Soul of Desire

Chapter Fifteen

Mex was sitting with his friends under a tree in the apple fields when I approached. They climbed to their feet, bowing their heads.

“Lady Luca, what a pleasant surprise. It is not customary for the female to approach the males on the day of battle.” Mex stated.

“I know, I had a pressing need to discuss something with you,” I said with a smile. Mex bowed his head again motioning for me to walk with him.

“What can I help you with my lady?” He asked.

“What kind of male are you Mex? If I were to ask the others, what would they tell me?” I asked suddenly. Mex sighed.

“Truthfully my lady, I am not so bad as my reputation makes me out to be. I made a name for myself by killing Sumi guards. The guards making a habit of targeting the females did not live long.” He replied quietly.

“I have a traumatized Puma female living with me,” I admitted softly. Mex’s head snapped to the side, his eyes blazed as he stared down at me.

“A puma female, truly?” He whispered. I nodded, glad to see the hope beginning in his eyes.

“The thing is, as I said she is traumatized. She was brutalised by a male Therros. His name is Selig. He is in the jail at present. Nix disappeared before Selig’s trial and I was not in a hurry to make Koi face the male again. I am also bound by Therros law and not allowed to kill him. So, he’s been stewing for the last cycle.” I admitted with a wince. Mex growled in the back of his throat. A sound of approval.

“The proposition I have for you is this. Koi, that is my friend's name. She has offered herself up as a mate in exchange for you withdrawing yourself from the royal mate battle. I told her she did not have to do this, but she insisted. Instead, you will have a puma mate and a place within our evolving government.” Mex paced several steps away and turned to face me once more. He was a huge male, easily as big as Nix in size and weight.

“Forgive my impertinence my lady but I have a condition.”

“Oh?” I folded my arms across my chest.

“I want to challenge this Selig. If Mistress Koi is to be my mate, it is only natural for me to avenge her. Selig and I will fight to the death.” He growled. I hesitated. Mex’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“If you fail, Koi will die.” I murmured sadly. Mex nodded.

“I will not fail her, lady Luca.” He said softly.

“Then it is a deal. You avenge Koi and after the battle, you will take her as your mate. Withdrawing yourself from the royal battle at the same time.” I said.

“You have my word.”

“Good, it’s my turn. I will skin you alive and leave you to the birds if I discover you are not the male you have presented to me. Koi means a lot to me-.”

“You have nothing to fear my lady Luca. She is a puma female; I am incapable of harming her. She is my salvation.” He whispered shooting me a genuine smile. I relaxed.

“Shall we?” Mex asked motioning towards the palace.

“Let’s go introduce you.”

Koi’s heart was pounding. I could hear it from across the room. I stepped inside, the huge male did not. He stayed on the outside of the door. He bowed his head towards his intended mate cowering at the other side of the room. I crossed the space to my friend. She gripped my claws.

“He is not a full Puma, Luca. He is part Main coon. How incredible.” She whispered.

“Is that a problem?” I asked softly.

“Oh no of course not. He is huge, oh my, he is wonderful. Look at him Luca, he is the most beautiful male I have ever seen.” She murmured. Mex’s eyes grew lighter, clearly pleased the female liked the look of him.

“Koi, this is Mex. He has accepted your proposition though he has made a condition.” I said. Koi turned to look at me, her eyes wide. Her claws shaking.

“He wants to avenge you in a battle with Selig,” I told her softly. The female’s eyes glowed upon hearing that name. A savage look came over her face, she turned her head to look at the male in the doorway.

“You will do this for me?” She asked, her voice strong for the first time since the attack. Mex lowered himself to one knee.

“On my honour.” He replied. Koi drew herself up to her full height and crossed the room. Her claw trembled so much I was not sure she would be able to do it. Koi cupped Mex’s face, leaning forwards she kissed his cheeks and his mouth. Mex held himself still until Koi backed away to stand with me once more. He smiled climbing back to his feet. His eyes popped wide as he took in the three cubs on the floor.

“You’re a mother?” Mex asked looking down at my twins. I nodded. His eyes grew suspicious.

“This mate battle-?”

“Mating Koi just saved your life,” I told the male. He breathed out in a rush.

“I vow I do not want your mate's position. The leopards, on the other hand, do. They are bloodthirsty and vicious.” He stated.

“I know,” I said dryly.

“Is, is that a tiger cub?” Mex breathed lowering himself back to one knee. Koi nodded.

“Yes, her name is Mie. She is Haze and Brik’s daughter.”

“Extraordinary! I have not seen a tiger cub in two hundred cycles.” He chuckled. Koi smiled over her shoulder at me.

“Would you like to hold one of the cubs?” I asked. Mex’s gaze snapped to Koi. She lowered herself into the furthest seat from the door, giving the male a slight nod. He smiled and stepped through the doorway. He sat down on the chair beside the door. I handed him, Nadia. She grinned up at him, full of mischief.

“Look at that face. She is beautiful Lady Luca. What is her name?”

“Nadia. Koi would you care to tell Mex about the cubs?” Koi shot me a small smile.

“She is a little bit of a handful. She is more like Nixim than Luca. Maliki, her brother is like his mother. Nadia likes her fur brushed before bed, Maliki likes his brushed in the mornings.” Koi answered softly. Mex smiled at the little cub on his knee.

“I like my fur brushed before bed too.” He whispered. Nadia giggled as he used one claw to tickle her tummy. A shadow appeared in the doorway. Nadia’s eyes popped wide, she grinned, and her arms flew into the air. I looked up to see Nix towering in the doorway.

“I have come to see my cubs.” He announced a bite to his voice.

“Nix, we need to talk,” I said firmly. Koi jumped to her feet.

“Mex, would you walk with me in the garden? It is beautiful today and I have some questions.” She asked hesitantly.

“Of course, lead on my dear.” He replied handing Nadia to me.

“Have fun you two,” I called handing Nix his daughter. I picked up a sleeping Mie and placed her in the cot on the other side of the room. Maliki cuddled into me as I sat down opposite Nix.

“Koi asked to mate Mex, he is the only single male puma in the colony. Mex agreed though he stated one condition. Mex will avenge Koi in a battle with Selig this afternoon.” I said hesitantly. Nix nodded.

“It’s a good match. As for the condition. Mex will slaughter Selig; the male doesn’t have a chance.” My mate replied. Nadia climbed his shirt and propped herself over her father’s shoulder to play with the three braids hanging from his ponytail. We sat in silence for a while before Nix spoke.

“Maliki has inherited your height.” He murmured looking down at his son lounging on my lap.

“And his father’s temper,” I replied softly fixing Maliki’s little blue shirt. Nix smiled at that.

“Kitten-.”

“My lord, your opponents are calling for an earlier match. They think it too old-fashioned to wait until sunset. They are in the arena calling you out sir.” Holon reported appearing in the doorway.

“I will be there shortly,” Nix replied dryly. Holon bowed his head and backed from the room. Nix and I placed the children into the playpen. I grabbed my mate wrapping myself around him before he could walk away from me. His claws clamped to my hips holding me steady.

“Do not lose. For the sake of our children do not let them live. They have been planning your death for months. This was the only way to bring them out. I love you, I would never give you up. I have never met a male so strong, brave, or courageous and no one has ever loved me as you do.” I whispered frantically. Praying he saw the truth.

“You are not passing me over?” He asked pressing his forehead to mine. I cupped his face.

“No, never. Why would I ever give you up Nix? I became Therros, gave up my family, planet, and humanity for you. Only death would keep me from you and even then, I can guarantee I would give the heavens a rattling. I thought you did not want me anymore.” I murmured, tears trailing down my face. Nix’s eyes began to glow a bright blue.

“Not want you! You’re all I ever wanted. It is my turn to fight for you female. Watch me win you, as is meant.” He growled the savagery in him rising. A chuffing sound came from my throat. My mate smiled. He pressed his lips to my forehead, lowering my feet to the floor.

“Hart,” Nix called over my shoulder. His uncle appeared from the hallway surprised to see his nephew.

“Bring my children. I want them to see their father win the favour of their mother.” He commanded not once looking away from me. He pulled his shirt over his head and handed it to me. He suddenly pivoted on the balls of his feet and launched out the door. I ran after him watching as he sprinted into the city. The crowd lining the street roared with excitement. Mex and Koi appeared on the veranda.

“Let’s go,” I yelled. Hart and Cleo carried the children. The cubs hardly jostled in their arms as they sprinted after their king. Mex turned to look back at me. I grinned as my form began to change. He stared, shocked.

“She is Therrom!” He whispered to Koi. Koi chuckled.

“I know. Pretty cool, huh?” She replied leading her future mate towards the arena. I sprinted past my friends and family. I launched myself over the wall. All four feet landing with an exceptional balance on the tops of the twin thrones set up for the event. My haunting scream echoed around the arena. I shifted back to my Therros form and hopped down to sit on my chair to the right of the empty King's position. The two leopards exchanged a smirk until Nix strode into the arena. He rolled his shoulders. Turning to face the thrones he bowed, bending at the waist. My heart kicked into overdrive. Butterflies took wing in the pit of my stomach. If I had not been attracted to my mate before, I damn well was now.

“Contenders, you fight for the place beside our queen. Begin!” Hart yelled, his voice echoing around the ring. I had never seen Nix fight. Though the rumours were abundant.

“This is going to be bloody.” Haze murmured in my ear. Brik was by her side. He squeezed my shoulder, telling me without words they were alright. Nix moved suddenly as one of the leopards swiped at him. His body was so fluid, he moved like flowing water. He wrapped his tail around one of their throats and threw them with incredible strength. The male hit the barrier with a sickening thud. I saw Koi and Mex arrive. The huge male watched slightly stunned at the panther he narrowly missed fighting.

“I owe you a blood debt.” He murmured to me. I shook my head.

“You owe Koi a blood debt,” I replied not once looking away from my mate.

“Luca, are you alright?” Haze asked curiously. I looked down at my claws to see them digging furrows in the stone armrests. I cursed softly under my breath when a claw raked Nix’s face. A soft growl erupted from my throat. Hart gripped my shoulder tightly. Cleo leaned down.

“You must not interfere.” She hissed. I bit back a scathing retort. Nix must have known I was worried, he punched his opponent in the face, knocking him to the ground and winked at me.

“Show off,” Haze muttered. I chuckled.

“Stop worrying. Nix is playing with them.” She told me shaking her head. Mex frowned.

“How do you know?”

“Wait for it. The one on the left is not known for his brain capacity. He looks like he’s had an epiphany ” Haze said. The male in question climbed back to his feet.

“How do you even know those cubs are yours? For all, you know they could be your Uncles.” The taller of the two called. Haze winced.

“Case in point.” She muttered. I arched one brow. Hart snarled taking a step forward menacingly. Cleo gasped at her mate’s ferocity. Nix leapt into the air, he twisted coming down on top of the loud-mouthed male. His claws driving through his skull. He ripped the leopards head in half with a blood-chilling yell. Covered in brain tissue he turned to his last opponent. His lips open in a snarl. The last male yelled a challenging cry and ran at Nix. My mate punched his fist through the male’s chest and ripped his spine out of his abdomen.

“That was Nixim being serious.” Haze said dryly. Nix spun to face me, his arms lifted into the air.

“Does anyone else wish to challenge me.” He asked turning in a circle, meeting the eyes of his people. All Therros dropped to one knee, baring their throats in submission. I stood up. Nix vaulted over the rail separating us. He stood in front of me and cupped my face with one claw.

“I battled for you Luciana, will you keep me as your mate?” He asked quietly, crowding close to me.

“Always. Nix?”

“Yes, my love.” He whispered his body curling around mine.

“You have brain matter on your claws,” I said pulling a disgusted face. Nix frowned down at one claw.

“Ah damn, sorry kitten.” He muttered. Brik handed him a damp cloth.

“Good male.” Nix murmured. He wiped his claws and handed me gently into my chair. He took his place beside me.

“Bring out Selig. It is long past time for that male to face justice.” Nix called. Holon nodded signalling to one of his males. Selig was brought into the arena several minutes later. Koi began to shake, her claw trembling at the sight of her attacker. Mex bent down, lowering himself enough to look his future mate at eye level.

“Grant me a good luck favour, my lady.” He asked with a small grin. Startled, Koi laughed. She handed the cubs to Cleo and Hart, she drew the dagger at her boot and sliced off one of her small braids. She handed it to him without thought.

“A kingly gift.” Mex murmured, he bowed his head, kissed the lock of hair, and tied it securely around one of his braids.

“So romantic,” I whispered with a smile and looked at Nix. He moved his hair showing a long braid with my formerly red hair coiled through it. He winked at me and let the tresses of black fall back into place. I did not remember him taking the lock of hair. Sneaky bugger!

“Selig, you stand accused of sexually assaulting a female Therros. The puma Koi. How do you plead?” Holon called. Selig grinned a menacing smile.

“I am guilty, and she loved every minute. Hello sweetheart.” He laughed winking at her. Koi whimpered, scurrying behind me. I lunged forward with a menacing snarl of fury. Nix caught me by the arm. I was shaking, on the cusp of change. Selig took three hasty steps back, no longer smiling.

“A queen must fight for her females, her royal position however stops her from battling within the arena. Queen Luciana will now choose a champion to avenge Lady Koi’s honour. Kitten, who do you choose?” Nix asked. His voice carrying.

“Mex shall be my champion,” I replied motioning to the male over my shoulder. Selig’s eyes grew wide as he registered how big his opponent was.

“I do not know this male! Where did he come from?” Selig yelled. Nix grinned a menacing smile.

“Mex grew up on Brug the Sumi prison planet.” He replied casually. Selig took several more steps backward.

“I have heard of you! The half breed puma. What was your father again, ah yes? The by-product of a Main Coon and a puma. You’re not pure blood. Would you still take this male knowing what he is?” Selig spat glaring a Koi.

“Yes, Mex is Main Coon and he is mine.” She snarled summoning her anger towards the male who attacked her. Mex bowed his head. I leaned towards Hart.

“Main Coons were considered savages, they were huge and strong. An incredible species of Therros. They worked and lived closely with the royal house. We thought their line ended with the Manx. Having Mex with us is an honour.” My mate’s uncle murmured. Mex did not give the other male time to react. He attacked with his full strength and speed. I stood up, drawing Koi to my side.

“Watch your mate fighting for you. For you Koi. This male will never forsake or abuse you. Watch him move, his speed and power.” I whispered. Koi’s claws clasped mine with incredible strength. Her eyes began to glow. Never once did she remove her gaze from the massive male. Mex suddenly turned his head to look at his mate. Selig lay on the ground broken and bruised. Mex picked him up in one giant claw.

“Come to me,” Mex called. Koi looked to Nix. He nodded with a merciless smile. I handed the female my dagger. Koi clutched it in her fist and jumped over the railing dividing us from the ring.

A savage snarl, mixed with a cry of rage burst from the female puma’s throat as she threw off her robe, revealing her form for the first time in over a year. The fur around her neck lifted, her sharp teeth bared. She crossed the ring with phenomenal speed, drawing the blade across the male’s throat. She spun around and cupped his face.

“Look at me, look into my eyes! I want to see your soul leave your body. Who’s the b***h now?” She growled. Selig stared at her helplessly as his life drained from him in moments. Mex dropped the dead male. He lowered his great bulk to one knee. Nix launched to his feet.

“Does any male challenge Mex for his right to mate Lady Koi?” Nixim called. The crowd fell silent, all eyes looked to the sky.

“Koi, the decision is yours, if you do not want this male I will champion you.” My mate stated. Koi smiled and clasped Mex’s claw. The huge male stood.

“I will have him, sire. How could I not, he is Main Coon?” She answered with an uncustomary little giggle. She clapped one claw to her mouth, her eyes wide. Mex chuckled, looking down at her. The crowd cheered as Koi turned, stood up on her toes, and kissed Mex on the cheek. He cupped her face with one claw and rested his head against hers. Nix drew me up by his side, I leaned into him with a sigh. Hart and Cleo handed us our children. Nadia immediately climbed her father’s chest and up to his shoulder, so she could see everything. Maliki leaned his head on my chest and closed his eyes. Mex and Koi walked towards us, Nadia immediately reached out her claws for Mex. He grinned and lifted her onto his shoulder. She gave a little cry of glee at being up so high. Nix laughed and shook his head. I watched as the crowd trickled out of the arena, back to their lives. Holon and his men dragged the bodies of the fallen males from the ring to be buried. I turned around to face Haze.

“So, you and Brik are good, or do I have to go with the kidnapping plan?” I asked. Brik chuckled. Haze poked out her tongue.

“We’re fine. Thank you for watching Mie for us.” Haze said snuggling the little tiger close to her. I grinned when Mie glared at Maliki.

“Home, food, sleep, in that order,” Nix announced motioning for our group to follow us back to the palace.

“Nix.” The moment I murmured my mate's name, I had his immediate attention.  He smiled down at me as we walked through the city, heading back to our home.

“Kitten.”

“When did you cut off a piece of my hair? I don’t remember you doing it.” I asked curiously. Nix winced. I frowned. He cupped the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable with the subject.

“The night you cried yourself to sleep in my arms. I cut a piece of your hair and tied it to my own, where no one could see it.” He admitted softly. I stopped walking, looking up at my mate in shock.

“Why did you do that?” I whispered. Malaki yowled, wriggling against me. I had accidentally held too tightly. Nix took him from me, curling him into his chest. Maliki grinned rubbing his face against his father’s fur. Nix reached out, he cupped one side of my face with one claw. He leaned down, his lips brushing mine.

“I was already in love with you Kitten. When you died in my arms, my heart stopped. I could not bear to be in the universe without knowing you. I ordered Haze to revive you. I love you, Luciana Kane.” Nix pulled me against him, taking my mouth with more force. A little face wiggled between ours, giggling and kissing out cheeks. We chuckled at our smiling son. Nix drew me against his side. We continued our walk home.

“One more thing, my love,” I growled, suddenly unimpressed. Nix chuckled.

“I know. If I ever pull this stunt again, you’ll cut off my tail.” He murmured. I shot him a steady look, nodded shortly, and moved closer curling into my mate.

Cleo, Koi, Candy, and I busied ourselves in the kitchen, cooking up a storm. While the males sat in the living room and watched the children.

“Were you afraid to mate Hart, Cleo?” Koi asked suddenly as she strained the water from the plump, soft red rice. Cleo smiled as she stirred the soup.

“Terrified. Like you, I was a victim of abuse. It is difficult sometimes, Hart cannot pin me down. I become flooded with fear and lash out. He is very good to me. Being with him is like submerging myself in calm pleasure.” Cleo replied a little dreamily. Koi smiled and turned to Candy.

“Jeg is so sweet to me, he can be a little wild sometimes. Mostly he is gentle.” All eyes turning to me. I laughed.

“Nix is like a wildfire. He is voracious and insatiable. That male looks at me and I feel like my blood has become molten in my veins. I practically vibrate on the spot. Nothing calm, about my mating ladies.” I whispered. Koi, Cleo, and Candy laughed softly covering their mouths.

“That is what I feel when I look at Mex, how am I going to mate with him if I am afraid?” Koi murmured suddenly worried.

“Take it slow.” Candy said. Cleo nodded.

“She is right. Take it slow. Mex will not force you Koi. He does not seem the type.” Cleo said pouring the soup into the large serving bowl.

“I don’t know.” She whispered.

“Tie him to the bed. You have all the control then.” I stated casually. The females laughed, though Koi shot me a small grin. We left the kitchen laden down with serving plates. The males jumped up to relieve us of our burdens. Brik and Mex picked up the children and settled them into their various high chairs. I handed Nadia and Maliki a plate of thinly chopped meat and rice. They each gave chirps of glee and began to eat. Nix watched them with wide eyes. Mie eyed the rice with a little frown. Brik picked up a piece and pushed it into her mouth. She chewed, swallowed, and grinned up at him wanting more. We laughed and began to dish our meals. I wound my tail around Nix’s.

“Alright kitten?” he whispered kissing the side of my head.

“Yes.” I murmured. Nix frowned suddenly, touching his forehead as though in pain. He shuddered and slid his tail away from mine. The smile slid off my face, something weird had just happened to my mate. Haze frowned having seen the gesture. Her gaze flashed to Nix curiously. Brik nudged her under the table. I turned to give the cubs more food as I picked at my own, losing my appetite. What the hell was going on? I thought.

After dinner, we stood on the stairs waving goodbye to our guests. I ignored Nix, turned, and walked inside. I picked up the sleeping children and carried them to their room. I tucked them in and kissed their little dark heads. With a sigh, I closed the door slightly and returned to the kitchen. I packed the dishwasher and cleaned up. When I finished, the house was quiet. All the lights were off. I walked into my bedroom and stopped in the doorway. Nix was leaning against the wall staring out the window.

“Don’t tell me, you’re about sprout a whole heap of crap at me and walk out the door again?” I asked dryly, pain slicing through me. Nix turned his head to look at me.

“No. I won’t do that to you again Luca.” He murmured. I paused, he never called me Luca.

“Then what is it? Are you sick, of me already? Having a bitten-in mate not doing it for you?” I demanded. I fought back tears and anger, and fear. The loneliness threatening to overwhelm me since his disappearance. Nix cursed under his breath.

“Hart reported on a few things. One being, the intergalactic council refuses to acknowledge you as the queen of the Therros.” He snapped running one claw through his hair. Unable to stop it, a chuckle burst from my mouth.

“Is that it? Is that what has been bothering you?” I demanded.

“It’s part of it.” Nix nodded.

“Then don’t make me your queen. I am happy to be your mate and consort. This does not have to be the end of the bloody world. I want you, not you damn throne. Get your s**t under control, you’re breaking my heart damn it! I just want my husband back!” I cried suddenly. I was unable to hold back the tears another second. They rolled down my cheeks. I covered my face and spun away from him, not wanting him to see me break. Nix grabbed me gently pulling me into his arms. I sobbed into his shirt as he curled his tall frame around my small one.

“I’m sorry Luca.” He breathed arms tightening. He lifted me high against his chest and laid me down in our bed. He drew the blankets over us never once letting me go. For the first time in what felt like an eternity I drifted into sleep with the scent of my mate surrounding me.

I woke to Nix’s shout. He was breathing hard, sweat-soaked the fur of his face. I sat up switching on the lamp beside me. He cursed covering his eyes. I climbed out of bed and left our bedroom. I stuck my head into the cub’s room to see them sitting up with tears in their eyes.

“Oh, my babies, did daddy wake you up?” I whispered lifting them into my arms. I grabbed their little blankets and brought them into our room with me. Nix had the time he needed to collect himself and was back in bed, sitting up against the headboard in his long cotton pyjama pants.

“Damn, did I wake them too. Are they alight?” Nix asked seriously. I nodded, climbing into bed. I organized pillows and laid our cubs down in the centre of the bed. I lay down, motioning for Nix to do the same. He made himself comfortable. Maliki snuggled up to his father’s chest, he wrapped his little black tail around Nix’s arm and fell asleep. A smile lit up my mate’s eyes as he watched his children.

“Maliki has to have his tail wrapped around something to sleep and Nadia needs to have something to cuddle,” I whispered. Nix brushed the hair off his son’s face. He leaned down and kissed their heads. I smiled and closed my eyes. I felt my mate’s lips on mine and my eyes snapped open. I kissed him back briefly.

“Goodnight.” I murmured.

“Goodnight kitten.” He whispered.

I was running as I did every morning. I sprinted through the city, Therros waved to me as I passed. I jumped park benches and shrubs. A group of females was in the park going Lamaze classes with Linus. I stopped and jogged on the spot.

“Hello, my queen,” Linus said bowing his head. I rolled my eyes.

“I am not the queen. The intergalactic council is refusing to recognise me as having an official status, so I am as I have ever been. Just Luca.” I said with a smile. Linus made a rude noise in the back of his throat making several of the females laugh.

“Ridiculous, my queen.” He retorted.

“As always, you are a breath of fresh air to me, Linus,” I told him with a grin, I bowed my head and continued my run. When I entered the palace, it was to hear Nix growling at Hart in the living room. I waved to Koi and Mex. They sat on the veranda playing with my cubs.

“Good morning, how are you both?” I asked bending to touch my boots. I kissed my children and stretched my arms up to the sky. Both cubs were giggling as I did this a couple of times. Mex and Koi were laughing.

“We are well Luca,” Koi answered happily.

“Good to hear. Do I want to go in there, what happened?” I whispered shooting a glance over my shoulder. Mex winced.

“The Sumi has accused the Therros of war crimes.” The huge male murmured.

“You’re bloody kidding? I bet this was about my stabbing that captain.” I growled.

“When did you stab someone?” Mex asked, frowning.

“How do you think I got the information about the Helligan crew?” Spinning around I marched through the door and into the study where my mate, Hart, Holon, Brik, Haze, and several other Therros stood. Nix spotted me and waved me forward.

“You are not allowed to be involved in the upcoming hearing.” He said sternly.

“Ah, why?” I asked looking around.

“The Sumi is accusing you of using criminal methods to extract information from one of their people,” Hart replied. I looked at Holon and winced.

“I knew that would come back and bite me in the arse,” I muttered. The leader of the army chuckled.

“It is an excuse, my lady. The Sumi want to take your crown.” Holon stated.

“What crown? I do not have one. I never wanted one. I am not your queen. I am Nixim’s consort, the mother of his children, and the commander of his defence network. It is my job and duty to launch a rescue and recovery mission if something should befall my king. The intergalactic laws also state, and I quote “to do all within my capacity as defence commander to defend, protect and safeguard my sovereign. Whether the means are distasteful and or horrific. My king before all others.” I recited.

“Our rescue took the length of time it did because we had to build a bloody ship. So, you see friends, torturing the Sumi Captain was me discharging my duty to my king and one must follow to the letter of the law.” I replied dryly. Mex had entered the room beside me.

“My lord, I do not envy you. I am glad she is yours. Luca is a troublemaker.” He said with a laugh. Hart covered his grin. Nix leaned back in his chair. Reggie and Jeg were openly laughing.

“Given this a little thought, have you?” My mate asked casually. I shook my head. Pointing to Koi.

“She did,” I said. All eyes turned to the female puma standing close beside me. She grinned and gave the inhabitants of the room a little wave. The two cubs in her arms grinned and waved their little claws at their father. He shot them a tight smile.

“Well done. Hart send our response to this load of bullsh-.”

“NIXIM!” I growled looking to the cubs. He winced and looked at his children. They were watching him closely.

“Just respond, Hart.” Nix sighed. The males in the room growled their approval. Nix shook his head, he rubbed his forehead, wincing. He finally, relaxed.

“Bring me my little ones.” He called holding out his arms. Koi crossed the floor and handed them over. She looked a little lost. Brik handed Mie to her. She sighed with relief and went to stand back with her mate. The cubs gave Koi something to focus her mind on. They kept her so busy. Once she said they kept her too busy for the memories to invade.

“The twins and I have a meeting with Ferrin scheduled for today. Brieeorg will be here in the next half hour.” I said to my mate. He looked up at me with a frown.

“What for?” He demanded. Reggie and Holon chuckled.

“Ferrin likes to play with the twins while Yana and Luca talk farming and battle strategy,” Koi answered smoothly shooting me a cheerful smile. I could not help but grin.

“Everyone out. My mate will stay. Five minutes’ people.” Nix ordered sternly. The room emptied relatively quickly.

“Explain.” He ordered once we were alone. I rolled my shoulders.

“I have been helping Yana establish lasting crops inside their mountain. We strategize.” I admitted hesitantly. Nix’s eyes grew wide. He relaxed.

“They’re not helping us; it is the other way around?” He asked.

“No, it is a mutual information swap,” I replied shooting my mate a glare. Nix sighed, he touched his head again like he had a headache.

“Luca, I am grateful for everything you have done in my absence. Remember, I rule here not you.”

“You have made that blatantly clear, my lord. Now give me my children. We will be back in three days.” I snarled savagely. Nix handed over the cubs with a confused expression. I flung the door back with so much force it cracked one wall. I stormed past the group of Therros standing in the hall, ignoring their inquiries for my health.

I placed the cubs on the floor in my room and proceeded to pack a bag for the three days I was normally within the Dragus court. I turned when someone behind me cleared their throat. Mex and Koi stood in the doorway.

“What happened?” My friend asked. I growled a menacing sound under my breath.

“Nix just reminded me, he is king, and I am not. Though he is grateful for what I have done here in his absence.” I snapped while jamming several things into the bag.

“Sonofa-.”

“Mex!” Both Koi and I growled glaring at him.

“Sun-of-a!” Nadia cried grinning from her place half under the bed. Mex winced.

“Sorry. I forgot how quickly they learn.” He muttered. Koi squeezed his arm softly.

“Luca, what happened last night? One moment you were happy and the next, so sad.” She asked.

“Nix and I are having some problems. Sometimes, I think he’s alright and the next he is a stranger to me. I get he went through hell for the past year and he needs time to get his head around being home. I don’t know how long I can take the huge swings from hot to cold. I have only been in this life for two years. Loving Nix was the reason Hart bit me in the first place. Without my mate, what do I do?” I said sitting on my bed with my face in my claws.

“Oh Luca, it will be alright.” Koi cried rushing over to me. She sat beside me and hugged me tightly. Nadia and Maliki chuffed softly sensing I was upset. They wrapped themselves around my ankles, nuzzling my legs to comfort me. Koi withdrew, as a pair of strong arms covered in black fur surrounded me. Holding tightly.

“I hurt you. I am sorry Luca.” Nix whispered into my ear.

“Why do you keep pushing me away?” I cried, my whole body shaking.

“I gave up.” He replied. I lifted my head and looked up at him.

“What?”

“I gave up. I convinced myself I would never see you again. I didn’t stop fighting, the others needed hope. In my heart, I said goodbye to you and our child. The Sumi guards came to us and said they had found our new colony. They wiped you all out. Not one Therros remained. I think I died with you that day.” He explained softly.

“I am here! We are here. Open your eyes, Nixim Kane.” I whispered. I reached up and kissed him hard almost savagely. Nix tugged me closer to him. Two little yowls of displeasure came from the floor. We looked down to see our cubs glaring up at us.

“Sorry guys. Father got carried away.” He said reaching down and picking them up. They immediately snuggled against him. He held them carefully and looked at me.

“Three days is a long time.” He said softly. I nodded.

“You can use the time to sort out your head,” I told him firmly. I stood up and continued to pack the bag I was taking. I spotted Brieeorg landing. Nix carried the cubs outside. The colourful Dragus bowed his head.  

“Hello, Nix. How do you fare?” He greeted cheerfully. The Therros king rubbed the back of his head.

“Hello to you Brieeorg. I am well now I am home. How are you?”

“As well as can be expected with the Intergalactic council visiting next week,” Brieeorg replied sourly. I glanced over my shoulder. Nix did not react. He knew and did not tell me. A wave of anger washed out of me. Brieeorg peered down at me curiously.

“Ready to go?” He asked. I nodded, strapping the cubs into their basket, tied to my waist. I waved to Nix and settled behind Brieeorg’s head. Nix nodded to us and turned, leaving before we took off.

The cubs cried with joy as they spotted Ferrin, the mighty Dragus king. He laughed and motioned them forward with his huge claws.

“Ah, my little friends! Come in and play with Uncle Ferrin.” His laughter boomed around the cavern throne room. Yana chuckled from one side of the room.

“Greetings Luca. I swear this male gets crazier every time you visit.” She called with a grin.

“Hello, Yana. The kids love it. They are just as crazy to see him as Ferrin is. The mutual admiration society.” I replied causing the three of them to laugh. Brieeorg turned a serious expression on his mother. Yana frowned.

“What is it my hatchling?” She asked becoming serious. I looked up at my friend. Brieeorg peered down to me.

“Nixim did not tell Luca about the council’s imminent arrival.” He reported. I sighed. Ferrin looked at us, concern radiated from the huge male.

“What is going on over there Luca? Is everything alright?” He demanded.

“Nix is acting strange. I am starting to think there is something very wrong with my mate.” I said looking to each Dragus. Yana’s frown deepened.

“What do you mean?” She asked leading me into the sitting room off the main cavern. Ferrin entered a moment later with my cubs sitting on his shoulder.

“He looks like Nix and sounds like Nix, but I keep getting the impression I have never met this male before. He only seems like his old self at night after the nightmares wake him.” I explained.

“Does he wake up in the morning as this male you do not know?” Brieeorg asked curiously.

“Yes.”

“Why do you say he seems like his old self?” Ferrin enquired his eyes snapping with fire.

“In the days since Nix’s return, he has been very busy. The first time it happened he announced I am no longer recognised as the queen of the Therros. This didn’t bother me, I mean who cares. Queen or consort, whatever. Then the next time Nix’s council became fully male-dominated and he stops calling me Kitten and reverts to using my name.” I stated sadly. The Dragus shared worried looks.

“Does he call you Kitten often, Luca?” Yana asked. I nodded.

“Always, he uses it whenever he speaks to me. Even before we were mated, and I was bitten in. He has called me Kitten since the beginning of our relationship. He hardly used my name. Now, he is so formal. It is almost like there is someone else living in my husband’s head.” I said pushing my hair back around my ears.

“Surely they would not be so brazen? He’s the Therros King.” Yana said looking to her mate. Ferrin made a noise in the back of his throat, bringing my head snapping around. I eyed the two huge creatures suspiciously.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked. Ferrin cursed under his breath.

“Brieeorg take the cubs. This story is not for littlies. Especially, since these two like to repeat everything.” Ferrin growled handing over his two little friends. Nadia and Maliki pouted causing the old male to chuckle.

“I’ll take them for a romp through the apple orchid,” Brieeorg called over his shoulder as he left with my children. I paced across the wide expanse of the sitting room.

“Several years ago, the Sumi were caught using mind control. I see the disbelief in your face Luca, it is however true. Not perhaps in the sense, you know from your time on Earth. The Sumi has a small bug, an implant that can lock away certain portions of your mind.” Ferrin explained.

“They are desperate then if they have implanted one of these devices into the Therros King. They would not want Nixim Kane to talk to the council. In the Intergalactic constitution, it is illegal to hold a Sovereign against their will, even in wartime.” Yana stated seriously. I gaped at the two Dragus.

“How do I get the bug out of his head, if there is one?” I asked worriedly. Yana thought for a moment.

“Taiga Yasi could help you, I think.” She said. I frowned, why was that name familiar.

“She is the Viccum, on the council,” Yana explained.

“Oh, you mean the woman who reads minds?” I finally asked looking between the two Dragus. Ferrin nodded.

“Yes, the very one. She will be here tomorrow with one other council member. The rest will arrive by the week’s end. We will assist you in getting to the bottom of this Luca.” Yana replied.

“Thank you, my friends.”

“Put all these matters to the back of your mind, Luca. Come, we will hunt down those delightful cubs in the orchard.” Ferrin laughed leading the way out into the main cavern.