Chapter 30: Checking Up

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!

"Anya . . ."

I heard someone calling me. I was too tired to move. I wanted to rest more. I snuggled into the soft fur blanket, hoping that I would be left alone to sleep. But a clawed hand gilded across my arm, drawing a few lines into my skin. I groaned in response, trying to get back to sleep but I would not have such luck.

"Anya. Wake up."

The voice was more clear, belonging to Lar'ja. I tightened my lips together. Really? Now I can't go back to sleep with him knocking at my door. Sighing in defeat, I rolled over to the other side and peeked. Lar'ja was looking down at me. His dreadlocks formed a dark curtain around me, making his golden eyes shine like the moon in the night.

"What?" I yawned, stretching my neck.

"You've been sleeping for longer than you should."

"And why is that a problem? Did you forget what we did last night?"

How could he? Everything had been stressful these last few days, working with any clan members who were willing to talk with me. The only free time I had was checking on Daugo or spending time with Lar'ja. With him . . . we mated for most of the time.

"Plus, I've been busy talking with other clans before the big meeting. Sorry if I was sleeping a lot."

I made that point to my case as well. Lord Ca'sea has been very helpful in talking with her sister clans . . . the Razor and Iron Fist Clans. They were on board before I even spoke with them. I divide the work between me, Za'hir, Lar'ja, Nei'hman-de, and Yeyinde to convince the others of our cause. An ooman companion would come with them, either Brackett or Dutch. They were the two I thought best for the job at least. Others stayed to keep the soldiers in check and provide supplies and food. Now, we only have until tomorrow before the big meeting commences.

In response, Lar'ja chuckled. "Of course." He moved his nude body to cuddle against me, still looking down. It didn't help my cause to go back asleep with his cock poking my hip. "But this amount of sleep is very unusual for you."

"What do you mean?" I pushed him away, enough to scoot into a sitting position on the bed.

"You've been very tired for the last couple of days. Not to mention you've been eating a lot."

"It's been stressful and running around has made me hungry."

"But your wounds should have healed by now." He points to my chest with the scars from my fight with Qut'suak. They were completely healed but left a pretty bad scar. I didn't think much of it but Lar'ja was a worrywart. He must have been watching me or else he wouldn't have noticed the small changes in me.

Lar'ja rubs between my breasts carefully, lining one of the scars. "I think you should check with Sa'iye again."

I growled in frustration and he backed off quickly. I got to my knees and sat, glaring at him. "I've already checked with her. She's running multiple tests to find out why I can't heal anymore. If anything, she's find something before I arrive. It's not necessary to go back again."

"Please go . . ." He whined like a kicked puppy. "For me at least."

I don't know how he learned to make his eyes so cute but he did it well. Lar'ja leaned his face closer to me. I could feel his breath on me. It had a calming effect on me and I couldn't help but relent. One of his perks is that he's very persistent, especially when it came to my well-being.

"Fine. I'll go. I have to check Daugo anyway so why not?"

Lar'ja smiled as if he got a well worth trophy. Do you think you won over me? A bloom of heat surged inside me and I answered it without hesitation. I flipped Lar'ja so fast that he gasped in shock. By the time he realized what happened, I was on top of him, straddling his waist. Quickly, I ground my hips against him hard. His cock jumped excitedly under me and a strained groan escaped his mouth. His head leans to the sky for a minute before coming back to me.

I smiled down at him. "But I would like to have something in return."

Before I could move, Lar'ja flipped us so I was under him. It was an instant he pushed himself inside me and I closed my eyes at the sudden feeling of fullness. I moaned softly, staying still until looking back to Lar'ja with a smirk on his face.

"I've never one to not give it to you."

I giggled and he began to move at a steady pace. I could feel my walls clamping down on him like a vice. The pleasure crawled under my skin, heightening my sense of touch. Every time his stomach rubbed against mine, it sent a shock to my fingertips. It intensified when his tongue latched over my nipple. I gasped in delight as I moved with him.

Lar'ja moves faster and faster, pushing harder into me. I bit my lip and pressed against his chest, feeling his heart race and his breath trying to keep up. The passion grew as beads of sweat formed on our bodies so I knew it wasn't long before we came. And sure enough, his cock hit the sweet spot deep inside me and I screamed, digging my nails into his arms. The wave of my orgasm blew over me as I rode Lar'ja's, roaring in pure ecstasy as he spilled his seed inside me. After that, he carefully laid down on top of me, purring.

It is what I needed. I wrapped my arms around his body, softly kissing him as we laid there together . . . enjoying these peaceful moments that we didn't know if more will come after this.

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

As promised, I headed to the Healers to talk with Sa'iye while Lar'ja went to talk with more clans. It was the only place she would be at this hour. With many Yautjas coming in and more attacks from the Bad Bloods, I could see the severity of the situation. The healer's deck was spacious but it felt cramped to me. Bodies lining up with many bearing severe wounds. One had his arm cut off, mangled like someone tried to cut it off but failed. Another had a hole in his stomach. Guts hanging to the side as the healers attempted to save him. Futile . . . There were more as I paved through and the smell of blood made me sick.

I reached for the door of the backroom as it slid open. Sa'iye had personally brought Daugo there to treat his wounds. I got daily reports from her, describing how he was doing. So far, he was recovering well as expected with Sa'iye's skills. I expected only her and Daugo to be in the room but when I entered, another figure stood in front of the metal table where Daugo laid.

"Are you sure it's the right thing to do?"

It was McKenna's voice. There was no doubt of it, especially with his form and familiar hair from behind. Daugo purred for a minute and clicked his mandibles. "If I have learned much of anything, confronting is the only way to get past this. Lar'ja and I had—"

Daugo must have heard me and looked over McKenna to see me. McKenna was the first to say anything, turning around in a soft shock. "Oh, Anya. I didn't expect you to come."

I smiled. "I wanted to check how Daugo's doing. Plus, I needed to talk with Sa'iye. Is she here?"

He shook his head. "No. She had to get some extra supplies but will be back in a few minutes." McKenna looked to me and then to Daugo . . . and then back. "I think I should leave the two of you alone."

I didn't say anything. I wasn't going to force McKenna to stay here. And I wanted to talk with Daugo alone anyway. It felt better that way. He turned back to McKenna and surprisingly bowed with his arm crossed. He must have learned that recently. I never have seen him do that before.

"Thank you for your advice. I'll make sure to take care of it before all of this goes underway."

Daugo bowed his head. "Of course. Live well."

McKenna smiled at me and Daugo before leaving the room. Daugo and I stared at each other for a moment before I broke the surface of the silence. "What was that all about?"

Daugo merely shook his head. "It's between me and him. But since you know much already, he wanted to talk about the situation with his son."

I opened my mouth in awe. So that's it. I knew McKenna was concerned with Rory and his behavior towards him but never imagined he would go to Daugo for advice. But then again, they were similar in ways. Lar'ja didn't have the best relationship with his father in the beginning . . . until now when everything has gone to c'jit.

"I see . . ." I hummed. "Did he take your advice?"

He nodded. "I believe so. But nothing's going to happen until the meeting is settled. He didn't want to bother you with his problems. No one wants to though."

I figured as much.

I sighed, moving to sit next to him. "Anyway, how are you feeling?"

"Better than before." He patted his shoulder. "Sa'iye did a good job in healing the rest. I may be able to join the fight when we're ready."

I tightened my lips in a smile but turned away. I knew, despite his injuries and what he had gone through, he was a warrior. He would want to fight to the bitter end if he could, driven even more that I'll be in it. But another part of me, perhaps the ooman side, worried about sending him to battle. I glanced at the burned marks on his arms. They looked just as bad, if not worse, as my own back in the day. But it was oomans who had done it to me. Bad Bloods can be sadists and they enjoyed it. To think they did this to him . . . I wonder what will happen to the others if we go into battle.

"Hey." Daugo reaches for me and rubs my cheek. "It'll be alright."

"I try to keep telling myself that." I pushed into his hand. "But the more we dig deeper into this, the more questions and doubts come up. I want to be strong and not show emotions as any Yautja warrior would. But I don't want anymore to die in vain."

I lowered my head.

"But you are no Yautja."

I pulled away from him in shock. I felt my pride as a warrior was being questioned by the one person out of a few I could count on. I wanted to say something but wasn't sure. Luckily I waited until Daugo kept going.

"You are more than that. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for." His hand moves to scratch my chin playfully. He chuckled. "And you're too hot-headed to let anyone stomp over you."

Such a display would have been disrespectful in the Yautja ways, especially given that I was a higher rank than he was. But our relationship was different between us and even more so between species. I chuckled and pulled away from him. His claws brushed against my chin gently.

"You're only saying that to stay in my good graces."

We both laughed together. A small bit of happiness in this dark world covered by a cloud of uncertainty. But then, we stopped when a loud clunk on the side of the table was heard. I moved away and realized it was the sickle weapon bumping into it when I moved. I figured that it must be important, given what Qut'suak said about it so I kept it. Grunting in annoyance, I took it off to adjust my armor belt and proceeded to put it back.

"Wait." I stopped, frozen in my place. "Where did you get that?"

I looked at Daugo's confused look and then at the sickle weapon. I brought it up for him to see. "Qut'suak had it before I killed him with it. Why do you ask?"

"That is Kaail's weapon."

He spoke as if surprised to see it. Kaail? I heard Qut'suak say that same name so it confirmed that it was no misinformation. If Daugo knew, then it must be very important.

"What about it?" I sounded a little more disrespectful than I wanted to be. Daugo sighed, leaning back into the table he was on.

"I can't believe that bastard would go and take a sacred weapon from the catacombs."

"Sacred weapon?"

My eyes widened at the realization. Yautjas honor such weapons as much as the gods. To hear that I possessed one of them terrified me. Many would see it as disgusting for a hybrid to carry such a thing. I mean . . . no one said anything but might be too nervous to ask such a thing. The desire to let it go was immense. And I was about to do so, almost placing it on the table.

"You don't have to do that."

I stopped. "Why? You said it yourself that it was sacred."

Daugo grumbled. "I did but there's nothing to do now. I know you were taught to respect it but you have no fear. I think you earned it."

My eyebrows tightened together. Puzzled confusion swelled in my mind. I glanced at the sickle weapon, turning it around to observe it. "Why is this so sacred?"

I looked to Daugo as he adjusted in his place. "It once belonged to Kaail. The White warrior who freed our people from slavery."

"Really?" I became intrigued. "I didn't know that."

He smiled. "I can't blame you for not knowing. It's a story that is as old as our civilization. Not many remember it now. And it's . . . complicated."

"But to think the Yautja were slaves . . . it's hard to imagine."

"I know but it's true. He was the first to form the first clan along with others. He used that against the Amengi to hunt them down and created the Code of Honor we all follow now. He's forever remembered by a few."

Out of nowhere, he grunted. "I don't want to dive into more right now."

As much as I wanted to ask more, I could see Daugo looking tired. He was healed but his body still wasn't used to keeping up with simple demands and small talks. He groaned and turned to his side to look at me. I inched closer and patted his head, curling my fingers into his dreadlocks. He purred in pleasure and I smiled.

"He sounds like a great warrior." I paused for a moment. "I wonder if I can do the same now."

My voice was layered with guilt and worry. The short description of this 'Kaail' was enough to inspire me and maybe others before. He sounded amazing and strong. I looked to the sickle weapon, staring at it for a few moments. I wonder what this weapon has seen . . . or done.

"You will, Anya." He grabbed my hand in a tight embrace as he closed his eyes. "You will."

I rubbed between his dreadlocks until he was fast asleep. It was surprisingly quick for him to pass out as he did. But I had to remember he wasn't in the best shape and form. But it was nice to watch over him, making sure he was safe and well.

The door to the room opened suddenly and I fought the urge to jump, fearing about waking up Daugo. I took a breath to calm down and waited for whoever was coming in. Sa'iye pushed the door open and came inside, looking down at a panel. She must have been too focused on whatever she was looking at. I spoke first to get her attention but quietly.

"Sa'iye."

She jumped in surprise and almost growled instinctively when I pressed a finger to my lips. I pointed down at Daugo's sleeping form and she got the message quickly.

"Anya . . . you scared me."

"Sorry," I whispered. "I just came in to check on him. He's asleep."

She shook her head in disappointment. "I swear . . . you should contact me if you are coming. I would have kicked your ass if you were someone else."

"Then you'll be paying the price for it," I growled but playfully.

Sa'iye shook her head as she walked to me. "If you wanted to know, Daugo is doing well. His serious wounds have been dealt with but his body is still recovering from being starved for so long. But like any male, he wants to get out as soon as possible."

I giggled. "I know. He told me and I'm not surprised."

Sa'iye smirked a bit. "Always the males, huh?" She moved away and checked on the panel while she dropped a bag full of medical supplies.

"Say . . . I came to ask for something."

"Hmmm?" She turned around.

"I wanted to check up with you about my tests. The ones you took when we first arrived here."

She nodded. "Of course. I have them here actually." She moves towards me and presses on the panel, turning on the hologram with the results displayed. I never got used to what the symbols mean in medical terms. I was still a novice and hoped to learn more from Sa'iye when this is all over.

"Everything we know so far . . . all is normal. That's good but also bad. We still don't know what caused you to not heal anymore as you used to."

She let out a hiss. It worried her as much as myself. It could be how sudden it was with no explanation whatsoever. Although my wounds heal, the scars on my chest left a reminder that nothing is what it seems. I let Sa'iye come closer to examine them as I took off my chest armor. She traced a claw over one, seeing the scabs were coming off.

"You're still healing so that's good." She presses on the panel to take notes. "Tell me. Have you felt any different since we arrived here?"

I huffed. "Actually . . . that's the reason I came here. Things have been off lately."

"Is it because of Lar'ja?"

I bit my lip. You can't hide the truth from her.

I nodded. "Yeah. He's a worrywart. I'm not too concerned but I don't want to stress my life mate with everything going on. So I came to appease his mind."

She began to giggle in an almost teasing way. I stood up and crossed my arms in disapproval. She stopped but smiled anyway. "Come on. It's kind of cute of you to worry about your mate."

"Speaking of which, how's the pup?"

I noticed that her belly was beginning to swell. A small rump formed from her hips. It had been a few weeks to a few months so she would have grown over that period. Sa'iye looked down at her belly and rubbed it gently . . . as if cradling it. I smiled at the warmth she was giving. Seeing a soon-to-be mother ready to have her child. She looked up with a smile. "I can't wait to meet him soon."

"It's a boy?"

She nodded. "I did a few tests on myself and found out."

"Did you let Za'hir know?"

"I did."

"That's good. He's going to be the father after all. I'm happy for you."

I had to remind myself that not everything was gloomy, dark, or serious. Sa'iye was going to have a pup and I had Daugo and Lar'ja with me along with others. A small light in the darkness.

Sa'iye straightens and looks at me. "Do you want to feel him?"

My eyes widened in surprise. "You'll let me?"

All she needed to give was a nod. Still hesitating, I came to her and didn't take my eyes off of her belly. My hand reached slowly, stopping only inches until I pressed against her. It was rock hard like a muscle with the scales on top but warmer than the rest of her body. At first, I didn't feel anything. I felt disappointed and was about to move away when a sudden jolt pushed against my hand.

I froze in shock. Was that the pup?

I stayed still for a moment, frozen in such a state that nothing else existed. A few moments later and I felt another kick coming . . . and then another. The pup inside was more active now, almost as if jumping excitedly for me. The happiness inside myself grew immensely, enough that I felt a single tear flowing down my cheek.

Is this what it feels like . . . to have a pup? Will I ever have one?

I pulled away before the dark feeling ruined the moment. I wiped the tear away before Sa'iye could see. I pulled away and gave a smile, hoping she didn't see it. She was oblivious to what happened. She nodded her head softly. Her mandibles clicked in amusement.

"He likes you."

I huffed. "Who doesn't like me?" We laughed together.

As much as I wanted to stay in the moment, our conversation diverted far from what it was supposed to be. I cleared my throat and asked. "So . . . back to where we left off . . ."

She stopped me. "Oh yeah. Sorry about that." She gets the pad again. "Have you felt any different since we arrived here?"

"Yeah. Lately, I've been tired a lot even though I've been eating more than usual. I swear that many think I'm more an animal than the kainde amedha. But I think it's only stress and the long days of travel. Other than that, I'm fit as a fiddle."

Sa'iye tilted her head, confused. I forgot she didn't get the meaning of ooman phrases yet. "I mean . . . I'm good to go."

I thought she was going to move on and instruct me to get some rest. Instead, she looked up and down my body for some reason. It made me feel exposed despite the thick armor on me. I stood there and watched her expression change. Her eyes zeroed on—

"Sa'iye? Are you okay?"

She blinked as if breaking from a trance. She stepped away and looked at me, still serious. "It could be from stress but I want to run more tests just in case."

I opened my mouth in shock. "More tests?"

"Yes. I'm a healer and I make the rules. It's best to do them now before the meeting tomorrow. With everything going on and no answers to your problems, it's the only way."

Of course. . . she makes a point. The meeting was tomorrow and I had to be in my best shape to face off with dozens of leaders to thousands of Yautja. I had some support but they need a strong leader to guide them to what needs to be done.

Relenting, I sighed and lowered my shoulders as if I was a child that didn't want to do what their parents asked them. "Fine. Lead the way."

Sa'iye snorted proudly at the victory. I didn't want to admit she won but wasn't about to argue with her. She would win when it came to healing and medical knowledge. She turns around to the door and with me following behind to head for the examination room for tests.

The meeting is coming up . . . McKenna and Rory still are not on good terms . . . more tests to run . . . Lar'ja worried . . . Daugo trying to get back to full health . . . This was becoming more stressful than I thought.

Hello Everyone!

Surprise chapter for all.

I got so motivated when I began to read Aliens vs Predator: Prey about Dachande and Machiko that I got my writing going crazy. So I'm posting this new chapter earlier than expected. Plus, I might be able to add another chapter of Nexus by the end of this week so be ready! :DDD

It's good that Anya is getting some 'steamy' time with Lar'ja (giggles . . .) but also checking in on Daugo. He's doing well and there's hope he might join the war against the Bad Bloods. And a little mention of a certain character from another story of mine. Can you guess? But a lot of work is needed to be done to get there.

And a sweet moment for Sa'iye letting Anya touch her pup like that. It gave me a small warmth to my stomach as well. But no answers as to why Anya is still not healing.

Or maybe . . . I can't say anymore lol.

The big event will commence tomorrow for her. Will she be able to join the clans together to fight Hak'rouh and the others? Or she will have to face them alone?

Find out when Chapter 30 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Nightroad816, IanAlphaAxel, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 29. Your opinions matter to me. And I hope I hear from more readers.

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