Micah:

 “Where are Justin and Donovan?” I demand as I storm through the lounge room and fail to find them in the kitchen.

 “They’re outside,” Steven says as he steps aside out of my way. “Mitchell is out there having a few choice words with them.”

 I head outside, my anger burning inside me. What had the two of them been thinking to bring our sister over here? Surely they couldn’t be so stupid as to think everything would be fine between Jazzy and Rosy. I push the screen door open taking care not to make it slam into the wall or let it shut with a bang. I am very conscious of Rosy in the bedroom still on edge even though I had tried to reassure her.

 “What the hell were you two thinking bringing your sister over here?” I demand in an angry hiss as I walk towards where Mitchell is facing Justin and Donny. Dwayne is behind Mitchell holding Jazzy by the upper arm. I take in the mark around her throat, her bright red face and red watery eyes. It all looks superficial and no one is fussing as if she has any serious injuries.

 Justin turns to face me, he moves stiffly as if in pain and has a wary look on his face. Donny glances my way and lowers his eyes quickly. Jazzy jerks her arm trying to get free of Dwayne’s hold but he keeps a firm grip on her bringing a soft sob of frustration from her.

 “It’s not their fault! Why won’t anyone listen to me?” Jazzy demands angrily.

 “Wait your turn! I will be having a few words with you once I give these two idiots a piece of my mind for bringing you over here!” I snap at my sister before turning an angry scowl on Justin and Donny.

 “That’s what I have been trying to tell everyone!” Jazzy yells. “They didn’t bring me over here! I snuck away from them and came over here by myself! I wanted to talk to Rosy without everyone else around!”

“You idiot!” Dwayne mutters and gives her a rough shake. I stare at Jazzy for a moment shocked by her admission and shake my head in disbelief.

“That was not a smart idea!” Mitchell snaps as he turns and faces his wife.

“What on earth made you want to come over here by yourself?” I ask in astonishment.

“I was hoping … well I thought … less people around, less pressure or stress for Rosy …” Jazzy’s voice trails off from confident to totally unsure as she glances between Mitchell and I.

“You know what,” I say harshly. “Rosy is in there upset and on edge because you went in there, in the building where Wynn is. She is so upset she won’t put him down or feed him, she just keeps trying to quieten him by rocking and jiggling him, but he is upset because she is upset. The more he cries, the more on edge she becomes. And the more on edge she is, then the more he cries!”

“I didn’t mean to upset her,” Jazzy mumbles as she begins crying.

“She is in there upset and thinking she is in trouble over what happened!” I snap at Jazzy before looking at Mitchell and meeting his eyes squarely when he looks at me.

“Rosy will not be in trouble over what happened.” I order tightly. 

“Of course not,” Mitchell agrees. “But we can’t allow any violence again. You or I or both of us need to sit down with Rosy and talk about what happened calmly.”

“I didn’t mean to upset Rosy, really I didn’t!” Jazzy declares tearfully.

“How did Jazzy manage to sneak away from you pair?” Dwayne asks dryly and I turn my attention to my two youngest brothers. I would like to know the answer to that question myself.

“Yes tell us how my wife snuck away from you pair considering I said not to let her out of your sight,” Mitchell orders tightly.

“She said she was going to the toilet,” Justin says with a glance at our sister. “I waited in the laundry a bit away from the toilet door,”

 I glance at Jazzy and see her wiping her cheeks with one hand and using the back of the other hand to wipe her nose. She glances between Mitchell, Dwayne and myself before taking a deep breath.

“I removed the screen from the little window above the toilet and climbed through the window,” Jazzy says softly and sniffles noisily.

 “Mitchell would you take these three back to your house and deal with them?” I ask as I look at him. “I’d like to go back inside and see how Rosy is going,”

“Dwayne,” Mitchell says with a jerk of his chin towards the main house. Dwayne nods, points wordlessly at Donny, Justin and then the house. I watch as our two youngest brothers head towards the house, Dwayne keeps a hold of Jazzy’s arm as he escorts her behind them.

“Micah,” Mitchell’s voice catches me as I turn to head back to the quarters. I hesitate a moment before turning back to face him.

“Rosy’s … Wynn …” Mitchell’s voice trails off and I can see the fear and worry in his eyes.

“Rosy is calming down much better than I made out,” I admit tightly, “but Jazzy needs to realise how things affect Rosy and her connection with Wynn. I tried to make it clear to Rosy that there cannot be a repeat of what happened between her and Jazzy. I hope that sometime in the near future Rosy, you, Sam, Jazzy and myself can sit down and lay out some ground rules.”

“Why include Sam?” Mitchell asks evenly.

“Because he will be moral support for Rosy but I also believe he will be fair towards Jazzy as well,” I explain my reasoning. “Do you want Dwayne there as moral support for Jazzy?”

“Include Malcolm instead of Dwayne,” Mitchell says unexpectedly. “Malcolm is pretty good at understanding how things will probably affect different individuals.”

“Okay, as soon as I think Rosy is calm and balanced enough I’ll let you know,” I agree before turning and heading back inside.

“It’s me,” I call as I knock on my own bedroom door before opening slowly. I look into the room to find Sam squatting beside Rosy where she is sitting cross-legged while changing Wynn’s nappy. Both of them look my way, Rosy quickly turns her attention back to Wynn after the slightest of nods but Sam gives me a wide grin before turning his attention back to his nephew.

“How about I go see what I can find us for lunch?” I suggest. “Preferences anyone?”

“Cold roast with salads,” Sam says immediately.

“I want boiled eggs with mine,” Rosy says as she finishes wrapping Wynn up. I notice he is nearly asleep and I smile knowing his relaxed state is an indicator that Rosy has calmed down considerably. “And I want Mikkarl to fix it,”

I close the door as I leave without making a remark. Doc had warned me that Rosy and possibly Jazzy could become ‘territorial’ over ‘assets’. The two boys and any tom who could cook as well as Mikkarl was definitely under the heading Assets, luckily up until now there had been no trouble.

Rosy:

I fasten the last button on Wynn’s one piece and pick him up off the bed. Both Wynn and I are fresh from a shower and I am about to head out to the lounge room for dinner. Wynn gurgles happily in my arms as I grab the damp towel and drop it into the dirty clothesbasket on the way out. He will be four weeks old in two days and is growing and progressing with startling speed. He is about the size of a four-month-old human baby and can already roll onto his stomach, resting there with his head and upper chest held up on strong arms. He isn’t crawling yet but I suspect it won’t be long before he works out how to get onto his hands and knees instead of kicking his legs wildly.

He is full of smiles for Micah and myself, but his biggest focus in usually on Terry and Dacey when they are around. His gaze becomes fixed on them and his little arms and legs often move in a copy of a lot of their motions. He has learnt to hold and turn things in his hands, clap and even wave or point at things he wants. He starts wriggling in my arms and even bouncing against my body as I head along the sunroom.

Micah meets me at the door into the lounge room and I happily hand Wynn into his arms. I can’t describe the joy the connection between the two of them brings me and I foster it every chance I get.

“How about we let Momma come into the lounge room and sit down young man?” Micah asks Wynn and smiles at me over the head of our son. Wynn instantly begins his baby talk, he hasn’t formed words yet but has started making a lot of different sounds. I follow them into the lounge room and make myself comfortable in the middle of the lounge, I notice that everyone except for Wade, Marissa, Mitchell and Jazzy are here but I am not bothered by their absence. 

“Going to feed Wynn before the food is ready?” Mikkarl calls from the kitchen. I smile to myself, feeding Wynn just before eating has become a routine that allows me to eat in peace while Wynn is happy to roll around on the floor looked after by Sam.“How are you going this afternoon?” Steven asks as he sits beside me resting an arm on the back of the lounge behind me. I hear the soft growl that comes from Micah but ignore it as I am now used to Micah growling every time Steven or Mikkarl pay me any attention.

“I’m pretty good,” I reply as I settle Wynn in my arms. Micah stands in front of me glaring at Steven but Steven just smiles and indicates the empty place on the far side of me.

“Plenty of room if you want to sit on the lounge,” Steven tells him.

“Isn’t it your turn to cook or something?” Micah asks dryly as he sits in the empty space. I wait expectantly for a minute or two, they usually tried to push the other one’s arm off the back of the lounge so they could have their arm behind me. Just four days ago as a result I got bumped in the back of the neck by an arm that was shoved forwards, I had reacted by elbowing both of them sharply in the ribs and ordering them off the lounge. That night Mikkarl and Sam had sat beside me.

There is no silent struggle between them and I actually start with surprise as Micah’s hand settles on my leg just above my knee. I ignore both of them as I lift the hem of my shirt and guide Wynn to the breast, always eager for his feed Wynn immediately begins drinking and I relax back against the lounge. I can feel Wynn’s little hand against my breast, his fingers flexing with each mouthful, just like a kitten kneading it’s mother’s belly.

“He’s drinking?” Steven asks and I smile slightly as I nod. I know Steven prefers it when I wear a shirt that buttons down the front and he can see Wynn’s face against my breast as he drinks. It doesn’t take long before Wynn begins to fuss so I change him onto the other breast and he resumes drinking once again.

“Nearly ready?” Mikkarl asks from nearby and I lift my head to glance at him where he stands behind the lounge.

“Yeah,” I agree, “only another minute or so.”

Wynn is bright eyed and fat cheeked when I ease him away from my breast and sit him up, he looks around with interest for a few moments before burping loudly. He looks at me with surprised eyes for a moment or two before smiling widely and burping again.

“Aren’t you a clever boy,” Steven says beside me.

I feel Micah smoothing my shirt down over my breasts and rearranging it so I am covered up properly and it is Steven’s turn to growl as Micah leans close, his hand resting just below my breast on the side furtherest from him.

“Hey Mikkarl,” I call leaning forward to look towards the kitchen. “Can you bring in a frypan as well as my food? I need to remind these two brainless twits that I do not like anyone growling near me.” I glance at Steven then Micah but my tone lacks any real sting. Having accepted my inner cat and no longer fighting her it is so much easier to adapt to being around the others. What would have sent me into a panic only months ago rarely bothers me, and I find I understand so much more of their behaviour, and my own without needing things explained.

“Micah, Steven,” Sam says sternly as he lifts Wynn from my arms. “Stop upsetting my sister,”

Micah and Steven both get to their feet and head for the kitchen as Mikkarl appears carrying a plate of food in one hand and cutlery in the other hand.

“You right to eat?” Mikkarl asks. 

“Yes thanks,” I answer and accept the plate.

Terry and Dacey run in from the sunroom followed by Timny and Dwayne who had taken them to get their hands and faces washed before eating. Terry pauses beside Sam where he is seated on a mattress with Wynn on the floor in front of him. Terry drops a quick kiss on Wynn’s head before sitting at the small table set up for him and Dacey. Dacey runs to me, climbs onto the lounge and flings his arms around my neck to give me a hug and a noisy kiss on the cheek. Both boys have blossomed here with the care and attention that is lavished on them. Terry is speaking much clearer and both of them have put on weight and visibly grown since our arrival.

“Love you Momma,” Dacey announces before climbing down and hurrying to his chair.

“Love you Momma,” Terry echoes with a bright-eyed grin.

I accept my plate of food from Mikkarl as he gives me a cheeky grin and I smile back at him. Micah and Steven appear carrying a small plate each and place the food in front of the two boys, Steven hands Sam a plate of food before following Mikkarl and Micah back to the kitchen.

“You could have dished up our meals,” Steven says lightly and I glance towards the kitchen curiously as I put a forkful of fried rice into my mouth.

“Both of you have two arms, two legs and a heart beat,” Mikkarl scoffs quietly, “fix your own food.”

I hide my smile as Mikkarl comes into the lounge room carrying a full plate and takes a seat beside me.

“I hid it in the microwave,” Mikkarl says as he settles down beside me. He reaches over and spears a piece of sweet and sour chicken on my plate with his fork and holds it up in front of my face. I raise an eyebrow at him but take the bite of food delicately as I remember how at one time I would have come close to taking off his arm for daring to touch my food. 

“Did I get the sauce the way you like it?” Mikkarl asks as he watches me lick a stray drop of sauce from my lips.

“Don’t you be getting to comfortable there,” Steven warns from the kitchen. Mikkarl chuckles and offers me another bite of food from his fork, the chicken tastes different this time and I glance at him enquiringly.

“Lemon chicken,” Mikkarl supplies. “I thought I would try the recipe out,”

“It’s good,” I say around the mouthful of food as Steven strides into the room. I frown at him as he pauses near his brother, Steven hesitates a moment then sits on the other side of me where Micah had been sitting a minute or so before.

“You’re nasty,” I tell Steven with a quick glance his way. I spot several good-sized prawns in his fried rice and spear one with my fork, he catches my wrist before I can withdraw my hand and takes the prawn off the fork with his fingers. I look into his face startled and he smiles at me, I catch sight of his fingers and the prawn and the next instant I feel the prawn touch my lips. I take the prawn from his fingers letting the tip of my tongue brush his fingertips as I close my lips around the succulent meat. I hear the low growl that comes from Micah and both Mikkarl and Steven laugh, deep masculine sounds of appreciation that send a thrill up my backbone.

“Move it!” Micah snaps and I feel Mikkarl get to his feet. I give Micah a coy glance from beneath my eyelashes and I see the heat in his eyes.

I can’t help myself lately. I have been flirting with all three of the toms and encouraging all of them. Their attention is exciting and heats my blood but I am loathe to take it any further than just flirting, withdrawing before I need to make any sort of choice or commitment. Just the thought has me nearly giddy with excitement while leaving me cold with fear. 

“This food had better be good,” Micah almost snarls beside me.

“Oh it is,” I say and give a silly little giggle, I can’t help myself. “Well theirs has been,”

“Maybe I should take you for a moonlight hunt once Wynn has settled for the night,” Micah says gruffly. I can tell being the focus of my attention as soon as he sat down has soothed him.

“Mitchell and Jazzy are coming over as soon as they are finished their meal,” Dwayne says and I look his way with a frown.

“Remember, no one will let Jazzy take any of your boys,” Micah says soothingly near the side of my head as I begin to growl softly.

“I don’t want her near my boys,” I grumble beneath my breath as I begin eating once again. There is very little conversation as everyone settles down to eat, even Micah and Steven are silent forgoing their competition for my attention. 

Once dinner is eaten and everyone has their plates in the kitchen sink I sit down on the mattress where Sam has Wynn and lift him into my lap. Each night after eating Terry and Dacey get to sit down holding Wynn for a few minutes each. Both boys enjoy their time with Wynn and are always on their best behaviour between meal time and bedtime.

Micah and Steven get to their feet and bring the two boys over to me, Terry stands still holding Micah’s hand as he stares at Wynn but Dacey is dancing excitedly as he twists and twirls in Stevens grip.

“Get Terry to sit down cross legged,” I instruct as I always do. I watch as Micah sits Terry down and when he is still I ease Wynn from my arms and lay Wynn across Terry’s legs. Terry’s eyes go wide and he looks to me for reassurance, I smile and nod at him.

“Are you giving Wynn a cuddle?” I ask. Terry nods and drops a kiss on Wynn’s forehead. 

“Can Dacey have a turn now?” I ask Terry softly after a few minutes. Terry nods and pats the blanket covering Wynn gently.

“Sit Dacey down?” Steven asks.

“Yes,” I reply. The process is repeated with Dacey who wraps his arms around Wynn and holds him as he stares down at him.

“Dacey, Day-cee,” Dacey says trying to get Wynn to say his name.

“Wynn is too little to talk yet,” Steven tells him.

“Jazzy!” Both Micah and Dwayne exclaim and I look up to see Jazzy walk boldly around the lounge to sit down cross-legged beside Dacey.

“My turn next!” Jazzy announces with her usual air of self-assurance. I growl as she meets my started gaze and raises an eyebrow at me, it’s then I realise she is trying to bluff her way through our meeting to cover the fact she is scared I will reject her presence around Wynn. I get to my feet as I battle the urge to throw myself at her in an attack but I am highly aware of how close she is to both Dacey and Wynn who are both very vulnerable. 

“Jazzy,” Micah warns in a low almost growl.

“Maybe you should wait your turn,” I say to her as Sam lifts Wynn out of Dacey’s arms, “all the guys have been waiting fairly patiently through supper.” I tell her as Sam moves back several steps as Steven lifts Dacey into his arms and moves him away as well.

“Stay calm,” Micah warns.

“Why can’t I have a hold of him?” Jazzy asks as she gets to her feet and reaches out to brush the silky hair back off Wynn’s forehead. It is more than I can bare and I lunge for her but a strong arm catches me by the waist and swings me away from her. I snarl as I struggle trying to turn back towards her and my kitt. I can hear the blood roaring in my ears as strong arms wrap around me, hands catching my forearms. I jerk my head trying to see were Jazzy is and what she is doing to Wynn but I am turned so I am unable to see. I jerk my head back hard, bright spots swimming in front of my eyes as the back of my head makes violent contact with something hard. I dimly hear Micah grunt softly then I am being turned to face towards Wynn once again.

I get a glimpse of Mitchell pulling Jazzy out of range and behind the lounge, I turn my head looking for my boys frantically and am relieved when I see Steven has Terry and Dacey against the wall while Sam holds Wynn. Both are well back out of my reach while several of the toms are between them and me and Jazzy. I can hear Mitchell telling Jazzy off for pushing past him and Micah is murmuring to me promising everything is okay, no one will take my boys.

I ease up my struggles as I become sure that what Micah is saying is actually happening. Finally I give a tired sigh and stop struggling. I feel Micah’s face brush my hair near my ear as he continues to talk softly to me and finally I am able to lower my head and break eye contact with Jazzy confident in the knowledge she is not a danger to any of my boys.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset Rosy,” Jazzy is saying and I lift my head to give her an angry glare but look away when Micah urges me to. 

“Mal called on behalf of Edwin, he wants to be here early tomorrow morning when two representatives of the Board of Governors are here tomorrow to finalise matters surrounding Wynn and to decide on the guardianship of the two boys …”

“They are my boys!” I snarl and Micah forces me to sit down.

“As I’ve already said,” Micah says seriously, “I’ll be applying to have my name put down as father in the Werecat records as well as supporting Rosy in regards to the two boys.”

“You know they’ll be pushing to marry Rosy off as quickly as they can?” Sam asks. “We could tell them Rosy and Micah are working at getting together at some future stage. At the moment we concentrate on making sure Rosy keeps all her boys?”

“Sounds reasonable,” Mitchell says and looks at Micah.

“I’ll say right now that if I agree to this then I get the respect and consideration as if we are a couple,” Micah says in a hard tone.

“I’m not agreeing to anything I don’t know the details of!” I protest as I shove at Micah’s hands trying to move away from him.

“I am not letting that lot force me to do something I don’t want to!” I say suspiciously as I take Wynn and lift him to my breast to feed again, just the sensation calms me but I remind myself not to relax too much.

“Were you scared when you had him all by yourself?” Jazzy asks and I glance at her quickly before focusing back on Wynn.

“Didn’t have time, he came so fast,” I say quietly.

“I would be terrified if I was alone when I had a baby,” Jazzy says with feeling.

“Jazzy how about you sit over there in the armchair while we put the two boys to bed … Micah were do you want them?” Dwayne asks.

“They can sleep in the room with me,” I snap making it clear I am in charge of the boys.

“Whoever comes tomorrow will want to see where you and the boys have been sleeping. It’s best if they are in the sun room as usual and it looks like you have been sharing the room with a tom,” Sam says once Timny and Dwayne have taken the two older boys off to bed.

“Oh? And what? You just lining up for the chance are you Micah? What about my right to choose?” I demand angrily. “I had that taken away from me too many times already!”

“It will always be your choice,” Micah says tightly. “But if and when you decide on someone else you do not do it in my room or my bed. You choose a time I am not here or you go elsewhere. You do not walk around reeking of sex with someone else and if he knows what’s good for him he won’t come near me smelling of you!”

I can’t help it I look at Micah. My heart is pounding and feels as if it is lodged in my throat. He meets my eyes and something twists and turns inside me at the expression in his eyes, my throat thickens and my lungs burn for lack of air as I realise he has stolen my ability to breathe leaving me to I look away as I take a shaky breath. Thoughts of Steven and Mikkarl flick through my mind as well. I don’t want anything to change. I don’t want to have to choose one of them yet. I’m not ready. I can’t do it.

“When you wean Wynn all bets are off,” Steven says. I glance his way and a sliver of something sharp and tingly shoots through my body, his gaze is heavy lidded and full of promises unspoken.

“Until then I have to submit to Micah?” I ask tightly letting my displeasure seep into my voice. “Put on some act so the ‘Board’ leaves me alone?”

“Submit?” Micah questions coldly, “If we agree to this there’ll be no submitting, if you’re under me you’ll be as warm and needy as before!”

“Why can’t I just remain single? Unattached?” I demand.

“They won’t like it, won’t let it happen,” Mitchell says shaking his head.

“So the Board as in the Were Board of Governors doesn’t like single mothers?” I ask.

“It’s probably the fact that there seems to be no father figure for Wynn,” Steven says quietly, “Or for Terry and Dacey, young toms need someone to look up to.”

“What’s wrong with my brothers? They’re strong male figures? Or for any of you lot for that matter?” I demand.

“Old fashioned standards. If an Alpha dies and leaves young kitts then the Queen gets remarried within a year, two at the most.” Micah says evenly.

“Survival of the species,” I say as I realise the motive behind it all at last and meet Micah’s gaze without flinching, “You won’t expect me to be available whenever the mood takes your fancy?”

“Did I ever?” Micah asks quietly and I remember all the times he had simply held me, his body hard with arousal even though he had made no advances. I ease Wynn away from me, he is asleep and milk dribbles from one corner of his mouth.

“How will we make this work?” I ask.

“For a start we share a room with Wynn in it,” Micah says, “Just you and I, Sam can stay if you need the reassurance of his presence while Wynn is so young. Steven okay with you to look after the two older boys of a night in the sun room?” 

“Yeah,” I agree.

“I’ll help Steven with the boys at night,” Mikkarl says firmly.

“Either of you come into my room after we go to bed and I’ll hand you your arse on a plate,” Micah warns tightly and both Steven and Mikkarl exchange glares with Micah.

“I’ll help him,” Sam says moving slightly and narrowing his eyes at the brothers.

“Me too,” Mitchell breathes quietly.

“There’ll be no fighting around Rosy and the baby!” Jazzy snaps.

“I’m going to bed,” I say getting to my feet, “Wynn will wake me up every two or three hours.” I head for the door and glance back over my shoulder relieved when I see it is Sam who is following me.

“I’ll help you get settled,” Sam tells me and I slow slightly to let him walk beside me along the sunroom.

In the bedroom I settle Wynn in the nest of bedclothes before lying down beside him and stretching out comfortably, I glance at Sam as he kneels beside me to tuck the covers in around my back.

“He’s one handsome little boy,” Sam says admiringly as he pauses to stare down at Wynn.

“Hmmm, I agree but then I might be biased.” I answer with pride.

“Micah will probably want to sleep here with you from now on,” Sam warns quietly.

“As long as he doesn’t try to touch me and start things between us, or get between me and Wynn,” I say tightly. 

“I think you’ll find Micah will understand,” Sam tells me soothingly. I shrug and close my eyes, I’m tired and I know it won’t seem like long before Wynn is awake wanting to be fed.

     ~~~The following morning ~~~

The early morning sunlight filters through the leaves making golden patterns on the warmly wrapped bundle that is Wynn as Micah carries him. It feels strange that he is not in my arms and they ache to hold him as I walk between Micah and Dwayne towards the house. A soft breeze blows in my face and I close my eyes as I lift my chin slightly allowing the air to flit across my face almost playfully. My inner cat is prowling restlessly and I can feel her stretching within me, testing the strength of my control as she seeks to be released. I heave a sigh and stretch my arms downwards at my side, pointing my fingers and tensing my shoulders in imitation of her stretch within me.

“Sam and Mitchell are in the house talking to Baxter, why don’t you let me take Wynn inside to them while you walk towards the trees. I’ll leave Wynn with Sam and then come out and join you for a run before Edwin gets here? We still got over an hour,” Micah urges.

“No, I’ll stay with Wynn.” I deny without looking towards the tree line.

“Go on,” Dwayne urges, “Anyone can see you’re nearly busting out of your skin. Your cat wants to run, she hasn’t been able to for while has she?”

I stop in my tracks as I take a deep breath and make the mistake of opening my mouth as I inhale. The rich aromas of a crisp winter morning hit me and I shudder with longing to run in the frost damp grass.

“I’ll keep you company until Micah joins you,” Dwayne offers as he watches me knowingly. I glance at Wynn where he sleeps in Micah’s arms, he has just fed and should sleep another two hours at least.

“I …” I start to protest.

“No arguing, you know you need to change and run for a while.” Micah says firmly. “You’ll feel much better afterwards,”

“Okay but only for ten minutes or so,” I agree reluctantly. “I can’t leave Wynn for any longer than that!”

“ I’ll be there as soon as this young fellow is safely with his Uncle Sam,” Micah says with a smile before turning and heading for the house. I glance between the house and the quarters, it is too open and lacks privacy so I decide to wait until I reach the tree line before stripping and changing to cat form. I am nearly a quarter of the way to the tree line when the house door slams and I hear distant running steps, I glance back over my shoulder poised for flight.

“You’re not leaving us behind!” Steven yells from the quarters and I glance his way to see Mikkarl, Donovan, Kirby and Malcolm with him. I smile to myself and turn towards the trees already running leaving Dwayne behind. Even in human form I am fast and I make it to the tree line well ahead of Donovan and Mikkarl who have changed the fastest. In the shelter of the trees I dodge through the under growth on two feet thrilling in the chase, being pursued suddenly no longer holds any terror for me as I know and trust those following me. I hear the crunch of dead leaves as heavy paws land on them and I struggle to control my breathing as I climb a tree and stretch out on one of the thick lower limbs to look back over the ground I have covered. 

A stealthy black form slinks amongst the trees not too far from where I hide and I smile as I see the crook half way up the tail – Mikkarl, he’s fast I must remember that. Steven gives a coughing call further to the east and I look beyond

Mikkarl searching for a glimpse of him, he’s calling me hoping I’ll come to him. A roar comes from the clearing beyond the trees but it’s not angry as I expect, Micah is calling secure in his dominance. Suddenly being chased by my clan mates is not the terrifying experience I remember, it is an exciting and exhilarating test of my abilities.  I lick my lips with excitement and back down from the tree careful not to make a sound, I whirl at a slight sound to one side and smile as I watch Donovan walk out of a bush in his cat form. 

“Don’t tell anyone,” I whisper very quietly before turning and melting into the shadows. I slide each foot beneath the debris on the ground before putting my weight on it as I move noiselessly, I have to be extra careful in human form to be silent. I stop every few metres listening for any clue that someone is creeping up on me but the sounds of movement are all somewhat distant. I reach one of the small gaps in the trees and halt instead of walking out into the open, I turn my head as I listen but hear nothing. There is no rustle of small animals moving, no birds calling and I know there is a cat nearby. I carefully study the shadows beneath the trees and surrounding the bushes scattered among them, finally I spot a shadow within a shadow and smile as I recognise Micah. He is watching the edges of the trees and hasn’t seen me yet, carefully I ease back three steps before turning and taking off at a run.

I know he has heard me when he grunts with satisfaction and begins chasing me. I glance back over my shoulder and see his large dark form the instant before I catch my foot on some obstacle and tumbling face first to the ground. I lay motionless not moving as I steady my breathing and heartbeat, I can hear him changing back to human form and don’t react when he finally moves forward on two feet.

“Rosy! Rosy! I didn’t mean to scare you!” Micah declares worriedly. “It’s alright, you’re safe …”

I allow him to put a hand on my back before brushing my hair away from my face, his fingers brush my cheek lightly and then I am scrambling up onto my hands and knees then running once again with a breathless laugh.

“You minx!” Micah laughs and I can hear him chasing me. I don’t look back as I dodge around trees and between bushes, I know he will catch me soon as he is the fitter but I don’t want it to be too quick.

Suddenly there is a black cat in front of me and I recognise Steven just as I am pulled to a halt and find myself pinned against a tree by a hard body, his chest is heaving and I can feel it brushing against me as I pant for breath. Micah feels warm and solid against me as his hands weave through my hair before tilting my head up to accept his kiss. It is hard and hot like him making me realise that by running I have triggered his hunting instinct but I automatically open my lips beneath his kiss. Micah may have caught me but I have won this race.

I am pulled hard against his chest and one hand pushes in the small of my back forcing my hips against his as he lifts me against him. His hard thick length throbs against the softness between my thighs as he pulls one of my legs up around his waist and I begin pushing against his chest as I try to turn my head away to break the kiss. The bark of the tree at my back presses into me even through my clothes and I whimper against his mouth in both pain and need as he grinds his hips against me. Finally he lifts his head and I gasp for air as he drags his mouth down the side of my throat before running his tongue down between my breasts.

“Micah stop …” I gasp even as he pushes my shirt up to expose my breasts, “No Micah …”

“Get off her!” Steven yells and suddenly I am released to drop to my feet and clutch the tree for support as Steven and Micah stand toe to toe in front of me.

“Stop it both of you!” I demand shakily and two male faces turn towards me, the wild urge to hunt has left Micah’s face but his eyes are dark with desire as he eyes me. Excitement dances deep in Stevens eyes and his nostrils flare with each breath and I realise he can smell my awakened desire, he glances at Micah then smiles at me as he licks his lips.

“Maybe you want to play some before heading back,” Steven’s voice is low and seductive. “Between the two of us I’m sure you’ll find something you like,” 

I take a deep breath and press back against the tree as I eye the two eager toms in front of me as Micah glances between Steven and I, his eyes narrowed assessingly. Excitement shoots through me as I feel my inner cat really take notice, why should we choose between them when we can have both? I feel the smile curve the corners of my mouth and I slip my left foot to the side ready to move.

“Can’t catch me,” I say breathlessly and dash beneath a reaching arm. I can hear them close as I dodge around trees and bushes, I can’t contain the happy laughter as I press against a tree trunk hiding as both toms rush past chasing me. I shriek and run back the way I came but I can hear them closing in behind me.

This time it’s Steven who catches me. He presses me back against a tree trunk for a few moments, each deep breath pushing his chest hard against me. He cups my face in both of his hands and then his lips are on mine, hot and hungry as his tongue slips between my lips. He tastes savoury, smoky and spicy as if he had not long eaten something marinated. His kiss is hot and demanding, then he changes it to teasing and light. I moan beneath his mouth as he turns me away from the tree. Suddenly Micah’s hard body is pressed against my back pressing me forward against Steven’s chest. I rest my hands on his shoulders and trail my lips over his cheek as I feel Micah nuzzling against one side of my neck from behind.

Micah’s fingers bite into my hips before he releases one hand to run it along the top of my jeans as he nips at my earlobe. I push my bottom back against the front of his hips and I am rewarded when he thrusts against me. Again Steven cups my face in his hands and kisses me. I grasp his wrists and moan against his mouth as I return the kiss eagerly. I miss Micah’s hard body against my back for an instant then his fingers are digging into my hips as he pulls me backwards. A hand slides across my stomach and then he is tugging at the front of my jeans and I feel my arousal gush freely. I struggle to turn my face away, I want to be able to see the look on Micah’s face as he pulls my jeans off. I want to beg him to strip me naked before he takes me hard and fast.

“Both of you get away from Tawny! Now!” The sharp feminine voice startles all of us and both toms turn away from me, stepping in front of me. “Don’t you weirdo’s have any clothes? Stay where you are! No! Move away from Tawny! Now! I’ll shoot! Don’t think I won’t!”

I look beyond Micah and Steven to see Lilly standing a comfortable human distance away from us pointing a pistol our way, she is dressed in creased hiking clothes and looks like she has been in the surrounding bush for a couple of days. She raises her hands slightly and motions to one side with the gun, my heart leaps into my throat as I see the fear and desperation in her face.

“Move now!” Lilly orders. There is a slight quaver in her voice, obviously she has been thrown by their lack of clothing and I begin praying that no one else blunders into the immediate area and startles her.

“Just put the gun down …” Steven says as he raises one hand in the universal signal for stop as he takes a step forward. There is the sound of a shot and Steven staggers back several steps, one hand going to his right shoulder as he grunts in pain. I hear Mikkarl yell in disbelief at the same time someone roars.

Lilly glances around startled, the gun wavering as she looks for some new threat. I hear the near silent thuds of racing paws and press back against the tree in horror. I can’t believe it! I’m about to see my friend torn apart in front of me.

“Jazzy!” Micah screams his sister’s name in an agonised tone and I recognise the next roar of rage. I watch horrified as Lilly gasps, fires the gun and turns back towards us, raising her hands shoulder high as she sights down the gun.

“No!” My entire body explodes in pain but my rage blots it out as my front paws hit the earth and I arch my back as my back feet come up on the outside of them, then my powerful hind quarters propel me forwards. I can smell burnt gunpowder and I watch Lilly’s eyes grow huge as I screech my rage, her hands are shaking and I roar in fury as my front paws strike the earth once again. I feel the powerful thrust of my hindquarters as swerve even as I launch my attack. My paw strikes her shoulder as my jaws snap at the hand that hits me. She falls over backwards under my weight dropping the gun. I circle warily then grab her by the shoulder and shake her roughly.

She’s murdered Micah! She’s too good of a shot to have missed!

“Rosy no! Stop Rosy! Stop!” Micah is yelling and I back off with an enraged growl.

“How is she?” Steven yells to someone and I look away from the motionless human as I remember Jazzy. I spot Mikkarl and Donovan crouched over a motionless shape on the ground and I screech my rage as I rush towards them.

“Rosy! No!” Donovan yells jerking upright as he holds one hand out towards me as if he can ward me off but I charge past him and push Mikkarl out of my way as I sniff Jazzy anxiously. She is already changing back to her human form and I whine anxiously as I smell blood on her head and long to lick the shallow graze there but there are no other wounds on her body. Suddenly Dwayne is there pushing himself between us, grasping the sides of my neck as he forces my head away from Jazzy.

“Rosy let us help Jazzy!” Mikkarl demands but I turn towards him with a snarl when his hand brushes my back.

“Rosy! You are not helping! Stop that now!” Dwayne commands and I turn away with a growl. I stalk towards where Malcolm is pressing hard against Steven’s shoulder and walk by twitching my tail angrily as I make my way to where Micah is using Lilly’s belt to tie her wrists behind her back. She is looking between Jazzy and I with stunned disbelief on her face.

“The bullet grazed the side of her head,” Mikkarl says, “its not very deep and she’s coming around already.”

“Steven?” Micah questions.

“I’ll live,” Steven grunts and I turn to walk past him once again. “Micah, that last shot … I didn’t hear it come past …”

“Wh… oh shit! Rosy come here!” Micah calls urgently and I turn to pace restlessly. I prick my ears towards Lilly and bare my teeth as I feel the urge to destroy this threat so close to my kitts.