Collapse pt 2

Mahrayne sat cross-legged on the floor of the large cabin she was sharing with Kelapa, Kinu, 'jau and Ti'ani. Her son was snuggled in on one side, his bondmate next to him while Pirum, 'selaan and 'ani lounged comfortably opposite her. Kelapa was sprawled on the bed behind Mahrayne, long tail coiled lovingly around her mate's waist as the Hassinan related one of the children's favourite stories. They were half-way to G'geckah, hopefully arriving in plenty of time for the birth of Ientus' child.
It'd been almost a hundred days since the cave-in and Mahrayne, Pirum and Kinu – as well as the remaining Hassinan on Vejiitasei – were still officially in mourning. Wearing plain robes, no jewelry or ornaments and with their hair unbound, the Hassinan expressed their grief after their fashion while they got on with practicalities. Mahrayne's sorrow at the death of her sisters, and Chumie's child, sometimes made it hard for her to concentrate on the details of life though that was minor compared to the numbing panic and terror that crashed over her whenever a stray thought about Hassina's ultimate fate clawed its way to the forefront of her mind. Mahrayne suspected that, with the exception of the Lead Speaker, she and Alida were the only ones who had a true understanding of the enormity of the tragedy and it left them feeling isolated and alone. It was odd though: the length of time spent in mourning was a personal thing for the Hassinan, it was up to the individual to decide when they'd grieved enough, but Mahrayne got the impression her kin on Vejiitasei were looking to her for that decision. They would cease mourning when she did. Just how she felt about being made the conscience of her people Mahrayne hadn't worked out yet.
Kelapa's tail tightened around Mahrayne's body and she felt the warrior's hand warm and comforting on her shoulder, strong fingers gently stroking her neck. Of course her lover could scent her distress even as she firmly put it aside and focused on the present. Mahrayne leant back into the touch, *sending* her gratitude and love to the Saiyan through the still-tenuous link that had formed after the High King had been in her mind.

Both Kinu and 'jau were struggling to keep their eyes open by the time Mahrayne had finished the story so, smiling, she tucked the little bondmates into bed as Pirum and 'sel quietly took their leave. Mahrayne still wasn't sure about letting her youngest sister and the zn'hre share a room but as Pirum had reasonably pointed out they needed a private area to study. The elder Hassinan had nothing definite to go on – other than her ability to know when her sister wasn't being completely honest - but she was beginning to form... suspicions about Pirum and 'sel's relationship.
       "'m hungry," Kelapa murmured, wrapping arms and tail around the Hassinan, nuzzling at her claim mark. "Let's get something to eat."
      Mahrayne hesitated but 'ani spoke up with a quiet smirk.
      "I'll be here, 'rayne-san."
       "Thank you, 'ani-sama," the Hassinan's smile was grateful. Mahrayne wanted to indulge her Saiyan – Kel was missing Kuri more than she'd admit – and knowing her son and his bondmate were in the care of easily the most powerful being on the ship was a relief. Naturally, the Elite Saiya-jin on guard outside the cabin didn't hurt either. Kinu and 'jau were well-protected.
       "Yes, let's," she wound her arms around the warrior's neck, smiling into warm brown eyes, "and then we can find an empty cabin, yes? Just for a little while?"
      Kelapa smirked and slid her hands down Mahrayne's back, rhythmically stroking the 'tail' beads she could feel through the Hassinan's robe.
       "Best fucking idea I've heard in days..."

As she had since the cave-in Mahrayne lay awake while her bedmates slumbered. She knew she'd fall asleep eventually but it seemed to take forever now. The Hassinan nuzzled Kinu's soft silver mane and her thoughts drifted to Ti'aasaan's new hostling. Such a pretty child, it had tugged at her heart to see his sire echoed so strongly in the beautiful little face. Ti'aasaan had glowed when he'd brought 'vaasaan to meet her, but then the little zn'hre had a lot to be happy about; a beautiful, healthy child, a loving and supportive family, a strong and handsome mate...
       Mahrayne squeezed her eyes shut and thought about something else.
      Ti'ani's inclusion in the trip had been a last minute thing, hastily arranged, or so it had seemed. The young hybrid was upset about something, Mahrayne could see that, but despite her concerned curiosity she refrained from asking. Whatever happened within the Family was no longer her business. Kinu and 'jau were clearly delighted to have him along though, and 'ani seemed happy enough to be there.
       The Summer performance of the Academy had been glorious, if nerve-wracking. Everyone had worked so hard to make it a success the audience's enthusiastic response had been immensely gratifying. She'd been so proud of her son! Watching, breathless and wide-eyed, as Kinu had frozen the lake for the Shimosein. She still found it hard to comprehend that anyone, let alone her child, could do something so miraculous!
       Mahrayne sighed happily; it'd been wonderful dancing with Jeice and 'tiisaan again, but she'd decided not to participate in the next performance, no matter how persuasive 'tiisaan tried to be. She was a good dancer but not exceptional, unlike some of the students. The concerts were supposed to be showcases for the new talent, and to be honest Mahrayne still wasn't comfortable performing in front of crowds of strangers. She wouldn't miss it and she had more than enough to contribute in other ways, in tutoring and choreography, and showing her students first-hand the consuming love of dance. Mahrayne closed her eyes, snuggling back into Kelapa. Bri-sensei was already thinking ahead to the next performance in midwinter and the Hassinan had some ideas for mixed-discipline dances...
      Mahrayne finally drifted off to sleep, images of form and colour swirling behind her eyelids.

Kelapa stretched mightily, taking a deep, appreciative breath of the humid G'geckan air.
       "I keep forgetting how much I fucking hate breathing that recycled ship's muck." The Saiyan smirked, winding her tail around Mahrayne's waist.
       "Maazi, it's beautiful here!" Kinu's small fingers were twined with his mother's as he gazed at the thick vegetation tipped golden by the late-afternoon sun.
       "It is," Mahrayne grinned down at her son, "I think you'll enjoy yourself..."

One of the squat, barrel-shaped G'geckan's introduced himself to the party then escorted them to their quarters. Mahrayne stopped short just inside the spacious room and blinked.
       Iocor was there, and Ientus, heavily pregnant and shining with health, but also Munia and Monile, the younger Astolan's females. Mahrayne wondered if this wasn't perhaps a trifle presumptive - it was unlikely Malum even knew his brother had died let alone that his females had been passed on to him. But there was an easy atmosphere in the room and Ientus and Iocor were probably glad of the company. More surprising still was seeing Nonnia and Olla.
      "Nonnia!" grinning broadly, she almost fell into the older woman's arms, "I'm so glad to see you - what are you doing here?"
       Despite her astonishment Mahrayne didn't miss the look of dismay that flashed across Pirum's face.
       "I assumed you wouldn't want to come to Hassina," Nonnia glanced at Kelapa, "or wouldn't be allowed to..."
       Mahrayne hid her unease behind a chuckle, and changed the subject.
       "How did you convince my father to let you go?" she grinned, "and how was the journey?"
       Nonnia shuddered.
      "No more pleasant than the last time, and as for your first question," she smiled rather smugly, glancing down at the noticeable bulge of her abdomen. "I invoked my prerogative as a breeding female to do as I wished."
      Mahrayne laughed, hugging the elder.
      "I'm sure Astolan was very impressed."
      "Oh, you have no idea," Olla chimed in from the side. "But I believe the Lead Speaker intervened."
      Mahrayne smiled at her Tertera's lover, noting she seemed less timorous than previously, more... assertive and contained. Her relationship with Nonnia was doing both of them good it seemed.
      Nonnia smiled down at the little silver-maned male standing patiently beside his mother.
      "Welcome, Kinu," she raised an eyebrow. "You've grown!"
      Kinu smirked, winding his tail tighter around a watchful 'jau.
      "This is Prince Za'jau," Mahrayne laid a hand on the little hybrid's shoulder, "he and Kinu –" she paused, contemplating the best way to explain the bonding, "– are promised to each other."
      "That's wonderful! Congratulations!" Nonnia dropped to her knees, pulling the bondmates into a tight hug. A few paces away both 'ani and the accompanying Guards tensed. Kelapa frowned minutely, shaking her head – the older female was no threat – but neither of them relaxed until Nonnia moved away from the pair.
      "Where is your daughter?" Nonnia asked her Terteria.
      "Korena decided to stay with her sire," Kinu shot his mother a worried glance as Mahrayne resolutely ignored the flare of hurt piercing her heart.
      "Such a shame," Nonnia's face fell, "I was looking forwards to meeting her."
      "I'm sorry," Mahrayne hugged her tertera again, "I would have liked 'rena to come with me but she was adamant about remaining behind."

Pirum had hung back from the initial greetings; a futile attempt to delay her reunion with her mother, she realised. Soon enough – too soon for the young female's liking – Olla turned away from Nonnia and Mahrayne to look at her.
      "Greetings, Pirum."
      "Greetings, mother." Pirum approached for a dutiful embrace.
      "You've grown, also." Olla murmured, smiling into her daughter's face. "Are you well?"
      "Very," Pirum smirked. "Learning a lot – enjoying my life."
       Olla stiffened - the implication was, of course, that she hadn't enjoyed her life on Hassina.
      "I am pleased for you." The older female stepped away then glanced enquiringly at 'selaan.
       "This is Prince Zha'selaan," Pirum grinned and grabbed his hand, wincing inwardly at her mother's look of surprise – she must remember not to touch him in front of the other Hassinan. "My study-partner and friend."
      "Wel-come," Olla greeted him in heavily-accented Common.
       It was Pirum's turn to look surprised.
       "You've been learning Common?"
      "We all have," Olla indicated the other females in the room. "Nonnia's... idea," she frowned as she concentrated, "A... good idea, yes?"
       "Yes," Pirum smirked, "though 'ani, 'sel and 'jau can all speak a little Hassinan."
       Beside Mahrayne, Kinu wound his tail around his mother's ankle.
       "Maazi? Are you all right?" he peered up into her face, nostrils twitching at the anxious uncertainty in her scent.
       "Yes. Yes I am fine, sinam," Mahrayne mentally shook herself, stroking her son's soft, silver mane. Hearing Olla speaking Common had given her, and her twin, an uncomfortable jolt – the Hassinan's way of life, their culture, their language, was going to disappear, be absorbed into something else...
       "Takibi?" Kelapa's strong body pressed close was warm and comforting.
       "It's nothing, tahnahn," Mahrayne, sighing, leant back against her lover. "I think I'm just tired and hungry."
       The Saiyan's eyes gleamed at the mention of food.
      "It's time we had something to eat," she nuzzled the Hassinan's supple neck.
       "It'll be dark soon then we can sit outside and you can tell us about the stars!" Both Kinu and 'jau's exotic little faces were alight with enthusiasm.
      "We've been looking forward to that, maazirayne." her son's bondmate added.
      Mahrayne squatted down in front of the pair, gathering them into a tight, loving hug.
      "Then that is what we shall do..."

Mahrayne smiled fondly, watching the children splash about in a quiet, shady lake surrounded by dense vegetation. Even 'ani seemed to be whole-heartedly enjoying the game, his mock-growls threaded through with genuine laughter as he was 'ambushed' by the younger hybrids erupting out of the water around him. It was good to see 'ani relaxed and happy; to Mahrayne's eyes he'd seemed a little withdrawn recently. The Hassinan reclined back into her lover; it was very pleasant here, very relaxing, and while it was good to be with Nonnia and the rest she couldn't help the sneaking feeling she was wasting time. Mahrayne was itching to get back to the Academy, back to her students and friends. Oh well, Ientus was very close to term, it wouldn't be long now – hopefully.

Pirum sighed: ten days so far and no sign that Ientus was going to have her child any time soon. She glanced sideways at 'sel where he sat at the monitor, her gaze lingering on the line of the zn'hre's throat and the spot at the angle of his jaw that made him squirm when she kissed it. Ten days and they'd only managed two brief snatches of time alone. Pirum found she was missing the incidental contact as well, having to maintain a – now – unnatural, decorous distance from her bedmate in front of the other Hassinan. It wasn't fair. She knew 'sel was missing the affectionate, intimate contact as well - and they were both missing Kiraz. Pirum gritted her teeth; she was convinced her mother knew what she was up to, and Mahrayne probably did as well. Why else would her older sister go out of her way to keep them within sight?
It wasn't all bad, however - she and 'sel had been given almost unlimited access to the G'geckan medical database. The zn'hre was rapidly picking up the G'gecks' written language, something Pirum was already fluent with, and together they'd been having fun peering and poking into all sorts of interesting research. But intriguingly there were areas they couldn't get into, so, true to their inquisitive natures the youngsters spent a good deal of their energies trying to do just that. They hadn't had much luck so far, the G'gecks data security was proving slippery but Pirum was sure it wouldn't be long before they cracked it....

Ientus finally went into labour – a long, loud labour – the next morning. Only the Hassinan attended though Pirum knew 'selaan would've liked to witness the birth. He smiled sedately though and informed his study-partner in an undertone that he'd keep himself 'occupied' with the G'geck database in the meantime.
       Several gruelling hours later the child was delivered and there was much jubilation. Malum's firstborn was male, a very auspicious occurrence.
      "Can we wake Malum? Show him his son?" Ientus, exhausted but overjoyed, cuddled her baby protectively close in the warm water.
      "He needs to name the child - but would it be possible?" Nonnia asked Mahrayne.
      "I'll find out," the dancer grinned, climbing out of the bath.

Malum was able to be revived, albeit briefly.
      Iocor and Mahrayne accompanied the new mother, as did Pirum who pleaded to be allowed to go. Not that there was much to see, the injured male was floating in an oblong box made of some smooth, dark material – only his face was visible, and his was the only container in the stark room. Mahrayne looked down into the vat, biting her lip at the changes she could see in her brother. His skin was pale and fleshless, thin like the paper her people made. The G'geckan medical supervisor assured her Malum was healing well but Mahrayne and Alida couldn't forget the future image of their brother – whole, but in constant pain.
      "Malum? Precious?" Ientus called softly to her male. "I have something to show you."
      Malum's eyelids fluttered open. He stared at the female for several long moments, as if not recognising her, then he smiled.
      "Ientus." His voice was scratchy, barely audible but both of his females beamed at the sound of it. Ientus carefully held the dozing baby up in front of him.
      "Your son, Malum."
      The male's mouth worked, but no sound came out. Slow tears welled up in his eyes, spilling to trickle down the translucent skin stretched over his cheek bones.
      "He needs a name, beloved." Ientus urged gently.
      Malum frowned a little, his lips moving spasmodically. Everyone held their breath though it was a foregone conclusion he'd name his first son after himself – it was traditional.
      "... Cauda..."
      Ientus blinked.
      "Cauda?"
      A faint smile twitched the male's lips as his eyes drifted closed again.
      "As you wish," Ientus smiled warmly at him, "sleep now, beloved..."

It was a small celebration but no less enthusiastic for that. Ientus cuddled with Iocor on some floor cushions, the infant Cauda snuggled between them while the rest of the Hassinan - and Kinu and 'jau - danced and sang, the other aliens looking on. Pirum twirled in the circle, following her sister's steps but only half of her attention was on the dance and her joyfulness was purely a veneer.
      When she'd got back from seeing Malum, 'selaan had quietly beckoned her over to the terminal they'd been using.
      "I've found something," the zn'hre murmured, golden eyes serious, "but I don't know what it means, I don't have the skill yet with the language."
      "Let me have a look," Pirum eagerly seated herself at the monitor and began to scan the documents 'selaan had unearthed.
      "Pir-chan?" 'sel covertly laid a cool hand on her shoulder; the young female was staring at the screen, trembling. "What is it?"
      "It's – they've – " Pirum's breathing was fast and shallow. "They've been experimenting on us, 'sel - the G'gecks." she whispered, eyes wide, stunned.
      "How?" the zn'hre responded in a low, urgent voice.
      "They've – " Pirum swallowed, "they've been cross-breeding our genome with other races and – " her hands curled into tight fists in her lap, " – and they've been selectively breeding full-blood Hassinan to implant in our females who come here for treatment." She bit back a sob. "They've... created and discarded hundreds - more - of these embryos."
      "Hardly ethical behaviour," 'selaan frowned.
      "It's not that," Pirum's voice was tight with horror, "these children haven't been Named."
      The zn'hre tilted his head, concern for his partner clear in his eyes.
      "I understand Naming is significant to the Hassinan – "
      "It's vital!" Pirum snarled, but not loudly enough to attract attention, "Without our names we can't go to the Afterlife – we're trapped in this world, alone. It's – it's a horrible thing to contemplate." She wound her arms tightly around her midriff as she struggled to compose herself.
      'sel wanted nothing more than to hold and comfort the distraught little female but with her people on the other side of the room he had to settle for simply stroking her long, silver hair.
      "What are you going to do?" he asked quietly, "Will you tell 'rayne?"
      Pirum snorted.
      "That won't help anyone. No, there's no need for the others to find out, it would only upset them." She became pensive, her agile, analytical mind already sifting through potentialities. "But I do think Vinas should know."
      "I agree," beneath the cover of her hair, 'selaan squeezed Pirum's shoulder, "I'll make copies of as much as I can -" he glanced at the activity across the room, " - while you celebrate the hostli - child's birth."

One full G'geckan day after Cauda was born, the visitors left.
      "Are you sure you have go so soon?" Olla had asked.
      "I'm sorry but, yes," Mahrayne replied, "I - we all have responsibilities on Vejiitasei we can't leave for too long."
      Iocor wrapped her arms around Mahrayne's waist and greatly daring - Kelapa was glowering at her - kissed the elder female's neck, raising a shiver.
      "We'll probably still be on G'geckah when my child is due," she smiled shyly. "Could I ask you to be here with me?"
      Mahrayne grinned, hugging the tall female.
      "If it is at all possible."
      The Saiyans were visibly sparking with impatience by the time all the good-byes had been said and the group finally boarded the shuttle. Kelapa stood behind Mahrayne as the Hassinan gazed out of the small view-port at the verdant planet below.
      "I can't say I'm sorry to leave," the female growled, twining her tail possessively around her mate's hips. Kel had not been impressed with what she saw as liberties being taken with her mate by the four younger females. Mahrayne sighed happily, twisting to kiss the warrior's throat.
      *Never without your permission, tahnahn,* the startled, then smug, expression on Kelapa's face let Mahrayne know her *speech* had gotten through, *and never without you there.*
      The warrior smirked, long, red-brown tail pulling her lover close.
      *The brats can look after themselves for a while, let's go somewhere private.*
      Mahrayne laughed and deliberately echoed one of her mate's favourite remarks.
      *Best fucking idea I've heard in days…*

It was a bitter-sweet journey for Mahrayne; she was looking forward to going home but they'd had word that the Zhane expedition was ready to go, only waiting for Kinu, 'jau, 'sel and Pirum's return. She couldn't deny it was going to be a wonderful experience for them all but they would be away for half a year or more. Her son would be away for so long… The thought filled Mahrayne with anguish though there was consolation knowing Korena and Kuri would remain behind on Vejiitsei.
Mahrayne was still concerned about her sister and 'selaan. The pair seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time in their cabin on the way home - 'studying', they said. Mahrayne sighed and resigned herself to hoping that Pirum's innate intelligence would stop her doing anything particularly stupid. And there was something else… Pirum's mood had lightened considerably since boarding the transport. Mahrayne wanted to know what had upset her younger sister on G'geck but was fully aware that if Pirum wasn't willing to divulge the reason then the best she could hope for was a blatantly untruthful answer. As always, where her sister was concerned, it was easier to bide the time patiently until the aggravating child decided to say something of her own accord…

It was late at night when they arrived home; there was a small welcoming party waiting for them at the Starport. 'tiisaan flung himself into Mahrayne's arms while Tion stood nearby, a ferocious grin dominating her furred face.
      "Welcome back, zk'vissin! I've missed you!" the dancer burbled, "I've got some ideas I want you to see!"
      "I can't wait, jha-tiludas," Mahrayne chuckled, "but first I'd like to say goodbye to Kinu and 'jau, and hello to 'rena and Kuri."
      "Of course," 'tiisaan said with magnanimous dignity, stepping to one side so his teacher could embrace the bondmates.
      "I may be there to see you off tomorrow, sinameh," Mahrayne cuddled the children, "but even if I'm not: journey safely - my love goes with you."
      "We'll tell you all about it, maazirayne," 'jau nuzzled her cheek.
      "Going to miss you, maazi," Kinu's expression was mournful.
      "I'll miss you as well, but this is going to be such an adventure for you!" she hugged the pair again. "Enjoy it, learn all that you can."
      She released them reluctantly then turned to her daughter - Kuri was already twined happily about his mother.
      "Welcome back, maazi," Mahrayne couldn't be sure but was there a reservedness to 'rena's embrace?
      "I'm glad to be back," she smiled and stroked the little female's cheek, "I've missed you."
      "Missed you too," it was spoken hastily, glossed over, then Korena took a deep breath and looked her mother straight in the eye.
      "Maazi, I want to stay with Papa and Tia-chan all the time."
      Mahrayne stared at the beautiful young stranger in front of her, feeling numb though not surprised. Her daughter associated with the Saiya-jin, thought of herself as a Saiyan. Kel's claiming of Mahrayne had made them outcasts amongst the ruling Elite - it was no wonder Korena wanted to distance herself from them.
      "If - if that is what you truly desire," Mahrayne murmured, striving for calm, "and if your papa agrees."
      "I've already asked him and he said yes," Korena smirked happily, then scenting her mother's poorly concealed distress she reached up to pat her shoulder awkwardly. "Don't be upset, maazi, I'll visit - I promise."
      *See that you do.* Kinu glared at his sister. *Couldn't you have waited until tomorrow? You've really hurt maazi.*
      Korena scowled back at Kinu, defiance fuelled by guilt.
      *I want to live with Papa.*
      The little female returned her attention to her mother, smiled tentatively up at the Hassinan.
      "I'll pick up my things tomorrow, ne?"
      Mahrayne blinked back tears.
      "You won't stay tonight?"
      Korena, uncomfortable, shook her head, eyes downcast.
      Kinu's tail lashed.
      *Not even tonight?! They've only just got back!*
      *None a'your business, niisan.* Korena *growled*.
      "Very well," Mahrayne straightened up, managing a small smile, "I shall miss you 'rena," she added quietly.
      Kuri, still wound around Kel's neck, looked unhappy.
      "But - but if 'rena goes to live at the palace, I'll have to go too!"
      "No you won't, brat," Kelapa growled, "the strongest, and best, Guards are there, so is the High King and the hybrids - your sister is safer there than anywhere."
      "S'pose so," Kuri cuddled disconsolately into the warrior's mane.
      "I've been meaning to give you this, Korena," Mahrayne undid the chain around her neck that held the jewelled flower, and handed it to her daughter, "Now's a good time, yes?"
      The little female sniffled, clutching the pendant in her hand.
      "Thank you, maazi." She darted forward, gave her mother a quick, tight hug then launched herself into the air to streak away without a backward glance, followed by her Guard.
      Kinu scowled, watching her go, then turned back to Mahrayne and sighed heavily.
      "I'm sorry, maazi, if I'd known she was going to do that I would've warned you."
      "It's all right, sinam," Mahrayne stroked her son's cheek, "'rena has to find her own path - you all do."
      She smiled a little wanly at 'tiisaan who'd watched the exchange with wide, worried eyes.
      "I'm sorry, sinam, I'm very tired - can you possibly wait for tomorrow to share your ideas?"
      "Of course," the zn'hre nodded, brushing a kiss over her cheek. "And you know where I am if you need anything." He added.

Mahrayne sat on their balcony in the dark, staring at nothing.
      "The brat's asleep." Kelapa plopped close down beside her mate, automatically winding her tail around Mahrayne's waist. Kuri had chosen to stay the night with his maazis even though his much loved elder sibling would be gone again tomorrow. The Hassinan nodded absently and Kel sighed, understanding her mate well enough to know what she was thinking. "You haven't failed."
      "Haven't I?" Mahrayne didn't look at her. "Neither of my children are with me."
      "Kinu - "
      "No," she cut the warrior off, "Kinu's future is with 'jau, and the Family. Before long he'll have his own life and I will be but a very small part of it."
      Kelapa's smile was rueful.
      "That happens with all brats and their parents."
      "True." She turned to the Saiyan, burying her face in her shoulder. "Doesn't mean it hurts any less."
      Kelapa gently lifted the Hassinan and settled her across her lap. Mahrayne snuggled in closer, resting her cheek on the warrior's shoulder.
      "You're not planning on leaving me anytime soon, are you?"
      It was said jokingly but there was insecurity and fear underpinning the statement - Mahrayne's scent was rife with it.
      Kel snorted, twisting fingers into thick white hair and pulling the Hassinan's head back, exposing her throat.
      "What a fucking stupid question!" She nuzzled Mahrayne's neck, sinking sharp teeth into her claim mark hard enough to draw blood. *You're mine, I'm yours, that's all there is to it.* The warrior lapped at the beading blood, smirking as Mahrayne quivered in her arms, scent abruptly shifting to fierce arousal tangled with love and trust. Kelapa kissed her mate's jaw, her neck, the hollow of her throat, luxuriating in 'rayne's small sounds of need and desire. She loved this female to distraction and knew it was reciprocated. Whatever the future held for them they would have each other.