An employee was raking up leaves and another was planting a new garden. Casey tried to tug her hand free, but Felix refused to allow it and actually stopped to chat with the employees. He slung his arm around her shoulders in casual ownership while he discussed a couple of tasks he required them to complete during the coming days.
Once that was done, he continued to the restrooms.
“I’ll wait outside for you. Don’t take long because it’s important to recheck the fences.”
His smile of approval when she returned a short time later was blinding. He gave her a kiss, nuzzled her neck, gave her a quick lick at the spot where shoulder and neck met then reclaimed her hand. At least she’d stopped jumping when he reached for her. The constant physical contact was relaxing and kind of nice.
She let him lead her away from the main resort area to a narrow path that followed the compound fence. It was a tall barrier, higher than her head, and she was taller than average. A fine mesh covered the bottom part and reached as high as her waist.
Felix walked ahead of her now, his focus on the fence. “Hell, there’s another bloody hole. I checked this sector before I came to collect you.”
“Someone is cutting the fence on purpose? Why?”
“Because someone wants the resort to fail,” Felix said in disgust.
“Any idea who it is?”
“Not a one. We’re doing irregular checks, have organized a team to monitor the boundaries, but we haven’t discovered anything suspicious.”
“An inside job?” Casey felt a prickle at her back, as if someone were spying on them. She turned slowly and casually surveyed the area outside the compound. Maybe it was imagination, yet…
No. There was a green man standing in a copse of trees outside the resort. His clothing was a bit weird, since he wore a pink cloth to cover his masculine equipment and that was all.
Casey moved closer to Felix and whispered. “There’s a man hiding in the trees outside the fence. You’ll have to look carefully because he blends well with the pink and green foliage.”
Felix shifted his body and scanned the area she’d indicated. “Can’t see anything.” His nostrils flared when he sniffed the air. “I can smell something though. It’s almost a gamey scent.”
“He didn’t look like one of your employees.”
“We’d better get supplies to fix the hole,” Felix said. “I should’ve brought something with me, but I didn’t think I’d need to fix a hole again so soon.”
“It’s a pretty spot. You want me to stay here to guard the breach?”
“Sure, enjoy the sun, but don’t get tempted to go exploring. Okay? I don’t like the idea of strangers around the resort.”
“I’m a soldier. I know how to defend myself.”
Felix frowned, but he paused to give her one of his lazy, toe-curling kisses. Talk about racking up memories. The thought drove away the pleasure of the moment, and she was glad when he strode off to retrieve tools. She didn’t want him to witness the pain in her, the way her lips and chin started to tremble, despite her attempt to hold them in a firm line.
She sat on the soft grass, crossed her arms and rocked herself while focusing on the spot where she’d sighted the man.
A sharp chirp to her right, a scuffle in the long pink grasses, ripped her gaze off the fixed point. She scanned the ornamental grasses, caught the glitter of a big brown eye. A delicate paw poked out from the plants, followed by a nose—not pointed but quite flat.
The muscles of Casey’s stomach tightened, but she remained still. Was it one of those zylon creatures? Eva had seen one. She’d attempted to pet it but a huge black cat had grabbed and killed the creature seconds before Eva could stroke the zylon’s soft-looking fur. She’d read the warning signs inside their bungalow, seen the picture of the creature, but they looked so cute.
“Aw, you’ve got babies.” Every instinct urged her to pet one and coo over it, which proved how off-balance she’d become. Maybe she had a budding death wish?
Death by fluffy creature or personality wipe by nanotechnology?
Decisions. Decisions.
“Casey, don’t make any sudden moves. It makes them pounce.” Felix’s calm voice came from behind her. She kept her gaze fixed on the creatures and waited. Apparently the gods didn’t want her to die today.
Without warning, a huge black cat pounced and grabbed the biggest zylon. The creatures let out squawks of alarm and fled for the safety of the grasses. The black cat was quicker though, and it dispatched every zylon before a single one escaped.
Then the cat turned its gaze on her.
Casey flinched but didn’t bolt, as her brain urged to do. Instead, she stared into the vivid green eyes.
Maybe death was on her agenda for today after all.
Chapter Six
Felix stared at Casey, his heart pulsing so fast he thought it might bound out of his chest. He called up his human form and shifted, leaping at Casey as soon as he could and hauling her to her feet. His hands went up and down her body. He checked her bare legs for signs of blood.
“Did it bite you?”
“No, you—that was you.” Her mouth worked, but no more sound emerged.
He waited, wary, part of him terrified she’d find his dual nature unpalatable. Some women couldn’t deal with the fact their mates became huge hairy beasts on a whim.
“You…” she said again. “You have two forms?”
“I’m a feline shifter, sweetheart.” He drew closer, and when she didn’t scream, he indulged his need to hold her. Fuck, he’d nearly expired when he saw the zylon with her pups. The creatures were cantankerous at the best of times, but became ultra-aggressive if they thought their pups were in danger.
“The rest of your family…?”
“Yes, and a lot of our employees too.”
“Your mother?”
“No, not my mother. Her parents were both shifters, but for some reason she has never been able to shift. Our father passed on the gene to us.”
“And you’ll pass the ability on to your children?”
“Our children,” Felix said, the idea pleasing him immensely.
“I-I don’t think I’ll ever have children.”
Something in her expression warned him not to push and she appeared fragile, shadows in her eyes hinting at her emotional turmoil. Damn. He’d thought after a good night of sleep she might share her inner demons.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“You’re naked. Someone might come along and see.”
“It would only be an employee. They’re used to seeing me in this state.”
She plucked at the hem of her dress, her body tense in his arms. Hell, whatever was wrong, he’d fix it because the more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. He wanted to spend the rest of his life making her happy. Sure, it had only been a few days, but as Ma said, the mind knew what the mind knew. His parents’ courtship had been equally rapid, and they’d had many happy years together until a motor vehicle accident had stolen their father.
“Casey, you can tell me anything. Let me help.”
“I have to leave tomorrow.” Her voice was hoarse and it wobbled on the edge of tearful.
“Stay.”
“I can’t. I have to report for duty.”
Felix nuzzled her neck, breathing in her familiar scent, the whiff of their earlier lovemaking. There was no way in hell he’d let her leave the resort or his suite tomorrow and if he had to, he’d tie her to his bed to prevent her departure. She mightn’t realize it yet, but they belonged together. They’d deal with the consequences. His family would help.
Time to change the subject and divert her mind from thoughts of separation.
“Did you see the man again?”
“No, just the zylon. You weren’t gone for long.”
The tension seeped from her muscles as they chatted, and she leaned into his body, a fact that pleased him.
“Why don’t you alarm the fence?” she asked.
“You could rig a silent alarm and perhaps catch the person responsible for cutting holes. It can’t be the man I saw, though, because the way the fence material is cut suggests the opening was made from the inside.”
“Which points to one of our employees,” Felix said. “Scarlett should be able to come up with an alarm system, and you and I can install it tonight.”
“It might take longer than that to design and install—”
“Scarlett is a whiz with technology. There is nothing my sister can’t do, and I’m a fair hand with anything mechanical. Between us, we’ll sort it. Let’s get this fence mended, and get back to see Scarlett.”
He turned her head, tried to claim a swift kiss.
“You are not kissing me again, Felix,” Casey said, her nose wrinkling in distaste. “I saw what you did to those zylon. You need to clean your teeth before you come anywhere near me with that mouth.”
Felix grinned, cheered despite missing out on a proper smooch with his lady. Her imperious manner rated several grades above her previous despondency. Things were looking up.
* * * * *
“Casey!”
Without warning, Casey found herself in her aunt’s perfumed embrace once more, and it felt like coming home. After a brief introduction to Felix and his family, they were left alone to visit. She blinked back the sting of tears and held on to her aunt’s curvy frame.
Elsa was half a head shorter than Casey, and dressed in one of the designs they’d worked on together last solar year. She wore a pair of her special shoes to match the delicate blue of her calf-length gown.
“It’s so good to see you, child.” Elsa pulled back and her happy smile faded. “Are you ill? You don’t look good. You’ve lost weight. You’re obviously not sleeping. I thought a few days at the resort with Eva would be good for you.”
Casey couldn’t meet her aunt’s concerned gaze. Shame filled her, her mind too exhausted to spin a credible story. Self-loathing struck at the idea of lying to her beloved aunt, the woman who’d championed her since a child and given Casey every memorable moment in her life, some interests to fill the yawning gaps in her days.
She couldn’t do it.
“The general has arranged nanotechnology for me once I report back to duty,” she blurted before she could stop herself.
An appalled expression slammed over her aunt’s face. “To do what?” she demanded.
“A sex change.”
“Low-down slimy millock worm!” her aunt snarled. “And you’ve agreed to this?”
“I wasn’t given much choice,” Casey said, averting her gaze in shame.
“But it’s your life! What did he say?”
“He said I couldn’t progress any higher in the ranks because I’m female. I’m too weak, both physically and mentally.”
“No, not that. What threats did he issue?”
“He said if—if I didn’t go ahead with the transformation, he’d disown me and make sure I was demoted to the troops. He said I’d lose everything.”
“You can come and live with me,” her aunt said. “I love you, child. I think of you as my daughter.”
“The general knows that. He said if I went to you, he’d destroy your business.” He’d also intimated he’d send in black ops to take her aunt out, but Casey couldn’t tell her aunt. Scurvy sky pirates, she couldn’t fathom even the general stooping that low.
“The man is a millock maggot,” Elsa snapped. “I suspected he had something similar done to your mother. She transformed practically overnight. That was before you were born. He’s not going to do that to you,” she said in a fierce tone. “I suppose he even has a name picked out for you.”
“Arthur,” Casey said in a faint tone.
“Gah! Isn’t that one of his middle names?”
Casey nodded, unable to speak past the ache in her throat.
“Have you told that young man of yours what your father intends to do? You’re not going to go through with it.” Elsa gripped her forearms and squeezed to the point of pain. “Casey, no matter what the general says, you are perfect now. You will not give in to his blackmail. Did you tell your young man?”
“I’ve only known him a few days.”
“Rubbish, that man is halfway in love with you. It won’t take much effort on your part to push him the rest of the way. You have feelings for him. Don’t deny it. I saw it on your face when you introduced me to him and the rest of his family.”
“You can’t tell him. Please!”
Elsa scowled. “I don’t agree. You should tell him, but very well. I’ll keep quiet. For the present,” she added, a warning in her tone. “Now…I packed your sewing machine and brought some fabrics plus a dozen pairs of shoes. I also brought your design books. I love the idea of having our designs in the resort. You should think about staying here and helping to set up the store. You could work on more designs and even design to order.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why not?” her aunt demanded. “You’ve tried for years to get your father to notice you, to show his love and approval. I tell you, the man is a millock maggot and has less personality. Child, you have to accept some men can’t or won’t show their emotions.”
“The general—”
“See, that’s an example right there. He won’t even let you call him ‘father’.”
A tap on the door put a halt to further arguments. Casey hated disagreeing with her aunt, but she did have a point. The general had never shown her a scrap of love or approval despite her years of hard work. Her older brothers gained his respect, but not her. A part of her wondered, if she went through with the nanotechnology, would his opinion really change?
Experience propelled her to admit the truth. Even as a man, she’d be second best because she hadn’t been born that way. She’d be a made man.
Scarlett stuck her head in the door. “Ma said that your luggage has arrived and to come to her suite when you’re ready. She has afternoon tea, and we need to get there before my brothers descend on the place. They can smell her scones from miles away.” Scarlett winked at Casey. “So can I. She’s just taken them out of the hot cube.”
Casey found herself smiling back at Scarlett. Felix had obviously told her she knew about their dual natures. A big cat. She needed to get him to transform for her again because she’d like to stroke his fur.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever had a scone,” Aunt Elsa said. “We’re ready, aren’t we, Casey?”
“Sure.” Their conversation wasn’t going anywhere.
“I can’t wait to see more of your designs, Casey,” Scarlett said. “And your shoes, Elsa! Ma said you were bringing shoes for us to examine. I’ve been starved of all things fashionable,” she complained, leading the way to her mother’s suite.
“Can you sew?” Aunt Elsa asked Scarlett.
“A little, but I’d like learn more. I can’t draw to save myself, so I’d need to have some sort of pattern.”
Casey trailed her aunt and Scarlett, her mind a mired mess of thoughts. It felt as if a clock was ticking down in her brain, racing faster and faster toward D-day.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow.
* * * * *
“I like your aunt,” Felix said later that night.
“You have the seal of approval from her too.”
“Good to know.” He opened the door to his suite of rooms and ushered her inside. “But I’ve been counting the minutes until I could get you alone.”
Casey forced a smile, and her attempt must have lacked something because he cast her a concerned look.
“I’ll get Ma to make you another sleep tonic.”
“No, I don’t need to sleep tonight.” She’d have plenty of time to rest once the nanotechnology process started. They’d put her into an induced coma to allow the technology to work.
Gods, no! She didn’t want to do this!
A choked cry escaped her, the internal pain too much to contain.
“What is it, sweetheart?” Felix pul
led her against his body and wrapped her in his arms. His care, his interest in her well-being, only made the pain roil up and expand until she feared she would choke. Tears burned her eyes and she buried her face against his chest with a tortured groan.
She felt herself being lifted and clung to him—her rock.
“Let’s get you into bed,” he said.
Felix helped her undress and settled her under the covers. A few moments later, he slid into the sleep-bed beside her.
“Lights out,” he murmured and the room darkened.
Casey was grateful when he didn’t ask more questions. Instead he held her and gave her the comfort she’d never received from anyone other than her aunt.
A sharp piercing sound woke her just as she’d started to drift. She rolled out of bed and was crouched in a defensive position before she’d even processed a thought.
“Lights on,” Felix snapped. “It’s the alarm on the fence. A simple one until Scarlett can get the silent alarm online.” He picked up his com and called his siblings. “Stay here while we take care of this.”
“No. Let me get my weapon and I’ll come too. I can help. Let me use my training.” She scrambled into comfortable clothing and sat to pull on socks and boots, used to dressing at top speed. “It’s got to be one of your employees or someone who lives at the resort. They’re hardly likely to be that dangerous.”
The crude alarm continued to wail inside his room and he gave a quick nod, apparently persuaded by her argument. “If you get hurt, I’m gonna paddle your ass,” he muttered.
“I’m an experienced soldier.” She grabbed her weapon from the false bottom of her bag and turned to see Felix in cat form.
He let out a low feline bark. An order, since he couldn’t open the door with four paws.
Once she opened it, he trotted through and barked again. Probably an order for her to take care. Since she’d already suffered through one spanking, she didn’t intend to incur his wrath and gain another punishment. She trotted after him, eyes scanning their surroundings.
A low growl came from their right and two other cats joined them. Casey stared, fascinated despite the situation. They conversed with grunts and growls and a different set of barks when two more cats loped over to join them. That done, they split, two cats going in one direction and the other pair heading to the right. Felix nudged her leg and trotted off, clearly expecting her to follow.
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