Silles, Mynxe L. - CatNip [CatTales] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More)

by CatNip (lit)

  Adonis walked into the bedroom, intent. When it was over, the first female lay wide-eyed and shivering. She was still largely immobile under the influence of the drug Crawley had invented. But she’d been bound for good measure.

  Adonis had previously tested the effects of CatNip’s paralytic sedative on other test subjects. He was satisfied it worked. But, he wasn’t taking chances. He sure as hell wasn’t going to give two hellcats the ability to fight him off, or worse.

  No, they were completely impotent, numbed by the potent drug. Even their cat senses had been paralyzed to an extent. They were truly powerless and under his control.

  He would impregnate them both. The second female, Lynx, watched him warily as he moved towards her. Even though she looked frightened, he could see the hatred that blazed in her eyes.

  Oh, well, she was next. She looked ready to kill, but he knew she was tied securely. She was drugged and disoriented, what could she do to him? Nothing, that’s what, nothing at all.

  She strained against the ropes as he reached and groped for her. Adonis let his voice go cold as ice. “You’re next, puss,” he growled ominously. “We’re gonna have us some real fun.” Suddenly, the sounds of a scuffle outside reached his ears.

  Adonis leapt up, re-dressing hastily. He grabbed his weapon before giving a brief, regretful glance at the two trussed women. He hurried to the window and peaked out.

  What he saw wasn’t comforting in the least. By the front corner of the cabin, he could see that COBRA operatives had rounded up and cuffed two of his men. The youths were idiots, he thought. They must’ve been surprised or they would have shifted.

  Even so, containing those two idiots, who were still struggling furiously against their bonds, might keep those COBRA bastards busy for just enough time. He needed to make a quick exit. Idiots. He shook his head at their stupidity before turning to go.

  Adonis moved quickly to the rear of the cabin. He had no time to lose. He’d worry about the females later, once he was home free. Adonis was glad he’d thought to map out an escape route. He’d learned the value of an alternate contingency plan long before this. Having seen most of his family fall to COBRA at a time when the Cervantes Cartel had seemed invincible, a backup plan was only smart.

  ~ CatEscape ~

  Five minutes later, near the back at old Leroy’s place, Adonis found and finally freed Chambers from his restraints. He cursed, “You fucking moron. Saber-tooth, my ass! You’re just a pussycat. Somebody should neuter you so you don’t pass along the stupid gene.”

  Chambers winced as Adonis ranted. Despite his size and shifting abilities, Chambers knew he wasn’t particularly talented. He had never demonstrated much extra sensory perception, despite his big cat nature. At the moment, however, it didn’t take being psychic or a genius to see his boss wasn’t happy with him. Groaning and rubbing the sore spot on the back of his head, Chambers followed Adonis to the other side of the woods where Adonis had hidden an extra vehicle for this very possibility.

  Even as Adonis continued to spew colorful and humiliating invectives at him, Chambers couldn’t help but admire Adonis’s intelligent foresight as the Jeep’s engine purred to life.

  ~ CatRescue ~

  Back at the cabin, Leo and Daniel gave the go sign. The COBRA operatives burst into the cabin and began spreading through the rooms cautiously, weapons at the ready.

  Craig was the first one to discover Lynx and Felice. The panic and distress on their faces was almost more than he could stand. Angry bile rose so strong, it practically scorched his throat. Despite the rage Craig could feel building at the thought of anyone hurting their women, his Lynx, Craig carefully wrapped a blanket over the both of them.

  He tried to loosen their bonds, but before Craig could get both women untied, Leo and Roberto found them. Daniel, Colby, and Drake were right behind them.

  The same shock tinged with sorrow was reflected in the faces of the men as they helped to remove the women’s restraints. This accomplished, Colby and Drake immediately left to search the perimeters of the property for any more signs of Adonis. With the ropes and gags gone, Leo picked up the blanket-encased Lynx and held her to him.

  Craig stood by, ready, should Lynx need him.

  “Is Felice okay?” Lynx’s tone was concerned, but her voice sounded weak to his ears. Craig clenched his hands, imagining Adonis’s neck between them. He looked at Roberto.

  Roberto was holding Felice. Felice was shivering violently, despite the blankets.

  Colby and Drake walked in.

  “Not a thing,” Drake muttered. “We didn’t get him.”

  Colby added, “But we will.” Colby looked at Daniel. “We think there’s a chance we could still catch up to him if we head out now. What do you think Daniel, would you like to go with us?”

  Daniel walked over by where Leo sat holding Lynx. Craig moved back a few steps and watched as Daniel reached over to kiss Lynx on her forehead gently.

  “Lynx,” Daniel said, “I’ve got to go after the bastard. Colby and Drake don’t want to lose any ground by waiting longer, and I agree. Will you be okay? I won’t go with them if you don’t want me to.” Daniel looked at Lynx questioningly. “Go,” Lynx whispered hoarsely. “Get the bastard. Just be careful, Daniel,” she added.

  Craig looked around as Daniel hugged Lynx goodbye. From the set of the other men’s faces, they unanimously agreed on that point.

  ~ CatDoctor ~

  Lynx coughed. Leo stroked her hair, concerned. “Are you okay, kitten?” he asked.

  Lynx’s voice came out as a near-whisper. “I could use some water, though. But don’t worry about me. I will feel much better when we get home.” Lynx looked over at Felice.

  Leo followed her gaze. Felice had her face on Roberto’s shoulder, but he could see her tears falling. Thank the goddess Lynx was okay, but he knew she was worried for Felice. Hell, so was he. He needed to get them home, safe and sound.

  “Lynx,” he said, “I’ve got some bottled water in the car, kitten. We need to get you both home, where it will be safer. I’ll call Doctor Trey to come check on Felice,” he added, looking over at Roberto who still held his silently weeping wife.

  “Let’s go then. I’ll drive,” Craig said.

  He nodded. “Good, let’s go,” Leo concurred. He eased off the bed. Lynx’s arms went around his neck. “I’m taking you home now, kitten,” he whispered.

  Felice, Leo knew, needed medical attention soon. Obviously, he and Roberto weren’t leaving the women’s sides. It was pretty plain to see Craig didn’t plan to leave Lynx’s side, either.

  Craig took the wheel. Leo placed Lynx in the front and tucked the blanket around her. She still shivered, despite the heat of the day. Leo settled in beside Roberto and Felice.

  As Craig pulled out onto the highway, Leo dialed the familiar number. Dr. Trey Lockheed was a respected friend and well known to shifters in the area. The good doctor’s mother had been Imatu, one of them. Trey, to Leo’s knowledge, had not inherited the ability to shift. However, Trey used his abnormally acute cat-senses and instincts with his training. His gifts as an Imatu invariably enhanced his medical skills. Naturally, due to his own heritage, Trey innately understood the Imatu physiology better.

  Once home, Leo leapt out and got Lynx out, as Roberto gently carried Felice towards the door. Demar followed, looking concerned. Craig was right behind them when Trey’s silver Escalade pulled up.

  “You sure didn’t waste any time, my friend. Thank you.” Leo grabbed Trey’s hand as he walked up. Leo pulled Trey into a quick embrace. “Let’s get the ladies inside and settled first. Then I’ll introduce you to Lynx and Craig.”

  “Sure thing, Leo. Need me to grab anything from the car?” The concern on the Trey’s face was plain to see.

  “Nah, you coming out so quickly and seeing to Felice and Lynx is all I can ask for. It’s more than enough,” Leo said.

  “Well, let’s get them inside, and I’ll see what I can do.”

  It
didn’t take long to get Lynx and Felice inside. Roberto carried Felice to the large sofa, laid her down gently. Demar hovered nearby. Leo was about to carry Lynx up the stairs when she croaked, “I need to go to the kitchen. I can walk now,” she insisted. “I’m still thirsty,” she admitted. Leo set Lynx on her feet. He watched uncertainly as she weaved her way forward.

  Craig took one elbow, and Leo took the other, steadying her. Once there, Lynx grabbed two vitamin waters from the fridge.

  Roberto walked into the kitchen and pulled Leo aside.

  “I’d like to stay with Felice in the other guest bedroom, if it’s okay with you, Leo?

  “Why, of course you should stay there,” Leo replied. “You go ahead. I’m going to take Lynx upstairs and get her settled in. I’ll be down afterwards to check in with you and Trey.”

  “Thanks, Leo. I appreciate it,” Roberto answered quietly. “I’m going to go do the same with Felice. I’ll see you then.”

  ~ CatComfort ~

  Up in Leo and Lynx’s room, Craig cradled Lynx to his chest. Leo hadn’t said a word when he’d left Craig there with her, shivering in his arms. Craig understood Leo needed to be there for Roberto and Felice, too. His and Leo’s friends had been through the wringer today. Craig was more than content to stay with and comfort Lynx while Leo helped out below.

  Back at Adonis’s cabin, an understanding had passed between him and Leo. Leo had walked in to find him with tears in his eyes and hands shaking as he tried to untie Lynx. Leo began to help unloosen the ropes. Craig easily remembered what Leo had thought to him. Leo had said, “I know you love her.” But, it was the look Leo gave him that Craig vividly remembered best. He knew that look. It had been one of reassurance, the same look he’d given Leo years before when Leo had wanted to know if Craig was fine sharing Kelly with him.

  Lynx stirred in his arms. She was dozing off again. Craig wasn’t sure if she had seen or heard his and Leo’s silent exchange. Lynx was too tired and still had drugs in her system. He was glad to have her back at the ranch again, where she could rest.

  He couldn’t seem to stop caressing her. Her beautiful face, the slender column of her throat, and the curve of her shoulder were so alluring. They were tactile wonders to him. He felt at peace just touching her. His whole world had tilted right side up, finally.

  Her abduction had scared him absolutely witless. His universe had dropped right out from under his feet. He had experienced pure fear knowing Adonis had her. It had been hell. Now, despite all she’d been through, she was safe in his arms.

  Lynx in his arms, where she belonged, was heaven on earth. As he looked down at her curled there in his arms, he realized he truly was a goner. He was lost without her. Craig swore silently he was never going to lose Lynx again.

  Lynx burrowed closer to him and began to purr.

  Chapter 18

  Trey slipped on the latex gloves. This wasn’t going to be the easiest exam he’d ever given. Felice was a friend. She was, quite naturally, still traumatized by the whole tragic ordeal. Roberto had wanted to let Felice bathe upon reaching the room, however, Leo and Trey had convinced Roberto that before doing that, they needed to collect evidence of the rape.

  Roberto had agreed, somewhat reluctantly. Trey waited while Felice drank some of the water Roberto had brought back. When Felice was finished, she handed the bottle to Roberto. He set it down on the end-table.

  Leo’s voice broke the silence. “Well, if either of you need me, just let me know. I’ll be waiting in the kitchen with Demar. I won’t go far.”

  Roberto said, “Thanks, Leo.” Leo slipped out the door. It closed with a soft click.

  “Okay, I guess you should just get this over with,” Roberto said with a grimace. Roberto held Felice’s hands and stroked them.

  Trey set the rape kit beside him on the bed and directed Felice into position, knees bent, legs slightly open.

  Both Roberto and Leo had felt Felice’s examination should take place at the ranch. Trey had agreed. This soon after the assault, Felice didn’t need exposure to the public. She just needed to rest. Unfortunately, he still needed to examine her.

  “Felice, this might be a little bit cold,” he said soothingly. “Afterwards, I need to insert this speculum briefly to assess if there’s damage and collect a specimen for evidence. I’ll be as gentle as I can,” he promised.

  “I know you will, Trey,” Felice answered softly.

  Trey inserted the speculum. He carefully examined the inner walls of Felice’s vagina, looking for abrasions and checking for tenderness and swelling. He gathered the necessary samples and secured them. The process didn’t take too long, but he realized it probably seemed like an eternity to Felice. As soon as he could, he withdrew the intrusive instrument and smoothed down Felice’s nightgown. Roberto quickly helped Felice under the covers.

  Felice’s grunt of pain at both the insertion and removal concerned Trey. Felice had multiple contusions, plus she had numerous bite marks at her throat and shoulders. Although those, he knew with a grimace of recognition, were just as likely to be found on any shifter’s neck of the age to mate. They were just not usually so severe, nor numerous.

  “Roberto, could I talk to you in the living room when you’re done here?” Trey would’ve loved to delay the talk he needed to have with Roberto. But this conversation needed to take place sooner, as opposed to later.

  Roberto looked loathe to leave Felice, but he nodded. Roberto bent and kissed Felice on the forehead. “I’ll be back soon, and I’ll send Demar in to sit with you,” he promised her. He followed Trey into the hall.

  They stepped into the kitchen. Roberto quickly dispatched Demar to go back and sit with Felice. It was obvious from the way the big man was pacing that Demar was eager to be of help.

  “Do you mind if we go talk in the den?” Trey asked casually. He didn’t want Felice accidentally overhearing his talk with Roberto. Aside from his report on her condition and treatment, he needed to ask Roberto some very personal questions.

  “Sure, Doc,” Roberto answered. “Lead the way.”

  Roberto, Trey realized, might also need a good stiff drink for this conversation. The den’s bar was always stocked, Trey knew. Leo kept his top-shelf liquor out there.

  Once in the den, Trey made his way over to the bar. Roberto followed him and sank down into one of the custom stools that lined the bar.

  “Mind if I pour myself a Scotch first?” Trey asked.

  “Go ahead,” Roberto answered wearily.

  “You look like you could use one too,” Trey murmured. “I can make you a Scotch, too, if you’d like.”

  “That would be great. Thank you, Trey. Sounds like just what I need.”

  Trey hand Roberto the Scotch. Fatigue and worry radiated from Roberto’s eyes. Trey could see from his demeanor that Felice’s abduction and rape had surely taken their toll on Roberto, too.

  He hesitated briefly, but he knew he had to get on with it. Rape’s aftermath was never easy. In fact, the aftermath for rape victims could be damn near as difficult as the violation of the rape itself.

  Trey took a fortifying slip of his scotch. He would begin with the basic facts first.

  “Roberto, Felice has multiple contusions. Those should heal very quickly, though. That’s one advantage to her being Imatu, of course.”

  Roberto nodded wearily, listening.

  “Roberto, I highly recommend that Felice get some counseling as soon as she feels up to it. The psychological trauma of rape is usually more damaging and lasts far longer than the physical evidence of the rape itself. Felice’s physical wounds aren’t what worry me here, so rest your mind on that.” Trey hesitated.

  Now came the hard part.

  Concluding the best way was just to get it out and over with, Trey took another drink of his scotch. The fierce burn in his throat actually helped. He called it liquid courage.

  One more, and Trey was ready to began. “Roberto, I know you more than likely realize that Felice is in the
middle of her heat cycle. My exam of her confirms this fact.”

  “Yes,” Roberto admitted, “I know.”

  Roberto’s eyes betrayed only a tired acknowledgement at Trey’s statement.

  Roberto must still be in a bit of shock himself. He wasn’t processing yet where Trey’s conversation could only lead.

  “Felice is in heat, Roberto, and she was raped,” Trey repeated quietly. He hoped Roberto would understand what he was trying to say.

  “Oh, hell, damn it to hell,” Roberto groaned and shook his head.

  His underlying point had finally sunk in. Trey reached over and laid his hand on Roberto’s shoulder comfortingly.

  Roberto just buried his head in his hands. Trey knew it must be hard to bear the disturbing implications. So, he waited.

  Long experience had taught him the value of letting a patient gather his wits after disturbing news. Roberto was his friend. Trey hated what this was doing to him.

  Finally, Roberto lifted his head. He furtively dabbed at his eyes with the back of his hand before looking over at Trey, beseechingly. “What does this mean, Doc? Is there any way of knowing yet? Is Felice already, I mean could she be…?”

  Roberto had a right to know. Trey answered carefully and with as much empathy as he could convey. “No, we can’t know for sure yet, Roberto. However, yes, Felice could well be pregnant. I’ll be sending off the blood work for that and to hopefully rule out any other problems.

  He paused. Trey knew he had to say the rest, but it was still a delicate thing to bring up.

  “Roberto, if you and Felice are positive you don’t want to take any chances of a pregnancy resulting from the rape, then we need to take precautions immediately. The rape could still result in a pregnancy. But chances are, if Felice gets a hormone pill now, it wouldn’t. Most likely, no pregnancy would result then.

  He watched the changeable emotions see-saw across Roberto’s face. Anger, pain, and hope played out there. Roberto finally cleared his throat to speak.

  Trey had a feeling he knew what Roberto might say. He was Roberto and Felice’s physician, after all. He had been seeing the couple regularly now for years.