Autumn Fires Chapter 11: Stories, a pitch black / riddick fanfic

Sorry for the wait guys. I'm sick and have been having some health issues as has my beta. This one is short but at least it's done.

I don't remember dozing off to sleep. Mostly I remember being so upset that my brain shut down and would not allow me to process anything else. So as I stretched out in the bed, I felt my brain slowly coming back to reality. I could feel the heat soaking into me from the body next to mine and it takes me a moment to remember everything. I'm in a bed, on a ship, and there right beside me was Rididck. I know that we needed to talk, but there were still too many people around. Would any of them understand? Would they even care? We'd already been through one hell, getting off that planet only to go through another on the ship. For now, we were free. At least until the mercs caught up with us again.

Opening my eyes slowly, I looked to my right where the body was nestled next to mine. Riddick looked so damn beautiful while asleep, relaxed. I knew he didn't relax often, but there on this ship he could, at least for a moment. Knowing that if I stayed in the bed things would happen, I quickly climbed out and threw on some clothes I found in one of the drawers. I was still wearing the oversized shirt that Riddick must have dressed me in because I could wear it as a dress. It came down to my knees and protected most everything from sight. I had, however, found a pair of shorts that I could throw on. Not that anyone would see them.

Making my way quietly out of the room, I surveyed what I was seeing. To my right and left were bedrooms that took up the hallway. I didn't yet want to know who was in which room, I'd find out soon enough. Directly ahead of me was the hallway that lead to the common area where I had seen couches and a table. We could relax and enjoy things there. Moving in that direction I knew I was looking for the galley or kitchen. Either one would serve my purposes. See, I had a hidden talent that no one knew about, and I was going to show them.

There wasn't much chance to cook in a slam, I hadn't cooked since I was ten. I used to be forced to make breakfast for the guards when I was still in their favor. It's not like someone forgets something like that. I found the kitchen off to the left of the common area. Entering the spacious area, I gasped a little in surprise. I wasn't expecting this. Everything look state of the art and I hoped the others would appreciate what I was going to do.

Looking in the cold unit, I couldn't help but smile at what I found. Pulling out all the ingredients I'd need, I started to cook. Firing up the stove, I grilled the ham and bacon. That would be a good thing to do. While that was heating and cooking I started to make pancakes. I don't know where I learned the recipe, but for some reason I could remember it. Slowly, I began to stir the ingredients together before pouring it into a pan. Over the sounds of the bacon sizzling in the pan and the other things cooking I could hear people rousing.

I wanted to pay attention to it but I couldn't. I needed to focus on cooking. At least that was the plan until two rather large arms wrapped around my waist and a kiss was placed on my neck, right over his mark. I hadn't even heard Riddick's approach and that bothered me. Not in a bad way, just something that told he me he'd always be able to sneak up on me. Maybe it was because I was simply still too distracted.

"Morning, Riddick. You hungry?
"You can call me Richard, or you. for now."

Hearing him allow me to address him in a way that was contrary to what the world did was an honor. Most everyone just called him by his last name. It was a way to acknowledge him without actually acknowledging him. Riddick was odd, this we all knew, but he was giving me a chance to be less formal with him. Even now as he started to do more shows of public affection. I smiled and giggled at him before shrugging him off.

"Go sit Rick. I'll have breakfast done in a minute."

I watched as he took a seat at the table, and the others started to slowly make their way in. More than likely, they were attracted to smell of the bacon or the ham. When I was sure that all the food was cooked, I moved the plates to the table. Jack came in the kitchen where I was at and smiled.

"You want any help?"
"Sure can you make sure everyone has a plate and something to drink, along with silverware? I'll bring the food in in a second."

I'd made a feast I hoped they would enjoy. I was starving, haven't had a real meal in a while. Moving the food to the table, I watched with barely restrained glee at the looks on the faces of our companions. All of them were staring at the food like it was mana from heaven and that made me smile. I just hoped it tasted as good as it looked. Setting the last plate down, the one loaded with hash-browns, I looked around for a chair. While the ship we were on was much larger than the skiff, there still wasn't enough room for all of us.

Finding another chair, I wedged myself in between Jack and Riddick with a laugh. Everyone seemed to be waiting for me so I motioned for them to start eating. Imam wanted to pray over the food and I couldn't begrudge him his religion. He'd done so much to help us and keep our spirits up that I didn't mind. I could feel Riddick tensing beside me but he let is pass. When the blessing was done everyone started to dig into their food. My brain was still wrapped around the words I'd heard on the hologram and for a moment I forgot we were supposed to eat.

There was a soft nudge in my side, causing me to snap my eyes over to Riddick's. I could see the look of concern in his features, and everyone else's for that matter. With a shrug I started piling food on my plate and eating. It all came out better than I thought it would. Truth be told, slams didn't have kitchens and I was afraid I'd burn it. With a soft moan, I dug into the bacon, ham, and pancakes until I couldn't hold anymore. This was a peaceful time until someone broke the silence with a sneer. I knew who's voice it was and honestly, I wasn't surprised. The puff of a man didn't deserve to live but he had. I'd be glad when we dumped his ass off first.

"Where'd you learn to cook? I figured most convicts were too stupid to understand the basic skills of life."

"Actually, the female guard that raised me until I was ten taught me how to cook. As long as I made the guards breakfast they didn't try to hurt me. Things aren't always as they appear, Paris"

I couldn't help the smile that graced my face at the growl. Riddick wasn't going to let anyone talk to me that way and get away with it. Right then though, everyone was too curious about my answer to do much of anything. I would be glad when we dropped Paris off on his planet and never saw him again. Having lost my appetite, I stood up from the table and went out into the common area. I had no idea what I was going to do but it was clear that out of everyone here Paris was going to be a problem. People like him would never change. They were so stuck in their ways, in their fears and prejudices, that they never wanted to make things different.

Curling up on the couch, letting my head lean against the arm of the couch, I felt hot wet tears trek down my face blurring my vision from everyone around me. I was so lost in my own head, in my grief and pain, that I barely heard the commotion in the kitchen. When I saw Paris run past as if he was scared, I paid no attention. The only time I noticed anything was when I was scooped up into a pair of strong arms, and then sat back down on the couch in the same arms. Riddick had me in his lap, so I could lean against him. Jack sat herself right next to us and Zeke, Shazza, Imam and his three sons took the other chairs. All eyes were on me.

"Are you alright child?"

"Paris shouldn't have said that. He'll leave you alone until we drop him off."

"Yeah quite sure Riddick made him piss himself."

I turned my head a moment to look into the silver shined eyes of Riddick. We all could see, the lights were low.\ so it didn't matter. It wasn't like we were being hunted right now. The look he was giving me spoke volumes. Apparently he didn't take kindly to anyone hurting me, even Paris. Words hurt, I knew that, but I also knew that I'd have to grow stronger if I wanted to survive.

"I guess I just don't understand his prejudicial judgement. I can understand it towards someone like Riddick, who on some level can be considered a convict. I was never sentenced to a life in the slam. I was born there, had no choice but to learn to kill and fight to survive. I know other things because a man inside, he was a teacher on Helion Prime. He taught me to speak, to read, to write. He taught me quick-thinking but years in the slam, unable to see taught me everything else. I can survive on my own, if I had to. I just... We saved him and this is the thanks he gives us?"

The others don't really say much but I could see the sadness in their eyes. Riddick obviously told the man something, but I didn't want to push. It wasn't my place to demand answers. Instead, I realized that it was time for us to each get to know the others. They needed to understand our role in the world so they could keep our secret. Maybe that was wishful thinking on my part. Whatever it was, now was the time for the rest of us to talk. I watched a moment though, as Ali, Hassan, and Sulemien realize that this was for adults and they got up and went off into another room.

"One thing that you can know is that trust is hard for us to get. As labeled convicts and murderer's we don't get trust. It was something else to see you guys trust us to get you to that skiff and then off of that other ship. Everyone of you, but Paris, is appreciative. I understand your reservations on trusting us but there are things you need to know. I have killed people, I will probably continue to kill people. In all reality its a kill or be killed word and the weak ones die faster than you can think. Look none of us choose to be born the way we were, none of us. We become who we are through our actions. If any of you have a problem with the fact that I have had to kill people, that Riddick has had to kill people then we ask to you speak up now. Otherwise it's time to share who we are."

We had to trust them, that when we landed and got off this ship that there was someone else out there looking out for us. I had plans, ideas that ran through my mind, but I would need people to back me up. Having Zeke and Shazza as someone that we could rely on in the future would be beneficial. Especially if we needed a hide out. Same with Imam. Jack was there in the room and I knew that she would be the first to talk. We needed to know her story if we were going to figure out what to do with her.

Feeling someone tap me on the shoulder, I looked up into Riddick's eyes. He had removed his goggles and his silver-shined orbs look back at mine. He leaned down and kissed me hard and fast, promising that we would talk about us later when we were alone. Not there, in front of the others. I heard a chuckling coming from my right and I pulled away and blushed, watching the look that crossed Zeke and Shazza's face. They couldn't care less Actually, they seem quite pleased that he and I were close. I know they saw my bite mark, and they said nothing.

I turned a moment and took a steady breath, breathing in the scent of Richard. I liked his smell. It calmed the animal inside of me. There were things about me that I hadn't even told the others. It wasn't just the eye shine they put me through. There were experiments but I wasn't going to say anything on that yet. I would tell Riddick before we progressed any further in our relationship. He needed to know everything about me and I was sure he'd tell me enough about his own life. With a soft sigh, I realized I was comfortable for the first time in a good long while. I noticed on the table beside me was a glass of juice and when I raised an eyebrow all I got was a nod telling me it was mine. Taking a sip, I focused on trying to understand what was happening.

The ship was going to make it on time, to Paris' planet long before the others. Autopilot was wonderful thing. It gave us time to have these talks and to understand what was going on. True, I'd rather have Paris off the ship before we did any of this but here we were. There wasn't any time for us to change our minds. I wanted to ask each of them why they were aboard the Hunter-Gratzner, but I knew there was another question brimming on the horizon first.

"So, what happened to the captain."

"She wasn't the captain. She was just the dockin' pilot and she tried to kill all of us before the landin'."

"On the way, Riddick hid us in a cave, a place where we could be safe until he had his hands free and didn't have the cells. She didn't like how close Jack was to me or that I was calling the shots. Apparently, just like Paris and Johns, she couldn't get over the fact that I was a convict. She tried to make a move for Jack, I was afraid she was going to hurt the girl. So I took care of it. She's more than likely critter food."

"Good riddance then."

I was honestly surprised at the reactions. Both Shazza and Imam had watched me smack her so hard that her neck broke against the rock and neither of them were condemning me for it. It was strange but I felt like they agreed with my actions. That alone was hard enough. People didn't normally agree with what I said. With each passing second I relaxed more and I felt Riddick relaxing too. We didn't need to be judged, we'd had enough of that to last a lifetime. These people, their actions, signaled that we had friends, if not friends at least allies we could trust.

Jack took a deep breath, I could hear her preparing to speak. She needed to tell us the secrets she had harbored that had brought her on board that ship. The way she had to be cut out of her cryo tube was a clear sign that the girl had been a stowaway. I was too, but I was at least old enough and tall enough to break myself out. We knew that there was some hidden terror she had been running from, and she'd feel better if she told us.

"My name is Jacqueline Aurora Harding. Jack, or Jackie for short. It was easier to do that than trying to create a whole new persona. At least, I think it was. I'm from the planet Taurus 1 in the Apollo system. You'd think with a name like that it'd be a good planet but it's not. My parents weren't very well off, we barely scraped by. I was the youngest of seven children, all boys but me. My father, he didn't want a daughter. He wanted men. They were strong and they could work in the mines. Taurus 1 has lots of diamond mines and the men go and work and the women stay at home. So when I was born they tried to make me as boyish is as possible. It was my punishment they said.

When I was about six mom died and left us with our father. I was sent away to the orphanage because he didn't want anything to do with me. They took me in and for a while things were fine. I was fed, clothed and taught to read and write. That was until I was about ten. No one could see that I was a boy, they could tell I was a girl and I started to get into fights. Taurus 1 doesn't really value women as a whole. So when I was ten I was sent to another planet completely. Taurus 4, this was the correctional planet. We didn't have a slam but it was where the 'trouble' kids were sent when they needed to get rid of them.

For a year I was set up in that horrible place. They made the female 'students' become slaves to men. We had to serve them, bathe them, whatever they wanted. The more I fought back the more I got hit. I learned to fight some, but I'm not very good. As soon as I could I snuck out of that place. Their security was a joke. They had one guard patrolling fifteen floors. It was easy to sneak out. I saw a cargo ship land in the area and I snuck aboard and went wherever they were going. From there I just randomly kept hopping ships until I saw one bound for Helion Prime and New Mecca. I snuck aboard the HG and well you know the rest. I was on my way to Helion Prime because I am supposed to have a cousin there related to my mom."

With each word that came out of her mouth I found myself growling louder and louder. No one should have to deal with that, no one. It didn't matter what her age was. I was wrapped up tight in Riddick's arms otherwise I was sure that I would have jumped through the ship and tried to change our course. We would deal with the fuckers that hurt Jack, after we took care of Paris. Those feelings weren't ones I was used to, this desire to protect pack. Was she pack? Did I even know what pack meant?

I watched as each of the adults looked at Jack in their own way. I could easily read the pain and hurt in their own features. They knew the world wasn't a happy place but to hear the stories broke their heart, especially for someone like Jack. She was only twelve years old and the world had already shown her how horrible it could be. Riddick had a fierce sense of determination about him that set my blood boiling. Not in a bad way. He had a weakness, children, and we all knew that. I wasn't going to exploit it because it could be said to be my weakness as well. We would do anything to protect children.

"Jack, I promise you this. They will pay. Slowly and painfully they will pay. After we drop Paris off we will go pay a little visit to Taurus 7. You're family, they are as good as dead to you do you understand? They aren't your family anymore we are. Riddick, myself and the others if they wish it. We will look after you."

I didn't know what else to say. I could see the girl upset but I wasn't good at the whole consoling thing. My world was one of pain and survival. I knew that the closer we grew to New Mecca and Helion the more of a decision we'd have to make. I had a few thoughts about what could happen with Jack but I wasn't quite ready to share them yet. If she had family we should try to find them, only I had a bad feeling that if we did they'd try to get Jack back to Taurus 7. That was not a place for anyone to be.

I felt a pair of arms tighten around me again as Riddck leaned in to sniff my neck. Our bond was not completely set, we hadn't consummated anything. Right then I was just his marked mate, but if we didn't act on sealing it soon, things would get out of hand. I knew that he probably wanted to but we needed to finish this discussion. We needed to get these secrets out in the open if we were to make allies or even would need them if we hoped to survive any of this. I knew that. We'd only been in space a grand total of two days since the escape from that planet and we still had another six before we reached Paris' planet. Oh I wanted him already gone.

Taking a moment to turn and kiss Riddick's cheek, I climbed out of his arms and headed for the kitchen. Rummaging around, I found an old fashioned kettle and started some water. Moving around, I found a silver tray and set out a few mugs and some selection of teas and chocolates. I had no idea what anyone wanted and when the whistle alerted me to the fact it was done I set the hot kettle on the tray and carried it back out to the others. They seemed to have been waiting for me. I was restless, antsy and so much more. I just didn't know what to say to them.

Setting the tray down on the table between us, I slowly made myself a cup of tea and watched as the others did so as well. Sitting back, only not in Riddick's lap this time I sipped at my tea slowly. I could feel his arm around my shoulder in a possessive way and I didn't mind so much. I was probably younger than Jack when it came to experiences of the world, but my animal was content and she was purring so I'd let it be. I could see the looks on Imams face and he didn't seem to have a problem with this. Neither did Shazza or Zeke either. For now, all was good. I watched though as Jack got up and went to go find the other three children on board the ship. She needed to get her mind off of the situation.

"I remember telling you my name was Shazza but it's actually short for Sharon. My real name is Sharon Montgomery. My father is a rich industrialist trillionaire and he hates my choice in lovers. See, I grew up in New Australia in the Tartarus system. My father owns most of the land there and well you can imagine what life was like growing up. It was all fancy parties and ball gowns and I wasn't happy. I grew up with money and knowing that every single person would do what I said simply because of that. My father hated the idea that I wanted to work, that I wanted to do something with my life.

When I met Zeke, here, my father was furious. He knew that Zeke was a 'lower class' and he refused to let me see him. I'm a grown woman I don't have to listen to the man. He didn't even mean well. It's not like I can sit here and tell you that my father was a nice man. Really he wasn't. He wasn't abusive to me or anything like that he just cared more about money than anything else. So when Zeke and I saved up enough money we left, together, and haven't really looked back. We became prospectors, hopping from planet to planet looking for work. It's not that hard of a life to lead. Both of us have a knowledge of mechanics and we can make things fit together, like those breathers.

One thing I do want you to know is that regardless of what my father feels, my name still carries weight. You are safe with me. You can count on us anytime you need it. Just look us up and ask and whatever you need we'll help you get. Even if it's just a place to stay. As far as I'm concerned Riddick died on that planet, you're whatever name you decide to come up with, long time family friends. I mean it. Whatever you need just ask. You saved our life and I hope one day to be able to return the favor."

For a moment I wondered if Riddick would consider it. I know that as a convict you don't learn to trust people. It's not easy to say the least, to let people in at all. Trust wasn't something we were familiar with, ever and yet they were throwing it out there for us. A part of me wondered if we could actually count on them in a years time. Sure they could tell us to trust them now, say without a doubt they would agree now, but there was no way they could promise the future. No one knew what the future held and the truth was simply that Riddick and I were wanted.

We would always have mercs on our neck; the only way to stop that was for the bounty to disappear. The only way that would happen was if we were dead. I didn't plan on dying any time soon so they were out of luck. Even now as I wondered, everyone seemed to understand that we were different. I was slowly beginning to think it had something to do with the fact that I was Furyan and well apparently Riddick was as well. Everyone knows the circumstances behind my eyeshine but not how I managed to survive. A part of me honestly feels like it has something to do with my past. Riddick also survived his, and he's well known for it. There are others that had a shine but from what I remember the only ones left alive, are myself and Riddick.

"Shazza is right. My life was that of someone without money. My parents spent much of their time working in the mines. Its my Aboriginal heritage that most people didn't like. I still remember the day I met Shazza. I wasn't all that impressed at first. You know you see a lot of rich people around and most act like it. She was different though and soon enough I was falling for her. I just wish that she hadn't had to give up her life for me. She could have been happy, if only her father had accepted us. I might never be rich but that doesn't stop me from loving her. She's right though, whatever you guys need we will try to help. One of the few good things about hopping from planet to planet it looking for work, is that most of the time no one questions what we do."

I could only nod my head at Zeke. I was slowly learning to trust them and maybe that was because they weren't showing that they were still scared of us. It was almost as if we had become some sort of weird extended family. Pack. The word kept circling in my head. Maybe this is what it was like to have a pack. The two leaders, the Alphas, no doubt were Riddick and myself. Our beta would be clearly Shazza and Zeke, but the rest were just people under our protection. I knew that even now I would do whatever I could to keep them safe. I wanted to keep them safe but rule number one about survival, is doing whatever it takes to keep yourself alive.

Running a hand through my hair, I sighed. I had no idea what I truly looked like, I couldn't see all that well in the lights. Not even sure if anyone could tell me what I looked like and I'd believe them. All they normally saw was the shine and automatically assume convict. While it's true, I am an escaped convict, there could be the chance the shine wasn't from the prison. Most of the world is judgement, fools the lot of them. They only see one side of the story, only accept one take. I still remembered everyone's reactions to me the moment they saw me on that planet. Of course it took the word of a merc for them not to trust us, but then they slowly realized, who the true bad guy was.

With each moment I wondered if we were right to even trust Imam. He was supposed to be a holy man, but he knew far more about things than he should. Yes, rumors get around but most normal people didn't know about merc transport ships like he did. They didn't seem as willing to allow a convict anywhere near them. Maybe Imam was just different, maybe that's the problem with him. I just know that something about him set me on edge just a little. I wanted to know what his story was because I didn't buy what he said back on the ship. Riddick might have but I didn't.

"I was simply on a hajj, a pilgrimage to New Mecca. It's something everyone is supposed to do once in their lifetime. Those three boys, they are on the hajj I was merely sent to guide them. Yet I find that I am not quite such a good leader. Without the two of you, we would have never made it off the planet. I sat in that cave and I watched as you hit the captain with one slap and she was gone. I don't understand the strength that you have but it was a value. While my God doesn't condemn violence or killing, I can't say that it did not benefit us. We all have our reasons for doing anything, but sharing them, well that's up to you."

That didn't help at all. His words only served to upset me more, to anger me at his lies. I wondered if he knew that I could smell the deceit on him. Hell, I wondered if Riddick could smell it. The holy man was keeping something from us, something that probably wouldn't hurt us in the end. What was I supposed to say right now though? Could I even deny it? I didn't know what more they want me to tell. I knew for a fact that Richard would probably only share with me, and maybe Jack. They couldn't expect him to willingly start sharing pieces of his life with them.

"What are you expecting me to share Imam? What part of 'I don't know my past' did you not comprehend? Oh, you want the story that I told Jack back on the planet right? Is that it? You want to know how and why I ended up being a convict, someone that just escaped at the age of twenty five? I guess I can tell you but you probably won't like the answers that I will give. Life isn't always black and white, when people start to learn that things will be so much better. I assume that you all used to assume that the merc/bounty hunter and convict dichotomy was flawless right? That those that hunted the criminals were just upstanding members of 'verse? Well think again. Most mercs have more innocent blood on their hands than even the hardened convicts.

They want you to think that those of us that have killed people to survive are nothing but animals. That we kill without reason and that's just not the case. The first person I ever killed tried to rape me. I was only ten years old. What was I supposed to do? Not fight back? They would have liked it. Some people honestly think that as criminals we deserve whatever happens to us in prisons but really we don't. Most everyone in there, or at least the ones that die off quickly, are there by someone else's manipulations. No one is supposed to be born in a prison but I was. My mother, from what I can gather, was the emissary to Furya. She was an ambassador who crossed paths with Antonia Chillingsworth who wanted to use her as art.

Instead she got captured and dropped off at Butcher Bay. What most of you probably aren't aware of is the fact that Butcher Bay has three levels. Its a single to triple max slam and only a rare few actually get put in the triple max area. My mother was on the level two, double-max area. It's underground in the mines. No light, no clean air to breath. Darkness all around, when not surrounded by the artificial lights they put up. I don't even really know my mother's name. She died giving birth to me. I was supposed to die, no one could live in those conditions could they? Apparently they could. I lived."

With each word out of my mouth I could see the others looking at me. Jack I'd already told some of this story too but these people, they didn't know it. They had no idea that the reason I'd been so against Johns and Fry were because of the way they acted and how it reminded me of slam. Would they even care in the end. Taking a shaky breath, I tried to gather my thoughts. I hated thinking about my time being locked up, about the lives I'd seen die and the friends I'd lost. I didn't want to them to know that my weakness was simply I didn't have the experiences that the others had. I learned to fight and survive because there was no other choice. The arms that were around me pulled me closer and I could feel Riddick trying to ease me. His nose was buried in my neck at his mark and he was purring softly.

"Ain't ya'll heard enough. Sittin' here demandin' our life stories ain't gonna change anythin'. We are who we are because we are victims of circumstance. My woman here might want to share with you but don't be expectin' me to tell you a damn thing. Understood?"

I could feel the tension in the room rise a moment at Riddick's comments but they all just nodded. No one expected him to share anything anyway. In truth it was the fear that Riddick demanded of people the lack of knowledge in his life that people found interesting. It wasn't like any of his past was recorded anywhere. Though, I did have a surprise for him later on, when there weren't so many people around.

"You can imagine that everyone expected me to die. Babies and harsh environments aren't a good thing. I didn't. I was raised by the only female prison guard at the time. She couldn't have kids and she wanted them so she raised me. When I wasn't busy doing her little chores there was a man called Matlock who taught me to read and write. He wanted me to be educated so that if I did ever manage to escape I could do so and not look back. I would be seen as a civilized human being. Only, you can't train an animal to be human. I'm sure you've all caught on the fact that I'm not human, not completely. I just recently came across information that said I was Furyan, so apparently there are two survivors.

So between the guards and Matlock, I learned to cook, clean, wash etc. Things that people would need to know how to do outside of a slam. More than that I learned to fight. I was ten when I started to show the guards that I was actually a girl. Not that they didn't know before. They thought they could me into a little sex doll but I wanted nothing to do with it. I fought and I killed a guard. My first kill, at a tender age. I didn't know what else to do, I just knew that if I didn't fight I'd not like the outcome. As punishment for me killing one of the guards, they strapped me down to a table. They brought in this guy, Pope Joe. He was the one that did the 'shine' jobs or so they said. Most people that were given a shine, either never see again or they don't survive the pain of it. I was a fucking child and they forced me through it, nothing to dull the pain. Nothing. Well nothing but this crazy lady that I'm pretty sure was a hallucination that was talking to me through it."

I was trying to not reveal too much, some things I needed to keep to myself. I wanted to know what it meant to be Furyan without having to dig for answers. The only other person that could explain it to me would be Riddick. Even now as I mention the woman I can feel him pulsing with questions. He was this constant presence in my head, demanding, and yet gentle at the same time. I was done talking, but not done with my story, I needed them to understand something.

"From that moment on I wasn't normal anymore. I could no longer see in the light. It hurt my eyes. I learned to see in the dark. I don't know if it's due to my Furyan heritage or the fact that the Bay is dark but my sense of smell, hearing, taste; all of it increased. The body adapts when somethings not working the way it should. I learned to be stealthy, to be the hunter instead of the hunted. Though I was hunted. From the moment I had the shine, I was hunted. They wanted to kill me. I fought, I killed. I'm not going to apologize for it. It's kill or be killed in the slams and only the strongest survive. I will tell you this. There's only one other known convict to have escaped, and said convict was in triple-max cryo lock down. He's sitting here with us. Most of the slam's aren't that hard to escape, no one's just brave enough or patient enough to try. I'd do it again too. Why? It brought me to you and it helped me save you."

Pushing my way from the couch, I felt Riddick let me go, reluctantly, at least. I knew that he wanted to hold me until he knew that I was calm. It was a thing. I wasn't going to run but I needed to get out of the room. The time wasn't going to go any faster with us sitting around blathering out our problems or hashing out who thought what about whom. I didn't want to do that anymore. I just needed space. I had no idea what to do to pass the time, simply because passing the time in a slam was different. Out here in space there was no clear indication of when day or night moved came and went. Instead we had to rely on technology to tell us.

Leaving the sitting room, I headed back into the bedroom that I was sharing with Riddick. A part of me wondered if he'd go through with what both our animals wanted. We wanted to finish mating, to be one but could we do it with the others around. It wasn't like they didn't expect it. I had a feeling that Shazza and Zeke both were secretly rooting for it. Imam was the unknown source, the one that I wasn't sure about. I wanted to trust him but something about him told me no. Glancing out of the window in the starship, I could see the stars fly by as we whirled at light-speed to our destination. I liked traveling this way, no cryo needed. We could actually sleep for the first time in forever.

Standing there in our room, looking out the window, I sighed. I knew what money was but I had none. Well, aside from what I stole from the house just before my escape. I would need to spend it on supplies, like clothing and personal supplies. Weapons weren't a problem. I could try to fashion weapons out of things but we couldn't keep this vessel forever. People would grow suspicious. Not only that but New Mecca was our last stop. Was I supposed to be left there to fend for myself? I didn't want to be alone, I didn't want to watch Riddick leave me. Each of these thoughts started to fall in on me and I could feel my panic rise. I didn't want to be left alone.

I could hear the sound of feet pattering across the ship but none of them were Richard's. For a man that is as large as he is he doesn't make a single sound. I almost didn't know he was there until I felt his arms around me once more. His smell was the first thing I noticed and it calmed me down some. He and I, we needed to talk and now was as good as any. Turning from my spot at the window and looking up. I could see him studying me with his goggle-less eyes. So many emotions fluttered across his face.

"'Bout time you and I had a little chat. I know that I marked you in the corin' room. Told the world and those fuckin' creatures just who you belonged too. Didn't hear ya protestin' on the ship either when I took a few liberties. I think you promised me a 'later'. One thin' you need to know about me. I won't leave you. You'll be stuck with me until we both die. You understand?"

"It's not like I'm asking for anything different Rick. I want this. I've wanted this since before you sought to show me dominance and mark me. Is it love? Hell if I know but the animal in me is more than willing to submit to you, as the alpha."

For a moment I just stood there and stared at him. I knew he needed my submission, he's the dominant one in the party, but I also knew that there would be times when he allowed me to be my own. Our lives were about to be intermingled on a level that could not be taken back. We were going to be doing something irreversible. A part of me was nervous, Riddick would be my first and only lover and I had no way of knowing if this was right or not. I just had Matlock's words, telling me to trust my animal and she was telling me this was right.

Before I could think too much I could feel a pair of lips crash down on mine. His kiss was gentle and yet demanding at the same time. I easily gave in. Why shouldn't I? We both wanted this. Kissing though, it wasn't going to be enough and both of us were more than ready for this to happen. With each passing second on the kissing I could feel my arousal spike and scent the air, knowing that Riddick could smell it as well. This was going to be it.

He pulled back a moment and watched me. His eyes taking in as much as he could. My face was flush from the exertions, but I knew that we weren't done yet. Gently he picked me up and carried me the few steps to the bed, setting me down on the edge. My clothing choice was unfortunately going to aide him more than me. Before I could think he had already slipped my shirt off my shoulders and tossed it across the room. I was sitting there with nothing on but the shorts I threw on to get out of bed.

Silver eyes started to roam my figure and I blushed and tried to cover myself up. The action was met with a growl and a pair of large hands trapping mine against the headboard. He looked down at me and I could see that he was enjoying what he could see. Gently his other hand came up and wrapped itself in my hair before pulling me up for a kiss. He was making me heated and it honestly felt damn good. I was moaning and writhing and trying to get him to take me higher.

Moving his lips from mine, he started to trail soft kisses against my skin. I could feel him ghosting over it and feel the goosebumps rising. It did nothing to make me afraid. When he got down to the barrier of my shorts I watched him smirk a moment before he pulled them off with one hand. He wasn't unskilled at this and it almost made me frown. A part of me kept telling myself that there would always be this difference between us.

I didn't have to hear him talk to me to understand what he was going to do. As his hands and lips trailed across my skin I felt myself grow ready. Moving slowly he traced the center of my being and I couldn't help but moan and buck in response. Slowly he slid one finger inside of me like he had when we were on the ship hiding from the goll. He knew that I was going to be tight, that I wasn't going to be able to fight this. Gently he slipped a second finger inside of me as he prepared. It felt good, the ache only seemed to get worse though and I knew that I was probably becoming a tad incoherent in my moans and whispers.

Our time was now, at least that's what my head was telling me during all of this. I knew that we didn't have much time to play around, that could come later. No we needed to finish our bonding if we were going to be able to focus and to use it to our advantage. A part of me wondered exactly what Riddick's intentions were as he trailed kisses down my stomach and across my thighs. I didn't have to wait long, at least, not before his fingers were replaced by a tongue. I was already on edge, so ready to go over that it didn't take much this time to send me into a fit of pleasurable spasms.

My first orgasm, ever, ripped through me like tidal wave. His name falling from my lips as if I was praying to some sort of higher power. I watched with hooded eyes as he pulled back to stare at me, a slight smirk on his features. Oh yes he was enjoying this but I wasn't going to begrudge him that. I was enjoying it too. From my vantage point I watched as he withdrew from me for a moment, and stripped himself of his clothing. My eyes took in as much of his well defined muscles as it could. The man was packed, in more ways than one.

I could feel myself almost drool simply by looking at him. The smile he gave me, knowing that I was staring at him, almost made me combust right there on the spot. Lust raged between the two of us, and maybe a hint of love. Moving with animal like grace, Riddick was once again leaning over me searing his lips with mine. Hands and fingers moved and caressed as much of each other as we possibly could. I know that with every movement I was trying to memorize him, the feel of his muscles under my hands, the feel of just him.

He took his spot between my legs and for a moment paused. I know he was trying to convey that he didn't want to hurt me, giving me one last chance to back out. Honestly, I doubt I could have. This wasn't going to be terribly painful, he struck me as the kind of man to do what he could to make it at least pleasurable. I could sense the hesitation and I reached up to cup his face with my hand.

"Are you sure about this? Tell me now because I don't think if we keep goin' I'll be able to stop."

"Richard.. We need this. You and I. I don't mind a little pain, just promise me you won't stop no matter what?"

Apparently that was all he needed to hear because within the blink of an eye he had slammed himself home, taking me in one stroke. It hurt, a little, but it mostly felt like an uncomfortable pinch. I could feel his body frozen above mine, trying to give me time to adjust to him. He was huge, at least I would assume so. I had nothing to compare him with and I didn't feel like comparing his size at the moment. Touched by his willingness to wait I leaned up and kissed him as much as I could.

It was as if the dam broke and he started moving, slowly at first, in and out. Drawing pleasurable moans and groans out of my body. It wasn't going to be enough though, and soon he was moving faster and faster. My growls, groans and urging of course the catalyst that he needed in slamming into me. Our animals were battling for dominance, and well he was winning. I wasn't going to get too upset by that.

Our first time together was unlike anything I could explain. It felt as if for the first time I was becoming whole. I could feel myself edging closer to the end and I knew we both needed a push to dive over that edge, but what would it be? Apparently Riddick had the same idea because just as I was about to break apart I felt his teeth on his mark. He bit down, drawing blood and re-establishing the dominance and the claim. I bit him too, only my mark didn't draw blood. I wasn't able too. I simply clamped my teeth against his neck and felt both of us explode.

I could feel myself give out, not having anything to compare too, I would have to say this was fantastic. I can feel the weight of Riddick above me, his eyes watching me and his face smiling down at me as he moved. Arms snuck around me and pulled me close, letting me rest my head against his well muscled chest. I was exhausted and so very sated. The animal inside of me was basking in the afterglow and sated. I've never felt this complete in all of my life. I wanted to curl up and sleep but I needed to talk to at least figure out what this means.

"I.. feel whole for the first time in.. well forever."

"I know baby. Our animals wouldn't be calm until we were bound completely. Now the world will know you're mine and I'm yours and, baby, I keep what's mine. Rest now. We can talk later."

I felt like I should tell him I cared for him. Was it love? I don't know. What did it mean to love someone? I wasn't loved in the slam so I had no sort of reference point for this. Letting the command of my alpha wash over me I closed my eyes and allow the heat of him to wash over me as I drifted off to sleep. I didn't want to worry about how long we'd been in here, no one would bother us unless it was a real emergency. I needed rest, we all did, and food.

I felt a gentle kiss on the top of my head and the fact that Riiddick wasn't making any move to move. If he was comfortable then I was comfortable and I was asleep within a matter of moments. He'd worn me out, but that was a good thing right. Rest was the only thing that I was lacking. Right now I doubted that I'd be up for anything other than sleeping anyway.

Sleepin' wasn't always somethin' that came easy to me. Not since my time in the slams. I could function on a whole lot less sleep than most people but bein' so close to Autumn made it hard for me to resist. I was holdin' her tight hopin' that whatever sad thoughts she had would drift away come mornin'. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I actually wanted to protect someone and that someone turned out to be my mate. I've been called an animal for so long but for the first time the animal inside of me was happy to just lay here and let the woman rest.

I could feel when she started to rouse but I didn't wanna wake her. Playin' like I was still asleep I let her do whatever she wanted. Scaring her wasn't goin' to get anythin' accomplished. I knew that yet a part of me wanted to wake up and let her know that I liked wakin' up beside her. When I was sure that she wasn't aware of me bein' awake, I snapped open my eyes and watched her. I was in time to watch her saunter out of the room in one of my shirts and a pair of shorts. I didn't care what she wore, honestly, as long as she was comfortable. After everythin' that happened she could be allowed these small luxuries. It's not like she had much to wear anyway. Most convicts right out of the slam didn't. I would have to rectify that. I couldn't let her walk around with nothin' could I?

I listened closely as I heard her walkin' to the kitchen. Despite all of it she was still super quiet and I had to strain to hear her. I knew in time she'd come to hear even my quietest footsteps. For now, I was content to just hear her make her way into the kitchen. Breakfast was in order. The pups needed food, regardless of what kind of protests they might have. Food was always something that children needed and I wasn't gonna stop them. In fact I was actually lookin' forward to have a decently cooked meal. Bein' a convict normally meant I hunted and cooked my food over an open fire in a cave on some planet. One could only have so many meals like that before they got old.

Slidin' out of bed I threw on a clean pair of pants and one of my black tanks and headed out towards the sounds and smells. I could hear the others rousin' and I wanted to make it to the kitchen before they did. My feet were quiet as I padded through the ship and stopped a moment to sniff the air. She was making bacon, eggs, pancakes and the like. The very idea of it had my mouth waterin'. Slowly I approached and wrapped my arms around her. I didn't want her anywhere else, well alright, maybe one other place. Still it felt good to have her wrapped in my arms.

"Morning, Riddick. You hungry?
"You can call me Richard, or you. for now."

I didn't mind if she called me either. Richard was my real name but so few people ever used it. I was always Riddick this or Riddick that. So why not let my mate, my lover call me by my given name if not a nickname of it at least. I still had my arms around her as we were talkin' and I could hear the others goin' and findin' a seat at the table. She'd bring the food out soon enough. We could see her from the table, and vise versa. Not that it mattered. Everyone that was on the ship, except maybe Paris, was someone I was slowly startin' to trust.

"Go sit Rick. I'll have breakfast done in a minute."

I followed her instructions and went and took a seat. I was by Jack with an open spot for her, assumin' the others didn't try to all fill in around me. Mostly I would have expected them to congregate on the far end of the table. They didn't though. They all sat equally around the table as if we were some family that they just included everyone in. I didn't mind it much, honestly, it was unusual to have people so close to me. Jack's a good kid I know that much as I watch her go and see if my girl needs any help. Someone should have at least asked. She went through all that trouble to cook them their food, least they could do is offer to help in some way.

When the food was on the table I noticed the problem. There wasn't a chair really for my girl and that didn't bother me. I watched as she wedged a chair in between the kid and myself. I knew she needed the comfort. It was subtle but it was there. When she motioned for everyone to start eatin' we did. The food was so good. In all honesty I hadn't expected it to taste this good. This was like home cooked goodness that you only found on the smaller planets. Not from someone that lived and grew up in a slam. It wasn't all that hard to understand that much. I wasn't goin' to say anythin' 'cause the food was good.

I looked a moment and noticed that Autumn wasn't eatin'. Nudgin' her gently in the side, I looked down at her. I was sure that concern was showin' in my eyes but I wasn't gonna stop myself. I was worried. She'd already learned more than most people should in the past day and I worried that she might still be in shock. When she started to eat I relented in my stare and went back to my own food. There would be no seconds. Everyone was starvin' after the escape on the hell planet. We all needed food.

"Where'd you learn to cook? I figured most convicts were too stupid to understand the basic skills of life."

"Actually, the female guard that raised me until I was ten taught me how to cook. As long as I made the guards breakfast they didn't try to hurt me. Things aren't always as they appear, Paris"

As soon as the words were out of her mouth I growled. Who the hell was he tryin' to get her to justify what she was doin'? I watched as my girl left the kitchen and stalked out of the room. No one would talk to her like that, ever. No one should ever talk to a woman like that, not one that didn't deserve it. Autumn hadn't deserved it all. Standin' up, I grabbed the puff of a man by the throat and drug him to me. Lookin' in his eyes, I let my shined ones peer at him, the rage and violence my aura promised was palpable.

"You have no right to speak to her like that. She didn't have to make everyone breakfast but she chose too. You speak to her again, at all, and I'll gut you before we get to your planet. I have no problems droppin' your ass out the airlock."

I wasn't even standin' there with shivs drawn. Just my muscles, and my anger. It was enough though, 'cause I could almost hear Paris piss himself. It's what he got for being a jackass. Zeke and Shazza were both scowlin' at him too. If I hadn't said somethin' they probably would have moved to do so. Slowly I was startin' to see just where the good came from. These people were tryin' to protect her without even really thinkin' about it. We'd already proven we could take care of them and now in a way they were takin' care of us.

Shovin' the man away before I actually lean up and kill him, I move from the room. Out in the great room I see my girl curled up on the couch. I wish she didn't have to feel like this, like she didn't have to justify who she was to people like him. Our lives, those of escaped convicts, were never gonna be easy. Until we could forever remove the bounty from our heads we were goin' to have to run an hide. Few allies to call our own and fewer still that we could actually trust. Too many people wantin' a piece of the pie so to speak.

I could tell looking at Autumn that she was lost in thought again. I didn't mind so much when I was around. Scoopin' her into my arms, I sat on the couch and settled her in my lap. She should always be there if she could. There in my arms, with her head restin' on my chest. I liked this. My animal started purrin' softly trying to calm her. I doubted any of the others, even Jack who chose to sit beside us could hear it. Autumn and I, we could speak on an almost sub-vocalization that very few people outside of true animals could actually understand.

"Are you alright child?"

"Paris shouldn't have said that. He'll leave you alone until we drop him off."

"Yeah quite sure Riddick made him piss himself."

Lookin' down at Autumn, I can't fight the smirk. I was tryin' to convey to her the feelin' of what happened. I protected her, would always protect her. I wanted her to know that, to know that she was mine and I would not allow anyone to do anythin' to hurt or change that. Pullin' her close I couldn't help but wish for somethin' to do. I didn't like being cooped up but we were on a ship, there wasn't really much we could do about that. Instead, I just started to listen to what everyone else was sayin'.

This was the time for me to figure out who I could trust. The questions and stories would tell me everythin' I needed to know. The right people would ask the right questions without comin' across in a bad way. I didn't understand it though. There was still an issue I had with the holyman and maybe he could prove to tell me more but maybe I was right. That was the one thing buggin' me the most. He knew way too much but claimed it was rumors. Rumors told people that I wasn't as intelligent as I really was but we see how that works out. I needed to realize that I could trust him, but right now I was still unsure.

I wasn't really payin' attention to the stories. At least not the one by Autumn. I'd heard most of what she wanted to say and I could feel it too. People forget that animals can smell lies as well as sense them. We know when someone is about to yank our chain. We don't like it and we normally fight it as much as we can. All I was plannin' on doin' was holdin' my girl and hopin' to hear why Jack had stowed away on the Hunter Gratzner. Not that it mattered. She got out of whatever hell that planet had been and her own. We'd take care of her.

For a moment I try to avoid her words but I can't. She's spillin' her heart out to these people and they better damn well appreciate her for it. Tappin' her on the shoulder, I watched as she looked up at me. Slippin' my goggles off so she could see my eyes, I stare. I felt like she needed some form of comfort and the only thing I could think of was to lean down and kiss her. So I did. Hard and fast, full of lust and love and somethin' else. She was my other half, my mate, my girl. I wanted her to know that. Jack's chuckle is enough to make us stop and pull away and I can't fight the smirk. I don't care who knows that she's mine.

Before anyone really started to share their stories Zeke asked the one question I was curious about as well. What did happen to the wannabe captain. Fry. Most times I liked women with a strong survival instinct but that woman was more trouble than she was worth. I wanted to know but I was willin' to wait till she wanted to tell us. The moment the explanation happened though I couldn't help but tense up when she did. She didn't want judgment but our life was full of it. Every action scrutinized under the microscope. People would do whatever they could to use it against us and try to send us back to the slam.

I relaxed but only for a moment because right then Jack started speakin'. I could hear Autumn growlin' and I did my best to hold onto her. Neither one of us really wanted to hear this information. Nor did we want to realize what she was sayin'. No child should ever have to go through what she went through. Oh we'd be damned sure that we took care of those fuckers. I would gladly go with Autumn to spill a little blood for this. To keep myself from loosin' it completely I leaned down and started to breathe in Autumn's scent from my mark. It was calmin' me and her in a way too. We had things to discuss her and I but right now wasn't the right time.

Apparently my girl needed to get up a moment because she kissed my cheek and climbed out of my arms. I wanted to protest but I knew she'd be back soon enough. I was right she just returned with some tea for all of us. It was a thoughtful gesture and one meant to soothe. After tellin' her story though Jack left the room. I knew she needed to think about a few things and she wanted to be alone. I wouldn't hold it against her, not with everythin' she'd been through.

Leanin' back against the couch, my arm wrapped around Autumn's shoulders, not that she noticed, I listened to the others. I wasn't really carin' much for their stories. I already knew I could trust Shazza and Zeke. They'd shown that back on the planet, in their own ways. I didn't wanna push the issue with them but when both agreed that we'd be able to hide with them if we needed it was floored. Honestly. What sense did they have harborin' two fugitives. Most mercs would easily kill them and still take us in. Not that it mattered. We couldn't stop someone from doing what they wanted to do.

Nervousness ticked off of my mate and I didn't like it. I wanted to comfort her but she wasn't really makin' it easy. Our time would come. We were goin' to finish our bondin' and be able to feel each other better. I wanted to know her intimately and the thoughts on doin' so were eatin' up my mind. It's all my animal kept pesterin' me with but I didn't really fancy throwing her to the ground and ruttin' right there. No my woman needed time, love and tenderness. All of which I'd give her, for now.

It was Imam's turn to talk and I wanted to punch the sanctimonious fucker. Did he not understand that we could sense when he was lyin'? That we couldn't smell it comin' from him? Yet he tried to keep up with his pompous words and it only served to anger us both. Still I was sittin' there while the others heard the story that Autumn had told Jack. I knew there was more too it but now was not the time to push. These things required finesse and I knew how to do that. So instead, I sat back and just glared at the holyman for demandin' answers that obviously upset my girl. Why did everyone feel like makin' her repeat herself over and over for their benefit. Wasn't once enough? Did they take pleasure in hearin' about how bad things were in a slam, especially for the children, should there ever be children.

Pullin' my girl closer I tried to ease the tension from her. I didn't want her to deal with this. We needed our time and we needed it soon, before both of us exploded from the emotions and tension. I buried my head in her neck and tried to purr to keep her calm. It really wasn't workin' all that well and I couldn't fight back the words.

I sure as hell wasn't goin' to tell this lot my darkest secrets. I had them and only one, maybe two people would know them. Autumn and maybe Jack when she was older. The kid was like the sister I never got to have. Autumn started talkin' again and I kept up my soft purrin'. It seemed to help her stay focused to keep her on track. Not that it mattered. If she wanted to stop the story at any time she could, it was her right. I wouldn't be mad at her for it. Our lives were more alike than anyone, save the two of us, understood. I knew what it was like, the pain of the shine and the woman. The crazy woman that she talked about visitin' her in her dreams. We'd talk about that later.

When the story was over, I sat there a moment until I realized that she had left the room completely. The others slowly got up and bid their goodbyes. No one really knew what to say at that point. They'd obviously said somethin' they shouldn't have and yet I wasn't goin' to get on them. Takin' my time I climbed to my feet and headed towards our room. I didn't wanna corner her but I needed to see her. Enterin' our room softly I padded over to her and wrapped her in my arms. I liked this feelin' and I could watch her studyin' me hesitantly.

The moment the words left her mouth I lost control. My animal side surged into control and I was almost on autopilot. I knew exactly what it would take to make her happy and to please her. There was no goin' back now. We were to be together, forever. Crashin' my lips down on hers I kissed her for all I was worth. It was a kiss of dominance, I was demandin' that she submit to me and she did. I felt her yield underneath me and I was in heaven. The smell of her arousal filled the air and my animal both growled and purred. Oh this was goin' to be so much fun.

Pickin' her up, I carried her to the bed and sat her down gently. I didn't wait and let her try to think about this as I stripped her of my shirt before she could blink. I let my goggleless eyes take her in and she blushed and tried to cover herself up. The growl was one that spoke of her not movin'. she was beautiful and I needed her to know that. I'd get her to believe it soon enough. I wasn't goin' to have my girl ashamed. I knew she was a virgin. I could smell it in the air but why embarrass her with it. Instead I just growled and trapped her hands up against the headboard with one of mine.

Usin' my free hand, I wrapped her hair up in it and pulled her close for a kiss. I was enjoying this. I could feel her body changin', heatin' up and I loved it. Her moans were like music to my ears. Movin' away from the delectable mouth, I started to trail kisses across her skin. I was ghostin' across it with my breath too tryin' to raise goosbumps. I liked that affect on her. I gently pulled her shorts off her body with one hand, knowin' she wasnt' wearin' anything underneath. I saw her frown and I wanted to kiss it away but I didn't. I knew what it was from. I was skilled at this and she wasn't but I didn't want any other women, just her, forever.

At this time I let her go and let both hands and my lips trail across her skin. I loved how I was makin' her feel. I had to prepare her but I didn't mind doin' that part. I let my fingers work their magic as I slowly slid first one and then two fingers inside of her, stretching her and making her moan more. My animal was gettin' restless. We needed to finish this and now, we could play later, take our time later. For now, I was doin' everythin' I could not to make it animalistic and rough. I wanted to get her off at least once before the real fun began and to do so, I quickly replaced my fingers with my tongue. It didn't take much before I felt her shudder and maon out in pleasure.

My name fell from her lips and I couldn't help but smirk. She was sayin' it like it was a prayer and that was a first. Movin' away a moment, I quickly stripped myself and went back to join her on the bed. I could feel her eyes on me and knew that she was scared. I was big and I was probably the first male she'd actually seen naked. Then her mood changed and she almost let out a little bit of drool. That alone was enough to stroke my ego, not that it needed any help in the sex department. Givin' my girl a known' smile, I sent her what I hoped was a look of love. Pressin' our lips together again, I was tryin' to convey as much as I could.

"Are you sure about this? Tell me now because I don't think if we keep goin' I'll be able to stop."

"Richard.. We need this. You and I. I don't mind a little pain, just promise me you won't stop no matter what?"

Her callin' me Richard was almost enough to undo me right there. No one called me that but her. I wouldn't allow it. I had to say I love the way my real name sounds comin' off her lips. The words though, they finally set my animal in final orbit. I was no longer in any semblance of control as I slammed into her in one stroke, pushin' all the way through and breakin' her virgin barrier. She'd be sore tomorrow but I hoped she'd feel it would be worth it. I stilled a moment, tryin' to give her time to adjust. She didn't need long as she leaned up to kiss me and I started movin' of my own accord.

I was tryin' not to set a gruelin' pace but the feel of her tightly sheathed around me was almost enough to make me come undone as well. She was so tight and warm. She was growlin' and moanin' and all I could do was slam into her harder and faster. Our animals battled for dominance but I won. I could feel her comin' to the edge and knew it was time. Leanin' down I bit her again, in my mark, claiming her in blood and body. It was enough to seal it. She would be mine forever and I would be hers. No one would be allowed to touch her, without havin' to deal with me. My smell would forever intermingle with hers. She bit me, but it didn't draw blood. She didn't need to mark me for this to be true.

The feeling of her teeth on me was enough for both of us to give out. We both came so hard that we saw stars. I was able to regain myself quicker than she was. Lookin' down, I could see she was spent and I wouldn't begrudge her sleep. She hadn't done much of that, if ever in the slam and the last few days had been hell on us both. I rolled to the side and pulled her into my body, allowin' her to rest her head on my chest. My animal was content and purrin' and for the first time in a long while, it was truly sated. She was my mate, our mate and we would never let this go.

"I.. feel whole for the first time in.. well forever."

"I know baby. Our animals wouldn't be calm until we were bound completely. Now the world will know you're mine and I'm yours and, baby, I keep what's mine. Rest now. We can talk later."

I watched her bleery sleepy eyes glaze at the clock but I wasn't goin' to tell her how long we'd been goin' at it. She didn't need to know, yet. I'd save that for a surprise for later. Kissin the top of her head, I let her snuggle into me. I wasn't plannin' on leavin' unless there was an emergency with the ship. There hadn't been in the last four hours, not since I closed our bedroom door, I doubted there would be now. Still I wasn't ready to sleep yet so I just laid there, pulled the sheets around us and watched my girl as she drifted off into a peaceful sated slumber.