Disclaimer: I don't own Mass Effect.

One: Dead Man

"WHERE IS HE?"

Wrex was not the type to get alarmed. In fact, he was well known for his cool head, his ability to think clearly even when in the full thrall of krogan bloodlust. He had no qualms taking down mercenaries, barely batted an eyelash at an asari commando squad armed to the teeth, and openly scoffed at thresher maws. But being confronted with a furious female was different. His knees turned to jelly and all thought processes reverted to pure instinct. That is: protect your man parts and keep your head down.

So when Shepard came storming through Clan Urdnot's shuttle bay door, teeth bared and eyes wild, he did what any self-respecting male would do. He played dumb.

"What?" He sputtered blankly. He was not sweating under his armor. And he did not duck his head guiltily. Shepard was just shorter than him is all.

Her gaze snapped to his from where it had been scanning the room, the predatory gleam in her eye making him feel something not unlike fea- appreciation.

"That brat." She spat, spittle practically flying from her mouth. Her red hair whipped around her head as her biotics flared, hand twitching towards her fire arms.

Wrex swallowed. Damn. Whatever this was, it was bad. Quick, do some damage control.

"Shepard, what the Hell are you talking about?"

There. That should cover it.

"Tell me Wrex," She drew out his name like a knife drawn slowly from a wound, moving closer with steady, precise, steps. Her eyes had darkened to a near black, shining with a cold gleam. "How vital is Grunt to your… ah… reproduction plans?"

Wrex blinked.

This was about Grunt? His body uncoiled subconsciously, alarm dying down to sardonic interest. What had the pup done to make Shepard this angry? He recalled how jumpy the tank-bred had been, how eager he was to get back to battle. Wrex had just assumed it was his young blood itching for a fight. But now… Wrex resisted the urge to grin.

"Sent him out for supplies hours ago. His team's expected back any minute."

He thought that would pacify her, but no. The atmosphere around her darkened even more, if that were at all possible, and she hissed at him. Hissed like a rachni queen out for blood.

"I'ma find that little shit."

Shepard was moving towards the Makos' now, oblivious to the silent krogan warriors parting before her in a wave. She was mesmerizing, prowling though their massive forms like a beast of nightmare. And damn, if that wasn't sexy. So long as it wasn't directed at him. Wrex nodded to himself. Grunt, my boy, you are a dead man.

Then she froze, staring at the figure standing atop the ramp leading to the radioactive wasteland known as Tuchanka.

It was Grunt. He was covered in dust, dripping with fresh blood and looked, utterly, utterly, terrified.

Her eyes narrowed. "You."

Grunt gulped and took a step back.

Wrex choked on a guffaw.

Then all hell broke loose.

AN: What do you think?

Review Please!

~Delgodess