CatNap

by Shelley Munro

  Kiran had kept for this long. A few more days meant little because he’d still die.

  Death was the only way to clean up this mess.

  —

  Two Weeks Later

  “Have you had any more dreams?” Gavin asked.

  Kiran shook his head. “Not really. My days are pretty busy now that I work for you and help out at the store.”

  Gavin glanced over at the only other customers at Storm in a Teacup, took a bite of his ham sandwich and studied Kiran while he chewed.

  “What?” Heat seeped into Kiran’s cheeks because of the intensity of Gavin’s survey. He scratched the back of his neck and grabbed his juice.

  “You seem tired. If I were Emily I’d point out the love bites on your neck.”

  Kiran almost choked on his mouthful of juice. He swallowed and aimed for calm. “Lucky you’re not Emily, then.”

  A smirk spread across Gavin’s face. “Hi, Emily. How are you doing?”

  “It depends on who is asking,” she said, sliding into the seat Kiran pulled out for her. “If you’re gonna fuss like Saber and treat me like a fragile doll, I’m fine. If you’re asking as my doctor I have to say I’m feeling a bit tired. It’s good to get off my feet. Kiran, what have you and Rohan been doing? I can see two hickeys on your neck. Unless you want to mate you should steer away from the mating site.”

  Kiran managed a straight face when Gavin smirked at him, even though he wanted to laugh at her lecture. “Rohan and I are making out like rabbits.”

  “Glad to hear it, but take care.” Emily switched her attention to Gavin. “Maybe you could mention to Saber that I’m healthy as a horse and just because he’s managed to get me pregnant he doesn’t need to stop. You might inform him that pregnant women have needs.”

  Kiran clapped his hands over his ears. “I’m pretty sure an unmated male shouldn’t hear that kind of stuff.”

  Emily reached for his hand and tugged. “Gavin might need a backup. Saber mightn’t believe him. I need you to confirm to my husband that I have needs.”

  “Saber is worried about you,” Gavin said. “It’s hard for a male to watch his partner go through a pregnancy, but I’ll talk to him for you. I want you to take it easy. Leticia would love to help out more and feel useful.”

  “Actually, I’ve been thinking about adding children’s birthday parties to our services, and maybe birthday cakes. Maybe now is a good time to do some planning and costing,” Emily said, her eyes narrowing while she thought. “Tomasine and Isabella are always underfoot. I might reorganize the roster and do some planning.”

  “You could also do special-theme dinners or special nights for Valentine’s Day or a midyear Christmas dinner,” Gavin said.

  “That’s a wonderful idea,” Emily said, her eyes sparking with enthusiasm. “I have plenty of help. I might have a chat with Ramsey. He’s home on holiday at the moment.”

  “Ramsey stays with Felix and Tomasine,” Gavin said to Kiran. “He’s what seventeen or eighteen now? He’s training to be a chef.”

  “Ramsey is eighteen in a couple of months,” Emily said. “Thanks for the suggestions, Gavin. I can’t wait to get started. Don’t forget to talk to Saber.” She jumped to her feet and, after pausing to speak with the other customers, disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Are you going to be popular with Saber?”

  Gavin shrugged, his slight grin giving away the fact he wasn’t worried. “Probably not, although with a new project Emily might actually slow down a little. We’ll go and see Saber after we’re finished here. I know you want to wait, but I think we should tell him about you being able to communicate with animals.”

  They’d had this conversation a couple of times. “I don’t want people to think I’m a freak.”

  “Hell, I wouldn’t employ anyone I considered a freak,” Gavin said, his tone a fraction testy. “I don’t treat you any differently and neither do Rohan or Ambar. You can trust Saber.”

  “I’ll think about it. I promise.”

  —

  They found Saber at the cattle yards, the bawl of cattle loud and dust swirling through the air.

  “Need a hand?” Gavin asked, leaning out of the SUV window. “Barring an emergency, our next job isn’t until two.”

  “I’m trying to decide which cows to send to the show next month. I’ll need to work with them and get them used to handling again,” Saber said.

  “You want to do your magic?” Gavin asked quietly. “This is a good opportunity. You should let Saber know, if you’re intending to stay in Middlemarch.”

  He wanted to stay. He took a deep breath. “You’re right. I’ll do it.” Kiran felt a glow of belonging and couldn’t suppress his grin. “I don’t mind Saber knowing, but I wouldn’t want it to become public knowledge. I really don’t want to become known as the town freak.”

  “I told you Saber is totally trustworthy. Once he accepts you into his circle, he’ll protect you with his life.”

  Kiran scanned the milling cows and calves, sensed their distinct nervousness. He didn’t think it had anything to do with their shifter status since they’d be used to that. “All right. I’ll give him a demonstration. That’s probably best.”

  “I can’t wait to see this.” Gavin climbed out of the SUV and joined Saber.

  Kiran wandered over to stand beside them.

  “What do you want to do?” Gavin asked.

  “It would be good if they’d stand still so I could get a look at each cow and calf and decide which pair has the best chance of winning a ribbon at the show,” Saber said, his frustration clear.

  Kiran pressed his face against the timber of the yards and peered through the gap. What’s the problem? Why are you so nervous?

  Sending us to abattoir.

  No, he’s trying to decide which of you will represent the farm at the agricultural show next month. He’s hoping some of you will win ribbons.

  No death?

  No, he’s looking for a champion. Can mother and offspring line up together so he can decide who will help him win at the show?

  The bawl of the calves halted. The dust settled, and Kiran watched in satisfaction as the animals lined up with the cows at the rear and their calves in front of them. Then he turned to Saber.

  “What the hell?” Saber’s eyes widened and he rubbed one eye before focusing again.

  “Kiran, tell the calves to turn slowly so Saber can see them from the side,” Gavin said.

  Kiran passed on the instruction and every calf turned and faced the other way.

  “Does that help, Saber?” Gavin wasn’t very successful in keeping the laughter from his voice.

  “You?” Saber turned to nail Kiran with a hard look. “You can communicate with them?”

  Kiran took a careful step back before he realized Saber was in total control and didn’t intend to hit him. Embarrassment stained his cheeks, and he was glad no one else was present to witness his shame.

  “Easy, Saber,” Gavin said. “We haven’t known for that long. Kiran didn’t realize he could communicate with animals. He’s been a bit worried about telling people in case they think he’s weird. It’s hard enough now with him not able to remember his past.”

  “It might be weird but it’s also incredible. Hell, impressive. Just animals?” Saber asked.

  Kiran watched him closely. “Animals and shifters when they’re in animal form.”

  Gavin added, “With shifters he can only communicate on a one-to-one basis. They can send thoughts back to him and carry out a conversation, but he can only do that with one shifter at a time. Or that’s what we’ve discovered so far.”

  “Amazing,” Saber said. His eyes narrowed suddenly. “That’s how you guys seemed one step ahead of us all the time when we played soccer.”

  Gavin grinned, and when Kiran finally decided Saber wasn’t going to thump him, he smiled cautiously too.

  “Our secret weapon,” Gavin said. “He’s a natural with animals and his ability to communicate
with them speeds things up when we’re not sure of a diagnosis. He’s turning into a damn fine assistant with both sides of the practice.”

  Saber picked a piece of grass and chewed on the stalk. “And you still don’t remember your past?”

  “No. I’ve had a few dreams that seem real but other than that, I can’t remember a thing.”

  “If you decide to stay in Middlemarch and continue with Gavin, we’ll help you with some formal training, if that’s what you want,” Saber said finally.

  “You’d do that for me?” Kiran asked, shock and pleasure combining. He wasn’t sure which emotion to allow free range. A lump formed in his throat, and he had to swallow a couple of times before he could even think about speaking again. He scratched the back of his neck, absently noting a sliver of pain. He stopped scratching. “Doesn’t it matter about my past?”

  “Our pasts shape us,” Saber said, “but it’s the way we live in the present that men should judge us by, especially if the past is something we can’t change. You’ll be a real asset to the community.”

  An asset? “Thank you,” Kiran said finally. “Ah, you’d better choose your cattle before they get tired of standing still.” He couldn’t wait to tell Rohan. Pride filled him now. He felt at home in Middlemarch with both family and friends.

  “I can’t make up my mind between the cow on the far right and the one second from the left,” Saber said.

  Kiran instructed them to step forward with their calves and walk the length of the yard and back. Both cows came to a halt in front of Saber and waited.

  Saber blinked. “Did you tell them to do that?”

  “Yeah.” An itch started at the back of Kiran’s neck. “Do you want them to do anything else?”

  “No. Damn.” Saber shook his head. “I’m finding it difficult to get my head around this. You can talk to all animals?”

  “Most,” Kiran said. “Not birds though.” A loud moo interrupted Kiran. “They want to know which one you’ve chosen.”

  “If you’re willing to help me prepare them and attend the show in Dunedin, I’ll take both.”

  Gavin grinned. “Rohan might have some complaints, but it’s fine with me. Kiran?”

  Kiran hesitated, unsure of what Saber wanted from him. What Gavin expected as his boss. He might say it was fine, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be repercussions at a later date.

  “Why don’t you think about it?” Saber said. “Discuss it with Rohan and Ambar because I know you help out at the store as well. You can let me know in a couple of days. Could you tell the cattle they’re both going to the show? And if you could tell them we’re going to practice leading tomorrow morning when it’s cooler, I’d appreciate it.” He strode to the gate and opened it. “Ask them to return to the same paddock they were in this morning. I’ll be there to open the gate shortly. Man, I wonder if I can clone you,” he muttered. “I’ll be back in ten.”

  “I told you Saber would be fine,” Gavin said, clapping him over the back.

  “Do you mind me working with him?”

  “It’s fine with me. You’ll have to work with the cattle in the early morning or evenings anyway because of the heat. It won’t affect work much.”

  “Thanks.” The back of Kiran’s neck started to itch again. “Gavin, can you take a look at the back of my neck? It’s itchy as hell. It’s become worse since I started to shift.”

  “Bend your head.” Gavin walked behind him, and Kiran felt the pad of his finger smooth over the itchy spot. “It’s inflamed.”

  “I’ve been scratching it a lot.”

  Gavin ran his finger over it, pressing harder.

  Kiran flinched.

  “I think there’s something in there. Let me get my bag.”

  Saber arrived back after only five minutes. “Shifting the cows and calves normally takes ages. They walked straight to the gate and waited for me. One of the cows I picked licked me.” He sounded bemused, and Kiran didn’t think anything threw Saber. “What’s up?”

  “Come and look at the back of Kiran’s neck,” Gavin said.

  “What is it?”

  “Not sure.” Gavin prodded with his finger again. “Kiran, I think I’ll be able to dig whatever it is out, but it might hurt.”

  “Go ahead. The itching has been driving me crazy today.”

  Gavin pulled something silver from his bag and stepped behind Kiran, out of sight. Not being able to see the two men made Kiran nervous even though he knew they wouldn’t hurt him. Something else he didn’t understand about his character, although if the dreams were based on fact that might account for his distrust.

  He felt a sharp burn.

  “Don’t move, Kiran.” Gavin’s tone held command, and he obeyed the order to remain still instantly.

  “Is that what I think it is?” Saber asked.

  “Yep, looks like a tracking device to me.”

  “A tracking device? Someone put a tracking device in me?” Hell, he didn’t like the implications nor the fact someone felt they owned him or that they wanted to keep tabs on him.

  “What do you want me to do with it?” Gavin asked Saber. “Should we destroy it? Don’t move yet, Kiran. I want to put some antiseptic on the wound and a plaster. It’s not bleeding much and you’ll heal fast.”

  “I don’t like this,” Saber said, moving into Kiran’s range of vision. “But if someone tracks you it might help you regain your memory.”

  “Someone tried to send me to the Auckland Zoo,” Kiran snapped. “It’s a safe bet I was meant for incarceration and someone wanted to dispose of me. It was bad enough before, knowing I might bring danger to Rohan and Ambar. But that tracking device is like a ticking bomb. My presence puts you all in danger.”

  Saber waited, listening. “We’re a close-knit community. We protect what’s ours, and you belong to us now.”

  Kiran’s mouth opened and closed, not a sound emerging. He belonged to them. His throat tightened and he teared up. In his dreams, the chains had been real. He hadn’t been a willing participant. This was different. The chains were imaginary, and he felt them as strongly as if they were real. Acceptance. He hadn’t realized how much he’d craved it until this moment.

  “We could leave the tracking device with Charlie and Laura at the police station. They could lock it up in evidence,” Gavin said.

  Saber nodded. “Yeah, I like that idea. We don’t know if anyone will try to track you, but if they do, they’ll have to enter the police station, and we’ll have a warning of their presence. I’ll take it down later and have a chat with Laura and Charlie.”

  “If someone went to the trouble of putting it in me, don’t you think they’ll want me back?” Kiran couldn’t hide the touch of bitterness, the fear of the unknown. A thought occurred. “What if the zoo put it there?”

  Gavin shook his head. “I worked with the Wellington Zoo for a few months when I was training. They use identification chips. They don’t look anything like this.”

  Kiran turned to Saber. “Are you sure about this? I can leave Middlemarch and go somewhere else.”

  “I’m pretty sure Gavin doesn’t want that. I don’t. That would mean we’d lose Rohan and Ambar because they’d leave too. I don’t think so,” Saber said. “We’d like the three of you to stay. I’ll put the word out and make sure everyone knows to watch for strangers. If someone comes looking they’ll ask questions, which will make them stand out. Besides, we don’t know the range of the tracking device. We might be making problems when there’s no danger.”

  “You don’t want to lose your animal whisperer,” Gavin teased.

  Saber raised his brows, looking every inch the leader. “And you want to lose the best assistant you could ever have?” His tone did nothing to quell Gavin’s laughter. “No respect,” Saber muttered. “You’re as bad as my brothers.”

  “We like to keep you grounded,” Gavin said. “Have you thought of introducing the twins to Ambar?”

  “Hell, yeah, I thought about it then devel
oped a conscience,” Saber said with feeling. “They do everything together. It’s like double trouble, and I’d feel guilty inflicting them on someone I know. Emily says the twins will settle when they’re ready, and they’ll find someone. She stands up for them and thinks I don’t notice her subtle attempts at matchmaking.” Despite his disgruntled tone, Kiran heard the affection in his voice for both his wife and his brothers.

  Kiran took a deep breath and said exactly what he felt. “I like Middlemarch, but putting everyone in danger worries me.”

  Saber patted him on the shoulder. “Together we’re strong. That’s what Emily says and she’s right. Stay.”

  “Thank you. What will you tell everyone?”

  “We’ll tell the truth, but keep the animal whispering quiet. That’s something we might be able to use at a later date. Don’t worry,” Saber said. “We’ll cope with any problems.”

  Kiran nodded, thankful for the acceptance. Although he’d offered to leave, he had few resources. The rest of the day passed, Kiran feeling as if he were in a horrid dream. He walked into the store, his problems a weighty burden.

  “What’s wrong?” Ambar glanced up from the magazine she was reading. “Never mind. You can tell me later. Rohan went home to start dinner.” Ambar paused to glance at the clock behind her. “I’ll be there in about forty minutes.”

  “Thanks.” Kiran slipped behind the counter and gave her a brief hug. “Call us if you need help. We’ll be here in minutes.”

  “Don’t distract Rohan from dinner. I’m starving.”

  Kiran squeezed Ambar again before releasing her. “I can’t promise that. I like distracting your brother.”

  Ambar’s stern face softened. “I know. Get out of here.”

  Kiran smiled and left the store, heading for home. Home. Middlemarch, Rohan and Ambar were home to him now. Determination speared through him. Saber was right. He needed to stay. He needed to fight for what he wanted—love and Rohan.

  Rohan was in the kitchen when he arrived, strains of a rock ballad pumping through the house.

  “I miss Indian music,” Kiran said, rounding the table and grabbing a seat at the breakfast bar so he could talk with Rohan. The scent of roast meat filled the kitchen along with chopped herbs.