He loved the feeling of the wind brushing over his face as he ran through the scrub. Loved the feeling of water splashing up on his paws and stomach as he loped through the creeks. He arrived at the top of a high cliff and stopped to look out over the beauty of the Cradle Mountains, pausing to breathe in the clean fresh mountain air. A low growl to his right reached his ears and he felt Conner head-butt his shoulder before he heard his voice in his head.
"What's up Dom? I can feel your anguish."
Most of the time Dominic was thankful for the link he shared with his Leap; being able to project thoughts to each other could be incredibly useful. The fact they could sense each other's emotions, wasn't always convenient. Especially when you were hurting and didn't want the world to know about it.
"My mate was really suffering yesterday. Fourth anniversary of her mother's death. Just like Dad told us, I felt her pain like it's my own. I just wish she'd come to me or give me some hint to where she is so I could go get her. It's driving me insane being able to feel her agony but not being able to do anything to comfort her."
"Four years already? Surely you'll meet her soon bro. How long until you go looking for her?"
"Soon, I can't wait much longer. After the fire season is finished I'll head over to the mainland and start searching. Come on, lets go for another run before it gets late and we have to head back."
Conner nipped the back of Dominic's hind leg before he leapt away to run off through the bush. With a playful growl Dominic took off after his brother--Conner was so going to pay for that cheap shot.
Dominic let Conner lead the way for a few minutes before he sped up and leapt onto his back, grabbing Conner's neck with his teeth, gently of course, he would never intentionally hurt his brother, and rolled to the ground with him. Dominic loved mucking around with his brother, they both gave in to their inner kittens and rolled around play fighting, growling and purring. It was a good ten minutes before Dominic, deciding the game was over, pinned Conner down.
"C'mon Conner, sun's setting. We better get moving. Thanks for the game bro."
After lightly butting against his brother's head, Dominic leapt up, releasing Conner before they leisurely prowled back to the car park. As they got near, they stopped to listen for any people close by. All was silent, but they still shifted back to human form before emerging from the trees. Better they get busted as naked men than as snow leopards if there was anybody around. They emerged from the tree line to discover they were indeed alone, so they quickly dressed, jumped in the car and headed home. Dominic felt a hell of a lot better after their day out and a quick glance at Conner confirmed that he too was looking more relaxed and at ease than he had before they went out.
~ * ~
Cole Jones was hot and frustrated and it sent his mood straight down the drain. Just like every other damn day down at the Strahan Docks, he loaded and unloaded boats all day. What made today particularly crappy was that summer had kicked in early, throwing a thirty degree day at him in November. Out on the docks under the sun, it felt about forty degrees and it put everyone on edge. So, on top of him being in a hellish mood, so was everyone else. Maybe he should have finished school, earned himself a fancy desk job in a climate controlled office. Damn, what he wouldn't give for an air conditioner right about now. He started to think, finding a way to cool down wasn't the only thing that would improve his terrible day. A good solid workout followed up with a hard fuck would definitely improve his mood alright. Those thoughts kept his mind occupied until finally it was the end of the workday. He didn't bother saying goodbye to anyone, that would take time and he just wanted to get home. Jumping in his ute, he started it up and headed home with a sinister grin and a glint of excitement in his eyes as he thought about what he would do when he arrived at his destination.
His house wasn't huge. The main living area was open plan, with the kitchen at one end and lounge at the other. Three bedrooms and a bathroom came off the main room--and of course, the downstairs basement had a small hallway and two rooms. The open plan suited his needs, it meant that by collaring the slave and chaining her on a fifteen meter length of chain she could do all he needed her to, but couldn't get out the front door and escape.
After parking his ute in the garage and making sure it was locked up--his OCD satisfied--he walked up the path and pushed through the front door. As he entered, he saw the brat silently slide into her room. Good. He didn't want to deal with her tonight. He wanted the slave. He rolled his shoulder anticipating his workout, hearing her screams... He continued his way through the house until he found what he was looking for. She was in the kitchen trembling by the oven. He stalked over to her until he stood over her much smaller body, relishing the fear soaked wide eyed expression she looked up at him with. She was right to fear him in this moment. He was in one hell of a ferocious mood tonight. He watched her closely so he didn't miss her shudder as he cracked his knuckles.