Changing His Stripes

Dedication

To Karen.

Thank you for believing.

Chapter 1

A lion, a tiger, and a panther were in jail.

Sadly, that wasn’t the beginning of a joke. No, it was a Saturday night out with the girls. A Saturday night that had veered slightly out of hand. Okay, quite a lot out of hand. Katie knew this because there had been four police cars, an ambulance, and a fire engine. It was the first time she’d had a night out that involved all three emergency services at once. Her previous record was two.

Katie leaned her head against the cold, hard bars. This was so not how she’d pictured the night ending. They’d been tossed into a holding cell at the police station to calm down. Dressed in her clubbing clothes, the cell was a little chilly, and it contained nothing except a hard bench and her two cellmates. Not exactly comfortable. Her lioness grumbled in her mind, really not thrilled with being in a cage. The sound of a harmonica floated through the air, the music bluesy and oddly appropriate. Frowning, she turned to look at the source.

Where did you get that? she asked.

Amara stopped playing and blinked at her. Took it off one of the policemen who put us in here.

Did he know you took it?

Amara shrugged. No idea. He should have been paying more attention.

Katie snorted.

Well, tonight was fun, Sasha said, yawning. Until this bit.

Yeah, I think the police overreacted a bit, Amara said. It’s not like anyone actually got hurt. Much. She shrugged.

Well, there was that one guy, Katie reminded her. But he had it coming. And I’m pretty sure he’ll recover eventually.

Probably, Sasha agreed. And the nose-breaking was totally an accident. It could have happened to anyone. She shrugged. The woman really should have watched where she was going.

Right? Amara said. It’s not my fault she hit my elbow with her face. And I did snap her nose back into place for her.

"And we didn’t start the fire," Katie pointed out.

Technically, I think we did, Sasha said. By accident, of course, but I’m pretty sure you bumped the guy trying to light his cigarette with a match. And then he dropped it into the large pool of vodka Amara had made someone spill earlier. Then the bar caught on fire.

Yeah, okay, Katie conceded. But it’s not like anyone could have seen that coming.

Of course not. Amara shook her head. It was all just a bit unlucky.

Plus, it’s not like we started the bar fight, Sasha added. Mr Grabby Hands did when he tried to grope Amara. She was just defending herself.

And then his friends just had to get involved. Katie rolled her eyes. So, of course, we had to help out.

Naturally. Sasha nodded.

They lapsed back into silence. Katie thunked her head against the bars. So bored now.

How long do you think they’re gonna leave us in here? Sasha asked.

Until we calm down, Amara said, mimicking the voice of the large policeman who’d slammed the door closed on them.

I’m calm, Sasha said with a shrug.

They looked at each other and then at the cell door.

Hey! Grumpy policeman! Amara called. We’re calm now.

Nothing.

Oi! Sasha yelled. We’re ready to leave now.

Still nothing.

Helloooo? Katie shouted. We’re all calm and ready to go home.

The harassed-looking policeman stuck his head around the corner to glare at them. Quiet. You’re not going anywhere yet.

But we’re calm, Amara protested. See? She gestured at herself, Sasha, and Katie.

Hmm. The man seemed unimpressed. We’re also deciding whether or not to charge you. A pub was burned to the ground, and people got hurt. He scowled at them. And we had to rescue one man from a tree.

Sasha snickered, earning her another glare.

We’ve called your families to come and get you, the policeman continued. By the time they get here, we should have decided what to do with you.

Our families? Amara asked.

Yeah, a Darren Young… he said, looking down at the paperwork in his hand. Sasha groaned. And a Sebastian Moretto, he added. Amara sighed.

Katie stared at him. What about me?

We haven’t been able to find anyone yet.

Her mouth dropped open. You haven’t found anyone yet? she repeated. "Are you kidding me? I have five brothers. Parents. More cousins than I know what to do with. How can you not find any of them?"

The policeman shrugged, unconcerned. They’re all busy.

With that, he was gone.

Oh man, Darren is never going to let me hear the end of this. Sasha moved her head back to thud gently on the wall. The words ‘I told you so’ will feature heavily.

Amara looked at her. He said you’d end up in jail?

Actually, yeah. Sasha shrugged. Just tonight. He asked where I was going, and I said I was going out with you two. She tilted her head. You know, I’ve never seen him turn quite so pale before. He asked me not to come. Then he tried to forbid it.

Amara snorted.

Yeah, that’s what I said, Sasha said, grinning. Then he said something about the three of us being the destroyers of worlds and how we’d end up in jail.

Huh. Amara looked around. Well, he got you on the last bit.

I guess. Sasha tilted her head. "Although, technically, this isn’t jail exactly. It’s just a holding cell at the police station. It’s not like we’re in the Big House. So, technically, Darren was wrong."

As a McKenzie, Katie heartily approved of technicalities.

I’m surprised he didn’t try to stop you, Amara said. My brothers would have tried to stop me… if I’d told them. They’ve never succeeded yet, but it’s cute how they try.

Sasha chuckled. He did try. Really hard. Her grin turned evil. I have two words. Dart. Gun. She sobered. Damn. He’s going to be really pissed when he gets here.

Sebastian won’t be pissed, Amara said, her lips compressed. He’ll be annoyed. Irked. A little irritated. He doesn’t care enough to be pissed. She grimaced. I’m surprised he’s coming. I thought one of the others would come instead. It’s usually one of the others.

Usually? Sasha asked, her eyebrows shooting up. How often does this happen to you?

Katie listened to them talk, her mind spinning. At least they had family coming for them. What about her? Her parents were away on a cruise for their anniversary, so that explained them. Where were the rest of her insanely large family?

Hey, Katie, Amara called. You okay?

She shrugged. No one is coming for me.

I’m sure they are, Sasha said. In the meantime, you have us.

She nodded, looking at her two friends. They hadn’t known each other long, but the connection had been immediate. Sasha and Amara had played as children, but hadn’t seen each other in years. Katie and Amara had bonded over a spot of random violence in Darren’s pub when they’d physically removed a barmaid who’d been tormenting Darren’s mate, Kara. Sasha had joined them at their table later, and bam. Instant friends-for-life. It was frightening how well they got along. Or so Katie’s brother, Felix, had said. She looked around at the cell. Maybe he had a point. Every group needed a sensible friend to keep them out of trouble. Apparently, they were lacking one. She frowned. Did she even know any sensible people?

Amara giggled.

Katie and Sasha shared a look and then turned to Amara.

I was just thinking, Amara said. Can you imagine if shifters could get drunk? I wonder how the night would have turned out then?

Probably with a lot more sirens.

***

Sebastian was about to scream. Not a manly roaring either. An actual scream. It was a Saturday night, and his siblings were all off somewhere having fun. Meanwhile, he was stuck here in an uncomfortable suit, sipping at champagne he detested, and listening to Mrs Worthington prattling on about her daughter’s recent nose job. Having met the daughter, he knew the cosmetic surgery wouldn’t fix the main problem which was the daughter’s vapid personality.

So, Mr Moretto, the woman simpered. Are you still unattached?

He resisted the urge to loosen his collar, telling himself the noose he felt was imaginary.

I have no time for any attachments, Mrs Worthington, he said, striving to remain polite. The business takes up much of my time. He glanced across the room to where his current date was dancing with someone else. It didn’t bother him. They had arrived together for the sake of appearance and had no real interest in each other.

Oh, of course, she agreed. Of course it does. However, it is also important to continue the family line, don’t you think? To ensure success in the future. After all, you need to have someone to leave the business to someday.

I’m sure I still have plenty of time, he assured her. With two brothers and two sisters, I’m sure the family name is safe.

Mrs Worthington pursed her lips at mention of his family. "Yes, well. I think it would be best if you continue the family line."

Perhaps someday, Mrs Worthington, he appeased her. If you’ll excuse me, I really need to speak with Mr Pendrick.

He left her there, planning to speak quickly with Mr Pendrick and then escape out to the balcony for some fresh air. His inner tiger rumbled its approval, desperate to get outside.

Ah, there you are. His father’s voice pulled him up short. I was just explaining to Mr Pendrick about your latest idea.

He nodded politely at Mr Pendrick, listening as his father explained, and occasionally adding his own opinion. His tiger grumbled at him, bored with this party. Sebastian sympathised, but he had to remain and do his duty.

By the time he managed to get away, Mrs Fairfax had hunted him down, determined to speak to him about her daughter. Did everyone here have a daughter they wanted to marry off? It seemed that his social life consisted of talking business and fending off marriage proposals.

Sebastian. His mother approached him, nodding at Mrs Fairfax. I’m afraid I must borrow my son for a moment, Hilda.

He nodded politely and allowed himself to be drawn away.

Under no circumstances should you allow that woman to set you up with her daughter, his mother said, brows drawn down.

I wasn’t planning on it.

Good. His mother stopped walking and reached up to straighten his perfectly straight lapels, brushing off imaginary fluff. "Her daughter wouldn’t be at all suitable. She’s human."

Ah, of course. He should have known that would be his mother’s objection.

Now, I know you must be thinking about finding a suitable mate and producing heirs, she began. Actually, he hadn’t been thinking anything of the sort, but he knew better than to contradict her. But I don’t want you to worry about any of that. He hadn’t been worried at all. Your father and I will take care of that for you.

Mother—

You know it’s for the best, she said, patting his arm. "We know of several families with fine pedigrees. Good tiger families. We’ll find you a mate soon."

With that, she left him to mingle with the other guests.

His tiger snorted inside his mind, unimpressed with the talk of mates. Sebastian felt a little pang. He’d always known it would happen this way. Since he was a child, he’d been aware that his parents would find a mate for him, an appropriate mate. He’d known he wouldn’t be mating out of love, or because he’d found his true mate. He’d known it, but a little part of him still mourned what he couldn’t have. Still, there was little point worrying about it when he couldn’t change anything. Besides, maybe he’d get really lucky and his parents would pick his true mate. A well-behaved tigress with impeccable manners and a good family… who just happened to be his true mate. He tried to squish that hope, knowing it was highly unlikely.

Mr Moretto. A young woman stood in front of him, her breasts practically bursting out of her dress. She smiled coyly at him, and he sighed inside, careful to keep his expression bland.

Yes?

I’m Lucinda Astor, she said, fluttering her eyelashes. I was wondering if you’d like to get some fresh air. With me.

He stared at her. There went his plans to escape to the balcony. There was no way on earth he was going out there with this woman. This girl. Was she even legal age? Oh, Sebastian wasn’t an innocent, he’d sown his wild oats. Carefully, responsibly, and discreetly, of course. The one rule he never broke was to avoid the women who ran in the same circles as him. His mother had always been insistent, and he had to admit she’d been right. If he were caught with one of these women, there could be scandal, and the Morettos didn’t like scandals at all. If the girl made a fuss, he could find himself engaged to her to head off any damaging rumours. That wasn’t happening.

No, thank you, he said, keeping his tone polite.

Inside his pocket, his phone buzzed. Normally he’d ignore it, but at the moment he was grateful for the excuse.

He pulled his phone out his pocket and checked it, finding an unknown number. Murmuring his apologies, he answered it.

"My sister is what?"

Chapter 2

Katie leaned on the bars, ready for this night to be over. She squinted up at the clock on the wall. Okay, she was ready for this morning to be over.

I’m hungry, Amara whined. Shouldn’t they be here by now?

Sasha shrugged. Darren will need to drive into the city from Bearbank. Where’s your brother?

Off doing something boring most likely.

Katie sighed. The police still hadn’t managed to track down a member of her family. How hard could it be? There were enough McKenzies and associated family to create several sports teams. Not that the McKenzies should ever be allowed to play sports. They got a little competitive and then things went wrong. Very, very wrong. People still talked about the Great McKenzie Frisbee Toss of 2012. Also known as The Saturday of Terror. They’d filled Bearbank’s medical clinic that day. As well as the police station. Several members of the family had been given a lifetime ban from congregating in public places. All from someone’s bright suggestion to toss a frisbee around. It was best not to remember their one and only attempt to play hockey.

The sound of a door opening had Katie lifting her head. Inside her mind, her lioness sat up, paying attention. A small breeze carried a scent into the cell and her lioness purred, preening herself. The scent was delicious, perfect, masculine, and hers.

Mate.

Her mate was here. Visiting her in jail. Dammit. This was not going to be the best first impression she’d ever made. Sadly, it wasn’t the worst one either, but that was a whole other story.

She heard Amara sigh.

Katie stared as the man walked toward the cell. Her mate was tall, muscular, with short dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Eyes that snapped to hers, surprise making him falter for just a moment. He was handsome, but his face was cold as he looked her up and down before turning to Amara.

Come. That was all he said.

Not a dog, Amara called out.

Do you want to stay here? he asked, eyebrow raised. Amara glared at him.

Katie had to work to close her gaping jaw. Her longed-for mate was here, standing in front of her, and he had dismissed her. She tried to pull down her dress a little, aware of how short it was, but that just made it lower at her chest.

Amara. His voice was impatient.

"Sebastian." Amara practically hissed at him.

Amara, I don’t have time for this. Sebastian frowned. I was at an important function. Do you have any idea how embarrassing it would be if anyone knew I’d left early to collect my sister from jail?

Holding cell, Sasha murmured.

"Do you know how embarrassing it is to have a really