Chapter 36

Disclaimer: I do not own Alien/Predator series or any characters and may not follow all customs and cultures found in Alien/Predator movies.

This is not what she planned for.

Fi'ka was taking her on a roller coaster ride, dressing her up and now getting her to participate in the K'ira-an that she never liked to do. The last time she attempted to join, it didn't end well. Of course, that was during a time when Nu'kha and herself were starting to fall apart. Ever since she didn't want any part of it and just enjoyed the time watching them.

But now, she was right in the middle and had no choice but to dance with the other females. Fi'ka was close by while they moved with the beating of the drums. Her eyes would drift over to where Kaail was and almost blushed at how intense his focus was on her.

But the time came when the drums slowed down. Oh boy . . . this is it.

A'stea had to choose a partner to dance with. There weren't any other males except for Kaail but he didn't know how to move or what this dance was about other than what Bu'at was giving him . . . and he wasn't a reliable source. What do I do?

Fi'ka came to her side for a few seconds, whispering in her ear. "What are you waiting for?"

She didn't answer, lowering her gaze to the floor. Should I? Will he reject me? Will everyone think this might be wrong? She didn't understand why she was feeling this way.

"If you like him, then do it. Does it matter what everyone else thinks?"

When she heard Fi'ka say that, A'stea opened her eyes in realization. She never really cared what anyone else thinks. She knows that what she felt in her heart is what matters. And right now, it wanted to be with him. In the past, she tried to deny it but she couldn't help but answer its call. Fi'ka pulled away with a smile as A'stea looked to Kaail.

After a moment, she smiled. Take a chance. Slowly, she raises her hand toward him.

She saw everyone turn their heads towards Kaail and it made her a bit nervous if that would put him off. But to her surprise and excitement, he begins to walk towards her, weaving through bodies that kept their eyes on him until he was right next to her.

For a moment, neither moved nor said anything. A'stea could tell he was out of his element, feeling out of place. His fingers twitched, a sign of being nervous if she didn't already see it in his red eyes. Was this a bad idea?

"Are you okay?" She whispered.

"I don't . . ." His tusks scraped together. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

For some reason or another that she couldn't pin, she began to giggle softly. It was hard to imagine Kaail acting this way. A warrior of his status . . . now seemingly as simple-minded as a pup. Confused, he tilted his head and squeezed his eyes together. "What?"

A'stea smiled. "It's okay. Just follow my lead and you'll be fine."

He didn't have time to ask anymore when the drums began to beat louder again. The other pairs moved to face each other and bow. He watched as A'stea did the same, waiting patiently for him until he did. As soon as they finished, the dance began to go rapidly and the cheers of spectators grew.

A'stea was the first to make a move, mirroring the other females as they twirled around the males with such flow of her body. It made her look like a goddess in Kaail's eyes. The way her skin glowed with the fires and seeing the muscles underneath stretch and constrict as she danced around him.

But then, she stopped in front of him.

Kaail saw that it was the males' turn and moved in the same way as the females but more constrict and powerful. Kaail didn't move for a moment like the males until A'stea leaned closer to him.

"Move around me . . . like they do." She nudged towards the nearest male as an example.

Still, he didn't move. His heart pounding like a boulder crashing down a mountain and it worried A'stea. I guess I have to help him. With her luck, they were getting to the part of the dance where both partners have to move together. This was her chance.

And then, the drums began to beat faster, going into a fast tempo. The pairs started to twirl around together with their hands connected. That's when Kaail felt even more pressure. Am I going to do this right? I'll look like a fool in front of everyone.

"Kaail."

A'stea whispered, gaining his attention. Her soft smile never left as she raised her hands. The tension in his chest faltered and with a glance at the other males, he raised his hands to meet hers as they danced together.

Mostly it was moving with their hands together until A'stea pulled one hand away, only to sway it like a huge leaf blowing in the wind before bringing it back as they circled each other. Kaail had to let go of his hand as well to do the same. The tempo of the dance grew and the next thing they had to do was about to push both of their boundaries.

Kaail had to hold in a breath when A'stea grazed her fingers over his bare chest. It didn't last long and it was light but the impression it left behind burned his skin, serving to make his heart work faster.

"What is this?" Kaail asked through the mixed noise.

"It's part of the dance." She lowered her eyes as she felt her cheeks begin to burn. Oh boy . . . Was this a good idea? "Just bear with me."

Again, A'stea slipped the move in time with the others before she turned to face him. He could tell she was becoming nervous again but also holding it back. He didn't know why she reacted like that so suddenly until he saw the males taking their turn, making their move on the females. They stalked around their partner until they were behind them and began dancing so provocatively. One was rubbing his hand in the female's inner thighs, making her tremble slightly with a growl. Another had trailed his claws up between the female's breast and then went back down again. The thick mating musk was all around. Kaail was used to being in such things . . . but he was the one partaking it with the one person that carried his interest.

So this is why everyone was eagerly waiting for. A chance to get close to a female without getting attacked . . . feeling every inch of their bodies. And much more . . .

Kaail looked to A'stea with his eyes widened. He thought his heart was going to burst out of his chest at any moment. Her honey smell made it worse. Why am I feeling this way? It's just a dance. He looked for any signs of distress in A'stea, thinking she might stop it here. Instead, he noticed her cheeks were becoming a deeper shade of red, never knowing she was able to do that or understand its meaning. But the pupils in her eyes were enlarged and full of want. Maybe?

But she pressed her lips tightly and lowered her head. "If you want to stop . . ."

A'stea expected him to take the offer to quit immediately. She felt it was a mistake, seeing Kaail so unsure. She wanted him to feel comfortable but might have taken it too far. Defeated, she was about to turn away when she was pulled back to him with his arm wrapped around her waist. She gasped, forced to place her hands on his chest. She could feel his heart beating fast and strong. When she looked up at him, he didn't show uncertainty anymore. Instead, his red eyes were tensed and focused.

"No. I want to."

A'stea couldn't move, now being the one frozen in shock. It was the opposite answer she was expecting. And yet . . . a part of her wanted him to say that. A strong wave of emotions swirled around them, melding in ways that made their bodies heat up.

With their minds made up, they began to dance once more.

A'stea was first to make a move. She let her fingers trace the sides of his body, from his hips, and then up to his chest. His skin was as soft as ever, like marble. Kaail held in a growl as she continued to feel him, closing his eyes tightly for a brief moment.

Seeing him react to her touch and the drums urging her on, A'stea circled her hips and grazing them briefly against his own. His arm tightens even more around her waist until he couldn't handle it anymore. The last straw of his absolute control over his body broke when she grabbed a bundle of his dreadlocks. Being sensitive and himself already burning with desire, it hits a nerve that shocks his entire being, going to a particular spot between his legs. Oh my . . .

Before A'stea could pull away, Kaail turned her around rapidly. He had his body pressed against her back while they moved their hips together. One arm was holding her waist while another managed to find its way underneath her gown and travel up her thigh. She bit her lip to stop a moan from coming. His touch burned her and yet she wanted more.

They took a step forward when Kaail lowered his face into the crook of her neck. It was a daring move but one that was welcomed. His mandibles brushed away her dreadlocks and grazed her soft and sweet skin, careful not to hurt her. A sharp spark zapped through her and A'stea had to suppress a whine, closing her eyes in concentration. For a split second, she could smell his musky scent becoming stronger. In response, her honey smell thickened in his mouth and Kaail had to open it slightly in a silent moan. Both enjoying this sweet moment that neither didn't want to end.

But it had to.

A'stea pulled away from his grasp as the drums began to slow down again. Reluctantly, he watches as she turns around to face him, noticing her cheeks were a deep red color that began to fade. When the drums stopped, she bowed with her arm across her chest. Kaail didn't quite understand until he saw the other pairs bowing to each other. A greeting of some kind? He didn't waste time and bowed in the same way. It was strange and foreign but when both of them stood, the crowds cheered in celebration.

When Kaail looks to A'stea, her eyes were full of longing and warmth. Slowly, a small smile grew on her lips . . . as genuine as it could be. As the world around them faded from their minds, he softened and smiled back at her . . . happy.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Are you sure you have to leave?"

The party had died down after that. Eventually, everyone turned in for the night and it became quiet once more. Although they enjoyed the time together, Kaail had to return to the harsh world of obeying the masters. But this night left an impression that would etch into his soul. They walked through the cavern and back the way they came in until they were outside. The stars were out and shining brightly as the two of them walked together until stopping right at the edge of the jungle.

"I have to, A'stea. I've stayed away a lot longer than I wanted to. And the tournament is only a few days away." Kaail spoke with a hint of disappointment.

She lowered her gaze. "I understand. And I have to go hunting again to resupply the meat reserves. After tonight, there'll be so much work to be done."

"I'm sure there will be." Both chuckled at the same time.

It was silent for a while, both looking at each other until Kaail spoke softly. "I had a great time tonight. The best since I can remember. I never felt so—"

"Free?"

Kaail turned with his eyes wide for a second and then softened. "Yeah. That's right."

A'stea smiled. "I'm really glad you feel that way. The others are still unsure but they'll come around. I can't afford to be on their bad side . . . not when we're so close." She lowered her gaze, staring at her fingers twiddling on each other.

Kaail followed where she was looking, noticing how she was moving her fingers in such a way. The aura around her changed to a gloomy one. It was for a split second but it hurt him inside. He bit into the flaps of his mandibles to push away the anger boiling over. There has to be something I can do to help her.

A thought popped into his head, one that he was certain about. There was no doubt or confusion . . . full determination. He looks to the star-filled sky.

"I'll help you."

A'stea had to do a double-take. The surprise of it was growing in her chest. "What did you say?"

He looked to meet her. "I want to help you with freeing them. I've seen what it's like to be free . . . to do as you please without worrying about someone else controlling you. To enjoy life as you see it. I want . . . to know more."

He closed his eyes and sighed, letting his chest slowly rise and fall. "If it means that much to you to fight, then I'm on your side. But we have to be careful."

A'stea knew what he meant. The Amengi . . . He wasn't wrong about that. Despite being so arrogant and greedy, they have the means to suppress them with their technology . . . the only thing that is making a difference between the two forces if they began a war. The Hish was still scared and unsure. They needed a strong leader that could guide them to freedom.

Someone like him . . .

She smiled softly. "I understand. And I appreciate anything you can do for us. For me."

She reached to grab his hand and held it in hers. The shocked expression in his red eyes made her giggle. "I like spending time with you. It was a lot of fun tonight."

Again, the silence came. But with it, a tension that was not out of fear or concern. Something else was taking over . . . something that made the air around them grow hotter than the coldness of the night. His red eyes connected with her hazel ones, looking deep into each other's souls.

This feeling . . .

Drawn by an unknown force, Kaail inches his face closer to hers and vice versa. Their eyes never left the other as they came closer and closer . . . until their foreheads were pressed together, eyes closed. They cuffed each other's cheeks and sighed, feeling the heat from them as they enjoyed this moment. One that each wished it didn't end.

After a few moments, they pulled away. They opened their eyes and smiled, happy as they could be.

"Goodnight, A'stea."

Kaail turned around and began walking partially into the jungle before turning around. He waited for her response but there was no need. Her smile was all that he wanted.

"Good luck, Kaail." She spoke softly.

He nodded his head and purred softly before he left her to return home. His desire for her grew stronger that night and he couldn't wait to see her again. He closed his eyes as he ran through the trees and bushes, imagining what it would be like. To be free and happy . . . with her.

But as A'stea watched him leave with a smile, someone watched her from the shadows. Nu'kha emerged from behind a tree, growling silently as he saw the expression in her eyes. Much like before . . . when we were together.

Unable to stand it anymore, he turns away. The bitterness came into his mouth. It was only time before he couldn't hold it in anymore.

Hi everyone!

Is it hot in here or it's just me? (HOT!)

A rather surprising turn of events, seeing Kaail and A'stea get very intimate in that dance. And the scary part . . . is I think A'stea knew it was going to happen. You wanted it . . . didn't you? Lol

But Kaail liked it too. Their relationship has just gone up a level. But I don't like Nu'kha stalking them like that and I fear that something bad will happen.

Will they make it? Will A'stea and Kaail keep their relationship growing?

Find out when Chapter 36 comes Monday! It's still in question if it will come next week. Debating on delaying for a few days to gather my thoughts. It's been a crazy week but I'll keep the Monday date until I post any changes on Instagram.

Thank you for the reviews (Anonymous-E, Mariah, and Larita1976)! They are very important for me and I hope I see more readers posting as well. All opinions are welcomed. I hope you keep on reading! ;)

Happy Hunting! :))))