Soul of Desire

Chapter Ten

I must have lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes, I lay on a pillow in the middle of the floor. I looked down at myself, lifting one brow. What the hell was I wearing? I thought. I stood up slowly.  

“Are you serious? This place is freezing, damn it.” I muttered unimpressed. I looked like a concubine from Arabian nights. Scarves hung from a gold chain wrapped around my hips. A gold barely there, piece of fabric covered my breasts. A thin string of pearls tied it around my neck and the other wrapped around my back. I rolled my eyes and looked around. My new jiffy shoes squeaked on the polished stone floor.

“Get back to your pillow!” I heard a frantic whisper to the left. I crossed the floor swiftly and sat down on my pillow as the doors opened to reveal a very tall, thin pink male with tentacles coming out of the sides of his neck. Why? Oh, why did they have to have tentacles? I groaned silently as he crossed the floor towards me.

“Hello, my dear. You know who I am, I am sure.” His chuckle was a little too sinister for my tastes. I shook my head, trying to form an apologetic expression. He froze.

“You do not know who I am? Have the Therros recovered from the loss of all their females and their planet?” I looked at the floor and shook my head again. The male crouched down. He reached out and cupped my face drawing it up to meet his white eyes.

“An unclaimed Panther female, how interesting. Apart from your diminutive size what deformity could you possibly have for their rejection?” He murmured thoughtfully. I suddenly shoved my claw into the male’s chest. His eyes popped wide.

“I am unbelievably vicious. Nixim Kane sends his love.” I breathed as I extracted his heart with a disgusting sucking sound. Grogill’s mouth opened and closed several times. One more swipe of my claw opened his torso to his waist. I stood up, with a frightening roar and ripped his head off, tossing it onto a brazier burning in one corner. I needed to make sure the male was dead before I saw Nix again. The stink of burning rotted fish wafted through the room. I ripped the curtains down from around me and swore. I was surrounded by guards and a large audience. They were all grinning widely and nodding to one another. I looked over to see a white, orange and brown Therros female crouched close to me. She was a calico! Reggie was meant to be the last of his kind.

“How entertaining!” A booming voice called. I turned to face the towering thrones several feet above the others seated around them. I stalked across the floor, my eyes darting around.

“Glad you approve.” I replied sarcastically. The humanoid male on the throne grinned.

“How does a Therros Panther not recognize the chief commander of the Zeg empire?” He asked sitting forward.

“They don’t let me out much,” I replied finally, standing still.

“Clearly. It is quite the honour to have you here my dear. Pray, who is your sire?”

“I don’t know. I was raised in the Callite slave camps in Josue province.” I answered smoothly still looking around, taking in as much information as I could. There were humans in the crowd and several Therros whose eyes began to glow, with hope.

“A Callite slave camp, really?” The male glared at another sitting one row below him. He bowed his head.

“Forgive me, Supreme Chancellor, I had no idea my people captured such a valuable creature.”

“Don’t lie now, I have seen you before. You had great plans to enrich your people by trying to breed me for more Panthers. How much did you say the Sumi and Zeg would pay for females like me?” I called, crossing my arms over my chest. I grinned as I watched the Callite try and wriggle out of the hole I dug for him.

Panthers were Therros royalty! I turned to face the male crouched to my left, he nodded at the silent question in my eyes. Would he side with me against the Sumi and Zeg? The answer was a clear hell to the yes! He was ginger. I vaguely recalled Haze telling me the gingers were the soldiers back on Vent, they were huge and held unparalleled savagery, apart from the panthers of course.

“Are you housed with the humans?” I growled softly enough for the Therros to hear, but not their captors. The biggest ginger male nodded a minuscule movement.

“Give them the choice and then bite the humans in the shoulder. Be ready, Kane is coming. No Therros is left behind. This ship is about to have a really bad day.” I said. Eyes popped wide across the room as the Therros realised I was telling them the stories were true and the legendary Nixim Kane was coming to free them. The dread pirate was going to save them and lay waste to the Sumi. I watched the soldiers approach me cautiously. I held my body coiled tightly.

“Don’t fight them, they will take you to your friends.” The female Calico whispered. I held my hands out from the sides of my body. The Supreme Chancellor smiled down at me.

“You’re grinning your arse off now. You won’t be for long, especially when Nixim Kane discovers a panther female is in your custody. I am going to love watching that.” I called with a smirk. The Chancellor was no longer smiling.

“Take her to the cells.” He growled. I bared sharp white teeth at him as I was grabbed and dragged away.

I was locked in another cage, still in my little harem costume. I shook my head, looking down at my clothes again. I missed my knife, my boots, maybe even something more substantial covering my arse. I thought with a sigh.

“Who are you really?” The calico asked me from the cage next door. I shrugged.

“Who is anyone?” I replied shooting a look over my shoulder.

“I’m Natasha, from Nottingham.” A human woman called from across the aisle.

“As in Nottingham, England?” I asked. A laugh burst out of her mouth, she was so surprised.

“Oh, my gosh, how does a Therros know about England?” She whispered. I shrugged.

“I spent some time in the states recently, though I have been to England a time or two,” I replied rolling my shoulders trying to ease the tension coiled in the back of my neck. Natasha gasped.

“Thank you for that. I was starting to think I was crazy, remembering home as a fantasy.” She sobbed covering her mouth.

“Brag, Reggie, are you here?” I called softly.

“Damn female, I thought you were gone for good.” Brag called back. I slumped against the solid bars.

“Pfft, me gone for good, not a chance. I’m nowhere near that lucky. Where is Reg?”

“He’s here, they tore him up pretty bad. I don’t know if he is going to make it. A shame, he is the last Calico.” He replied. The female beside me gasped jumping to her feet.

“He’s a Calico?” She cried tears poured down her fur. She bent down and moved a tile, her skinny, little body slid under the bars. A moment later she was standing in front of Brag and Reggie. I smashed up three tiles and freed myself after a prolonged struggle. I was bigger than the other female. I kicked free more tiles to other cells as I strolled over to my friends.

“Hey.” I said casually, leaning against the bars. Brag did a double-take.

“No way! How did you get out?” He hissed looking around. I shrugged.

“I am Nimia, I would help him.” She whispered.

“Have at it,” I said. Bending down she pulled a tile free and slid into the cage. Brag looked at the gap and then to me.

“How?”

“Same way she did. It was a struggle, believe me, I think I have a fat spine. I’m going to have bruises on my spleen.” I muttered sourly. I looked at the hinge beside me and grinned. It was bolted into the wall. I stood back balled my claw and struck it hard. My fist got stuck in the wall. I swore. Brag realised what I was doing and punched through the other side releasing one set of hinges. Bending down we started on the others. Several females caught the door before it could fall to the floor. A female ginger appeared beside me.

“We must go; the guards will be here to check on us in a few minutes. We still have to bite the willing humans.” She told me softly.

“What have you been doing and what the hell are you wearing?” Brag cast me a suspicious look.

“I’ve been busy, and I woke up like this. No judging. Does it make my arse look big?” I growled, worriedly looking over my shoulder.

“Captain will flip. There is no way I am looking at your arse Hex. I like my eyes where they are. Cheetahs are fast, but not that fast.” Brag chuckled. Two more males joined us, taking my place under Reggie’s arm, far more effective as they were three feet taller.

“Why are you so short?” Another female asked. Reggie proved he was still conscious by his chuckle.

“Birth defect,” I muttered bringing about another smothered laugh from my shipmates. I rolled my eyes.

“I want to be bitten,” Natasha said suddenly. I looked over my shoulder to a puma male. He nodded, bowed his head to the woman and murmured softly before he bit into her shoulder. She gasped in pain, though she stood steady. The chuffing sound came from my throat as approval flooded through me. Our group of seven soon tripled. No one made a sound, no one dared.

“Highness, this way.” One of the females whispered. Startled, I looked to Brag.

“Panther.” The Cheetah mouthed. Oh right, yeah. I thought shaking it off. Several times we were forced to hide. Our large party crammed into various spaces while we waited for the guards to pass.

On one such occasion, we dived into a room and closed the door behind us.

“Oh, jackpot. How stupid is this?” Reggie growled pointing over my shoulder. I turned to see, we were on the bridge and it was unmanned. I grinned.

“Well, that was accommodating of them. Brag, come and help me with this. I am liable to break something we need.” I said over my shoulder as I walked towards the control panel. Brag opened the viewer as a ship moving at a rapid clip exited a hyper window.

“That’s the Helligan!” He cheered softly.

“Can you call them? Preferably before they blow a hole in us.” I could make neither heads nor tails of the buttons before me. I knew how to fix a ship not operate it.

“Opening a Chanel now.” The screen flickered once then showed a very pissed off Panther. Nixim Kane. His scowl fell off his face when I laughed in relief.

“Hi. So, not really digging this model of a ship, too ostentatious. Can you believe these idiots left the bridge unattended? Oops Therros invasion, aisle five!” I asked with a small grin.

“Unbelievable! You have to be the luckiest female alive.” Nix muttered, he shook his head.

“Kane was worried for no reason, I see.” Haze laughed. I shrugged.

“What took you so long?” Brag asked casually frowning down at the panel in front of him.

“They hit engineering first,” Kane answered.

“Hart, I saw him get blasted. Is he-?” I breathed remembering the last I had seen of him.

“I’m right here cub, no need to fret. This old Panther is harder to kill than that.” Hart stated stepping into view. I visibly relaxed making the old feline grin.

“Sending schematics to you now sir as well as crew position, numbers and any other prisoners. By the way, Luca killed Grogill. She disembowelled him with her bare hands and ripped off his head with her claws in front of the entire Sumi court. I believe she said “Nixim Kane sends his love’. Before his head came off.” The male beside me reported with a smirk. Haze laughed, trying to cover it with a cough and ended up choking.

“I pulled his heart out too. It’s the tentacles Nix, I told you I really do not like men with tentacles touching me. It’s so gross. He had my face in his ugly pink hands, he stank of rotten fish and he had these beady little white eyes. Bastards took my knife. Do not even get me started on their fashion choices. Brag won’t tell me if these scarves make my arse look big.” I whined pouting. Hart turned away suddenly, his shoulders shaking.

“Grogill was my most relentless enemy kitten, he chased me across galaxies for the last three years and you disembowelled him with one claw,” Nix said incredulously. I shrugged.

“Put yourself in my jiffies for a second, Nix. He wasn’t standing over you with his ugly pink hands on your face. I really need a shower, I feel dirty. Now, do you want to knock, or shall we open the front door for you?” I asked changing the subject. I could not tell if Nix was happy or angry that I had killed his greatest enemy.

“Weapons charged Captain,” Haze called.

“Knock on the door Haze. Hold tight, you three.” Nixim’s smile was filled with malice. The tiger at the back of the room laughed.

“With pleasure sir. FIRE!” She yelled with unbridled glee. Nix pointed one claw at me.

“Do not move, not an inch! You bloody watch her.” He growled. Brag bowed his head and the screen switched off.

“So, was he happy or angry about Grogill because I couldn’t tell?” I said turning to face the group of twenty or so prisoners we helped escape. They all stood gaping, staring at the blank screen.

I looked at Reg.

“Let it go.” He mouthed.

“Seriously, what is it with everyone today?” I rolled my eyes and turned back to the panel a moment before I was knocked off my feet when the shields failed. I lay on the floor, staring up at the ceiling.

“Why am I always getting abducted? I swear I have been teleported more in the last year than most in their entire lives. It is really irritating, no wonder Therros are so moody.” I muttered. Brag laughed from his place beside me on the floor.

“Hey, look, Luca, I just want to say thanks. You know, if not for you I think Reggie and me might be dead. The guards in the holding cells were too distracted by you, they didn’t realise exactly who we are. So, thanks for getting us out of there. If you weren’t so head over claw for the captain, I would challenge for you in a microsecond.” Brag said softly. I squeezed his claw.

“Thanks. Truthfully, it is you I should be thanking. The engineering and maintenance crews never shunned me. You all looked at me as one of you, you didn’t treat me different when I was a human or now that I am Therros.” I murmured.

“Apart from your small size, you are like us.” Brag teased.

“You’re hilarious. Really, I’m laughing hysterically here, I’m almost crying.” I muttered dryly.  Brag chuckled. A roar echoed through the ship. I grinned and sat up. Reggie, Brag and I looked at each other.

“Kane!” We echoed cheerfully. The door trapping us on the bridge began to glow.

“What the hell is that? The metal is melting. Is that normal?” I watched curiously as bits of it dripped down onto the floor.

“It’s the Zeg!” Two of the females screamed in terror. Several of the males pushed them back, sheltering them from attack. The doorway cleared of smoke. I jumped to my feet.

“Grab the females!” Someone commanded.

“After me, you can be first.” I snarled. I saw a flash of pink and launched with a blood-curdling feline scream. I attacked without remorse or quarter as I slashed with razor-sharp claws, flipping my agile body back and forth. Whirling and dropping my opponents. I came to a stop at the end of the hallway, bodies of the Zeg and Sumi littered the floor. I pulled a laser from the thigh of one of the guards. I held it to the last male Zeg’s head and pulled the trigger. Spinning on my heel I picked my way back to the bridge covered in blue goo. Brag looked up from the floor, blood dripped steadily from one side of his face. I knelt pressing the pad of his claw hard to the wound.

“Where did you learn that?” He breathed in awe.

“I elected to be coded when I was human. Brik added combat and weapons, looks like the combat skills he gave me were Therros.” I admitted with a one-shoulder shrug.

“Never would have guessed.” He answered sarcastically. I chuckled softly.

“Come on spots, get on your feet. You can sit on your arse later.” I growled heaving the heavy male up. He swayed, catching himself before he fell over. The sound of running boots travelled up the hallway, followed by a healthy bout of swearing. Brag and I rolled our eyes. We were both going to cop it. Brag for not killing the Zeg and me for killing them. Captain Kane stepped through the door, ducking under the frame. His glowing amber eyes blazed brighter when they spotted me. He crossed the space, towering over me.

“Brag and Reggie are injured.” I told him wanting more than anything for him to hold me and not let me go, ever again.

“Are you alright?” He asked softly. I nodded.

“Good, the remainder of the inhabitants of the ship escaped in another transport. We have recovered one hundred Therros, eighty of them are female. Well done you three.” Nix called so Reggie could hear. The two Calico’s smiled at one another. Haze stepped over the threshold and came to my side. She raised one of my claws, understanding shone in her eyes. She knew I was the one to dispatch the soldiers in the hall. Her smile grew, she could not have been prouder as she flung an arm around my shoulders leading me out the door.

“What are you wearing?” She asked quietly.

“Bloody Grogill. I woke up like this. He took my knife; the nice one Hart gave me.” I hissed unimpressed. The twenty Therros we saved followed silently, keeping their distance from the Captain.

“We’ll have another made for you. As for your outfit. It is, interesting. Sorry, Luca, it makes your arse look fat.” Haze replied looking down at my clothes.

“I knew it! It’s the purple one! Isn’t it?” I shot her an unimpressed glare.

“I love you, Luca.” Haze laughed. Unable to help it, I grinned. We all crammed into the shuttle. Nix by my side hid his surprise and his smile when I wrapped my tail with his. We stayed connected until the last possible moment when I drew away. Nix led the captives off the shuttle to thunderous applause.

“Careful!” I fussed at Reggie and Brag as they were lowered onto medical beds and rushed to the infirmary. Hart and the other engineering males stood anxiously looking through the faces exiting the ship. I popped out of the crowd beside them and looked too.

“Who are we looking for?” I asked curiously. The small group startled, with a cry they all grabbed for me at once. I laughed.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. Reggie and Brag are heroes. The kept it solid in there. I was terrified, and they were all, Zeg who? We’ re Therros!” I yelled. The small group gave loud whoops in appreciation and respect. Each one wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze. Hart stood back. I jumped up and he caught me against his chest. I wrapped my arms around his neck. He hugged me just as hard.

“It’s good to see you, old man,” I whispered.

“You too, cub. You too.” He replied softly setting me back on the ground. I wiped the tears from the fur at the corner of my eyes. The boys looked away politely. Hart leaned down.

“Claim him, there is no time like the present.” All eyes turned to me. I nodded.

“Walk into the middle and yell who will claim me?” Hart counselled. I turned swiftly and raced through the crowd. Haze spotted me, she somehow knew what I was doing and waved me back. I stopped next to her.

“What, what is it?” I demanded unhappy that she had stopped me.

“Wait!” She growled turning me to face the centre of the cargo hold.

“Nixim Kane, I announce claim for you!” One of the new Leopard females yelled. The roar of chatter fell so silent; you could have heard a pin drop in the galley downstairs.

“Nixim Kane, I announce claim for you!” A puma cried running forwards to hiss at the other female. Nix folded his arms across his chest, clearly not amused.

“Females, this is not how we do it here.” He explained.

“Before, where there were only a couple of us yes. However, you are our king. A king should not have to fight to prove how strong he is. It is up to the king to take a strong mate, a mate chosen through a contest. Forgive me sire, this is the way it has always been done. The way of the females.” Cleo stepped forwards as her voice rang through the hold. Haze nudged me forwards. I stepped into the wide circle, ringing Kane and the two other females.

“Like hell females. That male is mine! Nixim Kane, I announce claim for you.” I stated not needing to yell as the others had. Growls of approval erupted behind me as the engineering crew bumped claws and nodded. Folding thick arms over their chests. They stood behind me, guarding my back.

“Very well. Have at it.” Nix sighed shaking his head. The crowd cheered. I looked down at my attire and cursed.

“Don’t worry too much about your clothes. You're about to remove them anyway. The contests are done without clothing. Only fur and claw.” Haze whispered.

“Oh, bloody wonderful.” I hissed. Haze shrugged.

“It’s tradition.”

“Well, tradition sucks. First tentacles and now public nudity. Shaping up to be a rotten day.” I growled pulling the blood-splattered veil from my face. I used my claws to cut the material from my body. I shook off the falling scraps and kicked off my shoes. I stood at one side of the circle and closed my eyes, breathing deep, in and out, forcing my body to relax.

“First blood is usually the winner, as this is a contest to find a mate for our sovereign, death is the only answer,” Haze announced stepping up next to Nix. He sat down appearing casual.

“Luca cut down no less than twenty Zeg guards with her bare claws not an hour ago, it was a thing of beauty and horror to watch. She said, when she was coded, Therros combat tactics were a part of it. What Luca lacks in size, she makes up for in unparalleled savagery. This is going to be a blood bath.” Brag whispered to Haze when he appeared. His face tended too by the ships doctor. The Captain’s ears twitched, having heard the statement. The big Panther hid his proud smile.

“Begin,” Haze called. The females separated, they circled together, naming me the bigger threat. My eyes began to glow an eerie blue. Nix suddenly leaned forward; his gaze glued to mine. I stretched my head back releasing the chilling feline scream. A moment later I whirled into action, dodging their swipes and lunges. I tore the puma in half with my claws, stepping through her body as I dived for the leopard. She skidded to one side managing to evade me. I stopped moving again, the crowd so quiet. I crouched, closing my eyes. My ears twitched, I could hear her thundering heartbeat. With a mighty spring, I left the ground in a pounce, twisting in the air I landed on top of the other female. I tore her head from her shoulders. I landed on the floor surrounded by blood and death.

“MINE! This male will not be taking any more females. I am it! All others will be killed! I am a panther female and I will grant no quarter!” I called pointing to Nix. The females in the room knelt, they turned their bowed heads to the side showing exposed throats in submission to my decree. Launching to his feet, Nix crossed the floor. He grabbed the back of my ponytail, wrenching my head back. He kissed me in front of the whole crew to a thundering cheer.

“G-get me out of here,” I whispered brokenly against his mouth.

“Haze, you have the Con.” He picked me up and carried me out of the cargo hold to jeers and lewd innuendos.

Once in his bedroom, he took me through to the shower only releasing me long enough to remove his clothes. He held me tightly under the spray as I cried into his chest.

“I have you kitten, you’re safe. I have you.” He whispered turning off the water. We stood under the dryer, a grate in the floor and ceiling. The fur on our bodies dried quickly. I pulled one of his shirts over my head and crawled into bed. He tucked me in, tightly against his side. I rest my head on his shoulder.

“I was so worried about you. You must have been terrified.” He whispered into the darkness surrounding us.

“At first I was. Reggie and Brag kept me calm. I thought Hart was dead or seriously injured. We broke out of our cell and into the ventilation shaft. They captured us as we tried to climb out. I woke up on a pillow, dressed in those horrible clothes. When I met Grogill he was so upset, I did not know of him. He leaned in close and asked what my deformity is as I was an unclaimed panther female.”

“So, you ripped his head off.” Nix murmured.

“No, I told him I was unbelievably vicious, Nixim Kane sends his love and then I ripped out his heart and sliced open his body. His head I took because I wasn’t sure if he were dead. He was still blinking at me and his lips were moving. It was so gross.” I replied with a shudder.

“That’s my female. I love you, kitten.” Nix chuckled, his arms tightening around me. I fell into a deeply troubled sleep.

I woke alone and hungry. I sat up and looked around the room. My suitcases were in one corner. Clipped into a holder on the wall by the bed was the picture of my parents.

“I miss you,” I whispered reaching out to touch their faces. The clock on the bedside table glowed, showing I was about to be late for my shift. With a groan, I stood and walked to the wardrobe. Inside were my suits, they were so much smaller than Nix’s. I pulled one out while wiping the tears from my eyes. I dressed quickly and brushed my hair and teeth. I smiled as I stepped out of the bedroom into Nix’s office. He was sitting in a meeting with several males from the other ship. I tried to sneak out without anyone noticing, but alas no luck.

“Good morning Kitten. Come to me.” Nix called taking me by surprise at his public display of affection. I crossed the room quietly, the males stood up and bowed their heads to me. I smiled. Nix pulled me into his lap.

“How are you feeling after yesterday? Are you alright?” He asked tucking a few errant strands of hair back from my ears.

“I’m fine. A little tired, I didn’t sleep well. Nightmares about tentacles, everywhere. They kept waving purple scarves at me.” I murmured embarrassedly. I felt more than heard Nix’s laughter.

“My mate was very distressed about the events of yesterday. She did not relish taking the lives of her fellow females.” Nix told the other males surprising me again.

“The old laws are ridiculous Nix, that one in particular. The majority has named you king, perhaps it is the time to make some changes.” My eyes popped wide to see an old male tiger sitting on the other side of the desk.

“Forgive me for staring, I was under the impression the tiger clan were wiped out?” I asked the male. He laughed cheerfully.

“She is a sharp one Nix. There is nothing to forgive my dear. The tigers were mostly wiped out. I told my children they were albino gingers. The ruse worked a treat. The Zeg had no interest in us after that. Rather quick of me I thought.” He said.

“Nice work, very impressive.” I chuckled. Nix kissed the top of my head. I looked at the clock on the desk and stretched before standing.

“You are rather short for a Therros.” The old tiger stated seriously. I grinned, leaning down I kissed my mate.

“Oh, that’s because I was human and bitten in. I’ll see you after my shift Nix, have a good meeting, gentlemen.” I called walking out the door to the sound of shocked silence and my mate's deep chuckle.

I arrived in engineering to the sounds of cheers and catcalls when I stepped through the hatch. I bowed. Males gently clapped me on the back as I made my way to the core control room. Hart handed me a hot coffee and a pastry as soon as I walked through the door and led me over to the control panel. He passed me the tablet.

“What happened, several of the sensors have slipped?” I frowned and fiddled with the configuration.

“When the Zeg attacked, they hit us hard. Dike had to suit up and reattach the sensors to the core again. We almost lost it.” Satisfied with the readings I slid the tablet back into the holder on the desk.

“Well, he did a good job considering.”

“How do you feel this morning?” Hart asked. I rolled my shoulders.

“I’m not sure how to feel. I just killed two females, females we needed.” I stated sipping the hot brew.

“Yeah, but they were going to kill you. This is what being a Therros is, you are thinking with the human half of yourself. If you had left them alive, you would have been looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life.” Hart said. I sighed.

“I know. I am learning about being a Therros. There’s a lot to take in.” I stated with a sigh.

“I know you are cub; these things take time. Speaking of females, you and Cleo need a sit-down. She has been the head of the girl’s club for three cycles and now you’re a panther and mated to the Captain. That makes you automatic head female. Politics” Hart explained casually. I saw his tail twitch from the corner of my eye and spun around my mouth agape!

“No! Oh, my god, you have a thing for Cleo!” I whispered cheerfully, practically vibrating. Hart couldn’t help it, he grinned at my glee.

“Yes, I do. No, I will not make a move on her. I am too old for a mating battle and she has many years still ahead of her. I have, maybe another two hundred.”

“Yeah because two hundred years isn’t better than nothing.” I scoffed shooting the old panther a long unimpressed glare.

“What is this about? You think because you’re mated everyone around you has to be?” Hart growled. I shook my head.

“No, merely that Cleo could possibly be just as lonely as you are. I know Nix was.” I said sadly. I pat the male on one arm and left him alone. I ran quickly and lightly up the stairs, ducking through the hatch and made my way back to deck twelve. I knocked on Cleo’s door. It slid open a moment later. Cleo bowed her head to one side in a classic sign of submission. I reached out and squeezed her claw.

“We don’t do that.” I murmured. Cleo smiled gratefully stepping back to allow me into her quarters.

“What can I do for you, Luca?” She asked motioning for me to sit at the table. She busied herself making coffee.

“I do not want to be head of the females. That is your job and you do it wonderfully.” I stated as the other female sat down. Her eyes popped wide.

“Oh. Luca, it is your job now.” I shook my head.

“My job is one of the chief engineers on this ship. I make sure the warp core does not blow us into another galaxy. I need you to keep doing what you have been doing. Looking after, the females on this ship. If you want a boss, I’ll be the boss but only for the important stuff. Truthfully, I just don’t know enough about Therros yet to be any real use.”

“Oh Luca, that would be wonderful. I have been getting calls from females all morning. Thank you, I was unsure what I would do without the head female position, it always kept me busy.”

“Well, there is a hell of a lot more females now. Would you take a suggestion?”

“From you absolutely.” She grinned. I chuckled.

“Maze, Hela and Koi would make good managers. Let them help you. Obviously, they answer to you.” I said leaning back and sipping my coffee. I groaned silently. Cleo made great coffee.

“That would work. I like the idea. I thought I wouldn’t and surprisingly I do.” She replied with a little laugh.

“Does there always have to be a claiming battle every time?”

“Oh no of course not. If a male comes to me, I write up a report and take his proposition to Captain Kane. He decides if the match is eligible. In this case, you would approve or disapprove the match. That is the mode Captain Kane and I agreed on when we females first came to the ship.”

“Does it work?”

“I have only used it once. For Haze and Brik. It worked out well enough.”

“If you’re happy with it, leave it as is. We have a saying on Earth. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” I said. Cleo and I clinked mugs with little grins.

“You are mated now; does this mean you want the same for everyone around you?” Cleo teased. I grew serious, Cloe’s smile slid off her face.

“It’s Hart.”

“Hart Kane, the Captain’s uncle?” She asked sitting forward.

“He likes a female but is worried he is too old. She has many years ahead of her and he says he only has about two hundred.” I confided. Cleo played with one sharp tip on her claw.

“He is talking about me, isn’t he?” She whispered. I nodded staying silent.

“He is a wonderful male Luca, but it is my duty to breed leopard’s.” She choked on the last word.

“Cleo how many leopard females do we have now?” She took her head out of her claws wiping her eyes.

“Twenty- one and seventeen males.”

“That leaves more than one female without a leopard mate. You were obliged to mate to further your clan when there was only one female. You don’t need to sacrifice yourself for your clan now. If a report lands on Nix’s desk tonight it would be a good thing.” I finished my coffee. Cleo took my cup.

“Thanks, Luca.”

“Alright head female, get back to work,” I ordered with a mock growl.

“I’ll send you weekly reports on the females.”

“Better still, we’ll meet for dinner every week. That gets me socialising and you reporting.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Cleo laughed leading me to the door. I waved as I stepped into the hallway returning to Engineering.

                                                            ****

I stepped out onto one of the upper platforms. I heard a shout from below as the structure gave way beneath me. I grabbed onto one of the pipes attached to the wall. Hart and Reggie were on the ground floor staring up at me with horror.

“Don’t move Luca! We’ll find a way to get you down cub!” Hart called. I rest my head against the wall in front of me. My fur stuck through little holes. I frowned, moving my head to stare at the wall.

“This looks like a metal pegboard.” I murmured. I pressed one hand to the wall and extended my claws. They slotted into the small round holes snugly.

“Bad idea, Hex. If Nix ever hears about this, I am dead.” I muttered kicking off my boots. I heard them clatter onto the ground, a fair distance below. I stifled a shudder.

“Luca! What the hell are you doing?” Brag yelled up to me. He had come to stand with Hart while Reggie tried to find a way to get me down. I took a deep breath and gripped my claws into the wall. I turned around slowly so my head faced down the wall.

“Oh, gods! I can’t watch.” Brag cursed. Several other males raced over, they looked up at me with wide eyes as I slowly made my way down the wall like a giant spider. I was six feet from the bottom when Reggie suddenly plucked me off the wall. I held on to him, breathing hard. My hands shaking from the effort.

“Are you alright?” He whispered lowering me to the floor. I wrapped arms around myself.

“Give me a minute, while I level out. Where the hell are my boots?” I murmured. Another male hurried up the stairs with my boots. I pulled them on silently before regaining my feet. I turned to the engineering crew, gathered around.

“Nix never finds out. Ever!” I whispered. All heads bobbed, they reached out one claw, each male giving my shoulder a squeeze. Hart’s claw shook.

“How-.”

“Don’t ask. It was a risky gamble. I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it. I am going to have nightmares about spiders for weeks.” I replied leaving the males down on the ground. I went up to the lunchroom where I made myself the hottest coffee in the nebula.

I was late returning from my shift. The attack on engineering left considerable damage, more than we anticipated. I was tired and more than a little dirty when I walked into the Captain's quarters where I now lived. Nix was pacing by the window when I opened the door. He spun around, the snarl dying in his throat.

“Hi, what’s wrong?” I asked closing the door behind me. The scent of his aggravation prominent in the room.

“Cleo was just here.”

“She was, why? Is everything alright?” I asked coming to stand in front of him. He ran one claw down the side of my face, the fur over my scars only slightly lighter than the rest of me. I leaned into his palm.

“She came to me for advice about mating Hart.” He said with a sigh.

“So, what is the problem?” I asked crossing my arms over my chest. I did not like where this was going.

“Hart was off-world when the attack on our family happened.” The story Brag and Reggie told me came crashing to the forefront of my mind.

“He wasn’t castrated with the rest of the males,” I whispered. Nix shook his head.

“Cleo thinks he was and is hesitant to mate him. She believes she will be alone for the rest of her life when Hart goes, with no cubs to comfort her.”

“Well, did you tell her the truth?” I demanded. He shook his head.

“No.”

“Why the hell not? He loves her and if I am not mistaken, it is reciprocated! Not to mention why you never told me Hart is your uncle?” I put my claws on my hips and glared at my new mate.

“I figured it was obvious he was family, we’re both Panthers. As for not telling Cleo, it is not my place kitten. That is Hart’s most treasured secret, it has stopped males challenging him left and right for the last few years. If the males found out Hart could sire cubs, they would have attacked him on mass. My uncle would not have survived. He is the only family I have left. Keeping his secret is the only thing he has ever asked of me.” Nix explained clearly upset.

“But why would they attack him?” I was confused.

“Because he is the rightful heir. He is meant to be king. Luca, I am his heir until he has cubs!” Nix bellowed spinning around he stalked across his office.

“I abdicated while your father was alive. I do not want to be king, cub!” Hart growled from the open doorway. He crossed the threshold and slammed the door behind him.

“You abdicated.” I turned to face the angry Panther striding towards us.

“Then get your arse in there and mate that leopard!” Nix roared pointing towards the hallway. Hart stopped his approach. I looked up at Nix over my shoulder. He was glaring at his uncle, eyes glowing. He looked terrifying. I crossed over to the communication panel on the wall and called up Cleo’s quarters.

“Captain.” The female's voice rang through the room.

“Cleo, come to Nix’s office please,” I said and disconnected. A moment later a timid knock came on the door. I opened it and ushered the female in. She stood with wide eyes, staring at the two Panther males growling at each other almost chest to chest. For the first time, I recognised the similarities in their appearances.

“What is going on? What has happened?” She asked turning to me.

“Do you want that male?” I asked pointing to Hart Kane. Cleo’s eyes began to glow a deep gold.

“Yes, but I want young Luca and I do not want to be left alone,” Cleo whispered covering a sob with one claw. My eyes began to glow a brilliant blue; a rumbling growl began in my chest as I looked to my mate. He slapped one threatening claw to his uncle's wide muscled chest.

“Tell her. Tell her now, damn it!” He snarled. Hart’s eyes blazed, he growled and ran a claw through his hair.

“I wasn’t there Cleo. I was off-world when the attack happened. I did not even know about it until word reached Jophla, at the far end of the nebula. I was imprisoned by the Sumi elders on the planet. When Nix escaped, he came looking for me. He broke me out, it was a slaughter to which I had never witnessed before. I was so proud to see my nephew alive and strong.” He stated pacing around the room. Cleo gasped.

“You weren’t there!” She cried leaping forwards. She cupped his face, peering into his eyes looking for the truth.

“I was not there for the-.”

“You can sire cubs?” She whispered a tear rolled down her spotted face.

“Yes, my love. I can have young.” He murmured. A soft keening cry erupted from her throat. Hart hugged her to him. Nix grasped my claw, he backed me into our quarters. The door slid closed behind us. With an enormous show of strength, he lifted me. Holding me to the wall at his eyes height. I wrapped my legs around his hips anchoring myself.

“You growled at me.” He murmured pressing his chest to mine. I linked my arms around his neck.

“Well, you were both being dumb,” I muttered. Nix grinned, he nuzzled the side of my face.

“You’re so cute when you’re being tough kitten. Growl at me again.” He said laughing softly. I flicked his nose with one claw.

“Ouch.” He muttered kissing me.

“You still haven’t mated me Nix,” I whispered playing with the fur at the back of this neck.

“Last night, you needed comfort, not a claiming Kitten. I think I needed a little comfort too. I missed you when you left and worried about you when you were taken.” He said softly against my lips. I grinned.

“Well, I don’t need comfort now,” I growled. My mate laughed twirling me towards the bed.

“Good.” He replied reaching for the zip on the back of my suit.