Chapter 24: Family

Speechless, Cat couldn't form a word. Her brain just stopped. Looking down at the picture and then at the Elder, she finally asked after long minutes "I…how?... " granted, the eyes of the woman in the picture were similar to her own, but… "It can't be true? Can it?" It was too soon to tell, how she felt about it either way.

Taking her hand he led her to a seat, crouching in front of her, he clicked "When I first saw your eyes they were so familiar to me. At first I could not place the feeling that I knew you, but that would have been impossible since I have not returned to your planet since her death. My instincts are rarely wrong, therefore I asked Mir'en to do a test with a lock of Catherine's hair and the samples he took from you. Needless to say it was a positive match" Watching her closely, he was a little unnerved when she didn't react at all, not even batted an eyelash, just observed him silently.

Purring lightly to try relieving her tension he continued "Having you here with me is a gift I never expected. Knowing I saved a part of her that night eases my burden. In ways you are like her, you have the drive for life, the compassion for others and the determination of a warrior when it matters, not to mention the talent of getting into trouble. She would have been proud of you, as am I." seeing a few tears escape down her cheek, he wiped them away, waiting for her to say something.

She never knew this part of her history. She could only trace her past to her great great great grandmother, who was supposedly found in a hay barn in a small village when she was almost a year old, but no further. She never really believed that ridicules story…until now. It was a lot to process. Looking into his eyes, she asked "How long have you known?" Not sure, why that mattered he clicked "Since the day we arrived on the Clan ship"

She could blow up at the fact that he didn't tell her sooner, but that took energy she didn't have right now. Besides, she couldn't exactly hold it against him, he obviously needed the time. She knew they weren't related by blood, but they did have a bond and in all honesty she could understand why her ancestor fell in love with him. Sliding forward to the edge of her seat she took his hands in hers, giving him a watery smile "So I guess I can call you gramps for real now"

Tilting his head, he clicked "But I'm no…" placing her hand over his mandibles, she cut him off "I don't care. You have done so many great things for me and my family and even though we aren't related, I'd like to think we are in the ways that matter, whether you like it or not" Feeling him nod, she removed her hand and hugged him "I know I've said this before and I'll probably keep saying it in the future, but… Thank you…grandpa" Hearing him thrill with laughter and hug her carefully in return, she couldn't help smiling herself. For the first time in a very long time, she really felt like she was home.

For the next two hours they talked about their pasts, his attempt at finding the ancient relic and her success in treasure hunting on Earth. They were interrupted when Mir'en came to see the Elder. Admitting him in, Selt'ox was a bit reluctant to end his conversation with Cat, they were having a marvelous time. Noticing the picture in her hands the healer clicked "I see you have been told" not wanting to say too much he looked at the Elder who nodded "She knows"

Rising from her seat, she placed the painting on the table and moved to stand in front of Mir'en "I'm glad you're here, there's something I wanted to speak to you about" tilting his head the healer gave her his full attention "What is it?" A little uncomfortable at even starting this conversation she paced around "As you probably know I've mated and since my lifemate ceremony will be next week I was wondering…"

When she didn't say anything more, the two Yautja looked at each other strangely and then at her, waiting for her to continue. Stopping her pacing she turned to them with conviction "I want the blood additions to begin a few days after the ceremony" Surprised both Selt'ox and Mir'en clicked in unison "You want pups!" giving them a "ya think" look she smiled indulgently "Of course I do, after the changes are complete in a few months and… after I discuss this with Ke'varde" remembering that part, she had the intelligent though that perhaps she should have told her mate first, instead of going to Mir'en before he knew her plans.

She lost that train of thought when the Elder tugged her towards him, thrilling "A fine decision!" before almost crushing her in a hug. Slet'ox was pleased beyond measure, everything was going smoothly and wonderfully "This is superb news little one" releasing her as he said that, Cat needed to take a few deep breaths "note to self, don't teach any more Yaujtas to hug in the future" she loved the hugs, but they were painfully strong.

Turning to Mir'en she saw him still standing there as still as a statue, teasing "Cat got your tongue" snapping out of it the healer gave a swift nod, averting his gaze "I am… glad of your decision, but I am surprised you have come to it so soon" before she could say anything the Elder interjected "No concern is needed my friend, I'm sure Cat has thought this out." nodding she said "I did." touching the healers arm, she gave a tender smile "No need to worry Mir'en, everything will be fine. You said it yourself; the procedure will have minimal affect" releasing a deep breath the healer gave a swift nod "That is true" giving her a light pat on her head "Everything will be taken care of"

Ke'varde was waiting for her in the Green Hall, leaving a message with Ek'tan to send her there once she was finished with the Elder. He could understand why she enjoyed spending her time here, it was calming, though in him it also invoked the urge to hunt. There would be a time soon when he would need to go, but for now… Bringing the circular object the Elder gave him up to eye level, he didn't quite understand its significance, but he was assured it was meaningful to the oomans.

Hearing a humming noise moving closer to the entrance he shook his head, his little one always made that infernal racket when she was pleased by something, to him it was just a distraction, it reminded him slightly of purring. As she noticed him she moved directly towards him, stopping a few feet away and giving what she called a dramatic bow "You demanded to see me, oh great and sexy one" rising she couldn't help but laugh as he rolled his eyes at her, though he said her theatrics exasperated him, she knew it wasn't true, he liked it. She always found it amusing when he did that, it was such a human thing to do in her mind, in a way it showed a similarity between their races.

Taking her hand in his he tilted his head, clicking "I expect the Elder told you of the impending lifemate ritual?" giving a huge smile she answered "Yeah, though I have no clue as to what it is exactly or what it entails, I'm still excited" thrilling with laughter he tugged her along for a walk around the hall "It is a bonding ritual. We choose a mark that will represent our unique" pausing for a moment to remember the word she used "relationship and in the presence of the Clan we will receive it from the Elder or if she returns in time The High Matriarch."

The mention of her, diminished Cats enthusiasm slightly because it reminded her of the unpleasant business with his father. Noticing the change in her instantly, he knew what she was thinking and stopped that nonsense before she could open her mouth "We will not speak of that now, there is another matter I wished to attend to" stopping them, he turned to her and lowered himself on one knee, presenting her with the object the Elder gave him. He was unsure he was doing it right when she just stood there with her mouth hanging open and her eyes like disks.

Staring at the ring in his palm, Car didn't know what to think or do or if she should even breathe. The first urge that crossed her was to laugh hysterically at the situation; it's not every day an 8ft Yautja proposes on bended knee. The second urge was to cry for the same reason. Still staring at the ring she touched a finger to it, whispering in awe "Where did you get this?" rising from his position he clicked "The Elder gave it to me with instructions as to its presentation." looking into her amazed expression, he continued "It was your ancestors"

Taking the ring into her hand she admired it. There was nothing ostentatious about it; no rocks, nothing ornate, just a simple gold band with the symbol for infinity engraved into it "It's beautiful, I love it" placing it on her finger, where it would belong from now on, she looked up into his eyes, whispering "I love you Ke'varde" before moving into his arms.

Purring, he was relieved she liked the gift and that she was saying that again. He wasn't used to the custom, but the way she said those words was beautiful to him. It was so softly said and warmly expressed in her eyes, it made him care for her all the more. Playing with her hair with his mandibles, he purred quietly "I love you as well my little ooman"

Placing a kiss on his vibrating chest, she stepped back with a teasing smile, reaching to undo her top "I think I know what would make this all the more memorable" throwing it at him, she then quickly removed her skirt, looking around "I hope we don't make a show" though honestly, right now she couldn't care less about anyone spying on them or catching them doing the full body rumba.

Watching her seductively deliberate movements, he purred louder as she was bared to him and her scent assailed him "I agree with your way of thinking my treasure" reaching for her, only to have her jump away, wagging her finger at him "A-a, not until you're naked Stripes" growling, he quickly took care of that bother, almost ripping his loincloth to shreds in his haste.

As he was distracted, Cat turned in the direction that had the most foliage, braking into a silent run. Reaching her destination, she turned to him, let loose a shrill whistle. Snapping his head in her direction Ke'varde tilted his head in curiosity "What is she doing this time?" he really should be getting used to her impulsiveness by now. Watching her caress her body, with slow sensual movements, his feet moved in her direction almost before he had the thought to do it.

Noticing him coming closer, she turned and dashed through the leaves, laughing "Catch me if you can hunter!" Stopping, he thrilled "There is no if" before releasing a challenging growl and jumping into the trees to intercept her. He really liked this game, his last thought before completely focusing on her was "Perhaps I will return to hunting in a decade…or two"

Meanwhile…two cloaked figures were having a discussion in another part of the ship. The first one's computerized voice saying "The time has come to finish what was started. The oomans time is running out on this vessel." the second occupant's mechanical voice asked "What do you propose we do?"

After a few moments of tense silence the first one answered "Her main protector will have to be eliminated… permanently. I believe he is becoming suspicious and I cannot risk discovery" after another pause "I will take care of the ooman myself. You will distract her mate, if necessary both her guards. Make sure they are occupied for the time it will take for my part to be completed, there is no margin for error this time!"

Angry the second voice countered "No! She was to be mine before anything happened to her! We had an agreement!" before he could even move a muscle to defend himself the first blur had him pinned on the wall behind him with a wristblade through the shoulder, the first one's computer saying "I do not care about your pathetic wishes! I will not repeat myself again… the ooman is mine!" releasing him, the first one moved back "You have your orders"

Though the second didn't like them, he had no other alternative but to obey, the alternatives were severe and he could not risk his head "As you say" Leaving the room he paused before closing the door as the others computer said "Go see the healer for that unfortunate wound" a muffled thrilling laughter could be heard as he left to do just that.

Sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen! I had some trouble when my hard drive got fried, so I had to rewrite this!

Thanks for being so patient!

Dijana