Bile rises in the back of my throat and I swallow hard, my head is throbbing and I can feel a hard cold surface beneath my cheek as I try to work out where I am. I open my eyes slightly and the light makes my head hurt so I close them again with a moan. I hear footsteps somewhere close and cringe, pain shoots through my body bringing memories back with it. The strong pungent odour of strays seems to surround me and I know I am in deep trouble.

"About time you woke up Miss She-kitty catty." I open my eyes and try to lift my head but the world spins on its axis and I find myself falling once again as my stomach rolls and bile fills my mouth. I cough and spit it out as I try to concentrate on my breathing, anything as long as I don’t think about what hurts and why.

I hear a metallic click and then footsteps approach me. Terror scorches its path up my spine and I scream in pain as it swells in my head as I shape-shift. Suddenly I am crouching on four furred legs and I turn to face whoever has dared approach me. My surroundings seem to whirl and tilt but I manage to stay on my feet even as I stumble to the side. There is that metallic sound again and I raise my head as I try to focus my blurred gaze on something, anything. With growing horror I realise I am in a cage not unlike the ones used in the circus to contain lions and tigers and as I take a deep breath I smell the faint traces left behind by one of them in the distant past. There are two dark blurry forms outside the cage and I realise one of the strays is on all fours and changing his shape to a cat as I watch.

I shriek my fury, my anger turning to pain as my head pounds mercilessly from the effort. Terror grows as I realise how weak and defenceless I am. My legs tremble but my anger and indignation are not dimmed as I brace myself to fight when the cat comes into my cage. He is bigger and heavier than me and I am sent flying against the bars of the cage. I mewl in pain and struggle to my feet. He is on me before I can fight back, knocking me against the bars a second time. My cry of pain is louder as his claws rake along my back and I try to twist away from him as he bites my right shoulder. I lower my head in submission until my chin touches the floor as he stands over me. His muzzle almost touches my ear as he lowers his head and growls menacingly near my ear before nipping it.

"He said shift back," the werecat outside the cage tells me. I glance imploringly at him, I don’t know what he’s talking about so I creep back several small steps. This is clearly not what is wanted and punishment is swift and harsh as sharp claws rip down my back again ripping through hair and hide. My scream of pain is almost human and he unleashes a flurry of cruel swipes that land on my head and shoulders making me scream in pain again.

I collapse on the floor of the cage and he moves over top of me making me cry out in pain as he moves eagerly. When he finally leaves the cage I crawl to the corner of the cage where I stretch out on my side my flanks heaving as I pant in pain. Thirst burns my throat and hunger gnaws at my stomach but I am too weak to look for the water bowl. I hear the metallic click as my tormentor leaves my prison but I am unable to lift my head to look at him. I close my eyes and let my consciousness drift into the black nothingness that hovers near. I am dimly aware that time is passing as I drift in and out of consciousness but my only time marker is the frequent visits by my torturers as they come and demand I obey their orders.

Noise different to normal brings me awake and I stumble to the corner and turn to face where I know he’ll come from. I see blurry shapes moving outside the cage, fighting by the sounds of the noise, and I snarl in fear and anger as I back securely into the darkest corner. Soon the fighting ceases and shapes lay on the floor motionless as I lift my head and sniff fearfully. The intense scent of clan cats reaches me and I cover into the corner terrified.

"Holy shit! I don’t believe it! It’s a she-kitt! A stranger, I don’t know her scent!" The words make little sense to me and I growl as I lower my head and I struggle for balance. I hear the strange metallic click and press back into the corner with a whimper of fear. I’ve learnt quickly that the sound means someone is coming into my cage. I lower my head and hiss at the blurry tall shape that slowly comes closer.

"Hey there. What’s your name? We’re here to get you out of here," The voice is soft and soothing. Clan! His scent warns me I am now faced with clan cats, my greatest fear. I didn’t buy his reassurances and growl threateningly as he gets closer. I tilt my head slightly as he stops moving but all this achieves is me overbalancing and falling on my side. I brace myself for his attack but it doesn’t come as he crouches where he stopped.

"You’re sick aren’t you and you don’t know what’s happening. All you know is you hurt real bad," his voice remains soft and soothing. I hiss and attempt to get to my feet. Pain lances along my back and I cry out sharply as darkness dances at the edges of my vision as unconsciousness threatens.

" …Not going to hurt you, not going to hurt you, not going to hurt you," he croons in that soft voice. Strangely I find the sound of his voice and his presence comforting; maybe it is the lack of aggression and savagery in his scent. I allow myself to sink to the floor when I am unable to hold myself up any longer. My hiss of warning is half hearted and I try to press myself into the floor as his hand hovers above my head or neck. I wait for him to touch me, to hurt me but there is no contact just that soft soothing tone.

"Infected bite, scratches, possible concussion, I think she needs food and water bad … she’s been beaten pretty badly..." his voice drones in that soft tone, "She seems to be suffering from a fever. She doesn’t smell as if she’s in heat so they must have come across her some other way."

I close my eyes, the light hurts my head and I strain my ears for any sounds of movement. That soft and soothing voice is speaking again but I don’t try to follow what he’s saying. I just let it wash over me soothing my battered body like a balm. The door of the cage gives its metallic click startling me from a half unconscious state. I try to spring to my feet but over balance and end up on my side. There is movement near me and I screech in fear as I try to get to my feet. I lash out at the blurry figure near me in my panic.

"Get back! Back off!" The soothing voice is gone, replaced by a different voice strong with authority. I whine lowering my head as my whole body trembles, the loudness hurts my head and the light dazes my blurry eyes.

"It’s okay, no-one’s going to hurt you. Just relax, calm down. That’s it just calm down …" It’s not the voice I want and I hiss menacingly. I swish my tail as something stings my thigh but I pay no attention to it; insects are the least of my worries. I lift my head and turn it to one side trying to focus on the figure in front of me. I whine again wanting that soft voice back.

"Yeah, we’re here to help you. Just put your head down and take it easy …" The voice fades away into the distance and I lift my head uneasily. I feel my body sway but it’s a weird detached feeling as if my mind is floating free from my battered and bruised body. My sight blurs and I moan as I struggle to work out what is happening to me. My head feels heavy and I am unable to keep it up.

"Yeah that’s it just relax. Close your eyes and go to sleep," that soothing voice returns to coax. I realise with horror that I must have been drugged and I struggle to get to my feet. My injured shoulder hits the cage bars hard and I know it must hurt but even that pain is distant. Everything is lying on its side and I move my front legs but it’s me who is lying on my side.

"Don’t fight it just go with it," the voice sounds oddly disjointed now. I lay still not even swishing my tail. After a few moments there is a slight scraping sound as someone moves closer. I open my eyes and I can see a man bending over me, my nose tells me he is a clan werecat but I am too weak to worry anymore. A hand touches my injured shoulder but the touch is gentle as around the bite is probed.

"She’s not out," a different voice says from far off.

"I only loaded enough to half knock her out. It’s okay. No one is going to hurt you. We’re here to help you," The strong authoritive voice says.

I drift in and out of consciousness. I am faintly aware of being lifted and being placed on something firm but soft. My mouth and throat are no longer dry from thirst but I can’t remember drinking. Soon I become aware of movement around me and my body no longer feels detached from my mind so I open my eyes warily to find I am no longer in the confines of the cage. I flex my claws and find I am on a mattress and I even have a blanket of some kind thrown over me.

I lift my head slowly and look around cautiously. There are four men in the room and I can smell the clan cats in each of them. One glances my way and stops what he is doing to walk towards me slowly. I flatten my ears back against my skull and growl a warning for him not to get to close to me. He seems to understand and stops to pick up a bottle of water.

"Are you thirsty again? Remember I gave you water before?" It’s the owner of the gentle voice. He crouches so that he is nearly on eye level with me and I hiss as I look away.

"Do you want to try changing back to human form?" He asks softly. Memories of what has been done to me in human form have me hissing and spitting furiously as I edge backwards.

"You’re safe. No one is going to hurt you," he promises. "If you change back I’ve got some clothes you can wear. You can have something to eat and drink, we can talk and you can tell me your name …"

"Mitchell come here a minute," one of the men on the far side of the room calls. Mitchell turns away from me and walks over to where two of the others are standing together.

"Why don’t you try meeting her on her own level?" One of them asks very quietly, "change and see how she takes it."

"No, I don’t think that’s a good idea," Mitchell denies and glances back at me with a worried frown. "I’ll leave her as long as we can before I decide how to handle the situation if necessary."

I watch the men but they resume picking up things around the room. Even Mitchell busies himself with other work. I settle myself to watch them as they go about their tasks. I find my mind clearing and my strength returning the longer I am awake and I realise my captors must have been drugging me. My head and injuries are still painful but I ignore this as I stretch and flex my legs one at a time. My right front leg is very stiff and the shoulder extremely painful when I move and I am barely able to move it.

A spasm of heat flows down my back ending at the base of my tail then another spasm follows it. I whine and lift my head to look around as I realise I am about to shape-shift back into human form. There is no place to hide so I wriggle backwards attempting to get beneath the blanket that lies across my hips. The flashes of heat are starting to increase in intensity and I settle myself uneasily. I long for the shape-shift to be over so I can hide beneath the blanket and a brief but fierce flash of agony rolls over me.

My hands grip my head, and I can feel the short uneven stubble of my hair beneath my fingers on one side of my head as I try to steady my breathing. I long to reach for the blanket and pull it up over my shoulders but changing has left me too weak to do this for the moment.

"Mitchell," there is warning in the tone and I hear footsteps head my way. I turn my head so I can see whoever is approaching me. It’s Mitchell and he has some clothing held in one hand while behind him I notice the others moving towards a doorway.

"Do you understand me? Do you understand English?" Mitchell asks in a gentle tone. I watch as he stops out of reach and squats so that he is not so tall. I can see the muscles tensed in his thighs and realise he is not as at ease as he seems. Just his very presence fills me with fear, as I know what toms like to do with me when I’m human.

"How about if you understand me you nod for yes and shake your head for no. I can understand that you might not want to talk to a strange man at the moment," his tone tells me he truly understands and there is compassion in his eyes. I am silent as he watches me for nearly a minute before he extends the hand holding the clothing.

"Here are some of my things. I know they’ll smell like me but I thought you might like something to cover yourself up," he offers a tentative smile. I move slowly and roll to my right just enough to be able to move my left arm and I grimace as my right shoulder pulls painfully then I tense as Mitchell moves. He has tossed the clothing and it lands within reach of my left hand. I look from the clothing to his face and give the smallest of nods before reaching for the clothing.

"I’ll move back over near the door and let you put those on," Mitchell tells me gently. I wait until he has moved away before I force myself into a sitting position, I glance his way to find he has turned his back but is clearly listening to my movements. I manage to put the t-shirt on by pulling it up my right arm before I pull it over my head but I am unable to manage the sweatpants one handed and over balance to fall on my injured shoulder. A cry of pain escapes me and my vision turns black with bright sparks shooting through it as bile rises in the back of my throat. I squeeze my eyes shut tight as I pant with the pain. I flinch as I imagine something touching my shoulder and I kick out blindly in my fear-induced panic.

"It’s alright! It’s all right! I’m not going to hurt you … I’m just going to help you," Mitchell’s voice comes from alarmingly close to me and I try to growl in warning but it comes out as a hiss of pain. I feel the sweat pants slip from between my fingers and my eyes fly open in desperation. Mitchell is kneeling beside me and his touch is gentle as he eases the sweatpants onto my other foot. A look of horror and compassion is on his face as he tries to avoid looking at the dried evidence of rape that clings to my inner thighs. He slips one hand beneath the curve of my hip and lifts me so he can pull the pants up properly. I don’t look away as his gaze meets mine and he gives me a tentative smile; I respond with a slight nod. His scent does not stink of lust only horror and compassion. Instinct tells me he is not like the strays that had captured me when Jasper left me after my heat had ended.

"Do you understand me?" He pronounces each word carefully and slowly. I hesitate a few seconds then respond with another slight nod.

"Are you hungry? There’s some food if you are," Mitchell offers as he tries to study my head without being too obvious. I give another slight nod and then turn my head so he can see the injury above my right ear where my hair has been hacked short. I can remember feeling stitches being put in behind that ear at some time during the time I’ve been kept as a prisoner.

"I’ll get you that food," Mitchell says softly and stands up. I stare nervously but watch him walk away with hopeful anticipation. My stomach rumbles at the thought of food and my mouth tries to water. Suddenly I hope he remembers a drink as I realise how dehydrated I am.

I don’t have to wait long and the aroma of fried chicken precedes Mitchell into the room. I eye the three men who follow him into the room and try to sit up more securely at the same time. Mitchell walks towards me and slows as he nears me clearly he is watching to see if I object to his presence. I glance past him relieved to see that the others have stopped and are well back from me.

"You like chicken?" Mitchell asks with a slight smile and I nod as I eye the plastic bags he carries.

"The others would like to meet you. No one will hurt you I promise," Mitchell tells me quietly when my alarmed gaze meets his. He reaches into one of the bags and pulls out a sports drink and hands it to me. I reach for it with my left hand and hesitate when I realise I won’t be able to open it. Mitchell must have realised the same thing and smiles ruefully before unscrewing the lid and handing me the bottle.

"How about you meet the others while you have some of that?" He asks as I raise the bottle to my lips almost frantically. I don’t respond as I gulp the drink down thirstily and tense when one of the others approaches to stand beside Mitchell.

"This is my brother Samuel but everyone calls him Sam," Mitchell tells me.

"Hi," Sam says with a wide smile. He seems a bit disappointed when I don’t respond but gives a slight nod before turning and walking away. The next guy catches my attention immediately as he walks towards us and I watch him for a few moments before I realise I was mistaken. It’s not Micah.

"This is Dwayne," Mitchell says evenly. Dwayne smiles at me with assured calm and squats so he is on the same level with me.

"Hi, do you have a name?" he asks. The very sound of his voice reminds me of Micah and I growl in a sudden burst of fear. Dwayne backs away with a hurt look on his face and stands off to one side as the last guy comes forward for his introduction.

"And lastly Alex," Mitchell motions towards a darker and slimmer version of Dwayne.

"Hi Mystery Lady," Alex says lightly. I glance at Mitchell then back at Alex.

"It’s alright, Alex don’t mean no harm." Mitchell says reassuringly. I glance back at Mitchell and give the slightest of nods.

"You hungry?" Mitchell asks reaching into the other bag to produce a take-away container. He moves a couple of steps closer and squats to put the container down in front of me. I put my drink down as I watch Mitchell move away before turning my attention to the food. I open the container awkwardly and study the food carefully. Deciding it doesn’t appear to have been tampered with I grab a deep-fried wing and sink my teeth into it eagerly. I am full before I eat all the chicken and I try to sit up straighter as I suck the flavour off my fingers. I catch Mitchell watching me with a thoughtful look on his face. Catching me watching him he smiles at me and produces several wet wipes from a container on the floor. When he approaches me I watch him calmly and make no protest when he squats facing me and reaches for my greasy hand. I hesitate for a moment then hold it out to him and watch as he carefully and gently cleans the grease from my skin.

"It looks like you enjoyed that food," Mitchell says softly and I nod.

"Can you remember how you got here?" Mitchell asks gently. I jerk my hand away from him and lean away from him as I avoid his gaze and after a short while he gets to his feet and moves away from me. I watch as the other three move over to him and they begin talking quietly.

"She needs her injuries treated," Someone says, I think its Dwayne.

"I’m still trying to get her to trust me. She clearly blames all males for what those strays did to her," Mitchell replies in little more than a whisper.

"Tranquillise her," Sam chimes in.

"And lose all the progress I’ve made?" There is anger in Mitchell’s voice and he glances towards me as if sensing I was listening but I am closing the take away container one handed and he turns his attention back to the others.

"We’re fast running out of time. We’ve cleaned up here and leave in about an hour," Sam argues in a whisper.

"You think I don’t know that? You think I’m not trying to win her trust as fast as I can?" Mitchell demands angrily his voice rising slightly and I look his way nervously. I am openly watching them when he glances my way this time. He turns away from the other three and collects a can of coke from one of the plastic bags the food had been in and carries it towards me.

"You want more to drink?" Mitchell asks softly. I nod and give a slight smile as Mitchell opens the can and hands it to me. I take it and drink deeply before giving a soft sigh of pleasure.

"Good is it?" Mitchell says and glances towards the others where they are gathered drinking from cans of soda as well. "I guess your back is pretty sore not to mention that shoulder."

I am watching him closely when he looks back at me and after a few moments I nod cautiously.

"I can put some ointment on it, make it feel better. Or we could go to a motel and you can have a shower before I treat your back and shoulder," Mitchell offers quietly. I couldn’t stop myself glancing fearfully towards the others and I see they were trying to be discreet about listening to Mitchell talking to me. When I glance back at Mitchell he is watching me intently.

"We know those others that were here … we know they hurt you and none of us want to hurt you. You have to believe me; we only want to help you." Mitchell tells me earnestly. I watch Mitchell uneasily for a few moments before glancing towards the others. Sam is watching us and I shift uneasily. I realise in that instant that Sam is in charge; I should have realised earlier. Sam is the biggest and strongest tom here so he is in charge. I look at Mitchell and see with a start that he has moved close enough to grab me if I let my guard down.

"We want to help you," Mitchell says softly in an almost hypnotic tone and holds one hand out towards me. I eye his hand for a moment before glancing quickly towards Sam. I sense Mitchell moving slightly closer and I turn my attention back to him hurriedly.

"I’m not going to hurt you," Mitchell uses the same tone again as he lifts his hand towards my face. I can’t help myself and a warning growl rumbles deep in my throat but I manage to force myself to hold still as the back of his fingers trail lightly down my cheek. I narrow my eyes as I glare at him and Mitchell lowers his hand careful to make no sudden moves.

"I guess that means no touching unless I’m treating your injuries," Mitchell says in his soothing tone. I give a curt nod and Mitchell smiles at me.

"You ready to tell me your name yet?" He asks quietly. I am struck by the sudden lack of noise and realise all four men are holding their breaths. I shrug and grimace as the motion pulls at my sore shoulder.

"Come on, we’ve told you ours," Mitchell coaxes with a friendly smile. I give a slight nod in acknowledgement but look away from his face in avoidance of his question.

"I guess what’s happened is pretty scary and confusing," Sam says as he walks over and lowers himself to sit some distance behind his brother. I glance his way and notice Alex and Dwayne moving closer as well and tense as fear begins to build. Are they planning something?

"Do you understand what’s happened to you?" Sam asks quietly. I don’t respond in any way as I dart nervous glances between the four men. It’s with a feeling of horror that I recognise the fiery sensation scorching its way up my spine. I begin to shake my head negatively and use both arms as I scoot backwards despite the pain this causes in my shoulder.

"It’s alright we’re not going to hurt you…" Mitchell begins in his soothing tone as he reaches out towards me.

"No!" I scream, "Keep away from me! Keep away…" my scream is cut off as my shape-shift hits with savage intensity. Pain lances through me culminating in my head and I launch myself at Mitchell as my cat form takes over. I feel his arm between my teeth and I struggle not to bite down as I stand over his prone form. He is staring up at me with shock and fear.

"Mitchell!" Sam yells almost frantically and I release my hold to turn my head and glare at him. I can smell his fear and realise amazingly it is not for himself but for Mitchell who is lying prone beneath me motionless for the moment. I press my ears back against my head as I snarl at Sam then turn my attention back to Mitchell as I sense movement from him. I lower my head and sniff at his face wrinkling my nose as the unpleasant odour of panic reaches my brain and I snort angrily making Mitchell flinch from my breath. Carefully I step away from him with my head lowered and a rippling snarl that warns everyone to keep away from me. I retreat to the corner hopping in a circle with my head low as I struggle maintain my balance on three legs as well as contain my fear and anger.

"Mitchell?" I hear the worry in Sam’s voice and turn to hiss at him in fear.

"I’m alright. She bit me but it’s not as bad as it could have been. I didn’t know she was about to change. Hell did you see how fast it hit her?" Mitchell sounds awed.

"Alex get the trank gun," Sam orders softly before taking several steps towards me.

"Calm down. I know you can understand me, try to concentrate on what I’m telling you. We need you to change back to human form. Now I know you didn’t mean to hurt Mitchell but you have and you’re too dangerous like you are at the moment. Try to calm down." Sam orders firmly and I growl at him and shake my head.

"There’s no arguing about it, change back!" Sam orders firmly once again. I become still as I try to work out a way to make him understand that I can’t shape-shift or ‘change’ as they called it at will. After a few tense minutes I lie down on my stomach and rest my chin on my forelegs. I watch all four men seeing how they wait hoping I will do as asked.

"Alex," Sam says quietly as he watches me closely. I look Alex’s way and realise he is holding something out of my sight, knowing it must be the tranquilliser gun I get to my feet and begin to hop back and forth anxiously. I feel the sting in my thigh and snarl as I swing my head around to look, a small dart is sticking out of my thigh. I walk slowly towards the mattress and sit on it as I try to remove the dart with my teeth.

I wake to a steady beat beneath my ear. I am half sitting and half leaning against something warm and I open my eyes slowly trying to make sense of where I am. It’s dark and I’m in a vehicle that’s being driven along a highway, I realise as my eyes focus on the passing dark scenery. I tense as I realise that the steady beat beneath my ear is a heartbeat and the warmth against my side is one of the four toms. I lift my feet from where they rest on a folded seat in front of me and place them on the floor as smoothly as I can. I ease up straight and look at the person beside me cautiously. A soft snore comes from him and I realise its Mitchell. I look around the inside of the vehicle and find Alex asleep on the seat turned to face us while Dwayne is in the passenger seat beside Sam who is driving.

The shocks continue as I realise I am in human form and warmly dressed in another t-shirt and sweatpants. I have clearly been placed in the vehicle with a view to my comfort. I watch the passing countryside for a time and find with surprise that I am becoming quite comfortable around the four toms that I am starting to regard as mine. I put my feet back up on the seat in front of me and lean against Mitchell once again as I make myself comfortable.

"We’re awake back here," Alex says quietly and the vehicle begins to slow.

"How is everything?" Sam asks and I catch on he is asking about me.

"We all seem to be fine. Anyone got any complaints?" Mitchell asks.

"Can I have a drink please?" My question is whisper soft.

"What do you want? Coke, lemonade, Gatorade, or water?" Sam asks quietly.

"Water," My voice is little more than a whisper and I press against Mitchell’s side fearfully as Alex moves. He fishes a bottle of water from a plastic bag and I reach for it without hesitation when he offers it to me.

"Hungry?" Sam asks.

"Yeah always," I say without hesitation and this brings soft chuckles from the four toms.

"The hunger, the high metabolic rate comes from being a werecat," Mitchell tells me evenly.

"If we stop for food you promise to behave and not do anything to attract attention?" Sam asks with a firm tone to his voice.

"Ok," I say agreeably.

"So what’s your name," Sam says in that same firm tone.

"Rosy, I get called Rosy," I say and avoid his quick glance in the rear view mirror. I hear the faint whistle from Alex and know that they have picked up on my half-truth.

"That’s an interesting summer name," Alex comments.

"So where are we headed?" I ask.

"Home," Sam tells me.

"You know where I live but not my name?" I ask surprised.

"Not your home, our home." Sam uses that firm tone.

"No!" I declare as I sit upright and scoot away from Mitchell. "Stop, turn around and take me back to where you found me now!" I demand angrily as my sudden burst of fear turns to rage.

"That’s not happening," Alex says shaking his head.

"No what’s not happening is you lot taking me anywhere! Stop and let me out!" I shout angrily as I lift my feet up and crouch on the seat with my back to the side of the van.

Sam slows the vehicle and glances in the rear view mirror, "Are you going to calm down and accept what’s happening or do you need to be sedated again?"

"Stop and let me out! You have no right to do this!" I order franticly as my fear builds.

"We’re doing this for your own good. Every stray tom that comes across you will hunt you down and you’ve found out for yourself what they want with you," Alex snaps in a hard tone of voice.

"As if what you plan to do is any different!" I declare as I glance around looking for some possible way of escaping.

"No-one’s going to … you won’t be forced," Mitchell cuts into the argument quietly.

"You going to calm down?" Sam’s tone is more reasonable but I shake my head as tears of hopelessness come to my eyes.

"We’ll get you something to eat and then we’ll see if you can be more reasonable," Sam tells me gently.

"I hate you! I hate the lot of you! I’ll make sure you pay for this!" I threaten before settling down into a sitting position hunched against the side of the vehicle with my face turned away from them. I kick out at the seat beside Alex in my misery and am gratified when the kick lifts it a few inches before it settles again, I aim a second more powerful kick at it and grimace with satisfaction as I hear something crack.

"Hey! Enough of that! Our boss will have our hides if this vehicle is damaged!" Dwayne exclaims worriedly as he looks over his shoulder at me. I glare back at him angrily. His likeness to Micah strikes me and I narrow my eyes thoughtfully.

"You remind me of someone," I say softly, my tone hinting it may not be a good thing.

"Considering there’s six of us brothers that’s not surprising," Alex tells me. "Four of us travel around a lot."

"And look a lot alike," Dwayne adds. I glare at Alex and make out his answering grin in the dimness, I snarl and turn my head away but it isn’t long before I glance towards him again. Living in seclusion has been hard with only Pete and my Uncle to really talk to and along with my natural curiosity I am starved for conversation and contact.

"Your not liking being touched is part of being a werecat. If you don’t know someone or don’t trust them then you won’t let them touch you," Alex tells me as if making normal conversation. I growl not wanting to hear him talk. Of the four toms he is the one who scares me most and who I trust the least.

"That’s another thing. Growling, hissing … that’s your inner cat," Alex just can’t shut up.

"Well tell me, what do I have to do or say to not have to listen to you!" I yell at him.

"Awww, you don’t mean that," Alex almost purrs at me. I hate being told what I already suspected, especially coming from Alex so I growl at him again, a deep rumbling sound that should warn him I have had enough.

"And we keep our existence a secret from humans. They’d take it real bad if they knew we aren’t just monsters…" Alex starts again. Something clicks inside me and I fly at him, no warning and no sound. My fist connects square with his mouth and his voice becomes a hiss of pain as I cower back in my seat scared and shocked by what I’ve done. The vehicle slows suddenly and I whimper in panic as I glance around for a way of escape as Sam quickly pulls to the side of the road.

"Fuck! She knocked my canine loose!" Alex exclaims with one hand to his mouth, blood running down his chin.

"Dwayne you drive! Alex, get in the front before I knock your head loose!" Sam snaps as he undoes his seatbelt and opens his door. Alex waits with his hand on the doorhandle and Mitchell leans against me in one swift movement one arm in front of me with his hand braced securely against the side of the vehicle. I cower into the corner of the seat and watch scared as Sam stalks around to the sliding door into the back of the van. I figure this is when I am going to be severely disciplined for striking Alex.

"She was warning you to leave her alone!" Sam snaps angrily as he jerks the door open and grabs Alex by the upper arm hauling him out of the vehicle nearly throwing him out of the way. I cower in my corner with my heart beating wildly, my breath coming in pants as I watch Sam climb into the seat where Alex was. He slams the door shut, puts his seatbelt on and slowly raises both hands into full view. Mitchell quickly moves back to his own space and they both watch me silently until Dwayne guides the vehicle back onto the road. I cower against the cold glass of the window and shudder as a fiery spasm races up my back. I whimper and close my eyes tight as a second spasm follows the first.

"No," I whimper as my body shudders.

"What’s the matter?" Mitchell asks in his low soothing voice. I send him a quick terrified glance before pressing my forehead against the cold glass again. Another fiery spasm races up my spine and I feel my body shudder forcefully as I pant. The very thought of changing in the small confines of the moving vehicle with the four others terrifies me.

"I’m gonna change I can feel it. It’s gonna happen!" My whisper is hoarse with fear. Suddenly there’s warmth against my back and a hand grasps my clenched fist and warm breathe brushes against the back of my neck.

"Slow down your breathing. Try to calm down a little. Slow your breathing. That’s it slow your breathing down. Calm down and you can control your change … err shape-shift. Slow, deep, breaths now. Open your eyes and try to count those little posts at the side of the road …slow deep breaths …nice and calm…" Mitchell’s voice is soft and strangely calming.

As I get my breathing under control and start to calm down I become aware of the fiery spasms lessening in intensity and heat. I take a deep breath and a sigh of relief escapes me. I slowly lift my head from against the window where I had pressed my face I become aware that the vehicle has been pulled to the side of the road and I can smell fresh air coming in through partly opened doors.

"Slow, deep breaths … that’s it … nice and calm. Feeling any better?" Mitchell asks gently. I give a jerky nod and glance towards Sam uneasily. He is watching us closely and gives a slight nod when he realises I am in control of myself.

"Nicely done. It’s not easy to learn to control your shape- shift," Sam compliments me.

"Ok if I let you go now?" Mitchell asks lightly.

"Yes," I say even though I miss the contact even before it’s gone. I feel Mitchell ease away and I turn my head to glance at him miserably.

"Mitchell outside now," Sam orders and they both get out of the van. The radio in front is turned up and I turn my head to look out my window. I’m smart enough to know the conversation outside is being covered up so I don’t hear it. I concentrate and I can hear Sam’s angry tone but I can’t understand exactly what he is saying. When Sam and Mitchell get back in the vehicle it is Sam who sits beside me and I edge closer to the window while I send Mitchell an imploring look.

"You still want something to eat?" Sam asks. I glance his way quickly before looking out my window again.

"Yeah," I say after a long moment.

"We’re going to stop at a motel. You try to escape, attract attention or do anything except what you’re told and I will sedate you and tie you up and gag you." Sam tells me in a no-nonsense tone. I glance his way but don’t respond in anyway to his ultimatum.

The dark landscape passes quickly and within half an hour we are turning into a motel alongside the highway. Dwayne parks the vehicle in a dark corner then gets out and heads towards the office. I look around with interest but when I see both Sam and Mitchell are watching me closely I go back to staring out the window. I watch as Dwayne leaves the office and makes his way to a detached cabin near the vehicle. He uses a key to open the door and disappears inside for a minute or two. When he reappears he walks over to the vehicle and Sam opens the sliding door. He gets out and stretches before Mitchell joins him.

"Out you come," Sam says in a friendly tone. I take my time easing out of the vehicle and slowly turn when I am outside. I now have a mental map of the surrounding area in my head. Sam takes hold of my left arm just above my elbow and my first instinct is to jerk free but I refuse to give in to it waiting for a better chance of escape. He escorts me into the cabin and I look around quickly as he releases my arm and I take several steps away from him.

"Bathroom is the door on the right, toilet the other side of it. Soap, shampoo and towels are provided," Dwayne announces. I glance his way uncertainly for a moment then I take a step towards the bathroom. I glance back at Sam waiting for him to stop me.

"There are security bars on the window and anyone of us can break the lock on the door if we think you’re trying to escape," Dwayne tells me. I dart a quick glance at the three toms in the room and hurry into the bathroom locking the door behind me. I pause at the door listening to the movements in the other room but no one comes near the door so I move to the shower. One glance confirms Dwayne’s comment about the bars on the window so I turn the shower on adjusting the water temperature. I move to the door silently and listen with my ear against the door. No one is near the door so I go back to the shower. I hesitate a few moments before pulling the t-shirt off with some difficulty and grin when the sweatpants prove easier.

I sigh in pleasure as the warmth of the water soothes my battered body as I stand beneath the spray letting the water cascade over my head and down my back. I make good use of the ordinary smelling soap before reaching for the shampoo. I am careful as I wash the area over my right ear where the hair has been hacked short then I turn my attention to washing my hair one handed as best I can. It takes three washes before the rinsing water runs clear and I reach for the small bottle of conditioner. With my shower complete I feel exhausted as I turn the water off and reach for a towel. I take my time drying myself before reaching for the clothes I had been wearing. At least they are fairly clean and I put them on before giving my hair a final drying.

Reluctantly I unlock the door and open it, Mitchell and Sam turn to look my way at the sound and both smile as I walk into the room nervously.

"Dwayne should be back with food anytime now. Alex is waiting out in the van so he doesn’t bother you," Sam tells me.

"If you’ll lay on your stomach on this bed I’ll treat your back and shoulder for you," Mitchell says motioning towards the bed he was sitting on while he had been watching TV. I hesitate a moment before walking between the two beds avoiding going near Sam then I carefully crawl onto the bed and stretch out on my stomach.

"I’m just going to move your hair out of the way and push the t-shirt up so I can see your back to treat it," Mitchell is using his soothing voice once again. His touch is gentle and I close my eyes as his hands drift over my back. My shoulder is painful as he works on it and I turn my face into the pillow to hide as the burning sting of peroxide causes pain. The sound of the door opening and someone walking into the room makes me tense but other than that I don’t move.

"Don’t tell me you had to sedate her to treat her back! It could have waited until after she ate, I was as fast as I could!" Dwayne complains, he sounds truly upset.

"She’s not sedated," Sam tells him and I lift my face from the pillow and turn it towards the doorway. Dwayne is standing in the open door watching and grins when he sees I’m fully aware. He kicks the door closed without looking and holds up the box of takeaway bags he holds.

"I didn’t know what you prefer so I got a variety."

"Finished, you can sit up." Mitchell announces. I sit up careful not to jostle my aching shoulder and watch as Dwayne brings the food over to sit the box on the bed in front of me.

"There’s McDonalds, KFC and I even got a pizza. Go on, pick what you want," Dwayne offers. I search through the McDonalds until I find a double quarter pounder. I glance around the three expectant toms but seeing no denial I remove the meal from the bag.

"You can have one of the large drinks," Dwayne offers with a friendly smile.

I glance up from un-wrapping my food and take note of his expression.

"Not trying to get on my good side are you?" I ask suspiciously. Dwayne blinks and the smile fades from his face.

"I just thought you might like to choose what you ate," his tone is carefully neutral and I realise I have offended him.

Unsure how to take the insult back I pull my burger apart and pick the pickle slices off it. I lift them up and eat them one at a time relishing the taste. I suck my fingers before picking the lettuce and tomato off the burger; they go the same way as the pickle slices and I begin reassembling the meat patties and bun.

"You got any desert in those bags?" I ask as I eye the reconstructed burger critically.

"You haven’t finished your burger yet," Sam points out to me. I look at him from the corner of my eyes with pursed lips and shake my head before turning my attention back to my food. I grab a fry and nibble on it as I study the burger. I finish the fry before picking the burger up and taking a big bite out of it. I make sounds of enjoyment as I eat the burger quickly and lick my lips before looking at Dwayne.

"You got another burger for me?" I ask brightly then frown. "What about Alex? Did you get him something to eat?"

"Yeah, I dropped his food off with him before coming inside," Dwayne answers in a reserved tone. Obviously he hasn’t forgiven me for my remark about trying to get on my good side. I glance at the takeaway bags seeing they aren’t empty but when no answer comes from Dwayne I shrug and turn my attention to my fries. They’re too salty and I stop eating them after a few. I feel some irritation when both Mitchell and Sam retrieve a second burger each out of the bags. Deciding I can take off if necessary, I reach for the KFC bag and look in it while keeping a cautious eye on the other three. It’s full of deep fried chicken and I quickly grab two pieces before placing the box back in the bag. I eat the chicken quickly. I’ve grabbed two breast fillets and I barely chew the tender meat before swallowing.

"Go and wash your hands," Mitchell orders as I begin licking the grease from the palm of one hand. I blatantly lick my hand several times as I stare at Mitchell before easing off the bed and heading for the bathroom. The taps are fairly quiet as I wash my hands and I can hear Sam talking to Dwayne telling him to give me time that I’ve been through a lot and that I’m not to know when some stranger is being nice because that’s their nature. I linger in the bathroom taking time to wash any grease off my face before returning to the other room. I climb back onto the bed beside Mitchell and stretch out on my stomach. I ignore the cold fries and look at the drinks for a few moments studying the condensation on the outside of the cups. I put the fries in the box and pick up one of the large drinks and pop the straw in my mouth taking several swallows before drawing patterns in the condensation on the outside of the cup.

"Do you always play with your food?" Mitchell asks. I remember how I had cut my steak into tiny pieces before eating it the night with Pete, Steven and Micah.

"How bad is your arm where I bit it?" I ask suddenly, "I really didn’t mean to bite you."

"Not too bad. By the time I’ve changed … shifted form once or twice it will have healed," Mitchell explains.

"Changed …changing, that’s what you call it," I remark.

"Yeah, we change from one form to another," Sam explains. I nod as I think about it and how it makes sense. I look at Sam then glance at the other two before settling my gaze on him again.

"Can you tell me more about being a cat?" I ask quietly, "But just stop if I ask?"

"Don’t go trying to knock any of my teeth loose," Sam says in a mock fearful tone and lifts both arms as if to ward of an attack.

I groan and bury my face in the bed for a few moments before lifting my head once again. "Alex was freaking me out," I mutter.

"Yeah I realised that but he needed to find out from you how far he could go before he got himself into hot water," Sam explains patiently.

"Can we change the subject?" I almost beg.

"Yeah. We’re toms, tomcats. We work as warriors; we deal with troublemakers and trespassers. Act as security for our Alpha, the dominant tom and queen. A queen is a female cat that has had at least one baby. Until she is married and has her first child she is called a she-kitt. We think you’re a she-kitt," Sam tells me.

"No I’m a Rosy cause I got rosettes," I shoot back. The three toms glance at one another in shock before Sam looks back at me.

"Rosettes? Female strays are coloured like a jaguar, tawny gold with rosettes. Stray male were cats are all black with generally white patches or markings on chins, chests or stomaches. But clan were cats we’re all black with no colours and very rarely markings of any kind. All clan cats are," Sam explains to me.

"I have rosettes. When I go out in the sun they can be seen beneath my fur which is black and has an almost coppery sheen to it," I explain patiently.

"You can’t have," Sam says unbelievingly.

"Don’t tell me what I can and can’t have! I’ve seen them enough when I am out in the sun or on the full moon!" I snap angrily.

"Exactly how long have you been a werecat?" Sam asks tersely. I glance at him to find him watching me intently and I realise this information session has turned into something like an interrogation.

"A bit," I say in a noncommittal tone.

"Here’s how this works. I ask the questions and you answer them truthfully … or …" Sam lets the idea trail away and I frowned as I watched him through narrowed eyes.

"I can remember a few reports of a sighting of a stray with a strange coat," Dwayne offers with a thread of excitement, "It has always taken off running when warriors went to move it out of their territory. The first one I can remember the timing of is about six months ago."

Sam is watching me closely.

"Oh I have been round long enough to have learnt the difference between clan cats and strays. Clan cats attack and chase off strays or kill them. Soon as I worked that out I knew I have to keep away from both," I say levelly.

"We got no intention of killing you or chasing you off …" Sam begins and I sit up alertly and growl a low deep warning as I edge backwards away from the three toms. "There aren’t a lot of female werecats born and you’re not the first female stray I have heard of. Most of them have been discovered dead or are crazy from what strays have done to them. All the surviving female werecats strays have … Clan cats look after she-kitts. They’re our future …"

I snarl at this and I am on my feet backing away from them.

"No one will force you or rape you. You get to find a tom you like or feel comfortable with," Mitchell says as he turns around slowly to face me. I pause in the toilet doorway and watch them closely as I search their faces. Every sense I possess is telling me they are speaking the truth and they have no intentions of hurting me but I am afraid to trust them.

"Most families have five or six sons before they have a daughter. For some reason boys tend to be born first," Dwayne offers. "And any of us, all of us have had ample chance to … well if that’s what was intended."

This sounds about right and even though I am no longer growling I know there is no escape from the cabin. It was probably chosen because it would contain me.

"Come on," Mitchell pats the bed beside him trying to coax me back.

"What would happen if I knew about another werecat?" I ask.

"A stray she-kitt?" Sam asks in surprise.

"No, a clan tom," I answer.

"Did he show you what he is?" Sam demands instantly.

"No. I was up an apple tree picking apples and I saw something move on the other side of the pond. It was a big black cat and you could say I was … shocked when he changed and became the man," I recount as I remember that day.

"Does he know that you know?" Sam asks suspiciously.

"And get myself attacked! I’m not stupid!" I snap and begin pacing in front of the toilet and bathroom doors nervously.

"Hey Rosy you need to stay calm," Mitchell murmurs soothingly. I glance at him and see the concern on his face and realise that I am becoming anxious. I take a deep breath and stop pacing as I try to calm down.

"Was this before or after you started changing into a cat?" Sam probes gently. I’m scared to believe they want to talk about this. After all the times the need to talk to someone to anyone about being a werecat and the challenges I faced as a stray had sent me running through the forest on four feet in turmoil and misery.

"Rosy … Rosy …" I look towards Mitchell and realise I am pacing again. I give in to the need for comfort and rush towards him. I see the caution flare in his eyes and force myself to slow as I climb onto the bed to stretch out beside him on my stomach as I bury my face in the covers. I whimper and wriggle closer miserably. I press my side against his thigh and I am rewarded when he strokes the back of my head gently.

"You’ve been alone too long without any friends haven’t you," Mitchell commiserates gently.

"How have you avoided other werecats? Have you been lucky enough to smell them first?" Dwayne asks. I climb to my knees and glance at Mitchell. He is watching me with a compassionate look and I move to press my face against his chest. The feel of his arms coming around me is comforting and I hesitate a moment before gripping the sides of his shirt as I snuggle closer.

"You alright Rosy?" Sam asks and I nod as I turn my head to look at him.

"Pretty scary huh?" Mitchell asks and I nod as I ease back to sit on my thighs even while keeping hold on his shirt. I look down as I blink to control the tears that want to flow then I swallow hard.

"I saw that cat …change a while after … after I started changing but I never said anything to him. Never let him or anyone know," I murmur.

"Good girl, that was smart thinking," Sam praises and I lift my head for a moment to smile tremulously at him.

"You not so scared of us anymore?" Dwayne asks and I catch the slight tone of yearning in his voice. I glance his way and give a small shake of my head before looking down at my hands. My knuckles are white from the tight grip I have on Mitchell’s shirt and I force myself to loosen my hold.

"You want to try to have a bit of a sleep before we hit the road again?" Sam asks softly and I give a faint shrug.

"You’ll need to use one of the other beds because your drink got spilt on this one," Mitchell cuts in and I look down at the bed to find what he had said was true.

"Oh," I say faintly. I allow Mitchell to coax me onto one of the other three twin beds where he pulls the covers over me tucking them around me as if I am a child. I snuggle down into the bed pulling the covers up over my head to cut out the light, the covers are lifted and I recognise Sam’s silhouette.

"You okay in there?"

"The light’s bothering me," I explain.

"Ok," He arranges the covers so a gap lets in fresh air before he moves away. I close my eyes and quickly drift off into a warm and hazy kind of limbo. I can hear what the others are saying and I can hear them moving about now and then but it doesn’t worry me as I lay in a haze of pain and fever.

I wake with the sense that something has changed. I moved slightly and become aware of a warm pressure against my left side that is moving slightly. I tense but a quick sniff tells me it is Mitchell stretched out on top of the blankets and lying against my uninjured side.

"I’d appreciate it if you could change over with Alex. Rosy doesn’t seem to like him and at the moment we’re just trying to keep her calm and get her back where we can get her medical treatment," Sam is explaining.

"No problem. So we have finally come across a live female stray."

I attempt to sit up as the new voice reaches my ears but Mitchell moves beside me with a mumble and I am pulled up against his body by his arm as he rolls onto his side.

"Trouble over there?" Sam asks quietly.

"She jumped again," Mitchell murmurs in soothing tones from behind my head.

"She restless?" There’s that voice again and I tense beneath the blankets.

"I think she’s woken up," Mitchell says as he sits up and eases the blankets away from my face. I am motionless as I take a deep breath checking for the scent of this new presence in the room. I am aware of Mitchell murmuring to me as I tense even further as I identify the scent. Micah!

"She hurt badly?" Micah asks.

"She has an infected bite on her shoulder that seems to be very deep and she’s pretty unstable with her changes," Sam clarifies. "Alternates between aggressive and submissive."

"Not good," Micah says quietly.

"Rosy you ready to meet someone new?" Mitchell asks gently as he brushes stray hairs back off the side of my face. The light is turned on and I jerk my face into the pillow as the light hurts my eyes.

"I hear you smacked my brother in the mouth and I can’t say I blame you. There’s been a time or two I’ve wanted to do worse," Micah says in a friendly tone as he begins walking toward the bed from the front door. I clutch at the pillow and a hand covers mine lightly.

"If you’re getting too scared remember deep even breaths, okay," Mitchell murmurs near my ear. I nod and ease back from the pillow and begin to ease myself into a sitting position, I flick a quick glance Micah’s way and tremble with a mixture of fear and excitement as I chance a look at his face. I duck my head and turn my face toward Mitchell as Micah nears the bed. I can hear Micah’s heart begin beating faster and the deepening of his breathing as he inhales my undisguised scent.

"Rosy?" There is a hint of question in his tone and I am not sure if it is because he wants my attention or because he has recognised me. I glance his way nervously and see the growing recognition in his eyes. I hold his gaze for a few moments as he studies my face.

"See how easy it is to meet someone new Rosy," Mitchell soothes softly.

"I’m not someone new, am I Rosy? We’ve met before haven’t we when you used a different name," Micah murmurs evenly. I flinch back against Mitchell but nod affirmation to Micah’s statement.

"And you were a cat back then too weren’t you," Micah’s tone has changed slightly. I cower against Mitchell and grab hold of his hand as I watch Micah terrified. I am aware of Sam moving closer where he can get a better view of my face and Dwayne moving to where he can see me as well.

"How do you manage it? I can smell you now but I couldn’t smell you then, not even when I …" Micah’s musing breaks off as he watches me closely.

"You know her?" Sam asks in surprise.

"She was living next door to Pete Willoughby," Micah informs them.

"Pete had to have known what she was!" Dwayne exclaims.

"Oh Pete had a few questions when I was there like how come she just happened to drop the theory that the cattle kills were done by exotic cats, the photos she let him … you were keeping strays away from your home territory! You already new what they…" Micah’s voice trails off as he stares at me with dawning understanding, "You had already learnt what they do to you if they catch you. Damn!"

I flinch and turn to Mitchell to burrow against his chest desperately.

"What the hell are you going on about?" Mitchell demands angrily.

"How many times have strays caught you Rosy? How many times have you suffered through what they do to you?" Micah’s voice has taken on a timber of pain as he asks me the question. "Rosy?"

"I don’t want to talk about it, I just want to forget," I whimper against Mitchell’s chest.

A growl starts rumbling low in Micah’s chest and the rage and intensity in it send so much fear shooting through me my body loses the ability to change. As the warm wetness begins to soak my sweatpants I realise with humiliation that I’ve voided my bowels and bladder in terror. My heart is pounding so rapidly and hard my chest hurts and I gasp for breath. I can hear Mitchell growling something in a low tense voice but I can’t understand it past the buzzing in my ears.

My sight has gone black and fuzzy. My hearing is lost beneath the roar of my blood in my ears but I am aware of the warmth of a body against me and the soothing feel of arms around me. I drift in and out of sleep or consciousness several times before I return to full awareness. A finger brushes hair back off my face and I grimace as I turn my face into the pillow beneath me. The finger returns to trace circles on my upper arm and I whimper as I shudder in fear helplessly.

"Rosy, Rosy look at me. Look at me Rosy," Micah’s voice has taken on a slightly teasing tone and I chance a quick glance his way before hiding my face again.

"Come on Rosy. You’re real clever at hiding to survive by yourself. How did he find you?" Micah asks after several minutes when he realises I’m not about to co-operate.

"Can’t you leave her alone?" Mitchell demands aggressively.

"How about you and I step outside?" Micah asks and a strong pungent musky odour reaches me. I hear Mitchell and at least one of the others coughing as Micah gives a short growl.

"What? I thought not," Micah murmurs in a hard voice. There is silence for a minute or two before he starts talking again. "How did he find you Rosy?"

I feel his breath brush my ear and flinch, "He smelt me. He must have tracked me, he smelt me," I sob miserably.

"Help her get cleaned up if she’ll let you. We need to get moving." Micah orders quietly.

I find myself carried to the bathroom and placed on my feet with care before Mitchell urges me to have a quick shower. When I get out of the shower I feel more normal and hurry to dress in another lot of clean clothes. I leave the bathroom and hesitate in the doorway looking around feeling scared. The room is empty with the door standing open and I move towards it cautiously suspecting a trap of some kind. Dwayne heads towards me from the vehicle and I watch him warily. He motions me forward with a smile.

"Come on Rosy," he encourages me. Too physically and emotionally exhausted to argue I follow him without complaint. I climb into the back of the vehicle and settle myself in my previous seat. Dwayne is gentle as he tucks a blanket around my shoulders to keep me warm and I pull my feet up under it.

"Thanks," I mumble uncertainly.

Dwayne smiles at me, "It’s okay," He looks as if he wants to say more but moves away. He returns after a few moments and looks in the vehicle at me watching me for several minutes before moving away again. He repeats this process several times until Sam appears around the side of the cabin with a grim look on his face.

Sam climbs into the back of the vehicle and studies me where I am seated, "Comfortable?"

I give a slight nod and he makes a sound of approval in his throat before looking the way he had come from. Micah appears from the same area closely followed by Mitchell and I watch them both with worry.

"You’re in the front," Micah orders Sam tightly. I cower against the side of the vehicle as Sam gets out of the vehicle and Mitchell climbs in to sit beside me while Micah gets in the seat Sam vacated.

"Try not to murder my brother. He’s the only one I’ve got," Sam tells Micah before slamming the door and climbing into the front of the vehicle. I sit tensely in my corner but my shoulder hurts and my head is aching and after half an hour or so of travelling I find myself leaning against Mitchell and using him as a pillow.

"She’s burning up," Mitchell remarks and I open my eyes to find Micah leaning towards me to put a hand on my forehead. I stare fearfully and turn my head away only to force back a groan as I bump my injured shoulder.

"Rosy I want you to take some Panadol I’m going to give you. It’s not going to do much but it might help you be a little more comfortable until we can get you something that will help," Micah orders firmly. I swallow the tablets Micah hands me and I take the bottle of water eager to try to quench my thirst. I don’t object when Micah takes my feet into his lap and begins massaging them. I sigh and lean back with closed eyes as the gentleness of his touch helps to soothe the ache that seems to fill my entire body.

I drift in and out of sleep but it seems like every bump in the road jostles my shoulder and I keep waking with a whimper. Mitchell is stroking my head, his voice soft and soothing as he settles me on the seat with my head in his lap. Some time during the night I wake as the vehicle slows and I try to sit up.

"Where are we? What’s happening?" I ask groggily.

"We’ll be stopping in a few minutes and then you can lie down in a bed that’s not moving," Mitchell soothes softly.

"Hmmm," I murmur my approval and drift back off to sleep. I stir briefly as I am carried in someone’s arms and then I am on a comfortable bed where I sprawl out on my stomach. I feel the sting of a needle in my arm but mercifully sleep follows on its heels.

I wake to faint sounds of others moving around and I go to sit up pulling my left arm towards me. Resistance stops me and I look around to find I am restrained wrist and ankle to a bed. Hazy fever clouded memories return and I remember waking in a strange place, panicking and ending up collapsed on the floor in my weakened state.

Terrified by my restraints I tug against them and look around scared, "Mitchell! Sam!" I scream out and turn my head towards the door as I hear hurried movement somewhere. Footsteps seem to approach the room I am in and I tense as I watch the doorway alertly. Dwayne stops in the doorway and looks in, seeing me awake he smiles at me.

"Someone has gone to wake Mitchell and Sam up. They’ll be here shortly," Dwayne tells me gently.

"Where am I?" I demand fearfully.

"You’re at my parents’ home. Mum would like to meet you but you’ve been scared of nearly everyone while you been sick," Dwayne explains.

"My shoulder …" I guess.

"Yeah there was a real bad infection. You’ve been real sick for five days." Dwayne says softly.

"More time," I groan with frustration. Dwayne is watching me closely and I move my head to a more comfortable position. "You can come in if you want but … just don’t …" I’m scared to give him ideas.

"No touching. That was one thing you kept telling everyone while you were sick. No touching. I’m fine with that," Dwayne tells me and comes into the room. He pulls a chair from against the wall nearer the bed and sits down with a friendly smile as he glances at the glass of water on the nightstand beside the bed. "Thirsty?"

"Yes," I say realising how thirsty I am. I don’t even have to ask because Dwayne is already picking up the glass and putting a drinking straw in it. He holds the straw to my lips and I drink eagerly.

"Just take it easy. I don’t know how much your allowed to have," Dwayne tells me as he eases the straw away too soon for my liking.

"It’s alright Rosy!" Mitchell yells as a door slams somewhere.

I look at Dwayne as he stands up, "Don’t go," I say.

Dwayne grins widely with pleasure as he sits back down before turning his head towards the door. Running steps approach the door and Mitchell rushes into the room. He glances at Dwayne dismissively before approaching my bed slowly.

"It’s alright Rosy, I’m here now." Mitchell reassures me.

"We’re both here," Sam adds as he walks into view.

"Why am I tied down?" I demand anger and fear mingling in my tone.

"You were delirious and kept freaking out at the smell of anyone you haven’t met yet. It was decided to do that," Mitchell gestures at my restraints as he sits on the side of my bed and touches my fingers. I close my fingers around his and he smiles encouragingly at me. Strange footsteps approach the doorway and I glance that way before turning my scared eyes on Mitchell, restrained as I am I have no choice but to rely on the three toms in the room to protect me.

"It’s okay Rosy," Mitchell murmurs to me as a strange tom walks into the room. I struggle briefly against my bonds before stopping. " … And he’s the closest thing we got to a doctor."

I’ve missed his name in my fear so I don’t respond as he talks to me.

"Hi there Rosy. You’re looking much better this morning. I bet you’re real thirsty, you want a drink?"

"I already gave Rosy some water, only a couple of mouthfuls," Dwayne sounds both proud and cautious as he informs the new comer.

"Rosy can have more to drink if she wants. Would you like a can of soda or something?" He asks.

"Coke?" I ask hopefully.

"I’ll get it," Dwayne volunteers eagerly. I smile at him and he hurries to go and get my drink.

"How does your shoulder feel?" The stranger asks. I move my shoulder experimentally. It’s tender but no way near as painful as it had been.

"A bit tender but its not aching and throbbing," I say softly.

"That is a good sign. Now how about we undo these restraints and let you sit up so I can have a look at your shoulder, then you can sit up or lay back down afterwards. Whatever suits you and no restraints while you’re lucid," he offers.

"Yes! Yes please!" I respond eagerly bringing smiles to the faces of the others.

Mitchell and Sam move to release my wrists while the newcomer attends to my ankles. I smile as both arms are freed and reach for Mitchell. His hug is warm and comforting and I sigh softly with relief. When he releases me I glance at Sam who is watching us and offer him a smile. I hesitate a moment before reaching a hand towards him. He takes my hand and I turn towards him reaching out. His hug is warm and strong and I take a deep breath of his scent before pushing away from him gently. He is grinning widely as he releases me and I settle back against the pillow carefully.

"Now let’s have a look at this shoulder," Doc tells me softly. I roll onto my left side and hold still as my clothing is moved to expose my gauze covered injury. The adhesive tape prickles slightly as it is eased from my skin.

"Looks like the infection is all but gone and the punctures are healing nicely. There was fabric embedded deep in a puncture, whoever bit you must have had a broken tooth." He announces. "You have to stay in bed today and I’ll check it again in the morning. If it keeps improving you can get up and change when you feel up to it."

"Why can’t I get out of bed today?" I demand.

"You need to rest and get plenty to eat and drink to restore your strength," he orders firmly then adds gently, "You got more than just yourself to look after."

I give him a disgruntled look as I settle back onto my back and look away from him.

"Yeah we’ll look after you from now on you don’t need to be on your own anymore," Mitchell’s tone is soothing and I’m not sure if he understood the comment.

"What date is it?" I ask sulkily.

"It’s June the third," Mitchell supplies. I close my eyes and turn my head away as I mentally count back the days I have known Mitchell. Five, six, seven maybe eight days at the most and that would leave … I swallow hard as I realise I had been held captive by the stray tomcats for roughly a month, certainly long enough for the inevitable to be detectible by someone with medical knowledge. I am pregnant.

"You feel alright?" Sam asks with concern.

I open my eyes and smile faintly at him, "Hungry and thirsty,"

"That’s good cause Mum insisted I bring this in to you," Dwayne announces from the doorway behind Sam. I look at him surprised. I hadn’t heard him come in. He is holding a tray with folding legs containing a bowl and plate as well as a large glass of fruit juice. I grimace as I try to push myself up into a sitting position but Mitchell is quick to help me and Sam places several pillows behind me helping me sit up.

"Comfy?" Sam asks and I nod and smile as I inspect the tray of food even before Dwayne has a chance to put it across my lap.

"Thanks," I tell Dwayne and smile at him before reaching for a fork and the plate of scrambled eggs and bacon with toast. I immediately crunch a piece of crispy bacon between my teeth and sigh with pleasure.

"Out and let Rosy eat her food," the newcomer orders and stands watching the others leave the room reluctantly. He shuts the door behind them and moves over to turn the radio on the nightstand on low. I stop eating and turn suspicious eyes on him as he sits in the chair Dwayne had used.

"Do you understand what I meant when I said you have more than just yourself to think of?" He asks me softly. I don’t reply as I watch him closely and bite into a forkful of eggs. He takes my silent regard for affirmation and he gives a slight nod.

"It showed up in the blood work I did to get a good idea of your general health," He warned.

"I don’t want it. Surely you’d know someway for me to get rid of it," I say bitterly.

He sighs sadly and shakes his head, "Give yourself sometime to get used to the idea. You might feel differently when you get over the shock."

"What am I supposed to call you?" I ask guardedly deciding not to argue with him.

"Doc," he says with a soft laugh obviously relieved at the change of subject. "Everyone calls me Doc."

"A werecat doctor," I muse to myself.

"Sort of," he gives a faint laugh. "I’ll go now and let you finish your breakfast in peace. Don’t be surprised if the others pop in and out visiting you when they know you’re awake."

I give a faint shrug and ignore him as he gets up from the chair and heads for the door. He leaves the door open on his way out and shortly Mitchell is back in the room. He has his own plate of food in one hand and a mug of coffee in the other.

"Got enough to eat?" He asks eagerly.

"Yeah," I mutter between mouthfuls as I finish the bacon and eggs hurriedly. The bowl contains homemade fruit salad and I eat it eagerly liking the freshness of it. When I am finished I put the bowl aside with a satisfied sigh and reach for my juice eager to drink it before Mitchell decides he wants it.

"So do you want to sleep or do you want me to find you a book or some card game or chest game or something?" Mitchell asks with a wide grin. "Or we got some wicked games for the playstation."

I pretend to groan as I roll my eyes, "Let me guess. Violent, blood sports and games,"

"Of course! Only the best!" Mitchell exclaims.

"What’s the best?" Sam asks as he appears in my doorway. I had heard him approaching and smelt him just before he spoke.

"Our play station games," Mitchell tells him without taking his eyes off my face. I glance towards the door and Dwayne grins as he spots me as he looks around the corner. I lift my chin and sniff glancing past him.

"She knows you’re there Alex," Dwayne warns.

"She in a good mood?" Alex asks in a whisper.

"She is in a good mood and as long as you don’t make any smart remarks and keep out of her personal space she will stay that way," I warn with a trace of anger.

Alex looks around the side of the doorway cautiously and eyes me with a nervous grin, "Good morning Rosy,"

"Hmmm, morning," I answer before turning my attention back to Mitchell, "Playstation game?"

"Here or our place? You can stretch out on the lounge. Doc won’t complain about that," Mitchell tells me confidently.

"You know someone else will," Sam warns quietly.

"Who?" I ask with a glance at Sam. I catch the look he darts at Mitchell and I glance between them. "Well if you prefer me to stay here and sleep all day with no-one bothering me …" I say in a silky tone.

"Micah," Mitchell says from between clenched teeth.

I frown as I remember hazy snatches from at the hotel and glance around the four toms, "What is going on?" I demand when they either avoid my eyes or look away.

"If Micah thinks he can pick on me and tell me whom I am allowed to be friends with, then he is going to piss me off and I don’t play nice when I’m pissed off!" I snap angrily when no one answers me.

Alex mutters something behind his hand and I glance his way. He has the grace to blush and look away.

"What if I get out of bed and find your place and go for a visit?" I ask with a glance between Sam and Mitchell.

"Doc gets mad at you. But worse Mum will be mad and make us miserable," Dwayne says with a grimace.

"Tell Doc I’m talking about getting out of bed and if I’m with you then all of you can make sure I rest," I say with a grin.

"And you’d probably end up sedated to make you do as you’re told. I could talk to Doc, he might understand," Sam says with a frown and a worried look at his brother. I give an annoyed grimace and push the tray away from me a little bit.

"Give me a few minutes," Sam says picking up the tray and heading out the door.

"What games you lot got?" I ask to fill the silence.

"Practically every action game there is," Dwayne replies with a grin. I can’t help noticing they all seem to want my company and be around me but only Alex had come the closest to flirting or anything sexual. I sigh and move myself slightly to get more comfortable. The sound of footsteps catches my attention and I look towards the doorway.

Sam walks in followed by Doc. "Sam tells me you want to go play playstation games," Doc announces. I give a slight nod and wait expectantly.

"Ok, you are allowed to be taken to the quarters and play games until lunch time. You have to eat your lunch and rest or sleep after lunch for at least three hours. I will come and see how you’re doing and if you haven’t done exactly as I have said you will be confined to bed tomorrow as well," Doc tells me sternly.

I give a slight shrug and then a nod. "Sounds fair," I agree.

"I’ll go and let Marissa and Wade know what’s going on and clear it with them," Doc says with a smile before leaving the room.

"We don’t have any sissy games," Alex says his voice trailing off as his smile weakens. He’s trying to be nice I realise. He’s just different to the others.

"Alex," Dwayne growls in warning.

"What no Barbie or My Little Pony?" I ask with pretend horror and relieved chuckles come from all four toms. "How will I ever cope?" I say dramatically and pretend to cover my eyes in horror.

"I could go buy some for you," Alex offers with a hopeful and relieved smile.

"Oh you’d better not," I sigh with sadness despite my huge grin. "It would be just too exciting for me being so sick and all." We all laugh and I can’t help noticing all the toms are looking much more relaxed. I realise I need to empty my bladder and I glance around the room but there is no sign of a connecting bathroom.

"Something wrong?" Sam asks noticing my discomfort.

"Down the hallway second door on the left," Alex chimes in at my uncomfortable expression.

"Oh right!" Sam immediately catches on and moves to the bedside to pull one side of the covers back. I am relieved to find I have respectable pyjama pants on as well as the top and when I attempt to swing my legs off the edge of the bed Sam makes a negative sound in his throat before lifting me into his arms with ease. I am slightly tense with the contact but manage to tolerate it until we reach the toilet doorway where Sam places me carefully onto my feet.

"You’ll have to manage it from here," Sam announces and I hear him move away as I shut the door. I grit my teeth to stop the sigh of relief as I empty my bladder. I wipe, rearrange my pyjamas and flush the toilet before opening the door. Sam is walking towards me and when I go to take a step he shakes his head at me. I force myself to wait for him to take me to the bathroom to wash and dry my hands before heading back to the bedroom.

I settle comfortably on the bed and allow Sam to put the covers back over me. He is tucking them in when Doc walks in the door. A large tomcat follows Doc closely and the authority and power radiating off him immediately has me hissing and spitting in fear.

"It’s okay," his voice is low and soothing as he stops where he is. "I am no threat to you," I freeze instinctively but watch him wide-eyed, he takes a step towards me and I clutch at the bedcovers spasmodically.

"You are welcome to stay here on my property under my protection as long as you need," He murmurs in his deep low voice. He slowly backs from the room and the moment he is out of sight I dive beneath the covers trembling with reaction.

"I’m sorry Wade, I should have realised how being confronted by an Alpha would affect her. Micah insists she’s been a stray for longer than she admits to," I hear Doc out in the hallway talking to the Alpha.

"It’s alright Rosy, it’s alright," Mitchell is stroking my back through the covers, I know his touch and even with the barrier of the blankets I recognise it. I feel him ease the blankets back from my face but I burrow deeper not wanting him see the tears running down my cheeks.