Page 79 of Facade

“I can picture it in my head,” Clarke said, smiling. “That was hilarious. We should probably start moving the cats, though. What’s the plan?”

“I brought cages that we’ll put down where Heath usually feeds them,” Nadine replied. “Since the cats recognize his scent, and are comfortable with him, Heath will call to them while the rest of us stay back. I’ll put a barrier up, so the cats can’t run if they get startled.”

“If the cats are leery, I’ll cast a lure to get them in the cages,” Heath said.

“I can use my power to close and lock the cage doors,” Clarke offered.

“Good idea,” Nadine said. “That should be less upsetting to the cats, who might try to run from strange people. The rest is simple. Once the cats are in the basement, we’ll open the cage doors and let them leave when they’re ready.”

“I have bags of dry food in the closets of the powered dorm,” Clarke said. “I’ll put food and water out, but think we should leave immediately afterward, so the cats feel free to explore the space. We can go down to get the cages tomorrow.”

“Sounds good,” Heath said. “I do want to check out the habitats and self-composting litter boxes. They sound awesome.”

“They are really nice, better than I expected,” Jace said. “The students did a great job. These cats will be working hard to control the rodent population, but they’ll be living in comparative luxury, and much better off in their new environment.”

They took two vehicles, parking a distance from the clearing where Heath put out food and water for the cats. Heath directed them to place the cages in a wide semicircle with enough space for a person to move between each of them.

Unsure if the cats could smell his wolverine when he was in human form, Jace hung back while the rest of them put catnip and bowls of food in the cages. Heath waited for Clarke, Nadine, Roger, and Brady to join Jace downwind before calling the cats.

Less than a minute later, the first cat stepped into view, followed by three more. And they kept coming, lured by the enticing aromas. There had to be close to forty cats in a broad range of colors and sizes.

Jace was relieved that there probably were enough felines to control the rodent population in the basement. And they would be out of the elements, in a safe place. It was a win-win.

The cats were smart enough to be leery of the cages, despite wanting the treats. Nadine ended up erecting a shield to keep them from hiding. Heath cast some kind of calming spell that enabled them to get the cats in the cages without injuries to anyone.

Most of them were loaded into the back of Jace’s truck, with the rest in Roger’s SUV. With the spells now retracted, the cats hissed and yowled their displeasure. Fortunately, it would be a short drive.

“Shh, hush now,” Clarke said soothingly as Jace and Brady secured the cages with tiedowns. “I know this is scary, and you feel betrayed. But you’ll be kitty kings and queens with a cat palace just for you, and all the mice you could ever want to eat.”

Some of the cats did seem to calm a little, while the rest were still agitated. Most cats were routine-oriented, and found change unsettling. But they also loved exploring, and anything that stimulated their senses. Jace was confident they would adjust quickly.

Since smelling shifters could cause the cats more anxiety, they parked behind the powered dorm. Some of the students volunteered to help when they saw Jace, Clarke, Heath, Nadine, and her husbands carrying cages toward the stairs. That made it a quicker process.

Curiosity overrode panic in most of the cats when they set the cages on the floor near one of the habitats. Clarke poured food into the bowls, and used spigots to fill the water basins.

“These ramps and hammocks are great,” Brady said.

“Yeah. I like that the feeding stations are raised, and at the end of each habitat,” Nadine said. “That should prevent the mice from getting into the bowls.”

“And the kittens will be safe,” Heath said. “I thought I had all the cats either neutered or spayed, but clearly I was wrong. That, or we have some new additions. With this many cats, it’s hard to tell.”

Clarke and Jace opened the sliding doors that led to the tunnels, so the cats could move freely. They gave Heath, Nadine, Roger, and Brady a tour so they could see all the shelters.

“These tractor-tire litter boxes are even better than I expected,” Heath said. “They’re functional, artistic, and a good size.”

“Yeah, I still don’t know which powered student donated them, but I’m so grateful,” Clarke said. “He did an amazing job.”

“You were so right when you said these cats will be living like kings and queens,” Nadine said. “Let me know when you start running low on cat food. The guys and I will pitch in.”

“Yeah, same here,” Heath offered.

“I was happy to do it, but I won’t turn you down,” Clarke said.

Three of the powered students who were helping them talked to the cats, promising to visit and play with them. One already named two of the felines. Jace had no doubt that some of those kittens would be adopted soon.

Clarke

It was shaping up to be a wonderful day. Snuggling with Jace had been amazing. It was right, and where she belonged.