Chapter 5 #3
Beth's heart warmed at his obvious concern.
"I volunteered for it," she said softly, meeting his intense gaze.
"Some of our regular overnight staff are out with the flu.
I don't mind the quiet time with the animals.
In fact, I'm going to talk to the bosses and see if I can't pull twelve-hour shifts and have more days off during the week.
Besides," she teased, "you have to work twelve-hour shifts, too. "
"Fair enough," Tyr acknowledged. "I'm off to do the rounds. Stay safe, and let me know if you're going to leave the building."
Beth saluted sharply, bringing her heels together. "Yes, SIR!"
"Smart ass," he grumbled.
Beth grinned as Tyr strode to the front doors, his movements fluid and purposeful. The locks clicked into place with solid finality as he tested each door handle, giving them a firm shake. Without a word, he turned and headed toward the back of the clinic, presumably to check those exits as well.
Her heart fluttered at his protectiveness, but she pushed the feeling aside and focused on her tasks. The exam rooms needed attention before morning. She moved efficiently through each one, restocking supplies and wiping down surfaces until everything gleamed under the fluorescent lights.
The kennel area welcomed her with familiar sounds and scents.
On the dog side, a golden retriever's tail thumped against his cage as she approached.
The sweet old guy had come through his dental surgery well, but needed monitoring overnight.
Beth checked his water level and noted his bright, alert expression - good signs of recovery.
A chorus of soft whines and sleepy shuffling greeted her as she made her rounds, checking water bowls and medication charts.
Satisfied all was well, she crossed to the cats' side of the clinic.
Here, the atmosphere shifted to quiet purrs and occasional meows.
A tortoiseshell recovering from an abscess drainage blinked lazily at her from her cozy bed.
Beth paused to scratch under her chin, earning a loud rumbling purr of appreciation.
Beth grinned to herself as she finished her final checks. The night stretched ahead, quiet and peaceful. She moved through the clinic, double-checking each window shade was securely drawn. No need to startle any late-night passersby with what she planned next.
In the corner of the cat ward, she quickly shed her scrubs and underwear, folding them neatly on a shelf.
The familiar tingle of transformation rippled through her body.
Her bones shifted and reformed as pale fur sprouted across her skin.
In moments, a clouded leopard stood where Beth had been, her coat a masterpiece of smoky swirls against pale fur.
She stretched luxuriously, extending her claws and arching her spine.
Freedom! Her leopard form always felt so natural, so right.
Padding silently through the kennel area, she purred deeply, rubbing her head against the cage doors.
The cats inside responded with curious meows and answering purrs.
Even the usually grumpy Persian seemed charmed, reaching a paw through the bars to bat playfully at Beth's tail as she passed.
Beth continued her feline greetings, sharing gentle head-butts with the recovering patients.
Her sensitive whiskers picked up their improving health conditions - steady heartbeats, clear breathing, warm healthy scents, her wild instincts complementing her medical training perfectly, giving her unique insight into their well-being.
Her leopard bubbled with playful energy. Unable to resist any longer, she crouched low, her muscles coiling like springs. With a silent laugh, she launched herself down the hallway at full speed.
Sharp claws scrabbled for purchase on the slick linoleum as she rocketed past the exam rooms. The thrill of pure joy coursed through her as she took the corner too fast, sliding sideways before catching herself against the wall with her shoulder.
She barely paused, using the impact to propel herself in a new direction.
Through the treatment area she flew, weaving between chairs and counters. Her powerful muscles carried her in graceful bounds, though the slippery floor made each landing an adventure. She skidded around another corner, her hip bumping the base of a cabinet as she over-corrected.
She tore down the main hallway, her four-legged form a blur of marbled fur.
Her paws slipped and slid with each stride, but she didn't care.
This was freedom, this was joy! Taking the turn into the lobby too sharply, her momentum carried her straight into the reception desk.
She caught herself with her front paws, using them to pivot before launching herself back the way she'd come.
The cats in their cages called out encouragement as she zoomed past, their excited energy feeding her playful mood. Even the drowsy post-surgery patients lifted their heads to watch her wild run through the clinic.
Beth landed gracefully on top of the highest row of cages, settling into a comfortable sprawl.
The metal surface felt cool beneath her belly as she draped herself across it, letting her tail swing lazily over the edge.
Pure contentment radiated through her entire being after her wild run through the clinic.
She rested her chin on one outstretched paw, feeling it dangle slightly over the edge of the cage. Her whiskers twitched with satisfaction as she caught the various scents of the recovering cats below, their quiet purrs a soothing melody.
Her eyes drifted closed, though her ears remained perked and alert, swiveling to catch every small sound.
The quiet hum of the heating system, the soft shuffling of the cats settling for sleep, the occasional whine from the dog ward - all normal, peaceful nighttime sounds that told her all was well in her domain.
Her leopard spirit practically glowed with happiness. This was exactly where she belonged - caring for these animals, using both her medical training and her shifter abilities to ensure their well-being.
Beth dozed contentedly atop the cages, the quiet purrs from below and gentle hum of equipment lulling her into a peaceful half-sleep. Her tail swayed lazily over the edge as she drifted deeper into slumber.
A presence tickled her awareness. Her eyes snapped open as her body tensed, claws automatically extending with a soft snikt against the metal cage top. Her ears flattened against her skull as she twisted into a defensive crouch, a warning hiss escaping her throat.
Tyr stood in the center of the aisle, his tall form casting a shadow in the dim night lighting. His leather jacket creaked softly as he raised his hands in a peaceful gesture.
Beth's racing heart slowed as recognition set in.
Her hiss transformed into an irritated growl as she glared down at him.
How dare he interrupt her well-deserved nap!
Whisper bristled with annoyance, though she retracted her claws and settled back into a more relaxed pose.
Still, she maintained her growl, wanting him to know exactly how displeased she was about having her rest disturbed.
Her tail twitched with irritation as Tyr's intense blue eyes studied her feline form. His gaze traveled over her coat, taking in the distinctive nebulous pattern that gave her species its name.
"Well, aren't you just the prettiest little clouded leopard," Tyr murmured, his voice carrying a note of genuine admiration that made her whiskers quiver.
Whisper, the hussy preened under his admiring gaze. She rose to her feet, arching her back in a long, languid stretch that rippled through her clouded coat. Her whiskers twitched with amusement as she noted Tyr tracking her every movement, his blue eyes bright with fascination.
With fluid grace, she gathered her muscles and launched herself from the cage top. She moved with perfect precision as she landed silently on the clinic's floor beside him. The familiar thrill of feline pride coursed through her - clouded leopards were renowned for their agility.
She hummed with pleasure as she wound her way around Tyr's legs, letting her fur brush against the soft leather of his pants.
She couldn't resist rubbing her head against his knee, marking him with her scent.
Her sensitive whiskers picked up his unique vampire essence - leather and night air, with an underlying sweetness that made her want to purr.
Well, if she could. She gave a chuffing moan and preened
Tyr's hand hovered uncertainly above her head. "May I?" he asked softly, his blue eyes seeking permission.
She dipped her head in a graceful nod, her whiskers twitching with anticipation.
His fingers sank into her thick fur, stroking with such perfect touch that pleasure sparked along every nerve.
Typically feline, Whisper practically liquefied beneath his hands, each gentle caress igniting warmth along her spine.
A deep rumbling chuff - she'd purr if clouded leopards could purr, which they couldn't - escaped her throat as his skilled fingers found the perfect spot behind her ears.
She leaned into his touch, her eyes drifting half-closed with pleasure.
His gentle scratching sent waves of contentment through her entire being.
The careful reverence in his touch made her untamed spirit sing.
Here was someone who appreciated both her feline grace and respected her as a person.
She gave a rumbling moan as his fingers continued their delightful exploration of her ears, hitting all the right spots that made her want to puddle at his feet.
"I'll leave you to your patients," Tyr said softly, stepping back with obvious reluctance. "Stay safe, little leopard."