bloody room instead!" She marches into the lounge room stomping angrily as she skirts around the front of the lounge instead of walking past me and going behind it. "You could have walked past me, I don't bite," I snap angrily. I am mad she feels she has to keep well away from me. "Looks like we got back in time for the fun and games," Mikkarl says as he steps into view from the hallway. "What did Rosy do this time?" Steven asks pushing past Mikkarl. Behind them Sam stops in the doorway and surveys his sister soberly. "What did I do? What the hell didn't I do?" Rosy yells throwing her hands in the air as she looks around wildly. Enter the Cat Ch. 09 "I got Rosy into trouble with Wade and Micah," Donny says in a small voice. "Rosy must have done something to make both of them angry with her," Sam says evenly. "And stop swearing Rosy, it's very unbecoming." "I was myself!" Rosy screams stalking to the end of the lounge near her brother to glare at him. "I did what I thought was right; I did as I was told, but I still ended up in the frigging shit!" Rosy is acting aggressively but I can see the way she is shaking as Sam moves past Steven and Mikkarl, dropping his workbag as he goes. "Rosy there's no need to keep swearing," Mitchell says firmly. "Don't you tell me what to frigging well do," Rosy yells and I hear a heart rate rise fast. "Looks like your determined to learn the hard way," Sam says as he vaults over the back corner of the lounge in an easy movement. I see it all as if in slow motion. Sam advancing on Rosy, the way she stands her ground as she lets her arms fall to her sides. Her hands clenching and unclenching as one foot moves to the side and slightly behind her. The complete lack of expression on her face, her eyes huge and dark in her face as she seems to stop breathing. "Sam, back off now!" The words burst from me even as it occurs to me that Rosy is feeling trapped and as if she is being attacked from every side. She isn't about to stand there and take it either -- she is prepared to fight back. "No-one speaks to me like that," Sam growls as he eyes Rosy. "Not even my own sister." "No one is going to be allowed to push Rosy into feeling cornered. We're all guilty of that just now. I will not allow it to continue. I can't do anything about the promise Wade made of punishment for the same mistakes in the future, but I won't help push Rosy into making them." I state firmly. I look from face to face and see realisation forming in the expressions of the toms, but Rosy is still hard to read as she turns her head enough to eye me for a few moments. "I would say change and a couple of the guys can take you for a run but we don't want to chance annoying Wade," I tell Rosy as I keep eye contact with her. "If you want to go have a bit of quiet time to yourself in your room, go do that. You can come watch tv, play a game, whatever, when you feel like it." I watch as Sam, Steven, Mikkarl, Chris and Timny move out of the way so Rosy can walk past them and head for her room. I hear her hesitate just outside the door and then she heads for the bedrooms. Relief washes over me that she is not going against the advice I gave her. "Exactly what happened?" Sam asks stiffly. I listen as Donny explains the start of the trouble, up to and including how Wade threatened her to stay where she was. "Wade came over here, said Rosy was in the Morton bay tree with Donny in cat form. He wanted her escorted back, kept away from the house and to be supervised when in cat form around Donny. He didn't bother to tell me he'd ordered Rosy not to move when he left there," I inform Sam tightly. "Wade watched Micah make Rosy get out of the tree. He also came here and watched Rosy get into trouble," Dwayne says quietly. "Someone let Wade know Rosy was invited near the house didn't they?" Sam asks. "I was too upset to be able to change back fast enough," Donny cuts in unhappily. "And when I did manage to change back, Rosy was already punished by Micah." "When I got back I started in on the attack as well," Sam says shaking his head. He sits down in one of the chairs facing me and gives a shrug as he holds his hands out palms up. "What can we do?" "When Rosy has calmed down and is ready to listen to me I'm going to try to apologise again," I say with a shrug. "I didn't know Wade had forbidden her to move and I ..." "Who else hasn't eaten?" Mikkarl asks heading for the kitchen. "Didn't you grab a feed on the way back?" I ask with a surprised glance at Sam and Steven. "Sam here was too worried you were trying to do the dirty with his sister," Steven says with a cocky grin. "Mitchell and I have kept things safely under control," Dwayne says and I look at him to find him looking pleased with himself. Of course, Dwayne was in the team with Sam, Mitchell and Alex when they found Rosy. She later claimed them as 'her' toms and clearly even now Dwayne felt protective of her. "Rosy's probably hungry. I don't think she caught much before I called her to the tree," Donny says quietly. "I'll make her favourite sandwich and take it to her," Mikkarl announces in the kitchen. "How would you know Rosy's favourite sandwich?" Mitchell asks doubtfully. "Wholemeal bread with salad, no pineapple, and some kind of meat. Preferably chicken or pork - pork is first choice. No mayo and the cheese has to be thinly sliced Tasty cheese," Mikkarl says confidently. "What's Jazzy's favourite sandwich, smart-arse?" Steven asks lightly. "Vegemite and pre sliced cheese on fresh white bread with margarine, not butter," Mikkarl says with a laugh. "You're a smart bastard aren't you?" Steven says. Everyone knows Jazzy likes vegemite and cheese sandwiches but few bother with the exact type of cheese she prefers. "Both of them behave a lot better if fed their favourite food," Mikkarl says with a grin. "And nothing is too hard to learn to make life easier for all of us guys." I find I have to smile at his comment. What he is saying is right; with Jazzy and Rosy happy our lives are less stressful. "Well make a double serve of Rosy's favourite lunch and hopefully she will forgive us sooner rather than later," I say as I rub my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. A headache is trying to start. I guess what happened earlier is the cause of it. "I'll take the food to Rosy," Chris offers. "Yeah, she's probably least likely to get upset by you, Justin or Donny," I concede. * * * * * It is about an hour before dusk when Steven and I return from the shed that holds all the gym equipment. We decide on a cold beer before taking a shower and head for the kitchen with barely a glance past the lounge and into the lounge room. I help myself to a beer and scull half the can before taking a breath. I am about to finish the rest of the can when I look into the lounge room and notice that Rosy is sitting on the floor playing some kind of card game with Malcolm and Mikkarl. "Who's cooking tea, and more importantly what is for tea?" Steven asks beside me. "Timny and Chris are doing hamburgers, steak and sausages on the bar-b-que. There's lettuce, tomato, cheese and onion to go with them," Mikkarl says looking up. "What about you Rosy? What do you want for tea?" I ask and pause for a moment until she looks up to meet my eyes. "Bar-b-que or do you want your meat freshly killed and still running blood?" "I get a choice do I?" Rosy asks dryly. "I thought maybe I'd be on dry bread and water." I take a deep breath as I prepare to tell Rosy to stop being silly only to realise she most likely feels she had good reason to think she might be in some kind of trouble. "I'm sorry Rosy," I say earnestly. "But I ..." I stop as I realise I was just about to try to justify the fact I had asserted my dominance over her. Sure I did not know I was contradicting an order Wade had issued at the time, but Rosy did obey me when I demanded she did. "I'm sorry, and I'm sorry I kept at you when you told me to leave you alone," I say quietly, calmly. "I can only say I made a mistake." Rosy gives a nod then turns her attention back to the card game. I watch her for a few moments but she doesn't look up again. Okay, so it clearly isn't going to be easy to get back to building a relationship with her. "I'm going to wash some of this sweat and dust off," I mutter as I swirl the contents of the beer can round and round. I bite back a sigh of frustration and finish the last of my drink before heading for the other end of the building. "Looks like you're in the dog house," Steven says seriously. I glance back over my shoulder at him to find he has a huge grin on his face. Of course he'd find it amusing. I frown in annoyance before continuing on my way; I can't stop myself glancing at Rosy where she sits in the lounge room as I go by. I'm a bit surprised not to see anger as I catch her gaze; she just seems quiet and somewhat subdued. I feel much better after a shower and head into my room to find a clean shirt to wear with the jeans I collected before my shower. "Where do you want your clean washing?" Steven asks as he comes into the room with a basket full of folded clothes. "Chuck them on the end of my bed," I say before opening my closet. I might as well get the clothes put away before leaving my room; no one else would put them away for me. "You done maid service did you?" I ask when I notice the clothes Steven places on my bed are neatly folded. "Most of your things were in with Sam and Dwayne's stuff," Steven informs me then grins. "Maybe you're not in the dog house after all. Rosy folded your stuff along with Sam's while she helped Dwayne sort it all out. So what was that remark about how Rosy prefers her meat earlier?" "Rosy and I did have plans for supper tonight," I tell him and give a sigh as I remember the drama that went down around midday. "I guess that situation today blew my plans out of the water." "Ask her out again - worst she can do is say no," Steven says with a shrug. "Or are you worried she'll say yes?" "I don't want to crowd her while she's still upset," I admit. "Malcolm is out there goofing around while they play cards," Steven informs me. "Annoyed her pretty badly at first, but she saw the funny side and had a good laugh with him." "Well, I ... worst she can do is say no I guess," I mutter to myself. I busy myself putting my clothes away and when I place the last shirt in the drawer I shut it and head for the lounge room. If we want to go hunting for supper we should think about leaving sometime real soon. I walk into the lounge room and stop behind the lounge, place both hands on the back of it and lean forward as I fix my gaze on Rosy. Rosy is looking my way and seems to study me as I lean forward. "So what are we doing for dinner tonight Rosy? Are we still going on a hunt?" I ask evenly. "Today...?" Rosy starts to ask hesitantly. "Changes nothing for me," I am quick to cut in, "what about you? Our date still on?" I catch a glimpse of some emotion that flickers deep in her eyes before she looks down at the cards in her hand. A pink tinge grows in what I can see of her cheeks and she glances up to meet my eyes for a fraction of a second before looking down at her cards once again. "Yeah I'd like that," Rosy murmurs softly. "You're not going off by yourself with my sister without a chaperone," Sam says firmly. "Don't worry, Rosy and I have already agreed on you and Steven coming along," I tell Sam as I meet his eyes levelly. "Can I come too?" Donny asks hopefully. "Your big brother doesn't want some little kid tagging along on his date," Steven says mildly. "So what time do we head out?" "As soon as Rosy is ready to go," I say and look at her. "Want to take a vehicle out to one of the back paddocks or do you want to change here?" "If we take a vehicle out, can we go were there are feral goats or maybe deer?" Rosy asks hopefully. "I know a place there has been plenty of deer signs the last few weeks, goats as well," Sam says. I know both Sam and Steven are like me and would prefer deer to goat but we will be hunting whatever Rosy prefers tonight. I look at Rosy and find her watching me expectantly. "We should be able to come up with one or the other," I tell her. I can't help my smile as she licks her lips then grips the inside of her bottom lip between her teeth. "You'll have to change out there," I warn her. "You can hide behind the vehicle to change." "When will we be going?" Rosy asks eagerly. "Just as soon as Steven brings the Triton over from the shed so we can chuck some blankets in it for the ride back here. It'll probably get cold later," I answer. "A fresh kill sure sounds more appetising than bar-b-que," Steven says heading for the door. "I gotta go change," Rosy mutters jumping to her feet. "Cards," Malcolm reminds her and Rosy looks down at the cards she still holds before dropping them in Malcolm's lap. "Are you changing into a cat now?" Donny asks curiously. "Leave Rosy alone Donny," Sam admonishes gently as Rosy hurries from the room. "She-kitts like to get dressed up for dates even if they are just going to end up going on a hunt." I head for my room to grab a newer t-shirt, hesitate a moment and gather an old flannel shirt for Steven to use on the way home before I head back to the lounge room. I only have to wait a few minutes until Rosy comes out. I notice she has changed into a top nearly the colour of her eyes, has brushed her hair and has a light jumper over one shoulder. It is close on dark when Sam parks the vehicle beneath several trees below the crest of a hill; we get out and change forms a short distance from the vehicle. Rosy walks out from beneath the shadows of the trees to extend her nose in a greeting. I purr loudly at her as I nudge against her shoulder gently. Sam moves up beside us with a snort and I turn and lead the way over the crest of the hill. We don't have to go far before I come across the strong scent of goat and begin to follow it. Steven is the one who spots the herd of goats settled for the night in among some small trees. He grunts and drops back behind me as I move forward to study the group. Rosy eases up beside me until she is level with my front shoulder and I turn my head to look at her. She immediately lays down flat on the ground. "You want goat or we look for deer?" I murmur very quietly. "Venison," Rosy chuffs softly and nudges my ribs just behind my shoulder with her nose. I take the time to groom around her ears affectionately before slinking off in search of deer. I mark the resting place of the goats in my mind; if we don't find deer then we should still be able to have a feed. I am aware of the others travelling in near silence as we make our way towards a small watercourse that might provide the soft grass deer tend to prefer. I stop at the edge of a stand of trees and look out over the clearing in front of us. I feel my fur ruffle in the slight breeze as the four deer feeding on the grass lift their heads and look our way, instantly alert. I silently curse the breeze at my back as the stag snorts and stamps one of his front feet. The three smaller deer move towards him nervously and I drop into a crouch. The stag bobs his head snorting as the other deer move closer to him; they all can smell us but are unsure of what we are. Again the stag stamps his front foot with a snort; this time it is more forceful as if instinct is telling him our scent means predator. The does are becoming skittish and are soon on the other side of the stag moving beyond easy striking range. The stag turns and trots after his harem, head turning from side to side, ears swivelling as he listens for pursuit. I check behind me to ensure Rosy, Sam and Steven are still with me before leading the way across the narrow trickle of water. We follow a natural curve of the land in an arc, keeping a look out for game as we go. Nearly a mile further on we come across two yearling deer grazing on dry summer browned grass. The kills are quick with Steven and I taking the two deer down with ease. I leave Steven with his kill and drag mine to the shadows near some lantana before turning and calling to Rosy. She comes towards me slowly, head held high as she steps lightly through the grass. Soft murmurs come from her as she moves closer cautiously. Even now she is hesitant about getting close to another cat's kill. I swiftly open the carcass of the deer before stepping back and looking toward Rosy. "Your meat, Rosy," I purr softly. I watch as she begins eating; she tears at the steaming meat hungrily and I edge closer slowly. Rosy lays her ears back and watches me without moving as I begin eating. Soon we are both eating hungrily; I chew meat from the haunches while Rosy searches out the fresh liver. Rosy is stretched out on her stomach near by when I raise my head, the worst of my hunger appeased. I watch as she cleans one foot before beginning on the side of her face. I purr softly and walk over to her, another hunger starting to awaken at the sight of her. She eyes me silently but makes no objection as I begin to clean her face. She closes her eyes and relaxes as she presents the other side of her face for cleaning as well. I stand over Rosy as I take my time cleaning evidence of feeding from her face and ears. When she is clean I lie down beside her and clean my muzzle before resting my chin on her shoulder. She lifts her head to sniff at me before resting her chin on her outstretched front legs once again. Her tail flicks over my back occasionally as we rest letting our meal digest. When Rosy gets to her feet and wanders off into the shadows, I follow after a minute or so. I find the place she urinated and stop to place my own scent over hers before spraying several nearby bushes. I turn to find her watching me; she sniffs towards me then trots off a small distance. I lope after her and catch her easily; she turns to face me sniffing along my shoulders and side as I walk by her. I stop to sniff her hindquarters and beneath her tail but she swings to face me and sniff at the corner of my mouth. I chuff several times, sniff at the corner of her mouth and sniff her ears before nudging along her ribs lightly with my nose. This time she lets me sniff beneath her tail before swinging her quarters away from me. I lift my head high watching her alertly for several seconds before walking around behind her and boldly sniffing beneath her tail. She raises her tail allowing me to sniff but turns her head to hiss when I attempt to lick at her slit. Accepting the refusal I slink forward to rub my shoulder against hers, she braces herself and I proceed to rub my scent down both of her sides. I am leading her back to my kill when Sam and Steven come trotting towards us looking for us. Sam immediately sniffs at his sister only to have Rosy to hiss and slap at his head and shoulders when he attempts to sniff near the base of her tail. "Rosy," I call softly. Rosy looks my way, ears pointed forward alertly and I head for my kill once again. I come out of the trees to see a fox tearing at my kill in nervous, quick bites. Rosy races past with a snarl and I sprint after her as she chases the fleeing fox. I am surprised when the fox reaches a clump of lantana ahead of Rosy and I manage to catch her with ease. I go to nuzzle her in concern but she races away from me, her back arched and tail fluffed up as she scatters leaves and loose grass as she runs. I watch her race in a large circle before racing nearly ten feet up a tree trunk. She hangs there for a few seconds before swivelling her body to drop onto all four feet. Rosy slaps me with a paw as she races past and I race after her. I chase her between trees and over fallen logs always just a step behind her. Finally she skids to a stop, turning to face me with her head held high and her eyes huge with excitement. I stop so close my nose is nearly touching hers as I breathe heavily. I can smell her breath with each inhalation and I stretch my neck forward slightly. I sweep my tongue over one corner of her mouth - it is as close to a kiss as possible in cat form. I am rewarded when Rosy moves forward to rub her cheek on my shoulder leaving her scent marking on me. I rest my chin just behind her shoulders for a few seconds before lifting my head and calling for Sam and Steven. Enter the Cat Ch. 09 Rosy follows me sedately when I start to lead the way back to the vehicle. I am not surprised when Sam manages to come up close enough to sniff at his sister before dropping back behind us. At the vehicle I circle it before letting Rosy disappear into the shadows to change. I concentrate on my own change and when I stand on in my human form to put my clothes back on I see Rosy emerge from the shadows fully dressed. "It's a bit chilly out now," I comment as I get into the back seat with Rosy. She gives a faint smile and slight nod as I take one of the blankets to throw over her lap. I slip my arm around her shoulders and encourage her to snuggle close against my side. Sam and Steven get in the front and then we are in the dark as the interior light goes out when all the doors are shut. I take the chance to steal a quick kiss. The drive back to the quarters is steady in the dark as Sam drives carefully in the dark. Several times kangaroos or wallabies are seen in the glare of the headlights and I make a mental note of where they are for future hunting. About two-thirds of the way back I become aware that Rosy has fallen asleep against me and I settle her a little more securely against my side. I pull the blanket up over her shoulders and under her chin to keep the cool air off her. She barely wakes up when we park outside the quarters and I ease away from her to get out of the vehicle. "I can walk," Rosy protests as I lift her into my arms to carry her inside. "Shhh, go back to sleep," I shush her gently as Steven holds the screen door open so I can carry her inside. Rosy makes a soft noise of complaint in her throat but relaxes against me as I carry her through to the sunroom. "Is Rosy okay? What happened to her?" Mitchell demands as I walk past the lounge room door carrying her. "She fell asleep coming home," Sam says as he heads into the lounge room. Behind me I hear mainly Sam and Mitchell talking as I head for the far end of the sunroom. "Do you want to sleep in your bed or mine?" I ask as I come to a halt near her bedroom door. "I promise not to do anything you're not comfortable with." "My room," Rosy says softly. "And I can walk from here." Reluctantly I allow her legs to lower towards the floor until she is standing on her own two feet. Before she can turn and head into her room I lift her chin with one hand and go to brush a kiss across her lips. I feel her lips part beneath mine and almost groan with desire as she slips her tongue tentatively between my lips. I follow her lead as she explores my mouth slowly. I realise it is the first time she has kissed me; so far I have always been the aggressor. She arches into my body as she threads her fingers into my hair pulling my head down towards her. She certainly knows how to kiss. The thought crosses my mind as Rosy teases me with light caresses against my lips before pressing her lips firmly to mine and boldly rubbing her tongue against mine. All too soon she ends the kiss and begins easing away from me. I long to grab her and haul her close for another blood stirring kiss but choose not to press my luck. "Goodnight," Rosy says breathlessly. "I'll see you in the morning before you leave for the meeting with your brothers," I tell her. "Unless you'd prefer to stay here with me that is." "Kurt Black has contacted Wade and myself asking that Mitchell and I make sure Rosy goes to this meeting so he and his brothers can meet her," Sam says from the other end of the sunroom. Rosy steps out of reach as she turns her attention to Sam. "Who is Kurt Black?" Rosy asks with a trace of suspicion. "He is Jeddah's oldest brother," Sam answers quietly and walks towards us. "If you don't mind, I need to talk to my sister alone." I head back towards the lounge room, hesitate for a moment and head to the kitchen to grab a beer before going and sitting in my favourite chair. "The hunt go alright?" Dwayne asks curiously. "We got a couple of deer, had a feed and when Sam and I looked up the pair of them had snuck off somewhere," Steven says with a wide grin. "That's my sister you're talking about," Mitchell grumbles in irritation. I smile to myself as I open my can of beer and remember the way Rosy flirted with me, racing around scattering leaves and such as she kept my attention on her. Tomorrow would come too fast, and the following week as the meeting was taking place would pass too slowly. Enter the Cat "Either she's associating with a stray ...... or possibly she's about to turn?" Steven suggests. "Dibbs," I say and both Steven and Pete look my way in astonishment. A slow grin spreads across Steven's face and he leans against the door jam casually. "As far as we know she's human," Steven tells me. "I don't care. She's the one," I say evenly as I stake my claim. I don't know what it is about her but I feel as if I should know her. * * * * * It is a long night even though we take turns watching for the return of Pete's neighbour, it is not until after we have eaten breakfast that her ute turns into her driveway. Anxious to find out if she spent time with a stray all three of us hurry to get into the passenger van Steven and I arrived in. By the time we reach the neighbouring house the woman is standing beside her ute with her forehead resting against the edge of the roof. She looks up as Pete gets out and approaches her. She lets him take her by the arm and walk her towards the house. It is obvious she is exhausted by the way she holds herself and the way she drags her feet as she walks beside him. "Everything alright Pete? We can wait for you if your neighbour needs a hand," I say raising my voice slightly. It is impossible to miss the way the woman beside him jerks nervously and glances back over her shoulder before they disappear into the house. Pete returns to the doorway after a minute or so and motions us inside. "I'm going to cook Tawny something to eat while she showers. You two can come into the kitchen but that's it. If you go into any of the other rooms or upstairs it'll freak her out," Pete warns. I can hear her at the top of the stairs; her tread is slow and laboured as if it is all she can do to put one foot in front of the other. I watch as Pete sets about cooking scrambled eggs and bacon. "Well?" I ask when I hear the sound of running water. "She stinks of strays and cattle blood. Definitely three separate strays, probaly a fourth ... possibly female, the scent isn't right somehow ..." I barely listen to the rest of what Pete has to say as the ramifications of Pete's comment hit me. If there is a female stray around it means big trouble. The stray toms will try to establish a home of some kind for her even if it is just a cave and a secure hunting ground. But this isn't good enough; even a stray female needs much more than that. She needs plenty of toms around to protect her and her kitts when she starts a family - toms that will spoil and pamper her treating her like the delicate and special cat she is. "We might need to call in reinforcements," I mention to Steven. "See what we can find first today and tonight?" Steven suggests, I hesitate a moment before nodding agreement. "Why will our going into rooms other than the kitchen freak her out?" I ask Pete suddenly as I hear the shower start running. "Tawny is just very strange. No touching, she doesn't have anything to do with men and she definitely likes to keep her own personal space clear," Pete says turning to look at me enquiringly. "Just like a were who doesn't trust the others?" Steven suggests. "Or just like a woman who has been severely abused by a man at some stage in her life and distrusts all men because of it," Pete says firmly. I regard Pete thoughtfully for a few moments; he's what we call an outlier. He lives in the human world, a part of normal life yet set apart from it because of what he is. "You wouldn't be thinking you have prior claim to her would you?" I ask in a soft voice that belies the possessiveness growing in me. "If Tawny isn't interested in you I'll back her decision all the way, even against you Micah," Pete says uneasily as he breaks eggs into a bowl and begins to whisk them. "Easy on Pete," Steven says soothingly as he tries to deflect his brother's attention. I walk around the small kitchen and foyers as I listen to the two brothers argue between themselves. Pete might not be warrior material but he is certainly protective of his female neighbour in true tom fashion. I frown as I realise I can't detect any scent in either room other than a light floral perfume and an underlying scent of citronella. I study the few possessions in the rooms. The main item catching my eye is an enlarged picture of Tawny as a child standing beside a man dressed in hiking gear, and both of them wear solemn expressions on their faces. I study the angles of her face in the picture and again I get the sensation I should know her, but I shake it off as a part of the pull I feel towards her. Overhead the sound of running water has stopped and I can hear her moving around. The soft buzz of a hair dryer starts and I make my way back to where Steven and Pete are arguing over something from their childhood while Pete chews on a piece of crisp bacon. A quick glance at my watch tells me over thirty minutes has passed since Tawny turned on the shower and I clear my throat making both toms look at me. I motion towards the stairs and Steven looks at his brother as Pete pulls a biscuit from a container. Clearly he knows his way around the kitchen real well. "She's nearly here. You sure you smelt traces from four roving strays on her?" Steven asks seriously in a quiet voice as light steps brush against the top of the stairs. I turn my head to watch the stairs and I am rewarded when Tawny moves cautiously into sight. She pauses in the doorway and glances around. "I found your secret stash," Pete says trying his charm on her but she seems unmoved as she flicks a quick glance at Steven and me. "Tawny I haven't introduced you to my brother Steven yet have I? Remember you met Micah briefly last night?" Pete asks around a mouthful of cookie, Prince Charming he isn't. I watch as she sits down to eat keeping plenty of room between her and us even Pete is kept at a distance as she begins eating and quickly notices the absence of bacon despite the aroma of freshly cooked bacon hanging in the air. I watch as her and Pete exchange words and feel remorse as she pushes her plate away from her even though the food is only half eaten. Her face is pale and her nostrils flare briefly as she closes her eyes, clearly she is exhausted and here we are keeping her out of her bedroom! "We should leave and let Tawny get some sleep," I say quietly and she gives a slight start as she opens her eyes and glances my way. I feel as if she is looking past my large build and seeing the tom beneath the big gruff exterior as she gives me a small smile that reaches her unusual violet coloured eyes. I miss what the others are saying as I watch her lips move as she talks to Pete and then she is looking my way as Steven and Pete make a move to leave. The faintest of blushes colours her cheeks as I give a polite nod and return her smile. She quickly averts her gaze then glances back at me hurriedly causing pleasure to build in me at her obvious interest. She hides behind the long white blonde curtain of her hair as I turn away and follow Steven and Pete from the house. "You didn't tell us your neighbour is such a dish," Steven says with a playful shove for his brother. Pete growls soft and low in his throat as they turn to face each other but I walk up between them without hesitation and slap Steven hard across the back of the head making him duck away from me. "What was that for?" Steven demands in a soft hiss. "Work it out for yourself or do you want me to hit you again?" I demand in a no-nonsense tone. "All right, all right," Steven mutters and gets in the rear of the vehicle we came over in. "I'll keep all comments to myself." Pete hesitates a moment as he eyes the front seat where Steven had sat on our way here then clearly deciding to risk it he climbs into the passenger seat and slams the door shut. The ride back to Pete's place is silent and I am regretting loosing my cool with Steven when we pull up in the driveway. "Are we going out to where those cows were killed?" Steven asks when I hesitate at the rear of the van instead of heading inside. "We'll take the bikes and go check out the kill site, look around to see what we can find," I decide. We head to where our motorbikes sit on a specially built trailer in a shed out of the weather. It only takes us a few moments to unload the sturdy trail bikes and wheel them out to stand them by the van. "I didn't mean any disrespect back there at the other house mate. That Tawny is a beautiful woman and from what Pete has told me of his neighbour, she's quite someone special as well. If you're serious about her - considering as far as we know she's not a werecat, then good luck to you. I hope things work out the way you want," Steven says quietly in a serious tone, which is unusual for him so I know he really means it. "Yeah well thanks. Maybe I should enlist your help if I have to persuade Jazzy not to kick up a stink because Tawny is human." I say wryly with a half smile as I think about my younger sister. "I'm just going to grab a print out of that report that was done and take it with us to see how well it tallies with what we can tell," I say and head for Pete's front door. I can hear Steven following me as I step up onto the veranda and Pete is working at his computer in the corner of the lounge room. I walk over to stand behind him and watch as he double checks long columns of numbers. "Yeah?" Pete asks when he turns away from the computer to look at me. "Can I get a print out of that report so I can take it with us when we go out to where the cattle were killed?" I ask. "I figured you might need a copy," Pete says as he picks up a large envelope and turns to hand it to me. I take it and pull the loose leaves of paper from it pleased to find Pete has stapled then together in one corner. "So what's the story on your neighbour? She's single isn't she? Doesn't have a boyfriend or whatever." I ask firmly. "No, Tawny is a loner. No boyfriend and my guess about the woman who was staying with her was just that, a guess. I'd take it real personal if anyone was to hurt her," Pete warns me with a dark look and I raise an eyebrow as I look at him coolly. "In all the years you've known me have you ever known me to hurt a female regardless of the species?" I ask Pete evenly. "No," Pete says slowly and hesitates a moment, "but Tawny is different." "The closest thing you've got to a Queen or a she-kitt to protect hey?" Steven asks as he halts beside me. "She's the closest thing to a close friend a tom can have in human society," Pete says focusing on his brother. "Hell she even cooks those caramel cookies especially for me that we had with coffee earlier." "Enjoy it while it lasts 'cause she won't be doing it much longer," I tell him tightly as something akin to jealousy curls in my stomach. "Come on, let's get going. Those cow carcases aren't getting any fresher," Steven announces and I glance his way. He motions towards the door and I head out reluctantly, I can't help the feeling Pete was challenging me over my interest in his neighbour. * * * * * The examination of the area where the cows had been killed yields a lot of interesting clues. Even after over twenty-four hours the ground holds tracks, both around some of the dead beasts and in the surrounding long grass and scattering of trees. Stray toms have attempted to mark their territory spraying urine on trees and scratching dirt and twigs near faeces but the slight dew of the night before has already taken the sharp edge off the scent markings. We identify three distinct scents of toms and hidden back in the thickest grass near the trees is the unmistakeable scent of a she-kitt. In and around the yards is the fresh scent of a tom that has marked over where there are boot prints as well as along the crush where dried blood and matted hair are smeared on the rails. Most intriguing is the way the carcass in the yard has been torn up around the gaping cut in the side and heavily marked with sprayed urine on the upper side. We catch the faintest whiff of a faint but elusive scent around the yard in three places on the rails and even when we take turns changing into cat form we can't learn any more from the strange unknown scent. We return to Pete's with the plan to eat a large supper and head out again after dark, taking food along as we plan to change and try to follow the scent trail left behind by the strays. Steven takes the first shower when we get back to his brother's place while I fire up the wood fuelled bbq and start cooking large amounts of meat to take with us later. As soon as Pete gets back from work he grabs a couple of cold beers and comes out to the patio. "That's a lot of meat," Pete comments as he eyes the bbq grill. "We're going out again once it's dark. You want to come and earn your right to live around here?" I ask with a grin that is meant to tell Pete no censure is meant. Pete might not be a warrior but like all his brothers he is a darn good cat to have with you in a fight. "I'll look forward to it," Pete says with a grin. "Look forward to what?" Steven asks as he walks out onto the patio wearing only his jeans. "Pete's coming with us later," I tell Steven as I hand over the bbq tongs. "Don't burn the meat. Any charred cold meat goes to you," I warn him before heading off for a shower. Steven might be great at cooking roasts but put him in charge of a bbq and we are lucky if we don't end up eating charcoal. I don't take long in the shower but take the time to get a fresh crisp clean shirt out of my duffel bag and pull it on before heading back out to the patio. Surprisingly Steven has a shirt on and has taken the time to run a comb through his hair and I raise an eyebrow at him as I step back into my previous place at the bbq. "Pete I want to swing by your neighbour's place when we head out," I announce. "Going to invite her for a moonlight skinny dip are you?" Steven asks with a wide grin. "No need to stop by Tawny's on the way out; she's agreed to come over here for tea." Pete says and pauses before adding cautiously, "I know you're a damned decent tom but ... can you just be careful to give Tawny plenty of space. She's not like most human women or even most she-kitts." "He promised her he'd make you back off if you became too friendly," Steven says with glee clearly enjoying his brother's nervousness. "Do you seriously believe I need to be told how to treat a female?" I ask slightly insulted. I get a lot of attention from she-kitts because of my large size. Many of them have told my sister that I make them feel very dainty and feminine. Or so she has relayed to me frequently. "Tawny's a very good friend and I type of feel responsible for her," Pete says uneasily. I shrug and turn my attention to the bbq grill flipping cooked meat onto a flat tray and hand it to Steven before beginning to toss a variety of meat onto the grill. "What meat does she like?" I ask. "Either burgers or the thick steaks," Pete answers and glances out over darkening surrounds. "I'll go put these in the oven for now." I hear him head inside. The distant hum of a motor reaches me and I glance at Steven who immediately walks around to the corner of the house to look out along the driveway. He returns quickly and gives a slight nod as I glance at him enquiringly. "Her ute has just turned into off the main road. Are those burgers just about done? My stomach thinks my throat has been cut I tell you," Steven says with feeling as he takes a plate and begins putting salad makings on a large bun. I squash the mince patties down with an egg flip, checking they are cooked before turning them over once again. "A minute more," I tell him and Steven scowls but waits for the burgers to cook. I have just put the cooked burgers on a plate when I hear the soft feminine voice and Pete's reply; I listen to them move through the house and then I can hear her heart racing and nervous breathing as she stops somewhere behind me. "Tawny has decided to join us," Pete announces. "How do you like your meat?" I ask without looking her way. There is a slight hitch in her breathing and she seems to hesitate for a second before answering. "Medium rare and slightly charred," she answers quietly. "Steak, burger patty or sausage?" I wonder at her preference. "A nice thick steak if there's any, or just regular steak." The tension is starting to leave her voice and I chuck on several thick steaks for myself. "There's a regular one here just about ready. Want fried onions with it?" I ask as I arrange the steaks to seer quickly over the hottest area. Pete whines about the steak belonging to him and I give a low growl warning him of his place. She steps closer oblivious of the tension between Pete and I. "Looks too cooked for me. I can wait for one of the others," she says in that silky voice and I glance her way catching her very nervous smile. "You're looking much brighter this evening," I tell her softly. "Getting the chance to sleep can do that for me." Her voice is steadier and I feel anger that she should have to work over night because of outlaw strays. She drops her gaze quickly and I curse myself silently as I rope in my anger. I can't stop myself from watching her as the tip of her tongue traces her full bottom lip before her teeth worry it and she reaches for a plate. She is watching the meat cook with a kind of deep hunger as she piles cooked onion on the plate but her attention isn't solely on the food as she keeps darting quick glances my way as well. "See something you like?" I can't help myself as I pitch my voice low and intimate. I hear the slight catch in her breath and the rise in her heart rate. "That thick piece of steak nearest me," she says in a breathy whisper and I smile faintly as I get the impression she is trying to project a sophistication she doesn't have. Her pupils enlarge in her startling violet eyes signalling her interest as I place the piece of steak on her plate then she hurries away as I dish up my own food, scurrying as if frightened by her own daring. I move to stand to one side behind her, resting my plate on a waist high planter box as I use a knife and fork to cut a chunk off the large steak. Tawny moves slightly as she turns her head and I realise she is nervously checking the distance between her and everyone. I watch as she turns back to her food cutting it up in tiny pieces before putting a piece in her mouth. The breathy little sigh of pleasure that comes from her tightens my loins and I grit my teeth as I glance at Steven who is watching her with delight. He glances my way and motions towards her with one hand and winks at me signalling his approval. I eat even though it is another appetite that wants appeasing and I wait until Tawny's plate is clean before stepping forward and reaching over her shoulder to reach for her plate. She starts slightly and glances back over her shoulder but there is none of her earlier fear and caution in her exquisite eyes only a strange kind of startled pleasure. I head inside and hear Pete asking if she'd like a drink that she declines mentioning the work she had been out on. "I'm putting a movie on. Who wants to watch it?" Steven asks. "What are you putting on?" I ask even as I look out where Tawny is relaxing in the solitude she now has. I grab myself a beer and a can of coke before heading back outside to move a chair over near her and sit down. I watch as she turns her head towards me as she opens her eyes; she seems curiously relaxed and I offer her the can of coke which she takes with a shy smile. She relaxes once again and I take the chance to study the lines of her face from half closed eyes as she turns her face back towards the glow of the nearly full moon. "Looks like it's going to be a full moon tonight," I say softly. Enter the Cat "Full moon was last night but it'll be bright tonight since there isn't much cloud around," Tawny states and moves to pull her mobile from her pocket and glance at the screen before giving a disappointed little sigh. "Problems?" I enquire. "Just got put on emergency calls by the vet," she sounds disappointed. This is my opening to see if I can ease any information from her. "Pete told us there's been some trouble," I offer. "Yeah. Shit happens and rich arseholes who get exotic pets and don't house them securely cause it," she says bitterly. "Exotic pets?" I question gently. "Yeah exotic pets as in possibly a couple of African lions or some huge tigers," Tawny answers tightly. I notice she is slightly tense and she doesn't seem to want to talk about it. "Can we change the subject? I've had enough of looking at the results to last me a life time," she says. "That bad?" I try to lead her but she clearly doesn't want to talk. I try to start a conversation one more time before giving in to the comfortable silence between us. "How long have you lived around here?" I ask with interest. "For as long as I can remember," Tawny says softly, reluctantly. We fall back into the comfortable silence and when she stretches out comfortably in her seat I allow my closest foot to touch her shoe. She starts slightly glancing down at our feet before looking at me nervously. "I don't mind if you don't," I tell her gently before taking several deep swallows of beer. Her eyes are huge and remind me of a trapped animal's eyes. After a few moments she gives a jerky nod. She looks away and I can see she is fighting for control of her fear. I make light conversation trying to take her mind off the fact my foot is touch hers and gradually she shows signs of warming to me. But when I return to the patio after getting another beer I accidentally brush against her shoulder she gasps and jerks away. It is obvious the unexpected contact has seriously scared her and when she sits down I control the urge to sit beside her and comfort her. Instead I end up asking if I can sit beside her. "What type of work you in?" It's hard to give a safe answer, what can I tell her? That I chase down were cats intent on causing trouble or the doom of my species? I grit my teeth hating even a half lie between us. "Security." It's the closest to the truth I can manage. It seems my tension is contagious and it isn't long before Tawny is making her excuses and saying she is leaving. I stand before she does and when I hold my hand out to help her to stand she only hesitates a few moments before placing her small hand in mine and allowing me to help her to her feet. "I'll walk you to your car," I offer as I hold her hand. I go to lead the way through the house but I feel her hesitation and stop to look back at her. "You'll tell Pete I said see him later?" There is uncertainty in her voice as she speaks. "If that's what you want," I try to reassure her as I brush the back of her hand with my thumb gently. I see the awareness in her nervous glance and allow her to pull her hand free then follow her as she moves around the side of the house, slowly glancing back at me several times. I can't tell if it is in invitation or caution but when she reaches her ute she turns to face me, her back against the vehicle and a look of nervous expectation in her eyes. "What do you want?" I ask as I lean closer placing a hand either side of her to enable me to get close without touching her physically. "Jus ...just a kiss," she whispers and I don't need a second invitation as I lean in close. I keep the kiss light and chaste barely tasting her as I slip my tongue between her lips and pull away as heat flares wildly in my veins at her taste. Her soft sigh when I lift my head is my undoing and I cup her face in my hands and close my lips over hers. She tastes sweet, hot and spicy as I thrust my tongue into her mouth, hungry for her. She jerks away from me gasping as she draws air into her lungs, pushing urgently against my chest as she tries to get room between us. I release her and stumble back a step stunned by my need for her but unable to do more than watch as she climbs into her ute, slamming the door and locking it before slipping the key into the ignition with a shaking hand. Gravel sprays as she peels out of the yard fishtailing the Ute in her hurry to put some distance between us. I can only stand and watch as my inner cat yowls his displeasure in my mind, wanting me to follow her to her home. I watch as the vehicle stops on the main road, sits stationary half a minute or more before pulling back onto the road and speeding off. I grit my teeth as I wonder what veterinary emergency she is rushing off to and if the rogue strays will be near by while she works on livestock they have attacked. "Steven! Pete! Get out here! We're leaving now! Move it!" I yell as I head for the work van. "I couldn't play by her rules could I? No! I just HAD to go and scare the daylights out of her! Damn my cat to hell and back!" I swear viciously to myself and turn around to see Steven walking towards me with a huge grin on his face. "Don't say a word! Not one word!" I snarl furious with myself. Steven is silent as he climbs into the driver's seat and I glare at him as Pete locks up his house before carrying a large esky toward the van. That had been my last sight of Tawny, wide eyed and trembling with both desire and fear. The next morning just after I had gotten back from a solitary run to burn off some of my sexual frustration, she had rang Pete early saying she was off to a university lecture. I had fed him questions to relay to her –When would she be back? Would she come and home supper at his place the night she got back? Was there a way to contact her while she was away? But she had brushed the questions aside with barely an answer, nothing more than a maybe to supper. Her Ute had turned up four days later, not far from where the mauled livestock she had worked on were. It was crashed headlong into a tree just off the road but there were no visible signs of why. Lingering faintly beneath the scents of the police who had gone over it was the scent of a stray tom, one I recognised from around the dead beast in the yard. Had he extracted vengeance for the interference with the surviving cattle and her presence around his kills? * * * * * A couple of weeks after dealing with the problem strays near Pete's place there had been one welcome call, a call from Bert Stephan - the father of Belladonna (Donna) Stephan one of the young she-kitts from a different clan. "G'day Micah, Steven," Conner Stephan says as he shakes my hand. His brothers Albie and Callum step forward as Conner steps past me to shake Steven's hand in greeting and I nod to both the younger brothers. "Glad to see both of you made it," Albie says. I know he is commenting on the fact I had said I might not be able to come when he had rang me but I had decided that I couldn't insult the Stephan family or Donna by refusing the invitation to visit while she was in heat. "I had thought that maybe you wouldn't be here but seeing how Edwin is here with Timny ..." Albie says shrugging as he leaves the rest of his comment unspoken. "Edwin's here is he?" I ask curiously, "Oh well – it doesn't matter. Where is Donna?" "Donna is in the station house," Albie says speaking of the old style homestead that had been moved onto the property as accommodation for the warriors. "She's making the most of the time she has left before she has to go see Mother." "I might wander over and say hallo if you don't mind," I say to the three brothers. "That sounds like a grand idea," Steven agrees. We head towards the old style homestead, and as we get nearer I can hear the buzz of voices inside as well as music playing. There is an air of celebration about the place and I feel a genuine smile grow as I step onto the wooden veranda. The occasion of a she-kitt coming into heat is always a bit of a celebration and I enjoy the gathering of toms and warriors from various clans. The door opens beneath my hand and I lead the way inside past the bedrooms and to the open style combined lounge room and dining room. The first person I see is Edwin and when he looks over his shoulder to see who walked in the door, I see Donna between him and the wall. Her lips are slightly parted and softly swollen as if they had been kissing and her eyes look slightly dazed. "Micah! You made it here!" Donna says breathlessly as she moves away from Edwin. She spares him a slightly apologetic smile before walking towards me. "Oh hallo Steven, I see you're here as well," Donna says with a shy smile. "G'day beautiful Belladonna," Steven says walking past me to take the opportunity to drop a kiss on her lips when she lifts her face to his. She allows him to halt her progress for a moment before pushing away from him gently and taking the few steps to stand in front of me. "Can we go for a walk outside Micah?" Donna asks with a shy and self-conscious smile. "What? I don't even get to say hallo?" I ask quietly with a half smile. I watch as a faint blush colours her cheeks and she lifts her chin and turns her head slightly to present her cheek for my kiss. I lift one hand and place a single finger beneath her chin, then drop a light kiss on her cheek before lifting my head slightly. I use my finger to turn her face towards mine before lowering my head once again. Her lips part beneath mine but I keep the kiss light and brief not asking for anything she isn't willing to give me. "Just a moment and I'll be right with you Donna," I say with a smile when she opens her eyes after I have broken off the kiss. I feel one of her hands grasp mine lightly and I offer her a smile before turning my attention back to Edwin. "Where is your team?" I ask quietly. "We were supposed to be headed out Inverell way, but when I got the call to come here I organised with Sam to take that job while my team heads out Nimbin way when he gets back." Edwin says a touch defiantly. "I take it the job out at Inverell needs a full team," I say quietly but frown at him for having changed the orders I had originally given when I had received a call from Wade. "Yes it does," Edwin confirms and I can see a muscle tic along his jaw as he clenches his teeth. "Fair enough." I concede before turning a warm smile Donna's way. "I'm all yours now Pretty One." "Shall we go outside into the sun?" Donna smiles coyly at me as she turns her face away from me slightly to glance at me flirtatiously from beneath her eyelashes. "Whatever you wish Pretty One," I say dropping my voice for her hearing alone. She smiles prettily and tugs my hand slightly as she turns towards the door; I fall into step beside her happily and reach past her to open the outer door when we reach it. I am aware of two or more of her brothers following behind us but pay them no heed knowing that they will not try to interfere between us unless I try something Donna doesn't want me to do. Outside is pleasantly warm and I let Donna lead the way out of sight of the windows in the homestead and towards one of the many machinery sheds around the clearing. "I was beginning to get worried that you wouldn't make it," Donna says quietly. "Oh?" I question softly. As I halt beside her when she stops and leans back against the side of an old building. "And I do so much want you here," Donna says slightly breathlessly and shy as she darts a glance towards my face. "Mmmhhhuh," I murmur. "Yes," she confirms and blushes as she glances at me again before looking away and then looking back at me nervously. "I want to send the invitation to you ..." her voice trails off and I remember that this is only the second time she will be inviting a tom to spend time with her while she is on heat. The first time she had invited me 'into the cage' and I had willingly accepted, but to be invited a second time and immediately after the first time hinted at a deeper interest. Let me take the time to explain what he meant by 'an invitation into the cage.' – She-kitts go into seclusion during heat so that every tom near abouts isn't fighting over who gets the chance to mate with her. She has the right to choose who she wants and sends an 'invitation' via her mother to the chosen tom when the time comes that she wants the tom with her. The mother will put and lock both the she-kitt and her chosen tom into a secure cage to ensure that no other tom gets near them as the tom with the she-kitt gets very possessive and will attack any other tom who comes near his she-kitt while she is in heat. "I'll be honoured to accept," I say gently as I move closer and slip my arms around her. I lower my head and cover her lips with mine; the taste of her is sweet as I slip my tongue into her mouth to brush against hers briefly. I feel her breasts push against my chest as she arches into my embrace and I close my mind to memories of another time, another place, and another female body. "I'll be taking precautions," Donna says when I stop kissing her for a few minutes. "I want to be sure ... I want both of us to be sure ..." her voice trails off with a trace of embarrassment in it. "I totally agree with you there," I reassure her. "We're both young and there's no sense in rushing into things." Most young she-kitts are concerned about contraception unless they are engaged to the tom with them. Even then planning a kitt is generally left until after the marriage. Single parenthood is definitely frowned on among werecats and a pregnancy would result in a hurried marriage. Donna would be a good match as a wife, and the union would strengthen ties between our clans. I wouldn't be far from my family if we were to marry and I moved into her clan as is the custom. Another point in her favour was the fact all of my brothers and my sister liked her, which meant there is little likelihood of any objections from them to the match if things worked out that way for us. The memory of a pair of startling violet eyes wide with fear and arousal intrudes into my mind and I look away from Donna for a few moments. As hard as it is I know my duties to my clan and my species; if Donna chooses me I must follow that path of my destiny. Survival of the species is one of my first priorities. "Micah?" Donna's voice pulls me from my thoughts and I smile as I turn to face her; she returns my smile and looks away for a moment before taking a deep breath and turning back to me. "Is there another she-kitt you're interested in?" she asks uneasily and I realise she has picked up on my distracted state. "This would be a big step Donna," I tell her seriously, "Don't get me wrong I am honoured ... it's just I ..." "I know I'm very forward being the one to mention it but I believe we would be good as a couple and I ... I wanted to make it clear I am interested in you before some other she-kitt beats me to it," Donna rushes to say before moving away several steps and glancing back at me nervously. I realise I can't diminish Donna's announcement with mention of a human female nor can I brush aside the importance of this occasion. I nod and glance towards where her brothers are standing at a discreet distance before looking back at her and offering her my arm. She is slightly reserved as she slips her dainty hand onto my forearm but she falls into step beside me as I head for a sunny area sheltered from the slight evening breeze. I sit down in a warm spot and cuddle Donna against my side when she sits beside me. She snuggles close and soon we are kissing once again. Even though she is coming into heat and is eager for my attentions I control myself and go no further than kissing and fondling her breasts. I am hard with arousal as she sits across my lap and presses herself against my chest as I kiss her but I control my own desires. It is important to me that I treat her with the respect she deserves and not just use her to satisfy my natural desires. "Time to break it up you pair," Albie's voice cuts into my awareness and I raise my head as I stop kissing Donna. I feel my inner cat bristle menacingly as I reluctantly loosen my hold on her and turn my head to glare at her brothers. Donna whimpers and presses herself against me wanting my undivided attention. "Time to head inside," Timny says taking a step towards us. I climb to my feet pulling Donna up as well and move to stand between her and her brothers; my inner cat demands I warn them off and I shake my head in an attempt to clear it. "Back the fuck off Timny," I warn in a deep growl. Donna slips her arms around me from behind attempting to reclaim my attention but I ease her away from me as I become aware that she is very close to full heat, which is making both her and I act inappropriately. "Micah," Albie warns in a stern voice and I shake my head again as a low growl rises in my throat. I become aware in the human part of my brain I must get Donna to the safety of her parents' home, and I take hold of her arm firmly but gently as I begin to lead her towards the house. I am aware of her brothers following us at a distance but I control the urge to turn around and challenge them. Her mother meets us just outside the front door and comes forward to take Donna by the arm as I back away from her. "I'll see you soon Micah!" Donna calls after me and I pause to look back at her for a moment. "I'll be there," I promise before turning and striding towards the old homestead in frustration. I ignore everyone as I head inside and straight to the bathroom and shower. I know I will feel more level headed and calm if I wash the smell of Donna off of me. I put the shower on cold and step beneath the spray, the cold water quickly cools the lust in my body but I know that within twenty-four hours or a little more Isabel Stephan - Donna's mother, will walk to the homestead and tell me that Donna has invited me to visit with her. Steven is waiting when I walk out into the main room of the house and he grins widely with a sidelong glance at Edwin before making his way to the kitchen to retrieve two beers. He hands me one and we wander out onto the western veranda. "Edwin's pissed off," Steven tells me. "Apparently he was expecting the invite until you turned up." "Tough for him," I mutter and sip my beer before staring pensively out towards the sinking sun, lost in my own thoughts. Steven pushes my shoulder roughly drawing my attention back to reality. "She's really gotten into your blood hasn't she? I just spent five minutes talking to you and I doubt you heard a word," he says with a laugh and I frown angrily at him. He meets my glare for a few seconds and the smile fades from his face as he turns away and shakes his head. "That is so fucked up mate," Steven says earnestly. "You got one of the prettiest young she-kitts who is about to give you an invitation into the cage and ..." he shakes his head and looks towards the sun as well. "I'm making a phone call," Steven mutters and pulls his mobile from his shirt pocket. "Don't bother," I tell him through gritted teeth. "I won't disrespect Donna that way," I say tersely and walk away. As much as I want to hear that Tawny has returned home and is safe and well, my future lies with Donna or my clan. * * * * * It is mid afternoon the following day before Isabel and Bert Stephan walk to the old homestead. All of us warriors are seated in the sun on the northern side of the house. We see them first and some begin talking quietly. "Bet it'll be Edwin," someone mutters. "He's the oldest." "No it definitely will be Micah. Didn't you see how upset Donna got when she heard he might not make it?" Timny mutters. "Donna invited Micah into the cage last time. Another invite so soon ... hell it would make some think there might be something going on between them," Steven says quietly. Enter the Cat I had gone for a long walk with my best friend the previous evening and talked with him for quite a while in an attempt to sort out the mix of thoughts and emotions that had been whirling around in my head. I glance across at Steven where he is propped against a roof support in the sun. I frown at him in an attempt to make him be careful of what he says, but I know he will say what he wants to regardless of my desires about this. "Micah Williamson," Isabel says as she approaches the steps of the veranda. I get to my feet unhurriedly despite the fact my body has just gone onto high alert. I incline my head towards her slightly in a polite nod. "Yes Ma'am," I say quietly. "Donna wishes to invite you to visit with her for the next few days," Isabel says formally. "I'd be honoured," I say as I make my way down the steps to pause in front of her. "I expect you'll want to visit for a couple of weeks afterwards," Bert Stephan says casually and his four sons move to stand behind him. "I'm thinking I will Sir," I say with a level look towards him and his sons. I notice all of Donna's brothers are smiling, so clearly they approve of the idea of a relationship between us. "You had best come on over to the house," Isabel says with a warm smile. "You don't want to keep Donna waiting." "No I don't Ma'am," I agree and follow as she leads the way towards their home. I am careful to keep my pace slowed to her more sedate pace and refuse to glance behind me as I hear Bert and his sons fall into step behind me. At the house Isabel shows me the way to the small self-contained secure flat at the back of the house and locks the door once I step inside. I barely spare a glance for the bars on the high windows as I walk into the centre of the main room, for the attached ensuite. "Micah," Donna says breathlessly as she walks out of the ensuite and stands watching me with a nervous smile. "Hallo Donna," I say smoothly as I smile reassuringly at her. "I wasn't sure if you'd come," she admits and gives a nervous giggle. "I like and admire you too much to insult you by refusing a request from you Donna," I say gently and extend a hand towards her. "Shall we sit down on the lounge?" Donna darts a glance towards the double bed in the corner of the room then looks at the lounge. She licks her lips nervously before looking at me with a shaky smile. "I ... I ... I should have waited until tomorrow ... but I was ... I was hoping we ... we could talk," Donna stammers nervously as she folds her arms across her lower ribs uneasily. "Whatever you want is fine with me Pretty One," I say in soothing tones and cross the floor to take hold of one of her hands and guide her to the lounge. I can't help taking a deep breathe and inhaling her warm spicy scent. My body is instantly hard but I grit my teeth as I force my libido under control and sit beside Donna leaving a good six inches between us. "I really shouldn't have said anything to you yesterday afternoon," Donna says in a breathless rush looking away from me. "Do you regret saying you were interested in exploring a relationship between us?" I ask quietly. "We can take things slow if you're not sure. I won't object if you choose to explore other options ... but Donna, I am interested. Very interested. And I am not just saying that because you smell so good." She glances at me, and smiles. I can see she is still either having doubts or feels uncomfortable about having made her feelings known. "You're such a sweet tom Micah," Donna says quietly. "There are so many toms that would just rush me into letting them mount me because I'm on heat but you're willing to just sit and talk ..." she breaks off breathlessly and looks away. "We'll get around to the other stuff when you're ready but I'm willing to talk with you because I know there's more to a relationship or friendship that could turn into a relationship than just the physical side," I tell her gently. "I'm interested in your mind and the cat you are as well as the other stuff," I say and drop my eyes to where the swell of her breasts can be seen in the V of her top. Donna blushes prettily and I smile at her as I reach for her hand and lace my fingers between hers gently. "I was worried ... you seemed distracted ... I was scared you had gotten close with someone else. It's no secret several of us are interested in you," Donna says seriously. "I won't lie and say I haven't taken up the invitations I have received in the past and I won't deny the she-kitts were very sweet but this is the only time I have even considered a second invitation let alone ..." I stop and take a deep breath as I search for the right words to convey my meaning. "Carlotta Inness claims you've turned her down several times and that is why she is involved with Samuel MacIntosh," Donna says quietly. "All of us girls know that she has her sights set on the highest ranking tom she can get." "Lotty has her sights set on any tom who will mount her," I tell her levelly. "Don't let that sweet, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth air fool you." "There are some whispers that say, ..." Donna bites her bottom lip, glances at me uneasily then looks away hurriedly. "Some say she's not worried if the tom is her own brother!" "Well all I can say first hand is Lotty doesn't care if a tom is young like Justin or even under age like Donny," I say mentioning my two youngest brothers who Lotty Inness had decided to set her sights on not too long ago. "It's hard to believe your mother had another kitt after Jazzy," Donna says mentioning my sister. "Its so unusual!" "Donny was a bit of a surprise and he is only eleven months younger than Jazzy," I say with a laugh. "Jazzy is nearly eighteen isn't she? Her birthday is only a month or two away?" Donna asks with interest. "Yes that's right," I agree. "Only three weeks in fact." "Are your parents giving her a big party?" Donna asks hopefully. "Tell you what, if they do I'll invite you as my date," I say with a smile and Donna blushes covering her face with her hands. "I wasn't angling for an invitation! You must think I'm terribly forward!" Donna says with embarrassment. "Actually I find you have a refreshing honesty to you," I tell her. "So tell me again how much older you and your brothers are than Jazzy and Donny," Donna says hopefully and I realise she is still slightly nervous as she fidgets with her hands in her lap. "Donovan has just turned seventeen. Jasmine is nearly eighteen," I say and pause a few moments as I think on my younger brothers. "Justin was nineteen a few months back, and Alexander is twenty three. Then I came in, Dwayne is twenty nine and Edwin is thirty one." "You're twenty six aren't you," Donna says calmly. "Twenty seven," I admit with a laugh. "And you're twenty and ... let me think ... five months," I tell her as I glance at her with a grin. I am enjoying chatting to her even if the enticing smell she is emitting has me on edge. "I only have the four brothers," Donna laughs, glances at me and flutters her eyelashes a time or two and looks away. "Yeah well the Williamsons are a large family. Large and rather noisy at times," I admit easily. "That's because you're half American werecat!" Donna says looking at me. Her eyes are huge and dark, colour rides high on her cheekbones and her breathing is starting to deepen. My inner cat stretches and begins pacing restlessly where he is tucked carefully away inside me. He can sense it won't be long before she wants us and he is beginning to get very interested in what is going on. "But things grow bigger and better here," I say softly and lean towards her slightly. She watches my lips as I speak, her breath coming in little pants and I know that if I begin courting her now it will only be a matter of half an hour and she'll be begging for me to mount her. "Shall I get us a cold drink?" I ask her quietly. She gives a little start and looks away with a nod of her head. I get to my feet and go to the small bar fridge and retrieve two cans of soda, careful to pick a can of lemonade I know Donna prefers. She is twisting her long hair over her shoulder nervously as I return to the lounge and I admire the way her breasts strain against the soft material that covers them. I pause to open her drink before passing it to her and sitting beside her, my thigh touching hers lightly. She sips her drink as she keeps sending little glances my way while I drink; she moves restlessly then gets to her feet and hesitates a moment. "I need to go to the toilet," she announces breathlessly before hurrying for the ensuite. I hear her can clatter in the sink and get to my feet to pull my t-shirt off over my head and pull my joggers off. I am sitting back down when she walks out of the ensuite and I lean back against the back of the lounge laying one arm along the back of it as I silently invite her to come and sit with me again. "Have I told you how much I like the way your shoulders are all muscled?" Donna breathes as she moves to straddle my legs and sit on my lap facing me. I rest both of my hands on her waist for a moment before running them up and down her back making her arch her body sensuously. "I think I recall you mentioning it before," I say softly as I cup her face in my hands and slowly lower my lips to hers. She sighs as my lips cover hers and then she is kissing me hungrily as she presses herself against me. I slip both arms around her body holding her hard against my chest as I get to my feet. I keep my eyes open and continue to kiss her as I carry her to the bed; I kneel on it with one knee as I ease her onto the bed and then stretch out beside her all without breaking our kiss. Her hands clutch at my shoulders as I lean over her kissing her deeply; her mouth is sweet and I thrust my tongue into it mimicking the sexual act. She moans and arches her body into mine and I slide my knee between her thighs. "I need you so bad Micah!" Donna pants against my neck as she feathers kisses down my neck on her way to my chest. "We got plenty of time to do what you want," I reassure her and press her back against the mattress. The buttons on her top slip easily from their buttonholes and in a corner of my mind I muse at my cool control when all I should want to do is mount her and satisfy both our needs. She wears no bra beneath her top and I close my lips over one hard nipple as I tease the other one with my thumb, rubbing it back and forth. She gasps and arches into my mouth making me groan against her skin. The scent of her skin and the taste of her on my lips just from kissing her fires my blood and I skim my hand down her body, pulling at the tie of her skirt to open it and slip my hand beneath. All I find is bare skin and I slip my fingers into the nest of curls between her thighs; her legs open willingly and I find her clit slick with her own juices. I tease her as I circle it with my fingers before flicking it gently making her jerk and moan beneath me as I suckle at her breast. I feel her clit form a hard bead beneath my fingers and I toy with it one last time before moving my fingers lower and lightly tracing the slick and softly gaping opening below. Donna gasps and moans low in her throat and I laugh softly with pleasure. Her scent is strong and thick in the air, driving me lower and I kiss a trail down over her ribs before pausing to circle her navel with the tip of my tongue. "More ... lower... do it to me Micah!" Donna demands but I merely laugh and position myself between her spread thighs and hold her wet folds open so I can see her cunny. It glistens with moisture and is slightly swollen with passion, gaping a little and looking very inviting. I lower my head slowly enjoying the sight and smell of her and then I am opening my mouth to taste her. I lick from the bottom of her slit up over it and circle her clit with my tongue before taking it into my mouth and sucking gently. She gasps and bucks as she grabs handfuls of sheet and I begin to feast in earnest, licking, sucking and thrusting my tongue into her passage as she whimpers and thrusts her hips against my face. I groan with pleasure at her taste and I move one hand to begin easing first one finger then two into her passage. I move my hand as I continue licking and sucking at her clit. Occasionally I lick at her opening where I tease her with my fingers. A slight flutter in the firm clenching of her passage warns me of her coming pleasure and I double my efforts. I slip my free hand beneath the firm rounded cheeks of her arse and pull her closer as I slip a third and then a fourth finger into her passage. Her inner walls quiver and tense then grip my fingers tightly as she pushes her hips against my face desperately; I can feel her pleasure rippling through her as she gasps and bucks beneath my mouth and hand. As her orgasm eases so does my ministrations and I allow her body to ease down off the peak of her climax, all the while using my tongue and fingers to gently rekindle her arousal. Soon my efforts are rewarded and Donna is moving restlessly as I continue to lick, suck and finger fuck her. When I can taste the fresh tang of her arousal I begin using my fingers to stretch her opening gently; her breathing quickens and I move off the bed to hastily shed the last of my clothing and roll a condom on before moving back onto the bed to stretch out on top of her. One thing Wade has always stresses to my brothers, me and our fellow warriors stays with me even now - contraception is not the responsibility of the female alone. "Yes! Yes!" Donna almost begs and I reach down between us to guide myself to her opening. I mean to ease into her gently but Donna is past caring now and pushes up against my hard cock eagerly. I feel myself 'pop' past the tightness of her opening and she gives a soft whimper of startled pain even as she clutches at my hips pulling me deeper. My inner cat growls his pleasure and I catch her lips in a hard kiss as I begin moving against her in long hard thrusts. She gasps and whimpers at first, holding still as I stretch her passage and then she begins moving beneath me. Her climaxes come quick and fast but she remains aroused and eager beneath me as I keep moving at a comfortable pace. Her smell and the taste of her will enable me to serve her almost continually for around three days. Both of us will sleep for short periods of time only waking for sex or small amounts of food and drink. We continue most all the night and when dawn breaks we are cuddled up beneath a warm blanket and I doze fitfully as she sleeps deeply for an hour or two. When we wake Donna promptly rolls a condom onto me before she climbs onto my hips, impaling herself on my hard cock. I lay back and enjoy the view as she pumps herself up and down taking her pleasure at her own pace. Soon I am grasping her hips and guiding her movements before pulling her down onto my chest and rolling her beneath me. This time I serve her hard and fast making her gasp and whimper with the intensity of her climaxes until she pushes against my chest and I withdraw from her to lie beside her watching her as she gulps deep breaths. I turn away for a few moments to change the condom, tossing the used one into the small bin beside the bed and reaching for another one to roll into place. I kiss Donna gently for a few moments and then she rolls onto her stomach before moving up onto her knees. I move into place behind her eagerly and guide myself into her passage; it's still tight despite our activities and when I enter her I grasp her hips pulling her back against me hard as I push my cock into her up to my balls. She whimpers softly in protest and I let her pull away slightly before I begin moving eagerly once again. * * * * * The fourth morning when I wake from a light doze Donna mumbles in her sleep when I pull her against me so I roll onto my back and close my eyes once again. It is a couple of hours later before I wake as Donna slips from the bed and glances back at me. "Want me to leave?" I ask quietly. She bites her bottom lip for a moment, looks at the floor and then back at me. "Would you be staying around for a day or so?" She asks uncertainly. "I can promise you two weeks as long as Wade doesn't need me. Then maybe your parents would like to come visit for a week or two so I can be at Jazzy's birthday party," I tell her seriously. A smile breaks over her face lighting it up and I feel my body start to stir to life once again. "That would be wonderful! Oh I can't wait to tell Mum and Dad!" Donna gushes happily. "Well I hate to spoil the moment but either you go do whatever you were about to do and I'll go back to the homestead, have a shower and a bit of a feed or ... I'll drag you back into this bed and show you once again what I do with a she-kitt in heat," I say with a wide grin. She glances down at the sheet that covers my hips and I guess by the way she blushes there must be a sizeable tent showing. She covers her eyes with a hand before turning away and I can't resist laughing softly as she hurries for the ensuite. I climb out of bed and reach for my clothes to pull them on before walking over to the nearly shut door of the ensuite. "I'll see you later Pretty One," I call to her. "Uh, yes later," Donna replies and then there is the sound of running water. I head outside unlocking the door from the inside and taking care to lock it behind me before heading for the homestead. I glance at the sun and calculate it is mid morning. My stomach reminds me I haven't had a decent feed for a few days and I take the few steps onto the veranda two at a time. "Hey Micah, I was wondering if I was going to have to wait for a week!" Steven laughs as soon as he sees me when I walk inside. "Cook up a big feed for me while I have a shower would you?" I ask. I don't wait for an answer; I know Steven won't mind doing this for me. The water feels good and I take my time as I wash all of the lingering smell from me; I dry off and head for the room where I had left my belongings without bothering to wrap a towel around my hips. I smile wryly at the lingering tenderness from the duration of my stay with Donna as I fasten my jeans before pulling a t-shirt on over my head. There are several warriors in the kitchen standing around chatting when I walk in and everyone glances my way in unconcealed curiosity. "Edwin managed to get himself into a fight two days ago," Steven tells me as he hands me a plate heaped with food. "What did the arsehole do?" I ask resignedly, sit down and start eating hungrily. I am loath to hear what trouble Edwin has started this time. Lately he has caused problems with other clans, leaving either Wade or myself to smooth things over afterwards. "He started talking shit to Jakob Perkins when he and his partner turned up here on their way back from a job. Edwin started on that Perkins had a hide turning up without an invitation and Perkins took an exception to it. Timny and I stood back and let Perkins teach Edwin a lesson before stepping in with his partner and breaking it up," Steven says with a grin. "Timny didn't step in sooner?" I ask in surprise. "It seems that Edwin tagged along without an invite when Timny came home to help," Steven says with a raised eyebrow. I can't help it; a smile spreads on my face as a laugh slowly wells up. It's about time someone other than myself stepped in and put Edwin firmly in his place. "How bad is he hurt? I take it he's hurt because he isn't here sniping at me trying to start an argument," I say with a level look at Steven. "Two broken ribs and a few cracked. He made the mistake of putting in the boot when Perkins went down and Perkins came back up madder than hell. He gave Edwin the same treatment when he knocked him down only he was capable of making sure he stayed down," Steven tells me seriously. Enter the Cat "Well you can be sure his ribs are busted then. Jakob doesn't play around. I learnt that back when he challenged me after I beat Edwin," I state and almost feel sorry for my brother as I remember my own match with Jakob Perkins. He was a good fighter and we had fought a hard fight before I won the right to be recognised as the head warrior for my clan. I hadn't only had to defeat Edwin, who had been the head warrior at the time, but also prove my worth against one of the best another clan had to offer. "I took the liberty of sending Edwin and Timny back to the compound so he could rest up and get back into working condition," Steven states coolly. "I bet that went down real well," I say dryly. "Well he did make noise about staying around until you got out but I pointed out that you'd probaly just end up kicking the shit out of him for starting the fight in the first place," Steven tells me and I give a slight snort of amusement. "Now we got business out of the way you going to tell me how it went?" "We'll be sticking around for a couple of weeks, then, if everything is going well – I'll be inviting Donna and her parents to visit for a couple of weeks around when Jazzy is to have her party," I say evenly. "I'm pleased for you Micah. Donna is one fine she-kitt and you deserve to be Alpha some day," Steven tells me sincerely. "Thanks mate," I say and return to my food. When it is finished I toss the plastic plate in the sink and help myself to a large mug of coffee before we head out onto the veranda. Steven leans one hip against the railing while I put one foot on the bottom rail and lean against an upright as I sip my coffee and look out at the various toms working around the clearing. "Sam called yesterday to say they were investigating some more trouble out Inverell way before heading back. He didn't think it would take more than a day or two," Steven says. "Good, I want him in charge while I'm not there," I say only to stop as a thought crosses my mind and I turn my head to look at Steven. "Would you prefer to stay with the Williamson clan or consider transferring here when I marry Donna?" "We're partners aren't we?" Steven asks levelly as he regards me seriously. His answer tells me what he thinks of my plans for my future. His unspoken support means a lot to me. I know my parents and brothers will support my decision and I hope Jazzy will be happy as well. I want more than the usual future for a werecat tom. I want a wife and family. "Thanks mate," I say before turning my attention back to the view in front of me. "Hell why not? I know I'm never likely to be an Alpha but that doesn't mean I can't watch your kitts grow into honourable cats," Steven says gruffly. It's hard to know what to say. I know Steven is just as good a warrior as I am and just as well thought of by members from other clans. But some how he doesn't get the attention from the she-kitts I do, which I find surprising. He's the one who always knows what to say to them and how to flirt with them while I find it hard not to end up tongue-tied with them. I stifle a yawn and glance towards Steven when he laughs. "Why don't you go have a sleep," he suggests. "Donna is probaly asleep right now, not getting ready to come visit with you." "Actually that sounds like a grand idea," I agree, turn and head inside towards the bedroom where I spent the first night. The drifting smell of cooking food wakes me and I sit up and stretch. It is past nightfall and I can't stop the smile that comes to my face lifting my mood considerably. It's no wonder I've slept the day away, I had been barely able to get any sleep while I was with Donna – even when she had been asleep her smell and taste on my lips had kept me eager to mount her. I use the toilet before heading for the area where I can hear werecats moving around and I am happy to see Donna sitting talking to Steven as I enter the room. I feel the heat of lust when she looks my and I grin as I head towards her. "Donna and I were just renewing our acquaintance," Steven tells me with a grin. His remarks reminds me that he enjoyed her company for two nights when he had visited with Timny a few months after I had joined her in the cage the first time but the memory doesn't bother me. In fact the thought of being able to openly watch Steven mount her sparks my interest and I glance between them wondering how open she would be to the idea as I move to sit beside her on the lounge. "We were just about to have dinner," Donna tells me with a smile before leaning close. I oblige her with a lingering kiss that brings memories of mounting her in the dark hours of last night and I lift my head with reluctance. "Sounds like a plan," I agree. "I'll bring your food in to you," Donna announces as she gets to her feet. I hesitate a moment then give a nod – it is a subtle way of letting the toms of her clan know we are in a serious relationship. I am left to watch as Steven follows her through to the kitchen. "Looks like we will definitely be seeing more of you around here then," Conner says before following his sister and Steven. Albie and Callum follow behind him and I am glad that they still approve of me as their sister's choice. When Donna returns carrying our plates with a look of pride on her face I am happy to have her sit beside me and I look over the selection of food she has put on the plate for me. When I notice the way she eats her own honey roasted carrots with enjoyment I offer her some of mine on my fork and grin with pleasure as she eats my offering. The sharp insistent ring of a mobile disturbs the peace of our meal and Steven grunts in annoyance on the other side of Donna as he leans away from her and reaches behind him for his back pocket. "I think that might be your phone," Steven tells me. He pulls the offending phone from his pocket and glances at it. Sure enough I recognise the familiar metallic blue cover of my phone. "Yeah hey Sam," Steven says as he answers it. "Any chance of speaking to Micah?" Sam's disjointed voice comes from the phone. "Yeah just a second," Steven answers and offers me the phone. "Sorry about this Donna," I say apologetically before lifting the phone to my ear. "What is it Sam?" "Sorry to bother you but I need you here. There's a real problem," Sam tells me and I hear someone else talking in the background but they are speaking too quietly for me to understand them. "We're heading home and we got an injured stray ..." "You've got a stray with you that you think is worth the trouble of making sure he survives," I cut in trying to keep the call short. "Yeah and well, Mitchell was bitten. He makes out it's no big deal but it's a nasty bite, and Alex has been punched in the mouth hard enough to knock one of his canines loose. I want to be sure there is no danger to Jazzy before we continue on home and I want Alex out of the vehicle – there is a bit of a personality clash. And I would feel a heck of a lot better with another mature able bodied tom in the vehicle with us," Sam announces tightly. I know Sam would never ask for help unless he needed it and my brother Alex can be a hinderance rather than help at times. "Tell me where you are and Steven and I will come meet you. I'll take a look at him, tell you what I think and Steven can go with you as the extra body if needs be while Alex drops me back here before heading home," I say with a glance at Donna.