Wow! Thank you so much to all of you who reviewed! You are all amazing!

Alright the goal for this chapter is 150 reviews!

I am so sorry that's taken me so long to write this but I really hope it's worth the wait.

Chapter 12- Romance

Reality ceased in the world of dreams as Garran and I both slept away the stress of the previous day. Hours later my eyes slowly began to open. I looked around the dimly lit cavern blinking and moved my head slightly to look around. I felt something hard around my waist. My head returned to me and I looked up to see the underside of Garran's chin. I smiled at my shadowy warrior.

I would need to check and redress his wounds. But for now he needed rest.

I have rested. I heard. I jumped a little in shock. Garran's presence slowly filled my mind as he too awoke.

"Good morning." I whispered, twisting in his grasp to kiss a clean patch of xenomorph exoskeleton.

Good morning. He replied cordially. I pressed into his mind to check on how he was feeling. Garran was soar essentially all over but after taking on the Queen that was exceedingly lucky. I paid special attention to the wound at his neck.

"Allow me to help you." I said pushing against the restraining arms around my waist and chest.

What if holding you is the only medicine I need. He argued. I snorted.

"We both know you need a little more help than that." I said and pushed against him gently once more. This time he let me pull away and reposition myself. I shrugged off the thick pelt Garran had used to protect me during the night from his blood.

Then, I ever so gently began pulling away the strip of animal hide to view the wounds fully. "They need to be cleaned." I stated. I did not give him a chance to catch me or to argue but simply leapt up and ran down a nearby hallway until I came to my private bathing area. I grabbed a large bowl, okay it was a large animal skull but let me call it what I want, filled it with as much water as possible, and brought it back to Garran.

I set the "bowl" down and used fresh hide to dab at the dried blood and fur. Once the gashes were rinsed I focused on healing and took the time to make a thorough examination for every wound.

When my work was complete the wounds were closed and on their way to a steady recovery. Garran lay on his back in relief as the pain died down considerably. I took away the dirty supplies and when I returned I snuggled close to him on the furs. I rubbed my entire body, which was still naked from sacrificing my clothing for a better cause, along his frame. I felt his purr and I answered with one of my own.

I climbed onto his abdomen and began kissing my way up his hard chest toward his throat and lips. When I reached those black lips I kissed him feverishly and rolled my tongue across them until he gladly opened his mouth. My toes curled where they landed and my hands roamed over him as my bare chest pressed against him.

Maia, stop! Garran suddenly pulled away and put considerable distance between us. I was left sitting in the middle of the furs.

Garran? What did I do wrong?

I am not a human male Maia you can never forget that! He growled his body tense and tight as he bent at the waist to be more at my level.

I could never think of you as human. You are so much better than any human male! We were made for each other. I don't understand what's wrong, Garran.

Garran's head dipped lower and he sighed visibly. There's more to my change than just size and strength. He admitted.

What does that mean? I asked. He was making me nervous. Garran stood up straight and tall exposing himself. With me kneeling before him I was eye level with the surprise he must have been speaking about. It hung thick and long between his legs. Mother had called him "Prince" and now I understand. Garran was no longer a mental male. His body fully expressed his masculinity. My eyes widened in shock and awe. He was so big!

I can hardly control myself with my new found…hormones and feelings. What little resolve I have crumbled when you touch me like that. I have to be so careful around you Maia. I can't even trust myself anymore. I could hurt you so easily! I can't risk your safety.

Garran. I whispered his name. You will not hurt me. Although I do admit this had me a bit scared, growing up with non-sex siblings this type of thing had never even been present in my growth. I mean you should have the seen the shot and horror on mothers face when I got my first period. But I loved Garran, he was my lifemate and together I knew that we could get through anything… although I hoped that this would be more pleasurable than our past struggles.

It would not be intentional. He interrupted. I stared at his length. It was definitely intimidating. But it brought a whole new level to our relationship, one that hadn't been present before.

I crawled forward but Garran took a step back. Garran, please don't walk away from me. This is an idea we have never had to think of before. But now that it's here we shouldn't run from it. I have the utmost faith in you Garran. I stretched my hand out palm up, asking for him to return to me. He hesitated and made no move to come closer. Please. I asked. Let me comfort you. Please let me touch you. He heard the desperation in my voice and he shuddered. One step at a time he came back to me.

I want you Maia.

I love you Garran, all of you. Let me show you how much I love you. I heard a husky growl come from within his chest.

I don't know exactly what will happen Maia, I can't promise anything.

I'm not asking for promises Garran. I can see, feel your discomfort. Let me aid you in the way of a true mate. The growing need within his own body and mind was spilling into me through our link and adding to my own.

Maia, I cannot ask this of you. He said, regret evident in his voice.

"You are not asking, I am giving. Ready and willing of my own free will." I said it allowed reinforcing my point.

The only thing that is keeping my control on myself is that I could hurt you. I am a male wanting his mate. If you say yes I will not hesitate. I sat up and as I had to bend my head back to look at him I pushed my chest forward and heard him growl with want.

"Take me Garran. I cannot wait any longer. I need to feel you inside me!"

*Lemon*

Garran stalked forward and I stood to meet his face and instantly kiss him fully. His small hands held both sides of my face as he kissed me back. His larger arms reached behind me and lifted me into the air without breaking our kiss.

He held my thighs and brought my body up to meet his as he lowered us both onto the fur bed. I lay my head back and Garran allowed our kiss to end only so he could move to the side and kiss my neck. I gasped.

His huge legs came to kneel on either side of me, straddling my body. His tail twitched and swayed behind him in anticipation. His head lifted to judge my reaction one last time.

"Please" I begged. I barely got the word out and it was easy to tell how badly I wanted him.

With a deep groan he thrust into me hard. I gasped as he filled me instantly, stretching me to my limits. He paused for a moment, letting me adjust. Then, he began to move. I kissed him once more as his steady rhythm increased.

My hands gripped his shoulders hard, desperately clinging onto him. Every move of his alien hips hit me hard and strong. I was climbing higher and higher into heaven. The sweet ecstasy of him was intoxicating. No human man could do this! None could even come close!

As the sensations shook us both, Garran bent and bit my shoulder hard. I hissed in air. The pain quickly subsided to euphoria.

My muscles clenched him tight as we rode higher into climax with a glorious finish.

As he pulled out of me, gasping for breath himself, he turned us over so he could support my exhausted body.

*End Lemon*

I lay on Garran's chest as my body shook with pleasure and after glow. I rubbed my face against him like a cat and let my chest follow. He purred and as he did his body vibrated beneath me. I rubbed my toes where they fell on the inside of his thighs. I felt his shaft twitch as I got closer. Then inner hands that held me to Garran tightened around my waist. His inner mouth extended to brush the top of my head. Slowly, I lifted my head and kissed his slimy teeth. He pulled me up his body to meet his face as he kissed me with his larger lips. His mouth forced mine open and his inner jaw extended into my mouth. I licked him as our lips still moved. He tasted sweet and wet. I ran my tongue up the sensitive organ from the base to his teeth. He shuddered and once more clasped my tongue in his teeth, squeezing gently. I moaned and completely sank against him, pressing my sensitive chest against him.

You like that? I was a rhetorical question. He could feel how much I liked it but I said anyway.

I love it when you hold me like this. So completely, so intimately.

He purred with masculine satisfaction. His body was so large that even as I lay sprawled out on him my feet only reached his pelvis. I used both feet to gently tease his gift with the soles of my feet. His large hand gripped my rear firmly. He released my mouth and lifted me straight onto his erection as he took me again.

I lay panting and exhausted. "I can't move", I whispered. He smiled in satisfaction.

Neither can I. I never thought it would feel so good! Pride swelled in me that I could make him feel that way. You should be proud. You are my own miracle Maia.

His tail came around to stroke my naked back. The bladed tip caressed my cheek. As the tail massaged me, each digit of the tail sent shivers over my skin. I gasped in pleasure.

The things you make me feel… simply indescribable. He surrounded me with love and affection.

I love you so much Garran.

And I love you my beautiful lifemate. I reached up to stroke his crown. Then, I nuzzled under his chin and kissed the thick flesh there. You are so small, my darling. You fit against me so well!

"Because we were made for each other, my Garran. We are the perfect match." I whispered against his neck. He purred again and I giggled.

That is my second favorite noise. Garran said.

"My giggling? Then what is your favorite noise?"

Your moans. He answered. When you call out my name in ecstasy. I chuckled.

"That's so sexy." I said.

He rubbed the top of my head and while purring, said huskily, it is.

I was happy he could not see the blush that flushed to my cheeks. But I know it is there all the same. He said. I groaned and he only laughed in response. That is very cute, Maia.

"I am not cute. I am a xeno warrior." I pouted in a child-like voice, imitating a tantrum. He laughed.

Oh Maia! You fill my life with laughter and joy.

"Well someone's got to entertain you."

I am very glad it is you entertaining me. He said, squeezing me tightly. I spread my legs so I straddled his abdomen and sat up with utter affection shining in my eyes.

Maia, I am so sorry I bit you! He said. Heavy guilt laced his voice. I turned my head to look at my shoulder. I only now realized that red blood covered my shoulder and his teeth marks were imbedded deep in my skin. For a moment I was stunned but then I turned back to him.

"You marked me." I stated. Very slowly he nodded his head.

I'm so sorry. I lost myself. I couldn't think, there was only you and your body and my beast took over. Maia, how can you ever forgive me? His mental voice was filled which sorrow.

I brought my hand to caress his crown while I spoke. "Shh, Garran. It is your brand. I will cherish such a marking because you have claimed me as your own and now the entire world will know that I am only for one male, you Garran."

I felt his awe at my words. But does it not hurt? He asked, very concerned. I shrugged.

"It stings, but it is worth it." I replied sternly.

Maia. He whispered, so many emotions in that one word, my name.

"My love." I whispered. One inner hand came to cup my cheek and I leaned into his touch.

You are my everything, Maia, the only thing that matters. I smiled.

"Do not let mother hear that." I teased. He snorted.

Let her. There is nothing she can do. I kissed his muzzle.

"There is no denying that you are definitely not a Queen." I said, gain another laugh from him.

No. He bucked his hips so I felt his length against my rear. Definitely not a Queen. I purred as his four hands ran over my body. My head rolled back as I let the sensations roll over me. I sighed in delight.

"There is so much of you." I whispered reverently.

And all of me devoted to you. He promised. I couldn't resist crushing my lips to his. He willingly received me.

Garran's POV

I had been so scared of hurting her, my treasure. But she had accepted me so quickly. How had I managed to fund such a miracle as my Maia? She had first broken through our species barrier and embraced me as a xenomorph. Then when I changes, mutated, and grew still she did not pull away but instead was always there to provide for me. And then this, she met my beastial needs, supplying when I needed. She was an astounding woman. So special and precious to me.

My little human. I whispered in her head. She had sent my world soaring. My poor brothers and sisters did not know what they were missing. Maia had felt so good and tight around me. Now with her cuddled against me I wanted to engulf her in both sets of my arms and never let her go. I wanted to selfishly hide her from the world and keep her all to myself. She say up again on my chest and beamed down at me. I loved her soft smile, so unlike my own menacing attempt. I couldn't exactly see her smile, but I felt it and my senses which gave me knowledge of my surrounding also conveyed her expression.

"I would not mind being locked away from the world if you were with me." She said happily. Her voice was like a sirens song. I thought back to the time she had sang for me and when she spoke English for the hunters. The sound was so different from the growls and hisses of my kind. In a way her language was more complex. I was intrigued when I watched her lips move and create "words" even from the same vocal sounds. I wondered if xenomorphs could learn such speech. I then noticed Maia had tilted her head to the side quizzically, obviously eavesdropping on my thought, not that I minded at all. In fact, the idea of her so easily in my mind, joined with me made my heart squeeze.

"Why would you want to try?" She asked rather shocked.

Because it is your language. You gave it up when you were small to learn my own tongue. I want to learn yours in return. I want to whispered sweet nothings in your ear as you do to me and have it be native to you, personal. She came down to kiss my lips.

"I'd like that." She breathed when our lips parted. I pressed her against me and she snuggled under my chin and rubbed along my thick neck. I purred for her, enjoying the sensation. I was still filled with warmth and glorious satisfaction from our passion. I'd never felt more complete than at the moment.

My hands continued to move over her. Suddenly she twitched and curled onto her side. Why would she respond so when I had simply brushed along her side? She was frozen on top of me.

She was ticklish! My Maia was ticklish! Oh I would have fun with that!

I began to tickle her everywhere with all of my hands and she instantly sprang into action, leaping off of me and running to the opposite side of the chamber. I was quickly on my feet and chasing her while she laughed and playfully yelled for me to cease.

Maia's POV

We rolled around the furs, me giggling gleefully as Garran chased me. My foot caught in a bundle of hide and I toppled to the ground laughing. I hunkered down, burying deep to created a ruff hiding spot. Garran began to circle me, stalking playfully, focused on my obvious location. A growl built in my chest and he answered with a growl of his own. Suddenly, before he could attack, I leapt at him and he sprang forward in response, meeting my move instead of dodging. He caught me in the air and pulled me against his chest before surrounding me in both pairs of arms as he dropped to the ground and rolled, pulling his legs and tail in tight to become a living prison for me. When he stopped rolling, ending on his side, he extended his inner haw to ruffle my loose hair.

Gotcha. He said. I giggled.

"Good to know I can still make you chase after me." I said tightly against Garran. I pressed my ear closely to his chest and could make out the steady beat of his heart beneath his hard exterior. "I can hear your heart." I said. My voice was slightly muffled because of being held so tightly.

It beats for you, and only you Maia. He said. I giggled and smiled against him. We took our time just holding each other and being together in for calm.

My fingers stroked across the ridges of his body, memorizing curve, bump, and feature. We could just be together now. No hunters, no drama, just us. This was bliss. Garran began to purr and it shook me gently. His purr was my favorite lullaby. Garran wrapped my mind in love and affection and I melted against him, completely relaxing.

That's it my love. Let me comfort.

"You always comfort me. You're always there so caring and concerned for me. Thank you." I said. Ne nudged the top of my head again.

My upmost concern is your happiness Maia. I feel joy in pleasing you and making you smile.

"You are incredible Garran, my dark knight." He purred again and bent his head down to extend his inner mouth and nip at my neck. I gasped and exposed more of my skin. He brought his lips fully against my neck with his mouth still open so he kissed me with his larger lips and nipped at me from between. Garran felt how much I liked this and intensified the sensations. My breathing was uneven and labored as he pleasured me. Finally, he pulled away but I could not move. Garran turned over so I was solidly laying on his chest and abdomen. My fingers continued to pet him as I purred in happiness. Garran's claws rubbed over my skin, massaging the muscles underneath. I moaned.

It's a good thing you can share my mind, otherwise I wouldn't be able to express how much I love you! Words simply aren't enough. I spoke to him intimately.

I feel the same way, beloved. I rubbed my cheek against him and placed a kiss on his neck. He laughed and gave me a brief squeeze. I want to cleanse your shoulder. He said.

"Later" I mumbled against him and receive another laugh. For the hours to come we simply held each other, laughed, talked, and enjoyed being alive and more importantly together.

Alright, so was it worth it? Good? Bad? Okay? Review!

Also, I would like to say for all you… "passionates" who have been begging in reviews, some love is needed to express a relationship and actually help the story not just to be there for pleasure. (Spoilers? Maybe- maybe not ;) ) Contemplate the difference.