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Chapter Text

Hermione grunted as she began hitting the buttons on the control panel. She had no idea why her supervisor had insisted that they do all the systems checks tonight but at least it was quiet. Fleur was on the other side of the room, viewing pad in her hand as she looked over the cooling system.  

The other engineers were in training that had become mandatory when Hermione had gotten into it last time with her supervisor. Fleur had taken the initiative to make sure that the rest of the team was up to speed while Daphne, who needed only a few more qualifications, was presented with that very opportunity. While the training was helping it meant that all maintenance had fallen on Hermione and Fleur.  

This has also given them more time together. At first, she was hesitant to spend time with her but slowly they found their way. Hermione had even begun to enjoy their banter. Fleur also asked her a ton of questions about her work. 

The sudden red lights and warning signal happened seconds before the ship rocked hard and the sound of an explosion reached them.  

“Fuck,” Hermione cried as her arm hit the panel. 

Fleur appeared next to her, rubbing blood from her forehead as she helped steady her.  

“The systems?” Fleur asked when she determined Hermione was okay. 

Their hands flew over the panels. 

“Damage to certain sectors but they didn’t hit the main lines-“ 

The ship rocked again, this time the hit cracked open the engineering bay. Fleur blinked in surprise when they weren’t ripped out of the bulkhead and into space. 

“I built a second field, it won’t last forever,” Hermione called. 

“Bridge to Engineering,” came over the intercom system. 

“Engineering,” Fleur replied. 

“Systems check.” 

“We are at half thrusters. Life support is sustaining. Heating coils are failing. Cooling system is overworked. We’ve lost jump capabilities.” 

“Is there any way to get thrusters back up?” 

“Not without repairs. Those take hours.” 

“We don’t have hours.” 

“Doesn’t change the work needed. Another hit could disrupt the drive completely.” 

“Diverting shields to full strength in engineering but we can’t hold for much longer.” 

Fleur looked at Hermione, the fear in her eyes shaking Hermione to the core. 

“We can only do so much Captain. We were already due for repairs and all of our extras have been pulled to get us this far.” 

“Do what you can. The Corax weren’t supposed to be this deep into space. The war is changing fronts.” 

Fleur rubbed her forehead.  

“Understood, Captain.” 

“I’ve sealed the engineering bay,” Hermione admitted. “The coils are about to rupture it’ll kill anyone who's in here.” 

“You need to go,” Fleur told her as she began working at the panel.  

“We need to leave.” 

“I can’t and you know it. Go, Hermione, he’ll call to abandon the ship soon enough.” 

Hermione groaned but before she could speak another shot rocked the engineering bay. Pipes ruptured, Hermione pulled Fleur to the ground, covering her as a fireball burst forth. 

Crying out, Hermione felt the burn on her back and shoulder but had dropped her head enough to protect her face.  

“Hermione, you-“ Fleur began to shout but another hit threw them both away from each other. 

A panel had burst off, landing on Hermione’s thigh, adding to her pain. Her ears were ringing, vision going in and out. She blinked in surprise to see Fleur gripping her face, her lips moving but she couldn’t hear anything. 

“-Mione, we have to go, now!” Fleur yelled over the sound of mini explosions and gears grinding.  

“My leg,” Hermione gasped, feeling the pain burning up her leg and into her side. 

Fleur twisted, pushing and lifting to remove the debris from her leg. Once free, Fleur dragged Hermione to her feet, wrapping her arm around her waist. 

“Evacuate! Evacuate! All hands proceed to the nearest survival pod! Destruction imminent!” 

The computer voice continued to echo as the alarms and lights flashed.  

“Shit,” Fleur yelled, her hand slamming into the shut security door. It led down the hallway that took them to the nearest escape pods. 

“Hanger bay,” Hermione pointed down a second hallway. “We won’t make it to the other survival pods.” 

Fleur continued to drag the half limping Hermione towards the hanger bay. They saw a few others rushing further down but lost sight of them quickly. 

“We won’t make it. You need to go,” Hermione told her, wiping blood from her eyes. 

“It’s both of us or neither of us,” Fleur shot back. “I’m not leaving you to die like this.” 

“We have minutes before the core implodes. We aren’t going to make it.” 

“Then move, damn it.” 

Somehow, they made it to the hanger bay, a small shuttle left. 

“Fuck,” Hermione hissed when Fleur dropped her into the chair.  

She pulled the harness straps over her shoulder, groaning from the pain of her injuries. Fleur was seated next to her, after having grabbed something. The door began to shut while Fleur powered up the system. 

“Can you fly?” Hermione asked, her vision going hazy before she shook it off. 

“Was in the pilot program before becoming an engineer. We’ve got enough fuel to get to the nearest planet.” 

Fleur opened the bay door, things shooting into open space around them as the systems began to fail. The small shuttle lifted easily before Fleur guided them into space. Hermione could see a few survival pods floating. 

“They’re catching them,” Hermione pointed to the Corax ship that was tugging survival pods towards their ship.  

“Prisoners,” Fleur agreed, her hand flying over the panel. “We have about fifteen seconds of power to cloak the ship from them. It should get us outside their radar.” 

Hermione waited with bated breath as the ship began to fade from their radar until it blinked out.  

“Those survival pods were headed for Bensigne on the other side of K-125. They’ll head there to grab the other survivors since Bensigne will hand them over. If we go there, we’ll be captured too. I don’t think they want the Alliance to know they are here.” 

“We don’t have comms strong enough to reach the Alliance.” 

Fleur nodded, her hands twisting the map of the nearest star systems. 

“I’ve got one,” Fleur said with a frown.  

“Is it not safe?” 

Hermione turned when Fleur didn’t respond.  

“It’s safe,” Fleur admitted. “We can also get a message to the Alliance.” 

“Are you sure?” 

Fleur nodded, seeming to accept something before turning to Hermione.  

“I promise, it’s safe and will take us two days. Now, we need to look at your injuries.” 

Hermione nodded, trusting that Fleur was right and I clipped her harness. Whimpering from the pain in her shoulder. She watched as Fleur dug through the containers before dropping two sleep mats between the small chairs that lined the shuttle. There was no way to sleep on those chairs. Fleur placed the first aid kit on the seats, before throwing down some pillows.  

“Alright, lay on your stomach,” Fleur told her. 

“What about keeping an eye out for the ship?” 

“The proximity alerts are on, and you can’t take care of yourself. Please, you need to be looked at.” 

Hermione looked into those blue eyes, momentarily forgetting her pain because the plea in those eyes was enough to make her cave. Grumbling, she did as Fleur asked, unzipping the front of her uniform before lying down.  

Fleur hissed in sympathy as she got a good look at Hermione’s back. 

“I’ll give you pain meds. I’m going to have to dig out the parts of the uniform that burned into your skin,” Fleur’s voice was softer than Hermione had ever heard it before. She could only nod since she could feel the pain now.  

The pinch came a second later. As she waited for the meds to kick in, Fleur carefully cut off the uniform. 

“Your shirt survived,” Fleur commented softly, almost as if she was trying to calm herself down.  

Hermione hummed her skin sensitive to Fleur’s equally soft touch. She could feel the pain fading and her mind felt foggy. 

“I’s fine,” Hermione slurred.  

Fleur chuckled, a musical sound that had Hermione grinning. She liked the sound. 

“Looks like the meds are working.” 

“My head feels fuzzy.” 

“That means they are working and won’t feel me peeling this out of your skin.” 

“A little pain isn’t a bad thing,” Hermione quipped. 

“Good to know.” 

Hermione huffed.  

“We’re not even a combat ship,” she complained. “We work salvage for the Alliance. Who attacks noncombatants?” 

“Ones who don’t care about the rules of engagement. War does strange things.” 

“Do you think they’re just holding them hostage or do you think their dead?” 

“I don’t know,” Fleur’s voice was soft, sad. “I also don’t want to find out.” 

“Me either. I guess I should just go back to the Academy.” 

“Have you been thinking about it?” 

“Sometimes. It’s never really appealed to me. I like doing.” 

“Teaching is doing.” 

Hermione shook her head.  

“I want to build. Teaching is well and good but I’m not a good teacher. I get distracted easily and I’m apparently opinionated.” 

“You? Never!” 

“You’re making fun of me,” Hermione pouted. 

“You told me to my face my first week that I paid my way through school,” Fleur shot back but there was no heat to her words. 

“You let Weasley operate the repair arm for the exterior panels to the heating coils. Her broke the arm and the panel.” 

“Yes, and I learned that the others didn’t have our skill set, which is why they were doing training. Have I not proven myself since then?” 

“Yes,” Hermione admitted with a grunt. “You’re more than a pretty face.” 

“You think I’m pretty?” 

Fleur was a bit surprised by the chuckle Hermione gave in response. 

“Of course you’re pretty. It’s distracting.” 

Hermione didn’t see the pleased flush that rose on Fleur’s face. Before she could say anything, Hermione continued her rant. 

“It was so annoying listening to Weasley, Nott, and Finnigan go on about your ass. They got smacked in the face by Daphne for trying to change the cameras to watch you work. That was funny. I didn’t like you at first because you just took over and ignored everything, I was trying to tell you. Imagine my surprise when you listened and forced those idiots to complete their training. Then you proved me wrong again when you helped rebuild the mechanism for the life support system on the lower decks. Your smile was like a star, so bright and beautiful, I forgot what we were even doing. Daphne made fun of me for a week after that. Do you know your eyes practically glow when you’re talking about something you know, it’s very distracting. I broke my favorite wrench because of you.” 

Fleur, who had finished removing the last of the material from Hermione’s skin, had paused in surprise at Hermione’s rant. She had no idea that Hermione even saw her like that, and it was hard to keep the silly smile off her face.  

“Sounds like a problem,” Fleur responded as she grabbed the injector kit.  

“It is,” Hermione shot back in a passionate voice. “I was just fine until you showed up. Had no problem paying attention to my work. My work made me happy. Made me forget that I’d prefer being in space than back on Earth. Then you show up. With your beautiful, long blonde hair, mesmerizing eyes, and the intelligence to make me feel like I barely know anything. You’re the only person on the entire damn ship that can match me in an argument and your eyes fucking glow every time! I can’t even argue with you properly because I can’t fucking think when you look at me.” 

Fleur grinned eyes bright as she finished the injections to repair the damaged skin. She knew Hermione wouldn’t say any of this if she wasn’t pumped full of meds, but she loved it anyway.  

“Do you want me to stop arguing with you?” Fleur teased. How could she not? “Turn over, I need to check your leg.” 

Hermione huffed but flipped onto her back, moving her arm to see what range of motion she got from it. Fleur was briefly distracted seeing Hermione only clad in a tank top that was clinging to Hermione like a second skin. The way it showed off Hermione’s breasts made Fleur pause. Her hands twitching with the unbearable need to just touch her, but she held back. Mainly because Hermione was on pain meds but also because she didn’t want to take advantage. 

“Your pants are in the way.” 

Hermione frowned, seemingly confused that she was still in pants. She began to shuffle, trying to get them off. When she couldn’t, she pouted at Fleur who only raised her eyebrow. 

“Can you help me? Please?” 

Hermione’s brown eyes were wide and pleading. It made Fleur’s heart race, and she had the overwhelming urge to kiss those pouting lips. Swallowing down her very dry throat, she reached forward to help pull her pants down off Hermione. Her fingers dragging across the smooth skin of Hermione’s legs.  

Once off, Hermione was grinning before flopping back down. Fleur took in the large bruise and deep cut on Hermione’s leg. 

“How did you even walk?” Fleur complained as she began cleaning the dried blood and doing her best to ignore Hermione’s half-dressed state. 

“The threat of imminent death might have something to do with it. That and you dragging me along,” Hermione shot back. 

“Would you have preferred I’d left you?” 

Hermione huffed, leaning up to look at Fleur. 

“Well, no but I wasn’t expecting you to be that strong.” 

“Apparently you didn’t think much of me to begin with.” 

“I couldn’t handle you being gorgeous and smart. It’s entirely unfair and now you’re strong too. Do you have any idea how hard it is to do anything when you’re that damn hot?” Hermione gripped as she dropped back down onto the pillow. “Could throw me around being that strong.” 

Fleur blinked, taken aback by the heat in Hermione’s words. Plus, the mental image those last few words was enough to make her lose her mind. Shaking off the hazy desire that seemed to distract her, she turned her focus onto the cut in Hermione’s leg.  

“Have you been hiding your thoughts this entire time?” Fleur asked but couldn’t look at her as she waited for an answer. 

“Daphne told me I should just kiss you and be done with it.” 

“Why didn’t you?” 

Hermione chuckled. 

“Like I’d be that stupid.” 

“I’m not sure how to take that.” 

“You’re far too pretty for me.” 

“You don’t think you’re pretty?” Fleur couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice.  

Her eyes lifting to look at Hermione, who was staring at the top of the craft. She had no idea that Hermione didn’t think she was in Fleur’s league since Fleur didn’t think she was enough to catch Hermione’s attention. There was no way she was going to admit how often she thought or dreamed of Hermione. 

“Never really thought about it honestly but I heard the others in my class always making fun of me. Didn’t really help.” 

“Then they’re idiots. You’re wonderful. Beautiful too.” 

Hermione hummed like she wasn’t sure how to take it. Fleur focused on closing the wound in her leg. 

“You’re all set now. You’ll feel the pain when the meds wear off, but you’ll recover.” 

“Thank you,” Hermione took the blanket Fleur gave her. Curling up as sleep took her. 

Fleur packed everything up and put it away. When she finished, she rechecked the control panels before joining Hermione on the floor to rest.  

******************************************************************* 

“Well arrive in comm range in two hours,” Fleur told Hermione when she brought them something to eat. “I’ll have to use the cloaking feature to make sure no one spots an Alliance ship here.” 

“What is it about this place that has you so rattled?” Hermione questioned when she sat down.  

Fleur looked away, chewing on her lip.  

“It’s…just…there are certain rules here that are…strange to outsiders.” 

“Is this your home world?” 

“No, but it’s one of my worlds. I’m not from Earth but my kind is human passing enough that it’s not an issue. My kind doesn’t have the best reputation and while we work with the Alliance, some of our worlds are off limits.” 

“Is this one of those?” 

“Yes, which is why we can’t be seen coming here. We have to blend in. There are some on this world that would turn us over for extra money.” 

“Then how can we get on?” 

Fleur sighed, rubbing her forehead. 

“Because I’m known on this world, but they don’t know I’m apart of the Alliance forces. My…my older sister lives here. My mother didn’t want me to join the Alliance because of my family name and had to change it to join.” 

“You’re that important on your home world?” 

“Yes and no. My family is and my older sister is heir, but I’m still held to a high standard.” 

Hermione nodded, taking a bite of her food. Fleur turned to her own food and Hermione just waited for more to come.  

“Alright, what do I need to know?”  

She was surprised to see Fleur blush.  

“Well, we are going to Usra 3. It’s one of our three central worlds. Our home world is in another quadrant, but this one is important to us because of our history. This world is where our people began. Which is why very few outside of our kind are allowed here. Since we have to blend in, you’re going to have to play the part.” 

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Fleur who was refusing to meet her gaze.  

“Which is?” 

“My…” Fleur shifted, clearly unhappy. “My…chosen.” 

“What does that mean?” 

“There are several things it means. It involves a lot of specific attire and-“ 

“Fleur, what aren’t you telling me?” Hermione cut in, a little confused by her nonanswer.  

Fleur buried her face in her hands, her face flaming red. 

“It’s so hard to explain to someone.” 

“Explain it as best you can.” 

“Humans…tend to think we are…controlling beings. Which we aren’t. The closest humanity has to it is like a form of SNM. We are possessive creatures by nature, but we also don’t sleep around. We aren’t animals. Being chosen means you’ve discussed and talked about rules for both parties. You’ve come to agreements about life, career, family, sex. To be chosen it’s to take the step towards…completion. I think it’s marriage for humans but a deeper context for us. To be chosen leads down that road and no one who isn’t chosen can set foot on Usra 3.” 

“Keep going,” Hermione said, still unsure what her role would be.  

Fleur was still red in the face but looking a little more relaxed.  

“My sister won’t be off work until later so we will explore town. Chosen can’t explore on their own, it’s unsafe because others could try to draw them in. Again, we are possessive creatures and don’t take kindly to someone trying to steal away our Chosen. Some don’t play by the rules, but this planet is a haven for many so it’s an issue to settle between those involved. If it gets out of hand the guards will step in but that means bigger punishments. We also tend to be the more…dominant partner, it’s…expected for me to be the one in control. It also means I do much of the talking. Again, this is all usually done during contracts and things like that.” 

“How important is being Chosen to your kind?” 

“Very,” she admitted softly. “It’s a big deal. Especially since my sister lives there and you’ll be wearing my collar.” 

“Collar?” 

“It’s to show others you’re my Chosen. Also alerts me if someone tries to call you. I know, it bothers humans to talk about it and only my instructors knew I wasn’t human. It’s the only safe planet to arrive on in this quadrant where we won’t be picked up by the Cormax.” 

“It’s fine,” Hermione said when she saw Fleur was going to ramble again.  

Fleur looked up at her, surprised by her agreeing so easily.  

“Are you sure? If you don’t feel comfortable, we can figure something else out.” 

“If this is the safest way for us to get a message to the Alliance, it’s fine. I don’t mind. I know you’re not going to take advantage of the situation.” 

Fleur could only nod, seemingly unable to comprehend Hermione agreeing.  

Before she could respond, the comms crackled to life in a language Hermione didn’t know. Fleur turned, talking in the same language. Hermione watched as Fleur spoke, some of the stress easing from her shoulders before she grinned. 

“We’ve got clearance. The place is closed but we can dock for the night before being allowed into town.” 

Hermione just nodded. Fleur piloted the shuttle towards the main city that Hermione could see. She managed to dock the shuttle into a hanger, powering down the shuttle once docked.  

“We have to stay here?” Hermione asked. 

“Until morning. There aren’t any supervisors who can let us into town this late at night.” 

************************************************************ 

Hermione glanced at the clothes she’d changed into. Fleur had handed them over, explaining these were typically worn here as the planet tended to be hot.  

She looked down at her exposed skin. It had been a long time since she dressed like this. Not since before she joined the Alliance. Her own home world was a much hotter climate than Earth tended to be. Thankfully, her body was still fit, and the clothes brought a smile to her face.  

Stepping out, she stopped short seeing so much of Fleur’s skin on display. She knew that Fleur might be dressed similarly but she had mentally prepared herself. Smooth, pale skin seemed to stretch for miles. Her skirt was the same dark blue as Hermione’s shorts. While Hermione’s dark red top had shoulder straps and gold trim, Fleur’s had no straps and was a lighter blue with silver trim. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back instead of her usual ponytail.  

Fleur turned her eyes bluer than Hermione had ever seen. She watched, fascinated as her pupils dilated as she took in Hermione’s clothes. The way she seemed to shake herself to clear her mind before meeting her eyes.  

“Ready?” Hermione asked, feeling a bit breathless with those eyes on her.  

“Almost, just one last thing.” 

The blush on Fleur’s face had her eyes taking in the collar in Fleur’s hands. The collar wasn’t like what she thought it would be. It was a bright gleaming silver band with a short chain clasp. The metal was raised with an intricate design and blue jewels. A crest rested in the middle. 

Hermione stepped forward, her fingers tracing over the cool metal. Her mind traveled back to her childhood. While her own people didn’t have ones this elaborate, they had something similar. It made her breath catch and heart race. Something moved inside of her, a familiar ache that had never gone away after the loss of her parents. The animal instincts rose inside of her, having forgotten that particular feeling in the last decade.  

“Hermione?” Fleur’s soft, worried voice broke through the haze of memories making her look up. 

She could see worry filling her eyes and wondered what had brought it on. It wasn’t until Fleur’s fingers touched her cheek that she realized she’d been crying. Hastily rubbing her face, she gave her a half smile. 

“We don’t need to do this. You can wait here and I’ll-“ 

Hermione shook her head. 

“I’m fine, really. Can you…put this on for me?” 

Fleur bit her lip, seemingly torn but eventually nodded. 

Turning, she pulled her hair away from her neck. Fleur’s hands trembled against her neck as she fastened the necklace around her neck. She let her fingers brush against the metal and the weight was enough to make her settle. The restlessness disappeared and she felt lighter. More at peace. She was smiling when she turned to face Fleur, who looked confused. 

“One last thing, I need to partially shift.” 

Hermione took a step back, nodding to her to continue. She watched, in awe, as feathers began to cover Fleur’s arms, legs, stomach, back, and threaded through her hair. Her skin seemed to shimmer in the low light and her eyes shifted to a neon blue color.  

The way she looked at Hermione, as if scared of her reaction bothered her. Stepping forward, she took Fleur’s hand, avoiding the sharp elongated nails.  

“You look amazing,” Hermione said, an earnestness to her voice.  

Fleur seemed pleased and a little shy but nodded. Heading to the panel, the door opened into the cool hanger bay.  

Two guards and a large being stood waiting outside. She could see collars on their necks, but they looked different than what she wore. 

The large being grinned at Fleur, talking to her in that language Hermione didn’t understand. She was pleased to hear a full laugh from Fleur, her neon blue eyes dancing with excitement. Hermione let her eyes take in the enclosed hanger bay. A few engineers roaming around. The two guards looked at her curiously and her eyes brightened when one of them had cat ears. He grinned at her back, his ears flicking forward. 

“You’re a long way from home, cub,” he teased. 

“ Never too far when you’ve sand in your veins,” Hermione shot back.  

His chuckle sounded pure and wonderful to her ears.  

“ Missing something, aren’t you?”   

Rolling her eyes, she took a second to concentrate before feeling her ears swap, twitching from the increase in sound before adjusting. 

“ A leopard haven’t seen one of you in a long time,” he was impressed, eyes full of care. 

“ Last one. Most of my pride was killed during the siege.”  

His nod was solemn. “ I was off world, becoming Chosen when it happened. I lost many that day.”  

Hermione took the offered arm, feeling his cat rippling beneath his skin. Their arms clasped, low rumbling purrs answering the unspoken pain.  

“ You’ve done well, cub. Delacour is one of the best you’ll find,” his eyes danced with mirth.  

“ She’s certainly one of a kind,” Hermione agreed feeling her face heat up.  

“ We cats need a strong hand to keep us in check, glad you found yours. Be safe, cub, we’ll meet again.”  

“You too, brother.”  

Hermione felt the gentle tug on her hand, turning to face Fleur. Those blue eyes were looking at her twitching ears in surprise. She just smiled at her, moving to wrap her arm around Fleur’s arm. 

Fleur didn’t say anything as they headed into the city outside.  

“You’re not human,” Fleur’s voice was soft in her ear. 

“Nope.” 

“That would’ve helped earlier.” 

Hermione chuckled. “But your face turned so red when you were talking.” 

Fleur huffed, rolling her eyes.  

“Now, she me your city and what is that warmth radiating off you?” 

“Ah, it’s my Vila magic. It's usually hidden when I’m not transformed. The collar gives off the same magic. It’s also how we call to those we want to choose or if they are our Chosen. Is it...affecting you?” 

“How should it?” 

“Make you want to be closer. You should have a hard time not looking at me. The desire to be close.” 

Hermione looked at where they were pressed together and quirked her eyebrow. 

“Almost like hearing a calling but not the words.” 

“That describes how I’ve felt since I met you.”  

Fleur stopped, almost pulling Hermione off her feet with the suddenness of it. 

“I’ve never let my magic out on the ship,” Fleur told her, eyes confused.  

Hermione blinked, her eyes shifting to the gold color of her cat. She could feel it stretch inside of her, teasing the air with it’s own unique power. Prowling beneath the surface, drinking in the taste of Fleur’s magic as it coated her skin. The rumbling purr that built in her chest before slipping from her lips without much thought. The effect was immediate. Those neon blue eyes darkened at the challenge, shoulders moving back as Fleur stood to her full height, one hand grasping her chin to force her head back. The almost growled chirp shooting straight through Hermione’s body, the command in an entirely different language but the intent still clear. Enough for her to tilt her head slightly and a pleased purr rumbling in response.  

Fleur’s eyes narrowed, trying to see if Hermione would challenge again but Hermione just remained calm, almost eager in her grip. Huffing, Fleur blinked to clear the power from her eyes, her fingers trailing down Hermione’s neck as she released her hold on her chin.  

“You could feel it the entire time?” Fleur questioned, a little put out. 

“I don’t think so but it makes more sense now. My cat always knew when you were around without me seeing you. I figured it was because you felt like a predator but had no idea why.”  

Shaking her head, Fleur gave her a rueful smile.  

“If you say so.” 

Fleur began moving again, pointing out shops and stalls as they moved through the city. She explained some of the buildings and they stopped a few times to greet others as they went. It was the first time she had seen Fleur truly at ease. That was enough to help Hermione ease her own concerns. She wasn’t used to her ears being out in public, but no one seemed to care what type of being she was. It had caught her by surprise to run into a panther here, but she loved it. Getting to speak her native tongue again. She understood Fleur’s relief at not having to hide who she was.  

“What do you think?” Fleur asked as they stopped at a small side vendor. She was pointing towards the small pile of touch pads.  

Hermione, for once, wasn’t paying attention to what Fleur was saying. Her mind was focused on the arm around her waist. Fleur had released her hand as the streets got more packed and moved her hand to her hip, keeping Hermione pressed against her side. The feathers tickled her sensitive skin and left her cat feeling restless.  

“What are they?”  

It seemed to catch Fleur by surprise but she smiled anyway. 

“They talk about our history and a couple of them are to teach our language.”  

“Oh, those would be nice. I think-” Her words caught in her throat when she felt something that had her cat on full alert. Ears almost flattening at the intrusive press against her skin.  

A low, possessive growl burst from Fleur’s chest, her arm instinctively tightening on her hip as her eyes cast around the streets. Hermione slipped her arm around Fleur’s waist to help ground her as another Vila materialized from the crowd. This one was clearly female, but she vaguely remembered that Vila were only female. While she had blonde hair, it was sandier blond, and her eyes were neon green instead of Fleur’s blue. She carried herself with poise, grace and a confidence that she would get whatever she wanted. The way those neon green eyes seemed fixed on Hermione had her hackles rising. Her cat did not appreciate the not to subtle call from the other Vila. She could also feel the aggression rolling off Fleur at the blatant challenge.  

Hermione’s eyes moved from the approaching Vila to take in the storm of emotions on Fleur’s face. Fleur had warned Hermione that Vila were possessive but hearing and seeing were two different things. Fleur’s magic wasn’t smothering her, more like shielding her from the call of another.  

Tugging on Fleur’s waist to draw her back against Hermione’s chest, both arms holding her waist. Fleur had a few inches on her, so she couldn’t see the Vila approaching but she didn’t care. Her instincts were to calm Fleur down. Nuzzling into her shoulder, her fingers kneading Fleur’s stomach muscles, teasing the feathers there. She felt the shudder that rippled through Fleur who relaxed into hold.  

“Well, well, Miss Delacour has decided to return,” the woman’s voice dripped with disdain. “You’ve finally got yourself a pet, how quaint.”  

Hermione almost hissed at the insult, her cat enraged at being considered a pet. She was a warrior like her parents before her. While she had strayed into books and mechanical work, her fighting skills were trained to perfection. It went against all her instincts not to be prepared for a battle at all times.  

Fleur turned enough to draw Hermione into her side, keeping ahold of her waist as she did. Hermione rested against her shoulder, unimpressed eyes taking in the other woman. Sure, she was beautiful, but her attitude rubbed her the wrong way. Made her want to let her teeth out.  

“Miss Lourde, how unfortunate that you have yet to do something with your life,” Fleur snarked back. “It seems your manners are still lacking. I do not take kindly to those who try to call what’s mine.”  

The hard, possessive edge to Fleur’s voice shot heat through Hermione’s body. She couldn’t stop the full-bodied shiver any more than she could stop the purr that rose hearing the word mine falling from Fleur’s lips. Fleur tilted her head down to look at her, eyes darkening when she realized what happened to Hermione, who grinned right back at her. Rolling her eyes, she looked at the other woman. 

“I was just curious who came in with you, Miss Delacour. Last I heard from your sister, you weren’t in the market for a pet.” 

“My Chosen is not a pet. Mind your tongue.”  

“Still thinking with your talons. I thought age would bring wisdom. It’s not like this is the first Chosen you’ve had. Oh, but you let that one get away, didn’t you? Such a shame you can’t keep them around long enough to bond.” 

Fleur’s grip tightened on Hermione’s waist and a mix of anger and sadness lingered in Fleur’s eyes before a burning hatred took over.  

“Coming from someone who still isn’t bonded after nine Chosen, I doubt many others can say they are as...unremarkable as you seem to be,” Fleur snarked back, a dangerous glint in her eyes. 

Hermione didn’t appreciate this woman. She couldn’t understand how anyone could be called away from Fleur. While she knew that Fleur was supposed to be the more dominant one on her world, Hermione was seconds from speaking. Her cat, however, was not in the mood to play children’s games. They had brushed the call off without further incident and it wasn’t bothering them. She was reminded that Fleur needed support.  

Tilting her head, she let her lips glide over the smooth skin of Fleur’s neck. Her tongue tasting the magic that lingered. There were no human words that described the taste that lingered on her tongue. Her mind supplying one from her native language.  

Essence . 

The closest word her mind could come up with. She tasted Fleur’s power, her strength, the potential future that burned in Fleur’s veins. It lingered, burning through her body filling the holes inside of her.  

Her eyes flashed gold as understanding flooded her.  

‘ One day you’ll feel it,’ her mother smiled at her, teasing her hair from her eyes.   

‘How will I know?’ Hermione questioned eyes bright in wonder.  

‘You’ll know because it will fill your soul. Their essence will remind you of home. The promise of a future. All the small signs will click into place. The moment you feel it, you’ll never be able to walk away. They will be just as much a part of you as you are a part of them.’  

‘Is that what happened with Mum?’  

Her head turning to see her Mum playing with her younger brother.  

‘Yes.’  

‘Isn’t it weird to lick people?’  

Her Mom had laughed, eyes bright with love and affection.  

‘You can’t just lick anyone, even if we are cats. It’s instinct. You won’t realize you're even doing it until you’ve done it.’  

‘Then we bond?’  

‘Not yet. You still need to get to know them.’  

‘One day I’ll find that?’  

‘Yes, and you’ll never be the same again. It’ll be scary but it’s wonderful.’  

Her world narrowed to a point eyes locked on the beating pulse mere inches from her face. Proof that Fleur’s heart was pounding in her chest, despite the calm look on her face.  

Hermione finally understood.  

Her sudden obsession with Fleur. Be it anger or surprise. The way she knew Fleur was always around. How her eyes would be drawn to her every move. The many times her cat settled as soon as she knew Fleur was in the area. All those subtle signs she had written off just like her mom had said she would. Now that she had tasted Fleur’s essence, she understood everything.  

The collar around her neck was a reminder of a future she might have with Fleur. Her cat was pleased. The need to challenge the Vila teased the back of her mind.  

“Is there anything else you need?” Fleur all but growled.  

“I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other soon enough. Enjoy your pet while you can.”  

Fleur growled, attempting to step forward but Hermione kept her in place. The woman’s laughter lingered in the air. Seeing Fleur’s agitated state, Hermione nuzzled her neck, a soft purr rumbling from her chest. Fleur’s other hand cradled the back of her head, almost as if on instinct rather than on purpose, not that Hermione minded.  

It wasn’t until Hermione nipped on Fleur’s neck that those neon blue eyes looked down at her. 

“Are you done?” Hermione teased. “I believe you were showing me things.” 

A slow smile spread across Fleur’s face, eyes brightening.  

“I think you’re right.” 

********************************************************************** 

Hermione looked at the assortment of food Fleur set on the small table in front of them. She’d never tried any of them, but they smelled amazing. Fleur was two feet away grabbing them drinks, keeping Hermione in her line of sight. When Fleur sat next to her, she was straddling the small bench. Hermione was pulled closer, one of her legs draped over Fleur’s thigh, while Fleur’s other thigh pressed against her ass. It wasn’t an uncommon seating arrangement from what Hermione could tell. Several other couples were seated the same way. Hermione assumed that it was an open area and busy keeping fights from breaking out.  

“What do you want to try first?” Fleur asked, a soft smile on her face.  

“Which one is your favorite?” 

Fleur pointed out one of them, explaining what it was before putting some on her plate.  

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Hermione asked as she looked at the food on her plate. 

“I will, once you have tried what you want to try.”  

She didn’t bother to question it, instead she took a bite of the food. Letting the flavors fill her mouth.  

“Oh, that’s good,” Hermione grinned. The smile she got made Hermione melt.  

They carefully went around the dishes Fleur had gotten, Hermione taking a taste of all of them and giving her verdict. She liked almost all of them except the third dish just because it was too spicy for her. Fleur had teased her about it but moved that one to the side.  

Once Hermione had piled her plate with food, Fleur finally filled her own plate.  

“Isn’t it hard to eat like that?” Hermione questioned. 

“No, I’m ambidextrous, all Vila are.” 

They chatted about the things Hermione had seen as they ate. It was easy, too easy, to get lost in conversation with each other. Hermione teased Fleur about getting her feathers all ruffled, one that Fleur did not appreciate.  

“You know cats eat birds?” Hermione teased, her voice low and a bit of purr added in. 

Fleur’s mouth dropped open, eyes dilating as they zeroed in on her lips that were stretched into a smile. 

“Do they now?” The soft growl in Fleur’s voice made her head swim. It didn’t help that Fleur was looking at her like she was the meal.  

Before Hermione could respond, her cat went on the defensive at the feel of another trying to call her.  

“For fucks sake,” Fleur growled, her arms immediately wrapping around Hermione as a new threat appeared.  

“Delacour, I thought Lourde was lying when she said you’d returned,” a woman’s sharp voice reached them. She swaggered over to the table, a predatory gleam in her eyes that made Hermione want to use her sharp claws on her face.  

The rage that burned through Fleur was far different than with the other woman. It set off Hermione’s instincts like an alarm. Whoever this woman was, Fleur really hated her. 

“Douglas, I’m surprised you’re even still allowed to walk the streets,” Fleur replied in a tight voice. Her talons growing slightly but still gentle against Hermione’s bare hip. “No one's taken your head off yet, a feat, I’m sure.”  

“Still upset with me, child?” Her loud laugh was enough to draw attention from others, who scowled upon seeing her. “It was ages ago, and it seems like you’ve done...alright for yourself. Surprised you caught a cat, their notoriously picky things. But a pet a pet, right?”  

“I suggest you hold your tongue before I remove it for you.”  

Hermione leaned further into Fleur, pressing her forehead against Fleur’s neck. She adjusted enough to get her arms around Fleur like she had done earlier, kneading her side and back this time. Letting her purr reverberate through her chest to try and ease the anger inside Fleur.  

“You couldn’t do it then I doubt you can do it now. I’m surprised you managed to catch a new pet. After last time, I heard you swore of one.”  

“Still unmarked, I doubt you’ll ever manage to settle.” 

“Who says I want to settle? With so many gorgeous pets to taste. It would be a shame to keep just one.” 

Hermione felt the call, stronger than before. Deciding she was done with these pissing contests, she turned to face the woman, who was watching her with a hungry, possessive stare. It had her teeth aching in her mouth and her nails to shift to sharper points. A low hiss slipped out, golden eyes flashing with anger as her ears flattened on top of her head. The response seemed to shock the woman, who took a step back on instinct before glaring at her.  

Fleur seemed to puff up when Hermione responded, even more so when Hermione turned to nuzzle into her neck. Her instincts were flaring with the need to feel only Fleur’s magic against her skin.  

“Seems your kitten has teeth,” the woman growled. “I always did prefer my pets unbroken.”  

“She isn’t interested, and you know the rules. Approach her again and you’ll be before the council.”  

“A small win for now but this isn’t over.”  

Hermione could hear the woman leave, Fleur’s arms pulling her close. 

“Are you alright?” Fleur asked, nuzzling her hair, her nose brushing her ear.  

Words were hard to form when her teeth had descended and the best she could do was nod.  

“Hermione,” Fleur seemed to want a verbal answer. 

But Hermione was too far gone in her instincts. Since this was the first time, she had dealt with them this openly, Hermione was struggling to rein her cat in. It reminded her that she needed to stop pushing her cat into the background just to fit in with the humans. Now, however, she didn’t have enough control. 

Her tongue swiped across Fleur’s neck just to taste her essence again. The soft whine she couldn’t stop as she pressed harder into Fleur, who held her closer.  

“Hey, it’s fine,” Fleur’s voice was full of warmth as she stroked her hair.  

Still, her cat wouldn’t settle. Her mouth latched onto Fleur’s neck, one of her canine teeth scrapping across Fleur’s exposed neck. 

Fleur’s body jolted, a warning growl reaching her ears as talons dug into her hips. Hermione didn’t heed the warning, nipping Fleur’s neck again, cutting the skin as she tasted blood. 

Her head was pulled by a tight grip until she was staring at neon blue eyes. Fleur’s chest was heaving, and it was clear her control was holding on by a thread. The soft chirped command only allowed Hermione to relax into the hold on her but not enough to subdue her cat completely. Nails kneading into soft flesh and feathers, Hermione surged forward. Lips slotting easily over Fleur’s own.  

The kiss deepened in half a second as Fleur’s tongue dominated Hermione’s mouth. Clinging to the blonde beauty, Hermione surrendered to the hunger and passion that burned through her at Fleur’s touch. She was nothing but putty in the other being’s hands. The kiss was hot, passionate, and everything Hermione needed. Her nails retracted until her fingers clutched at the back of Fleur’s top and her teeth retracted.  

Fleur’s hold became gentle, her kiss less harsh and demanding. It slowed to a soft, passionate kiss before coming a more natural end. Hermione didn’t let go, her body vibrating with a need that wouldn’t quit. The gentle nip on her chin was enough to get her to open her eyes. Fleur’s fingers scratched the back of her head where she had once held her in a tight grip. Eyes full of confusion but happiness with a bit of hesitation. Her lips swollen from their initial kiss and a wonderous look on her face.  

Hermione just drank in the beauty of this woman who made her heart race. Even before she understood what was happening, she had found Fleur breathtaking. It seemed that hadn’t changed, if anything Fleur seemed to glow.  

“Are you alright?” Fleur asked again, reaching up with her other hand to cup her cheek. 

“Yes,” Hermione’s voice was rough as she answered.  

“We still have a couple hours to kill before my sister returns home. There are a few other places I want to show you, if you want.” 

“That sounds amazing.” 

Fleur smiled, slowly releasing Hermione, who did the same. After cleaning up their food and tossing the trash, Fleur took her hand and led her out of the crowds. Fleur continued to point out things of historical significance as they walked. Taking her to some of the main areas of the city before taking her to a large park filled with all kinds of flowers. They eventually sat down by the large pond.  

“You can ask,” Hermione said after a while sitting in silence. 

“Did...I’m...I’m honestly not sure what to ask,” Fleur admitted. 

“My people come from a world called Maranis. Most of it was covered by forests but also large expanses of desert. Our planet was a lot hotter than Earth. We were the only world full of cat shifters. Well, what humans call cats. To us, we were just Marins. When I was eight, the Corax attacked. Our world was one of the first attacked by them. Most of us were children that survived. We had an emergency system that launched us into space. Thankfully, an Alliance ship picked us up. That’s when we were informed that our planet had been destroyed. There are maybe...fifty of us left alive. We were brought to Earth, given new identities and left to live our lives. We have our own Essence, much like your magic. I’m sure you’ve been able to feel it since I let my cat out.”  

“I have, like a shadow. The guard knew what you were.” 

“He’s a panther. He wasn’t on the home world when it was destroyed. The Corax destroyed a lot of races during the first wave. Our histories died with our planets. I knew what he was too, we always know.”  

“What happened at the food court?” 

Hermione sighed, rubbing her neck.  

“I suppose what happened to you when I put on the collar. It’s...not that much different from what my own people did. A collar was given to show the intention to mate. Seeing one, being given one, brought those instincts forward. It wasn’t until I touched your essence that I knew.” 

“Essence?”  

“It’s the closest human world I could think of. Every being has an essence, a source of their power, their culture, their future. It's the embodiment of who they are. Tasting someone's essence is a big deal for my people. When you find your other its through their essence.” 

“Other?”  

“Much like your Chosen,” Hermione admitted in a quiet voice. “I know that you gave it to me to help us hide but my instincts don’t know that. It’s why I reacted like I did when that second woman approached. My cat doesn’t take kindly to being called especially now that it's tied our future to your essence. I-” 

Her words died as Fleur kissed her. Arms wrapped around her waist, dragging her closer, which Hermione had no problem doing. She was drowning in the heat that flooded her body as Fleur kissed her like she was drowning in her. Everything seemed to disappear as she let herself be dragged under by the sheer passion that Fleur kissed her.  

“What?” Hermione gasped out when Fleur broke the kiss. 

Fleur chuckled, pulling on Hermione until she was straddling Fleur’s hips. Her lips teasingly kissing her neck, pleased with every shudder she pulled from Hermione.  

“Fleur.” 

A whimper broke free as Fleur bit and sucked on her neck. 

“I wanted to kiss you the moment you put the collar on,” Fleur whispered into her neck. “From the moment you looked at me I wanted you. It drove me crazy that you kept yelling at me. Everything in me was begging for you to just look at me. That’s why I was scared to bring you here. I thought you would hate me for putting you in this position, but I also really wanted to see you wearing my collar. Seeing those two try to call you from my arms had my instincts going crazy. The only reason I didn’t rip them apart was because you were holding me back.” 

Hermione groaned as those soft hands gripped her ass, pressing them impossibly closer. Her head fell back, giving Fleur free reign to mark her neck.  

“Then you hissed at her. I was worried you had been pushed too far, and I didn’t know what to do. Then you...challenged me,” the rough growl in her voice brought another whimper from Hermione.  

“I wanted to mark you,” Hermione gasped. “To drown in your essence. It was irritating as hell to feel their call. My cat was ready to cut their faces up.” 

Fleur chuckled, pulling back to look at Hermione.  

“Is that why I have cut marks across my hips and lower back?”  

Hermione flushed, having forgotten that her claws had actually come out.  

“Marking.” 

Fleur hummed, nuzzling her neck.  

“Then why challenge me?”  

“Because you have to prove your dominance,” Hermione huffed.  

“I guess we should have a much longer conversation about this after we get the message to the Alliance,” Fleur remarked. 

Sighing, Hermione nodded.  

“Probably a good idea. Will...will I have to take this off?”  

Her fingers tugged lightly at the metal collar around her neck. Fleur watched her tug on it, eyes darkening. 

“Only if you want to.”  

Grinning, Hermione leaned forward to kiss Fleur, a slow, gentle kiss.  

************************************************************ 

“Well, well, well, I heard rumors that my little sister was in town but didn’t believe them, yet here you are. With a Chosen. Mom is going to have your head,” the tall blonde said with a smile as she opened her door.  

Hermione could easily see the resemblance between the two sisters.  

“If you knew I was in town, why didn’t you take off work early to come see me sooner?” Fleur teased back as she stepped forward to hug the woman.  

“And make it easy? Never. Come in, I’m sure you have a wonderful story to tell your big sister that won’t have Mom arriving here in twelve hours.”  

Fleur groaned but led Hermione into the cozy home. As soon as they arrived in the sitting room, Fleur let her feathers disappear, shaking her arms out as she did. 

“Been a while?”  

“Too long,” Fleur admitted. “Collette, this is Hermione. Hermione, this is my sister Collette.”  

Hermione waved. 

“A cat, oh this is going to be fun. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, tell me why you’ve come, sister and without warning.”  

Fleur took a seat, Hermione sitting next to her, pressing into her side. She didn’t mind Collette but she was still fighting her instincts about Fleur. Their hands threading together. Collette watched all of this with a raised eyebrow but saying nothing. 

“I know Mom told you I joined the Alliance,” Fleur began to say. 

“Yes, she tried to convince me to talk you out of it but I reminded her that you’re a grown ass woman, you can make your own decisions. It also helped that Gabrielle was talking about following in your footsteps to join the Alliance. She couldn’t argue with both of you.”  

Fleur grinned. 

“She is the headstrong one. We were passing through this quadrant when our ship was attacked by a Corax ship.” 

Collette sat up in surprise. 

“No, they aren’t supposed to be this deep into the quadrant. Are you sure?”  

“They picked up our crewmembers who escaped. We got lucky to take a small shuttle with cloaking. The other nearest star was-” 

“Bensigne, they had no allegiance and would have handed anyone who landed over without a fight. That’s why you came here.”  

“Yes, we need to get a message to the Alliance. They destroyed our ship. It was a noncombantant.”  

Collette growled. 

“As soon as Lara is home, we can get word to Mom and the Alliance. This is bad news. They’ll-” 

A loud beep went off somewhere in the house. Collette growled as she headed out of the room to do something. 

“Communicator. My sister is in charge of the planet,” Fleur explained. “Lara is her Chosen Mate.” 

“That’s different?” 

“They’ve bonded, so yes.”  

Hermione nodded.  

“I’ve actually never met her. Collette met her when I was in the Academy. They bonded last year.”  

“You and your sisters are close.” 

Fleur grinned. 

“We have about six years between each of us, but it’s never stopped us from having a great bond. It drives Mom insane how unruly we are when we are together.”  

“My brothers and I were the same way. They didn’t make it off our home world.” 

“Hermione,” Fleur hugged her close, kissing her head. 

“It’s been a long time, but I never forget them.”  

“It appears the Corax have requested reports on any Alliance members who landed,” Collette said when she came into the room. “We told them our planet was closed to outsiders and that includes the Alliance. We may have shot at them to get them to leave but they did.”  

“Well, no one knows I am in the Alliance.”  

“You would never come here if you thought our planet would be at risk. I know that. No one here knows you joined. Mom was clear about the news being kept quiet. Now, Mom is going to ask, is she your Chosen? It’s one thing to use it as a cover and another for Mom to hear the news.”  

Fleur grunted.  

“I’m not surprised, after last time. I brought her as a cover but...” 

Hermione met Fleur’s gaze and gave a short nod. 

“But things changed, and we still have a lot to talk about, contracts to work out but yes, she’s, my Chosen.”  

Collette looked at them, her neon eyes bright. It seemed that she was working through something in her head. Fleur growled when she felt her sister’s call. Hermione just looked at her, unimpressed by the show. Rolling her eyes, she turned to nuzzle into Fleur’s neck, trying to calm her down. 

“Did you have to do that?” Fleur snapped. 

“Sorry, Mom would have gotten mad if I didn’t and after last time, can you blame me?” Collette shot back.  

“Three times today, I’m about to start hurtling fireballs.”  

“Lourde and Douglas?” 

Fleur nodded, finally relaxing into Hermione, who kissed her cheek.  

“I apologize but it needed to be done.”  

“I know, doesn’t make me any happier.”  

“Word will have spread about you arriving. I expect word has reached Mom by now.”  

“I have no doubt it did long before I got here to see you. I’m surprised she hasn’t reached out yet.” 

“Council meetings today. She’ll call when she’s done demanding answers.”  

The sound of a door opening paused their conversation. Collette perked up immediately, a beautiful smile lighting her face as she rushed out of the room.  

“Lara is home,” Fleur chuckled. “Are you alright?”  

Hermione nodded. 

“Are you?”  

Fleur shrugged.  

“Tired mostly. Too many challenges in one day.”  

Smiling, she leaned forward to kiss Fleur. Letting their kiss develop how they saw fit. Fleur grinned into the kiss, holding her close.  

“Hermione?” A voice that she remembered but hadn’t heard in ages reached her ears. 

Ears twitching forward, her head shot up as she took Lara in. A bit older than the last time Hermione had seen her and her own leopard ears twitching on top of her head. Her tail swishing with emotions. 

“Lara,” Hermione breathed in surprise as she all but stumbled off the couch. “You’re alive.”  

Lara moved, wrapping Hermione a hug as she lifted the younger girl off her feet. 

“I didn’t quite believe Collette when she said your name,” Lara said through her tears. “Just look at you. Oh, your Mum would be so proud of you.”  

Hermione sobbed as Lara held her face in her hands. 

“Oh, my sweet girl, you look so much like her.”  

“They separated the rest of us. They wouldn’t tell me anything,” Hermione explained. 

“I know, they did it to all of us. I’ve only seen Marcus since he’s here too.”  

“I saw him when we arrived. He didn’t even warn me.”  

Lara laughed. 

“He’s always like that. Just look at you. You’ve grown into quite a beauty.”  

“I joined the Alliance. I work as an Engineer.”  

“Your cat is restless, how long have you been hiding her?”  

Sighing, she rubbed her ear.  

“Six years,” she admitted softly.  

“Oh, honey, why?”  

“Just easier to fit in.” 

“You’ve been born to stand out since the day your Mum gave birth to you. All waving arms and kicking legs. You’re in shape though, you’ve been training?”  

Hermione nodded, her chest puffing out slightly. 

Lara’s fingers trailed down, touching the collar on her neck. When she looked back up, her eyes were filled with tears. Her eyes looked over Hermione’s shoulder to where Fleur was standing, watching them closely.  

“Now, I’m not surprised to see you here with one of these around your neck,” Lara teased.  

Hermione flushed but couldn’t stop her smile. 

“She’s still got to tame me first.” 

Fleur huffed behind her while the others laughed. 

“Oh, trust me, Delacours always do,” Collette teased as she wrapped her arms around Lara.  

“Fleur, while it’s wonderful to finally meet you, Hermione is my niece, which means I will hurt you if you hurt her.” 

Fleur blinked in surprise but nodded. Hermione rolled her eyes, pushing her aunt’s hands away as she turned to look at Fleur. 

“She’s amazing,” Hermione said, not looking away. 

This brought a smile to Fleur’s lips as she tugged Hermione into her arms.  

“Good. Now, my wife tells me that we have some issues going on?”  

Hermione and Fleur were quick to explain the situation to Lara, who listened intently. 

“That does pose a problem. Your mom should be contacting us soon and we can send the message through. It’s safer to remain here until we receive word from the Alliance.”  

“We’ve got room for you two to stay. Fleur, you’ll be expected to attend the council.”  

Fleur groaned. 

“Do I have to?”  

“If you’re staying for a while, yes. They would feel slighted if you didn’t. You know how it goes.”  

“Fine, but I do so in protest.” 

“Noted and I still don’t care,” Collette chuckled.  

“Come on, we have to prepare for that call,” Lara reminded them. 

************************************************************************** 

“Fleur Isabelle Delacour,” the woman on the screen said in a harsh, angry tone.  

Fleur visibly flinched from where she stood next to Collette. Hermione and Lara were off to the side.  

“Hello Mother,” Fleur greeted. 

“Oh, no. You are in serious trouble.” 

“Mom, you have to let her talk first,” Gabrielle chirped as she appeared on screen. “There is my favorite sister. Look at you, all featherless.”  

Fleur shook her head while Collette complained. 

“How is she the favorite?” Collette demanded. 

“She’s nicer,” Gabrielle shot back. 

“Children,” their mother cut in, giving a look to each of her daughters. “Now, someone explain to me why my second child is on Usra 3 when she is supposed to be on ship for the Alliance?”  

Fleur quickly began to explain what happened to make them wind up on Usra 3. Apolline, Lara had whispered the name to Hermione, listened attentively to her daughter’s explanation.  

“That is disturbing news,” Apolline agreed. “Gabrielle, send the coded message to the Alliance.” 

Gabrielle disappeared from the screen to do that.  

“Explain,” Apolline barked.  

Sighing, Fleur began to explain the current situation with Hermione. 

“You brought this woman to Usra 3 as your Chosen to make sure you two were captured by the Corax?”  

Fleur nodded. 

“And now you two are going to be filling out contracts?”  

Once more, Fleur nodded. 

“Where is she?”  

Fleur turned to look at her. Lara bumped her shoulder and Hermione stepped forward.  

“Hello,” Hermione greeted.  

“A cat.” 

“Lara is my aunt. I didn’t know she was alive or even here.”  

“That is not surprising from what Lara has told me. You’ve been working in the Alliance?”  

“Chief Engineer on our ship.” 

“And my daughter had no idea you were a cat when she proposed this...arrangement?”  

“No, she explained what she was but I didn’t explain what I was. It was because I ran into another cat at the hanger bay that I told her the truth.” 

“I’m assuming she’s your mate?”  

Hermione nodded.  

“Yes ma’am.” 

Apolline seemed to just stare at Hermione, who felt exposed under the woman’s gaze.  

“Collette and Lara will be able to help you two sign the contracts. Until I hear from the Alliance, having all four of us in the same place is dangerous. I expect contracts within forty-eight hours.” 

“Mother,” Fleur began to say. 

“No, we can’t have anyone pushing too deeply into your story. Papers need to be filled before someone like Lourde begins to question. Keep her inside as much as you can. We don’t want to draw attention since Douglas is there too. I expect you to protect your sister and her Chosen,” her eyes landed heavily on Collette. 

“Of course, mother. I would never let anything happen to them,” Collette shot back a bit offended by her mother’s tone.  

“I know but after last time...” 

Fleur looked down and Collette just nodded. 

“It will be done,” Collette promised. 

“Good, I’ll speak to you all when the Alliance gives me information. Nice to meet you, Hermione. We are pleased to see you wanting to join our family.” 

“Thank you,” Hermione said just before the screen went dark.  

No one spoke for a minute.  

“Why don’t you take her to the garden while we start dinner?” Lara suggested. 

Fleur just nodded, taking Hermione’s hand and leading her outside. Once they settled, Hermione wondered what happened last time. It had been mentioned enough times that Hermione was beginning to understand it wasn’t anything good.  

“Fleur,” Hermione tried. 

“I had a Chosen once before,” Fleur said softly. Her voice heavy with the remnants of pain. “A young human whose family was living on our home world. She was kind, sweet, and befriended me when they first arrived. Her parents had warned her that we bond differently than humans do. It didn’t stop her from trying. She found me beautiful, and it gave her a thrill chasing me. I was young, barely of age like she was. I found her insistence enchanting. Mother and Collette tried to warn me. They told me they didn’t trust her intentions, but I was in love. She never flinched from my talons or my feathers. She loved it. We were raised that humans were less accepting than most of the other races. We’d only recently began mixing with humans despite being part of the Alliance since we were further from Earth than most worlds. After a year, we worked out the contracts for her to be Chosen. She was so excited when I gave her a collar. It pleased her to no end. Two months into the contract, I came to spend time with Collette. She had just moved to Usra 3 to take over to train her skills before taking over as heir. We lived here for a year before Douglas arrived. She’s one of the few older Vila that has never had a Chosen Mate. One of the few who believe that having a Chosen drags a Vila down. She loves the power of having others answer her call. No Vila can call a Chosen Mate because their unaffected. Not that it stopped her. One day, while in council meetings with Collette, my Chosen was called by Douglas. By the time I found her, the challenge had been given. If another Vila successfully calls a Chosen, the two Vila must duel for the Chosen’s hand. It’s part of who we are. A showcase of dominance. Collette had to oversee the duel in the yard. I...I was too deep into my instincts to put up a proper fight and Douglas ended up defeating me and the collar was removed. I ended up in our hospital where I spent three months recovering from my injuries. Three months after, Douglas officially broke ties with the Chosen she took from me. Her parents came to get her and remove her from Usra 3 because she came to hate Vila after that.” 

Hermione brushed the tears that had fallen when she listened to Fleur’s story. Instead of saying anything, she moved until she could pull Fleur into her arms. Nuzzling her neck and purring to try and ease the pain Fleur was feeling. 

“Because of that, I refused to take a Chosen. That’s why my family is worried.” 

Those words seemed to break Hermione. To know that Fleur had dealt with that kind of pain that she had shut down.  

“Are you scared now?” Hermione asked. 

Fleur was silent for a few minutes. 

“No.” 

“Why?”  

“Because you were called three times and it never turned your head. You even hissed at the worst offender. I know that not all humans are like her but even when I thought you were human, I was considering telling you how I felt.” 

“That’s why you wouldn’t leave me.” 

“Why didn’t you leave when I told you too?” 

“I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. The idea of you dying...” 

Fleur turned in her arms, kissing her face.  

“I know, me too.”  

They stayed there for a while, just holding each other.  

“Six months ago, I would have thought this was impossible. Then you walked into the Engineering bay and turned my world upside down.”  

Fleur laughed. “I walked into a wall when I saw you the first time. I was enthralled the moment I saw you.”  

Chuckling, Hermione nipped at her neck. 

“I wanted so bad to hate you. If I hated you, then I wouldn’t have to admit that I wanted you to pin me down and have your way with me.”  

Groaning, Fleur pressed a heated kiss the Hermione’s lips. 

“I about lost my mind when you started rambling about how hot I was. How you wanted to toss me around while I was trying to close the cut on your leg with you half-naked inches from my hands.”  

“When did I say that?” Hermione demanded. 

“When you were out of it on meds.” 

“And you didn’t say anything?” 

“I wasn’t about to let you know that you told me you found me hot and a distraction.”  

Shaking her head, she kissed Fleur again. She couldn’t get enough of kissing her.  

“What were you going to do with that information?” 

“Wait until we return to the Alliance before saying anything. I didn’t want to confuse anything while we were here.”  

“What about now?” 

“This is way better.” 

“I love your smile,” Hermione said with a sigh, eyes glowing gold with her emotions. 

“I love the way you look at me. Like I’m all you see.” 

“That’s why you’re a distraction.” 

Laughing, Fleur pushed Hermione down to the ground, hovering over her as she kissed her face and neck. 

“I’ll gladly be a distraction for you, considering I can’t look away from you either.”  

“Will they make me take this off? It’s not exactly regulation,” Hermione fretted. 

“No, it’s cultural and an act of war. They may separate us though.” 

“That won’t change how I feel.”  

Tears burned Fleur’s eyes as she gazed into Hermione’s.  

“It won’t change how I feel either but that is a worry for later. For now, I just want to enjoy this time with you.” 

Hermione nodded as Fleur leaned down to kiss her. As those soft lips claimed hers, Hermione finally felt like she was coming home.