by L. M. Brown
Sera gave him a nod and they all continued back up towards the house.
Once they were inside, Farron asked the question that Delta knew had been preying on his mind. “Have you heard from my parents recently?”
Sera nodded. “Yes, your father contacts me almost daily, asking if I’ve heard from you. I’m glad I can finally tell him yes. I think he’s convinced himself I’m keeping you hidden here because you’re avoiding him and your mother.”
“I’d never avoid my father.”
Delta was quick to notice that Farron didn’t include his mother in that remark.
“Your mother has calmed down,” Sera assured him. “She raged for a while, but when you didn’t return after ten weeks, she started to worry. That was plenty of time for you to get to the Pleasure Station and back, even on the slowest of public transport.”
“Things got complicated,” Farron explained. “Trix had left the station and it took a while to track him down.”
“I told her it was probably something like that, especially after news of the change in ownership filtered through, and the reports that the humans had banned prostitution on the station. But as the days passed, she began to think you were avoiding her.”
Farron sighed. “Well, there’s nothing much I can do about it now. I’ll go and talk to her later. I just hope she’s more amenable to accepting my choice of mates.”
“I believe your father has managed to convince her that felines can make good mates, and that she should give your Trix a chance to prove his worth.”
“Trix is very worthy,” Farron replied. “As is Delta.”
Sera grinned widely. “I can’t wait to see your mother’s face when you finally stroll in the door, with two mates.”
Farron gave him a stern frown. “I was going to suggest you come along for moral support, but not if you’re going to stand there laughing and snickering the whole time.”
Delta’s lips twitched and he could see Trix wasn’t making any effort at all to hide his mirth. Despite his reservations about Farron’s former prospective mate, he found he rather liked Sera.
Sera continued to laugh. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’m pretty sure your parents will already be boating over here.”
“You’ve told them I’m here?”
“No, but my father will have. I’d say you have about an hour before they arrive.”
Delta caught the fleeting look of panic on Trix’s face. “It’s going to be fine. And if not, my ship is fully fuelled and just a short boat ride away. If we’re not welcome, we don’t have to stay here any longer than we stayed on Lupalia.”
“You’re welcome here,” Sera offered.
They all sat down in the airy and spacious living quarters. Sera gravitated over to the babies and cooed at them with obvious joy. “Let’s hope none of you have inherited your papa’s clumsy feet.”
“Hey!” Farron reached over and gave Sera a friendly punch on the shoulder. “I’m not the one who toppled the table during my grandparents’ anniversary dinner.”
Delta settled back as Sera regaled them with stories about Farron growing up. He and Trix lapped it all up, relaxing and enjoying hearing about their mate.
He had almost forgotten about Farron’s parents, and he jumped when a loud chime echoed through the room.
“That’s the dock alert,” Farron explained. “No doubt heralding the arrival of my parents.”
“Do you want to go down to the water to meet them?” Sera asked.
Farron shook his head. “No. I’m quite happy to sit here and panic for the few minutes it’ll take for them to walk to the house.”
Trix pointed at the rear windows. “We could always make a run for it.”
“I don’t think we need to resort to that,” Delta assured him as he wrapped an arm around his shoulders and gave him a quick hug.
Sera left to go greet the guests and Farron turned his attention to the babies.
Vynor and Ashner were sound asleep, but Eryn was gurgling and waving her tiny hands about. “You’re wide awake, aren’t you?” he cooed.
Trix reached into the crib to pick her up. “I bet you’re hungry now, too,” He fumbled with the clasp of his toga, and Delta went to assist him.
“Are you sure about doing this now?” Delta whispered.
Trix nodded and sat back down. “I don’t want Farron’s parents to find any fault with me, and in my mind, letting my baby go hungry would be a very big fault indeed.”
Delta understood and he supported Trix entirely.
By the time Farron’s parents arrived, Trix was humming to his daughter as she suckled on his breast. Trix appeared to be focused on feeding his baby, but Delta caught the telling glance towards the doorway and knew he was well aware of the moment their mate’s parents arrived.
Delta patted him on the shoulder as he rose to bow to the newcomers.
Farron’s father was exactly as he imagined Farron would look in thirty cycle’s time. They had the same slight build, the same white feathers on their heads and the same bright smile.
“Where are my grandbabies?” he boomed as he hurried across the room to peek into the cribs. “Three babes, is it? Oh, that’s just marvellous. Perfectly decent for a first laying. I have no doubt your next clutch will be even bigger.”
Trix blanched and Farron hurried to remind his father that that wasn’t going to be any time soon, and might not happen at all.
Farron’s mother was far more reserved. She hovered in the entrance, her gaze sweeping the room.
“Mother?” Farron said as he stepped away from his father, who was now picking up Ashner and cooing with delight.
“Farron.”
Delta checked Farron, who appeared to be at a loss for words. His father, engrossed with his grandchild, was no help at all. Trix, likewise, was seemingly concentrating on feeding Eryn, as well as avoiding the tension.
“Well, aren’t you going to introduce me to your mate?” Farron’s mother asked.
Farron coughed and pulled Delta forward. “This is Delta of Lupalia.”
His mother’s eyes widened as she turned her sharp gaze on Trix.
Farron sighed. “And over here is Trix, who, as you can see, is the father of the lay, or to use the feline term, litter.”
“You have two mates?” Farron’s father questioned, though he didn’t sound particularly upset about it.
“Yes,” Farron replied. “I know it’s unusual, but we’re bonded, all three of us.”
Delta wrapped his arm around Farron’s waist and hugged him to his side. “I realise it’s not conventional amongst the swan clan, but I’m sure you’re aware that other avians are not opposed to the idea of taking more than one mate.”
“Swans are not other avians,” Farron’s mother said. “Our clan has managed to survive without the need to build nests with numerous sexual partners, with bedchambers so crowded there’s barely room to breathe.”
Farron huffed. “Mother, I have no intention of taking any more lovers than the two I have. I didn’t intend to mate with both Delta and Trix, it just happened, but now I know a relationship with both of them is the right thing for me.”
“I still don’t see how you bound yourself to two other males at the same time.”
Farron lowered his gaze and Delta didn’t blame him. He wouldn’t want to tell his mother the details about who was fucking who that night on the Pleasure Station either.
“Is it a true bond?” The quietly spoken question from Farron’s father was a fair one.
“It is,” Farron replied.
“You’re sure?”
“I am. We are.”
“Then we’ll have to make sure your quarters are large enough for all of you.”
Farron glanced at his mother and Delta followed his gaze. She didn’t seem about to protest, even if she wasn’t shouting with joy.
Trix was still quiet and Delta nudged Farron over to sit with him.
“She’s had enough now,” Trix said
as he used the fabric of his toga to wipe away some milk that had spilled.
“A daughter?” Farron’s mother asked.
“Yes,” Farron replied. “This is Eryn. Father is holding Ashner, who’s dual-gendered. And sleeping away still is Vynor, our son.”
“Dual-gendered, huh?” Farron’s father said as Ashner bopped him on the nose with a tiny fist. “Pre’s a feisty little babe.” He glanced up at Farron’s noise of surprise. “What? You think your papa is so ill-educated he doesn’t know the correct terms for referring to those felines who have yet to reveal their dominant gender?”
Farron shook his head. “I didn’t even know felines could be dual-gendered until I met Trix.”
His father snorted and shook his head. “I see I need to start campaigning for better education for our youngsters again.”
Farron smiled. “I guess maybe you do. I suppose I thought because you rarely leave Cygon, you wouldn’t know about feline terminology.”
“I might not go off-world very often, but I’m perfectly capable of keeping up with current events on any number of planets, including Furyne.” He continued to coo at Ashner, who made delighted sounds in response.
Farron turned back at his mother as he shifted uncomfortably.
After another long and uncomfortable silence, she joined the rest of them and gave a smile that appeared only slightly strained.
Delta sighed with relief as he took Eryn from Trix. “Now Ashner’s awake, pre’s no doubt hungry too.”
Trix took Ashner from Farron’s father and gently guided per to his breast.
“You seem to have a knack for that,” Farron’s mother commented. “At least your young aren’t biting you like some of mine did.” She gave Farron a pointed look that had him stammering something about lunch.
Delta chuckled and they all took their seats, ready to catch up with news and learn about their new extended family. It had gone far better than he had anticipated. He only wished his own family had been as welcoming of Farron and Trix. Maybe in time they would come around, but he had no intention of visiting Lupalia again any time soon to find out. He would keep his communications with his parents to messages until such time as they started treating his mates with respect.
In the meantime he hoped they might stay on Cygon for a while. Their children deserved to know at least one set of grandparents, and since Delta’s and Trix’s were out of the question, it fell to Farron’s to complete the duties.
Chapter Sixteen
Trix curled up in Delta’s arms and sighed with contentment. The gentle rocking of the boat had helped settle the babies and they were finally asleep. Above him, the unfamiliar stars twinkled in the night sky. “Why didn’t I think to come out here hours ago?”
“Probably for the same reason it didn’t occur to me. At least they’re quiet now.”
Trix chuckled. “For the moment. They’re due for another feed in less than an hour.”
They had left Farron sleeping in the house. They had been on Cygon for ten days now. At their insistence, Farron’s family had been entertaining anyone and everyone, and he was exhausted from being the centre of attention. When Eryn had stirred, just as Farron was going to sleep, Delta had shepherded Trix and the babies outside, leaving their mate to sleep.
“Do you think your family will come around?” Trix asked.
“I don’t know,” Delta replied. “Like Farron, my family had expectations of me that involved strengthening our ties with another family. I’ll give it a little time, then send a message to my father. I’m not optimistic that they’ll come around any time soon.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help feeling this is my fault.”
“Not at all. My parents have been pushing for me to take a particular canine as a mate for years. I’ve resisted, and their patience was already running out. Even if you and Farron hadn’t been with me, we would have had a similar argument on my return there.”
“I see.”
“Don’t trouble yourself about it. Tell me about your family. Farron told me he went to Furyne and spoke to your father.”
“So I heard. I’ve no intention of going back to Furyne, or visiting my family. There are some scars that simply can’t be healed with a few words of apology, and in the case of my father, I wouldn’t even get those. He’d be furious if he knew I’d birthed a litter. And the moment I whipped my breast out to feed one of my babies… it doesn’t bear thinking about.”
“We don’t have to go there at all, if you don’t want to.”
“I definitely don’t. Furyne is no longer my home.”
Delta hugged him tight and Trix felt a stirring in his groin. He had never done anything with Delta where Farron wasn’t also present and the thought of doing so gave him a moment’s pause.
“What is it?” Delta asked.
“It seems strange to be with you without Farron,” Trix admitted, with a small shrug. “I know the two of you have spent a lot of time together, but for me I’ve only ever been with the both of you at once.”
“Then it’s long past when you should spend some quality time with each of us individually.”
Trix chewed on his lower lip. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, what is it?”
“Would you have still come for me if I hadn’t been pregnant and bound to Farron?”
“Yes.”
“You sound very sure about that.”
“I am. I was on my way to the Pleasure Station as soon as I found out about the policies the new owners had introduced. I had no idea Farron was trying to find you as well until I got there.”
“Oh.”
Delta chuckled. “Did you think Farron was tracking you down and dragging me along by force?”
“No, but…”
Delta tilted Trix’s head so he could look him in the eye. “Even if Farron was now mated to Sera, I would have been coming to get you.”
“And if you’d found me pregnant with someone else’s litter? Not Farron’s, I mean?”
Delta paused before answering. “I would have done exactly the same.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I regretted leaving you almost as soon as Farron and I had left. When I found out what was happening at the Pleasure Station, the thought of leaving you alone without a way of feeding had me racing across space to get to your side. I should have offered you the chance to come with me the morning after our first night together.”
“But I was just a paid whore. I wasn’t expecting anything more than what we agreed.”
“I know, but we could have agreed on something more permanent. I never felt a connection like I did that night with you and Farron.”
“That could have been Farron’s bonding.”
“I guess we’ll never know. It doesn’t matter. I’m here now and we’re starting a family together, the six of us.”
Trix nodded but the insecurities of a lifetime surfaced unexpectedly. He still wasn’t convinced that Delta’s feelings for him matched either Farron’s feelings for Trix, or Delta and Farron’s feelings for each other. He tried to probe Delta’s feelings or thoughts, but it seemed the connection didn’t let him do that on command.
“You’re thinking too hard about this,” Delta murmured into his ear with a growl and a nip to the point
“I can’t help it.”
“How about I help you take your mind off things?”
Trix shivered at Delta’s husky tone. “What do you have in mind?”
“Are the babes still sleeping?”
Trix sat up to check. “Yes, they’re fast on.”
“Then lay back here, look up at the stars, and let me touch you.”
With his back to Delta’s front, Trix did as he urged. He waited for Delta’s hand to slip inside his kilt, or cup one of his breasts, but was surprised when Delta rested one hand on his stomach and entwined the fingers of the other with Trix’s own.
“Now, look up there.” Delta raised their joined hands and pointed at a bright
star directly overhead. “Do you see that star?”
“Yes.”
“That’s the original canine home world.”
“That’s Lupalia?”
“No, that’s just where my people live now. Our origin planet is no longer inhabitable, and hasn’t been for more than five hundred cycles. We should be able to see Lupalia from here too. Ah, there it is.” He guided their hands to point it out.
“What did the healer say to you after we left your parents’ home?” Trix asked.
Delta growled quietly and wrapped his arms around Trix’s waist. “I wondered which of you would ask about her. Oddly, I thought it would be Farron who raised the subject first.”
Trix twisted his neck to see Delta’s expression. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. It’s not really any of my business.”
“You’re my mate and you can ask me anything you wish. I suppose you’re going to find out sooner or later, but I have wolf blood.”
Trix chuckled. “I figured that out the night we met.”
“You did?”
“Yes, when you glared at Brak at the card table.”
“And it doesn’t bother you?”
Trix shook his head. “Is there a reason it should? I’m sorry, but I’m just an ignorant feline.”
“Not ignorant at all. It’s just that a lot of species fear those who carry the blood of the wolves.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re known for being violent.”
“I don’t believe you’d ever hurt me.”
“I won’t. I’d give my life to protect you, Farron and our babies.”
Trix twisted to look at him. “I know you would, though try not to get yourself killed. Farron and I wouldn’t survive without you.”
“You feel the strength of our bond too?”
“Yes. I think it’s heightened since we claimed each other in the ways of our own species as well.”
“I agree. We are all claimed, in the canine, feline, and avian ways. Swan avians mate for life.”
“And canines?”
“The bond of pure wolves is as strong as the swans. They don’t survive the loss of their mate. Other canines can survive the loss, but the claim is still permanent while both are living. It’s why many canines now choose not to claim their mate in the way that I’ve claimed you and Farron. They take mates without marking them, so they can take more than one in a lifetime.”
