The Succubus and her two Mates

42| The Cat Lands

Brand was quiet as they continued their journey onto his homelands. They were in their own cabin in the cross land vehicle. The King and Advisor were staying another day with the Alpha King. They were trying a new tack with the warlocks, considering it didn't seem that Kainon was going to give them any information. King Paol was also trying to convince Amer to transfer the demon to his own more secure prison.

"I'm looking forward to meeting your cat," she said softly to Brand, desperate to break the cold silence from him.

He glanced at her, "We'll keep it at a distance this time round. Brock will stay with you during the run."

They were all quiet. Ronnie assumed his reasoning was the same as what Brock told her about meeting his dragon before being marked. It didn’t lessen the lump in her throat.

"Do you normally shift for the festival?" Ronnie asked Brock.

He shook his head, smiling. "Though it would be a sight seeing a dragon run with the cats."

They both laughed at that, Brand quiet still, looking out of the carriage window. He'd been withdrawn since the night before. It was unusual for him not to air out his feelings- she could feel frustration, guilt and sadness from him.

She didn't press, she knew he was upset that even though she had admitted to being their mate she still didn't want to be marked. She didn't want to have the next conversation they had to have- didn't want to face the inevitable rejection.

~*~

Brand stood with his forehead and bridge of his nose against his sisters. They closed their eyes in their greeting.

"Mira," he said as he pulled away, "It's so good to see you."

"Likewise, brother." She grinned up at him. She had similar coloring and had the same brilliant green eyes. She was also lithe and athletic - her long black hair was shaved on either side - Ronnie thought she looked badass.

She had a bulging stomach and a little girl clinging to her leg. "Sharmi, come say hello. You remember your uncle, Brand."

The little girl loosened her grip as Brand knelt in front of her. He lent his forehead down and she lifted her face so they could connect the same as he had greeted her mother.

He pulled her for a big hug after the motion, swinging her up into his arms as he stood back up.

He kissed her on the cheek as he asked her how she was doing. The little girl, who wouldn't have been more than three, gave detailed responses, eliciting a laugh from him. She had grown so much since he'd last seen her.

Ronnie stood back with Brock. She couldn't help the swooning she felt watching Brand interact with his niece.

Brand turned, "Mira, I want to introduce Veronika." Ronnie stepped forward, not sure what she would need to do. Brand hadn't explained anything as he had been so wrapped up in his own thoughts on the way here.

Mira smiled and gave Ronnie a hug. "Welcome. Brock," she turned to him and hugged him too. "It's been too long."

Brock hugged her back. "Yes it has. Did Brand tell you the news?"

She nodded. "I'm very happy you two have worked it out. Took you long enough."

Brock nodded in agreement. Ronnie stood with them but felt outside of it all. Brand had not introduced who she was to Mira. Did Mira already know? Did he not want to say it now that he doubted Ronnie would ever give herself to them? She fought hard to remain composed. She shouldn't have told them she felt anything.