Wild Things by Moondancer Drake

Pt 2

Chapter 3

The sound of voices outside the bedroom window woke Gwen from her slumber. From the sun coming in through the glass she guessed it was early afternoon at least, far earlier then she normally found herself in bed. Gwen felt her cheek grow warm. Then again, no one had ever given her such a good reason to for a mid-day tumble.

Cian stood at the window and stared out into the bright sunlight. She was dressed in the cotton gown that in so many ways just didn’t suit her. Gwen There was something in her expression, a troubled look that Gwen didn’t like.

Gwen quickly dressed and slipped out of the bed. She walked up behind Cian and put a hand on her shoulder. Cian jerked at the touch, but didn’t turn around. “It’s them,” was all she said.

“Who.” Gwen followed Cian’s gaze through the partially opened curtain and saw her sister talking to three men out on the manor lawn. “Them, you mean? Are they the ones chasing you?”

“Kellerman and the Yellmon brothers. All three work for Kieve, but Kellerman is the guy in charge o’ the operation here I’m pretty sure.” Cian clenched her hands into fists. “Iffin they find me here…”

“Kitt won’t tell them anything, I promise. If they lost you in the river, maybe they’re going around to every town to dig for information.” Gwen leaned her head against Cian’s arm. “Nothing to fret about.”

“I hope ye’re right.” Cian closed the curtains. “Let’s get downstairs and wait for yuir sister. I want tae know what those men are telling folks ‘round here and what they know about my whereabouts.”

Gwen and Cian made their way down the stairs and met Kitt in the hall just as she was closing the front door. Kitt’s eyes widened in surprise. “When did she wake up?”

“A few hours ago.” Gwen felt the heat rise in her cheeks and hoped her sister didn’t notice. “We both had some breakfast and a talk. There’s some porridge left if you still want some. I’ll warm it up for you.”

“Don’t bother.” Kitt turned her gaze to Cian. “So, did our guest tell you she’s wanted for several counts of murder?”

Gwen glanced at Cian. “Not in so many words. She mentioned trouble back in Scotland. Something about defending a woman who got attacked.”

Cian met Kitt’s suspicious glare. “Iffin ye wish tae know something ‘bout me, than I would be the one tae ask.”

“Fine.” Kitt’s gaze didn’t waver. “The men asking about you in town said you killed four men in cold blood.”

“I did kill them, but nae the way ye’ve been told it happened.” Cian’s tone was calm and firm. “These men raped a woman that I knew and I made them stop. Accordin’ tae the laws o’ me people a crime o’ force ‘gainst a woman is punishable by death. Tis nae me concern tha’ the laws o’ man and greed these hunters follow donnae agree with our own.”

Kitt studied Cian’s face for several minutes. Gwen recognized the signs. Kitt had always had a gift for reading people, for being about to tell who was being truthful and who was not. Finally Kitt looked away from Cian and walked past them to the kitchen. “So, you said there was some porridge left, Gwen? Great. I’ll heat it up myself. No need for you to bother.”

Cian stared at Kitt walk away, confusion etched in her face. Gwen laughed and nudged her toward the kitchen with a hand on her back. “It means my sister believes you.”

When Gwen and Cian reached the kitchen Kitt was stoking the dying fire. “Ya’ll must have had a hell of a chat. This fire’s about done up.”

“Yes.” Cian chuckled and sat on the couch. “We did.”

Once the fire was going, Kitt grabbed the spoon from the mantle to stir the cauldron. “So, these guys have been after you since Scotland? For revenge or for money? I figure the only reason someone comes all this way after a person is ‘cause they’re being paid, or ‘cause it’s something personal.”

“The person who wants revenge on me paid these men a whole lot o’ money tae make sure they bring me back.” Cian glanced at Gwen, and sadness darkened her hazel eyes. “That’s why I cannae stay.”

Panic stirred in Gwen’s chest at the thought of Cian leaving. “Well, she can’t go out there now with them looking for her in town, can she Kitt? It’s just not safe.”

Gwen turned to her sister for support, and their gazes locked. Kitt didn’t disappoint her. “Going out there now would be plain foolish. So far only Gwen and I know you’re here. All anyone else knows is that we’re taking care of a sick friend. Best to keep it that way.”

“Keeping me here is a danger tae ye, tae her and tae Gwen’s babe.” Cian sighed and again turned to Gwen. “Tis nae that I want tae go, but I cannae put ye at risk by stayin’.”

“Did I miss something?” Kitt looked from Cian to Gwen and back to Cian again. “Nevermind. It’s best I don’t know.”

Cian placed her palms in her lap and stared down at them. “A few days. As soon as we know they’ve moved on I’ll be movin’ in the other direction. I appreciate all ye two have done for me, but the stakes are tae high. Ye could be in real danger iffin these men know ye’ve helped me.”

Kitt spooned the last of the porridge in a bowl and set the pot aside to cool on the stone floor. “You look damn silly in my grandmother’s old nightgown. My father and you look about the same size if you don’t mind wearing trousers.”

Cian looked up at Kitt and laughed a loud. “No, I don’t mind trousers. Point the way.”

“You’ll find everything in the boxes in the master bedroom marked ‘James’. It’s a door down from Gwen’s room and across the hall.” Kitt grinned. “I’m sure you know the way.”

Gwen’s jaw dropped and Cian headed out of the kitchen. As soon as she heard Cian start up the stairs Gwen turned to stare at her sister. “And what was that supposed to mean?”

“You two didn’t come from the kitchen when I came in. You came from the stairs. I figured you were giving her the grand tour.” Kitt avoided Gwen’s gaze. “What did you think I meant?”

“Nothing,” Gwen muttered. “So, you don’t think those men suspect she’s here, do you?”

Kitt shook her head. “No. They’re asking around at all the homesteads. From what I hear one of the men nearly got a mouthful of teeth when he went by Ben’s place. Seems he made a lewd comment about Ben’s wife Lily and their oldest son Jerry over-heard him. I’d not be walking around unarmed around that lot.”

Gwen sighed. What would happen when they came to her house? Eventually she had to go home. She’d already been here longer than Stephan liked, and the last thing Gwen wanted was more trouble. “We’d better see if Ben can give me a lift home, then. I hate to leave our guest all alone, though.”

“I’d not worry about that.” Kitt stuffed a spoonful of porridge in her mouth. “I saw your husband in town and he was in a right cranky mood. He said he’d be by later to bring you home. I told him not to bother, but I don’t think he was listening.”

“Well, that certainly simplifies things.” There was little Gwen could do to hide the disappointment in her voice. “I’ll get dinner for you two on before I have to go.”

Kitt ate her late breakfast and the two sat in silence in the tea room. When Kitt finished she set the bowl aside and crossed her arms over her chest. “Did I ever tell you about my trip to Calcasieu River?”

“Not that I recall. You went a few summers ago didn’t you?”

Kitt nodded. “Right after Mama died I went to Kinder and spent some time in a Coushatta village just off the Calcasieu River. I met an interesting woman there who taught me a lot about how different the views are here from those of the tribe, especially regarding whom a woman can choose to sleep with.”

Gwen stared at her sister in confusion until the meaning of the words finally sank in. “Are you telling me you had relations with a man there?”

“Relations. You make it sound so clinical.” Kitt chuckled. “I had ‘relations’ with a few men while I was there and a couple of women as well. I showed up right around some of their festival days and had a right good time. I have to admit.”

“But Kitt,” Gwen said, aghast, “you’re not married to any of those men.”

“I wasn’t married to any of those women either. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t about being tied down. Everything about the festival celebrated life. Did you know babies born during a festival like that are considered especially precious? ” A melancholy smile crossed Kitt’s face. “Of course, I didn’t bring home any surprises like that. Sure would’ve shocked Papa if I did, wouldn’t it?”

“To say the least.” Gwen wished she could say she was surprised to hear about the more scandalous part of her sister’s life, but Kitt had always been the wild one. But then again, wasn’t it Gwen herself who had just spent an afternoon in the arms of a women who could turn into a cat?

Beth Gwen and Kitt looked up as Cian entered the room. She wore a pair of denim pants that clung to her muscular thighs and buttocks as well as a burgundy button-up shirt that accented her chest nicely. “They fit sure ‘nough.”

“I don’t think our father ever looked so good in those clothes.” Kitt stood up and walked around Cian in a circle. “If you want, you can take the whole lot with you when you go. There’s a canvas bag in the closet we can load up with whatever supplies you need.”

Gwen sighed and looked away. She shouldn’t let it bother her, but she couldn’t help it. She hated the idea that Cian would be leaving soon. Feelings of guilt for betraying her wedding vows fought against a desire for Cian to kiss her again until Gwen could barely hear herself think.

Kitt back sat down in the chair and leaned over to whisper in Gwen’s ear. “You’re lucky you got to her first. The way our friend looks in those dungarees…”

Gwen raised her gaze to Cian. Maybe that would’ve been better for everyone. She should never have given into the curiosity of that first kiss. Now what was she going to do?

***

The rest of the afternoon went by rather quietly. After lunch the three gathered in the sitting room for tea. Kitt and Cian had a good time talking about Cian’s Clan in Scotland and what Kitt learned in her time around Kinder. Gwen kept her distance.

It wasn’t that she wasn’t interested in these stories, but it seemed best for everyone involved if she stayed as far away from Cian as she could. Needle point wasn’t quite as mind consuming as she’d hoped, and Gwen constantly found her thoughts slipping back to Cian and their time together.

By the time she had to get supper on, Gwen was glad to get out of the room. Both Kitt and Cian offered to help, but Gwen insisted they stay and finish their conversation. Some of the stress of the day faded as Gwen stood alone in the kitchen chopping vegetables for the stew. That wasn’t to last.

“Gwen! Woman, where you off to?” Stephan’s voice bellowed from the front hall.

“You ever knock?” Kitt shot back at him.

Stephan must have ignored Kitt’s comment because Gwen didn’t hear his voice again until he stood in the doorway of the kitchen. “I came to take you home.”

“I gathered that.” Gwen said patiently as she added the carrots to the pot. Let me finish getting supper on and then we can go.”

“I’m tired of coming back after a long day and having to get my own supper on the table. You’re coming home now.”

Gwen set the potato on the cutting board. “I’ll be another thirty minutes. Then we’ll go home and I’ll make you something to eat.”

Stephan crossed the room in three long strides and grabbed Gwen by the arm. “I’m your husband and I said you’re coming home now!”

“Ye’d better get yuir bloody hands off her, me boyo, or I’m takin’ the price out o’ yuir hide!”

Gwen and Stephan looked to the doorway to see Cian standing there. Kitt stood right behind her and both women’s eyes seemed to bore into Stephan.

“You heard her, Perkins. Get your damn hands off my sister.” Kitt moved past Cian into the room. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are barging into this house like you own it. Just because my sister married you, doesn’t make you lord and master of our family’s manor.”

Stephan let go of Gwen’s arm. “I’m sorry. I lost my temper.”

“Ye better watch tha’ temper o’ yuirs.” Cian’s words came out in a throaty growl.

Stephan ignored Cian and turned toward Gwen. “I’m sorry. I just miss you and you’ve been gone so long.”

Gwen rubbed her arm where he’d grabbed it. “You have a funny way of showing it. You don’t trust me or something?”

Stephan glanced at Kitt and lowered his voice. “I know your sister doesn’t like me. I was afraid she’d convince you to leave me for another man.”

“Believe me when I say there’s no other man in my life.” Gwen did her best to hide the quiver in her voice. She wasn’t sure if it was guilt anymore or the fact that Stephan had really scared her. His possessive manner, and quick temper had never seemed more prevalent than it did right now. “Didn’t you get my message?”

“Yes, that you were taking care of a sick friend.” Stephan pointed at Cian. “Your friend?” Gwen nodded. “She doesn’t look very sick to me,” he said.

Before Gwen could respond Kitt pushed herself him and Gwen. “Let me make this clear, Perkins. Until I’m certain you’re not going to lose your temper again, Gwen won’t be coming back at all. You can just go calm the hell down, and then come back tomorrow when you can act a bit more human.”

“How dare you keep me from my wife!” Stephan bellowed, but a look from Kitt froze him in place. “I said I was sorry. What else do you want from me?”

Kitt pointed toward the hall. “I want you to knock before you come into this house. I want you to treat my sister with the respect she deserves. You will be civil to my guests and keep your temper around my sister at all times. I don’t care what your excuse is.”

Gwen turned her gaze from her husband to the two women who stood ready to depend her. Kitt faced Stephan head on, a man twice her size. Cian had moved to stand behind Gwen, her body poised in way that said she was ready for a fight.

“There’s a murderer on the loose and I’m not leaving my wife here where she’s not safe.” He faced Kitt, but Stephan glanced nervously at Cian. “I’m taking her home with me.”

“My sister is safer here with us than alone at some farm. Those men are after a bounty, and men like that are liable to hurt anyone who gets in the way of getting paid.” Kitt pointed toward the doorway. “It’s time for you to go.”

Cian’s eyes still glittered with contained anger, but a smile crept over her face. “Ye heard the lass, me boyo. Tis time for ye tae go.”

Stephan turned to stare at Cian, a dangerous glimmer to his gaze, something Gwen had never seen before. Cian and Stephan locked eyes in what looked like a silent challenge. Finally Stephan looked away, and lowered his eyes.

“I’ll come by to get you in the morning, then.” Stephan’s voice lowered to a whisper. “I love you, Gwen, and I’m sorry.”

Kitt moved aside as Stephan walked past her and through the door. Gwen watched him go, confusion tickling the edges of her mind. Had he ever said those words to her? “I love you?” Or even “I’m sorry”? Those phrases seemed so out of place, but Gwen didn’t know what to make of it.

“Good thing that’s over.” Kitt poked her head in the pot. “Far as I’m concerned if his attitude doesn’t improve you’re not going back with him tomorrow either.”

“That’s not really your choice to make, Kitt.” Gwen chopped the potato slowly, her mind still racing with the events of the evening and what it could mean. “I’ll leave when I decide to. It’s my choice and mine alone.”

“The lass is right.” Cian took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. “Iffin ye want tae go back, nae one kin stop ye. Ye have tae follow yuir heart in the end.”

There was a sadness to Cian’s voice that caught Gwen completely off guard. “Cian?”

Cian held her palm out toward Gwen. “Nae more needs to be said, lass. I’ll be goin’ in the morn’ when the cock crows. It’ll be the safest time for me tae get on the road. The best way tae get yuir life back tae normal. For now I’m goin’ tae get washed up and fetch ye some fresh water for the stew.” Cian turned to Kitt. “Wells out back?”

Kitt pointed to the door behind the tea room. “Just back there before you get to the stables there’s a pump. It’s the closest.”

Cian nodded and without another word headed out the back door. Gwen’s lip trembled as she stared at the empty place where Cian had stood protecting her. She would be gone tomorrow and that was that. Gwen should be glad to get her life back to normal, but her heart felt hollow and heavy.

The sisters stood there together in the silence of the kitchen. Kitt laid a hand on Gwen’s arm and squeezed it once. There was nothing left to say.

Chapter 4

Cian neatly folded the shirt and shoved it into the green canvas sack on top of the others. There was nothing else to be done now. She’d made her decision, and in truth it was the best for everyone. Gwen could get back to her husband, and Kitt would have the house to herself again. Their lives would be fine without her there to complicate everything.

When she added the last piece of clothing to the bag, Cian slung it over her shoulder and lifted the lantern from the dresser. By the time they woke up in the morning she’d be long gone and eventually the hunters would leave as well. Hopefully it’d give her enough of a lead so they’d not find her this time.

Cian took each step carefully as she made her way down the stairs, so as not to wake Kitt and Gwen. She’d pack up the supplies Gwen said she was going to leave in the kitchen and then Cian would spend the rest of the night in the barn.

Just as she knew it would be, there was the covered basket sitting on the tea room table. Cian sat the lantern on the table and opened the basket. She smiled at the carefully packed food within. The hard tack and sated-cured venison would keep well enough for a few weeks, but the corn fritters and mincemeat tarts would need to be eaten in the next couple of days. Also within the supplies was enough flour, dried beans, and canned good to last her the next month at least. Beside the basket stood three canteens. When she looked inside Cian found all three were filled with water. “Leave it to the lass to think of everything.”

“Going somewhere so soon?”

Cian’s hand closed around the canteen lid and her body tense at the sound on Stephan’s voice. “Me business is none of yuir affair.”

There was movement just beyond the light the lantern cast over the room and then Stephan stepped into view. “It’s my business when I find there’s a murderer hiding in my sister-in-law’s house with my wife. I don’t know what hold you have on the women, what con you’ve pulled on them, but whatever it is, I’m not stupid enough to fall for it.”

Something about the boldness of his words and the confidence in which he held himself, told Cian there was more to this than just a possessive husband. “Ye told them where tae find me didn’t you?”

A satisfied smirk crossed Stephan face. “Sure ‘nough did. I imagine those boys are not far behind me. Maybe an hour. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t get spooked and hurt the girls when they came to get you.” He reached behind one of the chairs and picked up the gun that’d been hidden there. “You and me are going to wait right here until your friends arrive. Then you can go with them, and I can have my wife back.”

“Yuir wife.” Cian snorted in disgust. “Tis just tha’ attitude tha’ will lose ye a woman like Gwen. She’s only goin’ tae put up with bein’ treated like a kept pony so lon’ until she’s goin’ tae tire of ye.”

Stephan gripped the shotgun in both hand, and his mouth twisted in anger. “Don’t you tell me about my wife. You’ve go no place to be schoolin’ me on women. I see you strutting around here like that sister of hers, wearing pants and wanting to be men. You’re trying to turn Gwen into one of you.”

Cian laughed, and glanced past him toward the door. If she could throw him off guard and take him down, she might have a chance to reach the door and run before the hunters arrived. “Thas is nae ‘bout what these men claim I did, lad, is it?. Yuir jealous. Ye know I kin give yuir woman what ye kinnae.”

Stephan roared and rushed forward. Cian ducked as the butt of the rifle cut through the air above her head. He stumbled over the corner of the couch and Cian was able to dodge a second blow.

“Stephan! No!”

Cian looked up. The silhouettes of Gwen and Kitt stood in the now open door behind Stephan, backlit by the moonlit. Distracted, Cian didn’t see the heavily muscled arm before it connected with her jaw. The momentum of the blow sent her to the floor, and the click of the gun signaled to her that things had just gone from bad to worse.

“To hell with the reward!” Stephan shouted. “They can take your body back to Scotland instead.”

Kitt moved to stand in front of Cian as the shifter struggled to stand. “Stephan Perkins, you’d better put that gun down and get the hell out of this house.”

“Shut up, Kitt.” Stephan tilted the barrel of the gun and Cian got to her feet. “You’ve been nothing but trouble since the day I came to work for your daddy’s newspaper. For five years I watched you run amok while your sister behaved like a proper lady. I’m not going to let you or this woman spoil Gwen until she’s not fit to be a decent wife anymore.”

Cian stared at the double barrels. She could fight him now, and take the chance of hurting the women, or she could let herself be shot and handed over to Kieve’s men. Neither option seemed enticing.

The clang that filled the room signaled that the choice was made for her. Both Cian and Kitt jumped at the sound and jumped back in surprise as Stephan slumped to the ground. Behind him stood Gwen, her face set in rage and holding an iron skillet whose base was bigger than her head.

Cian dumped the contents of the straw basket in the canvas bag and shut it tight. “Donnae anyone ‘round here sleep?”

“Pregnant women go to the privy a lot, or haven’t you heard?” Kitt shot back, her eyes still wide as she stared at her sister. “Good lord, Gwen, you damn near took his head off with that thing.”

Gwen ignored her sister and looked up at Cian. “I thought you said you were leaving at dawn.”

Cian eyed the skillet warily. “Thas neither here nor there now, lass. Yuir husband’s told them where I am. Iffin I donnae go now, I’ll ne’er have a chance.”

Gwen nodded and reached for the lantern. “Take a horse. Aniasis is the fastest. He’ll get you away far faster than you can go on foot, even as a cat.”

Kitt stepped over Stephan’s limp form and opened the back door. “C’mon. We have to hurry.”

The last thing Cian wanted was to drag them into all of this, but now, it didn’t seem there was a choice. She was the first out the door, with Gwen and Kitt close behind her.

The barn was quiet, with no sign of agitation from the animals. It was a good sign. It meant nothing had happened to disturb them. The three went past the large chicken coop and Kitt removed the bar from the barn door.

Cian and Kitt pulled the double doors open and Gwen motioned them inside. “Kitt, saddle Aniasis for her. You do know how to handle a horse, right?”

“I kin manage well enough.” In truth Cian had never been much for riding, but Gwen was right. She had a better chance on Aniasis than on foot.

It took several minutes for Kitt to secure the straps and adjust the stirrups so they’d be comfortable for Cian. Gwen leaned against the horse gate, her arms folded over her chest. Cian could tell she was still angry, and hated the idea of leaving her feeling like that.

“I’ll come back ‘round iffin I kin, lass, ye have me word.” Cian touched Gwen’s hand. “Donnae be angry.”

“I can’t do this, Cian. I can’t wait and hope you’ll be back. It’s too hard. Why did you touch me like that, awaken my heart, just to walk away? It’s not right.” Gwen closed her eyes and grimaced. “It hurts.”

Shame filled Cian and weighed heavy in her gut. “I didnae mean tae hurt ye. Nae one has touched me heart like ye, not in a vera lon’ time. I’ll miss ye.”

Gwen flinched as if Cian’s words hard struck her and Cian turned away, unable to witness the pain she’d caused. It wasn’t until the low moan broke free of Gwen’s lips that Cian spun around in concern. “Lass?”

Gwen stood in the straw, doubled over and her face carved into a look of agony. One hand gripped her stomach, while the nails of the other dug into the wood wall. “The baby,” she gasped.

Kitt and Cian were instantly at her side. They each supported her as Gwen cried out in pain. A stream of pinkish liquid trickled down her leg to puddle beneath her feet.

“Oh shite.” Cian muttered. “Gwen’s babe is comin’.”

“We have to get her to lie down.” Kitt’s eyes widened with panic. “She can’t have the baby in here. It’s too dirty. We’ve got to get her inside.”

“There’s nae time for tha’. By the sound o’ it the babe could be comin’ vera soon now.” Cian scanned the barn and spotted her canvas bag now strapped to the back of the saddle. “There’s a wool blanket in the bottom of that bag, and we can use the clothing too. I’ll hold her up, you get the bag.”

“You have to go, or they’ll find you,” Gwen said through gritted teeth as her sister sprinted for the bag.

“I’ll deal with tha’ when the time comes. Right now we got to catch us a wee bairn. Those babes wait for nae man or woman.”

Kitt dug through the bag and pulled the blanket from its depths. “She said earlier she wasn’t feeling well, but I didn’t know…I mean…I just thought she had a stomach ache from all the tension tonight and the fighting with her husband.”

“Donnae worry yuirself. An easy labor is nae a bad thin’, but it kin sneak up on ye.”

With her arm held flat Kitt knocked the peak off a fresh stack of straw in the corner and stretched the blanket on top. She raised an eyebrow as Cian led Gwen to the blanket and urged her to squat instead of lie down. “She’ll be more comfortable on her back.”

Cian shook her head. “I’ve caught me fair share of babes helpin’ me mum back home when I was younger. She always said upright was the easiest way for a mother tae ease the babe out. I need ye tae grab a few o’ those flannel shirts and be ready for the babe when she or he comes callin’.”

A doubtful expression crossed Kitt’s face, but the did as she was asked. With an armload of shirts she squatted at Gwen’s feet Kitt removed Gwen’s undergarments and tied a corner of her dress so the shirt didn’t hang in their way. “How long?”

“Nae way tae tell yet. I’d say soon.” Cian held Gwen’s head to her chest, and tried to ignore the panicked voices that filled her mind. She was signing her freedom away by staying here, but what could she do? The baby was on it’s way, and from the looks of it Kitt had no idea how to help a woman who was laboring. Cian couldn’t leave Gwen like this, not now, no matter what price she would pay. She just hoped time was on their side.

When the urge to push came, Cian told Gwen to listen to what her body told her to do. Kitt shifted on her feet, her eyes wide like a amazed child. When a head of dark hair became visible in the light, Kitt held her breath.

Much to Cian’s relief the labor went quickly. Kitt wrapped the baby in a red flannel shirt and laid the bundle in Gwen’s arms. “You have a son, Gwen. He’s beautiful.”

Tears flowed over Gwen’s cheek and she undid the button on her dress so the baby could nurse. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Cian opened her mouth to respond, but her words were cut short. “Get on out here, McGregor. You’re done in this time. Just give up and come along now.”

Cian sighed. She knew that voice. “We’ll, tis tha’ time, lasses. Thank ye for lettin’ me share in tha’ beautiful moment. It meant a lot tae me.”

“Take the horse and run,” Kitt hissed. “You can still get away.”

“Iffin I run, they’ll come back here lookin’ for me and make trouble for both of ye. I have tae face this thin’. Tis the only way now.” Cian kissed Gwen, and smiled. “I’ll never regret bein’ with ye like I was, even iffin we didnae have the time together we deserved.”

“Don’t let them take you.” Gwen begged. “Run and get away.”

“Or fight.” Kitt reached up on a high shelf and pulled down a rifle. “No one takes a guest from our home with out me saying something about it. I was a damn good shot once, still am I’d wager. Between us both, we’ve got a good chance.”

“Nae.” Cian stood. “Yuir job now is lookin’ after yuir family, Kitt. Let me do what I have tae do. Iffin ye interfere, ye’ll both become targets.”

Kitt looked back at her sister and nodded.

Cian could see Gwen’s eyes plead from her to stay, but it was too late now. She took off the heavy brown leather jacket and laid it over Gwen before Cian turned to the barn doors. They were still cracked open, and through the space she could make out five figures in the moonlight.

She opened the doors enough to squeeze between them, and closed the barn behind her. Four of the men held guns, while one supported Stephan who was bent over and could barely stand. A sixth man stepped from behind a nearby wagon.

“You gave us quite the chase.” Nathan Kellerman said with a grin.

“I’m here now.” Cian held back the fear that threatened to creep into her voice, She wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction. “Ye kin leave thas place in peace.” Cian held her wrists toward them. “I’ll go without a fight.”

“We’ll leave soon enough.” Kellerman nodded his head toward the barn. “Bring the rest. I’ve got some questions to ask our good friend McGregor. I’ll bet that with her ladies in custody, she’ll be a lot more likely to talk.”

“No.” Stephan lifted his head to face Kellerman. “You leave my wife out of this. We agreed you’d take the Scottish woman and go. Nothing else.”

Two men rushed forward and grabbed Cian by the arms while the two remaining hunters took several steps in the direction of the barn. Cian struggled against the two that held her. “What the hell could ye want with them? They’re not Clan and ye know it.”

“You’re right. I know they aren’t like you.” Kellerman laughed. “But I bet you’ll tell me all kinds of Clan secrets if I take a whip to one of your friends, won’t you?”

“She’s had a child. Even ye cannae be that cruel.” Cian tuned and snarled at one of the men holding her and he jumped in surprise. “I said I’ll go, I never said anything about letting you take anyone else.”

“There are six of us and only you.” Kellerman pointed his finger at her. “There’s nothing you can do, McGregor. You’re mine until get you home and I get paid. Until then, I’m going to get something useful out of you to make up for all the trouble you put me through.”

Cian wanted to fight, but how could she? It was forbidden to take a battle form without permission from the Council, but there were no elders here to call upon. She’d made that mistake before and the punishment for that transgression had followed her all the way to Louisiana.

Cian’s thoughts slipped back to the women hidden in the old barn, the baby she knew they’d protect with their lives. She owned them hers. There was only one thing she could do. This was not the time for secrets or laws, this was the time to fight.

The two hunters were thrown clear as the essence of the woman and the cat began to merge. The air was split with the sound of sinew and flesh stretching as Cian grew. Red hair and pink skin faded away, replaced by tan, gray, and black fur that marked the spirit of the Scottish wild cat that filled her. Six feet plus of muscles and rage faced the hunters, and she could see the fear in their eyes.

Claws extended, Cian roared a challenge.

One man ran forward and she batted him away with a paw-like hand. Shots rang out and Cian felt pain tear through her shoulder and thigh. She knew if she kept moving, the bullets couldn’t stop her, but a well placed shot would still take her down if she didn’t end this quick. Four strides and she had Kellerman by the throat. He dropped his gun in surprise and yelled for his men to help him.

“Tell them tae get away from tha’ barn or I’ll kill ye now.” Cian’s voice rumbled like an avalanche. She spoke slowly and clearly, to be certain the humans could understand her.

“You can’t do this. The Marshall told us the change is forbidden. He said you wouldn’t--.”

She squeezed and he gasped for air. “The change is forbidden. Tis tae keep our secrets. Why will it matter iffin ye are all goin’ tae die?”

Another shot tore though the night and Cian flinched. It came from behind her, but she didn’t feel the sting of the bullet. Cian glanced over her shoulder to see one of the hunters on the ground. His gun hung loosely in his hand and blood coated one side of his face.

In the doorway of the barn stood Kitt. Her gun swiveled, the barrel searching for its next target. “Put your guns down, or I’ll put em’ down for ya.”

Cian threw Kellerman to the dirt. “Tis time for ye and yuir boys to go. Iffin ye come back tae thas place, I’ll bury ye.”

As she turned away Cian saw Kellerman raise his pistol, and aim it at Kitt. Cian swiped her paw in an arch and he gurgled and choked as she came away with most of his throat.

“Yuir boss here, is dead. Iffin ye all don’t walk away, ye’ll be next. I’m nae yuir enemy, and I’m nae yuir prey.” Cian wiped the blood from her hand in the moist leaves. “But nae point in riskin’ yuir necks when isna anyone left alive tae pay ya.”

The remaining men picked up their weapons, and moved away, never taking their eyes off Cian. She watched them go, and then turned her attention to Stephan who knelt where he’d been dropped. “And ye?” Cian asked.

Stephan didn’t say a word, but as he got to his feet there was a defeated look in his eyes. All the things he had done to hold on to what he thought was his, and in the end, he’d lost it all. He stumbled away, and Cian waited until he was out of sight before she let go of the beast and returned to her woman’s shape.

Kitt stepped out of the way and motioned Cian inside. Cian slipped past the opening and knelt at Gwen’s feet. The baby slept in her arms and Gwen smiled. “Is it over?”

Cian nodded. “They’re gone. All o’ them.”

“Then you can stay.” Gwen’s eyes seemed to dance with hope.

Cian paused. She wanted to stay. Her heart begged to make a home here, with Gwen and the baby. In inner battle raged just as desperately as she had fought for those she cared about barely moments ago. There was no telling if the hunters would be back. They’d taken damage and now knew she was not going without a fight. Did she dare try to make a life here, to finally allow herself some peace?

The answer came to her like sun warming a winter weary land. “Yes, Gwen. I’ll stay with ye.”

Gwen laughed with joy and Cian took her in her arms, baby and all. She held Gwen there, not expressing the doubts in her mind. Yes, she would stay, for as long as she could keep her family safe, Cian would remain and call this place home.