Hunter: Jake

Much to my surprise we didn't return to the cloaked ship hidden deep within the jungle. Instead Garv, Hunter, and Fire Blood climbed up into a massive tree covered in vines and moss. I guess the tree must've been as old as the jungle itself. From the ground I watched my clan dematerialize and swing up into the tree with their trophies. I sighed. I would sleep on the jungle floor tonight. Finding a mossy nook underneath one of the tree's massive roots I curled up for the night.

Suddenly I jumped when a great [THUMP! sounded above my head. I flipped over and saw Garv in a resting crouch on the huge tree root above me with his head cocked.

"Hey, Garv." I said casually.

He rattled gently, "Why do you not come up?"

My head pulled back in confusion. I thought I wasn't permitted to be in the tree. "Am I allowed?"

"You helped with our hunt. Come," he rumbled.

I stared up at the imposing height of the tree. "Uhh…I don't think I can climb like you can Garv."

Without a word Garv reached down, took my hand and jerked me up onto his shoulder in one powerful motion. I gasped as his muscles turned to organic steel beneath my body and he climbed the tree. It was an exhilarating experience as well as a frightening one. Any moment I could slip off of his shoulder and plummet to my death. Luckily Garv made it to the top and deposited me into a flat portion of the tree. The tree had grown a flat base for its limbs to spread out from and it made a perfect roost; almost like a natural tree house. I glanced around a moment seeing Fire Blood and Hunter beginning to clean their trophies with a portable, high tech "cleaning and buffing" kit. I glanced at my hands. Garv had put blood on my hands when he grabbed me!

Feeling slightly sickened by the cool viscous blood coating my skin I turned to Garv, showing him my hands, "Thanks a lot Garv."

His warrior mask turned to stare at my hands in a "So?" pose.

I sighed irritated, until Fire Blood growled deeply, "Hey! Little Fighter!"

I automatically turned and just as I did an object flew at my chest. A small yelp escaped me because I thought it might be one of his throwing disks, but very quickly I discovered it wasn't a weapon. I caught the thing and nearly flipped out when I stared into the gory eye sockets of a fresh human skull! Shivering in revulsion I chucked it back at Fire Blood who caught it easily in one bloody hand. He laughed at his cruel joke with much gusto.

Hunter glanced up from his work, his mask eyes glinting, "Leave her alone Fire Blood."

The huge Predator still tittered with laughter admiring the skull in his hand.

I hissed venomously, "You big..." Now my hands were slathered with blood.

At my words Fire Blood cocked his head, "What were you going to say?"

My eyes widened in fear, "Nothing."

Fire Blood flicked his long dreadlocks behind his head and insisted in a growl, "Tell me. What were you going to say?"

I shook my head, "No."

Rising to his full impressive height Fire Blood put down his trophy and stepped toward me. "Tetch-na…you test my patience," he hissed.

I backed up slightly, "Ok! Ok. Just make me a vow. When I tell you , you won't kill, maim, or hurt me in any way."

He barked a quick laugh at my demands, "That all depends on how you've insulted me. Tell me now or I'll add your skull to my trophies."

I sighed. Me and my big mouth; I'd cursed these guys under my breath before and now the biggest damn Predator I'd ever met called me on it. I glanced back at Garv who'd sat down behind be on the tree to clean his trophies. He was intently listening as well.

Swallowing hard I tried to improvise, "You big…meanie."

Fire Blood's head pulled back slightly and Garv snorted.

"That's it? That's the best you can come up with?" Fire Blood cocked his spiked brow.

I nodded, "Yeah…you're mean."

He seemed to think a moment then sat down with a smirk, "Damn right. I'll have to teach you to curse and insult properly little one. "

Luckily for me Fire Blood didn't take offense. I started to develop a liking for the giant warrior. Oddly enough he seemed to have a sense of humor…if only a sick one. Not many Predators had such a humor. They tended to hide their emotions and most of the time acted stolid. Garv had a sense of humor too but Hunter held all of his feelings inside. Sure he'd bark a quick laugh now and again but I honestly never experienced him displaying strong positive emotions in front of me.

After awhile Hunter finished cleaning his trophies and called me over to him. He was resting on a 'chair-like' limb of the tree covered in moss in one of his more relaxed but dominant poses.

Kneeling before him in respect for his successful hunt I said, "You took many trophies today Hunter. It is an honor to hunt with you and the warriors."

He clicked and leaned back against the tree. "The hunt today was just the beginning. You will lure more males tomorrow."

I nodded, "As you command. Where are the other hunters? Will they join us?"

He shook his large head, removing his mask very casually, "No. We will not see them until we leave.

"When is that?" I inquired.

"Are you SO eager to leave already?"

Shaking my head vigorously I responded, "Of course not Hunter! I am learning a lot from you and the others. Why do we not hunt as a big group?"

"We are hunting separate so we can cover more ground. Plus, Algar has earned the right to lead his first hunting expedition." Hunter explained as he took one of his new Ooman skulls and began to etch markings into the forehead with a small dagger.

My throat tightened. The very thought of Algar leading a hunting party made me sick to my stomach. He hated me enough as it is, I couldn't envision and didn't want to know what he'd do to his prospective human prey.

"Have Garv or Fire Blood ever led a hunt?" I asked out of curiosity.

Hunter nodded, "They both have…but not on Ooman hunts. I chose them both to hunt with me because they are the two best warriors beneath me. Algar is not yet worthy to lead any other hunt. But he may after this. He has great prowess…but he lacks control." He paused and then flicked one of his lower mandibles at me, "You did well today."

Wow…a compliment. Those were rare. I bowed my head in thanks and smirked. Not worthy yet. That was barely comforting, but kind of funny. Hunter dismissed me by waving his hand and I retreated to my own little corner of the roost.

I watched my clan members until I noticed Garv seemed to be favoring his shoulder. Concerned I asked, "Is there something wrong with your shoulder Garv?"

His mask turned, "It is nothing but the stiffness of an old wound."

"Would…would you like a massage?" I asked tentatively.

"A what?"

I pantomimed the gesture, "It is a method that will loosen the stiffness."

Garv tittered, "I know what it means Little Fighter, I just don't know why you would want to do that to me."

Pausing I backed away from him, guessing that was a 'no'. But much to my surprise he snatched my wrist.

"Go ahead."

Slowly I came closer and stated, "I will have to be behind you."

Predators hated it when someone was behind them and would react very violently toward anyone trying to sneak up on them. I warned Garv so his paranoid nature wouldn't cause any misunderstanding. He grunted in acknowledgement. Obviously he trusted me. I pushed my hand against his shoulder blade, which bore a rather nasty jagged scar.

"I've never noticed this scar before. How did you get it?" I asked.

"I received it on my First Hunt," he growled curtly.

I stared hard at the wound. It didn't look like it was caused by a blade or any weapon. To me it looked like the flesh had been melted. But I didn't press the matter. Pushing hard against his rock hard flesh I massaged his massive shoulder blade. Predators' skin felt very unusual, smooth and yet coarse in texture; kind of like a lizard and human skin crossed. And their flesh was always hot, never cold. Using the flats of my knuckles I pressed hard into Garv's shoulder and massaged in a circular motion. Needless to say, the response was unexpected. Garv's back straightened and he started emitting an undulating warble that oddly sounded like a big cat purr! My eyes widened. He'd never made that sound before!

I smiled at the happy sound but suddenly realized Fire Blood was watching intently. Without thinking I stopped and Garv turned around at me as if to ask why I'd stopped.

A disgusted snort came from Fire Blood and Garv glanced back at him shifting almost uncomfortably.

Finally he rose, "Rest, Little Fighter. Tomorrow a new hunt begins."

…………………………

The next morning we were off hunting again; my clan in the trees and I on the ground. So far we'd seen nothing. Predators could have the patience of Job but often if they could find no game they got irritable and edgy. Edgy was bad; edgy meant they were very eager to kill but had nothing to satisfy their lust for blood.

So, being wise to their emotions, I went off by myself away from them when evening approached and soon found a jungle pool to bathe in. Though I don't know why, I glanced around to make sure no one was watching before shedding my bikini style armor and undergarments. The water was cool and refreshing. It even felt different than the Predator planet's water—I can't explain it.

Dipping my Predator style-dreadlocks back into the water I felt the water cleanse my flesh and sooth my soul. Water felt so good. I shook my hair forcefully and opened my eyes.

A gasp escaped me when I saw a man…a human male…standing not more than a few meters from the pool. In his hand he held a rather large gun and wore a camouflage pair of pants as well as a vest covered with pockets and various other devices and tools. He was different from the men we'd killed yesterday. The man seemed more regal—like a warrior of some kind. He lowered his weapon with a gawking look on his face. His face was oddly attractive to me: strong jaw, piercing blue eyes, short cut dark hair, angular nose, medium toned skin, and thoroughly muscled—a very good specimen by any standards.

His mouth moved slowly and he quickly licked his lips before saying, "Uhhmm… I'm…I'm sorry Miss. Are you alright?" The man's eyes remained fixed on my nude figure, tracing every curve and limb.

Not knowing what to do I just stood in the water staring back at him. My mind didn't know how to respond. I wasn't hunting and this encounter was purely accidental. How should I respond to this male?

He shuffled from foot to foot for a second, obviously uncomfortable, "Do…do you speak English?"

The words just came out, "Yes. I good."

His eyes darted from me around the area, "Are you alone? Why are you out here?"

Well, I knew I couldn't answer that and honestly didn't know how to answer, so I just pushed my hair back and took a step out of the water toward him.

"I…clean skin." I replied emotionless.

"Oh…yeah…right. Well, you can't stay out here alone. It's not safe. Come with me and…" he averted his eyes even though he'd seen all of me. "…you can get dressed, Miss…what is your name?"

I blinked. My name? Knowing he wouldn't understand my Predator name I gave him the English version, "Little…Fighter."

He made eye contact quickly but I could tell he was trying not to look at my body, "In…Interesting name. I'm Jake Bennet."

Shaking my head I proceeded to clothe myself. "No go with Jake Bennet."

I looked back at him. For some reason, though I don't know why, I found myself being attracted to the ripped male Jake Bennet. I'd never felt such a thing before. It made my heart beat harder and my throat tighten. Was it fear? No…not fear. But it felt similar to the sensation. I'd just attached my top armor when suddenly I noticed a blurry figure standing nearby. It was Garv and he was stalking toward Jake!

I still don't know why I did it but with a gasp I leaped over to Jake and forced him down to the ground, placing my body over his back and head.

"WHOA! What the HELL?!" he shouted trying to throw me off.

But I was stronger than he anticipated and I kept him down in a kneeled position just as Garv's shimmering silhouette strode up to us.

"No move! Do what I say, you live." I whispered harshly.

Jake tried to protest until he glanced up and suddenly saw Garv materialize before his eyes. "Ho-ly SHIT!"

Garv's wrist blades were out but he wasn't attacking. His guttural voice rasped at me, "What are you doing?"

Keeping my body over Jake I responded in Predator language, "Please don't kill him Garv."

His mask turned, "Why? We've hunted all day and now you're protecting the only trophy I've seen today! Step away from him Little Fighter!"

My mind raced. What was I to do? I didn't know why I was protecting Jake…I'd just met him and knew nothing about him! But my humanity, long hidden, surfaced forcefully. Then, I had an idea.

Swallowing hard I said, "Garv, I claim this male as…a mate."

The metal mask pulled back in a confused posture, "What?!"

I licked my lips and repeated firmly, "I claim this male as a mate."

"A mate? What gives you the right to such a claim?" he growled in confusion.

"Do not all hunters possess the right to claim mates? I've helped with this hunt…can I not have at least one male? Even the lowest hunter has at least one female. Have I not earned just one male?" I explained.

My Predator friend snorted gruffly behind his mask. He obviously wasn't sure what to say to that. Then, reluctantly the blades returned to their sheath and Garv rattled.

"Hunter will have the final say of whether this…Flathead…lives or dies."

I nodded as Garv turned from us. I sighed. That was close, but it wasn't over yet. Jake, for his part, had done exactly what I'd instructed and was silent and still until I let him up. He tried to level his weapon at Garv, but I slapped it down with a fierce burning in my eyes.

"NO! NO hurt Garv! He no kill you, you no touch that!"

He eyed me in a confused manner. "What do you mean? What did you say to him?"

"Garv no kill you…now."

Jake shook his head still holding the rifle but not aiming it at anything, "Garv? You…you know that creature? You speak his language?"

"Yes." I pointed to his weapon, "Leave that. They kill you if they see it."

"They? As in, there are more of those things?" he asked incredulously.

I forced his rifle down firmly and hissed, "You want live, you do what I tell you."

The man blinked shaking his head, trying to soak up what I just told him. At last he put down his gun and proceeded to disarm himself, though I could tell he desperately didn't want to.

Garv's growling voice came from ahead of us, "Bring him!"

Trying to appear forceful with Jake for Garv's sake, I took Jake by the arm and forced him to his feet saying in a low voice, "Come. Stay close. No move much."

Jake was so bewildered by the whole situation he whispered, "But, I can't go with you! I have to get back to my platoon!"

"Platoon?" I tasted the unfamiliar word.

"The other soldiers in my company. I'm supposed to report back. If I don't then they'll come looking for me," he explained with some urgency.

I spotted Garv who was staring at Jake. Though I couldn't see his eyes I knew the Predator was glaring at the man.

"No go now." I hissed.

"Why not? What did you just tell him a moment ago?"

I bit my lip guiltily. I'd gotten Jake into a complicated predicament. "I say…you my mate."

The man's blue eyes grew wide with shock. "Your mate?"

Suddenly Garv stalked up to Jake, staring down at him menacingly. Jake froze and Garv forcibly grabbed his throat, lifting him up to his eye level and then higher! Jake didn't have a chance to fight back before the powerful hunter threw him out in front of us. The man slid across the ground and rolled over into a low crouched position, like some four legged animal. The Predator was growling deeply marching straight at the man, just daring him to get up. Jake tried to rise all the way, but he saw me shaking my head vigorously and mouthing that he should 'stay down'. Carefully Jake lay down until Garv delivered a sound kick to his middle! Jake gasped as he flew through the air and tried to regain his breath.

My eyes slit at Garv and I shouted in his language, "Hey! Stop it Garv! He's my mate! I don't want him damaged! Quit trying to get him to fight!"

He rattled back at me, "If he were a worthy mate he'd accept a challenge when he was given one! Look! He lies on the ground like some pathetic worm! You want this for a mate?"

I faced him giving him a confused yet hard look, "What do you care who I choose as a mate?" I asked pointedly.

He made a funny befuddled click like he hadn't expected such an accusation, "What? You talk nonsense Little Fighter! Take this cowering waste of flesh as a mate! See what I care!"

Glaring back at my Predator friend, I strode over to Jake whispering, "You get up now Jake."

The man was gasping for breath but didn't seem seriously injured other than that. "Wh…what the Hell did I do to him?"

"He want you fight. Garv kill you if you fight him."

Jake stood next to me as I took his arm again and began to lead him after Garv, "Where are you taking me? I told you already, I can't go with you!"

I sighed heavily, "No go!If you go, they hunt you down. Kill you dead. You go later…not now."

He sighed heavily. Obviously he didn't want either choice but I guess he wanted to live more, so he followed me.