Secrets

by Lynn Crandall

  “No, you told me to go to work, take care of Cats Alive. Besides, I … last night … I’ve got to live my life.” Her heart raced as she searched for the right words.

  More silence. More holding her breath. “I know. I did say that. I guess I really want you protected. Sorry. I’m just trying to keep you safe until everything falls into place.”

  She heard his teeth grind and she could envision his sober face. It somehow comforted her. “I appreciate your help—”

  “I know,” he interrupted her. “Well, I have to talk to you. Can you get away for a while or would tonight be better?” He stumbled awkwardly over his words, which was very unlike Casey. Worry spread like icy fingers in her chest. “I feel like we left so many things up in the air last night. I’m eager to see you. But if you’re busy, it can wait.” He cleared his throat.

  “I could meet you over my lunch hour. And if it takes longer I’m sure Sterling and Lacey won’t mind. Would that work?”

  The muffled sounds from the street below kept her grounded, but fear hung so close, as though it sat just inside her peripheral vision, letting her know all was not well.

  “Yes, that would be perfect.” She heard concern lace his voice but also a bright lift that soothed her. “I’ll pick you up outside your office, then. What time?”

  “Just a second.” She put him on hold and hollered to the sisters, asking if she could take an early lunch and maybe a long lunch.

  “Of course,” they chimed in together. “Do what you have to do.”

  “Casey, I’m ready to go now.”

  Chapter Ten

  After leaving Madeline with Lara, Casey had called a meeting of his colony, Lara included. Since it was mid-morning and most of the cats worked, he’d decided to have lunch at his house. It would be the second meeting he’d called about Michelle. Last night they’d met at Lara’s house to let everyone know about Michelle. It wasn’t a discussion. He’d tried to make it clear that as the leader, he aimed to guide the colony into a sustainable future, one that would possibly have new rules and new ways of doing things. He’d announced that he was getting emotionally close to a human, Michelle. That announcement met with some disdain and some tentative acceptance. Today he was taking things a step further.

  Pulling up to the curb where Michelle stood, a lump formed in his throat. She stood there, all bright and shiny and perfect, not knowing what was ahead of her. Longing to protect her and not scare her away filled every cell of his body.

  She waved and climbed in the car. Before she had time to speak, Casey pulled her close to him, as close as the console would let him, and held her tight. “I missed you, sweetheart.”

  Her embrace felt like coming home. He breathed in the scent of her hair, all warm and flowery, and let his muscles relax.

  She pulled back and studied him. “I missed you, too. You okay?”

  He turned back to the wheel as she relaxed against the seat. “I’m just happy to see you.” It was true. It also was only part of the truth. Nerves were jangling loudly in his ears. He wasn’t afraid, but he knew full well how ominous things were right now. Not the least, introducing Michelle to his colony.

  “Where are we going?” Michelle rested her hand on his leg and warmth pushed his pulse higher.

  “My house. You haven’t been there, have you?” He took in her profile as they drove along. Her nose, a nose that turned up just enough to be cute. Her lips, full and tempting. Her hair, flowing in the breeze from the open windows, dancing like gossamer.

  “No.” She ran her fingers through his dreads, tempting his senses. “Hmm … I wonder why I haven’t. Not even before when we were dating.”

  He ducked his head, his eyes on the road. “I think it will all make sense to you very soon.”

  “Ooh, that sounds mysterious.”

  Tension fired between them and as much as he wanted to tell her everything, he now wanted much more to take her to bed for the day. He licked his lips at the thought.

  “Yesterday was really nice.” She dropped her gaze to the floor. “I know I’ve been difficult. Thank you for understanding.”

  “We’ve both had our personal issues. Thank you for not running away and screaming when you saw me as a lynx.” He covered her hand with his, and she looked up and smiled. The air felt thick with emotion—real, honest emotion.

  He pulled into his driveway and hit the garage door opener. As soon as he stopped Michelle was out of the car and out in the yard.

  “This is gorgeous. I guess I’ve always thought of you as a city boy.” She turned to flash a grin at him. “Your house is definitely country, rural, whatever you call it.”

  “I can manage in the city just fine, but put me in the middle of forest or field and I’m happy.” He walked up behind her and dropped his arm around her shoulders. He sniffed the damp air. “I love this lush natural setting for my home.”

  “I do, too.” She studied him silently for what seemed like minutes at a time. Her hands against his chest stirred emotions inside him that comforted him. “I can see now that this fits you well.”

  She started walking to the front door and he stopped her. Excitement tinged with reservation slithered around his gut. “I want you to know all about me, Michelle. No holding back. But what I’ve exposed you to already is only the tip of the iceberg. Life is not what you believe it to be. There’s so much more.”

  She squeezed her eyes, sending him a quizzical expression. “I know that, Casey. I’m fine with that.”

  “If at any point in this lunch time you feel overwhelmed, let me know. I’ll take you right out of here.” The wind through the trees whispered seductively of things unknown and mysterious.

  “Okay,” she mumbled. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  He wanted to hold her, somehow ensure he wouldn’t lose her when she learned it all, but just then other cars drove down the lane to his house and turned in his driveway and the side of the lane to park.

  “Let’s go inside,” he said in her ear, and led her through the front door. “Look around if you want, but since it’s your lunch time I’m going to get started on a plate of deli meat and cheeses, breads, and other foods.” He left her in the entry as he stepped into the kitchen.

  She peeked into the kitchen and gasped. “This is a nice kitchen.” He watched her survey the room. “It’s so spacious. I see you have commercial grade appliances. Nice. I love the slate flooring and countertops. I like the large windows and the skylight is a great touch.”

  “It works for me.” He smirked and ducked his head into the bottom of the refrigerator to retrieve a selection of cheeses, then placed them on the island in the middle of the room. “Have a seat?” He pointed to the tall chairs that sat around the island.

  Michelle was already picking her way through the adjoining family room, clearly admiring the comfy looking upholstered furniture. “I love your stone fireplace and the floor to ceiling bookshelves.

  “Hey, Case! What’s for lunch?” called a young man from the foyer.

  “Whatever you make for yourself, Asher.”

  Michelle stepped into the kitchen just in time to hear another person ask about Lara.

  “Is Lara coming?”

  Casey winked at Michelle just to assure her. “Lara is on her way.”

  At Casey’s wink, the blond woman turned to her. “Oh, hi Michelle.”

  Everyone, all six strangers, turned toward her. “Hi. Do I know you?” She nodded her head toward the young woman.

  Without missing a beat, the woman extended her hand and grabbed Michelle’s, shaking it in a strong grip. “I’m Elizabeth, Elizabeth Sands. But everyone calls me Tizzy.”

  “Nice to meet you. It seems you already know my name.” Michelle smiled at Tizzy. “Your eyes are so unique, they remind me of the color of cognac.”

  Casey stepped up beside Michelle and spoke close to her ear. “Remember what I said. No holding back.” He wanted to make this easy for her. The only way he knew to do that was to stay by h
er side.

  “So, Lara is coming? I’m guessing there are things going on here I don’t know about.”

  Casey squeezed her hand. “Everyone, this is Michelle Slade.”

  A group welcome went up, and she accepted it graciously. She looked from face to face, eyes to eyes. “No way. It couldn’t be possible. Your eyes are all different but they share the same beautiful clarity I first saw in Casey’s golden eyes. Are all of you lynxes?”

  Casey cleared his throat. “Yes, they are. Everyone here knows you because I told them about our relationship. They have been a part of the investigation into why cats are missing.” He stopped and assessed the room for impact.

  “I don’t know what to say. I guess I simply wonder why? Why you all have been so kind as to care about the missing cats?” Michelle wrapped a lock of hair around her finger and tweaked at it.

  All eyes turned on Casey.

  “Michelle, rather than tell you, we’re going to show you who we are and why we care.” He squeezed her arm and left his hand lying there as he smiled down at her.

  They each disappeared out of sight. As the man Casey had called Asher turned to leave, he nodded at Michelle, then grinned at Casey. “Casey, make sure she doesn’t pop. This is a lot to take in.”

  “Go.” Casey glared at the man, then turned to Michelle. “I’m not the only were-cat, sweetheart. I know this is big, but I don’t want to keep secrets from you anymore.”

  “I know. No holding back. That’s how I feel, too.” She leaned against his chest and he wrapped an arm around her. “I’m not afraid.”

  Then the mini parade began. She pulled back from Casey and watched lynxes stroll into the kitchen from the hallway and from the family room behind her. She squeezed Casey’s hand.

  “You’re all so beautiful,” she breathed. “Different, but all striking.”

  Suddenly a bobcat ran through the kitchen and jumped onto a couch in the other room. It startled Michelle, and she let out a short burst.

  Casey suppressed a chuckle. “Like the lynxes in the room, the bobcat has a ruff of facial fur, pointed ears tipped in black, and a short tail. His fur is a yellowish brown with dark bars and spots.” Casey felt like a tour guide in a zoo.

  The bobcat briskly pounded his tail against the couch and chuffed.

  “That’s enough, Asher.” Casey slanted his head at Michelle. “Bobcats belong to the same genus as lynxes. This one is too playful for his own good.”

  Asher turned yellow eyes on Michelle and chuffed again.

  Casey frowned, noticing goose bumps dotting Michelle’s arms. He rolled his eyes when Asher jumped off the couch and stood feet away from her. He arched his back and let loose a snarling growl. It rumbled deep in his throat and ended with a full-bodied roar. It nearly blew Michelle off her feet as she stood in the ferocious authority of his growl.

  Casey lunged at the bobcat and hollered. “Enough!” His commanding voice was unmistakable. Asher dropped his head, his eyes down.

  Michelle turned her delicate blue eyes on Casey. “So, you’re in charge?”

  He nodded. “Yes, this is our colony of were-cats and I am the leader.” Casey wrapped his arms across his chest, inches from Asher. “I apologize for his actions. That was uncalled for.” Then he rubbed a playful hand atop Asher’s large head.

  Behind him, Asher shimmered into his human self. Michelle stood stoic.

  • • •

  The front door opened and closed and Michelle stopped breathing. Lara, her former roommate and good friend, walked into the kitchen.

  Casey gave her a quick hug, while Michelle stared. “Things okay at the clinic?” He said it so low that Michelle wasn’t sure she got it right.

  Lara nodded, then hugged Michelle. It felt good to see a familiar face, but the implications thundered through her. “You’re a lynx, too?”

  “I see Asher has been performing for you.”

  “Is that what this is?”

  Casey turned around, then swatted naked Asher’s head. “Pants on, you nut. You trying to scare Michelle?”

  “Oh, Casey, it could have been worse, I guess.” Lara patted Casey’s arm. “Sorry, Michelle. You’ve never met my little brother. That was on purpose. He’s a wild card.” She laughed heartily.

  “I had no idea about you, Lara. You’re a lynx.”

  “I am. I’m sorry to keep that part of me secret from you. According to the were-lynx rules, it would have been wrong not to.”

  Michelle’s brain stuttered, trying to process everything she was learning. “Um … yeah, Casey told me. Secrecy and privacy help safeguard your kind.” Suddenly a premonition popped up, grabbing Michelle’s attention. She saw Lara treating a cat that appeared to suffer from severe disfigurement. Her breath froze in her lungs. The premonition stopped but the sick feeling in her gut continued.

  Casey spoke up quietly. “Did you just have a premonition, Michelle? Like all of us,” he said, directing his words to the were-cats, “Michelle has special gifts. She is highly sensitive and experiences premonitions.”

  She felt a blush creep up her neck and redden her face. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I get caught up in a premonition. You know about me, Lara.” Lara nodded, and Michelle pointed to her. “You found out cats are being stolen. That’s how Casey and your colony got involved.”

  Casey’s eyes pinned her. “Yes. Some of Lara’s clients reported that their cats, roamers, had gone missing. We went into action. Do you want to share your premonition?”

  Michelle checked in with her gut to find the sick feeling easing up a bit. “I saw Lara treating a cat. Its legs and feet were badly deformed.”

  “That’s another piece of the puzzle. Thank you, sweetheart.” He pulled her close and she relaxed against his wall of a chest. It soothed her. “We can talk more later about that situation. Right now let’s eat and relax a bit.” He turned concerned eyes on Michelle.

  She looked around, taking in the laid back feel of the room. “Things are pretty easygoing among you all, right? I know you don’t eat humans, so I can relax, too.”

  “Right. We’re not natural enemies and I hope you can relax.” Casey squeezed her arm again and elicited tiny quakes of gratitude inside her.

  “Right now I’m pretty much in awe. I … I … ”

  “Yeah, what do you say to all this, huh?” He pursed his lips, then touched the tip of her nose. “Lara will be back in a second. She slipped out to shimmer. That way you’ll know what we all look like in both forms. Because we have to be naked to shimmer, we’re all accustomed to our nakedness showing up occasionally. But it’s just a part of how we work. You’re not going to be subjected to male or female nudeness all the time.”

  She was listening, but only sort of. Awe and curiosity had filled her completely. It would be a while before she would be able to recognize who was who as a lynx. But already she saw differences. Their fur and their telltale lynx markings were there, but each one had a variation of colors and their eyes looked distinctive.

  When Lara joined the group, her difference was obvious. She wore the same markings as Asher, as she, too, was a bobcat. Her smooth brown fur and black colorations blended with her nut-brown eyes to present a beautiful were-cat.

  Lara walked right up to her and rubbed her leg. Her fur was smooth and made Michelle’s skin prickle. “You’re amazing, Lara.”

  Lara chuffed and nodded her large head.

  Michelle laughed. “Oh, you agree. Sweet.”

  Asher waltzed back in and headed to the kitchen counter. “Didn’t someone say something about lunch?”

  “Just give Michelle a little more time. You can make a sandwich if you can’t wait.” Casey’s voice was firm but kind.

  “I’ve seen you before.” She pointed to a russet lynx lounging on the carpet in the living room. “I saw you at my house a few nights ago. What were you doing there?”

  Casey pulled her close under one arm. “That’s Quinn. It was his turn to take watch over you and your property. You weren’t
supposed to see him.” He frowned at Quinn and shook his head.

  Quinn’s matching russet-colored eyes flashed at Casey in such a way Michelle thought she could read his meaning. Get off my back, or something akin to that. He rose and padded out toward another room.

  Casey sighed heavily in his wake. Then one by one, he pointed to each lynx and named them for Michelle and shared their occupation and special talents. Asia, a reporter, could communicate telepathically with animals. Lara had healing powers. Conrad worked as an investment banker and had superior strength. Tizzy was a teacher and had the ability to leap really high. Quinn, a construction contractor, had superior spatial ability. Asher worked as a sports reporter and had an ability to charm others. Booker, a physician, also had the power to heal.

  She didn’t think she would ever forget this moment. Something she’d never known about the world has just opened up before her and brought her into a new reality. The implications swelled inside to a point she couldn’t contain. Possibilities were endless.

  Her eyes met Casey’s and saw something new there. He emanated a mixture of confidence, openness, and reserve. Probably the perfect traits for the leader of a group made up of part human, part paranormal creatures living in a world of humans. At least she thought that was what she lived in.

  As the members of Casey’s colony shifted back into their human forms, Michelle stood apart, watching them sit down to lunch. Something seemed to constrain their conversation. They talked, but it felt strained.

  Casey set a plate with a sandwich and fruit in front of her. She couldn’t make herself take a bite of the sandwich. She popped a grape in her mouth and struggled to chew, but her mouth was so dry. Every time she looked up she caught Lara staring at her. She was a guest here, among private people. The last thing she wanted to do was behave rudely. But it was obvious. Something else brought them together today. Something more than a meet and greet with her.

  Sitting next to her around the counter slash table, Casey rubbed her arm. His skin warmed her concerns. But she still wanted to know more.