Freeing the Feline

by Lacey Thorn

  “Logan cooks?” Clara asked.

  “Like a master chef,” Abby stated and hummed. “I’ll admit to using this pregnancy to con Logan into cooking for me. Tah’s passable. Reno burns everything. Zane is probably as good as Logan. The rest of us do a good enough job. We keep the Professor out of here.”

  “He can’t cook?”

  “He can cook,” Abby said. “He just forgets what he’s doing and tends to walk away while stuff is cooking. Not a great thing.”

  “Logan told me about the experimental injections the Professor’s been working on. That’s amazing to have someone with that type of knowledge on your side. I wish my Uncle Thomas were here. They’d get along wonderfully.”

  “Your uncle is a scientist?” Abby asked.

  “He’s actually a doctor, but one created through necessity not schooling.”

  “There was a need, and he found a way to fulfill it?” Abby asked.

  Clara nodded as she pulled a couple of bowls down and grabbed a box of granola cereal. “My dad and my uncle have always provided a safe haven for our kind. We have a sort of…” She thought, searching for a way to describe it. “I guess maybe a type of underground railroad for lack of a better description. Those who need it know how to find it.”

  “We wouldn’t have had a clue,” Abby said.

  “But then, you didn’t really need it,” Clara offered with a shrug. “Look at you. You’ve got this fortress in the middle of nowhere, and plenty of people to watch your back.”

  “It’s the Professor’s. He says he had it built a long time ago and just kept adding on to it over the years. The generators are unbelievable. And he’s even talking about doing more. His money is tied up at the moment. Jess and I are dealing with the attorneys on it.”

  “Why is it tied up?” Clara asked, then added, “Jess is his daughter?”

  “Yes. It’s tied up because as far as the rest of the world is concerned, Professor Mueller is dead, killed in an explosion. Jess and her mates did it to protect him from whatever they’re facing.”

  “Wolves are less social than cats,” Clara offered. “They tend to stay in smaller groups and don’t mix with other shifters, even other breeds of wolves. They’re a different lot.”

  “So that’s why you couldn’t help the ones Amia freed from the Blanes,” Abby said.

  “Yeah.” Clara nodded, setting the two bowls she’d grabbed together on the table. “Here, eat with me, so I don’t feel so bad for sleeping in.”

  Abby laughed and joined her at the table. “Wow, this looks good. What did you mix in here?”

  “Some fresh fruit, granola cereal and yogurt. I could seriously live off this stuff.”

  Abby took a bite and moaned at the taste while Clara watched with a grin. “I can see why. Mhmm. Looks like you get to make me breakfast for a while.”

  Clara laughed. “No problem, unless I get an early rotation like Logan.”

  “I might have some pull on that,” Abby promised, eating another bite. “So I’m curious, are there other shifters?”

  “Well, yeah. There are lots of cats out there,” Clara said, giving Abby a weird look.

  “I mean other shifters outside of cats and wolves,” Abby clarified.

  Clara shrugged. “I’ve never seen any, but that doesn’t mean anything. Shifters, like humans, are social creatures, but we tend to flock to those we share things in common with. So it only makes sense that any others would stick with those like them, whatever that is.”

  “I guess,” Abby agreed. “I’m just naturally curious.”

  “Logan said something about a celebration?” Clara asked.

  “I think it’s a great idea,” Abby enthused. “We haven’t celebrated anything since we’ve been here. We’ve gotten so wrapped up in learning and protecting, and that’s not bad. It was a very necessary thing, but now? We need to remember there is life outside of all this turmoil. We need to remember to laugh, to just have fun. We need moments like that maybe more now than ever before. I’m glad Logan thought of it. He’s planning a trip into town later to pick some stuff up for it. I’m sure he’ll cook.”

  Clara laughed. “Now I’ll be looking forward to that after the glowing endorsement you gave him.”

  “Are you going into town with him?”

  “I think so,” Clara said. “He left me a note before he headed out this morning, telling me he was going and inviting me along.”

  Abby’s face lit up. “Will you do me a favor?”

  “Sure? Do you need something?”

  “Tah said Logan used to play the guitar, said he was amazing, but he hasn’t picked one up in years. Reno said Logan left his guitar behind when Reno was shot outside a bar.” Abby waved her hand. “That was before I met them, before any of this started. Anyway, it was gone when Logan went back for it.”

  “Wow. I heard you say they’d all been shot. I thought maybe Reno was shot by hunters, as well, but his was before all this?”

  Abby nodded. “He stepped in when a woman was being attacked and was shot.”

  “So he’s always been a savior of sorts,” Clara said with a smile, thinking of how happy Amia was now with Reno.

  “I think they all have been,” Abby said then got back to her request. “I’d love to hear Logan play and since we’re having a celebration—it just seems like the perfect time.”

  “Logan didn’t tell me he played,” Clara admitted softly.

  “Don’t let it bother you,” Abby said, reaching over and patting her hand. “I still learn new things about Tah all the time. And Reno and Amia? They’re still getting to know things about each other, too. This mating thing is crazy with how fast it moves you into a physical relationship. Everything is intense from the very beginning,” Abby said with a smile and rubbed her belly. “But I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

  “Me, either,” Clara agreed.

  “Hey, there you are,” Logan said as he walked into the kitchen.

  Clara couldn’t help but admire the way he looked in his well-worn jeans and form-fitting T-shirt. His sandy brown hair was just long enough to curl under at his neck and those deep brown eyes of his were like warm molasses this morning. As he crossed to her, she felt her heart swell with pride as her whole body acknowledged that he was hers.

  He stopped beside her and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips. “Mhmm,” he murmured. “You taste like strawberries and bananas.”

  “Breakfast,” she said, indicating the bowls before her and Abby.

  “Yummy,” he said and leaned in for a deeper taste. She knew her nipples were poking against her shirt when he finally pulled back, and she saw the look of possessive delight in his eyes.

  She could tell they were both thinking the same thing, and they were both right.

  Mine.

  It didn’t have to be said. They both understood.

  “I’ve getting ready to run into town for a few to pick up some things. I thought I’d see if you were up yet and wanted to go with me,” Logan offered.

  “I’d love to,” Clara said. “Just give me a second to clean up the breakfast dishes.”

  “I’ve got this,” Abby said. “You two go ahead.”

  “Are you sure?” Clara asked.

  “Yes. You made it. It’s only fair I clean up. Thanks for chatting with me,” Abby said. “Logan, can you give us just a second?”

  “Sure, I’ll bring one of the four-wheelers around for us to take to where the cars are,” Logan said. “Meet you out front.” He sent a heated look toward Clara then patted Abby on the shoulder as he left them.

  Abby reached into her pocket and pulled a card out then handed it to Clara. “This is my personal card.”

  “What do I need this for?”

  “In case you find a guitar for Logan.”

  Clara shook her head. “I have my own money. If I find one, I’ll grab it for him.”

  Abby nodded, and Clara knew the other woman understood. Clara wanted to give this gift to Logan on her
own.

  “Thanks for telling me,” Clara said.

  “I hope you find one,” Abby replied.

  Not giving herself a chance to second-guess her impulse, Clara reached out and hugged Abby before turning and heading out to join Logan.

  “Everything good?” he asked, already seated and ready to go.

  “Yes,” Clara said, jumping on the four-wheeler behind him. She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his back as he pulled out and headed toward the area they kept the vehicles parked in. Everything was so organized here. It was nice. It was like being back home.

  Thinking about that brought her Uncle Thomas to mind again. She was really worried about him. Not because he was gone, but because no one knew where he was. And Gideon had gone looking for him. Why? It still made no sense to her.

  Logan parked the four-wheeler and hopped off. He helped her slide from the seat and pulled her into his arms.

  “Worried about your uncle?” he asked, and she nodded. “We’ll find him,” he assured her.

  She might not know he cooked or played guitar. But Logan knowing exactly what she was worried about… It was just the reminder she needed to remember the connection they did share.

  It was a fun trip into town. It took some maneuvering on her part, but she got him to let her run a few errands on her own. She was just stowing the acoustic guitar she’d found at a second-hand shop in the car when he found her. She’d hurriedly threw one of the blankets that were kept in the car over it before he was close enough to see.

  “Get everything you need?” he asked, trying to peek around her.

  She smacked his arm playfully. “I got what I wanted. You finished?”

  “One more stop,” he said, reaching for her hand and tugging her with him. She turned to beep the car locked with the extra fob he’d given her. She didn’t want anyone taking the present she’d picked out for him.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, looking around.

  “There’s a shop on the end I want you to see. It’s the whole reason I picked this particular shopping center.”

  When she saw the place he meant, she blushed. It was a lingerie and toy store.

  “I believe you promised me new cuffs,” he said, bending low so only she heard him.

  “I did,” she agreed.

  She took her time in the store. It was weird but it seemed natural to be looking at toys and bondage gear with Logan, as if this wasn’t their first time shopping for it. Logan picked something up and held it out to her.

  “I like the looks of this,” he said.

  “What is it?” She turned the box in her hands and read it. It was a vibrator egg with a detached remote that the partner could use. “Only if they have one for you, too,” she told him.

  “Oh, baby, trust me, this is for me,” he said and took it back, tucking it under his arm.

  By the time they left, they’d filled two bags and were giggling like kids at Christmas. Logan was a kinky bastard, and he was hers, all hers. She was feeling young and carefree for the first time in forever as they walked toward the car. Then it hit her, and she came to a dead stop, eyes scanning everywhere, inhaling deeply through her nose.

  “What is it?” Logan whispered, tensing beside her.

  “I smell something,” she whispered back. “And I feel like someone’s watching us.”

  “Good or bad?” Logan asked. “I mean, I have trouble taking my eyes off you, as well, and I am pretty devastating when it comes to good looks.”

  Clara snorted, trying to hold back a laugh. She inhaled again, filtering through the mishmash of scents around them. She shook her head and started walking again. “The scent’s not fresh enough, and there’s too many others bleeding through for me to lock on it. Whoever it was, they’ve moved away.” She glanced around, taking in the landscape around them. “Not too far, though. I definitely feel like they’re watching us.”

  “Any ideas? Are we talking hunters?”

  “I don’t think so. I don’t feel…hunted,” she said then shook her head. “That sounds stupid.”

  “Baby, after all you’ve been through and what I’ve seen, I’d say hunted is a perfect way to describe it. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open,” Logan vowed.

  They got in the Jeep, and Logan pulled his phone out while he was starting the car.

  “Hey, got everything. We’re heading back now. Clara felt some eyes on us, though.” Logan glanced her way. “I’ll let you talk to her. I’m going to take a bit of a longer route back, just to be on the safe side. Uh, huh. Yeah.” He nodded his head. “Here she is.” He held the phone out to her.

  “Hello?”

  “So what did you sense?” Reno’s voice came over the line.

  She glanced at Logan in question. She’d expected Tah to be on the other end of the line. She mouthed a question to her mate. ‘Where’s Tah?’

  “Labs with Finn and Murphy,” Logan whispered. “Talk to Reno.”

  “Clara? You there?” Reno asked.

  “Yes, sorry,” she said. “I’m not sure. Logan and I were crossing the parking lot, and I could feel eyes on us. Could be nothing more than idle curiosity.”

  “You usually stop because someone is just being curious?”

  “No,” she admitted with a sigh.

  “Then we take it seriously. Do you think anyone followed you when you trailed Amia and me back here?”

  “No,” she said as she thought back. “I didn’t feel anyone on my tail.”

  “I didn’t exactly feel you on mine, either,” Reno reminded her.

  “I’ve been a fully merged shifter since I was a child,” Clara said. “No offense, Reno, but you’re still learning.”

  “You’re right.” He surprised her by agreeing. “I’m thinking Tah and I could utilize you more with learning some of the ins and outs of our gifts. Well, you and Murphy and Zane.”

  “Murphy, huh?” she asked, sharing a look with Logan who she could tell was trying to make out both sides of the conversation based on her replies.

  He nodded his head, letting her know he already knew about Murphy. So the shifters among them were starting to come forward. All except for one, it seemed.

  “We have a lot to learn about using our senses and skills to their fullest potential,” Reno said, bringing her back to the conversation.

  “I’ll do my best to help,” Clara said.

  “I’m sorry,” Reno said into the silence that filled the airwaves after her comment.

  She didn’t need to ask what for.

  “I saw Amia hurting, and I just couldn’t focus on anything else.”

  “It’s the way it is with mates,” Clara said. “Her emotions are yours and vice versa.”

  “Still,” Reno said. “I know how Amia was treated when we first arrived here. You were treated just as badly. I’m sorry for my role in it.”

  “Thank you, Reno. I appreciate it.”

  “Tell Logan to stop down at the lab as soon as he gets back. The Professor wants more blood.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Who knows? I’m putting nothing past him anymore. Tah will definitely keep a closer eye on what’s going on down there.”

  “I can understand that,” Clara said. “Reno?”

  “Yeah?” he asked.

  “We need to keep this absolutely quiet,” she said, expressing her concerns out loud for the first time. “If anyone finds out what the Professor has created…” She let her voice trickle off. There were just no words to convey how much worse things could become at that point.

  “Trust me, we’re already aware of that,” Reno admitted with a sigh.

  “I just wanted to make sure,” she said.

  “Way ahead of you on this one,” Reno said with a chuckle. “Tell Logan to watch his six. See you when you get back.” And he hung up before she could reply.

  Logan glanced at her and raised his shoulders. “Well?”

  “He apologized to me.” />
  “Good,” Logan said, eyes back on the road. He’d driven in circles and was heading the opposite way of where they needed to go at the moment.

  “He also asked me to help him and Tah learn more about shifting and using their senses.”

  “Makes sense,” Logan said. “Probably have Zane and Murphy help out with that as well now that they’ve come forward as shifters.”

  “I’m guessing Zane’s a panther like Orsai is. What about Murphy?”

  “He’s a Eurasian Lynx.”

  “Get out!” Clara exclaimed, sitting up with excitement. “Uncle Thomas thought they were all gone.”

  “From what I heard, Murphy said he’s the last one,” Logan told her. “Who’s Orsai?”

  “Remember the guy I told you about? The one who came around and taught us a bunch of stuff, like how blood transfusions helped during pregnancy?”

  Logan nodded.

  “That was Orsai. I figure he has to be related to Zane somehow. They look far too much alike not to be. I’m surprised Zane didn’t know how to help Abby.”

  “Zane stays out of the house more often than not. He usually only comes in to cook when it’s his turn or to grab a plate at mealtime. And to sleep, obviously. Otherwise, he seems to avoid the house.”

  Clara had an idea of why he was doing that, but she’d leave that to Zane. His business, not hers.

  “So I hear you’re some type of master chef in the kitchen,” she purred.

  He shot a glance her way again. “I like to cook,” was all he said.

  “I think a man who knows his way around a kitchen is sexy.”

  He grinned. “I think you like it better that I know my way around your pussy.”

  Her jaw dropped open, and she just looked at him for a minute in shock. He glanced at her again and wiggled his brows. She couldn’t stop the giggle that spilled out.

  “You’re so bad,” she admonished.

  “You know it,” he said with cockiness. “And you love it.”

  She nodded. She really did.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was later than Logan had planned when they got back, but he’d wanted to make sure no one was following them. They were planning a long-overdue celebration. He didn’t want anything else to happen that might dampen it.