Micah’s story:

I sit at the base of the tree as I close my mobile phone with a snap. I rest my forearms on my raised knees as I allow my head to hang forward. Feelings of frustration and helplessness flood me. Another day, another phone call to Alan Cummings and Alan relays another refusal to talk to me from Rosy. Yesterday I hadn’t even gotten that far - Alan announced it was not a good time to call and then he had cut my phone call short. I open my phone to look at the time before closing it once again, not even nine o’clock and my day is shot to hell. I rub one hand over my face trying to chase away the stiffness I feel from keeping a smile on my face, attempting to keep positive about the situation. The truth of it is I am just plain scared Rosy has moved on.

I get to my feet and head back towards the buildings, might as well try to occupy myself with stuff to keep me from thinking about missing Rosy. I am not far off the edge of the home paddock when I hear the faint sounds of someone talking. Curious I follow the sound and find Celeste leaning against a tree holding her phone to her ear. Every now and then she makes a sound in her throat as she listens to someone talking. I move away slightly to give her some privacy. Short of taking a wide arc around her there is no way I can pass without disturbing her.

As if sensing someone near by Celeste glances around, she meets my eyes for a moment before turning away once again. A minute or two later she ends her phone call and turns to watch me walk towards her.

"I thought for a minute it was Steven or Mikkarl come to find me," Celeste says as she falls into step beside me.

"Let me guess," I say evenly. "You wanted some privacy to either make the call or you were expecting a call and didn’t want your brothers listening in,"

"Both of them know I was making the phone call," Celeste says finger combing her hair over her scarred cheek. "They just don’t know I snuck out of the quarters to do it."

I laugh softly, it seems like the accident hasn’t changed Celeste’s headstrong ways.

"I notice you’ve got your phone out as well," Celeste says making me aware that I am still holding my phone in my hand.

"I take it you were calling your boyfriend," I say knowing she has no steady boyfriend but I don’t want to have her start with questions I might not want to answer.

"Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t," Celeste says airily and I glance her way with interest. I have heard that exact tone from Jazzy in the past when she was trying not to admit to anything without an outright denial.

"So you snuck out to talk to some young tom," I say then add teasingly, "Maybe I should tell Steven I caught you making kissy noises down the phone at him,"

"Don’t you dare Micah!" Celeste exclaims as she stops and turns to face me.

"So you don’t want your brother to know you were chatting to some tom you really like?" I ask raising my eyebrows. What I can see of Celeste’s face turns bright red and she turns away from me with an embarrassed sound.

"Just because I was chatting to some guy …" Celeste mutters under her breath.

"Although you were getting pretty friendly with Justin and Kirby last night," I say lightly. "Maybe you’re just out getting some fresh air now,"

"Are you trying to be nice?" Celeste asks suspiciously with a sideways glance at me.

"Maybe I am just tired of everything ending in an argument," I mutter.

"Is it true you’re trying to patch things up with your ex-girlfriend?" Celeste asks sounding very serious.

"Who told you that?" I ask quietly.

Celeste stops walking and I go several steps before I stop and turn to face her, she is looking towards the open space of the clearing and doesn’t look towards me when she begins to speak.

"No one has told me, but everyone is whispering about it. Most don’t do more than pause for several moments until I move away, then resume whispering. Just my face is all screwed up not my hearing," Celeste says evenly.

"I don’t want to hear you talking about yourself that way!" I say sternly. "Yes you have a few scars now but you are still very attractive. You’re still a nice person on the inside as well,"

Celeste opens her mouth as if to speak but closes it silently before starting walking once again.

"Did whoever you were talking to on the phone stop seeing you when you had the accident?" I ask when I realise she is walking markedly faster than before.

"No," Celeste says and it sounds like she has her teeth clenched. "His boss is just keeping him that busy we barely get to see each other lately."

"How about you and I go out tonight and forget the people on the other ends of our phones for a while?" I ask impulsively.

"I am not fifteen going on sixteen anymore!" Celeste snaps as she stops and turns around to glare at me so abruptly I almost bump into her.

"I never said you were," I say with a confused frown, I look her in the face before glancing towards the warriors’ quarters. "I just thought maybe you would like some timeout, I know I need it."

"I’m not interested in a pity date," Celeste says angrily.

"I was just offering you the chance to go out, have a nice meal, maybe catch a movie and just be … just not be thinking about whoever that cretin is who is too busy to come and see you." I explain awkwardly.

Celeste stands staring at me with a tight, closed expression on her face until I start to feel uncomfortable. Finally she gives a slight nod.

"Okay then," Celeste says and sweeps her gaze over my chest before turning away. "But you remember I’m not that dumb kid any more,"

"I never thought you were a dumb kid," I tell her as I catch up to her and fall into step beside her. "I always thought you were the cheeky little kid sister of my best mate,"

"And that’s the reason you avoided me the summer I turned sixteen? Because you thought I was a cheeky little kid?" Celeste asks dryly. "It had nothing to do with my asking Steven to ask you to be my first tom? Or the fact I had a stupid adolescent crush on you?"

I stumble over a tree root at the shock of what Celeste has just revealed. Suddenly Steven’s attitude to my remarks about Celeste made sense. No doubt he had felt he was protecting her from forming too large of a crush on me, his work partner. He’d only been trying to protect his little sister. Not that I would have done anything that may have hurt her.

"The last thing I would want to do is hurt you or embarrass you in any way," I say after a minute or more.

"I got over it," Celeste says with a shrug.

It doesn’t sit well that I am that easily ‘gotten over’. Is that what has happened between Rosy and I? Has she ‘gotten over’ the feelings I had been so sure were growing between us?

"You do know Steven is going to insist on coming along tonight," I point out after a few moments of uncomfortable silence.

"Scared of me are you?" Celeste asks with a laugh.

"No, but if I had any sense I think I would be scared of your brothers," I say dryly.

"And you have no sense?" Celeste asks sounding amused.

"Both Steven and Mikkarl care about you and don’t want some mean old manky tom hanging around you," I answer with a grin. I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoyed teasing Steven’s little sister.

"Manky? You haven’t got mange I hope," Celeste says seriously. "If you have mange we aren’t slow dancing,"

"Dancing? I didn’t offer to go dancing." I tell her lightly. "I offered a feed and a maybe a movie. A seven course meal good enough?"

"What? A pie and a six pack?" Celeste scoffs. "You’d probably go el-cheapo on that even! Some questionable microwaved thing and twist-tops, you wouldn’t splurge on stubbies or cans. Nope, lobster and champagne thank you."

"As long as I’m allowed to order a nice big T-bone steak and a good bourbon to wash it down with," I say with a smile. It feels good to be able to enjoy a light conversation and not have to be over aware of what I am saying in case I accidentally bring old memories to the surface.

We are nearly at the quarters when Mikkarl comes out of the building. He halts as he spots us, the expression on his face tightening before he turns his head towards the door behind him.

"Steven! Out here!" Mikkarl yells before turning his attention back to Celeste and I. He meets us halfway and steps directly into my path, I stop rather than push past him. Celeste glances at us but keeps walking.

"Talk to you later Micah," She heads inside passing Steven as he comes out the door.

"Do we need to ask what you and Celeste were doing out here alone?" Mikkarl asks evenly as Steven halts beside him with a closed look on his face.

"I’m going to check the petrol, oil and water in my car," I say and head for my vehicle. I hear footsteps behind me as I walk away, I wait until I am out of hearing range of the quarters before speaking.

"I went to find some privacy to call Cummings so I could see if Rosy would speak to me," I say evenly and give a shrug. "I came across Celeste on the way home. You know she is pretty serious about some tom she was seeing before the car accident?"

"Caleb Donnelly," Steven supplies.

"Apparently ‘his boss’ is keeping him too busy to see Celeste," I say dryly.

I pop the bonnet on my car and begin checking the oil as I wait for any reply from the two brothers. The fact they don’t say anything tells me they are aware of the situation. Finally I turn around and look Steven squarely in the face.

"Celeste also mentioned something she asked you to ask me back about the time she came of legal age," I say dryly. "Hell man, she’s like a kid sister to me! You should have told me and I could have let her down a hell of a lot more kindly than her thinking I was avoiding her because she had a crush school girl on me."

"After you saying what a hot little thing she had grown into?" Steven asks tightly. "You sure didn’t sound brotherly,"

"Whatever, it’s in the past now." I say with a shake of my head. I don’t want to get into an argument.

"By the way, tonight Celeste and I are going out for a meal and a movie if there is anything worth watching on. Celeste needs some cheering up and I just want to get away from where everywhere and everything reminds me of Rosy. You might as well come along, that way you won’t be imagining your sister and I stopping the car somewhere on the way home." I say with a grin.

"Funny," Steven growls but I see the smile making the corners of his mouth twitch.

"Why don’t you see if Mitchell wants to take Jazzy out as well?" Mikkarl asks. "If she doesn’t stop fawning over Malcolm now he is up and around Mitchell is likely to tear him limb from limb."

"Doc says Jazzy is focusing on Malcolm nearly dying rather than loosing the kitt," I say quietly.

"I think Malcolm would welcome some Jazzy free time," Steven laughs.

"I’ll go tell that brother-in-law of mine he is taking my sister out as soon as I finish up here. Don’t want to break down or run out of petrol," I say with a laugh.

"I sure hope you have a decent eating place picked out for tonight," Steven says leaning on the side of my car in my way as I move to check the oil.

"Celeste put her order in for Lobster and Champagne," I say with a grin. "She told me in no uncertain terms that a pie and a six-pack wouldn’t pass muster."

"Ha! That’s my sister!" Steven laughs. "I might go conspire with her and see if there is a decent movie on tonight,"

I turn my head and watch Steven and Mikkarl walk away before turning my attention back to my car. I notice the dust on the vehicle and decide to wash and detail the car for tonight, might as well put some effort into my night out even though Celeste and I are interested elsewhere. That doesn’t mean we can’t go out in style and enjoy ourselves.

Rosy’s story:

I come fully alert as the vehicle slows and turns sharply. I glance at the two small children beside me and wonder yet again what reception they will be given. Is my urge to protect them merely postponing the fate I had saved them from in the aftermath of the bloody coup?

"They’re expecting me but don’t know why," The driver of the vehicle says and I meet his gaze in the rear-view mirror. The tom in the passenger seat says nothing, he hasn’t spoken to me the entire drive but he had lifted the club he holds into view whenever the boys made the slightest sound.

"I hope my brothers are there," I murmur softly. The driver says nothing as we come out of the tree-lined driveway into the clear space of the compound. He guides the vehicle towards the quarters where four of the warriors can be seen and I feel a strong wave of relief as I recognise Sam in the light from the bare bulb over the door.

"I don’t want to have to listen to them brats whining," The driver warns with a growl. He has repeated this warning the entire day as he drove here.

The car comes to a halt and the engine dies as it is turned off, the driver unbuckles his seat belt and takes the time to turn off the interior light before getting out of the vehicle. I watch as he approaches the four motionless warriors and his low tones are lost in the muffled sounds of the cooling engine and soft breathing of the two sleeping boys. I ease Dacey from against my side where he has fallen asleep and lean him against Terry as the dark form of the driver approaches my door. I eye him with a growl as he opens the door before stepping back.

"You explain the extra baggage to your brother," He says grimly.

"Rosy!" Sam says warmly but I can hear the surprise in his voice as well.

"I come back," I say needlessly as I get out of the car stiffly. I stand in the open door where I can keep an eye on both the driver and passenger.

"Enough with the family reunion already, I need to get going. She’s got some excess baggage, if you don’t want it I can take it with me and dispose of it on my way home." The driver says in cold tones.

"Don’t you touch them!" I spit furiously

"Get them out of the car then," the driver says tightly.

"Sam?" I turn my attention to him uncertainly as he steps up beside me, his breath catching as he sees the two small silent forms now awake and wide eyed with fear.

"Timny! We need a hand here!" Sam calls quietly over his shoulder before glancing at me, "You get them out and we’ll take them inside."

"Come here," I say gently as I reach in towards the two boys. Dacey takes the lead reaching for my hand and I pull him closer so I can lift him into my arms, I feel his little arms circle my neck as I turn back to Sam.

"This is Dacey. Dacey this is Sam and he’s real nice." I say quietly as Sam lifts him from my arms. I turn back to find Terry eagerly scrambling towards me, I pick him up and when he takes a tight grip around my neck I snatch the small bag of belongings I had been allowed to bring. It contains nothing more than a change of clothes each for the two boys.

"Who’s this?" Sam asks and I find he has passed Dacey to Timny and he is reaching for Terry.

"Terry. Terry this is Sam and he likes being friends with little boys." I say.

"Come here mate," Sam says and I am surprised at the ease with which he lifts the wary child from my arms. "Where are your bags?"

"This is it," I say with a forced smile as I hold up the plastic shopping bag.

"Let’s go then, I’m sure Ken here would like to leave." Sam remarks lightly. I follow him silently away from the vehicle not looking back at the slam of the doors or when the engine roars to life loudly.

"Me! Me!" Dacey cries in his little boy voice and I glance around uneasily.

"This little guy smells like he could do with a shower," Timny says quietly as he bounces Dacey slightly distracting him so he no longer reaches for me.

"Same here," Sam says and glances my way, "When did you last eat?"

"Breakfast," I admit.

"Chris run over to the house and let Marissa know we got some kitts here, she’ll probably be able to tell us where some clothes are to fit them." Sam tells him.

"Take them to the bathroom I know how to give them a bath and can someone cook some food?" I ask softly. My babies need food, we all need food.

"Right on it with the food. Just whatever we eat only in small pieces for them?" Mikkarl asks.

"Yes," I agree. "Where’s Mitchell?"

"He took Jazzy out for tea," Sam says as both he and Timny deposit their burdens in the bathroom.

"You going to bring them out to the lounge room to eat?" Malcolm asks hopefully. I glance behind me and I am slightly surprised to see everyone but Mikkarl crowding behind us trying to see the two small boys.

"They’re safe here Rosy," Sam tells me quietly. I look his way and tears suddenly fill my eyes, I give a slight nod before turning my attention back to the two scared boys.

"Who wants a bath, clean clothes and some dinner?" I ask them brightly.

"Spencer? Patrick?" Terry asks tearfully.

"Spencer and Patrick are with Daddy and Jakob," I tell him softly. Terry sticks his thumb in his mouth and begins sucking it. Alan had been taking his two oldest sons to town when the invading warriors had struck. Their deaths had been made look like a car accident. Dacey and Terry had been at home with Jake and Drew, so had I. Drew had fled from the invading warriors but Jake had tried to defend the two boys and me.

"Who are Spencer and Patrick?" Sam asks quietly as I start running the bathwater.

"They were their older brothers. Patrick was six and Spencer nine. Terry is just three, Dacey not yet two." I say as I begin to strip the travel-soiled clothes from the boys. Sam lifts each child gently so I can remove their shoes and when they are undressed he puts them carefully into the bath.

"Mitchell and I rang of a Saturday night each week to ask how you were and see if you would talk to us," Sam tells me as he gently washes Terry’s face copying me as I tend Dacey. I shrug as I start lathering up the face cloth making bubbles that both boys usually love.

How do I explain to my brother I had been too angry, too hurt, to want to talk to them? And how do I explain that the same hurt and anger still lingers?

I shift uncomfortably where I kneel on the floor and glance towards the bathroom door. Beyond it the others still hover trying to watch the boys.

"Timny can you take over for me? Dacey knows you a little bit," I say as I push to my feet and brush my aching knees as I move back to lean against the wall. My lower back is aching badly and I arch my back as I lean on the wall for support. Sam glances my way with concern and he looks ready to move to my side but is loathe leaving the small boys in the bath.

"Do you want to go sit down or something? I’m sure we can manage here. It’s just like helping out each other when we’re hurt only these two are smaller, much smaller." Sam says.

"Hey, my name’s Timny. What’s yours?" Timny grins at the two boys. Dacey ducks his head shyly while Terry lifts his chin eyeing Timny as he picks up the cloth to take over where I left off.

"I Terry, himz Dacey me bradda," Terry says clearly.

"Hallo Terry, hallo Dacey. This is Sam, he’s Rosy’s big brother and there are others out there who would like to meet you. When you are clean and dry we’ll find something nice to eat, that would be good wouldn’t it." Timny chats away as the two small boys watch him. Dacey nods at the mention of food and glances towards me, I smile reassuringly and brush my hair back off my face before running a hand over the swell of my stomach.

"That about right?" Sam asks and I realise the two boys have been washed and now are ready to dried off and dressed.

"That’s fine, I got a change of clothes for them …" My voice trails off as I it hits me that all I managed to grab was a change of clothes. Clothes I had changed them into because they had soiled what they had been wearing when toilet breaks had been refused. I had grabbed no toys, no photos of their father or brothers, just a few scraps of clothe.

"We have all we need for now," Timny announces as he wraps Dacey in a large soft towel, "A dry towel each and a plate of food. Who’s hungry?"

"Me, me!" Both boys chorus causing soft laughter outside the room.

"There’s more room out in the lounge room," Sam announces and I watch as they carry the boys out of the bathroom. I stay where I am for a few moments and eye Malcolm warily as he pokes his head into the room. Without the boys here to distract me I don’t know what to say or what to do, the way I left here plays heavily on my mind.

"Hey there Stray, you alright?" Malcolm asks softly as he watches me. I force a smile and go to nod but find myself shaking my head as my lips tremble and tears run down my cheeks. Malcolm walks into the room and lifts the plastic bag from where I had dropped it unnoticed as I had started bathing Dacey. He glances inside it then tosses it to Dwayne in the doorway.

"That needs to go in the wash," Malcolm tells him before wrapping his arms around my stiff body and pressing my head against his shoulder, I fight the embrace for a moment before giving in and burying my face against his shoulder. His hand massages the back of my neck and I slowly begin to relax, I lift my arms to brace them against his chest and turn my head to rest my cheek against the warmth of his body.

"Hold me please," I tell him as I turn my face into his shoulder to hide the tears that flood my eyes and burn the back of my throat.

"I am," Malcolm answers softly.

"Tighter! I feel like I’m about to shatter into a million pieces!" I sob against his shoulder. His arms tighten almost painfully around me but I welcome the feeling.

"Ready to go out and introduce everyone to your kitts now?" Malcolm asks after a while. "I’m guessing you’re the only one left alive who has any claim to them even if you were soon to be their stepmother,"

"But I haven’t got a home, I don’t know how I’ll be able to look after them!" I worry quietly. If only I had a home where I could give them the family they deserved.

"You got a home here if you want it. We all want you here, hell some of us more so than others and for different reasons but I guess you figured that out already." Malcolm says lightly.

I squeeze him tightly in silent thanks for the support. So far everyone else has been reserved in their attitude towards me, not that I can blame them considering how I left here. I withdraw from his cuddle and glance at him self-consciously before heading out towards the lounge room. The bodily contact with Malcolm has calmed the fierce internal shaking for now but my system is still flooded with adrenaline and I know I will be feeling like I am about to shatter again later.

I pause in the doorway and watch as the toms other than Sam and Timny move back away from the boys with a cautious look my way, both boys are now wrapped toga style in a towel and look my way as I walk into the room. Dacey grins and runs over to hug me around the legs and Terry follows him after a moment’s hesitation.

"Food’s ready to dish up. Where do you want it?" Mikkarl calls.

"In here," I decide after a second, "Might as well clear a space in the middle of the floor, these two aren’t that good with forks and spoons yet." I say with a glance at where several mattresses are scattered around the room. I turn my head as I hear footsteps outside on the gravel then the screen door open.

"We’re in here," Sam calls and I place a hand on each small boy as they poise for flight, the attack yesterday morning still fresh in their memories. Wade is first through the lounge room door and normally I would move giving him more space but I have two small boys clinging to me so I stand my ground with a growl as I curl my top lip at him. Chris follows carrying a cardboard box and Marissa is close behind. In her hands she has two little stuffed toys, one a black and white cat the other a deep blue and white cat.

"I took the time to get some clothes my boys wore when they were small, maybe they’ll be of some use," Marissa tells me with a smile. Her eyes seek the swell of my stomach before moving to the two boys.

"Thank you," I say quietly and glance down where Dacey and Terry stand clutching my skirt tightly. "Marissa, these are Terry and Dacey … they’re my boys now." I want them to be mine … want them so much.

"I hope you don’t mind but I got these thinking they might help the boys feel more comfortable," Marissa says showing me the toys, I nod slightly and her smile broadens as she kneels so she is nearly on face level with the two boys. "Would you two like a toy each? Terry? Dacey?"

Dacey nods and approaches her slowly, he reaches for the blue toy and cuddles it, patting it for several moments before looking at Marissa once again.

"Fanks," he says before rushing back to stand by me. Terry moves closer to Marissa, snatches the other toy and hurriedly retreats behind me.

Before I can say anything he pops his head out from behind me, "Dank ‘oo," Terry murmurs.

"A fine looking pair of boys you got there," Wade says and I glance his way with a snarl.

"Get out! Get out of here! I will not have you in the same building as my babies!" I snarl and take a threatening step towards him.

"Rosy! Stop that!" Sam snaps. "There …"

"Mama! Mama!" The boys cry out terrified and I feel them pull at my skirt. I turn to look towards them and find they have scurried to the corner and are now cowering against the wall.

I move quickly so I am between them and everyone else in the room, I glance around the warriors with an uncertain snarl. I am ready to defend my boys from them if necessary.

"No one is going to hurt anyone," Marissa says firmly as she walks towards us. She pauses a moment to grasp one of my hands and squeeze it gently before moving closer to the boys.

"Who wants to come sit on the lounge with me?" She asks softly.

I watch her not sure of what to do. They are my babies but she is taking over with them and I don’t know how to tell her to let me look after my sons. I know she means them no harm but they are mine and part of me resents anyone else taking control.

"Food is served," Mikkarl announces carrying over a large tray with a plate and two small bowls on it. The two boys watch eagerly and I spare Marissa a glance before guiding the boys to the front of the lounge and urging them to sit down. They take their bowls without complaint and begin eating hungrily, meat and vegetables being stuffed into their mouth indiscriminately. I turn my attention to my food as I sit on the lounge and occasionally glance at the boys.

"Get them more to eat?" Mikkarl asks and I look up slightly startled.

"They’re finished all I dished up for them," He tells me and I see the concern on his face, he obviously doesn’t want to see them hungry. Not sure of what to do I glance towards Marissa where she sits on the floor near them watching them with a huge smile.

"We were refused food today, they gave us water but nothing to eat. Last meal the … my boys had was an early breakfast. Should I give them more to eat?" I ask uncertainly. Suddenly I am exhausted and it is too much for me to eat let alone decide what to do with my sons.

"I’d let them have some ice cream and maybe a small meal in another two hours if they’re hungry. That is if they were mine," Marissa says coming to my aide.

"Okay, that’s what I’ll do. Terry, Dacey, go with Mikkarl and Sam … Mikkarl gave you your food … take your empty plates out and put them where Sam or Mikkarl tells you and you can have some ice cream. You can show them which ones you like," I say knowing the toms always have neapolitan ice cream on hand.

"You don’t mind do you Sam?" I ask as I realise he might not want to be stuck looking after the boys but I don’t have the strength or energy to do it.

"You couldn’t stop me if you tried," Sam declares with a grin as he gets to his feet, "Come on, lets go get ice cream before your Mum eats it all."

I look at him startled. Mum … it sounds strange but sort of nice and totally right, and to hear someone else say it as well means a lot. Both Terry and Dacey climb to their feet their plates in one hand and their toys tucked under their other arm. They follow Sam to the kitchen happily, the only sign of uncertainty is Terry glancing back at me when Sam shows him where to put the used plate. I pick at my food and keep glancing into the kitchen, Sam is dishing out the ice cream the boys point out and soon both boys are back seated in front of me. I glance around and see all the rapt faces watching the boys eating their ice cream.

I push my food around my plate, I am hungry but too unsettled to eat. I force a few mouthfuls down but my stomach soon tightens and threatens to send the food back again. I become aware of how dirty my clothes are, how I smell of stale sweat and I long to be clean.

"Sam, if I go and have a shower will you be right with the boys?" I ask as I look at Sam where he has coaxed Dacey into his lap while he feeds the little boy the melting ice cream.

"No problem, plenty of help if I need it." He says calmly.

I glance around uncomfortably for a few moments. Every instinct is telling me the boys are safe here but I am loath to leave them. Finally I get to my feet and make a move. I grab clean track pants and a shirt out of a laundry basket in the sleep out as I head for the bathroom snatching a towel as I go.

The warm flow of water is welcome as it cascades down my back and I close my eyes as I brace myself with my hands against the wall. I feel Wynn stretch lazily and give several kicks as if reminding me of his presence, I rub where he kicked absently and reach for the soap. All ready I have been away from my boys too long so I intend to make this a quick shower. When I return to the lounge room I am relieved to see both Terry and Dacey happily playing with their toys stopping to chat to Sam or Timny every few moments.

I stand in the doorway unnoticed and watch as the other toms try to attract the attention of the two boys, even Wade has returned to the room and is watching them with enjoyment. I remember back to before I had learnt Mitchell and Sam were my brothers and being told how all children are cherished by werecats. I can’t help thinking how if Wade and Marissa were human they would most likely be grandparents by now, at least one of their sons would have found a partner and started to raise a family.

"Having fun you little gremlins?" I ask as I move into the room. I curl my top lip exposing my teeth at Wade and he retreats back against the wall but doesn’t leave the room. I turn my attention to my boys, Terry nods solemnly and Dacey grins before lifting his toy and growling fiercely as he pretends to attack Sam with it. I have to smile as Sam falls over backwards and lets Dacey climb onto his chest and shoulders as he tries to make his toy ‘Grrrrr’ around Sam’s neck and ears.

"Enough, enough," Sam finally laughs and Dacey giggles as he glances around for his next victim.

I sit on one end of the lounge noting how the toms move back slightly with cautious glances my way, I give a slight smile as Donovan glances my way and he grins broadly in reply.

"Rosy I suppose I should warn you I called Mitchell and asked him to come back to the compound. They’ll be back in about half an hour…" Dwayne tells me evenly. I block out what he is saying as I squash down the uneasy feeling as I think of facing Micah once again.

"Terry, Dacey, have you met everyone yet?" I ask softly.

"Sam," Dacey says with confidence.

"Ssssam," Terry agrees with a nod and I realise he has been coached in his speech.

"Nimny," Terry tells me pointing at Timny and I have to smile.

"Yes that’s Timny. Now do you know who this is?" I ask motioning towards Dwayne and when both boys shake their heads I take a deep breath, "This is Dwayne,"

I slowly work my way around the toms naming them all and giving the two boys a chance to try out their names if they want. When I am finished Terry and Dacey watch me for a few moments but seeing I have finished talking they turn their attention back to their toy cats.

"I still have a lot of clothing from when the others were young, maybe you’d like to look through it tomorrow and see if there is anything you would like for them?" Marissa offers.

"That would be a big help Marissa," I say with a gratefully smile.

"I’m happy to help you all I can," Marissa tells me. I smile and nod as I glance around at the faces of the toms all of them are watching Terry and Dacey who are starting to show signs of tiredness.

"I think I need to start thinking about where these two are going to sleep tonight," I say quietly.

"We can sleep in here tonight, work out the finer details tomorrow. You look like you won’t be awake much longer than either of them." Sam is quick to tell me.

"Does either of them wear a nappy to bed?" Marissa asks. I glance at her in surprise and give a faint shrug.

"I … I’m not sure. Alan or Jake always put the f … put the boys to bed. But Dacey does have a bottle at 4am, I do know that." I don’t mention the fact that I had slept well away from all four boys.

"A plastic sheet and several towels will take care of any accidents but I don’t have a bottle," Marissa says.

"We got some water bottles with pop-top lids, that might work." Dwayne offers.

"Yes it should! Dacey uses one of them for his mid morning drink of milk." I say happily.

"So how do we get them to lay down to go to sleep?" Sam asks. I meet his gaze for a second remembering how Alan had always addressed the boys at bedtime. I clap my hands together and both the boys turn and look at me.

"Its getting late, time all little boys went to bed." I say firmly, "Say your goodnights,"

Terry frowns at me sticking his thumb in his mouth while Dacey lifts his toy over his head with both hands as he considers me, a few moments pause and both boys go back to playing. I am aware of glances my way but I am determined that now I have to look after these boys they will learn to do as I tell them.

"Time for bed. First we go to the toilet … umm Sam I … " I glance towards him as the heat of embarrassment creeps up my face.

"Come on you two! Your Mum said time for bed. Who needs to learn where the toilet is?" Sam says getting to his feet and gently taking hold of two little hands. I watch as he leads them away towards the toilet then I glance around at the scattered mattresses. Dwayne already has a mattress covered with one of the sheets of plastic while Mikkarl has several large towels and I watch as they make up one of the mattresses following Marissa’s instructions. The make-shift bed is ready for its small occupants when Sam returns and both boys run over to me, Dacey hugs me and Terry hangs back for a few moments before moving closer for a hug as well.

"Say goodnight to everyone," I instruct and both boys wave at the toms suddenly shy. It takes little urging to get the two boys to climb into bed, the lateness of the hour and excitement of sleeping in the lounge room helping as they do as I say. A few minutes later and both boys are asleep I glance from them to my brother noting the thrilled expression on his face. I head for the kitchen to find something to drink and when I turn around from the fridge I am surprised to find Sam just several steps away watching me.

"I don’t know what to say or where to start to fix things between us," Sam says quietly.

"Leave it, just leave it for now," I say turning away. I don’t think I can handle any more traumas tonight. And rehashing the strained relationship with my brother would certainly be a traumatic experience.

"I want to make it clear here and now I don’t hold any grudges or hard feelings for anything said," Sam persists.

I close my eyes and try to block out his words as I feel my human side wanting to distrust what he is saying and resisting the calming influence from my feline side. I can remember all the insults and hurtful things I’d thrown at him while he was at Alan’s place. I want to tell him I am sorry for what I said, the way I rejected him but I can’t force the words out and the more I try, the harder it becomes.

"Leave me alone," I growl softly. "We can’t … just stop trying. Back off and leave it be,"

"Sam a word with you," Malcolm says firmly.

"Go and sit down before you end up on flat on your back!" Sam orders sharply.

I guess Malcolm hasn’t done as Sam ordered because I hear Sam moving away from me after a moment or two. I raise a shaky hand to rub at my face, I doubt I can handle any sort of aggression even it is just an argument. As for the two boys asleep in the lounge room I am sure any aggression will put them into a panic.

I turn towards the wall suddenly too tired to try to explain or work anything out as I hear Sam come back into the kitchen. I fold my arms over my stomach forgetting the cold can of drink I hold until it touches my side making me start in surprise. I hear Sam step forward and then he is taking the can and opening it before pushing it into my hand. I stiffen completely as he puts his arm around my shoulders, he hesitates a moment, then he cuddles me close. His chin comes to rest on the top of my head and I slowly relax. How I’ve missed my brothers and their warmth!

I let my forehead rest against his chest as Sam massages the back of my neck, his touch is light and gentle and his scent familiar and comforting. I don’t move as I hear vehicles approach the quarters and park outside before their engines stop. Footsteps sound on gravel and the screen door opens and still I stand secure in Sam’s embrace, his presence, and his touch already soothing my inner turmoil.

"Whose kitts? I didn’t know anyone was visiting." Mitchell says and I lift my head from Sam’s chest and look towards the lounge room but I can’t see behind the lounge or back towards the hallway door.

"Mitchell can you come in here?" Sam calls.

"Hey Sam whose are those kitts? There are two of them and they’re only litt …" Mitchell’s voice comes closer and stops completely as his eyes meet mine. "Rosy! Rosy you’re back!"

Mitchell crosses the room quickly, his face alight with happiness as he opens his arms wide in silent invitation. There are no recriminations, no apologies or questions just acceptance. Suddenly I am laughing and crying as I turn from Sam and step into Mitchell’s arms, he hugs me tight as if scared someone will snatch me away. Mitchell lets go only to catch my head in his hands and rest his forehead against mine. I can feel his tears beneath my fingers as I reach up and touch his face before grasping him by the sides of his shirt. I hear a startled gasp and glance past his shoulder to see Jazzy at the far side of the kitchen where she is standing watching us. Dwayne is talking quietly to Micah and Steven behind her.

"Hey Mitch, Rosy now has two kitts as well as the one she’s carrying." Sam tells him.

"Those your kitts in the lounge room?" Mitchell asks in delighted amazement. "And how is the little one you’re carrying? All well with …"

I feel myself spiral out of control in an instant at his words.

"The blasted kitt! It’s all you care about! I should have known!" I scream into his shocked face as I wrench free of his grasp. "You don’t give a fuck about me! Your sister! It’s all about the frigging bastard I carry! Yous don’t want me! Yous never wanted me! All this clan ever wanted was a brood bitch!"

I turn away from the pain and horror on my brother’s face as I scream my accusations. My own fears rise within me and I head for the plates on the sink as I look for things to smash into tiny pieces, anything will do as long as something besides me shatters into an irreparable mess.

Micah’s story:

I don’t object as Celeste changes the cd in the cd player of the car, normally no one messes with my choice of music but I have enjoyed the evening out so much I am feeling very relaxed.

"Did Mitchell tell you why we all had to head home?" Steven asks from the back seat and I glance in the rear-view mirror.

I can’t see much of his face in the darkness of the car other than his silhouette and a faint gleam of his eyes and teeth as he grins. I guess the interruption to the evening must suit him considering how much Celeste and I had been enjoying ourselves.

"No, Mitchell said Dwayne told him there was something only him and I could deal with going on," I say as I slow my car to take the turn into the driveway.

As we come into clear view of the buildings I see that all the lights in the quarters are on, only the outside lights are on at the main house but the front entry light and spotlight are on at the relocatable home used by Marissa and Wade.

Donny and Wade are waiting in the doorway as Mitchell and Jazzy get out of Mitchell’s car. I notice Wade stays by the door as the others head inside. I park my car and get out.

"Something’s going on," Steven mutters.

"What’s going on?" I ask as I walk past Wade and head for Dwayne at the end of the hall.

"Take it easy and stay calm," Dwayne says catching hold of my upper arm as go to walk past him.

The smell hits me and I frown as I turn my head towards the kitchen, there is a buzzing in my ears. Excitement, fear, and panic … the scent of them is so overwhelming I almost miss the faint unknown smell beneath them.

"Rosy! Rosy you’re back!"

Mitchell’s excited voice cuts through the thick haze of emotions and I jerk free of Dwayne’s light hold as I move to where I can see into the kitchen. I sweep the lounge room and kitchen searching for Cummings or some of his warriors.

"Hank and Keeli Webster and her brother Ian Yates took back the territory the Board gave Cummings when he got married to Darcy. They murdered Cummings, his two oldest sons, most of his warriors …" Dwayne says catching hold of my arm again.

"Rosy, is she hurt?" I demand as I watch Mitchell greeting his sister.

"Sam and Malcolm are the only ones she’s let close enough … "Dwayne is saying when all hell breaks loose in the kitchen.

I watch as both her brothers back away from her, she is badly upset and out of control. I long to go to her but my own insecurities hold me back, what if she doesn’t want my help?

"Rosy! Stop it! Calm down," Malcolm yells at her over the noise she is making as he moves towards her.

"He’s gonna get hurt!" I mutter under my breath.

I watch as Malcolm hesitates a moment before wrapping both arms around her. I glance at Sam with a worried frown. All we have heard about his time with Rosy while she was with Cummings was how they would physically restrain her and how Sam knew Rosy hated every second of it. Sam is standing back, both hands raised towards his face as if he wants to cover his face to block out the view of his sister.

"Shit," Steven exclaims beside me. "I don’t know what he’s doing but I think it is working,"

"…You. Its you we’re worried about, you." Malcolm is saying over and over again.

I watch as Rosy stops fighting and turns in Malcolm’s arms to bury her face against his chest as she slips both arms around his ribs. I notice his face has gone pale and start to move forward but Mitchell beats me to it as he grasps one of Rosy’s hands.

"You have two little tom-kitts I take it. How old? What are their names?" Mitchell asks as he steps back easing her away from Malcolm and heads for the lounge room, "Show me them." He orders more than asks as he pulls Rosy along behind him.

"They’re asleep," Rosy protests.

"So?" Mitchell asks unconcerned.

"You be quiet and don’t disturb them." Rosy warns with a frown as everyone moves closer.

"Hey there Rosy, it’s good to see you." Steven says with a wide smile for her.

"Hey Steven," Rosy says, her smile cold and distant. She meets my eyes for a moment as her gaze skips from face to face. She looks away quickly before glancing back at me, her gaze skims across my chest quickly and I clench my teeth as I look away.

So she’s still not talking to me? Not even looking at me when I am in a room?

"Rosy," My tone is stiff and thick with hurt. I give a tight nod and she glances my way as she comes to a stop.

"Micah," She sounds distant and detached as if speaking to a mere acquaintance.

"I …" I stop lost for words. A deep sense of sadness and sorrow comes over me, the knowledge I’ve lost something beyond value. The next second I realise the feeling is coming from deep inside me, from a place I had felt empty and dead. They aren’t my feelings at all!

"I’m glad you felt you could return here," I manage. "You’re welcome to stay here at the quarters tonight but tomorrow we’ll need to sit down and see if we can sort things out enough that we are both comfortable enough around each other for you to be able to stay here as long as you like or if you’d be better staying at the main house."

"Fine by me," Rosy says with a slight nod meeting my eyes.

"How about you tell us about your two boys?" Steven asks breaking the tension. I glance his way gratefully for the interruption then watch as Mitchell takes Rosy over beside the two small sleeping boys. She eases down on one knee to tuck the blanket over one small shoulder.

I glance behind me to see Mikkarl with Celeste ready to protect her if necessary. I give him a small nod, I have no idea of how Rosy will react to finding a she-kitt she doesn’t know in the building with her and now the presence of ‘her’ two boys.

"This is Terry, he’s the oldest and just gone three a couple of weeks ago." Rosy says softly. She reaches for Mitchell’s hand to pull herself to her feet before moving down by the smaller boy who is sleeping on his stomach, knees tucked up under him and bum in the air.

"This is Dacey, he’s two in … two weeks and five days." Rosy says after a moment of concentration.

"Wouldn’t know they are brothers," Mitchell comments.

"Terry resembles Alan Cummings quite strongly, Dacey … Dacey looks a lot like Jakob Perkins." Rosy says evenly, clearly she doesn’t like anything that could be criticism of the boys.

I stand looking at the boys for a moment. They are important to Rosy. She obviously loves them and that is all I need to know.

"Fine looking young toms," I say with approval. "I’m glad you brought them home with you."

Rosy looks at me started. I meet her eyes for a few moments before glancing back at Dacey when he gives a grunt in his sleep. I look back at Rosy and find her gaze has followed mine, when she looks up again I give her a slight nod.

"We had better let you lay down and go to sleep too," Marissa says quietly and I look her way. Jazzy is standing beside her and Marissa is holding one of her hands between hers and patting it. I am not sure whom it is meant to comfort. Marissa who finds any upheaval disturbing or Jazzy who is having difficulty taking her eyes off the two small kitts. Surely she is feeling the loss of her own kitt deeply.

When Marissa and Wade leave I am relieved to see Mikkarl and his partner follow after them with Celeste between them. I know they will sleep in one of the room in the main house at least for tonight. Tomorrow Celeste can be introduced to Rosy. Hopefully they will get along fine.

Rosy’s story:

"Come on, you look just about asleep on your feet." Sam tells me as he takes hold of my arm and tries to steer me towards the lounge.

"I want to go to the toilet first," I tell him as I glance at him to see he has my can of drink. Sam frowns and glances towards the hallway door, I follow his glance and see that I will have to walk past Micah. I pat Sam on the arm whether to reassure him or myself I am not sure, I head towards the door and when Micah steps aside to let me past I give a slight nod.

"Thank you," I murmur softly as I pass.

I head for the far end of the sun room and when I return to the lounge room Sam and Mitchell have several pillows and blankets on the lounge waiting for me. I allow them to settle me on the lounge. Sam seats himself on the floor near my shoulders but when Mitchell goes to sit near my feet I frown and kick at him.

"Hey! What’s the matter?" Mitchell protests.

"Go sit down near the two boys, I want someone near them who can protect them." I tell him with a frown. Mitchell glances towards the boys then looks back at me guardedly.

"Go on," I tell him with a slight smile. I watch Mitchell glance at Jazzy and the longing on her face then move to sit near the bed the two boys are asleep on, I glance at Jazzy but she looks away from me and moves to a chair to sit down.

"Can someone take my socks off please?" I ask with a glance down at my feet where they are hidden by thick socks. I know they need attention badly. Jake, Drew and Alan had dismissed my concerns over my feet telling me I would be able to look after them myself soon enough.

"Want a foot massage as well?" Steven asks as he lifts my lower legs up and seats himself on the lounge with my legs across his lap. "Someone pass the foot lotion would you?"

I take my bottom lip between my teeth as he peels the first sock off and I am not disappointed when he gives a hiss of annoyance.

"Are both of your feet this bad?" Steven asks and quickly removes my other sock as well. "Your ankles are swollen, that can’t be good!"

"Let me see!" Micah snaps angrily and I recognise his touch as he lifts first one foot then the other as he examines them. "You got a heap of dry skin on them and your heels are starting to crack! You should know enough to look after your feet better than that!" he reprimands me angrily.

"I have trouble seeing my feet these days let alone touching them and you should know by now I don’t like a lot of touching," I manage levelly.

"What the hell was wrong with Cummings that he let your feet get into such a mess?" Micah demands tightly. I say nothing as I turn my head and watch the tv, there is some movie playing on it but it only takes me a few moments to start following the plot. The feel of lotion being massaged into one foot is wonderful and I give a soft sigh of pleasure as I close my eyes.

"What? You don’t have to answer even when I ask you a direct question? Is that what you think?" Micah demands angrily. I open my eyes and turn my head to glare at him.

"Micah! Don’t start anything!" Dwayne orders.

"Rubbing lotion into my feet was not high on Alan’s priority list when he came to my room late at night to touch me," I say tightly before turning my face away once again. I don’t know why I am taunting Micah. Alan never visited my rooms with the intention of forcing his desires on me. I close my eyes as I listen to the strained silence between everyone in the room.

"Someone is going to rub lotion into your feet each day until they are smooth and soft again." Micah snaps his order after a few tense minutes. I can hear the pain in his voice.

"I hope you’re not expecting me to fight the idea, it sounds too much like a luxury to say no." I say as I open my eyes and meet Micah’s challenging gaze.

"Settle it down you pair," Dwayne orders firmly.

"So you were going to marry Alan Cummings?" Steven asks as he starts on my second foot.

"I was effectively cut off from my brothers and every other werecat I know so what other choice did I have?" I ask dryly.

"Your brothers rang at least once a week wanting to talk to you so don’t give me that!" Micah snaps angrily at me.

"You have no idea of the difficulties I faced," I say as I cover my face with my hands.

"Don’t start … " Micah snaps then stops and takes a deep breath through clenched teeth.

"You seem to have a problem with me, you want to get it off your chest here and now?" Hurt simmers close to the surface making me challenge him.

"Rosy! You stop it! There will be no arguments!" Dwayne orders in a hard tone bringing a low growl from me as I force myself up into a sitting position.

"Back the hell off Dwayne! I wasn’t raised clan so I kept getting reminded, therefore a lot of clan things don’t necessarily apply to me! Keep out of my face and keep out of my business!" I snap at Dwayne with narrowed eyes even as Steven catches both of my legs raising them by my knees so I can’t sit up any further.

"Rosy!" Sam snaps at me and I flinch internally at his tone but don’t turn a hair as I turn my head slightly to glare at him.

"Are you determined to start an argument?" Sam demands with a severe frown.

"Me start an argument here? I wasn’t the one who started with the attacks! I asked for someone to rub lotion into my feet and then Micah started in on me! I knew my feet needed attention! Why do you lot think I asked? To start a fight?" I demand angrily and flop back with an annoyed snort. I lift my head to glare at Steven where he is effectively preventing me from sitting up or getting to my feet.

"Steven let go of me so I can at least sit up!" I demand angrily.

"No. I haven’t finished your second foot and you aren’t moving until I have," Steven tells me levelly.

"Let me go! I want to be able to at least sit up when Micah finally grows the balls to spit out whatever is making him such a bastard!" I snap tightly.

"Rosy!" Both Sam and Mitchell snap.

Micah’s story:

Goaded beyond control I finally unleash my tongue to tell Rosy exactly what is upsetting me so much.

"You promised to marry me! You told me I was to be the kitt’s daddy and then you left me! You walked out and left me!" The accusation comes pouring out of me in a voice thick with anger and hurt.

Rosy gives a deep sigh and settles back against the lounge. She closes her eyes for several seconds as pain flits across her face.

"Outside now Micah!" Dwayne yells angrily.

"Why did she have to come back!" Justin demands angrily.

"You shut up and leave Micah alone Rosy! I am not letting you hurt my brother again!" Jazzy yells.

Rosy opens her eyes and looks around shocked. I don’t need to look around to see what she is seeing. Dwayne is trying to force me outside but I refuse to move as I glare down at Rosy, I need to see some emotion, some reaction. Justin is not far from me and I can hear the crack of knuckles as his hands clench, unclench and clench once again. Jazzy is on her feet and glaring at Rosy then looking towards me, her distress clear on her face. I can smell Jazzy’s fear and I know she must be terrified I will leave this time.

But this time I am prepared to fight my way through all the problems between Rosy and I.

"I am sorry about that Micah. I didn’t have the strength or courage to stand up and speak to you. I’m truly sorry," Rosy says quietly, "I’ve paid a price for it too Micah. Can we just let it go at that for now?"

"We had the Were Board of Governors lay charges against Wade and Marissa plus they wanted to investigate us and then your ex-lover had the police out here several times looking for you!" I snap tightly.

"I’m sorry about that as well but I didn’t exactly end where I wanted to be. Can’t we just let the past be the past and try to work out where to go from here?" Rosy asks tiredly, quietly.

"Outside now Micah!" Dwayne orders as he manages to force me to turn away breaking eye contact with Rosy.

Rosy’s story:

I rest my head back against the pillows behind me and close my eyes, but a sound nearby has me opening my eyes and turning my head hurriedly.

"Why didn’t you just stay here?" Donovan asks with a pained expression as he stands looking at me.

"Because I was unable work out how," I say flatly and close my eyes as I bring both hands up to cover my face at the memory. "I couldn’t make peace with my inner cat, couldn’t live with her. How was I supposed to deal with everything else going on all around me when I was fighting with myself?"

I hear the whimper that comes from my own throat, feel the hand that grasps my shoulder and squeezes gently. I can smell Malcolm and know he is close. I lift one hand and reach out blindly, a large hand grasps mine and holds it tightly. I struggle to deal with the emotions flooding my mind.

Hurt, shock, horror … Micah trying desperately to find a way deal with what I said. It’s hard enough for me to deal with both sides of myself when I am distressed like this, but to have to deal with Micah’s thoughts and emotions as well …

"Outside Micah," Dwayne orders tightly, "there is to be no fighting or upsetting Rosy!"

"Oh stop it Dwayne! He’s got a right to be angry and upset with me and I got a right to angry and upset with him! So just let us both alone!" I finally snap.

"Rosy …" Dwayne starts to warn me but I grab one of the pillows and throw it at him hitting him in the head.

"Shut up Dwayne! I’m trying to go to sleep!" I hiss before closing my eyes and turning my head away from him. There is silence for maybe half a minute then soft rustling as some of the others move. Steven lets my legs rest on his thighs once again and he resumes massaging my foot, I feel someone brush my hair off my forehead and know that Malcolm is watching me closely.

"Just sit down Micah. Keep away from her, don’t touch her and don’t disturb her!" Dwayne hisses in a whisper. I peep out from beneath my hands and see Micah settling himself in front of the lounge beside Stevens’s legs. I close my eyes once again and pray for sleep to wash over me.

Micah’s story:

The sound of one of the boys whimpering wakes me. I sit up hurriedly and turn to the small boys beside me. The younger one, Dacey, has his thumb in his mouth and sucking vigorously.

"Rosy said he has a bottle in the middle of the night," Sam says quietly from the other side of the boys.

"I got one ready for him," Mikkarl whispers.

"I’ll warm it in the micro-wave for him," Jazzy says in a whisper getting up from beside Mitchell on the mattress in front of me.

I glance at Rosy in front of the lounge where she is finally asleep between Malcolm and Chris. A quick check of the clock tells me it is nearly three am, barely an hour since we managed to get her to settle for the night.

I hear the microwave whir but it stops without beeping, I guess Jazzy doesn’t want Rosy to wake up either. When Jazzy returns she reluctantly hands me the small plastic bottle. I turn back to the little boy and nudge the bottle against his hand not sure of what else to do. I am relieved when he pulls his thumb from his mouth to clutch at the bottle. Almost immediately there comes the sound of liquid being sucked through the pop top lid.

"Is he drinking?" Dwayne asks in a whisper.

"Yes he’s drinking. He hasn’t wet himself do you think I should take him to the toilet before he goes back to sleep?" I ask in a soft whisper.

"That’s probaly a good idea," Sam whispers from somewhere close to me.

"Try him on the toilet and Terry as well, it should help stop them having an accident." Jazzy says firmly.

"Shhh!" Steven hisses, "Don’t wake Rosy! She looked completely exhausted when she finally got settled!"

"My responsibility …" Rosy murmurs sleepily.

"Our responsibility now too," Steven whispers close by and I look across at where Rosy is. Malcolm is propped up on one elbow leaning over her.

"Rosy woke up," Malcolm says quietly, "But I think I’ve nearly put her back to sleep."

"Stroke her temples very lightly," I order softly. I remember how I often soothed her to sleep in that way.

"Don’t go …" Rosy murmurs faintly before falling silent.

Carefully I lift Dacey into my arms, he is tense in my hold but makes no noise as I head towards the toilet. I hear the other boy whimper behind me and I hesitate as I glance back over my shoulder. Sam has approached Mitchell who is holding the squirming, whimpering child.

"Hey Terry, let go to the toilet," Sam murmurs softly as he reaches for the boy. The noise stops behind me and I head for the toilet once again. Both boys reward our efforts by using the toilet and soon we have them back in their make shift bed tucked in warmly once again.

"My baby would have been a little boy," Jazzy says thickly. "A blonde little boy, I just know it."

Rosy’s story:

I wake not quite sure what is wrong but something seems not normal, I open my eyes and am slightly startled as I recognise my surroundings. Memories of the previous two days flood back and I close my eyes tightly before opening them hurriedly and looking for my two boys.

"Where are my boys?" I demand as I see their empty bed.

"They’re here eating their breakfast," Sam calls from the kitchen. I move to where I can see into the kitchen clearly, Sam has Terry on his lap while to my surprise Dacey is sitting on Micah’s lap. Micah looks my way a hint of a challenge to the look on his face but I say nothing, I’m not sure if I should protest, if I even want to. I yawn and stretch as I scent the aromas coming from the kitchen appreciatively. Bacon!

"I hope whoever cooked the bacon cooked mine extra crispy!" I call.

"You awake Rosy?" Mitchell asks.

"No Mitchell, I’m talking in my sleep." I say and move slowly. I turn my head as I hear a slight noise behind me and see Mitchell as he comes over to look over the back of the lounge.

"You are awake!" Mitchell says delighted. "You do talk in your sleep you know … well dreams probaly, dreams not nightmares. You tend to scream in them, the nightmares I mean."

"Thanks for reminding me," I say dryly as I get to my feet cautiously.

"You okay?" Mitchell asks in concern as he notices my cautious movements.

"I’m just stiff from sleeping in the one position for most of the night and I have to be careful not to get up too fast or I get head spins," I say casually.

"I’ll have a bit of a chat with you about that soon," Doc says as he walks into the lounge room from the kitchen. Doc watches me for a few moments, his eyes searching my face probaly for clues as to my health.

"Her ankles are swollen as well," Steven announces.

"My ankles swell if I am on my feet too much and if I don’t have a rest of an afternoon, yesterday was a combination of both." I tell Doc dryly with a frown in Steven’s direction. I don’t want to talk about anything connected to my unwanted pregnancy.

"I’ll just go for a short walk and then have breakfast," I say as I turn away and head for the hallway door.

"Have breakfast before you go anywhere!" Mitchell calls after me in concern.

"I think you’ll find your sister needs to go to the toilet," Doc says dryly. I hear the murmur of voices behind me but make no attempt to listen to them as I head for the toilet. The lure of cooked meat ensures I don’t tarry and I have to make sure I don’t seem in a rush when I return to the other end of the house, the last thing I want is for the others to know how much the everyday food appeals to me.

I am aware of the tense atmosphere when I seat myself at the table in an empty space across from where the two boys are eating hungrily, I ignore the uneasy looks directed my way as I begin to eat the food on the plate placed in front of me.

"You don’t mind that the toms brought the boys out here and gave them breakfast without asking you?" Doc asks casually but I catch the slightly uneasy edge beneath his tone.

"Should I?" I inquire as I look his way then look at Sam and Micah who have the boys sitting on their laps so they can reach their food.

"I was just wondering how protective of the boys you are," Doc says easily. I glance his way for a few moments before turning my attention back to my food.

"I don’t think anyone here would intentionally hurt the boys, not after the way everyone acted last night." I say levelly as I meet Doc’s gaze.

"See we told you Rosy wasn’t stupid," Steven says smugly.

"I was just curious. Rosy doesn’t have the benefit of being raised in a clan after all," Doc says evenly. I grit my teeth but don’t say anything, Alan had seemed to think that very fact changed a lot more than these clan members did.

"Can I have one of the boys for my own? I want Terry!" Jazzy bursts out sounding more like she is demanding possession of the child not asking. I freeze with a forkful of sausage and scrambled eggs halfway to my mouth and slowly lift my gaze from the food to her face.

"They are not toys or belongings to be given away at whim," I say tightly.

"You’d still have Dacey and the baby you’re carrying!" Jazzy protests angrily.

"They’re my boys!" I hiss possessively.

"Jazzy leave it! I told you not to ask." Micah says sternly.

"It’s not fair! Why should she get both of them! She’ll have her own kitt soon enough!" Jazzy declares miserably and glares at me across the table.

I don’t break eye contact as I put the forkful of food in my mouth and chew it slowly, finally Jazzy looks away as she leans back against the back of the chair and crosses her arms over her chest angrily. I have to fight to contain my urge to physically remove her from the room.

"It’s not fair!" She reiterates unhappily.

"My fur-tee! Me wan’ duice!" Terry suddenly demands.

"Juice?" Dacey questions hopefully and before either Sam, Micah or I can say anything Jazzy jumps up and rushes to the fridge to get the juice out. I watch as she pours two small cups of juice for the boys before putting the bottle back in the fridge and she glares at me defiantly when she turns around with the drinks.

"They usually have half juice, half water." I say tightly as I struggle not to react to her attitude. Jazzy quickly adds water to the cups before placing them in front of the two small boys who grab the cups and drink from them with loud sighs of enjoyment. I turn my attention back to my food but keep a wary watch on Jazzy who stands behind her chair moving restlessly as she glances between the two boys and me.

"Well what about Dacey then? Give him to me!" Jazzy suddenly bursts out as she sends a last wistful look Terry’s way. I can’t control the growl that begins as a low rumble in my throat as I stop eating to glare at her as I put my knife and fork down beside my plate.

"Jazzy get over to the house now!" Micah orders sharply as he exchanges a look with Mitchell. I watch as Jazzy backs away unhappily before stomping out of the room with Mitchell following her. I hear the screen door slammed open noisily, making it swing wildly slamming into the side of the building before the door swings closed. I push my nearly empty plate away and watch as Sam gets to his feet holding Terry then setting him on his feet beside him.

"I’m just taking Terry to wash his face and hands, want me to take Dacey as well?" Sam asks with a look my way and a quick glance at Micah.

"They’re my boys! I’ll look after them!" I snap as I put my hands on the edge of the table to push my chair out. A heavy hand comes to rest on the back of my chair and I swallow my angry growl not wanting to upset the two boys who are already clearly affected by the aggression at the table.

"You ready to go wash your face and hands?" Micah asks Dacey. When the little boy nods Micah lifts him off his knee and places him gently on his own feet, "Go with Sam."

I watch Sam walk away holding a small hand in each of his hands, several faint sounds around the room tells me that several of the other toms wish it were them with the boys. I start violently with a loud hiss as a glass of flavoured milk is put in front of me and I turn my head to glare at Steven with a frown, he shrugs and gives me a rueful smile.

"I didn’t mean to startle you," he tells me his grin crooked.

"You didn’t make any noise," I say as I reach for the drink.

"Try not to get too upset with Jazzy wanting one of the kitts," Micah tells me gently. "Jazzy is a bit upset because she was pregnant but lost it recently,"

"So she wants one of mine," I say tightly.

"Jazzy doesn’t mean any harm," Micah says in a firm tone.

"They are my sons! She might not mean any harm but what would the child think if I did let her raise one? That he wasn’t good enough for me to keep? Or maybe his brother would think he was the one that wasn’t good enough to be chosen?" I ask tightly.

"There’s no need to get yourself upset, no one is going to make you give Jazzy one of your boys." Micah tells me abruptly.

"Make me give Jazzy one of my boys? You think someone could make me give up one of those boys?" I demand furiously.

"I don’t see what harm it would do to let Jazzy raise one of the boys. You’re going to be busy with your own baby kitt soon." Justin mutters from the far end of the kitchen.

"Shut the fuck up Justin! You don’t want me here so why would you care about my boys?" I demand angrily and on the defensive.

"Stop it!" Micah growls low in warning and I push my chair back as I get up and move away from the table to put distance between all of us.

"Rosy, it’s okay." Malcolm says as he gets to his feet and comes around to me. I turn my head as I hear Sam walking back towards the kitchen and I feel relief as he comes into the lounge room where I can see him.

"Timny, Donovan, Chris, and you too Justin. How about you grab a ball and take the boys to play outside for a while?" Micah asks.

"I doubt your ex-girlfriend would want me near her precious boys!" Justin says bitterly but I see the longing in the glance he sends towards the boys.

"You have got another thing coming if you think I will let anyone take my boys away from me!" I snarl aggressively.

"First thing you have to learn is that no one here will hurt the boys. It doesn’t matter that they weren’t born into this clan, they are innocent little children." Micah says firmly in a no nonsense tone. Suddenly my exhaustion catches up with me and look away from him as I take a deep breath, Micah is still watching me with a frown when I turn back towards him.

"Justin take them outside to play and let me worry about any problems with their mother," Micah says sternly with a hard look my way. I am silent as Timny quickly finds a soccer ball and all four toms head outside with the two boys for a game of kicks.

I go to follow them but Micah moves around the end of the table to block my way. I hear movement behind me and know that way is cut off as well.

"I know you probably don’t believe me but no-one will hurt the boys," Micah says in a low soothing tone.

"I don’t believe you! They are nothing to you, to any of you!" I say frantically as I try to get past him only to be turned around by Micah to face Steven who is directly behind me. I spin around to face Micah once again but stand still as I frantically look for a way past.

"We care about you. You, yourself are important to us. You are like one of our clan as far as we are concerned." Micah tells me quickly. "Those two boys are important to you, therefore they are important to us. We will not let any harm come to them,"

I stand there watching him uneasily. My human half is screaming at me not to trust him but my feline half is calmly countering he can be trusted. Confused and unsure I look past him to the doorway my sons disappeared through.

"I want my boys back," I insist. A sudden thought alarms me. "Jazzy had better not be out there stealing my children!"

"I promise, Jazzy will not be allowed to take either of your boys." Micah says firmly.

"Come sit on the lounge with me," Steven coaxes with a wide grin. I shake my head but take a step after him when he motions at the lounge.

"Sit down, relax. Get rid of a lot of that tension." Steven urges and I find myself letting Micah walk me to the lounge.

"Sit down and let one of us massage lotion into your feet," Micah urges softly. "It’ll make you feel a lot better and the boys will benefit from a more relaxed mother as well."

I glance around fretfully. I need to take it easy after the last few days but I also feel the urgent need to be able to see my boys.

"Come on," Malcolm urges teasingly. "I’ll sit down beside you and you can give me a hard time. It’ll be just like old times,"

I look at Malcolm and realise he is pale and has lost a noticeable amount of weight. There is a slight tinge of grey around his mouth and nose and a faint shadow of pain in his eyes.

"Are you sick?" I ask suddenly.

"I was injured not too long ago," Malcolm says lightly. "I’m getting better now,"

"You’re sure it’s not something my boys can catch?" I ask as I narrow my eyes suspiciously.

Malcolm unbuttons the shirt he is wearing and this strikes me as unusual, Malcolm always wore t-shirts. I look at his chest as he opens the front of the shirt and feel my breath catch in my throat at the sight of the angry red puckered scar just to the right of the middle of his chest. I barely notice as he shrugs the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms before turning around. A fresh star shaped scar shows brightly to the right of his spine.

"Steel bar. Front to back," Malcolm says coolly.

I sway as the room spins around me, the two images of Malcolm’s scars swimming wickedly before my eyes. Someone grasps both of my shoulders and I feel something press against the back of my legs.

The lounge. Sit down, we need to sit down...

"…Just give her a minute or two," I recognise the voice as Doc’s. "I imagine she has had a lot of shocks over the last day or two,"

I don’t protest when I feel his cool fingers on my wrist taking my pulse or when I feel the band being wrapped around my upper arm as my blood pressure is measured. But when I feel the cold steel of the stethoscope being pressed against the swell of my stomach I lash out violently with both hands and feet.

"Don’t!" I snarl savagely as I lift my head, open my eyes and force my eyes to focus.

"Okay, okay," Doc mutters as he backs off. "I’m just trying to make sure you aren’t suffering any complications with your health,"

"I’m fat, my ankles and feet are swollen most of the time. I have no energy, changing to cat form is exhausting. I can’t eat more than a few mouthfuls at a time. My back aches constantly from the weight of the parasite I have growing inside me … enough complications for you?" I demand angrily.

"I’m sorry you feel that way," The sadness in Micah’s voice tears at me and I snarl as I turn my face so I can’t see him. I can feel sadness leaching from him into me and I close myself off defensively.

I can’t allow his feelings to sway me in any way. I am entitled to my own feelings and if they don’t coincide with his tough! That is just the way I feel!

"Maybe in a few days, a week, you will feel comfortable letting me check how you are for your own sake," Doc says soothingly.

"I don’t trust you." I spit tightly. "I don’t trust any of you! I want my sons back in here now!"

"Just let them play outside for a while," Micah coaxes gently.

"No! I don’t trust you! You’re probably scheming with Jazzy to steal my boys away from me!" I hiss venomously as I go to stand up.

Hands grasp the top of my shoulders firmly and I am forcibly sat back down on the lounge. I snarl and try to grasp Micah’s fingers to force him to let me go but he easily evades my hands without allowing me to get up.

I know I am acting unreasonably and close my eyes as I try to make myself calm down. I can feel my doubts and fears fighting with my feline instincts and I suck in a deep breath as I force my eyes open. I can feel Micah’s hands on my shoulders but he isn’t applying pressure to keep me seated. Steven and Malcolm stand directly in front of me and I run my eyes over Malcolm as I try to distract myself from my fears.

"Malcolm you sit down before you fall down, you look like crap." I snap.

"Awe gee thanks," Malcolm says in a whiny voice. "Just what a guy wants to hear,"

I am somewhat relieved when he sits beside me. He goes to raise his arm to put it over my shoulders but grimaces and leans against my side slightly instead. I glance at Steven where he is settling himself on the floor in front of me. He has chosen to sit directly in front of me within range of my feet. If I were to kick out I would almost certainly catch him in the stomach if not the inner thighs or groin.

"Your feet need more attention than just lotion once or twice," Steven comments as he looks up at me, I grimace and give a slight shrug.

"Yeah probaly," I agree and watch as the others make their way into the room.

"You should let these toms do most of the work with the boys, you need to take it easy from now on. " Doc says.

"They are my boys I will look after them!" I snap through gritted teeth.

"If you will let us we can get them up and give them breakfast like we did this morning so you could sleep," Micah says evenly. "They’re really good boys. They didn’t complain when I gave them some cereal before letting them have some bacon and eggs."

"Alan always gives them …" my voice trails off as I remember Alan is no longer alive to see to the care of his sons.

"Terry and Dacey were too young to be allowed more than cereal. Alan said they needed a lower protein diet," I say as I look down at my hands as I twist them.

"Have you been eating well?" Doc asks.

"I’ve been trying but I only got to hunt now and then. The rest of the time I had to make do with cooked food," I answer.

"Is Rosy able to go hunting if she wants?" Micah asks.

"If she feels strong enough at the time and not too tired, certainly." Doc says as he glances at my face then looks at Micah.

"We can take one of the vehicles if necessary. Some of us can stay behind with the boys while the rest of us take Rosy hunting," Micah says firmly.

"Does that sound good to you?" Sam asks me with a smile. I give a non-committal shrug with a quick glance over my shoulder Micah’s way. It’s not that I wouldn’t prefer a fresh kill to cooked food, but it feels like it would be nearly too much work for me to go hunting.

"In another week or maybe two we’ll need to discuss having someone with you twenty four hours a day, I wouldn’t be surprised if that little fellow ends up coming a week or so early." Doc tells me seriously. The thought of having someone around all the time makes me frown in annoyance and I look away angrily. There is no way I am about to share with them the fact I had false labour just a few days ago, knowing how they are I’d probably end up with someone watching me immediately.

"Maybe by then you’ll feel more comfortable with everyone," Doc says quietly. "Would you mind getting on the scales so I can see how your weight is."

"You can see for yourself how fat I’ve gotten," I say bitterly.

"Fat?" Steven asks angrily, "Who called you fat? You’re not fat you’re nicely rounded. Well your tummy is, the rest of you looks a bit on the skinny side."

"You’re not fat," Micah, Sam and several of the others echo in annoyed tones.

"Everyone find something else to do or stand back, Rosy doesn’t need you lot watching every move." Doc announces as he motions towards the scales.

"No," I hiss and fold my arms over my lower ribs. "I feel like I am being forced to do what you lot want regardless of what I want and frankly it is pissing me off!"

I drop my head refusing to look at any of them. I feel like I will just end up pushed into what THEY want continuously and I will come close to loosing myself just like before. I had given in to their way so much I had almost lost a part of myself.

Micah’s story:

I frown as I feel tension fill Rosy once again. Her chin has dropped onto her chest and I don’t need to see her face to know she is gritting her teeth and withdrawing into herself.

"Rosy …" Doc starts firmly.

"Doc no. For some reason Rosy does not feel comfort with it," I tell him firmly. "We will just leave it for now and maybe at some other time Rosy will feel comfortable about her health being checked." I choose my words carefully. Yes Doc’s intentions are to check the health of the unborn kitt but I get the feeling Rosy needs to know this is about her health as well.

"Examination all over, stay there and relax. Remember you are to take things easy," Doc tells Rosy.

"I’ll play with the boys and look after them," Rosy says defiantly.

"Yes you need exercise but just do what feels comfortable, don’t over tax your energy." He agrees.

"Give me back your feet," Steven orders, "You need lotion on your feet and I’ve got time to do it now."

I glance down and see she has pulled her feet out of his lap and back against the base of the lounge. The slightly hunched shoulders, bowed head, arms folded across herself and the position of her legs tell me she is feeling very defensive.

"Later," Rosy says but Steven shakes his head.

"I’m busy later … but if you’d prefer Micah to do it when he has a spare moment, no hassle." Steven says reaching for the lid of the lotion bottle.

"Low bastard," I mutter but I am relieved when I see Rosy allow Steven to gently coax one foot onto his lap.

"I’m going to go and have a talk with Mitchell and Jazzy," Doc says with a glance my way. I give him a nod, we have already discussed speaking with Jazzy about her feelings over Rosy’s boys.

I remove my hands from Rosy’s shoulders, hesitate a moment before heading to the kitchen. I don’t think she would do too well with me sitting near her just yet. For some reason she seems to need her own space and considering how well she is coping I intend to do everything to make it as easy as possible for her, even if it means keeping my distance and avoiding touching her.

I grab one of the kitchen chairs and carry it back to the lounge room. I place it beside Steven and sit on it back the front, resting my forearms across the back of the chair.

Rosy’s story:

I direct a cautious glance towards Micah. He has collected a kitchen chair and has carried it into the lounge room, he places it facing me but well back from the lounge before sitting on it. I try to pull my foot free from Steven but he keeps a firm hold on it with one hand while applying lotion with the other hand.

"Do you think we can talk calmly?" Micah asks quietly as Sam sits beside me and takes hold of one of my hands threading his fingers through mine.

"I’ll give it a try," I agree.

"First off where would you rather be with the boys? Here, the main house, or at the relocatable house?" Micah asks evenly.

"Here with my brother," I say quickly, "Besides everyone seems good with the boys. No one seems to mind having them around, even Justin seems to like having them here."

"Yeah they’re good kitts," Sam says with a smile.

"You need to keep in mind that Jazzy will be wanting one or the other of the kitts until she resigns herself to the fact she can’t have one of them. And I will not have the pair of you fighting. I won’t have my sister getting hurt and you are too close to having your kitt to chance getting hurt," Micah says firmly. "I won’t be ordering or asking you to give Jazzy one of your boys but it will take her time to settle down."

"Ahhh … the big brother thing, protect the little sister …" I say as I narrow my eyes to I look at him.

"I refuse to have my house disrupted. I got used to the peace and quiet while you were away," Micah tells me firmly. I grit my teeth at the clear dig at me and smile bearing my teeth in more of a snarl than a smile.

"It was rather boring actually," Steven says as he switches from one of my feet to the other. I glance down at him and he sends me a cheeky grin.

"You let us look after you like we used to, and you and I have to work out how to be in the same room without snapping and snarling at each other. It would unsettle the boys too much if we can’t get on," Micah says firmly.

"Don’t go all dominant male on me and order me about, you want me to stop something I am doing or prefer I do something else don’t attack me. Ask," I say bluntly.

"I don’t attack you! I tell you what you should be doing or what I want you to do!" Micah says in a no-nonsense tone. I growl low in my throat and feel Sam’s fingers tighten among mine and glance down at our hands.

"You make everything sound like an order or as if you think I’m stupid. All I want is for you to ask instead of order or if you think I don’t understand the how or why explain it to me. Believe it or not I prefer not to argue and fight," I say forcing myself to be calm. Micah narrows his eyes as he studies me for several long moments before giving a curt nod.

"I’ll give it a try but there will be times I issue orders which I will expect to be obeyed." Micah states firmly. I remain silent as I watch him for a few long minutes, I finally give a slight nod and relax back into the lounge between Malcolm and Sam.

"Maybe we can sit down just the two of us and work out what went wrong between us, put that to rest." Micah says quietly.

"You never went over it in your head trying to work things out?" I ask in a neutral tone not wanting to start any kind of argument.

"A bit," Micah admits after several minutes silence and I glance at him noticing the tone of his voice. I give a slight nod as I glance down at Steven where he is finishing massaging my second foot.

"I know it’s none of my business … but I have to know, what did Cummings do with you?" The question comes out of Micah with a slight rush, a harshness to his tone that touches a place deep within me. I don’t take my eyes off my feet, I flex my toes and watch the tendons and muscles move in the top of my foot.

"You mean did we sleep together? Did I have sex with him?" I ask meeting Micah’s gaze levelly.

I see the way his eyes narrow, the way the skin around his mouth whitens as he presses his lips together and the slight movement as that muscle jumps in his left cheek. I look down at my hand where Sam has his fingers interlaced with mine. His thumb is rubbing back and forth along my pointer finger and across the curve to the base of my thumb. Is he even aware he is doing it?

"Nothing," I say softly and look up to meet Micah’s sceptical look. "Oh he held me and touched me at times but there was nothing sexual in it."

"You said he would come into your room to touch you," Micah hisses.

"And you made me feel like you were attacking me! Accusing me of what you assumed I would have been doing with some tom I didn’t even know!" I snap.

"Did Jakob Perkins mount you?" Micah demands.

I look away angrily. I can hear my pulse roaring in my ears and the air hissing in and out of my chest as I breathe through my clenched teeth.

"No. Oh he would have quite happily if I had wanted him to but it nev …" I stop speaking to look back at him with a glare.

"I don’t have to defend anything I did or didn’t do to you of all people. You turned your back on me and walked out without giving me a chance to say anything." I hiss at him.

"You picked Edwin!" Micah hisses standing up.

I look up at him towering over me and feel very intimidated. It brings memories of that phone call in the kitchen back to me and his reaction, our argument and then our break up. Slowly I get to my feet shaking off Sam’s hand as he tries to keep me sitting down.

"You never really listened to me and I couldn’t work out how to say what I was feeling. No one tried to understand that until Alan came to help me," I say and turn away.

"Well it’s in the past now, I hope you don’t hold it against us." Steven says quietly from near my feet. I look at him and suddenly I wish I could change to cat form and just enjoy their company.

"Yeah, it’s over." I say quietly.

"I didn’t listen to you because you wouldn’t even speak to me!" Micah snaps angrily. "And here you go just turning away instead of talking to me."

"Can we just drop it for now?" I ask tiredly.

Micah’s story:

I am about to refuse Rosy’s request to stop talking about what went wrong between us, what happened while she was away. The screen door opens with a squeak then footsteps come along the hallway.

Donovan, Chris, Timny and Justin come into the room with the boys. Justin and Timny are carrying the two boys with Jazzy close behind them playing peek-a-boo with Dacey over Justin’s shoulder. Mitchell brings up the rear with a frown on his face as he observes Jazzy with the two boys.

"Mama! Mama!" Terry shouts gleefully as he spots Rosy. He wriggles in Timny’s arms and Timny quickly put him on his own two feet, Terry laughs delightedly and runs to Rosy who sits down on the lounge. I glance at Dacey expecting him to copy his brother but I see how Jazzy is doing everything she can to keep his attention on her.

"Hey Dacey, where’s Mama’s cuddle?" Rosy calls with the faintest of edges to her voice. Dacey immediately forgets about Jazzy and wriggles in Justin’s arms.

"Mama! Mama cuddle!" His little legs carry him over to Rosy and he literally climbs up her legs instead of on the lounge beside her. He pauses long enough to plant a kiss on her swollen stomach before resuming his climb so he can fling his arms around her shoulders and bury his face against her neck.

"Micah, I can look after the kitts at the house of a night so Rosy can get a good night sleep. I can look after them …" Jazzy starts earnestly.

"Jasmine!" I snap angrily, being forceful and dominant. "That is the last time you will try to separate either of the boys from Rosy. She is their mother. She will raise them. You will not ask for her to be ordered to give you one of them nor will you scheme to take over the care of one or both or them! Do I make myself clear?"

"But Micah! I’m your sister you should …" Jazzy begins tearfully.

"Do I have to ban you to the main house so my home is peaceful?" I demand angrily. "I will not have you starting fights with Rosy over her children!"

"This is my territory! I am the one who should be adopting the boys not her!" Jazzy fires back.

"Jazzy! No!" Mitchell orders tightly and Jazzy dissolves into tears.

"This is so up the shit! Its not fair Jazzy has to suffer because she came back!" Justin snarls angrily.

"Justin! Have you heard one word out of Rosy’s mouth against Jazzy?" Sam asks tightly, "Or is Jazzy upset because she can’t get her own way on this?"

"She doesn’t want Jazzy here at the quarters she wants her at the main house!" Justin protests.

"No, I threatened to ban Jazzy. I do not want to be having to watch out for trouble between the two of them all the time, it is going to be hard enough working out a peaceful compromise with Rosy myself!" I tell him harshly. Justin glances from me, to Rosy and back again clearly at a loss for what to say.

"I thought you two had things worked out between you," Justin says levelly.

"It’ll take time to work things out. We’ve got to figure out how to make things work peacefully," I say quietly. "Besides, I like having the boys around even though it has only been one night,"

Rosy’s story:

I don’t take my complete attention off Jazzy as Micah and Justin argue back and forth. A deep burning anger simmers within me, no one is going to separate me from my boys. I glance at them, one either side of me. They are temporarily tired from their playing, it is mid morning and time for a drink and some fruit.

"I’ve got some toys they can have!" Donovan exclaims and races off towards the bedrooms. I watch as Justin lifts Dacey off of me and carefully deposits him on one of the mattresses before returning for Terry. I am sure Justin is daring me to react to his interaction with the boys and I swallow the growl of annoyance and anger that starts to form.

The two boys stand studying Steven for a few moments and Steven gets on his hands and knees to stalk towards them slowly.

"Grrrrr, growl, grrrrr…" Steven says and both boys burst into giggles before rushing him and attempting to tackle him around the head and shoulders. I smile and watch as the two boys wrestle with him, I feel the lounge move slightly and glance at Sam beside me. He is watching them as well and turns his head to look at me as if feeling my gaze.

"It’ll be a while before we can play with that one …" Sam nods towards my stomach, "like that."

I bite back the angry retort that quickly forms. One thing I had learnt real well from Jake was to pick my battles and times for them in this stupid fascination the unborn kitt held for others.

"Its about time for a piece of fruit and something to drink for the boys," I to avoid Sam’s remark.

"My firs’!" Terry exclaims loudly and pushes Dacey making him stumble.

"Terry we do not push each other here," Micah says firmly.

"At the Cummings compound Terry and the two older boys were allowed to pick on Dacey, he got pushed off chairs when he sat beside Alan or me, Alan allowed it saying it was to do with rank. I won’t tolerate it. No bullying allowed and both get treated equal." I say firmly and glance around and I am surprised to see smiles of approval and nods.

"Micah already stopped Terry from trying to push Dacey away from the food at breakfast," Sam says quietly.

"The breakfast they are used to was cereal and toast or fruit, lunch was cheap store bought sliced meat sandwiches with fruit and supper what I cooked when I was there so at least that was balanced," I say.

"I can give them a health check if you like," Doc offers.

"Yes please," I agree, "Terry could have a speech problem or it could just be that the older two always talked baby-talk to him, Alan often did as well."

"Do both boys change into cat form?" Micah asks.

"Yes but I have only seen Terry do it once," I admit with a glance at the boys.

Justin and Donovan are in the kitchen. Justin is peeling an orange and breaking it into quarters. Donovan is placing the two plastic cups the boys used earlier on the table.

"Milk?" He asks opening the fridge.

"I’ll do it," I say as I go to get up.

"I just thought you might appreciate being able to stay sitting down and put your feet up," Donovan says sounding sulky. "Your ankles are swollen you know,"

I glance down at my feet and see my ankles are indeed noticeably swollen already today. I become aware of the faint aching in my lower legs and feet that usually accompanies it and sit back with a sigh.

"I’d better make use of the toilet before I get too comfortable," I decide and push against the back of the lounge as I climb to my feet clumsily.

"I’m going over to my house!" Jazzy declares and leaves the room hurriedly.

I hear the screen door slam before I reach the doorway and feel a sense of satisfaction. I don’t want her around the boys while I am feeling so … pregnant.

~~~~~~~~

Authors note

No I haven't forgotten Celeste is there. It was just decided that with the tension between Rosy and Jazzy to keep Celeste well clear of any trouble.

Mygypsy