Ben, page 3
Teilo didn’t want to. With every strand of fur on his body, he wished he could be still and silent. His pain was too great. Stop it. Please. STOP IT.
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Nico
A whimper. Oh, my gods. Teilo’s in pain. Even on the brink of death, Nico couldn’t ignore his brother cat—the man/cat he loved more than his life force that was slipping away. His ears strained as he dug deep inside of himself. Could he manage to put a paw up against the bars that separated them? Teilo was so close, and yet with the bars between them, they might as well be miles apart.
As he sent out his senses, Nico realized they weren’t alone. Cracking his eyes open a tiny slit, they widened when he realized it wasn’t men in white coats in the room that stunk of death. It was other cats—three of them. But unlike the cats in the cages that were either dead or like him and Teilo—Please don’t let Teilo be dying—the intruder cats were sleek with well-formed muscles. In other circumstances, Nico would see them as a threat.
His dull senses took time to notice one of them was screaming, his anger rolling off him in waves. He was a truly beautiful beast, one Nico felt a tug towards and the feeling shocked him. The only person or shifter he’d ever felt a connection with since birth had been Teilo. But now, for some reason, his poor cat was trying… what is he doing? Does he want to attract the attention of this other shifter?
They were shifters—the intruders carried the scent of clothes and the city with them. The one that caught Nico’s eye smelled of wealth and power, places far away. The sort of places Nico and Teilo used to dream about on the odd occasions they had privacy and could talk. So rare, those discussions. A few snatched minutes while scientists were busy with their calculations. Nico remembered how Teilo could say more with his eyes in a crowded room than he’d heard anyone speak before.
The attraction must mean something. Nico wasn’t going to question it. The big cat that was roaring his grief over one of their dead colleagues across the room must have potent feelings—feelings Nico didn’t understand exactly. He’d seen people grieving before. It often happened when he’d been ordered to stick around and make sure his mark was dead. Someone else would come in, find the remains Nico had left, and wailing would start. Some people even leaked water from their eyes. Nico did that, too sometimes, but he never told his captors.
But the cat making all the noise was visibly upset. Nico wasn’t sure how he knew, but it was true. And if the cat could get upset over a dead animal that he may or may not know… Nico’s eyes widened as he realized—he can help Teilo!
Nico wasn’t worried about his own safety. He knew he looked a mess—he didn’t smell good either. Living in his own filth, no water meant he didn’t have enough saliva to keep himself clean, although initially when the scientists disappeared, he and Teilo did try. Nico remembered trying to lick behind Teilo’s ears one night when all was quiet… The bars got in the way, but Teilo had still pressed as close as he could.
That cat has to save Teilo. How did he attract the cat’s attention? Nico had barely any strength left. He hadn’t even heard the cats come in, and usually he was alert to the minutest of changes in their underground den. It was only Teilo’s whimper that had broken through his final thoughts.
One of the other cats was pushing his cat against his shoulder—it was like the cats were trying to communicate with each other. Perhaps they could. Nico had seen stranger things. They hadn’t noticed him or Teilo. His cat, and Nico reminded himself he was only calling the visitor cat that to differentiate from the other two who were with him, was sniffing at the lion’s cage. Then the other two cats did. The third one walked right past Nico and Teilo’s cages and was sniffing at the door.
They have to save Teilo. Nico did not know how he could do it, but he wasn’t going to let the stranger cats leave without at least trying on Teilo’s behalf.
Strength-wise, he had none. He already knew death was sharpening his sickle for him. He’d seen death in hundreds of forms, and it didn’t scare him. It was only the thought of being separate from Teilo that made him feel weird inside. Do it for Teilo. Get help for Teilo. Teilo has to be saved.
With the last of his draining strength, Nico raised his front paw and slammed it against the bars of his cage. The beautiful cat froze.
Chapter Five
Ben
So wrapped up in his grief at the death surrounding him, Ben’s soul didn’t register the tug that persisted. The mating pull he’d been experiencing was strong. Was it the same after death?
Ben needed to get out of the room, give himself a minute to figure out what the fuck was going on with him. He couldn’t even look toward the cages he was passing. It hurt too much. So much death…
There was a movement or was it his brothers? His head fired towards the cages closest to him and met a pair of slitted eyes. His nose wrinkled as his whiskers twitched as he surged forward, his face bumping off the melt bar. Alive… holy fuck.
His panther pushed his face into the bars, desperate to get inside. Their mate’s scent was barely there with stench of the bodies around them. Let me shift. I need my hands to unlock the cage.
One sweep of his paw at the lock cracked the casing, but didn’t shift it. Enraged at not being able to get closer, he growled murderously and clawed at the device that stopped them from getting to their mate.
“This one is breathing, too,” Kylo said from his left. “You need to shift, now.”
His panther wasn’t happy, but let Ben emerge. Nori helped Kylo bring out the other cat, who was no more than a bag of bones. For a moment, Ben stared at the rib cage that took several endless seconds to move. They’re alive! They’re both alive.
Yes, now help them! His panther’s sense of urgency got him moving to get his hands around the panther whose eyes had closed again. “Don’t die on me, come on little one.” Seeing he needed help to get the cat out, regardless they’d been starved, he was still big enough that Ben didn’t want to risk hurting him, Ben twisted around.
Seeing only Kylo kneeling next to the cat on the floor, he frowned. “Where’s Nori gone?”
Kylo didn’t look up as he ran his hands over the filthy, matted fur of the cat on the floor. Hitting what looked like a lure, he eased it out of the cat’s back. “He’s gone to retrieve the bags he left.” He then glanced at Ben. “They’ve left fuck all here that looks safe to use. The drugs all have long fancy names on them.”
Ben shook his dark head and looked back at one of his mates. “We need to get fluid in them… only I’m fucking sure they ain’t gonna want me sticking a needle in them.” Kylo was in law enforcement. In Paraguay, they trained the officers in survival techniques due to the remote areas they travelled to. He noticed a similar lure in the back of the still caged cat. Kylo could use those… No. Ben’s cat was adamant, and Ben agreed.
“Help me get this one out. Then get a couple of those large syringes and we’ll fill them with water and drip feed it into them. We aren’t using needles unless it’s the only option.” Ben sent a silent wish up to the gods that he wouldn’t find himself in that position.
The panther on the floor made a noise in the back of his throat and Ben became torn between leaving the cage as Kylo came to him. The lack of movement in the cage decided for him. He hoped that by putting them next to each other, it might help. Animal spirits directly connected to their fated mate. The lack of immediate recognition worried him. His panther had scented them but…
He wasn’t sure how it worked for genetically engineered mates. Did the cats know they were mates? Fuck, what torment would that have brought them?
He shuddered and pushed the unthinkable to the back of his mind to think about that another time, because right now saving his mates was his top priority. Carefully, he ran soothing hands down the body of the cat who desperately needed him. “I’m going to move you next to our mate.”
Taking a deep breath, he didn’t think about the god-awful smell and met Kylo’s gaze. “On three,” at his nod when his hands were in position, Ben counted, “One,” he tightened his grip, “Two,” he breathed out, “Three.” He lifted and hated that there wasn’t even the barest of whimpers.
There was the sound of feet slapping on the stairs before Nori appeared. His expression grim, as he held the enormous pack on his shoulder, and stared at the cat in their arms. “Do you think it would be better to move them upstairs to the lodge part of the building? Take them away from the constant reminder of death.” His gaze traveled to the other cages. What did it say about his mates when they were the only two hanging onto life.
Ben looked at Kylo who nodded.
“You stay here with the other one. We need some large syringes, no needles, so we can drip water into their mouths.”
He moved the shoulder with the pack on. “I’ve plenty in here.”
At that they slipped past Nori as he dropped the pack and bent to root around in it.
Ben closed his mind to what harm they could do and breathed shallowly as he mounted the stairs up into the main room. The large sectional couch on the far side of the room was wide and long. It was perfect to act as a cat bed for now. “Let’s put him on here. We can put the other one next to him.”
Kylo didn’t argue. Once placed on the soft cushions, Ben was sure he’d caught a sound. He crouched next to the sofa and stroked gently over the back of the cat’s ear. “I’m here and we’re going to look after you.”
“I’ll go get the other one. Nori can help me, you stay here.” Kylo nodded to the cat laying on the sofa. “Give him some water. I bet there’s bottled stuff in the fridge. It might be warm as the electric is out, but it’ll be clean.”
Kylo left before Ben could reply. He got up and went in search of what he could find. The huge refrigerator was well stocked, with all sorts, but it was the bottled water Ben was interested in. They were still cool to touch, and he removed several bottles, shutting the door quickly to leave whatever chill remained inside.
Back at the couch, he placed the bottles on the table that he’d kicked back to give him more room. Unscrewing the cap, he then slid a hand under the large head to tilt it back. “Little one, you need to drink. Smell the water… come on. It’s clean, there are no drugs in it.” At the lack of any obvious response, Ben took another breath, held it, and carefully trickled water in past the vicious-looking teeth.
He was careful. When it dripped out of the corner of the cat’s mouth, Ben stopped pouring, putting the bottle down and moving the cat’s head to encourage the water down his throat. He wasn’t sure how long he was crouched feeding water to the cat before he heard his brothers coming up from the basement, but he’d emptied two bottles of water.
His eyes widened at the large, jagged scratch to Kylo’s forearm. Blood trickled from the cut. Both brothers had a glistening coat of sweat covering their naked bodies and wore wary looks as they came towards him.
The cat held between his brothers wore what Ben could only describe as a frantic expression. It was wild and convinced Ben that if the cat had more strength that neither of his brothers would be breathing. The moment his gaze landed on the cat on the couch he hissed, his teeth bared.
As they got closer, it unsheathed lethal claws. “I’m not hurting him, I swear. Look.” Ben held up the bottle of water as he stood and gave his brothers room to get closer to the couch. “It’s water. You both need food and drink to help get your strength back.”
The sneer was both glorious because his mate was so protective and equally terrifying if he wasn’t able to make the cat see he wanted to help.
“Smell me.” He held out his free hand as his brothers stopped and eyed the cat they held with caution. It became obvious in seconds the cat didn’t have the strength to move the small distance.
Ben motioned to his brothers. “Put him on the couch.”
The moment his brothers eased him next to their other mate, the cat snuggled right in, his nose going into the scruff on the back of the other cat’s neck and purrs filled the room. A ball of emotion lodged in the back of Ben’s throat. He blinked repeatedly, his nose burned with tears.
Nori nudged his shoulder. “They’re fighters, that has to go in their favor.”
“Let’s fucking hope so. I won’t be able to control my panther if they die.” The fatalistic words were the truth. His panther’s frantic need to shift and join the two on the couch was making it hard for him to stop shaking. His gaze never left the two cats as their breathing synchronized.
“I see you got some water into him.” Nori rubbed his jaw. ”Do you wanna try with the other one. He wasn’t happy with Kylo trying.”
Ben once more eyed the large gash on Kylo’s arm. “You need to clean that before it becomes infected.”
“Yes, baby brother.” Kylo’s mocking salute came before he walked off towards the large kitchen area set off to the right. A counter in dark wood separated the big space.
Ben picked up another bottle of water and sank down next to the couch. Neither cat looked at him. “I need you to smell me, know that I mean you no harm.” He held his arm close to both heads and waited for some sign from the cat who seemed to be the more alert.
His patience paid off when whiskers tickled his arm and a dry nose rubbed at his wrist. “That’s it, scent me,” he encouraged in a soft, crooning voice. His own senses were going crazy at the gentle touch.
The touch was barely there, yet it was enough to give him hope. “I’m going to give you some water. We need you both to drink to avoid putting in any needles.”
That got a hiss and a solid thump to his wrist. Taking a risk, Ben put the bottle down at the side of his leg, leaving his other hand where it was. His hand free, he brought it into eye line so the cats could see it. Slowly, he lowered it to where they both touched, going with his panther’s instincts. The second he laid his hand over them both, stretching his fingers wide on their matted fur, sparks flew up his arm. His breathing became as labored as the cats.
With effort, the cat he’d brought up, eyes slit open. There was a moment, something flashed in the deep yellow pools of misery as he acknowledged Ben and the cat curved protectively around him, before they closed. The mate spooning him purred louder and tears ran down Ben’s cheeks.
Fuck, please don’t die.
“Come on, Ben.” Nori knocked against his arm the bottle.
Composing himself, he took the bottle and eased forward and lifted it to the cat making the most joyful noises Ben had ever heard. “Drink, please,” he coaxed softly.
When he finally opened his mouth, Ben mindfully dripped in small amounts, until the bottle was empty. He gave him two more bottles, before he switched to his other mate. This time he had to work around the cat guarding him. He managed, only the purring stopped, and his other mate scrutinized him.
Time was irrelevant as he switched water out for some type of mush like food substance that Kylo handed him that smelled of meat.
His back was aching, his muscles stiff from being in a crouched position, only he didn’t dare move away. Him and his panther in accord, they needed to watch over their mates until they could do more than lift their heads.
Chapter Six
Ben
Day turned to night and night turned to day, twice. His eyes were gritty from the lack of sleep, but the two cats lying curled around each other, for the first time appeared to be resting easier.
They’d emptied the fridge of all the bottled water. Nori had a small camping stove to boil water and make sure it was safe, which they cooled in water bottles. The packs Nori hid contained food rich in vitamins that Kylo explained would give the panther’s bodies their much needed nutrients.
It had taken far more work to get them to eat than drink. Ben had been persistent, and it had paid off. Although they were still extremely thin, with ribs poking out abnormally, Ben could see their breathing was easier. He tried not to think about how he’d given in to temptation and let his panther come forth to help clean the cats. His human side would rather have gotten them to shift so he could give them a bath… but beggars could not be choosey.
It had taken four attempts at cleaning his teeth to make his mouth feel somewhat better.
“Go and shower. You smell worse than what was downstairs.” Nori nudged his shoulder and nodded in the direction of the stairs leading up to the bedrooms.
The place had all the mod cons, and the rooms were far more lavish than the cages. Bastards!
“When is Kylo due back?” Kylo had left early that morning, when it became apparent both cats were stable enough to move, to arrange some transport that could get into the forest. They needed an off-road terrain vehicle to get as close as possible to where they were to help get his mates to the plane.
“I’d say another hour or two. I’ll be okay here. They haven’t made any move to swipe at me again.” Nori grinned. “As long as I keep my distance.”
Neither cat, once more alert, wanted either Kylo or Nori near them. Ben didn’t want to upset either mate, so he’d not left them alone. He glanced at the two, now sleek looking cats lying over the cushions. The light from the front windows, what there was of it, dappled their fur, highlighting the distinct spots beneath. Though they were black, the marking were there and to Ben’s eyes nearly identical. Both sets of eyes were open, wary, and watchful.
“Are you okay with me going for a shower?” He wrinkled his nose and pulled a funny, jokily face. “’Cause I stink.”
He wasn’t sure what they were portraying as both noses wrinkled, and their gazes roamed over him. He’d pulled on a pair of old shorts that were Kylo’s on day two, although he had nothing else on. It was too warm.
Both mates looked at each other, and for the first time, Ben wanted to touch, to reassure himself that he was a part of the triad the Fates had created somehow, even in a lab. Instead, he trusted his mates were aware enough not to eat his brother and headed upstairs for a shower. The ache started the moment he moved out of sight of them, and Ben quickened his pace.
