Cats Graces(Chiffon and ShadowStalker)

[PickleChiffon]

Lord it was hot.

The south Florida sun beat down with an unrelenting force as Genevieve, walked the wild path near her acreage home. She had inherited the property from her parents several years ago. The bungalow on the property wasn’t sprawling, but it was a spacious four bedroom home.

The accompanying 4 acres that backed into the Wildlife sanctuary is what finally sealed the deal in her keeping it.

Genna had always loved animals, and she had always had an infinity for wounded ones. When she was little she would bring home tons of orphans or wounded furry pets, and try to heal them. She rolled her eyes, who know that penchant for doing good would mean her taste in men sucked? Always finding the one needing saving. Well, men weren’t like animals, and given the way her last relationship ended she was damn glad to be single.

She walked the wooded path, she did this walk at least twice a day. It kept her in shape, her thick thighs toned, her calves defined and her ass tight. Once in the morning before work, and then once in the evening, before settling in at home for the night, was her routine. Today however she had been early on the walk. Work had been slow, so she had bailed early.

She worked at the animal sanctuary running information classes and doing administration for the staff, managing really. She looked about her. This trail was so peaceful. Not many used it, as there were active rumours about big cats, and gators. But Genna had never seen anything threatening. In fact, the lack of people really made the path her favourite, less drama.

She frowned as she approached the curve that dipped further back into the forest than the rest of the path. As she moved into the shadows, she saw a large lump on the pathway. Genna slowed her pace and looked around, as she approached, the lump was moving slightly, breathing, but obviously wounded.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Nathanial was the youngest of his siblings at only 25 years old. Two older brothers and a twin sister by only 5mins though she reminded him often that he was the baby.

For many generations his family has been at war. Faught in the shadows away from the eyes of humans and never spoken of in public.

Nathanial was not just another hansom face on the street either. He had a secret, one that his family has kept since before the war. Nathanial's 5'10" was held up by a body any man would kill for. His musle cut as if by a master sculpturer and he moved with the grace that made the women drool in envy. Nathanial was a shape shifter, and his family was the panther pard here in sothern Florida.

Today was just like any other day for Nathanial. Nothing special happening. But when he returned home he found that it had been burnt to the ground. Shifting into his large cat form he took off to find hhis family engaged in combat with areas wolves once again. Quickly jumping into combat.

The fight lasted forever and soon the tide fell away from the cats and Nathanial found himself alone against three wolves. Knowing he stood no chance of survival he ran, badly wounded. He ran into the night blindly till he fell.

He laid there for what seemed days. Then someone aproched him. Too hurt to run he laid there awating the fatal blow that was sure to come any moment.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna approached the lump with caution. She had no idea what kind of animal it was, but it was in trouble. She gasped as the head turned to look at her and then defeated lay back down. Obviously the large cat was in serious trouble. She moved towards it, and as she came around the front, she heard a rumbling growl.

“Shh...I’m not here to hurt you, looks like something has already done that.” She held her hand out to it’s nose as she looked over it’s body. There were several deep lacerations along the cat’s mid section. She looked over the wounded animal. It was a male panther. She bit at her lower lip.

Panthers were endangered here in southern Florida, over hunting years ago, and then the ever growing encroachment of human on wild habitat was forcing these animals into death. She looked around; her property line wasn’t that far away if, one went straight through the lush over grown bush. She had no way of lifting him or carrying him to the small shed in the back where she kept her gardening supplies. Given the way his body was panting, he’d been in a fight for his life against something, and if left unattended, whatever it was would win.

She leaned over her hand moving to the flat top of his head, petting between his velvet ears. Her heart was racing. She had taken basic animal medicine for two years before specializing in administration. All that training was foggy and rusted. But she knew enough, his wounds would have to be bound, before anything. Taking off the thin tshirt she wore, just leaving the camisole underneath, she tore it into ribbons and then moved to bind the wound crudely.

“This is going to hurt, but it should help with the bleeding. I don’t know how I am going to get you someplace safe though.” She spoke softly, more to herself than to the cat, it’s not like it could understand her anyway.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Nathanial lay there as the person aproached him too weak to run. As the woman got closer he realized that this was just a normal human. If only he had the strength to run. Surely she would call Animal Control and have him taken to some cage.

Nathanial wimpered as she drew near and layed his head back down in pain, his eyes closed from the weakness. He didnt see the woman remove her shirt. His body flinchiing as he felt the soft touch on his head. Then he heard fabric tearing and knew that his life was over.

Then the woman was speaking to him. He looked up at her, this human was different. She wasnt scared, wasnt running from the predator at her feet. She was helping him. Bandaging his wounds. Who was this woman?

Reflex had Nathanial growling at her the moment she touched his bleeding body, but he was too weak to do much else. He laid there as she dressed his wounds and tried her best to comfort him. After about a half hour Nathanial allowed the woman to help him up to his shaking feet guide him up the path he had fallen on. Not knowing where she was taking him, but anywhere away from the wolves was ok with him. He would be ready to fight again in a week or so. That is if he can find a chance to shift again, else he will have to heal normaly.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna was surprised and relieved when the cat pushed itself slowly to its feet. She kept her hand on the nape of its neck as she led it through the bush to her back yard. They moved slowly and after what seemed like forever they came to the high chain link fence that surrounded her yard. She unlatched the gate, letting him move in before her. She closed it and relocked it.

“I know, I’m sorry for locking you in here, but the height of the fence keeps out most wildlife. And you my friend are in no condition to fight with anything.” She found his nape again and led him to the garden shed off on the left side of the property. She unlocked the door to it with trembling hands. Seriously? Was she actually thinking of keeping a wild panther in her shed while he healed? She’d gone certifiable there was no arguing it.

She stepped in to the space. It was cool, and the doomed skylight roof offered a perfect amount of light under the shade of the large trees that surrounded it. She cleared off the work table and made some makeshift stairs for the cat to move up and onto the table. She coaxed him up, and was relieved when he did what she wanted.

“Now, let’s take a look at this again,” She petted his head as she leaned in to look at the gash on his flank. Genna cringed. It was going to need stitches. She stepped back and found two pails, one which looked more like an oversized dish. She filled them both with water from the hose. She set the dish in front of him, and she dipped a clean rag in the other. Gently she wiped the blood from his matted hair cleaning his fur.

“You may need stitches. But I think I am just going to clean both of these and rebind them for today. I’ll look in on them tonight and see if they will need help closing.” She leaned over his body to inspect and clean the gash on his other flank. The soft scent of the citrus shampoo and deodorant she used wafted in the air as she looked and gently prodded as she cleaned him.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

The cat followed the womans lead, limping heavily and even falling over a few times. He knew that humans were not to be trusted, but she didnt seem to be like the rest. All shapeshifters could in a sense read normal people, and this young lady had no ill intent towards him.

Nathanial followed her to a large yard with high fences all the way around it and began to shake and whine as she locked the gaate behind them cutting off his escape while still a cat.

As she led him to an old garden house he nervously scanned the area for ways to get away, knowing he couldnt even if he tried. He allowed her to help him up onto a table where she again checked him over.

The water she brought him had the taste of dirt, but it was cool on his tounge and he drank it sparingly. Only a few laps before laying his head down in the dish and closing his eyes.

He never even smelled the soaps. But the sting that came from them touching his open wounds brought him to full awareness and the feral scream sent every bird in the area a flight. Before she could react he on his feet, teeth bared, and growling at her. Daring her to give him reason to rip her apart. He didnt care that he knew this woman meant no harm, she HAD caused him pain. Intentional or not.

Soon the rush was over and he fell back down unconsious. An unwilling, yet unargueing recipient to whatever she chose to do to him.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna gasped when the wounded cat before her growled and gnashed his teeth. She felt her pulse jack rabbit in the hollow of her throat. Regardless of how docile it had been it was still a wild cat.

She took a step back from him, and then breathed a sigh of relief when the cat slipped back into unconsciousness. She tentatively made her way back to his side, biting at her lower lip. With the blood washed away she saw immediately the reason for his reaction. Underneath the gash on his right flank, a hint of bone could be seen. He had at least one broken rib.

Genna tenderly used her fingers to access if here were more, careful to not press too hard. Last thing she wanted was to wake him from the state he was in. Quickly binding the wound she cinched it tight, pausing as his whiskers twitched.

She dumped the wash water and then headed into the house. Opening her fridge she found some leftover cooked turkey from the entertaining she’d done in the middle of the week. She’d cooked a large bird, with plenty left after the dinner party, and now at least it would go to a good cause. She took the meat out to the shed and lay it beside the dish of water, unwrapping it she left it there for the cat when he woke. Gently petting his head again, she softly whispered.

“You are safe here, to rest and heal.” She turned and left the shed door open before heading back to her house. She made her way to her bathroom and ran herself a shower, stepping into the stream of hot water she wondered where she left her mind taking in a wounded predatory cat. But had sheleft him on the path, he would have been euthanized by animal control or attacked by whatever caused all this damage in the first place.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Nathaial woke late that night to the hollow sounds of the wolf calls. Calling thier victory over the panthers earlier that day. His body hurt fiercely, and he barely remembered the day before. He tried to get up, but his side wouldnt let him. The smell or meat near by caught his attention and he carefully possioned himself to eat.

He thought about shifting back to human form for a few hours to help the healing but being bound like he was he knew he couldnt. And as a cat he could not remove his own bandages.

He finished off the bird that was left him and drank some more of the water. Laying back down the cat slipped back into unconsiousness again, unable to run. Whether he liked it or not, he was stuck with this woman for awhile. Best to make the most of it and heal as best he could.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna enjoyed her hot shower, and crawled into bed. Sleep was fitful, her mind going millions of miles a minute. She was awakened in the middle of the night by howling. Far away, but still too close for comfort.

She padded down the stairs in the dark, and gazed out the back window, a chill going up her spine. She made herself go back to bed, and manage to sleep until nearly seven, when the sun began crawling out into the sky. She got dressed in her khakis and a light blue collared shirt.

She stopped briefly in the kitchen, and scrambled some more leftovers together. The meat had been frozen but she micro waved it so it was warm-ish. Slipping into her runners she made her way out to the shed.
She pushed the open door cautiously, relieved to see the car still stretched out on the table, the turkey carcass devoured.

She cautiously approached him. Somewhere in her mind she hoped he recognized the soft citrus scent of her skin, but she was still well aware she was dealing with a wounded wild animal. She set the food down, and then let her fingers trail over his head, petting him again as she gingerly checked his bandages. She took a deep breath.

No bled through. He may not need the stitches after all, that thought was comforting.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

The awaoke to the sounds of someone aproching. As the slight breeze changed direction it carried the scent of citrus and soap with it. He knew the smell, hell he had it on him too.

The cat laid his head back down, eyes closed to conserve energy, and awaited the woman as she came back to him.

Very alert to everything around him, nathanial kept his gaurd up as she gave him the check over. He knew that she was relieved about something when she had finished, but wasnt quite sure what. As the woman began to turn and walk away, Nathanial opened his eyes to look at her. She really was beautiful. He began to purr deep in his throat as he tried to get comfortable on the table.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna heard the soft rumbling purr echo through the shed. She paused for a moment before leaving and ducking into the house. She riffled through her linen closet and found and old seldom used comforter. She folded it up and made her way back to the shed. She approached him slowly.

“This might make things more comfortable,” she said softly as she arranged the fabric into a nest for him. The sweet smell of vanilla wafted from the blanket as she fluffed it. She moved into him taking a deep breath. She eased her arms under his shoulders and moved the upper part of his body onto the soft cushion of the comforter. Then gently picking up his hind quarters she did the same. She bit at her lower lip. Hopefully, that added some measure of comfort for him, versus the hard table top.

She smiled as she heard the soft rumble of his purr. She leaned over him checking to ensure the bindings were still pristine, her softly curled hair tumbling in front of her face. She gently rubbed his neck, soothing him as she pulled away.

“I’m headed out for work, I know you don’t understand me, but I will be back,”she shook her head slightly, she was going crazy talking to this wild animal as if it understood her. She closed her dark green eyes for a moment offering a prayer for her sanity before turning, leaving the shed door unlatched again, so he could leave if he wanted.

Genna drove into work, her mind on her house guest, and hoping he’d still be there when she came home.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Nathanial was grateful for the blanket, and the scent coming from it sent his mind spinning. The hightened sence of smell filled him the vanilla coming off the fabric. If he were in his human form this woman would stand little chance against his desire filled pursuit.

Instead he nussled into the soft blanket basking in the sweet aroma. He lay there for several hour building strength. Then out of boredom and a need to stretch his musles he rose and made his way slowly out of the building.

Spending the rest of the day out nuder the sun limping around the yard becoming familiar with where he was. He now knew exactly where he had ended up. somehow he had made his way completely across town. Nathanial was now set up about 10miles from where his own home had stood.

The cat found a nice warm spot in the grass and laid down to rest from the exhaustind trek around the yard.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna got to her office without the world crashing down around her. That was always a sign of a good day. She pulled out a couple of texts on large predatory cats, and read as much as she could on them. Turning on her computer, she answered several emails, set up a couple of school visits for later in the month, and did payroll.

By noon, she was twiddling her thumbs. She looked at her clock, letting it run till one pm. At that point she was done. She tidied her office, checked in with the staff to ensure everything was operating fine, and then she bailed.

Genna stopped at a local butcher shop on her way home, and bought a bunch of meat, before she headed home. Parking in the garage that was attached to her bungalow, she closed the door and went inside. Pausing at the fridge to unload the groceries, she looked out into the yard, her breath catching.

The panther was stretched out in a sunbeam in the middle of her yard. His sleek coat glistened in the sun light.

She smiled softly; he was a beautiful looking animal, majestic and regal. She made her way to her room and changed into a pair of jeans and a soft tank top. Slipping her cell into a pocket in case work needed her, she grabbed her reader and slipped out on to the deck. He looked so peaceful, she didn’t want to disturb him so sat down quietly in her wooden rocker, and began to read.

Her eyes flitted over him occasionally as she checked to make sure he was still there. A soft breeze picked up teasing at her hair, tussling the soft citrus scent of her shampoo into the wind. She smiled as his whiskers twitched, and she dropped her eyes back to the e-reader.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Nathanial was asleep in the soft grass when the woman returned. He didnt even notice when she walk out the door into her back yard. But when the breeze shifted and he caught the tell-tell scent of citrus and soap, he know she was here.

Looking up at her, Nathanial was once again caught up at just how beautiful this woman was. And so kind too. Even now he could feel the battle raging in her over bringing him home. She never let it show on her face though.

He watched her for several mins through barely slit-open eyes, so not to reveal his awakeness. She kept looking over at him with a smile on her face, not her lips. This young woman still had a touch of youthful inosence to her.

It was time to see just how deep this nice girl act went.... As the woman turned her attention back to the pad in her lap Nathanial quietly moved. Even had she been watching him, he would have been gone before she realize it was him that moved and not her head. But he was still injured and didnt wanna risk her following his movements.

With silent limps he moved up next to her on the porch. It was very difficult to move like that wrapped up and his body in the shape it was. But he mannaged. He let out a loud scream, echoing back at them from the woods and buildings near by. Then began to knaw at his binding around his body.

 

[PickleChiffon]

It took Genna a moment, when she lifted her eyes again to process the cat was gone. She frowned slightly and then in the next instance the loud scream of pain that came from beside her , had her bolting out of her chair. Her heart was frantic from the jolt of terror that swept through her, as she stood, watching him. Her hand was at her throat, her pulse visibly racing under her skin as she looked at the poor thing chewing at his bindings.

She gave him a weary glance. Nothing illustrated the point more that he could kill her if he wanted to, than the point the cat seemed to make about sneaking up on her. She sighed.

“Okay, you win, you don’t want to be captive, I get it.” She spoke softly as she made her way back to the chair. She sat down on the edge of it, close to him. She watched him carefully as she reached her hands out to untie the binding.

“I’ll take these off, it looks as though you aren’t bleeding anymore anyway.” Quickly she untied the bandages and peeled them slowly off the wounds so as not to open them again. She did the same with the other side, ignoring the slight growl she heard rumble from him.

“There,” she said softly. “I don’t think you should be going anywhere yet, at least not for another day or two, but if you insist.” She stood and putting her back to him, walked out past the shed to the perimeter fence. She opened the gate and held it.

“Go on,” she coaxed. She didn’t want to rush the wounded animal out, but given he seemed agitated about being confined, Genna sighed. She’d done her good dead with rescuing him and giving him a safe haven to recuperate at least a bit. She chewed nervously on her lower lip as she waited for the cat to leave, or stay of his own will.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Oh the joy of watching that body move the way it did to get away. She thought he was attacking, HA. No, not attacking, just fun. But she caught him off gaurd when she began to come back to him so soon. Then sat down again? Who did this woman think she was? She would be dead in seconds if the cat chose to make it so. Yet she just walks right back up to...... His thoughts stopped as she began to remove the bindings, his true prison here.

He watched her, her words lost to him, but what she was doing screamed out louder than any words. He walked slowly to the gate that he could not open as a cat, gave a long look up at the woman that saved his life and walked on....

He became human several thousand feet from the gate he just passed and fell into the brush. His naked body hidden from any ones chance find.

His body already healed up from the changing form. He lay there for an hour building the stength to make the shift again. He couldnt run across town as a naked man after all.

After becoming the cat once more he knew that he wouldnt be able to change agian for atleast two days. His body was just too damaged. Now though, his limp was gone and all the minor gashes were gone. His ribs were still soar and the bone deep gash on his side was now only an inch deep.

He made his way back to the place that was his home. There were no signs that any of his family returned after the battle two days ago. He lowered his head and sent out a silent prayer to his family then turned and walked back the way he had come. Nathanial hoped that the woman might have left the gate open for him, but knew that was asking too much.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna watched as the cat padded to the open gate, and seemingly took a long look at her before disappearing without a backwards glance, into the woods. She shook her head, it was almost as though it was saying thank you. She looked out into the forest, and then turned to close the gate.

On a whim, she left it ajar slightly, barely noticeable but it something pushed against it, it would swing open. Not that he’d come back, but just in case. Genna retreated to the house. She washed her hands and set to work making chicken parmesan for dinner. She had the whole afternoon off, she might as well make use of it.

Turning on her iPod in the kitchen she set to work loosing herself in the task at hand. Soon the fragrant smell of the dish filled the house. She popped open the kitchen window, and left the screen door exposed as she baked to ensure the house didn’t over heat.

Grabbing her e-reader she sat back down on the couch, to read as the oven did it’s job.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Nathanial made his way slowly back to the place he spent the last couple days. He knew it was pointless. But he knew of no where else he would be accepted. Whould she even know him now? A few hours ago he looked as if he faught a lawnmower, now he was almost healed.

The sun was on its way down as he arived back at the gate. It was closed, he knew it was too good to hope that she might have left it open for him. He apoached in hope of catching a glance of her on the porch, but she was not there. He placed his paw on the gate in a farewell gesture.... The gate swung in. SHE HAD LEFT HIM A WAY BACK IN.

He walked across the yard and the smell of spiced tomatoes and chicken caught his attention. He walked up to the back door and found that the only barrier was the screen. He called out to the interior of the house to let the young woman know he had returned, then laid down at the foot of the door.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna was pulling the casserole dish from the oven, when she heard the soft growl at the French doors. She placed the dish on the stove top and went to the screen. There, hunkered down on the deck, was the panther. She gasped softly as the beast turned it’s eyes to her. They were the same golden color she’d grown accustom too over the last two days, but he was healed?

There was no way this was her cat, but the soft incline of his head told her otherwise. She opened the screen and knelt down letting him sniff at her fingers.

“How on earth did you heal yourself so quickly?” She asked softly stroking her fingers down his unmarred flank. Not even a hint of the earlier wounds. She looked down at him.

“I bet you are hungry aren’t you?” She said, standing. She made her way back to the stove and retrieved two plates from the cupboard to the left of the stove. She dished out three pieces of chicken onto one plate, cutting them in half to cool faster. Then dished out one for herself, and a small bit of salad. She brought the plates, and a fork for herself, out to the deck, stepping over his body. She set the one with the cut chicken before him, the other on her lap.

“You just be careful, because it will be hot,” she said gently, knowing full well the cat likely didn’t care and couldn’t understand her anyway. She took a forkful of her salad, her eyes roving over his sleek body.

How the hell had he gone from wounded and limping to perfect coat, not even a hair out of place in the course of five hours?

 

[Shadow Stalker]

The cat lay there on the porch as the lady came out to see him. She was confused, no suprise there. He should be dead after all the time he spent away, not nearly completely healed. But that is something that she did not need to know about.

When the young woman returned she set a plate of steaming chicken down on the floor for him as she sat down to eat. He looked up at he as she took a bite of her salad. He pushed his plate over to her chair and sat beside the woman and ate his chicken.

When he had finished he placed his head on her knee, a low purr rumbling forth from his thoat... The large cat watched her eat for a minute then laid at her feet pressed against her legs. The deep purr rumbling up her legs from his side.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna smiled as the big cat lay himself against her legs and began purring. The heat from it’s body, infusing her own. She leaned forward letting her hand sink into the fur at the back of his neck and began gently stroking him. She wasn’t sure what brought this wild cat back to her, but somehow his presence made her feel calm. She laughed slightly. Yep she was going certifiable, enjoying the company of a predatory cat, a cat she willingly allowed back into her yard, and nearly into her home.

She gently pushed him away and stood. She, stretched and then looked back at him.

“I’m going to take a quick walk, check the gate and the shed.”

She started out towards the shed. She hadn’t cleaned up from his stay, the comforter was still nested on the table. She made sure the door could easily be nudged open. Then she continued on to the gate that lead into the forest. She set it up for him again, this time so he could nudge his way out if he wanted.

“There, you can stay if you want or go, the choice is yours.” She turned back towards the cat, a pair of golden eyes watching her intently.

She shrugged as she approached the deck again, letting her hand gently pet the top of his head before she gathered the dishes and turned into the house.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

The cat lay at her feet till she stood and walked with her around the yard. When she set the gate for him to leave and offered him the choice he looked up at her and nuzzled her with his head.

When they had returned to the porch, he licked her hand as she reached to pet his head again. Pressing his head against her thighs Nathanial breathed her scent in deep. The vanilla he smelled on the blanket before over whelming his sences.

The cat stayed close enough to touch the woman till she walked inside. At that time he sat down at the door purring.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna shivered at the feel of his velvet tongue on her skin. The roughness of it was unexpected, as was the action. If she didn’t know better, she would say it bordered on affection.

She turned to the house, smiling softly and left the patio door open, for one, because her hands were full, and for curiosity. She wondered if he’d dare come inside. She moved to the sink rinsing the dishes before putting them into dishwasher. One thing about living alone, dishes took a while to amass to the point of doing a load.

She let her eyes flit to the open door, smiling softly to see the big cat watching her from the opening. She packaged up some chicken and salad for work tomorrow and then wrapped the rest of the chicken in saran wrap. As she closed the fridge her eyes flicked back to the patio door, a soft gasp escaping from her lips.

 

[Shadow Stalker]

Nathanial watched the woman work as she straightened up from the meal. He sat there wishing he could make the shift one more time and take this woman in his arms. (what in the hell was he thinking? She was human, good for a night of fun sure, but this seemed to be more. He felt a DESIRE, a NEED to be close to her.)

He wathed watch her as she walked to the fridge..... WHAT IS THAT SCENT? Someone was in the house. He got low, a deep quiet growl coming from his thoat as he stalked slowly through the door near silently.

The woman looked back to him as she closed the fridge and gasped as she saw the cat aproaching and ready to pounce. He felt her fear and knew she thought he was finaly turning on her, also the confusion as he passed by her getting lowwer to the ground the growl gone.

He worked his way through and out the kitchen, following the scent and staying out of sight. He could hear soft foot steps upstairs as he entered the living room.

 

[PickleChiffon]

Genna closed the fridge door, and gasped softly as she saw the large cat hunkering down into stalking mode, towards her! She stood still, worrying her lower lip as she tried to process what to do. This is what she got for getting comfortable around a wild animal! As her chest tightened with his approach, she braced herself for the impending attack.

But he moved past her, his eyes intent on some other prey. Clearly he had smelled or heard something, the cat’s senses much more attuned than her own. She watched him stalk through the living room, struck by how graceful his body moved, his coat rippling like velvet over the muscles underneath. He paused in the centre of the living room cocking his head side to side. Genna frowned. Her bungalow was decently sized, but it was as if he was listening to something coming from above.

She let her gaze travel to the ceiling.

There was a sunroom/reading room in a half level above them, but she never used it. A small desk, an old Victorian rocking chair along with a small area rug and a lamp were the only things housed in the small sub room which was no bigger than the third bedroom in the house.

But that was directly where he was headed.

She was stunned to see the door to the room had been left open, she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d been up there, but she knew since she walked past it every day to and from her own bedroom, it had not been open like that earlier. She would have run smack into it if it had!