Rosy’s story:

I wait patiently as Doc checks my pulse and blood pressure before he listens to the baby’s heart beat and I have to smile as Micah eagerly lines up for his chance to listen to the heartbeat as well. I grimace as Doc feels my stomach gently pressing to feel the position of the baby.

"Okay, now the scales." Doc tells me. I stand up and kick my shoes off before stepping onto the scales, we watch as the numbers steady then flash and Doc nods.

"Not bad, you’ve put on the recommended weight gain but I would have liked for you to have put some weight on yourself," Doc tells me seriously.

"I’m feeling much stronger and I don’t tire near as much," I offer.

"That is good but you are going to need every bit of strength when that little fellow decides it is time to arrive and going on his size now, he isn’t going to be so little when he’s born," Doc warns.

"I plan on being as active as is safely possible," I say, "that helps with the delivery doesn’t it?"

"Yes it does," Doc agrees. "A well balanced diet is essential as well even if your weight gain isn’t as much as I’d like,"

"Diet?" Micah frowns, "shouldn’t Rosy eat as much as she wants?"

"Yes but she also needs plenty of fresh fruit and vegies to go along with her daily intake of protein," Doc explains. Micah looks at me as he nods to himself before glancing at Doc then back at me.

"Why don’t you go check the pantry and freezers and write out a list of anything you want from town. I’ll send a couple of the guys in to do some shopping," Micah tells me.

"I take it that’s code for you want a cup of coffee?" I say with a smile.

"Uhh, yeah," Micah smiles relieved.

"Doc?" I ask as I pause in the doorway of the room.

"Yes Rosy?" Doc answers with a smile, as he looks my way.

I glance towards Micah for a second before I focus my attention back on Doc, I know the question I intend to ask will not sit well with Micah but I ask anyway.

"Have you heard how Edwin got on after he left here?" I query. Edwin left the morning after Sam beat him up, unwilling to stay on clan land any longer than completely necessary.

"He isn’t here where he can bother you any longer Rosy, so no need to worry about him," Micah says gently.

"I want to know how he got on with the operation he needed," I insist with a determined frown.

"There’s no need for you to worry about him," Micah says firmly.

"There is a good chance he will need further surgery some time in the future to remove the remaining testicle," Doc tells me in an even tone.

I grimace slightly as I give a faint nod before turning away. I am not sure how I feel or if I even feel anything about Edwin’s injuries. It does not upset me anymore but neither do I feel any compassion for him. I move away from the door and out into the sunroom as I head for the kitchen but pause at the lounge room door and listen intently as I hear Micah’s voice.

"Doc, I’ve wanted to ask you … how long before Rosy can safely …" Micah sounds uncertain and I hear a faint laugh from Doc.

"You’re wondering when you can do more than just sleep with Rosy?" Doc asks levelly.

"Yes. I haven’t tried to do anything with her this last week other than try to make her know she’s safe," Micah says sounding slightly pained. I listen intently, interested in the answer myself. My body is eager for Micah’s touch and memories of Kendal rarely surface when I can feel Micah’s aroused body against mine of a night.

"Okay, anytime Rosy is inclined to be interested. All I can suggest is follow your instincts with her," Doc explains. He continues to talk but I shake my head with a faint smile and head for the kitchen on silent feet, I put the coffee percolator on and put several mugs on the bench. One benefit of having Jazzy in residence is we now have ceramic mugs with our names on them and they are rinsed after use and washed up properly each night after supper. No longer is the sink filled with dirty used mugs.

I hear the screen door slam and light footsteps as several of the toms head inside, I turn to face the lounge room and watch as Steven leads the way in followed by Sam, Dwayne, Mitchell and Justin.

"Where’s Jazzy got to?" I ask. It is rare to see Mitchell and Jazzy apart.

"She has decided to drag Malcolm, Chris, Mikkarl and Timny to town to go shopping," Mitchell says with a shrug, he hates shopping and is clearly relieved to escape Jazzy’s expedition.

"What has she decided she needs this time?" I ask with a grin.

"She is checking to see if the baby sling she ordered for you is in, plus she declared you have no decent clothes to cover ‘The Bump’." Sam tells me with a grin. All of the toms find it amusing that Jazzy has changed the baby’s name from Jellybean to ‘The Bump’.

"I will scream if she brings back a collection of clothes covered in frills and bows." I say as I shake my head.

"Maybe she’ll pick out a nice little two piece swimsuit for you," Steven tells me with a leer.

"You and your skimpy swimsuit fantasy! You need to go take some poor unsuspecting girl out for the evening," I tell him with a shake of my head.

"And ruin her for a normal man? How cruel are you?" Steven teases me. I poke my tongue out at him and he laughs as he walks into the kitchen and looks in the percolator. The toms retrieve their cups from the draining rack and line them up along the bench with the three cups I have out.

"Who else is here?" Sam asks idly.

"Doc, he’s in chatting with Micah. Micah is probaly trying to find some way to make me eat more," I grumble.

"You had your check up? Everything’s fine?" Sam asks anxiously.

"Everything is good but Doc said he would have liked it if I had put on more weight, on me and not just with the baby growing." I say calmly. It is no use trying to hide the fact from my brothers, Doc or Micah will tell them for sure.

"I’m going to have a few words with Doc myself," Sam mutters and I frown at him, he crosses his arms over his chest and gives me his no-nonsense stern look. I ignore him as I look through the pantry before checking the two different freezers and finding a pen and paper so I can write out a list of food I want bought from the shops in town.

"Whatcha doin’?" Steven asks as he reads the list over my shoulder.

"Shopping list," I tell him.

"But we don’t eat spinach or broccoli or mung bean sprouts, sounds nasty." Steven tells me with a shake of his head as he pulls a face as if he has tasted something terrible.

"I notice you’re not complaining about the sweet corn on the cob or the baby potatoes, sweet potato or Zucchini." I remark.

"They taste good," Steven points out to me patiently.

"The others are good for you or more importantly good for me and Jellybean," I say levelly.

"Oh that’s all right then, we can get those for you." Steven is quick to agree. I roll my eyes at him and he moves away to pour the freshly brewed coffee into the waiting cups.

"You don’t have coffee do you?" He comments as he goes to the fridge for the milk, I grin as I see he has his large bottle of flavoured milk and is about to pour me a cup. I accept the drink gratefully and I am sipping it when Micah and Doc walk into the room.

"Coffee, just what I need," Doc announces as he reaches for a cup.

"Did Rosy check out all right?" Sam asks seriously with a stern glance towards me.

"Everything seems fine and hopefully will continue to be," Doc tells him.

"Rosy said you’re not real happy about her weight or something?" Mitchell says with a reproachful look my way.

"You should see what she put on the shopping list, she’s trying to poison us," Steven grumbles as he pushes the list towards Micah. Doc picks it up and studies it for a few minutes before nodding his approval and glancing at me with a grin.

"Rosy seems to have it covered. Now if you actually manage to get these guys to eat this stuff you will have to let me know how you do it?" Doc smiles widely.

"Broccoli? You expect us to eat broccoli?" Micah asks with disbelief.

"It’s good for you. It’ll put a shine on your coat." I say with a shrug.

"We’d better stock up on tomato sauce then because I intend to use an entire bottle to hide the colour and taste of the broccoli," Micah informs me.

"Well … if you feel that strongly about it, I suppose we can give it a miss." I say sounding regretful.

"And the spinach? And the sprout thingies?" Steven asks hopefully.

"If we must," I answer with a long-suffering sigh.

"No," Doc protests, "Those foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for you while you’re carrying the baby!"

"It’s too much hassle to cook up enough for just one person," I say with a shrug and turn away to help myself to an orange.

"We all can eat them, it won’t hurt us." Sam says firmly, "If Rosy has to eat food she’s not fond of it won’t hurt us to eat it as well."

"Well that’s settled then, they stay on the shopping list." Micah announces. I remain silent as the toms grumble, it is just another example of me outsmarting them. I move to a chair and sit down as I rub my stomach with one hand.

"You okay?" Doc asks and I realise I have moved from rubbing my swollen stomach to rubbing my back.

"Just a backache," I dismiss it but Doc moves to where he can place a hand on my stomach, he leaves it there for a while before moving away.

"Nothing to worry about just Braxton-hicks, at six and a half months they’re normal," Doc tells me.

"Braxton-hicks, what are they?" Micah demands in concern.

"Practice pains," Doc says.

"Is Rosy having the baby early?" Mitchell demands in a panic. "I thought you said things can be done to stop that kind of thing these days!"

"Mitchell! Stop! You got it wrong," I try to calm him but Mitchell grabs one of my hands in a hard grip and squeezes as he pats it roughly.

"It’ll be all right Rosy, you won’t lose this baby like the others." Mitchell tries to reassure me in a panicked voice. I instinctively lash out with my free hand hitting his wrists hard with one slam down of my fist causing Mitchell to give a startled yell and look at me accusingly.

"Let her go. You’re hurting her," Micah growls as he pushes Mitchell backwards stopping him recapturing my hand.

"I’m fine Mitchell, the baby is fine. They are practice pains. So my body knows what it has to do when the time comes," I tell him earnestly.

"You were in pain," Mitchell worries as he looks down at my stomach before looking me in the face, distress clear on his features.

"Mitchell, back off," Micah warns with a hiss of fury.

"Not even Mitchell! It just feels weird like the muscles in my belly and back go tense," I tell him with a frown as I turn away from the others.

"They are similar to a very mild muscle cramp. The muscles just go tight," Doc explains.

"They really don’t hurt?" Micah asks with concern.

"No they do not," I snap as I start to become annoyed with the over protective behaviour of the toms. I glance from one face to another and see the concern on all of their faces. Irritation rises within me and I turn to face all of the toms.

"I promise that if it hurts, I shall scream long and loud so you lot know. Is that a deal?" I demand angrily at the end of my patience.

"I suppose," Mitchell says sounding uncertain. His recently developed composure and calm steadiness obviously does not extend to matters concerning my impending motherhood.

"Would a backrub help?" Micah offers.

"Well it wouldn’t hurt. It should help Rosy to relax," Doc answers before I can say a word. "With a couple of pillows to help make her comfortable there is no reason why Rosy can’t lay on her stomach,"

Micah eyes me doubtfully and gives his head a shake.

"Maybe Rosy can use one of the new beanbags," Doc offers. "Some human women use them when they are having their babies,"

"And maybe if Rosy can’t be trusted to know what hurts and what doesn’t, she can miss out on the backrub." I snap as I get to my feet and turn to leave the room. Micah catches me by the wrist and pulls me around to face him very gently. He smiles at me apologetically.

"It’s just that we care about you," Micah says with a rueful smile.

"Well credit me with some commonsense," I mutter as I look away uncomfortable with the turn in the conversation.

"Our every instinct is to protect you and the baby. We can’t help it if we go overboard." Sam tells me with a good-natured smile.

"So it’s okay if I follow my instincts to give whoever, a good swift kick in the shins when they annoy me?" I ask with a raised eyebrow. I hear Doc laugh but I don’t pull my gaze away from Sam as he looks uncomfortable with my question, finally he gives a shrug.

"That wouldn’t be too much fun," he informs me.

"True, I’d end up with a very sore foot because it seems like every time one of you open your mouth you annoy me," I say levelly.

"You never say anything," Dwayne tells me.

"Yeah, I know you have the best of intentions so why bash you over the head with the little unimportant things?" I ask with a shrug.

"Maybe you all need to find a happy middle ground," Doc offers.

"We’re getting there," I admit, "they’re getting better at listening to me and I’m learning new stuff all the time. It’s not as if I grew up in a clan so everything is very different for me," I tell Doc.

"We try to explain things to her so she understands things better," Sam admits and I send him a grin.

"Sounds like you have things under control. Have you worked out what made you loose control when you were wearing the collar? What upset you so badly you couldn’t force your cat back under control?" Doc asks curiously.

I look away uncomfortably. I don’t want to hear Micah is only with me because the kitt I carry has a Williamson sperm donor. I don’t think of Edwin as the biological father, he is nothing to my baby or me. It is just a twist of fate that it was Edwin who provided the genetic material. And I refuse to think about the clan lands Vaygar mentioned. If that was the real reason behind… I allow my mind to go blank. In this case, ignorance is bliss because there is a tiny suspicion at the back of my mind telling me - if you don’t like the answer

– don’t ask the question.

"I’m still willing to chat with you about it if you want to, if you need to." Doc tells me gently. I can almost feel the waves of tension coming off Sam and Steven as I shrug uneasily.

"Not really Doc," I say as I shake my head.

"It’s not good for you to keep something that upset you so much bottled up inside," Doc insists. I remain silent and Micah brushes his thumb gently over my wrist, I twist my arm free and cross my arms over my lower ribs defensively as I avoid his gaze.

"What ever is upsetting you Rosy, we can work it out. I promise I’ll find a way to help you fix it," Micah tells me.

"Don’t push her Micah. Rosy will talk when she’s ready." Sam tells him. Micah takes a deep breath and I glance his way, he is watching me with a frustrated look on his face and I look away quickly.

"Do you want to have lunch before you head off Doc?" Micah asks.

"Might as well," Doc agrees.

"Well I’m going to be lazy and sit in the lounge room while you lot make lunch," I declare with a grin and head for the lounge room. I know that if I had remained in the kitchen that one of the toms would have ended up carrying me into the lounge room out of harms way while they goofed around. I sit in the middle of the lounge before giving a shrug and moving to put my legs up and lay down knowing that Micah will sit me up so he can sit down and have me lean against him.

I close my eyes tiredly, I’ll just rest them for a few moments, and lunch won’t be long. I yawn and stretch as I make myself comfortable on the lounge. Just a few moments peace and quiet before everyone comes in here to eat their lunch.

"Rosy, Rosy come on you got to wake up." Micah’s voice disturbs me and I open my eyes reluctantly. "Doc said you can’t afford to miss meals and we have to wake you up so you can try to eat,"

"Jus’ a minu’e," I murmur sleepily and rub my eyes.

"Take your time," Micah says gently before easing me into a sitting position. He sits on the lounge then lifts me backwards onto his lap securing me with an arm around behind my waist while his hand rests on my hip.

"What’s to eat?" I ask as I rest my head against his chest. The sound of his heart beating is directly beneath my ear and I listen to the soothing sound.

"I heated up some left over roast and made you warm meat and gravy buns," Micah tells me.

"Hmmm," I murmur with approval as I reach eagerly for the plate Sam passes to me. I hesitate as I go to pick up one of the buns that are overflowing with warm aromatic meat and gravy.

"What do you want?" I ask suddenly suspicious as I glance at Micah before lifting the lid of the bun off and beginning to eat my lunch one juicy gravy moist chunk at a time.

"Nothing, I just want you to eat your food," Micah growls sounding annoyed. "Why does every kind gesture have to mean we want something?" he asks with a frown.

"You just said you want me to eat my food," I point out before I lick gravy off my fingers and Micah growls in annoyance.

"You okay with Micah wanting to take care of you?" Doc asks calmly. I glance at Doc where he is looking very relaxed in a chair while he eats his lunch. One good sniff has already informed me I am the only one who has warm filling in the buns.

"I’m eating aren’t I? And more importantly Micah isn’t wearing my lunch," I say with a shrug.

"Rosy you’re just being nasty," Mitchell tells me with disapproval.

"No Mitchell. My instincts have kept me alive for years and if I’m not sure about something with you lot I ask outright because right from the start something told me I’d get straight answers. Most of the time," I say and glance at Micah. He’s watching me as if not sure what to make of me and I return to eating the chunks of roast.

"So who stole my crackling?" I ask with a wide grin. Several of the toms laugh and Steven slaps one of my feet gently.

"It’s roast lamb, only pork has crackling," Steven says with a laugh. I poke my tongue out at him before resting my head against Micah’s shoulder for a few moments.

"Don’t you want that second bun?" Micah asks gently when he sees I have finished half of my lunch. I rub my stomach gently and glance up at him.

"I want it but I don’t think there’s enough room for all of it," I tell him.

"Just eat what you can manage," Micah says and rubs my back gently. I begin to pull the bun apart eating the meat with some small pieces of the bun. This bun is a mix of wholemeal and whole grains and tastes delicious with the gravy on it. I listen to the conversation of the toms as I eat and when I am full there is only the base of the bun and a scattering of meat left.

"I’m gonna go curl up on your bed," I tell Micah and he gives a nod before returning to the conversation with the others. I make my way to the room we share with Steven and crawl onto Micah’s bed, I use pillows to make myself comfortable as I cuddle one before closing my eyes with a contented sigh.

Rosy’s story:

"Rosy! Rosy wake up," Steven tells me and shakes my shoulder firmly bringing me out of a sound sleep. I frown as I blink dazedly then turn my head as the sound of Sam’s angry voice reaches me.

"What?" I ask as I force myself into a sitting position.

"Lotty has gotten engaged to someone else, there is to be a wedding almost immediately." Steven says with a glance at my stomach and I catch on to what he means, Lotty has gotten pregnant to some other tom.

"Sam is talking about leaving the pride. Micah and Dwayne are over at the house, they don’t know yet. Mitchell is trying to talk to Sam but he’s hit Mitchell several times and just keeps pushing him out of the way." Steven explains quickly.

"Sam can’t leave," I protest as I climb from the bed. Steven grabs my upper arm to help me and stops me for a moment.

"He’s hurting real bad Rosy," Steven tells me soberly. "Not many will be willing to take him into their Clan after the beating he handed out to Edwin."

I hurry out towards where I can hear Sam in his and Mitchell’s room and pause in the doorway before walking over to where he is throwing his clothes in two large duffel bags. I immediately begin to throw the clothes back out tossing them onto the floor behind me before tossing one empty bag out the door.

"What the hell?" Sam snarls as he turns around and hesitates a moment as he sees me, "Get out of that!"

"No! I won’t let you walk away from us Sam," I tell him.

"I have just lost everything that matters to me! Everything! I have no future anymore! Some other tom has my future," Sam yells at me.

"Well make something new from what you have left! Lotty is not worth you throwing everything away for." I tell him angrily.

"Don’t you even say her name! You’re nothing but a nasty little bitch intent on drawing every last drop of blood from anyone who gets near you." Sam yells at me and I am shaken by the fury in his voice.

"Sam," Steven growls in warning and I hear movement in several places behind me.

"You can’t even take responsibility for your own actions! They are what got you locked in the cage with Edwin! But no! You blame us! Reckon we tricked you into it! You fucked up and got caught for it! At least have the guts to admit it and stop blaming us for what happened to you." Sam yells at me angrily.

I am stunned into silence for several seconds before I lower my head slightly as I glare at him. He wants to make this personal does he? He thinks he’s the only one ever to be betrayed and hurt?

"Oh I knew that I would be in big trouble when I went to get help for Jazzy but I came back anyway! I didn’t have to! I could have stayed away and she would have died! But that is not me! And running away is not you! You have family who care about you here! Not to mention your fellow warriors! Yes you lost a lot loosing Lotty but there is other stuff you can fill your life with." I snarl back at him.

Sam moves so fast I am not aware of my danger until he has hold of me by the upper arms and gives me a short hard shake.

"Sam," I’m not sure which toms roar at him but I know that at least Mitchell, Steven and Donovan are drawing closer. I keep looking into his eyes refusing to look away as he glares down at me, his fingers biting into my arms viciously.

"If I could rebuild my life when I was only twelve after having everything ripped apart and turned inside out then you can rebuild your life now. You still have everyone who loves you enough to stick by you," I tell him softly.

"Everything I had planned for myself included Lotty," Sam denies.

"And everything I had planned centred around the fact I believed I was human! I had no-one to help me those first few weeks but we are here and willing to help you if you let us Sam," I tell him desperately. I don’t want my brother to walk away from me – it seems like I only just found him and got to know him.

"You don’t know what it’s like to have someone you love turn their back on you! Betray you! So don’t give me some crap," Sam says as he shakes me again.

His words touch something deep inside me, something I have kept hidden and guarded from exposure. To think about it, to remember, only brings back the pain. Now that pain fuels my desperation and colours my words.

"Poor god damned Sam! He’s the only one who has ever had someone walk away from them. The only one who knows what it’s like to be betrayed? She didn’t just walk away from you she took your balls," I snarl back at him. "Yous weren’t married, hell yous weren’t even engaged. Did you ever care enough to ask her?"

"What the hell would you know about it? By your own admission you had spent your life running from everyone, even humans for years before we found you." Sam yells at me.

"I wasn’t always alone. I wasn’t the only one who ran from other cats," I tell Sam in a tight voice. "And if there’s one thing I have learnt Sam, is you can’t run away from the shit life hands out. Because, no matter where you try to hide, it will find you and is always worse the second time around,"

Sam’s grip tightens on my upper arms and he moves so close I can feel his breath wash over my face as he glares down at me. I can even smell his inner cat he is that angry but I refuse to look away from his intense blue eyes. He is angry and hurting but so am I, and I have had much longer to hoard my pain.

"Steven …" I take a deep breath and release it before continuing. "In my side of the wardrobe there is a small wooden chest that has a padlock on it, could you get it for me?"

"I’m staying right here unless Sam lets you go," Steven growls low in his throat, "Justin or Donny can get it."

"Someone had better do something because I am sick of her trying to interfere in stuff she knows nothing about," Sam growls low and savagely as his grip tightens convulsively. "You know nothing about what I am going through and once you realise that, you are going to wish you had kept out of this."

"Let me go Sam," I tell him firmly. My hands are twitching unintentionally from the force of his hold on my arms as he compresses nerves in my arms.

"As your brother I have every right to disciple you if you step out of line and believe me you have jumped way over the line this time," Sam snarls and I suddenly realise he wants to lash out and make others hurt as much as he’s hurting. I lower my head and turn it slightly as I narrow my eyes making it impossible for him to read my expression.

Micah’s story:

I leave Chris behind as I race for the quarter. His breathless message has my heart pounding in fear. Sam has just found out Lotty Inness has to marry someone else and he is tearing his room apart in a rage as he packs his belongings. And Rosy is trying to stop him leaving. Rosy is in a room with a very upset and hurting werecat.

The screen door offers no resistance as I wrench it open, behind me it slams noisily and makes a sound as if it has actually come off one of its hinges as I race through to the bedrooms. My heart nearly stops beating as I take in the scene within in one glance.

"Someone had better do something because I am sick of her trying to interfere in stuff she knows nothing about," Sam growls low and savagely. He has hold of Rosy by her upper arms and is snarling the words down into her face.

"You know nothing about what I am going through and once you realise that, you are going to wish you had kept out of this." He informs her.

"Let me go Sam," Rosy says firmly without flinching even though I can see her hands and arms twitching from his savage grip on her arms.

"As your brother I have every right to disciple you if you step out of line and believe me you have jumped way over the line this time," Sam snarls in an enraged hoarse rasp.

"Get your hands off Rosy or I will rip your arms off." I snarl savagely in warning. If he hurts her I will make him pay.

"You told him yet Rosy? Told him what made you loose control?" Sam demands sounding almost pleased. "Our little stray here, she doesn’t like the idea of getting married. When I let it slip you’d be asking her she ended up going ballistic, totally lost it. Seems you’re not good enough for a stray Micah," Sam taunts.

The pain his words cause is unbelievable as I catch the pitying glance he sends my way. I grit my jaw and grind my teeth as I swallow the cry of pain that wants to rise in my throat as I see the shadow of guilt that flickers across Rosy’s face.

"Ok Sam, you just had your pound of flesh. Hell you managed to get several of us with that little gem without a doubt," Rosy hisses venomously at him.

"I am sick of you pushing me away when all I want to do is help you and now you figure you’ve pushed me into a corner where I’ll just sit down and shut up and take my medicine for daring to interfere? My only regret is what I am about to do is going to hurt probaly everyone in this room … you and your damned Clan mentality Sam. You’re hurting, I hear that, but don’t you ever sharpen your claws on me again," Rosy snarls up at him even as she hits him in the centre of his chest with both clenched fists. She takes several steps back before holding out one shaking hand to the side.

"Whoever has that chest had better give it to me," Rosy says between gritted teeth.

I watch as Justin pushes a small wooden chest into her grip and she cradles it almost gently against her chest for a moment before I hear the metallic click of a lock opening.

Rosy glances back towards us all watching before she lowers her gaze to the floor and reaches into the box. She passes Sam a dog-eared piece of paper before reaching into the box again to retrieve what appears to be a photo. Rosy hesitates a moment, before holding it out towards Sam with a shaking hand, she looks like she might grab it back when he fails to take it from her hand. He is too busy studying the piece of paper with a stunned expression on his face to take the photo.

"You’re already married," Sam explodes as he looks up from the piece of paper.

"Try widowed, brother dearest. We were living very separate lives for a couple of years because he had betrayed me in a way I could never forgive. And as I’m sure you can testify - just because they hurt you, you don’t stop loving them," Rosy says bitterly as she slaps the photo to his chest.

"Pass it around," Rosy sneers at Sam. "Share the joke. Now tell me why clan cats are so much better than strays. And start with this clan!"

The photograph flutters to the ground to land picture up and I can see the two figures on it clearly. One is Rosy, looking up into the face of the guy holding her. The expression on her face wrenches painfully at me as I see the way she is gazing enthralled at the stray called Jasper, a stray that had died at the hands of this clan.

"Oh shit," I hear Steven mutter and there are slight sounds of movement. I can only watch as Rosy turns away from Sam and pushes past several toms to get to the bedroom door.

"Why is Rosy so upset?" I hear Donovan ask with dread.

"Show me that damned picture," I demand as Sam picks up the photograph. I hear the faint shuffle of feet as Sam hands me the photo. I stare at it hoping the faces will have changed, that it isn’t Rosy looking at another tom like he is her entire world. His face stays the same, still that of the stray who died in a pool of his own blood after being caught and hauled back to the compound for disciplinary action.

"I killed Rosy’s husband," Timny says in a hollow sounding voice. "And it’s my fault her and Donny were snatched by those strays,"

I hear the screen door grate protestingly and I look around as I realise Rosy has left the room, maybe even the building.

"Show me that damned piece of paper!" I demand as I stalk towards Sam, he releases his hold on it when I grab it and pull on it.

There is a roaring in my ears and the words on the paper waver in my vision as I recognise one of the signatures at the bottom of the document. I have seen Rosy sign her name like that several times and I take a deep breath as a strange feeling begins to grow inside me. Emotions churn inside me and impotent rage boils to the surface as I lift my chin to glare at Sam. I feel the urge to tear into him, rip him apart but I grit my teeth as I turn away, savaging him won’t change the fact Rosy belonged to another tom. It hits me, belonged, past tense. They were no longer together when he died! My satisfaction is short lived as I remember the pain in her eyes and in the tone of her voice.

And as I’m sure you can testify just because they hurt you, you don’t stop loving them,

Rosy’s words run through my mind and I turn away from everyone as I look for something inanimate to hit. My fist goes through the wall near the doorway and I am dimly aware of several toms moving away from me.

"What the hell is going on here?" Wade's voice pulls me from my dark thoughts and self-pity as I turn towards the doorway to face him. "I saw Rosy running off towards the tree-line by herself. She seemed upset so I sent Donny and Mikkarl to follow her at a distance,"

"You what?" I demand angrily. "You are no longer in a position to go around giving orders!" I growl aggressively as I take a step towards him.

"Micah! Wait," Mitchell orders sharply and I turn my head towards him to eye him with a mixture of anger and wariness.

"We need to sit down calmly and discuss this," Mitchell says evenly and I realise what he is saying is true.

Rosy’s story:

At the swimming hole I sit against the trunk of a tree in the shade cast by its leaves and stare out over the water, I’m not surprised when a black cat steps from the trees on the far side of the swimming hole and walks to the waters edge to lap thirstily. It only takes me a few moments to recognise Donovan by his gangly appearance and I realise he will probaly get nearly as large as Micah before he finishes growing. A second cat appears out of the trees and stands beside Donovan for a few seconds before drinking as well, his tail twitches as he drinks and I see the little kink halfway along his tail that tells me it is Mikkarl. Donovan lifts his head and calls to me before watching me hopefully but when I don’t respond other than to look away he whines faintly and returns to the tree line to lay in the shade.

I feel raw inside and there is an ache in my chest, the baby moves restlessly and I keep one hand against my side where he kicks intermittently. Donovan calls to me at intervals but I have no wish for company and don’t respond to him or react when Mikkarl moves into sight at times as he moves around. It is nearly dark when I get to my feet and head into the trees looking for a place to relieve myself, I hear Donovan call to me several times urgently and realise he has lost sight of me. I am nearly tempted to call back to him but I need my own space and if I answer I know he will think it is an invitation to join me.

As the sunset paints the sky a kaleidoscope of colours I realise how cool it is becoming and decide that heading back to the compound would be a good idea. It is silent except for the faint noises of the night creatures and I stop and listen hoping to hear Mikkarl and Donovan but there are no sounds from them and I realise they must have headed home. I have to slow down to be able to walk without stumbling over anything in the darkness under the trees and when I finally reach the tree line around the compound I breath a sigh of relief. I lengthen my stride as I walk over the smooth even ground and I am soon close enough to hear the muddle of voices coming from the quarters.

"Calm down! One at a time," I am uneasy to hear Wade’s voice coming from the quarters.

"We can’t leave Rosy out there over night! She needs to eat and keep warm," Mitchell protests.

"We can’t force her to come back. I don’t think any of us want to chance her accidentally getting hurt, because we all know that if she gets chased she will run." Malcolm says.

"I’m taking food and warm clothes out to the swimming hole and one or two other places." Micah announces.

"We put them up out of reach of normal animals, we all know Rosy climbs. I think she’d find them if she’s still around." Steven puts in.

"I should have followed her but I thought she was going to the toilet, I didn’t think she was going to run away." Donovan says sounding very close to tears.

"It’s not your fault Donny," I hear Micah say as I ease the screen door open carefully. "We all will do whatever we can to try to make sure Rosy is okay."

"Rosy knows how to look after herself and I am sure she won’t take any chances with the baby. She seems to want it, really want it," I am relieved to hear Sam’s voice.

"I wish I hadn’t woken Rosy this afternoon, we should have just knocked you out and tied you up," Steven mutters. I’ve heard enough and don’t want to hear anymore so I make the screen door squeak and rock my foot on the loose board before heading down the hallway.

"Rosy! I bet it’s Rosy," Donovan yells and races out the lounge room door to stand in the hall, he stares at me as if he’s afraid to believe his eyes for a moment then grins widely. "You came back!" He nearly knocks me off my feet but catches hold of my shoulders and steadies me.

"Steady on there Donny, don’t get too rough with Rosy," Micah cautions from the doorway. I hesitate a moment before easing away from Donovan and heading into the lounge room, Micah moves aside for me at the doorway and I walk by already looking for Sam. I spot him by the far end of the lounge and walk up to him to wrap my arms around him and rest my head against his chest. His arms go around me and I breathe a soft sigh of relief as he rests his cheek against the top of my head.

"You should have told us Spotty One," Sam tells me gently.

"I was too scared I’d get kicked out or something worse at first, then later, I just didn’t want to talk about it." I tell him quietly as I rub my face against his shirt.

"Life’s given you more than your fair share of hard knocks," Sam commiserates softly.

"Yeah, it removed Jasper from my life so I could finally move on. Gave me two brothers, a clan, a second father and this baby … get past that first hard slap to the side of the head and you’re generally too dizzy to notice the pain." I tell him as I pretend to grind one of his feet beneath mine.

"But that first hard slap is the kil … kicker hey," Sam says and eases me away from him. "You eaten?"

"Not yet I didn’t feel up to changing," I admit.

"Sit down and I’ll get you some food, there’s plenty left." Sam orders.

"Where’s Jazzy?" I ask. All of the toms are watching me almost warily and I suddenly feel as if I need moral support.

"Jazzy is making use of the secure room," Dwayne informs me and enlightenment dawns on me as I realise she would be coming into heat. I nod and make my way to the lounge and sit in the centre of it. The room seems unnaturally silent with the TV off and no hum coming from either playstation. Donovan settles himself at my feet and leans back to look up at me while Wade makes his way to Micah’s favourite chair to sit down. I dart several uneasy glances his way as I keep track of where he is in the room.

"Next time you go off by yourself you are to be back before dark," Mitchell tells me firmly. "And there’ll be someone not too far away making sure you’re all right."

"It was Donovan and Mikkarl today," I say levelly with a glance their way. "Thanks for giving me my own space."

Mikkarl gives a brief nod and Donovan grins up at me. Mitchell sits down on one side of me while Micah sits on the other side. The rest of the toms, except for Sam, make themselves comfortable around the room. It isn’t long before Sam comes in with a plate of warm food and I take it eagerly as the aromas remind me of how hungry I am.

Even as I eat I am aware that Micah sits stiffly beside me without touching me. I knew that my secret would have an impact on our relationship.

"Rosy would you tell us about Jasper? We’d like to know about him, how you met him, how long you were together?" Sam asks quietly. I stop eating as I stare at my plate, different memories of Jasper rush back and I lift a forkful of crunchy-skinned roast vegies. I put the food in my mouth and chew as I remember back to my first knowledge of Jasper, and what happened between us.

"I’m not real sure how long or soon after Harry dying I met Jasper. I only know that I woke up one morning cold, thirsty and too weak from hunger to try to find food. But there just outside the bush I was under were several bottles of water, a cardboard box of food, a couple of blankets and some old worn clothes roughly my size … they smelt like werecat but I was so desperate I didn’t care … the food and water started to appear every two or three days. The clothes when I needed them and always that same scent on them," I sigh softly and eat several more mouthfuls before continuing. Remembering is awakening old feelings and it isn’t easy to continue but I do.

"Then I started seeing this werecat around where I was, it never came close and if I was a cat he’d run off. I took to watching him, that’s how I really learnt to hunt in cat form. Then one day he cornered me in a dry creek bed but didn’t attack me. I was scared of him but curious about him as well and started following him. Soon we started hunting together when I was a cat and when I told him I had an uncle he encouraged me to go back to my uncle when I was human. I was always sneaking off to be with him, being a cat was easier for me than trying to deal with being a person who could turn into a big black cat. By the time I was sixteen I was totally wild about him, I loved him so much and believed he felt the same way about me so I lied about my age on my birthday and we got married."

"Jasper didn’t … he never touched me, he knew I don’t like being touched … we had an argument about six months after we got married, I ran away then came into my first heat … well the first I am aware of, and Kendal Darnel and his buddy Terry managed to run me to ground. Jasper found us about maybe three or four days after they caught me … he didn’t protect me from them … he …" I shake my head and look away. Jasper’s betrayal is still too painful even after the years in between to talk about, he’d broken my heart and very nearly broke my spirit.

"He joined in with them before he left me with them. It took me close on seven months to escape … we came across each other by accident a few weeks after I got away … I knew I couldn’t trust him to protect me … so I ran, it took me nearly a week to loose him even though I was in cat-form but he’d taught me too well and I was able to keep running long after he gave up…" I sigh as I look at the food remaining on my plate. I’d heard the bitterness creeping into my voice and pause as I force the hurt back under control.

"We’ve crossed paths a few times since then … he knew how to find me when he really wanted to … knew my preferred places. I think he even knew where I lived in human form, but he never came close to me there. I think Pete’s presence was a major deterrent … we’d crossed paths not too long before you first found me but before that it had been over a year. It was easier for me to avoid him then deal with him." I admit as I try to ignore the hollow, empty ache in my chest.

I don’t look up from my plate and I only push the food around my plate instead of eating. Someone takes my plate but I don’t look up to see who it is, I hear Micah move and I take a deep breath as I try to work out how close he is to me. I see his hand come into my view and for a moment it looks as if he is about to touch one of my hands but he withdraws his hand nearly out of my sight.

"We already knew he fathered the babies you lost, he made sure he let us know that." Micah tells me gently, "Did you arrange to meet him?"

"He must have known enough to keep track of my cycle … heck Jasper would have worked out how to or asked the Darnels … I must have formed a pattern in my movements or something, he found me and tracked me down." I say bitterly.

"He knew the Darnels?" Micah asks tightly.

"There ain’t a stray that isn’t associated with them or on the run from them." I say scathingly, "other than clan cats they are the highest cause of death in strays … well were."

"I hope you can understand why Jasper was executed. He’d been careless and been seen in cat form a fair bit just before he was brought in, he was continuously trespassing and he admitted to mistreating you. Trying to turn you totally against clan cats. He was also believed to be stalking human women … when that type of thing starts either rapes or murders are not uncommon." Malcolm tells me gently.

"How much trouble am I in?" I finally find the courage to ask.

"Did you tell the truth about Jasper just then?" Mitchell asks evenly.

"Yes," I confirm.

"Maybe you left a few details out?" Sam asks.

"Not the important stuff," I admit to him

"Why did you reveal that about Jasper today?" Mitchell asks in the same even tone. I glance up at his face trying to read his expression but it is blank, totally closed off. I glance at Micah but he isn’t looking at me, he’s staring down at his hands. His forearms rest on his knees and his hands hang between his knees, clasped together so tightly his knuckles are white.

"I couldn’t let my brother throw away everything because he’d been kicked in the guts by the girl he planned his future around. I just wanted him to know he’s more than her," I say miserably.

"You knew you could end up in big trouble?" Mitchell asks.

"I wanted to help Sam," I say my misery increasing, "I figured he has as much if not more to offer the clan than I do."

"Why didn’t you say something about Jasper before now?" Micah demands.

I shrug and look away avoiding the question, the one I really don’t want to answer.

"Why didn’t you say something about Jasper before now?" Micah repeats tightly.

I remain silent and keep my eyes averted from Micah, it’s the only way I know of possibly having a chance of avoiding answering the question. I know I owe Micah an explanation but I want it to be just the two of us when I apologise to him. Micah grasps my chin firmly and forces me to look him in the face.

"I expect an answer to my question … now," Micah says tightly. I close my eyes and swallow hard before looking at Micah again, he raises his eyebrows and I lick my lips nervously.

"Because I never wanted to know for sure if I was sleeping with Jasper’s killer," I answer softly. I see something flare to life deep in Micah’s eyes but I can’t read his expression.

"You’re not," Malcolm says evenly and I try to turn my eyes enough to see him but Micah still has hold of my chin and he lifts it slightly making me look at him once again.

"And that’s the only reason you never said anything before now?" Micah asks flatly.

"I didn’t want anyone feeling bad thinking they had done something that had hurt me when all they were doing was their job." I admit very faintly.

"You accept it was their job even though it hurt you?" Micah asks coolly and I manage a faint nod. He releases my chin with a gentle rub of his thumb as if to ease the feeling of having firmly gripped it. I am not game to take my eyes off him as he slowly straightens to stand after sitting beside me.

"I’m not going to punish you, you really didn’t do anything wrong and when you did make mistakes you had the best of intentions. Even though that doesn’t make it right but you did the right thing when you could have stood back and just let Sam walk out on this clan." Micah tells me.

I drop my gaze to the floor before immediately looking him in the face once again, he gives a faint nod and I chance a quick glance at Mitchell. He gives me a quick smile and pats one of my hands, it is then I realise I am gripping my legs just above my knees tightly.

"I want to ask Rosy a question or two," Doc says quietly. I glance his way slightly uncomfortable but make no protest.

"Did you ever fall pregnant while you were with Jasper?" Doc asks.

"Jasper didn’t try to … it was only when I was on heat. I think there might have been a miscarriage when I was sixteen but I was so naive and I didn’t know anything. Kendal, Terry and Vaygar used to belt me and starve me so I was too weak to run away if I did get away from them." I say quietly with an uneasy glance his way.

"Is it okay if we turn the TV and PlayStation on now?" Donovan asks. I glance his way but his attention is directed at the TV while the older toms move restlessly.

"It’s fine by me, but you had better check with your brother as well." Mitchell tells him.

"Yeah turn them on," Micah agrees.

I turn my head slightly to listen to Micah but he doesn’t say anything to me. I imagine I can feel his eyes on me but I’m not game to look at him.

"I’m going for a walk anyway." Micah says and I look up to find him holding a hand out to me. I hesitate a moment before placing my hand in his and letting him help me to my feet before following him from the room. Micah pauses to grab a discarded jacket in the hallway and after a quick sniff hands it to me. I pull it on crossing the front sides across my belly as best I can before folding my arms to hold it in place, the scent of Jazzy drifts up from the jacket as I fall into step beside Micah.

"We’re not going far, just somewhere we can sit down out of this cold breeze." Micah tells me. He sounds strained and I have to wonder why he is taking me away from the others to talk to me. My steps begin to drag as I realise we are headed for the stone shed and when we reach the door I halt, unable to follow Micah inside.

"Come on, it’s warmer in here," Micah tells me as he glances back at me.

"There’s a cage in there," I say faintly and Micah turns back towards me.

"I promise I am not going to lock you in the cage," Micah tells me gently, "If you want you can wait here while I go and bring the mattress off the bunk out into the outer room so we can sit on it,"

I hesitate a moment before giving a brief nod and stepping just inside out of the breeze. Micah disappears into the dark inner room and returns shortly with the mattress and a blanket. He puts the mattress on the floor against the wall and gestures towards it.

"How about we sit down? I even found a blanket in there," Micah invites and I take my time sitting down. When Micah sits near me facing me I glance away uneasily as I cover myself with the blanket he handed me.

"All that stuff you told us came as more than a bit of a shock, although I did suspect there was something you hadn’t mentioned, I didn’t imagine it was … a marriage." Micah says quietly. "I have no idea of how you feel or what you’re thinking in regard to us so I decided to just come straight out and tell you … I still want you and the baby. I don’t believe there is anything that could change that. I love you, I want to marry you and help you raise this child."

I glance at him where he sits watching me then look down at the blanket beneath my fingers where I am plucking at it nervously.

"I swore when I ran away from Jasper that I’d never let anyone that close to me again because that way they couldn’t hurt me." I tell him. "But I know you’re different to Jasper, you’re not like him … he was a stray and living the way he had to … he and I never had a chance. But we do, you and me," I try to explain but end up feeling like I’ve only managed to make more of a mess of things. I don’t tell him I’ll never let him be that important to me, not like Jasper was. I know there are some things you can’t say when you care about a person.

Micah’s story:

I walk into the inner room and grab the mattress and folded blanket from the bunk. Rosy’s words are still ringing in my ears and burning in my chest. She had been afraid I was about to lock her in the cage. Hadn’t I said I wouldn’t be punishing her? I put the mattress on the floor against the wall and keep hold of the blanket as I look at Rosy but she is looking at the mattress and avoiding my eyes.

"How about we sit down? I even found a blanket in there," I say trying to sound friendly and inviting.

I wait nervously for Rosy to sit down before I sit down facing her, she looks away as she pulls the blanket over herself and I feel my heart sink a little bit more.

"All that stuff you told us came as more than a bit of a shock, although I did suspect there was something you hadn’t mentioned, I didn’t imagine it was … a marriage." I say quickly and quietly. "I have no idea of how you feel or what you’re thinking in regard to us so I decided to just come straight out and tell you … I still want you and the baby. I don’t believe there is anything that could change that. I love you, I want to marry you and help you raise this child."

I take a deep breath and watch her face hoping for some sign of how she feels but she looks down at the blanket and fidgets with it nervously.

"I swore when I ran away from Jasper that I’d never let anyone that close to me again because that way they couldn’t hurt me." Rosy says with an uneasy glance my way and I heart plummets deep into my stomach. Here is where she’ll tell me she is still in love with Jasper a part of my mind whispers.

"But I know you’re different to Jasper, you’re not like him … he was a stray and living the way he had to … he and I never had a chance. But we do, you and me,"

Her voice is so soft I almost miss her words but as they sink in I begin to feel some hope.

"I bought you out here thinking I was about to find out you don’t want me in your life, or at least not in your bed." I tell her seriously. Suddenly scared I will loose her if I don’t push for a commitment from her here and now I rush forward.

"I’m going to take the chance of pushing you too far, too fast … Will you marry me Rosy? I can’t promise to never hurt you but I will never do it intentionally or without good reason. I can promise to love you. I can promise to love this baby like he is mine. I can promise to love any other child you wish to have. I can promise to try my best to make you want to run to me instead of ever running away from me. I love you Rosy, will you marry me?" I ask earnestly.

Rosy stares at me for a few moments, her mouth softly parted and her eyes startled.

"Yes, oh yes," She says and flings herself into my arms and kisses me hungrily.

I find myself pressing her down onto the mattress, my hands slipping beneath her clothing as I kiss her deeply mimicking with my mouth exactly what I want to do with her body. She gasps and arches beneath me as I kiss down the side of her neck before pushing her jacket open and pulling at the front of her shirt to lift it and bare her breasts cradled in her bra. My lips find her nipple through the thin fabric and I feel it harden as I suckle eagerly.

A cold gust of wind comes in the half-open doorway and Rosy shivers even though she is mostly shielded from its force. I raise my head reluctantly and begin covering her body up so she doesn’t catch a chill, our lovemaking can wait until we are inside and Rosy can be kept warm and comfortable.

"We need to go back inside so you don’t catch a chill," I say regretfully as I sit up. I glance down at her where she is straightening her clothing before sitting up.

"Do you want to set a date?" I ask eagerly. Now I have proposed I can’t wait to be married to Rosy.

"As soon as possible? I know it takes a month to get the marriage licence," Rosy asks with a glance towards my chest.

"That’s no problem I snuck into town the day before the strays … I got a licence back then and it’s still valid for another two or three months," I say happily.

"Let’s make it for the second weekend after Jazzy is back in the quarters so her and I have some time to do girly things for the wedding," Rosy says and leans back to smile at me.

"That gives us just over three weeks. You sure about this?" I ask cautiously.

"You had better not be trying to back out on me," Rosy says running her hands up my chest.

"No use me even trying to, you can run fast enough to catch me if I tried running out." I say with a faint laugh. My breath catches in my throat as she runs a hand down to where my jeans sit low on my hips.

"I been thinking about baby names," She says quietly as she rubs the front of my jeans.

"I noticed you’ve been looking in that book of names Jazzy got before you got stolen away from me," I say softly.

"There’s several I like, Alejandro …"

"Spanish form of Alexander, Alex." I say quietly as I remember my brother. I allow Rosy to turn in my arms.

"Nikolai, Dieter, Sebastian, Tangwyn." She says as she leans back against my chest and moves my hands to rest on the swell of her stomach.

"Tangwyn means blessed peace," I murmurs against the side of her neck before pressing a kiss to the skin there. I’d spent time looking through the book and the name had seemed to leap off the page at me.

"Wynn for short, Tangwyn Alejandro … hmm how does that sound?" Rosy asks quietly and I lift my mouth away from her neck where I had been kissing.

"You’re really serious about letting me have a say in naming this baby?" I ask with a mixture of surprise and hope.

"As long as you don’t want to call him Hephzibah or Hebabkia or Zechariah or something else equally as bizarre." Rosy answers happily.

"Tangwyn, I’ve wanted for you to able to find peace from the first time I saw you at Pete’s when you took one look at me and looked like you wanted to make a run for it." I tell her softly.

"Tangwyn, only it is pronounced Tan’w’nn. Tangwyn Alejandro because Alex is looking out for him from heaven," Rosy says firmly snuggling back against my body.

"Hey in there Wynn, how you doing little man?" I ask softly as I rub her stomach gently, tears burning at the back of my eyes. "Damn but I love you Rosy,"

"It’s a shame it’s so cold here," Rosy says mischievously.

"Why’s that?" I ask lifting my head from the side of her neck where I had been nibbling my way up to her ear. Rosy takes hold of one of my hands and guides it beneath the waistband of her track pants and moves slightly to allow my fingers between her slick folds.

"It’s too cold out here for you, we had best head inside so I can take care of that problem for you," I tell her huskily when she moans as I stroke her teasingly.

I ease away before getting to my feet and reaching down to help Rosy up. I slip an arm around her waist and hold her against my side as we head back to the quarters. I stop just outside the quarters and pull Rosy close before kissing her on the lips, she responds eagerly. I find myself pinning her against the building wall as I lift her so her legs can slip around my waist.

"We had better go inside," I tell her reluctantly when I finally manage to drag my lips from her mouth. I lick my lips as I follow behind her, I can still taste her on my lips and I crave more as I follow her to the lounge room. The TV is turned to the sports channel and there is wrestling on. The entire lounge room full of guys erupt into cheers as one wrestler takes a much larger opponent down and almost pins him for the required three count. I notice Sam is seated away from the others and is nursing a can of beer.

I watch Rosy take the borrowed jacket off and toss it over the back of a chair before I stand behind her and slip my arms around her to rest one hand on the swell of her stomach.

"Mute the TV for a few moments," I tell the guys.

"There’ll be adds in a few minutes," Several of the toms protest as no attempt to mute the TV is made.

"Mute it," I order tightly. Dwayne, Sam and Mikkarl look our way but turn back to the tv after a few moments leaving only Wade who is still at the quarters looking at us. Wade watches Rosy for a few seconds before lifting his gaze so he can look me in the face. He clears his throat and opens his mouth as if to speak but I beat him to it.

"Television, off now," I order abruptly and loudly. Slowly the noise from the toms dies down and Dwayne turns the TV off using the remote control. Everyone including Wade and Doc turn towards us making Rosy fidget nervously as several of the toms glance at her as if expecting there to be trouble.

"Steven, third weekend coming. What have you got planned?" I ask in a firm tone.

"There’s a footy match in town, if I’m not working I was thinking of going. Why?" Steven asks.

"Would you be interested in being best man for me instead?" I ask levelly as I keep my face straight.

It seems to take several seconds for what I said to sink in and then everyone is on their feet at once, laughing and shouting ribald comments. Wade comes around the lounge to shake my hand, hesitates a moment and pulls me close for a quick hug and a slap on the back.

"I’m glad to see you somehow managed to talk Rosy into getting married. Third weekend from now you say? Saturday or Sunday?" Wade asks with a smile for Rosy.

"We still got to work out the exact timing but it’ll be that weekend." I say with huge grin. I reach a hand towards Rosy and she lets me pull her back into my arms to encircle her waist as I cuddle her against my side.

"Now if you won’t think me rude for leaving so soon after such a huge announcement, I think I’ll go home and tell my wife we will be welcoming a daughter-in-law into our family in the near future." Wade says with a wide grin.

"Marissa might like to let Jazzy know tonight so she doesn’t miss out knowing straight away," Rosy says shyly. Wade gives me another smile before heading for the door. Steven immediately takes his place and throws several fake punches at my head and ribs.

"You might be the groom but don’t forget I’ll be the best man on the day," Steven says with a laugh and a wink at Rosy. Mitchell gives him a push from behind and laughs when Steven stumbles not expecting the push.

"Move so I can give my sister a hug," Mitchell orders with a grin. He sweeps Rosy up in a huge hug, spinning her around before letting her feet touch the ground once again.

"This is what you want? You’re not getting bullied into it or feel you have no other choice?" Sam asks seriously as he comes to stand beside Mitchell, positioning himself between Rosy and me as if he intends to keep me if that was what she wants.

"This is what I want," Rosy tells him softly.

"You sure? You’re not just going along because you feel you have no choice or anything like that?" Sam asks.

"Leave Rosy alone! She might be your sister but she’s going to be my sister as well now! And she never shut up about Micah when we talked to each other when we were locked in that room." Donovan declares as he pushes between Sam and Rosy.

Donovan grins at Rosy and takes hold of her arm as he goes to kiss her on the cheek, she gasps and flinches away from his hold. Donovan frowns and carefully lifts the edge of her sleeve high enough so he can see a forming bruise encircling her arm.

"Your arm! How did you get? …" Donovan’s voice trails off as he realises where the bruise came from and he turns on Sam angrily.

"Did you see what you done to Rosy?" Donovan demands angrily and before anyone has a chance to say anything he delivers a hard punch to Sam’s mouth.

"Stop it," Rosy yells but I grab her from behind and pull her clear of where Donovan is unleashing a torrent of punches on Sam while Sam just stands there doing nothing to protect himself.

I hold Rosy against my chest, both my arms around her as I hold her close forcing her face against my shoulder. She tries to push out of my arms but I have a firm hold so she is unable to escape. I leave her no choice but to stand there and listen to the sound of meaty thuds as fists meet flesh.

"Donny, enough." I say firmly before warning, "Donovan!" after Donny hits Sam again.

I reluctantly release my hold on Rosy and she turns around slowly. Donovan is standing glaring at Sam who is dabbing at the corner of his mouth with the back of one hand while a thing trickle of blood comes from his nose and one eye shows signs of forming a shiner.

"You got a mean right hook there Donny," Sam tells him. "Who taught you to throw a punch like that? I didn’t see half of those coming."

"Rosy told me a few things she’d noticed watching strays fight and you guys sparing," Donovan says glancing at me before turning back to Sam. "She told me she’s rather run away then fight but she had learnt how to fight incase she ever got cornered. She said I needed to be able to fight to help her."

Everyone glances at Rosy and I notice the way she ducks her head but not before I see the uneasy look on her face.

"She-kitts aren’t meant to fight to defend themselves, most don’t have the faintest idea how to." Dwayne tells Donovan quietly, "We’re just lucky that Rosy thought enough of you to be prepared to defend you even though it would have been … it would have been very hard for her."

"Rosy told me she needed me to keep her sane because being locked up in that dark room nearly drove her crazy. It’s … it’s like being unable to breath, unable to see … it’s like dying on the inside," Donovan finishes on a breathy sigh as he looks at Rosy with a mixture of misery and guilt.

"I’m tired Micah," Rosy says softly with an uneasy glance my way.

I know she hates talking about what happened while the strays had them so I don’t push her - instead I give a slight nod. "You probaly tired yourself out going for that walk. Do you want to curl up here or in our room?" I ask in concern.

"Your room?" Rosy queries uncertainly

"All right then," I tell her with a smile, "I’ll be in in a little while,"

I watch her head towards the door out to the sunroom but I find myself surrounded by the toms and I can only leave Rosy to make her way to the bedroom by herself.

Rosy’s story:

I am nearly asleep when Micah comes into the room silently, sensing his presence I turn my head to search for him and spot him just inside the doorway.

"Micah?"

"You’re still awake?" He asks softly as he approaches the bed.

"I been waiting for you," I say as I stretch lazily.

"I thought you might have been," Micah murmurs and I watch as he pulls his shirt off over his head. A tingle of excitement starts low in my stomach as I watch him unfasten the waistband of his jeans before taking them off then turning the covers back and climbing into bed beside me. He rolls onto his side facing me and another spark of excitement flares to life making my nipples bead tightly against the t-shirt I wear.

"Any time you start to feel uncomfortable you let me know and I’ll stop," Micah says softly as he draws me close.

Our bodies’ touch from chest to knee, his hand rests on the curve of my hip and he kisses me lightly on the lips. I press closer as I kiss him back but he keeps the kiss light and casual before moving to press light kisses to my eyelids and across my cheekbone to just below my ear. I turn my head to allow better access and he breathes warmly in my ear making me shiver in anticipation before biting my earlobe gently. His lips claim mine as I gasp gently in surprise and this time his kiss is seeking as he explores my mouth taking his time to discover what makes me moan in enjoyment as his mouth moves against mine.

"You like that?" Micah asks softly, his breath tickling my ear as his lips skim my neck. His hand is beneath the t-shirt and he is tracing circles on my thigh as he gradually works his way higher easing the hem of the shirt up as he goes.

"Mmm," I murmur and smile as his hand stills when he fails to find my nickers on my hip.

"Rosy," Micah murmurs breathlessly, "I’m going to show you what happens to she-kitts who don’t wear underwear to bed."

His fingers find the curls between my thighs and I lift my upper leg bending my knee until my foot rests on my other knee and his hand has access to where I am slick with moisture. I gasp as his fingers dance lightly over the sensitive flesh there touching and teasing but never quite touching where I need to be touched. I gasp and jerk as his fingers find spots I never knew were sensitive and I turn my face towards his as his lips brush my cheek.

I roll onto my back opening my legs wide and I arch into his mouth as it finds my breast. His hands and mouth are gentle as he explores my body bringing soft moans of pleasure from me as he finds places that had once been bruised or scraped and replaces those painful memories with that of his tender touch. I see the wonder on his face as he runs gentle fingers over my swollen stomach before pressing a tender kiss to the skin just below my navel.

"Our baby," His voice is soft and awe filled, "Sleep while Daddy loves Mummy."

His shoulders are broad and dark against the faint light from the doorway as he leans over me and memories rush back threatening to spin me out of control as I tense beneath his heavy body.

"It’s alright Rosy. It’s me, Micah." He tells me softly as he nuzzles against the side of my neck. He seems to know when memories start to crowd me and murmurs softly to me, always tempting and teasing my body urging it towards the pleasure I know awaits in his arms. This isn’t about wild sensations and physical contact it’s the gentle soothing of our souls, reclaiming what was stolen from both of us. Each touch heals a wound I hadn’t been aware of. Each caress erases the memory of a blow until only our softly panting breaths and seeking touches remain.

When Micah finally pushes past the tight muscles at my entrance I gasp and whimper as he fills my passage. I had tensed up when he went to enter me, I had become used to expecting pain but I move eagerly beneath him as he brings me only pleasure.

"You alright? … Alright with this?" Micah asks breathlessly as he holds his body still. I nod against his shoulder and press a kiss to the skin there and smile as I realise he wouldn’t have seen my nod.

"I need this …" I tell him as I rock my hips against his. "I need you."

I press my next kiss against the corner of his mouth and he turns his head to kiss me gently. He is propped up on his elbows holding most of his weight off my body and I am able to explore his body freely with my hands as we kiss and nuzzle against each other, I run one hand down the length of his spine and he presses his hips into mine making me gasp and nip at his shoulder.

Pleasure winds tightly low in my stomach and I moan softly as I feel Micah slowly increase the pace of his thrusts into my body, his chest brushes against my overly sensitive nipples and I whimper as I turn my face away and bite my lower lip. His breath is hot and moist against my ear and neck, and I turn my face back into it as I search for his lips with mine. I grasp his hips and urge him faster as I pull my feet higher to hook them behind his thighs and whimper against his lips. Sparks of excitement tingle where Micah moves inside me and shafts of pleasure dart from there to my nipples and pull tight until it all unwinds in a flash of pleasure. The wave of pleasure rolls over me making me gasp and tense against his body as he pushes against me and shudders.

Micah holds me in the aftermath and I close my eyes as my breathing slowly returns to normal and I listen to his heart beneath my ear. His hand rests in the small of my back and his fingers continue to move long after his heartbeat has returned to normal. I lay on my side facing him with one leg thrown over his thighs, normally I would roll onto my side with my back to him but strangely I want to keep the connection that seems to linger between us.

I sigh softly and rub my face against Micah’s shoulder and I feel him tense beneath me, his breath catching in his throat slightly.

"It’s okay Rosy, I’m here. Micah’s here… everything is going to be alright," he murmurs softly.

"Mmm," I murmur quietly, "You smell good,"

"I smell like sex and you," Micah tells me with a soft laugh, "Awake are you?"

"Yeah, just about." I admit and lift my head to sniff where his neck joins his shoulder, I can smell my own scent intermingled with his and I smile as I give his skin a quick lick before sniffing my way down to his navel where I plant several quick kisses as I gather my courage before sniffing lower. Finally I feel a sense of satisfaction and move back up to rest my head on his chest once more.

"Satisfied?" Micah asks with a soft chuckle.

"Yeah all of you smells like me," I tell him with a happy smile.

"You going to get all possessive are you?" Micah asks me with a smile in his voice.

"No it’s just nice to know you smell like me if any other she was to come near you." I tell him as I trace circles on his chest.

"Now you know why I scent mark you," Micah whispers before nibbling just below my ear. I close my eyes as I arch into his body and he rubs his cheek against the top of my head.

"You worried about some she coming near me?" I tease.

"No, toms." Micah says with a soft chuckle, his hand finds the back of my neck and he massages gently. I moan softly with pleasure and stretch my neck one way and then the other enjoying his touch.

"Make yourself comfortable with the pillows and I’ll give you a back massage," Micah orders softly as he reaches for several discarded pillows on the floor. I am soon stretched out naked on my stomach using pillows to keep my weight off my stomach as Micah sits on the bed beside me and begins to massage up high on my neck. His fingers seek out each muscle as he works his way down my neck, his touch leaves me feeling relaxed and enervated and I smile to myself as his fingers trace out along my shoulders.

"Rosy still awake?" Dwayne asks quietly from the doorway.

"You want something?" Micah asks with a hint of a challenge. I lay without moving beneath his touch, even though I am totally naked I still feel secure with Micah by my side.

"No, just about to use the toilet," Dwayne answers quietly as he moves away from the door.

"Use it," Micah says firmly and I hear Dwayne move away, "You’re safe Rosy. Dwayne wouldn’t try to touch you," Micah tries to reassure me.

When Dwayne comes back past the doorway I feel Micah move off the bed and pull a blanket over me, I turn my head to look his way but he is already walking towards the doorway.

"Yeah?" Dwayne asks warily and I realise he has moved past the doorway and down the outer room.

"Get the others to keep away from this end of the quarters. Anyone wanting to use the toilet can go outside for once." Micah tells him quietly.

"Rosy had a bad nightmare?" Dwayne asks quietly and I can hear the concern thick in his voice.

"No Rosy and I are just having some quiet time together," Micah tells him.

"Micah," I call out to him and hear his sharp intake of breath before the slight noise of him returning to me.

"It’s okay Rosy, Dwayne is going back out to the lounge room," Micah soothes as he approaches the bed. I sit up using the blanket to cover my body as I glance nervously past him knowing Dwayne still lurks near the door probably only wanting to reassure himself I am okay.

"Are you going to finish giving me my back-rub?" I ask hopefully.

"You were enjoying it weren’t you?" I can hear the smile in Micah’s voice.

"I still got my clothes off," I whisper and feel my face burn with embarrassment. I know that Dwayne will take this piece of information straight out to the others, my refusal to get naked around any of them even Micah has been a source of concern to them all.

"Lay down and I’ll get back to work, boss," Micah tells me playfully and I giggle at him as I release the blanket and quickly resettle myself on the pillows. His fingers find the tense spots in my back and I close my eyes as he sets to work gently easing the tightness from my muscles.

I am very relaxed and nearly asleep when Micah finishes working on my back, he has been talking softly to me the entire time and when he urges me to move off my stomach it takes me nearly a minute before I stir enough to do as he urges. I roll onto my side cuddling the blanket close and blink sleepily several times as Micah tucks the covers around me closely. I don’t protest as he slips beneath the blanket I hold close curving his naked body against my back, I tense momentarily before relaxing and fold my arms over his as he places his arm over my blanket.

Faint sounds of movement wake me and I open my eyes reluctantly. It is still dark and I look around without moving, soon I make out a shadowy form by Steven’s bed and realise he is in the room about to go to bed. I close my eyes and roll towards Micah to bury my nose against his neck.

"I didn’t wake her did I?" Steven whispers very quietly.

"I don’t think so," Micah answers just as quietly.

"So you finally found the guts to ask her to marry you. What took you so long? I lost fifty bucks to Pete, bet him you’d be asking her within six months of meeting her at his place." Steven whispers. "And that was before we learnt she was a cat,"

"If you haven’t noticed she’s more than a bit wary of males," Micah whispers dryly.

"She didn’t exactly have a fair start until Sam and his team found her," Steven admits quietly.

"So what, you got to see her naked did you?" Steven asks, "I bet she looks real beautiful." His voice is almost a sensual purr.

"The light stayed off but I did get to give her a back massage." Micah murmurs sounding very pleased with himself and Steven gives a groan as if he’s in pain.

"It smells like you got to give her a hell of a lot more than a back rub," Steven groans after several minutes and I feel Micah’s chest vibrate as he gives a faint growl. I’m unable to stop myself tensing and I feel Micah’s arm tighten slightly.

"Shhh, it’s okay sweetheart," Micah murmurs faintly. I snuggle closer and bury my face against his neck as I make myself comfortable as I hook my leg over both of his thighs again.

"You woke me up," I tell him faintly.

"We didn’t mean to," Micah says gently and presses a kiss against the side of my head.

"You stop sniffing Steven, it’s rude." I tell him and as I expect he chuckles.

"I’m a cat Rosy. It’s what we do," he tells me and after a few seconds pause adds, "And we like to sleep in piles. The cat equivalent of cuddling."

I pull my head back a bit and glance over my shoulder towards him before returning to my spot, tonight I feel very vulnerable being naked and I snuggle the blanket closer around me. Finally I give in to my instinct to search for the t-shirt I had been wearing. Micah passes it to me and I manage to wriggle into it without exposing myself to the cool night air, I snuggle in close to Micah. I hesitate a moment, then reach behind myself to pat the top of the blankets audibly.

"Steven, you’re allowed to sleep on the covers behind me," I mumble quietly against Micah’s shoulder.

"Shit man I didn’t intend to get an invitation like this one," Steven mutters quietly as he approaches the side of the bed.

Micah gives a faint growl before cuddling me close and nuzzling around my neck. I respond with my usual arch into his body and Micah makes a satisfied sound against my neck before relaxing.

"Try to touch Rosy and you’ll be sleeping in the cage," Micah warns on a low growl and Steven settles himself on top of the covers.

I lay awake cuddled up to Micah unable to get the knowledge that Steven is on the bed out of my mind. It takes me several minutes before I realise I feel very safe and secure with Micah and Steven sleeping either side of me. I roll onto my other side so my back is to Micah and scoot back against his chest, his arm rests over my side and I move his hand to where Wynn stretches lazily. Micah nuzzles against the side of my neck with a soft sigh and I relax against him totally.

I come fully aware not sure what roused me, I open my eyes and look around slowly. Steven is sprawled untidily on his back with the covers down around his hips displaying his well-muscled chest, which means the warmth curled around my back belongs to Micah. I smile to myself and stretch lazily enjoying the feel of his arm tightening over my lower ribs as I arch and wriggle against his body. He murmurs sleepily and I can tell by the movement of the bed beneath me he has propped himself up on one elbow, I glance back over my shoulder at him before ducking my head suddenly shy.

"Good morning beautiful," Micah says huskily.

"You had better not be talking to me," Steven grumbles.

"He’s talking to me," I say and glance at Steven where he is watching me through half open eyes. "If Micah was talking to you he’d call you old, grumpy and ugly." I announce and send him a smile to take the sting out of my words.

"Cruel, cold and cruel. I’m wounded," Steven cries dramatically and I grin as I watch him roll off the edge of the bed.

Micah’s hand moves down to rest against my stomach for a few moments before he groans and sits up. Steven is on his feet and reaching for fresh clothes and I roll towards Micah. Not wanting to be tempted into watching Steven change out of his boxer shorts I watch Micah get out of bed naked. He catches me looking and I blush as I bury my face in my pillow, I hear him laugh softly as he leaves the room.

"I’m having a quick shower," He calls back over his shoulder.

I close my eyes and relax even though I would like to get up and help who ever is making breakfast, I know that if I were to go to the kitchen I would be ordered to sit on a chair in the lounge room or be sent back to bed.

"Do you want someone to bring you breakfast in bed?" Steven asks.

"How can I be expected to be hungry and eat when I’m not allowed to do anything?" I complain miserable with the enforced inactivity.

"I know you’d rather be out there cooking but we want to look after you not only for that baby in your belly but also so you get nice and sleek again." Steven tells me gently and pauses in the doorway. "Thank you for letting me share just a little bit in Micah’s happiness. He is closer to me than my own brothers,"

I am still stretched out half on my belly with one pillow beneath me when Micah returns from his shower and he pauses to drop a kiss on the corner of my mouth before searching for a fresh shirt.

"We’re going hunting for lunch. You want to come along and have a feed of fresh meat?" Micah asks me.

"What are you going after?" I ask with mild interest.

"If you want to come we’ll go after some cattle, be sure of a kill." Micah tells me hopefully. I give a disappointed sigh and shake my head.

"Do you want to just change and go for a run? We can have sandwiches made ready for when we get back." Micah says trying to tempt me.

"We can watch for deer or maybe rabbits?" I ask with real interest.

"Whatever makes you happy," Micah tells me with a grin. I smile happily and roll onto my back looking up at him, I see his eyes go dark and then he leans down to kiss me. The sound of someone clearing their throat has Micah sitting up reluctantly and I glance towards the doorway from beneath my eyelashes as I lick the taste of him from my lips.

"Thought I’d warn you Donny is on his way in a few moments with breakfast for Rosy." Timny says from the doorway before walking past. I hear the toilet door shut and glance at Micah self-consciously.

"You want breakfast in bed or you coming out with the rest of us?" Micah asks reluctantly.

"I’ll come out and eat," I tell him then smile mischievously. "But I’m not gonna have a shower first."

"You little minx," Micah laughs but soon turns serious as he looks at me. "You know all the other toms will be sniffing you."

I look away uncomfortably before glancing at him after a few moments. I give a deep sigh and pluck at the bed covers nervously.

"I know and I can’t say I’m looking forward to that part but I want them to know things are good between us. They all worry a lot about me," I say uncomfortably. "About us."

"Clan cats look after each other remember," Micah tells me gently. I nod and glance at him again.

"I need to let them know everything is good between us …" I repeat and shrug unhappy that I can’t put what I mean into words.

Micah sits on the bed facing me and tucks my hair behind my ears before his fingers linger on the curve of my cheek for a few moments and he lifts my face gently with the tips of his fingers under my chin.

"You mean your clan’s toms need to know that their she-kitt is happy and content with the way things are and you’re willing to put up with them sniffing you if that’s what it takes." Micah says his voice soft with understanding. I nod wordlessly and Micah drops a light kiss on the tip of my nose.

"I need a pair of boxers or track pants," I say quietly. Micah gets a pair of old soft track pants that I often wear and I swing my legs off the side of the bed letting him slip the track pants onto my legs. I stand so he can pull them up over my hips and around the swell of my stomach.

I glance towards the doorway as I hear the faint sounds of footsteps and almost smile at the look of disappointment that Donovan quickly hides when he sees I am up and dressed. I know how much he enjoys pampering me by bringing me breakfast in bed in the morning and not having to share me with anyone else for the time it takes me to eat.

"I thought Rosy might like breakfast in bed," Donovan says as Micah turns around to face him.

"Rosy feels up to having breakfast out with everyone this morning," Micah says evenly.

"I’ll take it out to the lounge room for her. I helped make the muffins, we put choc chips in some and blueberries in the others." Donovan announces happily.

"They sound good. I hope you got me one of each," I say to Donovan as I follow Micah from the bedroom. I slip my hand into his and hang onto it as we walk towards the end of the quarters where the others are gathered for breakfast. Behind us I hear Donovan sniff softly several times and glance over my shoulder, he smothers his huge grin and lifts the tray up to show me he is bringing my food with him.

"Hey Rosy," Mitchell is the first one to notice me and he grins when I sit in the middle of the lounge so Donovan can hand me my breakfast. Micah heads into the kitchen to get his own food and the other toms begin to make their way into the lounge room. Mitchell sits beside me and immediately tenses, I ignore him as I bite into a choc chip muffin and lick melted chocolate from my lips.

"Hey Micah, you don’t need any of those muffins. Smells like you already had something sweet this morning," Steven calls as he sits on the floor by my knees.

"You done a hell of a lot more than give Rosy a back rub last night," Dwayne laughs as he sits nearby.

"I bet you weren’t tired at all last night Rosy! I bet you just wanted to get Micah to sneak off to his room with you so Donovan wasn’t trying to watch when you let Micah coax you into letting him mount you." Sam says with a laugh.

"How can you be sure it was Micah doing the coaxing," Malcolm asks with a grin. "There has been quite a bit of wriggling and ‘O’s’ when he’s cuddled her out here," Malcolm says pulling his mouth into a startled circle as Micah comes into the lounge room with his breakfast. I glance at Micah and he raises his eyebrows at me in silent question to Malcolm's remark.

"I did have to grab his hand and shove it down my pants," I mutter red faced as I duck my head over my breakfast. This invokes laughter and whistles from the toms as Micah sits beside me, he slips his arm around my shoulders and gives me a gentle squeeze.

"Minx," He whispers softly. The screen door squeaks as it opens and I give a start as I glance towards the door.

"Everyone certainly sounds like they’re in good spirits this morning," Wade says as he walks into view with Marissa and Doc close behind them.

"You’re going to have to have a chat with Micah and explain to him what he is supposed to do with Rosy now they’re going to be getting married. She had to grab his hand and shove it down her pants so she could have a bit of fun last night," Sam says to Wade seriously.

"Did it occur to you that maybe Micah might not have wanted to possibly make Rosy feel like she had to let him mount her?" Marissa asks angrily. "You toms are getting seriously out of hand! Rosy and Jazzy would be better off at the house than here with you lot! And you Micah, why are you letting any of them get away with talking like that around Rosy? Hasn’t she been through enough without them talking like that? And her own brother as well,"

"Marissa, look at Rosy. Your outburst upset her much more then the toms teasing Micah." Doc tells her gently. I glance at him my face burning with humiliation. I hadn’t meant to get the others in trouble. I catch a glimpse of Marissa looking my way but I look away quickly trying to avoid her censure.

"Marissa I seem to remember a young she-kitt parading around all day without having had a shower the day after our engagement so her brothers and other clan members knew exactly what had gone on the previous night." Wade scolds gently.

"Well if these young toms get out of line they’ll be answering to me," Marissa says forcefully.

"Yes Ma’am," Wade mutters and I glance his way uneasily to see him trying not to laugh or smile at Marissa.

"Anyway I came over to congratulate you Rosy and welcome you to our family," Marissa says easily as she comes around to stand in front of the lounge as toms move out of her way. I look up at her warily and see her eyeing my breakfast with a slight frown.

"Please tell me they did not have you cooking breakfast," Marissa says dryly.

"Malcolm, Timny and I made the muffins. Rosy told us how to when we made them one of the other times," Donovan says sounding offended. "Rosy’s not allowed to cook. All she’s allowed to do is sleep, eat and rest."

"I hope visiting Jazzy is on the allowed list because Jazzy asked if Rosy could visit for a little while this morning so they can chat about the wedding." Marissa comments.

"Of course it is otherwise I’ll sneak out when no-one’s looking," I say with a grin. Micah, Sam and Mitchell turn frowns on me and several of the other toms laugh.

"No-one encourage her," Micah growls. "Of course you can visit Jazzy just make sure you let one of us know when you are going so we don’t worry at your sudden disappearance."

I take a bite of my blueberry muffin and catch Wade watching me or rather looking at my stomach with barely concealed longing deep in his eyes and I remember talking to Micah about Wade being able to touch my stomach before Donovan and I were taken by the strays. I remember how he had asked permission before touching my belly when I had been pregnant with the twins I had lost, how not once had he made me feel pressured to let him touch my belly or had even asked with this pregnancy.

"Micah, hold me. Hold me tight," I say pressing into his side scared by the direction my thoughts have taken.

"Rosy what is it? You’re shaking," Micah says with concern as he tightens his arm around me. He puts both of our plates aside and wraps both arms around me as he rubs his cheek against my head as I bury my face against his neck.

"Your father wants to touch my belly," I say against his neck.

"I’m not going to touch you Rosy," Wade says gently. "There’s no reason to be scared of me."

Micah is rubbing my back with one hand and stills its movements for a few seconds and he nuzzles against my ear as his hand begins moving once again.

"You sure Rosy?" Micah asks softly.

"Uhha," I manage with a nod.

In the week or so since my outburst there have been times Micah has allowed limited touching of my rounded stomach by the warriors but never for very long. No one got more than a few moments of contact and I have only actively sort Micah, Jazzy and Marissa’s touches.

I have invited Marissa to touch my stomach several times and each time she has laid her hand on my stomach and exclaimed with delight when her grandchild moved beneath her touch. Twice before I’ve felt this urge to allow Wade to bond with my unborn kitt but so far my distrust of him has smothered all other thoughts.

"What is it? What’s wrong with Rosy," Mitchell demands beside me making me flinch.

"Sam get Mitchell away he’s upsetting Rosy even if he doesn’t mean to," Micah orders and I hear an angry growl from Mitchell that makes me flinch again even though I struggle to remain calm.

"What is it Rosy? You’re not in pain are you?" Doc asks quietly from just in front of me. I shake my head without moving from where I have my face pressed against where Micah’s neck meets his shoulder.

"Donovan come sit beside Rosy …"

I feel him sit down before Micah finishes speaking and he takes hold of my hand closest to him.

"It’s okay Rosy, we’re all here … everything will be fine … it’s okay," Donovan murmurs quietly and I feel myself begin to relax slightly.

"You’re really sure about this?" Micah asks as he continues to rub my arm soothingly and I can hear him breathing as he cuddles me close, I relax into him and he presses a kiss to my hair-covered temple.

"Ok Dad or should I say Grandpa, come around in front here. A while ago Rosy did say that if I held her nice and tight, so she knew she was safe, then you could put your hand on her belly where your Grandchild is." Micah explains in a low soft tone.

"I don’t want to make Rosy feel scared or pressured to let me touch her," Wade says from in front of me.

"Rosy is as okay with it as she can be yet," Micah tells him.

"Is that true Rosy? Are you okay with my putting my hand on your belly?" Wade asks and he is unable to disguise the longing in his voice.

"I need to let you, I need to get past this," I insist with a shudder. "On my belly? Not under my clothes," I can’t keep the fear out of my voice and I tremble as I clutch at Donovan’s hand tightly. I breathe in rapid little pants taking in Micah’s scent with each breath.

"That’s fine with me. My hand on top of your shirt no touching your skin," Wade tells me. I nod and struggle to control my breathing as I wait for the touch of his hand against my body.

"Rosy?" Wade asks softly and I turn my face towards him close to panic. "Do I have your permission to put my hand on your t-shirt so I can say hallo to the baby?"

"Can’t Wade see how badly he’s scaring Rosy?" Mitchell demands from somewhere near the hallway door. "Hey! I can’t protect Rosy if you drag me out of the room Sam!"

"Well shut up," Sam growls.

"But…" Mitchell protests and his voice is cut off as if someone has put their hand over his mouth.

"Rosy, take a nice deep breath," Micah tells me and I manage to comply. "Another deep breath … Rosy is it okay for Wade to touch your belly?"

I manage a nod and tense for the expected touch but when it comes Wade’s touch is very light. I feel Wynn roll in my womb before stretching an arm or leg to push against where Wade’s hand rests. A startled sound comes from him and I chance a quick glance his way, Wade is staring at where his hand rests lightly on my belly and he meets my eyes as he glances up at me.

"He moved, I felt him move …" Wonder fills his voice and he returns to staring at my shirt-covered stomach.

Much of my tension starts to drain from me as I turn my face towards Micah for more of his familiar scent and I become aware of Donovan patting my hand comfortingly. With the lessening of tension the taunt muscles in my stomach relax and I feel Wynn stretch and kick at Wade’s hand, a soft sound comes from Wade and I chance another quick glance his way. A few more moments of movement beneath his hand and Wade straightens withdrawing his hand from my stomach.

"Thank you Rosy," Wade says gently and I give a slight nod of acknowledgement without looking his way. I hear him move away and then Micah is rubbing my back before he picks me up and places me across his lap. Donovan eases his hand from mine and I cuddle into Micah secure in his presence and protection. I feel Micah’s mobile vibrate against my hip before the first ring sounds and I jump nervously, he rubs my back and presses a kiss against my cheek.

"Whoever it is can wait," Micah growls softly and I snuggle close for one last deep breath. His phone has stopped ringing by the time I ease away from him to glance around uneasy and self-consciously. Wade is standing by Marissa looking very happy and he sends me a huge grin reminding me of Micah. I look away hurriedly and notice that all the toms are looking extremely pleased even Mitchell who is still being held by the door by Sam.

Wade’s mobile rings and he pulls it from his pocket to glance at the screen, he frowns and heads outside.

"I got to take this call, won’t be long." Wade says as he walks outside. "Yeah hallo, it’s good to hear from you …" He becomes too distant for me to hear any more and I glance at Micah who is looking at me immensely pleased.

"That was very kind of you Rosy," Steven tells me with a grin.

"It’s his Grandchild," I say faintly and a touch defensively. I look at Sam as he walks around the lounge and squats down in front of me.

"You okay Miss Spotty One?" Sam asks gently. I nod and he grins at me before eyeing my stomach.

"Did you wet your pants or poop them while you were sitting on Micah?" Sam asks with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"No," I deny before quietly adding, "Micah makes me feel safe. Safe and protected and loved,"

"Micah," Sam says seriously as he gets to his feet and I hear Micah make a soft sound of acknowledgement beside me. "I’d like to take Rosy to visit the … her Uncle Caruthers before she gets married if you’ll let me,"

"We’ll talk about it later," Micah tells him and I look at Micah imploringly.

"Please Micah I …" I start but Micah puts a finger on my lips and I fall silent at his stern look.

"I’ll try to work something out. Work out the details," Micah tells me gently.

"He’s that lovely man who helped Jazzy isn’t he?" Marissa asks and I glance her way startled. I had forgotten she was still here.

"Yeah that’s my Uncle … well my human one," I say with a rueful smile. I glance towards the hall doorway as I hear the crunch of footsteps on the gravel outside, the screen door squeaks and we all can hear Wade walking towards us.

"Micah, Mitchell, Sam … I need a few words with you in private," Wade says from the doorway. Micah eases me onto my feet before he stands up and I watch uneasily as the younger toms follow Wade back outside.

Steven hands me my unfinished breakfast, "Eat up you’ll need the energy if you’re visiting Jazzy later." He tells me.