FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Jason stalked through the tall grass, listening, breathing the scents around him. His prey was nearby. Silently, he pushed forward, his stealthy movements barely rustling the grass. It could have been mistaken for a light breeze. His prey would never see him coming until it was too late.

Finally, Jason heard the sound of munching, his prey feeding on the very grass that hid him, that his prey thought hid it as well, but the grass couldn't hide it from Jason. Jason padded just a bit farther, and then he could see his prey's long white ears sticking up in the grass, swiveling to catch the slightest noise But Jason didn't make any, and now he was within pouncing distance.

Jason crouched, and then he sprang. Flying over the grass, he stretched his claws wide to grab his prey. The rabbit's head shot up and her mouth opened in a squeal of terror, but it was too late. Jason had her. He would grab her as she tried to dash away, but then the rabbit leapt right at him! Her head collided with his belly, forcing his air out in a whoosh. Unbalanced by the blow, Jason landed hard on his side and scrambled to his feet. He saw his prey haring away through the grass and, with a growl, raced after her. The rabbit was fast, but Jason was right behind her. He could smell her fear, and the scent made his blood rise, made him push harder. She wouldn't get away! Jason saw a hole in the ground a short distance ahead; the rabbit was making for it, but he would catch her. He was almost on her heals. He could hear her gasping and sobbing.

"No, no, oh please no, oh Zeus!" she gasped breathlessly.

The rabbit dove for the hole, and Jason dove after her. She slipped through the opening, but the hole was too big. It should have only fit her, but instead it had foolishly been dug amply large to fit him. It provided no protection. Jason dove in after her. He would have to run on all fours to follow, but that's how she'd be running too. He'd catch her. Suddenly, he tripped. A piece of string leapt up out of the floor and snagged his back right foot. Jason flopped hard onto his belly, but leapt in surprise as the tunnel rumbled behind him. He turned just in time to see a heavy stone roll into place, blocking the way he'd come and sealing out the light. Jason pushed forward. He'd still catch the rabbit and force her to show him the way out before he ate her, but after a short distance, the tunnel narrowed sharply, forcing Jason to stop. He reached into the hole, groping, trying to see how long the narrow section was, whether he could dig himself out.

"You won't be getting out through there."

Jason pulled back and peered through the hole. A light flicked on, and on the other side of the narrow section the rabbit must have squeezed through, Jason saw the rabbit peering back at him. The narrow tunnel was several of his body lengths long.

"Looks like you're the one who got caught," the rabbit stated matter-of-factly. "It might not be a stomach, but dust to dust and all that. You'll soon be part of the dirt in there."

Jason glared at her, "I'll get out of here, and when I do, you're toast!"

The rabbit snorted in amusement. "Famous last words. Though I suppose you'll have a few more, begging, crying for help while you waste away. I suppose you'll die of thirst first. I have better things to do than watch, so you'll have to do it on you own."

The light clicked off, and Jason heard the scrape of the rabbit's feet in the otherwise stifling silence as she walked away. Fear crept into his heart. Would he really die in here?!

"W-wait! Come back!"

Nothing.

"P-please! I, I promise I won't hurt you! I'll do anything! Don't let me die in here!"

The light clicked back on, and rabbit peered through the tunnel again, "What kind of anything?"

"Anything! Just let me out!"

"Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes, but if you're lying about doing anything, know it won't help you."

The light clicked off, and Jason heard the rabbit leave, leaving him in darkness and silence, entombed in the earth. Would she really come back? Maybe she was lying. Jason tried to be patient and have hope, but the walls were closing in on him. He trembled as he imagined living out his last days in here, helpless and alone.

Finally, the light clicked back on. The rabbit peered through the tunnel at him again and then crawled inside, creeping along the narrow tunnel toward him. Jason watched her curiously. Was she going to come in here with him? It was strange thinking his prey might be willing to walk right into his grasp, but she stopped a couple of his body lengths away and slid something toward him that clinked onto the dirt floor. She blocked most of the light from the other side, but staring in the dark, Jason thought he recognized a pair of handcuffs. Something else smaller clacked on top of them, and then a third item slid up the tunnel but stopped shortly before falling to the floor.

"First, use the clippers to blunt your claws, both hands and feet. Use the file part to smooth down and sharp edges. Then put the muzzle on, and lastly, lock your hands behind your back," the rabbit instructed.

"Then what?"

"Then I might let you out."

"Might?" Jason asked nervously.

"It depends on whether I like you. Tell me about yourself while you're cutting, and don't try to lie. If you lie, I'm leaving you down here."

Jason sat on the floor facing the tunnel and picked up the nail clippers. He clipped off the claw on his right index finger so that the rabbit could hear that he was working. "My name's Jason," he started.

"Mine's Ellie."

Jason paused. It was strange to hear his prey's name. He knew they had them, but 'Ellie' was weird. It was so normal.

"I'm, uh, twenty-six."

"Twenty-eight."

Jason looked up at the rabbit in the tunnel again. She was fortunate to have made it to such an age. He wondered how many predators she'd trapped like this."

"Do, uh, you have a family?" he asked.

"Yes."

Jason thought about saying he had one too. It might make her sympathize, but what if she realized it was a lie? "I don't. I'd like one, but, I don't know, I just haven't found the right person."

"My husband's dead. A predator got him."

Jason shifted uncomfortably. "I, uh, I'm sorry to hear that."

"No, you're not. The predator could have been you."

Jason swallowed. Was that a lie?! Am I doomed now?! "I-I just meant, it's sad to lose someone you love. I, I guess I don't usually think about it, but it must be hard for prey to not know which of their loved ones might be killed next."

"Why do you do it then?"

"I-I, um, I have to eat, don't I?" he whined. Jason was beginning to think there was no way he was getting out of here.

"And that's the only reason?"

"What else is there?"

"You don't enjoy it?"

Jason tried to swallow again, but his mouth was dry, "I, I guess there's a thrill to it."

"So killing prey makes you happy?"

Jason didn't want to answer, but he was doomed either way. This rabbit wasn't going to let him out. She just wanted to let him know why he deserved to die, and maybe he did deserve it. He had been going to kill her, and he would have enjoyed it. He would have felt satisfied as he dragged her corpse home for dinner. He looked down at the dark floor, "Yes," he whispered. "I like it. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you to let me out."

"I will as long as you do what I said," the rabbit replied.

Jason looked up, "Really?"

"Yes, I can tell you're honest. Go ahead and let me know when you're done."

Jason finished clipping his claws and carefully filed them. He didn't want the rabbit to have any reason to think he hadn't done as she said. He strapped the muzzle around his head and then locked the handcuffs around his wrists behind his back.

"I'm done!" he called.

Still in the tunnel, the rabbit pulled out a small flashlight and shone it on him. She turned it off and crawled the rest of the way back into the larger hole. Squeezing by him, she proceeded on all fours to the rock. She reached into the wall and lifted a panel, quickly punching several buttons. The rock rolled back into place, pushed by a heavy piston. The tripwire lifted up taut over the floor. She proceeded through and turned back to look at him.

Jason eyed the trip wire. How was he supposed to crawl out without tripping it with only his legs? "How do I get over?" he whined.

"You don't."

"Th-then how do I get out?"

"Slide." She punched another spot on the wall, and the floor beneath him fell away into a steep gradient.

Jason slid down onto a stone slide and shot helplessly down, down into pitch darkness. The slide ended, and he dropped straight down, landing hard on a new dirt floor. The breath was knocked out of him by the impact. He lay in pain a few moments, catching his breath, and then he sat up. He couldn't see anything. He stood and took a few paces and ran face first into a wall. Crouching down, he felt a door large enough to crawl through, but it was locked. He pulled, but it didn't budge. He tried the other side but only found a wall. He was trapped again. Had the rabbit tricked him just to get him into this even deeper tomb? What was the point? He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, Now no one has a chance of hearing me.

Jason heard the latch of the door click, and then the door creaked open. The rabbit shone her flashlight on him.

"Still alive, I see." She stepped back and rolled a flat cart into the room. "Lay down, and I'll drag you."

Jason complied, laying on his back. He looked up at the rabbit curiously as she dragged him through the tunnel. Where was she taking him? What was she going to do with him?

They arrived at another, larger door. Jason could have walked through this one so long as he stooped. He noted a flight of wooden stairs heading up to the side.

"Where does that go?" he meowed curiously.

The rabbit glanced over at them, "Out, but not for you. It leads to the other side of the narrow point. The only way big enough for you is the way you came in, and that's closed again now. So don't think about trying to escape," she warned.

Jason's stomach twisted. Escape what?

She opened the door and dragged him inside. Jason blinked at the bright lights inside. As his eyes adjusted, he saw to his surprise they were in a fully furnished house with wood floors, walls, and ceilings. He was so astonished that he almost didn't notice the three little rabbits racing up to his prey. She crouched down, and they raced into her arms. She hugged them tight.

"Mommy's so glad to see you. You've been good today, haven't you?"

"Yes, Mom!" one answered.

"Did you catch a new predator? Can I feel its fur?" another piped.

"Just a-" she started, but the little white and dark brown rabbit raced up to Jason and ran her hand down his chest.

Jason turned his head to eye her curiously, and she jumped back in shock.

"Mom! It's not dead!" she squealed in terror.

"Shh-shh-shhh, it's okay, Flora," her mother tried to calm her. "This one's alright. He's going to help out around here from now on."

"Huh? But, but you said-"

"We're going to give him a chance, Flora. If he's a bad kitty, he'll end up like the others."

Others? Jason followed the rabbits' eyes, and his stomach lurched as his fell on a large pile of furs, predator pelts all hung over a rack in one corner of the large room. Zeus, no! What was this rabbit?! Some type of predator hunter!? He stared up at her fearfully. She turned and looked down at him placidly. "If you're going to eat us, I don't see why we shouldn't find a way to harvest those of you we can get, and prey like the idea of having a nice rug or coat or blanket made from a predator's pelt. They sell really well."

Jason glanced at the grim, fluffy pile again. That's what would have happened to me. "W-what are you going to do to me?"

"Assuming I don't skin you, you mean?"

Jason squirmed on the cart, "Y-yes."

"Like I said, you can help out around here. It's hard not having anyone to look after these three when I'm away."

"W-what am I going to eat?"

The rabbit narrowed her eyes dangerously, "I know a nice hedgehog who can get you all the bugs you could want. Sound good?"

It didn't, but it sounded better than starving or being turned into a rug. "Y-yes."

"Go ahead and get up so that I can put this away."

Jason stood, and the rabbit dragged it over to another room off to the left. The little rabbits backed away from him nervously. He looked down at them awkwardly. This morning, they would have been breakfast, but now he was supposed to help care for them.

"I'm Jason."

"Flora," squeaked the one who'd petted him. She pointed consecutively to the other two. "Tom and Lily."

Jason could tell which was the buck, but otherwise they all looked alike to him, white and dark brown like their mother. He crouched down in front of them, and they scurried away.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he called. "I can't, see?" He lifted his hands behind his back.

"You could fall and flatten us!" one of the does shouted. He thought it was Flora.

Jason stood again and looked around the room--the living room, he decided. He walked over to a sofa and plopped down. Fortunately, it wasn't made of fur but some fabric. The little rabbits approached him slowly. One crept up beside him on the sofa and ran her hand down his side.

"It feels different when you're still alive," she remarked.

Jason shifted uneasily, "I, uh, suppose so."

She blinked up at him, "Do you like to eat rabbits?"

"Um, well, uh-"

"That's how Mom catches them, dummy! They try to catch her, and she catches them!" the male declared.

"I promise I won't eat you," Jason murmured awkwardly.

"Can we still pet your fur even if you're alive?" the other doe--Lily, he thought--piped.

"I, I guess so. As long as you don't pull," Jason muttered.

"Why do you eat rabbits?" Flora asked.

"Because I have to," Jason replied awkwardly. He wished their mother would put a stop to this.

"But you don't have to now?"

"Your, uh, mother said I'm going to eat bugs now."

"Ick! Do you like bugs?!" Lily asked incredulously.

"I-I don't know."

"Have you ever had them?" Flora inquired.

He shook his head miserably.

"What if you don't like them?" she pressed.

"It's what I have to eat now," he murmured.

"Are you sad?" Flora asked concernedly.

Jason looked away and didn't answer. He wasn't going to whine to these children about his bad luck. What would they understand? Flora hugged him, and he turned back to look at her in surprise.

"Don't be sad. I never met a live cat before, but I think you're nice."

"Nice? What your brother said was true. Your mom only caught me because I was trying to catch her. If I did, she would have never come home."

Flora frowned.

"He's going to learn to be a nice kitty," their mother's voice came from across the room. She hopped over and scooped Flora up from the couch but then gave him a gentle smile, "He's not doing bad so far."

Jason looked at her hopefully, "So you're not going to turn me into a rug?"

"Your fur is too nice for a rug," the rabbit rejoined. She smirked, "But no, I'm not planning to skin you as of now. I think you can learn to be a big help around here. You don't seem vicious like most cats. I think deep down you're a sweet kitty." She set Flora on the floor. "Let's have dinner." She turned to Jason, "You can join us if you want, but I don't think we have anything for you. I'll have to get your bugs tomorrow."

Jason didn't know whether it was a suggestion or a command, but he didn't really want to sit here by himself with the pile of predator pelts as his only company. He stood and followed the rabbits into a room to the left of the entrance. It turned out to be the kitchen/dining area. The little rabbits sat at an oak table with five chairs while their mother went to the kitchen and began to work. She started by chopping different kinds of vegetables; Jason recognized carrots and beets. She tossed them in an iron skillet with some oil. Then she lit a small stove with two burners and flipped on an exhaust fan over top. The sautéing vegetables smelled odd. Jason rarely ate them, and when he did, they were always roasted with meat. That's something I won't smell again unless I can get out of here. While the vegetables were cooking, the rabbit tossed together some grass and spinach. She brought the salad over to the table with four plates, setting a plate in front of each little rabbit and at one end. Jason sat down at the other end, and the little rabbits glanced at him.

"That was Daddy's chair," Lily murmured sadly.

Jason shifted awkwardly. Maybe he should have stayed in the other room.

"I'm sure your father won't mind. He'll be happy that we have someone to look after you now," their mother stated lightly.

"Are you really going to trust me to do that?" Jason asked.

The rabbit regarded him placidly for a moment. "Do you understand what would happen if you killed us? You'd die trapped down here. You'd starve to death."

Jason nodded nervously, "I-I understand, and you can trust me, but-"

"And if you so much as harm one of my babies, you'd better be ready to starve, because if you do that and don't kill me, I'll skin you alive."

Jason licked his lips nervously, "Y-yes, Ma'am. I'll be careful. I'll treat them like my own."

"Ellie."

"H-huh?"

"My name's Ellie. I told you it. You might as well use it."

"Uh, o-okay."

Ellie returned to the stove, stirred the vegetables, and then shut it off. She brought the pan over and set it on a hot-pad. She served herself and each of the children and then sat in the chair at the other end. She glanced up at him, "If you want any, help yourself."

The rabbits started eating. Jason watched them awkwardly. He was hungry, but he didn't think their food looked appetizing. Maybe it's not that bad. He took a small slice of beet and nibbled the end through the open end of the muzzle. He grimaced as he swallowed it down: it tasted like dirt. How can they eat this? He watched until they finished.

When they were done, Ellie looked at him again, "I'd like you to do the dishes."

Jason shrugged to point out he didn't have the use of his hands, "How?"

"I can take off the handcuffs, but I need to know I can trust you. You know what will happen if you kill us, right?"

"Y-yes, I don't want to starve."

"Alright then."

Ellie left the room and returned a couple minutes later with the key for the cuffs. He stood so that she could unlock them. She undid the handcuffs and quickly backed away. Jason turned to look at her. Her nose was twitching nervously, and her ears were alert, she looked ready to bolt. She really looked like prey now, scared and small. Jason stretched his arms and then let them fall to his sides, watching as she eyed him nervously. It gave him a sense of power: he was still a predator! But I need her to help me now. I can't get out, and I can't get food on my own.

"I'll get on those dishes."

Jason collected the dishes and took them to the sink where he began to wash them. He was surprised to find the rabbits had soap and hot water. I guess they're not so unsophisticated. Predators liked to say the prey were little more than savages, but it seemed like they had at least the basic conveniences. And it must be harder hiding down here. Jason soon finished the dishes and went back out to the living room. He paused in the doorway to watch. The little rabbits were racing around the room squealing and laughing. Ellie was pouncing, trying to grab them. She twisted with cat-like reflexes and snatched the little buck, who squealed in mock terror.

"You're fast. You'd make a good predator," Jason commented.

Ellie let the buck go and looked up at him dourly, "The point is to teach them to avoid predators. I don't want my children snatched up by your kind, but it's a sad reality that they probably will be. Even I won't come home one day. I can only do my best to prepare them so that they can live the longest life they can."

Jason shifted his feet and swished his tail awkwardly, "Sorry, I didn't think about it that way."

Ellie got up and held up the handcuffs, "Turn around so that I can put these back on."

Jason complied.

Once his hands were locked behind his back, Ellie grabbed his tail and ran it through her hand, "You're lucky you didn't take the muzzle off when you had the chance. If you had, I'd be getting the skinning knives now. Be careful that you don't take any liberties I haven't granted you and be careful what you say. I don't want you filling my children's heads with your propaganda about how you help by weeding out the weak."

"Y-yes, Ellie. Thank you for the warning," Jason meowed anxiously. Would she really have gotten the knives, or was that a joke? It hadn't sounded like a joke, but maybe prey had a different sense of humor.

Jason sat nervously on the couch, and the rabbits went back to their game, their survival training. Kitten's games are survival too. If you can't hunt for yourself, you might starve.

After a while, Ellie stood. "Bath time for bunnies!" she piped encouragingly. "All of you race to the bathroom, and I'll be there in a minute." The little rabbits hared away, and she turned to Jason, "I guess I could have let you take a shower while we were playing."

"I, uh, I don't usually take one. I groom myself, you know, with my tongue."

The rabbit wrinkled her nose in disgust, "Gross! I didn't think people did that anymore! It's so unsanitary!"

"I don't like to get wet!" Jason protested.

Ellie rolled her eyes, "Whatever. I just can't believe weirdos who still lick themselves are our predators. Do you cook your food?"

"Yes! We always cook our prey! We, er."

"Good to know you take the time to eat us properly," she replied dryly. "You'll have to figure out how to fix bugs now."

Jason nodded forlornly, "Yeah."

"The bathroom's downstairs whenever you need it anyway. Back through there," she pointed to the door on the end of the room farthest from the entrance. "And to the right."

She left, and Jason slumped back on the couch. He lifted his arm to his mouth and began trying to groom himself through the muzzle.

After about an hour and a half, Ellie returned. Her fur was fluffed up, indicating she'd bathed. "We don't have a spare bed, so you'll have to sleep there," she stated. "Let me grab you a blanket." She hopped across the room and lifted the top pelt from the rack, the spotted pelt of a bobcat.

Jason gawked at it in horror, "I don't want to use that!" he yowled.

The rabbit gave him a funny look, "They aren't using it anymore. I don't think we have any other spare blankets besides these."

"I'd rather not have one!"

She shrugged and set the pelt back on the rack. "You're free to grab one if you change your mind."

Jason eyed the gruesome pile feeling nauseous; he wouldn't be changing his mind. I could be on that pile soon if I'm not lucky. He couldn't imagine wrapping himself in another cat's skin, feeling the cold fur of their pealed corpse brushing against him; it was horrible. He noticed the rabbit still watching him, frowning. She turned and hopped toward the door to the stairs.

"E-Ellie?" Jason called.

She stopped and turned to look at him again.

"This, this afternoon, I wanted to kill you, to eat you. I didn't think about you having a family or what it would be like for you to never see them again. I wanted to say, I'm sorry."

"This afternoon, I was deciding whether you were more valuable alive or as a pelt, so don't worry about it," she replied bluntly.

"I-I also want to tell you I, uh, I'm glad I didn't catch you. I'm glad you made it home."

Ellie nodded perfunctorily. "I still haven't decided about the pelt. I think you're trying, but I don't know; maybe it won't work. If I do decide it won't work, I'll make it as easy as I can for you. You'd starve if you killed us, but if I have to kill you, I'll make it as quick and painless as possible so long as you cooperate."

Jason whimpered and nodded. She hasn't decided! What could he do to make her trust him? He eyed the terrible pile of pelts again as she left the room. It really could be him on top of that pile before long! His life was in this rabbit's hands! He didn't know what she would do; he barely knew her! He turned toward the back of the couch, away from the horrible furs. The lights clicked off, but they were still there. Jason shut his eyes tight and tried to push them out of his mind, but he couldn't. He imagined the sharp blade pealing his skin away from him, and he sobbed.

Jason didn't think he'd gotten any sleep, but he was still startled as if awoken when the small voice peeped next to him.

"Jason? Are you awake?"

Jason flopped over and stared at the small rabbit: it was one of the does. He was fairly sure it was Flora. She placed a large plush rabbit, almost as big as herself, on the couch by his head.

"I thought you might be scared. Flopsy helps me when I'm scared."

"Thanks," he murmured. A stuffed rabbit wasn't going to do anything for him now.

"Are you cold? I can get a blanket."

"Do you have one that isn't a predator's pelt?" he muttered.

She blinked, "Sure, on my bed, but furs are the best! They're so soft and warm!"

"They're what's left of someone like me. I might be one before long."

Flora glanced across the room and turned back. She pushed the plushie closer, "Try holding Flopsy."

"Will 'Flopsy' save me if your mom decides it's better to make me a blanket?"

Flora looked at him worriedly, "I think you need more than Flopsy." She took the plushie and hopped back toward the stairs.

Jason sighed miserably and flopped back over, but a few minutes later, he heard her voice again.

"Jason, are you awake?"

He turned back over: her arms were full of a flannel sheet. She tossed it on the couch and climbed up. Shaking it out long, she dragged it over him. His feet stuck out the end, but it was something. Then Flora sat by his head, lifted the blanket, and swung her legs under. She scooted down under the sheet next to him.

"What are you doing?" he asked, befuddled.

"You need more than Flopsy. I'll protect you."

She shut her eyes, and he stared at her a few seconds before laying his own head down and closing his eyes.

* * *

Ellie awoke the early the next morning just as conflicted as ever. She still couldn't figure out why she'd let this cat live. He was a cat, a predator; he ate people like her without remorse. He'd admitted he enjoyed killing them, but still something had stopped her. Had there been a tinge of remorse in his voice, or had she only imagined it? Either way, keeping a predator around was dangerous. He knew he'd be trapped if he killed them, but what if he did it anyway as a final act of defiance? True, if he could really be tamed, he could be a big help to her but so could a nanny, and she could probably afford one. The pelts sold well, and his pretty pelt would sell as well as any. So why am I hesitating? Something about him just seemed different, at least some of the time. He'd looked so gentle next to her children: they hadn't been afraid, and he hadn't seemed to want to do anything to hurt them. But then he hadn't understood the escape game. He'd seen the goal as a predator would see it, not to escape but to capture, to catch the smaller person and drag them away to be disemboweled. He's a predator. And predators were dangerous. It wasn't just her own life she was risking but the lives of her children too. I can't let him live. It would be hard telling her children she'd had to kill the cat who'd seemed so friendly, and she'd feel bad about it too. But it had to be done.

Ellie climbed the stairs purposefully, plastic bag crumpled in her hand. A bag over the head would be the most humane. Without his hands or jaws, he wouldn't be able to pull it away. He'd slip into unconsciousness, and she'd hold him as he died. She'd apologize that it had to be this way. Ellie stepped through the door into the living room but stopped short. She stared in shock at the couch: curled up with the cat was Flora! She had one arm over his neck and her nose pressed under his chin. Ellie hurried over and examined her fearfully. Finding her alive, she sighed in relief. Ellie scooped up Flora and carried her back down to her room; she didn't want her daughter to see her do what had to be done.

Flora yawned and cracked open her eyes. "Mom?" she murmured. "What's going on? I was with Jason."

"Mommy needs the kitty to herself a little while," Ellie whispered.

Flora's eyes opened wide, "Why?"

"The kitty and I have decided it's better if he doesn't live here. I'm going to help him on his way."

Flora stared at her in fear, "Y-you're going to make Jason into a blanket like the others!" she cried.

Ellie cradled her close to her chest, "Shh-shh-shh, Mommy's sorry. I shouldn't have brought him here to begin with."

"No! He's scared! He doesn't want to be a blanket!"

"No one he killed wanted to be his dinner. They were scared too. That's the way it is."

"I don't want you to make him a blanket!"

"You don't understand, Sweetie. He's dangerous. I have to keep you safe."

"Jason's nice! He doesn't want to hurt us!"

"You don't know that, Flora."

"He's nice! He's my friend! I said I'd protect him!"

Ellie frowned, "It's not your job to protect him. It's my job to protect you. I shouldn't have brought him here."

"Is something wrong?"

Ellie turned toward the worried meow: the cat was hurrying down the stairs as quickly as he could while being safe without hands to catch himself.

"Run, Jason!" Flora wailed. "Mom says she's going to make you a blanket!"

The cat froze, his eyes going wide with terror. Ellie was sure he was going to make a dash for it. He'd probably end up at the other end of the narrow section. He wouldn't get out, but she'd have to corner him and take him down. It wouldn't be pleasant, but she'd done it before. However, then the fear in his eyes drained away and was replaced by resignation. He plodded down the rest of the stairs and crouched down on his haunches in front of her.

"Okay, I understand. I don't want to make this harder than it needs to be, for either of us."

"N-no! Don't let her!" Flora cried.

The cat looked at Flora sadly, his sea green eyes sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Flora. Thanks for making me feel better while you could."

Ellie stared at the cat. She felt the plastic bag in her hand. She could tie it over his head, and that would be that. This isn't the action of someone dangerous. How can I be afraid when he's willing to give his life for us so easily? But what if I don't do this, and he becomes dangerous? If I do do this will I be able to live with myself? Ellie shook her head, "I'm not going to kill you. I'm sorry; I was wrong. You're not dangerous. I believe you don't want to hurt us."

She set Flora down, and her daughter threw her arms around the cat, hugging him and pressing her face into his chest fur. "I-I did it, Jason! I protected you!"

"Yes, you did," he purred.

Flora looked up at him worriedly, "Are you okay? You sound funny."

He smiled gently, "It's a sound we make when we're very happy."

Flora pressed her face to his chest again, "I'm very happy too."

Ellie tossed away the bag and stepped forward to take the cat's face in her hands. Crouching, he still came to her chest. She held his cheeks and looked into his sea green eyes intently, searching for any hint of deception.

"Can I trust you, Jason?"

"You can trust me. I don't want to hurt you."

"Even if I were going to kill you? You'd just sit there and let me?"

"I would."

"Why?"

He frowned confusedly, "I, uh, if I'm going to die anyway, what's the point of fighting back? I don't want to make it harder for me or for you and your children."

"If someone was going to kill me, I'd want to fight back. I'd want to take them with me if I could."

"I-I don't want to hurt you. You've been kind to me. You gave me a chance I didn't deserve! If I'd caught you, I wouldn't have hesitated."

"Then why am I hesitating with you?" Ellie asked, partially to him and partially to herself; it didn't make sense.

"I-I don't know, but I'm grateful. I couldn't repay your kindness by hurting you even if you did decide to kill me. You have good reason to: I'm a predator, and I was going to eat you."

"But now you don't want to."

"No! A-and I'm glad I didn't! I'm glad you got away even if that meant you caught me instead!"

He sounded so sincere, but Ellie couldn't understand it. Yesterday, he'd wanted to eat her. Now, he was glad she'd gotten away. "You realize I can't let you go, right? If I did, you'd kill other prey. You'll have to live like this, in captivity, for the rest of your life."

He looked nervous, but he nodded, "If that's how it has to be. I'm grateful you've given me the chance to live at all."

Ellie let him go and stepped back. He stood, and Flora slipped off of him.

"I'm happy you're going to live with us, Jason!" Flora piped. "You're nice, and you feel better than any fur!"

The cat smiled at her gently, "I'm glad I get to live with you too, Flora. You saved me, and before that you did what you could to comfort me. I'll do my best to help your mom so that you grow up as capable and kind as her."

Ellie let out a little embarrassed cough, "Hem, well, I guess you can start by fixing them breakfast while I run and get your bugs. Do you think you can manage that?"

He frowned concernedly, "Er, I don't know much about fixing your food. It depends what it is."

"Have you had pancakes?"

"Yeah."

"I supposed they might be a little different than what you've had, but they can't be that different. I'll give you the recipe."

"Okay."

Ellie went to her room and got the key for the handcuffs out of her bedside stand. She removed them but not the muzzle. Again, she felt a little nervous seeing his arms free. He doesn't have claws, she reminded herself. But he could still grab her. He was stronger than her; he could strangle her easily. The cat watched her curiously as she eyed him but made no move to attack. Flora hopped up to him and reached up her arms, requesting him to pick her up. The cat glanced down at her and then looked at Ellie for permission. She nodded reluctantly. She didn't like the idea of him having her daughter in his claws, but she didn't want to tell Flora she shouldn't trust the cat she'd just helped convince Ellie to spare. The cat crouched down and lifted Flora under the arms. He held her to his chest, and Flora wrapped her arms around his neck. It made Ellie nervous, but Flora seemed happy.

Ellie rose the other two and then led them upstairs. The cat carried Flora, who eyed her siblings smugly from her perch. Ellie gave him the recipe for the pancakes, and left him with the children in the kitchen. They'll be okay, she reassured herself.

Ellie quickly checked that the cat wasn't looking and hurried back downstairs. She slipped into her room and lifted the rug beside her bed to reveal a trap door. Opening the door, she revealed a slide and a ladder. The slide was for predator corpses. Had she killed the cat, she would have slid him down to the cellar where she skinned the predators she captured and treated their pelts. However, the cellar also led to the back entrance--every rabbit hole had one--that led to a more intricate set of tunnels. Some of these met up with other prey homes, allowing them to trade in safety, and one led to the surface. While the entrance to this tunnel wasn't as wide as the other, it wasn't designed to trap anyone larger than a rabbit. The cat could likely squeeze out, and if he knew he could escape, there was nothing to stop him from eating them. Ergo, it was critical he not know this was here. Ellie had explained to her children when she'd put them to bed and sworn them to secrecy. She hoped they would remember.

Ellie made her way through the tunnels to Doris' house. Doris was a hedgehog and insect farmer. The insectivores had long ago figured out they could largely avoid foraging if they raised the insects they consumed themselves. Ellie felt a little bad about the hapless bugs. She sometimes couldn't help but imagine predators "farming" herbivores the same way, and the thought horrified her. Imagining being trapped, waiting to be killed and never knowing hope or freedom, was terrifying. She didn't know if the bugs experienced things the way mammals did, but she still felt bad for them. And now I'm going to be killing them too. Ellie momentarily considered turning around: she could turn the cat into a pelt after all and avoid all of these issues. But the kids like him, and somehow it doesn't seem right to kill him over bugs. She continued to Doris' house and knocked on the door.

The hedgehog opened the door to her own cellar and blinked in surprise. "Ellie! To what do I owe the pleasure? Everything's fine, I hope!"

"Well enough," Ellie answered perfunctorily. "I need to buy some bugs."

"Really? I didn't think rabbits ate them!"

"We don't. They're for a guest."

Doris nodded, "Very well. What would you like?"

"Er, I don't know."

"Didn't they request a kind?"

"No, er, how about you just give me some of each?"

"How much do you need?"

"Um, maybe half a pound total?"

"Live, dead, or crushed?"

"Uh, crushed I guess."

The hedgehog nodded and trundled inside. Ellie wandered in after her. She eyed the tanks of bugs uncomfortably. She looked away as the hedgehog scooped some into a mortar and began to crush them with a pestle. The crunching made her a bit nauseous.

"I hope these are to your guest's liking. Many people are very particular about their bugs. I'm surprised they didn't make a request," Doris commented.

"Um, well, I don't think he's ever actually had them before."

"Oh?" The hedgehog stopped crushing, Ellie turned to look at her. She looked concerned. "Half a pound is a lot for someone who's never had them. I wouldn't want them to go to waste."

"He'll eat them whether he likes them or not," Ellie replied tersely. "He's not getting anything else."

Doris frowned, "What? I'm afraid I don't understand. He's never had bugs, but he can't have anything else? Who is this guest, Ellie?"

"Just a guest."

"Maybe it's better I ask what is he?"

"It doesn't matter. Just finish up please. I don't want to be away too long."

Doris set down the pestle. "Not until you explain who these are for."

Ellie looked at her pleadingly, "Please, Doris. I just need them, okay? I don't want to talk about it."

Doris crossed her arms and shook her head. "Tell me who they're for."

Ellie hesitated, but the hedgehog looked stubborn. "My guest's a cat, alright?" she blurted.

"Puhwha?! A cat?! E-Ellie! Have you gone insane?! Tell me he's not at home with your little ones!"

"Th-they're okay. He's fixing them breakfast. I-"

"More like fixing them for breakfast!"

"No! You don't understand! He's different somehow. He doesn't want to harm us. The kids even seem to like him, Flora especially."

"Cats are carnivores! They eat-"

"Don't you think I know that?!" Ellie cut her off irritatedly. "That's why I need the bugs! He has to eat something! I can't ask him to starve!"

"How can you trust a cat, Ellie?! He-he'll eat you the first chance he gets! I can't even understand how you made it here if he's in your house!"

"He thinks he's trapped. He thinks he'll starve if he kills us," Ellie explained.

Doris frowned, "I see. But what if he realizes he can get away? What if he can't resist?! How can you take that risk, Ellie?!"

"I told you; he's different! You know what I usually do with predators I catch! I was going to do the same to him, but, but he just seemed different! I know it's not an explanation; I can't explain it, but it just seemed wrong this time. I felt like he deserved a second chance. Besides, he could help out a lot if he really can be tamed."

Doris shook her head, "Predators can't be tamed, Ellie. You of all people should know that."

"They definitely can't if they're starving. Are you going to finish with that?" Ellie snapped. She was tired of this conversation; it was wasting time! Despite her telling Doris her children were safe, Ellie desperately wanted to race home to make sure. He won't hurt them. He's been gentle with them so far.

With a reluctant nod, Doris wet back to work. However, she couldn't resist a last word, "I'm worried about you, Ellie. I know people end up eaten all the time, but for you all to go because you invited a cat into your home," she let the sentence hang.

Ellie resisted responding. Eventually, Doris had finished crushing all of the bugs. It took much longer than Ellie had hoped. Next time I'm buying them dead, not crushed. Ellie paid, and hurried out of Doris' cellar, racing back through the tunnel with the heavy bag of jarred bug mash. Finally, she entered her own cellar and dashed up the ladder. Carefully replacing the rug, she hastened up the stairs and into the kitchen: there they all were. The cat was washing the dishes while her children hopped around behind him. His tail darted back and forth while Flora, Tom, and Lily attempted to grab it. Lily leapt and snatched the middle of his tail, dangling over the floor.

"Got it!" she squealed in triumph.

The cat winced but glanced back at her amusedly. He spotted Ellie in the door. "Er, hi Ellie, I was just cleaning up."

Ellie nodded awkwardly and lifted up the bag, "I got your bugs."

Lily dropped from his tail, and the children all raced over to see. Ellie opened the bag to let them.

"Eew! Why do they look like that?" Lily cried. "It's all gooey!" She turned to look at Jason, "Are you really going to eat that?!"

The cat stalked over from the sink. Ellie nervously held the bag out to him. What if he won't eat it? The cat accepted the bag and glanced inside. Ellie thought she saw him grimace slightly, but he kept his features stoic.

"Thank you, Ellie."

"I had Doris crush them for you. I didn't know how you'd want them. I thought maybe you'd rather if they looked less like bugs," Ellie explained quickly.

He nodded, "Okay, I'll see if I can make some sort of patty or something. I think I might prefer them whole next time."

"Sure, no problem. I'm sorry I didn't ask. I don't know much about eating bugs."

"Me neither," he admitted. He looked up and gave her a reassuring smile, "I'm sure it will be okay though."

Ellie wondered whether he meant it or whether he was just afraid of what she'd do if he refused to eat them. They both knew there was only one real alternative for him.

"I made enough pancakes for you too," the cat noted, glancing toward the stove.

"Thanks." Ellie collected the pancakes and sat at the table to eat.

Her children joined her, and she watched the cat as he attempted to cook the bugs. Eventually, he returned with a misshapen patty. Ellie was glad she'd finished eating: it looked revolting, grayish in color with bug parts sticking out. The cat sliced off a tiny bite with his fork and nibbled it through the restrictive end of the muzzle.

"Let me take that off!" Ellie decided, hopping up from her seat.

The cat sat in his seat as Ellie hurried around behind him and undid the straps. She pulled the muzzle off of his face, and he opened his mouth wide, revealing his dagger-like fangs. Ellie's heart fluttered nervously at the sight of the dangerous teeth that could strip the flesh from a rabbit's bones like she could munch grass.

He closed his mouth and turned to look at her, "Thanks, Ellie. My jaw was getting awfully cramped."

Ellie nodded, "You have to be able to eat."

"You're teeth are so big!" Tom exclaimed. "And pointy!"

"They're scary," Lily whined.

The cat looked at her, "I wouldn't ever hurt you, Lily," he murmured reassuringly. "I know my teeth and my claws, if I had them, might be scary to you, but you don't need to worry."

He sounded sincere, and Ellie wanted to believe him. But what if he knew he could escape? Would he then use those fangs to rip Lily and the rest of them apart? Ellie couldn't be certain.

"I know you wouldn't hurt us, Jason!" Flora declared. "I think your teeth are pretty!"

Ellie winced and eyed her daughter disconcertedly. Pretty? Nonthreatening was one thing but actually pretty. Ellie had trouble seeing them as anything but what they were: the fangs that had ripped apart countless prey and might do so again. The cat smiled at Flora fondly. Maybe he really wouldn't hurt us.

The cat ate his patty. Ellie wasn't sure he enjoyed it, but he didn't complain. Afterward, Ellie went out to do her part working the communal gardens and to forage for other wild plants. She felt more comfortable leaving the cat with the children now that he'd been fed. However, before she left, she put the muzzle and handcuffs back on. He didn't complain. His compliance with her wishes reassured her further. When she returned home that evening, she found him already preparing dinner with the help of her cook book and Tom, Lily, and Flora as hands.

He turned to smile at her as she came in, "Welcome home! I hope you had a safe day out there."

Ellie nodded. "Safe enough."

"I wish I could help. I could protect you if you took me with you."

Ellie regarded him disconcertedly, "I don't think so."

He flicked an ear, looking embarrassed, "I just mean I want you to be safe. I'll help any way I can."

Ellie nodded.

They had dinner, and afterward, the cat did the dishes. Ellie went through the escape training with her children again, and again he came to watch once he'd finished.

"I could help with that," he commented. "Give them experience with a real predator. I promise I'll be careful."

Ellie looked at him warily, "Are you sure you can control yourself?" she asked pointedly.

He nodded, "I promise I'll be careful."

Ellie stood. "Okay, but I want you to wear the muzzle."

The cat nodded. Ellie put the restraint back on.

He looked down at her children, "Alright, run and hide and then I'm going to come hunt you down! We'll see who stays alive the longest!"

Alive? Ellie looked at him warily; he already seemed a bit too into the game. Tom, Lily, and Flora dashed away.

He turned to her, "Why don't you hide too?"

Ellie shook her head, "I'm going to be following and watching you very carefully. I'm putting a stop to this at the first sign of trouble, and don't forget what I said about what will happen if you harm one of them."

He nodded nervously, "Of course, I-I'll be careful. I, I don't really see you-all as prey anymore. You're not food, you're like anyone else I know. I don't know why I didn't understand that before."

He only needed to see us as people. It was a promising if a bit disturbing admission. Maybe other predators could realize this fact if they only properly met a prey. Ellie nodded in acknowledgement, and Jason began to stalk the kids. It made Ellie a little nervous to see him in hunting mode. He looked like predators as she usually saw them: calculating, crafty, vicious. He found Lily first, hiding under the table in the dining are. She scrambled away, but he was on her in an instant. Ellie's heart leapt in fear as he grabbed the little rabbit, but then he scooped her up and nuzzled her head.

"You'll have to be faster than that, and don't hide somewhere you can't get out of more easily than a predator can get in."

Next he stalked down stairs. Ellie spotted Tom dash into his room, and the cat saw him too. Jason quickly stalked to the side of the door and crouched down, waiting silently. Ellie stood out of the way. After a few minutes, Tom crept back to his door, eyeing the stairs. He listened intently and then dashed. The cat snatched him as he bolted through the door, and Tom squealed in alarm, making Ellie's heart leap.

"Remember to smell for predators," the cat chided. "You should have been able to scent me there, and when you're outside, be aware of where the wind is coming from. A predator will always approach from downwind."

He put Tom down, and went in search of Flora. She didn't seem to be downstairs, so he went back up. Ellie followed close behind. As they returned to the living room, Ellie saw movement by the rack of pelts and then noticed Flora hiding underneath. Ellie looked at the cat to see if he had noticed, but he seemed to be avoiding looking in the corner.

Finally, he called out, "Flora? You can come out now. Hiding is definitely effective, but let's see how you get away once you've been spotted."

Flora poked her head out from under the pelts. The cat was still looking away and didn't notice. Flora hared out toward him, and he jerked around. She darted away as he pounced, and he caught only air. Flora darted back around and grabbed his tail, yanking it as she ran by. He winced and lunged, missing her again. He flopped down on his belly, and Flora darted back in, to leap on his back. The cat quickly rolled as she jumped, and she squealed in surprise as she landed in his claws.

He hugged her to his chest and grinned, "Don't underestimate your opponent, but good job."

Flora squirmed out of his arms and crouched by his head, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"My tail might be a little sore tomorrow, but otherwise I'm fine."

"Sorry."

He shook his head, "Take advantages where you can get them. Where were you hiding by the way?"

"Under the furs!"

He frowned uncomfortably, "I see."

Ellie glanced at the fluffy pile. Did they really bother him so much? Ellie was used to them, and besides, the predators she'd taken them from had deserved it. Or would have some of them been like him if I gave them the chance? Ellie didn't know, and the thought made her feel a little guilty. Maybe it was wrong to kill predators when they were just trying to survive. No! We're just trying to survive too!

Ellie got the children ready for bed, and after she had showered too, she came back upstairs to see the cat. She brought him another cotton blanket from her bed.

"Thanks, Ellie," he said as she handed it to him.

Ellie went to collect a fur from the pile to replace it, and he watched her uncomfortably.

"Doesn't that bother you at all?" he asked as she was leaving.

She turned to regard him, "They were going to eat me. Why should using part of their body bother me?"

He looked away, "I guess."

"I'm glad I didn't turn you into one though."

He looked back, "Really?"

She nodded, "You're different, and the kids really like you. I believe you don't want to hurt us, so I'm glad you got to live. I hope living with us isn't too hard on you."

"It's not. I'm glad I got to meet you, Ellie. I'm glad I learned that what I was doing was wrong."

Ellie gave him a small smile, "I'm glad I got to meet you too. It's good to know there are decent predators out there. Maybe one day predators like you will change things so that we can live in peace." Ellie proceeded to her bedroom. She really was glad she'd spared the cat. Maybe one day we really will live in peace.

The next week passed uneventfully. Ellie was lucky enough not to run into any more predators, and when she arrived home in the evenings, she found Jason making dinner with the kids. It was good to have someone to help around the house, and he seemed to enjoy it. He also seemed to really care about Tom, Lily, and Flora, and they adored him.

On Thursday, Ellie returned early to find them all on the couch together, Flora and Tom nestled in Jason's lap and Lily tucked close, while he read to them. Ellie herself kept a careful distance from the cat. It was harder for her to get comfortable close to him when she'd been hunted so many times, and besides, she didn't want to get too attached in case she ever had to get rid of him; although, that was quickly becoming unthinkable. Unless he did something truly terrible, Ellie couldn't have killed him. He's almost like a father to them, Ellie thought Thursday while she helped the four of them fix dinner. On the other hand, he would have eaten their real father. Ellie hoped he hadn't actually been the predator who'd killed Cliff; she hoped Cliff--wherever he was--wasn't upset that she'd allowed a cat into their lives.

Other prey weren't so understanding. Doris obviously hadn't kept her mouth shut, and Ellie caught several prey casting her disapproving--or even fearful--glances when they thought she wasn't looking. Ellie understood their concern, but they hadn't met Jason. She felt certain many would change their minds if they did; however, she didn't think it was time to invite anyone else to meet him yet. All in all, Ellie felt her life had been greatly improved by Jason's addition.

* * *

Jason wouldn't have been able to imagine it, but he was happier living with the rabbits than he could ever remember. He truly cared for Ellie, Tom, Flora, and Lily as he'd never thought he could care for prey. Indeed, he didn't even think of them as prey; they were his family, plain and simple. He tried not to think about the families he'd torn apart in his life before this; a month in, it even seemed like another life now. He had gotten used to the strange flavor of the insects even though he still ate them purely for nourishment, but the marginal palatability of his food wasn't important. His heart was full even if his belly was only satiated.

The only thing that still bothered him were the pelts. It had been even worse the two times Ellie had brought freshly killed predators through the upstairs: one had been a gray fox and the other a ferret. Jason had averted his eyes. He knew they had wanted to kill Ellie, and he wanted her to be safe. But he didn't like to see people like him cut down and turned into something for prey to wrap their feet in.

More months passed, and as winter drew near, the burrow became chillier. Jason and the rabbits grew their winter coats, and the ground protected them from the creeping cold somewhat. However, one afternoon, Lily had grabbed one of the pelts on her way to sit with him while he read. Jason had almost jumped out of his own skin when the pelt had brushed against him, and he'd had to ask Lily to put it back. She hadn't wanted to, and she and Flora had gotten into a fight about it. Jason had felt upset at causing the argument, and reluctantly allowed her to keep it. Slowly, he began to get used to the grim blankets though he still refused to use one himself. He told himself that these predators would have eaten Flora, Tom, and Lily, and that gave him some fortitude to resist his revulsion. Perhaps they had deserved to become pelts; no one would take the precious bunnies from him.

"It snowed last night," Ellie commented at breakfast one morning in December. "If I get home early, I'll take you three out to see it for a few minutes."

"I want to go out now!" Tom replied.

Ellie shook her head. "I need to forage. Besides, winter is the best time to lure predators. Everyone prefers their winter pelts."

Jason tried to ignore the second bit. "I wish I could take them out to see. I'm sure I could protect them while they played."

Ellie looked at him sympathetically, "I'm sorry, Jason. I know you'd like to, but there's really no way for you to get out."

Jason nodded, "I understand." He'd tried to get used to the idea that he'd never get out of this burrow, but it was hard. He wanted to see the sun again. As much as he loved his new family, he wanted to breathe the fresh air again and run through the grass or even snow.

Ellie left, and Jason went about cleaning the house. He was dusting when Flora appeared beside him. "There is a way you can take us outside, Jason," she stated. "Mom said not to tell you, but I know you'd protect us."

Jason turned to regard her in surprise, "Really? I thought the only way in was the way I came."

Flora shook her head, "There's another way, but you can't tell Mom I showed you."

Jason nodded. "Put on your warm things, and I'll take you out. If Ellie finds out, I'll say I found the way on my own."

Flora and the others got ready. Tom and Lily seemed reluctant to show Jason the way, but Flora insisted she would whether they came or not. Ultimately, their desire to play in the snow won. Flora led Jason down to Ellie's bedroom and pulled away the rug by her bed: it revealed a trap door. Jason opened it to reveal a slide and ladder.

"A slide?" he asked.

"Mom makes the pelts down here," Flora stated.

Jason winced. So the slide was for the bodies. He hoped there wouldn't be any down there. Flora led the way down the ladder and to a heavy metal door. The door opened out into a lighted tunnel. Jason followed the little rabbits through the tunnel, noting the many other tunnels that went off to the sides. It would be easy to get lost down here. He hoped the kids knew where they were going. Soon, Flora turned into a tunnel that sloped up. As the tunnel rose, it gradually narrowed until Jason was walking on all fours behind the children. Jason was wondering if they should turn back before it got too narrow for him to turn around, but then he felt fresh, cold air on his face. They continued forward until Jason could see the daylight filtering down from the tunnel's entrance.

"Wait, I should go out first to make sure it's safe," he instructed.

The little rabbits crouched down so that her could crawl over them to the front, and Jason peered into the last length of tunnel: he could almost see the sky, but the tunnel was narrow. He'd have to squirm his way through the last few of his body lengths of tunnel.

"If I get stuck, you'll need to get help. Can you do that?" he inquired.

"Yes," Flora stated.

Jason reached into the tunnel and pushed himself in with his legs. He scratched his way forward. He really hoped he didn't get stuck in this narrow space. Fortunately, he managed without much trouble. He pulled himself out and blinked in the bright sun that reflected off of the snow as his eyes adjusted. He looked around at the winter world. The bare trees were decorated with snow, and the ground was covered with a thick blanket. The sun was out, and fluffy white clouds skirted across the brilliant blue sky. Jason stretched his arms joyously to the sky. He was out!

"Jason? Is it safe?" Flora called.

Jason glanced back into the hole where the rabbits were waiting. They'd known about this all along, and they'd kept him trapped. He could carry them off to his own home now if he wanted. He wouldn't hurt them, but he would be in control. He could eat what he liked, sharpen his claws, and go out when he wanted, and they would be to ones who relied on him. They would be the ones who would be trapped inside. It wasn't their fault, he reminded himself. Ellie had been in charge, but if he took her children, she'd have to join him. Then she wouldn't be in charge anymore!

But then Jason imagined her fear at finding them gone. He imagined her watching in horror as he ate other prey, imagined her trembling, trapped in a predator's house, a predator she'd trusted with her children. But not enough to show the way out! Jason pushed aside the bitter thought: she'd had good reason. If he'd know from the beginning, mightn't he have eaten the rabbits the first night? If she'd told him in the past months, what guarantee had she had that he wouldn't leave, that he wouldn't steal them away as he'd just considered?! Jason shook his head; Ellie had done what she'd thought was right, and perhaps it had been.

"Jason?"

Jason looked back to the hole, "Just a minute." He carefully looked, listened, and sniffed: no one. "Okay, it's safe."

Eagerly, the little rabbits scrambled out of the hole. They squealed as they plunged into the snow. Soon they were romping around, making snow angels, and throwing snow balls. The snow wasn't wet enough to make a snow rabbit, but the made a pile and stuck leaves in the top anyway. Jason kept a careful lookout but was able to enjoy their fun as well. It made him sad that they couldn't always play outside like this. Because of predators like me. Jason wasn't the only one who was trapped in the burrow. The rabbits were too. Only their mother went out and only at the risk of her own life. I wish it was different.

Jason let them play until they were tired. "Let's go in and have some hot tea," he suggested. "I'll bring you out again tomorrow."

He ushered the little rabbits inside, and crawled in after them. When they returned home, Jason made them tea, and they all curled up together on the couch with mugs and furs though Jason only had a mug. He watched them fondly as they drank their tea, and then he took the empty mugs to the sink to wash them. When he returned, they were napping, and Jason sat with them on the couch until it was time to make dinner.

Ellie didn't return until dinner was almost ready. She was dragging the white-furred body of a stoat on her cart, but Jason greeted her warmly as usual. Lily, Tom, and Flora gave her a hug.

"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes," Jason informed her.

Ellie nodded. She turned to the children, "I'm sorry I didn't get home soon enough to take you out," she apologized.

"Jason, er," Tom began. "We had fun together."

His sisters eyed him reproachfully at his almost spilling the beans. Ellie took away the stoat. Down the slide to the cellar. Jason set out their meal; Ellie returned, and then they ate.

After dinner, Ellie stood, "I have some work to do. I'll be up to tuck you into bed."

Jason knew she meant she was going to skin the stoat, but rather than staying upstairs with the children, he finished the dishes, started them playing Go Fish!, and headed down to the cellar himself. He needed to tell Ellie he knew he could get out. He didn't want to get anyone in trouble, but once she saw that he wouldn't leave, she could let him help her more. He ought to be there to defend her when she was outside! Jason found the trap door closed but the rug pulled away, so he assumed she was inside. Jason opened the door as silently as he could and crept down the ladder. Under a pair of bright, white tube lights that provided the only light in the shadowy cellar, Ellie was working on the carcass, pealing away the skin with a long, curved knife. She was wearing light blue exam gloves and a white apron.

"Ellie?" Jason meowed softly.

Her head jerked up, and she stared at him in surprise, "Jason?! What are you doing down here?"

"I-"

"You shouldn't be down here! Wait there!" Ellie pulled off the gloves, and removed the apron. She quickly washed her hands at a sink in a counter on the far wall and hurried over to him. She motioned to the ladder, "Come on, back up. We'll talk at the top."

Jason complied, climbing the ladder, and Ellie followed. She shut the trap door at the top and slid the rug into place.

"I'm sorry, Jason. You shouldn't have to see that. I know how much it bothers you," Ellie apologized concernedly--Jason also thought nervously.

She must be wondering if I spotted the door out of the house. "There's something I need to tell you," Jason stated.

"Yes?" Ellie replied anxiously.

"I, uh, I know about the way out. I took the kids out to play in the snow this afternoon. We were all outside together. You don't need to hide it from me anymore."

"I don't know what you mean," Ellie responded evasively.

"Through the door in the basement, up the third tunnel to the left. It was a tight fit at the end, but I was able to squeeze out. You don't need to pretend I'm trapped down here anymore."

Ellie stared at him. Jason saw something in her eyes he hadn't seen in months: fear.

"W-why did you come back, Jason?" she murmured softly. "Did you come back to make sure you got me too?"

"What?!" Jason yowled in horror. "Ellie! I, that's not why! I came back because I don't want to leave you! I wouldn't hurt you or the kids! I want us to be together! Right here, there's nowhere else I want to be!"

"Really, Jason?" Ellie asked cautiously.

"Do you remember when we first met?" Jason queried. "I told you I didn't have a family, that I hadn't met the right person. You're that right person, Ellie! You and the kids are my family!"

Ellie regarded him a moment longer, and then she leapt at him, wrapping him in a tight hug, "Jason! You're my right person too!"

Jason hugged her back as his heart soared, "Really?! Even though I'm a cat?"

Ellie squeezed him tighter, "I didn't want to believe it, but there was always a tiny part of me that thought you would leave if you knew you could. Now, now I know you're here to stay. I love you, Jason. I want to be with you. I want you to be a father to my children."

Jason lifted her and held her to his chest, "I love you too, Ellie. There's nothing I want more than to be with you and help you care for the kids."

Ellie tucked her nose against his neck and sighed contentedly. "I should have let you hold me like this sooner, Jason. I shouldn't have been afraid. I saw how gentle you were with the children."

"I'll hold you as much as you want," Jason murmured. "I never thought I'd feel this way holding a rabbit, but you make me feel whole, Ellie."

Ellie nuzzled his neck, "You make me whole too."

Jason set her down but kept hold of her shoulders, "I want to protect you, Ellie. You shouldn't have to risk your life alone. I can go out with you to guard you. I won't let anyone take you away from our family."

Ellie nodded, "Okay, Jason, but what about the kids? Who will watch them?"

"We both will, but it's more important that their mother comes home than for someone to be with them every minute. I don't want them to lose you, Ellie, and I don't want to lose you either."

"Alright, Jason." Ellie glanced back toward the trap door. "I need to take care of, you know. Can you get them ready for bed?"

Jason nodded. Ellie turned back toward the cellar, and Jason went upstairs to get the kids. He got them in the tub, though he tried to stay clear of the water himself, and then he put them to bed. Ellie came up from the cellar and got in the shower, and Jason went up to his bed on the couch. He was sleeping soundly when Ellie awoke him.

"Pst, Jason!"

"Hmm?"

"You don't need to sleep here anymore. Come downstairs."

Jason got up, and Ellie took his hand and led him down to her bedroom. She pulled back the blankets, climbed into bed, and patted the space next to her.

"Come on, kitty."

Jason eyed the furs covering the top of the bed. Then he looked at the rabbit inviting him in. He belonged to Ellie now. He was a father to three little rabbits. It was time to push aside his connection to other predators. Maybe one day, they'd all live in peace, but that day wasn't here yet. He had to pick a side, and he had. I guess I'm prey now. Jason slid in next to Ellie, and she pulled up the blankets. Jason turned toward her and opened his arms to invite her in. Ellie scooted up next to him, laying her head on his lower arm and nuzzling her nose to his chest. Jason wrapped his left arm over her and pulled her close. Her warm body pressed against his, and he breathed her scent. This was right. This was where he belonged.

"I'm glad you caught me, Ellie," he whispered.

Ellie yawned. "Mmm, you're the nicest pelt I ever brought home," she murmured sleepily.

Jason stroked her back, and closed his eyes. He was Ellie's, and this was home.