Soul of Desire

Chapter Five

We didn’t blow up! I was rather impressed with that as I sat on the metal staircase with several other sweat, grease and oil covered males. We were having a much-earned rest.

“Luca, don’t forget you have to see the captain. If you don’t he’ll just come looking for you again in full hunting mode. I have it on good authority, you don’t want that.” The tri-coloured male behind me said patting me on one shoulder with his claw. I had earned the respect of the creatures around me over the last several hours. I stood up.

“Well it has been fun, see you tomorrow. If the captain doesn’t rip my gorgeous head off my stunning shoulders, that is.” I called with a grin. They chuckled heading off in the direction of their quarters as the new shift stepped into the bays below.

I made my way towards the bridge when I spotted Haze. She frowned and turned to walk with me.

“What happened to your legs?” She demanded. I looked down to see four gashes on each thigh of my suit.

“Oh, a male had to pull me out from under some machinery. I’m fine.” I told her casually. Technically, I was not lying. Nix had to pull me out from under the hydraulic arm, or else I would not have been able to answer his questions. Haze eyed me speculatively for a moment more.

“How is it going down there? I heard there was a problem with the core.”

“Yeah, it destabilised for a moment. The reactor is old and is mucking up. The next time we make port, it might be a good idea to keep an eye out for a new one. Or if there is a salvage yard we can get to. We don’t need the whole thing just a few bits and pieces.” I said stopping at the door to the bridge.

“Were you here looking for me?” Haze asked. I shook my head. She frowned.

“Nope, I have a meeting with Captain Kane. He was a little bit pissed at seeing me down in engineering and not in my quarters where he told me to sit, stay and be a good girl. Free rage Luca is not a good thing.” I admitted. Haze winced.

“Oh, dear. Did he look angry?”

“No, thoughtful mostly and his eyes were glowing faintly,” I told her with a grimace.

“He’s in his quarters, come with me. I’ll show you and then you are on your own.” I followed quickly in her wake as we made our way down a flight of stairs. We twisted and turned through several hallways before we came to the nose of the ship. A large door greeted us. Haze pushed me forward gently, flashed me an encouraging smile and left me alone. I reached out and knocked as I used the rag at my hip to wipe at the grime on my face. The door crashed open, I managed to sidestep as a male came flying through. He hit the floor and rolled up onto his knees.

“Forgive me, Captain, it will not happen again.” He whined showing one side of his neck in a clear sign of submission.

“Get out of here.” Captain Kane growled, turning glowing eyes on me as the male hurried away, shooting worried looks over his shoulder in my direction.

“You’re a mess,” Kane stated almost meanly.

“I’m not fighting with you Nix. I’m tired, it’s been a long day.” I shook my head and turned to walk away. A claw landed on my shoulder stopping me in my tracks.

“Come in.” He said, his voice deep and gravelly. I stepped past the hulking feline and into his office. I looked around, he had the most beautiful view.

“Oh wow! That’s awesome.” I breathed crossing the room quickly. I stood at the wide floor to ceiling window and stared out at the millions of stars shining in the vast distance. I pressed my hand to the glass, I could feel the gentle hum of the engines.

“How is the core?” Kane asked sitting at his desk behind me. I turned and sat on the wide window sill. He swung around to face me, leaning back in his chair. His thigh brushed my knees.

“The casing is old if we can locate the parts the engineering crew can fix it. Ideally, it would be better to find a new one. Hart tells me you salvaged one from the Callite ship. We could swap them out. Without looking at the Callite core I cannot tell you how long it would last on this ship or even if it is compatible. It would be worth considering though, depending on how far we are from another port.” I ran a hand through my hair and tossed my plait over my shoulder.

“For a small creature, you pack one hell of a punch,” Nix said looking at me, his gaze not wavering from mine. I frowned.

“What is that supposed to mean? I am guessing it is not meant as a compliment.” I asked, my temper rising. The captain stood up and crossed the room. He opened a door walked in and returned a moment later with a damp cloth. He handed it to me.

“Thank you.” I murmured wiping my face and hands.

“Do you have any idea the chaos you have incited not following my orders? I have Therros lined up to challenge my place as leader of this pride, when before they would not have dared. You are one small human female and you are making my life a living hell, damn it!” He yelled stalking away from me. I launched to my feet.

“Hey! You decided to revive me. You could have told Haze no! I would be dead, and you would get to carry on being the grand king pooh of the ship. Don’t try and shove your actions off on me pal. Your choices are you own! I am a prisoner, remember.” I shouted back matching his volume. Nix spun around with a snarl. His claws wrapped around my arms, he lifted me to the level of his eyes.

“God, do you have any idea how magnificent you are when you’re angry?” I asked blurting out the thought that slammed to the forefront of my mind. Nix pushed me against the glass wall, I wrapped my legs around his muscled waist. His claws no longer holding me prisoner, they drew me closer.

“Stop challenging me.” He breathed against my lips as he took my mouth in a punishing kiss.

I ran my hands through his hair, stroking down his fur-covered neck. Nix purred against my throat, while he kissed the side of my jaw. He drew back his head and lowered me to the floor. I looked up at him in surprise. He stepped back, sinking into his chair. He dropped his head into his hands, breathing deeply.

“What’s wrong?” I asked stepping forward. Nix sat up, our eyes level.

“You belong to Haze. It would be a violation of our laws and our friendship if I allowed this to go further. As it is, I owe her penance for my actions towards you.” Nix explained running a frustrated claw through his hair.

“What?” I growled unimpressed. Nix cupped one side of my face, his thumb stroked one of my cheeks.

“I can’t seem to help myself when you’re around I lose control. You need to go kitten. Go please.” He said. I backed away and walked to the door.

“It’s the same for me Nix. The way you react is intoxicating to me. I’ll never stop challenging you, so you may as well get used to the feeling. It’s not going anywhere, anytime soon.” I stated with a smirk. Captain Kane’s eyes suddenly blazed neon, his furious growl followed me into the hallway where Haze paced. She stopped and looked at me, clearly worried. I rolled my eyes. She seemed to relax, with a smile she led me back to my quarters to shower.

I cleaned up and came out to go to dinner. Haze was sitting on my bed as I pulled the zip up the back of my suit. I looked at my friend.

“Captain Kane is probably the hottest guy I have ever seen. Which is odd because we’re a completely different species. I’m not sure how I feel about that though.” I blurted. Haze blinked, her eyes popping wide. She suddenly smiled.

“You’re kidding?” She laughed. I shook my head.

“No, I think that is why I challenge him so much. It’s because I have-.”

“Feelings for Nix.” She finished my sentence on a disbelieving chuckle.

“I am serious. Why would you think having feelings for Nix Kane, is funny?” I said with a frown. Haze sobered, her mouth opened and closed when she realised I was not kidding.

“You’re serious! Nix is mean, rude, unsociable, dangerous and prone to violent outbursts. At first, I thought you were being sarcastic, I can see now, I was wrong.” She whispered holding both claws over her mouth. I nodded running a hand through my hair in agitation.

“It’s driving me crazy. I have never thought of a man like this. It’s almost an obsession Haze like he’s wormed his way under my skin. Besides, you told me he was a nice guy.” I quickly tied it into one long braid as I tried to explain to the female what I was feeling.

“Luca, does he know?” Haze demanded standing up straight. She towered over me. I nodded.

“Yes. He said I belong to you and that to move on any feelings would be a violation of your laws, your friendship and he would owe you a penance.” I replied honestly. Dread filled the other female’s eyes.

“Oh god, tell me Nix has not touched you?” She whispered, horrified.

“I would take his reparation,” I said. Haze sat down with a thud. I immediately reached for her and pulled her up off the floor.

“You do not know what you are saying.” She whined.

“What does it entail?” I forced the other female to look me in the eyes. She shuddered.

“I use my claw and swipe across his face. The moment I do it, the others will call a Halma and they will challenge him, all at once. Nix is a powerful male, but I fear he would not win.” Haze explained softly.

“What if I took his punishment? What will that mean?” Haze looked to me with hope in her eyes.

“It would mean I no longer claim you. You would be shunned, Nix could claim you, for your protection.” The tiger replied.

“Do it, strike me. Haze, you must do it. I don’t want Nix to die, not for me. I’m not worth it.” I implored. Haze did not hesitate, she lashed out with one claw. I felt as though my face had been ripped off. I moaned dropping to my knees. Blood dripped into my hands. Haze crouched beside me, she held me close.

“I will have one of the other females bring something to you for dinner. Do not come out tonight and prepare yourself. I fear several will make a try for you before morning. Defend yourself and be vicious about it, spare no quarter. I must wait a length of time before I can publicly drop the shunning. Until then, I cannot come near you. Be strong Luca, my dear friend. I would not survive your death.” She whispered. I nodded, keeping my jaw clamped shut. I was not stupid. I knew Nix was the reason I was still alive and untouched by the others. I waited until the door closed before I allowed the tears to fall.

“Damn it, Luca,” I whispered curling into myself, sobbing from the pain lashing through my head.

Hela brought me dinner, she gasped when she saw my face and backed from the room. I placed the food in the small fridge and waited silently in the dark. My door opened several minutes later, three males stood on the thresh hold looking around hesitantly.

“We take the Terren, the Callite will give us a fortune for her, especially after Brik, Jeg and Cleo coded her.” One stated. The other two in full agreement. They stepped through the door, it slid closed behind them. I flicked on the light blinding them for a moment and attacked, weaving in and out of my opponents, the pair of scissors in my hand flashed, slashing through fur and flesh. Blood pooled on the floor as I attacked without mercy, using the knowledge of the combat lessons downloaded into my brain. Shouts and cries of pain brought people running. My door opened as I kicked out with both feet, one male flew backwards through the open portal to land sprawled and unconscious at Brik’s feet. The other two lay on the rug in my quarters moaning as they held their stomachs together. I lifted my head and looked at the white. He saw the four furrows crossing my face and winced. The fact my suit was torn from the upper half of my body had his eyes tightening at the sides.

“What happened here?” He demanded.

“Because I have been coded, these three can make a fortune off the Callites for me. I took exception to being sold. Again. I don’t particularly feel like breeding yet either. I’m an old-fashioned gal who wants to be married first.” I said leaning back against the far wall folding my arms across my semi-naked chest, the scissors in clear view. Haze appeared in the crowded doorway, Nix behind her.

“What the hell is going on here?” The captain demanded. Thankfully all eyes were on me when Nix spotted me. He saw the gashes across my face and flinched, a small hardly discernible movement. Glowing eyes took in my torn suit and the three males gravely injured on the floor.

“Traitors Captain. They wanted to sell the coded Terren to the Callites for a small fortune. They would have gotten it too. Luca Hex did not appreciate their plan.” Brik reported.

“Haze, I want you in my office now! Bring the human with you. Brik shoot these three.” Nix ordered spinning on his heel; he strode away. Haze entered the room and held out her hand for my weapon. I tossed them on the bed instead. My friend hid her smile as she closed one claw around my arm. She pulled me out the door, towards the Captain's office for the second time that day.

The door stood open. Kane sat at his desk, one booted foot resting over one knee.

“Close the door.” He growled standing up. Two curled fists struck the desk as he leaned forward.

“What the hell happened? You shunned her, it has not even been a week!” He roared, furious.

“She took your penance Nixim.” Haze murmured. Nix’s eyes widened, he sucked in a shocked breath. Walking around the desk he gripped my chin gently, lifting my head. I hissed, as pain flashed through my face. He released me quickly.

“Why?” He asked confusion, uncertainty and respect waring for a place in his eyes.

“Because she has feelings for you, you big i***t. I thought she was joking at first, but apparently not. No one would take the punishment of shunning if their emotions were false.” Haze muttered sourly sitting down in one of the chairs in front of her captain’s desk.

“You have not called me a big i***t in cycles.” He said smirking at his second. He stepped away from me, crossing to another door he disappeared and came back with a shirt. He handed it to me. I slipped it over my head. The red material falling past my knees. I rolled up the sleeves and tore the zip from my suit to use as a belt.

“That’s because you have not been stupid in cycles. Once Luca turned up, you lost your brain. You violate our laws, the very ones you kill for and then try to steal my pet. What the hell has happened to you?” Haze sighed rubbing a hand over her face.

“I am drawn to this female in a way I have never experienced before. You do not need to take me to task over it Haze; believe me, I have administered enough self-condemnation to appease the entire ship.” He growled unimpressed with explaining himself.

“Oh, wonderful. The words every woman wants to hear.” I whispered half to myself. I wrapped my arms around myself, wanting nothing more than to break down into a sobbing mess.

“Luca, are you alright? Did they hurt you?” Haze asked me.

“What do you think? Therros hit hard and those three were not mucking around. I feel like all the bones in my body are broken, do not even get me started on how my face feels because I’ll start to bloody cry. I am hanging on by a thread. I don’t know how much more of this s**t I can take.” I said.

“Here.” Nix murmured, he sat me in his chair and leaned back against the wall deep in thought. He unconsciously played with the end of my braid. The door opened without leave, Brik walked in, slamming it behind him.

“Kane, I won’t allow you to hurt Haze. As you can see, the human is no longer her pet. I will stand in her stead and take her penance. Haze should not be punished for being lonely.” He announced before he took in the scene before him. Brik’s gaze showed confusion as he realised Haze was sitting in front of the desk and I was behind it.

“An interesting development,” Nixim growled under his breath.

“He is in love with her, I think. You should see his face when he thinks no one is watching.” I murmured. Nix paused in his game with my hair. His eyes assessed the two before him. I caught his small wink in my direction and hid my smirk. Nixim Kane was a scary, savage killer who showed little to no remorse, but he seemed to have a gentle and playful side.

“Is. That. Right?” He drew out the sentence as his amber gaze captured Brik’s pale blue. Haze sat up, her eyes wide.

“Nix-.” Kane waved her away. He dropped the end of my hair and crossed the room in one mighty pounce. The momentum threw them against the door.

“You think to come in here and throw down the gauntlet.” The captain snarled against the side of the other smaller males face. Haze shot to her feet. I took her arm and shook my head.

“He’s playing with him. Nix knows Brik is in love with you. He’s not going to hurt him.” I told the female softly. Startled, she made a noise in the back of her throat and stared at the two males with her mouth hanging open. I chuckled drawing both male’s attention. Haze was frozen at my side. I waved my hand in front of her face. Nix backed away.

“What happened?” Both demanded.

“She is in shock, I think,” I said leading the female back to her chair. I moved to the drinks cabinet and made her a stiff two fingers of what smelled like brandy. I looked to Kane for confirmation.

“Brandy.” He confirmed. I handed the drink to Haze, she took a sip and jolted. Her gaze captured mine.

“Did you just tell me, Brik is in love with me? You must be mistaken. I am, well I am, obviously well look at me. I am from the tiger clan, we could not possibly. Nix.” She whimpered looking to her captain with fear in her eyes. Brik looked away, down to the floor. Nix drew him backwards out of the office and into the darkened entrance of his bedroom. Only their eyes were visible in the darkness.

“So, you do not like Brik as a male?” I asked curiously blocking out the two towering just inside the bedroom doorway. Haze shivered thinking they were gone and we were alone.

“Well, yes. He is an exceptional male. Strong, dedicated, loyal, an incredible fighter. Luca, you should see him fight. He is so savage and his fur. He is so white! Many a cycle I have dreamed of that male. I do not think he could love me, Luca. He doesn’t know me. I am not the feline I portray myself to be. I am not as strong as I make out.” She finally admitted. I grinned.

“Wow, you have a twisted view of yourself. You stood up to your captain and friend. A male you look up to because you wanted to keep a human. I can’t even imagine the crap you copped from others about taking me on, not to mention what will come with shunning me. Haze, the girls told me a little about you and how you came to be here.” Haze flinched, I waved Nix away when I saw him move from the corner of my eye.

“They said if it were not for you and Nix they would not have made it. To them, you are just as strong as your fearless captain.”

“But, how could Brik have fallen in love with me?” She was clearly at a loss for an answer.

“The question you should be asking yourself is, how could he not have fallen in love with you. If I were male, he would have some competition.” I said with a wink. Haze laughed softly, she reached out and squeezed my hand.

“You are a little bit wise for a human.” I rolled my eyes.

“It’s a character flaw,” I stated casually. Haze looked around the empty office, she turned her attention back to me.

“We kicked Nix out of his office.” She chuckled. I shrugged.

“No, we didn’t. He and Brik are eavesdropping in the doorway over there.” I admitted giving the two males up without a second thought. Haze laughed softly at first, it grew in volume until she leaned back in her chair, one claw covered her face and her body shook. I saw tears leak down the fur of her cheeks.

“Go talk to him. No pressure.” I whispered hugging the other female. She held on tightly for a moment, finally, she nodded and stood straight and tall.

“Brik, we have much to discuss. Captain, if you will permit?” She stated regally and strode to the door.

“Of course. Brik, if she cries again I am going to cut off your f*****g tail.” He threatened softly. I winced as the pale feline exited with the female. Finally, Nix and I were alone. My heartbeat sped up, my chest rose and fell rapidly. I was almost hyperventilating.

“Tails?” I asked trying to take my mind off being completely alone with this male I wanted more than anything in my life. Nix nodded. I watched as a long black rope whipped out from behind his hair. I laughed unexpectedly.

“You have a tail! How cool is that? Why have I never noticed?” I was struggling to hold onto my emotions. I didn't want to break in front of Nix.

"We keep them tucked away, for safety. Last thing you want it your tail being sucked into the machinery. s**t gets critical fast." Nix grasped my hand, he led me around his desk and back to his chair. He sat down, pulling me bodily into his lap. I shuddered, tucking my injured face into his furred throat. His strong arms wrapping around me tightly.

“I can smell your emotions. You’re safe Kitten. I’ll not allow anything to touch you again.” He whispered into my hair. I curled myself into the huge, solid form and cried softly. The events of the past week spilling over.

I must have fallen asleep because I woke up in a dark room with heavily muscled arms coiled around me and a rhythmic purr vibrating under my cheek. I sprung away from the form like a spring. I landed in a crouch beside the bed as two amber eyes snapped open, blazing bright in the dark. They scanned the room casually, coming to rest on my shaking form. The eyes blinked slowly.

“Come back to me female.” He said softly, the purr I loved, in his sleep rough voice. Slowly I rose to my feet.

“How did I get here?” I forced my voice to work past my slowly abating fear. Nix’s pupils elongated as he watched me crawl back across the bed, to settle beside him. He pulled me close, flush against his body. I lightly stroked the fur under my cheek. His arm held me firmly in place once more.

“You cried yourself to sleep. You will not do that again; I did not like it.” He growled. I rolled my eyes.

“I am a woman and I will cry whenever I wish. Suck it up.” I muttered wiggling to get comfortable. I curled my leg over his thick corded thigh and gave a comfortable little groan. I refused to think about what I was doing, the future or anything for that matter.

“Suck it up! My female is rather brave this night.” His voice rumbled in his chest, under my ear.

“Since when did I become your anything?” I asked suddenly sitting up against him. I looked into his shining eyes, anxiously. Nix’s clawed hand cupped one side of my face. I felt his lips brush mine when he drew me forward.

“You have been my female since I killed you.” He murmured against my lips. I chuckled.

“What a romantic. Lucky me.” I whispered. I felt his grin.

“Yes, lucky you indeed. Enough sass, go back to sleep. We make port in several hours. Hart called an hour ago, he has tracked down a new core. The one in the Callite ship was patched and would not have fit. If I allow you off the ship, will you try to leave me?” Nix asked suddenly. I turned my head to consider his glowing gaze. I leaned forward and kissed him.

“No. For the first time in a long time, I feel safe and you are the cause of it. Besides, why would I give you up when I almost have you trained.” I stated trying not to laugh. I saw the flash of his white teeth when he smiled. His chest vibrated beneath mine. He flipped me onto my back so quickly my head spun. My arms were captured and stretched over my head. My breath caught in my throat as adrenalin flooded my system. Fear washed out of me in a wave. Nix froze.

“Whoa kitten, it’s alright. I was only playing. Not once have you ever thought I would harm a hair on your beautiful head? Where did all this fear suddenly come from?” He asked slowly rolling us back over, so I was once more in the dominant position. I rolled off the bed with a curse. Nix chuckled softly.

“Nice.” He murmured. I crossed the room and into what I thought was the bathroom. I turned on the light, cursed again and closed the door and picked the second portal. I emerged again a few minutes later disgusted with myself for allowing the attacks Barry made on me to affect my being. I’d thought because he had not managed to do more than rough me up, it would not bother me as much. I’d been wrong. A soft light glowed giving off the smallest amount of illumination. Nix was standing at the window, looking out on a small green planet. I paused in the doorway, just looking at him framed in the window. He looked like a huge panther, with a human shape. His tail twitched in agitation. He only wore a pair of red shorts. I moved across the room to him. He looked down, frowning.

“I’m sorry. I do not know what happened. I know you were playing; I could see it in your eyes. I guess, what Barry tried to do, left a mark.” I told him. Nix relaxed slightly.

“Trauma is trauma, Kitten. Are you able to sleep more?” He murmured drawing me close. I rubbed my uninjured cheek back and forth over the silky fur covering his chest. He trailed a hand down my spine.

“Will the crew challenge you?” I asked worriedly. I looked up at his face, towering over me. He shrugged.

“I don’t care Luca. In the three years since our world was destroyed, I have not taken anything for myself. The crew, my people always came first. Until you. I saw you, a bound captive in the hands of the Callites when we hacked their viewer and for the first time, I wanted something for myself. Is that so wrong?” He demanded suddenly looking down at me. I shook my head.

“No, of course, not Nix. I am asking if they will challenge you as Captain.” I led the huge feline back to bed. He sat down drawing me between his knees.

“They will. To be more precise, Oleom, Kruk and Selig will challenge me. They are the three strongest males. Kruk, you have already met. Oleom and Selig will try to convince the females to side with them. Where they go, the males follow, especially Cleo. Most of the males on this ship are Leopard clan and she is the only female left.” He explained patiently.

“What about humans?” I asked curiously. Nix frowned.

“What about them?”

“Can a human breed with a Therros?” The moment I asked the question, I knew I should have kept it to myself. Nix was not fast enough to cover the scandalised expression flashing over his face. I backed away from his body, out from the cradle of his thighs.

“Luca, kitten.” He said softly, reaching for me. I shook my head and evaded his claw.

“So, humans are good enough to have s*x with, but we’re not good enough to breed with?” I hissed suddenly furious.

“If a human and a Therros bred you get a Therros. The human gene is weaker than the feline. If by chance a Therros did breed with a human, their clan shunned the offspring.” I made a small noise in the back of my throat, almost a pained whine.

“So, I am your fill-in concubine until you decide on which female to take? I knew there was a catch, there is always a catch.” I stated humourlessly. I spotted a small stack of clothes to one side and shook out a clean suit. It was my size; Nix must have had it delivered. I walked back into his bathroom to shower. Tears mingled with the water as I stood under the spray.

“What did you expect Luca? Hearts, flowers and the bloody universe. You are human, the bottom of the food chain, nothing more than a slave, currency. It’s not love, Luca. It’s Stockholm Syndrome. Get your s**t together.” I snarled to myself shutting off the water. I stepped out of the cubicle and dried off taking no pleasure in the grate on the floor this time. I caught my reflection in the mirror and shuddered. The claw rake stood out a dark red, surrounded by purple and black bruising against my pale skin. Haze had thankfully missed my eyes. The middle gash stopped just shy of the middle of my top lip as it angled down from my right temple, ending at the jawline of my left cheek. I did not realise I was sobbing as I pulled my suit up slightly damp legs. The zip slid up my spine before I could reach for it.

“Am I your pet now?” I asked quietly.

“Yes, you are my pet now. What I said, before-.” Nix began. I stepped away from him again.

“With your permission master?” I drew out the word master, making it an insult. Nix sighed, finally he nodded. I made my escape as quickly as my little human legs could carry me.

Word of the captain claiming me travelled like wildfire over the week we spent in port on the planet Cossa. I was sitting in the maintenance office with Hart going over the schematics of the new device when Oleom walked in.

“Bloody hell. I was afraid of this.” Hart muttered, he leaned down and slipped his knife into my boot.

“What is it? What’s going on?” I asked quietly as the old Therros stood up.

“He’s going to use you to challenge the Captain. Take him fast and take him down hard. Don’t let him get his hands on you. It will send a message to the others; Kane cannot be challenged through you. Your reaction with the three idiots last week have kept the lessor males at bay, this one will stop all the others especially Selig. Oleom cannot be alive when the Captain arrives. You have a lot to learn about Therros law. Good luck.” Hart murmured calmly. He squeezed my shoulder and left me alone with the hulking Leopard. I stood up and placed my mug in the dishwasher.

“The Captain thinks too much of you, human. I am going to kill you and take his place. It is time this pride had direction. A real leader. I have a vision. A new planet, where our females will live to service our males and give birth to a new generation.” He stated so sure of himself, he stood with his back to me. I moved quietly to stand by his side. Hart’s dagger clutched in one hand.

“Thank you for the warning. I appreciate your honesty Oleom, but I doubt the Therros females would share in your enthusiasm.” I said.

“The female’s consent is not necessary-.” The male began as he turned and smiled down at me, his eyes opened wide as I slid the razor-sharp dagger into his stomach and ripped it up to the bottom of his throat. I used every ounce of strength I possessed. I helped the male to lay down as the fur parted showing his organs.

“I-I did not expect you to fight back.” He whispered trying to hold his intestines inside his body.

“Yeah, I guessed as much,” I said. He died a second later. I cut off his head, forcing the blade through his spine with my booted foot. I crossed to the sink and washed my hands. The door slid open, Haze, Brik and Captain Kane leapt through. Jeg and several others’ behind them. I was rinsing the blade when I turned to face the newcomers. Hart stepped into the room, he crossed to my side.

“Thanks,” I said handing the beautiful dagger back to him. He grinned and shook his head.

“She’s all yours. That blade deserves a warrior.” He replied handing me the sheath. I nodded silently. I could not look at Nix. If I did I would cry.

“What happened?” He demanded.

“Oleom came in to kill Hex. The whole ship knows you claimed her. He planned to use her death to take your place. Luca defended herself and now the crew know what happens when you try to challenge the captain through his pet. They quite literally lose their heads. By your leave captain, Hex and I have some work that needs attending?” Hart placed one grey claw at my back and propelled me forward. There was no hiding the shudder travelling down my spine from the old male.

“Luca,” Brik whispered.

“I’m fine, not a scratch. He did not expect me to fight back.  Took him by surprise.” I replied just as softly. I saw Haze relax and turn to the captain. Kruk watched as I descended the stairs to the control room. I stopped and looked at the other male in the eyes without wavering.

“Are you going to challenge the captain through me too? Oleom is lying on the lunch room floor upstairs, his guts are beside him, as is his head. He had a vision for the future of the Therros. Find a planet and set the females up to act as breeders for the good of the race. I will not put up with any more of this posturing bullshit! If you want to kill me, have at it! As for the females, I will f**k you up if you even glance in their direction.” I yelled stalking towards the male. All chatter had fallen silent. Several males stepped up beside me.

“Kruk, touch one hair on Hex and we’ll break you in half then shove you out the airlock.” Leor, another bobcat stated as he inserted his body between me and Kruk.

Kruk bowed his head and left. I looked over my shoulder at Hart. He grinned slapping me on the back. I winced, my body still tender from the previous encounter.

“He’ll go at Kane directly now and the Captain will tear that cub apart. Come on, let’s get this new core installed.” Hart ordered. I shrugged, not my circus, not my monkeys I thought. It did not stop the shot of anxiety rolling through me at the thought of Nix being harmed.

I was sitting by myself in the dining room, finishing a cup of coffee when Cleo walked in, she stopped in front of my table. I placed the tablet I’d been working with on the surface in front of me.

“Mistress Cleo, what can I do for you?” I asked using her title, as I was in the ships proper.

“Rumour has it, Oleom wanted to use us as breeders, specifically me as he was a leopard. Thank you, Luca. The females appreciate what you did for us. We gladly give you our allegiance and through you Nixim Kane. The females have the run of deck twelve with Captain Kane if you would like to move closer to us. We are inclined to welcome you and bring you under our banner of protection.” She announced handing over a passkey.

“Thank you, Mistress,” I replied not knowing what to say.

“You will call me Cleo now, not mistress.” The female bowed her head, she turned and walked out the door. All eyes on her departure.

“Hey, Luca!” Jeg said sitting down beside me. Having just walked in.

“Hi Jeg, what’s happening?” I said as I finished my meal. He frowned towards the door.

“What was that about? Cleo wasn’t giving you a hard time about the shunning, was she?”

“No, she just offered me the allegiance of the females, something about a banner of protection and gave me a key to a new room on their floor. They did not appreciate Oleom’s vision as much as others did and I am to call her Cleo now and not mistress.” I explained. Jeg stared at me with his mouth hanging open.

“You do not get the importance of this gesture. Ok, let me explain. The strongest male is the boss and the females surround him and breed with him to grow the pride.”

“Are you saying Captain Kane is breeding with the females?” Something ugly unfurled within my stomach. Jeg shook his head.

“No, I am saying the females have raised you to their level. You are not human anymore. You’re a pride wife or the equivalent to a Therros female. If Kane wanted to, he could breed with all of you and your cubs would be excepted the universe over. Cleo and the others just gave you a vote.”

“No way.” I breathed. The male grinned.

“You just got a promotion!” Jeg was so excited.

“Where is Haze?” I said suddenly. Jeg frowned.

“Haze shunned you Luca, the only way for that to go away is for her to publicly ‘see’ you again.” He stated.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.” I rolled my eyes and groaned.

“Excuse me, Luca, the Captain has ordered you to his office.” Ric the waiter called from behind the bar. Several males from engineering made oh-oh noises, I grinned and waved them off. For the most part, I was fitting in well, especially with the maintenance workers. They all knew me and lifted a claw in welcome when I walked into a room. The others still looked at the scars on my face and treated me as a shunned slave. Jeg walked me to the door.

“Hey Jeg, ah, thanks,” I said shooting a grin over my shoulder.

“Anytime, Lady Luca.” He chuckled and waved as I rounded a corner, heading in the direction of the Grand master’s office.

I knocked on the office door and waited. After twenty minutes, I slid down the wall and sat on the floor to wait some more. Finally, after an hour and a half, the doors opened. I shot to my feet as Kruk staggered out, busted and bleeding. Nix wiped his claws on a cloth. He leaned casually against the doorjamb with a nonchalant air about him.

“Don’t look at her, this Terren is not your concern. Just keep walking, cub.” Kane growled menacingly. Kruk shuffled past me without looking up. I winced at the wounds covering the male and turned to the Captain when Kruk was out of sight.

“In!” He ordered tersely. I crossed the threshold under his arm and walked into the office. Nix closed the door with a sharp snap and staggered. I leapt under his arm, trying to take some of his weight. I lent him back gently against the wall and ran for his desk. I crossed the room quickly wheeling his chair. Nix lowered himself into it slowly. I pushed him into the bedroom and over to the bathroom. He winced when I turned on the bright light. I gasped. Nix was covered in blood.

“It’s not mine. That cub could pack a punch though. Hits like a torpedo.” He muttered as I turned on the shower. I pulled the seat down inside the cubicle and left him to shower as I returned his chair to his office.

I paced back and forth in the bedroom for another half an hour before the bathroom door opened. I helped Nix to the bed as much as I could, being so much shorter and not nearly as strong. He groaned as he lay down with his eyes closed.

“Don’t leave. I need the crew to believe I am enjoying my pet as the spoils of victory.” He murmured before sliding into sleep.

“Delightful,” I muttered. I rolled my eyes and crossed the room to sit on the window sill. I stared out at the ocean. The planet we were on was mostly covered in it. The inhabitants lived in cities under the water. The seemingly unending blue was startlingly beautiful. The only time I left the ship, I had been in awe of our surroundings. Hart found my wonder refreshing while the others laughed. They called me naive. The old grey Therros, a salve on a sore heart for the past week. I welcomed and thanked him for his company and counsel. I sighed and laid my head against the glass when I thought I heard a sound in the office. Someone over the intercom was calling for Nix. He’d not answered, they would send someone. I thought. I launched off the sill, tearing my suit from my body. I ran across the bed. Nix’s eyes popped wide as I straddled his hips. With a move so quick, I didn’t know what was happening. Nix had my knees on either side of his face. His tongue stabbing deep into my core.

“Nix!” I gasped, grinding into his face. I was almost sobbing in ecstasy when I heard him growl. He lifted me once more, returning me to his hips. His thick rod resting against his stomach, he rocked me against his shaft. My breath caught in my throat as the head of his c**k hit the small bundle of nerves there. Nix cupped my breasts, rolling my n*****s through his claws. I moaned, arching my back as the bedroom door crashed open. Two males were framed in the doorway.

“Forgive us, sir, a Zeg hunting party has entered the system. They know we are here.” One said urgently.

“Everyone is accounted for sir, we sounded the return to ship the moment we spotted them.” The other announced. Neither male made the mistake of looking at me.

“Sound general quarters and get this tub in the air! Tell Haze she has the Con.” Nix snapped. The males ran out the door. It swished shut behind them. Nix sat up pressing his lips to mine. He slid his claws down my torso and around to my back. He pressed me against his chest.

“Tell me something kitten. Why were you naked in my bed? Have you forgiven me?” He whispered into my hair. I leaned back slightly.

“I heard the intercom in your office. I knew they would send someone here for you. I was not expecting you to f**k me with your tongue. You, need to hurry. Are you alright to walk?” I asked wriggling out of his arms. Nix suddenly tackled me to the bed, he flipped me over onto my back. My legs thrown over his shoulders. Nix stabbed his tongue deep into my core and back out, licking up to my nub and sucking the small bundle. I cried out. He held me still until I screamed, coming hard against his mouth. Nix kissed my inner thighs and my mound before moving away from me. I climbed off the bed and picked up my clothes. I did not know what to say. My mind was a blank void.

“What are they?” He asked suddenly. The pad of one claw traced the image on my back. Startled, I looked over my bare shoulder as I pulled my suit back up my legs.

“On Earth, we call them Tattoo’s, ink is imbued into the skin with a vibrating needle. This image glows under UV light. They are a rather lovely set of wings.” I replied fighting to sound and appear normal. I gave an offhand shrug and stepped away before Nix could help me with my zipper. I bent to put my shoes back on. Nix sighed and climbed to his feet. He crossed to his cupboard and removed a suit of his own. I watched him pull the leather on, carefully feeding his tail through a hole in the back first. I still loved the tail even though right now the male caused a wave of volatile emotions inside me. Dressed, Nix turned.

“Forgive me?” He asked again, meeting my gaze.

“Why?” I said throwing my hands up into the air. I was at a complete loss as to what the male wanted from me and now after everything that happened in his bed, I was more confused than ever.

“I would order you to stay here, but I know what you are like concerning my orders. I want you back here at the end of your shift. We have much to discuss.” Nix stated seriously. I nodded.

“Like the fact, Cleo gave me the allegiance of all the females, a key to quarters on this level and said something about me being under their banner of protection and not to call her mistress anymore. Jeg seemed to think it was a huge deal.” I told him in an offhand manner as I made my way to the door. I suddenly found myself pressed into the cupboard door, my feet no longer touching the ground.

“What was that?” He hissed, eyes glowing brightly.

“Cleo came up to me a few hours ago, in the dining hall. She said she heard the rumour about Oleom’s plans. She thanked me for saving the females from such a fate and offered me the females allegiance and through me, you. Then she gave me a key to quarters on this deck. What’s the problem Nix, will I get in the way of your harem?” I asked snidely.

“Jealous?” He breathed leaning close.

“Yes,” I stated truthfully. His eyes flashed wide, a shocked and curious smile touched his face.

“You have no reason to be Kitten.” He lowered me to the floor.

“No of course not. How could I not be jealous of the Therros females? I am a human meat sack used for currency and the occasional concubine. The others are revered and divine females because they were not born a lowly Terren. No, Nixim you’re right. I have no reason to be jealous at all. If my service is concluded for today, I have several jobs that need doing. With your leave, of course, master Kane?” I tried to sound scornful and confident, unfortunately, Nix saw the stray tear course down my face before I could catch it, belaying my words and proving my feelings ran deep enough they were hurt by his callous action on our last meeting. Nix used one pad to wipe the errant tear away.

“Go kitten, we can talk later.” He said softly watching me bolt out the door and run as fast as I could away from the fierce Captain.