AN: Tomorrow is Valentine's Day in the U.S., a day for gifts of love. Here is my gift to you, faithful readers.

Chapter 36: When the Huntress is Ready…

Let him speak soft words and offer wealth who longs for a woman's love – Old Norse Proverb

"I feel nude."

Standing in front of my Bearer for inspection, I slowly turn.

"You look stunning, Huntress Anu. I love the way the bared shoulder sports your scars. The way the leather comes up over one hip, low, but higher than the other – again shows your scars to an advantage. My tailor outdid himself."

"I feel naked without armor."

"And of what use would armor be at this great feast to honor all who have come through Chiva?

"Everyone will be in the Great Hall tonight. As the bloodline of so many great Yautja, you must look the part. Di'sa will not be disappointed."

"I feel like a petulant pup who would rather sulk in my room. I know I'm not doing this honor justice."

"Well, YOU are feeling mating hormones for the first time."

"In purity, I am not. I have been feeling this way since during training. I am very good at managing my scent."

Gu'lee's jaws open and snap at my revelation. "You have the makings of a Matriarch, dear one. Keep this particular talent to yourself."

"I have. Except that I think Ro'gn knows."

"Speaking of mating, may I know your decision?"

I try not to snap back.

"I'm still considering. Yes, I know there is very little time. My choice will soon be apparent to you."

"I will support you…defend you if necessary."

A huge smile splits my face, "You always have, my Bearer."

"Now, Anu, I have a gift for you!" She dangles a small bag before me.

Opening the drawstring, I pour out four thin rings.

Tusk bands!

"Bearer, these are most beautiful!"

I roll the black circles around in my hand where they flicker with bright yellow here and there. Picking up one, I look at it closer.

"Hard meat shell?"

"Sei. The yellow inlay is gemstone. See the design?"

"I do. Tiny sparkling sky bolts. Exquisite!" I carefully slip them over my tusks and then look into the mirror.

The tusk bands glimmer with every movement I make, yet they do not overwhelm my face.

"Thank you for this gift, Bearer. They are perfect."

"Yes, they are! They were mine, once, given to me by my bearer and now I pass them on to you."

These were once worn by Di'sa, then Gu-lee. I am honored.

"Anu, Di'sa's bearer gave them to her. These bands have come down through our blood line since perhaps the beginning of our Clan. Wear them with pride – you do them justice."

"I…am at a lost for words to express my honor. I will honor this gift with my continued loyalty to the path…and…as I said, I do not know what to say."

"It is understandable. I felt very much the same when they were given to me. Now, it is time to leave. The feast waits."

"I need a moment alone. Then I will join you."

Gu-lee nods and walks from my room, gently closing the door.

From the mirror, my reflection amazes me. You have your goal, I chide myself. The other arm will be bared after it sports my stry'ke. It will be the net, just like Ro-gn's. After that…

From a drawer, I take one of the medications left for me by the Healer. The small vial opens with ease and has no taste as I lift my throat and down it.

Now I am ready.

Gu-lee and I stand at the grand entrance of the Feasting Hall. From this vantage, I can see nearly the entire room below. There are many lantern-lit tables, some with occupants, others are still bare. Finely dressed Hunters and Huntresses walk the aisles as the vibrations of laughter and talk travel up to my hearing. The air teases me with the scents of Yautja wearing sultry hormones.

"Di'sa beckons," Gu-lee announces, dragging me along for the first step. My slight growl releases her hand from my arm.

The High Matriarch's bloodline table is on a raised floor at the head of the room, directly beneath the statues of Yaut's legendary Ancients which adorn the wall on protruding pedestals.

I bow respectfully to the seated High Matriarch, who rises to greet me.

"You have honored our line with your accomplishments, my dear. And you continue to do so with your beauty this night. Most fitting. Be seated on my right Honored Anu, and you on my left, Honored Gu-lee."

I look at my bearer, who is usually on Di'sa's right. She nods very slightly at me. "You deserve this honor. This feast is for you!"

"As it is for the others who also were marked," I reply, taking my seat.

"You can view the entire hall from my table," Di'sa instructs. "Every Huntress, every Hunter."

She emphasizes 'Hunter' and I understand her meaning, but say nothing.

Di'sa presses me. "Anu, I do not sense your anticipation. Is all well with you?"

"It is, Honored High Matriarch. I am grateful for your concern."

Di'sa waits to see if I will say more. I dare not meet her eyes, but simply nod politely and study the arrangement of gems and skulls hanging from her fine neck chain.

"Who do you favor, my dear? You can tell me. You can have nearly anyone you desire, you know."

My head shakes as I look to Gu-lee who is leaning over listening. Her eyebrow rises as my eyes plead.

"My bearer, Honored Di'sa, did you notice her tusk bands?"

"How could I not? They look wonderful on her!"

Gu'lee presses on, "I told her their history, of course. She was very impressed."

"As she should be. Anu, what impresses you most about them?"

"That they have been worn by so many great Huntresses in our bloodline. I will honor our history and always walk the path."

Di'sa's wide smile helps me relax a bit, as does her scent which has softened.

"Sei, I have every assurance that you do and will. Ah, everyone is seated, time for me to begin the feast. We'll talk later, my dear."

I ease back into my chair. Saved by the food!

As the High Matriarch rises and begins speaking, I search the room. Table after table, I look for him. Di'sa retakes her seat and is served. As she takes the first bite of meat, the meal is on.

I quickly raise my plate for service and dig in, all the time still looking. There! He is just a few tables away to the left of the main aisle - at the end of his table, but not the head where his silver-locked elder sits. He is facing me!

The food keeps coming. Many types of meat and fruit are served, along with an excellent c'ntlip. My drinking vessel is kept filled, by Di'sa's command I suspect. I sip carefully.

The females have begun approaching him. One by one, they have begun walking past where he sits, giving him a look, opening their jaws in flirtation. And he nods back, or says something, or….

He encourages them. He wants them to fight over him and the winner will shove his chest. Gah! Is my medication working? It must!

I cannot take my eyes from him and stop lifting my plate for refills of food from the passing aseigan.

Di'sa's whisper nearly makes me start, "Ah, I see. You choose HIM."

Ripping my eyes from their target, I turn to see the High Matriarch along with my Bearer both grinning at me with expectation oozing from their pores.

"Sei," I growl.

Di'sa's huge paw gently touches my shoulder, and I feel Gu-lee standing behind me. Then she bends down near my hearing, whispering softly.

"Daughter, I still cannot completely determine your choice, but I believe you want him. He is worthy. Now, for c'jit's sake, stop controlling your scent and go do what you want to do!"

My instant obedience floods the air with musk. Gu'lee steps away with a choking sound as I hear Di'sa's rough cough.

My brain roars inside, even as my loins come to life. Springing up, I stride to Ro'gn's table where a Huntress hovers over him, stroking his locks. Another is spreading her jaws in protest as she fondles Ro'gn's arm. He continues to eat and drink - until he sees me.

Now, I am running. Ro'gn stops cold. His eyes are locked with mine as I draw closer.

Leaping to his tabletop, I kick food from my path and stand before the huge, fully-grown Huntresses. They flare jaws at me, in challenge and perhaps amazement.

"MINE," I roar. My head held forward in menace.

The one with her talons in Ro'gn's locks moves away toward the open center of the room. She beckons me with huge fingers.

"Come small one." She casts a look at Ro'gn, "This won't take long."

We circle. She is huge. But not a Matriarch. Not fresh from her training. I can take her if I am quick. The other one is watching my techniques.

The enormity makes a grab for me. I dodge and instead of jumping away, jump toward her. Surprise registers on her face, but is gone as I slip behind and then run at her. She begins to turn, but not before I deliver a feet-first blow behind her knee. Howling pain, she goes down as the injured leg crumbles under her.

I leap back to circling, but the Huntress is finished. Her knee joint is dislocated, possibly broken.

"I submit," she states as a healer rushes in to attend her.

I turn to the other Huntress who has relinquished Ro'gn's arm. She bows her head in submission to me, in spite of her size, muttering, "I wish to conceive a pup, not spend the evening with a Healer."

Turning on Ro'gn, I feel my body blazing. He stands to face me, arms at his sides and hands turned palms out to me. I move in, but not to shove. Not yet.

"My path is still the same, Hunter. No pup will come of our joining. Do you still desire my challenge?"

With a cocky turn of his head, he continues to hold his poise. "I have plenty of pups, Huntress. That is not what I want from you, at least not this time."

"You will still honor your words to train me?"

A snarl leaves his jaws. "You question my honor?"

"Never."

I step in with my hand to his chest. His heart pounds steady beneath my palm and a swirl of male potency accosts my mouth. His scent is intoxicating!

"There is no need to see your trophies, Hunter. I know you."

"Not as well as you are about to," he rumbles, "Come."

I follow him from the room, dimly aware of approving roars and stomps.

As we leave the hall and reach the street, I am scooped off my feet.

About to protest being treated in such an undignified way, I hear his voice, "Shut up, Anu. You are still the student."

I lay the side of my face on his chest, listening to his breathing and his heartbeat as his strong arms carry me. I pull my hand over his chest, feeling the muscles, old scars and the stubble of short locks foresting a line running down the middle.

His steps turn to bounds as we cross over onto a ship. He sets me down.

"Welcome aboard, Huntress. This place is more fitting than my city quarters."

I nod, huffing in his richness which has spouted again.

Taking my hand, he leads me to his quarters and then turns.

Gone is all civility. His and mine.

I shove his chest again. He reaches for his throat and removes the protective brace.

My talons draw green diagonals from his shoulder to his stomach in one slow agonizing rake. His jaws gape as he places them over my own open ones and breathes his fire down my throat.

Ripping at his cloth, I feel mine freed and dropping. His strong arms surround me as his hands latch on to my backside, grasping each round. Talons press into my crease and I am lifted.

I grasp his shoulders as he carries me to his furs. Before he can place me, my tusks are in his neck. He shudders, pointing his chin to the ceiling, and offers his flesh to be plundered. Growling my delight, I bite deeply and taste his sweetness.

He brings me down as if to set me on the bed, but instead straddles me over what has grown hot and hard from his body. Pulling me back and forth, my moisture smoothes over him, even as my own pulsing grows. I begin to vibrate from the touch of his member.

The pleasure stops. "Anu, you are so ready. I wish to mount you face to face this first time. I can better judge your reaction."

I lay back on the bed, opening my legs, only to shriek with pleasure as he mouths me. Jaws closely tucked, I feel his tusks rub the inside of my thighs as his warm tongue bathes me first outside and then enters.

I cannot buck as my body bids. He has my hips pinned. Instead, I writhe whatever I can.

"Ro'gn, get on with it!"

"I cannot, you are too tight. For the sake of the gods, how long have you been controlling your musk?"

"Talk later! Take me now!"

"As I said, I cannot."

"You are the trainer here, DO SOMETHING!"

"C'jit female, I don't want to damage you."

He moves me to the bed and lies down. Then I find myself on my knees straddling his entire body, his stiff member reaching up to the small of my back.

"Mount me, Anu. Slowly, carefully. You control it."

"How?"

He pulls me forward onto his chest and, reaching over me, adjusts so his throbbing head is centered between my legs. "Now," he instructs. "I will hold myself while you ease onto me. It will take some pushing."

Excited, I press onto him and keep pushing until I feel his entrance.

That hurts. My skin feels stretched to the tearing point.

"Keep going," he breathes.

I push more, only to feel stinging.

"More," he growls, "this is the worst part."

I feel his immensity wedged between my muscles and something that will not move.

Pelvic bone. One thrust and it is done. Fill me Ro'gn.

One deep push and I lay on him, panting. His rumble fills my body.

Wrapping me in an arm, he turns both of us over. "I am in command now, my beautiful student. I have dreamed of this many times."

Slowly, movement begins, just a small movement. Back and forth, he pushes in and pulls out as my vibrations of pleasure return even as I gush forth more fluid.

He moans as the movements become longer, then faster. And then I am gone, riding waves of shrieking pleasure I did not know existed.

When I can open my eyes, he is looking down at me, a thin smear of blood on his tusks.

My first mating mark! I feel nothing but the pulse of my pleasure still echoing. Paya! Clasping him inside me – I thought I would die from delight.

He growls softly, "You are mine, Anu. Never forget. Other Hunters may mate you in the future. But you are mine."

"Just as you are mine, Ro'gn – always.

"Did…did you seed me?"

He grins, "Your shoulder bears my mark."

"But you are still firm within me."

"That is my way. We have all night and beyond, my Huntress. We have the entire mating season."

"And then you will teach me to walk again?"

He chortles and clicks. "I will teach you whatever you want, my Anu. The treasure of all my learning is yours because I trust you to make wise use of it."