Shadow Claw: The Life Story - The Fifth Chapter

Ch. 11 - Fiery Love

"A kitten?" I asked in disbelief.

Shade and I followed the warrior to a small gathering of various Claws, surrounding a thatch basket with a bundle of blankets. Inside those warm covers was a small, vulnerable kitten with a fiery pelt and a set of handsome emerald eyes. "A Fire Claw." Shade whispered gently.

I shifted and picked the bundle from its basket, smiling faintly. I rocked the tom-kit slowly, reading the note attached to him.

Take care of my son. I love him so but he cannot stay.
His name, Tobias.

I frowned gently, "You said it was from Russia-"

"The Alpha visited years and years ago, and took this female that he fell in love with. I would guess it's her." Shade answered softly,  wrapping his hands around me and gazing at Tobias. The kitten squeaked, waving his paws. I bopped his nose, "I still have milk left. I can take care of him."

Blossom padded up, "Are you sure? I can take care of him if you want."

I smiled warmly at the mother, "Blossom, you already have five kittens. I'll take him. You rest yourself." It was decided. Shade and I would take care of Tobias.

The kit wailed suddenly, flailing his paws that were wrapped tightly in the blankets. I cradled him to my chest and rocked him to sleep, "Shh, shh." I cooed.

*

"Blossom, can you take care of Snowy and Tobias tonight? I know it's a lot to ask but I'm going to a friends gathering." I murmured to the female, both of my kittens sleeping in my lap, Snowy curled around Tobias with a little protective pout. They had taken to one another like peas in a pod.

Of course, Blossom agreed warmly and took my babies off my hands. I was going to The Burrow tonight with Shade, Nova and Hawthorne. We were having a bonfire with the Weasley family, James' family, Harry Potter and Lupin and Tonks.

It was a sobering fact that it could be the last time we would all be together. The Dark Forces were getting stronger.

*

The Burrow came into view as Shade and I walked, hand in hand, through the golden field farmland.
I could already see the flickering flames sending sparks into the darkening sky, and the wooden logs surrounding the fire with figures sitting against them silently.

Shade kissed me gently before we settled down with Shade's back resting against a log, and me resting against his chest with a warm smile.

Hawthorne and Nova arrived soon too, though Nova lay down with her swelling belly towards the fire and Hawthorne curled around her.

There was Lupin and Tonks, gazing at one another and holding hands. Mr and Mrs Weasley, smiling faintly at each other. George and Millie, whispering and giggling lovingly. James and Fred, sharing sweets and making faces at Millie and George. Bill and Fleur, holding each other and kissing now and again. Harry and Ginny, sitting slightly apart though glancing at each other briefly. Ron and Hermione, talking softly and giggling. Lupin and Remus (the twins) giggling at their own jokes. Finally, Jenny; she was alone, clutching a scrunched paper in her hands. I suspected it was the last letter from Draco she'd received. Her eyes were distant, the shadows flickering in her staring orbs.

"Shade." I whined quietly when my mate dipped his lips into my neck, leaving discreet hickies that made me blush through the heat of the fire. "Baby." He whispered. I swallowed hard, and he carried on his teasing.

"I can see what's happening." Jenny started.

"What?" James piped up.

"And they don't have a clue." She sighed.

"Who?" James whined.

"They'll fall in love and here's the bottom line; our trio's down to two. Ze sweet caress of twilight, there's magic everywhere, and with all this romantic atmosphere... disaster's in the air!" Jenny shook her head, smirking at me.

"Can you feel the love tonight? The peace the evening brings. A world for once, in perfect harmony, with all it's living things." I smiled as I sung.

"Hamy namy num a weh." Lupin and Remus giggled.

"Can you feel the love tonight? You needn't look too far, stealing through the night's uncertainties, love is where they are." I looked back to Jenny, and felt Shade pause in his neck-kisses.

"And if he falls in love tonight, it can be assumed..." Jenny sniffed.

"His carefree days with us are history..." James sighed, his hair flopping over his glittering eyes.

"In short, our pal is doomed." All three of us finished, and there were a few laughs and claps, then the bonfire crackled and all the couples turned to one another and kissed.

Hawthorne and Nova, pressing muzzles. Shade and I, kissing with all of our love. Mr and Mrs Weasley, shyly. Lupin and Tonks, leaning towards each other. George and Millie, new lover's awkward kiss. Bill and Fleur, full on french kissing. Harry and Ginny, looking away from each other with flushed cheeks. Ron and Hermione smiling at everybody else. Lupin, Remus, James and Fred making puking gestures at all the lovely dovey stuff. Then, Jenny, tears streaked down her cheeks and little sniffles coming from her.

Nobody asked about it. Nobody asked about anything, that night. It was just a silent prayer from us all, that we could one day do this again without paranoia or fear creeping up our backs from a constant spray of death.

"We better be getting back. Thank you, everybody. Tonight was really quite... well, I hope we can do this again." I stated gently. Jenny let out an audible sob, but held back from any other noises. Shade and I left, with Nova and Hawthorne close behind, her eyes drooping with tiredness.

*

After I ensured Hawthorne and Nova were comfortably settled in their cave, safe and happy, I picked up Tobias and Snowy from Blossom, thanking her greatly, then I returned to my cave where I found Shade laying tiredly in our soft bed, his eyes barely open. I smiled, laying Snowy down and letting her curl protectively around Tobias, mewling a little goodnight. "Goodnight, my babies. I love you both." I kissed my kittens on their heads, leaving them on their smaller mossy bed to sleep.

I slipped my clothes off, until I was only in my underwear and bra, then undressed my mate until he was only in his boxers. He sighed softly as I laid beside him, letting him throw an arm over my waist and settle his head on my chest. I threaded my hands through his hair and kissed his forehead, "Go to sleep, my love. I'll still be here when you wake." I whispered.

"Tell me you love me, Shadow." He mumbled. I smiled lovingly, "I love you, Shade. I will always love you, even death cannot do us part." I felt him smile softly against my skin, then in the darkness, we both fell deep asleep, of course, until one of our kits would indefinitely wake us up.