Raya's P.O.V

"Tail has requested we provide a recon op." Ba seemed uneasy about this mission. "Along with you, Namaari and Generals Aurora, and Atitaya." Okay so we have the golden team what's so wrong about that?

"Chief Benja, what makes this mission difficult?" Damn you Namaari you just had to ask.

The beta chief didn't answer immediately. That's never a good sign.

The silver haired chief grimaced. "The scouting mission breaks protocol twelve hours driving eight hours sleeping rinse and repeat. No back up just you and the generals."

"What?" Screw protocol. "Ba is this one those special missions? Or no offense but are we doom to fail?" Just so Fang can be in the crossfire?!

"No, Raya. Namaari and you have a stellar record despite being young." My chief stopped himself looking to our friend for permission.

I looked over to Maari. She seemed just as confused.

"There's a new enemy." The taller beta finally spoke. "Recent intel revealed they aren't bandits. Highly trained individuals who wear black masks. They have been terrorizing Tail." So what happened back in Talon and Spine. Does this still put Fang at risk?

"The unknown woman." Namaari paused. "The same organization that nearly caused a terrorist attack."

Ah Fuck! We have defectors to worry about, hostile peace and black masks. What more can we handle?

"Let me guess." Good thing they can't see my tightened hands. "We find the base without backup and hopefully stop them with our small band. So no one especially Fang is liable." Terrible odds.

"Exactly Chief Virana we have more matters to discuss. The two of go rest. We start at 0600 tomorrow." Well there goes one last night of fun.

Namaari's P.O.V

"Okay look we need music so either we hotwire to play something or I please all of your uncultured ears with my lovely voice."

It amazes me how you can entertain yourself.

"General Atitaya have you heard the lovely princess with her voice?" Stop with the soft talk!

"Can't say I haven't."

I've missed her voice. Raya beamed at me snapping her fingers for a beat. "Well Maari has missed my lovely voice." Okay no pet names in front of the generals!

The generals snickered I felt my face burn. Ugh I'll start recon. There were figures overlooking the hill. What are you doing?

"Five. Six.."

Are they moving?

"Seven eight."

Shit!

"What is love?"

"RPG COMING FROM THE RIGHT!" I'm too slow!

"Princess Namaari I-"

The car flipped over sending us flying down the hillside.

I tried reaching for Raya's hand. Glass shattered, distant cries came and went the world spun sending sand into my eyes. Everything became black.

Gun shots were bouncing off of the metal frame. My body screaming from dangling upside down. I looked over to find Raya unconscious bleeding, my general trying to cut herself free.

"Hand me the sniper rifle behind you!"

Arms cracked reaching for the heavy gun. Fingers nearly grabbed it when a bullet broke through the window. "Shit! How many do you see?" I grabbed my pistol randomly firing while reaching for the rifle.

"Don't know! General Aurora!"

I glazed over to Raya after finally reaching for the rifle. "Princess." I barely choked out.

The alpha snapped her fingers, "Fang focus! I'll provide covering fire! On my signal, collect weapons, ammo and find a way to transport our friends!" I should help you fight them off!

"Namaari!"

I stupidly nodded. My mentor crawled out firing back.

"Raya!" I checked her pulse. It's weak. Please make it! "General?" I reached over checking her pulse, same thing. There better be decent medical supplies. I slid under the Heart princess kicking out the rest of the glass. "Namaari we're clear!"

I hustled out grabbing the bags of ammo, spare rifles, few rations, and medical supplies. Sleeping bags and rope. That'll be easy to drag them.

"Any more General?"

"Not yet but we need to clear out I saw a cave southeast of here. We can camp there not too far out." That's predictable and the sand will easily show our tracks at the cost of being lost in the caves.

"Don't we have any better options?" Time to get Raya.

"Namaari we're in a forsaken desert." We were doomed to fail with no radio and no reinforcements.

"Dep la. I need you to wake up soon, okay?" I freed the unconscious princess gently setting her in the bag. Fingers wiped away the bloody droplets. "Please don't die."

"She's strong." Atitaya climbed down next to me. "We have about two days of walking to head back to the base." The shorter alpha went to gather the other unconscious woman. We're adding another day by hiding in the caves. What if she needs medical attention now?!

"Come on, let's get going."

I went after the general pulling Raya and carrying the supplies.

"Shouldn't we look for another cave or something closer to the base?"

"Princess Namaari." She addressed by the title, that's never good. "We didn't see any caves after our twenty-four-hour shift." I can never think clearly when Raya is injured.
"How are we going to know if we don't try!" I snarked. Pheromones nearly slipped out.

"We can examine them inside the cave and understand the severity." I already have any medical training! That's wasting more time!

"You aren't keen on helping them!" Dammit Raya is rubbing off some more!

The general stopped dropping the rope walking over releasing dominating pheromones I nearly whimpered.

"Listen genius! Where the binturis shot from, surely they left cars behind. I planned on scouting the area once we secured our friends! You stayed behind protecting them!" You're just like my mother hard to understand. No wonder Raya always gets mad at me.

"Apologies."

The stoic woman calmed down. "Listen you love Raya. You can't allow your emotions to always get the better of you."

I know the infamous words. I deadpanned out. "We survive by making smart decisions not emotional ones." I don't expect you to understand the fear of losing someone close! I've never seen you date! You- we've always put Fang first! Fang will exist one way or another. Raya won't! The general studied the burning sun. "Come on I don't want to be in the dark walking to the area they shot us."

We finally made it to the caves.

"Look there's a ledge you can provide covering fire from the top. Make it seem you're defending the right while we hide them in the left, okay?"
I mutely nodded getting to work.

"Namaari." Not now!

"Namaari." I'm busy getting the little camp ready.

"Don't do that!"

I bent my head. "Do what?" My voice cracked. Dammit.

"Blame yourself. RPG's are too fast. It's a miracle you even saw it and there were four sets of eyes in the front." If I was faster, we could've avoided it!

"Get ready. I'm heading back to where they shot us. If I'm not back in maybe two hours, head back to the base." I can't lose you!

"I order you to come back." I stood carrying Raya into the hidden cave.

"Okay." The general took her leave.

General Aurora was a lot lighter to carry. Now for the waiting game.

It's getting harder to stay awake. Where's the stupid watch?

"Cold veins." General Aurora?

"Sharp Fangs." I steadied the rifle waiting for a figure to pop out.

"General Aurora!" I ran over making the shorter woman sit down and start the medical help.

"Raya?" She's awake right?

"Still unconscious kid where's the general?" God Raya you're even stubborn to wake up.

"Went to the origin site of the RPG." My fingers hovered over the edge of her vest. "May I look at your wounds?"

"Get back in your position. This old woman can handle a few rough punches." She winked undoing her vest.

I looked over at the left hole hoping for a small sound. Nothing.

I nodded taking my leave. "Princess Namaari."

I half turned not wanting to look at her worried stare.

"When's the last time you slept?"

"Long before the attack."

The shorter general winced. "It's fine. I'll patch up and you take a rest you deserve it."

"I-"

"Look Chief Benja would have my head on a stake for not letting the princess of Fang catch up on beauty sleep." She winked. "Truthfully Raya is a lot scarier." Stubborn and scary.

"Thank you General." I don't need beauty sleep!

My eyes fluttered opened after a lean weight was on top of my chest. Spring water.

"Raya!"

"Hey Princess Undercut, can't believe your sleeping on the job." Finally you're awake!

The princess wheezed.

"I got some supplies from our ride. Lie down." I quickly gathered everything.

"What hurts the most?" Please don't have signs of internal bleeding.

"It's too hard to narrow down. My chest is sore. Is that what a shotgun feels like?" Pretty much expect you go flying back.

"Can you take your vest and shirt off?"

"Damn Undercut the acoustics are bad in here." What is with you and mating all the time?

"Raya!"

Soft yet growing calloused hands pinched my cheeks. "Sorry. You look worried. I don't like seeing that on you." Well I failed protecting you!

"There's a lot at stake."

"I know Fang-" For once this isn't about my home!

"No!" I clutched her wrist. "I'm worried about you! I'm worried about General Aurora. We're two days away from the nearest base. I don't know what's wrong with you!"

The omega brought our foreheads together. "I promise I'm fine. Just a little sore. Once we get back, I'll get a full medical checkup okay?" That's not good enough but for now I'll deal with it.

"Okay. At least let me patch you up."

Looking at her chest, back and legs, there were no signs of internal bleeding. The small glass cuts that littered her face weren't too much of a concern.

"Leave the eyebrow cut alone." What?

"Why?"

Raya devilishly smiled, "I need cool scars." Scars aren't just cool. They're heavy reminders.

"Why would you want scars?" I dipped the rag on her eyebrow.

She squeezed my arm. "So people know not to fuck with me." I wanted to retort something, but I couldn't stop the small laugh. "Oh my god!"

"It's good hearing your laugh." I'm glad you're okay.

"It's good you can maintain your sense of humor."

After being kiss deprived, the Heart omega placed a soft one on my cheek.

"Sharp fangs."

"Cold veins."

My mentor couldn't have taken that long!

The duo walked over tossing us small rations. The Fang general began. "The car can get us back to the base. The question is do we risk part of the journey now or later."

Now!

"You haven't rested." The black-haired Heart general patted her shoulder. "Get some rest at least a few hours then we'll head out. Same goes for you Princess Namaari. Princess Raya and I will take the first watch." You can barely stand!

I wanted to argue but the other alpha beat me. "No. You and Raya need to rest."

AU: General Atitaya we're fine.

AT: You and Princess Raya were unconscious!

"Hey Maari, is this what we look like?"

"Oh yeah just a lot less mature." This back and forth will give away our location. What do we do!?

AU: You and the other princess will drop from exhaustion if you don't rest!

AT: No disrespect but Fang women don't need the beauty sleep Heart women do!

AU: Beauty sleep!? It's about not working to death!

"Don't ever use that with me am I clear Namaari?" I'm not that bold!

"Sleep is important there's no such thing as beauty sleep!"

AT: Look before we joined, I was on missions running off of three if I was lucky five-hour sleep!

AU: How did that work out for you and squadron!

"Raya we should really do something!"

"Like what!? We can't disrespect our generals by fighting them!" You just had to be right on this one!

AT: Don't go there!

AU: They don't know?!

Know what?

"What the hell Maari! I don't know what General Atitaya is talking about!"

"Neither do I dep la!"

AT: Don't make me repeat myself!

AU: You wouldn't dare with an ally, would you?

"We have to do something!"

"I know just let me think!" I wish Mother was here!

AT: Just rest!

AU: You need to rest. Look at you you're shaking!

"Enough!" Raya stood up clearing her throat. This isn't going to end well.

"Namaari and I will take the first watch. The two of you will rest! That's an order!"

Both women stopped and glared at the princess. "Excuse me?"

Time to step in. "We're wasting time with this back and forth. I've caught some sleep. Raya well basically a bundle of unlimited energy. Rest and we'll leave first thing. Please." Please!? Really? It's like telling a kid please don't eat the sugar have some vegetables first.

The generals huffed before relenting. "Fine."

The Heart general handed me her watch. "Five hours Princess Namaari. Or else."

I nodded slowly swallowing.

Raya and I went over to ledge. "Don't worry about General Aurora, she's mad at me."

"Doesn't make me feel better."

"Hey, I ordered she stand down okay. Don't worry." She kissed my cheek again.

Metal clanked. Shit! How did we miss someone?! We armed our pistols. The generals pulled up the rifles.

My mentor motioned we take the left they take the right.

We took slow steps and the metal clanked again. As we got closer it sounded like something was boiling. That can't be right. I took the lead pointing ready to fire, my heart hammering.

Hushed whispers grew frantic. They sounded young and afraid. I stepped out. "Don't move!"

Raya popped out along with the generals covering any back escape routes.

"Wait! Please!"

"Fight back!" A female beta grabbed a metal spoon charging at me. That isn't going to do a lot of damage.

I gently grabbed her wrist lightly spinning her and locking down her arms. "Wait we aren't here to hurt you. We thought this cave was empty."

The beta male recognized us. "Princess Namaari Princess Raya." He curtsied and then bowed. "Please let my sister go."

He was so young and small. Hair covered in dirt that easily stood up in the middle. I signaled to the group to lower their weapons.

"I don't think it's fair you know us when we don't know you." He isn't older than ten. I let go of the younger beta and crouched to their eye level. "What are you doing here all alone? Where are your parents?" Is this part of the threat Chief Benja mentioned?

The generals surveyed the area. Mother's right hand signaled she found another young child. A little omega. Atitaya crouched doing what she does best.

The boy quivered out. "They told us-" "Don't." The older girl walked forward. "Forget you saw us here. Take the cave and we will leave." What? No!

The raven-haired boy spoke up again. "Maybe they can help!"

"They said to trust no one!"

Raya leaned down. "Look these pups better stop screaming or else!" They're afraid we have to help!

Gunshots rang out I eagle dived the kids down holding onto their necks. "Stay low! Go to where your little sister was at! We will handle this!"

"But-"

"Crawl and don't move! General Atitaya cover fire them!"

Bullets ricocheted off the walls.

"Raya how many from behind us?!"

"Just one! Use your big brain and get that binturi!"

"Cover me!"

The figure poked out I fired at their leg. A pained groaned slipped out and she finished off the attacker with a head shot. Good. General Aurora used one as a body shield and finished off the last two assailants.

The young beta boy ran out. "I'm Boun! The oldest is Ava middle Reva and the youngest is Arunny."

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"They saved us!" Boun turned to us on the verge of tears. "We heard small rumors about Talon and Spine. For some reason the black masks are trying to take anyone younger than eighteen. Please we have to help our parents. They knew our parents sent us away." They carry valuable intel.

Raya yanked my arm. "What do we do?! This was just a recon mission hell you aren't supposed to be here!"

The generals walked over. "They are at risk." General Atitaya spoke. "We have to check on their parents. We secure the family with us. They can't know Fang was here."

"We need to build their trust. Ava Cleary doesn't trust us. Raya can you cook with them?"

The princess looked like I grew second head. "Are you insane?"

"I know time is valuable. We need to build their trust and you're the best chef! Hell! Use our rations or something!"

Raya became uneasy puckering her lips and swaying.

"Please." You know it's hard for me to beg.

"Hmmm fine! You owe me big time!" That'll be easy to pay.

I nodded. "I'll take the first watch I think the generals are getting the truck ready."

Raya flipped me off. Real mature dep la.

The generals were busy Raya was struggling with the girls. She looked adorable trying. Ray Ray caught me staring and flipped me off again. I love you too.

"How long did it take you to learn how to fight?" What the hell?! "Uh years. I started at thirteen." Where the hell did Boun come from?!
"I'm ten so there's still time right?" It's a lot more complicated. I crouched to his eye level. "That's not necessary. Imagine all the partners you'll get to choose since you cook! I burned toast! Toast Boun!" His tired eyes have seen so much. Fear, anger, helplessness, I know how you feel.

"They hurt my Ov-puk." The little chef closed his eyes with hands shaking. "I don't want them to hurt my sisters. So please help. Even if it's five minutes." I would do the same for Ray Ray.

"We can't start with your eyes closed."

Tired little eyes perked up. Good.

"For starters block the face."

He mimicked my stance. Not good enough. I lightly slapped him. "Guard your face Boun there's a lot to understand with training."

He blocked the next slap. Not bad.

"At a beginner's level watch my feet don't forget to guard."

He missed the first hit but quickly caught the second one.

"You're a quick study Boun."

The little guy puffed out his chest and flexed his noodle arms. "Call me CRUSHER!" Sorry to burst your bubble.

"Take it easy Crusher that was just some basics you have a long ways to go."

"Maari. I need to use the bathroom." I should go with you.

"Don't worry." She lifted her shirt revealing a gun. "Got a little friend."

This has been too quiet. It might be the only chance.

"Okay I'll cover you from here."

"I'm heading outside." Absolutely not!

"Just go in the back. Don't go outside!" Why are you so stubborn!?

"Don't worry!"

Ray Ray ran out before I could stop her. This better be quick.

Boun looked at me and then the darkened entrance. "So what's it like having a girlfriend?"

Fun, dramatic, a lot of bickering, but she's the love of my life. "Amazing when you find someone who looks past your flaws." The beta looked at me with a curious look. You're too young to understand.

"Come on Crusher, let me teach you the leg sweep."

Footsteps echoed and a scent is a little off. Then again, her spring water would mix with soft earth.

The footsteps approached closer. "Sharp Fangs." Please say the signal. That scent is too angry.

Boun went for a punch, but I grabbed him a in headlock. "Don't yell and quickly listen. Get your sisters and hide. When I let go run and say something about the food burning."

"But."

"Don't Boun! Run!"

The beta ran yelling nonsense. I said, "Sharp Fangs." Nothing but light footsteps. Shit!

I flipped around to find two figures jumping after me! I fired a clean shot on the right. The left pinned me down pushing a knife on my neck.

I grunted out! "Who do you work for?" And not the best position to ask!

Eyes barely narrowed, fine I guess you aren't a talker!

I flipped over the individual but they sent me into the wall. My back popped and air was cleanly sucked out as I stayed still.

"Fucking Fang filth!" The knife tried to cut through my chest. I barely blocked the attack with my arms. Voice changer again! Their MO is common repetitive.

I grabbed onto the sharp metal hoping to push away but my skin instantly stung and swelled. Oh fuck! My other hand went in search of my pistol, it shook as it grew closer to the attacker's leg. The first three shots missed. The next one finally hit some skin. More gunshots echoed around the cave. I looked up to find Raya clutching her side gun trembling.

"Dep la what happened?"

"Oh you know just your average knife attack luckily the guy is dead!"

Another figure popped out. "DUCK!" I fired the shots into what the fourth fifth attacker?!

"What the hell is happening?" The short alpha stumbled out gun ready with the other woman closely behind.

Raya mockingly saluted. "We got this under control General Atitaya!"

I slowly stood up popping my shoulders.

Shit the car!

"Where did you leave the car?"

"FUCK!" Mothers right hand ran out.

Obviously, it wasn't hidden well enough. I took a step forward nearly falling over.

"Namaari!" Raya stumbled over trying to carry me. That's enough of you getting hurt.

"Raya. I'm fine let me see your wound."

I gently pushed Raya against the cave wall. Her hand is covered in blood. I swallowed the lump moving the cloth. It's long but luckily not deep enough.

"Don't move there's some stitches." The medical supplies aren't far. Why do you keep getting hurt under my protection!?

"Maari." Shit, I forgot you hate needles.

I strained my back covering her view. "Hey don't worry." I kissed her ribs. "Nothing too serious." The string went in. "After all of this we can happily mate." Three stitches are in almost there. "Is there a movie you want to see?" She's doing great.

"Why not binge watch the clone wars? We can learn tactics from them."

"Good idea." You really want to drool over Padme huh?

"You did good dep la all done."

"You would've been a good doctor." Maybe in another life.

My mentor returned with a grimaced face. "The tires are slashed but gas tanks are fine."

Heart's general returned with a grim face. "They also cut the fuel lines. I can fix it but first we fill up the tank. Then Namaari and I will scout ahead surely the rest of the attackers brought cars we take the tires from them."

My general intervened. "No. You need to look after Princess Raya. Namaari and I will go gather the rest of the fuel and the tires." I thought they were good friends why are they not trusting each other?

General Aurora snarked, "I'm more than a babysitter for Princess Raya."

My best friend leaned into my ear. "Geez can you imagine if they had their ruts right now?" A good thing your heat passed.

"Alright let me get this handle just back me up, okay?"

I helped the injured princess stand up. Raya interrupted, "alright, alright, we flip a coin. Tails the Fang duo go to the cars, heads General Aurora and Namaari gather the materials."

General Aurora scoffed crossing her arms. "Is this a game to you?"

"No but the two of you arguing is wasting precious time. I would prefer to not have another badass scar that needs to be explained to Ba." Oh dep la you shouldn't have.

My mentor crossed her arms. "This is why you shouldn't have joined the military." Enough!

The Heart princess blew into fifty shades of red. I got this dep la.

"Raya is right." I stepped in separating the higher rank soldiers. "We keep arguing we're ripe for another attack now decide who is going to gather the materials." How does Mother stay poised all the time.

"Princess Namaari with me. General Atitaya would you kindly fix the car?"

Boun ran out. "Wait, wait!" Oh great.

"Boun, I told you to hide!"

"We have a truck with a food trailer. My sister and I can drive the rest hide in the trailer. Just tell us where to go to."

We finally agreed on something. "NO!"

"Come on they won't question civilians." Shit, he has a point.

I walked over to the cars there's a blow torch and wires. Could we reinforce the truck?
"Fang what are you doing?"

"A crazy idea."

Fang's general rubbed her temples. "Raya has rubbed off on you." We have to think about the civilians.

"Shoot the truck see how deep the bullets go in."

The general groaned firing. It dented but offered protection.

"Boun come here."

"Our truck was specialized. As long as the bullets aren't armor piercing, we're good."

How the hell?

"Ov-puk heard about Talon and a little bit of Spine."

Atitaya pulled me away. "Either you or I go in the back and rest stay in the trailer."

"What about the girls?"

"We leave Reva in the back. Use the food they prepped as bribes." Shit that might work.

"Tell them to get ready you're short so head in the back."

Luckily the Heart princess fell asleep.

The Heart general studied me before finally asking. "You really do love Raya don't you?" If you already know the answer, why are you asking?

"Yes." I pulsed my jaw. "Do you not approve?" Am I not enough? Do you know I am Fang filth?

"No. I remember back in Tail. Raya wasn't happy without you. Honestly that "relationship" was probably serving to fill a hole from the two of you being apart."

My mentor was right. Well I won't admit it to her. "I remember feeling this unhealthy amount of jealously after seeing that picture on Instagram."

The Heart general lowly laughed. "For what's worth I'm glad she's with you. Raya has changed for the better. She's more mature, thinks twice sometimes still impulsive but I haven't seen her this happy. Keep it that way Princess Undercut." I froze nearly growling but I caught her playfully wink. "Easy kid just messing with you. I'm an aunty to her." Ray Ray thinks highly of you.

I nodded fighting the urge to growl. Only Raya can call me that.

"For what's worth. I'd like to apologize on General Atitaya's behavior and her constant needless arguing."

General Aurora waved me off. "Don't. As a Heart alliance we forget what's at stake with Fang. It's a burden you, Chief Virana and the General all carry. We try to make it easier but in the end we don't. I'll apologize to her once this is over." Good luck to that. My general doesn't take to lightly to that.

"I wouldn't suggest that." I winked, "we Fang women are too prideful." Well Ray Ray is stubborn and prideful too. Does that count?

"Not to mention she's an alpha Princess Undercut." Yeah, that too. Oh you just had to.

"When's the last time you slept?" I don't need sleep.

"I'll sleep once we start moving." I cracked my neck praying everything would stay calm.

"Princess Namaari." You just had to the full title.

"If anything you need to rest General Aurora." I would've argued some more but the general scribbled something down.

"What are you doing?"

"Marking every time you and the princess don't sleep. Chief Virana asked I take special care of you two." I'm not a child!

"I'm too old for a lecture!"

"Then rest. Princess Raya and you will be perfectly fine under my watch."

"That mark."

She smirked, "What mark?"

A small stinging pain shot through my arm. Dammit what was that!?

"Raya are you okay!?"

"Yeah!"

General Aurora cradled Arunny and slid the gun to us. "Here one pistol decide who's the best shot!"

"I'll take the shot you stay down!"

"They just shot you!"

I snatched the gun opening the food window. Shit, I missed!

"See you can't shoot for shit!" Raya poked my fresh gunshot wound and snagged the gun firing three shots. All missing. All this adrenaline it felt like a bee sting.

"Like you're any better!"

"Not now Undercut!" You're right later!

"Keep them distracted!" I didn't explain just climbed up to the roof and jumped over to the second car. Oh shit I made it!

First one threw a sloppy right hook I easily ducked and threw attacker over the edge of the car. Tires jumped up from the unexpected speed bump.

The next one steadied their pistol, but a slug went through their forehead. "Nice shoot dep la!"

The ammo and extra rifles will do us good.

The driver panicked but I picked up the pistol aiming for their neck. "Pull over and surrender. Or else!"

"Fuck you!" Why is it always the hard way?

Someone tried to sneak up on me but I was quicker with a clean shot through the throat thanks to the bitter scent. The driver was killed anyways, and a dead foot pushed on the gas a lot harder. I barely jumped out hanging onto the edge. Raya better not snitch me out!

"What the fuck Namaari!?" I know it was reckless!

"Are you going to help, or should I do this by myself?"

Raya fired a few more shots. "I guess I'll be nice." She gave my foot stepping stool to climb into the roof. "Next time your choice your consequences."

"I get to say that next time Raya."

"Hand me the rifle you have!"

"Hang on! I'm still climbing! Some extra help would be nice!"

"Decide covering fire or helping you!" Bullets bounced off the edge barely hitting me.

Another hand stuck out the window. "Climb Princess Undercut! Princess Raya keep firing."

I grunted sliding over the edge. "Here an AK-47 extra pistol and ammo."

The omega growled at me before emptying the clip and taking cover.

"Raya?" How long are you going to be mad at me for?

She punched my arm. "Don't scare me like that!" How do you cheer me up?

"Aaaawww you do care." Shit wrong one!

She held the gun close to my shoulder. "It would be a shame if this gun suddenly went off." That's taking it to the extreme.
"It would be a shame if a decorated soldier had to be evaluated."

Heart's general snarled, "ARE YOU TWO DONE?"

Raya bared her teeth, "will discuss this later." She sprayed the next truck with a full mag before the driver was finally hit. She hit the engine a good number of times the truck exploded.

That wasn't so bad.

"How long were we out for?" Raya surveyed the area. She looks so sexy right now.

"I don't know. We're close to the base six miles out. We can handle staying up." Raya's aunty looked after Arunny.

She won't let you.

The truck stopped moving and the shorter general opened the doors. "Damage report."

"Pull over Namaari and I will take over." Oh shit Raya said my full name.

"No."

"That's an order General Atitaya. Princess outranks general." The general will never let you live it down.

Pheromones dominated the metal box. I wheezed out. "Now you've done it." I should've said something.

Atitaya lowly spoke. "Namaari get in the back Boun is freaking out. Raya switch me places. We're almost the base but Ava keeps driving am I clear?"

Raya used finger guns but whimpered, "crystal."

The rest of the drive wasn't horrible. No unexpected attacks, full rested bodies, I could feel the wounded fighter fuming next to me. Boun is asleep.

I whispered, "If it helps, I won't do it again." Can I hold your hand?

"It's not." She tightened her grip on the doorhandle. "It's… never mind." You were opening up why are you making this difficult?

"You can tell me Ray Ray."

"This enemy Maari, they're getting more dangerous. We don't know anything about them. Look at your arm? I haven't put any stitches!" You're upset I was hurt. I would be too.

"It's just a scratch." Don't worry about me.

"One day you'll take a bad hit and I won't be there for you!"

Now it's time to grab her thigh. "Until then, I have you to look out for me." You'll always have me.

My princess took a deep breath. "Fine. We're here."

I looked out to find Sisu anxiously waiting for us. Time to face the music.

We walked to our friend, but the young ones stayed in the car.

I walked over. "Hey, we promised you safety. Give me some time to speak with Chief Virana and we'll help your parents."

General Aurora walked ahead carrying Arunny. I held out my hand to Ava. "Please, trust me."

She pulsed her jaw. "You promise?" I'll do my best.

"Yes."

The eldest opened the door and walked away. Boun walked next to me. "Thank you for everything."

"Your-"

The beta hugged my waist. "I heard the attacker. You aren't that! You're too kind and brave and smart! Thank you!" No one besides Mother has reassured me. Raya doesn't need to know what they call me. This is nice.

I tried patting the young chef, but he pulled back. "Better go before Ava gets mad."

Sisu guided us to the debrief room. "What are you supposed to do with the kids?!" It's simple yet complicated.

"They need our help."

"How do you expect to explain that to Chief Virana!? She's pissed!"

"Why?"

"Turns out the elders sent another team behind her back. That team somehow found uniforms plans all being pinned on Fang!" Shit.

"Maari."

"We weren't a recon group we were bait!" We're expendable now?! Has General Atitaya's sacrifice mean nothing! I saved Talon's royalty! Raya is risking herself for what?!"

A warm body tried calming me down with a soothing scent. "Maari don't! You did a good thing saving the little headaches." Oh my god dep la.

"They have names."

"I know. Distraction because your mom is about ten paces away from us." Shit.

"Run while you still have a chance, Sisu. You too Raya."

The computer genius ran out. Dammit the princess stayed.

"Princess Raya, do you mind leaving us?" You would've ripped my head off for not saving anyone!

"Chief Virana with all due respect no. Namaari and I made decisions together. It's not fair she takes the full blame." Oh wow that's really mature of you.

"What happened?"

We spilled our guts explaining everything.

"Why would they target children?"

Chief Virana took a deep breath. "Unclear. Rumor is they stole an ancient scroll from Tail. There are so many texts it's hard to pinpoint which one. Secretary Sonja is remaining secretive."

"Are they stealing children for a distraction?"

"No. I don't believe in coincidences." Mother glanced over. "We will begin the search for Boun's parents. In the meantime how was the food?" What about the food?

"Everyone is a better cook than me."

Raya smirked, "coming from a well-rounded foodie expert they're all great cooks."

"Excellent I would hate to separate the little Tails so they will be offered a chef position to ensure they are together. We will compensate for the truck and trailer. Dismissed." What really?! No lecture? Unless it's a secret lecture.

Mother winked, "The two of you will be completing paperwork and I suggest you start now. Namaari dear please reconsider the vehicles you use." After the life dangers we encountered, the shots and knife attacks you're mad about replaceable cars?!

"We were pressed for time!"

"Do you wish to add more paperwork?"

"NO! SHUT UP NAMAARI!"

"Mother!"

"As Chief of Fang." Oh no not the mocking hurtful tone "I'm fairly bust all the time. Unless you wish to lighten the load."

"NAMAARI SHUT UP!" Raya dragged me away grumbling, "I still have to debrief with Ba! You're coming with me! I need more stupid stitches on top of paperwork." Oh boy she's ranting.