Kevin’s tail disappears around the huge trunk as I scramble to catch up. At two years older, he’s grown into his cat more than I have, but he won’t beat me today. It’s almost suppertime and Mom said we’re having spaghetti and meatballs tonight. My favorite, but I must finish cleaning out the back cages while Kevin feeds the two rescue tigers Mom picked up last week.
The poor things are weak and scrawny. I’m bigger than they are, and I’m only ten. As they pace the Inside of the cat run, each of their ribs stand out in stark relief. Their eyes are dim, their fur dull and rough. Sadness fills me when I see them. Mom says that they just need some good food and to be treated right before they’ll get better.
Splashing up ahead, heralds that Kevin has crossed the small stream, and he’s pulling farther away from me. Tongue hanging out, I push harder, not wanting him to beat me home. At least not too badly.
A loud crack sounds from up ahead, sending me sliding to a stop. We live in the forest. I recognize the sound for what it was. A gunshot. We’re not supposed to have hunters this close to the reserve. There are “no trespassing” signs posted all along the borders of our land. That sounded close. Too close. A roar sounds from ahead, the sound echoing through the trees.
Kevin.
My heart pounds in my chest as I race toward my brother’s anguished cry. Terror floods my veins like lava. He sounded hurt and scared. Nothing scares him. My ears pick up the sounds of scurrying wildlife as I draw nearer to the creek. A new smell reaches my nose. Gun powder and oil are out of place in this part of the forest. I slow my steps, sensing the danger. My paws are soundless as I creep low to the forest floor. My fur dampens as it drags the ground.
“I know I shot that mother fucker. Where did he go?” A man dressed in camouflage appears to my right and I freeze, hiding in the undergrowth.
“I can’t believe you shot it. Isn’t that against the law? They’re protected right?” A smaller man approaches, scratching the patchy beard on his face.
“Hell Dave, they’ll be thanking me for killing a wild animal. A dangerous tiger. Could’ve killed people.” The other man shifts the long-barreled gun on his shoulder, his beady eyes narrowing on the smaller man.
“But we’re not even supposed to be here, Ned,” Dave whines, scanning the area.
“Shut the hell up, Dave. No, damn sign will tell me what to do. Look for some sign of where the hell it ran off to.” Ned shoves the smaller man in front of him before spitting out a wad of tobacco.
Frozen in place, I try not draw attention to myself. The men squat down, looking at something on the ground before heading north. As soon as they’re out of sight, I back up and head west, praying that Kevin has gone to our hiding spot and I get to him before the hunters do.
It seems like an eternity before I come up on the natural cavern where Kevin and I hide out. Pausing, I don’t hear the males coming, but harsh panting fills the air. Just below the rise, Kevin is lying on the ground mere feet from the cavern opening. His orange striped side heave with his breathing. Quickly, I shift back to human and run to his side.
“Kev?” My voice trembles as I notice the blood coating the whiter fur on his chest. A low rumble is my answer; his golden eyes focus on me before closing.
“No, no, no.” My hand presses on the wound as the blood pumps against my hand. “Please Kev, you have to be okay.” Tears steam down my cheeks, dripping onto his fur. “Shift Kev, please,” I plead knowing that Dad is too far away to force him to shift.
“The blood trail is getting bigger, we’re close. Keep a lookout.” The voices are too close for comfort. “I bet we can sell that pelt for a pretty penny.”
“Kevin you have to shift. Please. Come on, before they find us!” With a pain-filled groan, the fur recedes under my hand until I’m touching smooth skin. The hole in Kevin’s chest is massive as blood pours out onto the ground. The metallic smells fill my nostrils, turning my stomach.
“Oh Kev,” I whisper as his life blood flowed over my hands. His hand lands lightly on my arm, his eyes pleading for something when our gazes meet.
“What the hell?! Where’s the damn tiger?” Ned bellows, sending the birds in the trees screeching before taking flight.
“Holy shit! You shot a kid!” Dave’s eyes dart between Kevin and me on the ground to Ned. “Shit, call nine one one!” Dave drops his rifle onto the ground before dropping beside us, placing his hands on top of mine. “Is he breathing?”
“I, I don’t know,” I stutter.
“Damn it, Ned, we need help.”
“Forget It. That kid’s dead, his body just doesn’t know it yet.” His gaze locks on mine. They say the eyes are windows to the soul and all I can see is evil. “Who the hell are you? What are you doing out here?”
“We live here.”
“Here in the forest?” He pulls a cartridge from his pocket and places it in the rifle's chamber. My eyes narrow as he slides the bolt closed.
“What are you doing Ned?” Dave rises from the ground, knees creaking in protest.
“Can’t have any damn witnesses, Dave.”
“We need to get him help. He may still make it,” Dave argues.
Kevin’s breath wheezes out as blood trickles from the corner of his mouth. His eyes dim with every pump of his weakening heart. The rise and fall of his chest are barely noticeable.
“Move out of the way
