Finally, Jo came to a line of small railroad houses built back in the late fifties when the railroad was still a major factor in the Australian transport industry. They once housed single working men. Jo walked up the steps of the first one on the row next to a dark alleyway. He opened the door and slipped inside. Andy heard the chain latches slip into place, knowing it was little protection from anyone who really wanted in.
He spotted the Ute pull around the corner. He nodded as Hamish climbed out and approached.
"This is Jo's address. I'm gonna go scout around the back; see what I can discover." Andy pulled off his jacket and shirt.
"You are not going to shift. We're in the middle of the city surrounded by humans."
Andy glanced up and down the darkened street. "It's night, there's no one around, and I'm almost black. I need to check this out."
"You need to? He is just as much my mate as yours." Hamish folded his arms.
"Fine, you get naked and shift."
When Hamish made no move to stop him, Andy resumed stripping and handed his clothes to his brother. Hamish's phone rang and he reached for it.
"Hey Ted, uh yeah, I'll give you directions." Hamish nodded, walking back to the Ute.
Andy crouched down and let the change ripple through him. He stretched his back, purring at the freedom of being in Panther form before slipping into the darkness.
The five foot rotting wooden fence creaked as he leapt up and over; in the small backyard he was met with threatening hisses from a group of domestic felines. Scattered among a few cardboard boxes, crouched five bloody house cats.
Jo's back door opened and he stepped out, clutching the bag of cat food he'd bought in the grocery store. Andy slunk back, hiding behind the largest box.
"Here sweeties." Jo's voice sounded higher pitched and softer than before. Andy tilted his head, listening with avid curiosity.
Jo shook the bag and the cats came as he crouched down and filled the food bowls. Smiling with affection, Jo stroked the felines. "C'mon guys, don't be greedy now, we have to make this last the whole week. Mr. Demopoulos underpaid me again, the rat bastard."
The cats ignored her, too busily chomping down on the chow. Jo sighed, straightened up and went back into the house.
Andy struck upon an idea. It was crazy and Hamish was going to probably smack him into next Sunday, but he needed to do something other than act like a stalker. It was time to take decisive action. He hoped by the Goddess, Jo was really, really fond of cats.
He came out from his hiding spot and growled at the cats, which scattered like lightning. Andy internally chuckled; the bigger cat always wins. He shifted back to human form long enough to drag one of the boxes up to the back step. He stepped inside and shifted―placed his paw on the door and scratched.
~ * ~
Juniper's whole body ached from the strain of working the long hours at the recycling plant. It was the price she paid to stay as Jo Smith.
The strays out back were fed for now. Once she got her bandages off, she could make some dinner and settle down and sort through the nap sack of books she rescued from being recycled.
She froze at the sound of scratching at her back door. One of the cats? They don't usually scratch at her door, they sit and meow.
Frowning, she walked through the kitchen to the door, unlocked the bolt and pulled it open.
"Holy fucking crap!" Startled, Juniper fell backwards onto her fat arse as she stared in utter disbelief.
There nestled in a cardboard box, was the biggest darn cat she'd seen outside of a zoo. Juniper was torn between wanting to sigh, adoring the cuteness of a cat in a box or scream in terror, because the cat happened to be a two hundred pound, blackish brown Panther.
It looked up at her, then turned, lay down on its back and stuck big paws out in the air, flattening the box.
Hysterical laughter bubbled up; she was hallucinating, yes, that was it. The Panther rolled again, pushed to his feet and strode casually, as any small domestic cat would, into her small railroad house. What was even more disbelieving―the cat nudged the door closed behind it.
Okay, so she was hallucinating about a well-trained, obviously tame, Black Panther, but he wasn't entirely black, more a dark brown with black patches over his fur.
The panther purred loudly as it came straight up to her and pushed his big head against her chest, nuzzling in, again, just like a normal tame house cat would.
"Uh, hello." She ran his fingers over his fur. It was soft under her hand like a blanket. "I have got to be dreaming this."
He sat back on his hind legs and stared at her. Strange, his eyes were the same color as melted dark chocolate, reminding her of those hot guys from the Harbor Dock's café.
The Panther moved again, rubbing up against her and purring. She giggled at the strange situation of a really big house cat in her home. "Okay, so I'm not dreaming. But where the heck did you come from? Someone as beautiful and rare as you would have an owner."
The cat lapped at her face, dislodging her glasses. She giggled again, slowly climbing to her feet. "You're not going to eat me, are you?"
The cat shook its head. Juniper blinked, surely not in answer to her question.
"Right, so no people eating, but you can't stay here. I don't know who taught you to barge into people's homes, but it is bad manners you know." If she didn't know better, she could have sworn the Panther rolled his eyes.
"Well, now you're here, I guess formal introductions are in order. I wouldn't want to be a rude hostess…"
She studied the cat that seemed to be listening intently, watching her; just like the feeling she had all evening, on the way home from the Docks.
"You haven't been following me home have you?"
The Panther responded by rolling over and presenting its belly. Predators never presented their bellies to anyone they felt was a threat. From the anatomy it was clear the cat was male and didn't see her as a threat. But should she?
Suspicion crept in, along with fear. She walked around the cat and opened the back door, peering out into the darkness. Was anyone hiding out there? Watching her? Did anyone know?
A gentle nudge at the back of her leg made her glance down. The cat lifted his paw, as if in supplication.
Her fear evaporated, only to be replaced by curiosity. "You should go back to where you came from. People in my situation can't afford to keep big cats, and someone has to be looking for you."
But the cat wouldn't budge from his spot. "Alright, maybe I'll call someone in the morning about you. I'm too darn tired to go traipsing to the only working phone a kilometer down the road."
The Panther turned and trotted deeper into Juniper's home. She sighed, closed and locked the door.
This was utter madness. Big cats in Redfern? Maybe he's escaped from the zoo, or a travelling circus? She'd call them in the morning and find out. But as long as the big, black, soft Panther didn't eat her, one night wouldn't hurt. After all, she couldn't leave him out on the streets; anything could happen to the big beautiful creature.
~ * ~
Nosing his way into Jo’s house, Andy knew caution would be needed. Once he discovered the truth about them, he'd be outraged at Andy's bold moves to get into his life.
But the more he watched this Jo, the more he learned, and the more things didn't add up. The change in his voice, and his sweet feminine smell. Heck, he'd called himself hostess.
When Andy nuzzled into his mate and licked his face, he’d tasted so sweet and had felt so soft. The desire to touch, nuzzle, stroke with his own hands grew stronger.
Not yet buddy, one step at a time.
The more he observed, the more he found their mate had a very feminine streak. More than likely he is gay. At least him being gay worked in their favor.
Hamish was going to kill him for pulling this stunt, but so far it was working.
Andy took in the meager furnishings; a two person sofa in a hideous bright orange. Two large besser bricks and a long plank
of wood made up a table, which was piled with old, stained books, some even had their covers ripped off. But, despite the peeling paint, rotting corners of the wooden floor, Jo kept a tidy house.
Andy glanced over the books. So, his mate liked to read. Scanning the titles, he realized they were all romance books. Needing to investigate his mates dwelling further, he trotted into the bedroom.
Ugh, a mattress lay on the floor with several blankets. Hell, he was living rough. By the door stood a battered black suitcase. Beside the bed, a smaller brick table, on top of which sat a box of matches and candle in the centre of a chipped tea saucer. More books were stacked by the bed. He growled low at the dangerous position of the candle, next to so many flammable books. What if he fell asleep while reading and the place caught on fire? This place was a death trap. Andy was even more determined to rescue their mate from his situation.
"I hope you're house-trained," Jo called from the kitchen.
Andy snorted. Yes baby, more than you realize. Andy went back and sat in the doorway to the kitchen, watching Jo move about and studying his features more closely. He had a rounded face, but his high cheekbone structure gave him a feminine look. Andy's gaze dropped to his chest. He seemed well rounded. He'd always like his women with extra to hold on to; that way the woman could handle both him and his brother without fear of breaking her. Maybe being with Jo, it wouldn't be so different.
Jo moved, humming as he stirred something bubbling on the stove. Wafting smells of chicken and sweetcorn soup filled the air. He glanced down to where Andy sat. Jo's reddish full lips curved up into a smile reaching his pale green eyes. There were no buts about it, even for a guy, Jo was, beautiful.
"Finished being nosy? I know the place isn't much, but home is where you lay your head. I bet you're used to finer accommodations." Jo sighed. "Once upon a time, so was I…"
Andy noted the distant look in Jo's eyes before he blinked. So, he hadn't been born into poverty. Something happened to drag him down.
"No use dwelling on the past and dragging up bad memories, hey." He turned off the stove and poured his soup into a bowl.
"You want some of this, I made double. I have no idea if big cats like chicken and corn soup. I do have some milk, if you'd prefer that."
Andy did his best house cat impersonation, got off his butt and slid his body against Jo's legs. He giggled again, reaching down to rub Andy's head. Ooh it felt good. He nudged at Jo's hand for more.
"You really like to be petted." Jo sank down onto his knees and rubbed more of Andy's head and neck.
Baby, I love your hands on me. He purred his approval.
"Most of the cats out back are strays, only a few let me pet them. I like that you're so cuddly. But damn, it's still weird having a Panther in my house."
He nuzzled in; loving the way Jo put his arms around him. Hell, he loved being close to his, no, he corrected, their mate.
Having to share with his brother seemed natural. After all, it wasn't the first time they'd shared. But in this case their mate would be a permanent placement in their lives.
"C'mon, I'm starving; the only thing I've eaten today was a small bucket of chips."
Andy growled his disapproval; their mate wasn't eating enough.
Jo rose to his feet and finished serving out the soup before carrying both bowls into the sparse living room, he set one down on the floor and his on the table, before flopping down on the couch.
He noticed Jo wince, the pain evident on his face. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but I gotta take something off, it's been killing me all day. I hope you don't mind half naked people."
Andy pretended to sniff at his soup, while Jo proceeded to remove his jacket then slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Andy's head rose, staring at Jo as he peeled off a vest to reveal a mass of thick bandaging.
What the hell? Andy watched, blinking in surprise as Jo unwound the bandages. He or rather, she, sighed in relief as her breasts were freed from their compressed confinement.
Andy blinked, he, no, not a he, but a she! A girl, she was a girl! He suddenly wanted to dance in utter triumph. Jo wasn't male at all! All those mixed things suddenly made sense. Wait, no, it didn't, why the hell is Jo running around pretending to be a guy?
Now free, she rubbed at her obviously sore, beautiful, bountiful breasts. Andy licked his lips and without thinking, jumped up on the couch next to her, nuzzling against those beauties. He couldn't wait to be able to change back into a man and put his hands on them, slide his cock between them. Oh yeah, his mate had a body made for loving. He purred loud and proud with happiness.
Andy noticed a deep rounded scar the size of a child's fist, prominent just under her left breast. He scowled, recognizing a gunshot wound. Who the hell had tried to kill his mate? Who the hell would shoot a woman? A deep anger curled in his gut.
"Uh, sweetie." Worry creased her forehead at Andy's sudden low snarl.
Andy pulled himself together and continued nuzzling at her chest. Breasts, breasts, beautiful breasts!
Jo giggled; it sounded so much better now that he knew the truth. Well, one truth, the rest they would discover in time.
"Hey, I guess you do like half naked people; typical male." She lifted her hand to stroke his head. He took full advantage of her arms on him and licked between her wonderful female breasts. Oh yes, she tasted so darn sweet.
She gasped and shoved at his head. "Naughty kitty, who the heck taught you to do that?" She struggled to get back into her ugly blue shirt.
Mine, mine, mine… His Panther purred, reveling in being so close to his mate. Sure there were a heck of a lot of unanswered questions, but one thing at a time.
With great effort he forced himself back. It was such a crime to let her cover up; once they got her home he would...
A loud knock sounded at the front door, startling Jo. He didn't miss the sudden fear in her eyes. Andy let out a low growl, jumped from the sofa, trotting to the door. He sniffed, trying to determine who was on the other side.
Jo fumbled with her shirt and reached under the sofa, pulling out a kitchen knife. Inwardly, he frowned as she approached the door with extreme caution. Little pieces added up, but still didn't make a whole picture. Something was going on with their woman; the fear he saw in her eyes. She had been attacked, shot? And now lived her life in fear? Had someone in this neighborhood done it?
"Stay back sweetie, I don't want anyone to see you. I'd have a hard time explaining how I have a big Black Panther in my home, and I don't want you getting hurt."
He snorted; it was his job to protect her, not the other way around.
"Who is it?" She'd lowered her tone, into her 'man' voice.
"Oh, hello, I'm looking for my cat?" Jo glanced down at him as he planted his butt down and swished his tail, relaxing at the sound of his brother's voice.
"Your cat?" She reached for the door handle and opened it, only as far as the three chain locks would allow and peered up at Hamish.
"Uh, hi, yes my cat, he's a bit unusual, and you really can't miss him. A big bastard, dark brown with black patches and weighs about a hundred and eighty pounds. Oh, and is nosy as hell."
A sad expression crossed her lovely features as she glanced back at Andy, still sitting there, looking at her. "I knew one as beautiful as you would be owned."
If only she realized it was the other way around. She owned him. "He wouldn't be a Panther?"
"Yup, I know it's strange to keep a Panther as a pet, but he's very friendly and tame." Hamish flashed her a charming smile.
"Well, I'm sorry, but he's here. I uh, found him on my back step. He invited himself in. Just a moment please." She closed the door, unhooking the chains and opened it fully. "Here he is." She nodded towards Andy.
"You're always getting into trouble Andy; you know it's not polite to barge into people homes. I'm so sorry for this."
"Oh, it's alright, it's nice to meet a Panther. I've only ever seen things like him standing behind wire fences at the zoo."
"I'm
glad he didn't scare you senseless. You're a brave man to let Andy into your home, but he really is harmless, unless he wants to protect something that belongs to him."
Andy poked his cat tongue out at Hamish and proceeded to curl his body around their mate's legs and growled at Hamish, who glared back at him. There was no way he was going anywhere.
"His name is Andy?" Jo stared down at him.
"Yes, I hope he hasn't been any trouble."
"Oh, no trouble at all." Jo frowned. "I know you, I mean, I don't know you, but I saw you earlier today."
"Café by the docks." Hamish leaned against her door frame, giving her his best charming smile. "Always remember a, uh, nice face."
Andy chuckled, Hamish had no idea Jo was female.
She sighed. "Well Andy, you'd better go now."
He planted his butt, refusing to move.
"He's very taken with you." Hamish seemed in no hurry to move either.
"I can't imagine why."
"He's always had a knack of finding good people. Are you going to get your butt out here or not?" Andy dismissed Hamish and turned, and went back to his bowl of soup, lapping it up. Humm, it's nice. A mate who can cook.
"I'm so sorry Mr., Uh."
"Brown, Hamish Brown. Please, don't apologies, this is not your fault in the slightest."
"I thought I saw two of you today by the docks."
"That would be my twin and dim-witted brother, Andy."
Andy growled at Hamish's insult.
"Your cat is named after your brother?"
"Yeah, we both own Black Panthers, Andy's one is named Hamish, kind of a cosmic joke."
"How did you get to be all the way out here from the docks?"
Yeah, Hamish answer that one oh, mighty know it all.
"I had a delivery out this way; Andy must have gotten out of the car. For a cat, he's smarter than my brother."
Smart arse.
He noticed Hamish's gaze drop to Jo's chest. He frowned, before glancing over at Andy with questioning look. Andy licked the last of the soup, and then went for Jo's bowl.
The Purrfect Predicament (Australian Shifters) Page 2
