Soul of Desire

Chapter Nine

The rolling pain crippled me, it had been six months since last seeing Nix. Six months since Hart bit me. I stood in front of the bedroom mirror in my underwear looking at the scar on my shoulder. I ran a hand through my hair, hair that had grown darker, thicker. No longer red it was closer to black now. I wondered if it was a side effect to the bite. I hoped so, it looked amazing. I thought sliding a long pair of running pants up onto my hips. I pulled a tight pink sports singlet over my running bra and finished tying my shoes. I stretched out my arms and legs when the knock came at my door. I smiled as I opened it. Aunt Rosa stood on the other side dressed in similar attire. She flicked her ponytail over her shoulder as she jogged on the spot. I laughed. She had only taken to running in the last six months. It got her out of the house and she admitted she now had more energy for the numerous charities she chaired.

“Come on slowpoke.” She teased turning to jog down the stairs. I shot out the door after her. With a laugh, I followed her down the main stairs. Uncle Gianni was in the foyer with a strange man. He smiled up at us.

“Ah, my girls! Frank this is my wife Rosa and our darling niece, Luciana. Ladies Frank Bois, a business associate. He will be joining us tonight at the costume ball.” My uncle's voice boomed out cheerfully as he held out a hand to his wife. Frank's eyes travelled from my feet to my head, his smile widened. I caught the frown touching Mike’s face, he shook his head a slight movement meant for me. I smiled serenely and stepped up next to my aunt. Gianni kissed my cheek.

“Hello uncle, Mr Bois it is a pleasure. Aunt Rosa and I were just heading out for our run.” I said. Rosa laughed.

“I am going to beat her this time darling. I swear I do not know where this girl gets her energy.” She laughed. I grinned mischievously at the four men standing behind Rosa.

“I syphon it from my cousins, it’s why they are all so slow.”

“Oh, naughty mean girl!” Rosa cried laughing. Henry chuckled and opened the door. The other three smiling.

“Have fun you two,” Henry called after us before he closed the door. Our bodyguards fell into step, one in front and the other behind. They put some space between us, so we could relax into our own pace.

“I do not like the look of that one Luca, what do you think he does?” Rosa asked quietly.

“It’s probably safer if we don’t know.” I murmured. Over the past few months, I discovered Rosa was not as sensitive as Gianni would have others believe. Nor was she as kept in the dark as he thought. Rosa Soritolo was not the shrinking violet the world thought. She came running with me to ask questions without anyone overhearing.

“What happened to you, Luca? You disappeared for three months, no trace. The police said your car window was shattered and your key broke off in the car door. There were traces of blood on the glass. The detective said it was if you were teleported out of the car park.” I groaned. It was not the first time she asked me the question since my return.

“If I tell you the truth you’ll think I am insane.” I snapped quietly shaking my head to clear the images of Nix. Seeing his face in my mind, hurt more than anything I could imagine. It was bad enough I dreamed of him every night, waking with his name on my lips and his scent in my nose.

“You mean the story about you being abducted by aliens?” I stopped running suddenly. Rosa sucked in a shocked breath. I bent down on the pretence of emptying a rock out of my running shoe. I slipped it off, gave it a shake and returned it to my foot. We started running again when I had regained my composure.

“Who told you about that?” I demanded softly. Rosa smiled.

“Jarrod said something to Mikey. My son talks to me; he was worried about you darling.” She assured me gently. I nodded.

“I know. I just can’t talk about it. The thought of Nix Kane breaks my heart. I miss him.” I pleaded with her not to force me. Rosa smiled again though I could see her curiosity.

“What costume are you going to wear tonight?” She asked suddenly changing the subject. Surprised, I laughed.

“I do not know. There are so many in the boxes. Uncle Gianni has spoiled me I think.” I replied as we stopped on the front steps. Uncle Gianni was waiting and heard my reply.

“Nonsense! The festivities begin at six! You are running out of time.” He said. Rosa and I smiled at him as a car pulled up at the stairs. Reggie Glorious, aunt Rosa’s favourite stylist jumped out of the back seat with a dramatic flair and a puff of glitter.

“My dear Mrs Soritolo, you look sensational!” He cried.

“My niece introduced me to running.” Rosa laughed, waving him into the house. Gianni grabbed my arm.

“What were you discussing on your run?”

“Aunt Rosa did not like the look of Mr Bois. She was worried for your safety.” I stated looking down at the hand gripping my arm. Gianni released me.

“What do you think of Bois?” He inquired curiously. I shrugged.

“I think if you try to marry me off to him, I will slit him from the crotch to neck and leave your goons to clean up his entrails,” I whispered.

“Oh, very well. Thank you, my dear, I’ll pass on your disinterest to marry at present.” Gianni chuckled as I crossed the foyer and jogged up the stairs. When I entered my room a pain as no other flashed from my backside up my spine. I tore off the running pants and the pain stopped. I stood staring at my reflection a mixture of shock, horror and amusement. Sticking out from the bottom of my spine was a long silky black tail! I shook my head, blinked and looked again.

“Oh wow, oh my god! I have a f*****g tail!” I muttered spinning around again to look at my backside in the mirror. There was a tail alright and it was twitching around. I sprang for the costumes and rummaged through frantically. I let out a groan as I found the cat costume. It was a one-piece leather suit with diamond-encrusted claws. The mask was small, silver and only covered my eyes. Two shimmering black ears sat up on top of the headpiece. The outfit came with a beautiful studded diamond collar and a pair of knee-high pointed-toe boots. I raced through my shower, trying not to get my tail wet was a nightmare. The more agitated I became the more it twitched and flicked around. I dried my hair with a hairdryer and brushed it out until it shone. I hid my twitching tail under my bathrobe when the stylist came to do my hair and makeup. It was the worst hour and a half of my life. I smiled as I thanked the woman, almost tossing her out the door. I spun back to the mirror. My eyes were changing. I dived for my old ratty handbag and dug for the ring Hart gave me. I slipped it on my finger. An image of the old male appeared in front of me.

“Luca, I am happy to see you, young cub.” He said cheerfully. I looked around and walked into the bathroom. I turned on the water.

“I have a tail; the bloody thing sprang out of my skin without warning and is jerking around like it has a mind of its own and my bloody eyes are changing. It has been more than six months. What the hell is going on?” I whispered. Hart frowned.

“Possibly whatever the council gave you to make you sleep interfered with the process, delaying it but not stopping it. The change will probably happen gradually. I am glad you called, I will find a way to come and get you. Though I do not know how, without landing.” My old friend stated. I chuckled.

“I fixed that old transporter months ago, are you telling me, you guys have been doing everything the hard way?” I whispered. Hart glared at me, while his mouth twitched with mirth.

“Evil female. How am I going to convince the captain to go to Earth?” Hart thought aloud.

“Don’t. Let my location slip to the Callites and have them pick me up. Then tell the Captain a transmission was intercepted. A Callite ship in this area has a female Therros captive and let him loose. You know how much he enjoys killing Callites. They’re like catnip to him.” I laughed softly. Hart grinned.

“I love it. Alright, young one. Hang in there. Leave the ring on so I can track you. We are not far away from the NFZ.” The old male disappeared as suddenly as he appeared. I turned off the water and left the room to change. With a grin, I grabbed the clock off the wall and smashed it, retrieving the mechanism.

My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw myself in the full figure-hugging costume. I looked good, I thought running one hand down my side. I wondered if Nix would appreciate my appearance. The memory of his glowing eyes and wicked smile surfaced in my mind. I bit my lip, pushing my emotions down as my eyes began to flicker with a light blue glow. I breathed in slow even breaths until the light behind them faded. I twitched my tail, turned on my heel and walked out of my room. Aunt Rosa cried out happily when she spotted me. We were wearing similar costumes. I laughed and hugged her. She looked down at my tail.

“How come yours moves? Darling, look at Luca. Her tail is moving; I wish mine did that.” She pouted teasingly. I opened my hand and produced a small device with a long wire on it. I ducked behind her and attached it to her tail, threading it up inside the material. I turned on the device and handed Rosa a small ring with a button on it.

“You press the button and your tail moves, then you press it again and it turns off. I don’t know how long the battery will last, so use it sparingly.” I told her with a little laugh. She chirped her glee rushing to the hall mirror she clicked the ring and watched her tail move.

“Where did you get that?” Gianni demanded softly, astonished.

“I made it, took me about half an hour and I broke my clock. Dad taught me how to do it one year for Halloween.” I said with a shrug. Gianni clapped his hands, my aunt rushed to him still smiling and laughing about her tail. Excited about tonight. A long cape covered my shoulders, I turned my head to see Mike behind me.

“Don’t trust his smile cousin.” He murmured.

“I never have, doing so would be stupid. Thank you, Mikey, this is lovely.” I said folding my hand through the crook of his arm. Mike settled me in the car with him and my cousins. Jerrod was not with them.

“I am not going tonight, am I?” I asked the four men. They shook their heads sadly.

“Has he ordered you to kill me?” I looked to Henry, he was never one to lie.

“Not kill you. He has ordered us to hand you over to Bois, your dad and he were not close Luca and Bois wants revenge the only way he can have it.” Henry answered. I turned to Mike.

“How long until he disposes of your mum. He already got ours.” I whispered as the car pulled to a stop. Mike opened the door and helped me out. We stood alone on the bluff overlooking the ocean.

“At what point did you all think I was going to go quietly, with a minimum of fuss?” I asked turning to look at each of my cousins in the eye.

“We were hoping he would change his mind at the last minute, Luca,” Joseph stated softly, looking to the others.

“He’s a monster. How can you all work for him? Mikey, your mum is the only one left. Surely, you know she is not an i***t. In time, Gianni will go after her. He will figure it out and hunt her down like he did our parents. I saw what he did to my mother. Please don’t let it happen to your mother too.” I implored my cousin to see reason. Lights split the night before he could answer. Several cars drew into the parking area. Three doors opened followed by the sound of boots on gravel.

“Gianni delivers, good to know. Not only did he give me Vincent’s daughter, but I also get the only sons of the Soritolo brothers. Poetic, if you ask me.” Frank Bois chuckled, congratulating himself as his men surrounded us. I sighed.

“God, I hope they hurry,” I muttered looking up at the sky. All eyes snapped to me.

“What are you talking about?” Bois demanded.

“The Aliens. I am hoping Hart got a message to them and they were already this side of the no-fly zone. They are called Callites and they love to pick up unsuspecting humans and sell them. You see, humans are valuable. Mostly we are kept as slaves and breeders for more slaves. Think of us as currency. The intergalactic council has declared Earth a no-fly zone. It is illegal to come here because we are toddlers compared to the rest of the galactic words. Doesn’t stop the bloody Callites though, naughty bastards.” I answered putting my hands on my hips. I tapped my foot impatiently.

“What the hell is she talking about?” Bois snapped. A huge light suddenly lit the night sky.

“Ah, just in time.” I quipped with a little grin. Bois men cried out in fear when their feet left the ground. The men around me lost consciousness quickly. This time I was wide awake and grinning.

The Callites cried with fright when they spotted me awake. I was thrown into the cage the same as the one I occupied once before.

“I’ll have those four,” I said pointing to my cousins. The Callites were more than happy to comply, thinking I was eager to mate with the four men. The other’s, Bois and his men landed inside the other cell, crammed together like sardines. I shoved my cousins until they regained consciousness. They looked up at me stunned.

“Yeah, I know. Pretty freaky huh?” I muttered taking my cape and mask off. I leaned against one wall and looked down at the four males I claimed as family.

“When you get home, you’re all going to do something about Gianni. Ben Narberth with the FBI will take your calls and he’ll cut you a deal. Have Aunt Rosa transfer my inheritance from my Grandmother. She has all the access codes. Put it into her accounts and tell her to go overseas, change her name, appearance, everything. She can’t come back, Mikey. Give the feds your old man or he’ll come after you for this and you know it. Oh, and kill that bastard, Matthews. If he doesn’t die, he will find you. He’s like a bloodhound.” I said looking at each of my cousins in the eye. Each one nodded solemnly. I was suddenly tossed sideways onto Joseph. He caught me around the waist, holding me tightly as the ship tossed again. I heard explosions and people screaming. A furious roar echoed around the ship. I cursed as the pain rolled through me, feeling like I’d split my head. I leaned back against my cousin and pushed back the hood of my suit.

“Holy god! Luca honey, you have ears.” He whispered, his voice shaking. I shot him a look.

“I have had ears since birth Joe.” I snapped unimpressed.

“Not the ones on top of your head, you haven’t. I swear I just saw them pop out of your skull and your, your other ones are gone.” His voice shook. I felt the sides of my head and sure enough, I no longer had ears there. I ran a hand over the top of my head and grinned.

“Cool.” I chuckled springing to my feet. I stood with my back against the glowing bars and reached through with my tail. I breathed evenly, blocking out the pain of the light and the smell of singed fur. I reached the control and pressed the button to release the wall. I gave a little cry of relief as the wall fell. I staggered, pulling my tail around to see the damage. I stroked the fur gently before I shook it off and ripped the claws and hood from my suit. I rolled my shoulders. My cousins stood staring at me.

“Luca, is that that tail real?” Henry asked hesitantly. I nodded.

“Yes.”

“When did that happen?” David asked stepping up for a closer look at my two new ears, parting the hair on my head.

“This afternoon. Honestly, I didn’t think it would. It’s been six months.” I replied. A roar echoed down the hallway. The door splintered and a team of raging Therros barged in. I leapt in front of my cousins, coming face to face with Nixim Kane and a huge sword.

“Um, hi. No gun this time?” I whispered hesitantly. All sound stopped as if someone had pressed the mute button. Nix stretched out one claw and touched my ears lightly. They twitched. I reached up and scratched one. The captain made a surprised noise in the back of his throat.

“Hart said there was a female Therros imprisoned here.” He said quietly.

“Yeah, he was talking about me. So, it turns out, if a Therros bites a human, well the human becomes the breed of Therros that bit them.” I said slowly. I looked up at Nix.

“What, the hell is she talking about?” David whispered to Mike.

“Did that make any sense to you cause, you could just talk to Hart. He’ll explain it to you.” I told the huge panther. Nix chuckled softly, dragging me against his chest.

“You’re insane.” He breathed into my new ears. I laughed into his chest, drawing his scent into my lungs. I’d missed him so much.

“It’s been a long few months,” I replied in my defence.

“Hart bit you?” Haze asked from her place beside Nix. We exchanged grins.

“Yeah. Hurt like hell too. The old man has teeth like needles.” I said dryly. Haze rolled her eyes.

“Trust Hart to believe in the old tales,” Jeg muttered squeezing my arm in welcome. I lifted one brow.

“Huh?”

“Therros lore. I’ll tell you later.” Nix said standing up to his full imposing height. He wrapped one large hand possessively around the back of my throat. My cousins all stood tall.

“I take it this is the man you were talking to mum about Luca. I hope he is going to make an honest woman of you?” Mike said trying to come across as tough.

“Nixim Kane meet Michelangelo, Joseph, David and Henry Soritolo. My cousins. Boys, this is Nix, he is the Captain of the pirate ship Helligan. Haze his second, the white is Brik and the grey, Jeg.” I said pointing to the other Therros. Jeg waved cheerfully.

“I have never seen so many humans in my life.” He whispered leaning towards me. I turned to face Bois and his crew. They were all awake and standing. I froze as something grabbed my tail. I turned, frowning. Nix was staring down at it, resting in his hand. I tugged it out of his palm.

“That is my tail, thank you. You have your own.” I hissed. Nix’s eyes blazed, glowing amber. His chest shook on his silent laughter. He bowed his head.

“I beg your pardon.” He stated trying to keep a straight face.

“If you’re going to kill us, get it over with!” Bois yelled. I reached out grasped Haze’s laser, spun around and shot Bois and his crew in cold blood. I replaced the gun gently into its holster.

“Cheers.” I murmured. Haze nodded.

“You two are perfect for each other. You’re just as bloodthirsty as he is.” She said throwing her claws in the air. I looked up into the glowing amber eyes I’d missed terribly over the last months.

“Can we return my cousins? I want to pack a bag before we leave. I would like to take some of my belongings. If you want me to come with you, of course.” I asked hesitantly. Nix stroked a claw down my dark hair.

“I’ll always want you, kitten. No doubt about that.”

My cousins and I were returned to the planet’s surface. I packed several suitcases taking with me most of my belongings. I left the ring, handing it to Mike.

“If you ever need me, put it on and I’ll see you right away. Tell Rosa the truth, don’t leave her in the dark. The feds will be here any minute. I love you guys.” I said hugging him and the others.

“Good luck Luca and farewell.”  I felt the translator around my throat grow warm, my body faded, and I appeared aboard the Helligan. I carried my belongings down to Deck twelve. Nix was leaning against my door.

“This is not your room anymore.” He said softly. I arched one brow and dropped my bags staring up at him in disbelief. Nix bent down and picked them up, he walked away.

“Hey,” I yelled running after him. I stepped through the open doors and into the Captain's office. Nix was nowhere to be found.

“Nix,” I called hesitantly. I peeked into his bedroom to find him sitting on his bed with his head in his hands. I closed the door and walked over to him, coming to stand between his knees. He looked up at me.

“Do you know how I felt when I found you gone? Nothing, not a goodbye, nothing Luca. I was uncontrollable, savage. The monster I’d been named emerged and ranged free. Six months and still nothing. Then Hart comes to me saying he intercepted a transmission about a female taken prisoner on a Callite ship in Earth territory. I was not going to lose another female. When I saw you, my heart stopped beating. I couldn’t believe you were standing in front of me. For a moment I thought I was dreaming of you, that I would wake and I would have to face your absence once more.” He whispered into the darkened room.

“I’m sorry. The council only gave me enough time to pack.” I explained. My tail flicked drawing his attention.

“How is your becoming Therros even possible?” He asked, his voice raw.

“Hart said something about an old legend. If the host is willing a Therros can pass on the cat virus.” I explained pushing him back, so I had room to straddle his thick thighs. Nix wrapped his arms around me.

“I missed you so much,” I admitted softly. The huge male pressed his head to mine.

“Not half as much as I missed you, kitten.” He murmured. I rest my head on his shoulder, my face in the fur at his throat. He stroked his hands down my spine. A rhythmic purr bursting from my throat. I cried out in shock, leaning back. My eyes were wide. Nix chuckled, pulling me back against him.

“Did Hart say how long this transformation was going to take?” He asked.

“No. He thinks whatever drug the council gave me, interfered with the process, delaying it. Hurts though.” I arched as the pain flashed through my fingers. I opened and closed my hands, shaking them trying to dispel the throbbing. Nix rubbed them gently.

“My hands.” I whimpered.

“Come on kitten, into bed. I gave orders to orbit the system until your transformation is complete. I have some work to do. You sleep, I’ll be in the office.” Nix stated standing up, he deposited me back on the bed and left the room. I watched him leave, his tail twitching in agitation. With a sigh, I crawled into his bed and lay my head on his pillow. I breathed his scent, falling asleep with the smell of Nixim Kane flooding my senses.

I woke up and stretched. Standing up I walked into the bathroom. I yawned standing at the sink, I brushed my teeth. I pulled off my clothes ready for the shower. I replaced my toothbrush and rinsed my mouth. Catching my reflection, I released a frightened yowl, springing away from the mirror. I tumbled out the door to land beside the bed. Nix charged into the bedroom.

“What is-?” He began. I was looking down at myself. With wide eyes, I stroked a hand over the shiny black fur covering my chest and down my stomach to my thighs. The sensation was exactly what it felt like without the fur. I turned to look behind me and sure enough, the back looked the same. I looked up at Nix, his eyes were glowing. Chuffing pants came from his throat. Somewhere inside I understood, he loved what he saw. I lifted my hands, inspecting the new claws and pads. I shuddered.

“Nix,” I whispered. He had his arms around me instantly.

“It’s alright kitten.” He breathed into my hair, gathering me close.

“I’m afraid,” I whispered.

“I know. You were an incredible human; as a Therros you are sensational.” He purred into one of the new ears on top of my head. I leaned back so I could look up into his face.

“I am?”

“Yes.” He breathed eyes blazing. He reached down lifting me against him. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He propped me against the wall.

“I need something Nix,” I asked seriously. The male arched one brow.

“Right this moment, with your legs around my waist. This stunning body pressed against me and the heat from your core emanating through my pants. I am your slave, kitten. Name what you need.” Nix growled. He reached between my legs, the pad of one claw siding easily into my core. I arched, grinding against his claw. A groan ripped from my throat.

“What did you need, kitten. Tell me. Gods, you're so wet. One of the things I loved about you, you were always ready for me.” He groaned stepping closer. My breasts pressing into his heavily muscled chest.

“I need you to kiss me, Nix. For the last six months, I’ve wanted nothing and no one except you. At night I would dream of you holding me. My heart would break each morning to find it was only a dream. I love you, Nixim Kane.” I whispered cupping his face in my claws. Nix’s eyes popped wide. He drew his claw from between my legs. Backing up, he set me to stand on the bed. I was at his eye height. He drew me to him, cupping my face. His lips brushed my eyes lids, my cheeks and throat before gently touching my lips. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. He allowed me to draw him closer. The pressure of his kiss growing more intense. His tongue slid into my mouth when I opened drawing in a breath. Two big claws slid down my arms, over my side to my waist. He jerked me against his hard body. I cried out softly in surprise. Breathing hard, Nix lifted his head, his eyes glowing.

“Never leave me again, kitten.” He stated firmly. I frowned.

“You, don’t love me too?” I asked hesitant, my mind racing. Nix’s growl brought my head up. My eyes popped wide.

“Of course, I love you female. Losing you almost destroyed me. Do not do it again, understand?” He snapped. A small smile lifted the corners of my mouth. Leaning forward I pressed my lips to his softly.

“I understand.  I wonder what the other females will think of my transformation.” I wondered. Nix stiffened against me. I stepped down from the bed, my claws going to my hips.

“What is it now? You can’t just get me all hot and bothered and put me back on the shelf like a bloody puppet Nix.” I growled as my male suddenly began to pace. He held up one claw, silently asking for a minute to think.

“You’re Therros. I can’t just claim you. You need to get dressed.” He murmured, he stopped and stared at me. Distracted. I grinned, striking a little pose, showing off my whole body as well as my tail.

“So, you like?” I asked mischievously. Unable to help himself Nix grinned, he stepped forward and ran one claw down my side.

“Very much, I want nothing more than to throw you down on my bed and ride you for hours while you scream my name, but you need to get dressed. As a human, I could be with you like this. As a Therros, it is breaking our laws. I will walk you back to your old quarters. I’m sorry kitten, I wasn’t thinking when you came back. All I wanted was you here, back in my bed. Your scent flooding my senses and the memories of hell the last six months were without you, washed away.” He murmured stroking the soft fur under my eyes. I nodded. Nix handed me a suit. I pulled it on, he zipped it for me while I bent to pull on my boots. When I stood up, he smiled down at me.

“You’re still short.” He chuckled.

“Hey, that’s not nice!” I muttered with indignation.

“Don’t be mad kitten, you’re cute.” Nix teased over his shoulder as I followed him out the door. Nix let me into my old quarters. He set my suitcases by the bed, looking around casually.

“I have never been in any of the other quarters.” He said. I arched one brow. He shrugged.

“I never had a reason to until now. Hart called while you were asleep, he asked to see you when you woke. I am courting you kitten, so if a male comes up to you and touches your tail. Punch him, really f*****g hard.” Nix growled.

“Just my tail?” I asked curiously. Nix nodded. I crossed the floor to stand in front of him.

“What if I want a specific male to touch my tail and ah, several other places?” I asked in a whisper. Nix growled low in his throat.

“You have to mate him.”

“How do I mate you?” I walked two sharp nails up his chest. He sucked in a breath.

“I would fight for you. The thought of you seeing me fight for you is almost too much. I need to get out of here before I take you against the closest hard surface.” He murmured. Leaning down, he rubbed his cheek against mine. It felt wonderful. He stepped back, into the hallway.

“Behave yourself.” He ordered. With a wink, Nix left me alone. Well and truly freaked out by our conversation I stepped out of my quarters and knocked on my neighbour’s door. Maze opened it with a little cry of shock. Cleo, Koi, Hela and Haze appeared behind her.

“So, I have some rules to learn,” I said swallowing the nerves jangling in my throat. The females stepped back, allowing me inside. They all stood against one wall, eyes wide and mouths hanging open. I looked at Haze, she grinned holding out one claw. I placed mine in hers.

“Wow! You look incredible, why are you still short?” Haze asked suddenly.

“Seriously again with the height thing! Nix said I was cute.” I whined. The other females snorted laughs, breaking the tension. They all gathered close to hug me. I sighed leaning into them.

“What is the deal with taking a mate? How do I do that?” I asked sipping my coffee several hours later. The other females laughed softly.

“You walk into a public place and claim your intent to mate. If the claim is accepted by more than one male, the challengers fight it out. The winner gets the female. We always take the strongest males. Unless you’re Haze, all the other males were too afraid of her to join in and Brik strolled through the dining room without contest.” Cleo explained. I laughed at the grin on Haze’s face.

I looked at the time on the wall. I stood up.

“Hart wants to see me. I’ll see you, females, later.” I said rinsing out my cup.

“Join us for dinner, you can have an hour with Hart. After that, you belong with us.” Cleo announced. Haze hissed. Something feral inside me raised its head. I turned glowing blue eyes on the Leopard, struggling to fight it back down again. She stepped back hastily. Haze tried and failed to keep her laugh to herself.

“Nice try Cleo. You couldn’t dominate her while she was human, what made you think it would work after she became Therros? Even bite-sized Luca is still a panther.” Hela asked scandalized. I smirked, patting the other female on the shoulder I waved my goodbyes and left.

Hart was standing in the control room checking core readings when I found him. I stepped up beside him. He did a double-take.

“I see you didn’t grow. How strange.” He stated as a way of saying hello. I growled in the back of my throat.

“Why do people keep saying that? So, I am the keyring model of a Therros, get over it already!” I muttered folding my arms. Hart laughed, hugging me with one arm. I grinned.

“How are you, old man?” I asked popping a hip against the wall.

“Better now, cub.” Hart pressed several buttons. He waved me out the door and down towards the lunchroom. All the males fell quiet when we stepped through the door.

“Lads, you remember Luca,” Hart announced. Several males rushed to their feet.

“Wow, Luca you’re a panther!”

“Welcome back.”

“A sight for sore eyes, hey cub.” They called. I grinned relaxing. I looked up at Hart, he smiled reassuringly. I sat down at the table, a coffee was placed in front of me.

“How?” Reggie asked. He was the last of the Calico clan.

“Hart bit me. There is an old Therros legend. If the host is willing the cat virus can be passed on. I was definitely willing.”

“Wow, Hart. That is ancient lore, you could have killed her.” Reggie growled, the fur standing up at his neck. I put one claw out on the table drawing the males eye.

“Reg, what would you do for the female you loved?” I murmured. Reggie looked at me, he sucked in a shocked breath.

“You’re in love with Kane! You didn’t want to live without that savage son of a b***h!” He practically yelled with glee. The eyes of all the males in the room popped wide. Smiles split faces.

“Go on Luca, admit it!” Horal, the stocky ginger laughed leaning on the table.

“Alright! I admit it, it’s true. I would have preferred death than not seeing him again. I love him.” I replied softly. Hart squeezed my claw and Reggie pat me on the back. The boys around me nodded to each other.

“You’re a quality female Luca,” Reg stated saluting me with his coffee. I sighed.

“The females told me I have to publicly claim him. How the hell do I do that?” Smiles and jeering split faces again. Hart thumped the table with one huge claw.

“The female is being serious lads. She is yet to learn our ways.” He growled.

“You announce, you are ready to take a mate and the males have to fight for you. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news cub, but the winner gets the female. Once it is done, there is no going back. Unless the male dies, of course.” Hart said. The males all nodded.

“Only an i***t would get between Kane and a female. Getting between Kane and Luca, it would be a blood bath.” Horal said winking in my direction. I sat back in my chair running one claw through my hair.

“Hey, don’t sweat it cub. When the time comes just make sure all the males are too afraid of you to challenge the claim. It worked for Haze.” Reg counselled. Several males nodded, making noises of assent in the backs of their throats.

“Thanks, guys I-.” Something huge hit the side of our ship sending all of us crashing to the floor. Red lights blazed around us. Someone outside the door screamed. Haze’s voice echoed through the corridors.

“Code red. General quarters! This is not a drill.” I jumped to my feet and grabbed Hart’s claw. I pulled him up beside me.

“Luca, are you alright?” Reggie demanded, he wrapped one arm around my waist as the ship tilted again. The huge Calico the only reason I was still on my feet.

“Hart! The shields are down!” Horal yelled from the doorway. A bright light lit the room. Reggie tried to throw me free, but I was stuck tight. I stared horrified at Hart as my body began to fade, he yelled for me and lunged. His eyes shining a bright blue.

“Hart!” I screamed as the light shocked him, he flew backwards to lay unmoving on the floor as we disappeared.

We landed with a thud, in a cage. Reggie and Brag a Cheetah landing beside me. I winced looking around. Reg swore softly under his breath. The fur on the back of his neck standing up.

“Zeg and Sumi guards.” He whispered hauling me up behind them. I gasped, looking down at my leg. I had a gash in one thigh. Brag knelt. He grabbed the rag from his work belt and wrapped my leg tightly.

“I must have hit something,” I said looking around. Reg lifted his left claw, it had blood on it.

“During the first volley, I tried to catch you, sorry cub.” He muttered.

“It’s the thought that counts and the legs still attached, so points for effort,” I replied just as softly. A light shone inside the cage. My translator activated.

“Well look what we have here! Therros slaves. Oh my, a female too! What a catch.” The voice behind the light chuckled. A thin beam of light wound around my leg. I let out a yell as it ripped me off my feet and dragged me towards the voice. Reggie and Brag dived after me with ferocious snarls. I flipped around, drew my knife and sliced through the thing wrapped around my leg. I heard the lock disengage as I was freed. I crouched, a long drawn out menacing hiss left my mouth. The two male Therros dived in front of me, driving me to the back of our cage. I slid the dagger back into the sheath in my boot.

“Sir, the female is a Panther.” Someone whispered. Brag groaned. Reggie started swearing.

“They are way too excited by my new fur. Start talking damnit.” I murmured.

“There is a reason Kane and Hart are the last Panthers. Hart is from Kane’s clan. The Panthers were our royalty. The line is and always has been pure. The Sumi castrated all the Panthers and kept the females. It was a blood bath. The males unable to help the females or save themselves committed suicide. Only one Panther stood up and fought.”

“Nix.” I breathed. Both males nodded.

“The Zeg leader is a male by the name of Grogill. He hates the Captain with a bloody vengeance. He is going to take one look at a surviving Panther female and think all his dreams have come true. We have to get you out of here.” Brag stated looking around for an escape route.

“Call the Supreme Chancellor and Grogill. Tell them the good news.” Someone shouted.

I swore under my breath. I managed to relax a little once the light was gone. I concentrated. My eyesight cleared, my surroundings were as bright as day. Both males gasped. Reg cupped my chin.

“Your eyes glow like the Kanes. Even without being mated, you have matched. Congratulations cub.” They whispered pressing their noses to mine. My eyes popped wide when a chuffing noise erupted from my throat.

“It’s means you hold us in high regard. Don’t let it bother you.” Reg murmured seeing the dismayed expression on my face.

“We need to get out of here.” Brag growled showing the tool belt still strapped around his waist. I looked at the ceiling.

“Boost me up,” I said. Brag cupped his claws. I launched up into the air and gripped the vent above us. Brag held out a screwdriver, he grinned when I used my tail to retrieve it. Using my tail and the tool I unscrewed the grate.

“Talented female, isn’t she?” Reg chuckled.

“Resourceful too. After you, old man.” Brag stated cupping his hands. Reg dived into the vent. He reached down for Brag, pulling him up as he shimmied backwards down the long tube. Brag grabbed me around the waist. He drew me up and into the hole.

“Thank you, kind sir.” I chuckled.

“My pleasure ma’am.” He replied with a grin. I refastened the grate and drew my tail back to rest along my spine. I followed the two males through the seemingly endless twists and turns. We looked out one grate to find a cargo hold. Reg opened the hatch, easing it down gently. Two hands grabbed him and yanked him forwards. We all tumbled out onto the solid floor.