Balance

by DarkOne09

(Sequel to Metamorphosis) After being hunted down, Anya struggles to protect Earth from the Killer Yautja invasion but finds that she's not alone. With war raging on, she must find a way to join both species together to defeat the enemy once and for all. The finale is upon them and is it up to Anya to find out who will win . . . and who will die.

17. Chapter 17 (Drama in the House)

Chapter 17: Drama in the House

Disclaimer: I do not own Alien/Predator series or any characters and may not follow all customs and cultures found in Alien/Predator movies.

WARNING: Rated MA for intense and graphic sexual content. Viewer discretion is advised. Read at your own risk!

No one moved for a moment, not even Rory who was staring at the male before us. It's a wild guess but everyone must be in as much shock as me. McKenna . . . is alive? My mind tried to wrap around the bit of information I had, trying to put together the missing puzzle pieces. But how? Rory said that— I stopped that thought. Rory only told me that his father never came back from a mission but my assumptions led me to believe he'd died. Judging from the shocked expression on Rory's face, he thought the same or 'assumed' the death scenario.

McKenna walked closer but cautiously. The smile partially covered by his greyish-light brown beard formed slowly into a frown. He looked much older than I had anticipated. The greys almost completely covered the hair on his head but his skin looked paler than I remembered. My eyes scanned at his body, noticing how unusually thin he was. Almost like he hasn't eaten in a while. It looks like he went through Hell.

"Rory?"

McKenna called but Rory didn't move. His fingers twitched for a split second but nothing else. A bad feeling was creeping underneath my skin, forcing my heart to pound harder.

"Is that McKenna?"

Lar'ja whispered, trying not to make too much noise in this intense situation we were unexpectedly pulled in. I nodded whilst keeping my eyes on the two. "Yes. But I don't like this."

"Who's this McKenna?"

I hushed Olgoth. This is not the time or place for that. If I had answered, a million questions would follow. Za'hir and Sa'iye remained quiet from behind while I could hear T'uark cursing Olgoth under his breath. The other Yautjas stayed put as if anticipating a fight or an argument. Despite the two in question being ooman, no one wants to get in the middle of the unknown. It was the same for the ooman side. Everyone on the far side of the battlefield, including Lex, Dallas, and Brackett, stayed silent. I didn't bother to glance at Dutch. He was wise enough to stay out of this. Not sure about Royce with Izzy . . . but not my problem.

McKenna takes another step. This time, he opens his arms as if expecting a hug. "It's me. I'm finally home."

"You're alive . . ."

Rory spoke hesitantly and McKenna nodded firmly. His smile returned. "Yes. I know it's a shock but I'm here now."

Again, no movement from anyone until we watched Rory slowly makes his way towards McKenna. The tension in the air was so thick. My lungs barely kept up with my body's demand to keep the blood flowing but I stayed still, holding on to Lar'ja. His hand rubs on mine, the only solace I had. Rory's pace started to pick up into a power walk. I thought he was going to stop once he got to his father but his pace never relented. But the next thing any of us knew, Rory swings his fist across, pounding hard on McKenna's jaw and sending him on the ground.

What the pauk?!

Gasps and clicks of mandibles rang around, shocked by what transpired. Guess no one expected that. The excuse for the oomans with their wide-eyed looks was obvious but from the Yautjas, it was more from the hearing the injuries. The impact of Rory's fist brought about the most cringed sound of bones breaking. No matter the situations or species involved, Yautjas never liked to hear it.

"C'jit . . . That's got to hurt."

Lar'ja growled at Xen'ork in a warning. I agree, Xen'ork. Not the time to be making jokes like that.

McKenna groans in agony while Rory was huffing a puffing with exertion. His body language had anger written all over it. What's his problem? He screams fists on his sides and arms open wide like a bear.

"You son of a bitch!"

McKenna wiped the blood coming out from the corner of his mouth. A few drops splattered on the ground but no one didn't move. "Asshole! How dare you come back after everything you put me through!? And our family!?"

Rory stomps down his foot right next to McKenna's face. I thought he was going to smash his head like an egg. That's when I decided to intervene. The evil glare in Rory from the corner of his eye was enough for me. I rushed over and grabbed him by the waist before Rory could stomp again. To my shock, Rory thrashed as hard as he could against me, trying to escape my grasp. What's wrong with him? I was stronger than him but with him fighting so hard to reach McKenna and my need to not harm him, I called for help.

"Lar'ja! Guys! Help me!"

I only needed one but all my Elites and Lar'ja ran to my side. On the other, Lex and Brackett came to get McKenna back on his feet while Dutch and Dallas created a body barrier to block Rory's view. Their angry expressions towards him were all I needed to know I could only think how bizarre Rory's behavior was. Why is he so angry with his father being alive?

Lar'ja grabbed Rory by his waist and pulled him back while Xen'ork caged his legs from kicking. He used his fists and pounded on Lar'ja arms but did nothing. As if I was attacked, Za'hir and Sa'iye came to my side for protection while Olgoth and T'uark growled. I hoped it would be enough to knock Rory out of this tantrum but it did little.

"How fucking dare you!? How dare you come now!? Making me think you're dead all this time! What did you fucking expect!?"

McKenna spits some blood onto the ground. His voice muffled due to his jaw hanging by one side. It looked sickening. "Nice welcoming. I didn't expect this."

"Fuck you!"

I had enough of this.

"Olgoth. T'uark. Get him out of here."

They looked at me puzzled. "With this crazy ooman?"

I glared at Olgoth. "Are you questioning me?"

He backed off immediately. His eyes lowered inadvertently. "As you wish, my Leader."

Lar'ja and Xen'ork switched places with Olgoth and T'uark. I needed to keep Lar'ja and Xen'ork here in case something else goes wrong. They've been here with us and the oomans longer than the others so I hoped it would smooth things over. And get this whole pauking issue out of the way as safely as possible.

"Take him somewhere else other than CHPS. He needs a place to calm down."

"I don't need to calm down!"

Rory yelled with all the air in his lungs. His anger directed toward me. I moved my eyes into slits. Do you really want to start this? Without relent, I came up to him and slapped Rory across the cheek. I made sure I didn't do it hard enough to break his jaw but it definitely made him see stars. He bobs his head back and forth, seeing the red outline of my hand on his cheek. It took him a minute to get his senses back. "What the fuck?" He was still out of this but he had his point across. I wasn't in the mood to explain my actions.

"You need to calm down until we get everything settled. I don't know what's going on between the two of you but now is not the time. Later, you can have your mash fight against each other. Got it?" It took a minute to process the words but Rory slowly nodded and then went limp on Olgoth. I sort of freaked out but figured he'd passed out.

I signaled T'uark. "Take him to one of the ships until we get 'macho man' over there healed at the base. Make sure to find an isolated room to be locked in until I say so."

"Of course."

He nods to his twin brother and both drag Rory towards the ships docked on the other side of the forest that they mentioned. I watched Olgoth click his mandibles at T'uark.

"Oomans are more interesting than I thought."

A smack from T'uark is what he got for his little joke. He hissed in anger for a bit before his brother smacked him again. I couldn't help but grin at the sight. I don't think those boys will ever get over the fighting. They're like yin and yang from birth.

Now that this obstacle was dealt with, I had to address the elephant in the room. Chattering from both species was becoming uncomfortable to hear, not to mention the glares and stares being exchanged. My eyes set upon McKenna. I could see through him that something was up but I had to make sure he was okay.

"Are you okay?"

I spoke softly. McKenna nodded, shifting out of Brackett's grip to stand tall. "Sure . . . Other than a broken jaw, I'm fit as a whistle."

"Doesn't look like it to me."

He lowered his eyes in shame. So there is something between them. There was no doubt he knew some part of Rory's reaction. He may not be the brightest ooman on the planet but he was no idiot. To be fair, I was much wanting to know how he was alive, mostly to get his side of the story since I have Rory's side . . . or at least the general.

"What had happened to you, McKenna?"

Lar'ja took over but he was more direct than I would have liked. It's too late now. McKenna sighed. "Too much to explain in simple sentences."

I shook my head. "Well . . . right now, we have much bigger problems to deal with. Like, say . . . people either dying or seriously injured that need to be treated right away." I glanced at Lex and Brackett. "Get him to the medical bay and treat his broken jaw. And I expect an explanation of your side when I fixed this mess."

I blink my eyes to McKenna for a second. An indication that I wasn't finished with him yet but will save it for later. I wasn't sure what the pauk happened between them that got to a point where fists were flying and I was already tired. He got the gist of it and let the girls guide him back to CHPS or what remains of it. Dallas and Dutch followed suit, getting back to organizing a recovery plan at least.

I have a lot of work to do.

"So what now?"

Sa'iye spoke and I sighed as I turned around. "The oomans are checking on the damage after the attack and assessing what to do next."

Za'hir added. "We should be doing the same thing."

"Agreed. But right now . . ." I groaned, rubbing my forehead to alleviate the headache. Lar'ja drew closer, purring to soothe me. "I need some rest from all this drama."

Xen'ork chuckled. "This is drama? I thought it would be worse with oomans."

If I could, I would charge at him and tackle him to the ground, throwing punches at his face. The headache radiated once more and I hissed. Not right now. Thankfully, Za'hir and his honorable ways, he got into Xen'ork's face and growled. "Stop this funny business."

"Funny business? The type I do is far worse. Especially if a lot of females are around and then I'll—"

Za'hir grabbed a handful of his dreadlocks and began dragging him towards the ship. Xen'ork roared and growled in protest but Za'hir was stronger. If he tried to pull a cheap shot on him, his lights would be put out for certain. That's for sure. He needs a good beating. I watched as they disappeared but when I turned to the side for a split second, something caught the corner of my eye. Sa'iye's eyes softened, keeping their gaze on Za'hir's back. Her mandibles clicked softly that no one could hear the sound they usually make. If I didn't know better, something's up with them.

"Sa'iye."

She snapped out of whatever she was in. The soft expression was gone in a flash. "What is it, Ta'kasa?"

I shook my head. "Nevermind."

I felt it best not to talk about it somewhere . . . public. I had an idea of what's going on but it had to be her choice to tell me. I changed the subject. "So what about the ships in space? The Ma'tu Clan?"

"Oh yes. They just messaged me that they'll want to meet us tomorrow. They're still scouting for any Bad Bloods that might be lingering in space or on the planet itself. The Leader specifically requested to meet you in person."

Really? Meet me? I didn't say or show my curiosity, staying unfazed by the news. I'll have to thank the Leader for his diligence in keeping an eye for us until we were back on their feet. It must be hard with some Yautjas still not used to showing themselves to oomans, much less helping as we are. The other warriors that were standing around looked uneasy. Their body language was all I needed to confirm. Some were twitching their fingers on their weapons. I wasn't sure if they were eager to fight if any of the oomans tried to pull a trick or uneasy about everything.

I nodded, looking back to Sa'iye. "Alright. I'm going to get some rest but first want to check with Rory if he's calmed down."

Sa'iye agreed. "Of course. Follow me."

"Hold on, Sa'iye."

Lar'ja called, stopping everyone in their tracks. Sa'iye's mandibles clicked in frustration but she listened to him. "Are you sure that we can leave these Unblooded with our friends?"

He does make a good point.

"They'll be fine. We made it clear that they're helping on orders. And they wouldn't dare go against the Code of Honor."

Oh . . . I forgot.

"Good. Then let's be on our way."

Sa'iye didn't hesitate to lead the way, almost too cheery in some way. Something was up with Sa'iye and it only served to pique my interest more. I followed alongside Lar'ja as we headed to the ships but I couldn't help but see the destruction on the way. Craters as large as buses covered the ground, littered with bodies like a pit. I couldn't distinguish which body parts belonged to an ooman or Yautjas. The mixed blood of green and red made it harder. The smell they brought almost made me gag. It was very potent. We were getting farther from the rest of the groups but I could have sworn that I felt daggers stabbing into my back. The Bad Bloods . . . Hakr'ouh . . . brought such disaster but with neither of them here to take it out on, I was the next, best target for the ooman's anger. I brought them here so it was fitting to blame me.

Still, I had to remain strong. The destruction that occurred today . . . was only the beginning of something worse to come.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Only a day passed but it felt like an eternity. Sa'iye had found a room in one of the Motherships for me and Lar'ja to spend the night. It felt best to give the members of CHPS some space from all the new faces. Introductions would have to wait a little longer. The room was much bigger than I was used to, having an extra space in the main area and a bathroom with the largest jacuzzi I've ever seen. It was more like a pool than anything. I wished I didn't ask when Xen'ork came walking by, saying that its purpose was for mating with multiple partners . . . an orgy of all things. I shut him up quickly with a jab in the gut, enough that he had to be escorted by Sa'iye once more. The night ended when we went our separate ways and slept for the rest. Lar'ja curled close to me, kept asking if everything was alright. I had to beg him to go to sleep before he relented, putting his face in his favorite spot in the crook of my neck. I thought I would never sleep with him being so close and my body's need to have him but one whiff of his sweet scent of spring rain sent me into a deep abyss.

The communications alerted us of a call from Sa'iye, waking us up at the crack of dawn. I would have chewed her ass off for it but it was one of those mornings that I got enough sleep and I was in a good mood. Lar'ja, on the other hand, growled the moment he heard her voice. Sa'iye apologized but told that the Leader of the Ma'tu Clan had arrived and wanted to meet with us about catching up. I didn't want to upset him since I needed all the help I could get. Plus, I wanted to find out from my Elites what has been going on since we separated. I got dressed in my full armor to make a good impression that was delivered last night, courtesy of Brackett who was kind enough to bring it to the ship. I convinced her to stay the night so she could be at the meeting. It felt right to have her and Rory to make peace.

Speaking of Rory, Lar'ja and I decided to stop by and see how he's doing. The last I was told, Olgoth and T'uark herded him into an isolation room. It was mostly used to keep members of a clan that were acting aggressively so they would have time to calm down. Mostly UnBlooded males would be put in there since they were at a stage where they can't officially hunt but their instincts drive them to kill something. It prevented many from becoming Bad Bloods . . . like the ones that have taken over everything and brought nothing but misery.

It was only a few doors down so I stopped at the door and knocked a few times. "Rory? Are you in there? Everything alright?"

I heard the ruffling of feet on the other side but he didn't answer. I knocked again but it was the same response.

"I think it's best to leave him alone. I know you want him at the meeting but I don't think he wants to talk right now."

I didn't want to give up on Rory but Lar'ja had a point. Pushing him to come out and act as nothing happened was asking too much . . . especially since I don't know the extent of whatever he was going through with his father. At least, I can give him the news.

I leaned towards the door. "McKenna is healing well. Lex and the members of CHPS are getting everything under control. Mike is doing fine but still healing. I wanted to let you know."

Again . . . no answer. I expected it as much but the disappointment I felt was like swallowing a cannon that made its way into my stomach. It must be worse than I thought. I wonder what's going on with you. Lar'ja presses his hand on my shoulder.

"We should get going to the meeting."

He pulls on my shoulder and away from the door. With nothing else to do, I walked away but the small hope that he'll come out and talk was there. It was gone when we turned the corner and into the hallway leading to the meeting room. That was a dead end. At some point, I'll have to talk with McKenna to get at least something about this. For now, I had other matters to deal with. I tried to think about the upcoming meeting with a clan I never met or at least I don't recall. But my mind was somewhere else.

"Anya?"

"Hmm?"

I glanced to the side to meet with Lar'ja's eyes. Concern was flowing out of them. "What is it?"

"You shouldn't worry about Rory right. He'll calm down and talk to us when he's ready."

"But I never saw him so angry like that."

Those words repeated in my head and for good reason. When I tried to hold on to him, he thrashed so hard that I thought my arms would break. Although I was stronger than him, he still fought me. When something I don't know pops up, my mind will never let it go until I realize why it happened. All I knew is that McKenna was gone for quite some time but I should have pushed more for the details. And maybe we would avoid this altogether.

But then, my body is tugged to the side and into the inner divider that connects to another hallway. Only the Motherships are big enough to have such a structure inside. Lar'ja swings me around until I was pressed on the wall. What the pauk? I was about to fight back and demand what he was doing until I froze with his face so close to mine. His golden eyes staring straight at me and I was under his mercy. I've never seen him like this before.

"What are you doing?"

"What?"

I was confused. The question only served to make me more frustrated but I couldn't move or rather I didn't have the will. His hands pinned my wrists to the wall but he inched his body closer. The look in his eyes was still there but it softened a little.

"I know you're trying to act tough every time something bad happens but it's not good for you."

I opened my mouth but with nothing to say, I shut it. My eyes lowered to the ground beneath us. There was no hiding anything from Lar'ja. To be honest, the more time he'd spent with me, the more he'd become observant with my mood swings that he called them once before. He was becoming wiser than I expected. It was silent between us until Lar'ja lifts my chin between his clawed fingers. Our eyes made contact once more.

"You don't have to carry all the burden on your own. It's too much for any warrior to handle. I'm here for you and not going anywhere."

His encouraging words were enough. The sad feeling inside slowly dissipated and my chest felt lighter. I smiled softly at him. He does have a way with words. Lar'ja does the same, probably knowing that I understood what he was saying. He slowly leans his head down until our mouths connect. He was being so gentle, more so that the previous times we've done this together. It was sweet. Instinct kicked in and my arms wrapped around his neck, letting my fingers dig into his tresses. When I did that, I should have known better.

After only a few seconds, Lar'ja picks me up from the waist and presses me even harder on the wall. I moaned from the shock of it but the kiss muffled it. My heart began its racing beat, pumping warmth into every muscle and organs like lava. I was drugged into him. Lar'ja pulls away for a brief moment, only to let his tongue slither on my exposed neck that my armor didn't cover. I held my breath in, briefly realizing where we were.

I pressed my mouth near his cheek. "We can't . . . do this . . . right now."

It was getting harder to form sentences. My lungs are desperate to fill themselves with air, getting harder as Lar'ja kept his ministrations. Finally, he pulls away and presses his forehead on mine. The ridged edges of his skin rubbed hard against me. His voice was harsh like my own.

"Why not?"

I swallowed to help with my dry throat. "We . . ." I swallowed again. ". . . have to go . . . The meeting . . ."

"They can wait."

I shook my head. "But . . . we don't . . . have . . . much time."

"Then we'll do it quickly. Please . . . just this once."

Again, he had me under his spell. My body yearned to have him. An instinct that I couldn't refuse. With his body heat burning me up like an oven and his hands moving slowly down my hips, I decided to fuck it.

"Do it . . . quietly."

Quickly, I pressed my mouth on his once more, harder than last time. Lar'ja got to work quickly, pushing my loincloth to the side to expose my core. It only makes my body hotter, especially with the thought that we're doing this in a public place. I just hope no one hears us. He does the same with his own but had less trouble, seeing that he had a bit of his armor on. I never understood why he didn't wear all of it but I did recall something about fixing it up from all the damage it received. It didn't matter at this point. Once he got his loincloth to the side, he wraps his arms around each leg and spreads them apart to give access. His enlarged cock searches for my opening. Once he found it, Lar'ja made quick work and thrust hard deep inside me.

I threw my head back but held a scream in my throat as much as I could. It was quite uncomfortable since it was like trying to swallow a large marble. I kept as quiet as possible as Lar'ja kept up his relentless pace, going in and out of me as his life depended on it. Our hips crashed into one another when they met, creating a slapping sound between us. It was much too loud but I couldn't say anything or risk screaming in pleasure and that would be far worse. I closed my eyes tightly and felt my body begin to sweat profusely, making it easier for Lar'ja to move faster. Sometimes, the tip of his cock would hit my cervix, shocking that bundle of nerves that forced my body to short spasms. The pleasure it brought was unimaginable, making it harder to keep from screaming in ecstasy Lar'ja was doing his best to keep quiet. Every time I opened my eyes, I could see his shut in concentration. His mandibles freezing in place, enough that the tusks were scraping against his inner mouth and caused a few cuts to bleed. But it didn't stop him from thrusting into me. I felt his cock grow in size the closer I was ready to climax. My walls squeezing everything out of him.

It wasn't long before I felt my orgasm racing to me. In preparation, I tightened my arms into steel bars and my legs squeezed Lar'ja's hips like a snake holding on to its prey. My heart pounded against my chest and I was losing the ability to hold my voice much longer. The final straw was when Lar'ja rubbed his fingers on my clit, swirling in a pattern that shocked my body to the core. I slammed the back of my head on the wall behind, ignoring the shot of pain that went down my neck. I had to let go but I managed to keep my scream into a low groan. Lar'ja followed me into oblivion soon after, digging his nails underneath my armor as I felt hot cum spread deep into me. A minute passed and the exhausted feeling swept between us. Both of us struggled against each other with our breaths mingling with each other. Eventually, Lar'ja slowly lowers me to the ground. His cock slipping out of me, leaving a space that was so desperate to be filled back up once more. He steps back and looks deeply into my eyes.

"See?" He smiled. His dreadlocks swaying back and forth. "Quick and easy."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "For you . . . that is."

We laughed softly for a second. Lar'ja presses his forehead on me once more. I rubbed myself on him as a sign of affection, giving him a kiss above his eyes. This was crazy what he did but surprisingly, it was the thing I needed.

But then, I could hear footsteps coming down the hallway. From the sound, it was coming our way. Oh, c'jit! I pulled away from Lar'ja and fixed myself back properly, concentrating to get my breath back to normal at the same time. Lar'ja was trying to do the same but had a harder time than I. He tried to get his cock back underneath his loincloth but it was still enlarged. Every time he tried to bend it to get inside he would hiss. I wasn't sure if it was pain or pleasure but after seeing this, I was glad that I was born a female.

Both of us got fixed up just in time as two figures passed us. One of them noticed me so it was too late to sneak out of here. Alright, Anya. Just act natural. I smoothed my dreadlocks to the side and walked out and into the hallway. When I saw just who it was, my heart stopped for a second out of embarrassment.

Sa'iye and Za'hir stood there with confused expressions on their faces. I did my best to appear nonchalant as if I was strolling to the meeting. I don't know if I convinced them and I was sure they suspected something when Sa'iye spoke.

"Ta'kasa . . . So good to see you here early."

I chuckled. "Yeah, well . . . I wanted to make sure I knew my way around the ship so I don't get lost."

"Did you come alone?"

Za'hir commented and I swallowed. "Lar'ja was with me but he had to get something back at our room. He said to meet him there."

I lied but apparently . . . not good enough. Za'hir tilted his head to the side. "Are you sure? Because he's right behind you."

My eyes widened as Lar'ja walked in from behind. I thought he would get the message of staying back so it didn't look too obvious what had transpired. That thought that he was much wiser . . . out the window now.

Za'hir looked towards him and then to me. "What were you guys doing?"

"Well . . . uhh . . . just talking about Rory and such. Lots of c'jit that happened last night."

Za'hir huffed. Even Sa'iye didn't seem convinced. Her inner mouth slowly changed into a smirk and I had to look away. "It must have been intense for you."

"What makes you say that?"

"First off, your breathing is harsh and both of your smells are very intense. And on top of that, your body is completely covered in sweat."

When I heard that last part, I looked down at myself and saw that it was indeed sweat dripping from my legs. The armor did little to cover it up to which I had hopes he wouldn't notice. But this was Za'hir and he was far too observant to miss it.

"Looks like you were doing more than talking."

Sa'iye added. Her voice lined with sarcasm and mischief. Lar'ja growled softly but it only made their suspicion worse. I was stuck in a situation I was trying to avoid. Pauk! How do I get out of this!? They won't stop until they get their answer! My eyes caught something in between them so out of desperation, I pointed it out.

"And what about you? Why are your hands like that?"

Between their bodies, Sa'iye and Za'hir were holding hands. This was abnormal for Yautjas behavior and even more so between them. As soon as I mentioned it, Sa'iye rips her hand away from Za'hir, pulling back behind her.

"It's nothing."

I didn't buy it. Her cheeks began to glow a bright green . . . a sign of a blush on her face. I turned to Za'hir to see if he had the same reaction. He was more subtle than Sa'iye but the soft glow of green was there, not obvious but can be seen if you look carefully.

"Are you sure?"

She had enough. Sa'iye shakes her head and begins walking away. "We'll be late for the meeting if we don't go now. Come on."

I turned an eye on Za'hir in a silent conversation. He gets the point of leaving the conversation as it is now. He bows before taking off to follow Sa'iye. I could finally let out a sigh of relief. Man . . . How I got out of that one I'll never know. I watched them walk off a little before I turned my head to Lar'ja.

"Is something going on between them?"

I guess Lar'ja knew as well but I didn't have an answer for him. I shrugged my shoulders. "Your guess is as good as mine. At least they didn't ask further questions."

I spoke the last part with sarcasm but all Lar'ja did was purr in satisfaction. It was like he would have been proud to show it off. I should have known better. Male Yautjas would do anything to bolster themselves and to everyone that they mated with a female. And a high ranking one like myself to add. But I couldn't be mad at him.

He did give me such satisfaction too. And I love him on top of it.

I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief. "Oy vey, Lar'ja."

"What's oy vey?"

I growled playfully. "Oh forget it."

I just went off towards the meeting and Lar'ja had to catch up with me. I tried to wipe off the sweat on my body before we met with the Ma'tu Clan. It would be inappropriate to greet one of such rank after mating. Lar'ja wrapped his arm around my shoulders, giving me the support I needed as we headed to the meeting.

And in such a way, I was glad because what I was going to find out was far worse than I could have imagined.

Hello Everyone!

Well . . . like the title of the chapter says . . . there was lots of drama in the house. The reunion of McKenna with everyone else didn't sit well with Rory. Father and son fighting over a matter that Anya has no idea what but there will be more of the details soon enough. But what could have driven a rift between them?

But about another matter, what do you think of Sa'iye and Za'hir? There are some pretty good guesses that something happened between them while Anya was away. Is there another pairing happening as we speak?

And what news will Anya receive that would be far worse than she expected?

Find out when Chapter 18 is posted next week (Friday the latest).

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, and Nightroad816 for the reviews on Chapter 16. I appreciate any feedback from you.

Thank you and Good Hunting! And stay safe! :)))

Reading notes:

Normal = Anya (human form) or any human speaking English (ooman language)

Italic = Anya (human form) or any human speaking Yautja

Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)

Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language