[His ears prick up and his fur remains fluffed out with heat. There was something in those words that kicked up a torrent of guilt and regret and even a little anger in his stomach. So much lost time, and all those whispered sweet nothings by Jake, all the touching and cooing just to get Kats to perform a deed he himself could only describe as despicable.]

I love you too.

[His response was soft spoken and far away, because try as he might he couldn't shut his brain down and just enjoy her touch. These other confusing feelings would give him no respite.]