CatNap

by Shelley Munro

  “So everyone keeps telling me.” Charlie, Emily and Gavin were all staring at him from where they waited, and Kiran started to feel like an exhibit in a zoo. According to Rohan and Ambar, he’d had a close shave and escaped that terror. He didn’t want to make a return. “Stop staring,” he muttered.

  His words acted as a signal, pushing the others to action. They started to race around the flattish area of tussock in front of where Emily and Charlie sat.

  “Why don’t you go and join them, Rohan?” Kiran said. “I don’t need an audience while I try this.”

  Rohan hesitated before he glided away across the tussock. Kiran relaxed a fraction when Rohan left, his chest heaving up and down as he exhaled. Pressure to shift intensified the stress. What if he couldn’t do this? Although everyone said it didn’t matter, he badly wanted to do this. For once he wanted to feel exactly like the others.

  “Can I get stuck halfway between feline and human forms?” That would really make him stand out.

  Gavin hesitated, and Kiran read the answer in his eyes before he replied. “I’ve heard of it happening, although I haven’t witnessed it in person.”

  “And if that happens is there a cure or is the feline stuck that way?” Kiran wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer for this one.

  “I’ll admit it’s not good,” Gavin said.

  “Stop trying to stall,” Charlie said. “You’re making yourself crazy imagining the worst-case scenarios.”

  “I agree with Charlie,” Emily said. “Just do it.”

  All three studied him expectantly.

  “The three of you are making me nervous,” Kiran said. “Talk about pressure.”

  “Gavin, shift and go play with the others. Now,” Emily ordered.

  Charlie smirked at his mate. “You shouldn’t mess with a pregnant lady. I’d do what she says if I were you.”

  Kiran thought that sounded like a fine idea. “I’ll call you if I need you. And if I can’t call you either Charlie or Emily will do it for me.”

  Gavin stripped down and shifted. Kiran watched the process carefully, thinking it looked painful. When he turned back to Charlie and Emily, he noticed Charlie had his fingers over Emily’s eyes.

  “Saber doesn’t like her peeking. He gets a mite testy on the subject,” Charlie said.

  “Party pooper,” Emily said, peeling Charlie’s fingers away from her eyes. “Right,” she said. “Kiran, strip off and try shifting.”

  Charlie wagged his finger at her, his mouth quirking with humor. “Don’t fall for it, Kiran. She wants to tell Saber she saw you without your clothes.”

  “I’m gonna tell Saber you were awful to me. I’m a pregnant lady, you know.”

  “Saber should put you over his knee and spank your butt,” Charlie retorted. “Kiran, this is my suggestion. Walk over to that pile of rocks over there and try shifting on your own with no one watching. That way you should be able to concentrate.”

  Like one of Ambar’s curries cooking on the stovetop, nerves bubbled in the pit of Kiran’s stomach. Fear he’d fail. That’s what it was. Fear he’d disappoint Rohan and his new friends. Dipping his head in a clipped nod, he headed for the rocks Charlie had indicated. Before he attempted a shift, he glanced across the tussock land to watch the other felines playing. They mock charged, leapt on each other and playful growls filled the air along with Charlie and Emily’s chat and laughter. They were a tight-knit bunch and they’d extended the hand of friendship to him. He had to do this. He had to shift.

  Slowly he removed both footwear and clothing item by item, placing them in a neat pile. His palms grew clammy, his breathing choppy.

  “Damn,” he whispered.

  He rubbed his palms over his thighs and inhaled deep until his lungs expanded and some of his fear receded. Gradually he let the air ease out, and while the fear remained, it was manageable. When he peeked from behind the rock, he saw Rohan and Ambar galloping around with the others. His gaze stroked Rohan’s body, memorizing the other man’s musculature. Closing his eyes, he pictured the body he’d committed to memory and concentrated hard.

  Nothing happened.

  His shoulders slumped and a raft of goose bumps prickled across his flesh. He’d failed.

  The need to run with the others soared through him along with disappointment. Instinct told him Rohan and the others wouldn’t think less of him for the inability to shift. That didn’t matter. He felt the lack inside, felt like half a man.

  Swallowing, he decided to try again. This time it felt more natural calling up the feline in his mind. The brownish orange coat with black stripes. He frowned and instinctively altered the color. Heat prickled over his skin, akin to a mild shock. He gasped, the pain taking him by surprise. Fur rippled over his skin and claws pushed from beneath his finger and toenails. His gums burned as canines pushed upward.

  A groan squeezed from between his clenched lips, the sound barely human. He dropped to his hands and knees, the ripple of pain now tinged with a touch of pleasure as his bones rippled and reformed. Then it was over and every sense screamed with pleasure. His sight. His hearing. He padded from behind the rock and ambled over to Emily and Charlie.

  “Oh my,” Emily said, her mouth curling into a wide smile. “Aren’t you pretty?”

  “A white tiger,” Charlie said. “From what I hear they’re pretty rare.”

  Elated by his successful shift, Kiran rubbed his head against Charlie’s shoulder and did the same to Emily, tempering his strength with her.

  Laughing, she rubbed her hand over his shoulder. “Go and play with the others. Charlie and I will sort out teams in a moment.”

  Kiran scampered out to join the others, savoring the myriad scents and the feel of the dry tussock beneath his paws. When he neared Rohan he slowed, making a low sound like a quick rush of air combined with a rumble. Rohan swung around, stared for an instant then chuffled in return. Seconds later he rubbed his head against Kiran in a show of welcome and contentment.

  One at a time the shifters greeted him, rubbing and scenting Kiran. Exhilarated and excited, Kiran stood his ground and let them brush against him.

  Charlie interrupted them. “Teams. Saber, Rohan and Leticia against Gavin, Kiran and Ambar. When you’re ready, I’ll toss the ball in. Saber’s team—your goal is between those two rocks there.” He gestured with his hand. “Gavin’s team—your goal is between that flat rock and the scrubby bush. Okay?”

  Saber let out a sharp growl and Gavin followed suit. Bemused, Kiran followed Gavin and Ambar. Kiran had never played a game like this before and he didn’t know what to do.

  His soft grunt attracted Gavin’s attention. What do I do? He sent his thought soaring toward Gavin, wanting answers so he didn’t make a fool of himself.

  Kiran?

  Yeah. I don’t know how to play this game. What do I do?

  You communicate. Gavin sounded shocked, and Kiran caught his quick glance at Saber and his team. Can you communicate with Ambar?

  I don’t know. Should I try?

  Hell, yeah! Gavin’s lip turned up, reminding Kiran of a human smirk.

  Ambar? Can you hear me? Gavin wants to know.

  Holy shit! She stared at him, her whiskers twitching. You can mind speak? Why didn’t you tell us? I’ve never heard of anyone doing that before. You’re a white tiger. Why didn’t we know you were white? I’m sure they didn’t mention it on the news.

  Kiran made a low rumbling sound. Gavin, is this unusual? Weird?

  We are gonna whip their asses. Kiran, Ambar and I can’t communicate, and I couldn’t hear her talking to you. It seems to me that you initiate the conversation and that shifter can communicate back. We’ll discuss it later. We’ll fan out in a line with you in the middle. I want you to keep communicating with us while we play the ball. They don’t have the advantage of knowing what their team members are going to do. Gavin rubbed his nose over Kiran’s face. Experiment a bit and see if you can overhear the others without letting them know you can talk
back.

  Ambar let out a soft chuffle, layered with inquiry. Kiran told her their plan and with a nod she trotted away. He and Gavin turned to face the others.

  Charlie stood on the sideline. “I’m throwing the ball in now. No teeth because this is the only ball we have. And remember Emily and I are the ones with the power. Our word is law.”

  The white ball sailed through the air, landing exactly in the middle of the two opposing teams. There was a second’s hesitation before each shifter sprang into motion.

  Mock growls and rumbles filled the air, the sounds different from each type of shifter. Kiran threw himself into the melee. The ball bounced near Leticia and she bound after it, batting it with her head and controlling it with her front paws. With a thump of a paw, she sent the ball rolling toward Saber. The ball hit a rock, throwing it off course. Ambar dived on it.

  Pass it to Gavin. Kiran inserted himself between Ambar and Leticia, giving Ambar time to pass to Gavin. Gavin, ball coming your way. Ambar, sneak off to the right so Gavin can pass it to you to score.

  The strategy worked perfectly, their adept passing and decoys from Kiran taking Saber’s team by surprise. Ambar hit the ball with her with her front paws and it sailed between the rock and scrubby tree.

  “One-nil to Gavin’s team,” Charlie shouted.

  Despite their advantage, the score seesawed between the two teams. The light faded, but it didn’t slow the shifters down. Kiran didn’t overhear any of the others thinking, and he could only hear Gavin and Ambar if he initiated the conversation.

  “Last throw in,” Charlie called. “Emily and I can’t see very well now.”

  This one is ours. Kiran communicated their play, and they burst into action. Saber and his team were more aware of their strategies of passing now and marked their opposites closely.

  Ambar had the ball and, with Rohan about to tackle her for possession, Kiran decided they needed an edge.

  Get ready to receive the ball from Ambar. Ambar, pass the ball to Gavin then block so they can’t get to him.

  As Kiran suspected, Rohan tackled his sister, hoping to manhandle her so Saber could sneak the ball.

  Rohan, don’t get too tired. You’re gonna fuck me tonight, and it will be really good. Saber, Emily needs you right now! Ambar, go! Pass the ball to Gavin. Gavin, the ball is coming your way.

  While Saber and Rohan paused in confusion, Kiran and Gavin completed the sneaky maneuver, scoring the goal before Saber and his teammates had a chance to recover.

  Charlie waved his arms above his head. “Score! Game to Gavin and his team. Losers buy drinks for us all and chocolate for Emily.”

  “Ooh yes,” Emily said. “Chocolate, peanut butter and banana sandwiches. That’s what I feel like for supper.”

  Saber shifted and stalked over to Emily. “Your wish is my command. Close your eyes while the others shift and dress.”

  Emily laughed and obediently closed her eyes. “One day, Saber, I’m going to manage to see. What’s so weird about the rest of them? Do they have two cocks or an extra nipple?”

  Charlie snorted with amusement, but Kiran watched him eye his partners as they shifted, sexual interest gleaming in his eyes.

  Saber kissed Emily on the forehead, the expression on his face full of tenderness. “I like you looking at me. You don’t need to look at the others.”

  “Way to go, Kiran,” Gavin said in an undertone. “I didn’t realize you were a white tiger. We’ll talk at work tomorrow. You are going to work with me, right?”

  “I didn’t realize I was a white tiger either. I think that’s why I had problems shifting. I was visualizing the wrong thing.” Kiran paused before heading to where he’d left his clothes. “I’d really like to take the job with you.”

  “Good. Eight tomorrow morning at the surgery.”

  Kiran nodded. For the first time in a long time, Kiran felt as if he were part of the community. He felt as if he mattered.

  Fully dressed, he joined the others as they made their way back to the vehicles.

  “We’ll see you at our place shortly,” Emily said.

  Kiran joined Rohan and Ambar in their vehicle.

  “Neat party trick,” Ambar said, hugging Kiran with exuberance. “I still can’t believe you’re a white tiger. Why didn’t they mention that on the news?”

  “Maybe they did mention he was white and we missed it. We only caught the headlines. What party trick? What are you talking about?” Rohan glanced from one to the other, his brow puckered in confusion.

  Ambar’s brows rose and she grinned but didn’t say anything.

  Kiran turned to Rohan. “It seems I can communicate with others while in tiger form.”

  “You? That was you talking to me earlier?” Rohan’s voice held astonishment and a touch of chagrin. “You purposely distracted me.”

  “I distracted Saber too,” Kiran admitted with a grin. “It was easy.”

  Rohan and Ambar stared at him, identical expressions of wonder on their faces.

  “Do you realize how rare that is? Being able to do that?” Rohan asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone communicating like that.”

  “Yeah,” Ambar piped in. “Not only are you a white tiger, which is rare to start with, you have a woo-woo factor going on as well.” She held up her hands and wriggled all her fingers in illustration.

  Kiran’s mouth dropped open. “Woo-woo? That makes me sound freaky.”

  “Not freaky.” Rohan started up the SUV and did a three-point turn. “You’re extraordinary. Unique.” His eyes blazed with sudden heat. “Very sexy.”

  “What did Gavin say?” Ambar asked.

  “We’re going to talk about it tomorrow when I start my new job.”

  Rohan reached out to grasp his knee and squeezed. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “I’m so glad we came to Middlemarch,” Ambar said. “That was fun. I can’t wait to do it again.” She grasped Kiran’s shoulder, pausing a fraction when he started. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I wanted to say that I’m on your team. Once we refine the communication, we’ll be a force to reckon with.” Glee shaded her tone, the sly glance she sent toward Rohan making Kiran want to chuckle. Their sibling rivalry cracked him up, and even better, he liked the way they included him in their discussions. He hoped that never changed.

  —

  Later that night, Kiran and Rohan didn’t even pretend to go to their separate rooms. They both said goodnight to Ambar and Kiran followed Rohan to his room. The door closed behind them, leaving them privacy.

  “You are gorgeous.” Rohan stalked him, pushing Kiran into the wall when their chests brushed. He brushed a lock of hair from Kiran’s face, searching deep into his eyes. Kiran didn’t bother trying to suppress his reactions, letting his emotions show without censorship. With Rohan, it seemed right and natural.

  Rohan followed the path of his fingers with his mouth. “You taste of the outdoors. Smell of it too.”

  “It was great tonight.”

  “I told you it would be okay,” Rohan said.

  “I had trouble shifting at first. I thought a shift might have helped with my memory. It hasn’t.”

  “How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t care about your past. It’s your future I’m interested in.” Rohan unfastened the buttons on Kiran’s shirt and peeled it back to expose his chest. “Gorgeous. Sexy. Perfect.”

  Their clothes and footwear melted away and they moved to the bed.

  “So I’m gonna fuck you tonight,” Rohan said. “That’s what you think?”

  A faint tinge of color collected in Kiran’s cheeks. He felt the heat and the surge of hope. “That’s what I hope will happen.” He hoped with every particle of his body, wanting to show his feelings for Rohan in the earthiest way possible.

  “You’re not going to make excuses about the possible horrors in your past?”

  “No. I’ll admit the big chunk of emptiness frightens me, but I don’t want to focus on it any longer.
I want to concentrate on us.”

  Rohan crawled over Kiran’s naked body until he smiled down at him. “I like the way you think.” He gradually settled his weight on top of Kiran and explored his mouth.

  Even though they’d fooled around together before, this time seemed more real. A world of color instead of black and white. Kiran let his tongue twirl with Rohan’s, tasting the other shifter and participating in the kiss. Their breathing became harsher, their cocks harder and the sensations tumbling through him more demanding.

  Rohan’s hands were everywhere. Tugging at Kiran’s hair, pinching his nipples. Rohan kissed his mouth, the in-and-out flicker of his tongue dragging a groan from Kiran.

  “Do you think you need much preparation to take me?”

  Kiran thought about the dreams. “I don’t think so.”

  Rohan didn’t ask why. “I’ll take things slow. It never hurts to use plenty of lube.” He stroked Kiran’s shaft, brushing his finger over the sensitive head while dipping his tongue into Kiran’s bellybutton.

  A shot of pleasure zigzagged through his lower belly, striking at his balls. His breath exploded from him in a hoarse exhalation. He shivered, arching up into Rohan’s touch.

  “Feel good?” Humor shaded Rohan’s voice.

  “Real good. Do it again. Please.”

  Rohan repeated the move, the blast of pleasure making Kiran groan. Then Rohan’s mouth settled over the head of his cock. Kiran shuddered, the hit of extra warmth curling his toes. He felt the slide of Rohan’s finger across taut balls, the gentle handling and exploration before Rohan moved on to explore another part of his body.

  “You make me feel so good, Rohan. I want this, I want you.”

  Rohan made a humming sound of approval around Kiran’s cock and ran a finger down his perineum. The firm stepping motion of his fingers combined with the suction of Rohan’s mouth made Kiran writhe, made him impatient for more. The finger circled his rosette, delicately stimulating nerves, firing his balls until he thought he might come before they reached the really good stuff.

  A single finger probed him, the stretch of tight muscles bringing a pleasurable burn. If he felt this way now, how would he feel with Rohan inside him? Damn, he couldn’t wait.