AN: Hello everyone! I'm so sorry for breaking my promise AGAIN, but the support and love this story has been shown never ceases to amaze and inspire me, so thank you so much!

Damsel/Larja's POV was written out by Khalthar and tweaked by me.

Chapter 36

Where We Belong

(Kemp POV)

Holy fuck. Holy fucking shit.

I guess Moe-er, Spiky hadn't been kidding, all those times he mentioned how his brothers are… Douchebags. I mean, the whole Clan seemed less than pleased at our presence, but that asshole really took the cake.

Let me rewind a bit, I'm still very much blown away not only by what happened, but also by my surroundings in general.

God.

I don't know what I was expecting, each time Spiky mentioned his Clan ship. I mean, I had figured it would be big, but my human mind had failed to produce anything like what reality (ha!) brought. The Clan ship is HUGE. It's like a floating city. I'm… I'm in complete awe. This is definitely like something straight out of Star Trek, or Star Wars…

The atmosphere is similar to Spiky's ship, maybe slightly hotter, with wisps of steam glinting in the light here and there, creating a sort of weird tropical atmosphere amongst the alien tech.

Anyway, it was kind of hard to pay attention to events as they unfolded, but man, when that one guy started berating Spiky, I couldn't help but smirk. I was really looking forward to seeing the big fella give that guy a punch in the mouth. I was pretty sure the other guy's face would crumple like paper or wet clay. So… when Kanani suddenly swooshed in front of Spiky and belted out some ice and did her horrible spiel about chilling out…

Well, the overall reception was chilling to begin with. It sounded like the entire Clan was overall disappointed with us, so, this didn't really help our case.

It was all I could do to keep silent. Hell, all of us wanted to speak out, but Spiky needed us to remain calm and quiet.

We don't need to escalate this situation even further.

I was really surprised that Sabra remained as calm as she did. I could feel the energy seeping out of her, the emotions and the yearning to defend her niece.

But in the end, all we could do was watch as Kanani fought in a no-holds-barred fight to the death.

And let me tell you, that fucker that back-talked with Spiky had Kanani ON THE ROPES. She couldn't keep up with him, he was that freakishly fast. I almost felt numb, watching as Kanani bled for us, taking blow after devastating blow. Had it been me, I swear, I'd not only be dead, but fucking unrecognizable.

Sabra, on the other hand, screamed and hollered, cheering desperately for Kanani, fire on her breath and raging coals in her heart. Her actions spurred the rest of us to join in, damn our silent acceptance and uniting our voices together, pleading for Kanani to fight back. Larry and Curly roared their support and even Damsel at some point, berated Kanani, calling her disgraceful for giving in to such a small opponent.

I don't know if she heard us.

But something happened.

That guy had her by the shoulder, punching her repeatedly in the face, when suddenly, she came alive, like a dying ember suddenly bursting into brilliant flame.

What followed was easily the most gruesome beat-down I have ever seen from that kid. Kanani not only turned the tide, she fucking toyed with that guy, biting off a chunk of his hand, eating it and then ripping off his arm to smack him in the face with it. Once he lost his footing, she turned the toying back onto him, becoming cruel and sadistic.

Definitely some cat-and-mouse shit, reminding me that Kanani is part dragon, the stuff of nightmares.

When she finally stood on the burning corpse-I mean ashes- of her prey, for the first time in my life, I actually felt a trickle of fear, at the sight of her. Smoke curled from her nostrils, her eyes were lit like two embers of an inferno, glowing hotly from her dark face. Light glinted off her polished horns and scales and her claws dripped with the green blood of the asshole she ripped apart. Hell, she looked downright demonic. Sabra was chanting her name, and the rest of us followed. Hell, we got the whole stadium to start chanting her name!

And… that. THAT is how we became part of the clan. Kanani fought for her, no, for our right to belong, and she more than proved her point.

I will say one thing for sure. I NEVER want to get on Kanani's bad side.

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

Lar'ja POV

I watch in silence as those gathered here whisper among themselves.

Myself, I would have been more surprised and a little hurt if Kanani had been killed by that misbegotten blow-hard, as she defeated ME. Pride swells in me and I feel much better about my defeat at her hands. I'll have to train with her in the future, to help her with her technique, and to improve my own methods as well.

Now, as Kanani's victory begins to disperse, I actually take a moment to heave a sigh of nostalgia. My Clan has a very strong alliance with this one. I spent much time here, in my youth, but it has been many seasons since I have been here. It looks like they have expanded the ship and their numbers have grown slightly.

I look forward to my old quarters that I was granted here. It may be hard to believe, but I actually have quite a high rank in my Clan, and as such, I have a footing of privilege here, which I fully intend to use in order to help my comrades with their integration.

As I'm thinking this, I'm suddenly hit with a wall of musk that permeates my senses.

"Holy fuck, too much cologne," I hear Sabra mutter, and while I have no idea what… cologne is, I heartily agree with her. My need to mate has been satiated for now, and to be perfectly honest, while I have mated before, what happened with Kemp and Sabra was… an incredible experience. It was strange, it felt forbidden in so many senses of the term and my curiosity about the both of them has grown.

So when what has to be the largest male of my species that I have ever seen, approaches me with a loud purr, I am slightly disgusted. What he wants is obvious in his scent, and while I am flattered, I do not feel open to what he wants. His large frame, if I am being honest, reminds me too much of my captors and I shudder at the brief reminder as he introduces himself.

"Greetings Lar'ja Guan. I am Dah Nihkou'te." He stated in a rumbling purr while the strength of his musk increased enough to be almost stifling.

Before I can object, or even speak at all, Sabra is stepping in front of me and pushing me back with one hand while she uncovers her enraged face, gripping her mask in one clenched hand.

"Hands off, Pretty Boy! Damsel is under MY protection."

As Dah Nihkou'te takes a step back, huffing in obvious offense and confusion, Sabra adds with a rumbling growl," This is the ONLY warning you're gonna get; I'm not as nice as Kanani, cause I DON'T play with my food."

I quickly step forward and grab her chin and turn her face to me. With my other hand, I raise her mask back to her face, motioning for her to put it on.

She does so, and I explain as quickly as I can to her, "Females fight other females to claim a male for breeding. Males will sometimes fight each other for the privilege of trying to gain a female's attention. I don't think there are any males who would challenge a female so that they can try to gain my attention. That means… you are not likely to be challenged over your claim on me. Your claim on Kemp is another matter. You can be challenged by another female for the right to breed with him. Such a challenge is acceptable, but also unlikely because that female would have to face both of us at the same time! To my knowledge this is the first time that two females are claiming each other and both claim a male to share." I told her seriously.

I can tell from her scent that my words have done little to cool her rage, and she looked at me for several long seconds before she nods, actually staying silent as she turns to look at Dah Nihkou'te, only to find that he'd already left. There are very few males who would be willing to fight a female for the chance to breed. After what Kanani has just done to the Warrior R'ka named Yeyin, I seriously doubt that there is anyone willing to challenge Sabra's claim on me.

I'm not sure how I feel about being claimed by Sabra. On one claw, I am honored because it says to all that she finds me very worthy. On another claw, it is almost like I am property that belongs to her and I find that thought angers me. .

I am watching Sabra try to calm herself down. She is enraged by that male's approach. That is when R'ka Thwei comes up behind me and speaks so softly that I'm sure I'm the only one who can hear him.

"Rosy has told me much about the Llonng Sain'ja. She says that they are very possessive. Once they claim something as theirs, they will always protect it jealously. That is why Kanani was so quick to intercede just now. Because I am now mated to her mother, she sees me as a member of her family. Sabra will be just as protective and possessive of you for the remainder of her life."

He adds observantly, "And she may have only meant to spare you the attentions after what you went through. I sensed your distress, though it was faint, and I would bet all my trophies she felt it acutely."

I turned to look at the Arbitrator in surprise. Turning back to Sabra, I gaze at her in a new light. By Paya, I had felt greatly honored when Sabra had actively shared Kemp with me… but I'd had no idea that she'd meant it to be for life! If it had just been that one time it would have been highly unusual, but for this to be intended for a lifetime is unheard of!

I ponder these things; unsure of myself in a way I have NEVER felt before. However, I come to the conclusion that perhaps it would be best if I simply spoke to both Sabra and Kemp.

The sense of our union being forbidden on all fronts is making more and more sense. They are likely just as unsure of this as I am.

(Well, maybe not Sabra so much, as Kemp, perhaps. I need to learn more about them, because I will not lie, I find both of them very confusing.)

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Ju'dha POV)

"HOLY PAYA" I screeched, hands to my face, shock and exhilarated surprise chilling my blood at the fiery conclusion of the fight.

I was wrong! I was so wrong!

The Llonng Sain'ja is exactly what the legends described! Her scrawny appearance hid a strong, resilient and ruthless warrior that I never would have seen in her.

NOW I see why my brother, R'ka, is so adamant about these newcomers joining our ranks! Because if the others are ANYTHING like the Llonng Sain'ja that just beat our swiftest warrior, then we ought to be begging them to join our Clan! We are not weaklings, by any means. However, with recent events, it will be most advantageous for us to have such fierce warriors on our side, as part of our Clan. I know I am not the only one thinking this, as Guan whistles behind me, " That Kah'nan-ee seems like a worthy opponent! I would love to spar against her!"

"Yeah right!" I retort, "She would probably eat you!"

"Who said that isn't what I would want?" Guan grins weirdly at me as I give her a look of disgust. I swear, for such a formidable warrior as she is, something is loose in her brain.

We turn back to the arena, as the Clan Elders give the newcomers their blessing, and instruct all to welcome them into the clan.

The whole Clan is dismissed and everyone departs back to what they were doing. Well, almost everyone.

Myself, I rush out, to meet my brothers, Guan tagging a little distance behind me.

"Setg'in!" I screech.

"Ju'dha?" Setg'in turns and I suddenly realize how much he's changed. His missing mandible, blind eye and… all his scars give me pause and a sense of sadness at all he must have suffered.

"Setg'in, you're alive!" I say dumbly, unable to think of anything else.

Luckily for me, the Ooman at Setg'in's side, speaks up in a friendly tone. Unluckily, I can't understand a word she says. Which makes me wonder how she can understand me. However, my thoughts freeze as I realize something. She… is covered with Setg'in's musk. Did… Are they….

"It is good to see you, Ju'dha." Set'gin tells me, interrupting my thoughts with his jovial tone, "It is so long since I saw you. You've grown quite a bit!"

"Er, yes! I am happy to see you too, Setg'in! I have been training super hard for my chiva! If the unblooded wish to join the next Chiva, I can help them train! Er… Maybe I can also help them learn our language." I offer with a grin.

The ooman at Setg-in's side says something that sounds like an affirmative.

"She said that would be most helpful." Setg'in grins. He cocks his head as the ooman says something else in a teasing tone of voice.

"Oh! Lex, this is my sister, Ju'dha N'ritja. She is the youngest of our father's children."

The Ooman turns back to me and holds out her hand. I stare at it quizzically. What is she doing?

The Ooman drops her hand and says something sheepish. Setg'in translates for her, "It is customary for Oomans to shakes hands upon meeting a new comrade."

"Oh." I respond. Yes, language lessons are indeed in order! At this moment, Kha'bj-te walks up to me, Kah-Nah-Nee at his side. I inhale in disbelief.

"Are you fucking the dragon, brother?" I demand, as I perceive their scents to be completely intermingled in each other.

"Wha- Ju'dha! That's the first thing you have to say to me!?" My ill-fortuned brother gapes at me in disbelief as he protests at my greeting.

Kah-Nah-Nee, however, begins chortling. She speaks, snippily and informatively.

I am about to tell her I can't understand her, when my oldest brother, R'ka, stands before me.

I gaze up at him in awe for a moment before trilling happily, "Honored Brother, I am so happy that you have returned!"

"You have grown, Ju'dha." He grunts in reply.

"Brother, if I may, I wish to help our new clan members. I want to teach them our language, so that way you will not have to make a translator for ALL the Clan members!" I laugh.

He nods, chuckling, "That would indeed be most helpful. It would save me a lot of time. Is Hult'ah busy much these days?"

I wince at the thought of our father's sister and retort, "As always! However, you were always her favorite! Whatever you need, she will make more time, out of Cetanu's ass if she needs to!"

R'ka cringes slightly at my language, but I have no fear. My personal opinion, unpopular as it may be, is that the Dark Hunter surely has a sense of humor. I may be young, but I have seen the evidence. He refuses to take Kha'bj-te, whom misfortune follows and yet seems to go on living in spite of all, among other situations I have come across. Either way, while I have respect for the gods of my ancestors, I do not cower before them. I do not have pity or mercy towards those who grovel, and I don't believe the gods would either. Call it arrogance if you want, I care not.

"I would appreciate your aid as well, my sister. However, I feel Hult'ah will be best suited to help my…OUR new family to integrate in our culture. She is the truest embodiment of our Clan and without being soft, she would also be the most tolerant of some their… ignorance. In all other matters, you may aid them as you see fit. I trust your judgment and your honor." He glances down at the smallest of the Oomans, a female with soft hair and a haggard stance. She seems very tired.

"Brother, will you not introduce me? And tell me their story?" I inquire.

"Surely, sister. But first, I must get them settled. It has been a very long journey for them all. My father has instructed that for now, Lex and Kanani and Sabra stay with one of my sisters."

Larja clears her throat, overhearing this arrangement.

"If I may, I… I wish to invite Kemp and Sabra to stay with me in my quarters here. I will provide all that they need. My abode is theirs."

The other Llonng Sain'ja, whose appearance is somewhat similar to Ka-nah-nee's, (Oh! They must share blood somehow!... or maybe all Llonng look like them….) squeals happily and seizes Larja's arm, cooing sweetly. The Ooman male with the fiery hair says something in a gruff tone.

I turn to R'ka and give a short nod.

"Send me word when you have need of me! And… I would love a translator, if you get the time." I add wryly with a grin.

"Thank you, Ju'dha." R'ka takes my shoulder in his hand and gives it a loving shake.

As I leave my new family, I sense that there is much to their story. I cannot wait to teach them our language.

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Rosy POV)

When all is said and done, we have all been settled to rest. I remain with Spiky, in his own private quarters here on the Clan ship. Lex and Kanani are staying with Ju'dha and her friend, and Scar is with Psycho, who already has his own room. I have a feeling that this will change, once Scar is given his own room. Apparently, Unblooded warriors are not granted their own space until they have achieved a basic status as a Blooded hunter. I can see how that would save some space.

Sabra and Kemp went with Damsel, of course. I don't know the reason behind her sudden attachment, and frankly, that's not really any of my goddamn business. I do feel happy for Malachi's sister. She really went through hell, and her friendship with Kemp and Damsel seems to be helping her cope with her trauma. It's really obvious, from the way she acts, that she went through a bunch of shit that she probably doesn't even remember.

All that I can think about is the events that transpired more recently…

…

I feel like I shouldn't be shocked by what has happened; yet I am. When Kanani rushed out to defend Spiky, I felt like time was moving in slow motion. I was powerless. And when she was forced to fight… to the death….

My little girl has been in danger all her life. Her very existence on earth was a danger to us. But I had never felt more helpless to protect her than I did at that moment, especially when that fucker had her pinned and was pounding his fist into her face.

It is difficult to describe what I feel. Anger yes, fear, an overwhelming desire to murder that asshole that hurt my daughter… and yes, I felt disappointed in Spiky, after all his declarations that he would protect us. But now, that Kanani has fought for us and defended our right to be here (although that right was always ours, as Spiky well-knows) I realize now that there wasn't anything that my mate could have done that he didn't already try to do.

He warned us about his half-brothers, he told us to let him do the talking. And Kanani was out of line, though her heart was in the right place.

Now, I just feel… a strange mixture of relief and anxiety about our future here. There is so much we have to learn. This place is brutal, cruel, and only the strong are welcomed here.

Will we really fit in here? I have no doubt that Kanani and Sabra will do just fine, and Lex as well. I am not worried about Kemp either. He's adjusted and adapted remarkably well. Then again, he is a soldier and a damn good one at that.

I guess what I'm trying to say is… I don't feel that I belong. I'm literally out of my depth here. Fuck, I was a damn helicopter pilot before all this! Not a hunter, not a warrior, although I did what I could to prepare my baby girl, learning a fighting technique and then passing it down to her, preparing for scenarios where we might be in danger.

This is a whole new world, a culture built on danger. And I'm scared. I'm fucking terrified, if I'm being honest. Hell, I've been scared this whole time.

But I'll do my damnedest; because this is what my life has led to. From that moment I met Malachi and chose him as my husband, this is where I was meant to end up.

And honestly? I never wanted a normal life. So maybe this is exactly where I'm supposed to be, whether I fit in or not.

At this moment in time, I'm snuggled underneath a bunch of furs in a giant and cozy nest-like bed, ready to sleep. R'ka comes out of the bathroom, cleaned and refreshed, wearing very little. He eyes me, in a way that seems cautious. I eyeball him back, appreciating every curve of muscle that wraps around his frame, his majestic outline filling my eyes. I'm so wrapped up in my blatant admiration that his words take me off guard.

"Rosy… I am so sorry."

"… What?" I blink owlishly.

"We have only just begun our journey here, and I have failed you already." He grumbles, obviously blaming himself for what happened.

I put a hand out to him, frowning as I gather a reply that I hope makes sense to him. I understand why he is apologizing, and frankly, earlier, I would have desired such an apology. But now, after everything, I realize that this is unnecessary.

"I already thought of that, and you're wrong. What happened was just as out of your hands as it was out of mine. So don't apologize…. Although I appreciate your humility. We've butted heads so many times in the short period that we've known each other, your willingness to apologize to me feels weird." I grin slightly. He looks encouraged by my attitude, stepping forward, he lifts the furs, creeping under to gather me in his strong arms, brushing his claws gently through my hair. I sigh with pleasure. His body heat feels amazing. My period has reached its end, but that doesn't mean I'm not up for some fun.

It seems Spiky has the same exact feelings. In fact, it's extremely obvious, if you know what I mean. *winks*

Sorry not sorry for mental images. :P

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Psycho/Kha'bj-te POV)

It is the evening cycle, but I cannot sleep.

I toss and turn, willing my tired body to rest, but there is none. I have nearly lost Kanani so many times, ever since I met her, to be exact. This time, she nearly died at the hands of my own Clan member, a half brother of mine.

(Pauk-de piece of c'jit. I wish I could have had the satisfaction of killing him myself, but Kanani did such a good job, that I don't think I could have done better)

I growl angrily, furious that Yeyin dared to harm my mate. And yet, what could we do? She had ignorantly initiated the challenge on her own.

By Paya, how is she going to survive here? How are any of them going to survive?

"Kha'bj-te, PLEASE stop your fidgeting and go to sleep!" Setg'in grumbles from the other side of the room. I am sharing my room with him, until he is given his own. Apparently, my restlessness is not as subtle as I thought.

"I can't sleep. Kanani almost died. What if they can't learn our customs? What if they are swallowed alive by our very culture, our way of living and thinking?"

Setg'in sits up, and rubs his face where his now missing tusks would have been.

"When I was in my Chiva, hunting the Kainde Amedha, I viewed the oomans there as nothing more then cattle to be slaughtered. But Lex… Lex was different. She was ooman, but there was defiance and a fire in her that was not in the others. And Kha'bj-te, let me tell you, she was the smallest, most defenseless out of all of them. There were warriors amongst the group of oomans that were swallowed alive by the pyramid. Yet she alone survived and she helped me to survive as well. Her sister is obviously the same, and Kanani is not a mere ooman. She is part Llonng Sain'ja. Just think of all the dangers we have been through, and escaped unscathed. We have gone through fire, water, desert and ice lands. We have faced creatures that NO ONE in our Clan has faced before. Believe me when I tell you that I have faith in our new family."

I do think on this; our journey through hell and back. An overwhelming desire besets me and I suddenly realize this is the first night that Kanani and I are sleeping so far apart. Is it because I cannot sense her presence that I cannot sleep? By Paya, what has she done to me?

"C'jit, I've gone soft." I snarl to myself, and Setg'in chuffs in laughter.

"All will be well, brother."

I stand to my feet anyway. I can't sleep, so therefore, I will go and train. Perhaps activity will ease my mind.

Setg'in settles back into his bed and I pause. I am so glad to have him back. I forgot how much I missed my brother.

As I make my way to the nearest Kehrite, I try to empty my mind. Suddenly, I'm shoved from behind, and I snarl, as I turn, to find-

-No one.

"Cetanu take it, you little c'jit!" I snarl, as I turn to face the perpetrator, who laughs heartily, "Kha'bj-te, you crazy maniac! Finally decided to come back from that miserable planet, I see!"

Behind me stands Kainde Th'syra, my oldest friend and an absolute pest.

"I am glad to see you." He tells me seriously," I want to hear about what happened to you!"

"I was on my way to train. Let's go spar together, and I'll tell you of my adventures." I grin, feeling happy to see my old friend.

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Lex POV)

I don't like this. Well, no, maybe I should clarify.

I didn't like the way we were, um welcomed. We all got a lot of dirty looks from the Clan that we are trying to join, and I couldn't help but remember the way Scar treated me when we first met. Like I was nothing but a prey animal.

Then, Kanani went and tried to defend Spiky, which is sort of a needless task as that motherfucker is an interstellar judge-jury-and-executioner badass, you know?

So she nearly got herself killed, which was extremely difficult for all of us to stand by and watch. I held onto Rosy's hand the whole time, hoping and praying that my niece would be strong enough to beat the clown that dared to descend from the arena seats to challenge our right to be there.

And now… I am separated from Scar. He doesn't have his own room yet, so Psycho is sharing. Kanani and I are sharing Judah's room, a young but already giant huntress who is apparently Spiky's sister.

I'm not sure what I think of her yet, but she seems nice enough. She hasn't said a whole lot- wait.

She's standing awkwardly, looking at us.

"What's the matter, Judah?" I ask, butchering her name.

Kanani stops complaining and looks up. She's still recovering, her ribs heavily bandaged and her wings are still somewhat tattered. But she's healing, and actually refused to go see a healer, wanting to heal naturally so that her scars would develop.

Weird niece.

"Is there something on my face?" she asks dryly, jokingly, since she's wearing her mask.

Judah can't understand us, but she knows that we can understand her so long as we are wearing our translators. Also, even though we ARE butchering her name, I guess she really will be Judah. A pretty good name for a female Yautja, I think.

"I wanted to thank you. For rescuing my brothers. Especially Setg'in. I didn't think I would see Setg'in again."

"It was no biggie. We, uh, wouldn't have made it without them, you know?" Kanani laughs.

She trills and I feel sorry for her being unable to understand us. She finishes preparing us places to sleep. I should describe her room. It's extremely neat, almost Spartan, except for the walls, which are lined with numerous skulls, spines and leathers and furs. A macabre work of art in my opinion.

"Humph, I can't believe my aunt's a freakin' nymphomaniac." Kanani grumbles aloud, and I snort.

"I'm assuming you mean Sabra, and don't be rude, Kanani! That's not any of your business."

"I'm not trying to be rude! But you gotta admit that that was really sudden, her partnering up with Larja AND Kemp! I'm even more surprised that Larja returned their affection. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that they all make each other, um, happy. It's just surprising is all I'm saying."

I consider the events that transpired, as well as the very brief history we have had with our newest family. I do consider Kemp to be part of my family now. I mean, why wouldn't I? The kid has stuck by us ever since we met him. He chose us over his crappy teammates from the military.

So hell yes, he's family. The same goes for Sabra, although it's clear she's got a few screws loose from her time in the lab.

"Think about it, Kanani. Larja was in captivity and Sabra was a science project for the majority of her life. At the very least, they were destined to be friends. As for Kemp, he was involved in both their rescues. Hell, he found and rescued Sabra by himself."

"Yeah… true…" Kanani mutters. She yawns.

"Where's Larja staying anyway?"

"From what I understood, Larja has her own room on this Clan-ship. Her Clan is close with this one, I guess. Some sort of alliance. I'm sure we'll learn more about it as time goes on."

Kanani nods quietly. She stands and stretches, "I can't sit still. I'm gonna go for a walk."

"I don't think that's a good idea." I warn, but Kanani's already going out the door, "Don't worry, I won't get lost."

"That's not what I meant." I groan, as Judah sits up and follows after Kanani, turning and asking, "Will you stay here, please? I am going to make sure she doesn't get into trouble… again."

I nod, chuckling as Judah leaves. Lying down, I frown.

"Oh yeah. I miss Scar." I frown, thinking about my future here. It's strange. I've always loved new environments, but I literally feel like I've gone where no human has gone before. Of course, that can't be completely true. I doubt Scar and I have the first cross-species romance.

No duh, there, Genius. Rosy was definitely ahead of you at least with her romance with Malachi.

…

Well, I meant Yautja specifically. Sebastian had said that they'd been hunting on our planet a very, very long time. So why not? It can't be that out of reach to believe that other Yautja and Humans have bonded.

Before I know it, I'm drifting to sleep, my head full of strange, cryptic dreams full of stars and fire.

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Ju'dha POV)

It's very troubling that I cannot understand Kanani. I've asked her multiple times to return, but she keeps saying something with a dismissive wave of her hand, limping down the hall stubbornly. I shake my head and decide that this cannot continue.

She's injured, surely she shouldn't be hard to intimidate?

I zip in front of her, physically blocking her head. She looks up, her mask glinting, she asks something.

"Look, you already know I can't understand you. But you cannot simply wander wherever you wish! You're still new, and until you get a basic grasp of our language, it's not a good idea for you to go alone. Yeyinde was not the only one who did not wish for you to join, and I will not have you causing needless trouble!"

She growls something in an upset tone, but then, her back straightens as I hear the distinctive sounds of her sniffing the air. She suddenly bolts around me, calling out.

I snort angrily; she's starting to infuriate me! What do I look like, her mother?

I run after her, but she seems to know exactly where she's going, giving her the upper hand. I know the Clan ship, but I have no idea where she's trying to go.

We arrive at one of the many Kehrites and Kanani's voice sings out in happiness-Oh. I see.

It's Kha'bj-te.

He pauses in his training, surprised to see us. Unfortunately, this gives his opponent the upper hand, who instantly sweeps his legs out from under him.

I snort in derision. It's Kainde, Kha'bj-te's oldest friend/rival, and an intolerable flirt. He looks up at us and purrs with a lewd glance at both Kanani and me.

Kha'bj-te takes this moment to slam his foot into his friend's groin and from his back on the floor, he launches both his feet into Kainde's chest as the darker brown warrior doubles over, knocking him down while using the momentum from his double kick to flip off the ground into a crouch, standing, he turns to me and Kanani, smirking at his victory when Kainde doesn't stand up right away.

"It is good to see you, my sister. Kanani, what is the matter?" he asks.

She shrugs as she responds and he winces as he realizes he can't quite understand her, as he doesn't have his mask. He taps his face despondently and she chortles wickedly as she says some more things in a flirty and merciless tone.

"I understand some of what she says, after being around her and her family for these many past cycles, but not everything." He rumbles to me as she continues talking, knowing we can't really understand what she says. Kainde finally staggers to his feet in pain, wheezing, "Kha'bj-te, that was not nice! How could you fight so dirty, and I'm your oldest friend too!"

"I couldn't have you ogling my mate." Kha'bj-te says simply and wryly.

"Your WHAT." Kainde and I both deadpan. This is the first anyone has said anything about mates… although I DID have my suspicions about Ka'nah'ni's mother and my brother, R'ka, as she and he are sleeping in HIS quarters.

Kanani takes my brother's arm possessively and says something snidely.

"She and I grew very close during our time together, she risked her life to save me multiple times, and I did the same for her. It seemed only natural." Kha'bj-te explained, adding, "And besides that, once you get past her strange features, she is quite allur-"

"Stop right there, I don't want to hear another word." I say sternly, although it all catches up to me and I start chuckling, "SO you ARE fucking the dragon!"

"Very crude, little sister, but yes." Kha'bj-te replied irritably. Kainde looked at Kanani with a new curiosity.

"Is she… is she able to bear you pups?" He asked in genuine, if distasteful curiosity.

Kha'bj-te AND Kanani both sputtered and to be honest, it was pauk-de hilarious and I expressed this as I bent over double, howling with laughter.

"I don't see what's so funny, I'm serious!" Kainde objects as both Kha'bj-te and Kanani compose themselves while I continue to howl, my shoulders shaking and my abdomen heaving in pain.

"Well, truthfully, we don't know. Kanani herself is a hybrid of Llonng Sain'ja and Ooman. But it is not known as to whether our species can copulate with either Ooman or Llonng Sain'ja." Kha'bj-te observed, also admitting, "And to be honest, I hadn't thought about it."

"Obviously." I reply dryly after composing myself. "Well, Kanani and I should really head back."

I think she responds negatively to this as she howls something and clings to Kha'bj-te, who fondly pats her head and speaks to her, "I promise, Kanani, we'll have our own place soon. For now, we must adhere to what the Elders requested."

Kanani pouts and reluctantly lets go of him. I yawn vociferously as I bid farewell to both warriors and turn to leave.

However, Kanani pulls off her mask and the weirdest thing I have EVER witnessed occurs. She runs over to my brother with her face bare and thrusts it at his face. He carefully spreads his mandibles and she presses her fleshy mouth-

I can't. I turn away and nearly vomit.

"Pleasant sleep, Kanani." Kha'bj-te says in a tender voice and I gag at the sweetness in his voice. Disgusting.

"Can we please leave before I regurgitate my dinner all over the floor." I beg, and my brother laughs at me, "Don't be jealous!"

"I am not jealous, I simply have no wish to see you and your mate all over each other." I reply with a snort. The Llonng Sain'ja follows quietly, finally seeming to be at peace. It is not against her that I felt disgust. I will admit, my mating cycle has been hitting me much earlier for my age, and I haven't had any satisfaction. Which is why I was so drawn to my father's guard, handsome and delicious looking specimens that they are. So yes, the jealousy is real, but it is nothing that I can't handle. I know my time will come soon, not that I really have anyone in particular in mind.

"I bet Hult'ah will know whether or not you can bear pups with my brother." I murmur thoughtfully to myself, adding, "She is our best healer and very knowledgeable about many things."

Kanani makes a weird chortling noise, and I can sense she's a little embarrassed. But, it's nothing to be ashamed of. My self, I would prefer to have pups a little later in life, after I have undertaken many long, arduous hunts.

As we arrive back at my quarters, Ka'nah'nee's aunt is sleeping deeply, as is my friend, Guan Thwei, whom I share a room with. Kanani takes my shoulder and gives it a friendly shake, and I grin as I do the same to her.

"Sleep well, my new sister."

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~

(Sabra POV)

Goddamn. This is all super weird, and that's coming from me. I couldn't help stepping up and freaking threatening that guy that tried to hit on Damsel. The thing is, I felt her stiffen with discomfort and I instantly realized why. That dude was a dead ringer for the assholes Kemp and I killed. I wanted to protect her, the same way Kanani wanted to protect Spiky. I'm realizing that things aren't black and white here. Or, maybe they are and I'm just wearing those weird 3D glasses from the goddamn 80s. You know the ones I'm talking about.

Ah, feelin' my age. How lovely.

Admit it, Sabra, you made a fucking mistake. You overstepped your goddamn bounds. Did you honestly think that Damsel would want to stick around you?

I grit my teeth and mutter, "Shut up." to that goddamn voice in my head. Weird, it… I mean, when I was in the lab, it was the only thing that kept me sane, if that makes sense. And then, Kemp came and fucking broke me out of my prison. And I swear, I didn't hear a fucking peep from that voice.

So why now? All of a sudden, when everything is going so well, why is it back? And why the fuck is it making me second-guess myself? That isn't like me…

You wouldn't know who you are; you never had time to figure it out. You have this fucking mental image of yourself that you're some goddamn goddess and super confident, but that's just a fucking mask.

I know what you are. I KNOW WHAT YOU DI-

I clear my throat, interrupting the voice and speaking, "Man this place is huge! And I thought Spiky's ship was big! Think they're overcompensating?"

Kemp snorts in laughter and Larja takes my question seriously.

"As of this moment, our Home World is under the control of a race of Yautja that is far more aggressive, and physically far larger then we. There are many Clans that have had to flee, relying on our technology in order to create a home for our race."

She seems quite bitter about this. I clear my throat and ask, "Aren't there… other planets that you could live on?"

She turns back, with a bitter tone, she responds, "We've tried. They always find us."

A chill goes down my spine and suddenly, I feel myself suddenly forced OUT of my head, which is a goddamn frightening thing as I imagined Larja's whole family, hell, her whole… fucking SPECIES being forced to be nomadic in order to… fucking… avoid extinction.

That is just fucking terrifying and as I fucking return to the hell that is my headspace, I realize that I'm in a room, with Kemp and Larja.

She turns to face us, gesturing, she says in a gentle tone, "Please make yourselves at home."

Kemp crosses his arms, and takes what is supposed to be a strong stance, (I guess) as he finally gripes, "Ok, obviously, we need to talk. If the two of you think that whatever the fuck happened back there went unnoticed by me, you're fucking wrong."

He draws himself up and Larja remains quiet as he continues, "I'm going to put all my cards on the table, cause I don't do any fucking tip-toe shit, and I don't think the two of you do either, which brings me to my first point."

He looks from me and back to Larja before speaking, "I care about the both of you. Deeply. But I'm gonna be the first to admit that I don't really KNOW either of you. Sabra, you and I… there is a connection between us, not unfounded given our circumstances, but I don't know your favorite color, your music preference, although I can guess that one," he laughs a little, reaching to elbow me slightly, "you pop music junkie."

He turns to Damsel and adds quietly, "Same with you. Hell, you're even MORE of a mystery to me then Sabra. But…" he turns slightly red and I grin lecherously. He looks over at me sharply and interjects, "Look, I don't regret a goddamn thing. My point is… I don't want this to end. I want to know both of you better and better."

Damsel sits down, making her a little more eye-level with us as she grunts, "I feel the same way, K'emp, Sabra. I too, want to explore whatever this is between us."

She looks me straight in the face, and a chill goes through me as she admits, "However, I will say that I didn't expect this to be long term. I never even thought of it. I was so desperate, and… the both of you were so…" she struggles to find words.

Oh god. Did… Will my nature be the downfall of this relationship. I want to protect them both. They have no idea how much… how much I need them.

They never needed you, bitch. How dare you enforce your possessive nature on the-

"Damsel, I'm so sorry. Look, I'm sure you've heard of the monogamy of Dragons, but listen, I… I never meant to enforce that on you. I understand that your culture is not like that. And if you choose, you are free to… to find other mates."

I feel myself shaking, tears gathering at the corners of my eyes. Christ, why am I like this?

"But I want you to know… both of you, I need you to know that I will DIE for you. I…"

Kemp's arms suddenly envelop me, wrapping my chilled frame with warmth and reassuring affection. He squeezes me tightly, fiercely, and he kisses my shoulder.

"I would die for you too, obviously, you idiot." He mutters, "I've nearly died for you multiple times, and I would do it again and again."

Damsel crouches next to us, hesitating, she places a giant but gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Sabra, I can't pretend that I feel certain of anything right now. I have never thought of mating for life. But, I will not allow anyone to hurt you or Kemp. Both of you rescued me when I was truly in danger of death and damage. And that is something that I will never forget. And not only that, but you were both there when my body was raging against me. Let us speak some more, and then, we shall rest."

My shaking subsides as Damsel's hands gently comb through my hair, Kemp's hands soothingly rubbing my back as he continues to hold me.

I reach out to both of them, blissful silence reigning in my head as I smile in relief.

I don't care what anyone says. Even if they both leave me, I don't care. Right now, they are the only things that make me feel this complete.

"Both of you… thank you." I whisper.

Damsel looks around, frowning slightly, she admits, "Well, I hope the two of you don't mind sharing a bed, because there's only one."

"Oh hell yeah!" I grin lasciviously, feeling more like my old self.

I hear a taunting whisper in my heard, What YOU think is your "old self"

But I ignore it. Fuck you, little voice. I'm happy right now and you can't change that.

Welp, so much for updating on a schedule. But here we are! I wanna thank everyone for their encouragement and support! Also! Some news!

I'm writing Spiky's backstory as a separate story. I'm hoping to have it done by April at the latest, upon which it will be posted.

Second! Khalthar went back and edited the WHOLE story. So, I'll be updating the previous chapters with grammar corrections and what not.

Thanks!

A BIG shout out to Khalthar! You rock dude! Thanks for all your hard work and for truly going above and beyond!

SHOUT OUT!

mizikikage: Ah yes, good old fashioned chaos. It's the lifeblood of the best stories! As to what our heroes will do, well, we will see! Thanks for leaving your input!

Royal Lioness: It's always great to read your reviews! I have to admit, I did laugh diabolically quite a few times whilst writing that scene with the arm! As to your question about Spiky, I am not sure about the chapter, the next two or three will be about the integration. BUT! Spiky will be getting his own story soon, I'm in the process of writing it. It will be the origin story of Sir Spiky-Pants the Grouch! And, I'm hoping to have it done in a couple of months. As always, thank you for your kind support!

Ronniefanficfan 18: Thanks ever so much! I have to admit, I really, really enjoyed writing that fight scene. It took a lot out of me, but I loved every second. Thanks so much for your support!

Yunaff28: Thanks so much for your exuberance! I'll be trying my hardest to stay on top of things!

Sindaedra: Thanks for your review! As to your question... well, we will see. (chuckles)

acetwolf94: Thank you, I'm doing my best! Thanks for your enthusiasm, it is super encouraging!

Guest: Hey thanks for your feedback! Sorry i kept ya waiting, but here is more at last.

ArtzdaMonkey: Aw, thanks so much for that! I'll be honest, there were times i was really... insecure about my characters. I was worried that Kanani would just be another Mary Sue. So your words mean more then you know! Thank you! * takes offered chocolate covered bananas * Thanks, I needed the snack!

TO EVERYONE WHO HAS FAVORITED, FOLLOWED and