Disclaimer: I own the OCs and the plot.

Author's Note: Not to much to warn about other than a serious case of angst…and a hinted at non-con scene at the end of the part because what is a story without the antagonist making everyone miserable?

Part Seven: Having No Choice

Three weeks was not enough time, in Lygoren's opinion, to get a handle on how badly he felt that things had come to this. At sixteen, both him and Erisel had barely been allowed to make their own concrete choices for how they wanted their lives to go but considering that their clan had a high mortality rate somehow it didn't come as a surprise. His sisters had been mated in the passed few years and one had a son who was two almost three though Lygoren had never met his nephew. He has no high hopes for his mating to be all that great through no fault of his or Eris's. They just weren't compatible that way but that never mattered to the male who pretty much was giving them no choice.

It was amazing how fast it was to make two lives miserable. Staring at Eris who had vowed her loyalty to him and him alone, he feels his heart sink further. Honestly, this day had all the merriment of a funeral as far as they were both concerned. He was just glad for a moment alone with her. "Eris…"

"If you are about to apologize AGAIN, I'm going to punch you," she warns him, "We both know how this would have gone, Lyo."

"You don't deserve this," he replies quietly, "You don't deserve this after all you've done for me."

She smiles slightly. "I do what I do because I DO love you…just not the way that would help with our current situation. We'll figure it out as I promised. We WILL, Lyo."

"But we're never going to be happy," he points out.

She reaches up and slides her arms around his neck. "Happiness is what you make of it," she tells him, "Besides, as I told you, it could be worse. You could be mated to Ayala."

He stares at her at the mention of the female who was constantly watching him when he was with the other clan members. "No," he says quietly grimacing, "Just…no. I mean…she might be good for an easy lay but…no."

Eris snorts at that. "Good to know that you recognize that much about her."

He wrinkles his nose. "That thought isn't exactly going to help get done what we have to tonight."

She laughs softly. "I'm pretty sure that Eyadei's wedding gift to us will be such an aid." For some reason, Lygoren could definitely see that from him.

"He thinks of everything."

"Well, he has to considering that he's the reason a majority of us haven't died yet."

That was definitely the truth of the matter. Without Eyadei, Lygoren is sure that most of them really would already be dead. Part of him had always wondered how such an incredibly compassionate soul had gotten stuck in such a hellish place but had never been courageous enough to ask the scarred Saiyan. "If there ever was someone who didn't deserve this as a life," he mutters under his breath.

"Oh, I am sure most agree with you," Eris murmurs, "but come on, let's go and enjoy ourselves a bit. At least…at least this way you have a reason to avoid your sire."

That really wasn't that much of a comfort to him but realistically, it was the truth. Sliding an arm around his mate, he tries to tell himself that she was right that there were worst things that could have happened. They could handle this.

It's obvious how much both of them are relieved to be on the steps of a newly erected building. Lygoren stares at it a moment just taking in the fact that at least…at least it meant he was out of his father's space. "I used to believe that mating ceremonies were to be a little less of an ordeal for both involved." Eyadei's voice makes them both turn.

"I did, too," Lygoren agrees, "but then most of what goes on around here will always have the joy of a funeral, I think."

The male manages a sad smile for them both. "You both deserve better than this but considering what the reality is…I figured you would need some help."

Lygoren sees Eris smirk at him and snorts softly before murmuring, "We're grateful, Eyadei, make no mistake. I just…wish we'd been more careful."

The male hands them a bag and lets them turn to the door before he says softly, "It wasn't about being careful, little master, but about not having jealousy shown in such a way."

The brunette stills before looking back at him. "Jealousy?" he asks quietly.

Eyadei gives him a level gaze. "You heard me."

Eris sighs softly. "I should have guessed," she murmurs, "but thank you, Eyadei. Pleasant dreams."

"You two as well," he says quietly.

Once they are inside, Lygoren feels his fingers clench. "Ayala followed us didn't she?"

"I'm pretty sure that's what he meant," Eris agrees before taking the bag and setting it on a small table before sliding her hand over his fist. "Lyo, getting angry isn't going to help anything. We are where we are and there is no getting around it, okay? Let's get this over with and figure out how we're going to make a life together with how we feel about things."

"That's easier said than done," he replies.

"I know that," she answers, "but we both know what the score is. Besides, we know each other better than most ever will."

"Well, I don't want to know you like this," he retorts.

"Well, neither do I…so we're even on that," she points out before smiling softly, "We'll figure it out. We always do."

Lygoren sighs softly. "Can I just repeat how sorry I am that this is happening?"

"I will tell you that it's not necessary. We're going to get through this, Lygoren."

He slowly sinks down onto the couch and looks at her. "How…do we do this? Why would we want to bring a child into this mess?"

"Because it's what is expected of us," Eris replies as she steps in front of him.

"I won't…let him near our child, Eris, I won't."

She reaches down and brushes his hair back. "I know that, Lyo," she tells him, "but you remember what I said to you that day staring at the sky. I meant it."

He stares at her before groaning, "Eris!"

She grins cheekily at him. "You should have known that was coming."

A slight smile forms at her teasing before he reaches out and tugs her onto his lap, her smaller size making her fit with very little shifting on her part. "Promise me…that no matter what happens…We will always be friends."

Her fingers slide into his as she squeezes gently. "I already promised to be your best friend, Lyo," she reminds him, "and that promise still holds. No matter what happens, you and I will always be friends. I love you more than anyone I've ever cared for and we WILL get through this."

It was nearly more than he'd been able to witness watching Erisel and Lygoren become mates because he could see how little they both wanted it. Unfortunately, their wants and needs didn't matter when it came to decisions made. Closing his eyes, Eyadei rubs his face. Sixteen years old and his son was now mated. What a damn mess though he finds himself hopeful that it might help with keeping him away from Gaelrick for a little while at least because he was sure the other didn't need that on top of everything though the thought of watching them welcome a child in the future had his heart sinking. Sixteen years out here and Eyadei felt more than ever the loss of what he could have had those years ago but he tried not to dwell on it. Thinking too hard about the past didn't make the present any easier to bear.

His solitude is interrupted by a very unwanted visitor. "You're displeased I see."

"I have no say in things," he replies quietly as he straightens up his desk and gazes up at the other.

"No, you're right, you don't. However, you should have known that the situation would have brought me here to you."

A feeling of dread settles on Eyadei as he realizes what the other meant before hearing the click of a lock. It had been a long time since he'd last been with Gaelrick and he'd enjoyed the reprieve. Watching him approach has him tensing considerably. "Gaelrick…"

The edges of the others lips curve upwards. "I've missed how you say my name in such fear, Eyadei," he purrs as he closes in.