Clarke
It was shaping up to be a wonderful day. Snuggling with Jace had been amazing. It was right, and where she belonged.
Kissing him was a long-awaited indulgence that didn’t disappoint. Jace kissed her like he worshipped her. It was a reverent exploration that heated the blood in her veins.
She and Heath weren’t at that stage in their relationship yet. There was also the fact that Nadine and her mates would be coming over sooner than later. The timing wasn’t right.
She was determined to focus on the positives rather than her sexual frustration. Instead of getting pushy or cranky, Jace seemed content to kiss and touch. He clearly preferred privacy over trying for a quickie on the couch.
It said a lot that getting his rocks off wasn’t Jace’s highest priority. Her wellbeing and happiness took the top spot for him. He was completely devoted to her.
Her claiming mark tingled from the skin-to-skin contact. That was an indication that the bond was near completion. Clarke felt more settled and at peace than she had since her dad went missing.
He would be thrilled that she was bonded. Clarke’s dad was already very fond of Jace. She was positive that he would also approve of Heath.
Instead of being filled with sadness and anxiety, Clarke now looked forward to introducing her dad to her mates.
She still worried about him. It was impossible not to.
But with a support network and more brains working to find him, Clarke had hope that they would find her dad, and charge to the rescue.
She and Heath didn’t know each other well yet, but Clarke felt closer to him every day. He was just as sweet as Jace, albeit in different ways, as well as being thoughtful, smart, and funny.
Revealing her identity to Nadine, Roger, and Brady had been scary at first. Their acceptance meant a great deal to her. There was a greater risk of exposure, but Clarke felt seen.
Having the freedom to be herself just for short snippets of time with Jace, Heath, and Russell made it easier to maintain the charade at work.
Clarke no longer felt like she was losing her sense of self.
It was logical to hope that adding Heath’s sister and her mates to Clarke’s confidants would increase that stability.
Dropping the pretense with Nadine and her husbands diminished her stress levels. They were kind, supportive, and had wise suggestions. She really was blessed with her mates and their families.
Moving the cats was rewarding. The six of them worked together like an established team. There wasn’t a single hiccup or conflict.
Clarke appreciated that Heath and his family loved animals as much as she did. It was one more thing that made her feel closer to him. They really did fit together, and it should be the same with the third.
Jace loved animals as well, but she had always known that. It was also normal for shifters. Sharing their souls with an animal spirit meant that most, if not all shifters, had an innate respect for creatures great and small, wild and domestic.
Once they were relocated to the basement, Clarke was tempted to fuss over the cats. But she knew they would adjust faster and feel free to explore their new home without human interference. The students reluctantly headed upstairs after unlatching the cages, with the rest of them following.
Nadine and her husbands headed back to their house in Clementine. Jace, Heath, and Clarke stopped in town for takeout. Then they drove to Heath’s house to eat their dinner.
“That went about as well as I could have expected,” Jace said as they sat down in the dining room. “All of it. Your sister, her husbands, and the cats.”
“Yeah, Nadine was a little crazy outside. But it was all protective, mother-hen instincts, thinking I’d gotten myself into some kind of trouble,” Heath said. “So, I told her I was bonded, which redirected her, and you know the rest.”
“I’m just glad I can be honest with them. That is a weight off my chest,” Clarke said. “It’s one thing to pretend I’m someone I’m not to the students and my coworkers. But deceiving my mate’s family is totally different, and doesn’t sit right with me.”
“Speaking of which, can I tell my parents?” Heath asked. “They all teach at Northeastern Evolved, and don’t have any close friends here, if that helps. I trust them to keep their mouths shut, but they’re far enough away that it shouldn’t be an issue regardless.”
“I didn’t realize your whole family was involved in education,” Jace said.
“Yeah, Nadine and I came by that honestly,” Heath said. “We were raised to respect educators, and love the process of learning.”
“As long as you’re positive that none of them would contact Dean Stanhope and expose me, you can tell them.
I don’t want you to feel like you have to hide this from your parents,” Clarke said after taking a minute to think about all the aspects and possible consequences.
“Telling them everything should underline the need for discretion.”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I thought for one second that any of them would rat you out to the faculty here. Thank you, Clarke. I know my parents will adore you as much as Nadine does,” Heath said with a smile that lit up his face.
“I’m sure that will be mutual,” Clarke said. “They have to be awesome people to have raised you and Nadine to be who you are.”
“Well, I’m biased, but I think they are pretty amazing,” Heath said.
“You’ll swear them to secrecy, and make sure your parents understand the risks to Clarke if anyone finds out who she is, and why she’s really here?” Jace asked seriously.
“Absolutely,” Heath said with a nod. “I would never jeopardize her safety.”
“Ok,” Jace said with a nod.
As much as she would have preferred to stay longer, Clarke and Jace left shortly after dinner. They had been away from the dorms for most of the day, and wanted to check in on the students. Heath hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, and walked them to Jace’s truck.
She consoled herself with the fact that she would see both of them the next day. Russell would be present for the strategy meeting, but Clarke would still be able to spend time with her mates.
It was a quiet drive, but the silence was peaceful. They held hands the entire way.
“Are we on for our morning run?” Clarke asked as Jace parked behind the powered dorm.
“Always. I love you,” Jace said.
“Love you, too. Have a good night.”
After making her rounds, Clarke changed into pajamas, and texted Hannah the latest developments. Then she put a load of laundry in the washer, and relaxed in front of the TV before going to bed.
At sunrise, Clarke and Jace met for their run. The air was cool and crisp. It was a gorgeous autumn day, improving Clarke’s already excellent mood.
Running together was peaceful. There was no need to talk. It was just them, nature, and the rhythmic sound of their breathing and footfalls.
Clarke wondered if Heath would join them over winter break. Or they could run with him in the evenings through the nature preserve.
Of course, they all might need to change their routines when she bonded her third mate. Clarke had no idea what his habits were, or how easy it would be to integrate him into their lives. There was no point in fretting over it, though.
Clarke had been trying very hard not to speculate on her mystery mate, or have expectations. She had a lot in common with both Heath and Jace. It should be the same with the third. She would meet him when she did, and get to know him then.
Lost in her thoughts, Clarke barely realized they’d finished their fifth mile when Jace handed her a water bottle. Everything with him was so natural. They just fit together.
It was starting to feel that way with Heath, too. If they could rescue her dad, and be together in public, life would be perfect. She wanted to be open about their relationship, and feel free to hold their hands regardless of who might be around.
“Thanks,” Clarke said before tipping the bottle to her lips, and swigging half of it.
“I’ll pick you up at ten,” Jace said as they did their cool-down stretches.
“That’s perfect. I’ll be outside.”
Back in her apartment, Clarke showered, dressed, and ate breakfast. She decided to head downstairs, and visit the cats.
Several cages were stacked neatly in the alcove near the stairs, meaning some of the students must have beaten her down there, and had been kind enough to lug some of the cages up.
That was good on all fronts. Becoming socialized and comfortable with humans would benefit the cats. The young ones might become adoptable, and find loving homes.
Students far from home, particularly those who had experienced a shocking transition when their powers manifested, could develop healthy emotional connections to animals without having to travel to the barns north of town.
Caring for animals was proven to improve mental health, and increase emotional security.
Clarke was even more grateful now to have Heath’s house as a refuge on the weekends. With students visiting the cats, she and Jace couldn’t count on having continued privacy in the basement. It would still be a convenient meeting spot for short conversations, but they would have to stay alert.
When she entered the boiler room, Clarke saw that the remaining cages had been moved against the walls. The floor was littered with debris, but that could be easily solved. Evidence that at least a dozen mice had met their end contributed to the mess.
“Oh, aren’t you guys the best hunters? I’ll have to get a garbage bin, and bring a broom and dustpan down here. Were the mice yummy? Some of you are picky, though. You don’t like eating tails?”
A couple of meows greeted her, the cats appearing to soak up the praise. Several were lounging on the shelter under the powered dorm, seeming to have made themselves at home.
Mouse tails were scattered randomly across the concrete floor, as well as what looked like a few ears, with no other parts of the rodents in sight. Checking the closest tractor tire, Clarke saw that the cats had figured out where to do their business, and seemed happy with the arrangement.
“I’m going to check on your friends, ok? Keep up the good work, and eat as many mice as you want,” she said before walking into the tunnel.
The habitats, ramps, and hammocks were all full of cats. Each shelter was four-feet wide with six levels, having platforms and cubbies. Ledges and ramps branched off from each for easy access.
Clarke wondered if they should add one more with additional hammocks. Heath had guessed that there were about thirty cats in the colony. The total, including the two litters of kittens, was forty-six.
They all seemed happy, greeting her with meows and chirps as she came through to see how they were adjusting. Clarke took pictures of the ones who were scratching. Heath had put flea treatments on the cats he saw frequently, but some of them must have been avoiding him.
The catnip would help with the flea situation, but having all of them treated would be best. Those cats were probably the ones that needed a visit to the vet for shots and surgeries.
Some of the cats ignored her with typical feline dismissal. Many watched, and seemed to listen attentively as she spoke, though. Those had keen intelligence in their eyes.
Animals had also evolved after the meteor bombardment. Like humans, some changed faster than others. She had no doubt that these cats were smarter than their ancestors.
Clarke told all of them how proud she was of their hunting skills before heading back upstairs with two of the cages. She stopped in her office to type a notice to post on the board.
The note asked if it would be possible to get another tractor-tire litter box, offering to contribute to the cost of it. It was the only way she could think of to contact the anonymous benefactor.
Whoever this guy was, he did check the board. He had delivered the tires after the posted request for donations. Without leaving his name, he’d replied to her note thanking him for the tires, and raving about how fantastic they were.
The man had written that it was a worthy cause. He was glad to contribute, and that his efforts were appreciated. Clarke didn’t recognize his handwriting from any of the signup sheets or memos. She guessed that he must be an older student who didn’t spend much time in the dorm.
It didn’t really matter, though. As curious as she was, Clarke wouldn’t try to figure out his identity. If he was willing to bring another tire to the basement for the cats, she would be happy. He had the right to remain anonymous if he chose to.
After pinning the memo to the board, Clarke returned to her apartment.
She threw a lightweight hoodie on over her sweatpants and t-shirt.
Checking to make sure she had her phone, wallet, and keys, Clarke locked her apartment.
After another quick tour of the dorm, she went out the back door to wait for Jace.