Brance Brenneman is used to harsh conditions -- the eldest son of a stern Amish preacher, Brance was bit by a werecat as a young boy, and managed to keep his secret from his family until he was old enough to leave them and their religion behind. Years later, when the nation is divided by the American Civil War, Brance finds himself enlisted in the Union army. By sheer chance, he meets Caleb Chilson, a Confederate soldier who bears his same shapeshifting burden.<br><br>Together they leave the war behind to forge a new life in the wilderness of Pennsylvania. But trappers near their camp are hunting bobcats, and they don't much care if Brance and Caleb are only in the fur part of the time. Brance finds his peaceful existence shattered, and he has to fight to defend the life -- and the bobcat, the man -- he's come to love.

Beneath a Yankee Sky

::I’ll never make it that far,::Caleb said.::Why can’t we stay here—::


::We need supplies.::Closing the distance between them,Brance rubbed his head against Caleb’s cheek.A rumbly purr rose in him to soothe his mate.::I’m going back to get my haversack,if nothing else.We need blankets,and clothing,and something for your wound.Hide if anyone comes.I’ll be back before dawn.::


Without further argument,Brance turned and slipped into the shadows.


Chapter 10