Cat's Wolf (A Shifter Romance Novella) Read online

  Cat’s Wolf

  By Leanne Crabtree

  Text copyright © 2013 Leanne Crabtree

  All Rights Reserved

  Chapter 1

  Kaitlin Mahone shifted on her perch—a branch half way up an old oak tree—and watched the sleek black car, that had just rumbled underneath her position, turn into the compound further up the street.

  Four men got out, dressed in tight jeans and t-shirts. Judging from their muscular builds she’d reckon they were fighters. They looked around, their eyes glinting amber in the street light, and seemed to sniff the air. Luckily the steady breeze was blowing towards her so her scent wouldn’t indicate her presence.

  She frowned for a second. What were the wolves doing meeting the bears? They were supposed to be enemies. Like the cat clans were with the wolves—dogs and cats and all that.

  With her enhanced hearing she heard the door set into the compound open and the men turned to be greeted by the dozen or so bears. Except one, who was staring at the oak tree she was in with a fierce intensity. Kaitlin held her breath. Wolves’ hearing and sight was just as good as hers, a puma, and she couldn't afford to be seen. After what seemed like an eternity but was probably mere seconds, he turned away and joined his brethren in greeting the bears.

  Turning her attention to the cat clans supposed allies she saw that at the head of the group was Tito, the second in command and her on/off lover. Her jaw clenched hard at his deceit. She’d only seen him earlier this evening and he hadn't said anything to her. A snarl left her lips as she watched the group of men enter the large brick building.

  Only three things made her shift: anger, pain and her will. She was angry enough now but she forced herself to relax. She needed to stay in control because if she changed, the animal took charge and even ten years after making her first shift at the age of thirteen, she still wasn’t completely in control of the wild animal inside her.

  The heavy metal gates clunked shut behind them and she took in a quick breath before she started to climb down from her thirty-foot high branch. She jumped down to the next branch, about five feet below, and landed with prefect balance in the centre. Luckily for her, cats had a good sense of distance and balance and the traits had ingrained themselves in her too. Kaitlin quickly lowered herself to the bottom branch; it was still about nine feet off the ground and she dropped off into thin air. She landed on all fours with only the tiniest sound and glanced around, hoping she hadn't drawn attention to herself from any shifter in the vicinity.

  She didn’t hear anything.

  Rising to her feet she set off in the opposite direction to the compound, going to the black motorcycle she’d hidden in the corn field that ran the length of the street. Reaching into the under-seat storage she pulled out her mobile and sent a message to her friend, telling her where she was and that if she wasn’t back by morning to let her parents know. They’d come looking for her, she was sure.

  Putting the phone back she walked back up to the street and moved towards the compound. The walls must have been fifteen-foot high; no problem for her at all, and topped with sharp spikes.

  She needed to get inside and see what was going on.

  Bending her knees, she pushed up quickly and flew up into the air. A puma could jump eighteen feet upwards in one bound but Kaitlin didn’t want to jump that far. Grabbing two spikes she stealthily pulled herself upwards and crouched on the wall top as she scanned her surroundings.

  There were several watchmen about. They must be guarding the meeting between the two supposed enemies. Anger clawed at her again, wanting out. She forced it down.

  Kaitlin counted six men below her, too close together to attack undetected. Her gaze darted across to the rooftop of the building. It wasn’t far, maybe ten feet. She could easily make it, but where did she go from there? She scoured the rooftop looking for steps; a hatch; a door, anything that might indicate she could get into the building.

  There! She could see the outline of a roof hatch at the far end.

  Kaitlin took a steadying breath and stood. A gust of wind pushed against her but she stayed steady. Her gaze locked on the roof edge as she bent her knees…and leapt. She made it easily and crouched low to lessen the sound of impact, her leathers squeaking in protest of the movement. She forgot to breathe for a second.

  No-one seemed aware of her presence. Good.

  Standing, Kaitlin set off for the roof-hatch. It squealed and she grit her teeth as she eased it open, trying to do it as quietly as possible. She stuck her head through the gap, listening for approaching “allies” and enemies alike.

  Nothing.

  She ran down the stairs, silent as possible in her biker boots, and followed the long corridor until she found the steps leading downstairs. Casting one last glance around, she slowly descended.

  Voices carried to her through the corridors as she reached the second level. She wasn’t close enough to hear the words but it helped her locate them. Creeping down the corridor she listened intently for a wolf shifter coming towards her or for the groups’ whereabouts. The group were easy to find, they were in a large office at the end of the corridor and their voices carried easily in the otherwise deserted building.

  “You want an alliance with the bears?” Tito asked.

  “We do,” a deep voice rumbled.

  There was a short pause. “You do understand that we are aligned with the cats?”

  “Oh, we know. We also know that you’re fucking one of the council member’s daughters.”

  Her hands balled into fists at her sides.

  “Mahone? Yeah, she’s a wildcat in the sack.” He laughed and everyone else joined in.

  Kaitlin’s stomach lurched and she pressed her hand to her mouth.

  “I’m only doing it in the hopes of getting in her daddies good books and getting my own seat on the council.”

  “We hear she’s a looker?” Tito murmured his agreement. “Makes it easier to fuck a hot girl than an ugly one I guess.”

  “She’s likes it rough, too.” Tito added.

  Mortification ran through her. He was telling them about private matters like they were old friends. She didn’t want to hear any more, she knew the basics of the matter and would report back to the council about it.

  Kaitlin backed up and headed back down the corridor she’d come. Her thoughts were a jumble and she didn’t hear the light footsteps heading her way until it was too late and she was face to chest with a six-foot-four wolf shifter.

  They both moved into a fighting stance at the same time and stood glaring at each other. He was built like every other wolf, tall and muscular. They tended to be attractive but this one was more than that. He was gorgeous; mesmerising with his golden amber eyes. She saw his nose twitch and knew he was scenting the air.

  “Cat,” he breathed.

  Her fists clenched tight. She didn’t have time for this! Inching to the side he mirrored her, like she knew he would, keeping the same distance between them. She needed to get out of here before all hell broke loose.

  “You’re the same cat who was watching us when we arrived.” His voice was still soft, barely audible, and she frowned across at him as she continued to slowly circle.

  Why hadn't he called for back-up?

  His hands dropped and he lost the fighting stance—totally confusing her and spurring her into action. Dropping low, she swung her left leg and made contact with both of his, toppling him to the floor before she ran as fast as she could, up the corridor and the stairs to the third floor and escape.

  Kaitlin had made it to the roof before a hand fastened around her wrist and swung her around. Her fist came up and connected with his cheek. Pain
radiated up her arm and she gritted her teeth against it. Adrenaline flooded her system and stopped most of the pain as she readied herself for a fight.

  She heard him swear under his breath as he grabbed for her. She swung again but she wasn’t quick enough.

  “Cat!” He growled angrily as he captured her struggling arms against her body with an arm around her waist and the closeness of his body. His other hand tangled in her dark blonde hair and tugged until she met his gaze defiantly. “You fight well for a woman,” he complimented in a low velvety voice.

  A low hiss left her and he chuckled. “Not going to work on me, sweetheart. I’ve been up against much worse.” His eyes dropped to her leather clad body, “Much worse,” he repeated softly.

  Kaitlin tried to ignore how good his voice sounded; all warm and velvety soft. The way he’d looked at her only a moment ago, like she was something he wanted to ravage. Her breathing quickened at the thought of them together. She could feel every ridge of muscle in his body and she shuddered. He felt amazing. Before she realised she was wriggling against him and he growled low in his throat as his gaze glinted gold in the street-light.

  Wolf!

  Just like that reality returned and she pushed him away, causing him to stumble backwards. She watched him with wide eyes for a second before turning on her heel and jumping from the roof, over the wall and into the darkness beyond.

  His heated curse followed her.

  Chapter 2

  “What was that text about last night?” Misha asked as she made herself up using Kaitlin’s pricier make-up.

  She plucked at the frayed hem of her dressing gown as memories she’d been trying to forget all morning came back to her. Mainly of the amber eyed wolf who’d let her go without calling for backup. Kaitlin had no idea why he’d done that and it still niggled. “I nearly got myself into trouble last night, that was all.”

  “That was all?” Her friend asked doubtfully. “Kaitlin, I don’t know any other females who get into as much shit as you. You attract trouble like a magnet.”

  Kaitlin snorted, “Not true!”

  “It so is! Now come here so I can do your make-up.”

  Obediently, she sat in the chair in front of her dressing table and allowed her friend to do her make-up. Ten minutes later, Misha said, “Open.” She did and glanced in the mirror at herself.

  “Wow.”

  “I know, don’t you look amazing?” Misha gushed, proud of her work. “So to compliment the face I say you should wear the violet top and black mini. Oh, and those sexy, black platform shoes I’ve never seen you wear since you bought them.” Her friend gave her a pointed look.

  Kaitlin nearly groaned but stopped herself in time. It wasn’t very often she let herself relax and when she did she tended to let Misha, her best-friend, plan it all. She didn’t even know where they were going tonight.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Out.”

  She rolled her eyes at her friend’s response. Misha probably knew she’d refuse to go if she knew where they were going tonight. “Fine.”

  Misha grinned and shoved the clothes at her. “Put these on while I hunt out those cool shoes of yours.”

  “Misha,” she complained, “are you trying to cripple me?”

  “Women have to suffer for their vanity.”

  This time she did groan.

  Twenty minutes later they were dressed and Misha was driving them out of the cat clan compound and into the city. Her friend flicked through the radio stations until she found something she liked and turned the volume up to full and sung her head off. Kaitlin grinned and before long, she was joining in.

  They were giggling like schoolgirls when they finally pulled up outside the club they were going to.

  Devine.

  It was a well-known bar in the shifter community run by a member of the council’s son and many shifters came here to relax, though it was also frequented by humans too.

  Misha flung an arm through Kaitlin’s and they only had to smile at the bouncer and they were let in—all shifters were given VIP treatment. The waiting line of humans protested and the bouncer shouted something that shut them up.

  The music was pounding inside and she glanced around. Misha’s elbow connected with her side, “Sexy guys at the bar.”

  They’d only just arrived and Misha was looking for guy’s to spend the rest of the evening with. She rolled her eyes but turned her head and searched them out. It wasn’t hard, they were shifters of some kind; five altogether, built well and very attractive. They were surrounded by girls trying to catch their eye with the little clothing they had on and the sexy dance moves they were busting.

  “Do you reckon they’re looking for some shifter girls?” Misha asked with a grin. Kaitlin shifted, feeling uncomfortable suddenly. “Well?” She demanded.

  “I don’t know.”

  Fingers wrapped around her own, “Only one way to find out.”

  In minutes they stood at the bar ordering drinks. “Well hello, ladies,” a man drawled. They turned to find one of the shifters gazing at them appreciatively. He was attractive with green eyes and black hair.

  Misha gave him her full attention. “Hey,” she purred. “I’m Misha and this is my best friend, Kaitlin.”

  He grinned, his nostrils flaring slightly. “I’m Brent.” He turned from them to get his friends attention, “Hey, guys. Some lovely girls here you should meet.”

  All eyes turned to them and one pair of golden amber eyes caught Kaitlin’s attention more than the rest. They’d haunted her thoughts for the past twenty-four hours. She took in the rest of him and her mouth parted. He’d been gorgeous by moonlight but in club-light, he was sexy as hell. The dark blue jeans hugged to his muscular thighs and the t-shirt clung in all the right places.

  She received another elbow in the ribs and she realised everyone had introduced themselves but her and golden eyes. “Sorry, I’m Kaitlin.”

  “Rhys.”

  Rhys. She ran the name over and over in her head, searching for some recollection for the name but found none.

  “It’s lovely to meet you guys,” Misha purred as she linked her arm with Kaitlins again and then dug her nails into her arm painfully. She knew it was some sort of warning and forced her gaze away from Rhys’ and picked up her drink with her free hand.

  “Likewise,” one of them said with a grin.

  “We’re just going to the ladies room, we’ll be right back.”

  Kaitlin was dragged through the partiers and into the bathroom. “They’re wolves!” Misha hissed as she leant against the door. “We have to get out of here.”

  Kaitlin—strangely— didn’t agree with her. The wolves could have turned volatile and attacked—wolves didn’t seem bothered by public displays—but they hadn't; they’d welcomed them and bought their drinks.

  Moving over to the line of mirrors she checked her hair and make-up.

  “Kaitlin! We have to go!”

  “Why, Misha?”

  Her friend met her gaze in the mirror with one of disbelief. “Why?!” She screeched. “In case you’ve forgotten, they’re our enemies, Kaitlin!”

  She turned to face her, “I don’t think they are.”

  Misha’s mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?”

  “If they wanted to hurt us, they would have regardless of where we were.”

  Her friend’s eyes narrowed, “It’s him, isn’t it?”

  “Who?”

  “The one you got into trouble with last night; he’s out there, the one with the gold eyes.” A muscle started to tic in her cheek, instantly giving her away. “Where the hell were you last night to meet a wolf?”

  She’d passed the message on to her parents first thing this morning after waking and her father had asked her not to mention it to anyone while he investigated the matter further to see if there was a logical explanation.

  “Misha, I can’t say. It’s council business.” She heard a low growl and cocked a brow at her friend in disbe
lief. Misha rarely allowed herself to show any part of her shifter unless she was seriously pissed or it was a full moon when the pack would run as a whole.

  “Fine, you stay if you want but I’m out of here.”

  Kaitlin opened her mouth to protest but stopped the words before they came. Maybe it was better if she was alone when she questioned Rhys. Misha wasn’t a trained fighter like herself and she couldn't protect them both from a pack of wolves.

  She watched her friend disappear into the crowd from the doorway of the ladies restroom.

  “Cat?” It was softly spoken but she heard it clearly over the music. Her head turned to see Rhys leaning against the wall waiting for her.

  “Dog?”

  He grinned at her, “Touché.”

  “What are you doing here?” She asked.

  Rhys shrugged. “Would you believe me if I said drowning my sorrows after a girl jumped off a roof to get away from me?”

  Kaitlin snorted and checked the crowd. Her gaze was caught and held by the group of shifters who were staring at her and Rhys, even though they were stood in one of the clubs darkest corners. It was freaky how good wolves’ night-vision was. She frowned a little when she saw Misha was still there and having what seemed to be a heated discussion with the guy who had bought them drinks at the bar.

  “I’ll take that as a no then.”

  Turning to face him again, her face was awash with confusion, “What do you want with me?”

  His gaze moved over her head to his friends at the bar and then back to her and held out a hand, palm up, “Dance with me?”

  Curiosity at what he had to say got the better of her and she placed her hand in his. He gave her a slight smile and curved his fingers around her palm as he walked them onto the already crowded dance floor.

  Rhys stopped somewhere in the middle and pulled her into his arms. The music was something with a fast beat but he held her close to him and slow danced with her.

  To say she was surprised would be an understatement but she held her tongue and moved with him to some silent melody.