Page 37 of Cupcake

“It’s okay.” Mate came closer.

“His human side is not in control,” Alpha said.

A tiny black creature ran from the shadows. Lion Logan reared up to bite but caught the scent first.

Mate. Belonged to mate. Don’t hurt.

Cat.

Shifter.

Wet fur.

Familiar.

The cat tucked himself against lion Logan’s chin and started to purr.

Love.

Safety.

Lion Logan nuzzled the small body. Hiding the smaller feline from the heavy rain. He couldn’t do much stuck like he was but lion Logan would protect familiar. Cat. Family.

“It’s okay. The lion might be in charge, but he knows us,” Mate said.

Of course, he knew mate. Mate!

Mate’s hands touched his leg.

Pain!

Burning!

He whimpered.

The pressure around his back paw released and Logan roared as the pain traveled up. Up and up. Vision blurry. Can’t see! Can’t protect!

“I know! Let me help you,” Mate said.

Warmth.

Magic.

Love.

“We need to get him home. It’s too dark out here to see all the damage,” Mate said.

Home.

Family.

“Can we get close enough to carry him?” Alpha asked.

“I don’t know,” Mate said. He moved up lion Logan’s body. “Logan?”

Lion Logan blinked at him.

“Good lion. You did good. Protected.”