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Divide	By : kheavSarah Category: M through R > Predator Views: 12290 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Don't own Predators or Aliens and I DEFINITELY don't make any money from this!!!!

Chapter List
- 23
- 24
- 25
A/N: Thanks everyone for the wonderful reviews!!! And I hope you enjoy this chapter and the ones to come =)
==
Time went by fast during training and by the time Cross glanced at her watch it was already seven pm. After dismissing the rookies, the Captain made her way toward her apartment with the twins close behind. And though she wore a calm expression, on the inside she felt her gut twisting at the thought of her son’s lashing. If only she can find a way to get him out of it, but the only way to do that was by approaching her grandfather.
Unfortunately the thought of being alone with her grandfather terrified her. Just looking into those cold gray eyes of his had her palms sweating and fear twisting in her stomach. But in order to find a way to spare her son of his punishment, she knew she was going to have to face her grandfather. Being a coward and hiding behind the shadows won’t solve anything. Lar’ja had mentioned Guan was Nihkou’te’s right hand man…perhaps she should talk with him first…
“Cross,” there was a hint of warning in Lar’ja’s voice.
Taking her eyes off the floor, the Captain looked up and scowled. Well, speak of the devil; her grandfather was standing in front of her apartment with Guan beside him. The twins were already stepping in front of her protectively.
The Elder wasn’t intimidated by her guards; in fact, it only seemed to annoy him. “Come now, Honored Warriors, I have not come here to harm my blood,” Nihkou’te sneered.
The twins didn’t bulge a muscle.
“Akira, your grandfather wishes a private audience with you,” Guan addressed her.
Her father had mentioned Nihkou’te wanting to ask her something. Before Cross can open her mouth, Lar’ja answered for her. “With all due respect, I’m afraid we can’t allow that.” Then he turned his green eyes towards the Elder and bowed his head. “If you wish to speak with the female then my brother and I must be presence, Elder Nihkou’te.”
Nihkou’te maimed mandibles curled his displeasure. “You’re ignoring the request of an Elder?” he challenged angrily.
“No disrespect, Elder,” Halkrath didn’t bothered to hide the mockery in his voice, “we were ordered by Elder Bakuub never to leave the female’s side.”
Nihkou’te’s fists clenched at his sides. He should’ve known his father would order such a thing. Well, no matter, it won’t stop his plan for his bloodline. “Very well,” Nihkou’te snarled.
Lar’ja explained the situation to Cross. Shaking off the cold feeling running down her back, the Captain nodded her consent. “I’ll arrange for us to use a Conference room for privacy.”

==

“You seemed trouble, Edwin.”
Lifting his head from his paper work, the General nodded at Elder Bakuub entering his office. “I’m perfectly fine.”
“And how is your daughter after her first taste of C’nlip?”
He grunted. “I heard she was up and training this morning, so no hangover from what I can tell.”
The Elder chuckled.
“I finally told my daughter of my mother.”
Bakuub’s startled gaze met Edwin’s. “And what was her reaction?”
Edwin shook his head and pushed aside his paper work with a curse. “She said it doesn’t change her opinion of me…”
Chirping curiously, the Elder tilted his head to the side. “You should be joyous of this, Edwin, not sitting there sulking like a pup.”
“I know,” he muttered and scrapped back his chair. “But I can’t get rid of this dreadful feeling.”
Bakuub watched worriedly as Edwin stood from his chair and began pacing back and forth. “Does this involve your Sire?”
“He wants to take Akira back with him to the Clan Ship,” he explained painfully as he ran a frustrated hand through his thick black and gray hair. “I already told him of my opinion, but what if she decides to go?”
“Than her mate and guards will go with her,” he simply said. “I’m sure Nihkou’te won’t harm your pup.”
At his words, Edwin’s eye darkened in anger. Despite everything, Bakuub still believe there were some good left in his son, the General thought he was wasting his time. Sighing, he sat back in his chair and frowned at Bakuub. “I highly doubt that, Elder,” he growled. “I want to get this damn treaty signed and over with. I never trusted my father when I was a child and I’m not about to start now.”
Suddenly Elder Bakuub towered over him, his ancient face set in stern lines. “Are you sure, Edwin, you told your pup everything?”

==

“Whatever happens tonight, whatever Nihkou’te offers you, I want you to say no.”
The warning of her father’s words echoed in her head as she led the small group into the private Conference room. When the doors closed behind her it felt as though she was being caged in with a crazed animal. And that animal happened to be her grandfather who was now seated at the head of the long polished wood table. Standing behind him was his right hand man, Guan.
When the Captain would have seated herself at the end of the table, a low growl from Nihkou’te hesitate her action. Looking up, she sees her grandfather glaring at her with his maimed crab-like tusks curled in displeasure. Behind her she can hear the low hissing from her guards. Swallowing down her nervousness, she then realized Nihkou’te wanted her to sit beside him.
“Come now, Akira, your grandsire means you no harm,” Guan assured her smoothly.
Giving a jerked nod, Cross made her way towards the Elder and took a seat next to him. Even with him sitting down she had to crank her neck up to meet his eyes. Despite the rules of not meeting her grandfather’s eyes, Cross held his gaze even when he lifted a clawed hand towards her. When his thumb brushed over the softness of her cheek, she felt a cold chill spread in her. The Captain was careful not to move when those deadly talons brushed over her brows and the bridge of her nose.
From the slit of her eyes she watched those mutilated tusks move, his throat emitted low growls and clicks and she knew he was speaking to her. But it was Guan who spoke the words flawlessly. “I’ve forgotten how soft and delicate the ooman’s skin was,” he whispered quietly. “How easily they break and bleed.”
She stiffened.
Her guards edged closer.
“And those eyes of yours…so much like my Sire’s,” Guan continued to translate in a low raspy growl. “It’s probably the only thing you inherited from the Yautja in appearance.”
His black talons brushed over her eyes, and for a second, Cross imagined those talons plunging into her eyes. Forcing her heart to slow Cross reminded herself to show no fear. Swallowing down the urged to slap her grandfather’s hand away, she made herself remained still and emotionless. But it didn’t stop her from feeling sick to her stomach every time his fingers caressed her skin. Every place he touched left her feeling disgusted and dirty. All she can think of was getting this meeting over with so she can have a long hot, and she meant hot, shower.
“What is it you wish to speak to me of?” she asked through clenched teeth.
She gave an inaudibly sigh of relief when he removed his hand from her. “How clumsy of me to forget,” Guan translated.
Unfortunately her relief was short lived when her grandfather’s sharp gray eyes searched the Conference room. Growling, he snapped his eyes at her.
“Where is your so-called mate?” Guan asked in a concern mocked tone.
She frowned at him. “I asked him to stay with Connor.”
Guan translated to his Elder.
Nihkou’te grunted, his cold eyes lowering to the collar of her button up shirt.
Cross was already leaning far back into her chair. She definitely didn’t want to repeat the incident of having her shirt ripped opened again. Suddenly, before Cross could react, Nihkou’te thrust his face against her neck and inhaled. Eyes wide, the Captain was already reaching for the Bersa attached to her hip. Her guards were moving forward to pull the Elder away, but Guan was blocking their path. But as fast as it happened, Nihkou’te pulled away and spoke rapidly towards Guan. The Captain kept her hand on her secured weapon.
“My Elder says you carry the Honored Warrior’s scent, but not his mark,” Guan translated, though he kept his eyes on the larger Yautja males.
Cross’s eyes darkened in angered. “What I do with my mate is none of your damn business,” she hissed. She was suddenly thankful to have Betanu claimed her. Whatever her grandfather had in mind involved her having a mate…did Nihkou’te intend to mate her with someone else?
Not a chance in hell was that going to happen.
Nihkou’te grunted and spoke to Guan.
“We will discuss it another time,” Guan said bitterly. “Elder Nihkou’te wishes to discuss with you your adopted pup, Connor.”
At the sound of her son’s name, the anger melted from her eyes. “What about my son?”
“Do you wish for your pup to remain unmarked?”
Her eyes widened in hope but one quick look at her grandfather made her queasy. Everything has it prices, her son was no different. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out Nihkou’te wanted something for the price of freeing her son. What that price was, she didn’t know. All she knew was that she had to stay alert.
Arms crossed over her breasts, she asked. “And what do you want in return?”
A low growl rumbled deep in Guan’s throat. “Once this month is up and the treaty is signed, Elder Nihkou’te wants you to return with us to the Clan Ship.”
The blood drained from her face, “For how long?” she asked nervously.
Nihkou’te said something to Guan who nodded. “The Elder will let you know once you made your decision.”
An icy jolt tore through her. Going through a hive of Xenomorph was one thing, but being stuck in space with a bunch of high testosterones, competitive Yautja warriors was another.
"My Elder wishes to offer you a trade," Guan said sly, "if you want your...pup to remain unharmed you must consent to his demand."

Cross frowned and closed her ears to the nagging voice in the back of her head. Her father had warned her Nihkou'te wanted to request something from her, but this was more than just a request! The thought of ending Connor's punishment was all what matter to her. It wouldn’t be so bad to go on the Clan Ship, would it?
She was startled out of thought when a heavy hand landed on her shoulder. "Cross, you must speak to your Sire first before any deals are made," Lar'ja warned, his hand on her shoulder tightened at her stubborn expression. "Don't be foolish!"

Her glowing purple eyes flashed in anger. "Wouldn't you do the same for your child?”

A startled look flickered in his green eyes. "When he was a pup, yes, but Connor is what you ooman's called a teenager, he knew what he was doing when he struck the Elder. He must take responsibility for his action, you can't keep covering for him else he will never learn."

Cross understood his words, she truly did! But she was conflicted with her motherly urges to protect her child! And yet the disciplinary military in her knew he must go through with his punishment, as she had done with hers.

An impatient bark snapped her out of thought. She glared her frustration at her grandfather. "I can't decide now," she growled.

Both Halkrath and Lar'ja hissed a curse.

A displeasure look flashed over his scowling gray eyes before he nodded and clicked at Guan. "My Elder has granted you an hour to make up your mind before your pup's punishment begins."

Cross gave a stiffed bow as the Elder stood up from his chair. A hand brushed over the top of her head before it was quickly gone. Hearing the doors closed, the Captain lifted her head up and sighed.

"You should've declined his offer," Lar'ja scolded impatiently.

Halkrath grumbled his agreement.

The hands on her lap curled into tight fists, "I know..." she whispered and lowered her head in shame and disappointment.

Lar'ja opened his mouth and quickly clamped shut. He’d been preparing himself for an argument with the female. But to have her agreed with him so easily rendered him speechless!

Even his brother shot him a bewildered look.

Crouching down in front of her, Lar'ja casually brushed back the hair curtaining her face. "Would you like me to deliver the message to Elder Nihkou'te?"

Looking up, her lips parted briefly before closing. "I don't know," she muttered numbly.

Lar'ja flinched at the guilt and shame in those eyes of hers. Oomans, he thought tiredly, always so full of emotions.

Cursing, Cross buried her face in her hands and groans her frustration.

Awkwardly, Halkrath reached down and patted her gently on the back. Back on the Clan Ship the Yautja females weren't ones to show emotion and Halkrath never had to bother with one. He suddenly wished himself miles away then to deal with this. Never before had he felt so...helpless!

"I'm fine, guys," she lifted her head up and grinned sheepishly at them. "No worries, I'll deliver the message myself."

"We will accompany you," Lar'ja stood up with his arms crossed over his wide chest.

Halkrath nodded beside him.
She arched a brow at his stubborn face. Obviously her guards were coming whether she wished it or not.

Elder Bakuub really knew what he was doing when he assigned her the twins.

==

That bitch, how dare she! Who the hell does she think she is to hold her back another year!?
Never before had Sonia felt such a rage towards someone. And the nerve of the Captain to talked low of her father. Cursing, the rookie slammed her fist into her locker and immediately pulled back with a cry of pain.
“Ouch, that looked like it hurt.” An amused male voice chuckled.
Gasping, she whirled around and frowned at another rookie leaning lazily against one of the lockers.
“Oh, it’s you, Kyle,” she sneered. “Weren’t you the one who called the Captain a heartless bitch and got a broken jaw because of it?”
At the faint memory a dull flush spread across the boy’s face. They had only been training with the Captain for three months when Kyle lost his temper with the stone cold bitch. She had been pushing the rookies to their limits until finally he snapped and insulted her. The Captain, of course, swung a hard fist into his jaw and broke it. Kyle will never forget the humiliating day where he was carried off by medics as she stared at him with those stony eyes of hers. After the whole incident his parents had been the one who’d transfer him into another training unit. But Kyle had vowed that day he would find a way to get back at the Captain…and here was his chance. Rookie Sonia was going to be a big part of his plan.
“I admit I let my anger get the best of me,” he grinned boyishly at her. “But you have to agree the Captain was a hot tempered bitch when we first trained under her.”
Sonia scoffed but kept an eye on him. She didn’t like the sly greasy smiles he kept flashing her. Even during their short time of training together she had always sensed something dangerous about him. He can hide it behind those smiles of his, but Sonia knew better.
“What the hell do you want?” she bit out impatiently.
“I’ve been watching your exchange with the Captain and found myself interested.”
She stiffened; she hadn’t realized anyone was watching her and the Captain.
“Oh, c’mon, don’t look at me like that, I couldn’t help myself,” he smirked at her scowling face.
Brushing off the cold feeling crawling down her back, she took a step towards him. “And why are you interested in what the Captain and I discussed?”
“Because I know you don’t want to be held back another year, do you?”
No dammit, she didn’t. She’s worked too hard to be held back, she wanted to prove to everyone she can be the best. And she wasn’t about to let the Captain ruin it for her!
Crossing her arms under her breasts, she asked. “What do you have in mind?”
A slick smile creased his lips. “Follow me and I’ll show you.”

==

With each step, Cross felt herself sinking lower and lower into the ground. Shaking off the dreadful feeling, the Captain looks over to her guards and then continued on her way down the corridors. They were turning the corner when they finally spotted the Elder and Guan. Only a growl from Halkrath halted the two. She flinched at the cold look in Nihkou’te eyes when he turned around to stare at her.
But it was Guan who approached her. “I take it you’ve already made your decision?”
Cross gave a firm nod. “It looked like I didn’t need that hour.”
Just staring into those glowing eyes of hers Guan knew her answer. “Perhaps you do,” he implored her and threw a nervous glance at his Elder. “There’s no need to rush-“
“I’m afraid I must decline your offer, Elder,” Cross addressed her grandfather. “Connor must take responsibility for his action and I can’t interfere in it. Forgive me for misleading you.”
She bowed her head low to show her respect when suddenly a loud disgruntled roar had her snapping straight up. Halkrath and Lar’ja were already in front of her, but from between them she can see an angry Nihkou’te heading her way. And for the first time Cross can see her death by the hand of her own grandfather. But that fear was quickly pushed aside when Nihkou’te stopped in his track and hissed something at her guards.
“You will move aside and let me speak to my bloodline,” Nihkou’te growled threateningly.
Halkrath hissed at his lies. “You wish to harm her for rejecting your offer.”
The Elder’s maimed tusks lifted into a mocking grinned. “I would never harm a hair on her head. Move aside, now.”
Lies, upon lies, Halkrath was starting to not like this Elder Nihkou’te. There was just something about the aura surrounding the Hybrid that didn’t sit well with him. The Honored Warrior especially didn’t like it when the Elder had his greedy hands touching the female’s face. He came close to ripping off Nihkou’te’s arm if it hadn’t been for his brother.
Reaching up, he casually removed his mask and hooked it to his waist belt, before returning his attention to the Elder. “Your words hold no honor,” he spat in disgust.
Lar’ja was quick to grab Cross and pulled her to safety when the Elder suddenly tackled his brother to the ground. The Captain watched with wide and shocked eyes as the two Yautja pounded each other’s faces with their own fist! She cringed at the sound of hard fists slamming into flesh. Nihkou’te had the advantage of being on top of his opponent. The Elder had his fingers wrapped around Halkrath’s throat while he used his free hand to inflict damages on her guard’s unprotected face. Already Halkrath’s face was covered in neon green blood.
“That’s enough!” she shouted over their roars. “Stop it!”
Without thinking she made a move to stop the two when suddenly she was yanked back by Lar’ja. “Do something!” she snapped at him. “Pull them away from each other!”
“I can’t do that,” he growled, though his words were directed at her, Lar’ja kept his eyes on the fight. “My brother challenged the Elder; he must fight or submit to him.”
Cursing, she turned her eyes back to the fight and grimaced. From behind them, the only one not paying attention to the fight was Guan, who kept his eyes on the female’s back.
At every hit the Elder landed on him, Halkrath’s head reared back in pain. Despite his Hybrid blood the Elder’s powerful hits were just as hard as a Yautja’s. Growling, the Honored Warrior was finally able to knock the Elder off him. Rolling to his feet, Halkrath flared his bloody tusks and roar.
Eyes mocking, the Elder easily stood on his feet and spread his arms out in invitation. “You’re not fitted to be called Honored Warrior.”
Growling his rage, Halkrath rushed toward the Elder and knocked him into the wall behind him. Under their heavy pressure the wall cracked. Without giving the Elder a chance to recover from the blow, the Honored Warrior grabbed the Elder by his chest plate and slammed him harder into the broken wall before plowing his fist into the older male’s stomach. When he would have planted another hit into the Elder’s stomach he was ruthlessly yanked back and knocked into the ground. Shaking his head clear, Halkrath looked up and hissed at the sight of the Arbitrator standing over him with his wrist blade extended towards his throat.
“You will not move unless I say so,” Vor’mekta warned before removing his blade.
Hissing a curse, Halkrath slumped back on the ground. Guan was already rushing to help his Elder.
Taking his eyes off the warrior, Vor’mekta wasn’t surprised when he spotted the female. "Why am' I not surprise you're behind this." he snarled.
Cross stiffened, she had the oddest feeling he was speaking to her and blaming her. Before she can opened her mouth, the hand holding her shoulder squeezed gently. Frowning she shot an irritated glare at her guard.
"It's not the female's fault, Arbitrator," Lar'ja interjected.
He scoffed. "Then enlighten me, what did happen?"
While Lar'ja was explaining the situation, the Captain rushed over to Halkrath and knelt beside him. He had one arm thrown over his face, his chest moving in deep breaths; it almost felt as though he was trying to block the sight of her from his view, she thought.
Undaunted, she asked, "You okay?" her worried eyes looking him over for any other damages beside his face.
He peeked at her from under his arm. "I'm fine," he winced at the movement of his bleeding tusks.
"Don't speak," she advised him and turned her eyes away to hide her guilt. Hell, it probably was her fault he was hurt.
She didn't fool him one bit, Halkrath had seen the look of pain and guilt in those glowing purple eyes of hers. With his free hand he reached over and gripped her soft ooman chin. He was surprised she didn't resist him when he turned her to look at him. With her eyes staring down at him he removed his hand and waved a finger in front of her.
"None of this," he grumbled uncomfortably. "No pain...sees?" he removed his arm from his face and lifted his broken tusks into a pain-filled smile.
Cross couldn't help but laughed at the ridiculous look on his face. His tusks were covered in neon green blood and his golden eyes were filled with obvious pain and discomfort. She was surprised the two gold ring pierced to his lower tusks weren’t broken off during his fight.
Halkrath growled his annoyance, but he couldn't help but edge closer and listened to her feminine laughter. The pain to his broken tusks was suddenly gone and replaced by this odd comforting warmth.
She grinned down at him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you."
Without thinking, Halkrath reached up and brushed back a lock of hair from her face. “Liar,” he teased.
At his playful tone Cross’s felt her eyes widening. It was a rare thing to hear Hulk speak English; even if it was broken she clearly understood them. And to have him teased her made her speechless.
“This is quite a cozy scene,” a bitter voice growled above them.
Looking up at over her shoulder, Cross breath hitched at the sight of Betanu standing there. Even with his mask on she knew he was glaring at her with accusation. This is great, just what she needed a jealous Yautja male. Clearing her throat roughly, Cross stood up and casually brushed off the dust from her backside. Doing her damnest to ignore the anger radiating off his eight foot body.
“Is something wrong, Betanu?” she asked in a light tone. “Is Connor okay?”
Forcing his eyes off a smug Halkrath, Betanu turned his hard eyes toward his female. “He’s fine,” he hissed.
She stiffened at his hardened tone.
“What happened here?”
Her body relaxed at his change of topic. “The Elder and Hulk got into a fight,” she answered, glancing nervously at Nihkou’te and Guan who was staring at her from where they were standing. “The Arbitrator came in and stopped it.”
Probably explained why Halkrath’s face was covered in blood, much to Betanu’s satisfaction. The second he turned the corner in the corridors he felt his gut knotted in anger at the sight of Halkrath brushing back his female’s hair. But his gut soon burned into jealous rage at the sight of her smiling down at the fallen warrior. His body was practically shaking in anger. Cross knew she couldn’t ignore this; she couldn’t have him going after an already beaten Hulk.
Ignoring the fact her grandfather and Guan was watching, Cross approached Betanu and pressed her body against his. “Betanu, you okay?” she ran her fingers up and down his thick fore-arm.
His body tensed when she laid a hand on his arm. Glancing down at the delicate hand stoking his scarred arm, Betanu felt his body relaxing at her smooth caresses. “’I’m fine, are you harmed anywhere?”
She shook her head. “No, though Hulk can use some medical assistant.”
He snapped. “The muscle-head can take care of himself.”
Her brows shot upward at his scornful remarked on her guard. To be honest, his choice of words would have made her laughed if he hadn’t been so disrespectful of her guard who’s only been protecting her. “It seems like someone’s trying to pick a fight.”
Betanu didn’t get a chance to reply, especially with the Arbitrator approaching them. “Honored Warrior Betanu, you may take the female back to her quarter.” Vor’mekta barely gave the Captain a glance. “And make sure she doesn’t get into trouble.”
Betanu’s tusks twitched but nodded and turned to his mate. “We must leave.”
Cross was already shaking her head. “But what about Hulk…?”
“The Arbitrator will take care of him,” he interrupted her impatiently.
Taking her hand in his, the Honored Warrior was just about to leave the corridor with his female when suddenly a loud roar halted him in his track. Cross was starting to get familiar with that damn roar. Looking over her shoulder she frowned at Nihkou’te and Guan approaching them. Without hesitation, Betanu thrust his female behind him.
Nihkou’te hissed at Betanu. “You seem to be in a rush, Honored Warrior.”
A low growl rumbled in his throat. “I merely wished to check for any damages on my female.”
He scoffed. “No harm came to my blood during my little sparred with her guard,” he threw a distasteful look at the fallen warrior, who was being attended by his brother and the Arbitrator, before returning his cold eyes to Betanu.
From behind Betanu, Cross kept her eyes on her grandfather. Even if she didn’t understand a word he was spewing, she can clearly read by his facial expressions he was smug about something. She scowled, he was probably goading about his victory over Halkrath. Indeed, the Elder didn’t obtain as much damage as her guard did. Though there was a small amount of dark green blood trickling from the corner of his tusks. Dark green blood, it wasn’t the same neon green blood as a full blooded Yautja. A small movement caught her attention from the corner of her eye, and look to see Guan stepping towards Betanu.
Taking his guarded eyes off the Elder, Betanu frowned at the seven feet Yautja male known as Guan. “No need to look so hostile, Honored Warrior,” Guan smirked.
Betanu was taken aback by the younger Yautja. “You never mentioned you can speak the ooman’s language.”
He shrugged a broad shoulder. “You never asked.”
A low warning growl rumbled in his throat at the Blooded’s disrespectful tone. “Be careful how you speak to me, pup.”
The two male continue to glare at each other with hostility until Cross had enough. She’s already seen two Yautja fight, she wasn’t in the mood for another.
“Please excuse me,” she bowed her head towards Nihkou’te and Guan.
Before she can turn a heel and leave the blood chilled in her veins when Guan said. “One hour, your pup will receive his punishment.”
Her fists clenched at her side, the Captain threw the Elder a look of hatred before she turned and left the corridors. Her chilled blood soon boiled into rage knowing she had a chance to save her son from this ordeal and instead…
Damn.
Stopping in her track, the Captain leaned against the wall and closed her eyes against the image of Connor being strung up and whipped mercilessly. A sharp pain stabbed at her heart knowing she failed to protect her child.
But that’s just it…Connor isn’t a child anymore, her sub-conscience whispered. He was a teenager, an Unblood. As she said it herself, he needed to take responsibility for his action. Even Connor had told her he was willing to go through with it. So why was it so hard to accept it?
“Because…no matter how I see it, he’s my baby.” She gave her head a little thump against the wall behind her.
“Cross?”
Startled, the Captain whirled around and felt her face flushed with embarrassment to know Betanu witnessing her little episode. Clearing her throat roughly Cross pushed herself from the wall and looked anywhere except at the Yautja male.
“What is it, Betanu?” she asked hoarsely.
A low whine emitted in his throat at the distress on his female’s face. “Come, I’ll escort you to your quarter.”
She was already shaking her head. “No, I…uh…need some time to myself, please,” she threw him an apologetic look. “I don’t want you following me. Just…stay with Connor until the end,” she whispered, but seeing the way his fists clenched told her he wasn’t listening. Scowling, she added in a hard tone. “Give me your word you will honor my request.”
A displeasure growl rumbled in his chest. Despite his need to comfort his female, Betanu knew her need to be alone and suffer in solitude. He had remembered a time when she demanded he leave her alone when news came to her of her deceased mate. Her face was set in stubborn lines, but behind those glaring eyes of hers he’d seen pain. And all he wanted to do was take her pain away.
“Dammit, give me your word!”
At her impatient words he jerked out of thought. Swallowing down the urge to protest, Betanu bowed his head low. “As you wish. My word is my honor,” he added in a harsh growl.
Ignoring the guilt she had for forcing her words on him, the Captain nodded her satisfaction and left.
Through his visors, Betanu watched her leave the corridors in haste. It almost looked as though she was being chase by little Chestbusters nipping at her heels. He watched her leave until she turned the corner and disappeared from his sight. It was obvious she was worried about Connor’s punishment. He was tempted to follow her and make sure no harm came to her. But her words came back to him and all he wanted to do was please his female. With a defeated growl, Betanu turned and left in the opposite direction.
Unknown to Betanu a pair of mismatched eyes had been watching. Once the Honored Warrior disappeared from the corridors, Guan activated his cloaking device and followed where the female went off to.

==

“What the HELL is that thing!?”
Wide and fearful eyes, Sonia watched Kyle place the disgusting wiggling spider-like creature on the table. Luckily for her he had it trapped inside a glass container. She curled her lips in distaste as it wiggles its eight long finger-like legs at her while its tail swung wildly against the glass. When Kyle had offered her a way to prove to the Captain of her ability, she wasn’t expecting this! The rookie had led her into his apartment and locked the doors before he bought this thing out.
“Seriously, what is that thing?” she glared at Kyle. “And how the hell did you get it?”
“I went to the Black Market just north of here to get this beauty,” he explained, his black eyes staring at the creature with awed interest.
Sonia’s eyes widen in shock at his words. “You went to the Black Market?” she asked in a harsh whispered. No one’s ever been to the Black Market; even the Councilmen have had soldiers searching for the place. The Black Market was a place where criminals sold illegals things, but Sonia had always assumed it was just weapons they sold…not this!
“This thing,” he said, patting the container with pride. “Is called a Face Hugger, it’s the second stage in a Xenomorph’s life cycle.”
“Xenomorph?” her brows pulled together in wonder. “You mean that alien life-form with the long head?”
“It’s obvious you don’t do much reading,” Kyle observed with disdained, but his lips curved into a pleased smile. “Xeno are highly prized preys among the Yautja.”
She scowled at him. “And what are you planning on doing with this one?”
His thin lips curved into a sinister grinned. “Imagine this, Sonia, if we brought one of these down…we’ll be recognized as heroes and the General will have no choice but to promote us.”
He held up his hand before she can protest. “Listen to what I have to say,” he circled around the table and approached her. “Now, I know you don’t want to be held back and I know you want to show the Captain you’re just as brave and strong as she is. Sonia, this is your chance to prove to others you’re worthy of being a Captain yourself!” he grinned slyly at her. “Wouldn’t you love to replace Akira Cross of her position as a Captain?”
At his words Sonia felt herself being drawn to him. It was tempting indeed to accept his offer…to show the Captain she wasn’t weak! But also…it was dangerous. Sonia’s never came across the likes of these creatures, hell; she doesn’t even know how one even looked like! And yet…staring at the strange spider-like creature, it wouldn’t be so hard to kill it, would it?
“Did you know the Captain herself had fought against these creatures?” Kyle’s slick eyes shot to hers and then back to the creature. “I heard she even killed a couple of them!”
Sonia stiffened, her fists clenched at her side.
Kyle grinned slyly at her. “Ah, I even heard she fought against their Queen.” He sighed and then turned his back on her. “Perhaps I chose the wrong partner to do this with; it’s obvious you’re afraid…”
“I am not afraid of anything!” she snapped angrily, and then her eyes grew worriedly. “But what about the Yautja? Won’t they interfere with the plan?”
He scoffed. “They won’t interfere, I assure you…”
She frowned. “But…what if someone gets hurt?”
“A little blood spill won’t hurt,” he replied in a calm voice.
“You don’t know that for sure,” she argued stubbornly. “I mean…where are you going to release it?”
A bright smile suddenly lit his face. “You don’t need to worry about that part, I already got it covered!” with a chuckle he held out his hand towards her. “So, are we doing this together or what?”
She stared at his hand and felt the urge to spit on it. “No one’s gonna get hurt, right?”
“Of course not,” he lied smoothly.

==

Cross knew she was being followed, she just hoped Betanu would at least keep his distance from her. Pushing the hair from her face, the Captain made her way towards her private training room and entered the code to lock the door behind her. Maybe this will keep him out, she thought finally. Her private training room was located on the lower level of the Colony. The training room was a gift from her father when she turned eighteen. She’s been coming here ever since, she even brought Connor down here every now and then when he was still a child. Honestly, she had never felt comfortable training Connor at his young age, but her stubborn son had insisted he wanted to train with her. At the fond memory of her son, Cross brushed back the tears trickling down her cheeks. Sighing heavily, she made her way towards the training mat and lay down on her back.
“Is this how you ooman train?”
At the familiar male voice, Cross gasped and leaped to her feet. She had thought it was Betanu who’s been trailing behind her, but instead it was Guan! The young warrior was standing in front of the door with his hands on his narrowed hip. Dressed in his mesh-suit, loin-cloth and armors, the Blooded warrior casually made his way towards the startled female.
“How did you get in here?” she thought she’d locked the door before he could’ve gotten in!
Sitting himself down in front of her, Cross tensed when he reached up and remove the hoses attached to his mask. “Sit down, I only came here to talk,” Guan grinned and patted the empty space in front of him.
She frowned. “I actually wanted to be alone…”
Removing his mask, he stared at her with his silver and blue eyes. Cross couldn’t help but stare at those mismatched eyes in wonder. “No one wants to be alone when they’re in pain,” he explained quietly.
Her frowns deepened. “I’m not in pain.”
His tusks lifted into an amused grinned. “Prove me wrong.”
Arms crossed over her chest, she sat down in front of him and flashed him a stiffed smile. “See? I’m fine.”
Guan didn’t say anything, his eyes was too busy taking in the sight of the female in front of him. Her scent was indeed wondrous and intoxicating, but it was another scent that caught his attention. He hadn’t realized he had edged closer to the female until he felt a soft hand touch his chest. A low purr rumbled in his chest.
“Getting close there, bud,” Cross mused, her eyes twinkling in laughter.
She was surprised she wasn’t pushing him away. His scent, she noted, was coming in strong and warm. Oddly, she felt nothing sexually towards the young male. If anything being close to him felt peaceful and familiar. The hand on his chest started moving towards his dreads and just as she predicted his skin was soft as any human’s skin.
Guan whimpered in disappointment when the female removed her hand from his chest. “Tell me about yourself, Guan,” she suddenly said. “How is it you come to be with my grandfather?”
Head tilted to the side, the young warrior said. “I’ve been with my Elder since I was a suckling.”
Her eyes widened at his words. “A suckling? But I thought the female of your race were supposed to care for you for seven months?”
He grunted. “My mother abandoned me when I was born and Elder Nihkou’te found me in the boiler room of the Clan Ship.”
Just like Connor, she thought painfully, he, too, was abandoned by his mother. Leaning back, Cross gave him a look over and found nothing wrong, all except for his mismatched eyes. “Why did you think she left you?”
He shrugged carelessly. “I don’t know, but she’s no longer a part of my life. Elder Nihkou’te adopted me as his own son and raised me into the Yautja I am today.”
Who knew her grandfather had a heart, she thought. She shook her head in wonder. “Your life must’ve been hard on the Clan Ship.”
“To be honest it wasn’t so hard,” he admitted sheepishly. “Despite my blood, I was known as an Elder’s son. I know Elder Nihkou’te can be a tad heartless, but once you get to know him he isn’t such a bad guy.”
Cross mentally rolled her eyes at him, regardless of what he said about her grandfather she will always view him as a jerk. “I’m actually surprised you’re telling me this.”
He chirped. “Why is that?”
“Normally people aren’t comfortable enough to tell others their past,” she grinned at him. “I hardly know you.”
He nodded his agreement. “I know what you mean,” his eyes stared at her in warmth. “But it feels as though I already know you.”
Her stomach tightened at his words. Did Guan felt the same warmth and comfort as she did whenever they were around each other?
Let’s test that theory.
“What do you feel?” she asked.
A low growl rumbled in his chest as he edged closer towards her. “It feels as though I’ve known you for some time now. You don’t feel like a stranger to me.”
Cross pulled away, her throat tightening. “How so?”
“I think you know what I mean,” he whispered in a raspy growl. “You feel it too.”
She stiffened. “Honestly, I feel comfortable and safe around you.”
His eyes widened at her words. “What do you suppose it mean?”
She shook her head tiredly. “I don’t know.”
“I know what it means.”
Before Cross can react Guan’s muscular arms wrapped themselves around her and pulled her against his hard chest. She gasped at the feel of his chest vibrating against hers.
“I was meant to be your mate,” he purred as he rubbed his crown-like forehead against her hair. “Not Betanu.”
Gasping in panic, Cross pushed against his chest. “Wait, I don’t think…”
“You will not fight me in this,” he growled huskily. “You and I both know we’re meant to be.”
The sudden warmth and comfort was instantly gone and replaced with fear. “Guan, no, that’s not…”
The arms holding her tightened. “Betanu will not have you.”
Her body tensed at an odd scent invading her nostrils and knew it was Guan’s mating musk. She held her breath and waited to see if her body would react as it did whenever Betanu’s released his mating musk on her. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect on her. A warning bell buzzed in the back of her head and her body instantly rejected the scent and touch of the male. All she wanted to do was get away from him and fast! With a strength that surprised both Guan and Cross, the Captain was able to tear herself away from his arms and move to a safer distance. Growling his displeasure the younger warrior was suddenly up and moving towards her.
“I don’t feel that way towards you,” she held up her hand to stop him from approaching her while her other hand lay on her Bersa attached to her hip.
His body tensed at her words, his tusks curling in anger. “Lies,” he hissed.
The Captain scowled. “It’s no lie, my feelings for you don’t involve anything romantic or sexual. Actually, it’s more of a friendship kind of feeling.”
Guan shook his head in denial, his heavy dreadlocks swinging with the furious motion. How dare she stand there and lie to him! His body tightened with the need to dominate the female and show her who’s in charge. But he wasn’t on the Clan Ship and ooman females worked definitely when it came to mating. Pushing down his make urges to mate; the Blooded Warrior took in calming breath.
Cross cursed at his stubbornness. “Dammit, get it through your thick head!” she shouted in frustration. “I’m already mated with Betanu.”
He scoffed. “You carry his scent, yes, but not his mark.”
“Regardless we’re already mated in my eyes,” she bit out. “Beside, Betanu will not give me up without a fight. So I suggest you forget this business of trying to obtain me as a mate because I’m not letting Betanu go any time soon.”
His body stiffened in anger at her words. “Are you telling me you’re in love with the Honored Warrior?”
This time it was Cross’s turn to stiffen. “Love doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she snapped.
Suddenly the anger melted from his eyes as his tusks lifted into a grinned. If her heart remains untouched then it meant he had a chance. Oomans, when it came to claiming a mate, it involved feelings and Guan was glad she wasn’t in love with the Honored Warrior. Despite his need to question her on this, Guan chose to put the information away for later uses. “I apologize for coming on to you, Akira,” Guan bowed his head low. “I meant no disrespect.”
She frowned, no male, human or Yautja, like taking rejection lightly. Cautiously, she asked. “So…you’re not angry?”
He chuckled. “None at all, embarrassed, yes, but not angry.”
A disbelief look flashed in her eyes. “Okay…?”
“I didn’t mean to push myself on you,” he apologized again. “But, if you’re still willing, perhaps you can accept my offer of friendship?”
She arched a brow. “Just friendship, huh?”
He nodded.
“I will hold you to your word,” she said and held out her hand.
Guan accepted the offer without hesitation. But instead of letting go the Blooded Warrior pulled her against him. She opened her mouth to demand he let her go, but Guan was already clicking those tusks of his. “Come, there’s something I want to show you.”
Her eyes must have given something away because he was already holding up his hand in a sign of surrender. “I promise,” his brows pulled together as though he was searching for the right words. “No…monkey business as you ooman would say.”
The Captain didn’t know where the young warrior was leading her; all she knew was they were on the other side of the Colony that solely belong to the Yautja Clan. Cross stood behind Guan as he punched in a code to a door. After a second the doors open, revealing to her a dark room. Guan stood to the side and waited.
She shot him a questioningly frowned.
“It’s ooman’s custom for female to walk in first,” Guan said smoothly.
For a long moment, she was silent. The Captain didn’t even bother to hide the suspicion in her eyes. Giving him a warning glare she walked in with him close behind her. Her body tensed when he shut the door and switched the light on. Looking around the room it was then she realized there was a two-way mirror in front of her. On the other side there was an emptied lightly dimmed room.
“Why are we here?” she asked.
Her body tensed at the feel of his warm body moving behind her. “I thought you wanted to watch your son’s lashing?” he said. “He won’t be able to see you.”
At his words she whirled around and gave him a dark scowl. “I’m leaving.”
Unfortunately Guan was already blocking her path. “Wait, I only thought…”
Whatever Guan was going to say was interrupted when Cross heard the doors opening on the other side of the two-way mirror. Guan was suddenly forgotten as she watched her son being led into the room by chains. Instantly her heart tightens at the thought of him being treated like a criminal! He was stripped of his armors and weapons; all he had on was his loin-cloth. Her pain soon turned to rage as she watched helplessly the Arbitrator strapped Connor's wrists and suspended them in the air. She was somewhat relieved the Arbitrator had her son facing the mirror. Not once did he protested or complain. No, her son stood with his back straightens and his head held high. Pride lifted her heart knowing he wasn't afraid to take his punishment. Unfortunately Cross's eyes fell to the chain whip attached to the Arbitrator's waist and felt a dreadful chill go down her spine. It almost made the leather whip seemed pale in comparison. Cross hadn't realized she was standing in front of the two-way mirror until Guan appeared beside her. Ignoring the presence of the other male, the Captain kept her eyes on Connor's fearless face. It wasn't until the Arbitrator stood in front of her son and clicked those tusks of his did she finally turned to the Blooded Warrior.
"What is he saying?" she demanded.
His mismatched eyes stared down at her before turning his attention to the scene in front of him.
"You wish me to translate?" he asked in a bored tone.
Cross's brows pulled together in a fierce scowl. "Yes!"
His tusks twitched into a bitter smile. "And what do I get in return if i do?"
Her jaw clenched. "Friends usually don't make demands on other friends for a favorite."
"I am not like your other friends, Akira," said an arrogant Guan. "If you wish me to translate you must offer me something in return."
Her eyes glared at him suspiciously. "And just what do you have in mind, Guan?"
His silver and blue eyes instantly sparkled with interest as he turned to her. "You know...your pup may not survive his whipping."
The blood drained from her face, but she made sure to hold on to her anger and not let her fear rule her. "Connor is strong; he won't die under some damn whip!"
Guan's blood surged through his veins at the scent of the female's anger. How easily it would be to strip her of her clothing and mate with her now. Females always loved it when they mated in anger; it makes the orgasms that much better. Yautja females, anyway, but for ooman females...he wasn't too sure. Pushing aside his raging lust, Guan concentrated on his goal.
"Dinner with me tomorrow and perhaps a little stroll around the Colony," he suggested. "Your guards and your mate must leave us alone throughout the night."
Cross stiffened at his demands but didn't think much of it. Dinner and a little walk didn't sound too bad, she supposed.
She held out her hand. "Deal."
Hiding his smile, Guan took her hand in a firm grip. "As to their words Arbitrator Vor'mekta is telling the Unblood not to let his fear control him during his punishment." Guan translated and then returns his eyes to the two-way mirror. "Fear will only intensify the pain. And when this is over you will bear your new scars with pride."
Cross listened to his words, but kept her eyes on Connor. At each word the Arbitrator spoke her son gave a nod of acknowledgement. It was an odd thing to see the Arbitrator coach her son before his punishment.
"And remember...do not show any weakness."
Cross heart sank as the Arbitrator took his distance behind her son and uncoiled the whip from his waist belt. It must've been the signal because the doors open and in walked Elder Nihkou'te and his Clan and just behind them was Betanu. Once everyone settled her grandfather gave a small nod toward the Arbitrator and without hesitation he flung back his whip and cracked it against Connor's back. His body jerked at the sharp pain and Cross watched in horror as the whip flung back and struck her son once more.
She must have uttered a small whimper because she felt Guan's warm hands rubbing her shoulders in comfort. Her body flinched as the Arbitrator continued to whip her son mercilessly. Even with him facing her she knew his once pale back was now covered in neon green blood, but never once did he cry out in pain. Since his head was hung low, his black dreadlocks curtain his face. Even if he wasn't crying out she knew he was in extreme pain. His neon green blood was now dripping down his back and to the floor. And Cross couldn’t prevent the tears from running down her face. Her heart was breaking just like the skin to Connor’s back was giving away under the vicious whipping of the Arbitrator.
A sobs escaped her throat and suddenly she felt two pair of strong arms held her from behind. She gave a startled gasps when she felt a warm breath in her ear.
“It’s almost over,” Guan whispered in her ear.
Cross wasn’t paying attention to his words; her tearful eyes were fixed on her son. Almost as if he was sensing her gaze, Connor lifted his head up and stared at her with those pain-filled eyes. Cross’s heart lodged in her throat at the sight of him. Another whip landed on his tore bloodied back and Connor couldn’t withhold a hiss of pain.
Unable to watch her son suffer any longer, Cross turned away with her hands angrily wiping her tears away. Blindly she made it to the door and wrenched it open. Guan watched the female leave and followed her without hesitation.
“Your son will only suffer a few scars,” Guan said walking beside her.
She glared at him. “Shut up, I don’t want to hear it.”
Guan wasn’t going to back down from her anger. “It’s not easy to see your child in pain, is it?”
Stopping in her track she turned to the maddening Yautja male. “It’s obvious you don’t know when to shut up?”
“I’ve been told that,” he gave a careless shrugged.
Her scowl darkens and so did her mood. “You know nothing,” she snarled and turned to leave.
“Your son suffers only scarring and perhaps a week of healing,” Guan called behind her in a scornful voice. “He still lives and breathes unlike my son.”
Cross nearly stumbled on her own foot, but quickly recovers. Whirling around, she lowered her eyes in shame and guilt at the pain in his eyes. “I…uh…”
Silently, Guan cursed himself for his hotheaded stupidity. He hadn’t meant to let the female know of his decreased son. But just staring into those glowing eyes of hers he felt as though he can tell her anything.
“Your son still lives, you can see him another day…be thankful for that,” he growl painfully.
Cross’s throat tightened at his words. “Guan…”
“I’ll see you tomorrow night,” he muttered before leaving.
He was gone before Cross can finish her sentence. Guilt prickled in the back of her head at her careless words. To lose a child, how can one survive after that? Had it been Connor she would have gone into a deep state of depression. Not a day would’ve gone by without his images filling her head. Running a hand through her hair, Cross knew what she had to do and that was to apologize to Guan.

==

After his pup’s punishment the Arbitrator unchained him and released him into the Honored Warrior’s care. His son had refused anyone’s help as he walked his way towards the medic quarter. But the second those doors closed behind them, Connor instantly fell to his knees with a cry of pain. Luckily Lar’ja had noticed the Unblood’s weakness and rushed to help him. Now with Connor lying face down on the medic bed, Betanu stood by and watched Lar’ja tend to Connor’s wounds. His son’s back was in a marred of thin sliced wounds. His pale skin now covered in blood. Betanu was somewhat thankful Cross wasn’t here to witness this. He wasn’t too sure what she would’ve done if she’d seen the state Connor was in now. Betanu was proud of his son and his display of withstanding pain. He may have uttered a whimper or two while receiving his lashing, but never once did he beg for mercy. His son was on his way to becoming a fine Youngblood. During the process of cleaning his blood Connor had fallen unconscious.
“Your pup will heal just fine,” Lar’ja informed him while wiping the blood from Connor’s back. “Vor’mekta knew how much pressure he was putting into the whip.”
Betanu grunted. “I must return to my female soon, will you take care of Connor for me?”
Lar’ja chirped. “No need, my brother already left the medic quarter to watch over her.”
He scowled; it probably explained why Lar’ja had been in the medic quarter in the first place. The image of his female smiling down at the warrior as he brushed back her hair still burned in his head. Betanu didn’t like it one damn bit. He always had a sneaky suspicious Halkrath desired his female, he just wasn’t really sure. Beside the Honored Warrior was bound by his words to only guard Cross and nothing more. Betanu had assumed Halkrath would honor his words…maybe he was wrong.
Unknown to Betanu, Lar’ja been observing him through the visors of his masks. It didn’t take a mind reader to know why the Honored Warrior’s fists were clenching. “My brother will not dishonor his words, Betanu,” he assured the jealous male.
Betanu’s tusks twitched with irritation. “So you know?”
Lar’ja stiffened. “What better way of protecting your female?”
“What do you mean by that?” Betanu demanded angrily.
Without taking his eyes off his tasks, Lar’ja continues to explain. “The best way to protect the one you love is knowing she’s under the care of someone who loves her too.”
Betanu took a threatening step towards him. “Are you saying your brother is…?”
He was already shaking his head. “No, he’s not, but he cares for her,” Lar’ja admitted. “And he knows she cares for you.”
Not enough to be mated with me, he thought bitterly. “I must go.”
Lar’ja bowed his head towards the warrior and watched him leave the medic quarter. Perhaps he will stay here longer in case one of them came back in a need of medic assistant.

==

A/N: Please Review!!!
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