CHAPTER 12:
My World Is Yours
"We've landed!" Kahet's happy voice rang throughout their home. "Father, we're here!"
The eleven year-old boy scanned the main foyer eagerly for any sign of his family while looking out their main window. He'd been looking out of it throughout the whole landing procedure of the Ade'k'ra on their home planet wholeheartedly. He remembered his father's stories about it since childhood and he took in the beautiful red-orange sky that overlooked the tropical jungle land that seemed naturally untamed but held beautiful structures that formed a city in the far distance. He couldn't wait to plant his feet onto the strange planet that was the home of his ancestors.
Kantra walked up to the window as Leitjin hung over his back nervously and smiled proudly, "This is our homeworld. I haven't seen it in twenty years but it's still the same. Take a good look at it while you're here for these few months because you won't see it again until you're adults."
"I'll be a Young Blood by then" Kahet trilled happily at his father who nodded back.
"Daddy!" a young voice cried out to Kantra. He turned to see his one year-old daughter walk up to him clumsily in fear, "Scary!"
She grabbed one of his legs tightly and whimpered against it as she closed her eyes. Iliana followed her and sighed at him, "I tried to console her while the ship landed. It's just something new she's scared of."
"It's all right, nothing will harm you, my little one" he assured and patted her round head. She closed her green eyes and stayed in her spot nonetheless. Kantra smiled at his small daughter and looked at his family, "In a few hours, you'll get to see new places. Won't that be fun?"
"And our new home!" Kahet said excitedly as his father smiled.
"I don't want a new home, I like this one" Leitjin grumbled and wrapped his arms around his father's neck tighter.
Iliana approached her family and looked outside the window to see some of Kantra's people on the platform below while the ship landed safely. Her eyes trailed over the dense trees nearby and up into the sky where two suns shone within it. She quickly averted her eyes and wondered how she'd survive in the heat that awaited her outside.
"Are you sure we can't stay here?" she compromised and Leitjin nodded eagerly. "We're used to living here."
"No, all residents must leave while the ship restocks and gets upgraded" Kantra stated and shook his head. Looking over them, he assured, "You will all be fine. Besides, don't you want to see our fancy home in the treetops?"
"Oh goodness, you are Tarzan" Iliana sighed to herself and laughed softly. "The treetops? Are you serious?"
"I've been telling you for the past month, Ana" he said, placing his hands on his hips while Leitjin swayed on his back. "I do hope you've packed?"
"Of course, dear, I just like teasing you" she laughed and placed her hands on his chest. Tucking her fingers underneath his mesh, she smiled, "I bet it's beautiful but I hope it has a fence of sort. I don't want my babies falling off accidentally."
"It's not dangerous, it's a secure property!" Kantra retorted and then got a thoughtful look, "Then again, I did fall a lot while building it. . ."
"Kantra!" she exclaimed quickly but he laughed loudly.
"I'm joking! It's perfectly safe for our children" he laughed and calmed himself before annoying her more. "I love teasing you too."
"I've noticed" she mumbled but smiled back. "So how's it feel to be back here?"
"Exhilarating, my star" he trilled in excitement as his green eyes twinkled, "Last time I was here, my mate and I-oh. . .oh no. . .I shouldn't have said that."
"Your old mate, eh?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in questioning. Her arms crossed over her chest as her hips slanted to the right. "Had some fun together I bet?"
"Kahet, take your siblings and go play in your room" Kantra said quickly and put Leitjin on the floor who whined. Kahet sighed and led his two siblings away from his parents whom he guessed were going to argue and make up seconds later.
"It was years before I met you, remember?" Kantra said in his defense and grabbed her hand into his. "I thought she was my life mate but she left me in order to protect her stature. You know how it is with our society and being the best of the best. . . Back then, yes, I was happy but things change."
"Were you happier with her? You barely talk about that time frame in your life" she said softly and understood him. They both had their own lives back then and lived light-years away before they met. Still, the back of her curious mind always wanted to know about it but she honored her mate's decision to avoid it.
"I was happy but I try to block out those years because of what happened" he said firmly as her fingertips traced up his arm gently. "We've both been with different people throughout our lives-"
"I've never had a mate" she pointed out quickly in a friendly teasing jab. Squeezing his forearm afterwards, she smiled, "But I understand. You've lived way longer than me so I know you have a more diverse history."
"You're the one I will honor and die for" Kantra stated firmly and nuzzled her cheek affectionately. "I've been with you for a longer time and we have three wonderful children. No one could possibly make me happier with what you've given me over the years."
"Hmm, I hope so" she chuckled and kissed him appreciatively. His mandibles held her face against his as he traced his tongue over hers hungrily causing her to wrap her arms around his neck as he lifted her into his arms. Pressing her smaller body against the wall next to the window, he kissed her gently near the entry of her mouth as he nibbled on her lips playfully. She sighed as her eyes trailed over his face, "How could anyone desert you? You're a great catch no matter what anyone thinks. Hell, you made me fawn over you and I was an alien!"
"A very attractive alien who I loved to sleep next to when we were fugitives" he purred seductively and traced his slick tongue up her cheek. Her legs wrapped around his waist in reflex as her scent reached his sensitive nose. "I could mate you till the end of time and I wouldn't have enough of you. Good thing you weren't spoken for by one of those stupid ooman males or we would've had a problem."
"You were jealous any time a human male talked to me, I just thought you were overprotective about our mission" she chuckled and kissed his mandibles with her lips. She giggled at remembering an old incident Kantra didn't like.
(Flashback)
12 years ago. . .
Iliana had sneaked out to buy groceries again quickly while he cleaned his weapons. She'd told him she was going to check on the car and had gone across the street to go buy food instead from the local store. Both had been staying there for a week in the quiet town and had rented a room in an inn. Her story had been that she was new in town and was visiting new places while heading to see her sister and new baby. Luckily, it worked and the townspeople paid no mind to her.
"Hmm, let me check my list" she said, yanking a small paper from out of her sweater pocket. Reading down the list, she frowned at seeing Kantra's sloppy English writing add his own items. "I should've never taught him English. Smart grumpy alien. And of course, he wants meat and fruit."
"Hi there, Evelyn" a voice greeted behind her. Iliana turned at hearing her alias name called to her. Seeing a man in his late 20's who worked at the inn she stayed in, she smiled politely.
"Hi Steven, how are you?" she said cheerfully. "Nice day, isn't it?"
"A little cloudy but sure" he smiled back and pointed to the shopping basket she carried. "Our inn stocks a small buffet, you know."
"Yeah but I like homemade cooking, especially if I get hungry at night" she said while in her mind, she knew Kantra ate most of it.
"There's a chili contest in the evening if you'd like to come with me" he invited making Iliana blush and he stammered, "I mean as a friend! Or . .um. .well, whatever's good for you."
The older man was an interesting person to talk to the past few days since she rarely spoke to people recently. She wanted to agree to the offer but she had other obligations. . .that and Kantra would probably forbid it. Besides, once he knew about her past, he'd run off like most. Her relationships for the past five years, whether platonic or romantic, were rare and disastrous. She couldn't stay here anyway and sighed mentally.
"I'll see but I doubt it, Steven" she said, letting him down gently. "Thanks for asking me though, I appreciate it."
"If you change your mind, you know where I'll be" he smiled and waved to her in farewell. She watched him leave and went to buy her groceries.
Afterwards, she returned to her rented room and set her bags down. Kantra uncloaked from where he stood cautiously next to the door and approached her from behind.
"You lied to me, Iliana" he growled as his warm breath tickled her ear from behind. She winced from the surprise and annoyance in his voice. "You told me you were returning quickly. I thought someone kidnapped you!"
"I can take care of myself, Kantra" she snapped back as she began to take out the food from the bags. "We can't run around in starvation, we're not robots. We need food whether you like it or not."
"Does the flirting come free?" he questioned roughly making her cheeks blush again. Before she could argue with him, he stated, "I followed you to make sure you were safe but apparently, that male held your interests instead."
"How dare you follow me again! Don't you trust me by now?!" she demanded and walked away from the table to the kitchen. "I wouldn't choose a man over what we're doing, okay? I won't tell anyone about you. What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing" he hissed bitterly and watched her clang the pans around the counter. He'd been observing her interactions with the ooman male and he didn't like it one bit. She held his complete trust, yes, but when she was near that male and laughing, his blood boiled at the thought of her running off or even being near another man.
Why though? She's ooman, she's bound to fancy a male of her kind, he rationalized in thought. Then growled mentally, but still, that male is practically invading in my territory! I have a right to be mad, she's mine!. . .What the hell did I just say?. . . Damn it! This cannot keep happening!
"so he invited me to a chili contest to. . ."
"He what?" he growled protectively and looked at her instantly. Obviously, he'd been far into his thoughts while she kept babbling.
Oomans babble too much, he thought. Why can't they be like yautjas and get to the point?
"Never mind, you're grouchy again" she mumbled and found something to cook for tonight. "Anything I say gets a snappy comeback."
"You will not see him again, our mission cannot be compromised" he ordered firmly and she marched up to him to poke his broad chest with her small finger.
"I may do what I want, I'm an adult" she said firmly and narrowed her eyes, "Kantra, why are you acting like this? Usually, you let it go."
"It's fine, what are you making for food?" he asked, changing the subject. He didn't know if she'd reciprocate his feelings, him being an alien and all.
"Talk to me, what's wrong?" she asked, lowering her tone to a softer one. She squeezed his arm once and smiled, "Thanks for covering my back while I went out. I won't ruin our mission for some handsome man, okay? My attention is on you now."
Now, the ooman's handsome!, he thought. What must I look like to her then? I scare every human to death and that's with my mask on!
"Good, I worry about you also" he admitted and felt her arms wrap around his waist. His aggression towards the situation lowered and he sighed to let out some mental steam. Looking at her, he admitted, "I'm used to your company, I don't want another male replacing me."
Aw, he's protective, she thought fondly. Aggressively protective but still!
"You're very hard to replace, you're one of a kind" she laughed as she felt his arms lift her body onto the counter. Sitting on it, she dodged the stove, "You better not put me on fire to prove a point!"
"I wouldn't dream of it" he trilled and held her closer against his body. He placed his face into the crook of her neck and awaited her reaction. Iliana stared in surprise as his warm skin relaxed her own and smiled at the sensation. Seconds later, her fingers traced through his dreads as her legs wrapped around his waist. Purring softly, he inhaled her sweet scent and pressed his hips against hers causing her to sigh faintly.
"Kantra" she mewed softly as his actions sent a pleasurable tingle up her spine. She didn't think he'd behave this way towards her but they had been flirting a lot recently. Still, he was an alien. . .an alien with a hot body and smarts that no one on Earth could compete with. Damn, he was turning her on easily with just one small movement. Her breath hitched slightly as he purred into her ear deeply and his teeth bit her lobe gently. His hands cupped her bottom and he pressed his hips against hers again as her back arched against his body. She whispered his name against his neck making his chest rumble, pleased that her body reacted to his so easily.
"What's wrong? Liking it?" he teased and felt her hips press against his in return. He felt the warmth from her womanhood press against his loins and purred roughly. Did she know what her body was doing to his? Most yautja males would've had her on the floor screaming in pleasure the second her scent went into the air but he had to keep his controlled. Squeezing her bottom in his grip, he said, "Iliana, say my name again."
"Kantra" she responded softly as her fingertips caressed his neck in circle motions. His teeth nipped at her neck and her body pushed up against his instantly. Her mind was reeling with the possibilities of what this could bring since neither had acted this way before. Sure, they'd felt closer since Yosemite but still, the most they'd done was nuzzle each other's faces. Yet, her body yearned to be against his by the simple caresses he made on her body. It wasn't rational but she didn't care. "Kantra. . .I. ."
"Yes, my dear?" he purred and bit her throat hungrily. She quivered under his touch and gripped his warm mesh in her hand. She tried to speak but only a small moan passed through her lips. Smiling, he tilted her gaze with his own and cupped her chin, "Tell me, Iliana. What do you want?"
She shivered at the way he said her name and looked at him as his claws trailed down her neck. "I. . .I want. . ."
"Keep going" he teased and squeezed her body against his. He inhaled her scent again and broke eye contact to nip the side of her neck. She groaned and pulled some of his dreads making him bite her neck firmly. She squealed in surprise and he stopped to lick the small cut he made on her skin softly with his tongue. She relaxed again and sighed at his gentle strokes. Breathing against her neck, he said, "I'm sorry. Yautja males don't like their hair pulled unless you want them to react this way. We are an aggressive species after all."
"What if I want you to react this way?" she whispered and kissed his cheek softly. He stopped his caresses at her admittance and she wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him as close as possible. Kissing his temple, she whispered, "You asked me what I wanted."
"Then tell me and I will grant it" he said huskily and licked the mark he made on her. Biting a lower area near her clavicle, he purred, "Iliana."
A knock interrupted their little moment and Kantra pried himself away from her body regretfully and yearned for a cold shower. Damn it, he'd been so close to having her! Iliana stared at him in surprise for both of their actions and hoped she hadn't embarrassed herself. Was it wrong to want him so easily? He made her body melt with his quiet murmurs within minutes. Why was it so hard to admit her feelings to him? Hearing another knock, Kantra growled towards the door while trying to calm himself.
"Go have fun, I can't keep you locked up" he said roughly, as he avoided her gaze. Would she think differently of him now? He cursed himself for trying to seduce her.
"I . .I'd rather be with you" she said bashfully and grabbed his hand. Forgetting their awkward but intimate moment, she smiled, "C'mon, I bet there's a movie on that you'll totally hate and I bought popcorn."
Smiling at her friendliness, he scoffed, "Why not? Your ooman entertainment isn't much."
"I was protective over the female I wanted" he purred and bit her bottom lip. "I want to keep you forever, Iliana. You'll be happy in our new home."
"Good, now let me down before the people down there see us" Iliana chuckled and he listened grudgingly.
"Our kind is used to seeing others mating in public, it's natural" he scoffed and stretched his muscles. "They'd be cheering for our procreation."
"Bad Kantra" she giggled and hit his arm. Then grinning slyly, "I hope our house is ready for us with no remainder of your old life with that other female?"
"Damn, give me about an hour after we leave here" he grumbled and crossed his arms in thought. Ilian a stared at him in amusement. "I'll get Nak-De and Aru'Kar to help me chuck the stuff out while Badru goes to find a huge shredder for the stuff. The cooks are bound to have something in their kitchen."
"Gee, why not use a flamethrower?" she said sarcastically and rolled her eyes.
"That's a brilliant idea!" Kantra grinned at her making her mouth open in protest. "We use fire all the time!"
Don't remind me, she thought as she remembered their med kits.
"No fires! No shredders! No nothing" she objected and grabbed his arm before he left. "You crazy hunter!"
"Crazy hunter with brilliant ideas" he corrected and poked her nose with his claw.
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"I hope to whatever deity is out there that he really didn't use a dangerous item" Iliana groaned as she applied a medicated sunscreen by Ani-De to her skin before leaving the Ade'k'ra. Her body needed to adapt to the new atmosphere so she'd be wearing sunscreen along with more covered clothing despite the blazing suns that awaited her. Luckily, her body was used to the gases of his world and would hopefully have no problems on land.
As long as I don't faint the moment I step a foot onto the ground, I'll be okay, she thought.
"They're men, he will and Aru'Kar will be right there next to him" Zia said as she applied the same sunscreen over her arms. Her black hair was tied into a bun to keep the heat away while her brown almond shaped eyes narrowed behind her sunglasses. "Something about males and machines with power."
"Not much difference compared to human males" Iliana sighed as she tied her dreadlocked hair into a ponytail. Placing her sunglasses on, she said, "I haven't been on land in years. You think the gravity will be like Earth's?"
"No idea but I'm hanging on to Aru'Kar's arm" she said, shaking her head. "That and I don't want to lose track of him in the sea of people exiting the ship."
"Mama, Dada?" Darpek, Zia's one year old son, asked while holding his bag eagerly. His mother and Iliana chuckled amusingly at his cute look.
"He'll be here soon, baby" his mother comforted and patted his head. "Go play with Aloun'Da."
"No" he whined but nodded to his cousin, who glared, as he pointed to the window.
"Hmph!" she huffed and walked off to play by herself. Darpek stared with annoyed brown eyes at being left behind and went to sit by the window himself. Minutes later, Aloun'Da joined him with her dolls and the two played together with their toys.
"Children" Zia chuckled and heard the main door of Iliana's home open. Both of their mates walked in with happy grins while their sons tagged behind them.
"Mother, it was awesome!" Kahet yelled and ran to hug his mother. Iliana smiled and hugged her son who's skin was very warm. "I saw the house, it's-"
"Let your mother see it so she can be surprised" Kantra interrupted and patted his shoulder. "Everyone ready?"
Fifteen minutes later and a lot of grumbling, Iliana walked through the warm grass tickling her ankles as the sun's rays poked at her skin. Her forehead perspired sweat within minutes as she watched her children jog carefree and happily in front of her. She smiled and was glad they adjusted easily to their father's world so far. Kantra carried their daughter in his arms so she wouldn't have to.
Well, at least they're okay, she thought. I feel like I'm in the desert!
"And I thought Arizona was hot in the summer" Zia grumbled next to her and swiped her forehead. Looking at Iliana, she grinned, "Know what I could go for? A cold pool with a big glass of lemonade."
"That would be paradise" she answered back blissfully and tried to imagine it. "Being in the cold snow while wearing a swimsuit. Oh, I miss the cold on Earth when I'm in scorching places."
"What are you two talking about?" Aru'Kar asked clueless, while holding Darpek. He looked at his younger brother who shrugged.
"Snow!" both females answered cheerfully.
"Snow? I hate snow!" Kantra interrupted their daydream in which they kicked his left leg together. He growled at them from the unexpected attack, "Ow! What the pauk was that for?!"
"Father said a bad word!" Kahet laughed up ahead. "Hear that, Aru'Dre?"
"That's not a good example for us pups" Aru'Dre teased and laughed with Kahet as they ran before Kantra could punish them. Leitjin ran behind them in order to not be left behind.
"They're terrors I tell you" Aru'Kar sighed as Darpek stared at him and grinned slyly at his brother, "The females didn't hurt you, did they?"
"Shut up before I kick you and leave you sterile" Kantra growled and walked on ahead in front of the other three adults. "Damn females."
"Daddy" Aloun'Da purred to her father and he returned it making her giggle. His children always made him relax with their adoration, especially his youngest.
"You'll always love me, huh?" he chuckled and squeezed her softly. She giggled again and cuddled up to her father with a happy nod. His daughter was very attached to him since she'd been born and she rarely left his side willingly.
Iliana ran up to catch up to her mate and looped her arm through his. He clicked his throat in irritation but squeezed her hand with his as he carried their belongings. Aloun'Da purred to her mother and Iliana squeezed her rosy mahogany cheeks softly while making happy noises to her.
"Is the heat too much? I could carry you like old times" he suggested while a smile graced his face. "Except no buildings this time."
"No, the heat's murder but I like walking on land" she said and walked closer to his side. "I've missed it so I'm going to be walking until we leave."
"Well, we have to take a transport to the sector near our house" he explained to her slowly. "Then we can walk to our home. The boys liked the ride, it's not too long."
"Basically, a bus in English" she muttered and shrugged. Brightening up, she said, "I can't wait to see our home and mold it to our needs for these three months. It's going to be fun! Remember when we moved to the Ade'k'ra and we couldn't decorate anything? I felt embarrassed since I knew nothing about your culture."
"Good thing my mother's always there" he sighed in relief. "Our homes are near each other, families tend to cluster together like the homes onboard."
"So, do we know our neighbors then?" she asked curiously and looked up at him. Luckily, his tall frame blocked the direct sunlight so she could see clearly without squinting.
"Aru'Kar and Badru, who'll be building his own home now" he said proudly. "He was a pup when he came here, now he's a hunter. Our sons will be the same when we return."
She chuckled and sang in amusement, "Oh, Happy Days."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kantra asked, confused.
"It's about an Earth show that finished a year before I met you" she informed and squeezed his arm affectionately. "Let's go home."
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"I feel like an Ewok" Iliana said, looking over the balcony in her bedroom to see the lush teal leaves of the tree her new home inhabited. She heard chirps of many different creatures all around her while looking down the tall height towards the ground below. Looking back into her bedroom, she called out, "You're sure our house won't fall down?"
"It's been here for many years, Iliana" Kantra sighed and walked out to meet her. Caressing her cheek with his palm, he said, "Do you think I'd let my family walk into a dangerous life threatening dwelling?"
"No, but it's just my human paranoia" she chuckled and looked around the large balcony area again. Kantra had placed chairs in it for his family so they could relax until they could find more furniture to fill it with. Iliana traced her hand over the balcony railing, "We're up so high and it's beautiful. I've never seen anything like this, I expected something like. . .skyscrapers and homes within huge buildings while ships flew by overhead. Not this serene environment, it's perfect for the children."
"The city is miles away, that's where you'll see what you're thinking" he informed her and chuckled at her vivid imagination, "Families tend to want to live with nature where we honed our skills when our world began so we could become top hunters. Within the city, members like our High Elders and scholars live in it. Most who live there scarcely participate in hunts anymore. We keep our aggression and hunts in space while leaving our planet unscathed of violence. Our planet gave us life, why would we harm it in any way?"
"Humans could learn from that, especially after all our warfare" she said, surprised at that fact. "You always give me new facts to learn over the years, Kantra."
"Good, we will always learn from each other" he said with an amused smile as he leaned against the balcony railing next to her. Iliana smiled at his relaxed yet alluring pose. Releasing a small contended sigh, he said, "I built this home with my brother's help when I was a Young Blood at the age of 34. I had no idea what I was doing- don't laugh- but my elder kin knew what to do. I've always been happy to spend my time here every twenty years, so I can assure you it's safe." Iliana nodded quickly with a chuckle as he went on, "I never thought I'd see my home again after my Bad Blood trial. Now, I have the voices of my offspring running around the place."
Iliana caressed his face with her fingertips and smiled, "I'm glad you're happy here, you deserve every minute of it. You've earned the chance to relax after all those trips and that awful trial. I'm proud that you chose me as your mate and you've shared as well as given me new opportunities in this universe. Things that I had never deemed possible!"
"You're my equal, Iliana, no matter what species we belong to or what anyone says" Kantra said and kissed her gently, tracing his mandibles down her cheeks as his tusks brushed over her skin. Biting her top lip, he purred, "How could I not choose you? I'm stubborn, you're stubborn, we fit perfectly. I'd give you more if I could-"
"No, you've given me more than enough!" she interrupted quickly and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kissing his mouth once, she said, "I worry I haven't given you enough! I know males in this society give more to the females but-"
"You don't have to do anything" he scoffed and flicked her nose with his finger playfully. "You've loved and remained loyal to me since the day we mated. You've given me my offspring and kept them safe, that's more than enough for me."
Oh, how I love him, she thought and hugged him quietly.
"By the way, where are the children?" Iliana asked, raising an eyebrow. "I've been so content out here, I forgot! Bad Kantra, making me relax and forget my motherly duties." Kantra laughed as she gave him a mock glare and she asked, "Seriously, where are they?"
"Playing in their playroom" he grinned at her as his hand squeezed her waist. "You still have to see the rest of the house. You only saw the main room, this one, our bathroom, and the children's rooms."
"There's more? But it's so cool underneath this shade and the soft wind. . ." she trailed off blissfully and lifted her chin peacefully. "I don't want to leave."
"When I built this home, I intended it to last through many years" he explained to her and went to lean against the balcony doorway. "We have long years ahead of us and children can fit into our extra rooms one day. Eventually, grandchildren will arrive and our own will build their own homes near ours." He paused to point at the tree branches overhead, "This tree will grow and branch out just like our family will throughout the ages. It's starting out small like our children and over the centuries, it'll reach the highest treetops while our line continues. One day, we will die and our descendants will inherit this beautiful home. Laughter and joy will fill it every twenty years, it'll be by us in the present, our children in the future, and whoever extends our lineage thereafter. It'll stay in good hands and will be our legacy to them."
Maybe I'll be blessed with a long life and get to see how far my family grows, Kantra thought as he traced a finger down one of the inscribed decorations on the wall next to him. I hope my Iliana lives as long as well.
"I've never heard you sound so profound" Iliana smiled proudly at him. "And you're right. We only live once so let's experience all we can with the ones we love."
He really loves his world despite not seeing it for so long, she thought warmly. I wish he could stay here longer. The children better like it here after everything their father's put into building their home.
"I already am. . .but since you said so, let me give you the tour!" Kantra grinned smugly and grabbed her hand into his to drag her back into their home. "As you see, our bedroom is spacious for future needs and nicely decorated with our basic belongings. Over the years, we can fix it up more. A lavatory is attached also and we have our nice balcony. Later on, we can get comfortable in our cozy large bed together."
"Kantra, is mating all you think of?" she laughed and shook her head when he trilled. "Never mind, don't answer that. Yautjas live to mate and hunt."
He chuckled at her human modesty after all their years and sighed, "You have to get used to it. One day I'll ravish you in an open garden to take away that modesty, my dear. Our kind loves mating in the open, it aids procreation. I wouldn't be surprised if you saw one of my brothers mating-"
"No, enough!" she stopped him quickly and covered her ears. "I don't want to picture your brothers naked anywhere!"
"It's not like they're bad looking" he said, shrugging nonchalantly. "We're a good looking family in my opinion."
"Now, who's smug?" she grinned and grabbed his arm. "C'mon, let's go fix the house and find the kitchen."
She led him out of their bedroom which had beautiful cream colored wooden walls unlike the metal ones on board the Ade'k'ra. Their bed was large with dark colored pelts ranging from black to fawn. Her eyes trailed over to the open balcony again as they exited and walked down the hall but she realized, she had no idea where to go.
"I am so gonna get lost" she grumbled making him laugh. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders from behind while she looked over her new strange home.
It's like moving to a new home again, she thought as Kantra nuzzled her neck in sympathy.
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"Come at me, you squishy!" Nak-De's voice ordered as he swiped at Iliana's head.
"I'm not a squishy!" she growled and struck his arm with one of her training sticks, which highly resembled the light but durable rattan sticks. "I'm a human that's about to kick your ass!"
"Good, let the anger come and strike me!" he snapped and hit her side with one of his muscular legs. She fell onto the grass where they were practicing, underneath the shade of her home. Taking deep breaths, she rolled to the side quickly before he could kick her again. Jumping back onto her feet, she circled him cautiously while he simply watched her with his golden gaze.
"I don't want her bruised, Nak-De!" Kantra yelled overhead from another tree where he was helping Badru build the outer frame of his home. The three males had begun working on it and in the afternoon, Aru'Kar had come in to take over Nak-De's spot while he trained Iliana. She had complained at first but was eventually dragged out by her instructor.
"Well, if she knew how to fight, then I wouldn't!" he yelled back arrogantly. Iliana charged at him and he simply dodged to the side as she fell down. "See?"
Damn male, he's like a slave driver, she thought. No wonder everyone wants to be trained by him.
While he boasted to Kantra, Iliana hit the back of his knees with her weapons and kneed his back forcefully. The older male barely fell down so she slammed her weapons onto the back of his shoulders as he reached around to yank her arm. Stepping back quickly, she kicked his abdomen with her leg roughly but he grabbed her leg in a tight grip.
"Do you really think that'll work?" he snapped at her making her eyes narrow.
"No, but-" she began and jumped into the air to land a kick right on his throat with the free leg she still had. Nak-De let her go in surprise and massaged his stinging throat while she landed on all fours and got into a defensive position. Wiping sweat away from her brows, she placed her sticks on the floor and charged at him. Snappishly, she demanded, "When can I use the staff like I wanted?"
"When I deem you worthy enough!" Nak-De shot back and grabbed her incoming punches as he flipped her over in the air and she hit the floor on her back on impact.
"Argh!" she cried out from the hard blow that sucked the air out of her lungs. "Damn you!"
Slowly turning to her side, she breathed in gently to not hurt her lungs from the quick intake of air and sat up. The heat was getting to her body and dehydrating her rapidly so she shook her head to knock away the dizziness trying to settle in.
"Enough, Nak-De! My mate just arrived yesterday!" Kantra yelled instantly and began to descend down the stairway wrapped around Badru's tree. Nak-De raised his hand and signaled him to stop.
"I know how to handle my students, stop letting your personal attachment get in the way of my teaching!" Nak-De barked and looked at Iliana, "Had enough for today?"
"Yes, how the hell do you have enough energy to wake up before me, start building a house, and beat me up all before the sun goes down?" she said in irritation and stood up dizzily. Nak-De wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her and led her over to a shady spot where she could rest. "Thanks, teacher."
"You've gotten good under my training but you still have years ahead of you before you can take down a full grown male" he said as he grabbed a water jug to pour her a cup. Giving it to her, she drank it eagerly as he continued, "This atmosphere can challenge you and I will use every resource possible against you to get you stronger. Are you sure you want to continue my training?"
"Of course, you're the best there is" she grinned at him and wiped her mouth. He rolled his yellow eyes but puffed out his green chest arrogantly. "You scare the hell out of me when we train but it's better to have you than someone else who intends to harm me do that."
"Good and talk to your mate before he tries to challenge me" he told her as they saw Kantra glance at them while helping Badru with his perimeter fence. "He knows training exercises are tough but he's still very protective of you."
He's always protective, she thought giddily. But I love it.
Iliana smiled back instead and heard a voice similar to Nak-De's call out, "You all left me out! What kind of brothers are you?"
Ani-De popped out into their viewpoint wearing only a long blue loincloth with his long black dreads tied high in a ponytail, looking nothing like the medic that he was. In fact, he really did look like Nak-De's double now except for the long dreads.
"You didn't wake up when we knocked on your window" Nak-De answered simply and shrugged. "We threw a rock but-"
"That was you? I have to replace that window because of it!" Ani-De growled at his twin. Iliana watched the exchange with a silly grin. "I thought a Bad Blood was on the loose! You do crazy things sometimes-"
"Are you going to help or not?" his twin demanded instantly as Ani-De grumbled but nodded reluctantly. "Good, you can go help Aru'Kar not ruin what I've done. The man can polish a skull to perfection but he can't drill in a nail right."
"Hey, don't insult him" Iliana groaned in his defense. "He helped you build your home when you came here years ago, so Kantra tells me."
"Your male isn't any better either, he almost fell setting the perimeter" Nak-De trilled and laughed mockingly.
"Only because you kept pushing him with your male territoriality on where everything should go" she chided amusingly as Ani-De laughed and walked off. "The true makings of an instructor."
"Don't you have some pups to tend to?" he growled and offered her his hand to stand up. She stood straight and raised her chin defiantly.
"Only because they need me" she huffed and walked towards her home. Nak-De shook his head and tightened his ponytail before walking off to help his brothers in the other tree.
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"Now isn't this much better?" Iliana smiled as she set the drinks down on a black table outside. It was a week later and she made a small garden party for the males and children to relax in after working on Badru's incomplete home. Surprisingly, gentle winds settled in the evening as one yellow sun went down and the other loomed halfway in the horizon as the sky became a reddish-blue.
"Much better" Kantra sighed and drank his drink instantly, then went to refill it. Iliana glared and he sighed, "What? It's not like we're going to run out quickly."
"You males guzzle it like crazy" Zia spoke up as she fanned herself from a chair she sat in. "Then you go back to work and come home with a stomach ache and act like a dying pup."
"That was only once" Aru'Kar hushed his mate and patted her head lightly. She glared at him but sighed as she went back to watching the children.
"So, when will it all be done?" Iliana asked Badru, who lay on the grass while Aloun'Da and Darpek poked him humorously with sticks.
"By the time we leave, and if not, I can hire some artisan or designer from the city nearby to finish it for me" he explained and sat up to grab both children into his arms, who wiggled to be free instantly. "Most build their homes if they've been taught to. My mother's family is used to doing this so we saw our uncles do it when we were young and I have older brothers who're experienced to aid me, so it's all right."
"Mother, catch!" Kahet yelled suddenly and Iliana turned. Looking up, she spotted a black round object headed towards her and she tried to grab it but Kantra caught it instead in one hand.
"Hey, it was mine!" she complained and hit his arm playfully. He hissed softly and gave her the ball which was almost like a baseball but with a hard outer shell of a metallic black color. Shrugging, she threw it back to Kahet who caught it and threw it to Leitjin, who dropped it.
"Good try, Leitjin" his father encouraged as his youngest son looked sad. Leitjin's face lit up and he threw it to his Uncle Ani-De, who sent it flying right into the back of his twin's head.
"Ow! You son of a-" Nak-De began but Aru'Kar punched his arm to silence him. He grumbled, "Damn twin, acting like a pup and all."
Aru'Kar grabbed the toy and threw it to Kantra again, who caught it but Iliana took it away from him quickly. Laughing impishly, she threw it at Ani-De who grabbed it and laughed, "I bet you two would lose against us."
"Healers" Aru'Kar snorted and grinned at Kantra, "How about it?"
The four instantly squared off against each other on the grassy field while the children watched curiously and in a frump. Kahet sighed in annoyance and crossed him arms while Leitjin sat and watched happily. Aru'Dre, being the loud voice of outrage, glared at his father.
"They took our ball!" Aru'Dre complained to his mother.
"Here" she sighed and gave the kids another ball. "Go play on the other side."
"But if you can, hit your Uncle Ani-De, and I'll give you candy" Nak-De enticed the children as Badru laughed.
"And you call him childish" he snorted which earned him a kick in the stomach. Gasping for air, he trilled, "It was worth it."
Zia rolled her eyes at their antics and watched the other four adults play their game. They were evenly matched, surprisingly, and both were determined to win. In one instance, the ball went farther than Ani-De's reach so he basically threw a surprised Iliana into the air with his strength so she could catch the ball in midair and accomplished it. Kantra stared in surprise as his mate grinned nervously and tossed the ball to him. He caught it and purred to his mate in delight at her agile movements making her blush. Ani-De growled at her to catch her attention making Kantra annoyed that her eyes weren't on him anymore so he chucked the ball at him. Ani-De grabbed the ball quickly despite the fast speed it had and fell onto the grass on his side. Grumbling, he got up and dusted himself quietly while his brothers hissed in irritation at his slowness. While their attention was off-guard, he grinned and launched it over Aru'Kar's head.
"Throw me?" Aru'Kar suggested to his younger partner.
"Not on your life" Kantra hissed and pointed at the ball. "Go!"
Aru'Kar ran to catch it as fast as he could and jumped to make a grab at it but it slipped through his fingertips. He landed on the grass on his stomach roughly as the ball landed a few feet away. Roaring in frustration, he grabbed a handful of grass and threw it as he stood back up. Grabbing the ball as if it were diseased, he walked back to the other three. Ani-De and Iliana grinned victoriously while Kantra frowned at him.
Damn it! I lost!, Aru'Kar thought.
"We won! Healers beat the Hunters!" Iliana gloated and patted her partner's arm.
"How could he miss that? Unbelievable" Kantra mumbled under his breath. "I'm choosing one of them as a partner next time."
"What was that?!" Aru'Kar growled at him in agitation.
"Nothing, good game" he said, walking away coolly. Grabbing his mate, he purred into her ear, "I hope you'll be that flexible tonight."
"Hmm, so what do I get for winning?" she smiled as her fingertip traced down his chest flirtingly. "As honorable as it is mating to a male like you every night, I'd like something else. . .oh say, you washing the clothes?"
"Eh? No!" he whined and rested his head on her shoulder. "I wanted a carefree mating, not a chore."
"Are you guys going to eat or what?" Zia called out to them as she fixed the plates with food. Their three children were already eating their food on the grass happily while Zia's kids kept poking Badru.
"What's with the poking?" Ani-De asked him curiously.
"Pups behave this way around me for some reason" he sighed and smiled, "At least Kila got out of her biting stage before she bit my shoulder off."
Iliana and Kantra walked in their family's direction hand in hand. Squeezing her hand quickly, he smiled gently at her.
"How do you like my world?" he asked, interested. His green eyes lingered on her face while he spoke. "I promised you'd see everything I could offer you."
"It's beyond anything I could dream of" she smiled back tenderly and cuddled up to him. "I'm proud to be a part of your world, Kantra. It's a rare honor and I aim to keep it that way."
"If you two don't hurry up, I'm eating your food!" Nak-De yelled at them. Kantra ran instantly and dragged a surprised Iliana behind him, who's feet barely touched the grass to keep up with his long strides.
"He'll do it too!" he told her quickly. Then yelled out, "You touch my food and I'll burn down your home!"
"Enough with the fire!" Iliana scolded him as she glared at his green back.
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End of Chapter 12. And the Ade'k'ra lands on their home planet to restock and let its people vacation around. I'm not sure how their planet looks, so I just made it up according to the areas they like to hunt at on Earth and different planets. So yeah, thanks for reading and the last reviews! I made some sketches about this story so you can see them on my profile under this story's section. And for any questions, just pm me.