Chapter Four

The air was warm, but pleasantly so as a soft breeze blew across Eramore Island. Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily in the blue skies as Kyle tended to his garden. He added some powdered fertilizer to a can of water, and began to water plants on shelves around his greenhouse. Kyle smiled as he noted small tomatoes starting on the cherry tomato plant. He hummed to himself as he watered his plants. He noticed Josey looking in the glass of the door, and Kyle couldn't help blowing a raspberry at her. Josey knew he was insulting her, and turned her furry bottom to the door, wagged her tail, and hopped off in a huff. Kyle finished his watering, put the can away, and exited his greenhouse, making sure the door was locked and Josey was not inside. More than once the little imp had snuck in and decimated his vegetables. He then looked over the other plants, making sure the wire covering them was secure. Once that was done, he turned on the water hoses to water underneath the dirt. He then turned his mind to Sophie.

The feeling that greeted Kyle's mind was pure joy and affection, and he broke into a wide grin as he headed for the back of the house. He poked his head around the corner, and felt his heart warm at the sweet sight.

Ellie sat at a small, white table. Dolls and a teddy bear sat on small chairs, cups and saucers in front of them. At the other end sat Sophie, who held a white teacup in her fingers. Ellie was all smiles as she poured some chocolate milk into her own cup, and then filled Sophie's. Sophie was smiling and purring happily, her mind awash in pure bliss.

"Hey, you two," he greeted. Ellie smiled as she looked up.

"Hi, Daddy!" said Ellie happily. Sophie trilled as Kyle approached. Sophie reached out her hand to Kyle, who gently took it and caressed the back of her fingers with his thumb.

"You two having fun?" he asked. Ellie giggled.

"Yeah! Thank you so much! I always wanted to have a tea party!" Kyle and Sophie smiled, Sophie purring.

Ellie had no toys of her own, and had always wanted dolls and a teddy bear of her own. When they discovered this, Kyle and Sophie set to work immediately, making Ellie her own, special, one-of-a-kind dolls. Sophie made the dolls faces from resin, and their clothes from her silk, and Kyle painted them. When they gave them to Ellie, she was in tears, and hugged them both as tight as she could. Ellie especially loved "MacDuff", her teddy bear that Sophie made just for her beloved little girl. Sophie just adored Ellie, and the feeling was more than mutual. That didn't mean she didn't like Kyle, obviously, but she had a special bond with Sophie.

Kyle grinned as Sophie purred and sipped the chocolate milk from the cup. Her tail gently touched Kyle's hand. He responded by gently stroking her tail with his fingers. "So," began Kyle as Ellie drank the last of the chocolate milk. "You ready to meet your Auntie and Uncle?" Kyle asked. Ellie smiled and nodded. Kyle grinned. "All right let's clean and put things away, and we'll go." With that, Sophie stood up, and they helped Ellie put things away.

XXX

Kyle and Sophie walked in either side of Ellie, both holding her hands. Ellie marveled at the huge trees and the forest as she walked with Kyle and Sophie. Seth and Selene's home wasn't that far, and the walk through the forest path was nice. Beams of sunlight shone down through the canopy of the forest, creating shafts of golden light. The woods were a little dim, but not dark. The songs of birds could be heard. A feeling of calm and safety pervaded the forest. Sophie purred as she glanced down at Ellie, gently squeezing her hand. The little girl looked up at her and smiled. Kyle felt Sophie's pure, unrestrained joy, and smiled wider.

Before long, they came to an opening in the trees, and a large meadow. In the middle of the meadow was a large spire of Coralyte. A large circular door was set into it, open in two halves. Flowers were blooming everywhere, their scent heavy in the air. A man in a white, button-down shirt and jeans was watering some plants, the wind blowing his short brown hair. He looked up at Kyle, Sophie and Ellie approached, and smiled gently. He put the hose down and walked up to greet them. Kyle smiled as he looked down at Ellie. "Ellie, this is Seth," said Kyle as Seth knelt down and smiled, offering his hand.

"Hi, Ellie. Nice to meet you. Welcome to our home." Ellie was a tiny bit unsure, but hesitantly let of of Kyle's hand to shake Seth's. Sophie gently touched Ellie with her tail, reassuring her that her mother was right there.

"Hi," she replied softly. Seth smiled gently, his deep blue eyes sparkling just a tiny bit. Ellie looked past Seth, and her eyes grew big as she saw a large, dark form stretched out in the grass, sunning itself. Seth smiled, glancing at Kyle and Sophie, then back at Ellie.

"And this is Selene. She's very excited to meet you," said Kyle. Ellie looked up at Kyle, then to Sophie. Both gently squeezed her hands as they walked over to meet Selene.

Selene lay stretched out like a large cat, her chin resting on her crossed hands in the grass. Her deep purr could be felt before it was heard, a deep, resonant thrum. They stopped a few feet away from Selene at her request, Selene sensing a tiny bit of wariness from the little girl in her scent. Sophie picked Ellie up in her arms, purring as she walked the rest of the way, and knelt down in front of Selene. Kyle sat in the grass as Sophie reached out and gently touched Selene, who purred deeper. Kyle and Sophie could both feel Selene's warm, tender and loving thoughts and feelings.

Hello, dear little one, Selene greeted mentally as Ellie tentatively reached out and touched her muzzle. Selene used the tip of a single finger to touch the tiny, pink hand in reply.

"Hi, Selene," said Ellie, her voice soft. Selene purred deeper, her lips curling into a very soft smile as feelings of such warmth and sweet, tender love and affection flowed across the Bond. Kyle, Sophie and Seth all felt Selene's maternal feelings, felt every thought of protection, care and love she felt for the little girl before her.

XXX

A little while later, Kyle and Sophie sat in chairs with Seth inside their home as they talked.

"So, how's things coming with setting up for Bonding?" Kyle asked as he sipped some peach tea. Seth smiled as he sighed every so gently.

"We're well on our way. Sam is helping to set things up in Zeraven, and the Citizens' Council has been a lot of help, and very understanding. As much as they can be, giving how things are." Kyle nodded and Sophie gave a positive.

What about the interviews and all of that? Sophie asked. Seth took a drink from his juice.

"We have an office lined up. The Constabulary also are helping out, so we can run background checks through their system and all that. They've actually been even more helpful than the Council has." Kyle smiled at this, sure Hamish and Evra had more than a small hand in that.

"That's good. And we've pretty much got things ready here for when her laying cycle starts, which is the more pressing thing," said Kyle. Seth nodded.

"We got the security doors installed and keyed, sensors are up and running, and we have the carts and stasis modules charged and ready to go." Sophie purred, happy that they had everything ready for when Selene began to lay. It was always better to be ready in advance than waiting until the last minute. They all glanced at the other side of the room, and smiled.

Ellie was laying against Selene's chest, her small arms wrapped safely around the little girl, who had her head against Selene and was listening to her great heart beating, and her deep purr. Kyle and Sophie had been a little worried that Ellie might be scared of Selene, given her immense size. Thankfully, Ellie took to Selene right away, and the reverse was also true, as Selene adored her. The feelings from Selene were pure, gentle maternal tenderness and love, and it made them all smile. Kyle looked at Seth.

"So, when do you think she'll start laying?" Kyle asked. Seth thought and crossed his arms.

I believe in a month or so, said Selene, relaying her feelings to Seth. He smiled at his wife and nodded. Kyle made a note of that on his PDA very quick.

"Okay, that's good. We will only have to worry about Bonding once the Cradles are laid, so that is a bit off, yet." Seth gave a positive. Ellie's laughter drew their attention. They watched as Selene stroked the little girl's hair and kissed her forehead.

"She tickles!" Ellie giggled. Sophie smiled and purred as she stood and came over, sitting with her daughter and Selene.

"She likes you, Ellie. She likes you a lot," said Kyle as he came over. Selene cooed and gently nodded her head. Ellie smiled.

"I like her, too. She's pretty, and nice." Selene cooed happily, kissing Ellie's hand as she petted her. Kyle was beaming, and Sophie was over the moon.

"She loves you, Ellie. Just like we do," said Kyle. Seth smiled softly as he walked up and nodded.

"That's right. We're all part of the same family. We take care of each other. We look out for one another. You ever need anything, we're here. All the time." Selene nodded her agreement.

Yes, dear little one. We all are here for you, now and forever. That is what our Hive is: A family, said Selene. Sophie hugged her little girl, Selene wrapping her large arms around her as well, her tail gently pulling Kyle and Seth towards her. Come now, you two, she chided playfully as she pulled them into her embrace as well. Kyle laughed and Seth kept his soft smile.

Selene was a true Mother, in all the senses of the word. She was always and forever there for her Hive. She always supported them, be it physically, mentally or spiritually. Because she loved them. Every one. She loved Kyle like a dear brother, and Sophie her beloved sister. She loved Ellie as her niece whom she looked forward to spoiling endlessly. And she most certainly loved Seth, her husband, mate and beloved Bonded One and partner. She even loved the other humans who helped them.

MacReady was a dear friend, as was lovely Sam, to whom she owed a great debt for her safe birth and the wonderful care of Seth and herself, as well as her tireless work to help her kind integrate into society, never mind her work to assure her children could be safely born and Bonded. Sweet Sergei, ever so curious and willing to listen and learn, his aid in translating the history of her Ossian ancestors gave them a culture and heritage of their very own. Noble A-Mos, such a sweet and loving man, inside of a wounded shell. He had provided constant security and safety to her and Seth, and their home. She loved all of them. Even those silly Victor and Hugo. Their antics were a never ending source of amusement to her. They were as much a part of her Hive as the rest. Selene cooed happily as she rocked them all in her arms.

XXX

The sun was beginning to set, painting the world gold, orange and pink as Kyle, Sophie and Ellie returned home. Ellie was all smiles. Kyle carried a silk blanket that Selene had made just for the little girl, a special present. Seth had helped sew a lovely heart with Ellie's name inside on the blanket, making it even more special. Sophie held the sleepy little girl tenderly in her arms, purring as they walked into the house. Josey scampered up, and Kyle held a finger to his lips and shushed her, making Josey stop, look at Sophie and wiggle her nose. Kyle followed as Sophie took Ellie into their bedroom, and carefully tucked the little girl into their bed.

Ellie was still scared to sleep alone, but they didn't mind. Kyle carefully laid the blanket over Ellie as Sophie kissed her little girl on the head. Ellie snuggled closer in her sleep, and Sophie cooed. Josey hopped up onto the bed and cuddled close to Ellie as Sophie slid into the bed. Kyle took his shirt and jeans off before climbing into bed and closing their curtains.

The next day, Kyle and Sophie were able to spend some time painting and sculpting for a change, as they had been too busy to do so for a while. It felt good. The rustle of brush on canvas, and the soft, wet sounds of clay filled the room as they worked. Kyle was working on a painting of the woods, while Sophie was scultping a statue of a Norba whale. It felt so good to be creating again. They both shared in their happiness and pleasure.

Sophie became aware of Ellie, peeking into the open door at them, a scent of slight apprehension to the little girl's scent. Kyle had been about to look, when Sophie stopped him, her mind awash in warmth. Kyle smiled and kept working as Sophie began to thrum, still working, finishin the rough fins of the Norba, then wiping her hands with a towel and turning to where Ellie now stood, looking at them. Sophie purred as she knelt and opened her arms to her daughter. Ellie scampered to her, Sophie purring as she scooped her up, stroking her hair and holding her. Kyle finally turned to them with a smile.

"Hey, scamp. I'm glad you came. This is the studio!" said Kyle as he motioned to all their artworks. Ellie looked around as Kyle grinned. "Now, we can get your area set up." Ellie swung her head around and looked at Kyle as Sophie trilled. Kyle set his brushes aside, and fished out a wooden case and a folded object. Kyle pulled out and unfolded what he revealed to be a smaller easel and drawing desk, sized just for a child. He put the case on it and opened it. Inside, were pencils, crayons, watercolors, oils. Ellie's eyes were huge. Kyle was grinning as he put up a canvas, and brought up a big pad of paper. Sophie put Ellie down, purring tenderly. Ellie looked at Kyle, who winked at her. "Have at it." Ellie seated herself at the easel, picked up a crayon, and began to draw. Kyle looked at Sophie, who smiled as big as he did.

While Ellie drew, Kyle and Sophie went back to their works, but paid attention to her as they worked. Kyle noticed Ellie was looking up at the photo he had pinned at the corner of his easel for reference of the Eramore woods. Kyle smiled, remaining quiet and letting Ellie draw what she wanted to at her own pace. He watched as she changed colors of crayons, drawing and scribbling. Sophie was almost shaking with excitement, sensing Ellie's happiness through her scent.

Oh, Kyle this is so wonderful! She's so happy! Kyle smiled wide at Sophie's warm thoughts and feelings.

I'm glad. I have to thank Granny Rose and Gur. They always seem to have the right things at their shop. Sophie agreed as she sculpted, hardly able to focus in her excitement.

Ellie finished the picture of the woods, then flipped to a new piece of paper, and began to draw again. This time, Kyle noticed it was different. Ellie was mixing pencils in with the crayons, and seemed to be using a muted pallette. As he now and then glanced, he saw Ellie was looking at his paintings. Now it was Kyle's turn to feel elated. Sophie was aglow with happiness as Ellie drew a few drawings inspired by Kyle's Biomechanical works. Kyle felt Sophie caress his mind tenderly, his doubts about his ability to be a father disappearing. He felt Selene vaguely looking in, sharing in their happiness and joy.

"Oh, hi, Josey!" Kyle looked up as Josey scampered into the studio. Ellie giggled as the bunny sniffed her fingers. "Are you gonna be my model?" Ellie asked.

Kyle could never be sure, as he always knew Josey was smart, but the rabbit-hybrid seemed to understand, and hopped over and laid down on the floor in front of Ellie, who quickly took up her crayons and pencils and began to draw Kyle's arch nemesis. Sophie gave an amused trill, delighted Ellie was so happy, and that Josey seemed to share in this. Kyle chuckled, shook his head as he cleaned his brushes.

Hours seemed to pass in the span of a few minutes, but soon Kyle finished his painting, cleaning his brushes for the last time. Sophie set her sculpting tools aside and they turned to Ellie, who had finished several drawings.

"So, did you have fun?" Kyle asked. Ellie grinned and nodded as she brought up her drawings and showed him. Kyle was surprised how good they were. Ellie had a pretty good sense of scale and depth for her age. "Wow!" Kyle knelt as Sophie connected to his mind, trilling with happiness as she looked at her daughter's precious drawings. "You did great! I wish I had been as good as you are when I was your age!" Kyle really meant that. When he was Ellie's age, his level of skill and observation was nowhere near hers. She really had a talent. Ellie giggled and looked embarrassed. She looked at Kyle's painting of the woods. Kyle looked with her, frowning slightly, hand to his chin. "Hmm, I think I might have to redo this one," said Kyle seriously. Ellie looked up at him, as Sophie did.

"Why?" Ellie asked. Kyle tilted his head.

"I think I got the color too bright," he replied. Ellie looked back at the painting of the Eramore woods.

"I think it looks fine," said Ellie. Kyle and Sophie were both surprised.

"Oh? What makes you say that?" Kyle asked. Ellie looked at him, then back to the painting.

"'Cause if it's too dark, you can't see the details." Kyle blinked, a grin coming to his face. Sophie trilled happily.

"You know what? You're right! Thanks, Ellie." Ellie smiled as she held her own drawings. Sophie purred as she touched Ellie's shoulder, the little girl smiling up at her mom. Kyle was all smiles as well. "We're so glad, Ellie. Our studio is as much yours as ours. You're always welcome in her. You ever want to come in and draw or paint or sculpt, go right ahead." Ellie smiled and nodded. Sophie trilled as she carefully touched Ellie's drawings. Kyle smiled at them. "Now, we need to have these framed," said Kyle, surprising Ellie. Kyle gave her a large, brown portfolio with her name on it. "Put them inside here until we frame them. That will protect them." Ellie was excited as she opened it and slid her drawings in.

"Thank you so much!" Kyle felt his heart fly, and Sophie trilled as she scooped up Ellie and hugged her with Kyle.

"You're welcome, Ellie. Now, let's go get some lunch." At the mention of food, Josey snapped up from where she had been laying on the floor. The rabbit quickly scampered after them as they left the studio.

XXX

After a nice lunch, Kyle, Sophie and Ellie sat on their bed, watching fun and funny things on TV. Ellie sat in Sophie's lap, giggling at the funny cartoons, Sophie trilling in pure bliss. Josey sat next to them. Kyle was right beside them, sharing in Sophie's pure, unrestrained love and affection. He smiled as Sophie kissed Ellie on her cheek, the little girl giggling as Sophie rocked her back and forth, deeply thrumming. Sophie's tail was wound around Kyle's leg, caressing him physically as her mind did, sharing her wonderful, happy feelings and thoughts.

In the one month that Ellie had been with them, she had brought such joy and happiness to their lives. As Kyle watched the funny cartoon antics, he carefully touched Ellie's hand. The little girl held two of his fingers. Sophie was so delighted, gently sliding her arm around Kyle's waist and pulling him close. Kyle smiled and leaned his head against Sophie's as they spent time with their wonderful little girl. The most precious things in life really were the smallest.