The Colonel let himself take a breath. It really was good to see his old friend again, he just wished it was over a pint of beer, sitting at the corner table in their favorite bar; just like old times, but it wasn't. In fact, it had been some time since they last spoke. But seeing Mike again, and in uniform, brought back wads of memories they shared.

In their youth, they had been assigned together in the army and had spent many days in the field. There was no such thing as a dull day back then. He had lost track of how many times they had saved the other during those high risk missions; somehow managing to make it to the end of their contract, despite the countless battles they endured.

Although they had parted ways, they never lost touch.

While he himself enjoyed time with family, Mike had decided to join the LAPD to investigate the growing drug cartels in that region, only later to join back with the army to extend his service after a particularly hard case.

It was years later when Mike managed to convince him to come back to the military and help in the army national guard's efforts to maintain security. He agreed that it was the right choice. The life of a mechanic just wasn't made for him.

Though they both had difficult schedules and demanding responsibilities, they managed to keep in contact when time allowed.

"You too," his rough voice brought the Colonel back to the present. "How long has it been now?" Mike leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers together.

Seeing him like this eased the tension in his shoulders. He allowed himself to smile. "About 7 months," as he recalled.

He chuckled, "Time sure flies. So what's going on Bill? I've heard much talk about an incident at a ski lodge. What's the story over there?"

At the mere mention of those particular events, his good mood suddenly vanished like the sun behind dark storm clouds. "Actually, that's why I called this meeting." Never one for beating around the bush, he got right to it. "We had an encounter with a Director Price," he watched as his old friend's demeanor hardened in recognition.

"Price, you say," Mike rested his elbows on his desk. You would never have known he had let his guard down in the first place, his expression now as unreadable as a three-year-old's scribbling.

Seeing the resolve in his old friend's face, the Colonel stiffened, wondering if he would even be able to get the intel he wanted or anything at all for that matter. He nodded once in affirmation. "That's right. What do you know about him and his project?"

A heavy sigh escaped his old friend's parted lips. "Bill, you are treading on very classified information."

He clenched his jaw as his temper spiked ferociously. "Damn the Pentagon and their top secret information! What I just witnessed goes against our national security, something that should be my responsibility, not that of a lab dog!"

"Hold your tongue!" Mike snapped, his piercing dark eyes silencing him effortlessly. Then his gaze shifted ever slightly to the side. "Our line isn't secured," his tone lowered.

The Colonel deflated some in understanding. Even in his anger, Mike was always looking out for him. Reigning in his fiery temper, he lowered his volume. "Mike, I was just at the site of a major explosion. This could be the work of terrorists or a underground group of insurgents. I need to know what's going on here."

Mike took a long, considering breath. "I understand your concern, but just know we have this under control. If you interfere in any way you could jeopardize everything we are trying to achieve."

His gut clenched as he received his blunt answer. And what are you trying to achieve?! he wanted to growl out, but he didn't. This was out of his hands. He could feel his fingernails digging into his palm as he stood his ground stoically, listening to his friend continue.

"You are one of the best officers we have ever had," he relaxed his tone even more. "Do yourself a favor Bill, and take the day off. Visit your grandkids. This isn't something you want any part of. Trust me."

"But extraterrestrials, Mike?" the Colonel groused, shaking his head in disbelief. "Don't tell me you believe in this mumbo jumbo alien crap too."

His lips formed into a firm, grim, line. "I do Bill. More than you could possibly know."

He spoke softer, more distant. It was so unlike him, it took the Colonel back. Had something happened that he was not aware of? He hated all this secrecy and loathed being left in the dark. Had it been the old Mike, he knew without a doubt that he would get the knowledge he craved.

"If we ever need backup," he allowed, quieter, "you will be the first one on my list to call, but until then I would advise that you stay out of it."

Unsatisfied, the Colonel met his gaze. "Sir, yes sir." He ended the call.

It had been a few weeks since the mall incident and thankfully for her sanity, there was not another recurrence. Tomak was keeping his word.

Since then, Rae had taken Naomi up on her offer to work at the cafe, at least on a part-time arrangement, leaving her options open if something better came her way. The pay wasn't completely awful; another added benefit of being near the coast.

On a different side note, Tomak's English had improved immensely, which was pretty impressive for someone that had no lips. And to add to that, Chase, to Rae's elation, had finally adapted to the hunter so much so that he had begun to be his playful self around him. Just the other day, he had actually tried to jumpscare Tomak. It was an adorable moment that she had wished she had caught on camera and thankfully for Chase's sake, Tomak found it highly amusing.

So overall, things seemed to be on the upside.

The peace and calm however, did not last, at least not like she imagined it would. That quality sizzled out one day when both sides in their complete and utter boredom came to the realization that they shared a commonality: a competitive streak. This new discovery had started up a whole new series of events between them. And Tomak seemed to be enjoying it a little too much.

He glared, willing her to take a stand against his mighty force. Much to his delight, Rae wasn't a pushover.

"Move," she held her ground, meeting his gaze unwaveringly.

He growled, his muscles twitching in eager anticipation.

Her eyebrows rose as she looked at him with an exasperated expression, "It's your turn!"

He blinked, looking down at the board laid out between them. So it was. His eyes ran over his pieces, carefully deciding on his favorite one. With careful precision, he plucked his black grazer off its square and swatted one of her smaller pieces off the board.

Rae watched the white pawn fling off the table and roll unceremoniously underneath the couch. She frowned. "I don't suppose you'll be getting that?"

The mighty yautja crossed his large arms over his meaty chest in an arrogant and all too pleased look.

She shook her head with a sigh before looking at her remaining pieces, her dark brown eyes locking on a target. It appeared to be an easy decision for her as she quickly slid her rook down the tiles, taking the very knight he had flaunted her with. His surprised growl brought a smile to her lips. "Check." She watched in amusement as his mandibles flared, realization now dawning in his bright golden eyes as he noticed the predicament his precious piece was in.

She had him cornered. Again.

Tomak analyzed all the different moves he could make before finally deciding on his king. Rae cleared her throat, grabbing his attention as his claws hovered over the piece.

"I wouldn't do that," she could see a few different ways she could overtake him if he moved from that spot.

He huffed before moving towards his castle next.

"Not the rook."

Growling now, flicking his eyes toward her when his claws grabbed the queen.

It was as if he was daring her to speak up. Rae couldn't help it though, she made a small grimace. "I definitely wouldn't move that one, Big Guy."

Tomak's fist clenched as he growled at her. All of these pieces couldn't possibly be untouchable! Perhaps she was playing a mind game and trying to trick him into going into her trap. If she was, he wasn't going to fall for it. Rumbling softly in confidence he moved his queen and took her puny castle off the board with a flick of his wrist.

Rae exhaled in frustration as that too went under the furniture.

Tomak chortled at her annoyed expression, now keening with his victory. He was determined not to let her win this time.

Returning her attention back to the game she shook her head with a soft sigh as she saw her new opening. She almost felt bad when she ran her bishop diagonally toward his king.

Almost.

His reaction was just too good though. As soon as she tipped his black piece onto its side Tomak's posture went rigid, staring at his fallen king. Deciding not to rub it in his face, Rae smiled softly, "Good game." It had been a fun match and he did much better this time round.

As if her words ignited a flame, Tomak stood with a snarl, purposefully knocking the board off the table and sending all the black and white pieces all over the place.

Rae sat still, enduring his temper as he pointed a large accusing finger at her.

"Maybe for you," he hissed.

Ignoring him, Rae leaned down and picked up the folded board and placed it back on the table, "You're still learning Tomak, but I know you'll get better. It just takes practice." To be completely honest, Rae was very seasoned at this game, not so much in the early stages when she played with her father, but she was quick to learn from her mistakes and in time she mercilessly put him down game after game. Sometimes, she wondered if he let her win due to her condition at that time, but now she understood that he was helping her develop that sense of strategy and the rewards that came with being patient. They were good lessons, even now.

After a moment, he tilted his head, seeming to contemplate her statement, then he surprised her by sitting back down. "Again," he commanded deeply.

Rae was bent over gathering some of the run-away pieces, when she looked at him crossly, "Then get the ones under the couch."

They did end up playing again, and again and again and again, each one ending the same. At the sixth game, Rae trotted her knight making the final blow.

As soon as she did, Tomak roared, knocking the chair to the ground as he stood, his whole bulk practically shaking as he looked down at the board.

"Don't flip it again!" Rae held her hands up defensively.

That made Tomak pause. He slowly looked at her, then snorted, moving to sit in the living room. "This is pointless," he growled as he went.

Rae wanted to laugh, as that was almost exactly her response to her father when they played those first few games, but knew that doing so would likely not make him any calmer. She folded up the tiled board and placed it back in its box, "It's strategy," she reasoned. "You have to think a couple steps ahead of your opponent. You of all people should know that."

Tomak crossed his arms, turning his face away from her.

"Would you have preferred if I let you win?" Rae questioned, enjoying his disgusted growl. She smiled in triumph as he turned to face her, "Then don't be such a sore loser."

His mandibles flexed in irritation, "I never lose."

His blunt and cocky response made her smirk, but as she thought about it, he was probably being honest. Looking at his size and knowing full well how quick and ruthless he could be, it was probably rare that he did lose at something, at least on a physical level that is. In fact, up until recently, neither had she. "Does that make me a rival?" she curiously asked, trying to read his quieted demeanor.

His eyes brightened as a throaty trill echoed in the air between them. "Equal."

That made her grin, an eyebrow raising in suspicion. "Are you saying we weren't equals before?" she challenged.

Tomak's muscles coiled as he recognized the mischief in her brown liquid eyes.

"Just admit it," she kept going, seeing his eyes flash in playful warning. She let the suspense hold just a bit longer, before letting the cat out of the bag. "I'm the best friend you've never had."

He barked a laugh, his mountainous shoulders shaking in his mirth.

"Don't deny it!" she grinned, watching as he hunched forward, resting his elbows on the tops of his knees.

Meeting her gaze deviously, his mandibles pulled into his rare signature smirk. "A tolerable pest would be more accurate."

She gawked in surprise. The slight burn of his reply only aided as fuel for her retort. "Coming from the loser," she flung right back at him. The roots of his dreads crowned in response, which she had learned meant he was annoyed.

Smugly she sat in the plush chair across from him. "So what do I get as the victor?" she rubbed it in further, eyeing him briefly before closing her eyes to stretch upward. Doing so she was pleased to feel a satisfying click in her back.

His irritated grunt sounded, making her giggle. As she returned to her normal seated position, curling her legs up comfortably, she watched him lean back and fold his impressive arms across his chest. His strange, yet almost alluring yautja smile returned.

"To live another day."

She scoffed, "Ha-ha. Very funny."

His biceps coiled tighter, before snatching up the gauntlet he had left on the couch from earlier. "If it were a real challenge," he rumbled, turning the metal object in his large hands, "there would be no competition."

She snorted, disbelieving. "Beating you six times in chess isn't a challenge?" she teased.

He glared at her, only making her smile widen.

"Okay, big guy," she conceded. "Then when you find a worthy enough challenge, I will gladly meet you head on." Her confidence held strong with her bold claim, but as he chuckled, a sound that oddly made a nervous flutter in her belly, and an all too eager glimmer shined in his predatory eyes, she was suddenly well aware of a slither of uncertainty begin to take root in her heart. In these past few weeks, she was noticing this more and more in herself.

It annoyed her that there were aspects of him that made her bold assertiveness just crumble. If it was any other man she would have had no issues, but she blamed it on his being not human and in addition, he was just so overly male and naturally dominant. Why did she like that?

She bit down hard on her lower lip, ripping her thoughts away from the direction they were straying, she narrowed her thoughts on his gauntlet. She swore he had opened that thing up over a dozen times now. Hasn't that been fixed already? "I thought you fixed it," she voiced her presumption.

He shook his head. "Fixed blades, not communication," he corrected, carefully adjusting a fine wire that was barely thicker than a piece of twine.

This was news to her. "So if you can get it working again, you can contact your people?"

"Yes."

With a gentleness she honestly couldn't believe he had, she watched him work.

It astounded her that there were so many wires crammed in such a compact space. Then again, if it supposedly could communicate with someone intergalactically, she supposed it would be silly if it didn't. Then again, it could do more than just communicate, as she knew. A disturbing new thought came to her and she sat up suddenly in her seat, her action capturing Tomak's attention. "That one doesn't blow up, right?"

Tomak was ever silent at first, only adding to her unease, but slowly a trickling chuckle made its way to her ears.

"Would you like it to?" Again there was a gleam in his eyes that meant both nothing and everything.

Her own gaze dropped, hiding from it. Where was her confidence?!

"Afraid?" he taunted further, pricking her pride.

She bristled some meeting his gaze almost challengingly. "Of you? No." Of myself, was on the tip of her tongue. Her eyes drifted back to her lap where she was playing with her fingers. She thought about how much that had changed since her youth. As hopeless as it was, maybe it would have been better than this.

A pleased rhythmic sound from Tomak was her reward, before he surprised her. "You are safe, Rae. No bomb."

Her head snapped back up. His warm eyes were waiting and expecting her dark ones. His words although comforting, mixed and interlaced with the words of someone she missed most dearly. You are safe, Rae.

She blinked, trying to shove it away, but the memory only grew stronger. Why did it work like that? Why is it that when you try to not think of something, that's exactly what you get?

It was like she was back to being a seven-year old again, looking out from under the pink covers of her bed. "Daddy," she could hear herself call out for him in the darkness of her room. So scared, so afraid. "Daddy!"

The sound of hurrying footsteps was a soothing balm for her pattering heart.

Then he quickly appeared, opening her door and turning on the lights, "I'm here princess," he assured, striding over to her bedside. Kneeling down beside her, he pulled away the bed sheet covering her head and stroked his fingers through her hair. "You are safe, Rae. You're safe."

With him so close, she relaxed, sinking deeper into her pillow. "I-I had a nightmare," she explained, feeling her tears return.

He seemed to huddle closer in protection. "What about?" he spoke softly, kissing her head.

She was quiet, scared of admitting it, but she told him. "You traded me for another girl."

He frowned, shaking his head. "Now why would I do that?" he tried to calm her, but her next response appeared to break his attempt.

"I'm defective."

He stiffened before pulling away. He turned her face, demanding that she look at him. "Where did you hear that word?"

"On tv," she admitted, "you can trade in your defective phone for a new one." The advertisement was repeated so often, she practically memorized it.

His gaze hardened, "Don't you ever say such words. I would never trade you. I love you," he kissed her forehead, wiping her tear-stained cheeks. "And you are not defective-"

"Other girls can walk," she interceded, her big eyes getting bigger as she waited for his response to that.

He shook his head, "You are sick. You will walk again, I promise. Remember daddy's promise?"

"You promised to fix me?" her tone was hopeful.

"That's right, princess. I'm going to fix all of this, I promise. It will be like nothing happened."

"Pinkie-swear," she held up her tiny little finger out to him.

He smiled, wrapping his larger pinkie around her much smaller one, "Do you trust me?"

"Yeah," she yawned, her eyes beginning to droop.

"Everything is going to be alright, Rae."

"Rae."

Tomak's voice pulled her back. "What?" she looked up at him.

He didn't repeat himself, only deciding to stare, studying her.

Rae leaned forward, resting her face in her hand as she leaned her elbow against the plush armrest. "I'm sorry," she massaged the bridge of her nose. "You just said something that reminded me of someone."

He clicked thoughtfully. "Who?'

"My dad," she admitted, her eyes drifting to the bedroom. "It hurts to think about him so I try not to." Why was she telling him this?

Sitting taller, Tomak reflected on her response. Based on her distant behavior he deduced that her sire was no longer alive. He could understand her pain, having had much experience in loss. But he never allowed that pain to weaken him, not like it was her.

"If you had the chance to rewatch memories of someone you missed, would you?"

Her question was unusual. A yautja typically did not focus on the past, but if they were known for their honor and skill on the hunt, many hunters would take the time to study their techniques and remember their fallen brother or sister. That however, was not what she was asking.

Unable to resist the urge, his eyes trailed down to his right arm. There, inscribed in a subtle black ink was a symbol that was known only between those of his bloodline. It was hardly noticeable with his dark mottling, but on closer inspection one would see it's unusual design. When he had successfully passed his chiva, he had it tattooed down from his shoulder to his elbow. Every successful hunt he would trace its mark in remembrance of her. And had her recordings not been destroyed along with their home, he had no doubt he would watch them everyday just to remember the expressions she made when she was focused, or to hear the pleased trill she would make when she was proud of something.

"It would show them great honor," he replied simply, forcing his attention back to his former task.

Rae subtly nodded, lost in her own contemplation.

A conviction she had long lost was beginning to reignite. It had only taken one video clip of her father to make her cry and plummet her into a depression of loneliness and self-pity. She feared what was on the dozens of other flash drives stored under her bed. Of course, the last time she watched just that one, it had to have been at least four years ago, not long after she had escaped Price's lab.

She knew she couldn't hide them away forever, if anything she was at the point that she needed answers. For all she knew, they could very well be on those files.

What a coward I've been, she suddenly thought, growing frustrated with herself. Tomorrow, she decided. She would look at them tomorrow, not right now. She needed to prepare herself beforehand.

Turning in her seat she realized how silent it had become. In fact, it was becoming intolerable. She needed to distract herself with something else for the time being. An ever small smile quirked her lips as her gaze settled on the large yautja. "Care to play another round of chess?"

The movement of his head incrementally lifting, was so slow and careful, had she not been staring at him it would have been hardly noticeable. When his bright eyes did connect with hers though, the aggravated message he was sending her was explicit. It was almost as if his eyes alone were warning her.

His reaction got her to giggle. Deciding not to push her luck further, she relented. "Okay, fine," her mouth dared to grin just a tad wider. She was coming to find that he was remarkably fun to tease, her mood already lifting tremendously in his presence. She never normally liked to annoy people, especially when she tried so hard to be liked, but oddly enough she acted very differently around the yautja, especially when he was being surly. Knowing without fear that he would not harm her only aided her endeavors.

"So are you well liked among your friends, or are they going to be disappointed when you return?"

He snorted. And to her delight he didn't answer, letting her mind flow freely with her own ideas of what Tomak was like under that tough exterior. A trouble-maker was her first thought, probably got away with a lot too, and she could only imagine what his cohorts were like.

Then she was struck with a sudden inquiry.

"So when you leave," she didn't dare say 'if' knowing full well how easily his mood could fluctuate. Choosing her words wisely, she continued, "if any of your buddies see me will they try to kill me?"

His attention still on his gauntlet, he answered plainly, "No."

She wasn't done. "Okay, but what if someone like you crash lands here and discovers me when you're gone, what then?"

He chuffed as if her question were utterly stupid.

She admitted that the likelihood of that happening was slim to none, but she wanted some sort of reassurance.

Finally realizing that he wasn't going to get any work done, he rested his project to the side with a gruff sigh. Looking her straight in the eyes then, he spoke. "No one can hunt you."

Rae's brows pulled into a frown, misunderstanding. She shook her head, "And why is that?"

"Honored now."

Honored? Why, because she saved his life? She shook her head again, still not understanding, "But how will they know that?" She gestured with her hand as if his 'friends' were right outside.

Tomak sat taller and looked at her with a sense of responsibility. "Will mark you before I leave."

Mark. Now she was the one to sit up straighter, "Mark me?" Like someone would mark cattle?! He then lifted his hand and she followed the movement until he was pointing to a scar that was on his forehead. It was shaped like a half sun, but directly above it were three lines forming a triangle-like shape. The harder she stared at it the more it started looking like the flux capacitor from Back to the Future.

"Did it hurt?" she suddenly asked. The head was a sensitive area that would bleed profusely as she well knew. But although he was a champ at dealing well with pain, she was honest to goodness concerned for him.

Then he did something she had to laugh at. He shrugged his massive shoulders. Was that supposed to mean 'a little,' 'eh,' 'I didn't notice at the time?' She grinned, to which he seemed to respond to with a slow crowning of his dreads, his mandibles fluttering, likely trying to figure out why she was so darn happy about it. "Well you might be a tough guy, but I don't like pain. So if you plan on giving me a scar on my forehead, you'll have to catch me first."

Something dangerous flickered in his golden eyes and it made her chest tighten nervously. He then stood, his muscled form coming closer to her seated position until he leaned down, both of his hands grabbing either armrest, effectively trapping her in her seat with his arms.

Rae held her breath, resolved to remain still, as he leaned over her with such a potent and demanding presence.

Noticing her apprehension, he rumbled with promise, "I look forward to it." When he stepped back and finally left the room, Rae visibly deflated with a relieved sigh as she sank deeper and deeper into her chair. That encounter zapped all of her energy. What on earth had she gotten herself into? Then a new thought came to her.

"Does it have to be on the forehead?!" she called after him. How would she explain that one to those who asked? It's not like she could say she fell.

Maybe if he did end up making contact with his people she could convince him to mark her somewhere else. Or, on second thought, perhaps she could out run him, but it was his all too eager reply that made her feel uneasy about that. He was expecting her to resist. He wanted it even.

Damn alien hunter. It was in his blood to give pursuit and hunt, just like it was in Chase's whenever he caught mice for her. She was gonna end up being the wind-up toy for Tomak's entertainment! A shiver ran down the length of her spine at the terrifying thought.

She really couldn't catch a break, could she?

Author's Note

Okay, so not as long as the last few, but I'm aiming for quality rather than quantity so hopefully I hit my mark. Let me know ;)

I'm aware that a lot of readers are wanting more from Rae and how she's the way she is. I'm going to be honest in saying this: her backstory it is something that will carry throughout this book, but hopefully this and next chapter will somewhat itch that scratch for you, (or maybe it will make it worse LOL). I want to do her character right though, so apologies if updating is slow. I'm confident though that by the end you're gonna love it... or list it! XD (I am so sorry. Don't know where my brain is at).