Page 81 of Facade

As much as she would have preferred to stay longer, Clarke and Jace left shortly after dinner. They had been away from the dorms for most of the day, and wanted to check in on the students. Heath hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, and walked them to Jace’s truck.

She consoled herself with the fact that she would see both of them the next day. Russell would be present for the strategy meeting, but Clarke would still be able to spend time with her mates.

It was a quiet drive, but the silence was peaceful. They held hands the entire way.

“Are we on for our morning run?” Clarke asked as Jace parked behind the powered dorm.

“Always. I love you,” Jace said.

“Love you, too. Have a good night.”

After making her rounds, Clarke changed into pajamas, and texted Hannah the latest developments. Then she put a load of laundry in the washer, and relaxed in front of the TV before going to bed.

At sunrise, Clarke and Jace met for their run. The air was cool and crisp. It was a gorgeous autumn day, improving Clarke’s already excellent mood.

Running together was peaceful. There was no need to talk. It was just them, nature, and the rhythmic sound of their breathing and footfalls.

Clarke wondered if Heath would join them over winter break. Or they could run with him in the evenings through the nature preserve.

Of course, they all might need to change their routines when she bonded her third mate. Clarke had no idea what his habits were, or how easy it would be to integrate him into their lives. There was no point in fretting over it, though.

Clarke had been trying very hard not to speculate on her mystery mate, or have expectations. She had a lot in common with both Heath and Jace. It should be the same with the third. She would meet him when she did, and get to know him then.

Lost in her thoughts, Clarke barely realized they’d finished their fifth mile when Jace handed her a water bottle. Everything with him was so natural. They just fit together.

It was starting to feel that way with Heath, too. If they could rescue her dad, and be together in public, life would be perfect. She wanted to be open about their relationship, and feel free to hold their hands regardless of who might be around.

“Thanks,” Clarke said before tipping the bottle to her lips, and swigging half of it.

“I’ll pick you up at ten,” Jace said as they did their cool-down stretches.

“That’s perfect. I’ll be outside.”

Back in her apartment, Clarke showered, dressed, and ate breakfast. She decided to head downstairs, and visit the cats. Several cages were stacked neatly in the alcove near the stairs, meaning some of the students must have beaten her down there, and had been kind enough to lug some of the cages up.

That was good on all fronts. Becoming socialized and comfortable with humans would benefit the cats. The young ones might become adoptable, and find loving homes.

Students far from home, particularly those who had experienced a shocking transition when their powers manifested, could develop healthy emotional connections to animals without having to travel to the barns north of town. Caring for animals was proven to improve mental health, and increase emotional security.

Clarke was even more grateful now to have Heath’s house as a refuge on the weekends. With students visiting the cats, she and Jace couldn’t count on having continued privacy in the basement. It would still be a convenient meeting spot for short conversations, but they would have to stay alert.

When she entered the boiler room, Clarke saw that the remaining cages had been moved against the walls. The floor was littered with debris, but that could be easily solved. Evidence that at least a dozen mice had met their end contributed to the mess.

“Oh, aren’t you guys the best hunters? I’ll have to get a garbage bin, and bring a broom and dustpan down here. Were the mice yummy? Some of you are picky, though. You don’t like eating tails?”

A couple of meows greeted her, the cats appearing to soak up the praise. Several were lounging on the shelter under the powered dorm, seeming to have made themselves at home.

Mouse tails were scattered randomly across the concrete floor, as well as what looked like a few ears, with no other parts of the rodents in sight. Checking the closest tractor tire, Clarke saw that the cats had figured out where to do their business, and seemed happy with the arrangement.

“I’m going to check on your friends, ok? Keep up the good work, and eat as many mice as you want,” she said before walking into the tunnel.

The habitats, ramps, and hammocks were all full of cats. Each shelter was four-feet wide with six levels, having platforms and cubbies. Ledges and ramps branched off from each for easy access.

Clarke wondered if they should add one more with additional hammocks. Heath had guessed that there were about thirty cats in the colony. The total, including the two litters of kittens, was forty-six.

They all seemed happy, greeting her with meows and chirps as she came through to see how they were adjusting. Clarke took pictures of the ones who were scratching. Heath had put flea treatments on the cats he saw frequently, but some of them must have been avoiding him.

The catnip would help with the flea situation, but having all of them treated would be best. Those cats were probably the ones that needed a visit to the vet for shots and surgeries.