It had been a few days since Kira's heat had stopped now. She didn't forget her promise to Kane. It was constantly on her mind. She promised to help him gain an heir, someone to spoil, someone to love. A family. He explained to her fully how she was a candidate for marriage and that with a few blood tests, it could be traced. Not to mention her father had written proof of her birth and her sister's birth. They were the same age, same litter, and shared remarkable features. They favored Vaughnhurst's old portraits in the archives as well.

She remembered her other promise as well. The advisor had asked that she help with the planning phases to help quell the people. Kane had taken her to see a doctor in the castle earlier that morning, and she was cleared of her heat officially. He gave her permission to go with his supervision to help. After all, Vany was still in heat, and Ozul was taking care of that.

Kira had been shocked when she learned that her best friend was, in fact, her sister. More so when she heard her sister was in heat, and with Ozul. Who was apparantly her mate.

Mate... she wanted to feel that bond. She desperately hoped the man who set her body on fire was her mate. Kira would be more than happy if Kane was her true mate. There really was only one way to tell. For the time being, Kira would save it for when they were alone.

She had people to help.

Kane walked with her hand in hand down the hall. Maids watched with jealousy, butler, and servants as well. Yet they also watched with curiosity. She reminded them so much of the late king. For good reason. She was a Vaughnhurst.

He felt proud and guilty to have her. Her father haunted him, but her instant forgiveness was a blessing. He thought for sure she would hate him. She'd been looking for him. The trials the man went through alone were heartbreaking. Tragic.

They entered the conference room of the palace, and Kira went straight over to the advisors. Several were iffy of her, yet the old men seemed to recognize something in her. She was familiar. The foolish fat kitsune was sulking in the corner and berated by several people.

The meeting seemed to take forever, and the Neko managed to sit perfectly still with perfect posture. She looked hard at work and lost in the planning.

Free health care and medical practices for everyone were guaranteed. Budgets were set up to allow every house to be made safe and stable, both in the poor and rich parts of the city of Kitso. The staff would be asked to live in the palace if need be to reduce costs and sicknesses of travel. Warm baths would be free and allow cleaner environments.

Kane really didn't see how she could sit in one place for hours at a time, and just plan all of this out. It was madness. It would have taken him hours just to wrap his head around ideas and budgeting. She was a natural. Even the old wise men of his council commented so. He smiled, watching her as she interacted with them.

They seemed to grow bored themselves at one point and started to ask her questions. They asked why her tail was so fluffy or why she got along with canines.. He chuckled and stood. " That is enough for today, don't you think?" He asked them all.

With hesitation and slight nods, they agreed, and he took Kira back to their room. He was officially moving her into his room. His beautiful little Kitty, sharing his room, made him smile.

Kane glanced over at her as she yawned. He wanted to know for sure she still wanted him. He needed to know. He desperately wanted her to be his fated mate. His beloved. " Kira. ." He whispered softly.

Her ears twitched, and she slowly looked over at him. Her eyes instantly lustful and loving. The amount of adoration he saw was enough to floor him. "Yes, my King?" She answered just as softly as he had dared whisper her name.

" Come here, Kitty. " He pulled her close and tilted her chin. " Let me love you?" He asked with a soft sigh.

" Anything. " She agreed, trusting him completely as she leaned into him further. Her heart felt full, and she felt safe. The feeling had never gone away after her heat. " Kane? Is this.. what it feels like to be with your.."

"Mate." He nodded slowly. Stories were all he had ever heard, but his heart hammered to the beat of her own. His eyes devoured her as hers did him. The distance between them closed fully as he pressed his lips to her own. " You are my mate. " He smiled softly, holding her close. " My beautiful Kitty. You rub those pretty thighs together just for me. Wanting me. Even now unconsciously. " He chuckled. " Come, Kitty, let's go take a bath, and maybe take a nap?"

Kira nodded as he whisked her away for a rather passionate bath, with a lot of kissing, sex and loud moans, and then to bed for a restful nap. Kane didn't bother using protection. He wanted her and a family. His biggest wishes.

~~~~~~

Another day came. Kira and Kane had slept through the night it would seem. He groaned softly, pushing himself up. After waking Kira, checking on Ozul (who was more than content ), and eating, they left for the town. They both wondered if Kira would be accepted by the other kitsune.

As it turns out, the upper side didn't want anything to do with them in the slightest. Shop owners sneered at her, people ignored her, and ushered the children inside. At least they hadn't tried to arrest her again. That was a plus. Not that they could with him around anyway.

Still....

They walked to the lower side of the city together. A shiny stone caught Kira's eye. Just a rinky dink green rock hanging by a silver chain. It was fitted into a cheaply made, metal heart. " Do you want it, Kitty?" He asked behind her in a hushed whisper.

" Oh!" She jumped a little. Kira hadn't meant to stare so much. She looked down. " It is just very pretty. I didn't mean to get caught up. " She tried to wave it off. It, to her, was far too expensive.

Kane chuckled, " It is pretty. Simple and beautiful in color. " He agreed. He took her hand and entered the shop. Kane asked for the necklace and instantly placed it around her neck. " It looks devine on you, Kitty. " He murmured with a kiss after he paid the young shop keep.

The owner of the shop cooed from across the room. " Our king is on a date? How precious!" The older woman squealed. " I would have loved to hook him myself, but a cute little Kitten like yourself is just as good. " She pinched Kiras' cheeks and patted Kane's head. He was surprised, but glad there were people who remembered him from before he was king. Remembered his origin.

" Thank you, but we aren't on a date persay. More like business. I would be lying if I said it was random that I stopped in, though, so I could spoil her. " Kane grinned.

Kira blushed and smiled at him. Her tail swayed happily, and he felt his pride swell.

The shop kept smiling. " What are you doing in the cheap side of town, Kane? You should be shopping on the high streets. " She poked a little fun at him.

" We're here to see the people and try to help fix the city. " Kane explained Kiras plans to her, and her smile grew.

" My shop is actually in need of a few repairs. Care to look?" She asked.

Kane nodded, and she had the young attendant show him the roof and store room.

" Why don't you mind me being here, Miss?" Kira asked eventually after some time. She just couldn't handle the quiet. Not to mention, so many already showed such hatred towards her.

The woman gave her a charming knowing look, " I know a Vaughnhurst when I see one child. He told me about his travels. Loved my shop. " She smiled fondly, thinking of old memories. " I was sad when he lost his marbles. But, it happens when you get separated from your mate if you find them. Big if there. But find her he did. You are a beautiful child. I can see him in you. I imagine your mother must have been quite the wind to stoke his fire. " She gave her a small smile and nodded. " You must be the same. Quite the wind. "

" Kane is your mate, isn't he? That boy did well. You truly are a beautiful little Kitten. Been through a lot, and I can see it in your soul. " The old woman chuckled.

Kira gave her a little nod. " I have, but I'm glad I went through it. "

" I bet you are. " She grinned. " We don't judge people often around this side of town. Why don't you go play with those kids? I've seen you eyeing them since you got here. And from what Vaughnhurst said everytime he would come visit has stayed with me. Cats adore playing. So much energy. " She gestured to the children.

" I'm afraid they'll run away. " She admitted.

" Nonsense. Go play. I'll come with you. The fresh air will do these old bones good. " The lady hobbled over to her and took her by her arm as they walked outside together. Kira put up little fight.

Kira approached the children. They happily included her in their games, and she gladly giggled and played along. She chased them through alleys, tackled them into mud pits, rolled around, and played dead for them once they defeated her. It felt nice to play. It felt natural. She'd been pent up for so long; this was a much needed escape.

A while later, Kane came back I to the front of the shop. " Well, I fixed...." He stopped when he noticed it was empty. Kane walked outside to a breathtaking sight. Kira was playing with the kids. She was covered with dirt from head to toe and happier than he'd seen her since he agreed to help her. " Wow.."

" Girl is something. They love her. The rest will get used to her. " The woman said softly, startling him.

" She is. She's also a.."

" Vaughnhurst. I know. I can see it in her. " She chuckled, kindly smoking a pipe. Bold for a woman, but she didn't care in the slightest. She was old, and if she wanted to smoke, she damn well would. To hell with those snooty higher folk.

" I fixed the roof. I'll come back with materials to fix the store room and more of the town. " He assured.

The woman nodded. " Thank you, boy. You still have a kind soul. I'm glad. "

" I have her to thank. I was beginning to lose hope and go cold. " He admitted. " Kira, Kitty, we should get going. It took longer than I thought to fix the roof. " he called.

The kids made disappointed sounds and came running towards Kane. The climbed his legs until he lost balance, and he fell to the ground laughing with them. He glanced up in time to see Kira low to the ground, she looked ready to pounce. His eyes widened a little. " Kira no..!"

She darted towards him and leaped into the dog pile of kids. Kane groaned and brought her in for a small heated kiss.

A chorus of ewws sounded around them, and then two of them laughed as the kids climbed off of him. " I'll be bringing her back to play with you guys another day!" He promised as he sat up with her in his arms.

They cheered and ran to their houses and dirrerent shops since the sun was beginning to set.

Kane swatted Kira's thigh and smirked. " You.. are dirty, Kitty. And you pounced on me..." His tone was threatening, went straight through her. Kira felt butterflies in her stomach.

She chewed on her lip and smiled shyly. " I had so much fun today, though. " She said, glancing up at him.

Kane hummed after saying his goodbyes to the old woman. " How about we go to a spa? Me and you. Alone. No prying eyes. Maybe..." One of his hands ran along her stomach and thigh, " Make sure I've done my job properly.. " He grinned.

Kira squirmed a little and squeezed her legs together a bit. She blushed deeply and glanced up at him through her lashes. " I would like that, Kane. I promised, and I want it..." She almost whined.

The tone sent him spiraling into a deep lust. " Fuck.. " He groaned a little. She had such an affect on him. " I'll send word once we get there to the castle. I don't feel like waiting. " Kane started to run with her in his arms. It was a long way to the spa, and he literally couldn't wait much longer.

~~~~~~

She groaned a little at his harsh pace. Kane had not waited for her to undress. Their clothes lay everywhere in the room. The door was literally off of its hinges. The spa was suddenly empty of all of its attendants and guests. They were the only two souls left on the mountain top.

Kane had left specific instructions to leave them alone for at least a few days.

He thrust harshly into her while supporting her against the wall. She gripped his shoulders and arched into him while he hit perfectly every time. She groaned his name like it was the only word she knew, and he loved it. He reveled in it. Kane had just come again and laid her gently on the tatami mats on the floor.

He continued, making sure he over stimulated her in the absolute best way. Kane kissed away the tears she had started letting go and cooed softly at her whimpers. They gave away to moans, praises, and pleads for more.

Kane gladly obliged.

Kira was exhausted, laying on the now cozy bedding of the spa. She panted as he held her against his chest. Kane was very much tired and well. He smiled a little down at her and decided they needed a bath. After all, they were even more filthy than before.

" Bath time, Kitty. " He said gently as he sat up with her slowly and lifted her up. He took her to the large bath and eased in with her so he wouldn't scare her. She sighed in relief at the hot bath and cuddled into him. Kane rested his hand over her belly, and kept her close. Eventually, he helped wash her hair and scrubbed her down. He sighed contently. He had never been this happy.

Kira was worried. She was sore. She was a mess inside, and yet happy to. Mainly she was scared she would be a bad mother. That the people wouldn't accept her.

Kane nudged her gently. " What is on your mind, Kira?" He asked softly.

" What if they don't like me. Or if I'm not a good mother?" She asked, looking up at him.

" The unknown is always crazy and scary. But I can promise they will accept you. They don't have a say in the matter. " He assured.

She glanced down, unsure. So he continued. " I don't know how it's possible, but it is. And soon, there will be little pitter patter of feet. New hybrids. Beautiful little children. " He promised.

She gave him a shy smile. Kane growled softly, the sound going straight down her back to her core. " I think it's time for round four.. " He grinned.

" You've had way more rounds than three you Oaf. " She giggled a bit.

" Details.." He chuckled. Go wait for me, Kira~ " He said. Kane honestly wondered how stubborn she was now that they had figured out they were really mates.

" Hmmm.. " She stood slowly and walked out of the large bath. She was sore, but part of her wanted more. She craved him. " Come find me, Kitsune." She said with a glance back at him as she closed the door behind her. She pulled a dresser across the hall and snickered softly. " Good luck!"

Kane had thought she was going to their room and hiding under the blankets or something. Until he heard her good luck. His ears perked up, and he grinned. " Oh really, Kitty? " He stood and made his way to the door. Once he opened it, he laughed. " You're going to be unable to walk when I'm done with this little game, Kitty. " He heard her giggle echo and then silence.

Kira had climbed stealthily as she could to the rafters in their room. Kane would probably destroy the whole spa if he couldn't find her at all. So, for the time being, this would be a decent hiding spot.

So she thought.

She also thought it was cliche and overused, but still cute.

Kane had moved the dresser back into its place and padded quietly down the hall. His hand rested behind his back, and he looked rather proud. He followed her scent right to their room, closed the door, and began searching for her. He looked everywhere and couldn't find her. The closet was empty, the blankets were cold, and the bathroom was empty. He hummed softly. Then it hit him. Kira was a climber.

Kane slowly looked up to see her biting back laughter. He beckoned her down and held his other arms up to her. Come here, Kitty. . . " He grinned.

Kira gulped softly and blushed. The look in his eyes was pure, loving, and incredibly lustful. He had a perfect view of anything he wanted. His claws beckoned her to him, and her body willed her to move down to his waiting arms, and so she did. Kira dropped down into his arms. He caught her with ease and gave her feathered kisses along her neck. She shivered in his embrace and whined softly. " Kane..."

" Hmm?" He asked softly.

" Don't tease me.." She pleaded.

" Fine.. Then we'll just lay you down... I got too cold searching for you anyway. How about you make me warm? " He asked cockily.

Kira nodded eagerly, making him chuckle, and they cuddled under the thick blankets until they both decided to get lost in each other's touches and kisses. Before they knew it, Kira and Kane were making love yet again, both tenderly and roughly.

Kane could be himself with her, and she could take it and last as he wanted her to. As long as she needed to. He could also handle her and her enormous amounts of energy.

" I'm going to exhaust you, Kitty. I'll have to carry you around for a while to.. You're going to be so sore. " He cooed softly.

" Good. I've wanted to see you being my personal butler since we met. " She snapped back sassily.

" Of course, Kitty. I'll owe it to you if you can't walk anyway. " He winked before going back to devouring her body once again.

And many more times that week.