Cat Whisperer

By Riona Kelly

A secret is only safe so long as no one else knows. 

 

He's got a whopper of a secret that he's kept from the whole town, but a newcomer threatens to expose it. Still, he's smarter than people think even if his family's reputation suggests otherwise.

 

She's studying to be a veterinarian and is working with the local pet doc over the summer break.Falling for a guy is the last thing on her mind.

 

When she gives him a lift into town, her curiosity is piqued. He finds her attractive, but considers her off limits when he realizes who she is. Will the tiny spark between them grow to a flame or will his past block their future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pynhavyn Press
• Release date: Jan 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215861097

Riona Kelly

An early fan of suspense romance novels, Riona Kelly began writing them as a teenager, but it was many years later before she published her first novel. A fan of Mary Stewart, Helen McInnes, Taylor Caldwell, Patricia Cornwell, Morgan Llewellyn, and Sharon K. Penman, she devoured their books and began building fantasies of her own. Her first novel, “Bitter Vintage” was published at the end of 2015, followed up with the first of a new series, An American Rose Abroad, in 2018. The first book in the series is "Echoes of the Past."   Born in El Paso, Texas, she now makes her home in south Reno, Nevada where she enjoys the beauty of the region and is close enough to California to visit those vineyards that provided the inspiration for her book. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys Celtic music and plays the guitar, dabbles with painting canvases, preferably combined in a wine party, and likes to watch films with romantic plots and good storylines. It helps if they have a handsome, sexy leading man and a lot of adventure. You can find out more about Riona and her books at https://rionakelly.online/ Also visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/rionakellywrites/ She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to visit or email [e-mail]

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Riona Kelly

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This edition is published by:

Pynhavyn Press

eBook Edition April 2022

http://www.pynhavynpress.com

Cat Whisperer

Copyright © 2022  Riona Kelly

All rights reserved.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. Quotations and short excerpts may be used for review; otherwise, no part of this work may be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means, without written permission from the publisher or the author.

Cover by: R.P. Averett

Dedication & Thanks

THIS NOVEL IS DEDICATED to everyone who loves animals, especially felines. As the proud parent of three cats, I feel I have a great rapport with them and the idea of communicating with an animal isn’t far-fetched. While the concept of this novel might stretch the imagination some, if three cheetahs are willing to sleep with a human at night (see sleeping with cheetahs) then anything is possible.

I have many people to thank for their help with this book. Loved the brainstorming session with Chelsea Harper that helped me with an amazing plot twist. Thanks also to my High Sierra Writers critique group for some great suggestions and corrections, so very much appreciated Matt Bayan, Troy Becker, Russell Jones, Beverly Englund, and Sue Trollip.

All the settings and people in this story are fictitious. You won’t find Colinas Verdes near Yreka, California, nor Sunset Canyon in the Klamath National Forest, except in the alternate reality I created for this story. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Chapter 1

JEANS TORN AND SPLOTCHED with deep red stains, Hunter emerged from the edge of the pine trees. His panther-like body kicked up dust and dead grass as he scrambled down the steep sides of a hill toward the dirt trail at the bottom. More blood oozed from the side of his mouth, enhancing his feral appearance. His knees folded as he slid part of the way, nearly losing traction before regaining his balance. Grimacing, he straightened at the bottom and staggered onto the path toward the county road. Behind him, the warm glow rising over the ridge gave color and definition to the forest as dawn broke, and the way ahead became clearer.

Hunter paused, bending over to catch his breath. His arms bore bloody scrapes that rivaled the deeper gash at his left thigh. He’d exited at a point farther from where he’d parked his truck the evening before than he’d planned. Exhaustion dragged his limbs, having exerted more energy during the hunt than usual.

Stupid idea, doing this on a work night, he conceded. But he owed it to Mommau. He’d promised.

Glancing to the west, he squinted at the last vestiges of the silvery ball as it dipped below the tree line. For hours, the Lady’s glow had illuminated the forest as well as a thousand lanterns could and provided her own magic to the hunt. He’d run wild with his brethren, having a successful adventure, but it had gotten a little rough. His eyes scanned the several rips in his jeans where either branches or claws had caught him. Straightening up, he started walking to the road with an uneven gait as his leg objected to the pressure on it.

As he approached the highway, Hunter angled east toward Interstate 5, where he’d left his truck about three miles from the Yreka exit. About another four miles away from his present location. Not usually a problem, but with his leg hurting, the walk would suck big time.  

Unbuttoning his shirt to allow the air to flow through as the day grew warmer, he ducked his head down and kept his eyes on the edge of the road to avoid the glare from the rising sun in the east. Late. He was running late. He should have kept better track of the time, but the blood lust chased logic from his brain. He hauled in a deep breath and tried to pick up his pace over his leg’s resistance. Nope, wasn’t gonna happen. He might have twisted his knee in that slide down the slope. Hurt like hell now.

Behind him, he heard the sound of an approaching engine. He stepped a little farther away from the road’s edge but held up a thumb just in case. Hunter didn’t even glance back, not expecting the driver to stop, but the approaching roar grew louder then changed pitch as it began to slow.

A hint of a smile touching his lips, he twisted to look back to see an older model Saturn slowing at the edge of the road. Stopping, he turned to face the driver.

A woman’s head poked out of the rolled-down window after she stopped. Hey, do you need help, man? I can call someone.

Didn’t sound like she wanted to be too helpful, Hunter decided. Need a lift to my truck. It’s up ahead about four miles.

He saw the indecision in her face. No doubt her mother had said don’t pick up strangers, and he was pretty strange. Then her brow wrinkled as she peered at him and leaned her head farther out. Hunter? Are you Hunter Collier?

Surprised, he nodded. Yeah, do I know—?

At that moment, her face clicked in his mind. A younger version of her in high school, two grades behind him. What was her name? Lena?

Well, I’ll be darn, she said and opened the car door, then paused as her eyes roamed down his chest to the cuts, tears, and blood on his jeans. What happened to you? You’re hurt.

He shrugged. Nothing serious. Just had a little accident coming down one of the hills. It looks worse than it is. You’re Diego’s sister, aren’t you? Still couldn’t place her name, but he remembered her pain-in-the-ass brother.

She nodded. I’m Coleta. Get in. I’ll drop you at your truck.

Nodding, he half-limped to the passenger side as Coleta slid back into her seat. Her dark eyes watched while he eased himself in and leaned against the cushion, pulling his long legs in with care.

You sure you’re okay? That looks like you bled quite a lot.

He watched her eyes rise to his face, lingering on the blood staining his lips on one side.

I can take you to the clinic if you like.

Nope. I’ll be okay. Just to my truck is good.

Mouth tightening slightly, she pulled the car back onto the road and picked up speed. What were you doing out in the hills?

Hiking. He wasn’t about to tell her his business. Why were people so curious anyway? None of them cared much about him in school and avoided him like the plague. Only ones to pay any attention were Diego and his damn gang.

So, this was his sister. She’d grown up pretty. Thick, dark hair fell like a veil to her shoulders, framing her oval face. Big eyes, made up like all the girls did. Yeah, she was really pretty... and out of his league. But it couldn’t hurt to look, could it?

In the early morning? she asked after he didn’t elaborate.

He shot a glance at her and shrugged. It’s cooler.

There is that, she agreed, tossing her hair back as she glanced at the side mirror. You work in the town?

Yep. At the butcher’s shop. You?

Uh-huh. I’ve got a summer job at the animal hospital.

He raised an eyebrow. You going to school then?

Coleta’s head turned toward him. At UC Davis. Studying veterinary medicine.

He appraised her differently. Smart girl, then, and ambitious as well as attractive. He didn’t expect that, not from Diego’s sister. Good for you. He shifted his eyes to the roadside and pointed up ahead. That’s my truck up there.

She nodded and slowed down as they approached. You parked all the way out here, hiked clear down to the arroyo, and planned to walk back?

Through a weak smile, he said, It wasn’t that bad if I hadn’t banged my leg up. I’m used to running long distances.

Marathon? she asked with a broad smile. One that set sparkles of light in her eyes.

Hunter gazed at them longer than he should. Maybe I’ll try one sometime.

He opened the door before the car came to a complete halt. Stepping out gingerly, he leaned back toward her for a moment. Thanks, Coleta. I appreciate the ride. He paused, thinking he should do more, then added, Drop in at the shop later, and I’ll give you a nice steak as thanks.

As he turned away, he heard her reply. Maybe I’ll do that, Hunter.

He tried to hide his limp as he made his way toward his truck. At least until after her car had passed him and moved well down the road. Stupidly, he didn’t want her to see him looking like a gimp. Not that it mattered much if she did. Still, she was pretty and seemed okay, not stuck up or wary of him, which was a big improvement.

For a few moments, he allowed himself to fantasize about her like he might date her or something, but his reputation had been tainted from the day he started school in this town. In spite of that, he wondered if she’d have coffee with him one day. Or if she would even come to the shop to get her reward. What the hell made him say that anyway?

By the time Hunter reached his truck, his leg ached as if it was badly twisted, but he knew he’d just used it too much. He’d get home and get cleaned up and wrap it, then it would be fine. Not the first time he’d pulled a muscle or gotten a nasty cut. He’d heal.

Pointing the truck back toward Wingate, he swung it across the highway and headed home.

As she drove on toward Yreka, Coleta’s thoughts drifted to the guy she’d just dropped off. Lord knows, he was a gorgeous guy. Always had been, even as a young teen. With those dark looks and those ohmigod-stunningly uncommon turquoise eyes, he seemed to be almost perfect.

Despite his looks, Hunter Collier hadn’t been popular in school but had almost unanimously been shunned by his peers. Sure, he came across a little strange, and people whispered about him being ‘tetched in the head, but he seemed all right to her. In fact, he seemed reasonably normal, even if he didn’t say a lot.

She recalled her brother didn’t like him; none of the gang did. While she didn’t know why, he’d often talked crudely about Hunter in terms his younger sister shouldn’t hear.

Coleta shook it off when a car cut in front of hers near the exit. She stepped hard on the brakes to avoid a rear-ender. How about a little warning, a-hole? she growled out. The jerk couldn’t pull in behind her where there was plenty of room? No, he had to cut in front.

She pulled off the road, went to the right at the stoplight, drove into the central part of town, then turned south to get to the Wingate Veterinary Clinic. She pulled into a parking space well away from the front entrance. Grabbing her purse and scrub top, she hurried inside.

About time, Leta, Dina called out. The receptionist perched at the counter, her fingers tapping the computer keys Over-sleep?

No. I stopped to help someone who needed a ride. I didn’t allow enough time for that. Coleta glanced at the wall clock. I’m not that late. Only a few minutes."

I’m teasing, Dina replied. But I was here at seven this morning. Doctor’s doing a spay on a Bassett.

Coleta frowned. Why didn’t she tell me? I could have come in earlier.

Dina shrugged. Ask her yourself.

As Coleta set her purse in her secure drawer and pulled on her scrubs, she answered. I will. I’m heading back now.

She walked through the back hall, paused to wash her hands, and pulled on a gown. Then she went into the operating room, where Dr. Janet Stone and Abby, an assistant vet, worked on the sprawled out, unconscious dog on the table.

I can help. Coleta volunteered.

Great. Hand me the forceps and monitor the vitals. She barely glanced at Coleta.

Over the past two summers, Coleta worked as an assistant at the clinic, pleased that Dr. Stone had agreed to mentor her while she was prepping for school and during the summer breaks. The practical experience of what she was learning proved invaluable, cementing her studies into actual practice.

After they finished up with the dog, Coleta cleaned up the room. The blood on the towels and wipes brought back the image of the blood on Hunter’s jeans and the scratches across his chest. He hadn’t even bothered to button up the shirt, giving Leta an eyeful of his muscular torso. She’d let her gaze linger on the view as long as she could without being too obvious. His body made hers ache in a way she hadn’t experienced in quite some time. Over the iron smell of the blood, she’d noticed an earthy scent, like musty pine mingled with sweat. Maybe it was from the woods, although most of the trees were oaks or redwoods. She’d found it inviting and pleasant.

What had he been doing out there? How did he get those cuts and scratches? He looked as if he’d been pursued by a pack of wolves or something, dust-covered and scraped up. She shrugged. What did it matter? He wouldn’t tell her; it was his business. But she was curious.

Chapter 2

HUNTER STEPPED FROM the shower and shot a quick glance through the bathroom door to the digital clock on the side table by his bed. He noticed the blinking light on the phone at the same time and wrapped a towel around his damp hips and waist as he padded out. He punched the play button and listened as a young male voice came from the speaker.

Please pick up, Hunter. Come on, bro. I need you. His younger brother sounded upset.

What now? Hunter closed his eyes a moment, then dropped to sit on the bed. He pulled out a roll of bandages from the side drawer and began wrapping the cut on his thigh, then applied an ace bandage to his twisted knee before he pulled on his clean jeans. Slipping a fresh light blue shirt over his head, he stood up, tucked it in, and headed out the door with the slight limp slowing his pace.

As he climbed into his truck, a tinkling chime sounded from the seat. Casting a glare at the cell phone, Hunter sighed and picked it up, glancing at the caller id. His brother, and evidently one of several attempts in the past twenty minutes as he noted the number of missed calls. What’s up, Kyle? he asked as he started the engine.

Mom and Dad. They’re fighting again. Kyle’s voice broke, edging on full-out panic.

Did they hurt you? Hunter flexed his jaw, tightening his lips, as he shifted the truck into reverse and backed out of his parking slot.

No... not much, anyway. Dad just slammed me into the wall when I tried to get between him and Mom.

Get in your room and stay there. I’m on the way. Hunter ended the call and pointed the truck toward the southern edge of town and his parents’ farm. Damn druggies. While they’d started with marijuana, they’d soon moved on to the stronger stuff. Who knew what crack they used now? Hell, they’d been fighting ever since he could remember. First, they’d get high and lovey-dovey, then they’d drink too much and start to get belligerent, and it‘d break out into an argument that often ended in a brawl.

He turned down the poorly graded road leading to the farm. All these years, all the money they’d made, and the road was still a mess. With a yank on the steering wheel, he took the corner and pulled to an abrupt stop in front of the ranch-style house. This, at least, had improved since he was a child.

Hopping out, he slammed the door behind him and half-ran, as much as his sore leg would allow, to the house. Before he even opened the door, he heard his mom screaming at Dad, telling him to put the damn poker down.

Hunter shoved the door open and stepped inside. What the fuck are you two on about now?

She didn’t pay the damn electric. Again. His dad’s voice roared loud enough for the neighbors to hear.

So, you’re going to kill her? Hunter growled. He came up behind his dad and reached around him to grab the arm with the poker that he brandished like a saber, waving it around in uneven figure eights.

I did pay it! his mom cried as she cowered back against the kitchen door, a heavy statue of Buddha in her hand ready to lob at his dad.

His father jerked away from him, still with a firm grip on the poker. Then why we getting another bill, woman? he spat, and he spun around to face Hunter, waving the poker at him while pointing to the bill on the table.

Pulling back sharply, Hunter just missed the poker hitting his face. He caught the fire hook on the backswing and yanked it out of his dad’s hand with his left hand as his right arm shot forward, and his palm shoved the older man away.

Sit down and let’s talk about this, Hunter ordered. You’re fuckin’ high and out of control. Both of you. He shot a hard glance at his mom. Damn, if something like this didn’t happen once every couple of weeks. If it weren’t for Kyle, he’d let them maim or murder each other. He’d grown up with this shit and couldn’t wait to get away from it, yet he still ended up in the middle.

His father scowled; his face flushed red as he tried to grab the poker back from Hunter. Tossing the iron rod onto the floor near the front door, Hunter grabbed a handful of his father’s shirt and pushed him toward the wall. I said sit.

Now taller and more muscled than Rafe Collier, Hunter had the upper hand, so his father grumbled some more as Hunter shoved him into the padded chair next to the fireplace. Hunter turned to his mother and pointed to the sofa. You sit there.

Next, he went to the table and picked up the electric bill, glanced at the details, and turned back to his parents, each of whom sat rigidly in their assigned seats, glaring at him and each other. For cryin’ out loud. You’re both too wasted to realize this is a new bill. It’s not due for another fourteen days. Mom, didn’t I tell you to set up an automatic payment on this?

She nodded. I tried, but I couldn’t figure it out, honey. His mother looked worn, dark circles under her blue eyes. Exasperated, he shook his head back and forth as he pressed his lips together in a tight line to refrain from saying what he wanted to say but shouldn’t.

His parents were both half brain-dead from a steady diet of whatever drug was hot, ever since he could remember. He could smell marijuana in the house even now. He was lucky he wasn’t addicted to the shit, and Kyle seemed to be steering clear of it as well. Maybe having a pair of maniacs for parents kept them away from the stuff.

Okay, Mom. It’s all right. I’ll come over after work tonight and set it up for you. I’ll do all your regular payments. Then, Dad... He paused to meet his father’s squinted eyes. Then you don’t have to worry about whether the bills are paid or not. All you have to do is make sure the money gets to the bank. Can you do that? Where are you selling your crop now? Can they make a direct deposit?

Rafe crossed his arms across his chest defensively and glared at Hunter. Sunny Days. They pay me by check on delivery, and I put it in the bank as soon as I get it. I’m not a fool, Hunter.

Then quit acting like one. Hunter’s face shifted as his eyes narrowed and lips tightened when he spoke to his dad. And don’t involve Kyle in your arguments. If you hurt him, I’ll see you prosecuted.

Rafe snorted. Don’t you threaten me, kid. You’re still my son and—

And what? Hunter shot back, tossing the bill in his father’s face. Hit me, beat me? I don’t think so. I’m not a kid anymore. If you lay a hand on Kyle like you did me, I will call the authorities. You don’t scare me anymore. You got it?

Glare meeting glare, the two stared at each other for several long moments until Hunter’s mother spoke, her matter-of-fact tone falling like a bucket of ice water over them. Well, that’s settled, isn’t it? Hunter will come tonight and help me with the bills. I’ll make dinner, and we’ll have a family night. Won’t that be nice?

Gritting his teeth, Hunter forced a smile and said, Sure, Mom. I’ll get Kyle and drop him off at the library. See you tonight. He turned to his dad. Maybe you should cut back on the drugs or stick with the one you grow, Dad. I think you’re losing all your brain cells.

It’s harmless, Rafe objected. Rainey and I are fine. Been doing it for almost three decades now, and we’re as sharp as we ever were.

Right. See you later. He knew his father used more than weed and did it too often. His mother hadn’t gone down the other drugs route, but she did like marijuana.

Hunter crossed to the hallway leading to the bedrooms and knocked on his brother’s door. Kyle, it’s Hunter. Come on. I’ll give you a lift to town.

With a slow creak, the door opened enough that Kyle’s green eyes could peer out. Seeing Hunter, he pulled it the rest of the way and motioned him in.

Is it safe? Kyle asked.

Yeah. They’ve settled down. Get your stuff, and let’s go.

With a nod, Kyle grabbed his backpack and followed Hunter out of the house, staying close as they passed their parents, who still sat in the living room, looking chagrined. Hunter never knew how they would react, but he’d been through enough of these battles with them to know when they’d come to their senses.

He’d noticed the finger-shaped red marks on Kyle’s arm where Rafe had grabbed him earlier. He wanted to do the same to his dad, but he controlled the urge. He wouldn’t be like his father, not in any way. 

Hunter dropped Kyle at the library, which was