First, I apologize for not updating sooner, but with a nice relaxing vacation that was followed by a sinus infection, and my multi-tasking career and volunteer demands, let's just say it gets complicated. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and since the next chapter has been written for 7 months, it won't take me very long to get it up. I realize writing a story is hard as hell at times, but writing your very first story is...damn.

Please PM the hell out of Khalthar and thank him and his never tiring mind for the fight scene in Chapter 9. Oh, and before anyone gets their drawz in a sweaty bunch, he asked me not to give him credit until this chapter.

Disclaimer: I wish, but I don't

Warnings: Rated M

Constructive Criticism is always welcome.

Bish- slang for bitch, used playfully amongst friends…(hmmm)

Thei-de Dteinou: Death Messenger

Guan H'dlak: Night Fear

Chapter 10: The Calm

After Axel's wounds and critter problem had been treated; he exited Medical to find Flossie sleeping in a chair with the young Tomys curled up at her side, and his small arm thrown around her waist. Even in his slumber, the young pup cared for his "mate". To this Axel rumbled with small acknowledgement.

He had already heard the story from the other Healers about how his ooman mate had saved the young Tomys with a primitive, unconventional ooman method. It was something he only caught glimpses of during his fight, but still, it was a method that was not capable by any yautja, and had it not been for Flossie's selfless act, the young pup would have probably died. The death of a pup could be a devastating one, and for Thwei to lose her only pup; the clan would surely lose a strong female shortly thereafter.

Axel hated to wake Flossie. He enjoyed the times she slept peacefully, and that seemed to be happening more and more now. This issue with her chip had been place behind them at the moment. The way she looked at him when she spared that coward K'Yunde's life told him that she was amazed at his skills, but also there was a realization that nothing was for certain. She feared for him, but never spoke of it.

If he told her that her worry over him being hurt, or even dying was an insult; it would offend her. She didn't understand the codes of honor in which his kind lived by. Cycle in and cycle out, it was honor that kept him, and it would be honor that would end him.

Thwei-Luar'ke and the Healer Bin'tar came out of a room down the hall, and made their way over to where Axel stood.

"Thank you again Honored Axel for all you have done for Tomys and I during this cycle."Axel nodded in acknowledgement as the female retrieved her pup. Flossie woke up when she felt the pulling on her waist as Tomys tried to free himself of his mother, but she wasn't having it. It was late now, and way past the pup's rest time.

"Please tell the oo- Flossie, that I hope to see her soon." Thwei clicked, before leaving with her squirming pup.

Flossie blindly reached for Axel to pick her up. She was still half sleep, and assumed for some reason they were at home. "I cannot carry you due to my wounds." Axel lied as he purred to her softly. To that Flossie opened her eyes, realizing where she was. She stood slowly and looked around, noticing that Axel's side was covered in a blue substance.

"Are you okay, Axel?" She asked concern. "Yes. I am a Warrior, Little One."

To this she nodded and walked over to him. As she went to touch his wounds, he stepped away from her. "You cannot, they are not healed." He said, partially lying again to her.

It wasn't long before they made it to their quarters. The events over the last cycle went through his mind, and he chastised himself for getting so intoxicated at the Lair that he couldn't remember if he had "came" before he "went" or vice versa. It was a disgrace to be associated with such primitive, uneducated, honor-less females. In the early cycle he would take time to review his actions, and regardless of what he found, he would offer his apologies to the females. After all, he alone was responsible for his actions, and he would never knowingly disrespect ANY female.

He went into his weapons room for some quiet time, and to distance himself from Flossie for the sleep cycle. Axel had been informed by the Healer that he couldn't share his bed or fur covers with his mate for the equivalent of the sleep cycle while the medication was on him. After the sleep cycle, he was to shower and all of the pests and eggs would be dead, and washed away. He was in the habit of sleeping in the room with her, but he couldn't take a chance that even one of the nasty biting bugs would come into contact with Flossie. "With her thin skin and pregnancy, an infestation with these particular bugs could be detrimental to her health," The Senior Healer had warned.

Flossie, went into the bathroom and showered. "Damn, what a long ass day." She spoke to herself. She put on a simple t-shirt and pair of panties, before climbing up into the huge bed. She rifled through her purse for awhile, counting money she couldn't spend. Looking at her cell phone, and her iPod wishing they had some way to be powered. she looked at her phone. Of course she knew calling home would be a stretch even for her BlackBerry, but she missed the sound of music, and just hearing the natural sound of another human's voice. After looking through her pictures; she put her purse away and rubbed her feet and calves. Every part of her body either: ached, felt funny, itched, or annoyed her in some way that was not normal. Now, she was having mild cramps in her twat from time to time, and wondered if it had a mind of it's own; or if the cramps had something to do with her pregnancy.

A bigger concern wrapped itself around her. She didn't know when her baby was due, or how the aliens' time compared to her own. It was all too depressing, and Flossie didn't have a clue about motherhood.

She was waiting for Axel to enter the room, so she could finally go to sleep. It was a strange habit, but a comforting one where he slept next to the fireplace, and purred until she fell asleep. Sometimes, he would hold her as well; it was something he did for added comfort since the night she woke up and he wasn't there. Flossie had been upset with him earlier, but that was placed on hold for now. Too much had happened, and the way he had defended her during dinner….well, she couldn't stay upset with him. She realized that this was it, he was the only being in her life to care for her now, and she couldn't lose him.

"Ok, this is taking too long. I am sleepy, and my vajay-jay is doing a damn beatbox."

Flossie walked out of the room and knocked lightly at Axel's door. "Are you….coming to bed…dear?" She teased trying to sound like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. She listened to the hiss of the door as it slid open. Axel stood in the doorway in only a loincloth. She smiled up at him, "Are your feeling better?" She asked.

Axel only nodded. "You should go to bed…..I have some work to do, so I will not be able to satiate your need to be held," He told her. Flossie's mouth opened, her feelings clearly mowed down by his words, and the way in which he spoke them to her. It was cold, and held no concern. She didn't get a chance to respond at all because the door slid closed again. She stood there for a moment, and then slowly turned to walk down the hallway back to the bedroom. She didn't know what was wrong with him, but it was clear he didn't want to be around her. Tonight, she was sleeping alone.

The next morning Axel was up early washing the medication from his body, and with it the irritating pests that he had come to loathe. He had spent the sleep cycle upset with himself for how he treated his mate. He had looked in on her from time to time, and found that she had fallen asleep and rested well. That made him curious about what to expect during this new cycle.

Maybe if he prepared her breakfast, she would forget about his intentional neglect. It would be a good time to take her to see the trading post and the botanical and food gardens aboard the ship. The Healers had mentioned that she needed nutrients to sustain her pregnancy as well as exercise. Yes, he would spend the cycle with her getting her familiar with other places on the ship.

Before he could make it to the common area, the door alarm beeped. "Who in pauk's sake could this be so early," Axel growled. He didn't want Flossie to be disturbed, so he silenced the annoying alarm from the communications center. Upon opening the door Axel couldn't believe what he was seeing, "Pauk me," He whispered, regretting his decision to answer the door. "Never, you fool!" The Head Seamstress, Zalade, barked as she pushed past him holding a basket. She was followed by two aseigan who were also carrying baskets.

Zalade walked into the common area and placed the items on the table, as she instructed her help to do the same thing. " I assume your ooman is still resting?" She clicked.

Axel nodded, "Yes, she will be for awhile."

Zalade walked over to Axel and looked down at him, "Why haven't you brought the female to visit me? Did I not ask you to do so?" She barked.

"The ooman has been adjusting slowly. What is all of this, and who is it from?" He questioned, changing the subject. The seamstress walked around the table, setting up things to her particular taste; staging it to be presentable to the young ooman female.

"They are gifts from the Female Elders. They have heard about her act of heroism shown toward the young pup, and they wanted to bestow a token of honor upon her. Also, you will receive a transmission later so that you can make arrangements for her to meet the Elders, alone."

"Why would they want to meet with her? The High Priestess has decided to table our dealings with the ooman for a later time." He confirmed.

Zalade nodded, "Yes, but this request is only from the female Elders aboard the clan ship. "I suppose they just want to meet the ooman who saved a pup's life." She offered. Axel breathed out slowly, he didn't want this, not today. He wanted one uncomplicated cycle with his female on his terms. "Perhaps. However, it will have to be another time, because I have to prepare the female for my return to duties."

This Zalade could understand. "It doesn't matter to me, however I will need to fit her for her new Honored robe and coverings when she is to be presented to Female Elders."

"She will not be disturbed now, so I will bring her by your shop at her earliest convenience." Axel clicked in irritation.

The seamstress nodded, and exited the quarters with the servants.

Axel looked at the baskets, and then went into the food preparation area. He took out cured sweet meat, or 'ham', as Flossie called it. He cut it into thin slices, and placed them on a simple silver platter. Next, he sliced up naxa fruit, and prepared a fruit stew. He thought about the list of items that Healer Xintorf had downloaded to his computer. He sent it to the plant biologists, and told them he would bring the female visit soon.

Flossie woke up, and looked around to see if Axel was by the fireplace. "Nope." She said in disappointment. She got up and walked out of the bedroom. Her hunger hit her like a ton of bricks. She could smell food, and she headed for it. She saw Axel in the kitchen making breakfast. 'How sweet,' She thought. She stood in the doorway and watched him work. He acknowledge her presence with a nod of his head and she could see the apology written all over his ugly face.

She was about to speak when something in the common area caught her eye. She walked inside, noticing three large baskets filled with different items. Making her way over, she slowly went through each basket. There were folded stacks of cloth for making clothing. She noticed the colors were red and gold, and the feel of the fabric was exquisite. Next, gold and silver rings for adorning clothing or hair, she assumed. In another basket, Flossie found a two small daggers, and belted sheath; beautiful fur covers, a gold serving platter, and two matching gold chalices. Finally making it to the last basket, she found two huge, down filled pillows. They were so big and soft, that she couldn't help but run her hands across them. Soft as silk to the touch but firm; almost like a mini mattress for her body, and she couldn't wait to try them out.

Then a shitty thought interrupted her bliss, 'What if this stuff belonged to someone else?'

"Axel!" Flossie called picking up one of the pillows. Axel walked into the living room from the kitchen. "Yes, Little One."

"Whose stuff is this?" Flossie stated holding up the pillow, and motioning to the baskets with her head. "Is it another gift for your puppies' mamas?" She then asked.

Axel clicked in irritation. He didn't like the usage of some of her ooman words, and although he didn't understand everything she said; he did realize that she was mocking his relationship with his seasonal mates and his promise to keep them satiated. He refused to get caught up in her antics. Today he wanted peace. "Those are for you Little One. They are gifts from the Female Elders aboard the ship."

Flossie was slightly surprised. "That was kind of them, but I don't understand why they would give me anything."

"They received word about you saving Tomys. I am sure it was Thwei-Luar'ke who informed them of your honor." Axel paused to study the item in her hands. "Why do you need more of something so petty that does nothing but take up space?"

Flossie rolled her eyes, "I didn't ask for these, besides they are not petty." Flossie countered. "Just because you don't see the need to have something comfortable under that giant head of yours doesn't mean that I don't." Flossie smiled as an idea came to her. She held the pillow in front of her with both hands as she made her way to Axel. "Besides they have other purposes as well."

Axel grunted, highly doubting it. "Such as?"

In response to his question, Flossie swung the pillow in her hands hitting him across the face with it. Upon seeing the shock on Axel's face she had to contain her laughter. His mandibles slanted as he looked like a large deer caught in headlights. His face clearly saying "What the fuck?"

"Why did..." Again Flossie swung the pillow. Effectively cutting him off with another slap to the face. This time she couldn't hold back the laughter, and giggled at this massive male's all too serious gaze. Axel walked around her and picked up the other pillow, then turned with it in his hands; his face now held a devious yautja smirk. Flossie's eyes widen, as "Oh, shit," Pushed past her lips.

Her feet began to move out of instinct and Flossie laughed as she ran. She headed for the master bedroom, and quickly climbed into the bed. She turned just in time to see Axel come into the room. Flossie stood in the bed and took a batter's stance; her pillow pulled back like she was ready to bash a softball over the fence.

"Bring it bish!" She tried to give a battle cry, but ended up sounding more like "Jane" falling butt hole first onto a banana tree.

To this Axel trilled in amusement, before swinging at her with such force that the breeze caught her curly mane, causing it to blow across her face. Axel intentionally avoided hitting her. Flossie retaliated by swinging hard; connecting with his huge head. She laughed so hard at the look on his ugly face that she didn't realize he had taken her pillow.

His smirk alerted her to the cold hard fact that she was now weaponless. "Sons of gravy fries!" Flossie yelled before sliding off the bed, and heading for the restroom. She immediately regretted her decision, and chastised herself out loud, "After all of the scary movies I've watched, and all the times I've criticized the 'directionally challenged, howler monkey screaming, begging and a pleading, tripping and a falling, buxom-mostly-blonde- teens' for going into the bathroom to get away from the killer; I end up in here my-damn-self; defenseless, and nowhere to go? SOMEBODY check my roots!"

Axel walked in slowly, stalking her openly. He rumbled in amusement as the female seem to be insulting her choice of retreat. He purred, getting her attention, as he swung the pillows around in a windmill motion. Flossie's eyes grew big! Surely he wasn't going to hit her with that much force? He would knock her brains out!

"Whoa, Axel! OK, I apologize for hitting you with the pillow. I was just trying to have a little fun." She told him as she backed away. He took an intimidating step forward; his gait was deliberately slow, and menacing. His purr had turned into a growl and grew louder. Subtle, questioning fear gripped her. "I said I was-" WHOOSH! Axel swung both pillows in horizontal crisscross with such force it shifted the air in the room.

Flossie leaned away from the on coming blows, but lost her balance and fell into the bathing pool. Her body created a nice splash upon entry. The huge pool was over twelve feet deep at it's deepest part, and that is where she fell in.

Axel, seeing her fall into the water, dropped the pillows and guffawed in laughter. He had never planned to hit her, but she never noticed when he pulled back his swings at the last possible second. It was too late, and now she was very wet.

Flossie splashed around for a moment yelling obscenities at Axel every time her head rose above water. However, that all changed moments later as Flossie's face froze in terror, and her body slowly turned and floated face down.

At first, Axel kept laughing; holding his side as his locks shook lightly. Flossie didn't move. She didn't make a sound. Concern crept forward as he took a closer look. Without his mask he couldn't see her body internally, and he didn't have time to waste in retrieving it. He immediately entered the water as 'what ifs' stole his thoughts, and ran wildly through his mind. Something was wrong.

He made it to her in two long strides, turning her over gently and giving her a long look. The hues of her body's heat seemed to blend together into a brighter red due to the of warm water of the pool. Flossie's eyes were closed, and the only sound to be heard was the gentle slapping of the water around their bodies.

"Little One." He spoke, shaking her none too gently before pulling her into his arms. He listened for a heartbeat. She had one, but it was decreasing. "Little One!" He called to her forcefully. He didn't know what to do. He tried to think of what happened exactly to cause this, but continued to draw a blank.

Axel pulled Flossie out of the bathing area still cradling her. She was going to die, and -

"BOO!" Flossie yelled, looking in Axel's worried eyes. She laughed so hard at his expression that she didn't realize that he jumped a bit at her reveal. As he continued to listen to the now annoying laughter of his female, he realized just how much he actually enjoyed it. He pulled her closer, purring softly. "You were such a 'badass' in the dining hall. I didn't know you could be so...barbaric," Flossie spoke. Axel's chest swelled with pride, and his member grew hard at the fragrance of his female. "No one will dishonor you, Little One." Flossie grabbed a few of his locks, and rolled them tenderly between her soft fingers. Here, she did something she had only thought about; she kissed his massive forehead, and thanked him.

Axel stood with her still in his arms, and walked her back into the bedroom before putting her down. "Are you still displeased with me?" Axel asked. "Let's just agree to disagree, and don't make decisions for me without talking to me first, ok?" She told him. He nodded in understanding.

Suddenly a wave of nausea hit her, causing Flossie to run back into the bathing room. Axel stood in the doorway watching as she emptied her stomach's contents in heaving contractions; gagging, and coughing as she did so. When she had finished, she grabbed a washcloth and wiped her mouth before she sank to the floor completely and cried. Her volume amplified as she pulled herself into the fetal position. Axel walked over to her, not really knowing what was happening, but knew enough to not ask right away. He went past her to the shower and started the water, and then back to Flossie, picking her up once again. She was whimpering; her tears falling freely onto his chest.

Axel purred softly to her, as he stood her up. He removed his loincloth before removing Flossie's wet T-shirt and panties. To his surprise, Flossie made no move to resist him, and he detected no fear, just her sadness. He continued to purr in comfort as he picked her up and walked with her into the shower. Once there, he shifted her body to straddle him, and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his torso; her whimpers had settled into the catchy, quick, extra breaths that often took place after crying.

Axel put Flossie's body under the water, letting it flow from her head down. She closed her eyes and leaned back into the warm spray; wrapping her arms around Axel's neck to keep her balance. He watched her closely, taking in the hued shades of her heated body. She slowly slid down his body, and in doing so their private parts touched, causing a shiver of pleasure to rip through both of their bodies.

Flossie moaned her pleasure, and licked her lips. Axel was always wary when she did this, yet he had to admit that it was physically pleasing to him as his k'daw became more rigid from watching her. He slowly turned her around allowing her back to press against his stomach as he took cleanser and begin to wash her hair. He shampooed it slowly letting the tips of his sharp talons barely touch her scalp as he sensed the easiness ebbing through her. He continued his ministrations as he lathered a cloth with more cleanser and washed and massaged her neck, and then her back.

Turning her to face him now, Axel rinsed the soap out of Flossie's hair, and hesitated at what was in front of him. Her mammary glands were extremely healthy, yet she complained about them being uncomfortable. He trilled out loud when he thought of the funny word she called them, 'titties', as she complained and rubbed them through her coverings. Without thinking, he begin to wash them gently and slowly, placing emphasis on her nipples.

Flossie breathed a satisfied moan as chills of pleasure ran through her. Somehow the discomfort of her breasts, nipples in particular, was never satisfied by her own hands. She worried that her nipples would be permanently uneven in length with all the scratching, patting, and sometimes twisting of them that she did to gain a bit of relief. However, this simple massage from another had her in complete comfort that bordered on orgasmic. She held still when the cloth went to her lower body, washing and cleaning her from the waist down while padded claw tips continued to massaged her nipples.

Axel felt his locks being tugged gently, and it was driving him crazy. He lowered himself to his knees as Flossie took cleanser and begin to work it into his locks, giving him a knuckle massage as she worked up the lather. He purred his contentment, as he washed her legs, and her feet. She could see his huge member standing at attention, and she wondered when did she get so comfortable with an alien? Remembering previously how they got interrupted by Mik'l; she wasn't sure what her intentions were now. Yes, she was horny, and wanted to feel validated. However, the playing field had changed. She had developed feelings for Axel; something beyond friendship, commonality, and appreciation. That's why she was inwardly pissed to know that he had mated some female who needed an antibiotic and a Clorox douche... in that order.

Axel sensed her change, and stood up to rinse the soap out of his locks."I will not dishonor you, Little One. Tell me how to help you? Tell me what is wrong?"

Flossie had suppressed her concerns for awhile, and grew frustrated every moment. She had to let it go, and even if nothing changed afterwards; she would have at least vented.

"I...don't know how to be a mom; I know nothing about how to take care of a baby, or what they need. I don't know what day it is, or how far along I am in my pregnancy. I don't know when my baby is due, or what to expect during labor. I haven't heard it's heartbeat, and I don't know what's happening to my body. I want sunshine, and to hear another human voice. I miss listening and dancing to music. I want a salad, a caramel cappuccino, and Lemonheads. I want to play soccer, baseball, and jump rope Double Dutch style. I need a good dicking-down, but I long for foreplay in slow motion, and the lovemaking that follows. I want to shop for maternity clothes and baby clothes, have an ultrasound, and visit my husband's memorial..." She ended her rambling.

Axel took it all in slowly. She was homesick, and since this was her first pup; she had concerns that all first time bearers had. There was also the unpleasantness of her guilt when it came to her husband's death. What she said about needing a good pauk caught him off guard. He turned the water off, and wrapped a drying cloth around his waist, his hard-on in no hurry to dismiss itself.

Flossie wrapped herself up as well. She felt a lot better now; the bathing, massage, and venting had really helped. Axel took her into the bedroom, and put her in bed. He went into the kitchen and brought her the food he had prepared earlier. They both ate in bed and enjoyed the easy conversation as Axel thought about all Flossie had said.

"Little One, I cannot allow you to go back to Earth it's just not safe for you and the pup. The ones that took you have been doing this for sometime, and even though most have been killed, there are still loose ends to be eliminated." He admitted. "So, I will never be allowed to go home again?" She asked in a pained whisper. Axel sighed, "When your honor is restored, and justice is served, I will take you anywhere you desire. By my species' law you will always be my mate, and I will always provide for you."

Flossie looked at him in wide-eyed surprise, "Always? Even if I go back to Earth and find another 'mate' and stepdad for little CJ here?" She teased, pretending to pat her belly. Axel didn't like her question, but would answer it anyway. "Yes, but if I come upon any male mating you, or mistreating you or the pup, I will kill him, and use his skull as my piss bowl."

"UH...EEEWW!"

"I want to mate you, Little One. It will make you feel better, and give you the release you crave. I will not harm you." He stated in his deep baritone.

Flossie laughed, "Awww, it's sweet of you to offer me a mercy hump, but...have you even seen the size of your dick? I mean, it scares me...a lot. Even more than the bestiality aspect of the situation. My husband had a big dick, but you're in that category in which you should either be a porn star, or file for disability. However, I have to admit it looks fine otherwise. I knew a guy that had a dick so crooked, you had to walk around the corner just to get on it."

Axel grunted his understanding, as he held back his laughter. Flossie was never without her colorful words of humor when she spoke adamantly about her concerns. He left it at that, realizing he had to respect her objection. He went down her verbal list of wants from earlier, and without a word he left the room.

Flossie took this opportunity to get dressed. She chose a brown strapless bra, and matching panties. Next, she decided on a tan off-the-shoulder crop top with a snug waist and loose three-quarter length sleeves, and a pair of dark denim shorts that she personalized with a pair of scissors. She slipped on a pair of Sperry flip-flops, and then took the dishes to the kitchen.

It wasn't long before Axel came into the common area fully dressed. He moved Flossie's gifts into the huge storage room, and then called to her, "Little One, it's time for us to leave."

Guan H'dlak looked over all the information as he took custody of the bad blood. His return to his clan's ship had been delayed for the second time, but his patience and meticulous attention to detail had started to pay off. He had successfully tracked down a member of the Celdhe's clan named J'mir. It was unknown as to how at this point, but this male had escaped the detonation when all of his comrades had been sacrificed for their leader's survival.

Two armed warriors stood guard over the male as Guan H'dlak took his belongings through quarantine, and downloaded the contents of his mask and wrist computer. It would take him sometime to view all of the information, but it would be worth it if any of the content lead to the capture of Celdhe himself.

Guan knew this information would please his clan brothers, especially Axel. He set a course for the Red Talon's ship, and promptly sent a communication to the ship's head arbitrator, Elder Thei-de Dteinou, as well as his clan brothers. Then, he went back to the holding room, and advised his guards to strip the bad blood of his coverings, hose him down, feed him, restrain him, and drug him.

Guan watched as his warriors followed his orders. He would not take even the smallest of chances of anything going wrong. What surprised him most was J'mir's submissive will. He didn't put up a fight or show any sign of aggression; not even when he was being sedated. This was something the Honored Warrior made a mental note of before turning to leave for his control room.

Being on cleanup detail after the detonation was a slow moving journey. The ship was completely destroyed, but an energy trail was noted due to the use of a downgraded, older type of converted fuel. The information he had managed to download the onboard computers would give him answers to the questions about Celdhe's travels.

Ny'kisde walked beside her father, Elder R'yntik, as they journeyed down the halls of the Red Talon clan ship. She had convinced her father to bring her along while he conducted clan business.

The Elder rambled on about how well the meetings had went so far for his clan. He was impressed with the culture of the Red Talon Clan, and secretly longed to have such honor amongst his smaller ensemble. One day he would have it, if not for himself, then for the future of his clan. He notice the quiet that surrounded his youngest daughter; he dare not ask if everything was going well with the young Honored she was smitten with, since her older mei-jahdis were the ones to inform him of the circumstances.

When he heard about her mating, not something a sire wants to know about his daughter; his protective instincts kicked in. However, when he investigated this warrior, he was thoroughly impressed. He was honorable to a fault, and his situation with his seasonal mates was impressive, and spark a small acknowledge of sentiment with Elder R'yntik. He worried about him being a good warrior; yes he had heard about his many impressive trophies, some so exotic in fact that many lined up to view them when he first returned to his clan's ship. Still, without a display of some formidable skills, the Elder would never be impressed with any warrior his offspring copulated with.

With Paya's blessings he was able to witness the battle that had taken place in the dining hall. Elder R'yntik didn't know how it had started, but to see the warrior defending the honor of an ooman, and the way in which he did so, gave him something more to think on. It was a battle that incorporated his rage, strength, and sense of honor all for his ooman female. The Elder could only imagine the outcome if someone had actually offended something of more value to the Honored.

He didn't let the other events in the dining hall go unnoticed, as the dishonorable attack on the young pup had a positive outcome thanks to the ooman. During the time the ooman was assisting the pup; he walked over and gave the female a closer look, noticing her status bracelet, her ooman clothing, and her pregnancy musk which was subtle. At first, he was disgusted in knowing that this Honored warrior, the one who had mated his young Ny'Kisde, had sired a pup with female ooman. But as whispers among the crowd began to flow, he learned of the Victim Code that protected her, and he concluded that he shouldn't judge the female since he didn't have all of the facts.

"Your are very quiet, my young one." Elder R'yntik clicked. "You are worried about the ooman female, yes?" He asked, knowing that she'd heard about the female's honor.

Ny'Kisde shook her head; her long locks spilling over her shoulders. "No, she is merely his pet. I worry about if he would ever take me to be his seasonal mate." She clicked flatly.

The Elder sighed, his daughter was delusional if she thought the female was just some pet to this clan, and since they were a sister clan, he would not think any less of this little ooman.

"She is not a pet, Ny'Kisde," He growled authoritatively."She is his mate, in any sense that she desires."

The female's head jerked, looking her sire in his deep-set eyes. "She is with pup, and regardless if it is ooman or yautja; the young Honored will provide for it as well. You cannot harm her, it would mean your death, and a dishonorable one at that." He finished, seemingly reading her thoughts.

"But Father, I am with pup, too."

A/N: Gravy fries to all of you who read and leave a review! All I can say to you guys is "thanks" and all I can do for you guys is to keep writing this story! Love the encouraging words! Also, Big thanks to all of you who continue to favor and alert this story! Nods to the lurkers, you love it and you want some more of it.