Imam just told me that instead of a family dinner that the council has called a meeting. It's about Jack and four other girls but let's be honest, it's about Jack.

"Mr. Riddick, I must warn you. There are several men who will be here tonight that do not see you as a family friend or relation."

Good they see me as a rival.

"Yeah, I get that a lot, pecking order---law of the jungle." I tell him. Don't worry holy man I'm king of the beasts.

"Their women will be coming. Jack will need to entertain them in the courtyard." He tells me. "Right now Jack is with Salim if you wish to see her. She is restless and afraid. She is uncomfortable with how she has developed. She had been a boy for so long, feelings like the ones she has been dealing with have been hard. Plus the woman are jealous and are not polite when they show it. Take great care."

Bitches, great just what the party needs. "Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep that in mind. Hey, Jack has nothing to worry about. It's just me. Don't worry holy man. How much time do we have?" I'm having her fucken pack, right now.

"About an hour." is all he says as he walks to his study and closes the door.

I can tell he's uneasy, in his shoes I would be too. She's a good girl and doesn't need the shit that's going on.

As I go outside, I notice they're fighting with knives, and hell she's good. She's fast and very nimble. I'm impressed. Plus I can tell how she's enjoying it. It's almost sexual. Hey, everyone's gotta have an outlet.

"Hello Jack." I say in the low growl I know she loves. She smirks at me. She's covered in sweat and let me tell you, Imam's right, she's gonna be a handful.

I can handle that…

She bows to her teacher and he walks over and shakes my hand. "Good evening. I am Salim Ib Haben Maz. I have heard much about you."

"How's she doing?" I ask watching her take the weapons and put them away.

"She's fast but arrogant. They all are at that age." Now that's funny. I'm laughing now and she's glaring.

Get over it kid.

"Are you done?" I ask him looking at her smiling. She's glaring at me.

Babe, I'm lovin' it. You try that tough kid shit and see where that gets you…

"Yes, we are. Thank you Jack, you may go." And I watch her bow and leave just as docile as you please. That is just amazing to watch cause I know all she wants to do is flip us off and do as she pleases.

"I need to talk. Did Imam tell you what's going on?"

"Yes. It is truly as shame. Subjugating our women is not what we intended when we came to New Mecca. What do you have in mind to help her? She has helped many families in the last year and I want to do something to help her in return."

Now I'm wondering what the hell he's talking about.

"She is like a daughter to me and I do not want her to fall into Faisal Mohammed's hands. He is a barbarous man with deviant fetishes. You understand my meaning don't you?"

I did and the thought of that mother fucker touching her makes me want to kill something. "Which one is he?"

"He is large like you, but fat and slow. He carries a large scar across his neck, from Jack," he says smiling a bit. Now he isn't proud is he? "and his men are constantly around him."

Good, I need to know my enemy.

Salim looks worried all of a sudden. "He is determined to break her." He looks at me and I know he's feeling the rage like I am. But he's hiding a lot better than I am.

"I saw that piece of shit in the market. Kept looking at her like…" you look at her… my beast growls.

She's like my sister, shut the fuck up.

You don't have a sister, you don't want a sister dickey boy. You want her.

"He plays with fire. He should have never touched her, Mr. Riddick."

"I know, I've known Jack for years." I tell him looking at her window. She's all animal.

"She's changed since she arrived here. She's a passionate woman and I have watched her evolve from a lonely shattered child into the woman you see before you. She's like a volcano waiting to erupt, constantly challenged to be something other than what she was meant to. That is the life they have made her lead, subservient, cruel and repressive. She deserves freedom."

Don't we all.

"Imam is relieved that you have returned. He has lost control of the will of the people and Faisal is corrupt and very rich."

"I heard about that." I said thinking what are they expecting? "What are you saying?"

"Jack is special, but this I think you already know. Be good to her, she deserves someone who will respect her and make her happy. Imam refuses to believe that she is no longer a child, but both you and I can plainly see that she has grown into quite a woman. Headstrong, passionate and free thinking."

I had to agree but was this guy telling me to be a gentleman?

"I will. I have a plan but I'm gonna need your help. You up for it?" I ask him taking a look at his cloak and hood.