Soul of Desire

Chapter Two

So, death was harder to achieve when you have a hole in your chest and are on the starship belonging to a Cat/human hybrid.

“I can’t believe what I am thinking. I can’t believe I am living this. This is all kinds of f****d up.” I whispered. The room was stark; I lay on a bunk against one wall. The Captain found it prudent to move me to less volatile quarters. Haze, the female had taken my clothes. I had nothing to wear but my exceptionally sexy lace knickers and the large white bandaged currently wrapping me like a mummy from my stomach to below my shoulders. I arched back, stretching slightly as I remembered the events leading up to having my room.

One hour previous.

The hole in my chest was closed and the damage to my head repaired. Haze said I would be sore for a few days. If the captain shot me further to the left, I would have died for good. There was a revival time limit on the weapon. It was at that point I shook my head.

“Too much. Brain overload. Fire hot, ice cold. That’s my limit.” I muttered, holding a hand over my face. I shuddered. A fur-covered claw rested on my shoulder.

“Just relax. Kane doesn’t know what to do with you. We don’t have a working transporter. To return you, we would have to land the ship. The chances of us being seen are compounded a hundred-fold. Even talking to you is a death sentence for us. Therros do not get second chances. If he turns you in, we run the chance of being tried and convicted of entering the no-fly zone. It is our word against the Callites, even with your testimony.” Haze explained casually, leaning against the side of my bed.

“Can I ask a favour?” I said removing my hand from over my face.

“Name it.” She said shortly. My gaze turned to Barry, strapped to a bed on the other side of the room. He was staring at me and trying to hide it each time he licked his lips.

“Can you either move him or me. I am a little thankful to the Callites for taking us when they did. Barry was the reason for my head injury; he was trying his absolute best to r-.”

“Rape you.” Haze snarled softly. The fur on her arms stood up, she bared sharp white teeth and hissed a low menacing sound.

“Yes, and the Callite commander was talking about breeding me, minutes before you made your timely arrival. So, thanks.” I said. Haze pressed a button on the wall, she studied the back of one claw.

“Everything alright?” A deep voice drawled casually.

“We need to move the female sir.”

“Are you going to share your quarters with her, braid each other’s hair, play sister-friends?” The voice mocked.

“Oh, har, hilarious. Of course, not. She can have the quarters on this deck at the end of the hall.”

“What of the male?”

“I fear he has contracted a fatal illness. The symptoms are exceptionally fascinating. His entrails have exploded from his body.” Haze replied calmly almost casually. Her eyes glowed neon purple as she stared at the conscious and terrified Barry.

“I’ve never heard of an illness like it. He appeared to be in exceptional health when you dragged him past me earlier. Except for the broken nose, and the smell that is.”

“I was just as surprised Captain. The strange part of this illness is that a Therros claw looking rather shockingly like my own is about to tear through his back and push his intestines through his skin. The mess will be atrocious. I am almost positive there will be screaming. I am quite sure there is no vaccine to save him.” She breathed.

“Sounds fun, use a splatter sheet, enjoy yourself. Don’t forget to wash your hands.” The voice on the other end stated, in the background, another male voice swore. The channel died. I heard pounding boots as Haze spun on Barry. He whimpered having heard her clearly, the metal clamps on his arms clanked against the bars of his cot when he tried to escape. I fought not to smile at the sheer terror crossing his face. I rubbed my wrists where the electric bands had been removed.

“Do you smell that scent female? That is the smell of male fear. The worst thing you can do around our kind is to react with fear, it draws us in and activates our hunting instinct. I love more than anything the sound of males screaming.” Haze chuckled darkly as the door slid open to reveal two large Ventherros males.

“I thought you said there would be a mess down here?” The grey from earlier asked a whine to his tone. The full white cat by his side shook his head.

“Seriously darlin’, what happened? Why’d you let this human rail you up?” He drawled. Haze turned to face the white. She rolled her shoulders.

“Brik, the male was going to rape the female before the Callites abducted them. We should have left him to be sold.” She hissed, her striped fur rising again. Two sets of eyes settled on mine.

“To be fair, in the end, the Callites did not like the look of Barry. They were going to sell him as a half-price item and scout another man to rape me.” I informed them in a dry tone.

“If I give you a laser weapon what will you do with it?” The pale feline known as Brik asked curiously. My lips twitched.

“Will you show me how to use it first?” I asked. The grey chuckled behind one claw, nudging his companion. Haze grinned openly. Brik finally answered.

“Sure.”

“In the interest of full disclosure. I am not a vengeful person by nature, though I am finding the need to harm your captain for shooting me in the chest. I was rather fond of the bra I wore. Now it is ruined, and I am stuck in the middle of space with my girls swinging in the breeze and a wonderful pair of knickers without their fabulous counterpart.” I replied tightly watching the huge male Captain appear out of the shadows. He leaned in the doorway behind the two smaller males. The corner of his mouth kicked up in a small semblance of a smile.

“It would have been nice knowing you. Nixim Kane is beyond skilled with weapons and hand to hand. He would kill you without a thought, with one claw tied behind his back.” The grey stated seriously.

“I think I could take him.” I drawled my lips twitching as I fought not to smile. The Captain’s grin widened, amusement lighting his eyes. I moved my shoulder and winced at the action. Nix frowned having seen my flinch.

“So, you’re Ventherros? That is what the Callites called you. What is that?” I asked refusing to release the male's gaze.

“The red button on the tag to your left is a painkiller, use it. Vent was our home. Therros is our species. Our planet was destroyed by the Sumi and the Zeg. Now we are classed as Ventherros. My crew and I are the only Therros left, the others were slaughtered in the Sumi mines or by the Zeg raiding parties.” All three Therros gasped turning to face their leader, unaware he was behind them. He appeared relaxed, nonchalant as he leaned against the doorjamb. Haze pressed the button for the painkiller. I felt the drug roll through me as the female Therros relaxed against the wall. My breathing levelled out.

“Nix, we did not see you there.” Haze murmured apologetically. He shrugged, the casual lift of one shoulder.

“I came to check on my victim.” He replied standing to his full substantial height. The two males in the doorway stepped aside to allow him into the wide room.

“Ah, so that is how it is? You are buttering Lucy up; the big bad captain wants a bit of your arse Lucy. Look at him, the monster is practically panting for you.”

“Now, now, don’t be a hater. Jealousy is an ugly trait Barry.” I laughed as the drug numbed my pain, my brain and to my horror loosened my tongue. Captain Nixim grinned a flash of sharp teeth.

“I am not jealous!” Barry snarled. I laughed.

“Sure, you are and as I said it’s an ugly trait.”

“Yeah, prove it!” Barry spat. I rolled my eyes.

“Let’s compare, shall we. Check out Captain Kane, he’s huge, heavily muscled with beautiful soft black fur, long hair, amber eyes, a face to kill for and a body you would only kick out of bed to have s*x with on the floor. Now, look at you, a middle-aged human with a rotund beer belly, no prospects, bad breath and a dim future. You must rape and torment to get a woman, Kane here only has to smile, and women would launch themselves at him at warp speed. Wow, these painkillers are awesome. There is just no stopping my tongue, it flaps all on its own.” I stated, slurring a little.

“Classic.” Haze said chuckling under her breath.

“I can’t believe this! The Callite commander said I could have you!” Barry hissed. The captain’s glowing blue gaze lit on Barry.

“A very dim future.” One side of his mouth lifted in a small snarl. Barry sat up straighter.

“If you’re going to kill me, get it over with. I’m sick of the chatter anyway.” Barry yelled. The captain shrugged, drew his laser and shot Barry between the eyes. I turned to look at Haze.

“I take it there is no revival in this instance?” I asked casually watching parts of Barry’s brain slide down the wall. Haze shook her head.

“Nope, that is pretty final.” She replied sourly. Blue eyes rested on her face.

“Is there a problem Haze?” Captain Kane asked softly. Haze rolled her eyes.

“You couldn’t have given some warning. Splatter sheet, Nix. You said it yourself not twenty minutes ago. Now we’re going to have brain tissue rotting in the floor grate. Again.” She growled. Kane looked down at the floor with a wince.

“Yeah, that is going to be disgusting. Rees can clean it, he owes penance. Jeg, go tell him the happy news.” The captain ordered. The Grey nodded, flashed me a grin and strode out the door.

“What of the Terren?” Brik asked curiously.

“Hmm, I have been giving this female a great deal more thought than I like,” Kane muttered.

“I want to keep her sir,” Haze asked quietly. Kane looked down at the females bent head.

“Why?”

“I like her; she is not afraid of me Nix.” Haze murmured. Kane’s eyes softened for a split second before hardening once more.

“She is your responsibility.” He snapped like I was a pet. Turning on a heel he strode out the door. I saw his bright blue eyes in the dark hall, they watched me before slowly fading away. I glanced at Haze, she was smiling.

“Well darlin’, I’ll see you later. I still have a few things left to catalogue.” Brik murmured a look of longing in his pale blue gaze as he stared at my tiger companion.

“Yeah, see you later.” She said casually. The large white male left us alone once more.

“Am I your pet or something?” I inquired deliberately using a light tone. Haze’s grin widened.

“To anyone else, yes you would be. To me, you’re to be my friend.” She replied helping me off the bed.

“I take it there are rules to being, your friend?” I asked as I stood slowly, my legs weak.

“Yes, there are, especially when we are in the ship proper. You’ll regain your strength in a couple of days, take it easy.” She said.  I nodded concentrating, my legs shivering. The door swished open, my brows shot up into my hairline as Nix Kane marched in.

“Way too much thought.” He muttered sourly, scooping me off my feet and strode towards the door. Haze hurried after him.

“Last door on the left Nix.” She called stopping to retrieve a stack of things from a hidden compartment. I looked up into the stoic features of the male holding me.

“Thank you, for saving me,” I stated softly as the door to my new quarters slid open. Captain Kane deposited me on the bed. I sat up against the wall. Kane leaned down, close.

“Listen up female. Humans are currency, only used to be brought and traded. Your species are only valuable if they have been coded which make you almost useless. If you get Haze killed, what I did to the male is nothing to what I will do to you.” He whispered, his lips so close to mine. I stared into his eyes, they popped wide at the hostility suddenly filling my gaze.

“You mistake my compliance for weakness. I am your prisoner, remember that the next time you start spitting out threats. Haze was kind to me, this does not change the fact I am unable to return home because an egotistical moron broke your laws for a little extra coin in his purse. Mark me well Nixim Kane, unlike the others, I am not afraid of you. You may be the hottest man I have seen in my life but, I don’t know you and I don’t give a s**t if you live or die. There is nothing you can do to me that hasn’t already been done or tried.” I replied, our faces so close my breath mingled with his. Nix’s gaze sharpened, the diamond shape of his pupils elongating. One large hand cupped the back of my head. I could feel the light press of claws against my scalp.

“I am not a man, I am Therros. What are you called, female?”

“These days. Lucy Chase.” I murmured, this male was captivating. I was drawn to him like a moth to a naked flame. I had lied of course; I did care whether this male lived or died. Much to my disgust. I thought.

“Nixim Kane. You will call me Nix, though, in the ship proper, you will refer to me as Captain.” He replied softly. I closed my eyes, feeling the males claw against the back of my head and his breath against my mouth.

“What is it about you? My whole being is drawn to you. I am like a moth to a flame, the brighter you burn the closer I need to be. I want to hate and despise you, but all I feel is the need to be closer than skin.” I whispered.

“You feel it too.” Kane murmured, sucking in a shocked breath. The claw at the back of my head hardened as the captain’s lips captured mine. My blood ignited at the feel and taste of the huge male. I heard his small growl in the back of his throat before he pulled away and strode from the room. Haze stepped through the door, a look of confusion changed to one of horror.

“Tell me the captain did not assault you?” She whined softly as the door closed on a hiss.

“He merely reminded me of my lot in life. I am currency, only useful if I have been coded blah, blah, blah.” I replied defending Nix. I knew if I had told the truth, Haze would have challenged the huge male and lost. She shivered, her shoulders visibly relaxing.

“He can be an arse sometimes. Don’t worry he’s just under a lot of stress right now. You’ll see, he is a nice male.” She said with a wince.

“Haze, you’re wanted on the bridge.” A voice called through the intercom. Haze nodded, she flashed me a quick smile and left the room. I threw myself off the bed, a stupid idea. I remembered too late, my legs were not going to hold me. I hit the floor with a thud.

“Son of a bitch.” I cursed, sitting where I fell, looking down at my naked legs. Haze had cut my bloodied clothes off me, in her haste to get to my wound. I rubbed my knees and pulled them up to my chest. Resting my head on top of my knees, I allowed myself a few silent tears.

I must have fallen sleep in my sitting position on the floor because two strong hands lifted me back onto the bed. I looked up to see the Captain. I sucked in a surprised breath.

“You defended me?” He said softly. Once more he leaned in close, invading my personal space.

“No, I defended her. Haze would have challenged you, right?” Nix nodded slowly.

“See, her. Not you. I am only currency; why would I ever defend you?” I whispered. Nix chuckled, he pushed my hair back off my head, his hands gentle.

“I knew that would come back and bite me in the arse. You are a strange creature.” He murmured. It was my turn to laugh.

“So, says you.” My words brought a wide genuine smile to his rough features.

“Haze is on duty. Do you need anything?” He asked softly. I nodded.

“Clothes, food and freedom.”

“The clothes and the food, we can do. Freedom is out of the question. You are a danger to my crew. I do not know if the Callites had you long enough to sway you to their cause.”

“Oh sure, cause when I woke up this morning I was all fire keen to be a broodmare for more slaves. Yeah, they swayed me for sure. We’re having t-shirts and coffee mugs made.” I replied my tone thick with sarcasm.

“It was the enriching their people speech, that tipped you over the edge wasn’t it?” Kane asked softly.

“It was very compelling. A real crowd-pleaser.” I stated dryly. Nix stood up, smirked, bowed his head and walked out. I groaned and leaned back against the pillows. Damn, the male was potent!

I sat gaping at the clothes delivered by Brik a while later. He’d smirked at the expression of horror on my face before he left. The suit he gave me was the same Haze wore. It would cling to every bump and roll on my body and it was green, deep forest green with a zip up the back. I groaned looking down at my body. I was no size eight like Haze. I was your classic hourglass, with flared hips a tucked-in waist and more than a handful in the bust. I slid off the bed and made my way slowly to the bathroom, holding onto the wall. Brik had shown me how to turn on the shower and what the grate in the floor and ceiling were outside the cubicle.

I spent a short time under the spray. When I stepped out my legs felt stronger. The moment my wet feet touched the ceramic floor grate warm air assaulted me from above and below. I couldn’t help laughing as I held my arms out to the sides. I was completely dry in a matter of seconds. With a sigh, I stepped off the grate and out into my bedroom. I eyed the underwear laid out on the bunk. It was almost transparent and made from something resembling a spider’s web. The bra was no better. I grabbed the suit and struggled into it. I was breathing hard as though I had just run a marathon as I closed the zip with the most ridiculous body contortions the universe had ever seen. I stood in front of the mirror eyeing myself critically. Haze managed to salvage my handbag from the Callite ship. I was grateful as I removed my brush and spare toothbrush. I had washed my hair in the shower, unwinding it from the bun I wrestled it into before I started work. I brushed out the knots and worked the brown tresses into a long thick plait, hanging to my backside. I smirked a little at my reflection. I looked like an extra in a Sci-Fi movie. I eyed the boots by the door. They were huge chunky things I would have loved to own, but too afraid to buy. I yanked them onto my stockinged feet and sighed as I wiggled my toes. I bent forwards and touched the floor, stretching out my muscles. My chest still burned, so I took it easy on the arm stretches. I did a few lunges to get my legs working properly and paced the room for a while. I hung and rehung the wet underwear I washed in the shower several times as boredom set in. I found a small bookcase with mostly training manuals, I sat down and read to pass the time.

Seemingly hours and three training manuals later, Haze opened the door. She smiled at me and waved me into the hall. I tossed the book onto the bed and crossed the threshold almost cheerfully. My stomach rumbled causing the Therros to laugh.

“I thought you might be hungry. I am glad Brik brought you some clothes. I did not realise your hair was so long. How do you keep it so nice?” She asked interested, she unconsciously stroked her ponytail. I stopped walking and picked up the tail of her hair, it fell to the middle of her back and felt like straw.

“What do you wash it with?” I asked. She shrugged.

“Soap.” She answered simply motioning for me to step through another door. I nodded.

“The soap is stripping the natural oils from your hair leaving it brittle and causing it to feel dry. You need to find something else.” I replied looking around me. There was a huge dining room and it was full of Therros. I blinked in shock, having thought there were only five Therros on the ship. Conversation stopped, all eyes trained on me. In unison, several females stood up.

“Over here Haze, you can both sit with us.” A tall female with leopard spots called cheerfully.

“Don’t be shy, they want to meet you. There are only five of us females left, and we ran out of any interesting conversation about three cycles ago.”

“How long are three cycles?”

“The same as you. Three Earth years.” Haze whispered.

“How long have you been together?” I asked as quietly.

“Three very long Earth years.” She replied dryly. I could not help myself, I chuckled.

“Happens on Earth too, I think it’s a woman thing,” I told her quietly. Haze grinned at me. We came to a stop beside the table. The females shuffled around to make room for us. I sat down slowly. I scanned the feline faces around me. Leopard, cougar, bobcat, puma and Tiger, Haze. I smiled. The females, clearly cats were beautiful, hauntingly so.

“I’m Lucy Chase,” I said. They grinned.

“I am Cleo. Maze, Hela and Koi. You already know our Haze.” The Leopard spoke first, she indicated the bobcat, cougar and finally the puma.

“It is nice to meet you all,” I replied genuinely.

“So, I heard the captain shot through you?” Maze the cougar asked quietly. I nodded, suddenly irritated with Nix again.

“Yes, he did,” I said dryly. Haze chuckled.

“In his defence, you did give him permission to kill you and he did order me to bring you back, that should account for something.” She said defending her captain. I rolled my eyes.

“That is true and the only reason I haven’t slapped his face.” The females laughed at my reply causing the males in the room to stare. Haze growled low in her throat, a clear threat for the others to go back to their own business. I raised one brow, a silent question as to why they listened to the tiger. An argument broke out near the door. The tiger in question rose to see what was going on. The room falling silent at her approach.

“Haze is Captain Kane’s second. She was the first Kane rescued after he escaped. She is as savage as he is. We were so surprised to hear, she asked the Captain to keep you.” Cleo answered softly.

“Why, do you think she asked to keep me here?” I leaned forwards, speaking as softly as the other female.

“We were kind of hoping you would tell us.”

“I think it has something to do with Barry, the man who was with me,” I said.

“The one Kane executed in the infirmary?”

“Yes. Haze was going to kill him herself. He was trying to rape me when the Callite ship took us.” The females shared knowing looks. Cleo finally nodded and sat forwards again.

“Haze was attacked in the mines, back when we were slaves. Her coat was prized highly, she is the only tiger left, the others died. There was too much infighting within her clan. She became a fierce fighter, unmerciful to the Sumi men who attacked Therros females. There were only one hundred of us in the mines and we were easy prey for the brutes. The male Therros would not touch us, they have more respect for our species than that. When Haze was rescued, the Sumi men raided the mines, they killed all the females there. They were hoping to wipe out our species. Our small group were in the fields. Mostly hidden and dressed like males. We grew our fur out or the males helped us create manes by giving patches of their fur. It saved our lives. Every Therros on this ship is indebted to the Captain and Haze. Without them, we would have died.”

“You are bound Terren, just like the rest of us.” A male Therros leopard yelled, clearly having heard us. I looked up at the male. He was standing with Nix. I leaned back in my chair.

“Am I? How did you come to that conclusion?” I called back in a sardonic tone.

“Captain Kane saved your life!” Another called.

“Captain Kane murdered me,” I stated not releasing Nix’s gaze. He folded his thick muscled arms over his chest.

“I revived you.” He drawled.

“No, Haze did. I owe a life debt to her. So, if she is ever pissed off enough, I would be more than happy to go a couple of rounds with you.” I replied. Amusement flashed into the Captain’s eyes. Gasps of shock and growls of anger echoed around me. Haze started to laugh, a long and low sound, slowly gaining in volume and mirth. She bent at her waist, leaning on the captain. He chuckled hugging her to one side.

“I’ll remember that Lucy.” She said. Nix shook his head, signed the sheet clipped to the board in his hand. Haze stood up to her full height, grinned up at the captain and walked back to our table. She clapped me on the shoulder. I winced.

“You’re going to fit in fine.” She whispered sitting down next to me.

“Well since I can’t go home, I may as well figure out my place here with you all. I refuse to be the lowly Terren though. That is unacceptable to me Haze.” I stated as a plate landed in front of me. The females looked at each other, hesitant to speak as they allowed me to eat.

“Can you fight, shoot, anything?” Haze asked curiously as I finished the food in front of me. I shook my head.

“No, in that department I am useless. I can fix things though. My dad was a mechanical engineer, he put me through my time after school. I was night cleaning because I had to change my occupation in a hurry.” I said. Haze chirped with glee, she spun in her chair.

“She’s a mechanical engineer!” Haze cried happily. Nix stopped suddenly in the doorway. He turned and stared at me.

“Well, that is interesting, a rare breed. Did the Callites know that?” He demanded. I shook my head. He stepped forward, the fur rising on his neck. The crew took a hasty step back away from their captain.

“Did the human male inform them? Can you be sure?”

“Barry didn’t know. I doubt he would have found out through a federal check either. Lucy Chase isn’t my birth name. My father was killed by a Gangland boss, the authorities changed my identity and city to protect me. The only thing Barry knew about me was, where I lived and worked. Possibly where I did my shopping, he used to watch me. It was creepy.” I replied. Haze turned back to me with a frown.

“What is your name, if it isn’t Lucy Chase?”

“My real name is Luciana Soritolo Hex. You can call me Luca.”