Zorroc: Feline Predators of Ganz

by Lil Gibson

  Zorroc looked very uncomfortable as he gingerly moved toward her. He'd been injured, she realized, rushing up to support him. "What’s happened, where are you hurt, where is a good bodyguard when you need one? Don't worry, I can protect you, I'm very handy at martial arts," she prattled as she whipped her head around in all directions looking for danger or assistance. She would be prepared for both.

  "It is nothing, sweet one, but let us go quickly, I must shed these earth torture vessels," he extruded through clenched teeth. "We are prepared, Prolinc, transhift quickly." A soft chuckle sounded in his head.

  She awoke on their platmat feeling rested and relaxed but noting Zorroc's absence like a tangible thing. She now sensed whenever he was near, though she didn't know exactly when it had started. She supposed their lessons had sensitized her to his presence, somehow. Then she recalled with a heart-thud, he'd been hurt earlier that evening, where would he be? The Med-center, she decided, as she shot off the mat, bee-lined to the clothes cove, rushed to the bathroom to freshen up, and then barreled toward the exit panel.

  "What is she doing?" Prolinc asked, as they lounged in the COM room watching in fascination as Cat bounded off the platmat and started charging around the room bouncing off surfaces as fast as any pinball. The two had been conferring on the days ahead after Zorroc had placed Cat on their mat following transhift.

  "I cannot tell," Zorroc replied lazily, "she has short-circuited again; I cannot read her when that happens."

  "Does she always dart around so quickly, how do you keep her still long enough to have her?" He glanced sideways with a large feline grin to see if he had hit his mark.

  "Let me out of here this instant!" the COM shrieked, startling both males from their seats. "I still say she is mind-blasted, we had better let her out before she hurts herself, " Prolinc muttered as he opened her panel.

  "I will retrieve her, " Zorroc announced unnecessarily, already moving down the hall. She collided with him almost immediately and started spouting a barrage of unintelligible sounds at the sight of him, burrowing into him and hugging him so tight it felt like she was trying to crawl inside of him. He figured out why in the next instant. Since he could not mind-read her, he had to rely on her garbled cacophony. Ah, he had it; she woke up worried about him, she thought he had been injured and panicked when she found him missing. He decided he liked this side of his little pinball and began crooning that he had not been hurt; his pants had merely become snug; she had misunderstood. He lifted her and carried her back to their quarters, looking forward to what was to come; he just hoped his rod did not get so hard it snapped off.

  She still felt disembodied and disoriented when she arrived at Grumpy's the usual time. Her lesson with Zorroc the night before had aligned things in to much better perspective and she could barely wait for the next one. She glanced up and saw Dee and Angel, both early, with drinks in hand, staring at her with undisguised concern. What now? Time to crash back to reality, but it had been heaven while it lasted. "This is unprecedented, ladies, what gives…" Her voice trailed off, as she got closer. Something dreadful had occurred, had she just stumbled onto her own demise?

  Angel addressed the bartender. "A round of doubles Todd, but bring them to the corner table over there," motioning to a table in the back, "we need privacy. Move." This last directed at Cat.

  "We have several issues to discuss so let's get to it," Dee began. "Why you?" Two pair of eyes pinned her with grim purpose.

  Cat looked back, puzzled, who had kidnapped her best friends and replaced them with the interrogation team from The Matrix, and what were they talking about? Cat glanced around uneasily.

  "Why you?" Dee repeated. "Out of all the people on this vast planet, why choose you? We love you and think you're special, but what do the Gattonians want with you?" she probed taking a large pull of her Margarita.

  Suddenly, Cat felt sick to her stomach; they had an undeniable point. Why hadn't she been asking herself that same question? She'd already had numerous talks with herself wondering at Zorroc's interest. Why hadn't she taken it one step further and questioned the Gattonian motive, as well; sucker punched, by her naiveté and lack of awareness. What an unqualified twit. Angel and Dee looked at her with love-laced pity and a pinch of wariness but those wouldn’t help her now. "Okay, I'll bite, why me?" she returned and waited.

  "Let's logic it out, but before we can do that we need more information; explain the circumstances precipitating your initial contact with Zorroc, " Angel proposed coolly perusing the area for stray cat men.

  Cat thought back and tried to organize her thoughts, not an easy thing to do when her entire reality had exploded in her face, once again. "H-he was standing about two feet from the rear bumper of my car, as still as a statue, I remember because I thought not even a hair on his head moved. I realize now that he was totally focused on me.

  "Remember how Prolinc remained absolutely still while you poked away at his chest?" she glanced at Dee and took a sip of her Margarita that had just arrived. Dee nodded and motioned her to continue. "Well, when I saw Prolinc, it reminded me of Zorroc that first night and I recalled thinking it must be a Gattonian thing inherent in their nature; something they do, either not to lose control of themselves or because they don't want to startle their prey." The three looked at each other uncomfortably.

  "But you have an excellent point, why me? I am an unwanted child with no real place in the world; I'm not rich, not famous, not a scientist or doctor, not much of anything. So, maybe it was just a fluke and I happened to be in the right place at the right time, or maybe the wrong place come to think of it." Angel and Dee both shook their heads.

  "Could they be after your parents, and thought kidnapping you would be a good way to secure them?" Angel prodded, continuing to scan the room. Cat shook her head. "That makes no sense. If they were interested in getting to my parents through me, why not lock me in a room and send a COM? These guys are totally focused on this mission. I believe them about their women. I've overheard them numerous times planning for the conference tomorrow down to the finest detail. Trust me, they are serious. Maybe Zorroc’s just hot for my body," she quipped trying to lighten the mood. They merely stared at her. "All right the part about the body is a stretch."

  Dee’s head snapped up, her gaze boring into Cat’s. "When have you been around them? You've been at work everyday, I know because we've talked to your aunts and they assured us you were just working hard and would call us when you got a moment or connect with us today."

  Oh, spit.

  "Well, I've been going to work then home to visit with the aunts, and after picking up some things, reporting back to the ship. In the mornings, they simply transport me back to work. It's worked pretty smoothly, actually." Surveying the room, she noticed how quiet it had become. She glanced nonchalantly at her friends, and then jerked her head back for a closer look. They were absolutely still, damn if they didn't look just like cat men.

  Dee blinked. "You've been spending the night up there every night; why would you want to do that? He's not forcing you is he, has he threatened you in any way?" She fired a look at Angel and finished. "We are going to neuter that 'tom' if he’s laid a hand on you; tell us you're not sleeping with him."

  This definitely called for a strong come back if she wanted to save Zorroc's private parts, she smiled secretly, and they certainly deserved saving. "Back off. I’m a twenty-six year old woman, perfectly capable of choosing whom I sleep with, but as it happens, we haven't done that; he's just giving me lessons."

  "What's he teaching you, the violin?" Angel mused, this was getting interesting, she’d been doing a lot of day dreaming about Carpov, maybe she could get him to give her lessons, surely she had something left to learn.

  "What have you told the aunts, certainly they would want to know where you disappear to every evening? Do they know you're popping off to a space ship to do the dirty with an Egyptian Cat God every night?" Dee spurted, getting more worried, scared, and confused by t
he moment. Her intuition wailed like a siren for her to grab her friends and run as far as they could get, but an opposing force told her time had all ready expired; they were doomed. A thick blanket of dread settled around Dee and she knew the truth. Her sixth sense rarely misled her. She also intuited the Gattonians closing in fast. She had to try. "We need to leave here now, if we don't, none of us will have a prayer of escape, you know I'm seldom wrong when I get one of these feelings, now move."

  Cat jumped up like she'd been whoopee-cushioned, "You two go ahead; he’ll find me no matter where I go. It will be much safer for you if we don't see each other again. I'm not sure he'd let you go a second time. I just wanted a chance to say goodbye and that I love you and will miss you, now go while you can. And stay away from the conference this weekend." She shoved her friends toward the back exit like the hounds of hell pursued them.

  The Gattonians came in the front entrance as she reentered from the back. She walked calmly to her table, acting as if she had visited the restroom. Todd eyed the five suspiciously. When she sat down, they flanked her on all sides; Zorroc spoke first, of course. "Where are your friends, Catarina, we came to join you for a drink."

  How could he purr and talk at the same time, she pondered idly.

  "They had a pressing engagement and had to run. You'll see them at the conference tomorrow." He gave her a knowing look that said you're lying. How did he do that, she sighed, "I knew you'd arrive soon and want to collect me."

  "And what do you want, Catarina?" he purred again, beginning to make her very nervous.

  "I want some very specific answers to some very interesting questions, so I suggest we blow this Margaritaville, big guys." With that, she stood up, grabbed her purse, and moved toward the exit. Todd called her name, willing to intervene if she asked. She just waved.

  God save testosterone.

  Chapter Five

  She awoke with the scent and heat of him surrounding her and, once again, knew a deep subliminal connection. It felt undeniably right; could she be so far off in her feelings? Was he actually a diabolical body snatcher with a plot to kidnap women then use them for food on the way back to his home planet? No, no way she would love someone like that. She froze, connection and love were not the same. You had to trust someone before you could love them, and no way did she trust him. Well, she may not love him but she sure loved touching him.

  The convention began that afternoon. She was glad she'd be too busy to think for the next few days. Her gaze rested on her sleeping tiger, and ran her hand softly over him tracing his hard planes, ridges and bulges. A glorious, magnificent beast. What could he possibly want with her…and did she want really want to know? Instead of the truth setting her free it might destroy the tentative hope, and other unnamed feelings blooming inside her. Her unsettled gaze noted the way his inky lashes trapped a few of his amber long strands. Why kidnap an unremarkable marketing rep from a mall parking lot outside a small bar on the edge of Nashville? How could someone from outer space even find Nashville and why would they want to? You'd think they'd pick a large city on either coast. New York or San Francisco. So many questions with no answers. She was riding on pure instinct in trusting him as far as she did when he, no doubt, had the power to annihilate her and probably her planet.

  She wasn't concerned he'd hurt her physically but she was beginning to fear for her heart. He possessed a complex mind, an aura that exuded great inner turmoil revealing a man who took his responsibilities seriously, and steadfast heart—a heart that could be trusted and depended upon. She needed to grill him on his motives for choosing her but gazing at her watch, knew the moment would have to wait.

  Cat eased from his from his side and watched the slow rise and fall of his chest and his relaxed almost boyish expression. She'd give anything to be able to scan his thoughts for a glimpse into the inner workings of his being.

  "Maybe next life," a voice echoed in her head.

  * * * *

  "What a crush, you've done it again, Cat, congratulations. I guess this means another bonus." Her boss, Greg, sent her a broad smile, clearly pleased. He moved on, shmoozing the crowd and shaking hands. It's what he seemed to do best, and he should be pleased; they would turn a very substantial profit considering the attendance. Zorroc, due to arrive at any moment, would be pleased, as well, she thought. Many young attractive women prowled the area looking for their very own alien.

  "Purr" sounded softly behind her ear as arms reached around to draw her to him. She snuggled into him comfortably, becoming more accustomed to his touch. What started out foreign and awkward, only the week before, now made her feel safe and connected. She turned to face him, putting her small hand in his.

  "Have your people arrived?" she asked quietly.

  "They will start mingling with the crowd in your next half hour. All is ready." He faltered. "I have not thanked you for all you have done for us. We would have prevailed eventually, but you have made an immeasurable difference in timing and the quality of the women. I am in your debt." He nodded his head in cat fashion. He'd never thanked her before; she was touched.

  "I require no debt, I would always help you if within my power to do so," she responded, trying to emulate his more formal speech pattern. He must have noticed because his eyes emitted a strong amber pulse. Yep, he was a happy space-hopper. He left her staring after him, not quite knowing what had hit her.

  Seven hours later, her face hurt from smiling, her head and feet pounded with staccato precision, and her back throbbed. The day had produced record-breaking crowds and two remaining days of endless torture loomed ahead. She longed for a quiet corner in which to hide. With waning patience and growing malaise, she’d looked on as Zorroc left the main auditorium with one beautiful woman after another—probably sampling them personally for suitability purposes. He couldn't have had many interactions with earth females previously; maybe he'd meet someone he preferred over her. She'd probably just been an appetizer to prepare him for the main course. Then she considered the bright side; did she really want to go to another planet as a baby-making machine?

  * * * *

  "How much of the operation is she familiar with? It will be difficult to hide what we are doing from her, especially you, my friend," Prolinc queried, trying to read behind Zorroc's still countenance.

  They had planned to approach willing females, first to determine marital and family status then measure their willingness and controllability. They targeted females who lived alone with no close family members and were sexually active, so their absence would not be noted for some time. Women accustomed to disappearing for days at a time, enjoying a new partner.

  They tested their plan that morning and it had succeeded beyond their wildest hope. Easier than shooting fish in a barrel. Gattonians subliminally shouted 'wet dream' to earth females. Like lures in a crowded sea of starving fish, they could not wait to be caught. It had taken no effort. They had more trouble fighting them off than catching them. Prolinc had not initially planned to collect females on the first day, but several insisted on accompanying them as they took their leave. A total of twenty-three, now slumbered peacefully in their ship's hold, not to be awakened until they left earth's atmosphere and their final plans solidified. Zorroc checked the time and smiled, they still had more than an hour before closing.

  "Cat believes what I have told her." Zorroc shrugged. "We will meet willing females and invite them to a private assembly that researches UFO sightings. We, supposedly, have information all but proving their existence and will share our findings at the meeting. She believes we will then make our needs known, and enlist those who are willing. Cat scheduled it for Sunday at the conclusion of the convention. The center will still be available for our use."

  "What will she believe when you keep disappearing with one beautiful earth female after another for the next two days. I have been watching her watch you and her usual sparkle is fading," Prolinc stated. Could Zorroc's understanding of females be so lacking, or was he simply
accustomed to controlling everyone around him and did not expect to be questioned? Prolinc wondered just how long it would take Cat to become angry enough to separate his ego from his head. He found himself looking forward to the coming days.

  Though half Gattonian, Catarina's emotions overruled her logic, as her loyalty swayed her common sense. She would never question or betray him; her heart and mind shined clear as crystal. This, however, made him question his own actions and what could be perceived as betrayals against her. If she attempted to do the same as he, he would never forgive her; never relent. He might even damage her given further provocation. He shook his head not liking where his mind-shift led. She would understand and accept the choices he made, she must; she belonged to him. He would bind her to him so tightly that nothing he could do would rent her from his side. He had no doubt of her weakness for him. It would conquer her misgivings and allay any rebellious thoughts or actions. Satisfied with his logic, he growled warningly at Prolinc and went to collect his mate. Only to be interrupted once again.

  "Hi, stranger. Where did you find the costume, it's positively, divinely sinful," the woman purred while stroking Zorroc’s chest and arms. Though the day had proved gruelingly long, he gave her a very male, knowing smirk, signaling his willingness to follow her tail.

  "I am part of the Gattonian Assembly; some of our people are speaking at the convention this weekend. You should attend; it will be quite…fascinating. Are you here alone, it does not seem possible a man would let you run loose."

  "Umm, I prefer to play the field, and enjoy what life delivers. How about you, are you unencumbered?" She began, rubbing her private parts against his. Zorroc smiled his feline smile; letting her draw her own conclusions when suddenly the atmosphere changed.

  "Excuse me," Cat challenged.

  Zorroc's eyes pinned hers and demanded, "What do you want."