My Cat Nap

by Shelley Munro

  He considered that for a moment, tempted to confront his brother and end it all now. No. Probably best to save their confrontation for the smaller town. He’d done a little research on Middlemarch. It was famous for the Singles Ball held each year around April and as the starting point of the Otago rail trail. Apart from that, it was a typical country town with a dwindling population.

  The perfect place for a meeting with his youngest brother.

  * * * * *

  Kiran and Gavin stopped by the café for a quick coffee after inoculating two lots of calves and sewing up a horse’s leg. The calves hadn’t cooperated despite Kiran’s reassurance, and they were both wearing splotches of mud on their clothing.

  “We’d better sit outside in the garden,” Gavin said. “You want your usual?”

  Kiran nodded, giving Gavin a tired grin. Exhaustion clung to him like a limpet, yet his feline prowled his mind, restless and uneasy. He opened the gate leading to the café garden and dropped into one of the bench seats next to a wooden table, wondering if he dared to close his eyes and attempt sleep or if the dreams would come.

  Again.

  He’d dreamed every night for the last two weeks.

  The same dream.

  Every night he slid into the nightmare despite trying to stay awake. The dream ended in the same place, but Kiran had started to worry that maybe there was something bad in his past. Had he murdered those three people? In his dream he was convinced of his innocence.

  Kiran blinked and shook his head, forcing his fatigue away to concentrate on his surroundings. Emily had a great place here. It soothed and welcomed. No wonder the café was doing so well.

  Some sort of tree grew in the corner, offering shade to part of the garden. Purple and white petunias grew in wooden barrels while a small water feature offered a soothing background noise. Kiran closed his eyes, his senses reaching out. Immediately he sensed the mate bond. The presence of the bond soothed his agitated feline. He heard almost silent footfalls, and when he opened his eyes, Rohan stood in front of him.

  “You okay?”

  “Yes. No.”

  “So which is it?”

  Kiran gave an irritable shrug. “Hell if I know.”

  “Did I tire you out last night?” Rohan dropped onto the seat beside him, and his proximity eased his twitchy feline.

  “I’m tired, yeah. But this is something else. I’m on edge and I don’t know why.” He sucked in a deep breath, hoping to stave off a yawn. Instead he breathed Rohan’s scent and it called to him. He leaned into his mate, craving the solid contact. I’m dreaming every night.

  Why didn’t you tell me? Rohan wrinkled his nose at the fragrant mud on Kiran. Kiran half expected Rohan to push him away, but he didn’t. He drew Kiran closer and kissed him. He held Kiran’s face and traced the fullness of his lips, exploring and openly showing his love. Kiran sank greedily into the kiss, his eyes closing as Rohan devoured him.

  A polite cough pulled them out of the kiss. Dazed, Kiran’s eyes fluttered open to see Gavin grinning at them.

  “No wonder you’re tired.” Gavin’s eyes widened suddenly. He scrutinized them closely and leaned over to sniff. A sudden smile wreathed his mouth. “Damn, the two of you have mated. Why didn’t you say something?” He frowned. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice.”

  “Maybe it’s because we’re tiger. Ambar knows,” Rohan said.

  Emily arrived with a tray of coffee, and Kiran, who was closest, shot to his feet. He glanced over his shoulder before seizing the tray from Emily.

  “Hell, Emily,” he chided. “Do you want to get us in trouble with Saber? I heard him tell you off when I was out at your place last night helping with the stock.”

  “I’m pregnant not helpless,” she snapped. “Gavin, you have to tell him it’s good for pregnant women to keep active. He won’t let me do anything, and he has Tomasine and Isabella reporting to him. They think it’s cute. I know they wouldn’t like it if they were me,” she added in a dark tone.

  Gavin chuckled. “I tried to talk to him, Emily, but he loves you and he worries.”

  “Saber asked if you’re still coming out to the house tonight,” Emily said to Kiran. “I think he’s gonna ring you, but something has come up and he had to go to Dunedin. He won’t be home until around nine or ten tonight.”

  “I might come out anyway,” Kiran said. “I can work with the calves tonight and get them used to leading.”

  “Can I come and help?” Rohan asked. “I’ve been curious about your training.”

  “Come for dinner,” Emily said.

  “Did you know Kiran and Rohan have mated?” Gavin asked.

  “Really?” Emily hugged Kiran, heedless of the dirt on his clothes.

  “Holy crap,” Kiran said. He pushed Emily away and placed his hand on her rounded stomach. “You’ve got an active baby in there.”

  “It’s a healthy baby,” Gavin said.

  “A soccer player,” Kiran said with certainty, letting his hand drop to his side. “A boy by the smell of him.”

  “The baby hasn’t cooperated when we’ve done our scans,” Gavin said. “I haven’t been able to tell what sex it is.”

  Emily clapped her hand over her ears. “We wanted it to be a surprise.”

  “Hell, all I can smell is the muck and mud you and Gavin are wearing,” Rohan said.

  “A boy?” Emily eased her hands away from her ears. Her hand rose to cover her belly in a protective manner. “Saber will be pleased. Still a pain in my butt though. His mother-hen act is driving me nuts.”

  “I’ll protect you, Emily,” Kiran said with a grin.

  “We’ll have a better idea at your next checkup,” Gavin said. “Next week, right?”

  “Yes.” Emily groaned and wrinkled her nose. “As much as I’d like to fib, I can’t do that to Saber. I’ll probably tell him and suffer the extra-protective mode. We might be able to decide on a list of names now.”

  A small bus pulled up outside the café with a screech of brakes. The doors opened and passengers piled out.

  “Oops, my cue to go,” Emily said. “Dinner tonight at six,” she said to Kiran and Rohan. “We’ll talk about a party to celebrate your mating as well. It’s about time we had a get-together.”

  “I’d better head back to the store,” Rohan said. He gave Kiran a quick kiss and waved at Gavin. I love you, Kiran.

  See you later. I can’t wait to touch you again, feel your cock inside my mouth. Kiran smiled at the thought he sent whizzing to Rohan. The moment Rohan left, Kiran’s uneasiness returned. “Do you feel uneasy when you’re away from your mates?”

  “Yes. It gets easier but the feeling never goes away, and when you’re with your mate, or mates in my case, there’s nothing better. I know this sounds corny but I feel whole.”

  Kiran nodded. It wasn’t corny at all because Gavin had described exactly how he felt about Rohan. Rohan completed him.

  “My dreams are getting worse. I’m having them every night.” He described the blood and gore to Gavin. “There’s something else I haven’t mentioned. Since Rohan and I mated, we can communicate telepathically.

  “Does he know about your dreams?”

  “Not in detail. I’ve tried to keep it from him.”

  “Can you pluck thoughts from his head? Or my head?”

  “Not with you,” Kiran said. “It’s only with Rohan. I can have a conversation with Rohan. I seem to have a better grasp on the mindreading than Rohan. He doesn’t pick up my thoughts.”

  “Fascinating,” Gavin said. “I’ve never heard of anything like that before. Let me know if there are developments.”

  “And the dreams?”

  “I hate to say it but I think your memory is exerting itself. There could be an element of truth in your dreams.”

  Kiran snorted, trying to hide his fear. “Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about.”

  * * * * *

  The closer Nando drove to Middlemarch, the stronger the tracking beacon glow
ed. It was almost six when he drove into the small town, his lip curling with disdain when he saw it. The town didn’t boast a proper restaurant or hotel, merely some piddly bed and breakfasts. Not that he intended to stay a minute longer than he had to. Once he’d dealt with Kiran, he’d return to Dunedin and catch the first flight back to India. Maybe he’d go via Australia. Sydney presented some decadent treats for a tourist. No reason he couldn’t enjoy himself before he returned home.

  He glanced at the tracking unit. He’d driven past. Obviously he needed to turn down one of these side roads that seemed to lead into the hills and open country. The middle of nowhere.

  That would be right.

  Still, it would be best if no one saw him confront Kiran.

  Kill him.

  * * * * *

  Rohan drove with one hand, his other clasped in Kiran’s. “I can’t wait to see you in action with the cattle.”

  Kiran snorted. “It’s not that exciting.”

  “But I don’t know anyone else who can do it.”

  “Yeah, communicating with animals still surprises the hell out of me. I’m surprised everyone has accepted it so well. The ones who know, I mean. If you could talk to animals, I’d think you were crazy.”

  “Just as well you’re not me.” Rohan kissed the back of Kiran’s hand. “I’m in love with a man who talks to animals. And I love the way we can communicate privately.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah, it’s like our own private version of phone sex.”

  They grinned at each other, though it was a trifle forced on Kiran’s side. During the last couple of weeks, Rohan had told Kiran of his love. Kiran felt it, the strong ties between them, strengthened since they’d marked each other, but he couldn’t stop worrying about the dreams. At the end of each workday, he couldn’t wait to see Rohan again. He liked the way Ambar accepted him and made him feel like part of the Patel family. Most of all, he enjoyed climbing into bed with Rohan, sometimes making love, sometimes talking and holding each other. Yet despite all the pluses of his relationship, his past continued to gnaw at him. Something held him back from verbalizing his love to Rohan.

  “It was great of Emily to invite us to dinner.”

  “I think Ambar was glad we were going out so she could entertain,” Rohan said. “I’m trying not to act the heavy-handed brother.”

  “You’re finding it hard because you take one look at Jake and know exactly what he has on his mind,” Kiran said.

  “He’d better not hurt her.”

  “Jake seems decent. We have to trust Ambar to make her own decisions. What?” he asked when Rohan shot him a quick look. “I think of Ambar as my sister, my family. I worry.”

  “She’s a virgin.” Rohan scowled. “Or at least I think she is. Aw, hell. I think we should go back home.” He slowed the car.

  “Ambar would kill both of us,” Kiran said. “Besides, do you remember what it felt like when your parents tried to make your decisions for you?”

  “Yeah, of course I—” Rohan broke off abruptly and picked up speed. He turned into the Mitchells’ driveway before scowling at Kiran. “Okay. You’ve made your point. I’ll try not to interfere or show my disapproval. Ambar doesn’t have to do what I tell her. She’s an adult.”

  “You’re quick at this lesson stuff.”

  “Smartass.” Rohan pulled up outside the Mitchells’ sprawling homestead and switched off the ignition.

  “Come on.” Kiran climbed out of the car and strode up the path to the front door. The flower gardens lining the path were a blaze of red, white and blue. Kiran knocked on the door and opened it. “Emily! We’re here,” he shouted.

  “I’m in the kitchen.”

  “Do you walk in like that all the time?” Rohan asked from behind him.

  “I visit here a lot with Gavin. On the days Emily isn’t working at the café we have morning tea here with Saber before we go on rounds.” Kiran removed his boots and left them on the doorstep. Rohan followed suit. They closed the front door and made their way to the kitchen.

  “That smells great, Emily,” Kiran said, pausing to kiss her on the cheek. “How is the baby this evening?” A joint of roast beef rested on a board while the lids of pots jingled on the stovetop.

  “Active,” Emily said, placing one hand on the rounded swell of her stomach. “I can’t believe I’m having a child after all this time. I’d almost given up on the baby front.”

  “You’re going to make a great mother, Emily,” Kiran said. He loved Emily like a sister and admired Saber. He enjoyed his visits out here to see them and was glad he could include Rohan this time.

  “Thanks. I’m looking forward to our child’s arrival. Saber’s twin brothers Sly and Joe were a challenge, according to Saber. Felix and Leo back him up on that, although Sly and Joe deny it. I’ve rung Sly and Joe and told them we’re organizing a party for your mating. You’ll be able to meet them then.”

  “Won’t a party be too much for you?” Rohan asked.

  Emily grinned. “I’m not doing much, apart from inviting people. All our friends are bringing a supper plate, and if everyone brings their beverage of choice, I won’t have to do much. Kiran, will you set the table for me? You know where everything is. There are beers in the fridge or some wine if you’d prefer. I’ll have an orange juice.”

  Kiran moved into action, grabbing a tablecloth and cutlery. When he looked up, he saw Rohan watching him closely.

  Nice arse.

  You think? Kiran shot a swift look at Emily and winked back at Rohan. He put an extra wiggle in his walk when he went to grab the drinks from the fridge, smirking at Rohan’s swift intake of air. The man was easy, and suddenly he couldn’t wait to get back to their place for some private time.

  That wasn’t fair, Rohan thought.

  Kiran smirked. You started it.

  Emily carved the roast and slid slices of meat onto the heated plates. She added vegetables and handed the plates over to Kiran, who placed them on the table.

  “When is Saber due home?” Rohan asked.

  “Around nine,” Emily said. “Why?”

  “I thought I heard a car out front,” Kiran said.

  “Yeah, that’s why I asked.”

  “I’m not expecting anyone else. Leo went with Saber because it was something to do with the vineyard.”

  A thump sounded on the front door.

  “Do you want me to get it?” Kiran asked.

  Emily placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from rising. “No stay there. You and Rohan start your dinner. I won’t be long.” She walked away, disappearing around the corner.

  Another strident knock sounded on the door.

  “They’re impatient. Is it polite to say that she’s started to waddle?” Rohan asked in a low voice.

  “I wouldn’t let Saber hear you say that. He’s very protective. He’d probably want to know why you were staring at his wife’s backside.” Kiran mock frowned. “Hell, I want to know why you’re staring at her butt.”

  “Looking and touching are different,” Rohan said. “There’s only one person I want to touch and that’s you.”

  Kiran froze, his head cocking to hear better. A scream sounded. A loud thump. Kiran and Rohan jumped to their feet and raced from the kitchen.

  They came face-to-face with a man holding a gun. Kiran kept moving, desperate to get to Emily. Where the hell was she? He couldn’t see her. No shots. That was a good.

  “Stop or I’ll shoot,” the man snarled.

  Rohan and Kiran came to a halt, shoulders touching, tension radiating between them.

  “Back into that room.” The gunman indicated the lounge behind them. “Back up slow and keep your hands where I can see them.”

  “Do you know him?” Rohan whispered.

  The man waved his gun. “No talking.”

  I don’t know him. Kiran continued to back away, moving in the direction the man told them to. He didn’t recognize him, although the man, like them, was from India. But w
hat the hell was he doing here and why was he holding them at gunpoint? Did you see Emily?

  No. Concern puckered Rohan’s forehead.

  “Sit.”

  Rohan and Kiran took a seat each, instinctively putting space between them instead of sitting on the couch. If the man decided to shoot, he couldn’t shoot both of them easily, giving one a chance to escape.

  Despite listening hard, he couldn’t hear Emily. Damn, they had to do something. Fast.

  “What do you want?” Kiran demanded. We need to distract him.

  How? “Who the hell are you?” Rohan asked.

  The man didn’t take his gaze off Kiran. Something, a memory, stirred at the back of Kiran’s mind but it dissolved before he could grasp and make sense of it. We’ll jump him.

  The man laughed, an unpleasant sound that grated on Kiran’s nerves. Emily. Damn, Saber would kill him if anything happened to her. They had to overpower the man, get rid of the gun. He glanced at Rohan, received an imperceptible nod. Rohan was ready.

  “Do you know who I am?” the man asked, his attention focused on Kiran. “I’ve been searching for you. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you get out of that vehicle.”

  “Should I?”

  The man narrowed his eyes, a glint of emotion flickering before it went cold. “My feelings are hurt. I came all this way and you don’t remember me.”

  Kiran focused on his face and studied it. Really studied it. The man’s eyes. Something about him did look familiar. Where? Kiran’s breath hissed out when he clicked. He looked like the man in his dream—the dream he’d had recently. Kiran shrugged. “And here I didn’t think I was very important.”

  “How did you escape the zoo?”

  Kiran’s eyes narrowed. “You sent me there?” He inhaled, testing the man’s scent and couldn’t smell feline. The man was a human, which gave them an advantage.