Asha draped her arms around his neck and rested her cheek on his shoulder while she panted. She could feel his heartbeat through his chest, and it was racing--but he didn't need to rest before claiming her again. His skin was still glowing with warmth. His grip on her thighs didn't waver, but he would wait for consent from her to continue.

Her wrist device rattled against the tile, making her jump. Uh'luka grumbled when she turned away from him. She lifted herself up on the edge of the hot-tub sized bath and tried to reach it. She didn't realize the view she was giving her mate. Just as her fingers touched the metal cuff, Uh'luka's hands grabbed her hips.

He pulled her against him even as she struggled, splashing water out of the bath, "Hey! That was probably important!"

One of his tusks grazed her ear as he spoke in a gruff voice, "It can wait."

She didn't have many contacts. If someone had sent her a message it was Zagros, Ain, or an alert from the clan. Before she could argue, a deep reverberation met her ears. It shook the top of the water and lulled her into a stupor. Her muscles became jelly and her will was gone.

Uh'luka held her against him as his teeth slid down her neck with a baritone rumble. Her chest expanded as he eased her onto his length, but then a moan slid from her lips. She felt his hips move back, then his abs tighten. He pushed into her with a growl. She moaned again as she tipped her head back.

After a few minutes, there was a soft beep and her head snapped towards the door. A light above the frame was glowing. It signaled when someone was standing in front of their house. Asha pushed against Uh'luka, trying to free herself. His muscles tensed, his arms becoming iron bars around her.

"Let go." Her voice was stern.

He released her, and she climbed out of the bath and stepped into the drier. Once her skin was dry, she stepped out. Her hair was still dripping wet but she threw on her clothes and jogged to the front door. She slid it open and was met with a familiar pair of amber eyes.

"Zagros, come in."

"I am interrupting."

"No, no. It's good to see you."

"I can smell his musk Asha, I know I am interrupting your activities."

She tucked in her lips as she nodded.

"Should I come back later?"

"Yes." Uh'luka's voice came from behind her.

"No."

Zagros stepped over the threshold, "I had my reservations about you leaving Yaut without a guardian, but I see you are in one piece."

"Uh'luka was there to protect me."

Zagros's eyes slid down to her forearm, where three jagged lines marked her skin.

"Of course, there were a few close calls..."

"Will you be resuming training then?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"Should I find a suitable income for you?"

"Yes."

"No." Uh'luka stepped closer to her back, "I will provide for my mate."

"I'd still like to support myself like any other female if you can find something reasonable?"

"I have a few possibilities for you already."

Uh'luka growled behind her.

"Thank you, Zagros."

"Well, I'll let you two resume your previous activity. I have my own duties, but we'll be in touch."

As soon as Zagros stepped out the door, Uh'luka swept her off her feet. He marched her into the living room and dumped her onto the couch. Before she could right herself, Uh'luka's hands were on her. He lifted her hips. His rough hands slid her skirt up, out of his way.

Her heart thumped in her chest when she felt his girth between her legs, his skin so hot it almost burned. The tip of his cock searched her entrance. It slid against her lips and bumped into her clit. She bit her lower lip as she moaned. When he did it again, her back arched.

"Mmm, we better go to the market first, or we'll never make it."

Uh'luka released her with a grumble.

When they entered the market it was her turn to be distracted. She'd seen odd creatures before, but nothing quite like this. It was the size of a dog, but best described as a hairless bat. It walked with its wings to the end of its chain. Asha slipped behind Uh'luka to get on the other side of him as they passed the animal.

It didn't have pupils. Its eyes were like smoke trapped in clear marbles. They followed her as she passed by. The animal propped itself up higher on its wings, its nostrils flaring as it leaned forward. Its jaw dropped slightly, so she could see its rows of teeth.

She bumped into Uh'luka when he stopped at a table. Asha looked over the assortment of roots, vegetables, and nuts, but then her head swiveled back to the creature. Several yautjas walked past, but its focus remained on her. The chain went taut. Its owner gave the leash a yank.

"Try this."

Asha blinked, forgetting she what she was doing, "Oh, what is it?"

Uh'luka extended his arm to her. Asha glanced at the creature then took the slice of food. When she popped it in her mouth, she heard a shrill noise from behind her. The creature was straining at the end of its chain. She only chewed a couple of times then swallowed, letting it scrape down her throat.

"It's a fleshy leaf, much like fruit."

She glanced over at the creature again.

"Did you like it?"

"Yea, yea it was fine. Um, maybe we should move…?"

Uhluka's eyes shifted over to the creature then let out a huff, "It is restrained. Did you want some of these to take home? Asha?"

"Yea, yea."

"How many?"

She turned away from the bat to face the stand, "Mmm, they're small. Get a dozen or so."

As Uh'luka gathered the food, there was a commotion behind her. Asha knew immediately what it was. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled with danger. She yanked the dagger from its sheath and pivoted around. The surge of adrenaline made time slow.

Her eyes landed on the owner of the bat, then followed the length of chain to a broken collar. The crowd was looking her way, but there was no charging beast. The shadow cast over her face made her glance up, but it was too late. The creature folded its wings and dived. Its back feet hit her chest, throwing her to the ground.

Asha scrunched her eyes closed as she tucked her head in. Her armor scratched across the rock when she hit, but protected her shoulders from the brunt of the fall. Before she even opened her eyes, she could feel the blood. It coated her chest and dribbled down the sides of her neck.

Uh'luka was there faster than anyone. He yanked the creature off her with a snarl, but it was limp in his hands, nothing but dead weight. A small dagger was wedged in its neck, dripping with a light-red liquid. Asha wiggled her fingers, realizing the weapon was no longer in her hand. She'd killed it then.

She sat up, looking at her clothes. They were drenched in its blood, not her own. A crowd was forming around her, towering her with their height. Though she was still dazed, she reached her arm out for Uh'luka's help up. She held onto his hand, swaying on her feet.

When she placed her hand on his chest for balance, a rich purr emanated from his chest. The sound was soft but strong at the same time. It made her insides flutter. When she looked up at him, she was met with a pair of yellow and orange eyes. The short spikes that formed his eyebrows were pulled down with concern.

"I'm fine."

The owner of the bat came forward and picked up its body. With a sigh, Asha bent to pick up the food on the ground. She drew in a sharp inhale as a stab of pain jerked her upright. Her hand went to her chest to pull the breastplates upward. The bat's blood had hidden it, but there was a small puncture wound from its claws.

"Er, maybe we should head home?"

Now that she'd bumped it, the pain throbbed through her. Uh'luka bent to try and inspect the wound, but she turned from him in irritation. She was starting to understand why most had their groceries delivered. Asha marched home. Uh'luka stayed close behind.

Her fists bounced up when a yautja with green eyes and yellow-tinted skin stepped in her path. Her shoulders relaxed a moment later. There was no hiding the sight or scent of blood, so she let Ain look her over. His bright green eyes shifted over to Uh'luka with accusation.

"What did you do to her now?"

Uh'luka went tense at her side.

"Uh'luka didn't do it."

Ain snorted, "But he didn't protect you."

Uh'luka took a step forward.

"No! No fighting!"

Ain stopped where he was. Uh'luka still advanced with a deadly growl. Asha pressed her palms to his stomach, though it was impossible to overpower him. Her heels slid back, but then Uh'luka's head dropped to look down at her. His hand reached out, and his thumb stroked her cheek.

"Uh'luka come on. Let's go."

They were followed out of the market, but not by Ain. They were being trailed by a female yautja. Asha twisted around to look behind her. The same nine-foot female with bright green skin and bold red markings was there. When Uh'luka turned to see what she was looking at, the female ducked behind a vehicle.

For a minute, Asha thought the female was gone. But then she spotted her on a walkway above them. She moved with a fluid grace. Her bright green eyes stayed locked on Uh'luka as she maneuvered through the crowds. It made Asha uneasy.

"Are you ok? Are you losing too much blood?"

"I'm fine. We have a stalker though."

Uh'luka cocked his head.

"A female has been following us."

"I would have noticed."

"Don't believe me? Look behind you--on the third balcony by the darkened rocks."

Uh'luka turned quickly, but already the female was moving. There was nowhere for her to tuck away though. They locked eyes. Uh'luka made a soft sound. It was the closest thing to a sigh she'd heard him make.

When Uh'luka took the first step forward, Asha's chest tightened. They knew each other. "Who is she?"

Uh'luka didn't respond.

When he reached the canyon wall, the female flipped over the edge of the railing and began climbing down. Uh'luka wasn't going to wait. He lifted a foot onto a small ledge. His hand found a crack large enough for leverage. He lifted himself up and began to climb.

Asha took one step back, then another. Uh'luka's movements froze, then he glanced back at her as if suddenly remembering she was there at all. Asha lifted both her hands and waved her fingers to shoo him. He glanced above him at the yautja female, then back at her. Then he jumped down.

Asha shook her head at him, "Go, make friends."

"You are injured."

"I'm fine."

His claws swept a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I am taking you home first."

Asha began to smile, but then she saw the female reach the bottom of the canyon. The female walked up behind them with confidence at first, but then her footsteps began to slow. Her eyes darted back and forth across Uh'luka's back. Asha never got so much as a fleeting glance by the female. The way her mouth loosened and her eyes widened, Asha suspected had a lot of catching up to do.

Uh'luka tossed his head over his shoulder for a quick glance, then looked back at Asha.

Her chest tightened, but she trusted him, "I can make it home myself. Go ahead, talk to her."

Uh'luka turned away.