Thank you all who reviewed! It means so much to me and really helps! So, that's why I'm hurrying to finish this next chapter for you guys.

I also wanted to add for a reviewer or two that Maia does not use guns because she didn't take any with her when she was taken, xenomorphs don't use guns, and the yautja don't either because it doesn't hold honor so she doesn't have any weapons to use. She is more of a traditional combat weapons kind of girl.

Return

My head rolled to the side sleepily. I turned over and pressed my palms against the hard surface now in front of me. Something rumbled and my body shook with the vibrations. I groaned as it stirred me awake. The world shook again.

Garran entered my mind and nudged me gently. Wake up darling; I think you should look at this. He said.

Can't it wait, I grumbled, too tired to form the words.

It could, but it could hold unfavorable consequences. I heaved a large sigh and found the strength to open my eyes. Before me was a large black chest. Slowly, my brain recalled the details of the hours before. I titled my head up and found the enormous crown of Garran's head covering almost my entire range of vision as he looked back down at me.

My mouth hung open as we gazed at each other for a few minutes. Garran could see the sleepy haze covering my mind and he chuckled at me. His chuckle must have been the shaking I felt. He dropped his head to kiss me on the forehead.

My brain finally did a reboot and I blinked as I found me focus. I purred in pleasure and Garran returned it because he had managed to get a response out of me.

"Was there something I needed to see?" I asked.

Give it a minute, he answered. I sat there patiently. Then I heard what Garran must have been talking about.

A faint beeping was emanating from the central control station. I twisted my head to look at it and sure enough a number of buttons were flashing.

I struggled into a sitting position on the floor and leaned against Garran's large body. I closed my eyes and felt the peace of our care free proximity once more before pushing off of him to stand and walk over to see what was going on.

I struggled to read the alien language.

"I think this means that we are close to home. It says that we will reach the atmosphere in a number of minutes. I wonder if I am supposed to do anything special to land this thing."

Do you know how to land? Garran asked a bit nervously.

"Um, not exactly." I said honestly. He thought for a moment.

Then, we will hope it automatically lands itself. Come here, just in case we have a crash landing I want you protected. He said seriously.

"Aww you're so sweet" I said. He smiled and outstretched both pairs of arms. I reached him and settled down once more nice and close to him. Instantly, his arms wrapped around me and his body engulfed me tightly. He created a xenomorph cocoon around me. I curled into a ball myself to make myself smaller and less susceptible to injury.

Good girl, Garran said. I laughed but then saw into his head at how worried he was over me. His anxiety was rising as we came closer to the atmosphere.

Shh, I crooned to him, there's no reason to worry.

When your safety is involved there is all the reason in the world to worry. Garran said firmly.

I know you will protect me. He purred.

That I will. Garran responded as he squeezed me quickly.

The ship gave a large jolt as we made first impact with the outer atmosphere. Garran kept his head and inner arms firmly around me while he dug his other claws and tail blade into the floor to secure us in place.

With other jolt the ship shook but Garran kept us stationary. I kept my lower half curled tightly but reached my arms up to grab around his neck and hold onto him.

Even under the danger of crashing that simple action made Garran's heart flutter.

The vessel shook violently as we past from layer to layer of the atmosphere. I knew we must have been coming close to the ground but the craft was not slowing down. Well, it looked like autopilot did not include landing. Which meant we would have to crash. I held Garran tighter and he did the same to me when he caught onto my thoughts.

We plummeted through the sky at racing speed until the ground suddenly decided to greet us.

The head of the hunting ship smashed into the desert mounds of our planet. Sand flew everywhere in a fireless explosion. As the tip slightly crumpled because of the impact the entire vessel shook and despite Garran's efforts we were thrown about the room. As Garran's talons could no longer keep hold we soared into a far wall and then were hurled into the opposite wall. As we flew Garran forgot about keeping us in one spot anymore and completely curled around me in a taut ball.

As we hit the wall and then the other I never contacted the metal. Garran took the full force in order to keep me safe and unharmed.

A small scream escaped from me as I felt the impact vibrate through Garran's body. He only grunted and clutched me tighter.

The tail of the ship lifted up slightly as the head dug into the sand and then settled when our momentum ceased. We one more grunt we settled in a heap against a corner.

I breathed heavily as my heart beat loudly in my chest. My eyes were frozen open but all I saw was the blackness of Garran's skin. I could hear his heavy breathing next to my ear. I titled my head back to try and see his face. His mouth was open as he panted and his head bobbed a bit with each breath. I brought my hand a long way back to stoke the smooth part of his head before the ridges and spikes.

"Garran?" I asked nervously. He turned to face me and saw the worried look on my face and smiled at my concern. He felt touched that I cared for his wellbeing; it meant the world to him that not only was I unafraid of his new monstrous body but was determined to take care of him in my way just as he took care of me in his. He let his head relax and fall again somewhat.

I'm fine.

"Are you sure?" I asked still not convinced. I tried to probe his mind for any pain. He would have some bruised from the force and had a gash on his tail from hitting something sharp in the room while we fell. I twisted under and around him to find the injury. A small amount of blood oozed from the wound.

I want you to heal, I told his body. It responded without Garran's command. I'm beginning to wonder if Garran's new body also increased our bond as soul mates. I suspect so because at feeling my need Garran's body subconsciously responded to my command. For me, I added and almost instantly his normally speedy healing actually grew even faster and the wound closed almost completely. It was like even his body wanted to please me and make me happy so it worked extra hard to obey my request.

I stared at it in shock. Garran lifted his tail over my head and brought it before his own face to examine it. He flexed it and bent it upwards then side to side.

How did you do that? He asked.

"I don't know. It was just like when you tapped into my systems to help with my pain. I knew I needed and wanted to help you so I just…did." I answered, still in shock. "Garran I didn't know even life mates could do these things."

I have never heard of it. Perhaps you and I are the first, I know that I have never heard or seen a love stronger than my feelings for you. I believe our love truly knows no boundaries. I beamed and leapt at him. He swiftly moved his tail out of the way and caught me.

One of his inner hands stroked my hair fondly while the other cupped my cheek. I kissed him on the lips. Quickly he revealed his inner mouth and let me caress it with my own lips. Apparently, he was liking my strange human ways more and more.

Garran's mouth remained open as I pulled away slightly only to kiss his larger main teeth. While I did this he extended his smaller jaw out of his mouth and past my face to nip at my neck. I gasped and practically collapsed against him in pleasure.

He purred, thoroughly pleased that he could make me feel that way. I didn't chastise him, just accepted and enjoyed what he was giving me.

Come, he said still purring, let me take you home. I smiled and nodded my head. Home sounded wonderful!

He picked me up in his smaller inner arms, which shows how big he really was, and lifted me into the air. The lights flickered after the impact and I was glad Garran could see so well in the dark. He walked over to the door and banged his head against it to get a feel for it. He revealed his sharp teeth in a hiss and smashed the doors apart from within with his large muscular arms.

He leapt out of the ship and onto the sand. It was night time and the only light came from the stars shining brightly about our heads. The air was cool and a breeze whirled around us and sent chills down my spine. I smiled at the familiarity of it all. I looked at Garran and found him smiling as well. He was looking up at the sky.

This is how the stars were meant to be viewed, he said. I agreed. I sensed that he was going to run us back to the hive.

"Wait", I said. I felt the curiosity in his mind. "Can…Can I ride on your back?" Garran was surprised but thrilled at my request. He grinned at me. This was something special that only he and I could share. It warmed his deadly heart that he would feel me against him and that I wanted it as much as he did.

He lifted me up towards his shoulder and I grabbed onto him to climb over it and onto his back. I was careful of his extra tall spikes now and scuttled between them. I was worried that his enlarged spine would be an issue but I fit right between the digits of his spinal column. I sat down and placed my hand on him to hold on. I cuddled down between his shoulder blades and wrapped my legs around his rib cage.

I now realized that Garran had been holding his breath the whole time. I became worried. "You okay? I'm sorry! Is this uncomfortable? I can move…"

Don't you dare move! He said. I froze in place.

He pushed his mind into mine and I welcomed him, eager to know what was going on. He replayed my movement from his point of view. The feeling of me crawling over him was heavenly. And then as I had settled down against his back he had felt pure ecstasy. To feel me so close and so happy to be on him had pleased him so much. He had held his breath in delight.

If he had his way I would ride him everywhere. Especially now with his larger body he enveloped me even more than before; mainly his large crown. If I looked up I could still see around it but the crest filled most of my vision. I reached up and touched it from underneath, which I had never done before. Garran hissed in a breath. Looked like I had found a pressure point. I would definitely use this in the future and smiled at the ideas forming in my head.

And what if I don't let you? He asked as he sensed my intentions.

"Oh you'll let me and you know it." I could tell he couldn't wait for me to try. He chuckled at my response before taking off at a sprint towards the hive.

…

Finally, the sands ended and the ground became covered in lush green grass. Garran carried us through the forest. I could see the top of the hive home through the tree tops and in the distance. Garran saw it too through my eyes and we both internally smiled at one another. Garran forced his legs faster and we raced across the ground.

At last we left the tree line and into the open that led up to the hive.

Garran ran right into a large entrance and through the tunnels. I noticed he had to take special care to lower his head and take the larger tunnels because of his new body. I sent him a wave of calm and reassurance just to make sure he didn't feel uncomfortable about it.

He ran straight into mother's chamber. Dozens of xenomorphs surrounded us in response and hissed in warning. They thought Garran was a threat because they didn't recognize him. I realized they couldn't see me. I shifted and jumped off of Garran's back. I realized in the air that I was a lot higher up than I thought and had to roll on the ground to absorb the impact of the fall.

I leapt to my feet and spread my hands out defensively in front of Garran. His lips were flexing back and I told him in his mind not to be threatening. He contained the hiss I knew was building.

"Wait! Wait! Please recognize me brothers and sisters! It's me Maia!" I shouted.

A tall black figure came up behind the crowd and looked past them all at Garran and I.

Be still my children, it is our dear Maia returned to us. Mother said. I noticed her gaze frequently flickered to Garran. Her stance held heavy suspicion. Did she not recognize him?

Realization hit them all and then looked shocked. Then they smiled and attacked me. They hugged me and surrounded me with questions. One question caught my attention.

So Maia who is your friend? One xenomorph asked pointing towards Garran.

"It's Garran."

How can it be Garran? Garran is a praetorian and that thing is no praetorian! Another xenomorph said.

"Please, do not be so cruel! We do not know how it happened but we believe that in my time of need when Garran's old body did not suffice his body changed to accommodate the situation." I said in his defense.

Please, my friends…it's still me. There was a sad note to his voice. I backed up to stand beside him and reached up to put my hand on his leg. I opened our link slightly so he would know that he was not alone in this.

Garran? Placidia said, It is you! At hearing his voice everyone knew that it was truly him. Suddenly he was swarmed as well in greeting. A number of female xenos climbed onto him and were ogling at his large size. He didn't seem to notice but I did and I did not like it one bit! I climbed up onto him and shooed them away with a snarl. This Garran did notice.

My mate? He asked. I realized I had let jealousy get to me over such a small thing. I felt ashamed.

They were climbing on you like you were a strapping youngling ready for the taking! I… I guess I got a bit carried away.

Actually, I knew they were there and although I didn't want to scare them in an attempt to stop them it was increasingly annoying that they did that with such disrespect. Only you get to ride me! He said sturdily and my heart swelled with pride and happiness.

Thank you, I whispered. I felt Garran give me the mental equivalent of a hug.

With the females gone I dropped to the floor once more amidst the bustle of my family. I noticed mothers gaze had not changed even now that she surly knew who he was.

The hive came and in the largest cavern of our home we celebrated our relatively safe return. Throughout the festivities Garran never left my side and for that I was grateful. We supported each other and managed to happily get through the interrogations and curios natures of our siblings. After hours of celebrating Garran excused us saying that I needed rest, which was true but still an exaggeration.

He hoisted me onto his back and carried me to our nest. It was tight getting through the last number of tunnels but he made it.

Thankfully, the corner chamber where the nest was located opened up enough that he could stand and move comfortably. He lowered himself to the furs and rolled onto his side so I could slide off. He once again got to his feet and stood over me.

Garran looked at his human mate before him. His new transformations had indeed changed his body. So much so that the masculinity that mainly came from his mind was now fully expressive in his body. But Maia did not know this yet, he didn't want her to know quite yet as it might scare her. But the image of her lying there, spread out on the furs made him feel heavy with need. A warm pressure was building in his groin but he held firm in his control and desperately tried to remain calm.

Garran, I whispered perhaps a bit seductively. I was wondering why he was looking at me like that. He stood so many feet above me, his tail was twitching. What are you thinking? I asked.

That I am so lucky to have you for my mate, he said honestly. It made me so happy to hear that. He pressed into my head and I opened myself to him. Our minds danced together and twirled within each other. I felt everything he felt and vice versa. He felt my pride at being his and my acceptance and appreciation of everything we had together. I felt his utter devotion.

I want to always make you happy Maia. I want to take away your pain and vanquish all you fears. I wish to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. I want to never be apart. You are my soul mate. Whenever I cannot feel you or connect with your mind I begin to worry and grieve the loss of your touch. You are my other half, you complete me. I will never let anyone take you away from me, I cannot lose you, Maia, I wouldn't survive it.

His voice was deep and masculine in my head. I was in awe at his words.

Garran, I began, I feel the same way. I hate to see you in danger and yet when you step in front of me to protect me I feel my heart soar with admiration. I worry about you and wish to shield you from all harm. When our link was weakened by distance for that short time I felt so alone, so empty. When I look back to the years I endured without you I don't know how I made it. You were my salvation and continue to be every day. I know that our love is stronger than anything ells and will continue to grow between us. My heart is at home with you. When I feel your gentle caress in my mind is takes my breath away. I love it when you comment on my thoughts and when we can talk and laugh privately in our heads. Everything about you amazes me and I am truly blessed to have you in my life. What I feel for you goes beyond love, it cannot be expressed in a form so simple as words. You are my soul mate Garran, you claimed my heart the moment you were born and you are the only thing I will ever need to live and to be happy. I love you.

He pounced on me. I felt his hands roaming everywhere up and down my body. His lips crashed into mine and claimed me as his and his alone. Damn, that's so sexy.

He broke away so I could breathe but he was relentless in his quest to show me what I meant to him. His inner jaw stoked my neck and bit my shoulder. Then I felt his teeth trail down my chest and towards my breasts. He rubbed between them and my back arched upwards in pleasure. I gasped and my nerved tingled.

His large hands grasped my waist firmly and held me still. One of his inner hands reached down to trail along my thigh. My toes curled in response to all I was feeling.

Garran's tail blade trailed up along my neck and then Garran ran the flat face of it along my cheek to caress my face. He was ever so gentle with me.

He planted a kiss on my chest before returning his face to meat mine. He kissed me full on the lips.

My mouth opened and I trailed my tongue against his lips asking for entrance. He opened his jaw and granted my request. As our lips moved in sync my tongue explored his mouth. I felt the sharp teeth just beyond the black lips. I felt the taut tendons that allowed his jaw to move. Then I found his inner jaw. I licked him and felt a shiver travel through his body.

His inner jaws opened and caught my tongue between his teeth, not biting but squeezing.

I loved the taste of him and sighed against him. Our whole mouths danced a very hot salsa.

My hips lifted and pressed against him. For the briefest moment I thought I felt something but he pulled away slightly before completely distracting me with the action between our lips.

When my lips were throbbing he released me and pulled away slightly. We both were breathing heavily.

As I tried to catch my breath his lips trailed down my neck. He nibbled against at my shoulder and I felt sparks flare under my skin. I gasped once more.

Garran lay down beside me on his side and wrapped his arm around me and pulled me to his chest. I let my hands trail over him and his steady purr made my world shake.

It was incredibly comforting. It made me feel safe and warm and he knew it. He purred louder.

Garran's tail curled up my back and his legs bent to rest around my ankles. I tickled him with my toes. I felt his deep chuckled at the feeling.

You have had a very eventful day Maia.

Indeed I have. I responded as I pressed my body against him. Garran's head bent down to rest behind my own. I tilted my head back to rest against his large cranium.

You are exhausted. Sleep now, you are safe and loved.

I love you too, I whispered before I feel asleep in his embrace. After such an intense adventure we were finally home, safe and together.

Opinions! YOU'VE GOT TO REVIEW PEOPLE! PLEASE!

I just want to say because I know some might be confused but Garran knew where the hive was because he could feel his connection to the hive in the distance.

More to come. Really getting into Garran and Maia pairing. What is with mother? Keep reading to find out.