Soul of Desire

Eighteen

Hilda was back. Nix and Mex found me and Koi beside the lake. Expressions of horror crossing their faces when they saw the huge serpent swallow me whole. Brieeorg landed beside them, he laughed stopping the two males from attacking.

“Hilda, you know not to swallow her! Last time you whined for two weeks.” He called. Hilda began to wretch.

“I forgot! Don’t do it, Luca!” She cried forcing herself to vomit.  I tumbled out of her mouth and into the water. I emerged, walking through the shallows. I turned, looking up.

“I wasn’t going to stab you again. Hilda, did you know, you have eggs in there?” I asked, pointing to her stomach. She grinned showing long, curved fangs.

“Yes, it’s the reason I stopped you. Mother told me to ask you not to kill me until after I have my young.” She laughed cheerfully.  I grinned.

“Congratulations! How great is that? Hilda is having young.” I called to Koi.

“Congratulations Hilda!” She clapped her claws and loosed a whistle. Hilda suddenly coiled herself around Koi, protectively as she spotted our males. I held one claw up over my eyes, blocking out the sun high in the green sky. I smiled and waved.

“Hilda, you have not met our mates. Nixim Kane and Mex.” I called striding out of the water and up the pebbled beach. Hilda uncoiled, lowering her head. She studied the males.

“Hmm, this one looks like his mother.” She announced nodding in Mex’s direction. The huge male's step faltered.

“You, knew my mother?” He called. Hilda nodded her great scaled head.

“Yes. Her name was Harmony. She was probably the most beautiful Main Coon, I’d ever seen. She was the same size as Luca, you know.” Hilda replied stretching her body across the warm bank. Her arms crossed over her chest. Nix looked to the Knight by his side. Mex grinned.

“She’s right. Everyone assumes my father was the Main and mother the puma. It was the other way around. Mother was small, any other clan would have cast her out. My grandfather called her Therrom.” He explained. Koi came to stand with him. Nadia immediately reached for her father. Malaki was too busy trying to catch Hilda’s tail feathers, she was dangling over the puma’s shoulder.

“Luca has spoken highly of you Therros king. I certainly hope you live up to the hype.” She drawled.

“Luca said she killed you several times,” Nix called up to her. Instead of being offended, Hilda laughed.

“That, she did. I am impressed with her skill. Thanks to her, I am now strong enough to breed.”

“She packs a wallop. I was back in shape fast after the twins were born.” I chuckled leaning into Nix’s side.

“Nix! Luca!” We turned to see Mikey running towards us, Holon was with him. My cousin was breathing hard when he reached us.

“What is it, cousin?” Nix asked. Mike caught his breath.

“There was a communication from the Callite emperor. You need to see it, sire.” Holon answered squeezing Mike's shoulder.

“Excuse us, Hilda,” Nix said. I took the cubs from Koi and followed my mate up to the palace. Aunty Rosa was pacing the length of the patio. Candy, Jeg, and Reggie watching her. She spun to face us, one claw over her mouth.

“Gianni and Jarrod are with the Callites. They said something about coding. Dear god Nix, I am so sorry to have brought the monster to your door.” A sob tore from her throat. Nix lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his glowing blue gaze. He smiled, a slow menacing grin.

“I thank you for the sport, Aunt Rosa.” He breathed. She looked to me, fear still clouding her gaze. I smirked.

“Nix would pulverize them, Aunt. Oh, you should see him fight. Phew, I need a lay down just thinking about it.” I teased shooting her a salacious grin. Shocked out of her panic, she laughed suddenly. Slapping her hands back to her mouth. Nix chuckled, hugging her.

“It’s alright.” He murmured. Reg stepped forward, he drew her away from Nix and over to her son. My mate turned to the communicator on the table and pressed playback. He watched the message several times. I frowned, nudging my male out of the way. I played the message through again. I waved my claw behind me, telling Nix to step closer.

“Is it just me or does that look a great deal like Grogill?” I hissed. Nix enhanced the video and swore.

“NIX!” Everyone yelled. He winced when Nadia repeated his words.

“No Nadia! Naughty daddy said a bad word!” I growled. He turned to his daughter.

“Daddy said a bad word.” He told her. Nadia’s lip dropped.

“Daddy will have to sit in the naughty chair.” She whispered, upset for her father over the prospect of such awful treatment. I hid my smile. Nix looked at me. I pointed to the chair at the table. He sighed, strolled over, and sat. A tear rolled down Nadia’s cheek.

“Mummy, can I stay with daddy, so he’s not scared?” She whispered wringing her claws together.

“So, freaking cute,” Mex whispered to Koi. She slapped his chest lightly, turning her face away, lest it gives away her amusement.

“Of course,” I replied solemnly. She immediately climbed into her father’s lap. She hugged his head to her chest, stroking his hair.

“It’s going to be over soon daddy. Don’t worry.” She whispered. I wiped all expression from my face, standing stoically. A little timer in my pocket sounded. Nadia leaned back from her father.

“It’s over now daddy.” She whispered, kissing both his cheeks.

“Thank you, little love.” He murmured a purr in his voice. Nadia’s smile was radiant. Taking her brother's hand, they walked inside to play. Nix glowered at everyone. They found the floor, walls, and shrubs fascinating. Nix’s gaze locked on mine. He sighed.

“Go on then.” He hissed. I burst out laughing, slapping my leg. Nix smirked, wrapping one arm around me.

“Shut up kitten,” Nix growled. I laughed harder.