Page 19 of His Human Rebel

A grin widens across his harsh face. “I will.”

And then Rake gives me a grand tour of the rest of the ranch. Pyrotaurs are their four-legged cattle with the tall horns and tan hide that they raise and then sell as premium meat. And their riding beasts are fantastical creatures with twisty black horns and fire-breathing capabilities.

“The animals from this planet look similar to the native animals on New Earth but are entirely different. There are many similarities between the way you raise cattle here and as we do on New Earth. I know this because even though I didn’t work in ranching back home, but I was near enough to it and taught many of their children, so it was something that was always talked about around me. I would see the cattle in the surrounding pastures all the time.”

I help out feeding and brushing the riding beasts and Rake spends time answering my flurry of questions while he goes about his business. Time flies while we’re there and then I realize an hour or two must’ve gone by.

And that is the exact moment I realize this man has kittens.

Kittens?

On Tarvos?

“What is this?” I exclaim, having a mini freak out when I see two small kittens napping in a large cage. They are being kept nicely, with clean food and water and a pad for going potty as well as their own small bed. But still, they are out here all alone without company.

The two fluffy babies look up at me and let out tiny mews.

“How did you end up with kittens? Why are they in the barn and not the house?”

“Oh yes.” Rake shakes his head as if this is something he’d entirely forgotten about. “Burl’s bound brought these two here for me yesterday. I didn’t request these tiny beasts, but she seems to think that we all need some. She had extra so she said I should give it a try. They are new.”

“They spent the night in the barn?”

“All the animals sleep in the barn. This cage keeps them safe from predators.”

“But cats are pets. Is it okay if we take this cage into our house? I am here now too, so I could watch them and keep them safe from predators.”

His brow furrows.

“I love cats,” I tell him. “I had a cat when I was younger, but it passed away. Then I went to university and then off to work in other towns. I wasn’t in a position to have a cat again, but I’d love to help you take care of these two.”

“Having these animals in the house with us sounds nonsensical, but you are the expert in their upkeep, so I agree to this.” He lifts the crate carefully, with the kittens inside and walks over and places it in the back of the utility cart. I monitor the kittens as he drives us back.

We get inside the garage and Rake carries the heavy crate again, very carefully and level with both kittens in it mewing, looking around and terrified.

“Don’t worry babies.”

I tell him I want it upstairs, in our room, and he looks at me like I'm crazy. “Our room,” I insist.

“Our room.” He grins and carries it upstairs.

I point to an empty corner of the bedroom that’s perfect for the crate.

He sets it down.

Then I sigh with relief, knowing they are both safe and sound. Then I look at the bed with longing as a wave of exhaustion hits me hard.

“You look tired.”

“I am,” I yawn. “I need a nap. I’ve been getting much more tired lately and taking a lot of naps.”

“Are you ill?”

“No, I just need more sleep than normal because I’m growing a baby inside of me. I also have morning sickness.”

“Morning sickness?”

“I take naps every day and I also throw up every morning, as a result of this pregnancy.” I smile at him, “This is what you’re getting yourself into if you decide to make me your wife. Don't forget we don't have to do this yet. There's a month for you to decide if you want to keep me too. You’ve already learned that I talk a lot. And I’m always told that need to lower my voice because I talk too loud.” I point at the kittens. “You might hate having a cat lady as your mate. Or someone who sleeps every afternoon and throws up every morning. Now's your chance. I could always go back to New Earth and move in with my mom. Easy. You could be rid of me and you could find somebody new.”