I'm back! I'm sorry I've been gone so long. After the writer's block my computer crashed and then after recovering from that my internet went down… I think technology hates me. So I'm taking this chance to finally update!
Oh! And I am super excited about everyone who is following or has favorited my story. Love the support guys . Hope you like this chapter as well.
Chapter 14-
Garran's POV
I was working with my kin to establish a new passageway in and out of the hive. It was boring and tedious labor. My role was that of brainless brawns.
Garran, lift this segment above you and to the left.
Garran, can you adjust that beam over there so it's stable?
This is the design mother approved, don't change the angle Garran.
Garran.
Garran.
Garran.
Ugh! I was done with their orders and babbling. Again I bent down and had a large segment placed upon my back. Even for me it was difficult to stand up straight while balancing the weight and to heave it to the workers waiting above. Hating every moment of it I naturally connected with Maia. I never really released her mind, especially when she was in contact with another male. The very thought had me agitated, possessive, protective. Another male was touching my Maia! And Alcander was enjoying it no doubt.
I shook my head as another portion made of xeno exoskeleton was loaded onto my back and my tail helped hold another wall in place. It helped distract me from such violent thoughts.
Again I connected with Maia. She was at the end of the hunt. I could see through her eyes as she leapt at each doe and sliced through flesh with her hand made weapons. I felt the blood splatters hit her skin. I watched her heave the carcasses into a pile. My little huntress… I wanted to scoop her up in my arms. She was indeed deadly, fast and swift, but with me she was willing and submissive. She was eager for my touch and my company. To the hive she was Maia the hunter. Only with me was she Maia the woman. It made me smile how our bond made us so close. However, sometimes it did make me worry about the seclusion.
Maia was human. When I first intended to take her as my mate, I did all the research I could on her species so I could properly take care of her needs. Humans were social creatures. They needed contact with those they were close with. Maia thought she hid it from me but I never missed the soft sobbing in her mind sometimes when she missed the Queen. Was I being cruel in keeping her apart?
Perhaps the best solution would be to just talk to her. I would do what was best for her, even if it caused me intense frustration.
Again, I looked into her mind. Alcander was missing. Where was he!? I entrust the safety of my Maia into his care and he just vanishes?
Maia I do not want you to go searching for him. Stay with the group. I instructed mentally.
I am not some newly birthed chestburster Garran. She replied stubbornly.
Of course not Maia, but as I am not there with you I worry is all. Please respect my wishes. It would make me feel better knowing you were with the others at least. I heard her growl at being told what to do but she consented.
Her response was short. Fine. At least this way the others would look out for her. I hated that I had to entrust her sacred safety to others. I should be the one there protecting her, watching out for my love. But no, instead I was stuck on building duty.
Suddenly there was a beacon of hope. Here I come Garran. I heard her eagerness and lifted my snout to the heavens in thank you. She would be returned to me shortly. She would be back where she rightfully belonged.
Let's get this done. I said courtly to the others and lifted with a new found determination. The new structures were glued in place with saliva. The new entrance created a hidden opening to the hive. The top bowed low in an overhang so it protected the opening from the elements.
As soon as possible I made my escape from that infernal chore and raced back to our nest to meet Maia. I leapt through corridors and tunnels. I kept my body compacted to fit easily through the relatively narrow passages. On instinct I released a roar through the tunnels as I got closer. She was in the tunnels and racing towards our nest as well. I heard her holler in reply. A heavy purr began to erupt from my chest as I leapt the final distance and landed in our soft fuzzy nest. I stood waiting and listening. Finally, from one of the tunnels above she rocketed down on me.
She grappled onto my back as she dropped upon me. I was so happy I could feel her again! I was so happy she was here! She crawled over me and wiggled her way into my arms and I dropped to the ground clutching her close.
The relief and joy that overcame me was indescribable.
Maia's POV
Garran! Garran! I said over and over in my mind. I missed him so much.
Maia, my Maia. My darling you are returned to me! It felt like years!
I nuzzled against his chest and made my own human version of a purr while his own sounded strong beside my ear. Both sets of arms touched me continually, reassuring him that I was completely safe and whole. I began kissing up and down his throat.
His inner mouth extended and nibbled on my shoulder. I moaned in response. He nipped and I giggled.
Goodness, you really did miss me. I thought happily.
My little love you have no idea. He said. Allow me to welcome you home. He said and pulled the hides from my body and lay me gently against the fur bed bellow.
From the tunnels a howling could be heard and the very structure of the hive groaned. Garran lifted his head and smelt the air in confirmation.
The storm has begun. He stated.
Well then it looks like you and I are locked away together without a chance of interruption. He chuckled and his head lowered back down to me.
It seems you are right. He growled excitedly. I giggled as his lips descended upon me.
I leaned back and offered myself to him. My prince of the night. My dark warrior. My midnight lover.
While the wind and thunder raged outside Garran and I made our own storm within our chamber.
…
I lay back against the furs sleepy with bliss and cradled Garran's snout upon my abdomen. He purred for me and I stroked his muzzle and towards his crown. Garran's tail, which wrapped around us, thumped happily nearby.
In my happiness I began to hum while I stroked him. Garran's purr died down but his happiness only increased.
You haven't sung to me in a while. He said.
Not since you saved me from Byron. I remembered back. So much has happened since then. Did I ever properly thank you for that?
Your song was thanks enough. And your safety. That was the first time I felt the immense urge to protect you, the primal instinct imbedded within me since before birth to defend my mate.
Such an immense driving force… though I'll have you know that watching you leap at him the way you did nearly scared me to death!
Garran chuckled. Your concern was unwarranted. It only served to trouble you.
Perhaps, but just as it is your nature to protect me, so is it mine to worry when my mate leaps into danger as willingly as you do! I said and gave him a light thump on the head. He lifted his muzzle with a small growl. You know I am right. I continued. His growl increased slightly. I simply lay back and hummed a little louder. Garran once more rested his head upon me and went quiet as he listened.
Some words came to mind from a children's lullaby so I sang them softly. I felt Garran moving in my mind, riding the waves to the past long ago. He watched my memories like it was the greatest TV shows.
I recalled living at the human station. Getting up in the morning and having breakfast with a man and a woman, my parents though I hardly thought of them that way anymore. I loved them still, respected them but it had been the Queen who spared my life and became my mother. But there were other things I hadn't thought about in a while. Like my toys and games. I felt Garran stir at that.
What are those? He said indicating to my playthings. He didn't recognize the bright colors and elaborate designs. I thought about how describe their purpose.
Do you remember when you were really young and there was a little carbat skull you used to roll around?
Garran laughed. Yes I remember. My brother warrior tried to take it for himself once and I almost took off his tail for interfering.
Now I laughed. I remembered mother telling me about that. You played with that skull because it was fun. You couldn't eat it, you couldn't hunt it, you just enjoyed rolling it around everywhere. My games were like that. They were a fun way of learning basic skills. I presented the image of a soccer ball to him. This was a lot like your skull only I had to compete with other kids for it. We chased it and kicked it. Then I showed him a basket ball. This one we passed around with our hands.
I see. He said. And you enjoyed these things?
I nodded. Yup. There were other really silly games I played back then too like "Sorry" and "Checkers" but I was a little kid then.
Well then what did you play with when you lived here? Surely you still needed stimulation. He asked. I thought back.
Well… um…
What? Garran asked trying to search my head for what I was holding back. I knew it wouldn't take him long to find it so I just told him.
One of my first days here mother was busy with the newborns. She hadn't taught me to speak xeno yet but I still wandered around. I found one of the chestbursters who was just old enough to just start walking around. He had been given the chance to stretch his legs and explore. Maybe I was still in shock but I ran over and picked him up and started spinning around. He growled and screeched but I just pretended he was a whining baby. I took him to a corner and made him play the xeno version of a tea party. I almost drowned him with all the "tea" I forced him to drink. I didn't really dare to play like I used to after that happened. Mother was strict that that was the only time she would forgive such behavior. I laughed a little at the memory.
Who was the chestburster? Garran asked amused.
Alcander. I replied. Garran went tense.
You should have just drowned him when you had the chance. He's caused enough trouble since then. He growled softly in my head. I gave him a thump on the snout like I'd done earlier.
That's not nice. I scolded. Garran hissed at me, baring his teeth.
I am not nice Maia. I only exhibit control around you… well mostly at least. He said extending his inner mouth and nibbling on my breast gently. I moaned and held him closer.
That I definitely don't mind. I replied hazily.
Anyway, I thank you for being much kinder to me when I was that young. He thought to me while still nibbling contently. I began to stroking him again happily.
You were fun to play with even then. I still think you were the cutest little praetorian.
And now?
You're not cute anymore. Now you're perfect. Absolutely perfect. There aren't any soft edges to you anymore. You are all male and all mine. I said oh so proud of that fact.
I'm glad you realize that my little one. You must realize you are mine as well. I don't want Alcander even touching your mind. You should stop thinking about him.
I rolled my eyes. Garran had no reason to worry like this. Really Garran, relax! You know I want no one else but you. Even your brand says I belong to you. I said gesturing to the bite mark on my shoulder that hadn't yet completely healed.
I'm sorry, I'm still a little on edge from the fact that I specifically entrusted your safety to him today and then he vanished!
I reached forward to kiss him. I'm safe and sound.
Where did he go anyway? Garran asked. I only sighed.
I have no idea! He refused to answer me when I asked.
He wouldn't tell you? It's not like a praetorian to keep secrets. Perhaps mother knows then. It wouldn't surprise me if she swore him to secrecy on something.
Like what? I can't imagine he would find something that required such secrecy.
I'm not sure… Maia I want to ask you something.
Yes?
If I deemed this hive ultimately too unsafe for us, would you consider finding a new home? Would you leave with me?
My breath caught in my throat. The idea of leaving had crossed my mind but it had unsettled me enough to prevent me from really thinking about it. Most of my life had been dedicated to this hive. Protecting it. Providing for it. Replenishing it. And for what? To only have it ripped away? To lose all of my friends? Elvina? Placidia? Tia? Everyone here was my family. I cared for them all so much.
But on the other hand, I couldn't lose Garran. Since he had been born, my world had been turned upside down. I could not be without him. We were bound down to the cellular level. Even the brief separation earlier today had been stressful at least and almost painful. It would be worse if we were separated for a longer time span and/or at a greater distance.
I want to say that yes I could leave with you, but only for a very good reason and even then it would be difficult. Garran lifted his head as if his gaze could meet mine. Mentally, it did.
Garran's POV
I sensed her immediate anxiety at my question. She had already been ripped from one home; she was terrified of being ripped from another. But I was becoming more and more uneasy the longer we remained. I had a growing sense of dread and this caused my instincts to flare up. Since Maia had come back to me, I had not relinquished my hold on her. I kept touching her everywhere and keeping her within my grasp because I did not trust letting her go. I felt as if the moment I did, something would snatch her away.
I nuzzled her to comfort her. I know little one. But something feels …wrong. If the need arose, would you trust me to take you away?
She was silent for a moment but then she nodded. Of course I would trust you.
Her faith honored me and I smiled at her and nibbled on her neck gently in thanks. In doing so, I picked up her scent. She smelled a little strange. Not weird or different, but off from how she usually smelled. I nibbled again to take in the hormones she was giving off. Definitely off, but why? I merged my mind with hers and felt no discomfort or sickness. She felt fine and didn't notice anything different about herself. Perhaps I was just being paranoid, but with all that had happened could anyone blame me? I had almost lost my mate on countless occasions and even now we did not feel welcome in our own home.
Home is not a place Garran, home is being with you no matter what our surroundings are. Her sweet voice filled my mind. It always surprised me when she found just what to say when I hadn't even voiced something was wrong.
Come here Maia. I instructed and pulled her into a passionate kiss.
After the Storm
Maia's POV
It took a few wonderful days for the storm to die down. While it lasted Garran and I had so much fun. For a small moment in time, there was no responsibility. There was just us and no worries. It was such a rare thing I actually felt spoiled.
But then the storm ended. I didn't want to think about the outside so as Garran and I sensed the weather calm down I buried under the furs and hid away. Garran came after me and his muzzle searched me. When he found me, I kept hold of him with me under the furs instead of letting him bring me out. Maia. Garran chuckled amused. I groaned.
"I feel very lazy. I don't want to get up". I confided. It was rare that we were essentially forced to relax, given no other option. I didn't feel ready for it to end.
It has to end sometime. Garran said and I allowed him to now lift me out of the bed. I growled softly in response. Be calm my litte xenomorph. We will have other chances.
"Promise?" I asked.
I promise. He vowed and extended his inner jaw to nibble on my neck.
"Mmm Okay". I said. "But only because you're distracting me."
He chuckled. As was my intention. Have I ever told you how adorable you are? He nibbled again and I moaned.
"Maybe. I can't remember at the moment." I said leaning into his touch.
Well you are. He said lovingly.
I giggled but suddenly there was a voice in my head.
Maia, I request you and your mate to meet me in my central chamber. The path of communication with mother felt rusty, unused as it had been lately. It was a shock to hear her and felt strange. She was very formal in her request. She did not speak as a mother would speak to her daughter. I sighed physically at that thought.
Of course mother. We come to you immediately. I replied just as formally. Then I directed my thoughts to Garran. Did you catch that?
I did. Of course as a constant shadow in the back of my mind he had heard it as well. He never relinquished his touch from my mind anymore. I liked it though. It was uncomfortable for us not to be touching or connected. It seemed that with time, our bond would only continue to become stronger. No doubt it has something to do with this huge secret Alcander was keeping. He growled out that last bit.
"You're jumping to conclusions." I stated.
Perhaps, but watch me be correct. I rolled my eyes.
"Let's just go before she decides we are defying her by being late." I stated. Garran lifted me up in his large outer arm so that I could climb onto his back. Once he felt I was settled he raced forward towards mother. I felt his unease. He was letting the beast in him come close to the surface so it was there should he need it.
I am here with you, whatever she wants we will face it together. I am sure there is no need for that. I said soothingly as I reached up to kiss the underside of his crest. A heavy purr began in his chest and it made me smile.
It had better not be building duty again. I swear to you I almost lost all sanity and dignity at the same time doing that. He teased and I laughed, happy that he was relaxing again.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that it isn't then. I said and did so upon his back. He laughed as we slowed and approached mother's chamber. With all that had happened lately, who knew what she wanted now?
Tada! Okay, I know it wasn't as long as some of the other chapters but the good news is that I know exactly what's happening next so the next chapter should appear very soon. Thank you so much for your support and please review.