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  “Normally the disease is spread through bodily fluids, blood, or sexual contact.”

  Maxwell bit his bottom lip as a flood of implications surged through his mind. He

  wondered how the elder feline would react. “Has your daughter been in any fights

  with a domesticated cat?”

  Tryphaenea shook her mane at him and then looked at her daughter. Not that I am

  aware of. She has had no scratches or wounds; no bloodletting at all.

  I have never seen Cleo fight anyone, cat or human. Zula added. She hated seeing

  the Matriarch and her daughter in any discomfort and this line of questioning was

  leading somewhere. She wished Maxwell would get to the point.

  Maxwell shifted nervously in his chair. He tapped his foot on the floor for a few

  seconds and drummed his fingers on his leg.

  What is it? Tryphaenea asked. There is something you aren't telling me.

  “Yes, there is a delicate question I need answered. I apologize ahead of time.”

  Maxwell lifted his mug of now luke warm coffee and took a long swig into his mouth

  and swallowed. He purposefully set the mug now and shifted to look directly at

  Tryphaenea and Cleopatra. “Is it possible for a Miu to become involved...mated with a

  domestic cat? Or a human?”

  It finally hit Zula that Maxwell was speaking about intimacy...sex, plain and simple. Yes Maxwell. Zula answered telepathically before the matriarch could even

  respond. A Miu can indeed mate with a domestic cat although there have been no

  living offspring yet because of it. We think the genetics are just different enough not to

  cause pregnancy. And...yes...if a Miu shifts into human form there have been known

  “dalliances” from time to time. That is what you are referring too? Sexual contact

  and exchange of fluids that way?

  For the first time in many years, Maxwell blushed with embarrassment. “It is

  exactly what I was referring to. I'm sorry Tryphaenea...Cleopatra. But I need an

  honest answer to help. Has Cleo shifted in the last year or had relations with a

  domestic feline or possibly a human?”

  Tryphaea's tail was twitching side to side and her ears perked up as she turned to

  glare at her daughter. You know all this he has mentioned is forbidden! Some of our

  kin do not heed to this but I thought you would! Answer the doctor now! What have

  you done?

  Cleopatra mewed pitifully and drew herself back up into a ball. It's not fair! She

  cried. I love him!

  Both older feline's eyes opened wide at this statement. Zula remained quiet but

  watched the matriarch for a response. Maxwell decided it was best to keep quiet for

  the moment. At least until the truth was fully revealed.

  You are in love with whom? A modern day male cat or for goddess sakes....not a

  human man! The matriarch's thoughts were broadcasting loud and clear for all to hear. She was as angry as she had ever been with anyone, let alone her own blood.

  Why can we shift then Mother? Why do we have this ability if not to use it,

  especially now in modern society. Cleopatra's thoughts were panicked and shrill.

  It is a human man! Tryphaenea was vibrating with fear and anger. For this very

  reason! We were given this gift to correspond and contact humans on their level when

  necessary for our survival. Not to be used for such...such lewd purposes or base

  pleasures! You are dying for this love! Is it worth it?

  “I doubt she even knew the man was sick Tryphaenea. Perhaps he doesn't even

  know it yet.” Maxwells words were a failing attempt to comfort the old Persian.

  There is no excuse! She knew the rules! We all know the rules! Tryphaenea turned

  away from Cleo and bared her teeth at Maxwell.

  At times rules are meant to be broken. In this case there are sad consequences.

  Zula thought quietly. Maxwell, why does it matter if this disease was transmitted by

  animal or human?

  Stop this! Cleo's mind was awash in fury and embarrassment. Mother I am sorry

  but I met someone outside of our own kind that treats me as if I am important. I am

  not a pariah because I can't live up to my mother's legacy.

  Tryphaenea bristled. You blame me for this? You blame me for getting sick?

  Maxwell had heard enough. He knew if this went on much longer he would never

  get them all back on track to getting the virus under control. After standing up to his

  full height, Maxwell raised his voice in hopes to capture everyone’s attention. “We have to all get back to the issues at stake. The problem right now is not about your

  bloody rules! The problem is we have a virus that although similar in humans and cats

  has to be treated much different due to the genetics. If this virus was caught while in

  human form there is a strong chance human drugs may work to slow its progression.

  If it was spread via a domesticated animal then another protocol must be followed. Do

  you understand what I'm saying here?”

  All three felines were stunned into silence but nodded in understanding. “I need to

  develop a course of drugs that will react well to the human side of the virus without

  affecting the feline side of Cleopatra. If it works we will know it can be applied in

  other cases...if there are any others that are ill. Cleo when is the last time you saw this

  man? He must be informed about your illness and that he needs to get medical

  attention himself.”

  Slowly, Cleopatra sat up and looked at her mother and then at Maxwell. It has

  been a number of weeks. He knows only that the human “me” he sees is not feeling

  well. I didn't know what was wrong. I'm not sure how to contact him...not looking like

  this and any shift could kill me in my weakened state.

  “You need to give me his name and particulars. I will contact him as a doctor and

  break the news.”

  But you are an animal doctor. Zula said.

  “He doesn't need to know that. But, I am warning you Cleopatra that he may not

  want to see you again after this.” The sound of Cleopatra's heartbreaking wail filled the exam room. Tryphaenea

  dropped her tail and rushed to comfort her daughter. Zula walked away from the pair

  to allow them a moment of privacy. Maxwell.

  The veterinarian turned and looked down at the lovely ginger coloured feline.

  Zula's amber eyes pleaded with him. Can you cure Cleopatra?

  Maxwell shook his head and lowered his eyes in sadness. “There is no cure for

  either HIV nor FIV. The best I can do is prolong her life and give her some semblance

  of health. She may live a very long time but she will never be able to have children

  because they too will be exposed to the virus.”

  The modern age is cursed with this virus. How did it come to pass? she asked.

  “It's a long story. The short version is many years ago humans lived very decadent

  lifestyles and took no precautions. They dared to live on the edge in many respects

  and as a result this virus spread very quickly. Modern medicine and education have

  helped a great deal in prolonging lives but as of today there still is no cure.”

  Our own society has dwindled due to lack of restraint. The old world and the new

  just are not fated to mingle. Zula sighed.

  Maxwell could think of nothing of comfort to say. He could tell by the sadness in

  Zula's eyes that there were many commonalities between his world and that of Miu.

  He hoped at some p
oint they could discuss and learn from each other. Right now he

  had to do as promised.

  “Tryphaenea,” he said gently. “Take Cleo home while I work out the details of the medication. She must stay hydrated and fed. If she refuses you can bring her back

  here and I will place another catheter.”

  Yes, I shall do that. Zula can stay so you can inform her more about needs to be

  done. There will be others that will benefit I'm sure.

  Maxwell gave a quick acknowledging nod of the head and glanced over at the

  Zula. She sat in silent thought.

  I will certainly stay and learn all I can Matriarch. Send Scotty for me if you need

  anything. Zula broadcasted her thoughts only to Tryphaenea. As she was to take over

  the reigns of power she needed too focus on the practical and the feelings she was starting to have for Maxwell were not practical.

  Eight

  Cleopatra and Tryphaenea had only been gone a short time when Zula made the

  sudden decision to shift. I'm sure Maxwell would be much more comfortable talking

  with me as a human and once this is over I won't have too shift again. She quietly

  took herself outside while Maxwell was distracted with medical data and hide in the

  far corner of his property under some trees.

  The process was longer this time and not without pain. It seemed each time she

  shifted it took her feline body longer too adjust to the human form. Now I know why

  we don't do this more than necessary lest we change for good. Zula thought. After a a

  few agonizing minutes she lay on her side, panting and naked under the mid afternoon

  sun. A cool breeze washed over her causing gooseflesh to appear on her arms. The

  long locks of auburn hair seemed on fire in the sunlight. “Damn it!” she cried out.

  After glancing down at her nakedness, Zula realized she had forgotten clothing.

  Zula forced her aching body to sat up as she looked around the yard. When she was

  assured that no one was watching, she quickly and quietly made her way to the back

  door of Maxwell's barn turned office. After knocking sharply at the window, Zula

  tried unsuccessfully to cover herself with her hands and arms.

  Maxwell turned from his computer and stared at the open window. “What the

  hell?” he mouthed.

  Zula's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she stood waiting for Maxwell to

  come back to his senses and open the door for her. “It's not every day a man looks up to see a beautiful, naked woman at his window.

  What are you doing out there like that?” Maxwell asked, as a bemused expression

  took over his face.

  “Do you have something I can wear?” Zula asked. She was breathless from the

  shift and the embarrassment of being exposed.

  Still stunned, Maxwell tore his eyes off of her lush, naked body and grabbed his

  doctor's jacket from a hook on the wall. Zula wrapped it around herself and sat, cross

  legged on an empty chair. “I..uh..let me run over to the house to find you something.

  I'll be right back,” he spat.

  Zula had to laugh in spite of her situation. She thought the look on Maxwell's face

  was priceless. You think he'd never seen a nude female before today. She thought.

  In moments, Maxwell was back with a pair of grey sweatpants and matching

  hooded sweatshirt. “They are clean. You can change in the bathroom if you'd like.”

  “Why bother?” Zula dropped the coat to the floor and slid her legs one by into the

  comfortable pants and then deftly raised her arms and dropped the sweatshirt over her

  shoulders. “Thank you.”

  In silence, Maxwell watched as she adjusted the clothing over her curves. Even the

  baggy clothes could not disguise that fact that she was now a very feminine looking,

  human woman.

  “Maxwell?” Zula snapped her fingers. “Maxwell are you alright?”

  “I'm sorry. Yes,” he muttered. “I'm fine. Just a bit surprised. Why did you shift again? Are you alright?”

  Zula fingered the sleeve of her sweatshirt then looked up at Maxwell with her

  uncertain, amber eyes. “Well, I though you would relate to me better this way. The cat

  seemed to make you uncomfortable.”

  Maxwell was flattered at the attempt. “You have to understand that this whole

  situation is odd at best. Yesterday I was working at home, minding my own business

  and now I'm trying to work out a drug protocol for a race of cat creatures that can

  shift into human form at will.”

  “Yes, “ Zula nodded. “I can see how this situation is unique. I'm very sorry to have

  placed you in the middle of all this but we needed the help.”

  Maxwell ran his hand nervously through his hair. “Unique is certainly a good

  word. Is it a good idea for you to have shifted so soon after the last time? The stress

  on your cell strucrure must be overwhelming!”

  The concern in Maxwell's voice touched Zula'a heart. “I'm fine,” she nodded. “But,

  I can't say I will be doing this again any time soon. Maybe never again.”

  “Never? So I will never again see you in human form?”

  “No, I don't think it is a good idea for many different reasons.” Zula answered

  quietly. “The focus right now should be saving my kind...saving Cleo.”

  There was an undercurrent between them that Maxwell could not put his finger on.

  He didn't know it was purely interest or because Zula was the most fascinating

  creature, human or otherwise that he had ever come across. “You are right of course.” He cleared his throat and moved back to the computer. “I think I've discovered a

  protocol of a safe mixture of both human and feline compatible drugs that will extend

  Cleopatra's life. You do understand that this cocktail of drugs will have too change

  with each case of this virus we find. It will depend on how each Miu has contracted

  the disease and the progression of it. If possible I will need to test as many of the Miu

  as possible.”

  “Yes, I understand. It will be difficult to convince some of my kind to trust you but

  the Matriarch will see to it. It saddens me to think that any of us have too deal with

  this horrible virus but I am glad there will be a way to manage it. It gives me...us hope

  for the future.” Zula stared off out the window as she spoke, as if afraid to look

  directly at Maxwell.

  “What does your future hold Zula?”

  Zula snapped her neck around and stared at Maxwell. “What do you mean?”

  Maxwell turned his chair to face the spot where Zula was standing. “Have you

  thought if the modern world has a place for the Miu? For you?”

  “Yes, I have thought of it often,” Zula said with a sigh. “The ancient world was

  less complicated in terms of roles in society. I have lived along time, although not as

  long as some of the Miu and I have seen many changes in the world, in our kind, in

  humankind. We have had to become nomads, constantly shifting our way of life and

  where we live in order too survive. We hide and live in fear of humans discovering

  our true nature. I don't want the Miu to be exploited but we are here in this world for a reason. I can't give up the thought that we have and will always have a purpose. We

  are strong.”

  “You certainly are and I'm glad to know you.” Maxwell smiled as he saw a blush

  creep up on her cheeks. You are so beautiful and sad. It's a heartbreaking

  combination. Maxwell thought as lo
oked at this woman who was not a woman yet

  more female than any woman he had ever met.

  Zula could hear Maxwell's thoughts loud and clear. “Why? Why am I breaking

  your heart?” she asked.

  “Damn!” he exclaimed. “ I keep forgetting you can basically read my mind.”

  “Sorry,” a slight smile played upon her lips as she apologised.

  Maxwell laughed in kind. “Don't be sorry. It will force me to be honest. It's not you

  so much that is heartbreaking it's this situation and the fact that after all is said and

  done I may never see you again. I'm sad for me I guess. And...”he hesitated.

  “And what?”

  It was Maxwell's turn to blush. “And I think you are the most fascinating woman

  I've ever come across. I will miss you.”

  Zula's amber eyes blinked and her long eyelashes splayed briefly above her pink

  cheeks. “I'm not gone yet Maxwell. We will have many opportunities to see one

  another.”

  “It won't be the same. Wow, that sounded selfish didn't it?” Maxwell asked.

  “No...just very human.” Zula smiled. It was a statement and not meant as an insult. Deep inside, Zula knew she would miss Maxwell as well.

  The clock in the office read twelve thirty. Maxwell felt as if it were late evening

  and no that early afternoon in the afternoon. “It's lunch time for me. Can I fix you

  something?”

  “I could use something. Can I have some of your coffee?” Zula winked.

  “But of course mademoiselle! I shall indulge your coffee craving at once!”

  Maxwell infused his words with a fake french accent. Both he and Zula laughed as

  they left the office and walked towards his house. Mabel greeted them at the back

  door.

  “Blessings to you Mabel.” Zula crouched low to the ground and placed her

  forehead against the domesticated cat. Mabel purred happily in response.

  Maxwell stopped and stared. The realization that no matter how much Zula looked

  and acted human, she wasn't and it hit home as he watched his own pet respond too

  her.

  Zula looked up, keenly aware of what the veterinarian was thinking. “It's okay to

  be afraid Maxwell. I'm afraid of dealing with your kind and I know you can't help but

  be unsure of me.”

  “No, it's not that I'm afraid of you...not exactly.” Maxwell answered as he gathered