Page 38 of Tiger Bitten

“I’m here.”

“Not close enough.”

“Mars,” Dame warned.

“I’m not asking her to come closer to me, Dame. I’m good with it the way it is. I want her safe.” He was telling the truth.

Dame came to squat next to her, his frown zeroed in on Mars. “How fast can you Change?” he asked.

“You know how fast,” Mars ground out, wincing. “Instantly.”

“I’m not talking to you,” Dame barked. “I’m talking to Ren. How fast can you Change?”

“I…” This was the part that was hers and hers alone. “That’s personal.”

“It’s a simple question,” Stellan asked from behind them. She turned to find him back in the doorway of the barn. “How fast can you Change?” He looked angry.

“That’s none of your business! It’s a personal question and I don’t know you.”

And screw the stupid looks Stellan and Dame exchanged.

She stood in a rush, feeling exposed. “I don’t owe any of you any explanations.”

“You’re a Cat. Changing isn’t a big deal.”

“It is to me,” she said defensively.

Mars was at the front bars. She startled when she saw him there. He’d been at the back of the cage, and then he’d appeared at the front like he’d been there all along. His speed was terrifying. His eyes were glowing a bright blue and aimed at Stellan. “She said she doesn’t want to answer. Stop pushing her.” Whooo his voice sounded terrifying, like a demon’s.

“If I open your cage, I want to know her Cat will defend her,” Dame barked out.

“I’m fine!” Ren yelled, backing toward the cage. “He’s Mars. You can feel it. You can hear the truth in his voice. He doesn’t want to hurt me.”

“I played that game behind those bars last year too, and then I hurt Misty!” Stellan yelled. His voice broke on her name, and his face fell in an instant to an agonized expression. “I hurt her. Mars can hurt you. He said you’re his Rabbit.” All of the fire was gone from Stellan’s eyes. “He can hurt you. He will remember what his claws feel like in you. He will suffer. He will be tortured. If he hurts you, he will remember it for always, and he won’t be Mars anymore.” Stellan held his hands out, beseeching her with his eyes. “He won’t be our brother anymore.” A sudden tear fell to his cheek, and his eyes were so wide. He looked so frightened and desperate. “He won’t be himself ever again. He will be broken forever.” He held his hand up. “I hurt Misty with this. I made her bleed. I can still feel her skin slicing open.” Another tear raced down his cheek, and he wiped it with his offered hand. “I can’t do this. I can’t do this.” He shook his head and made for the door.

“Stellan,” Misty said softly, following him a few steps. “I’m okay.”

“I’m not!” Stellan barked just as he disappeared around the corner. “Mars won’t be either.”

“Fuck,” Dame murmured, his eyes full as he stared at the doorway where his brother had disappeared.

“I’m really okay,” Misty whispered. “Should I go talk to him?”

“No,” Dame told her. “Let him have some space.”

“Open the cage,” Ren said.

“You don’t know what you’re asking. You don’t understand what he is,” Dame said.

“I do.”

“You don’t! I’ve fought him. His animal is something different.” Dame shook his head. “No.”

“Open it!” Ren said. “I trust him.”

“You shouldn’t!”

“Mars, will you hurt me?”