Soul of Desire

Chapter Thirteen

Nix was right. Dragoon looked a lot like earth. It was a beautiful planet full of greens and blues. I stepped out of the ship and onto fresh grass for the first time in months. I breathed in the air and smiled up at the shining sun. A large expanse of forest stretched as far as the eye could see behind us. Nix stood at my side calling orders to his crew. Hart stopped beside me, he handed over a small screen. I looked down curiously.

“It’s ready lad,” Hart said to Nixim. My mate grinned slapping the old panther on the back.

“Do it.” He ordered. The crew cheered loudly.

“Right there Luca, press the button,” Hart said. I pressed the red pulsing button on the screen without knowing what would happen. I jerked, startled when an ear-splitting siren sounded from the ship, an automated voice called a countdown from five. A moment later, something was launched. All eyes stood watching, the silence and anticipation profound. The launched object suddenly slammed into the earth beside the ocean. The roar of the crowd was deafening when the earth began to shake. I gasped as buildings began to pop out of the ground. I did not understand at first.

“Nanites.” Candy whispered from behind me. I made a noise of awe in the back of my throat. Nix frowned looking down at me.

“I’m sorry Kitten I should have thought to tell you what was happening.” He murmured leaning down to whisper in my ear. I shrugged.

“The coding covered Nanorobotics, but I didn’t take much stock in it. Earth has only just begun to explore the technology and I disregarded it.” I replied. Haze squeezed my shoulder. I looked to see her grinning face beside me.

“Our home.” She murmured. The smile on my face started out small and grew as I took in the joy on the faces of those around me. I squeezed Nix’s claw, leaning my head on his arm.

“Crops?” I asked Hart. He smiled.

“That will be for tomorrow cub. Tonight, we settle in, unpack the ship, set up the defence mainframe. Tomorrow we delegate agricultural, maintenance, public service, military etc.” Hart replied.

“I vote Luca for defence,” Reggie whispered poking me gently in the side. The Therros around me laughed. Reggie was grinning though it did not reach his eyes. The male was serious.

“I agree.” Brag said standing with his arms folded over his wide chest.

“I know nothing of defence. Even my knowledge of Therros is limited to what you all have told me. I would not know where to start.” I replied. The droning sounds of the Nanites stopped.

“We’ll talk about this later. The cities are coded. Everyone has a colour. Find it!” Kane shouted his smile wide. Everyone cheered again.

“You first sire. It is a tradition!” An old Ginger called. Nix nodded, he guided me forwards by one claw. I followed, shooting smiles at those who greeted me. We stepped over the threshold between land and city.

“Well! Get to it!” Nix called. The crew cheered rushing past us into the low-lying city laid out before us.

“You see the building by the water?” He murmured. I shook my head.

“Nope, too short,” I replied offhand as I looked around. Nix laughed hugging me to his side. I followed his lead until we came to the building he spoke of.

“Does it come furnished?” I asked curiously. Nix chuckled.

“No, we make those ourselves. Therros are rather skilled, our species was known for our fighting abilities, but we were also artisans. I’m a fair carpenter when needed.” He replied softly, wistfully. I lead him up the steps and into the single-story building. It was a long rectangle with several rooms and a wraparound veranda. The rooms were large and cool. I opened a door to find a fully plumbed bathroom.

“We will all sleep on the ship tonight until the mainframe is up and going. Tomorrow the work starts.” I stood in the doorway looking out over the new city, to the forest.

“What type of creatures live here?” I asked when I heard the door open behind me.

“Several species,” Nix said clearly distracted.

“Anything dangerous?” I felt rather than heard Nix stand behind me.

“Yes, Dragus. Human culture knows them as Dragons. At one time, we lived together in harmony. Their species were almost destroyed by the Sumi when they came to our aid.” He explained. I pointed to several large rocks we did not see on our way into the city, now sitting between us and our ship. A form suddenly reared up. I gasped. The creature was blue and gold, silver and yellow. Its scales shone brilliantly in the sunlight. Fire streamed from its gaping maw. Nix stepped out of the house and walked at a rapid pace towards the terrifying creatures. After a moment, I shook off my shock and raced after my mate. I stopped at his side when he was several feet from it.

“Nixim Kane!” The dragon shouted it’s laughter rumbled from its large chest.

“Brieeorg, it has been a long time.” He called stepping closer. The beast smiled showing row after row of huge sharp teeth. He tapped his mighty claw on the ground with glee.

“It has indeed,” Brieeorg said.

“Forgive our invasion old friend. We lived peacefully together once.”

“Let us once more.” The great creature answered drawing cheers and roars of joy from the Therros gathered behind us.

“Allow me to introduce my mate. Luca Hex this is Brieeorg captain of the Dragus army.” I bowed my head.

“The pleasure is mine,” I called. Brieeorg eyed me closely. One claw reached out, a talon lifted my chin. A light caught in the dragon’s eyes.

“Nixim, where did you find this beautiful, rare creature? I am your servant milady.” Brieeorg replied.

“What do you mean? Luca is Therros.”

“No, she is not. Forgive me, my young friend, your mate is Therrom. A once great race of creatures that lived as one with the Dragus. Over thousands of cycles, your race began to change, evolve into the Therros you are today. Lady Luca is the original model, so to speak. Were you bitten in?” He asked. I nodded.

“Yes, I was human from Earth,” I admitted. Brieeorg laughed slapping one great claw on the ground.

“Extraordinary, a pureblood. Welcome to Dragoon, Therros and Therrom. I will tell my king and queen of your arrival. I will tell them the Panthers live and I will tell them the Therrom have come home.” Coiling up onto his tail, Brieeorg launched into the sky, unfurling his massive wings he flew over the ocean to the south. I turned to Nix.

“Well, I like him. Nice guy.” I called wringing a laughed from the Therros gathered behind us. Nix chuckled wrapping an arm around me.

“It is about to get dark. Back to the ship. Until we can set up the defence network it is the best place for us.” He ordered.

Nix was looking out over the new city when I emerged from the bathroom. I crossed the room and leaned into his side.

“Are you alright?” I asked quietly. He drew me closer, wrapping his arms around me.

“I am worried.” He answered gravely.

“Why?”

“Brieeorg will go to his king. If Ferrin says we cannot stay, our colonisation is over. We will have no choice but to return to Space.” He admitted running one claw through his hair.

“Do you know Ferrin?”

“No, my father knew him. They were allies, though they were not friends. I think the alliance had something to do with my mother. For details, you will have to go to Hart.” I tugged Nix towards the bed. He sat down heavily. I stepped between his thighs and cupped his face.

“What was your father like?” I murmured.

“My father was a selfish male and a terrible ruler. He opened the door to the Sumi. He wanted so much for the other races to love the Therros King. He allowed them to murder my mother, he did not fight for her. My mother, she was incredible. A warrior, a poet. She had the most infectious laugh and she was vicious when challenged. I adored her and to this day, miss her still.” He whispered. I stroked the side of his face, the black fur soft against the pads of my claws.

“You are not your father Nix and I am not your mother. I do not die easily.” I said pushing him backwards. I straddled his thighs. He cupped my hips a small smile forming on his mouth.

“I know that kitten.” He growled as I leaned down to kiss him. Using my tail, I turned out the light.

I did not hear or see him until it was too late. I screamed once in fright as huge talons scooped me up into a large-scaled claw. I forced my breathing to slow so I would not be sick as the ground fell away beneath me. I clutched at the talon, tightly. Praying not to fall.

“Fear not Luca Hex, you will not die this day.” I hid my sob of relief when I recognised Brieeorg’s voice.

“I almost had a heart attack, thanks for that,” I said as sarcastically as I could. The huge Dragus laughed. He held his claw up level with his shoulder. I jumped, gripping the two spikes so I would not fall. I settled onto the back of his neck.

“Where are we going?” I yelled. Brieeorg dived towards the ground. My stomach rolled. I closed my eyes as we landed on the side of a mountain.

“My home. Ferrin wishes to meet you.” He replied.

“Maybe lead with that next time,” I muttered looking around in awe. Large carved columns held the cave ceiling up. We entered the cavern and I gasped at the beauty surrounding me. The wall glittered with jewels, fire pits caused them to sparkle. We moved through several caverns, deeper into the mountain. Finally, we stepped into the throne room. At the end sat a bright green Dragus, a patch covered one eye. He looked bored. Brieeorg stopped and I slid off his back.

“My king. I present Queen Luca. Milady this is Ferrin, King of the Dragus.” I bowed my head.

“Aren’t you a little small for a Therros?” Ferrin asked surprised and slightly confused. I nodded.

“There is a theory about that. I was human, bitten in. My sire is Hart Kane.” I stated.

“Ah, bitten in by an old Therros, you think the bite was not as powerful as it would be in a Therros in their prime?” Ferrin said thoughtfully.

“That’s the theory, we’re going with.”

“It has merit. My son tells me Nixim leads the Therros and you are his mate.”

“Your son is correct. Forgive me, Ferrin, what do you want? Brieeorg just scared the holy s**t out of me, when he kidnapped me. Which, I might add, is going to piss off my mate. It’s been a rather long few weeks.” I asked running out of patience for small talk. The green Dragus grinned.

“Ah wonderful, a female who dislikes small talk. I have waited for cycles.” He chuckled. I smiled.

“Brieeorg, I told you to ask her, ask! What part of our discussion did you not understand? As for you Lady Luca, I wanted to meet you. I knew your mate's father. Viclor Kane was an arrogant fool. His brother gifted all the brains, unfortunately, then decided to abdicate.” He growled. It was my turn to laugh.

“Yes, apparently so. Nix told me a little about him last night. To the say the least I was not enamoured by his parent. It, however, is not his fault, one cannot choose their blooded family. Mine is particularly unpleasant.” I replied stepping away from Brieeorg. Ferrin stood up, he walked towards me, motioning for me to walk with him.

“Tell me of Nixim Kane. Is he a sensible male?” He asked as we strolled through the mountain.

“Yes. I believe he is. He is more than the savage Therros Pirate others have named him. He cares for his people. He recently liberated one hundred Therros and two hundred humans from the Sumi and the Zeg.” I reported. I smiled up at the large portraits lining the gallery. The last was a mammoth painting of Ferrin, Brieeorg, two other males and a beautiful yellow Dragus.

“My mate Yana. She is hunting with our other sons Nellus and Coro.”

“You have a beautiful family,” I said. Ferrin bowed his head.

“Thank you. You said you were from Earth.”

“I am.”

“Have you heard the stories of the Zeg?” Ferrin’s gaze grew cold. I nodded.

“I have, though not from Earth. Hart told me of them and I learned a little when I was recently captured by them. They are in disarray at present.”

“Oh, do tell?”

“Grogill is dead. He had his heart ripped out and his head removed in the middle of the Sumi court. It was a huge scandal.” I said with a small smile. Ferrin laughed suddenly.

“You lie.” He said grinning.

“It’s the truth, I was there,” I replied. Ferrin led me back to the throne room, still chuckling.

“How quaint. Ladies and Gentlemen of the court. Grogill is dead.” He called. Cheers surrounded us. I stepped back to Brieeorg’s side.

“I should like us to be neighbours. You have a decent conversation, there is much we can learn from each other, Your Grace.” Ferrin stated returning to the head of the room.

“I would like that very much Majesty,” I replied as Brieeorg hoisted me up onto his shoulder once more.

“My mate will call upon you in the next few weeks.”

“I look forwards to hosting her. Goodnight.” I called as we made our way back to the entrance. Brieeorg did not speak until he returned me from the place he stole me from.

“My father likes you. Luca, do you know who killed Grogill?” Brieeorg asked as he prepared to launch his bulk form into the sky.

“I did. I have a thing about tentacles, they are a bit gross. I ripped his heart out with my claw and then pulled off his head. It was a slight case of overkill, but in my defence, I didn’t know if he was dead or not. He was blinking at me. For future reference. I do not like being kidnapped Brieeorg. Goodnight my new friend.” I called over my shoulder as I made my way back to the settlement. I could hear Therros calling my name through the trees. Brieeorg’s laughter carried back to me on the wind as he climbed higher into the darkening sky.

“I found her!” Someone shouted as I cleared the trees. I stopped in front of Brik.

“Technically, I found you.” I teased flashing white teeth.

“What happened? Are you injured?” He demanded. I shook my head watching over his shoulder as Nix came running. I held up one claw.

“Ferrin says, he should like us as neighbours, his mate will call upon me in a few weeks. Brieeorg plucked me off the bloody ground like I was some form of spring chicken and of course, the first thing out of the Dragus king's mouth was ‘Why are you so short?” I reported to my mate and the gathered Therros. Nix tried valiantly not to laugh. My mouth twitched.

“Oh, go on then.” I sighed. Nix threw back his head and laughed loudly surprising his crew. He drew me into his arms.

“I am sorry kitten, but you are short.” He said holding me.

“I am sorry you all had to look for me. Next time I’m kidnapped by a dragon; I’ll ask them to leave you a note.” I said to Reggie and Brag over my mate’s arm. The two males smirked, fighting to keep straight faces.

“I was not worried. There was no blood and unlike the others, I do not fear for you. You are a warrior. Also, slightly vicious.” Haze stated calmly.

“Thank you. I think.”

“I was worried for a moment,” I admitted to Haze that night as we sat under the stars. Our mates drinking wine and laughing at one end of the veranda.

“Honestly, if I’d been plucked off the ground like a bloody mushroom I would have been worried too.” She replied.

“Ferrin is a very intimidating male. He is huge, easily bigger than his son. Have you ever met him?” I asked taking a sip of the water in my cup. Haze shook her head.

“No never. I have heard stories about him. My clan and the Dragus did not get on well. All the fighting, it was ridiculous. Constant drama and house battles. Our females were just as bad, sometimes worse. Yana was on Vent and she came one day, she said our noise was grating on her last nerve. She could hear our constant crap all the way to her moon. If you think her mate is intimidating, just wait till you meet her. Yellow she may be, yellow-bellied she is not.” Haze chuckled.

“Oh, dear. This should be fun.” I laughed softly shaking my head. Haze nodded taking another sip of her wine.

“Have you met the old tiger?” I asked suddenly. Haze lowered her cup and nodded.

“His name is Koth, I knew him when I was a child. He was not from my line. As a matter of fact, his eldest son is pressing for an annulment of my mating with Brik. He states I am the only female tiger left. I am sure Cleo has filled you in on the law concerning that fact? Koth slaps him up the back of the head each time he brings it up.” She admitted sourly. I made a rude noise in the back of my throat wringing a laugh from my friend.

“IVF,” I said thoughtfully. Haze frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Artificial Fertilization,” I replied hopefully.

“It’s possible, I don’t know how Brik would feel about it, however.” Haze sat back and saluted me with her cup. My ears twitched as I heard footsteps. Candy emerged out of the darkness with three other women, all human.

“Hey Candy. Ladies, what are the chances of you three wanting to become tigers?” I asked in an offhand manner. Haze chuckled and shook her head.

“You are unbelievable.” She muttered.

“What! I am trying to help. Queenly duties and all that. Cleo harps at me too.” I retorted poking out my tongue. One of the women laughed and stepped forwards.

“My name is Michelle. I would like to be bitten in.” She said squaring her shoulders. The other two humans finally worked up the courage to stand up with their friend.

“Casey and Joanna. We would like to be bitten in too. We heard you were being forced to give up your man because of a stupid rule. So, we thought we could help.” Joanna admitted softly.

“Not to mention the three tiger males are really good looking,” Michelle stated with a cheeky grin. I chuckled.

“By your leave?” Haze asked.

“Have at it. It’s the solution to your problem. I am not going to object; it’ll get a certain Leopard off my back too. Win/win.” I replied looking down the veranda to my mate. Nix must have felt my gaze on him as he turned his head to look back at me. His eyes widened as his gaze took in what was happening behind me. A small smile touched his mouth. Brik laughed long and low at the smug look crossing my face. He slapped Nix on the back, the two shaking their heads at me.

I looked back to my friend when she resumed her seat. Candy sat on the step beside me. I handed her a cup and the bottle Haze was drinking from. The three females bowed their heads to me and left.

“Cheers females. To new beginnings and fewer kidnappings.”

“New beginnings.” My friends whispered.

Yana found me planting in the fields three weeks later. She landed, causing running and chaos. She grinned with glee at the female Therros’s reaction.

“Hey! These females have been kept prisoner by the Sumi and Zeg. Show some bloody compassion! The last thing they need is to have the s**t scared out of them by a fire breathing lizard with a superiority complex!” I yelled storming across the field without a hint of fear. Yana looked down at me, blinking with shock.

“Ferrin was right, I do like you. Damn! I will never live it down! How irritating!” She laughed suddenly extending a talon.

“Yana of Dragoon, how do you do?”

“Luca Hex, formally of Earth. I am well and you?” I asked shielding my eyes as I looked up at the yellow Dragus towering over me. She lifted one wing, blocking out the sun. I dropped my claw with a grateful smile.

“I am very well, thank you.” She replied motioning for me to walk with her.

“My son is most taken with you, Luca. Brieeorg is not a sociable creature but as you can see he could not stay away.” Yana stated using one claw to point out her son. I grinned and waved.

“Brieeorg! How are you?” I called jogging into the tree line.

“I am well Luca, mother wanted to meet you. How is planting?” He asked casually. I jumped up on a large boulder jutting out of the ground.

“It is an interesting process,” I said making a disgusted face. Both Dragus chuckled.

“Most of the Therros were raised in captivity and those who were not, do not have much information concerning crops. I have had to do a lot of reading and hoping. Does Dragoon have any Gods I should shake my arse too?” I said taking a seat. Both Dragus chuckled, exchanging a look.

“We might assist you,” Yana said hesitantly. I smiled and shook my head.

“I thank you for the offer, but if we do not do it ourselves, we will never learn. We will, however, take any advice you can give us.” I said. Both Dragus grinned.

“How goes your mate Yana?” I asked changing the subject. The large yellow female laughed softly.

“Ferrin is well, I will tell him you asked after him. He will be tickled pink by your interest. Considering you killed Grogill, he like my son is enamoured with you. If I were not so secure in the feelings of my mate I would eat you, to rid myself of jealousy.”

“Fear not, I am fully pledged to Nix,” I answered with a laugh of my own.

“I have not seen your mate since he was a cub. Admittedly, I am curious about the type of male he has become. As a youngling, he was a quiet and solemn little fellow with a very intense gaze.” Yana stated looking over her shoulder. I jumped off the rock.

“I would like for you to know him,” I called leading them out of the forest and into the city. Therros and human alike stopped to watch the two Dragus follow me through the streets. We stopped by the river to see several males fishing with spears in the shallow running water.

“Show them how it is done on Dragoon, my son,” Yana said with a grin. Brieeorg stepped into the stream. He leaned down, opened his mouth and roared at the water. Hundreds of fish suddenly leapt out and onto the bank in blind fear. I threw back my head and laughed, clapping my paws together.

“I love it!” I called up at the bright female. Nix turned around to face us. He waded out of the water coming to my side.

“Nixim Kane, king of the Therros. Yana of Dragoon, Queen of Dragus.” I said introducing my mate. He bowed his head. Yana lowered the front half of her body in a bow.

“Nixim Kane, I have heard much of you. I am glad to see you take after your mother. She was an extraordinary female and one I was proud to call a friend.” She said with a grin. Nix laughed.

“Do not believe everything you hear, your grace and thank you. Being told I take after my mother is a great compliment. She was a fine female, she is sorely missed.” Nix replied.

“I have a bit of news for you. We received a communication from our representative within the galactic council. The Callites have a slave camp nearby and within their walls are several Manx.” Yana said watching my mate’s reaction closely. His mouth dropped open.

“The Manx line was wiped out over one hundred cycles ago, how is this possible?” He said looking down at me. Yana retrieved a large piece of paper from a bag slung over her back.

“Here are the coordinates. Do not die, I find I like you and your mate. Have a lovely trip, enjoy your fish. Brieeorg, come.” Yana stated launching into the sky. Brieeorg laughed.

“Have fun little Luca!” He called following his parent.