Schism
The transition from deep sleep to full wakefulness was sudden and left him feeling momentarily disorientated. Shoving a hand through his mane, Radittsu glanced around the platform, frowning, trying to work out what had woken him…
Zha'haarak was sitting up, Kinu snuggled against his belly, the whimpering 'zhasaan cradled in his arms - and Hijau was missing from his side.
*Aijin?*
There was no answer, but the big male could *feel* the captain, very near. Out on the balcony… Sliding out of his bondmate's embrace, Radittsu slipped from the bed and prowled silently to the doors, exiting into the cool night air and closing the door quickly.
Hijau was leaning over the balcony railing, head bowed, shoulders slumped, hands clasped together before him. Radittsu wrapped strong arms around him from behind, enveloping him in a hug and nuzzling his mane.
*Zorun?*
Hijau nodded, then turned to Radittsu, nestling against the broad naked chest.
*He's hurting. Really hurting. Refusing to let it show, denying it… I don't think he realises I can still* feel* him, when he's… overwrought.*
*Do you want to go to him?*
Hijau sighed, rubbing at his forehead. It might be an idea to have a word with Zha'haabron: just recently every time Zorun got upset it gave him a pounding headache. He wondered if perhaps the link was reasserting itself…
*No. That'll only make it worse. He'll be less humiliated if we leave him to deal with it on his own.*
*Can I help you?*
Hijau gazed up into night dark eyes, running his fingertips over the strong, much-loved face - then shook his head.
*Much as I'd love to, I'm tired, and it's a struggle trying to not let this spill over to the rest of the family… Zha'haarak knows, and Jeice, and 'zhasaan but I think that's all.*
*Do you think you can sleep?*
The captain shook his head, wearily. Radittsu kissed his shoulder.
*I'll be right back.*
Swiftly retrieving a thick fur from the shelf just inside the door, the big male settled it at one end of the balcony then dragged Hijau down to sit with him, between his legs, the smaller male's back against his chest, Radittsu's arms comforting around him, heavy mane pulled around them both to fend off the cool night air, sitting in silence until the dawn.
The first sun was well over the horizon and as usual, Mahrayne had been awake since before its rays had begun to nibble at the edges of the night's dark. Kelapa was still asleep, stretched out on her back, one arm thrown above her head. Most mornings they were together Mahrayne teased the Saiyan awake, with licks and nibbles and gentle strokes that got more purposeful as Kel surfaced from sleep, but not this morning; Mahrayne simply wanted to watch her lover while she slept.
*She looks different when she's asleep.* Alida mused, looking down at Kelapa. She smiled at her twin.
*Happy?*
*You know I am.*
Though 'happy' was an understatement; Mahrayne didn't think she could put into words how she felt, just how full her heart was. She lightly stroked her fingertips over the small wound at the juncture of her neck and shoulder and smiled down at the sleeping Saiyan. Last night in the privacy of their 'other' room, Kelapa had gently, so gently, claimed Mahrayne.
*Mine.* she'd thought she heard her lover say as her teeth sank into soft flesh and they both climaxed.
"Yours." Mahrayne whispered in reply, clinging to Kelapa, her heart soaring, and both of them forgetting for the moment the third person in the triangle.
Kelapa stirred awake, stretching and yawning, smirking irrepressibly at the Hassinan.
"Good morning." Mahrayne smiled then squeaked in surprise when Kel suddenly tugged her down for an enveloping hug, wrapping arms and tail tightly around her.
"Mmmm, good morning." Kelapa nuzzled her claim mark and Mahrayne shivered, melting into Kel's embrace as the Saiyan's tail stroked between her thighs...
They'd made love, then showered and dressed, Mahrayne consciously dawdling, delaying the inevitable moment they'd have to part to go about their separate duties. Right now Mahrayne didn't want to be more than a tail's length away from her lover ever again, but the practicalities of life had to be faced - and the realities.
"This isn't going to be well received, is it?" Mahrayne chewed her lower lip.
Kel was sombre as she cupped Mahrayne's face in her palm, smoothing her thumb over the Hassinan's cheek beads; then the Saiyan smirked defiantly.
"Fuck 'em!"
Mahrayne laughed in spite of her anxiety and covered Kel's hand with her own. "Yes, fuck 'em."
The mood in the common room was tense. No one actually glared - though Kiraz and 'raadiin came close - but…
Hijau had left for Guard headquarters early, unwilling - or unable - to face Kelapa. Zha'haarak, Kinu cuddled against him, looked exhausted, and Ti'aasaan, with an anxious Jagung looking on, was trying to persuade him to rest a little more, to take advantage of the children's absence during lessons to get some more sleep. And Leteetza - Leteetza was scowling at everyone, obviously in a foul mood, not helped by 'dittsu and 'jiita playing up again.
The shocked and disapproving scowl on the face of the Elite guard on duty outside the suite hadn't augured well. Kel had responded by silently snarling at the male and wrapping her tail even tighter around Mahrayne's waist. For her part, the Hassinan did her best not to cower.
The atmosphere inside the suite wasn't much better. Kinu was subdued as he crawled out of Zha'haarak's lap and over to his mother; Mahrayne could feel her cub's distress and confusion as he cuddled into her, looking for reassurance.
"Everything will be all right, little treasure," Mahrayne murmured as she rocked him, kissing his cheek.
Kel fetched them something to eat then they sat, close together, a little way from the rest of the family. Presently Pirum and 'sel joined them – the young Hassinan frowning slightly when Buahan didn't come with her – closely followed by 'tiisaan.
"What's going on?" Pirum whispered, leaning in close to her sister.
"The Saiyans are angry that Kel has claimed me." Mahrayne unobtrusively pulled the neck of her robe aside enough far enough so Pirum could see the mark.
"But why are they angry?"
Mahrayne sighed.
"Saiya-jin are very possessive, they believe that someone can only be claimed by one person. What Kel and I have done is wrong to them."
Pirum nodded in understanding.
"You knew the Saiyans would react like this?" Mahrayne nodded. "So why did you do it?"
"Because," Mahrayne looked at Kel, unable – unwilling – to try and stop what she felt for the female showing in her eyes, and probably her scent. "I love Kelapa." This last was spoken quietly in Common, and Kelapa smirked, reaching out to gently stroke her lover's cheek.
Leteetza glowered as the words reached her ears, but Radittsu's hand on her wrist - and the slight shake of his head - had her biting back whatever it was she had been about to say. Instead, she gathered up 'dittsu and 'jiita and left the suite without a word.
Ti'ani turned to his twin with a frown.
*What's wrong with maazi?*
*Well what do you think is wrong?! You know what happened last night!*
Ti'ani scowled.
*Of course I do! But that doesn't affect maazi - well, not much, anyway. Why's she so angry?*
*Because,* Le'leen answered with heavy sarcasm, *they broke the rules. And maazi's angry - and jealous.*
*What!? Why?*
*Because Vejiita claimed her, before she knew what it was all about, and no-one else can claim her, and she wants Radittsu to.*
Ti'ani stared.
*But… He's Zha'haabron's…*
Le'leen shrugged.
*The zn'hre don't work that way. And he claimed the Ssii'iin, not the other way around.*
Ti'ani considered this for a moment, then tightened his tail around his sibling.
*What's going to happen with us, then?*
Le'leen sighed and closed his eyes.
*Gods know…*
Kyuri eyed her Captain warily as he stalked into his office, face thunderous.
"Hijau-sama?"
"What!?"
She flinched: it was unlike the usually even-tempered officer to snap. She kept her voice quiet and reasonable.
"Your father called. His Majesty has convened another meeting, to finalise the plans for the Omani expedition. Limau-sama has requested that you be present."
"Why? I'm not going."
"No, sir. But he wants your thoughts on which of the Guard you want to accompany the ambassadors."
"I don't need to be present to tell him that!" Hijau growled, glowering belligerently. Kyuri nodded.
"I know sir. I'm just passing on the message."
Swearing under his breath, Hijau closed his eyes.
"When's the meeting?"
"After the noonday meal."
"Very well - I'll be there. Waste of my time, but I'll be there." He glared at the monitor on his desk for a moment, then snarled,
"I want to spar. Who's free?"
Hijau turned up at the meeting somewhat battered: several hours' unrestrained combat with Yonioni had taken the edge off the fury he felt on behalf of the King's Guard, but had left him looking the worse for wear.
As he took his place at Zha'haabron's left, Hijau glanced at Zorun. The big male was standing at attention in his place behind the Saiya-jin-no-Ou, but pale, tense, holding himself motionless with an effort. Hijau caught his eye: Zorun shook his head minutely. No, he did not want to talk about it…
For once the meeting went smoothly, the entire Council in accord. It was agreed that the Omani mission take place as soon as possible: a date of ten days hence was agreed on. Manzano and his team and Jeice, and a squad of first class warriors - Hijau had objected, insisting they should be Elites, until Vejiita announced that the nitorine-trained special squad would go too - would comprise the task force. Which meant that Radittsu would go as well, both to accompany the hash'shavven and as captain of the special squad. The Saiya-jin-no-Ou ordered Hijau to take over from Merica as the family's personal Guard until the mission returned: Jeice had estimated the whole expedition should take no more than ten days and probably a great deal less.
Hijau hoped for less. They really didn't need the absence of any family members right now, especially Jeice. Although, on the plus side, it meant he could spend more time with Zha'haarak…
The fact of the expedition was to be kept as quiet as possible. While Vejiita didn't expect a Warui-jin attack, he also did not rule it out. And so far there'd been no news of the mercenaries onworld…
On a slightly lighter note, they were soon to receive a delegation from Zaisan: the Hyoujin had requested membership of the Empire. The news raised a ripple around the table - Zaisan was on the edge of Karilun space, and the natives were renowned for their technological advances in interstellar travel. Leteetza had been asked to provide as much information as possible about the species and report back at the next Council gathering.
As the meeting broke for early evening meal, Hijau approached Zorun, ignoring the King's Guard's obvious reluctance to speak to him.
*Do you need anything?*
The big dark eyes were wounded, and Hijau caught his breath at the sudden *anguish* filling the warrior. Turning from the captain, Zorun *whispered*,
*Only my pride…*
It had been a long, trying day and Mahrayne was glad to see the back of it. Leteetza had ignored her completely - all day – not even making eye contact during the rare times she was in the same room. Hijau had appeared briefly during the midday meal to check on Zha'haarak, and while he'd been - barely - civil it was plain he wasn't at all impressed. As for the other Saiyans... The children seemed more confused than anything but they followed the adults' lead and kept their distance from her, (except for Kobis who – wrapped up in 'haabron as he was - didn't seem to notice what was going on). Mahrayne caught Dari and Tane sneaking glances at her as they worked on Zha'haarak, but the healers made no attempt to talk to her either. Mahrayne sighed and held on to the thought that while Saiyans seemed to overreact to things it usually didn't last for long - all she had to do was keep her head down, and wait.
Mahrayne had missed Kel, though, when the warrior wasn't within sight, even more than when she'd been without her on Hassina. Was it possible that Kel's claiming her had strengthened the link between them?
Kinu had been clingy and morose all day as well, so much so he'd insisted on coming to the morning lessons with his mother and, to Mahrayne's firmly clamped down aggravation, had wanted to be cuddled the whole time. Not even Peyaru twitching his tail enticingly could cheer the little hybrid out of his mood. During the midday meal he'd been torn between staying with Mahrayne or going to maazi Zak.
"Why don't you sit here…?" the Prince had said with a soft smile, indicating the cushion next to him. Mahrayne hesitated - Hijau was on the other side of his bondmate… Kel nudged the small of her back.
"Go on, if the brat's face gets any longer he'll be tripping over his chin."
Mahrayne settled next to the gentle zn'hre with a tiny, grateful smile, and Kinu immediately wriggled down between them, his head in Zha'haarak's lap and his tail looped over his mother's thigh.
Mahrayne had a lot of time to think that afternoon and inevitably her thoughts turned to Zorun. He must know what had happened… How was he feeling? Angry? Hurt? She fervently hoped her mate wasn't hurting too much, the thought of causing him pain made her curl up inside but Mahrayne couldn't feel guilty at what she and Kel had done - the bubbling, contented happiness flowing through her whenever she thought of Kelapa washed away any trace of doubt.
Kel had warned her that Zorun might want her with him tonight, even though this would normally have been Kelapa's second night with her, but there was no sign of the big male all day, not even to see his son.
The females took Kinu with them to the guest suite that night, the little hybrid not entirely happy at being away from maazi Zak but relatively content to be with his mother and Kel. Once the cub was asleep the females made gentle, lingering love, forgetting about everything outside of each other.
The tension hadn't eased appreciably the next day, though Kinu wasn't quite as clingy and he stayed with Zha'haarak during the morning. Leteetza still wouldn't talk to Mahrayne or Kel, and in general the Saiyans were no less prickly than they had been.
The day inched by.
Zorun arrived after the evening meal, landing out of sight on her balcony rather than the main one; Mahrayne didn't realise he was there until Kel told her.
Mahrayne had seen her mate in many moods, from quasi-playful to homicidal, but never with this palpable sense of pain. She still couldn't feel guilty though…
Kinu sobbed when he saw his father, holding out his arms to the big male and almost burrowing into his neck when Zorun picked him up, the cub's silver tail wrapping tightly around the guard's forearm. Zorun said nothing as he picked Mahrayne up but she could feel the tension quivering in his strong body as he flew the three of them down to a secluded part of the gardens. It wasn't a comfortable evening there amongst the trees; after he'd set her down on the soft moss, Zorun kept his distance from his mate, even keeping his tail tucked around his waist. Conversation was non-existent, and Mahrayne gave up after a few tentative starts. Eventually though, as the second sun touched the horizon, and Kinu started nodding off in his father's arms, Zorun spoke.
"I'm taking Kinu back to the suite. Wait here."
Mahrayne waited, nervously, in the deepening gloom for her mate to reappear. He wasn't gone for long though, landing so silently beside her it made her jump, and then he grabbed her, crushing her to him with a force that was frightening. His passion was sudden and overwhelming, with an edge of desperation to it; Mahrayne's stomachs lurched sickeningly as she remembered the last time she'd seen him like this - on the night he'd originally claimed her. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, knowing what was coming next.
Mahrayne felt bruised inside and out when she woke the next morning trapped in Zorun's embrace. One side of her neck throbbed viciously where he'd renewed his claim mark and she didn't need to see her body to know where the marks from where he'd gripped her would appear. She wriggled, trying to ease the discomfort between her legs and Zorun's arms tightened around her in his sleep.
"Shhh, dherrum," Mahrayne murmured soothingly, "I'm not going anywhere." Still asleep, Zorun relaxed a little, breathing a sigh and nuzzling at his claim mark. Mahrayne smiled and snuggled into her mate. Despite her aches, she knew Zorun had been very restrained last night, it could've been much worse. And… it hadn't been entirely painful; there'd been plenty of moments when he'd not only slowed down but had focused on her pleasure. Mahrayne wriggled again, with arousal this time, and Zorun woke up. The male's dark eyes revealed something that could've been guilt as he took in his mate's bruised and torn neck, the livid marks coming out over her body.
"'rayne - " he began, hoarsely, but Mahrayne put her hand over his mouth forestalling speech.
"I love you." She smiled at him, golden eyes glowing warmly. "I'm not going anywhere."
Zorun groaned as Mahrayne's nails carded through the fur at the base of his tail…
Zorun flew her back to the small balcony outside her and Kel's room. He clasped her to him tightly, unwilling to let her go, and Mahrayne - laying her head against his chest - didn't try to pull away, content to feel safe in the circle of his arms. Zorun did eventually release her, reluctantly, and she went inside to Kelapa.
The warrior stared at her in horror and anger.
"What the fuck has he done?!"
"It's all right, Kel - "
"The fuck it is! He's hurt you!" Kelapa growled, stalking towards the balcony. "He can't do that." Mahrayne caught her arm.
"Stop it, Kel!" she said sharply, "I'm only sore -"
"Fucking kusoyaro!" the warrior was agitated, her tail double its size, "He could have hurt the br- he could've have really hurt you!"
"I'm all right," Mahrayne said softly, hugging Kel, kissing the side of her mouth and stroking her mane. The warrior's tail whipped around Mahrayne's waist and she growled, burying her nose in her side of her lover's neck.
"I was worried," she whispered against the Hassinan's golden skin.
"I'm all right, truly." Mahrayne whispered back, then smiled into the Saiyan's eyes. "Can we eat now? I'm very hungry…"
*How are you feeling?*
Leteetza turned her head to regard her brother, leaning against the balcony railing beside her. She sighed and leaned her head against his chest: he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
*You should be with Zha'haarak.*
*He's fine - swamped with brats and loving it. But you…*
*I'm all right.*
*You aren't.*
She growled irritably under her breath.
*No, I'm not. But I will be… Fuck it, niisan, Kel said Mahrayne had asked her, but I never thought they'd really go ahead and do it!*
He nuzzled her mane, silently comforting.
*Zorun must be feeling like shit.*
*He's coping.* Hijau growled low in his throat. *He doesn't have any choice.*
Leteetza twisted to gaze up at him, frowning.
*You can still feel him?*
*Yes. It's getting stronger again, too.*
*You going to speak to Zha'haabron?*
*I did. It didn't help. Looks like it's something more than the moon bond…*
*Ah hell…*
The captain nodded ruefully.
*Wonderful, ne? Like I needed another bond.*
Leteetza hugged him, her own distress forgotten
*Can you cope?*
*No choice. Though I think Zorun and I need to talk. Maybe later, after this has all eased off. In the meantime - you should take your own advice.*
*Huh?*
*'Try to get over it'. It's not helping the atmosphere in the suite to have you not speaking to Mahrayne or Kelapa.*
She pouted, then nodded.
*You're right. I'll try. But I'm so angry with them both…*
*I know. None of us are exactly pleased. But for Zha'haarak's sake? He really needs calm and tranquillity. Things are going well, but Vinas said he mustn't be 'subjected to any stress'.*
Leteetza hugged him briefly.
*Of course. Heh, and speaking of the Ssii'irin, we'd better go back and rescue him before 'jiita and 'dittsu start fighting - again…*
A few days slid past and as Mahrayne had hoped, things settled down slightly. Leteetza had obviously gritted her teeth and decided to talk to them again; the rest of the Saiyans thawed a little towards them as well, but none of them mentioned what they'd done. Zorun was still tense and Kel went out of her way not to have anything to do with him, but Kinu was definitely happier.
Mahrayne's temper was volatile – she put it down to stress associated with having to pick her way around the Saiyans, again - and sometimes it was a real effort to be civil.
Kelapa watched her lover's temper, and appetite, fluctuate and wondered why the fuck no one else had picked up on it yet. Admittedly, Mahrayne's scent wasn't screamingly different, not like a Saiyan female's when she was pregnant, but it had changed and surely someone would remember what the Hassinan had been like at the beginning of her first pregnancy.
Eventually Kel's impatience got the better of her and she *spoke* to Zorun one evening when he came to collect his mate and son. The big male halted at her *call* but didn't deign to look at the warrior.
*What?*
Kel's tail snapped irritably.
*You haven't worked it out yet?* It wasn't quite a sneer. *'rayne's pregnant.*
He didn't move, but shock bled into his scent.
*Check for yourself if you don't believe me.*
Mahrayne waved at Kel as Zorun took off, happily oblivious to her mates' exchange.
The Hassinan watched her mate as he ate, he was very quiet, absorbed in his thoughts...
"Zorun?"
He blinked, focusing on her then half-smiled and reached out to lay a big hand over her belly. Mahrayne was mystified.
"What - ?"
"Shh." Zorun rumbled at her, frowning as he concentrated. Kinu's gaze switched back and forth between his parents. This was very interesting.
"Heh." Zorun smirked then dragged Mahrayne over into his lap.
"What?" Mahrayne was getting annoyed.
"Baka," Zorun fisted his hand in her hair, gently pulling her head back so he could kiss her, "you're pregnant."
'raadiin grinned at 'jiisa flopped down beside him, panting heavily.
"Heh - that was good."
'jiisa smirked tiredly.
"You think so?"
"Yeah. Don't you?"
His sire-sib considered it for a moment, then nodded.
"Yes. It felt good."
Fa'saayen had been quietly impressed by his student's dedication - and skill. The zn'hre combat form came easily to the young prince, more so than to his siblings, and the warrior was more than happy to have him return to R'ren'nkh'ia to continue training.
But 'jiisa hadn't told his host yet, and Fa'saayen was due back on the homeworld in thirty days. The hostling was worried about Zha'haarak's reaction to the news.
'raadiin was sanguine.
"He wants all of us to be happy. And he doesn't want to stop any of us doing what we really want to do. And," 'raadiin shrugged, ever pragmatic, "he's got 'jau to look forward to, take his mind off things..."
"I still have to tell… uh, ask him, though. I don't know how to."
'raadiin grinned.
"Ask Jeice."
'jiisa chuckled. It was becoming a habit: any time any of the children had something difficult to tell the grown-ups, Jeice got roped in to help. It was just as well he didn't mind…
Though at the moment he was… frazzled. This nonsense with Mahrayne and Kelapa and Zorun, and the rest of the Saiyans in the family, wasn't easy for him to *cope* with, and he had enough to do in Council, with the Omani mission coming up. Luckily he had Radittsu - and Keisan, of course: his little mate, not having the same bonds to the family as Jeice, was a soothing haven for the hash'shavven ambassador - to keep him happy. Papa's bondmate and Je-chan were spending quite a lot of time together just now.
"Yes, I will. In a few days."
Ayva looked up from the monitor.
"Hn. Well your blood chemistry is the same as when you were carrying Kinu."
She smirked at the King's Guard sitting on a stool beside the examination table, "Not that I doubt your diagnosis, of course -"
"But Mahrayne needs confirmation." Zorun finished, stroking his tail over his ecstatic mate's belly.
"Mahrayne?" the medic gently called the Hassinan's attention back to her. "I don't know if we'll be able to see much, but we could try using the R'ren'nkh'ian scanner...?"
"Yes, please!"
Zorun firmly held his wriggling son in his lap while Ayva moved the instrument over Mahrayne's abdomen.
"There we are." Ayva murmured, "can you see it?"
"I can." Mahrayne breathed in wonder, tears starting in her eyes. This baby was nowhere near as advanced as Kinu had been when he'd first been discovered, showing up on the monitor screen as a tiny, slightly curved spot of brightness.
"Where, maazi?" Kinu was peering intently at the screen at a loss as to what he was looking at.
"Here," Mahrayne pointed to the area, "that's your little brother or sister -" she took her cub's small hand and tenderly placed it over her abdomen, " – in here."
Kinu frowned, absorbing this, then his face lit up.
"Like 'jau!"
"Like 'jau, yes." Mahrayne laughed and pulled him to her for a fierce cuddle.
"Mahrayne," Ayva sounded hesitant and the Hassinan's smile faded, "I am a little concerned about this pregnancy though, coming so quickly after Kinu."
"Concerned, how?" Zorun said with a frown.
"Kinu put a lot of strain on your body," the medic said to Mahrayne, "it's not going to be any easier this time. We'll monitor you closely, of course, but you must take it easy." She made a note on the scriber, "And we'll get you started on the nutritive supplement right away."
Mahrayne grimaced.
"Damn, and I've only just got the taste of that out of my mouth."
"And as soon as this one's born," Ayve smirked, "we'll have a talk about contraceptives…"
The news was received with mixed feelings in the family. Zh'leet was furious, cursing Mahrayne for being so careless and Zorun for being so thoughtless. Zha'haarak was happy for her, if troubled: it really was too soon for her to subject herself to the rigours of another pregnancy. Leteetza had a few choice words to say on the subject of responsibility, but she at least saved them for Hijau's ears. Most of the children were either not bothered or pleased, though 'raadiin and Kiraz, their loyalty to Hijau unabated, made their displeasure known. 'tiisaan pouted, then sighed resignedly. At least he now had Jeice to dance with when Mahrayne grew too big…
Pirum and Buahan were delighted, however, and kept asking questions. Mahrayne suspected some of it might have to do with her sister and 'selaan's project, but Buahan was fascinated by the whole thing. Especially when she found out that the Hassinan had 'thrown the stones' and they'd come out female! The princess had told everyone she met, for two days, that she was going to have a sister…
Zha'haabron, however, was troubled. With Zha'haarak in so fragile a state, and the Saiyans still incensed over Kelapa's actions, and remembering how… emotional Mahrayne had become last time… Well, if the worst came to the worst, he could always have Zha'haarak return to R'ren'nkh'ia until Za'jau was born. And this time he'd pull rank and have Hijau go with him - but then what if Zorun needed the captain?
Radittsu snuggled into him from behind, nuzzling his neck.
*All your worrying is giving me a headache… I'm sure it'll all be fine.*
The king rolled into his arms and nestled close.
**I hope so, zkai'da. I hope so…**
Mahrayne was sulking, not that she'd put it like that, but that was how it looked to Kelapa. The Saiyan lay down behind her lover, wrapping arms and tail around the indignant Hassinan.
"Well, I'm happy." Mahrayne pouted.
Kelapa nuzzled the back of her neck.
"Everyone is happy for you, takibi, we're just concerned."
"Zh'leet didn't have to yell at me."
Kel had no answer to that so she nibbled along Mahrayne's shoulder. The Hassinan irritably shrugged her off and Kel scowled, reminding herself again that her lover's mood swings wouldn't last forever.
"You're not happy." Mahrayne accused the warrior.
Kel growled and grabbed Mahrayne by the shoulder, pulling her over to lie on her back. The warrior scowled down at her startled lover.
"Enough! Stop fucking feeling sorry for yourself, it's not helping!"
Mahrayne's lower lip trembled and tears sprung into her wide golden eyes. Kel growled with exasperation and pulled her lover into a tight hug.
"I'm happy because you're happy, ne?" she suckled her claim mark, smirking as Mahrayne's scent shifted abruptly from sullen to aroused. "But I'm never going to be completely happy when your attention isn't on me."
"Oh," Mahrayne sniffled, "that's the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me!" Kel suddenly found herself being kissed and stroked by an ardent Hassinan.
It was going to be a long year...
Leteetza had had enough of the atmosphere in the suite. She rose to her feet over breakfast and glowered around at the assembled family.
"Right. We're all taking a day off. Brats, you're excused lessons today." She glared at the excited yelps and hisses this announcement caused: the children silenced without demur. Nodding, she eyed her brother.
*Is he up to a trip to the beach?*
Hijau grinned widely, one hand stroking Zha'haarak's bright hair and touching the sunsstone earrings he never removed. Leteetza smirked tightly and lowered her head slightly to Zha'haabron.
"My Ssii'iin? Will you join us?"
The king inclined his head gravely.
"Much as I would like to, little warrior, I have a meeting with the Saiya-jin-no-Ou this morning…"
"Later then." She smiled an apology for the interruption and glanced at Radittsu. "You can both come along together."
The big Saiyan blinked - then grinned.
"What do you have planned?"
"Oh, it's not planned." she smirked. "I just want…"
Peace, and freedom, and space to breathe…
Jeice smiled.
"I think we could all do with a little of that."
Kelapa watched the King's Companion nervously. Leteetza eyed her for a moment, then lowered her voice to a pitch only a Saiyan could properly hear.
"Yes, you may come with us. But you either keep her under control, or you take her far enough away that she doesn't spoil the day for the rest of us."
Kelapa glared - then bit her lip as Leteetza snarled silently.
"You chose this. You chose to defy Saiya-jin tradition. You will accept the consequences."
*Wasn't that a bit harsh?*
It was early afternoon on the broad white beach. The younger children had snuggled down in the furs the guard had brought along and were napping happily in the bright sunslight under Zha'haarak and Hijau's watchful eyes. Ti'aasaan, Jagung and Merica had settled themselves close to one of the big cooking fires: Jeice and Keisan were dancing with 'tiisaan on the sand, 'raadiin and 'fallon, Kobis and 'haabron, and Buahan, Peyaru, Pirum and 'selaan looking on, while Kiraz and 'jiisa sparred a short distance away. Kel had swept Mahrayne into her arms and flown toward the jungle bordering the beach - discreetly followed by a handful of Guard - some little while ago.
Now Leteetza stood waist-deep in the slow, gentle swell and gazed at Radittsu.
*What would have happened if you had claimed me?*
The big Saiyan flinched.
*Vejiita would have killed me, of course."
*Even if I asked him not to?*
Radittsu stroked gently down her face, expression yearning.
*Yes.*
She nodded, taking his hand. He kissed her fingers.
*But Mahrayne isn't Saiyan. She's alien.*
There were tears in Leteetza's eyes.
*She's living here as one of us, claimed by a noble… From the first we welcomed her, made her at home as best we could. We've indulged her, let her do as she wants, done everything we can to make her happy… Yes, she's brought us benefits - but she's also disrupted the family, hurt Hijau, Zha'haarak, Jeice, Zorun… She cares nothing for us, for our traditions, our customs… she's selfish, she doesn't think, she just… She doesn't care what she's done to us.*
Radittsu pulled her into a hug.
*I don't think she realises what she's done.*
*And that's an excuse?*
*For her, I think it is.* He sighed. *The Hassinan are barbarians, they've no notion of loyalty, of family, what it means. We have to make allowances.*
*We've fucking made allowances! And she's taken advantage of it!* Leteetza pulled away from the big male and wrapped her arms tightly around herself, head bowed. Radittsu rested his hands lightly on her shoulders.
*What do you want to do about it?*
She was silent for a moment, then turned to him, eyes brimming.
*I don't know. I really don't know…*
Mahrayne sat on the warm sand at the edge of the jungle, knees tucked up under her chin, arms wrapped loosely around her legs. Kel was out in the water, hunting something for them to eat, and while there were guards nearby, Mahrayne couldn't see them.
The Hassinan watched the family, just visible in the distance.
The Family.
At one time, Mahrayne had felt part of that wonderfully warm, cohesive unit, she'd felt welcome, as if she had a place there ...she didn't now. At one time, Leteetza had been her friend... and now? Kinu belonged, she did not.
When had it gone wrong? Was it all her fault?
*You've a large part to play in this mess, true,* Alida cuddled her twin, *but it's not entirely your fault.*
Mahrayne sighed.
*It's odd, but the thing that has most upset everyone is the thing I feel is the most… right.*
*Kel claming you?* transparent golden fingers stroked Mahrayne's hair.
*Yes.* Mahrayne sighed again. *How do I make it all right again, 'lida?*
*I don't know, heart's-light,* Alida brushed a kiss over her cheek, *I don't know.*
The delegation to Omani had left the day before, and the atmosphere in the suite was very subdued. This time, of course, Radittsu and Jeice, and Merica, weren't going knowingly into danger - this should be a simple, quick trip, and they were all well protected - but Zha'haabron was haunted by the memory of what had happened last time, how close he'd come to losing his bondmate, and that affected Ti'aasaan and Zha'haarak. But at least Hijau didn't have the added stress of having to cope with Zorun's pain: the King's Guard was quietly *glowing* with an - admittedly frangible - happiness at the knowledge he was to be a father again, and a certain bitter satisfaction that that at least was something Kelapa couldn't do for his mate. And he was sure, though he couldn't have said how, that the brat was female.
There was - potentially - good news from R'ren'nkh'ia too. A number of artists from Empire member races had expressed an interest in studying the performing arts under Bri'seiyis, after seeing video of the performance, and the songwright was considering setting up an arts academy. And since R'ren'nkh'ia wasn't the most congenial of worlds for most races, he was debating the pros and cons of establishing it on Vejiitasei.
'tiisaan was delighted, of course, at the thought of having 'viirel - and Ti'zheenan's musical hostlings - near again. Suguri had already said he'd return, with his adopted family, if everything went ahead. Ti'zheenan had, nervously, told him that the hostling's sire was still alive and wanted to meet them, and the Saiyan had, cautiously, agreed. Though he had pointed out that the zn'hre was his claimed mate, and expected him to respect the fact… Quite what would happen when he met Fa'saayen was a matter of some debate. The zn'hre was not happy about the situation.
It was all some way ahead though - Bri'seiyis needed both Councils' agreements before he could start planning properly. But so far everyone seemed quite keen on the idea.
Zorun knew he was going to have to request bigger quarters soon, or at least quarters with a bigger bath. The big male watched indulgently as Kinu splashed around in the small space between his parents, the cub laughing as he flung handfuls of bright droplets all over the bathroom. Mahrayne laughed with him, her happiness suffusing her scent like sunsshine. Zorun hated to disturb his family's joyful mood, but he was on duty soon and Mahrayne had commitments of her own. Growling playfully he suddenly grabbed his cub, holding the giggling child high out of the water.
"Time to get out, brat."
The little family were still smiling when Zorun landed on the balcony with them in his arms and entered the common room. Jagung pulled himself upright and saluted the King's Guard; Zorun inclined his head to the zn'hre and the Captain. Kinu wriggled, reaching his arms out to Zha'haarak, and 'zhasaan flew over to take the infant carefully into his arms then handing him to the gentle zn'hre, ruffling his silver mane.
"'lida's happy you're having a baby sister."
Kinu giggle-hissed and nodded. Zorun smiled fondly.
"Who's 'lida, little one?"
Zha'haabron tensed, glancing at Hijau who wrapped his arms protectively around Zha'haarak's shoulders. Oblivious to the sudden tension in the suite, 'zhasaan smiled brightly and said,
"'rayne's sister. She's dead."
There was a sudden silence. Zorun blinked at the hostling, then gazed at his mate, trying to make sense of the words.
"… 'lida… is happy… 'lida is dead…"
"My twin," Mahrayne whispered, golden eyes searching her mate's face, "she's with me - it's hard to explain..." the Hassinan's voice trailed off at the stunned, uncomprehending look on her mate's face. "Zorun?"
The Saiyan stared at her, tail stiff and fluffed out; there was a hardness creeping over his dark eyes. Mahrayne shivered with a premonition of disaster...
"Zorun?"
*Shh!* standing behind her, Alida wrapped her arms protectively around her twin, *Don't do or say anything!*
*But - *
*Do nothing!* Alida insisted. *This is a nexus point, what Zorun does next will influence a whole series of events.*
"Dead is dead. There is nothing after. There can be nothing after!" White-faced, he swiveled to Zha'haabron, to Hijau. "Can there?"
Zha'haabron lowered his head, closing his eyes. Hijau bit his lip.
Zorun turned back to Mahrayne.
"I have given you everything you've asked of me. Allowed you to humiliate me in public, betrayed my pride as a Saiyan warrior, even agreed to share you with that baita, when by rights I should have killed her. And now you tell me that even when I have you to myself, you're not all mine, that I'm still sharing you?" His voice rose dangerously: Hijau and Leteetza poised to move if necessary. "I'm sharing you with a fucking ghost…?"
Alida sighed resignedly into Mahrayne's ear.
*Well that settles that.*
But Mahrayne wasn't listening to her sister, she was staring at her mate, feeling her brittle happiness and contentment start to crumble.
"She's not a ghost, exactly -" Mahrayne's voice sound pathetically small to her.
Zorun snarled. "How long has she been here?"
"All my life, but – " Mahrayne went on hurriedly as the male growled, " – but, I've only been able to see her since Kinu and I bonded –"
"Why didn't you tell me?!"
"I – I simply didn't think to –"
"And what other wonderful secrets have you kept from me?"
"I have no secrets from you," Mahrayne snapped. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my sister, but why is it any concern to you anyway? You have no interaction with her, you can't see her –"
"But she's fucking there!!"
"So!?" Mahrayne's voice was rising to match her mate's.
"You just don't understand do you?!"
"No, I don't understand!" Mahrayne yelled, frustrated, "I don't understand you, or your race! I'm expected to know how to behave, what not to do, but I only find out I've done something wrong after it's happened!"
"You've never fucking bothered to find out! You don't listen, you don't learn…"
Mahrayne gaped at him, stung.
"I do listen, I try to find things out." Oily sarcasm coated her words. "Have you never noticed that I asked questions about everything?" she bared her teeth at Zorun, "no, you probably never had, I'm only a useless, ki-less alien, barely fit to breathe the same air as the mighty and noble Saiya-jin!"
Zorun stared at her, and for a moment she thought he would attack her - but he turned and loped to the balcony, taking off into the bright morning sky. Hijau glanced quickly at the king.
*Look after Zha'haarak?*
Barely waiting for Zha'haabron's nod, the captain raced after the guard.
Mahrayne stared in disbelief after her mate.
"I give up!" she snarled half to herself. "Saiyans over-react to everything! There is no point trying to talk to any of this arrogant, stupid race!"
Leteetza glanced once at the children's taut faces, then stepped forwards and slapped Mahrayne across the face, hard enough to knock her back against Kelapa. Into the stunned silence she snarled,
"You spoilt, selfish, ungrateful… Get out of my sight, the pair of you." As the white-faced guard opened her mouth, she added, baring her teeth, "One word from you, warrior, and Elite or not you can say goodbye to your military career."
Hijau knew where Zorun would go - to their boulder out on the plain. Or so he thought, but there was no sign of the guard as he arrived…
Landing, he frowned, then picked up the faintest suppressed ki-signature and followed it to the far side of a nearby and much larger rock.
Zorun sat there, huddled into a ball, shaking. Something clenched in Hijau's chest. He knew that attitude all too well from his own past - it was the posture of a child who had been beaten once too often. Kneeling, he pulled the big, limp, cold body into his arms.
*Zorun…*
The guard was sobbing, silently.
*Everything I've ever had, everything I've ever owned, everyone I've ever l… loved - it's all been taken from me. Someone has always taken it away…*
Hijau held him tightly, weeping with him.
*P… perhaps I should just rejoin the offworld force. Go back to Nappa. At least I know how to deal with that pain…*
Hijau frowned, then stroked his mane.
*Come with me, aijin. We can talk about it later.*
Heart-sick and desolate, Zorun allowed the smaller male to lead him back to the city.
Stunned, Mahrayne could only look at Leteetza; she barely felt Kel's tug on her arm.
"Come on, takibi," the warrior said quietly, guiding the Hassinan away from the clustered family.
"Maazi?!"
Mahrayne paused at the door: Kinu's worried exclamation had turned a knife in her heart but she couldn't bring herself to look at her son.
"I love you, little treasure," she said to the blank door, "will you stay with maazi Zak for a little while?" Then she walked out of the suite.
Mahrayne sat huddled on the bed in the guest suite.
"'Sorry' doesn't even begin to cover it, does it, Kel?"
Kelapa was close beside her; she sighed and tightened her tail around Mahrayne's waist.
"Are you hungry, 'rayne? You haven't eaten yet."
Mahrayne almost smiled at this example of Saiyan practicality.
"No, thank you, I couldn't eat anything at the moment."
Kel wrapped her arms around her lover, resting her forehead on Mahrayne's shoulder.
"Is it true? About your sister?"
A chill coursed down the Hassinan's spine; in her anger with Zorun she'd forgotten 'zhasaan's revelation. Well, she'd suspected for a while the little dreamer could see Alida...
"Yes." Mahrayne felt the Saiyan shudder. "I thought I was the only one who could sense her... I think that's why I didn't say anything."
"She's here now?"
"On the other side of me." Mahrayne whispered, involuntarily glancing at her twin, feeling comforted by her presence.
Kel was silent, but there were tremors running through her body.
"I s'pose if I can't see her, I can't be bothered by her." She said at last.
"Yes."
Kelapa kissed Mahrayne's shoulder.
"No matter what happens, takibi, I will never regret claiming you."
"Not even if it means losing everything you value? Respect, friendship, honour?"
The warrior gripped the Hassinan's chin, gently forcing her to look at her.
"If I have you," she smirked softly, "I have everything."
"Kel – " Mahrayne's voice cracked and then she was weeping in the Saiyan's arms...
The Hassinan was alone in the small suite. She'd convinced Kel to go to work, that she needed some time alone. Kelapa had been reluctant to leave her – maybe she suspected what was in her lover's mind.
Mahrayne twisted the soft sheet in her fingers; she didn't have a knife, but if she could tear the sheet into strips...
*Don't!* Alida gasped, shocked, *Don't even think it!*
Mahrayne was calm, her eyes clear.
"I'm gravel in a wound, sister, if the gravel is removed the wound will heal –*
* - and leave a scar! Mahrayne you cannot 'remove' yourself!*
*We'd be together.*
*We will be together anyway, in time,* Alida was forceful, *but right now you are needed here!*
*By who?* Mahrayne demanded. *Kinu is happy with Zha'haarak and 'jau, 'tiisaan has Jeice - *
*Kinu is your son, he will always need you and 'tiisaan - *
*I have taught him nearly everything I know - *
*He will be learning from you 'til the day you die, as you will from him! You inspire each other, 'rayne, if 'tiisaan hadn't met you he never would have danced and that would have been a tragedy!*
Tears spilled over Mahrayne's eyelashes.
*What about Zorun and Kel? Without me their lives would be smoother, they'd be happier - *
*You really don't understand Saiyans if you think that's the case!* Alida grimaced, wrestling with a decision, *I have seen your death, heart's-light,* she grated out, reluctantly, *and it's not now. No -* she shook her head firmly, *I'm not telling you any more. But please believe me when I say you are loved and needed and will be for years and years.*
*I want to believe you.* Mahrayne whispered.
*Then do!* Alida put her hands on her twin's shoulders. *Come and dance with me, 'rayne. It will help.*
*Dance?* Mahrayne was momentarily uncomprehending, then relief flowed through her as she realised what Alida meant.
*Oh yes,* she smiled tearfully, then turned her focus inwards to the beckoning dark of trancing...
"'rayne? Wake up, takibi, time to eat."
Mahrayne jerked back to herself, confused.
"Kel?"
"Yep." The warrior smirked, putting a laden tray on the bed. She stroked Mahrayne's cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you." Mahrayne pushed herself upright, leaning in to kiss her lover. Surprisingly, she did feel better, calmer and more relaxed with the dowon generated from trancing, and instead of the usual void of memory, this time Mahrayne was left with vague impressions of gold, of peace and love and a sense of perfect completeness...
"'rayne?"
"Sorry," Mahrayne gave Kel a small smile, "I'm still waking up."
The females ate in silence, both wrapped up in their own thoughts.
"I have to go," Kelapa stroked Mahrayne's hair, "Will you be all right?"
"I will."
"All right," Kel kissed her, "I'll be back before you know it."
Mahrayne lay down on the bed, Alida beside her; no matter that she was feeling better, the underlying problems would still need to be dealt with, but not now – she was wrung out...
The classroom was unnaturally quiet, the children still bewildered by the event in the suite. Leteetza had given Ubi the barest outline of what had happened, and the teachers had tried to behave as normal, but their students were all too troubled to concentrate…
Buahan's eyes were brimming: Pirum sneaked an arm around her waist. The princess turned to her friend.
"Do you think I'm arrogant and stupid?"
Pirum blanched and hugged her tightly.
"No! Of course I don't! You're lovely and sweet and intelligent…"
"Why did she say it, then?"
"Oh, Bu-chan… She's pregnant, she sometimes says things she doesn't mean."
Buahan brushed a hand across her eyes.
"But why? We don't."
Pirum bit her lip.
"I… I don't know exactly… But she didn't mean it, really, Bu-chan. She was just angry with Zorun."
Buahan shook her head.
"I don't understand. I mean, I can see why he was angry…"
Ubi, who had heard the exchange, clapped her hands for attention.
"I think it might be a good idea for us to talk about what's happened, since it will affect some of us - if not all of us." she added, glancing at Kobis and 'haabron. "Come on, let's grab some cushions and sit comfortably, then you can all tell me what you think claiming is all about…"
"Maazi?" The feel of small arms winding their way around her neck, brought Mahrayne fully awake.
"Kinu?" She blinked, smiling joyfully at the sight of her son cuddled close to her. "How did you get here?"
"Mahrayne," the Hassinan peered over her son's head to see Zha'haarak, and a scowling Jagung. The prince held up a beaker. "Zh'leet thought you should have some of this..."
"I don't think you should be here, your Highness." Mahrayne said nervously, half expecting the gentle zn'hre's bondmate to come storming in through the window. "The Captain won't be happy."
"Nevertheless," Zha'haarak smiled down at her, "you need the… glop and… I would like my dance lesson."
Mahrayne ruthlessly squashed the urge to cry, overwhelmed with gratitude that Zha'haarak at least didn't appear to condemn her.
"Of course, your Highness."
For a couple of hours, Mahrayne lost herself in the pleasure of sharing her love of dance with someone, Jagung's silent, stiffly disapproving presence receding to a minor distraction. Kinu was delighted to have both of his maazis with him again, and his look grew mutinous when Mahrayne asked Zha'haarak to take him back to the suite.
"Leteetza is very angry with me, little one," Mahrayne rocked her son gently, "it will be much more peaceful for everyone if I'm not in her sight, and maazi Zak needs peace at the moment so 'jau can grow big and strong."
"Want you, and Papa and Kel," the cub muttered miserably into her neck.
"Soon, precious, I promise." Mahrayne kissed her son's shining mane, "Now go with maazi Zak, he needs you to help look after him." Kinu sniffled and kissed her cheek, then allowed himself to be handed over to the prince.
Zorun sat hunched on the edge of the bed in Hijau's old quarters, misery seeping from him. Hijau eased a beaker of one of Kyuri's ferocious concoctions into the cold, trembling hands then sat next to him, one hand on a broad bowed shoulder.
*Drink.*
Zorun automatically raised the beaker to his lips and downed half the contents, coughing once then sinking his head into his hands, the beaker dropping unheeded to the floor. Hijau slid an arm across his back.
*Zorun?*
Tears oozed through the big fingers. The captain sighed.
*Aijin, why is it so bad? You let Kelapa claim her, how is this worse?*
Zorun raised his head to regard the younger officer, the depth of hopelessness in his eyes worrying Hijau.
*I did not let that baita claim my mate. Mahrayne gave me no choice. I either accepted it, or I lost her.* He half-laughed, a dismal sound. *Heh, didn't work, did it? I've lost her anyway.* He stared at the ground. *If I ever had her in the first place…*
Hijau rubbed his back.
*What do you mean?*
*Mahrayne was always used to females, on Hassina. She prefers them. She's happy to live with that baita - she never wanted to share my life. I could scent her reluctance every time the idea was mentioned, however indirectly.*
The captain frowned.
*But she loves you!*
*So she says.*
Hijau pulled Zorun around to face him.
*You can scent that she does.*
Zorun shook his head.
*She loves what I can give her. Brats. That's all I am to her, a means to an end.* Bitterly, *She's happiest with her fucking females…*
His head rolled back, eyes closing.
*And now I find that I can't even have her all to myself. Have never had her to myself and never will.*
*It matters that much?*
Zorun brushed a hand over his face.
*Yes, it does. It's all I had.*
There was silence for a few minutes, then Hijau asked, tentatively,
*What will you do?*
*I haven't decided.*
*But you won't go back offworld…*
Zorun inclined his head.
*Why not? I don't want to stay here.*
*Nappa will make your life hell.*
He shrugged.
*And Mahrayne?*
He closed his eyes, *anguish* flooding him.
*I can renounce my claim, leave her to that fucking ama. It's what she wants.*
Hijau cupped his face in gentle hands.
*I think she wants you.*
*She's taken everything I have and it's not enough. Not enough for her.*
*What about Kinu? The new brat?*
The *anguish* became *despair*.
*I don't know…* he *whispered* *I don't know…*
Kelapa returned a couple of hours later, again with a pile of food that her lover could barely stand to look at. They ate in comfortable silence, the warrior's tail wrapped around Mahrayne's waist, the tip stroking gently over her belly. After the meal Kel leaned back and smirked at her.
"You need some fresh air."
Kel flew them to Mahrayne's glade. The evening's air was soft and sweetly scented with the night-blossoming flowers just beginning to open.
Mahrayne's residual contentment from trancing had gone and the cold reality of her and Kel's situation crept back to fill its place, dragging her down with a depressed, enervating lethargy. The Hassinan didn't have the heart to dance so she sat cuddled in Kelapa's lap, her head on her lover's shoulder, unable to do more than let her thoughts circle round and round. Full dark caught Mahrayne by surprise: she was tired, and so was Kelapa. Time to return to the guest suite. They both needed sleep…
Waking as usual before the first sun had risen, Mahrayne lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. Her cheek still felt tender from where Leteetza had slapped her – and hadn't she deserved that? How could she have said those things? Mahrayne sighed minutely; though she'd spoken in anger, she'd meant what she said, every contemptuous word. She didn't understand the Saiyans, found their tendency – to her mind – to over-react to things that threatened their view of life aggravating, a pointless waste of energy. She had tried to mold herself to suit them, and yes, they had tried to help her, but it was hopeless – the differences in culture was too great. Slowly, painfully, Mahrayne came to the realisation that she couldn't live among these aliens anymore. But what of her mates? She shied away from the thought of leaving them, it was too painful, it made her chest hurt like she was buried beneath a great weight of cold rock. And her children? The thought of leaving her little son hurt even more, but he would be happy here with the family. Her daughter? Mahrayne's hand stole gently over her abdomen and she swallowed; maybe - maybe when the child was weaned she could go to live with her brother?
Beside her, Kelapa stirred restlessly. Mahrayne looked at her lover, absorbing the sight of her strong, beautiful face. If she got up now, left before the Saiyan woke, she could be on a transport to anywhere...
Kel's eyes popped open.
"What's the matter?" she said sharply.
"I don't belong here, Kel, I have to leave." Mahrayne blurted out.
"Leave?" Kelapa scrubbed at her face. "What do you mean?"
"Leave Vejiitasei," the Hassinan whispered.
Kelapa growled low in her throat, and her tail lashed against the bed. The warrior gripped Mahrayne's arm with crushing strength.
"The fuck you are!" she snarled. She released her lover and leapt out of bed, struggling into her bodysuit.
"Kel?"
"Don't fucking move!" the warrior growled, "If you're not here when I come back I'll hunt you down myself!"
Mahrayne watched apprehensively as Kel flung herself out of the suite...
Zorun sat slumped on the edge of the bed, head in hands; the big male felt like shit. He'd spent the night at the Guard headquarters, unable to bring himself to go back to the palace, and he'd not slept at all. He sniffed, raising his head to scowl at the door – he'd caught a familiar, hated scent...
"What the fuck do you want?" he snarled at his rival as she stormed into his room.
"Are you satisfied, kusoyaro? She wants to leave!"
"What!" Zorun felt... disoriented. Kelapa was angry, angry enough to kill but underneath the anger was something tantalising...
"Mahrayne wants to leave and it's all your fault!" The female launched herself at him managing to land a hard blow across his face before he could react and block the next one. She was so close to him he could see the striations in her warm, brown irises, see the rise and fall of her breasts. Zorun snarled – he hated her, hated that Mahrayne loved her, wanted to tear her apart...
… and then suddenly he was tearing at her bodysuit, their mouths crushed together in searing, thoughtless lust. Kelapa was more than ready for him, and Zorun pounded into her, hard and fast. There was no love, no thought, just a glorious, all-consuming passion that had them clawing at each other trying to get as close as possible.
Zorun bit her throat, growling, and he came, every muscle tensing as he emptied himself into her. Kel followed a split second later, crying out as the spasms wracked her body.
Panting, Zorun slumped heavily across Kelapa.
What the fuck…?
His eyes widened in horror, her tail was still wrapped around his arm - it was streaked with gold....
*Oh fuck…*
"Get off!" Kelapa growled shakily, pushing and punching him, snatching her tail back and wrapping it protectively around her waist.
Zorun rolled off of her and unsteadily pushed himself to his feet. Kelapa scrambled off the floor, cursing volubly, not meeting his eye.
He ran a hand through his mane.
"I didn't – "
"Neither did I!" Kel snapped, swearing again when she saw Zorun was still erect, and felt her own traitorous body's surge of reciprocal lust.
She tensed as Zorun scented her.
"Are you - ?"
Kelapa bared her teeth at him.
"Hurt? No," she said nastily, "probably fucking pregnant, but fine."
He stepped towards her, confusion - and was that regret? - in his scent, and Kel leapt back.
"Don't fucking come near me!"
Kelapa wanted to scream - why the fuck hadn't she spotted she was in heat?
She tugged her bodysuit back into place with shaking hands, then stalked out of the room without looking at him.
Only when she was miles away from Vejiitamachi and high in the air out of sight of anyone did she let her icy composure slip, and howl at the unfairness of it all.
© 2003 January 19th Joules Taylor and Amanda Mullane
