Hi everyone

I just want to stop and thank everyone who takes the time to read and vote. But I would especially like to thank those who comment. The comments are what I miss from Literotica and reading the comments gives me an idea if my writing touches the readers the way I want it to.

Mygypsy

**************************************

Micah:

I watch as Chris takes Rosy's pulse, blood pressure and temperature before he listens to Rosy's lungs making sure they are clear. It is a week since Doc confirmed the pregnancy and the fact Rosy is carrying twins.

"Everything is as it should be," Chris announces in a pleased voice as he puts the stethoscope down. Ceskia walks in front of me momentarily blocking my view of my wife.

"You eat now," Ceskia says firmly as she pushes a large bowl into Rosy's hands. I frown in annoyance as Rosy accepts the bowl of food and peers at the contents.

"Mmm, fruit, yummy," Rosy purrs softly. Rosy's obvious approval chafes my already frayed control as jealousy rolls through me. It seems like Ceskia can do no wrong as far as Rosy is concerned but I feel like I am stumbling blindly through a minefield scoring as many hits as misses.

"Enough with the food already!" I snap tightly and glare at Ceskia as she turns to look at me a raised eyebrow. "Rosy would be better off with a feed of protein if she is hungry!"

"Balance," Ceskia says and turns away dismissively. I can't control the catlike growl that rumbles up from deep in my chest and I feel some satisfaction as Ceskia turns around to face me.

"At the rate you keep shoving food at Rosy the kitts will be huge!" I snarl menacingly at her.

"Mother must have food!" Ceskia snaps and claps her hands angrily. "Mother change be cat cubs change be cat! Mother change be like this cubs change be baby! Mother change cubs change! Change-change all times!"

As Ceskia hisses the last word out she is standing as close to nose to nose as she can get with me. I notice that her pupils are slits not round openings and take a step backwards as the hair on the back of my neck stands on end. Ceskia advances and I can't help taking another step backwards.

"Kia?" Rosy's softly spoken single worded question has me longing to glance towards her but I don't take my eyes off Ceskia until she turns and looks towards Rosy.

"I think they do change forms," Rosy says quietly.

I keep my eyes focused on Ceskia's face as she nods, she glances back at me and I notice that while her pupils are nearly round now but the ends of the slits are still faintly visible.

"When two three four cubs, them must change with mother," Ceskia says firmly. "No room in place they grow."

I glance at Rosy startled at this information and see she is exchanging a look with Chris.

"It would make sense," Chris says as he looks at me. "In cat form the kitts would be so much smaller."

"Every change," Ceskia says firmly. "It drain cubs it drain mother. Food always must eat,"

"The mother needs plenty of food to keep herself healthy and the cubs growing properly," Annushka says from the entry into the kitchen. I glance her way to find her watching me closely, I should have known she was close by wherever Ceskia is.

"What Kia is saying makes a heap of sense," Sam says from the door out into the hallway and sunroom. Lilly is standing in front of him, leaning back against his chest while he has his arms around her lower ribs.

"What do you think of Sam and Lilly being together?" I ask Rosy. She looks up from the bowl of fruit and licks her lips before resuming chewing the fruit in her mouth.

"We're just friends," Sam says removing his arms from around Lilly and stepping away.

"With benefits," Lilly says evenly but I see the flicker of hurt she tries to hide with a toss of her head before she strolls over near Rosy.

"Pfft!" Ceskia snorts.

"They're both consenting adults," Rosy says after a minute or so. I glance at Ceskia but she has turned away towards the kitchen and is talking quietly to Annushka, I hesitate for a moment before following Ceskia.

"Ceskia? Can I have a word for a few moments?" I ask trying to sound calm and friendly. Ceskia turns to face me with a guarded look on her face, she studies me a moment or two before giving a slight nod.

"I know I've been ... hard to get along with and I have tried to undermine a few things you have said or done," I tell her quietly. "I don't want to be second guessing when ever you do or say something. I love my wife deeply and want what's best for her ... and our babies. So if it's not too much to ask can you explain things to me so we can help each other support Rosy?"

Ceskia stares at me silently for a few moments before giving a slight nod, she glances past me and a slight smile lifts the corners of her mouth. Curious I turn my head to look and have to smile as I see Terry, Dacey and Wynn crowding around Rosy eager to put their little hands on her stomach.

"Is good her can have these," Ceskia murmurs quietly.

"I wish we could somehow get Rosy seeing Kali but both refuse to have anything to do with the other," I say quietly. I can almost feel the weight of Ceskia's gaze and I turn my head to look at her once again. She gives a little jerk of her head towards the back door of the kitchen.

"Come, we talk," She says before heading outside without waiting. I glance back at Rosy but she is enthralled with the boys as they huddle close, I hesitate a moment not wanting to leave but I know that for Rosy's sake I need to make peace with Ceskia so we can work together for Rosy's benefit.

Outside the morning is bright and sunny, there is warmth in the sun but with the breeze that is blowing it should not get too hot. I look to where Ceskia and Annushka are making their way to an orange tree down towards the Eastern side of the quarters. Ceskia turns to face me as I approach them and Annushka gives me a faint smile before looking away. Ceskia looks down at the bare patch of earth that is slowly starting to grow grass over it, she glances up at me before looking away once again.

"There was a headstone," I say quietly as I lift my gaze to look at the clear view of Mount Warning.

"Malcolm told us," Annushka says softly. "There were tears in his eyes when he told us how Mitchell refused to let him come say goodbye to his friend when everyone thought she was dead."

"Mitchell and Malcolm had a falling out, ended up with them as cats. The fighting could have been deadly if it hadn't been broken up," I shake my head and look down at the ground. I can still remember the grief that had washed over me on being told Rosy was dead and my useless attempts to get drunk enough that I couldn't feel the aching emptiness her absence left in me.

"As much as Mitchell couldn't stand having Malcolm around here, Sasha, Sam and myself needed to be able to hear him tell those boys about their mother. Make us laugh and remember her," I say with a wry smile.

"You taking my name in vain again?" Malcolm's voice has me turning my head quickly. I frown at the sight of the fresh bruise forming along his right cheekbone and he lifts one corner of his mouth in a slight smile as he touches the mark with his fingertips.

"It's time for me to beat a strategic retreat," Malcolm says with a sigh. "Mitchell has given me my marching orders. Apparently I got too near the house,"

"You go sniffing around my sister and I will personally hold you down while Mitchell beats on you," I tell him without rancour. Malcolm gives a grin, salutes me cockily and faces towards the quarters.

"I'll go see how Sasha is doing, see if they need a hand," He tells me before walking off. I turn back towards Ceskia and Annushka to find both are watching me closely, they exchange a glance and Annushka gives a faint nod.

"You want talk," Ceskia prompts. I give a nod towards her, take a deep breath and speak.

"I want to understand why you tell Rosy different things," I say calmly. "I don't want to be arguing with you. You are trying to help my Rosy. I don't want to undermine that, I want to help in anyway I can."

"No more try make Rosy to see little cub." Ceskia states and glares at me. I open my mouth to argue but stop abruptly, close my mouth, close my eyes and take a deep breath. As I open my eyes I find both women watching me closely.

"Make me understand," I say quietly even as every instinct screams at me that I must keep trying to get Rosy and Kali to bond.

"Rosy no milk no can feed no can give cub to other mother," Ceskia says levelly. I look away as I force my frustration down.

"We know Rosy can't feed Kali but Jazzy can," I say trying to remain patient. Ceskia turns to Annushka, they speak in a foreign language for a minute or so, their voices rising and falling before they both stop and turn back to me.

"Rosy said she couldn't give her own cub to another again. She cannot feed the cub but cannot give it to your sister to be its mother. Next time she holds her cub she keeps it. No going to another for food." Annushka says as she keeps flicking glances at Ceskia who nods with tightly compressed lips.

"Bu..." I stop mid word as it hits me. I swallow hard and nod as I force my horror down. "And Kali would starve to death or be injured in the fight to get her from Rosy,"

"No punish Rosy no not speak ..." I hold my hand up to stop Ceskia but she grabs my wrist forcing my arm down.

"... tell Rosy her cub grow. Tell her, her pain it make her cub grow it make her cub live." Ceskia demands tightly. "No say Rosy hold cub say her how her pain make her cub grows. Her cub live,"

"What the hell have I been putting her through," I groan as I swallow my tears.

"I know it gave Rosy comfort that you were here with her cub while she was on Mount Warning," Annushka tells me with a gentle pat on my upper arm. I scrub at my face with both of my hands and sniff back my tears, crying over spilt milk won't achieve anything.

"Rosy need fresh kill later on day," Ceskia says brightly and I manage a faint smile as I glance her way.

"I can provide that quite easily," I tell her.

"Rosy spot cat need exercise keep strong," Ceskia tells me lifting her chin slightly. "We female hunt, big kill big feed,"

I open my mouth to refuse to let Rosy be in on a kill in her condition but stop and give Ceskia an exasperated look.

"I will be close by just in case," I say on an exhaled breath.

Rosy:

I trot beside Micah as we head into the large enclosed paddock where we usually come for a guaranteed successful hunt. I lift my head and eagerly sniff the breeze searching for information on what lays around us. I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and turn my head slightly to see Kia trotting along a track to my left. Her striped coat shines with health and her fur ripples as the muscles beneath her skin flow smoothly with the rhythm of her gait. I flick my ears back and forth as I strain to catch the slight sounds of the others who travel with us.

I slow as we approach a large tree that leans to one side slightly, I stop to sniff at the bark of the tree and lay my ears back in annoyance when Annush scrambles up the trunk of the tree to perch on a solid branch. A willy-wag-tail bird darts around just out of reach scolding the group for our invasion into its territory. I feel the tip of my tail start to twitch as I pretend to ignore the cheeky little bird. I feel Micah move closer and then he rubs his head against my shoulder before snuffling through my fur up my neck to nuzzle around my ear. I half close my eyes with pleasure as the nuzzling turns to grooming and he works his way down to between my shoulder blades to that spot that always seems to get itchy.

Annush descends from the tree and lands on the ground near Kia with a soft thud while I glance back at Micah as he starts to groom along my spine over my ribs. A swish of my tail and I am off running towards the tree, I leap up high to grab a hold of the tree trunk with my front claws before sinking my back claws into the bark. A powerful thrust with my hind legs and I climb the tree with ease. I pause at the first branch to look down at those below me. Micah is watching with his ears laid back, clearly not happy with me climbing the tree. Kia merely rolls her eyes at me while Annush and the few toms watch me with interest. Sam glances between Micah and me several times before yawning and showing his canines in displeasure. I pant happily for a moment before turning and climbing higher showing Annush how it is done. She may be able to climb higher than me on the rocky face of my mountain but in trees I am Mistress of the high thin branches.

I look out over the pastureland spread before me, lush rich grass ripples in the evening breeze and I take note of the wind direction. I can see the flock of sheep and goats grazing towards a small natural spring, the herd of cattle stand close to the trees that provide shade further towards the water hole. I make a note of the location of both lots but I continue to search for that special treat I have been told has been put in this paddock. I finally spot movement down wind of the cattle and watch closely until I can see each of the three red deer that have been bought for hunting. Sure of where to find them I take my time descending from the tree but it is Sam who snarls at me in displeasure for climbing the tree not Micah. I flick my tail dismissively at my oldest brother before walking over to nudge Micah's shoulder softly. He turns his head with a purr and we rub our cheeks together, I begin purring in bliss as I side up to him to rub my entire body against his.

It is several minutes before I break away from Micah to stand looking out towards where I know the deer to be, I stare into the distance intently as if I could somehow see that little bit further I would need to be able to see my intended prey. I give Micah one last head rub then look towards Kia and Annush with a soft chuff, they instantly get to their feet and watch me intently. Kia flicks her ears back and forth waiting for me to lead the way, I touch noses with her for a moment before trotting into the long green feed that fattens the beasts to perfection.

We all are in hunting mode as everyone follows my lead, not a single sound comes from any of us cats as we quickly make our way forward. Kia trots level with my front shoulders, if we burst onto the deer unexpectedly she will take the kill rather than chance an accidental injury for myself. We come across an area where the cattle have been grazing and I pause long enough to roll in some fresh cow pats knowing the deer have a sharp sense of smell. I glance back to see several of the others following my lead and my human half laughs at the thought of the rush for the showers or rinse off under the hose when we return to the quarters.

As we move again I begin to slink forward in a smooth trot, I swivel my ears as I listen intently for any sounds to tell me what lies just out of sight in this long feed. I stop and drop to the ground on my belly as I hear the stomp of a hoof, a moment later the sound is repeated twice. I arch my ears as far forward as they can go and listen intently, another stomp this time from a slightly different spot, the scrap of a hoof as a leg is moved. Faint sounds of chewing reach my ears and I am surprised we have made it this close without detection since we are in the open. I concentrate on which way the wind moves the grass ahead of me, I lift my top lip in a feline smile as the wind is blowing across to our left but towards us as well.

The sounds of the deer feeding and stomping occasionally at bothersome flies can be heard and I lick my nose and breathe deeply as I search for their scent in the air. Carefully I begin to inch forward guided only by sound, the ground is uneven where cattle have worn pathways walking over time. I drop to the ground as I see movement through the thinning vegetation, I keep watching that spot and I am rewarded with another movement. I can hear the sound of the grass being bitten off and I move my paws restlessly to ensure firm ground beneath my paws.

Instantly all sounds from the deer stop and I know at least one of them has lifted its head to look around cautiously. I concentrate on keeping my breathing silent and clench my jaw as I hear a snort and a stomp. I have a good idea of where all three deer are but I have no idea of the size and weight of each individual other than all three had looked to be full-grown. Another snort and stomp warns me they are getting nervous, as if they can sense our presence. I slowly move a front paw forward until I can ease myself into a more satisfactory crouch. An ear flicked back towards Kia has her gliding up beside me silently and she stops a head in front of me. Ears swivelling and nose lifted slightly she makes her own survey of our prey. She turns her head fractionally towards me as her ears pitch forward and she rolls her eye upwards as she presses her front quarters hard against the ground and crawls forward across my path.

I don't hesitate, I am instantly moving, my front paws on top of her front shoulders and my hind feet come to land on her shoulders either side outside of my front paws. Kia leaps up adding her power to my leap into the air and I have a clear view of the three startled deer. I aim for the one on the left, it is facing into the open while the others are facing towards the trees. I feel solid footing beneath my paws as I land on the ground, my prey throws its head up and pivots back and forth undecided as I gather my muscles for another leap. It's two companions lay their ears back as they gather themselves to leap.

My prey rears up striking out with her front legs towards me, she has chosen fight over flight, not that either can save her. A golden orange blur passes me on my right side as I prop to avoid the striking hooves and I watch in annoyance as Kia shoulder charges the hindquarters of my prey. I leap in catching hold of the deer's throat in my jaws, a slight adjustment and my teeth clamp down cutting off both air supply and blood flow to the brain. I brace myself against her struggles, my tail flicking in irritation at Kia's interference as she bites into the base of the neck and settles her weigh on the deer's body.

I adjust my bite to rip open the jugular, the rich taste of warm blood fills my mouth and I pant happily as I rest a heavy paw on the still neck. The afternoon sun is warm on my back and I stand up as I glance around to see where the nearest shade is. Micah comes to stand beside me and sniffs towards my open mouth as I pant, I lay my ears back for a moment before dropping my head to sniff my prey. I glance at the shade about fifty metres away and take a hold of the neck of the deer with a soft grunt. Dragging the deer is awkward, it's long neck allows it to get beneath me and I have to keep moving so I am not straddling its front shoulders and ribs. I stop and let go of my hold as I growl in annoyance, Kia steps forward and I watch as she drags the heavy carcase towards the shade with ease.

I lay in the shade where a cool breeze dances along the edge of the trees, Kia and Micah are opening the carcase and I watch with interest. The need for food soon has me on my feet and I am quick to begin eating when Micah steps aside. I take my time eating my fill then retreat to lie where the breeze ruffles the grass. I watch as the cats effectively turn a carcase that would have been close to two hundred kilos into little more than a hide and a few scattered bones. Kia cracks a thighbone with strong jaws and drops it in front of me before returning to the scraps to crack the second thighbone. I take my time eating the rich marrow while avoiding bone fragments as I hold the end of the bone between my front paws. When Micah turns and calls to me I get to my feet to begin the journey back to the buildings.

Micah:

I knock on the door before walking into the house I grew up in until I joined the ranks of the warriors. Mikkarl is in the kitchen washing up and I glance his way as I pause in the doorway.

"Where is everyone?" I ask quietly.

"Timny and Mitchell are rearranging the bedroom next to the nursery," Mikkarl says with a glance in the direction of the bedrooms. "Jazzy is in with Cameron and Kali."

"Jazzy took advantage of Rosy not being at the quarters to get you to come cook a feast?" I ask before heading for the nursery. I don't wait for an answer, I know Mikkarl is happiest catering to the carvings of anyone of the female variety.

As I walk past the empty bedrooms I can hear the soft music Jazzy always seems to have playing, she claims it soothes both of the youngsters. The nursery door is slightly ajar and I reach out to give a gentle knock before entering.

"Mommy, Kali say Mommy ..." Jazzy urges softly.

Instantly I can hear the blood rushing in my ears as my heart starts pounding, my entire body tenses and I grind my teeth as a red haze fills my vision. I push the nursery door open making it slam against the wall as I stalk into the room.

"What the hell did you just say to my daughter?" I demand in outrage. Jazzy turns to face me hurriedly as she scrambles from the rocking chair she had been sitting in. Her eyes are wide in her pale face and her mouth is hanging open.

"What the hell did you just say to my daughter!" I demand sharply and Jazzy swallows hard as her face goes red. Behind her Cameron starts crying loudly and a low defensive growl comes from Jazzy. I am aware of the footsteps hurrying towards us but I don't take my eyes from my sister as I stalk towards her and snatch Kali from her arms. Kali coos in delight and giggles as I settle her on my hip as I continue to glare at Jazzy.

"What's going on?" Mitchell demands through the walls as his footsteps draw closer.

"Yes Jazzy!" I snarl, "Exactly what is going on? Why the hell are you teaching Kali to call you Mommy!"

"It's not what ..." Jazzy starts to speak but I snarl as I cut her off.

"Don't lie to me! I heard you myself!" I snap angrily. I hear someone reach the doorway behind me and turn around hurriedly to find myself facing both Mitchell and Timny.

"What the hell is going on?" Mitchell demands stepping into the room as he glares at me.

"Maybe you should ask your wife who I just caught trying to get your niece Kali to call her Mommy!" I snarl back. "Kali is Rosy's daughter!"

"I .." Jazzy begins.

"Don't lie!" I snap furiously.

"Shut up and listen for a moment!" Timny snaps.

I glare at Timny but watch Mitchell closely as he moves past me to stand beside Jazzy where she is rocking Cameron into her arms attempting to soothe him. There is silence for a few moments as Jazzy walks back to the chair with Mitchell slightly in front of her, she glares at me a moment before reaching down towards the chair. When she straightens she is holding something in one hand, she turns it to face me and it takes me a moment to see it is a picture of Rosy's head and shoulders. That damned fringe is falling into her eyes but she has one hand up pushing it aside as she looks towards the camera inquiringly.

"I show this to Kali and tell her it is Kali's Mommy," Jazzy says with quiet dignity. I watch her warily as she moves closer and holds the picture up towards Kali, Kali looks at it disinterestedly for a moment before snuggling into my arms.

"Dar, dar, dar," Kali chatters before falling into her own unique language.

I glance between the photo and Jazzy's face several times, as I start to calm down I realise I can't smell any signs of deceit. I turn over my sisters explanation in my mind comparing it to what I had heard when I was outside the nursery door.

"You owe my wife an apology," Mitchell says tightly. I instantly feel myself bristling at his tone, I turn my head and glare at him.

"Your wife should not have stolen my wife's newborn," I tell him in a cold voice. I see the anger flare in his eyes but Jazzy is suddenly there between us.

"I never meant for this to happen!" Jazzy snaps defensively. "Everyone was focused on keeping Rosy alive and when I saw Kali ..." Her voice softens as she looks at Kali. "I saw a kitt that needed help. I never meant for Kali to bond with me, but I would do it all over again just so Kali is alive!"

"Micah," Mikkarl says evenly from the doorway and I turn my head to look at him. "Check out what your little one is wrapped in, Jazzy has been getting Rosy's pillow case snuck over each day."

I look down at Kali in my arms, she is wrapped loosely in a pillowcase and I lift her up to sniff it to see if Mikkarl is telling the truth. Firstly I smell Kali's own sweet baby smell but underneath it I recognise Rosy's scent, rich and slightly spicy like the Australian bush. Intermingled with it I catch a hint of my own scent, I glance at Jazzy and manage a shame faced grimace of a smile.

"I owe you an apology," I say quietly. "I know I owe Kali's life to your quick think..."

"Micah stop, okay." Jazzy orders softly. When I open my mouth to speak she lifts up a hand and I remain silent. " I am no longer that spoiled, selfish little girl who wanted the kitts Rosy had when she returned with the two boys. Since ... since our losses ..."

Jazzy looks at Mitchell with a strained smile then down at the little boy in her arms. "And since Cameron.... I wouldn't do that to Rosy Micah. I understand exactly what I accidentally stole from her,"

Jazzy looks up from her son and meets my eyes, I see the tears that brim in her eyes and the pain that shimmers below them.