Feral Escape (Catnip and Cauldrons 3)

A few hours later he figured he'd dished out enough punishment. As he turned to head home, he noticed the sky lightening to shades of blue, then orange and pink. He stopped to stare up at the rapidly changing colors. Something he couldn't remember doing for a long time. Before Molly's disappearance, he hadn't seen a sunrise in too many years to count. He took a deep breath of crisp, clean air and let the peaceful scene envelop him. Molly was safe. He hadn’t failed her. When she woke up, he'd return her to her friends and then figure out what the hell he wanted to do with his life.

He stood at the entrance to his home rubbing the back of his neck absently. Letting his fingers dig into the base of his skull relieved some of the tension gathered there. Fatigue brushed over him. After all, he'd slept like shit. A short, cold shower should help him shake it off. He stepped lightly into his home not wanting to wake Molly. Before getting in the shower, he stopped to peek at her. Watching her from the doorway took a lot of willpower. What he wanted most was to crawl under the covers, pull her tight against his chest, nuzzle her neck, and wake her up in a special way.

Molly opened her eyes slowly, blinking at the stab of sunlight that sparkled through the tiny stone window. She squinted, trying to bring her surroundings into focus. A bed. Soft, comfy, woodsy scented. Not the hard rocks and damp earth she'd been exposed to for so many days and nights. The last thing she remembered...Ivan! He'd rescued her. Fed her. Let her get clean in his shower and sleep in his bed while he took the couch. She tossed the covers back, threw her legs over the side, and went to find him. The chill from the stone floors crept up her legs, and she shivered. Even though the place looked pretty swanky, it could use a feminine touch.

The deep, low tones of Ivan's voice reached her before she stepped into the living room.

“No. She's resting. She's fine, Nyx. I swear. No. You'll never find your way here. I'll have her call you as soon as she gets up.” Molly stood on the other side of the doorway listening to Ivan's conversation. Remorse pulled at her. At the very least, she should talk to Onyx. From what Ivan told her the night before, her friend had practically killed herself searching for Molly every day since her abduction. She wanted to avoid Oscar, not her friend Onyx.

One thing became very clear to Molly while stashed away in the cave. She didn't have any feelings for him other than friendly. When she pictured something pleasant to get her through the long, cold nights, Ivan's face had been the one that kept her warm. Combine that with the fact Ivan alone rescued her from that hell, and she worried she'd never be able to think of another man again. Shivers raced up her spine the minute she stepped into the room. Their gazes met and held. A slow grin spread across Ivan's face as he stood up to greet her.

“Hey kitten. Did I wake you? I had to call Onyx to let her know you were here. They planned to head out and search the area at sunrise. She's relieved you’re okay and wants to see you.”

Molly stared stupidly as he spoke. The sight of Ivan in nothing but a pair of running shorts hanging from his lean hips short-circuited her brain for a moment. Her gaze skirted up to take in his thick shoulders and powerful arms. The smooth, golden skin over all those enticing muscles. She bobbed her head up and down in some semblance of a nod before finding her voice. “I'll get ready, and we can head down there.”

“I washed your things for you. They're in the dryer now, but should be ready soon.”

Her cheeks heated at the thought of Ivan touching her underwear, even for the simple task of throwing it in the washer and dryer.

“I really don't want to touch that stuff ever again. Do you have a sweatshirt or something I can borrow?”

His jaw tightened for a moment, and she wondered if she'd somehow angered him. Maybe he thought she didn't appreciate him doing her laundry.

“Yeah, I can definitely find you something. I have your shoes in my pack too. I found them last night.”

“Oh, great! I don't think I'd get my feet into any of your shoes,” she smiled in an attempt to lighten the mood.

He brushed past her, headed toward the kitchen. “Let's get some breakfast in you.”

She turned to follow him into the kitchen but collided with him instead. He caught her, steadying her with his hands on her waist. Her skin tingled where he touched her. They stood so close her breasts practically pressed against his chest.

“You okay?” Ivan's low voice rumbled over her. The look in his eyes so intense, she averted her eyes.

She mumbled an affirmative answer. “I hope you know I appreciate everything you've done for me. It's just I can't stand the thought of being in those clothes again.”

Ivan studied her for so long, she fidgeted. “I completely understand, Molly. You can have anything of mine you want.”

Molly let her gaze travel down the length of his thick, muscled body. Anything, huh?

A buzzer sounded somewhere in the back of the house breaking their spell. Ivan stepped back. “That's the dryer. I'll go toss your stuff.”

She reached out, placing her palm over his arm. “I'll do it. Will you start breakfast? I'm starving.”

His face softened, his lips forming a slight smile. “The laundry is right next to the bathroom you used last night.”

“Okay.”

The minute she smelled breakfast, her stomach came roaring back to life. She made her way to the kitchen. Ivan glanced at her from where he stood in the kitchen beating eggs in a bowl. It warmed her the way such a brawny looking bad ass seemed so at ease doing a domestic thing like preparing breakfast. Lord knew she'd never witnessed her father do any work in the kitchen. Molly shook her head surprised such a comparison had even floated through her brain.

She watched Ivan a little longer, noticing how meticulously he performed each task. Nothing escaped his notice. Everything looked delicious. The eggs sizzled as he poured them into the hot pan. She watched him add vegetables and cheese. Saliva pooled on her tongue. Damn, she was hungry.

“What can I do to help?”

Ivan tilted his head toward the dishes stacked on the counter next to him. “Set those on the table. Grab the juice or whatever you want to drink and set that out as well. Thanks kitten.”

He brought the frying pan to the table, heaped a generous portion of omelet onto her plate, and then slid the remaining eggs onto his own plate. Walking back to the stove, he set the pan down, made sure the flame was turned all the way off, grabbed some toast, and made his way back to the table.

She took a forkful of fluffy eggs, savoring the warmth and flavor. The man could cook.

“Make sure you drink lots of water this morning,” he said in a gruff voice. “I want to make sure you're completely rehydrated.”

She reached for her juice glass and took a long swallow. The cool burst of sweet oranges impossible to put down once she started.

Ivan smiled when she set her empty glass down and handed her a glass of water. She downed that in a few long swallows too.

Breathless she set her glass down. “I didn't realize I was still so thirsty.”

Ivan nodded at her plate. “Eat up.”

As they continued with breakfast, he reached across the table and nudged her with his hand. The soft gentle tickling sensation of his thumb rubbing against her fingers was unexpected given his rough, raw appearance. She found the caress soothing, and the remaining tension eased from her.

He looked at her with concern. “Everything okay?”

“Perfect. I never knew breakfast tasted so good.”

He smiled and finished his breakfast. “Good?” he asked before scooting his chair back and carrying their plates to the sink. She watched Ivan carefully rinse the dishes and set them aside to dry. If she were a better houseguest, she would have offered to help. Instead, she remained glued to her chair like an idiot. Ivan seemed so at ease here. He had everything he could ever want or need in his neat little lair. Longing welled up inside of her like a tornado, swirling inside of her until she couldn't process anything else. Ivan had managed to find his ow

n slice of peace here. Away from shifter politics. She envied that. He did as he pleased and didn't answer to anyone. But she wondered if he ever got lonely?

“What are you thinking about, catling?” Lost in her own thoughts, she hadn't heard him shut the water off and approach her.

Before thinking about it, she answered honestly. “I'm jealous of what you have here.”

Ivan cocked his head to the side, his gaze connecting with hers. He didn't respond right away, and she wanted to kick herself. It probably sounded as if she was fishing for a long-term invitation.

Flustered, she tried to correct herself. “I just mean it's nice.”

“Thanks, I needed it.”

He didn't elaborate. The burning in her cheeks subsided after a few seconds. She itched to do something now that she was free. Some of the shock from her imprisonment had worn off overnight. Her mind felt clearer, less fuzzy. Amazing what a soft clean bed, good food, and lots of water could fix.

Unfortunately, a new set of worries nagged at her. Fear that whoever had stuck her in the cave would discover her missing and come for her. Pain from her small injuries swirled together with her worry, overwhelming her. The look of panic on her face must have been pretty intense, because Ivan crouched down in front of her, placing a big, warm hand on her knee.

“Hey, take it easy, kitten. You're safe with me.”

If Molly believed nothing else, she believed his words. Ivan would keep her safe. He'd already done so much for her. She smiled, placing her hand over his and squeezing. “I know. I trust you.”

After breakfast she dressed in the clothes Ivan brought her. He set her sneakers on the floor next to her, and she smiled up at him while she slipped them on.

“I can't believe I have the courage to step foot outside again,” she mused.

“You're stronger than you think, Molly.”

She snorted even as she turned the words over in her head. Did Ivan see her as brave? Why did it matter so much to her that he did?

The hike down the mountain exhausted and energized Molly at the same time. After fearing she'd never experience them again, the fresh air and sunshine invigorated her. They entered the backyard, and Molly jumped up the stairs leading to the backdoor. As she lifted her hand to knock, the door swung open, and an anxious Onyx greeted her.

“Molly! I'm so happy you're safe!”

Onyx pulled her into a tight embrace, and Molly hugged her back something fierce. Even though he remained silent, Molly sensed Ivan behind her and pulled away from her friend.

“Come in, come in!” Onyx stepped back and held the door open. When Molly entered the kitchen, Onyx launched herself at Ivan, squeezing him in another hug. “Thank you so much, Ivan.”

Molly hated herself for the stab of jealousy in her gut as she watched them embrace. She believed Ivan when he said there was nothing there, and she knew how devoted Onyx and Cole were to each other. But she still didn't like it. Cole jogged into the kitchen and picked her up, spinning her around so quick she forgot all about Onyx and Ivan.

“Molly! I'm so glad you're safe. We've missed you and been so worried.”

“Thank you, Cole. I understand your spell helped Ivan figure out where I was.”

A pained look crossed Cole's handsome face. “I should have figured it out sooner. I'm so sorry, Molly. It never should have taken us that long when you were practically in the backyard the whole time.”

Molly hated the blame she saw etched in Cole's features because it didn't belong there. He hadn't been the one to take her. “Cole, there was no way for you to know that's where I was. I know you searched near the meeting point. I know Kipp even risked going home to search there. You guys started with the logical spots. I'm just so happy to be free.” She lowered her voice. “Thank you for doing everything you guys did.”

Cole nodded and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into the dining room. Onyx and Ivan followed close behind. Martha launched herself at Molly the second she saw her and burst into tears as she hugged her. Even Kipp seemed emotional at her return. He gave her a quick squeeze too. Deacon smiled and held out his hand. “So glad you're okay, Molly.”

Oscar greeted her last by pulling her away from the rest of the group. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” He jerked his head in Ivan's direction.

“Ivan, goodness, no. He saved me. Fed me.”

He pulled her into an awkward hug. “I was so worried about you.” He pushed her back a bit, staring into her eyes. Something that looked an awful lot like suspicion lingered in his expression. “Who took you?”

“I have no idea.”

“All right, let's give the poor girl some breathing room.” To Molly's relief, Onyx extracted her from Oscar's grip before things got too awkward.

They settled into the living room to catch up. Molly's side of the story wasn't very interesting, but she was eager to hear what everyone else had been up to.

Ivan stepped behind her and leaned over the back of the couch. “If you're okay here, I'm going to step out for a bit and go check on a few things.”

Confused, Molly turned around to stare at him. “You're leaving me?”

“Just for a bit. Catch up with your friends. I'll be back before you know it.”

Molly winced. She hated this neediness consuming her. Ivan had given up more than a week of his life to search for her. Of course he had other things to attend to besides her. She needed to get a grip and stop being so clingy. His big, warm hands gently squeezed her shoulders.

“I have a house not far from here. I just want to run by and check on it. While I do that, just relax, okay?” His warm breath tickled the outside of her ear, sending tingles dancing through her body.

She turned to stare up at him. “Wait, you have a house too?” The breathy sound of her voice in front of all her friends embarrassed her.

He lifted his shoulders. “It serves a purpose.”

“I want to see it.”

“No. It's not safe. Stay here with the others.”

“Oh, fine. I'll be right here.” She faced forward, shrugging him off and crossing her arms over her chest. She found Ivan exasperating to talk to sometimes. He could be so stubborn.

Right behind her, he growled low and deep in his chest. “You better be.”

Four

Out on the street, Ivan's truck sat exactly where he'd parked it. He jogged over, knelt down, and swept the undercarriage. He walked around the vehicle, checking the obvious spots, wheel wells, under the bumper. Satisfied no one had messed with his ride, he got in and headed to his home a few streets away.

Parking across the street, he studied his house. Everything looked just as he'd left it. The grass had been cut recently. The next time he came home he should probably slip the kid next door a couple extra bucks for doing such a good job. Thanks to the P.O. Box he kept in town, no mail or catalogs cluttered up his front steps as he approached the front door. He walked through the rooms, checking for any signs of intruders. A long-forgotten, yet familiar scent caught his attention mid-search forcing him to drop into a crouch in the center of his kitchen. He slid over to the cabinets and reached up to release the weapon he kept strapped underneath the counter. After he flipped open the chamber to the revolver to confirm it was loaded, he snapped it shut, and held it down at his side. His hand automatically reached down to pat the knife he kept strapped to his ankle. The hinges on the back door let out a little protest when he pushed it open. As he feared, a man dressed in camo pants, a black T-shirt, and combat boots stood there waiting.

Even though Aspen didn't move a muscle, Ivan kept his attention focused on him. Ivan circled his former friend warily. Aspen watched with a serene expression, his arms hanging loose by his sides, knees soft, as if sending a silent message that he posed no threat.

Ivan didn't buy it. Aspen had no reason to be here unless he had orders from the Elders. And if that was the case, he was here to take Molly or one of the others back to their family. Ivan knew because he'd spent

some time doing the same damn thing. Until he realized how wrong it was. His old friend had apparently never reached the same conclusion.

“Why are you here, Aspen?” He couldn't hide the disgust that laced his tone.

What a joke. They both knew exactly why Aspen had come here, but Ivan needed to hear it before he acted. And act he would, because pigs would be flying before he allowed anyone to take Molly away again.

“Ease up, brother. I'm not armed.” He held up his arms so Ivan could see no gun or knife was strapped to him.

“You're still trespassing. Start talking.”

Aspen sighed. Slowly, he brought his arms back down by his sides. “Is this how it's gotta be? We've known each other a long time, Ivan. Hand over the girl.”

“What girl?”

Aspen lifted his head a notch and arched a brow. “Don't fuck with me, brother. Molly Goldfoot.”

“Never heard of her. You know I don't do shifters anymore.”

Aspen snorted. “Give me a break.”

“She's not here.” He swept his hand to the side. “Come on in and have a look.”

He kept his expression blank, but inside he thanked Hecate, he'd left her with Onyx and the other cats. Cole's magic would keep her cloaked until they could figure out what to do.

“Come on, man. Her scent is all over.” Aspen gestured to the surrounding air, which didn't really make sense, but Ivan wasn't about to point that out.

“Some asshole left her imprisoned up in the mountains for days without food or water. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?”

“No. The team before me...was sloppy. That's why I got called in.”