Blood of the Pride

by Sheryl Nantus

  “Worse.” I clipped the three bags of fur back into their respective folders. “And all hell’s going to break loose when they find out that I got hold of these.”

  “Even if it helps you catch the killer?” He crossed over to stand across from me again and picked up the small furry ball he had originally collected from my house. “I don’t mean to be judgmental here, but you’re talking about a murderer within your own community.”

  “I know.” I drew a deep breath, trying to put my thoughts into coherent words. “You have to understand that we really don’t have to deal with this sort of thing. Murder is just…” A hand waved in the air. “We fight. Oh Lord, we fight. But Felis don’t just kill Felis. Not outside of our justice system. Secrecy is our first rule and our most important. It’s good to a degree but it’s hell on an investigation.”

  “So you’re fighting the system.” A weak smile crept across Bran’s face.

  “Basically.” I nodded. “The system works to protect us and keep us secret from the outside world. Except now the outside world isn’t the enemy.”

  “The enemy is us.”

  “Yep. Now you see the problem. Which is why Ruth broke the rules by giving me those files. It would have taken days or weeks for me to track down those three names without the files, and longer for me to actually determine who was and wasn’t a viable suspect.” I tapped the small fur sample with my finger.

  “Sounds to me like someone wanted to make your job as hard as possible. Go by the rules line by line, word by word. Considering it’s an inside job, I’m not surprised.”

  “Whoa.” I held up one hand. “But they hired me to find the killer. It may be someone inside the family but we’re not talking anyone on the Board.” At least not now that I had cleared Dennis.

  Brandon leaned in, his scent washing over me and threatening to derail my train of thought.

  “I guess they wanted you to have to work for it.” He laughed. “So you were able to determine which batch of fur matched the one in the house by just smelling them?”

  “Well, it’s a whole series of sensory inputs,” I babbled, glad for the chance to maneuver the conversation away from internal politics. “When I was in the alleyway I could tell that it was one of the family by the scent, but not who specifically. Then when he was attacking me I got a full whiff of him, allowing me to make a match.” My fingers moved over the table to the thick ball of black and brown colored fur. “I expect if we went back to my place and grabbed that sample from the alley it’d match this one.”

  “Amazing. Just amazing.” He gazed at me, the gentleness in his eyes breaking down all my defenses.

  “What?”

  “You. Them. This.” He swept his hand over the files. “I knew there was something different about you, something I liked.”

  I swallowed, feeling the butterflies in my stomach flap like a tissue in a twister. It’d been a long time since I’d considered going to bed with anyone, much less someone who knew my secrets. I didn’t want to screw this up but I couldn’t see any way around the tough questions. “You’re not…uncomfortable with me? Knowing who I am?”

  “I knew who you were when I met you in the bar.” He moved in, his voice low and soft.

  “You knew one part of me.” I closed my eyes.

  “I knew enough.” His lips grazed my earlobe, stopping to tug lightly on the delicate skin. “What you were before, what I was before, that doesn’t matter in the long run. It shouldn’t matter. It’s what we are now, where we go from here that defines us.”

  “I don’t Change anymore.” I gasped as he bit down just a bit, catching the skin between his teeth. The sharp pain drummed down my veins, sending a rush of heat below my waist. “I may have manifested the claws during the fight, but that’s all.”

  “You sure?” he whispered. “Not that I mind. I’ve been scratched before.”

  “Not like this.” I couldn’t help smirking. “I could mark you for life.”

  One hand crept around my waist while the other pulled my shirt free of my jeans. “I hope so.” The fingers paused. “I shouldn’t be looking for a tail or something, should I?”

  I chuckled. “No, no tail. Not now, anyway.”

  “Good.” The hand on my waist slid lower. “Not that I’d be offended…”

  The breath caught in my throat. “You don’t find me…disgusting?”

  He pulled back and moved around to stare at me, nose-to-nose. “Why would I?”

  “Well,” I swallowed, his scent whirling around me like a F5 twister, “I’m not exactly your normal human.”

  Bran nodded. “No, you’re not.” A soft smile appeared on his face. “Doesn’t matter if you got fur in strange spots or not, I’m still liking you a lot.”

  “A lot?”

  “A whole lot.” His head dipped down to snatch a quick kiss. “And, frankly, I don’t feel like talking right now.”

  “An investigative reporter who doesn’t want to talk?” A moan escaped as his lips began to work along the side of my neck, nipping and tugging at my exposed skin. I rolled back in his arms, letting him nibble wherever he wanted.

  “If I recall my Animal Planet shows accurately, offering yourself up in such a vulnerable position shows that you trust me.” The whisper threatened to shatter what little reserve I had left as he pulled my shirt over my head and tossed it out of sight.

  I fumbled with his shirt, fingers numb with anticipation. “Maybe. Okay, yes.” I ran my hands over his chest, pleasantly surprised at the light fur covering his skin. “Maybe you’ve got a little Felis in you after all.”

  “Maybe. Does that mean I get to be on top?” A tingle ran down my spine as he drew his fingers leisurely down my back, stroking the scarred skin before expertly snapping my bra open. “Or do I have to wrestle you for it?”

  “Maybe. Yes. I don’t know.” I let out a sigh, surrendering to the mixture of emotions, exhaustion and plain old lust drowning me. “Shut up and keep touching me.”

  Bran rolled onto his back an hour later, wheezing slightly. “Dang. I’m exhausted.”

  “Liar.” I put my hand on his bare chest and ran it slowly down his skin, slipping under the comforter to my ultimate goal. “Looks like you’re not totally done.”

  “You bring out the best in me.” He leaned in to capture my mouth in a deep kiss.

  “And you bring out the worst in me.” I groaned as I twisted to one side, feeling my muscles protest. “I’m not sure but I think I’ve just broken one of the Pride rules.”

  “Rules?” Bran frowned.

  “Sleeping with a human after telling him all our secrets.”

  “Ah.” He grabbed my hand and placed it back on his chest. “I’m sure there’s an exception there under ‘interrogation’ or something like that. Always a loophole somewhere to exploit.”

  “And yet,” I replied, “will you call me in the morning?” A tremble crept into my voice, unbidden. It was one thing to have a one-night stand, another to have a lover who knew all about me. And if it was the first option then there would be repercussions that would extend far beyond this encounter.

  “Sure. And in the afternoon and in the evening.” Bran leaned forward and placed a kiss on my forehead. “I’m not a casual-sex type of guy.” He locked eyes with me. “I’m not going to tell you I’m ready for a commitment beyond what we’ve got right now but I can promise you that I’ll keep your secret right here.” He pulled my hand further up his chest, over his heart. “Forever.”

  “Thank you.” Tears came to my eyes.

  Bran kissed the tips of my fingers before curling his hand around mine. “However, and I do hate to say it, we should get back to work. All play and no work…whatever.”

  I let out a deep sigh and withdrew my hand. “Spoilsport. And here I thought you men were made of stronger stuff.”

  “Oh.” He sat up and grabbed at his chest in a mock heart attack. “You wound me.”

  When I spied a few deep scratches on his arms and exposed
skin, I winced. “Not quite, but I’ll be gentler next time.” I threw the blanket off and padded naked toward the kitchen, picking up various pieces of my clothing as I went along. “Coffee or tea?” It was quite a relief to not have to hide my back from him. Still, my shirt was the first and only piece of clothing that went back on.

  “Any Chinese food left?” Bran yelled after me. “I seem to have worked up quite an appetite.”

  “Don’t know why. I was doing most of the work.” I peeked inside the near-empty containers. “Probably enough for a plate or two, if we’re not greedy.”

  He appeared at the marble island, pulling his T-shirt back on and hopping from one foot to the other as he stepped into a fresh pair of underwear. “Wait a minute. I’m not, like, sworn to you now or something strange like that, am I?”

  I grinned at him, my head cocked to one side. “Oh, now you ask. What, you afraid that now you’re part of a secret male sex slave harem?”

  “Ooh!” He rubbed his hands together, a wide childish grin on his face. “Promise?”

  “Only in your dreams.” I dumped the contents of the containers out onto two fresh plates, mixing the assorted remains into a heap. “You reheat. I always burn this sort of stuff.”

  “Right.” He stepped around the counter and gave me a quick peck on the cheek before retreating to the microwave with the two plates.

  Suddenly my ears caught the low trilling ring of my cell phone. My eyes went to the three folders sitting on the table where we had left them.

  Playtime was officially over.

  I strode across the room and dug my cell phone out of my leather jacket’s pocket.

  “Reb, we need to talk.” Jess’s voice was harsh and low.

  “Langley. I need to know what relatives he has, what kids are out there.”

  The silence on the line hung between us for a few minutes. “Not now.”

  “What you mean, not now?” My voice rose.

  “Ruth’s dead.”

  The cell phone fell from my numb fingers and bounced along the hardwood floor for a few feet before skidding to a stop. Bran raced over, dropping to his knees and catching me as I collapsed. He snatched up the phone with one hand and barked into the receiver. “What happened?”

  “Who is this?” Jess roared, so loudly that I could hear her. “Where’s Reb?”

  “She’s right here. What did you say to her?” He ignored the question, hugging me close. “What did you say?”

  “Let me talk to her,” She demanded again, louder this time.

  I plucked the phone out of Bran’s tight grip.

  “What happened? Who did it?” I ground my teeth, my anger growing with every second.

  “No one killed her. She fell and broke her neck in the barn.” A crack in Jess’s armor showed, a sob breaking loose. “Damn it, Reb… She didn’t deserve this.”

  “Who does?” I leaned into Brandon’s warmth and closed my eyes. “What happened?”

  “It was an accident.” The words came through clenched teeth. “She fell off the ladder and broke her neck while trying to get to some of the barn cats. She always had a soft spot for the kittens.”

  “Where’s Ruth now?” Bran’s eyes went wide when he realized who I was talking about.

  “She’s already at the funeral home. She had no living family, so gonna be buried out back, where she wanted to be.” Her voice cracked again. “Damn it, girl… I’m gonna miss her. She was one fine woman.”

  My gaze went to the folders sitting in the kitchen, just out of sight. “She was. We’ll be there tomorrow for the funeral.”

  “The reporter?” The ice crept back into her tone. “You can’t bring him here again. Things are going to be tense enough, you don’t want to bring a firebrand to a pool of gasoline.”

  “No one will do anything to him. Not unless you call for it and if you do, the whole deal’s off.” My jaw tightened, the low growl escaping with unfamiliar strength. “One hair on his head gets out of place, I rip some throats out.”

  “Hardly a threat you can carry out.” The retort was sharp and fast.

  “I have as much right to be there as anyone else.” I let my breath out slowly. “Jess, she would have wanted me to be there, no matter what. You know that.”

  “Granted,” she grumbled.

  “Are you sure it was an accident?” I winced inwardly, dreading the explosion about to erupt. “Ruth…Ruth gave me some files I think she wasn’t supposed to give me.”

  “What?” Instead of yelling, her voice went calm. This scared me even more.

  “She gave me a pie on the way out. In the box were the Pride files on the three names you gave me.” I waited a second before continuing. “It’s possible that the killer found out.”

  “Hmm.” I could almost see her nodding, her expression thoughtful. Jess loved to solve logic problems. She could work her way through one of those cheap volumes from the corner store within a day when she put her mind to it. “We assumed it was an accident since she’s never had an issue with anyone. You know everyone loved the old gal.”

  “Well, I think someone did have an issue.” I glanced at Bran. “But I wouldn’t tell the rest of the Board yet.”

  “Why?”

  “Because this might involve them.” I plunged ahead, not caring about how it might sound. “Jess, Davis wasn’t at the meeting. You told me that he wasn’t keen on me having any access to the files, not even for you to give me names. You cut a deal to give me just the names, I’m guessing.”

  “Davis wasn’t there because he had a business meeting to attend in Midland. He approved of our decision. He suggested we just give you the names.”

  “Maybe he found out that Ruth gave me the files.”

  “Hell of an accusation to make, kit. Got something to back it up?”

  “Nothing but a suggestion you take another look.” I shook my head. “I’m coming tomorrow and I’m bringing Brandon Hanover. Period.”

  “I’ll alert them that due to…extenuating circumstances we’re allowing an outsider there. Just make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.” She growled, sounding more like the Jess I knew and feared years ago. “Like fall in love with you.”

  I cut the connection.

  Bran looked at me. “Guess I’m not the most popular person out there today, eh?”

  I let him cradle me in his arms. “Right now I’ve probably got that spot. Let’s just say that it’s not all that acceptable for us to mingle with the common folk.”

  He chuckled and dropped kisses into my disheveled hair. “They don’t know what they’re missing.”

  “Yeah. Missing.” I let out a sob, the reality sinking in that one of my oldest friends was gone and that I could possibly have contributed to her death. I buried my face in Bran’s chest, letting the tears flow.

  “Tell me about her,” he whispered, running his fingers through my hair. “Tell me something you remember.”

  It was my first solo hunt, the brisk morning air burning my lungs as I leaped over the low fence and dashed through the tall grass. The rabbit’s scent was hot in my nostrils as I tried to remember all the tips and tricks the others had told me.

  Suddenly the ground fell out under me, my left foot disappearing into a deep hole while I continued forward. I fell to the ground with a scream, hands flailing ad trying to grab something, anything to break my fall. But it was useless, my ankle was broken and now I had more to worry about than just failing in the Hunt. So I did what I did best and what Ruth had encouraged me to do—improvise and adapt.

  It took two hours of waiting in pain and silence, not moving an inch, before the rabbit hopped close enough for me to reach out and grab it. I snapped the neck with a growl and tore into the hot meat. At least I wouldn’t starve before someone found me.

  “So this is how you repay me. Late for dinner.” Ruth appeared out of the brush. Downright beautiful in her Change with red highlights in her tawny fur, she crouched by me and clucked her tongue as she examined my ankle. “B
roken, that’s sure. Let’s get you back to the house and I’ll set it up.” She grinned and took the rabbit corpse out of my hands. “And I’ve got fresh apple pie for dessert.”

  “So she carried you back.” Bran wiped away a tear, drawing his fingers across my face. “And you passed?”

  “With flying colors.” I sniffled. “The Board was impressed that I could work ‘outside the box.’ At least, then they were.” My words hardened as I remembered the circumstances that had brought me to this place and to Ruth’s death.

  “How about a bit of a rest?” Bran rocked me back and forth. “Let’s grab a fast meal and head back to bed.”

  “We’ll eat then I’ll need your computer for a bit.” I wriggled free. “I want to do some research on Langley before we go up there tomorrow. Besides…” I tapped him on the tip of his nose. “I believe you need some time to regain your stamina.”

  Bran huffed, mock anger on his face. “Why, I never!”

  “Probably. But you can be taught.” I crawled to the computer desk and hit the buttons to activate the system. “And don’t forget the diet soda.” My jeans were draped over the back of the office chair and I shuffled my way into them. “Actually, forget the diet part. Sugar is what I need right now.” I settled into the chair, trying to tune out the man hovering nearby. “And put more clothes on, please. No distractions.”

  “Only if you do the same.” A pair of jeans flew by me. I grinned and began getting dressed.

  I closed my eyes and I took a series of deep breaths, trying to reach that quiet place again. Ruth had been in my life for as long as I could remember, helping me through the difficult years after my parents died.

  She had been the one to dress my wounds after that last, horrible Challenge, none of the other Pride members daring or wanting to come near an outcast.

  “You stay in touch with me, no matter where you go,” she had murmured, pressing cool moist strips against my burning skin. I had flinched under her touch, tears running down my face.

  “But the rules say—” I had bitten down on my lip, stifling another yelp as the bandages shifted. The social workers had been called, the front story arranged to say I’d been injured in a farm accident and just couldn’t stay out of foster care any longer. We were to meet on the dirt road as far from the farm as I could walk, making the exile and my banishment as public as possible.