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  “I’ll be fine.” Cathal was already working out the quickest way to reach the kitten. At least it wasn’t about to move, but hopefully it wasn’t so scared that it would try and attack him when he got there.

  “Let me do it, then.”

  “So it’s dangerous but you’ll do it?” Cathal snorted at the sensible way in which Tomas had gone from one conclusion to the other. “Your ankle is still tender. It makes more sense for me to.” His voice softened, realizing Tomas was concerned and scared for Cathal’s safety. However, that did not mean he should risk his own in the process. “It’s okay, love. I’ve been on this roof before, and I know the safest way to do this. Why don’t you go find that ladder? We might need it.”

  Tomas hesitated. “I could help you here,” he offered.

  “There is less chance of scaring the kitten this way.” The kitten meowed again. Cathal didn’t need his ability to know how scared it was. “I’m not leaving it out here, Tomas. Ladder, please. Now.” A ladder would work in that spot. He just had to get the kitten over there. “The drainpipe is closer than the outside stairs, but I don’t know if it’s still in good repair.”

  “Drainpipe?” Tomas looked between Cathal and the kitten. He paled. “You are not going down that fucking drainpipe with that kitten. Promise me?” Without waiting for a reply he was gone, calling for Donovan.

  “I promise,” Cathal said softly. This looked more dangerous than it was, but Cathal was not about to take any unnecessary risks. He’d done this before, on more than one occasion, the first time just to see if it could be done, much to Christian’s amusement. Alice had ripped verbal shreds off him after she found out, and then Christian too when he’d laughed at her reaction.

  There was a light breeze, but nothing that would cause any problems. Cathal stood for a moment, enjoying the freedom of being so exposed to wind and sun with nothing between him and the elements. He’d forgotten how good it felt being up here like this, despite the cold, especially after a decent amount of rain, the air crisp and clean. It always smelled better up higher for some reason, closer to the sky.

  The kitten squeaked. It was watching him cautiously. He projected reassurance and comfort, figuring that even if the animal couldn’t feel the emotions at least it would keep himself calm. His brother, Kane, had used the strategy once when rescuing a cat from a tree. It had worked for him, but being able to project his emotions onto others drew on the strengths of his ability rather than Cathal’s.

  Cathal edged farther out along the roof, choosing his footing carefully. There was more moss on the tiles than there had been the last time he’d done this, and it occurred to him that perhaps the roof might not be in as good repair, being that much older. Still, he’d gotten this far and wasn’t about to give up yet.

  Below him, he heard voices. Tomas would be organizing the ladder. Cathal hoped it wouldn’t be needed, but the idea of having it as an option was beginning to feel very welcome. Six more steps and he’d reach the kitten. Another meow, but this time it was accompanied by a loud purr. “You know you’re going to be rescued, don’t you?”

  Up closer, he could see just how tiny it was, barely weaned from his mother at a guess. It must have wandered away from the litter wanting to explore, and got out of its depth very quickly. How had it got up here? Perhaps it had found its way into the inn through an open window and then onto the roof from there. Maybe from the attic as Tomas had originally suggested?

  His foot slipped, the feel of the firm roof beneath him disappearing as he scrambled to find a foothold, barely managing to right himself.

  Heidi screamed. Tomas swore loudly, his voice carried by the wind.

  Damn it! He needed to focus, not let his mind wander. The last thing he’d intended was to worry anyone. This was supposed to be safe. Surely his surroundings hadn’t changed that much, he hadn’t changed that much, that he was no longer capable of rescuing a kitten from a rooftop? The next step he took, he tested his footing first, running the sole of his boot over the surface to make sure that it wasn’t slippery. One step, then another, and the pitch of the roof evened out to an almost flat surface. The kitten meowed again, but didn’t move. He would have to go to it, rather than to coax it to close the distance between them.

  There was only a few feet between the patch of roof the kitten had attached itself to, and the edge of the roof. Cautiously, he moved off the flat part of the roof, using one hand on the guttering to steady himself. A loud thump caught his attention; the ladder was in position. Luckily the kitten was on the lower part of the roof, not the highest point, so the top of the ladder was just below them. It moved a little; someone was climbing up to meet them part way. Cathal frowned, hoping that it wasn’t Tomas. His ankle was not up to extra weight or this kind of climb.

  The kitten pulled itself up on its hind legs, sniffing the air. As Cathal began to move toward it, it purred, went down on all fours, and sauntered across to him. He shook his head. After all of this, it had decided to show its braver side now. It was at times like these he was struck by how much Christian had demonstrated feline tendencies before he’d been turned into one.

  “Come here, kitty,” he called, keeping his voice and demeanor as nonthreatening as he could. The kitten rubbed up against him, purring loudly. He gathered it into his arms, adjusting his balance, and sat down, slowly sliding the rest of the distance between where he was and the edge of the roof.

  Once there, he peered over the side so that he could judge the distance between it and the top of the ladder. There were at least a couple of inches between it and the roof, but he’d be able to still grip the edge of the guttering with his fingers for added support. Tucking the kitten into his jumper, where it snuggled in contently, he knelt and began backing slowly toward the edge of the building so he could go over the side feet first. Below him Donovan was climbing the ladder. Soon he would be within reach.

  “Hold on, Cat, and I’ll guide you to the top rung,” he offered. “Do you want to hand the kitten down first?”

  “No, it’s safer where it is,” Cathal decided. He’d be glad to be on the ground again. It was getting decidedly chilly up here, and he was beginning to shiver despite his jumper and the warmth of the kitten against his chest. The tone in Donovan’s voice suggested strongly that arguing against needing any help was not an option.

  Noticing Donovan was two rungs away from the top of the ladder, Cathal slid both feet over the side of the roof, allowing Donovan to assist him until he felt something firm under his boot, leaning his body weight into the ladder until he was far enough down to grip it with his hands. The journey to the ground went quickly. The metal of the drainpipe had rusted out at intervals; it would have never taken his weight. He mentally shivered, shoving away the mental picture of falling from it. Once he had the means to do so, he’d get it repaired.

  “Cat!” Tomas took Cathal into his arms, holding him tightly as soon as he reached the ground. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

  The kitten meowed its displeasure at being squashed and struggled to free itself from Cathal’s jumper. Heidi scooped it up, cuddling it. “You caused quite a lot of trouble, little lady,” she cooed at it. “You’re lucky you’re so cute.”

  Donovan mock pouted and cleared his throat. “I can be cute too.”

  “Yeah, but Ethan’s not here, so save it for when he is,” Heidi retorted. “And as for you”―she looked up from the kitten to give Cathal a disapproving look―“it wasn’t just Tomas you scared half to death.”

  “Sorry.” Cathal slipped his arm around Tomas’s waist. “I did know what I was doing.”

  “Yeah, right,” Donovan snorted. “It looked like you did from down here too. So slipping like that was all part of the plan?”

  “Well, no, but….” Attempting to look contrite was probably a better option at this point. “Thank you for climbing the ladder. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem.” Donovan stroked the kitten, grinning when it rewarded him with a loud purr. “I figure that’s what friends are for, at least if you’re planning to hang onto them for a while.” The kitten lifted its head, and he obediently scratched under its chin. “You’re a clever one too, aren’t you?”

  “You took quite a chance out there, Cat.” Tomas studied the kitten for a long moment. “Are you sure it’s not another relative?”

  “Of course it’s not.” Cathal rolled his eyes at the thought. “It’s just a kitten, Tomas. I’d be able to tell if it wasn’t.”

  “You’re sure?” Tomas wasn’t convinced. “I can see a little of Christian about it.”

  “It’s a cat, love. They all have a little of that about them.” Sharp claws dug themselves into his ankle, and he winced, not having noticed his cousin was nearby. Christian’s tail jerked up and down a couple of times, and then he stalked off.

  Donovan sniggered. “I don’t think that cat likes being compared to other cats.”

  “Well, he is one, so he’ll have to deal.” Tomas poked his tongue out at the rapidly departing feline. “At least for now,” he amended, noticing the glare of disapproval that Cathal shot his way. One day Tomas and Christian would need to sit down and talk properly. This animosity between them needed to be worked through and discarded.

  “You’ll need a name for her,” Heidi pointed out, handing the kitten back to Cathal. “You rescued her, so she’s yours.” She grinned. “I checked, it’s definitely a she, but that doesn’t mean that she has to have a name that reflects that. Blackthorn worked well for the last cat, so we could always continue the tradition.”

  “Merlin,” Donovan said suddenly. “She’s a Merlin. It’s kind of fitting, with all the magic stuff we’ve had going on of late.”

  Cathal groaned. “Thank you for that, Donovan. I’ve onl
y just convinced Tomas that this cat isn’t a family member. I don’t think naming her after one of my ancestors is going to help with that.”

  Chapter 9

  “YOUR ancestor?” Donovan stared at Cathal in disbelief. “You are kidding, right?”

  “No.” With the reaction this information was getting, Cathal rather wished he was. “Our world was settled by mages many years ago. One of them was called Merlin.”

  “Merlin, as in King Arthur, and all that shit?”

  “He’s just a legend, Donovan,” Tomas reminded him. “It’s probably just one of those things where there’s a big leap between the facts and the legend.” He spoke the words confidently enough, but his underlying emotions suggested he was more hopeful than convinced.

  “Something like that,” Cathal said cautiously.

  “But he was a mage, and mages do magic.” Heidi stroked the top of the kitten’s head. The kitten snuggled further into Cathal, purring loudly. “There,” she said, “whatever Merlin was, his namesake likes her name, so it’s settled.”

  “What’s settled?” Will walked slowly over to them. He was still favoring his leg, but it was healing quickly. It was surprising he hadn’t noticed what had happened before and come to investigate. He smiled when he saw Merlin. “You’ve found a new friend, I see. What’s its name?”

  “Merlin,” Heidi proclaimed. She seemed rather proud of the fact.

  Will rolled his eyes but couldn’t resist petting the kitten. “Another blow for the resistance, I see, Cathal.” His tone held a warning Cathal didn’t need to hear. He knew the penalties for such a thing in their own world.

  “It was Donovan’s idea,” he said defensively, “and the kitten will not be passing through Rhosynoak.”

  “Do we need to change the name?” Tomas had noticed Cathal’s reaction.

  “No, we don’t,” Cathal said firmly. “It is merely a name, and she likes it. We are in this world now, and it is not one where ridiculous laws would forbid naming an animal after such a revered mage.” He allowed a hint of the disgust he felt to enter the last two words he spoke. “Merlin might have been powerful, if history is to be believed, but that does not mean he should be worshipped. He was a man, the same as any one of us.”

  Heidi coughed. “Although one of us is a woman,” she reminded him.

  Donovan grinned. “I thought you said the kitten was too?” Heidi tried to swat him with one hand, but he ducked with what appeared to be a well-practiced move.

  “My apologies.” Cathal knew they were both trying to lighten the mood. He gave her a mock bow to show his appreciation. “I had noticed you were a woman,” he added, before she got it into her mind to swat him as well.

  “I should damn well think so.” Heidi tossed her head. Her hair was out of its usual ponytail today and hung loosely down her back. It suited her.

  “And a beautiful one at that.” Will bent to kiss her hand. He’d always had a way with the ladies.

  “Why thank you, kind sir.” Heidi turned to Donovan and Tomas. “See these guys?” She indicated Will and Cathal. “Both have shown themselves to have manners. Take note and learn.”

  Donovan spluttered. “Hey, I have manners. Just ask anyone.” Tomas sniggered. “Except for that guy, but then I noticed that you included him in with me. The injustice of it.”

  “Now you’re sounding like Mikey,” Tomas pointed out.

  “Did you still want to come with me to the station this afternoon to pick up Ethan?” Donovan tossed his head, copying Heidi’s earlier action, but it didn’t quite have the same effect with his more closely cropped hair.

  “You know I do.” Tomas had offered to stay at the inn and let Donovan and Ethan have their reunion in private, but he really wanted to see Ethan as soon as he arrived.

  Will shook his head, laughing. “I know it is wrong of me, but I want to hear Christian’s input into this kind of conversation.”

  “You would,” Cathal said dryly. “I do wonder about your sense of humor at times, my friend.”

  “It’s no worse than your cousin’s.” Will grinned. “Or yours when you are in a mood. I have many stories of both of your exploits when we were children. Please remember that.”

  Heidi smiled, a slow, mischievous one that did nothing to put Cathal’s mind at rest. “Do you now?” She hooked her arm into Will’s. “I believe I promised to make my special carrot cake for you to try today.”

  “The one with the cream cheese icing?” Donovan glanced between Heidi and Will. “Dude, that one should be registered as a secret weapon. People would kill for it, seriously.” He sidled up to Will’s other side. “Can I come listen in? Potential dirt… er, good stories, and all that.”

  “Of course you may.” Will’s grin grew wider for a moment. He turned, a troubled expression in his eyes, but it was only there for an instant. “Cat, I wish to talk to you about something later. Perhaps after Tomas has left to meet his friend?”

  “Is everything okay, Will?” Nothing much escaped Heidi. “You have friends here if you need us, you know.”

  Will smiled again, smoothing over the request. “Thank you, Heidi. I appreciate the offer, and if it was of that nature, I would not hesitate to partake of it.”

  “Good.” Heidi nodded her approval. “Cat, Tomas, there’s cat food in the fridge if Merlin needs it. I’ll organize the vet to swing by and take a look at her when I pick up some kitten food later today.”

  “I hope Doug realizes what a lucky guy he is.” Tomas slipped his arm around Cathal’s waist again as he watched their friends walk back into the inn. Since their return, Heidi’s suitor had visited several times, and had offered to stay if she so wished.

  “From what I’ve seen,” Cathal said softly, “I’m certain he does.”

  “ARE you sure you still want me here?” Now Ethan’s train was almost there, Tomas was having doubts about taking Donovan’s offer to come to the station. “I don’t want to be in the way when… you know….”

  Donovan grinned. “You know? You know what?” He glanced at his watch, muttering something about the trains in this place never running on time.

  Yes, he was going to make Tomas say the words. Bastard. “The stuff you’re apparently supposed to get a room for.” Tomas rolled his eyes. This was ridiculous. They were both adults here, or at least he was. “After all, I’d hate to get in the way of your reunion with Ethan.” He was still trying to get his head around the fact Ethan and Donovan were together.

  “You won’t,” Donovan seemed not to notice the sarcasm in Tomas’s voice, or perhaps he’d chosen to ignore it. “Besides, Ethan’s the kind of guy who wants proof for stuff, and I want him to see for himself that you’re back safe and sound.” He turned his head in the direction of the approaching train. “He was worried, you know,” he said quietly. “You mean a lot more to him than he’d ever let on. Cut him some slack, okay?”

  “I’ve already rung and spoken to him, and e-mailed him.” Tomas shrugged. He did know what Ethan was like. Hopefully he wouldn’t take it upon himself to give Cathal the third degree when they met. Cathal was more than capable of holding his own, but that wasn’t the point.

  “Yeah, I heard.” Donovan waved at the train when it pulled into the station. A familiar figure could already be seen looking out the window as the carriage went past them. Donovan was by the closest door, waiting, by the time the train came to a stop. “Ethan!” he called.

  “Donovan.” Ethan’s voice had a tone to it Tomas hadn’t heard before. Ethan stepped off the train, dumped his bags down, and pulled Donovan into his arms. “Hey,” he said softly, his voice rough with emotion. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Missed you too, teach.” Donovan grinned and leaned in, kissing Ethan enthusiastically. Ethan returned the kiss in kind. Neither of them seemed aware of anyone but each other.

  Tomas took a step back, not wanting to intrude. This wasn’t the Ethan he knew. His friend was a reserved kind of guy, especially in public. Open displays of affection like this really weren’t his style. What had happened during those six weeks he’d been away?