Chapter Four

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

"Bond"

At the Megakat Natural History Museum, Dr. Abi Sinian, the curator, was going over a new exhibit that was to show in two weeks. Her mind was trying to focus on the work before her but for the past two days, it kept drifting back to Feral.

Her personal side was still in semi-shock at the stunning revelations he'd told her that day, that Saharas existed, that he was one, and more shocking still, that she was now mated to one. Her scientific side was in complete awe of it all while her personal side was just plain mad.

She was furious at him, despite the incredible news, she was upset he'd failed to tell her what he was before bonding them without her say so, though that anger had cooled a bit now. What added to her pique, was the fact he still hadn't told her after they'd been bonded, leaving her totally in the dark as to why she felt the way she did the next day, let alone why her neck was sore.

That wasn't right though she did believe him when he said he had intended to tell her way before he'd done the deed so she'd be able to get used to the idea but in the heat of the moment, he'd lost control.

Now they were bonded and her only feeling at the moment was he'd taken her freedom and that he expected her to accept it since it couldn't be changed. Shaking her head, Abi turned away from the paperwork in her notebook to look at some of the artifacts that were on display.

Something caught her eye and immediately, she felt irritation rise along with anxiety. The feelings felt wrong and she tried to tell herself, firmly, that her deadline for the exhibit was two weeks away, plenty of time to finish and handle any problems, so her rising anger was out of place but her emotions and body weren't listening to her anymore. Her emotions seemed all over the map and she just couldn't rein them in.

"Jackie! Where is the portrait of Queen Callista's First Knight?" She demanded sharply of one of her assistants.

Jackie Downey, a silver colored kat, who was just hurrying past her startled at her sharp tone which halted him in his tracks. Blinking in confusion and concern, he hurried to her side to see what had her upset. He stared at her then at the wall she was pointing at.

"Uhm, it's still in the basement waiting unpacking, doctor. I...I was on my way there to meet up with Alex and Ray so we could uncrate it, bring it up then mount it." He told her carefully, uncertain why she was so worried about it...there was plenty of time to get it done.

Only partially mollified Abi grumbled, "I want that portrait mounted within the next two hours."

"Yes, ma'am!" Jackie said easily trying to soothe her.

Abi felt mortified at her behavior. Jackie was a good worker and she could see he was rather taken aback by her sudden sharp temper which definitely wasn't like her at all especially over something so minor. Taking several deep breaths, she worked to calm her anxiety.

"Sorry, Jackie. I didn't mean to snap at you like that...I just have too much on my mind right now..." She apologized weakly shaking her head a bit in dismay.

"It's alright, Dr. Sinian. I know setting up this thing is rather stressful. Why don't you take a brief break...it might help." He suggested, helpfully.

"You know, you could be right, thank you...I'll just go do that," She said glad for the excuse to escape. She stepped around the tom and hurried out of the exhibit hall then made for her office.

Once Dr. Sinian had left the area, the other two assistants, Alex and Ray, came out of their temporary hiding place...behind two armored knight statues. They'd heard the doctor's sharp command to their buddy and thought to hide rather than be a part of the embarrassing scene.

Ray strolled up to Jackie who was still staring at the doorway the doctor had left through.

"What the heck was that all about? Dr. Sinian never loses her cool like that and we were getting the picture for her." Ray observed concern in his voice.

"You know...she's been a little up tight since she returned from her day off. You don't suppose something bad happened do you?" Jackie suggested worried.

Alex rolled her eyes at the two toms as she said, "Dr. Sinian is fine. She's just hit a rough patch with her boyfriend is all. Give her some time and space."

Ray jerked his head to stare at Alex in surprise. "Dr. Sinian is seeing someone? Since when?"

Even Jackie had turned to stare at her, wanting an explanation causing Alex to lift her head to stare at the ceiling as if asking a higher power to give her patience with oblivious males.

Shaking her head, she returned her attention to the pair and said, "Dr. Sinian has been seeing someone secretly for the last year. I don't know who it is, but its very obvious by her behavior."

"So her irritability is probably due to a fight with her boyfriend?" Jackie asked.

"Could be...however that's none of our business. What we need to do is get the work done so her stress about the exhibit getting done is reduced, keep our heads low and out of trouble and I'm sure this storm of hers will blow over soon," Alex said with authority then turned to leave for the basement putting an end to the discussion.

After giving each other a look, the pair shrugged and quickly hurried after her.

Meanwhile, Abi had reached her office door, her head hung low as she rehashed the incident moments ago as she opened the door and stepped in. She was so distracted by her thoughts, she failed to see the she-kat sitting in her desk chair as she closed the door and walked up to her desk. Only then was she aware she wasn't alone. She stopped and stared in surprise as the stranger rose to meet her.

"Oh! I'm sorry, but this part of the museum is closed to visitors..." Abi began to say.

"You are Dr. Abi Sinian, correct?" The she-kat asked, not looking at her directly but her head was turned enough for the doctor to see one golden eye.

Something about the she-kat made Abi pause where she was as she answered hesitantly, "Yes, I am...um, do I know you?"

The tall, well toned she-kat walked around the desk to stand before Abi. She had short, black hair, cut bluntly, and thick, dark, brown fur. She was a stunning image in a light orange, scoop necked shirt with short sleeves showing well muscled arms. Dark blue, hip jeans showed her ample curves and she wore a pair of black running shoes.

'She must turn every tom's head when she walks down the street,' Abi thought.

"I'm Urabe Yuudai. You happen to be very familiar with my brother, Jimmu, whose Kat name is Ulysses," Urabe said giving her a small smile as she brought up her paw to Abi.

Still a bit taken aback by the she-kat's appearance, Abi nearly missed the introduction. When she realized what the female had said, she frowned. 'Uly's sent his sister to talk to me rather than himself?'

"Uhm, pleased to meet you," Abi managed though her voice was a bit tight with irritation as she reached out and shook the others paw.

Urabe eyed the doctor critically. She'd been informed by Kazuma that Jimmu and his mate were separated. She could plainly see the stress emanating from the she-kat which was only just beginning to wreck havoc on her body. She'd timed her visit at a good time to stop the problem quickly.

"I'm not here because Jimmu sent me, in fact he doesn't know I'm even in town right now," Urabe swiftly corrected the she-kat's belief for why she was here. "Now, I'm sure my brother has told you what he is..." Urabe let her words trail off in a questioning tone.

"Yes, he has, so that makes you a Sahara too," Abi said with certainty. "So, are you planning on visiting him?" She asked politely moving to take a seat at her desk while gesturing to Urabe to sit in one of the comfortable overstuffed chairs in front of her desk.

Urabe smiled and sat down. "No, I'm here for a different reason. There's been some odder than normal activity in the city. It has...caught my attention, so I've come to investigate," she said honestly.

The Sahara female liked what she saw in Abi. She'd had time to look around while the doctor was out and her research had indicated a cool, confident, down to earth female who had a level head during dangerous times...a far cry from the deputy mayor and that she was a great boss to work for.

Urabe had been discreetly interviewing all those that came in contact with the doctor...her assistants, her colleagues, and even the janitor staff as well as looking at her work habits. All the information said this was a likable and well organized individual with excellent leadership qualities.

But at this moment, the she-kat was tense and irritable, very much unlike her normal self. Urabe sighed mentally. Keeping a smile on her face, she said, "Pardon me for being so blunt, doctor, but you seemed to be very tense...are you feeling a bit more stressed than normal?"

Abi eyed Feral's sister in mild surprise, "Yes, I have but I'm sure its just ..."

"No it's not the exhibit causing it," Urabe said firmly, cutting her off.

"Excuse me?"

"Your stress is not caused by your work. You're suffering from a short temper as well and its all begun to occur over the past two days, isn't that right?" Urabe pressed her.

"How do you know this?" Abi asked becoming upset and worried.

"Easy, calm yourself as best you can. I'll explain what your problem is but I have just one more question to ask. When Jimmu told you what he was and what had happened between you, you had a fight and separated, correct?"

Abi look away, her face flushing as she muttered, "I just needed time to think. We'd been dating for some time now then suddenly I find out we're bonded and that he's not a Kat...its just a lot to take in and accept."

"I don't blame you for feeling overwhelmed. Jimmu should have told you before the urge to bond became too great. His lapse in judgment over that makes me a bit pissed off. However, Abi, you need to realize something about bonding...to find a lifemate is a force so strong, a Saharas cannot fight against it. The fact Jimmu somehow managed to do so for as long as he did is nothing short of a miracle, believe me. It actually shows just how strong willed he is," Urabe said, patiently. "But there is one other thing my brother failed to share with you," she said, a little annoyance in her voice.

Abi blinked at her questioningly, "Uh…what would that be?"

~o~o~o~o~o~o~

While Abi was engaged in a lesson about Saharas with Feral's sister, an orange stripped tabby having a similar built like Feral, was making his way up the broad steps of Enforcer Headquarters. He shoved open one side of the heavy glass doors and stepped into the huge lobby.

He paused and scanned the area with his brilliant blue eyes a moment until he spotted a handsome female standing across the room from him. She was slim built, tall, with long black hair marked by a striking white forelock. She was dressed in an enforcer uniform and had her back to him.

Smiling to himself, he moved across the lobby swiftly easily working his way through the busy lobby filled with enforcers, criminals in handcuffs, and visitors. His target never saw him coming as he maneuvered himself directly behind her. Only then did he tap her firmly on her shoulder.

Felina turned her head to see who had touched her then whirled completely around when she realized it was family. "Kazuma!" She shouted, joyfully, giving him a brief hug then letting him go.

"Felina, my it's so good to see you. I see you've grown to be quite the beauty since last I saw you," He smirked arching an eyebrow suggestively at her.

She laughed and gave him a light punch to the shoulder. "Kittens do grow you know and I certainly have. I'm guessing the last time I saw you, I was deciding on joining the enforcers."

"Yeah, it was about that time. It's too bad I'm mated now, you're really fetching..." He purred, then gave a pained cry when he was struck hard on his head by something. He immediately turned to yell at whoever had done it but snapped his mouth shut in the next instant when he saw Feral standing behind him with a clipboard in his paw.

Rubbing his head ruefully, guessing the clipboard was the reason for his sore head, Kazuma said carefully, "Hey, Ulysses, how's it…"

"Don't you start with me! And keep your paws off Felina or I'll tell Amber about this," Feral hissed angrily in a low voice.

"Hey! I'm mated now! I don't go chasing after she-kats anymore…" Kazuma object, keeping his voice low as well.

"Oh really! So what was with all the flirting then?" Feral snapped irritably.

Kazuma realized Feral was far too angry for something this innocent. He needed to nip this in the bud now as their interaction was drawing unwanted attention from everyone around them. If he'd been just an ordinary enforcer it wouldn't have been noticed but it was the Chief Enforcer and everyone was curious about his personal life. But before he could take action, Felina did it for him.

Felina was concerned about her uncle's temper rising so swiftly for no real reason so moved closer and murmured quietly to him, "Uncle, you know Kazuma doesn't mean anything by it. It's just fun between us. Besides, you need to calm down, everyone is staring at us."

Feral inhaled sharply then turned his head to scan the lobby and found his niece was right. Far too many eyes and ears were pointed their way. Irritated at himself for losing control, he gestured for the two to follow him to the elevators.

Lucky for them, one had just arrived and they stepped in, Feral closing the door before anyone could join them then hitting the button for his floor. Once they were moving, he turned his attention to Kazuma but before he could speak, the tabby jumped in first.

"Well, since were alone now, I think it's best I tell you my Kat name for the time I'm here," He said briskly.

Feral grunted, continuing to work at controlling his anger. "So what is it?"

"Alphonse... Alphonse Feral, at your services!" Kazuma said smirking.

"Lord, give me strength," Feral sighed shaking his head finding himself getting a headache now.

"Ka…Alphonse, why are you here? Uncle didn't tell me anything about you coming," Felina asked wondering what would bring her uncle's best friend to Megakat City.

Frowning, Kazuma eyed Feral curiously. "You mean you haven't told her yet?"

"With everything being so busy, I haven't had the time," Feral snapped.

"Haven't told me what?" Felina pressed her dark brown eyes going back and front between the two toms.

"I'm sorry, I meant to tell you some time ago. About a year ago, I starting seeing someone regularly," Feral began.

Felina just nodded. "I had already guessed that since you were much calmer of late," she said smiling a little at her uncle's shocked expression.

Embarrassed that he'd been that obvious, Feral continued, "Yes, well...the person I've been seeing is Abi Sinian."

"You mean, Dr. Sinian, curator of the Megakat Natural History Museum?" Felina asked surprised. "Well, isn't that something. I would have never guessed it would be her. She's obviously been good for you."

"Really? I hadn't noticed," He said, uncomfortably, placing a paw at the back of his head and rubbing it.

"However, he's no longer dating her now because she's his lifemate and they've recently bonded! Isn't that great news?" Kazuma blurted out, unable to hold back the good news any longer.

"I was getting to that!" Feral growled annoyed with Kazuma.

"Oh, that's wonderful news!" Felina clapped her paws together in excited joy then frowned as she realized something. "Wait! Shouldn't you be sequestered with her right now, Uncle. Oh no, that must be why you're so short tempered the last couple of days!" She realized in dismay.

Feral frowned unhappily. "When I told her I was a Sahara, she handled that fairly well but when I told her we were bonded, that didn't go over quite so well. Honestly, I had planned to tell her soon but...well...my control snapped finally." He moved to lean against the elevator wall.

"So he ended up marking her then telling her afterward," Kazuma finished for him.

"Ohhh, Uncle! I can completely understand how Abi would have felt about that," Felina said shaking her head. "Think about it! You've only been dating then suddenly you're mates! Put yourselves in her shoes...wouldn't you be shocked that you hadn't been asked before such a life changing decision was made? I mean...one minute you're free to date whoever you want then suddenly your freedom is gone forever! I'd be kinda pissed too."

Feral gaped at her. "But, I didn't intend..."

"You might not have meant to do it but its done and she's angry about it, isn't she?" Felina cut him off.

The elevator arrived at its destination but Felina hit the stop button to keep it closed and sitting while they talked.

Feral blushed and nodded his head in answer.

"Well, there you go! And now you're both paying for it by the stress you're feeling from being separated. Honestly, Uncle, you need to apologize and make up immediately," Felina said strongly her arms crossed over her chest.

"But I have tried…." Feral started to say but stopped.

Feral didn't take his niece to task for being so blunt with him. After all she was right. In a sense, he had taken Abi's freedom away without her permission. She could no longer be with anyone else now though he was certain she wouldn't have wanted to...still she should have had the right to say so herself...so her anger was very justified.

"I tried to apologize, Felina but she wouldn't listen. She said she needed time to herself, so she could think about it but being apart is making me ready to snap!" He moaned, closing his eyes.

"Well, you're going to have to try again and I'm assuming you failed to tell her about what happens if you are separated at this time, didn't you." Kazuma spoke up, certain this was one more thing Jimmu failed to do which was why his situation was becoming dire. He knew very well what happens to a bonded pair that was separated at this time...it wasn't pretty. Both parties became seriously ill.

Feral shook his head, now very miserable.

Shaking his head at Jimmu's stupidity, Kazuma released the elevator so that the doors opened. He gestured for Feral to go ahead while Felina and he followed behind. They marched down the hall and to Feral's office. He opened the door so they could go in ahead of them, then followed, shutting the door behind him.

The two had gone on into the office and took a seat on the couch on the far wall. Sighing, he went over to join them, sitting on the end next to Felina.

Eyeing Kazuma, Felina asked him something she was already certain of the answer, "So Alphonse, I take your purpose here is to test Dr. Sinian."

"The clan does need to know if Abi Sinian can keep our secret," Kazuma said seriously.

"Abi can keep a secret despite the fact she's an archeologist!" Feral defended his mate hotly.

"Easy Jimmu, that's your protective instincts speaking. You know as well as I do, this is not a debate. This is required to be done for the safety of the clan. The risk with her, especially who she is, is far too great!" Kazuma said sternly.

"I know," Feral said helplessly.

Kazuma reached over Felina and gently patted Feral on the shoulder. " I understand, believe me, I'm mated to don't forget!"

Feral was about to say something more when his office phone rang on the desk. He got up and walked back to his desk to answer it. The other two waited.

"Feral!"

"Ulysses, it's Abi."

Feral blinked in surprise and asked cautiously, "Abi? What is it...is something wrong?"

"No, no, nothings wrong. I just…I just want to know if we could meet tonight," Abi asked soundly oddly shy about it.

Felina and Kazuma watch intently as Feral nodded, a feeling of excitement rising up within him as he answered, "Sure, I'd love to. Where do you want to meet at?"

"Is Joe's Diner okay? It's the one just a couple of block from the Megakat Theater."

"I know it. I'll see you there around eight?"

"Eight clock, is fine. Later then..." She said, about to hang up.

"Wait, Abi." Feral stopped her.

"Yes?"

"I...I know, you must be feeling as if I took your freedom away but I didn't mean for you feel that way. For our kind, its supposed to be a moment of happiness and joy when finding ones bondmate. I'm sorry it wasn't the same for us."

"I know, I can still feel your emotions over the bond, Ulysses."

Feral blinked, she could still feel him even with block in the way? "That is a surprise that you can feel me but I can't you because you've blocked me."

"I have? I wasn't aware I could do that. I just wanted to be left alone...I must have done it unconsciously...I'm sorry," she said, surprised she'd been able to do it at all.

"It's alright, Abi. We'll talk about it tonight," he soothed here while elated she hadn't done it deliberately.

"Tonight then. Take care, Ulysses."

"I will and you do the same, Abi."

He heard her line click before putting his own phone back in its cradle. Kazuma and Felina had risen from the couch and had come over to his desk to listen. Feral was surprised to see them staring at him.

"What?" Feral asked

"Someone's got a date," Kazuma said in a sing song voice making Felina laugh and her uncle blush.