Micah:

"How is she?" Mitchell demands as Sam walks back towards the kitchen. It's close to two hours since Sam locked Rosy in the bedroom that is in reality a cage. I watch as Sam shrugs and hands the containers he is carrying to Mikkarl before turning and finding a seat in the lounge room.

"Rosy's a lot calmer now," Sam says quietly. "She seems to be pulling herself together." He watches Terry and Dacey as they play with Lego blocks, building towers and demolishing them nearly immediately. I glance at Marissa where she is sitting on the lounge holding Wynn as he sleeps, Jazzy keeps glancing down at him every few minutes smiling softly as she watches him.

"Your doctor is arriving," Jacob says as he steps into view at the door that leads into the hallway. "Lex Norton, Hank Webster and Danny Doctrill just pulled up in separate vehicles as well."

I frown as I hear this. That makes five members of the Board here. Kurt Black, Mal Inness, Cantrell Yates, Lex Norton and Hank Webster. And Marcus Farlow has been called in to act as a member - knowing this makes me feel uneasy and I glance towards Wade silently debating if I should ask what he makes of the situation.

"All board members would have a say on the adoption of the two boys," Wade says meeting my eyes. I give a slight nod of acknowledgement as I glance at Edwin, it goes without saying that the official records surrounding Wynn will be settled as well. Edwin meets my gaze for a second before looking away, his eyes dark and guarded. I grit my teeth in silence as I wonder what he is thinking or planning.

The screen door opens noisily and there are sounds of more than one person coming inside. Doc walks through the door first and Steven nods towards Jazzy as Doc glances around the room.

"So what do I need to patch up?" Doc asks heading straight to Jazzy. He stops and looks around more carefully and I realise he has noticed that Marissa has Wynn. "Where is Rosy? Is she injured?"

"Rosy asked to be locked in her old bedroom," Sam says quietly. He runs his hands through his hair, the band he had used to contain it in a neat ponytail has long since broken and his shoulder length hair is tussled from frequent combing with his hands. "She has a nasty bullet graze on her ribs but she's been changing back and forth so much that last time I saw it it was all but healed."

"You are making sure she has plenty to eat each time she changes?" Doc asks with a frown as he places his briefcase on a kitchen chair near Jazzy before opening it.

"Excuse me Micah but Baxter said you, Dwayne and Donny need to be at the main house," Justin interrupts. "Immediately."

"Mitchell should go as well, as soon as Doc sees all his patients." Wade says from the arch into the kitchen. I glance his way annoyed but Edwin is already herding him back towards the kitchen table. Dwayne and Donny start to follow Justin and I hesitate as I remember the prisoner in the containment shed and how close she must have been with Rosy at one time.

"Mikkarl when Doc finishes here take him to see if ... that woman has any injuries," I order before heading outside. I catch up to my brothers before they reach the main house. I glance at the group of warriors who have accompanied the visitors standing around, nod at several as they say hallo before I lead the way into the house to the kitchen. Baxter is there shaking hands with those who have just arrived as I enter the room and everyone turns towards us.

"Good day gentlemen," I say greeting everyone instead of individuals. I am not surprised when Cantrell Yates steps forward extending his hand, he usually takes charge when he is around.

"Baxter was saying you planned to use the back patio with the shade and fresh air," Cantrell says firmly. "I heard there was a problem with a hunter on clan land this morning, I do hope all possible mess has been cleaned up."

"No need to go into that Cantrell, since that is clan business not Board business," Kurt Black says stepping forward. Kurt turns his face towards me and gives a friendly smile. "Would it be too much to ask for a can of beer while a few matters are discussed?"

"No problem, Toohey's New alright with everyone? " I ask and receive a faint nod as he turns away.

"Shall we go and make ourselves comfortable?" Kurt asks with a glance at Baxter, Baxter gives a nod and leads the way through the kitchen to the back patio where there is sure to be plenty of chairs in the shade.

"I better take a few glasses out in case some of them are above drinking from a can," Dwayne mutters. I pat him on the shoulder as I move past to grab a few bags of chips and beer nuts while Donny and Justin get the beer from the drinks fridge. I grin when I see several cans of soda are added offering a choice of drink. I lead the way out to the patio and place the bags of snacks on a table that is used when b-b-qs are held at the house.

"Micah your brothers can take Kurt over to see if his niece will say hallo to him while we have a chat with you," Cantrell says placing his unopened can of beer on the ground beside his chair. "Mal, Baxter, I am sure you two can find something to do."

"Nice try Cantrell," Kurt says with a humourless smile. "But since neither of my nephews are here I will stay and ensure my niece's interests are protected."

"I'll be staying as well," Mal says quietly, his gaze steady on Cantrell.

"Baxter take ..." Cantrell begins tightly only to be cut off by Justin as he steps forward.

"I respectfully ask you stop ordering around those who do not belong to your clan," Dwayne cuts in stepping in front of Justin to face Cantrell. I clear my throat noisily and when Cantrell looks at me I raise an eyebrow, he clamps his jaw shut tightly and I hold his gaze for a few seconds before glancing at my brothers.

"Go reassure Marissa everything is fine," I say quietly. "You know how worried she will be."

There is silence while Baxter and my brothers leave, even when the front door can be heard shutting there is no sound from anyone as Cantrell casts dark looks towards Kurt and Mal. I sit in the chair Mal indicates and wait for someone to begin speaking.

"Shall we start this then?" Danny Doctrill asks surprising me. He meets my eyes and gives a faint nod. "I have instructions from Hank and Maurice. Stephan and Martin have been in contact with Marcus."

"You don't have to explain anything to him!" Cantrell snaps angrily. Clearly he doesn't like not being in control.

"Micah has every right to know that all members are represented here," Kurt says dryly.

"Let's just get this underway," Lex says evenly.

"First item, Tawny Rosalind McIntosh has applied to adopt the two youngest sons of the late Alan Cummings and the stray Darcy, his deceased wife. As the matriarch reclaiming her former Clan lands, my daughter Keeli, has stated she does not wish for them to remain on her Clan Territory and Miss McIntosh is welcome to them." Cantrell says sounding very formal and Kurt Black laughs earning an angry glare from him.

"Way I heard it told Cantrell, Rosy kicked your daughter's arse good and proper!" Another laugh comes from Kurt and I glance down at my hands where they rest on my thighs to hide my own grin of amusement.

"Since you are not formerly involved in this meeting I suggest you remain silent or be asked to remove yourself!" Cantrell snaps angrily.

"As the representative of my niece I have every right to be here and you know it," Kurt says coldly. "And should I remind you that I am the direct descendant of the original Australian Werecats? And as such have a right to attend every meeting held by the board."

"Let's get back to matters at hand shall we?" Lex asks smoothly.

"On the paperwork your name has been put in as ... soon-to-be-spouse I take it. You are marrying Miss McIntosh, when may I ask? Within the next month or two at the latest?" Cantrell asks sharply. I am silent for a few moments as I remember my mistake in the shower earlier. How do things stand between Rosy and me now? Is she still agreeable to the plan that had been discussed just last night?

"We are building a ... we're building a friendship, a relationship. Things are different for Rosy than for other she-kitts, young Queens," I say with assurance. "Rosy will probably always see things differently to someone clan raised and so, there'll need to be adjustments made to make things work. But I am sure we will have a functioning relationship,"

"Hmmm," Cantrell murmurs under his breath but doesn't say any more. I wait tensely for him to say some thing but he only makes several notes in the notebook he has in his hands.

"Have you seen the kitt, Tang-gwin? Yet?" Lex asks mispronouncing his name.

"Tang-wyn," I slowly taking care to pronounce the name properly. I notice all the board members take notes, probably on proper pronunciation of the name.

"I've seen him, held him, burped him and even changed his nappy when needed," I say and I can't hold back the grin that thinking of my son always brings.

"So Rosy is quite comfortable with you being in the same room as her and the new-born?" Kurt asks.

"Rosy is pretty comfortable with most of us being around. She is still very protective but she understands remarkably well that none of us would harm her son." I say seriously. "Things are still tense between her and Jazzy, Jasmine my sister. And Rosy won't even tolerate Wade in the same room," I stop talking as I wonder whether I should be revealing how relaxed Rosy can be with our clan. Hadn't both Doc and Marissa commented time after time that Rosy was very trusting with us?

"Sound familiar Danny?" Kurt asks with a laugh.

"Yeah, Kaytee stayed isolated with Rodney for over two weeks before I was allowed a second glimpse of him," Danny says sending me a sympathetic look.

"I see you are applying to have your name put down as adoptive father on the kitt's birth-certificate," Cantrell says evenly. "But there's no wedding date as yet?"

"No," I admit matching his tone.

"An engagement?" Cantrell asks levelly. I meet his gaze, I could lie and claim there was an engagement. I doubt they would be able to tell it was a lie but I would know it was a lie.

"I am very serious about Rosy McIntosh. I want to marry her and be a father to her children, all of her children even the ones who are not mine biologically. I don't believe anyone else could love those three boys more than I do unless of course it was Rosy herself." I say as I meet each set of eyes in turn. There are no comments from any of them, no sounds other than the faint scratching of pens on paper.

"What would you do if she became involved with someone else? If he was to become the father figure of those boys?" Mal asks quietly. I look at him silently for a few moments. I can't count the number of times I have asked myself this question, first about Wynn - even before he was born. And now Terry and Dacey, nearly every day since Rosy had returned with them in her care.

"I wouldn't stop loving them as if they were my own flesh and blood, but I would have to step back and let someone else fill the role of father." I smile sadly and give a slight shrug at the unhappy thought. "After all, I want what is best for them, and their mother."

"I think that is all of the questions I have," Cantrell says, his voice loosing the combative tone. "Anyone else have any questions for Mr Williamson?"

I look at Cantrell and wonder when I went from being 'young Williamson' or 'Micah' to being 'Mr'. I glance around the others as I wait to see if there are more questions and see several of them shake their heads. With no questions forth coming I clear my throat suddenly nervously.

"When do I find out the Boards ruling on the applications?" I ask swallowing around my suddenly dry throat.

"We will be wanting a few words with both of the McIntosh brothers, possibly a word or two with the sire of the kitt. We'll discuss the matter and should have a decision this afternoon, early tonight or first thing tomorrow." Lex replies with a glance at Cantrell and Hank.

"Can you send Sam or Mitchell over when you get back to your house?" Danny asks evenly.

"I'll walk back to the quarters with you and check in with both of my men if that is alright with you," Mal says getting to his feet easily. I nod my agreement silently as I get to my feet and then lead the way around the side of the house.

"Edwin being at the quarters won't cause trouble will it?" Mal asks as we near the building. "He was upset when he heard your sister had been injured."

"Mitchell won't hesitate to kick him out if there is a problem," I say with a shrug. "Edwin surprised me actually. For the first time I can remember he actually has done something that benefited everyone more than himself." I admit.

"Your brother wasn't very proud of the tom he'd become," Mal tells me in a serious tone. "He's became much more mature and aware of how his behaviour affects others,"

"What he's done in the past can't be fixed by a few simple actions," I say tightly.

"I think you would be surprised to find that Edwin judges his past mistakes harder than others do," Mal says coming to a halt and I stop and turn to face him. "He's a better tom than he and a lot of others give him credit for. All he needed was to get away from being played off against you every day,"

Mal smiles and gives a nod as I narrow my eyes at him.

"Yes, quite a few Alphas saw what was going on but no one knew what would happen when Rosy came into the picture," Mal says quietly.

I swallow my growl of annoyance as I turn and head for the door. If others saw what was happening within our clan why didn't someone speak up or do something before things had gotten out of hand? Oh that's right, the old watch but not see!

Jacob Dorrington steps outside as he opens the door and I head inside. I catch the aroma of warm roast and glance around as I step into the lounge room, first thing I notice is Wynn does not appear to be in the room and I look at Sam. He swallows a mouthful of food and glances behind me towards the door out to the bedrooms, sunroom and hallway.

"Rosy's doing much better and she wanted Wynn with her," Sam says.

"Have you seen to everyone?" I ask turning my attention to Doc. He nods and glances at Steven who is sprawled out on a mattress near Mikkarl.

"Everyone seems to be on the mend already," Doc says and reached for a steaming mug.

"You want something to eat Boss?" Mikkarl asks and prepares to stand up.

"The prisoner could do with some food and drink as well but no one seems willing to do anything until you give the word," Doc says, a question in his eyes.

"Yous should have gotten rid of her out in the bush and returned later to bury the body, not brought her back here." Wade snaps in the kitchen.

"Wade!" Marissa exclaims horrified.

"The boy is too soft!" Wade says in disgust.

"Hind sight is a wonderful thing Wade," Edwin says dryly and I move so I can see him where he stands leaning against the bench beside the sink.

"Not everything is so simple and Micah is smart enough to know it in the heat of the moment," Edwin says meeting my eyes.

"Give me some food and water and I'll go work out how much of a threat she poses," I say with a glance at Mikkarl.

"Want me to come?" Mitchell asks turning his head to look at me but making no attempt to get up from beneath Jazzy's legs as she sleeps with her head in Marissa's lap.

"No, Malcolm can come with me," I decide after a moment's hesitation.

I leave Malcolm to carry the sandwich and bottle of water as we head outside. I take note of Mal talking to Jacob a short distance from the quarters and suddenly appreciate the fact he hadn't followed me inside. Mikkarl and I are only about ten metres out the door when I hear the screen door open behind us.

"Micah I'd like a quick word with you," Edwin says and I stop as I turn to face him with some annoyance. I watch as he approaches, he looks me in the face before glancing towards the containment shed and then back at me.

"I don't live here anymore," Edwin says quietly, "so if you need to ... Rosy wouldn't have to face me every day."

It takes me a few moments to realise exactly what he is offering and it brings to mind what Mal had said to me, that Edwin had become more mature. I nod several times in acknowledgement.

"I'm hoping there is some way to avoid that," I admit quietly. "And ... thanks,"

Malcolm and I resume our walk to the shed in silence, I glance his way wondering what he is thinking but his gaze in on the ground and I turn my attention back to the shed as we approach it.

"Let me do the talking," I say before pushing the door open. We make our way to the small inner room and I take a deep breath before opening the door and stepping inside. She is sitting on the floor at the end of the cage furtherest from the cage door,

her head is turned towards us as we approach the door and I unlock it. She instantly scrambles to her feet and watches me fearfully.

"H..." Her voice breaks and she swallows several times before attempting to speak again. "How is everyone? I tried to tell the others who came I really didn't mean to shoot anyone!" I can hear fear in her voice but there is also what seems to be genuine concern.

"I'm Micah, but you know that already," I say evenly. "This is Malcolm and you're Lilly. You shot my sister, my best friend and the woman I love. Luckily for you all of them will be okay."

"Thank god!" Lilly says propping herself against the wall as she almost collapses. "I'm sorry, please believe me, I am honestly ..."

"Okay enough," I cut her off coolly. "There's some lunch here for you. Eat it or don't eat it, that's up to you but we cannot let you leave here and go telling people what you saw. For the moment you will stay here in this room but once we have taken care of some pressing matters you will be escorted to where we live. Over the next few days, weeks, months even, we will be watching you to see if we think you can be trusted to become apart of our ... family. I am sure I don't have to spell out what happens if you try to escape or you don't ... I am sure you are intelligent enough to work out we can be either human or a large cat."

"Is Tawny really going to be all right?" Lilly demands as Malcolm places the food and drink on the bunk. I almost ignore her then tell myself I need to at least be on civil terms with her if only for Rosy's sake.

"Rosy, Tawny prefers to be called Rosy," I tell her firmly and move the food and water to the end of the bunk closest to her before moving back to sit on the floor just inside the cage. "Sit down, eat or drink if you want and I will try to explain a few things."

Rosy:

I look towards the open door as I hear footsteps in the other room, Steven pauses in the doorway and I drink in the sight of him, confusion filling my mind. I open my mouth to speak but he beats me to it.

"Can I come in for a few moments?" Steven asks. His voice is low, gentle, strong and reassuring all at once and I look away as I nod.

"Yes that would be good," I say. "Can you shut the door? I need to speak to you."

"Don't know if I should. You might try to have your way with me," He jokes lightly even as he shuts the door. I look his way as I hear him approaching and drink in the sight of him as if I was dying of thirst and he was an oasis. I can still feel the hardness of his body beneath my hands, and taste him on my lips as his scent fills my mind. Just for a second panic hovers in my mind then I feel my inner cat assert her strength and quell my fears as she reassures the human side of me that this is how it should be. It is almost like watching another person as I tuck a blanket around Wynn and climb onto the empty bed to sit with my back against the headboard. Steven settles himself beside me but lays down, his head on the only pillow.

I close my eyes tightly for a moment but it's no use, I need to lie down beside him. Feel the reassurance and strength of his body against mine. I scoot down until I can stretch out beside him, and I put an arm across his body as I rest my head on his chest careful to keep away from his bullet wound. I lift my head and study the wound for a few moments, it smells slightly of antiseptic and is stitched closed. Reassured he has received treatment I rest my cheek against his chest once more. I feel his cheek brush against my hair for a few moments then he is rolling me onto my back, his lips seeking mine. Our kiss is hot and heavy, our hands clasped together with fingers intertwined. I arch into his body as his lips trail down my neck, one of his hands sliding down my body to stop against the small of my back as he presses against me. I turn my face away and close my eyes tightly. This seems so right and yet, it feels so wrong. His lips brush against the pulse at the base of my neck and I feel a long sigh brush against my skin.

"We have to stop," my voice comes out breathy and weak eliciting another sigh from him.

"I love you," Steven says quietly. I turn my head back towards him and open my eyes.

"I love you too," I admit sadly.

"But not as much as you love Micah," Steven says and kisses me on the lips gently. He lifts his head and studies my eyes a second or two before kissing me again, but this time it's different and I recognise it for the ending it is. He rests his forehead against mine as he settles his hips in the cradle of my thighs. I can feel the part of him that is swollen and hard resting against me where I am soft and moist, it would be so easy. Just remove our clothes ...

"I love him so much," I whisper. "I feel like it is everything, and yet ... it's too much. What I feel for him, it overwhelms me. I feel like I will lose myself in it and cease to exist, to matter,"

"Because you are keeping him at arms length. You keep pulling him closer and then pushing him away, you'll make him snap," Steven warns gently as he lifts his head and looks down into my eyes. "Accept that you love Micah, embrace it and your inner cat will help you to balance it so that you remain a person unto yourself. It will work out and you will still be you,"

"He did," I admit softly. "Snap I mean,"

"In the shower?" Steven asks watching me. I nod and a small smile lifts the corners of his lips.

"Was it good?" He asks and I don't know if he is aware of the way his hips press into the softness between my thighs.

"Yes," I answer pressing up against him. I can give him this, I understand that we won't cross any lines or break any rules and I begin to move beneath him. I listen to his breathing quicken and watch his eyes darken as we grind against each other. It's not enough, it's too much, and it is all we allow ourselves.

"We need ... to stop or ... I'll be needing ... to ... change my ... jocks," He warns in almost a growl and I bite my bottom lip as I lift my legs and hook my heels behind his thighs. His hardness presses against the spot I need him and I groan softly as I feel my bottom lip pull from between my teeth. His lips are on mine and we catch each others soft noises as we move against each other, he shudders and finally stills but my need still burns deep within me even if it is dimmed for now.

I turn my face away from him in sudden shame as my human side regains awareness first but I don't want to feel guilty, don't want to regret loving him and focus on the way my inner cat sees this as right.

"This will happen for real between us one day you know," Steven says softly beside my ear.

"I'll probably be on my hands and knees keeping Micah happy with my mouth while we do it," I say knowing this is how I will want it.

"Well as much as I would like to stay here ..." Steven grinds himself against me and I am not surprised to find him still half hard. "If he stumbled in on us it would give him the wrong idea. And I want the pair of you to be happy,"

I glance at him in surprise only to look away hurriedly as a rush of self-consciousness suddenly hits me. I feel his fingers grasp my chin firmly then he is forcing me to meet his eyes. I can almost feel his soul as his eyes search mine, his gaze warm and worried.

"Don't regret how you feel about me," Steven says gently. "Now as much as I would prefer to stay right here I need to get up, and shower your scent and the smell of sex off me before Micah smells it. And you need to work things out with the big knucklehead so the three of us can find a way to make things work between all of us."

I open my mouth to protest that there is only one guy for me but close my mouth without saying a word as it hits me that Steven exudes the calmness and balance I lack within myself. I feel an uncertain smile make the corners of my mouth twitch before lifting slightly.

"You go and have that shower while I put fresh sheets on this bed, and when you come back here you can watch Wynn while I shower." I manage before bitting my bottom lip.