Katja Pt. 13

Erik nodded, "Understandable, but I have a feeling there's going to an influx of Pagan oriented people to the town as well. We're a fairly private type people, unlike the mainstream religions, but that would be the norm there with the Lyonness. Also, you have my theory on the mixed species people like me, Tony, Helen, and who knows how many others. They'll also be drawn to it and the new site once that gets settled."

Erik took a drink, "Hmm, maybe I should talk to Celia also. Maybe she should think about opening another store there and running it herself. There's bound to be more weddings and such, plus, she's going to be taking over Lucy's training once she gets older until Lucy can carry on herself."

Tony agreed, "That might not be a bad idea. A lot of humans are drawn to the Lyonness, and probably because of what you said about the mixed species like us." Then he laughed, "Plus, human men think the Lyonness girls are gorgeous. It's amazing the amount of times I've been asked to introduce them to one of them."

Erik grinned, "Yeah, so have I. By both male and females."

Now it was Azlan's and Geoff's turn to laugh. Azlan said, "So have I from our people."

Then Jack said, "Well, let me talk it over with Maria and Lucy." He snorted, "Like you said, I think I can give you Lucy's answer without asking."

Axel and Neko laughed. The Axel added, "You've got that correct Jack. I surprised those two haven't worn out the computers yet, as much as they're on them talking to each other."

After a couple hours of drinking, eating, talking and opening presents, most everyone decided it was time to head home. Erik watched as Lucy and Jonny hugged each other. Then Lucy surprised Jonny by kissing Jonny's cheek saying she talk to him later. Erik tried not to laugh at the look on Jonny's face after Lucy kissed him.

As they walked the out to the van, Erik put a hand on Jonny's shoulder. He looked up at him and Erik said, "You get used to it brother."

Jonny blushed, he was a little confused and excited at the same time. So, he nodded to Erik and got in the van with Axel and Neko with a look of wonder on his face.

He walked to the back of the house and saw Allie kissing the girl's goodbye, then had to wait a bit as Gesa made her rounds also. He was surprised when she came up to Katja and kissed her and told her bye then he watched as she touched little Geoff's hand and kissed his forehead. Erik watched as his son smiled and purred, then Gesa giggled. He watched as Katja and Allie grinned at one another then she walked out the van as well.

Then he walked uncle Geoff, Victoria, Azlan and Helen out to the front. They all said goodbye and he watched them drive away. He walked back and all that was now left was Jack and his family and Celia. Celia was talking to a slightly dejected Lucy, he supposed it was because Jonny had left. Jack, Maria, and the rest were still talking, but making preps to head out themselves.

He came over and kissed Katja. She smiled at him and kissed him back. "A long day my mate." She said to him. Erik smiled, "Yes, but this is what happens when you have as many friends and family as we do."

He heard a giggle and purr, then smiled as Ariel played with Brigitte. Tony watched and smiled at his mate.

Celia walked Lucy back over and Jack said, "Well, I guess we better head out also. Erik, I'll let you know what we decide in a week or so."

Erik nodded, then shook his hand. He told Katja he'd be right back, he was going to walk them out front.

Katja smiled and nodded. "If I'm not here, I might be inside feeding the children." She grinned, "Your son has reminded me he was hungry."

Erik laughed then started to walk out front. He saw Lucy was still a bit sad, so he came up behind her and picked her up to hold her. "Don't be sad sister, you'll see him again."

Then his heart broke a little as he saw her eyes shiny with unshed tears. "I know, but it gets harder every time I see him go." She blushed, "That's why I kissed him."

Erik kissed her forehead, "Don't worry love, I think that might change in a while. Just wait and see if it doesn't."

She looked up at him, "Are you trying to fix it?"

Erik smiled and gave her a wink. Lucy smiled and hugged him. If Erik was trying to fix things, she knew he would.

He let her down and took her hand, then walked her out to the car. He waved as they pulled out, then walked back to the yard.

It looked like Celia was getting ready to leave herself, so he thought he'd say something to her about his idea.

He came up and smiled, "Could I have a word before you leave Celia?"

She smiled, "Of course dear. Is there something the matter?"

Erik shook his head no and led her over to the bench and sat down with her.

"We were talking before about the new town and how things are progressing and what might happen in the near future. I was thinking, you might want to consider opening up another shop there and relocate yourself."

He smiled, "I'm sure there's going to be a lot of business and also I thought we might see a lot of people like us move there. Jack is debating moving there himself and opening his own law office. I had pointed out that's were most of Lucy's "Flock" for lack of a better term would be. Plus, I know you're going to teach her once she gets older."

Celia smiled and caressed her friend and students face. "Fixing things again Erik?"

Erik blushed, "Well, a little I guess, but you have to admit to the logic of it."

Celia laughed, "Yes, you were always logical, when you tried to convince someone of something. However, this time you may also be right. I will have to think on it, it does take some time and money to establish a place and stock it once you know what you'll need."

Erik nodded, "Well, if you needed a silent partner, I'd be willing to help out with the finance part."

Celia stroked his face. "Let me think on it dear one. Then I'll let you know."

They stood and Celia hugged him. "Well, I really do need to go before it gets too late."

Erik nodded, "I have to go help Katja with the children myself." He grinned, "Granted, I can't feed them, but my daughter isn't really happy unless I'm the one that burps her."

Celia grinned, "Yes, I could see she is very much a daddy's girl. Well, that's as it should be."

They walked over, and she said goodbye to Ariel and Tony, reminding him to talk to Erik. Tony smiled and nodded. Then she kissed little Brigitte as Ariel held her, making her giggle and purr.

She came over and kissed Katja and Geoff, then Erik walked her out front. He waved as she pulled away and went to the back once more. The girls took the kids inside while he and Tony cleaned up. Once he was done, he went into the bedroom and took over for Ariel. She smiled and went to join Tony, while Erik sat on the bed to watch his mate nurse the children.

Katja smiled, "Okay my love, what did you say to Jack?"

Erik smiled, "Basically, just what we were talking about, starting up his own office. But it ended up going a little farther than that. Uncle Geoff like the idea of having someone around he knew and trusted. He basically offered to put Jack on a, retainer they call it, so he would take care of the town's legal things also. Jack wanted to talk to Maria, and see if the son of a friend of his would be interested in going into business with him."

Erik shrugged, "He said he'd let me know, and I also pointed out that was were Lucy would be needed once she gets older."

"Jack saw the sense in all that, so I think he will." Erik added.

Katja grinned, "Well, that would make Lucy happy, she was a little upset when Jonny left today.

Erik smiled, "I know, I saw it and talked to both of them." Then he sighed, "I have a feeling it will get worse as the get older."

Katja nodded, "I think your right. Once they get old enough to really understand it, they'll want to be together."

The children were done, so Erik smiled and got up to get his daughter to burp her like normal. Brigitte was happy because he hadn't held her much today with all the new people, so when he put her against his shoulder, she purred loudly. Erik grinned, "Yes kitten, I missed you to."

Then he said to Katja, "Ah, something I meant to ask you love, I saw that Gesa spent a lot of time playing and talking to Geoff, but I didn't hear him like normal. Is that something?"

Katja smiled, "As they get older, I guess they're able to direct what there saying, instead of... shouting it."

Erik nodded, "Oh, that makes sense." He smiled, "Gesa spent a lot of time with him, normally you'd need a pry bar to get her out of Helen's lap."

Katja grinned, "Well, they like each other. Gesa loves his tail, so that makes our son happy. You know how proud he is of it. And he likes the way see looks and smells."

Erik nodded, "Okay, that's makes sense, it kind of surprised me when she kissed him though."

Katja grinned and added nonchalantly, "Well that's what you do when you meet your future mate."

Erik nodded, "Well yes of course, but... Wait, what do you mean?? Future mate??"

Katja giggled, 'Yes, future mate, Allie and myself were informed of it after they met." She grinned and tapped her head.

Erik looked at her in disbelief. "I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Katja smiled, "Then I guess you don't want to hear who is destined for your daughter?"

Erik looked at her a little wild-eyed, "Who???"

Katja grinned, "Why Ariel and Tony's son, when they have one of course."

Erik looked at her, then at his daughter. Who picked that time to let out a burp a little louder than normal. She giggled and purred and snuggled up closer to him. He held his beautiful daughter to him a little tighter, then looked skyward, "Can't you leave anything to chance?" He asked pleadingly.

He felt warm, then both of them heard a laughing lilting voice say, "No my son, they are to important to leave to chance. Do not worry my son, all will be well."

Erik sighed, "Yes my Lady, if you say so." Both of the children giggled and purred.