"Morning mist?"

Don't sound irritated. "Yes?" Dammit.

"Do you love Raya?" Why don't you cut off my alpha instead?!

"How dare you question my love!" What are you trying to do?!

"Namaari." Not the soft tone. "This is difficult why risk it?"

You've never questioned my decisions before why now? "Does it matter?" I glared daggers.

"If you love Raya, it does!" She impatiently retorted, "Benja has approached me after every fight you and the princess have had." Mother crossed her arms. "Learn to separate the relationship and alliance." Damage has already been done.

"Too late."

Through all of the battles and losses I've never seen the chief so defeated.

"I'm proud of the woman you've become. I'm proud of how you do everything for Fang." She came closer brushing my hair away. What's the problem? "It was my mistake for not allowing you to enjoy your relationship."

My nose scrunched out of confusion. "Enjoy? I love Raya." She's more than my partner, she's my best friend, my confidant, my everything.

"But you worry about Fang. You bring Fang's problems into the bedroom." She desperately pleaded. "Why?"

There are so many reasons. Insecurity mostly? One day she'll realize she deserves better. I'm too serious, too jealous and she'll grow tired of it. I'm what everyone calls me.

"It's deflecting what am I am. The Fang filth that pleases the princess." I'm expendable to her!

"Namaari!" I've never heard her voice so broken. "You're not filth! Raya deeply loves you!"

"That's what hurts the most! I have to do what's right for Heart, for Fang! Please take of Raya Mother. To this day she doesn't know what the other chiefs call me. Please keep it that way." Unless she pretends to now know. A tightened hug was the confirmation I needed.

She mindlessly traced circles over my hand. I'm doing a terrible job of hiding the raging storm.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?"

"It's nothing." What a terrible lie.

"Namaari." I slowly avoided her gaze. Raya being the stubborn woman she is, straddled me. Her changed hands trapped my face. "I thought we weren't keeping secrets." I remember they used to be soft. Why did you join?

"Just be careful tomorrow." I licked my lips. "Please."

"I'm always careful." She smirked. "Are you pent up dep la?" I wish.

The shorter woman started grinding. "When was the last time you were pleased?" Don't.

"R-Raya." I balled my hands. Don't give in.

I almost lost all control with her husky voice. "Tell me when to stop." I should say something, but your soft kisses feel wonderful.

"Maari?"

"Don't stop." I growled flipped us over pinning her arms. I captured her lips stopping the yelp. Tonight is going to be a mistake.

Smooth fangs tortured her neck. One hand carefully teased my sensitive spot. I wasn't hard enough.

"Fuck." I hope she didn't hear that.

I crawled off the bed giving her my back.
"Alright what is it?" We shouldn't be doing this.

"It's nothing. I'm tired." I can't face you.

"You're never too tired for fun. Will you ever stop carrying Fang's burden?" It was only a matter of time.

"Burden?!" I spun around tightening my jaw. "Am, I burden to you Raya? Is Fang a burden to you?!" Raya panicked before anger consumed her. You don't get to be angry!
"Don't twist this around! You always stress about Fang! When will you ever relax!?"

"Relax?! I'm not immature like you!" Fuck!

"There's a difference between having fun and being immature!" The princess stood up jabbing her finger in my chest. "If it weren't for me you would die from stress or that fucking anger! You walk around with a stick up your ass all the damn time!" At least I was properly taught how to protect my people!

I couldn't stop the yelling.

THERE'S A REPUTATION AT STAKE!

WHAT REPUTATION?

MINE! FANGS! I'M WASTING MY TIME EXPLAINING IT!

"NAMAARI STOP!" Raya shoved her palms into those soft eyes. "Just one day hell one hour, I want you stop worrying about Fang. My Ba has your back and your mother's. How many times do I have to tell you!" She slowly dragged her hands down. There's no coming back from this.

All emotions stopped the logical thinking, I stormed over.

"I would've thought by now you would've understood." I formed deadly slits. "You've seen how the other chiefs treat my mother! Nothing has fucking changed Raya! NOTHING!" The princes flinched from the dark cold tone. "Look at you right now, you're cowering from me. That's why I stress about every mission one fuck up ends it all for Fang!" I should be ashamed!

She choked out. "Maari." Maybe we shouldn't have dated. You don't deserve this.

I shamefully stood back. "You should stay in the room. I'll sleep on the couch."

There it is! Living up to the expectation Fang filth! I should go back and apologize. Raya being Raya she won't want to hear it. Dep la I'm sorry.

RAYA'S P.O.V

Dammit I've marinated. I don't even feel like making breakfast for the binturi!

"Good morning." I almost let the venom slip out.

"Good morning." Why are you standing in the doorway?

I hissed, "Do you think you can cook your own food without burning our stove?" I almost did! You won't know it!

"Raya about last night."

"Don't." I took a deep breathe. "I'm too immature to talk about it." Knuckles turned white from holding the pan. That look…borderline hatred! All for what?!

"Raya." What part of no don't you understand!

"I'm done with the kitchen it's all yours Namaari."

How many times have we gone through the plan? We use silencers, Bravo team takes the south entrance Shadow Two takes the west. I know what to do!

"Bravo team will be in the air first. Shadow Two will follow shortly." My anger towards Namaari would explode our chopper.

"Any questions?"

No.

"Gather your gear we're leaving in fifteen."

"So I take it you and Namaari are fighting?" Since when have you cared?

I rolled my eyes before addressing the general. "Yeah, how did you know?"

"Well you aren't your playful self. What did you two argue about?"

No offense but it's too intimate. "Are you trying to do recon for Namaari?"

The general chuckled, "ooo you used her full name that bad huh? Look Raya, you should know you can count on me as a friend too." That's weird you've never mentioned it before.

"Thanks General."

"Alright sorry to interrupt the tender moment but drop now."

We jumped out of the carrier. I hate free falling, the thought of bugs going up my nostrils is disgusting. Looking at the watch, it won't be long three two one pull the parachute.

After a soft landing we headed for the entrance. No guards that's odd. The alpha led our small group up the stairs. No traps, hardly any soldiers even at that they aren't paying attention.

"Shadow Two what's your status?"

"At the door preparing to breach."

The general snapped her fingers. "Move it runts!"

Namaari was preparing the breaching kit. I tapped her shoulder, right behind you bitunri.

Explosion went off, I shot down two soldiers and the rest were taken care of by Princess Undercut. Guess I'll radio help.

"HQ we have our hostage. Not much of a resistance."

"Are you sure there wasn't a hidden enemy?"

Sisu don't play games. "No. It was too easy."

"Well get your asses back on those choppers. Coming in less than five minutes."

We barely made it down the steps. "Raya." Static buzzed through. NO! NOT NOW! "Brace yourself fighter jets incoming! Shot down one of our choppers!" Shit!

"Namaari where are you?" Come on answer binturi!

The first missile strike didn't register. It shook the foundation, and I tackled our VIP. "Don't move!" Dust burned filling my lungs. Fifty-five seconds went by, and the ground didn't shake. "Let's go!" I tugged our VIP steadying the gun. Everyone scrambled. Buzzing was difficult to tell people apart. I didn't find a mature calm voice. "NAMAARI! ANSWER ME!" Thirty-five seconds went by we barely climbed down the steps.
"NAMARI FANG!" My voiced cracked and nothing. Twenty-five seconds went by heart pounded it was going to break out of my ribcage. "NAMAARI!" No responses. Another missile shook our steady ground. I pushed the beta man out of the way taking the brunt. Until someone grabbed my waist and tackled us down. "Not today, Raya!" MAARI! The alpha didn't give me a chance to stand up. Now she dragged me to our VIP heading out of the building. Everything happened so fast! How is this happening!?

"Oh my god you're still alive!" I clung onto her shirt taking in soap and spice. Don't leave me!

"We've got fifteen seconds to secure our hostage let's move HEART!" You're so cold so angry!

"Are you still mad?" She didn't immediately answer.

"Answer me dammit!" I begged, "Please!"

"No. Just worried! Stay focused!" I know that infamous pleading look. We can fix this after the op. Okay Maari.

We barely made out of the building or so I thought. The doorway crumbled how did it happen so quickly?! I saw Namaari through a peephole. "Namaari! Clear the rubble from that side I'll get the general." "Raya go! There's another exit!"

"I'm not leaving you!" I threw pebbles that meant nothing when boulders were a separation of life and death.

"Raya please!"

Sisu screeched, "Wherever the hell you two are! Get out the jets are coming in with a barrage!"

"Fucking help me Namaari!"

"Move your ass!"

"Who the hell do you think you are!"

"RAYA FUCKING LISTEN!" A tear slipped out. "My arm is busted. I can't help you! I'll look for another way out!"

I cried out. "I'M NOT LEAVING YOU!"

"Go! I'll send up a flare!"

The general coiled her arms around me and started dragging us away. "We can still save her!"

"Raya orders are fucking orders!"

The attackers came back, and idiocy took over. I watched the missiles get closer fifteen fourteen thirteen. I purposely grew heavier. Come on! COME ON!

"MOVE HEART!" She won't make it in time. Eight seven. "LET ME GO!" Six five four. "NAMAARI!" Three two one. Endless barrage attacked the building. There wasn't a flare! YOU PROMISED! YOU PROMISED! "NAMAARI!" I broke free from her restraints. A small explosion hit me. I kept crawling. Distant voices yelled scrambling to get secured.

"The VIP is secured!"

"Princess Raya Princess Namaari!"

A faded chopper started. I can't leave you!

"Namaari." I croaked out. No. You're coming back with me!

Muffled voices barely registered. Is that the general? Where's Maari?! Or… maybe it's another helicopter.

"Maari."

Blackness danced in and out. Everything swayed losing focusing slowly regaining it. Then nothing.

Rough sheets, low voices. Dammit again.

Eyelids felt like they were tied down by an elephant trying to keep them in place. I stubbornly opened them.

My vision swam finding Ba next to me.

"Ba?" My voice is raspy. How long have I been out?

"Raya." He clasped my hand. Why can't I move?

"Easy Dewdrop. You have bruised ribs, a broken arm." Why do you look uneasy?

I looked over to the spare bed but Maari wasn't there. She's in surgery, right? Or in debrief?

"I bet Maari is trying to explain the mess to Chief Undercut huh?" The beta chief didn't answer just took a deep breathe.

"Raya." This is a joke. She's hiding from me!

"Ba I'm sorry for worrying you that missile attack was unexpected." Are we playing hide and seek?

"Raya."

"I knew joining this was dangerous. Where's Maari? Is she still mad at me?" God what happened? I just remember…. I don't remember anything.

His stony tone interrupted. "Princess Namaari didn't survive." No. you're lying to me!

"Of course she would!" She's strong and determined!

"Raya, denial makes it worse. We found… her body and tags." The body? No it's a joke!

I shot out of the bed ripping off the IVs and stumbling to the military coroner's. Body. How could you play such a sick joke?!

"Raya stop!" You can't stop me!

A few more steps and I'll kick open the door. Ouch! That hurt my bare foot. I fumbled the knob almost falling but a lean figure caught me. Lavender the general.

"What the hell are you doing out of bed?"

"I'm looking for Namaari!"

"Raya…"

"General Atitaya, it's better she sees for herself."

I shrugged off the loyalist almost growling. Chief V welcomed me to her side. "This isn't easy Raya." No. You've been crying!

I stepped closer. Burnt flesh flooded my nostrils. Where's her lovely soap and spice scent? This scent is bitter!

"Cold veins." Come on binturi pop out.

"C-cold veins!" Why are you so good at hiding!? The dog tags were still on the… I slowly reached out my blood dropping to freezing temperatures. Hell the metal felt hot scanning the name. Fang, Namaari. No. NO. NO. NOOOO!

Anger boiled itself releasing a blood curdling scream. "LIAR!" We promised to always to come home to one and another! HOW DARE YOU FUCKING LEAVE ME!

A large hand touched my shoulder. I shrugged it off you aren't her! "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED?!" Do I want to know? I'll find who ever bombed us!

"Rainfall, Namaari was too close to the explosion impact." Was. Fuck she saved me!

"The Tail chief is an ego maniac." I shut my eyes trying to stop more tears. "Why was the stranger so important?" We saved one life to lose how many? For what?! Empty promises!? A bullshit alliance!?

Chief Virana slowly intervened. "Raya. Orders are orders. Don't make this harder." Harder?! HARDER! NAMAARI SARCIFICIED HERSELF FOR ME!

"Fuck the orders!" Hot tears started building up. A small explosion froze me. "This is your fault!"

I covered quivering lips. No sentence can justify what I said. If she stayed on the chopper, she would've died. Why did she have to play the fucking hero?!

General Atitaya finally spoke. "I'm sorry Raya." I have to open my eyes. She would've faced this head on.

No you're not! If you were, you would've done something!

I glared, "She thought of you like a sister!"

Ba finally looped his arm through mine. "It's time you rested Dewdrop."

A bitter reality. It's not a game! IT NEVER WAS! I watched the duo cover Na- the corpse. I failed her! What did I do wrong?!

I studied the empty spot of where the second hospital bed should be.

"How long have I been out for?" It's feels wrong to not have… her by my side.

"Four and a half fays." Why does it hurt so much to find out the truth a few moments ago?

"I'm going to sleep." I faced away from the chief. I need to be alone. Studying the cold spot might make it easier.

A soft knock interrupted my racing thoughts. "Like I said doc, not really hungry."

"Doesn't matter you should eat something." A tray was gently placed on my thighs.

I turned to find the general lingering by the bed. "The hardest part of being a soldier is following orders despite everything. As a friend, as family, I would've done anything to save Namaari." The general avoided my gaze. But you didn't!

"How do we know the corpse is really…"

The alpha sighed, "military tags survive everything." She pulled them out waiting for me to grab them.

I can't smell her! Why has the singed flesh ruined her lovely soap and spice scent!?

"Take them." I choked out. "Please." I don't need any more reminders!

The shorter woman studied them then me. Don't do this to me!

Atitaya nodded taking the dog tags. "Please eat even if it's just the sorbet." You're not the boss of me.

I turned studying the empty wall.

Days became weeks or maybe I'm exaggerating. Then again time is a blur staring at an empty wall, trying to piece together the bombing and how I suddenly became unconscious. They cleared me to be on medical leave. At least my arm isn't in a sling but stuck with this stupid cast. I have to return to an empty condo.

That stupid night will forever haunt me. Is that why she was worried no back up plans no awaiting enemies. Rescuing the hostage was too easy. Why does it matter? She's gone. Hearing her name makes me bawl but not saying her name makes me feel she's been gone for years when it's only been weeks.

My favorite picture of the kissing booth mocks me. Fingers delicately hovered over her printed head. "I miss you so much Maari." What would you do if the roles were switched?

I trailed down to her nape. "I always loved how soft your hair felt there. The soft fuzz shows- showed how soft you...were, no longer the dark mysterious cocky alpha." One tear landed on the photo strip. No! Don't mess it up!

I sniffled out. "Look at me making a mess of everything."

I won't even kiss the photo. "I'll never stop loving you."

I miss your scent! Does her pillow smell like her. Of course her favorite pillow is losing her scent. The water works unleashed again. Two pillows for one person! One closet that barely held our clothes is enough for me! A queen bed with draping feet feels so cold now! I dropped the photo strip throwing the mattress off. Why did we choose cream-colored sheets?! Heart and Fang each used gold! We could've gone in the middle! I ripped the sheets off throwing them in the trash bin. I knocked over a shampoo bottle. That is- was Maari's! "Why could you never finish a shampoo bottle?!" You always stole mine! This scent didn't work well with me! It always did for you! What else do I have to throw out?!

I angrily grabbed the waste basket heading to the dresser. I ripped out shelf finding neat boxers folded. My hand trembled sliding out the next drawer. My section was messy with boxers, thongs all over the place. I went back to her drawer picking up a boxer shoving it in. "I guess I get more space!"

Metal clanked along the dark wood. What the hell? I picked up a dragon pendant. The silver dragon head had golden fangs with teal gemstones for eyes. I flipped over to the smooth surface with a small note dangling.

I was never good at verbally expressing myself. For some reason pen and paper always worked. After our military careers I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you give me the joy?

"MOTHER FUCKER!" I sobbed out. I stumbled back falling next to the mattress. "EVEN DEAD YOU WERE ALWAYS ROMANTIC!" I pressed the pendant against my chest burying my head into weakened knees.

The door creaked and soft footsteps slowly walked over. "Dewdrop?"

Puffy red eyes met dark concerned eyes. "What happened?" This was all me.

Lips quivered shut I handed him the pendant. Ba didn't take it at first urging me to speak. I nudged the dragon head to him, and he gingerly carried it. Regret washed over as he flipped it.

"Raya." Don't patronize me.

"Ba please." Stupid snot is falling down better wipe it. "I don't know what to do."

"I'm sorry. I was hoping to take this before you found it." How would you know?

"Easy Ba." I sniffled again. "You're making it sound like you were ready to hand me off." Please don't be the reason.

He hugged me tighter. "She asked for my blessing." I dug my nails deep into his button down. Why weren't you close to me after the first attack!?

"I didn't even say goodbye!"

The patient man didn't say anything simply held me. Am I being too weak? What would… she do?

"That only thing I can offer Dewdrop is support. Just tell me what you need." I don't know.

I choked out. "I want to cry! I want to be angry! I can't because of the guilt!"

"Then cry. Be angry. Who do you want to be angry at?" I don't know! Me?! Namaari for playing the hero! Tail for always being difficult!

"Everyone!"

Ba cradled my head and I sobbed into his shoulder. I never got to apologize.