Ice Cat

Chapter 5

Aspen's POV

As Liam put away the dishes, I felt stronger, no longer feeling the achy weakness in my bones and muscles. Quickly, I brushed my fur down with my tongue, smoothing it until it was clean and shiny. Kaedin purred inside me, and I was just as content as she was. I set my head on my large paws, and I felt Kaedin mew inside my head.

'Can we shift back now?' she asked impatiently, and I mindlessly flicked my tail. I nodded, not wanting to speak. Muffled footsteps came through the doorway and my ears twitched towards the sound. Liam was wiping his hands on his well-fitting, worn jeans and I licked my lips. His white shirt clung to his torso like a second skin and Kaedin began purred. With a growl, I shut her up and got up on my four feet.

I yawned, licking my teeth as I stretched my haunches backwards and flicked my tail. I flexed my muscles, and they rippled under my fur. I unsheathed my claws, and then sheathed them. I opened my eyes, finding Liam staring at me with curiosity in his deep, pooling eyes.

Can I please borrow some clothes so I can shift? I asked through Liam and I's mind link, and he did not speak. He only nodded and walked down a long, dark hallway. I heard the sharp opening of the door and the sliding of a door. I too a step towards the hall, but decided against following him into his bedroom. He came out quickly, and gently handed me some long plaid pajama pants and a long, oversized t-shirt.

I thanked him with a nod, and nudged Liam towards the door. His face flushed a deep crimson, and he went off to his bedroom. I smiled inwardly and shifted, releasing myself from my inhuman form and forcing my mind and spirit into my regular form. And there I was, standing stark naked in Liam's living room. The thought made the blood rush to my cheeks, and I quickly pulled on the clothes. They were fresh and clean, unlike the ones I were allowed to wear at my old house. I shuddered in the remembrance of that house and... him.

Kaedin growled and I could not dare even think of his name.

"OK, I'm done!" I called down the hall, running a hand through my dirty hair. I probably should've asked to take a shower first, but I will do that in the morning. The patter of soft feet on tile flooring caught my attention and I wheeled around to face Liam. In my human form, I was five foot three, and Liam towered over my small frame at a height close to six-two. I felt small and helpless.

"Hello there, Aspen," Liam said cheerfully, his icy blue eyes entrancing me. I quickly choked out a response and looked down to my bitten nails.

"Hey," I said timidly. Kaedin growled at me from inside my head and I cowered under her scrutinizing voice.

Hey? That's all you can say?! she hisses and I growl back at her. I frown and Liam looks at me, confused. I smile brightly at him, before paying attention to Kaedin again.

Shut up, I'm under pressure, I snap at her. I can practically feel her rolling her eyes, but as soon as Liam speaks, she goes back to a steady purr.

"So, I'll show you this way to the spare bedroom. It seems like you'll need rest," he says kindly, and takes me gently by the wrist. The sudden contact has me flinching, but I soon remember that he is not my father. This is Liam. We walk down the hallway, and he shows me to my bedroom.

"Sleep well, Aspen," he says, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. I smile at him, and he gives one in return before turning and going to his own bedroom. I gently shut the door and flop down on the comfy mattress, glad that I will finally sleep on a nice, soft, comfortable mattress instead of the cold, hard, wooden floor