Disclaimer: I don't own it.
A/N: I'm sorry this took so long. School is proving to be a serious problem. Hopefully the next chapter will be out soon. I'll also try to work a little more Kai and Rei in. Read, enjoy and review!
Rei lit the lanterns before sliding into bed, book in hand. He fluffed the pillows up slightly before leaning back, finally comfortable. Kai had left in the morning, leaving Rei with the whole tent to himself. He heard a slight shuffling outside of the tent and he smiled, knowing exactly who it was. "You two might as well get in here." A blonde head appeared in the doorway, followed by a darker head. The blonde smiled, blue eyes glowing with awe. He slipped in through the door followed by his mate. Tyson looked around the tent, trying to take in his luxurious surroundings.
Rich carpets covered the tent floor, keeping the chill from the occupants' feet. Pillows were spread over half the tent, providing spots to sit. The bed took up a corner of the tent, piled high with furs and fine woolen blankets. A carved chest sat near the center tent pole, providing a small table. Max flopped on the end of the bed, lightly running fingers over the soft grey spotted fur. "Do you think Kai will be mad that we were in his tent?" Rei smiled, setting his book to one side. "What he doesn't know can't hurt him!"
*****
When they finally made it through the city gate, it was well after dawn. Kai gathered his men around, issuing a few last minute instructions. "Stay in groups of at least two, don't get in trouble and last of all," He looked around the group, locking eyes with everyone. "Stay away from the brothels. You all have mates and we can't afford any non-tribe born cubs. Do you understand?" There was nodding all around and the knot of men broke up, leaving Kai and Tala alone. "Do you actually think they'll listen?" Blue eyes swept over the mass of people, searching for threats. The slate-haired teen ran a hand through his hair, eyes also searching. "They better. I'll meet you at the palace gates in two hours." He melted into the crowd, vanishing in seconds.
*****
The sound of murmuring reached Kai, stopping him in his steps. Standing at the mouth of an alley were two members of his tribe, whispering. Normally he wouldn't eavesdrop but after hearing the White Tiger Tribe mentioned his curiosity was piqued. He slipped behind a booth next to the alley, getting as close as possible without rousing their suspicion. "You know Hiwatari's mate?" The speaker was a large grizzled man, one eye scarred closed. The second man nodded a short, jerky motion. "He's not my type, but I wouldn't mind pounding him into the bed."
Kai slammed into the man, throwing him back against the wall. Before the man could recover, he found himself pinned against the wall, a dagger tickling his throat. He looked at his Tribe leader, flinching at the sight of pearl fangs and burning mahogany eyes. In his anger Kai had unconsciously shifted, leaving him with fangs. "You will give Rei the same respect you give me. IF I ever catch you talking about my mate like that again, I will personally rip your throat out and leave your body for the crows. Is that understood?" The man nodded as well as he could with a dagger pressed to his throat. Kai stepped back, fangs gone. He looked over at the second man who was cowering in the filth of the alley. "Get your friend cleaned up and meet at the gate an hour before sunset."
*****
"Hey gorgeous! Want to get a room?" Tala sidled up to his friend, blue eyes dancing with humor. "Fuck off, Tala." The redhead raised on eyebrow, surprised. "Who shoved a stick up your ass and twisted it?" Kai turned to Tala glaring. Tala raised his hands, as though trying to ward Kai off. "Sorry I asked. Let's just get this done so we can go back home and you can relax with Rei." The slate haired teen rubbed one temple, trying to stop the headache that was developing. "He's part of my problem!" Tala cocked his head to one side, eyes silently questioning. Kai shook his head, waving off the silent question.
They were admitted into the palace, guards eyeing them with hate. The people of the cities held the tribes in contempt. Even worse to city inhabitants were the tribes of shapeshifters. Shapeshifters were considered inhuman and demonic. People feared that they would use their powers to take over the cities, forcing them into slavery.
Kai and Tala were stopped outside of the Prince's audience chamber and stripped of their weapons. They both smirked, knowing that if push came to shove, they would be pushing back hard. Only after the guards were sure they were unarmed were they allowed into the audience chamber. The Prince was a young man, only slightly older then the two teens. Black eyes watched their every movement.
*****
Rei was awakened by the sound of whispers and feet running past the tent. He quickly dressed and stepped outside of the tent, grabbing the first person that happened by. The woman looked at him angrily until she realized whom it was. "What the hell is going on?" She looked towards the north end of the camp where most of the residents were gathered. "Raiders are headed straight for us." Rei's eyes narrowed as he looked to the crowd of people. "Find Tyson, Max, Kenny and the group leaders and send them here." She nodded once and took off to the crowd. Rei reentered the tent and went to his chest, which was sitting near one side.
He opened the ornately carved trunk and pulled out a simple black saddle and bridle. He slipped a dagger into the sash at the small of his back, the only weapon he carried. There was a sound of shuffling outside of the tent and he got to his feet, saddle in hand. Tyson, Max and the others he had asked for were outside of the tent, fidgeting.
"Tyson, are any of the other dragon-shifters here?" The navy-haired teen shook his head, eyes flashing with worry. "I'm the only one that didn't go with Kai." Rei nodded and let out a shrill whistle. The camp kept a herd of horses used mostly for trade. A huge grey stallion trotted over to Rei, breath ruffling his hair. He quickly saddled the stallion, all the while giving out orders. "Tyson, move to the back of the camp and shift. Stay out of sight. Max go with him. Kenny, I want you and the group leaders to get a quarter of the hunter-shifters to stay with the cubs. I want the other hunter-shifters in the most northern tents, shifted. Does everybody understand?"
There were nods all around, though the group leaders were slightly hesitant. They hated being pushed around by an out-tribe member, even if it was their lord's mate. Rei swung into the saddle, moving with all the grace of his guardian. "If they make any kind of move you perceive as hostile, move." He nudged the stallion's flanks, skirting the camp as his chosen people moved off to obey his orders.
*****
"Ah! Lord Kai, how nice to see you." The Prince paid no attention of Tala, which caused the redhead shapeshifter to growl. Kai glanced over at him once, eyes warning him not to do it again. "Here to trade some off your fine horses?" Kai didn't answer, instead choosing too counter with a question of his own. "What do you know of the war in the south?" The Prince shrugged, eyes watching the two shapeshifters. "Actually I had meant to talk to you about that. You see, the mage has come to me offering substantial money for any shapeshifters I may find. And I heard from him that you happen to head a tribe of shifters, and that you yourself are one. So, I think you'll be staying with me."
He motioned to the guards on either side of the dais to move forward. The guards were huge men, standing at least a foot taller then the two teens who weren't exactly short. They also outweighed the two shifters by at least two hundred pounds. Blue and mahogany met as twin smirks appeared on pale features.
*****
Rei watched as the raiders neared the camp. There were no more then thirty of them, all mounted. They saw him and changed their course heading straight for him. He tightened the grip on the reins unconsciously, causing the horse to shift underneath him. The raiders spread out in a line, drawing to a halt ten feet in front of him.
The camp was behind him by twenty feet. It looked deserted. There was no sign of life, save the wind rustling the tent fabric. The head bandit moved forward, halving the distance between him and the shifter. The silence between the two was strained, making the bandit nervous. In the end he was the last to break the silence "Who are you?"
Rei looked at the man, golden eyes narrowed with anger. "Rei Hiwatari, member of the Drista Tribe." The man's blue eyes sparkled with lust. He moved his horse closer, stopping when the horse started sidestepping. It could smell a tiger and the scent was driving the animal to the edge of its control. "You know," the man reached his hand out, fully intending to pull the reins for Rei's hands. "Most of the time I don't let my men take captives. This time may be an acceptation." He howled in pain as a dagger was embedded deep into this skin, nicking the bone and slicing through the muscle.
He watched in horror as black stripes appeared on Rei's body, white fur quickly following. The lithe body elongated long tail sprouting from the base of the shifter's spine. Fangs grew and the half tiger slid from the back of the horse. The man's horse reared, dropping the man to the ground before galloping off. Blue eyes warily followed the tiger as it moved closer, four-inch fangs bared in a silent snarl.
The other bandits made to move forward, stopping when one of their numbers was ripped from his saddle by huge claws before being dropped to land on the plains with a sickening crunch. A shadow passed over the sun, highlighting the long, sinuous body of a full-grown dragon. Many turned to leave, only to find their escape cut off by a pack of animals of varying shapes and sizes. Weapons were drawn; leaving no doubt that blood would stain the grass.
*****
Kai dodged under the sword and kicked out, hard boot hitting the guard's knee, cracking the bone. The Prince in the meantime was screaming, much like a woman. More guards came in through the door, charging at the two shifters, swinging blades with no regard to safety. Kai and Tala moved to stand next to each other, eyes cold with hate. A slight breeze whirled through the room, blowing the strands of slate and red. Tala glanced back quickly, eyes lighting up. On either side of the dais were open windows, opening into the palace garden. The redhead tapped Kai's arm slightly, flicking one finger back to the windows.
The tribe leader nodded a slight almost unnoticeable bob of his head. They slowly backed up; eyes focused on the guards. The Prince realized what was going on seconds before they made it to the balcony. He pointed at the two shifters, screaming hysterically. "Get them!" There was a flash of black and grey in the foliage as the two teens disappeared into the garden.
They held still as the guards ran past on the gravel path, boots crunching loudly on the small rocks. Once the guards were out of range the shifters moved out of the bushes, making it to the back wall without being seen. "Well, that was entertaining." Tala's eyes were bright with adventure and his lean body hummed with adrenaline. "I'm glad you think so. I'll see you at the gate in," Kai glanced up at the sky, marking the sun's position. "Twenty minutes." He melted into the bushes, the only sign of his leaving the swishing of the leaves.
Had anyone been paying close attention to the back wall of the palace, they would have noticed a white wolf with blue eyes come over the back wall and disappear into a dark alley. And had their attention been on the alley they would have seen a redhead teenager walk out of the dark opening, uninjured by the wolf. But in a city of unusual occurrences most people failed to notice anything other than what was relevant in the world around them.
Kai made it out of the royal gardens without being spotted and made his way to the front gate of the city. The members of his tribe were standing just inside of the gate clustered around some object. Tala's flaming red hair was visible near the center and he seemed to be arguing with one of the older shifters. "What the hell is going on here?" The group of men parted, allowing their irate leader through to Tala and the older shifter. "Hajem saved this woman from the slave market." The redhead gestured to the woman who was curled on the ground; eyes focused on the ground underneath her.
Hajem moved in front of Kai, eyes hard. "They were going to auction her off. I just couldn't leave her there!" Mahogany eyes focused on the shifter, dancing with anger. "You could have and should have! I warned you about taking ones not of our own. I know you are mated, what are you going to do about that?" Hajem shifted from foot to foot, showing that he had forgotten about his mate. "Excuse me My Lord." The woman rose to her feet, brown eyes puffy and red from crying. "If it weren't for this valiant man, I would now be in a brothel. I wish to give you me deepest respect."
"Do you honestly think I care about what was going to happen to you? I have my own problems to worry about." One slim finger pointed at Hajem. "She is now your problem. You are responsible for her. She is nothing better than a servant to your mate. If she fails in any duties set in front of her she will be left for the coyotes. Do you understand?" The man nodded, embarrassed at having been rebuked by the young shifter in public.
The shifters filed out of the city, one lone, figure trailing at the end, silently plotting against the slate haired shifter that had made her worth nothing more than a servant. She cackled to herself, knowing that the teen would be feeling her wrath. Soon he and his tribe would fail to exist.
*****
Rei pulled his dagger from the bandit's body, wiping the blood onto the dark clothing. Golden eyes surveyed the plains, searching for fallen shifters. Bandit bodies littered the grass, crimson liquid draining from gashes and scratches to stain the grass and dirt. The sound of shuffling footsteps reached his ears and he turned, dagger held in a defensive position. Tyson carefully stepped over a body; eyes focused on the older shifter. "You okay?" Rei nodded, slipping the dagger back into his sash. "What's the report." The dragon-shifter ran a hand through his navy hair, normally shining eyes dull. " Aylette's got a broken arm and Adila got cut badly across the stomach. The healers aren't sure if she's going to live. Oh, and Kai's back."
"He is? Shit. Well, I might as well go. Make sure that everything gets taken care of." Tyson just stood there, eyes following his friend to sure doom. "Good luck my friend." Kai was in the middle of the camp; eyes focused on the carnage he knew lay to the north of his tribe. He had seen it when he flew in. The moment he had shifted he had found Tyson and sent him to locate Rei. Tala was still at his side, silent as ever. Kai was ripped from his thoughts when Rei's voice broke through his reverie. "My Lord?"
The slate haired shifter acknowledged his mate before turning to the redhead at his side. "Tala, make sure that the bodies are disposed of in the proper fashion," he turned back to Rei "and you go to the tent. I'll be there in a minute." The raven-haired shifter nodded slightly before turning on heel and making his way to the tent.
*****
Rei leaned against Driger's shoulder, fingers twined in the lush white fur. The great tiger stood still, emerald eyes closed, deep rumbling purr filling the tent. "This is starting to get ridiculous. I never seem to be able to stay on his good side." The neko-jin slumped to his knees; eyes sliding closed with fatigue. "You just need to be more careful about what you do, little one. Give it time." Driger nudged Rei once before gradually starting to disappear. Tanned hands closed, trying to catch a last wisp of the green smoke. Rei fell into a deep sleep, emotionally and physically drained.
Kai entered the tent, dropping his cloak on to the chest. He pulled his boots off and dropped to the floor next to his mate, eyes raking over the lithe form. Ebony hair drooped in front of closed golden eyes. The long tail of hair had some how wrapped around his body, following the lean body to perfection. The tan skin was flawless, with the exception of a scratch that ran down one of the neko-jin's arms. Kai carefully brushed a finger over the wound, gently probing the edges. It was long, running almost the entire length of the forearm. It was shallow up near the elbow, slowly deepening to a point several inches above the wrist.
Kai got to his feet, pouring water from a pitcher into a bowl and ripped one of his older shirts into strips. He settled back down next to the sleeping shifter, dipping one of the strips into the water. Carefully he worked around the wound, gently cleaning blood away, making sure that every particle of foreign matter was removed. He set the bowl to one side, the red tinted water sloshing. He took one bandage and started at the wrist, wrapping the fabric just tight enough to prevent any further bleeding. He was almost finished when he accidentally pressed on the wound.
In the next moment he found himself on his back, golden eyes boring into his, fangs glittering in the semi-dark of the tent. A very angry Rei was sitting on Kai's stomach, tan hands pinning him down. "What the hell did you think you were doing?" Kai didn't even try to struggle; knowing it would anger the younger shifter more. "I was taking care of your wound. You can't afford to let it get infected. Now get off." Rei moved, allowing the slate haired teen up. Kai picked up the bandage and moved back to Rei's side, gently finishing the binding of the wound.
He sat back on his heels, tipping Rei's head up to meet his eyes. "I want to know exactly what happened today. No lying." Rei nodded, nervously nibbling at his lower lip. "It all started when.."
A/N: I'm sorry this took so long. School is proving to be a serious problem. Hopefully the next chapter will be out soon. I'll also try to work a little more Kai and Rei in. Read, enjoy and review!
Rei lit the lanterns before sliding into bed, book in hand. He fluffed the pillows up slightly before leaning back, finally comfortable. Kai had left in the morning, leaving Rei with the whole tent to himself. He heard a slight shuffling outside of the tent and he smiled, knowing exactly who it was. "You two might as well get in here." A blonde head appeared in the doorway, followed by a darker head. The blonde smiled, blue eyes glowing with awe. He slipped in through the door followed by his mate. Tyson looked around the tent, trying to take in his luxurious surroundings.
Rich carpets covered the tent floor, keeping the chill from the occupants' feet. Pillows were spread over half the tent, providing spots to sit. The bed took up a corner of the tent, piled high with furs and fine woolen blankets. A carved chest sat near the center tent pole, providing a small table. Max flopped on the end of the bed, lightly running fingers over the soft grey spotted fur. "Do you think Kai will be mad that we were in his tent?" Rei smiled, setting his book to one side. "What he doesn't know can't hurt him!"
*****
When they finally made it through the city gate, it was well after dawn. Kai gathered his men around, issuing a few last minute instructions. "Stay in groups of at least two, don't get in trouble and last of all," He looked around the group, locking eyes with everyone. "Stay away from the brothels. You all have mates and we can't afford any non-tribe born cubs. Do you understand?" There was nodding all around and the knot of men broke up, leaving Kai and Tala alone. "Do you actually think they'll listen?" Blue eyes swept over the mass of people, searching for threats. The slate-haired teen ran a hand through his hair, eyes also searching. "They better. I'll meet you at the palace gates in two hours." He melted into the crowd, vanishing in seconds.
*****
The sound of murmuring reached Kai, stopping him in his steps. Standing at the mouth of an alley were two members of his tribe, whispering. Normally he wouldn't eavesdrop but after hearing the White Tiger Tribe mentioned his curiosity was piqued. He slipped behind a booth next to the alley, getting as close as possible without rousing their suspicion. "You know Hiwatari's mate?" The speaker was a large grizzled man, one eye scarred closed. The second man nodded a short, jerky motion. "He's not my type, but I wouldn't mind pounding him into the bed."
Kai slammed into the man, throwing him back against the wall. Before the man could recover, he found himself pinned against the wall, a dagger tickling his throat. He looked at his Tribe leader, flinching at the sight of pearl fangs and burning mahogany eyes. In his anger Kai had unconsciously shifted, leaving him with fangs. "You will give Rei the same respect you give me. IF I ever catch you talking about my mate like that again, I will personally rip your throat out and leave your body for the crows. Is that understood?" The man nodded as well as he could with a dagger pressed to his throat. Kai stepped back, fangs gone. He looked over at the second man who was cowering in the filth of the alley. "Get your friend cleaned up and meet at the gate an hour before sunset."
*****
"Hey gorgeous! Want to get a room?" Tala sidled up to his friend, blue eyes dancing with humor. "Fuck off, Tala." The redhead raised on eyebrow, surprised. "Who shoved a stick up your ass and twisted it?" Kai turned to Tala glaring. Tala raised his hands, as though trying to ward Kai off. "Sorry I asked. Let's just get this done so we can go back home and you can relax with Rei." The slate haired teen rubbed one temple, trying to stop the headache that was developing. "He's part of my problem!" Tala cocked his head to one side, eyes silently questioning. Kai shook his head, waving off the silent question.
They were admitted into the palace, guards eyeing them with hate. The people of the cities held the tribes in contempt. Even worse to city inhabitants were the tribes of shapeshifters. Shapeshifters were considered inhuman and demonic. People feared that they would use their powers to take over the cities, forcing them into slavery.
Kai and Tala were stopped outside of the Prince's audience chamber and stripped of their weapons. They both smirked, knowing that if push came to shove, they would be pushing back hard. Only after the guards were sure they were unarmed were they allowed into the audience chamber. The Prince was a young man, only slightly older then the two teens. Black eyes watched their every movement.
*****
Rei was awakened by the sound of whispers and feet running past the tent. He quickly dressed and stepped outside of the tent, grabbing the first person that happened by. The woman looked at him angrily until she realized whom it was. "What the hell is going on?" She looked towards the north end of the camp where most of the residents were gathered. "Raiders are headed straight for us." Rei's eyes narrowed as he looked to the crowd of people. "Find Tyson, Max, Kenny and the group leaders and send them here." She nodded once and took off to the crowd. Rei reentered the tent and went to his chest, which was sitting near one side.
He opened the ornately carved trunk and pulled out a simple black saddle and bridle. He slipped a dagger into the sash at the small of his back, the only weapon he carried. There was a sound of shuffling outside of the tent and he got to his feet, saddle in hand. Tyson, Max and the others he had asked for were outside of the tent, fidgeting.
"Tyson, are any of the other dragon-shifters here?" The navy-haired teen shook his head, eyes flashing with worry. "I'm the only one that didn't go with Kai." Rei nodded and let out a shrill whistle. The camp kept a herd of horses used mostly for trade. A huge grey stallion trotted over to Rei, breath ruffling his hair. He quickly saddled the stallion, all the while giving out orders. "Tyson, move to the back of the camp and shift. Stay out of sight. Max go with him. Kenny, I want you and the group leaders to get a quarter of the hunter-shifters to stay with the cubs. I want the other hunter-shifters in the most northern tents, shifted. Does everybody understand?"
There were nods all around, though the group leaders were slightly hesitant. They hated being pushed around by an out-tribe member, even if it was their lord's mate. Rei swung into the saddle, moving with all the grace of his guardian. "If they make any kind of move you perceive as hostile, move." He nudged the stallion's flanks, skirting the camp as his chosen people moved off to obey his orders.
*****
"Ah! Lord Kai, how nice to see you." The Prince paid no attention of Tala, which caused the redhead shapeshifter to growl. Kai glanced over at him once, eyes warning him not to do it again. "Here to trade some off your fine horses?" Kai didn't answer, instead choosing too counter with a question of his own. "What do you know of the war in the south?" The Prince shrugged, eyes watching the two shapeshifters. "Actually I had meant to talk to you about that. You see, the mage has come to me offering substantial money for any shapeshifters I may find. And I heard from him that you happen to head a tribe of shifters, and that you yourself are one. So, I think you'll be staying with me."
He motioned to the guards on either side of the dais to move forward. The guards were huge men, standing at least a foot taller then the two teens who weren't exactly short. They also outweighed the two shifters by at least two hundred pounds. Blue and mahogany met as twin smirks appeared on pale features.
*****
Rei watched as the raiders neared the camp. There were no more then thirty of them, all mounted. They saw him and changed their course heading straight for him. He tightened the grip on the reins unconsciously, causing the horse to shift underneath him. The raiders spread out in a line, drawing to a halt ten feet in front of him.
The camp was behind him by twenty feet. It looked deserted. There was no sign of life, save the wind rustling the tent fabric. The head bandit moved forward, halving the distance between him and the shifter. The silence between the two was strained, making the bandit nervous. In the end he was the last to break the silence "Who are you?"
Rei looked at the man, golden eyes narrowed with anger. "Rei Hiwatari, member of the Drista Tribe." The man's blue eyes sparkled with lust. He moved his horse closer, stopping when the horse started sidestepping. It could smell a tiger and the scent was driving the animal to the edge of its control. "You know," the man reached his hand out, fully intending to pull the reins for Rei's hands. "Most of the time I don't let my men take captives. This time may be an acceptation." He howled in pain as a dagger was embedded deep into this skin, nicking the bone and slicing through the muscle.
He watched in horror as black stripes appeared on Rei's body, white fur quickly following. The lithe body elongated long tail sprouting from the base of the shifter's spine. Fangs grew and the half tiger slid from the back of the horse. The man's horse reared, dropping the man to the ground before galloping off. Blue eyes warily followed the tiger as it moved closer, four-inch fangs bared in a silent snarl.
The other bandits made to move forward, stopping when one of their numbers was ripped from his saddle by huge claws before being dropped to land on the plains with a sickening crunch. A shadow passed over the sun, highlighting the long, sinuous body of a full-grown dragon. Many turned to leave, only to find their escape cut off by a pack of animals of varying shapes and sizes. Weapons were drawn; leaving no doubt that blood would stain the grass.
*****
Kai dodged under the sword and kicked out, hard boot hitting the guard's knee, cracking the bone. The Prince in the meantime was screaming, much like a woman. More guards came in through the door, charging at the two shifters, swinging blades with no regard to safety. Kai and Tala moved to stand next to each other, eyes cold with hate. A slight breeze whirled through the room, blowing the strands of slate and red. Tala glanced back quickly, eyes lighting up. On either side of the dais were open windows, opening into the palace garden. The redhead tapped Kai's arm slightly, flicking one finger back to the windows.
The tribe leader nodded a slight almost unnoticeable bob of his head. They slowly backed up; eyes focused on the guards. The Prince realized what was going on seconds before they made it to the balcony. He pointed at the two shifters, screaming hysterically. "Get them!" There was a flash of black and grey in the foliage as the two teens disappeared into the garden.
They held still as the guards ran past on the gravel path, boots crunching loudly on the small rocks. Once the guards were out of range the shifters moved out of the bushes, making it to the back wall without being seen. "Well, that was entertaining." Tala's eyes were bright with adventure and his lean body hummed with adrenaline. "I'm glad you think so. I'll see you at the gate in," Kai glanced up at the sky, marking the sun's position. "Twenty minutes." He melted into the bushes, the only sign of his leaving the swishing of the leaves.
Had anyone been paying close attention to the back wall of the palace, they would have noticed a white wolf with blue eyes come over the back wall and disappear into a dark alley. And had their attention been on the alley they would have seen a redhead teenager walk out of the dark opening, uninjured by the wolf. But in a city of unusual occurrences most people failed to notice anything other than what was relevant in the world around them.
Kai made it out of the royal gardens without being spotted and made his way to the front gate of the city. The members of his tribe were standing just inside of the gate clustered around some object. Tala's flaming red hair was visible near the center and he seemed to be arguing with one of the older shifters. "What the hell is going on here?" The group of men parted, allowing their irate leader through to Tala and the older shifter. "Hajem saved this woman from the slave market." The redhead gestured to the woman who was curled on the ground; eyes focused on the ground underneath her.
Hajem moved in front of Kai, eyes hard. "They were going to auction her off. I just couldn't leave her there!" Mahogany eyes focused on the shifter, dancing with anger. "You could have and should have! I warned you about taking ones not of our own. I know you are mated, what are you going to do about that?" Hajem shifted from foot to foot, showing that he had forgotten about his mate. "Excuse me My Lord." The woman rose to her feet, brown eyes puffy and red from crying. "If it weren't for this valiant man, I would now be in a brothel. I wish to give you me deepest respect."
"Do you honestly think I care about what was going to happen to you? I have my own problems to worry about." One slim finger pointed at Hajem. "She is now your problem. You are responsible for her. She is nothing better than a servant to your mate. If she fails in any duties set in front of her she will be left for the coyotes. Do you understand?" The man nodded, embarrassed at having been rebuked by the young shifter in public.
The shifters filed out of the city, one lone, figure trailing at the end, silently plotting against the slate haired shifter that had made her worth nothing more than a servant. She cackled to herself, knowing that the teen would be feeling her wrath. Soon he and his tribe would fail to exist.
*****
Rei pulled his dagger from the bandit's body, wiping the blood onto the dark clothing. Golden eyes surveyed the plains, searching for fallen shifters. Bandit bodies littered the grass, crimson liquid draining from gashes and scratches to stain the grass and dirt. The sound of shuffling footsteps reached his ears and he turned, dagger held in a defensive position. Tyson carefully stepped over a body; eyes focused on the older shifter. "You okay?" Rei nodded, slipping the dagger back into his sash. "What's the report." The dragon-shifter ran a hand through his navy hair, normally shining eyes dull. " Aylette's got a broken arm and Adila got cut badly across the stomach. The healers aren't sure if she's going to live. Oh, and Kai's back."
"He is? Shit. Well, I might as well go. Make sure that everything gets taken care of." Tyson just stood there, eyes following his friend to sure doom. "Good luck my friend." Kai was in the middle of the camp; eyes focused on the carnage he knew lay to the north of his tribe. He had seen it when he flew in. The moment he had shifted he had found Tyson and sent him to locate Rei. Tala was still at his side, silent as ever. Kai was ripped from his thoughts when Rei's voice broke through his reverie. "My Lord?"
The slate haired shifter acknowledged his mate before turning to the redhead at his side. "Tala, make sure that the bodies are disposed of in the proper fashion," he turned back to Rei "and you go to the tent. I'll be there in a minute." The raven-haired shifter nodded slightly before turning on heel and making his way to the tent.
*****
Rei leaned against Driger's shoulder, fingers twined in the lush white fur. The great tiger stood still, emerald eyes closed, deep rumbling purr filling the tent. "This is starting to get ridiculous. I never seem to be able to stay on his good side." The neko-jin slumped to his knees; eyes sliding closed with fatigue. "You just need to be more careful about what you do, little one. Give it time." Driger nudged Rei once before gradually starting to disappear. Tanned hands closed, trying to catch a last wisp of the green smoke. Rei fell into a deep sleep, emotionally and physically drained.
Kai entered the tent, dropping his cloak on to the chest. He pulled his boots off and dropped to the floor next to his mate, eyes raking over the lithe form. Ebony hair drooped in front of closed golden eyes. The long tail of hair had some how wrapped around his body, following the lean body to perfection. The tan skin was flawless, with the exception of a scratch that ran down one of the neko-jin's arms. Kai carefully brushed a finger over the wound, gently probing the edges. It was long, running almost the entire length of the forearm. It was shallow up near the elbow, slowly deepening to a point several inches above the wrist.
Kai got to his feet, pouring water from a pitcher into a bowl and ripped one of his older shirts into strips. He settled back down next to the sleeping shifter, dipping one of the strips into the water. Carefully he worked around the wound, gently cleaning blood away, making sure that every particle of foreign matter was removed. He set the bowl to one side, the red tinted water sloshing. He took one bandage and started at the wrist, wrapping the fabric just tight enough to prevent any further bleeding. He was almost finished when he accidentally pressed on the wound.
In the next moment he found himself on his back, golden eyes boring into his, fangs glittering in the semi-dark of the tent. A very angry Rei was sitting on Kai's stomach, tan hands pinning him down. "What the hell did you think you were doing?" Kai didn't even try to struggle; knowing it would anger the younger shifter more. "I was taking care of your wound. You can't afford to let it get infected. Now get off." Rei moved, allowing the slate haired teen up. Kai picked up the bandage and moved back to Rei's side, gently finishing the binding of the wound.
He sat back on his heels, tipping Rei's head up to meet his eyes. "I want to know exactly what happened today. No lying." Rei nodded, nervously nibbling at his lower lip. "It all started when.."