Request: Hi, I’m a massive fan of your writing and I adore your yautja fics, but I have to ask if your consider writing something similar to the jealously fic. Like reader is jealous thinking one of the much larger women yautja are trying to court your mate, only to find out your mate is jealous cause it’s clear the woman is trying to court you instead.
Your mate was in a meeting with important members of the tribe, occupied inside the hut you sat outside of.
You weren’t sure what it was about, though you were curious now, hearing their low, muffled clicks. You smiled, recognizing Rh’auk among them.
The breeze was warm and humidity comfortable, you couldn’t help but lean your head on the tree you sat against, letting your eyes shut and mind rest.
You didn’t fight it when you began dozing off, Rh’auk would be a while anyway.
When he finally emerged from the hut, he found you where he left you, only now you were sleeping peacefully.
He was beyond fond of his precious little hooman, wanting nothing more than to scoop you up and nap the evening away.
Alas, there were things to be done, tasks he couldn’t brush aside, not even for you.
He crouch in front of you and brushed a clawed finger against your cheek, waking you gently with pets and small kisses.
You grumbled at first, so cruelly being pulled from your light slumber.
But once you saw him you grinned, arms finding their way around his neck as you pulled him into a tight embrace.
“You’re back,” you mumbled happily, nuzzling yourself closer.
His chest rumbled lowly, mandibles clicking together occasionally. Your warm greeting making his heart melt- as it does only for you, “Yes, I am back ank’te.”
He lifted you to your feet with ease, immediately missing your arms around him as you released your hold at his neck and stood with a small yawn.
“How was your meeting?” you questioned, interlacing your hand with his larger one as you began your walk back home.
He thought for a moment, “It went well. There is much to do in little time.”
You nodded, pressing a quick kiss to his arm, deciding not to push for details he didn’t wish to share.
You felt slightly aggravated when a female Yautja stopped you and Rh’auk in your walk. It was ridiculous how often they fawned over your mate, even with you clinging to his side.
She was strong and tall, bigger than Rh’auk, but still delicate in a way. Gold accents of jewelry rest upon her skin in a beautiful contrast, shimmering with each movement she made.
You couldn’t help but feel a bit insecure at her powerful elegance. She was worthy, worthy of a male such as Rh’auk.
Her eyes were soft as she looked at you, but harder when your mate spoke their native tongue, demanding her attention.
Rh’auk seemed more territorial than aggressive towards her. He growled and snapped at her words, whatever she was saying, he really didn’t take lightly to it.
They seemed to be arguing, a part of you worried they’d begin fighting.
You flinched when she hissed, mandibles flaring before backing off. She gave you one last soft glance as she wandered elsewhere.
You looked up at him confused, “What was.. that about?”
He grumbled, “She wished to challenge me- to court you,” the words came out sharply, fading into indecipherable, sharp clicks.
Your eyes widened, oh.
“There is always one to threaten me for you. What am I to do?” he picked you up bridal style, continuing walking whilst he glanced down at your wide, surprised eyes.
“You are lucky I did not take you then and there for everyone to see mei’aki.” he huffed, making your body heat up at the mere idea.
“I thought she was trying to court you,” you said after a moment, fingers absentmindedly tracing the deep scars on his chest.
He shook his head, the sharp appendages at his jaw moving as he chittered, amused.
“She is not the only female who has sought you out ooman,” Rh’auk seemed so sour again at the idea of anyone stealing you from him.
You kissed his chest, feeling the way his hands tightened on your skin, “You’re the only one I’ll ever call my mate,” you said sweetly.
He couldn’t help but stop in his tracks and lean down to kiss you, your words meaning far more to him than you’d ever imagine.
He could only think to show you how much they meant to him.
💬 0 🔁 1 ❤️ 17 · Warlord's fierce companion ·
Part 5
Part 4
https://www.tumblr.com/ligawolfcosplayandarts/808578519322984448/hey-guys
Hunter goes on wander with Warlord and visits some places before hunt together. I wrote so much of this because I have these brainworms. I'm not best writer, but I have fun.
There's not many badass woman x Warlord (Grendel King ) fics. I love soft Warlord Predator who cares for his mate. Being ruthless doesn't mean you are bad as mate, does it?
ENJOY !!!
Hours later after bath both Hunter and Warlord were all geared up.
Hunter helped to fix his bone cape. Spines standing up as menacing as ever, showing his identity as clan leader. His attire made of trophies from his greatest hunts.
Hunter's own attire was made from trophies, smaller and the ribcage ornating over her torso as armour was one of first big trophies since joining clan.
She looked at Warlord in awe as he pressed controls on his gauntlet to read some statistics. Towering over smaller warrior woman as he stood next to her.
"We have few places to go and visit. If you want to swap up some of your arsenal, you should do it now. I will come by your chambers and we can go from here" Warlord said before he clicked his mandibles in rhythm.
"As you insist, my strong mate" Hunter nodded and rushed to her chambers.
She picked up her sword Warlord reforged and Combistick she got given when she first joined clan. She tested her cloaking device, bio-mask and connections of shoulder cannon. She spent good few minutes to make sure everything working perfectly. Yautja Shurikens that return back to owner been attached to belt along with medicine equipment and credits from her safety box she has under own bathroom facilities. She always had stash for spending at Yautja Prime's markets. Especially if they return with good prey and sell it at market.
Last holographic systems been checked. Hers had translated versions of technology since she still learning Yautja language. Most of communications still go through her translator necklace. Mostly the clicks and very few words were too difficult to speak due her human anatomy. Warlord and most of clan members were patient with her regardless after work she done to help.
Hunter heard chime on communication device and immediately responded.
"Can I come in?" On other side was her mate
"Positive, come in, please. " Hunter responded.
Warlord entered and gave nod of approval as she turned around. The purr emerged his chest and mandibles clicked which caused Hunter fluster all over again. The crimson gaze hit Hunter like physical blow seeing how he scanned her attire. She was pretty sure he undressed her after passionate moment not long ago. Yautja mating drive is something. Dreadlocks swayed as he cocked head and walked toward her before his hand cupped her face. Hunter leaned in his affectionate touch immediately as always. Vibrations from Warlord's intensive purring travelled to Hunter's cheek where his hand was resting on. She could feel it resonating into her body. Content, satisfied, impressed. Definitely flustered just like her.
"You really like your affectionate touches, don't you?" Hunter asked gently as her hand reached and gently reached to rest on his muscular chest where vibrations came from. Beat of his heart along the way he breathed was just adding to it.
Warlord stood watching her from above as if he couldn't stop admiring hear reaction. Soft palm on his chest soothed everything and made him forget about worries for this very moment.
"My small mate is adorable in my eyes even when armed to teeth. I can't stop keeping myself distant from you too long. Your hands feel just right when they're here over my heart that beats for you." he rumbled as his free hand was placed over Hunter's hand that was resting on his chest.
"This being that likes to wreak havoc can't stop being in awe over me at all and it's adorable" Hunter thought in her mind.
Hunter's cheeks went red and he could tell how flustered she was. Massive Yautja let out chuckle seeing her reaction. He used claws of free hand to gently scratch her back of head earning her leaning against his lower abdomen. As she pressed kiss here Warlord shuddered and lifted her chin chuckling deeply. Not long ago she literary worshipped his body which made his head spin for moment.
"Later we can do more... For now we have some places to visit before our hunting trip" Warlord purred as he tried to compose himself.
Warlord was so aware how easily Hunter can lose herself for him. She nodded and reached for his hands. Despite size difference, she held his two fingers in her small hand with confidence. Lips pressing in his knuckles. As Hunter placed kisses on them, she saw scarring and evidence of healed bones broken several times in past. Clan leader having to prove himself constantly and now he is planning to prove same for her.
Once they left Hunter's chambers, both walked through halls of the large stronghold until reaching hangar where his and the rest of clan's ships were docked. Warlord pressed few buttons on his gauntlet and hatch of his personal ship opened. Hunter had never stepped foot in his personal ship. She has travelled on clan's shared ship in past hunts and arena events, but Warlord has his own personal vessel she has only seen from distance. It was just as large like few one of shared vessels, but more beautiful. Warlord's personal ship was decorated with more of his personal trophies and decorative bioluminescent lights like veins flowing through interior itself. It was masterpiece of art. Some even holographic displays of him taking down Xenomorph queens and predalien. Hunter could tell that some of the these xenomorphs probably are ones Warlord is wearing in his back now. She was speechless while admiring the ship. So many ornaments, his older weapons, even storage with food, water and what it seems to be alcoholic beverages like C'ntlip too. Medical bay was set nearby hatch in case of emergency, sooner as get on ship, sooner to get treatment. Yautja always seek medical attention to even the smallest wounds and nicks, nevermind larger injuries.
Warlord looked down let out chuff accompanied with clicks of amusement.
"You like my vessel, don't you?" Warlord purred and even puffed chest with pride as he still has to impress his small human mate
"I love it. It's beautiful. Piece of art. How long it took for you to build, if you don't mind me asking?" Hunter asked while they made way to cockpit.
"I didn't build it, but we actually have to visit Yautja who built this for me back when I sired my first born pup and became known as clan leader" Warlord purred as cockpit doors hissed open.
Hunter's breath hitched as she saw the view of cockpit. Detailed artwork , each individual carvings in walls. Hanger like one in his champers to put his bone cape up. Everything customised for his size. Seat was padded with furs and arm rests made of finest bones.
He took off his cape and put it on hanger before taking seat and working all controls on the panel. He pressed few more buttons on his gauntlet before lights of controls came to life. All the holographic displays lit up and engine came to life and steering equipment came out of hatch. Warlord's red eyes locked on Hunter before gesturing her to come to him. She obliged and before she could say word her feet left the ground and now she was in her mate's lap. Small compared to him, but very comfortable. His face nuzzled into her neck as he wanted take time just to hold her. His breath calm and purring emerging from his chest.
"Haha... Do you really need me in your lap right now?" Hunter asked
"Why not? I would love to teach you fly once we take off. It's not hard, I can show you. I want to show you things I enjoy and what I can do. " he held her hand and guided on steering equipment.
Hunter leaned back against his torso as both hands placed with Warlord's hands over them.
Warlord freed one of hands and placed some coordinates which looks like area of one of ally clans. It's quite far from their clan, but very strong built relationship with this particular clan. Their leader is also very well respected and acknowledged. He participated in arena fights to face aliens and other Yautja who were taken in alive to fight in Warlord's arena.
Ship roared to life and lifted off ground. Warlord's mandibles clicked in excited rythm and he shook his dreads a lot, ending with purr.
Everything looked smaller and smaller from the cockpit and holographic display popped with their location and location where flight is taking.
"You see, this is our location, and there's shortest direction to this clan's location. It's outside desert area, but I haven't visited here for long time. I think it would be fair if I come for some things to be done" Warlord said purring.
He was showing Hunter how to steer, how to go or to go lower on controls. He also showed all weapon systems of the vessel and even equipment that sets heat vision when it's cloudy or horrible weather. Yautja rely on heat vision when hunting which is their best weapon. Technology makes heat sensing more easy during hunts, like with bio-masks and equipment in many ships.
Hunter was catching on steering and studying every single weapon learning from Warlordm
"You have travelled with your offspring on this ship too ?" Hunter asked curiously
"Actually this is my personal ship for myself only, but you're one who deserves the honour to be on it with me" Warlord explained.
"It makes me feel honoured and ... Special" Hunter said with awkward smile
"You're very special and very important to me "Warlord whispered "I want share everything with you and I want you to know everything I own."
She learned how much trust he's putting in her and how much she means to Warlord. Her heart melting as she was holding onto steering bars and back leaned against his chest. She followed every direction Warlord showed her, as some areas to be avoided due residency of not so friendly clans who are hostile towards anyone. He explained some clans are more social, some are in-between and some are hostile. Very similar to human tribes and groups. Yautja has so many similarities with humans.
He also showed some information about his hunts on his computer, including some of biggest xenomorph queens he has taken down and turned into his cape. He was younger in some of photographs with cape freshly made.
They were nearing their destination as they spoke about things he has taken down and some creatures he wants to still hunt for but his Warlord duties getting in way.
"You know what I want to do after our hunt?" Warlord asked her with purr in his voice
"Tell me " Hunter was curious.
"I never done even with my first mate or anyone, but I would love to mate with you on this seat... While still flying in space, we watching stars, with you on my lap as I'm deep inside you" Warlord said with very excited mood while one of his hands reached her thigh and spanned it "You will see stars when your eyes are open and when closed as I breed you here".
Hunter's breath hitched from her mate's words. She was shocked considering how eager Warlord can be.
"What?" Hunter's face grew fully red while Warlord grunted
"I want to breed you here, on this seat so your scent marks every personal space when you not around " Warlord purred his fingers reaching under Hunter's loincloth. Hunter was shivering feeling him wanting to do it already.
"Maybe sometimes your brain is beneath your loincloth" Hunter chuckled
Warlord let out clicks that expressed embarrassment as he was caught red handed. Massive Yautja composed himself immediately as destination approached.
Now as both landed the destination, Warlord set Hunter on floor and put on his bone cape and picked up his bone axe.
"Follow me and please be nearby. Even if it's our ally clan, not many have seen you much apart of other elites." Warlord grumbled
Hunter nodded as she followed him and now both exited ship as arrived on docking area. This particular area was apparently designed for his ship. Hunter's eyes were in awe seeing surroundings. A lot of Yautja gathering and mandibles clicking. Warlord looked down almost losing his mate as she was a bit stunned. Hunter's breath hitched before she was placed on his shoulder. His palm on her hip as he grunted.
"Told you stay nearby, my little mate" he rumbled and shook his head dreadlocks swaying.
Hunter's hand reached and held onto one of large bones on ribcage of his cape. It was rather handy to do so. Warlord's massive shoulder was perfectly made for a hunter to sit.
They walked through the several several gates until entering the main building. The guards immediately nodded without any order and used their control panels of gauntlets to open doors for Warlord receiving clicks of his approval. Hunter was admiring view as soon as they entered - hall decorated with throphies and holographic displays. Warlord set Hunter down and let out some combinations of clicks that set shivers down his mate's spine.
"Where he brought me to and what was with these clicks?" Hunter thought to herself
"Don't be scared, there's someone I would like you to meet " Warlord reassured Hunter
Large female Yautja emerged through one of doors , her mask similar to Warlord's but her armour is like her clan members. Her eyes were crimson red, nearly as tall as Warlord himself , same colouration and length of dreadlocks. Her facial structure and skin tone was same of Warlord's as well, and she was only more slender than Warlord. They exchanged same combination of clicks then patted each other's shoulders, chittering. Then it hit her like shock - this must be one of Warlord's siblings. Warlord and other Yautja were unmasking themselves and pressing their temples against each other then stepping back.
"Still flying that ship? Hope you haven't crashed it." Female Yautja teased and clicked her mandibles
"Still like new. Decorated with all trophies and got more upgrades even." Warlord let our chuckles
As female Yautja's gaze went over Hunter, blazing red like her mate's as she walked over. She cocked her head and clicked mandibles in rhythm which meant greeting.
"So is this the female you trying to win over and who has been doing work for your clan's strength... Ooman'di but seems ferocious one. I knew you had interesting taste in things, but in humans ? Nothing wrong with that, there's few members of my clan who had things for human women too. She looks strong and has pretty blue eyes. "
She leaned down making Hunter's face go pale "So my brother still trying to bother you or no ?" She asked Hunter making her blush deep red
"I actually accepted him as mate not long ago... Hope it doesn't cause you much discomfort. " Hunter answered nervously not wanting to upset her "so he's your brother. I could have guessed because you look identical "
"It's good that you came into his life, he seems in different spirits since you joined his elite hunters. He can be a lot to handle, but he is going treat you well. But beware he can be too clingy sometimes" she responded "We are twin siblings and I'm the older one. "
Hunter sighed in relief because she didn't know Warlord has twin. She has only seen his offspring but not siblings despite being aware of their existence.
"Nice to meet you. Appreciate your kindness and welcome. " Hunter responded
"Our clan is busy with trading and making alliances. My mate also goes on a lot of hunts , and he's the leader of our clan. I can't leave much, as I have a bunch of pups to raise and ships to build. That ship , I built that from scratch for my brother as a gift when he had his first born son." she explained.
"It's beautiful work of art" Hunter praised
"If you are one for my brother, I will reconsider something for you. He has been being rowdy with too many females and finally at least one that makes him happy." she stood up then flicked Warlord's face making him let out growl of shame.
Hunter noticed how females do show superiority even towards their siblings. She could pick on her brother even being slightly smaller and he'd yield to her. Warlord walked over and kneeled in front of Hunter who immediately cupped his face earnig loud purring from him.
"He's yours for life now. " His sister let out chitter and gestured them to follow her.
As both recomposed themselves , she and many others have been building new ships for his clan as attack hunter helped to defeat for few damaged. In case this happens as she is willing to help. Warlord also had defended her clan year ago and Hunter remembered the ruckus when half of clan for injured after. It was horrible attack.
"Do you know how attack has happened and do they intend to return to try attack again?" Hunter asked Warlord's sister
"I have few clips of footage, if you can analyze it. I know each clan attacks differently. If my brother didn't come here with his warriors, I would been in grave danger" she explained while pulling some holographic displays with attacks
Hunter looked at the ways enemies attack and realized that river nearby may been used to prevent visibility on heat detectors.
"I think that river and waterfall nearby may be cooking down enemy body temperatures. They can catch tech thrown across river once snuck or drones used. Looking by heat parameters on river that's how they managed to damage your defense positions " Hunter explained.
His sister leaned close listening to Hunter's explanation regarding to way some Yautja may lower body temperature to cross river and use drones to sneak weapons across. She also explained to make sure detectors defect vehicles and Yautja both. As she stood up, her eyes were wide open because some enemy warriors had lower body temperatures and some were soaked. But using river nearby during night nearby desert still means lower temperatures during night.
"My brother, you got smart one too. Humans do have different approach on things and they are adaptive species. We are not different." Warlord's sister said then clicked
"Kind of. I was freaked out but I knew some weaknesses from Yautja... Your mandibles are rather sensitive and meant for not only attacking, but also protecting mouths. " Hunter was awkward about that day on arena
"You know how you ended up here... So you killed one of our kind that may been targeting you or your group, right. Don't fret, I won't be trying to attack you. You ended up with good mate and I can sense my brother being very blessed by Paya. I'm fact humans are one of few species capable to kill Yautja, but with intelligence than just strength. Having human on our side is good thing. Enemy clans won't stand a chance. " She praised and patted Hunter's shoulder
"So seal of approval from his sister who made that pretty ship, I guess" Hunter's mind went at ease.
As they all went over with technology trade work , Warlord's sister handed him some shipment details for weapons and some defense technology. Hunter was staying close while admiring the area they both were. All the weapons and technology being build here . It was beautiful place. Before they headed to ship, his sister reached to weapon storage and handed Hunter wrapped up weapon. She kneeled and bowed her head slightly .
"This is gift...For you. I will get you something nicer, but I am honoured meeting you. I see you as part of my family now. " She said with gentle clicks..
She was hesitant at first, but Warlord gently squeezed her shoulder with gentle reassurance. She accepted the gift and gave head bow in return.
"Honoured to meet you. Hope to see you again" Hunter said with smile on her face.
She stood up and flicked her brother's forehead then patted his shoulder and he parted hers. Both rubbed temples together and did same combination of clicks like when they greeted. Warlord and Hunter went to market shopping for meat and get some furs for camping before heading to ship. Even he had some food on ship, it was mostly for him, so he made sure it's stocked up for his human mate as well. As both returned to ship, Warlord sat her back on his lap and nuzzled in her neck affectionately. He tapped at gift wanting to see what his sister got Hunter as gift. She unwrapped it slowly and to her surprise it was new gauntlet with wristblades. It was newest technology used for younger Yautjas, but it equally as effective as adult Yautja weapons.
"Would you like try it on?" Warlord asked
Hunter nodded and he took her current one off and put new one . It fit perfectly and was even very comfortable.
She tested her wristblade function and all buttons immediately, her blue eyes lit up from excitement. "I'm so happy. Your sister is so skilled and very like you" she chuckled
Warlord buried his face in Hunter's raven black hair and purred loudly.
"If you are on her good side, you are meant to be mine and I am went to be yours" he said while mandibles massaging Hunter's scalp.
As ship left docking area , they located planet that was planned for their hunt. As they entered outer space, Hunter admired stars while installing more setting on her new gauntlet. Warlord's one hand was on steering bar and other one on Hunter's belly, him observing his mate learning her new gadget. As she turned around, Warlord was in awe seeing her blue eyes. She decided turn around stressing him and laying on his chest.
"Tired? I can put autopilot and we can go to bed chambers and rest for a bit.
Hunter nodded as they headed to designed sleeping chambers on his ship . Bed was smaller size , but there were weapon racks and he placed some of his armour here. Warlord laid down in bed and gestured her over to lie down with him.
"Rest is important." As he pulled her over.
Hunter crawled in bed next to Warlord's warm body.
"How long we have until landing ?" Hunter asked
"Nine hours, since we won't use hyper jump to arrive here. We can rest , have food and prepare our weapons" Warlord reassured her
Hunter nodded and gave tired kiss in his mandibles. Warlord embraced her and pulled covers over both.
The travel for hunt has begun.
End note: Warlord being good mate while being big scary Yautja is best way I love writing him. I perceive him as character who having two sides. One is scary Warlord who is ruthless and other one loving mate and parent. Also very close family bonds with his twin sister. I may need help with names for his main advisor , sister and maybe few Yautja names in fic would be appreciated. I don't know how to make Yautja name.
Do to an error in a new invention the Yautja scientist made your boyfriend is now the size of a small teddy bear. After they told you an him he’ll be back to normal in a day or two you guys go back to his and your home.
But one problem seems to show itself when your mate says he’s cold, so you do the only logical thing you can think off.
You take your shirt and bra off and put him on your boobs.
You now have a VERY happy mate
Tiny. Yautja x Reader Drabble
I hope I made this as cute as you did...
Want more from me? M.A.S.T.E.R.L.I.S.T
☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆
Tiny Fury (Predator)
Warning(s): Fluff, mentions of half nudity
Let's just say your mate isn't feeling the "being tiny" thing...
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
You slowly turned back to the chaos as the blinding light ceased, lowering your arm.
“Where did he go…?”
Then you heard a squeaking noise and noticed something moving on the lab table.
“Oh, no…”
As you quickly hurried to the table, the experimenting scientist joined you as you peered down.
“What happened?”
They showed you a screen riddled with Yautja language, fortunately, you had a…helpful tutor that made the lessons stick, so you understood it was an error.
Content: Maria spends another sleepless night in the village. Luckily for her, A'ji is there.
Tags: Fluff, worrying for a friend, comfort
A/N: Let's just appreciate these two beans, shall we? Check out @jacklycan 's profile for the prompt list and enjoy the ride!
Maria leaned on the outside of her hut, sitting on a box somebody had left behind. The air was colder than it had been during the day, but she still sweated like the worst summers of her childhood under the cotton-like dress. She tried not to think about it, tasting the sweet sensation of the breeze giving her a break in the sleeping alien village, and looked at the hut next to hers. The lights were out and the kennel was empty, like the rest of it.
Elena had gone out hunting. Again.
Maria sighed, bending her legs to her chest. She had heard her and Ko’pa leave a few hours ago with their hounds. Not really a surprise since it was apparently the perfect time to hunt some kind of nocturnal predator that roamed the area, but she had thought they would have had more than two days to spend together before the next expedition. Maria earned for some time spent with someone who could understand her struggles and language, possibly without showing off an unsettling set of natural deadly weapons in the meantime.
Nevertheless, she knew Elena was as stubborn as a mule: she wouldn’t have backed down even if she had asked her to do it.
She only hoped she was okay.
“Hello.”
The deep voice startled her, making her turn with a sharp movement to her left.
A’ji lifted his hands, backing up a step as she eyed his entire figure and relaxed a bit against the hut wall. His bluish skin made him shine lightly in the moonlight, enhancing the darker stripes on his sides.
“Sorry.”, he said, helping his broken English with the Silent Voice. “Didn’t want to scare.”
Maria shook her head, allowing herself a small smile before lifting her hands to answer as she spoke.
“No scare. Just a surprise.”
A’ji nodded, lifting his upper mandibles the way she came to recognize as a smile, and lowered his hands.
He pointed to the box Maria was sitting on with a mute question and she moved a little on the side, patting the newly free spot to invite him to sit. A’ji came closer and sat with grace, leaning his back in the hut with his hands on his knees.
Maria smiled at him. She appreciated A’ji’s company more than the other Yautjas’: he was calmer and quick to catch what she wanted to say, which helped a lot since she seemed unable to learn their language as Elena did. He allowed her to feel safe and strong without a blade in her hands.
A’ji nudged her, breaking her train of thoughts.
“You okay?”, he said.
Maria nodded. A’ji lifted a spiked eyebrow while tapping his thumbs together.
“I’m fine.”, gestured Maria. “Just no sleep.”
“Because of them?” A’ji pointed to Elena and Ko’pa’s hut.
As she followed his finger, Maria could feel her face giving away her thoughts even before the Yautja could talk.
“You worry.”, he said.
Maria sighed lightly and nodded, lowering her gaze on her knees.
“They strong hunters.”, A’ji insisted. “They are fine. They come back with sun.”
“I know.”, Maria replied. “But it’s still dangerous.”
A’ji frowned, marking his words with gestures. “They strong.”
“But she is a human!”, Maria snapped.
Her voice startled a few alien birds and somebody’s hounds started barking in the dim moonlight.
Maria covered her mouth with her hands as A’ji looked around for the guard that immediately showed up from the border of the village. She made herself small behind his frame, feeling the embarrassment painting her cheeks red while the two Yautjas chittered between them in their language.
The guard barked something at A’ji -probably not a good thing-, then gave her a cold look and left.
Maria slowly relaxed as A’ji leaned again on the wall. She felt guilt reddening the cheeks even more.
“Sorry.”, she said.
“No problem.”, he pronounced some word that Maria intended as a name and continued: “Likes to mess with others. Oomans more: likes fight with Elena.”
Maria scoffed, shaking her head.
“Of course he does.”, she muttered.
A’ji waited by her side. Silence fell on them like a cover, occasionally interrupted by a gust of wind that made the foliage move.
He had questions for her, it was tragically obvious in those bright and intelligent eyes, but Maria took some time to gather herself before answering. “It’s just… she is not like you.”
A’ji cocked his head to the side, keeping silent as she continued.
Maria licked her lips. “Elena… she doesn’t heal as fast nor is as strong as a Yautja, even with that long-life serum Ko’pa gives her. Every time she goes out in that damn forest it might be the last one, yet she keeps going- and I know she does it because she owns this culture more than I do, but…”
Maria sighed, forcing her hands to form those last words she hadn’t the courage to say out loud.
I can’t lose her too.
A’ji remained silent. Maria wondered if he actually understood her burst of words or if he was trying to understand what just happened.
Eventually, he lifted his gaze to the moons.
“I get the problem.”, he said. “I… feel it too, sometimes.”
Maria stared at him. He must have caught her shock for he chuckled softly before resuming. “Ko’pa is cousin, but is almost brother. He believes I can be great. I don’t want to lose. But tonight, they safe.”
He lowered his gaze on her, then pointed to the sky.
“Those are hunter’s moons.” A’ji made a small pause before uttering the next words: “Luna del cacciatore.”
Maria cocked her ears, the familiar language speaking to her on a more personal level than the others.
A’ji seemed to have intended so from the beginning and chuckled affectionately at her.
“Elena told.”, he said.
This time, Maria couldn’t keep herself from chuckling herself and A’ji continued: “I know it means good lighting for hunt, but she also told Artemis watches from moon and likes hunters, so they safe, yes?”
She had to admit it was in Elena’s way of thinking to tell a similar story. Being older than her by a few decades, old gods’ stories were often part of her way of doing. How she took care of others. She imagined she meant to deliver the sense of calm she was starting to feel in her bones with that story and smiled to herself.
Maria sighed, a slight note of relief that A’ji caught and cherished with a happy trill.
Yautja women were larger than their male counterparts, stronger too. One would be a fool not to fear them.
You weren’t that fool, but a growing sense of resentment prodded at your chest as a certain female joined in your conversation.
You knew she had no desire to talk to Dekvah, a highly respected Yautja who was standing tall to your right. No, the entirety of her attention was directed toward Rh’auk, your mate.
It wasn’t uncommon for females to seek out his attention, much to your frustration.
He was bigger than most males and rank sat right below the clan leader, an honorable recognition among predators.
He could sense your irritation. You always seemed to tense up when a woman of his species demanded his regard, which he never gave them.
His stance widened and mandibles flared slightly, he was steadily growing agitated. It deeply bothered him when you were upset, his small ooman. He only desired to please you and keep you pleased.
You watched while her eyes took him in. She stood a bit taller, looming over both males with a nearly inaudible chatter.
You recognized this behavior. From what you remember it was a subtle mating challenge, though Rh’auk and Dekvah seemed to ignore it.
By now your body was molded to his side, arms wrapped around the lower portion of his big one. You rubbed your thumb along his skin, feeling at the familiar texture as you cast you eyes down.
You so desperately wanted her leave. A bitter feeling stung your chest as you thought of her clawed hands on him.
You gasped and jumped when a loud snap erupted above you. The noise followed by a low, menacing growl. A warning.
The female quickly cowered back and slouched her frame, an attempt at looking small.
Your eyes widened and you glanced at Dekvah who had taken a step back as well, though he still stood straight.
Rh’auk’s mandibles flared again unhappily. He chittered quickly, sharply.
It didn’t take long for the female to leave, her golden eyes meeting yours for an uncomfortably long second before she withdrew.
Why’d he do that?
You looked up at him in both shock and question. He said something to Dekvah before leaning down and pressing his forehead against yours.
“Rh’auk, wh-?” you’d begun, only to be stopped by a deep rumble resonating from him.
He pulled you into his arms and nudged his head against your hair, inhaling as his tusks bit gently against your neck.
You gulped, body heating and mind suddenly aware of the other Yautja around you. Although they all, for the most part, paid no mind to your mate being so openly affectionate.
“Arhi’sa threatens you, little mate,” he said in deep, heavily accented English, random clicks working their way into the words.
You couldn’t help but feel both satisfied and a little guilty. “Well you didn’t have to bite at her,” you mumbled, resting your hands on his shoulders.
He chuckled against you and purred, relaxed after his outburst. He couldn’t just stand there and let his ooman be so aggravated, now could he?
He lifted his head and looked to your eyes, a clawed hand holding your chin carefully to look at him.
“I did what I must,” he said with a gentle and playful nip to your nose.
The Yautja ahead of you walked with ease through the thick grass and leaves, seemingly paying no mind to you who struggled to keep up.
You’d been walking for hours, the sun now beginning to fall. Your legs ached and sweat stuck to your skin like glue.
Contrary to what you thought, Rh’auk had been keeping a consistent eye on you. He felt a pang of guilt as you sighed behind him, the sound having been so pitiful and fatigued.
He decided then to set up a small camp. He pulled you into a short embrace when you’d caught up with him before laying some leaves on the ground, motioning for you to sit on them.
You gladly complied and occupied yourself with watching him, beyond grateful that you were done traveling for the night.
He built a fire and cooked an animal he’d skinned and attached to his belt many hours ago. You weren’t sure what it was exactly, but you ate it nonetheless.
He set his weapons against a tree and motioned for you to come with him. You got up, entirely exhausted, and followed closely behind.
He led you to a lake near your makeshift camp. He started peeling off his gear and you did the same with your clothes.
You held onto his arm as you ventured deeper into the water, the cold chill refreshing against your skin.
You stood on your tippy toes, the water coming just below your chin where he’d stopped. You edged closer to him, unfamiliar with the area and knowing nothing of what could lurk in the water.
Although you knew he’d never put you in any immediate danger.
He broke the stem of a plant he’d taken with him and lathered its soap-like sap against his hands. Rh’auk proceeded to wash you head to toe, rubbing gently at your sore muscles.
You leaned against his body, growing sleepy in the cool water as he rinsed the bubbles from your hair.
He purred and washed himself before pulling you into to his arms. He carried you out of the water and let you air dry as he washed your clothes.
The sky was dusky now and your eyes were heavy. You’d made it back to camp, now clothed in softer fabric.
You reached out for Rh’auk as he finally made his way to you. He was pleased for now, the area having been scouted out and fire burning strongly.
He made another quick survey of the surroundings before he sat against the tree supporting his weapons.
He pulled you close, folding his hands with your small ones that extended to him. You smiled softly and kissed his chest as you cuddled up to the large male.
“I can’t wait till we go home,” you mumbled with a sigh.
He rumbled with silent laughter, amused at your remark. “We have many miles to go. We shall see Kav’ka and then go back home,” his deep voice spoke.
You opened your mouth to protest but before you could say anything he pressed a clawed finger to your lips.
“You must rest well,” he said gently with a few clicks.
With a huff you mumbled a tired complaint and laid back down on him. With his warm arms and soft purrs, it didn’t take long for you to fall asleep.
He rest his hands gently against the side of your ribs, feeling them expand as you took slow breaths. You were so fragile beneath him, so soft.
He pressed a fanged kiss to your head and closed his eyes as his mandibles clicked together quietly.
He would sit there with you tucked to his chest, content with you safe against him as he listened for danger amongst the jungle.
