Chapter 18

Day stared at me, her golden eyes wide in shock. I quickly jumped off of her, my own eyes wide. Sitting up, she looked scrawny—her fur matted. Blinking, I stared at her in dismay. What have the twolegs done?

Day stared at me, her gaze forlorn and lost. Holding back to urge to caress her like I did when she was a kit, I bit back my motherly instincts. Letting my fur lay flat, I managed to choke out: "What happened?"

Gazing at me with scared and shocked eyes she whispered, "I was abandoned."

At that instant, I could feel the world cave in underneath my paws. Everything around me was spinning, complete and utter shock overwhelming me. I trusted them! Day was supposed to be safe! How could this have happened? Day's golden eyes were round with fear as she went on.

"My kits...what will happen to my kits?" she whispered softly.

I froze. Kits? Looking at my daughter, I noticed her belly was round despite being malnourished. She was no more then a moon pregnant. Fur bristling in tension, I stared into her wide gaze.

"Nothing will happen to them," I said softly. "You will stay with us."

Day stared at me like I had grown three heads. "Are you sure?" Her question struck me like branch full of thorns.

"Yes." I choke out. "I will protect you, I promise."

Memories of when she was just a helpless bundle of fur shot through my mind. I remembered everything from her and her littermates hungry mewls, to Day's pitiful cries as I left her on the doorstep that fateful night. Without realizing it, I buried my muzzle in her side. Day looked at me with worried eyes and gently nuzzled my head. Meeting her sad gaze, my own eyes filled with regret, I heaved a heavy sigh.

"Come on," I said softly. "It's warmer inside with the others."

With a nod, Day followed me, her brown and white tabby fur bristling in fear. I gently pressed against her to calm her—feeling her fur laying flat again. Everett and Flight greeted us first, their eyes wide.

"You're that kittypet from before!" Everett exclaimed. "Where's your house folk?"

I could feel Day tense beside me and stepped forward, nudging Everett inside. "Hush," I said. "She's had a long day."

Everett huffed a bit and headed inside, Flight scampering after him. Shaking my head, I faced Day with a soft smile. "Come on." I said gently.

Hesitantly, she followed me inside as everyone looked up from grooming. Duskstorm sat up slowly, and I winced a bit as he struggled to stand. Day watched him, her eyes nervous as she scanned his wounds. I rested my tail on her shoulder to reassure her as I met Duskstorm's gaze. The others murmured to each other, looking at us with curious eyes and I realized how nervous Day must have felt. Lifting my head high, I addressed them:

"This is Day. Some of you may remember her from before, but she will be staying with us from now on. Make her feel at home." I announced.

To my relief, the other cats walked over and gently touched noses with their new family member. Flight and Everett cheerfully greeted her, their eyes brimmed with curiosity and excitement. I could see that Day had relaxed as well. Duskstorm had approached us, his broad shoulders sagged with exhaustion.

Why did he always have to make things difficult? I thought irritably.

"Welcome." Duskstorm meowed, his voice trembling.

Day dipped her head respectfully. "Thank you." she smiled.

"Duskstorm, shouldn't you be resting?" I asked sharply.

As if he didn't hear my sharp tone, the dusty brown tom turned his hazel gaze on me. "I was. It wouldn't be polite to greet our new friend, now would it?" he asked.

Narrowing my eyes, I sighed. "Stubborn as always."

Duskstorm purred. "Of course."

Looking towards Day, I directed my gaze to her swollen belly. "How far along are you?" I asked.

Day purred a bit. "Almost two moons." she said.

My eyes widened as big as an owl's. "Really? That far along?" I gasped.

"You must be due any day now." Duskstorm added.

Day shifted her paws nervously. "Yes," she mewed. "My mate won't be able to see them though." she frowned.

"Why not?" I asked, my tone almost sharp. Toms! Such useless creatures!

Golden eyes filled with sorrow, she choked out, "He was killed by a monster about a moon ago."

Duskstorm spoke first, his eyes sympathetic. "I'm so sorry," he frowned. "I'm sure he would've been very proud."

I nodded. "Yes, he would have been very pleased to see these kits I'm sure."

Day's eyes glowed a bit, as if she was remembering the precious memories she had of her mate. After a moment, she nodded in agreement. "Certainly."

Remembering that Day had most likely not eaten in days, I nudged her towards pile of scraps we had managed to find.

"Go ahead and eat," I prompted. "You'll need it."

Bowing her head gratefully, she looked at me with warm eyes. "Thank you, Stray."

Returning the same warm gaze, I nuzzled her. "You're welcome, Day." I said.

Once Day had walked off to find a piece of prey, I looked at Duskstorm. The muscular tom was staring at me, his eyes narrowed. Fur bristling, I gaze him a sharp look.

"What is that look for?" I snapped.

Duskstorm flicked his tail as he sat down. "She's your kin isn't she?" he asked.

Blinking, I looked away abruptly. "Of course not! I have no kin." I muttered, though it hurt to say so.

He sighed, cuffing my ear with sheathed claws. "Don't be an idiot," he snapped. "You can't deny that she's your kit. Especially with the way you welcomed her so openly."

Glaring at him, I bit back a sharp retort. "She isn't mine anymore. I gave her away a long time ago." I muttered, as I pushed past him.

Surprisingly, Duskstorm jumped in front of me, cutting off my path. "How can you say that?" he asked. "No matter what, she will always be your kit!"

Resisting the urge to bat at his muzzle, I shoved past him again. This time, Duskstorm didn't stop me. All I could hear as I left the warehouse was:

"You can't run away from the past forever."

Perhaps—maybe I thought I could.