The Pride of White Mane (Werecats Book 2)

Chapter 18

-Kenji's POV-

I don't know whether to feel irritated or impressed with Spiros' newest idea. He'd spent the entire weekend before work building a wagon big enough for the cubs to sit in while in their animal forms. He'd attached a harness that would tighten as you pulled on it but stepping back would loosen it. He'd tested it himself and I had to admit the sight of a white lion pulling the cart was both wholesome and hilarious. I'd snapped a pic on my phone before he noticed. Karma had come back to bite me in the but as I was now pulling the triplets through the woods in the wagon. There little sounds were adorable as they took in the sights and sounds. 

Spiros and the twins were hanging back about ten minutes away in case one of the triplets decided to jump out. Pretty good test run so far. My tiger was chuffing at the entire situation. Completely unable to understand my embarrassment. It had been a few days since the non-aggression pact with the werewolves had been formed. Things had been quite since then so we'd decided to hold a pride event in the woods in our animal forms. 

"Daddy, daddy I saw a squirrel up that tree" Keegan's voice broke into my mind, full of wonder. 

"Daddy I saw a rabbit go in a hole, why is it hiding" Lumi asked her tiger forcing a distressed sound through her muzzle. 

"Cause were cats Lumi, no small creature likes us" Liona cried also distressed now too.

"It's okay Lumi, Liona. You don't need them too like you cause I like you both the most" Keegan diffused, purring as I felt the wagon shift behind me. No doubt nuzzling his sisters. 

"That's right girls not everything likes you like this remember the zoo's small animal section" I reminded them.

"Yes daddy" their adorable voices spoke in unison in my mind.

The wagon started to shift from side to side as they started playing almost seeming to forget about the conversation we were just having. I let them play as I closed in on our destination. It was a lagoon that had a rocky creak leading down to it. Melody had planted flowers around the area and I could smell several trails leading from the area. Stepping back towards the wagon the harness loosened enough for me to shake it off and step out of it. Turning around I chuffed at the cubs who were now watching me. Three small fuzzy faces waiting to get out of the wagon. 

"Remember cubs no deep water until everyone gets here" I warned as I began to unload them by the scruff. 

I watched nervously as they started tussling and chasing each other around. I never had this experience when I was young so it was all new watching them play with each other. I couldn't shake the feeling that were were in danger without the rest of the pride. Spiros sent reassurance through our mate bond and I could feel him speeding up his pace. 

Laying down I watched the cubs play and every time they joined me I groomed them until they went to play again. It felt like a fantastic bonding session. My tiger was suddenly very alert calling the cubs to me as I felt my hackles rise. Once the cubs were under me my tiger forced a hiss through my lips. My hairs stood on end as a large male tiger cornered us to the lagoon. Flattening my ears I bared my teeth snarling at the intruder. 

"SPIROS" I shouted into the mind link in pure panic. 

Slamming my forepaws on the ground as a warning. The triplets cowering behind me though I couldn't turn around to reassure them. The other tiger was posturing as he stalked closer, eyes trained on my cubs. Spitting another growl I swiped a clawed paw through the air. 

It all happened so fast after that he rushed me and I rose to meet him. He bit into my shoulder as I raked my claws down his chest. Dropping my weight I growled in pain as he let go of my shoulder. Rolling onto my back I used all four legs to try and scratch up his muzzle but I miscalculated. A groan of pain let me as his jaws wrapped around my front leg. I could feel my fur getting wet from my blood as he started to shake his head. Growling I lunged my jaws towards his throat but I was weakening. This was the first fight I'd been in and it was so painful and I was loosing consciousness quickly. I had to protect my cubs I couldn't give up now. A crunch and a searing pain in my leg caused another snarl to rip from my lips around my mouth full of fur and flesh.

"We're here Kitten" Spiros voice in my mind calmed my emotions and momentarily soothed my pain.

Spiros' territorial roar soon followed, and roars from Edward, Diana and Melody followed. I felt the male tiger freeze in my jaws as he was confronted by our full might. He let go of my leg and tried to softly bark to appease the angry cats around him. I felt the moment Edward and Spiros pounced on him my jaws still firmly clamped on his throat but I was unable to get a better grip to suffocate so I let go. Panting heavily as I rolled over on my side. My tail was thrashing around as adrenaline still coursed through me. Now that I could see I watched with rapt attention as Spiros, Edward and Diana tore through this male leaving him barely alive to limp his way out of the territory. The wall of sound that followed his retreat was loud and deep. Each of our roars carrying for several miles. 

I panted softly when my adrenaline started to dissipate. The injuries I'd ignored started to throb painfully. 

"You did so well Kenji, look the cubs are safe" Spiros praised, his tongue running over my muzzle and head. 

I was crying and felt the tears soaking into my fur the same as the blood. I don't know how the others do this. Looking over at the cubs and seeing them unharmed was the best outcome I could have asked for. 

"Can you move Kenji, we need to get you treated" Melody spoke, concern lacing her voice as she nosed at my rump trying to get me to stand. 

Getting up I hissed as my front leg couldn't support my weight at all. Nearly falling over I chuffed at Spiros. I could limp but it was gonna be painful. Steeling myself I nodded. Walking in the direction of our cabin. Passing the four adolescent cubs on the way. The distressed chirps of the cheetah cubs hurt my heart. I probably looked a mess and I felt like shit. 

"Spiros, It hurts" I whined into our mind link trying to keep going to show everyone else that I was alright. 

"I know Kitten, but we'll get you treated and healing in no time, your body needs to relax" Spiros purred back, trying to share the burden of my pain pain through our mate bond. 

"But the twins have their competition tomorrow and I promised to go" I cried, absolutely distraught at the prospect I might miss something that was important to them. 

"I'll make sure you can go Kenji" Spiros promised as he guarded me the entire way home. Melody pulling the cubs along in the wagon. 

They were unusually quiet but I know this would have been traumatic for them. 

"I love you three" I purred to them, trying to reassure them that I was alright and that we would all be okay.