Chapter 21: Put Your Foot Down

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!

My body refused to move, not willing to show my reaction that I was feeling inside. My mind jumbling in circles like a maniac. Some would think I was taking the news seriously but I wasn't. Daugo . . . is alive!? How can this be!? I shook my head softly back and forth, which probably wasn't the best idea with the ship already swaying like a ship on the waves.

"I . . . don't understand. What makes you think he's alive? I saw him dying on the ground. The Bad Bloods would have finished him off."

My heart stung at my own words but it was the truth. I felt for sure that Daugo wasn't going to be spared. On the other hand, Hakr'ouh has a lunatic way of tormenting his victims, myself included. I cursed myself for even thinking of such things about Daugo but it was the only logical explanation. So that puts up a good question then . . . why did they keep him alive?

Za'hir shakes his head. "I don't know. Arkarb only found it out when he was being transferred on a ship and a few Bad Bloods blurted it out. He doesn't know anything else."

"Do you think his word can be trusted?" I growled when Sa'iye blurted it out. She lowered her gaze immediately. "I know you don't like to hear it Ta'kasa. I'm not one to point fingers but Arkarb has nothing else to confirm. What if it's a trap?"

Now it was me who lowered their eyes. She does have a point. Still, I held a firm belief that there's some merit to what we were told, or else Arkarb wouldn't have bothered or even risk sending such a message. Bad Bloods might be watching his every move and he's clever enough to slip past them.

"I trust Arkarb with my life. If he says that Daugo is on the same ship, then it must be true. Even if it's a trap. He's my teacher after all."

I held my chest high and gazed upon my Elites. Za'hir remained stoic while Sa'iye looked like she swallowed her pride. As much as she was my closest friend, I was her Leader and I made it clear without words that I wasn't happy with her. Her mandibles slacked as she lowered my head. "Forgive me, Ta'kasa."

I softened. "I've already forgiven you. You will always be my best friend."

The gloom over her washed away and a bright light in her eyes shined, even making her golden speckles glow. A small, soft smile formed on her inner mouth. I nodded in acceptance of her apology and got back to the matter at hand. I still needed to know more of what I was missing, turning to Za'hir for answers. "What ship are they on?"

Za'hir paused in uncertainty, which was alarming in and of itself. He never gets this way unless it's serious.

"They're on a Xy'lophion."

I didn't need him to explain more when I heard that name. It's the worse, imaginable place anyone wants to be. The Xy'lophion is the biggest ship that Yautja society has but its purpose is what scares many, mostly Unblooded who haven't been on Hunts of any kind but some Blooded and even Elders cringed at the sound of it. The Xy'lophion is a floating fortress, guarded by a vast array of weapons, and even had a shield that could withstand blasts from even a Mothership. Inside, it was like a maze of hallways and doors that you can easily get lost in if not careful. The rooms aren't exactly all living spaces . . . more like cells with bars and chains that kept even the strongest Yautjas contained. And if that wasn't enough, the guards posted to keep guard have metal poles that shock you to the core. It's so powerful that a Bad Blood died from complications of long term effects. The ship is nothing more than a floating fortress and no one can get out. In this case . . . Daugo and Arkarb were in the middle of one.

This isn't good.

Sa'iye spoke for everyone. "Are you pauking kidding me?!"

She spreads her mandibles as wide as they can but it did little to intimidate Za'hir. Well . . . maybe just a little. I saw the corner of his eyes twitch from the sudden sound of her roar but nothing else. Even his mate can't push him.

"I wish I was joking. But I took another scan of the ship secretly and there was no mistake. And it's equipped with several genetically modified Yautjas or known as super predators as the oomans call them."

"Super predators?"

"Yes. Stronger than any Bad Bloods we've faced. I would say more than Hakr'ouh but we might not know what else he's done to his body or any others. We're in the dark in this."

"So what should we do?"

Everyone stayed silent, avoiding contact with one another. In all honesty, no one didn't know what to do. I want to save Daugo and Arkarb as well but I don't know what plan we could implement. We couldn't go near them without alerting the entire ship and even then we would be destroyed. I couldn't risk exposing my friends and followers to such a plan. For once in a long while, I felt doubt and sadness seeping into my chest, forming into an iron ball that crushed my heart. What can I do?

Anya . . .

I heard Daugo's voice and I could have sworn he was right next to me. Then, the flood of memories came like a flowing river, showing pieces of time with him. The first was when he saw my Yautja form for the first time. I felt disgusted by it but he didn't take it like I was an abomination. He accepted me for who I was. The next went back to how proud he was when I came back from my Chiva, showing the love any father would have to a child of his. All the time on Yautja Prime, he was there to support and protect me. Even when I thought he was going to die back then, he didn't stop protecting me. He was always there for me . . .

So why shouldn't I?

I started pacing back and forth, thinking of my options. I know that if I go in, then there's a chance I might be killed or worse . . . captured. I believe this because Bad Bloods have been known to torture their prisoners and with the price on my head for my return to Hakr'ouh . . . it would be Hell. But if I do nothing, then they will use him as leverage or kill him to send a message. I couldn't accept either option. It's either succeed . . . or die.

I stopped and turned to face Sa'iye and Za'hir. "I'm going to get him out."

Sa'iye was the first to burst out in protest."Are you serious!? That's one of the most secured ships in all of Yautja society. Going in there is asking for a death sentence!"

I stomped my foot down and she pulled back in shock. "I don't care. I'm not going to abandon him after everything he has done for me."

Sa'iye grumbled before turning to Za'hir. "Do you agree with her?"

Za'hir didn't answer but I knew he would be honest and think of all possibilities before answering. He's thorough in that way and that's what makes him a formidable warrior. He rubs his chin for a minute before looking at me and then to Sa'iye.

"I understand your concern for her. I feel the same way . . . but she's our Leader. You know that Ta'kasa wouldn't go running into a Xy'lophion without knowing the consequences. Besides, we owe it to him for all that he's done. Without that, we wouldn't be here today."

At first, I could tell Sa'iye wanted to protest. Her mandibles twitched in frustration and uncertainty. As soon as she looked at me, I made myself clear, filled with conviction.

"He's saved my life many times before. He would have done the same for me if our places were switched. I will do this . . . with or without your help."

I straightened my back to make myself look taller and raised my chest in absolute conviction in my words. Sa'iye took a minute before she pulled back and sighs in defeat. Her eyes met mine and I kept a stern look, making sure that I wasn't messing around.

"Alright. I accept your decision. I only want what's best for you."

"And many others before you."

I made it sound like I wasn't pleased with her answer. She lowers her head in submission but I sighed, walking up to her. I pressed a hand on her shoulder and she lifts her eyes quickly to me.

I smiled. "But I thank you for watching out for me. Both of you."

I turned to Za'hir and he nodded his head, barely giving a smile. Will he ever relax and show more emotions other than Sa'iye? I shook my head in amusement, pulling my hand away from Sa'iye. She smiles but then it fades, replaced with a stern look.

"But you'll have to explain it to him. He won't like it one bit."

I nodded my head. "I know . . ."

I was going to have a tough night on the ship to deal with him. One thing's for sure . . . I won't be able to sleep tonight. I turned to Za'hir and gave the orders.

"Let them know that we'll be making a detour. Find a way to track the Xy'lophion that holds him. Make sure to cover our location from the Bad Bloods before we head over there. I'll formulate a plan with the others. Understood?"

Za'hir bows his head."Yes, my Leader."

Before either one moved, I had one more thing to say. "Oh . . . and Za'hir?"

"Yes?" He turns around and waits for me to answer. My chest rose as I sighed, letting my body relax with a smile on my lips.

"Congratulations on your unborn child. You must be very proud."

His eyes widened for a split second before I saw him smile for the first time. It shocked me more than himself or Sa'iye. But the warm feeling it brought spread into my skin, muscles, and bones until it reached my heart, speeding the rhythm of it.

"Thank you, my Lord. I still pray that you will be blessed in the same way."

A nerve twitched in my heart and forced it to cramp in pain but I hid it well. It wasn't his fault for him to say something like that but I think he truly believed I could have a child one day. If he thinks it, then it might . . . but now's not the time.

I simply nodded. "Thank you."

With that, Sa'iye and Za'hir take off to their room for the night to get some rest. As for me, I headed in the opposite direction, preparing myself for the fight of my life. But I was determined to do whatever it takes to bring him back.

Wait for me . . . I'm coming.

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

"No!"

I stood there in the middle of the room as Lar'ja berated back and forth across. His feet were starting to leave burn trails through the metal floor to which I was a bit surprised. After the talk I had with Sa'iye and Za'hir, I thought it best to speak with Lar'ja alone in the privacy of our room. I prepared myself for the inevitable. He's going to explode like a bomb . . . my overprotective mate.

"I won't risk you to save one Yautja, much less two in a ship that's built to be impenetrable!"

He didn't yell at me directly but his fury could be felt across the room. I said nothing, waiting for him to at least calm down a little. The exhaustion of the constant walking forced him to stop in the middle. He kept his head low for a while until slowly raising his eyes to me. I thought he must have come to his senses but the frustration was still clear as day.

"Well? Are you still pauking serious?"

I raised my chest and gave him the best answer without any fancy words or strength in my voice . . . just the clear truth.

"I am."

Lar'ja slammed a foot on the floor between us, leaving a sizable dent in the metal. I feel bad for whoever is sleeping underneath us. They'll be looking at that when they wake up. I flinched slightly from just the force of the ground shaking but I held my nerve. He stepped closer but I raised my hand, stopping him on the signal. The confusion was starting to emerge in his facial features like the twitching of his lower mandible on the right. He was in a somewhat state that I could talk to him. I hope . . .

I sighed. "I know it's dangerous and I would never consider going to such a place unless it's worth it. Daugo and Arkarb and worth it to me . . . whether you think I'm insane for believing in such a thing."

He let out a growl. "But if you go in, there's a chance you may not come back alive. I can't let you do this."

"You know I can't do that. I won't stand by and let them be tortured by them any longer. Especially Daugo."

"And I can't bear to watch you die!"

He roared with such might that I closed my eyes. He's acting like a child. The walls began to tremble from it alone, much more that I believed the others would hear and come to check on me. I locked the door in case they would try. Lar'ja would attack anyone in such a state and I couldn't let that happen. I could hear him puff and huff with each breath he took. Why?

"I understand what you're feeling but—"

I stopped when I looked up and saw him. My breath caught in my throat. His whole face was contorted into deep despair. His eyes were the worst, showing his emotion as clear as the sky on a good day. The color in him dulled, conveying such sadness that it tore into my chest. Oh no . . .

He struggled to get his words out. His voice cracked at each sentence. "Why do you risk your life like this? Do you know how much I care for you? How much do I love you? I can't handle it again when you go and there's a chance I might not see you again . . . no to hold you . . . or even kiss you. How can you do these things like it's nothing?"

His face lowered to the ground and his knees began to bend so much I thought he was going to fall. The temptation to comfort him was overwhelming. I wanted to go to him and do what he asked . . . hold and kiss him. But if I did, my resolve to execute the plan to save Daugo and Arkarb would be destroyed. I let the air run through my nose in a deep breath, letting it out from my mouth. I blinked a few times until I felt some of my strength to return.

"I don't." Lar'ja raised his head in shock but I didn't react. "It's not nothing. Daugo is like a father to me and even more so with you. Arkarb is my teacher and supported me like everyone else. They sacrificed themselves so I could be standing here with you. If our roles were reversed, he would do the same I'm trying to do now. You know that, right?"

I spoke softly at the end. Please . . . understand. I watched him intently as his eyes closed in concentration. I saw his body slowly relaxed and then being raised until he was standing straight. With his eyes closed, he relaxed his mandibles and let them dangle for a brief second. Finally, his head rises back up and his eyes were fully opened. But instead of anger or despair, there was strength. This time . . . I felt weak.

Lar'ja takes a step forward . . . and then another . . . and then another. So slow that it was like he was stalking me. I took a step back instinctually. Come on! Don't break now! He's just testing you. I dug my heels into the floor and waited for Lar'ja to come closer. I wasn't about to let him get the best of me, even if he was my mate. As soon as he got close enough, Lar'ja stopped with his chest almost touching mine. His temporary chest armor was still on so every breath he took pressed his chest against me. I stretched my neck so I could look up to him. His golden eyes pierced into me while his sweet spring rain filled my nose.

"Are you dead serious about this?"

It was almost like he was testing me. Maybe he was . . . trying to break me. No fucking way he's going to get the best of me.

"Of course. I mean every word I said."

Nothing but silence filled the room and in between us. No one moved and even our breaths were too quiet. I tried to understand what was going inside his mind. Sometimes, I wished I could. But as I was distracted for a split second, Lar'ja grabbed a hold of my shoulders tightly, digging his nails into my skin. I hissed and he loosened his grip but didn't pull away. Anyone would have tried to get away but I knew he had something up his sleeve. Little did I know what he was planning.

Out of nowhere, Lar'ja kisses me without any warning whatsoever, pulling me into a stupor from it alone. The teeth in his inner mouth nibbled at my lips, urging me to part them for his tongue to glide inside, battling my own. It took everything in me not to moan. I still wasn't sure why he was doing this but my body couldn't help but react. I closed my eyes and moved my hands to wrap around his neck as he lifted me in the air. He throws both of us onto the nearby bed with so much care, slowly lowering himself on top of me. We kissed for a few more minutes before he pulled away. His breath was labored as was mine, struggling to get a decent amount of air into our lungs.

"Show me."

With such a husky voice, I couldn't react fast enough. Lar'ja kisses me yet again but moves to grab a hold of the buckles and straps that kept my armor on me. The chest piece was gone in a flash but Lar'ja moved on to my wrist gauntlets that followed suit. He is trying to mate with me to prove that I'm not strong enough to do this? Pauk if I'm going to yield like that! I decided to play his game and I began to remove his armor as well.

Every piece of our armor fell to the floor with a loud thud of metal clashing together, mixing together like dirty clothes. Lar'ja went to the cloth covering my breast and shredded them to pieces, eliciting a gasp from me. I reached around to his back and scratched down. He growls against my lips and removes himself so he could do the same to my nipple, coating saliva around with his tongue like a paintbrush on a blank canvas. I bit my lip when I felt a moan coming deep in my throat. Don't you dare. I scraped my nails on his scales that decorated some parts of his skin until I reached to his hips. My fingers weaved around until they found the buckled holding his loincloth. It was gone before his hand could reach it but then he proceeded to press the head of his enlarged cock on my thigh. I hissed when it felt like a hot torch burning slowly onto me. He was testing me again so I fought back. I reached to grab his shaft and squeezed it as hard as I could. I watched him struggle to keep a roar inside, throwing his head into the sky as his eyes closed painfully. But he got back to it and ripped off my loincloth as well until both of us were naked.

Both of us stopped what we were doing and looked into each other's eyes. I could tell he was trying to find something in me that confirmed I wasn't serious about my plan. I refused to let him and when he got the message, Lar'ja lowered his face until he was inches away from mine.

"You still think it's a good idea?"

His voice was husky but full of uncertainty. So he was testing me. But now, he was starting to see that I wasn't kidding. The worry in his eyes was starting to show in the form of his pupils contracting from before when they were dilated. I tightened my eyebrows at the motion.

Are you trying to see if I'm strong enough to do this?

Lar'ja wasn't one to say what's on his mind clearly but knowing him for so long that I picked up the signs. I know he was worried for me so I believed he wanted to make sure I could do it. For me . . . and himself. I loosened the wall that I put around myself and pressed my palm on his cheek. His skin was burning like fire and he closed his eyes, purring with lust. He looked down once more and I breathed softly.

"I still do."

I wiggled underneath him until I spread my legs apart and wrapped my legs around his waist. The hand that was holding his cock moved it closer between my legs, rubbing the tip on my clit. The jolt of pleasure almost made my cry but I wanted to show him that I meant what I said. Holding in a moan, I watched as he struggled to do the same.

"I'll show you."

In an instant, I pushed my hips forward and felt him slip inside me. My toes curled tightly and pressed hard on his back. I could feel every part of him filling me as if completing my whole body . . . like he was made for me. I stifled a moan as Lar'ja did the same thing but our eyes never broke contact . . . not even a blink. I allowed a moment for both of us to relax but our bodies refused. Lar'ja widened his eyes in shock before he got the message. He shifted above and put his hands on either side of me to keep most of his weight from crushing me. It didn't matter either way. He wiggled his hips against me to make me moan again but I didn't look away. Both of us knew what we wanted and what we were trying to do.

He began to thrust at a slow pace but as the pleasure grew, he put more strength into it, plunging his cock as deep as he could go. But he went further to the point that I felt him moving in my lower stomach, massaging that ball of nerves inside me. The electricity from my core grew and spread into my extremities. It made my fingers and toes numb. I dug the nails of one hand into the middle of his back while the other moved to grip his ass, putting more strength into his thrusts. It's a sweet ass too. That got him going and now his speed matched his power. He pistoned in and out of me so fast and strong that I thought for a few moments that I was going to lose it. The bed creaked and groaned from the strain. I let the series of moans out of my throat but neither of us lost eye contact, watching those stunning golden eyes turned to amber while his scent became intoxicating. Lar'ja growled with each thrust as we mated again and again. The pressure builds up like a dam ready to break, even more as I feel his cock grow in size and stretch me to my limit.

Finally, Lar'ja hit that sweet spot at the right time. The blast of ecstasy hits me like a wave crashing over . . . powerful and overwhelming. I let out nothing more than a stifled moan as my body broke into two pieces, feeling my liquids splashing inside and enough to squirt out and cover Lar'ja's groin. He followed suit, releasing his cum that burned my insides with a warmth that I missed. In the end, my inner thighs were covered in white, sticky liquid. He struggled to contain himself and pressed his forehead on mine to stifle it. But he was the first to close his eyes. For me, it was a sign that he relented and I had triumphed. When the ecstasy faded from our bodies, he relaxes and opens his eyes to me once more.

"You're strong."

I nodded weakly. "I know . . . and so are you." I placed a hand on his inner mouth and traced a few of his teeth. Strangely, it was nice. "Which is why I need you to have faith in me. I'm not as weak as you think I am. I've grown . . ."

He looked away for a second but I brought his face back to me. The look of worry was written on his face. I smiled softly. "And so have you."

For that moment, I meant what I said. Thinking about the first time we met, we were two different beings that didn't think we could work together, much less be together as we are now. Lar'ja was bitter and angry before, tormented by his brother's death. He didn't even trust me and though I was nothing more than a stupid ooman. But he understands now . . . and I've also changed. A lot of things happened that felt like a short time but we pulled together . . . . through thick and thin.

If we made it this far . . . we can do anything.

Lar'ja's eyes widened in surprise and shock but softened after letting my words sink into his brain. He purred once more, letting the vibrations flow into me. He shifted down my body until he laid the side of his face on my bare chest, making sure not to put all of his weight on me. His arms wrapped around my waist as if he never wanted to let me go.

"If we're going to do this, then we need to think this through. We should consult the others before making a decision."

"Fair enough."

He rubs his cheek on my skin, inhaling deeply against me and purrs once more. I smiled and glided my hands over his back, draping them over him like curtains. I caught one of his dreadlocks on the way and played with it a little. It feels like silk . . . strangely.

Lar'ja remained quiet and I thought he was already asleep. But he shifted again and rested his other cheek on me. "I love you . . ."

His voice rang like a sweet lullaby, making up my mind to go to sleep. I relaxed and raked my nails over his back. My eyes began to close from exhaustion but I felt there was one last thing I needed to say. I hummed as Lar'ja began to fall asleep and it wasn't long before I followed him.

"I love you too . . ."

Hello Everyone!

Anya is going for a rescue plan to save Daugo and Arkarb. Oh boy! :D

But of course, Lar'ja has to be stubborn and try to protect her from everything. He does it because he loves hers but Anya had proven herself, again and again, doing it once more when they mated (which was pretty hot and steamy even for me lol).

But he was testing her conviction and it seems she's proven herself to him. At least he's giving the support that she needs, especially if she's going into a dangerous place where there's a certainty of death.

But will the others feel the same? Will they support her? Or will some have a word to say? I wonder . . .

So many questions and very little answers so it can go in any direction.

Find out when Chapter 22 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, HuntressQueen22, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 20. There will be plenty of twists and turns I want to put in so I expect this story will be longer than the others but gives plenty of room for me to work with. I hope you all continue to love it ;)

And I'm hoping to get some inspiration to get the next chapter of The Ripple of a Stone (Part 2) going. I need some right now lol.

Thank you and Good Hunting! Stay safe and healthy! :)))

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