The Ripple of a Stone

The Ripple of a Stone

Buried Deep

Authors Note: This story I have written may not be exact with the customs and culture founded by the Predator movies, comics or stories but I have tired to stay in the area of their beliefs and ways. I have brought in elements from each of the categories and have combined them into one. I do not own Predator. Updates will be regular and changes will be made if any suggestions are made for me. Pronunciations at bottom. Some of the mentioned items in the Yautja world are made up by me. Good Reading.

E.M.

“” “” “” “”

‘Ferca. Ferca. Think of Ferca.’ Dhm'Ni keeps repeating in his mind like a mantra. With his eyes tight shut and entire body tense, he had to get his mind on something else to get rid of the burning erection between his legs. ‘Ferca.’ No female Dhm'Ni has ever had the displeasure of knowing could possibly turn him off more then her. Yes, she maybe a celebrated female in his clan but with the words she had said, nothing in this universe could make him mate with that female.

(Flashback)

“Dhm'Ni, Dhm'Ni come on!” Thr’ik grabs his friends arm as they walk into the largest and most used society room on the clan ship. Decorated in the brightest colors imaginable, infested pits of pillows were accompanied by many Yautja, males and females mingling amongst themselves. With only hours rest from getting home, Dhm'Ni knew that the festivities for his and his friends successful Chiva would go into the night. In the next few days however everything would change. His residence would move from the Unblood decks to the Young Bloods and he would soon start to go on lone hunts to gain trophies and rise in rank. But best of all, he could mate. Before Dhm'Ni was even born, laws changed for his family line, stating he could mate when given his mark and tonight was hopefully going to be his night to lose his virginity, and to perhaps gain a pup.

“The night is young Thr'ik!” Dhm'Ni thrills. “The females will be here. The C’ntlip will be here and in the morning, let’s hope we have had our share of both!” He says, getting a round of laughter from his friend. It is then that he sees her. Sitting with a gaggle of other females is the impressive Ferca. She may be a strange Yautja to look at, her extremely short tresses and skin the color of a sun, but it is the unique and extraordinary that attracts the opposite sex to any potential mate. Breaking way from Thr'ik, Dhm'Ni walks hotly towards the pit with her in it and isn’t to amazed as all the other females leave. Being one of the two sons from Lord Khupiee, Dhm'Ni is as close to a celebrity as they come in his clan. While he is by no means held in high esteem, yet, he is already known for his blood alone. Once Dhm'Ni is alone with her, Ferca stands to her full height. Well, she is still a head below him, but Dhm'Ni still thought her extremely attractive. Her skin was almost glowing, the bright yellow gently contrasted by spots of orange. Dhm'Ni takes one small step closer to her and tilts his head as he looks down to her arm, gazing at a rather large scar. Gently and precisely, Dhm'Ni touches her mark and attempts to trace its whole length, with touching a potential mate’s scars being the most direct way to initiate the idea of mating. But just at the middle of the magnificent mark, Ferca rips her arm away from him. Dhm'Ni snaps his eyes back to her to find her face twisted in anger and conceit.

“You truly thought you could start anything with me?” Ferca hisses, something in Dhm’Nis ears hurting from the tenor. “Me, Ferca?” She laughs. Dhm'Ni doesn’t know what to do for a moment, thinking that maybe she was playing with him. But those ideas die as she keeps going on and on. “So what you are the son of the Ehre Clan. What are you, Dhm'Ni? You must be stupid to think that you could ever mate with me.” She starts to walk around him, circling Dhm'Ni but he can’t move, the shock of her words sinking into him. He could feel everything he ever felt for this female, his lust, his want and need vanish from him faster than an Ooman would run from him. “Your blood does not make up for your weakness. Your father, now he is a male worthy of me. Your brother. Hell, even the Awu’asa maker!” Now one of Dhm’Nis thick brows raise in amusement of her tirade. “But you? No.” She hisses in his face. Just for a moment Dhm'Ni wondered what he liked about her. Yes she was impressive, she had such distinctive attributes. But when she opens her mouth… Dhm'Ni looks at her face with pure hilarity in his eyes. With a defiant grunt, he turns his back to her and leaves the pit to join his friends in drink.

“What just happened?” Tai trills in laugher, already a few shots of C’ntlip ahead of everyone. Dhm'Ni just walks past him, not wanting to talk to him.

“Did she just…?” Thr'ik asks, letting the question finish itself.

“Yea.” Dhm'Ni answers and gets a curved shot glass of that wonderful amber liquid in his hands.

“And then you just…?” Thr’ik goes on.

“Yea.” Dhm'Ni pours the drink down his throat. It is an odd thing C’ntlip does. First the wonderful burning on the tongue, then as it rolls down ones throat it would bubble and slink and once it hits the stomach it would warm you to now end.

That was one of many drinks that night, Thr’ik however doing too many. Dhm'Ni had to carry him to their residence deck and to his room, dropping his heavy body on the bed.

“You got…you got denied by Ferca!” Thr'ik laughs hysterically.

“I was there.” Dhm'Ni pats his friend on his forehead and leaves him to the next days pain. The hallway seems a little longer then usual to Dhm'Ni as he walks alone to his room, his feet nearly tripping after every other step. He has to look twice at every door that he walks by to make sure that he’s headed the right way, so when he actually got to his own, he was shocked. He always kept his door locked, the light on the access panel should be flashing a red symbol saying that but not this time. But even with how confused he was with the door, when it opened, he wonders if he had passed out, not unlike other times, and is having a dream or a nightmare.

“Hello Dhm'Ni.” A purr resonates from his room and from the female on his bed. Dhm'Ni takes little steps into his room, the sight of Ferca alone is something to question.

“Ferca…” He says, perplexed.

“You know Dhm'Ni…Son of the Ehre Clan…” She stands up on his bed, allowing the pelt of fur he loved to fall from her naked body, but that isn’t all that is revealed. The thing that fills his nostrils could not be in the category of a scent, or even an aroma. But, to Dhm'Ni, it was a stench. If this had happened before she had made much rude comments, Dhm'Ni would have been smitten with her mating musk. But at seeing her bright skin and smelling her like that, he almost wants to throw-up. The C’ntlip maybe adding to that feeling but she was just about to push him over the edge. “I have heard more of you, and I have to say…” She jumps down off the bed and slowly walks closer to him. “I am impressed.” She says, pressing a hand on his chest. Instantly sober, Dhm'Ni straightens his back and looks at her emotionless.

“Ferca.” He says in a strong voice and places one of his hands over hers. “Get out.” He growls as he grabs her by the arm and throws her out the room naked. He closes the door before she could think, leaving her out there. But Dhm'Ni is not mean. He gathers all the armor and garments she had been wearing when she broke into his room and places it on the pelt that was around her body. He folds it in onto itself and carries it back to the door. After opening it to still see Ferca there, furious, Dhm'Ni chucks the makeshift bag to her. “You keep the fur, it smells like you.” He laughs and closes the door once more.

(End flashback)

The plan worked marvels for Dhm'Ni as his member had long lost its vigor. But for about an hour, he had trouble falling asleep as he couldn’t stop thinking of what was going to happen tomorrow. Nala knows what occurred was an accident, right? Both of their primal drives to mate over coming subconsciously and taking over and it was a mistake. Coming to that conclusion, sleep actually wasn’t far off for him. Nala was another story. It is too late to get back to sleep and too early for anyone else to really be up. When she hears Dhm'Nis breathing fall into a steady pattern, Nala slips out from under the covers and grabs a bundle of black Alsn and a loincloth before running out of the room. She knows that if she doesn’t work off her energy, and if she doesn’t at least try to relax, something bad was going to happen this day.

“” “” “” “”

Taking in a sudden breathe, filling his lungs completely, Dhm'Ni wakes rested and refreshed. And then the events of last night came to him and he looks rather unenthusiastically over to Nalas side of the bed, but she was gone. She habitually slept later then he, never waking before the eleventh hour. So where could she be? The first place he checks was the bathroom but it doesn’t seem to have been used. And after looking, nothing of hers seems to have been taken, not her Awu’asa or even other articles of clothing. So in frustration Dhm'Ni dresses and storms out of their room and into the first place he could think of. But nowhere in the galley can he see her red hair amongst the sea of black. Dhm'Ni had to wonder if she had not seen their incident as an accident, a fluke and was angry or upset.

“Good morning Dhm'Ni.” He hears from behind, seeing Nder come from the lift. “I’ll tell you something, that female does not stop.”

“Nala?” Dhm'Ni barks.

“No, the other female on this ship.” He laughs as he walks by. “Yes Nalani. She has been on the training deck since I got there at the sixth hour and when I left she was still running.”

“Running?” Dhm'Ni asks, following Nder through the half empty tables.

“She is using the track to run. She won’t even speak to anyone. She just keeps running and running and running.” Nder explains. “But she seems to be deep in thought, maybe,” He stops when he turns around to speak but sees no Dhm'Ni. Nder just shrugs and goes back to eating.

“” “” “” “”

Many things were eluding Nala this morning. She can’t remember how long she had been running. She can’t remember how many laps she had done around the training deck. She can’t remember why she had started running in the first place. She doesn’t understand how her body just kept going, even after what seems like hours and her body crying out to stop, she doesn’t. She doesn’t understand what happened last night. She doesn’t see what has happened, could have actually happened. What did happen? Was it an accident, a mistake, a misjudgment? Was it something else? Why did Dhm'Ni touch her like that? He was asleep, that was for sure, but subconsciously why? Did he want to do it? Does she want him to do it? She can’t deny that having been touched like that was pleasurable. When was the last time she was ever touched like that? How many months had she been here? How many months has she gone without the touch of a man? She can’t even count the day’s right to know. How long has she even been with the Yautja? That’s actually not the question that matters, how much longer will she been with them? How many days until the Elders and the Patriarch get here? How many days until she knows if she will be kicked out of not only her clan but the world of the Yautja? She can’t go back, she has nothing to go back too. But here, here she has people she considers family now, as close as a Yautja family can be. Her clan is her family, no matter how some hate her or want her dead. What would a family be without the blacksheep that everyone wants gone? But why does she always have to be the blacksheep? Why does she have to be different from everyone around her? Why can she just blend in to the best of her ability and not have people stare at her like one does to a shooting star. Why can’t normal things happen to her?

“Nalani.” A voice steals her from any thoughts in her mind as Dhm'Ni calls her name. But not only did her train of thought break, but also her run. Stopping for the first time since she started, Nala stares at him from halfway across the room. He seems to be worried, his head cocked to the side and eyes direct. She had to wonder how long he had been standing there.

Dhm'Ni had to wonder as well. He left Nders side rather suddenly and the lift couldn’t have taken him to her fast enough. Although, when he came onto the deck Nala never noticed. She had passed within ten feet of him but never saw him. Dhm'Ni stood and watched her run five more laps before calling her name, making her stop. Her whole body was drenched in sweat, from head to toe. Making the black Alsn she had wrapped around her chest and hips shine from the fluid. Her breathing is so deep, so labored that from the centre of the room Dhm'Ni could hear it.

“Hey Dhm'Ni.” She finally speaks. Nala bends at her waist, her hands on her knees, as Dhm'Ni walks in front of her. She could smell his scent over her own, the vanilla and rain already making her breath calmer.

“Are you angry? Angry about last night?” He asks, worry in his voice.

“No Dhm'Ni. I just,” She doesn’t get to finish.

“Because it was an accident Nala. Don’t worry. Only the needs of the primal nature in us trying to get what it thinks it can. But it was an accident.” He sounds almost like he was trying to convince her and himself.

‘Why does it have to be an accident?’ The thought screams in her head, causing Nala to stand straight up and look Dhm'Ni right in the eye.

“I know, I just couldn’t get back to sleep.” Nala says defeated. She couldn’t tell him now that she felt pleasure from it, that she liked it. Not now after he said it was an accident.

“So you decided to run for hours on end?” Dhm'Ni laughs, letting the subject of last nights goings-on pass them.

“What you think I couldn’t run for that long?” She places her hands on her hips and waits for his answer.

“I didn’t say that.” He barks quickly. Nala makes the sound that Dhm'Ni had come to know meant ‘alright’ but in a sarcastic manner. ‘Uh huh’ is such a guttural sound. “And besides, you are clearly exhausted, I don’t think you can continue.”

“Wanna bet?” She smiles. And for the next hour or two, Nala and Dhm'Ni ran against one another to see who dropped first…Dhm'Ni won.

“” “” “” “”

It turns out the Elders were due in little more than thirty days and this had every one on the ship frantic. Nala was a little amused that she was the calmest of the group, even Sya kept sparring with her to keep her skills at their highest. But she had more then enough practice as Nder had made her his official sparring partner, and every now and then got a challenge, both friendly and not. But Nala loved nothing more then to sit back, relax and watch the bunch run around. So many were demanding to go on another hunt before the Elders arrival, that Lord Khupiee had to organize a special hunt, one that would happen very late at night, or very early depending on how you look at it. With the route already set for their meeting place, they could only hunt on close planets and there was only one that they would be allowed to go to, and when they past it… it would be just too early for Nala. Sya had tried to convince her to go, claiming that the extra skulls would help but she was adamant that no matter the amount of skulls, no matter what she does now will have any effect on their judgment. She had to take it as it comes, and that hunt would come too early!

“She is right you know.” Dhm'Ni says to Sya as their group waits in the smaller dropship. The attending hunters were split in two large groups with Sya leading one and Lord Khupiee the other. This group was the last to be taken too the hunt.

“About?” Sya sighs as he places his mask on.

“That no matter what she does to improve herself for the Elders, it will not matter anymore.”

“Does not mean she should not try.” Sya growls.

“What else can the female do to gain their favor?” Dhyot’te’ka offers them as he walks to the group of two. Dhm'Ni and he lock eyes for a single moment before both look to Sya. “She could have the skulls of a thousand Queens, she could have hunted every known game out there and they will judge her the same. It is not that Nala believes they will have a bias, but no matter how great or how small her trophy room is filled, they will not judge her merely on the hunt.” The conversation ended when the hatch in the back begins to open, allowing the horde of hunters free. Dhm'Ni follows behind Sya as they leave, but his eyes follow Dhyot’te’ka. When every hunter was clear the pilot, Ojhm, closes the hatch and begins to ascend back into the air. Sya moves to the front of the large group to start the hunt when he sees Dhm'Ni looking around the crowd almost franticly.

“What is it Dhm'Ni?” Sya asks, intrigued.

“Dyne was set to be in your charge, yes?” Dhm'Ni asks, never stopping his eyes from roaming each hunter.

“Yes. Why?” Sya growls as he steps up to look as well.

“Because I cannot find him.” Dhm'Ni hisses very loudly, gaining the attention of many of the hunters.

“DYNE?” Sya roars over the entire assembly, ending all conversations, but gaining no response. “Dhm'Ni, get Ojhm back down here.” He hisses.

“” “” “” “”

Dyne couldn’t believe his luck. Everyone who cared about the female was off the ship and wouldn’t be back for hours, maybe even onto the next day, and she was all alone. That S'yuit-de Dhm'Ni was gone, Sya gone as well. And every other Arbitrator is either along for the hunt or asleep. It is perfect. Slinking his head from his room, Dyne looks to each side before walking out and into the hallway. He knows Nala is still in her room and to all bets sound asleep. In his hand is a little miracle of a thing that no matter how locked any door, this will open it. Once at her door, Dyne crouches down and looks for the little slit on the bottom of the access panel and once found, slips the thin stick in. The gentle beep was like music to his ears, signaling that it was unlocked and that any hand could open it. As he stands, Dyne could already feel himself become aroused, something he knows he can and will entice Nala to help him with. He places his hand on the panel and the door slides open. Making sure that the light does not wake her, Dyne steps in to allow the door to close behind him, leaving him alone with her. He stalks up to the bed, his breathing already harsh and awkward, to see Nala in all her glory. Dyne knew at that very moment that she was meant to be his because she was already set for him. Wearing only a small pair of underwear and a cloth bra, most of Nalas body is exposed as the fur blanket was huddled into a ball with her holding it like she would Dhm'Ni, on her stomach and arms wrapped around it. With no time to spare, Dyne unlatches his loincloth and lets it fall to the ground leaving him naked. With a deep breath, the smell of his own musk making him smile, he starts to climb onto the bed until his entire body is covering hers, completely over shadowing her minuscule one with his. He softly swipes away her long hair and with his lower mandibles, Dyne leans down to just below her neck and pierces them into her skin, then drags up wards, leaving two long and bleeding wounds.

“Mmmm…Dhm'Ni…” Nala moans, thinking it really was him causing the pain, just as he did when biting her shoulder.

“If you want me to be…” Dyne purrs into her hair. But at hearing his voice, Nala bursts into action and elbows his head in the temple. He spins off her and onto his back. When Dyne tries to sit up, his face is kicked with her right foot, sending it flying back onto the wall. The ‘thud’ that came from the connection not only made Nala cringe, but Dyne to black out. She calls for the lights to go on and is pissed to see him there. For about two seconds she thinks about what to do to him, about how to get him back for even trying to do anything. Nala jumps off the bed and runs into the trophy room to grab the metal hanging line from her Awu’asa and then drops it on the bed before going into the bathroom to get a giant ball of Alsn. In the next minute, Nala has Dyne hog tied with his arms and legs linked and bound so he can’t move and then places the Alsn in his mouth, allowing it to form to his teeth and mandibles so he can’t talk. Just in time too as Dyne starts to shift on her bed uncomfortably, his eyes opening in shock.

“I’m going to let you think about what you have done. But I just want to know if you want to take the stairs, of the lift?” She asks him, angrily, from beside the bed. Dyne stares blankly at her, not able to think. “Alright, I’ll choose for you and I think the stairs will do nicely.” Nala grabs hold of the loose and starts to drag Dyne off the bed and out of the room.

“” “” “” “”

“Dyne wouldn’t be so stupid.” Someone hisses in the lift as it was packed with hunters going to make sure Nala was alright.

“Dyne wouldn’t be so stupid to what?” Sya roars. “So stupid to think we wouldn’t notice his absence? Or so stupid to think he can try anything with Nalani?” He asks, getting no answer as he expected. The door opens and everyone runs out with Sya and Dhm'Ni in front. They could already smell Dynes musk from the moment the doors opened and it was getting stronger and stronger as they approached their room. To Dhm'Nis utter shock, his door was open and as they get inside they see that it is also empty. The bed was in tangles, the musk was thick but there was something else that none of those in the room missed, they smelt blood.

“You guys don’t think I would mate with him, did you?” Nala almost yells from behind them all in the hallways, making everyone turn to her. Getting nothing but silence, Nala grunts in anger and walks into her room. She can’t even look at anyone because her anger and rage was so blinding that she knew if she did they would get hurt. Nala walks right past Dhm'Ni and Sya and goes into the bathroom to dress. And a moment later emerges with most of her weapons on her body, including the ones that she tended to keep permanently on her. She doesn’t want anyone to get hurt because she’s so mad, but as Nala ties her hair into a bun with strips of black Alsn, Dhm'Ni sees the marks on the back of her neck and grabs her. “What the Pauk, Dhm'Ni!” She can’t continue her outburst as he covers her mouth with one of his hands and pulls her into his body, her chest to his stomach.

“That Pauk-de.” Sya hisses when he sees the mating marks, only intended for mating couples. He touches them ever so lightly but still gets a sequel of pain from Nala, and then mumblings of her yelling what he can only assume were profanities. She starts to struggle in Dhm’Nis arms and he lets her go.

“C’jit. Just leave me alone!” Nala yells as she starts to exit the room.

“Where is Dyne?” Sya asks, seriously.

“Oh, he’s just hanging around the training deck.” She says before she turns the corner to go anywhere but here. With no one speaking again, every hunter who wanted to know what she meant piles back into the lift and waits for it to go to the training deck. But no one was expecting what they saw as they walk in. Still gagged, naked and hanging upside down in the middle of the large room, Dyne was spinning uncontrollably from the hanging line Nala had used to hoist him up.

“Cut him down.” Sya orders and a few hunters run up to stop him from spinning and simply let’s his dizzy body fall to the ground after cutting him down. Sya and Dhm'Ni wait by the lift doors as Dyne is cut from the bindings and the Alsn taken from his mouth. The small grouping that was always following him helps him up and they start to walk to the lift. But as Dyne walks by, both Sya and Dhm'Ni grab him and slam his body against the wall. But to the shock of most, Dyne laughs. Dhm'Ni was ready to kill him, but knew it wouldn’t be an honorable kill. Despite the fact his father had given him the ability to do anything to keep Nala safe, she had punished him with the embarrassment of being hanged. “That was a very idiotic thing to do.” Sya hisses but again Dyne laughs. And then to the disgust of Dhm'Ni, he slithers out his tongue and starts to lick off the ends of his mandibles that still had skin and blood from Nala.

“You should know…” Dyne whispers. “When I marked her, she moaned for you Dhm'Ni.” He laughs loudly. He couldn’t hold himself back any longer and Dhm'Ni punches him right in the face, stopping the laughs and gaining some kind of gratification. Sya pulls him from the wall and throws Dyne into lift, his followers not to far behind. When the doors close, most of the hunters disbanded and a few waited for the next lift. But in silence, Sya turns his head to Dhm'Ni but he couldn’t look at him. It’s not that Dhm'Ni doesn’t wish to, but his mind was reeling from what Dyne had said. She moaned for him when he was initiating. It has been many days since they had that incident and Sya knows what happened, but what now?

“I think I should find Nala.” Sya says in a sigh. “I don’t think I have ever seen her so angry. And I fear she will not sleep this night, and I wonder whose going to make the mistake of approaching her.” He laughs, Dhm'Ni doesn’t. Sya turns and walks into the lift as it comes, leaving Dhm'Ni standing to think.

“” “” “” “”

Nala storms into the galley and purposely sits at a table far from anyone’s view so she could at least eat something alone. There were a few hunters here and there but because it was so early in the morning and most were on the hunt it was quiet. She orders a small plate of meat and water, they typical breakfast for her and begins to eat while trying to calm down when she feels someone behind her.

“Go away Thr'ik.” She knows his scent anywhere.

“That was amazing.” He says as he sits down next to her, oblivious to how angry she is. “I knew Dyne would try something, but that! At least you got him back.” Thr'ik laughs.

“Thr'ik, I am not kidding. Go away.” Nala growls without looking at him.

“Come on, Nala. I just wish to talk.”

“And I don’t. I have had a trying day already and I just wish to eat alone.”

“Tell me how you did it?” Thr'ik leans in and Nala snaps. She jumps up and pushes his shoulders, challenging him right then and there. He was a little taken aback, but when a giant smile form on his mandibles, he thought he was going to have fun in a real fight with her. Or so he thought.

About twenty minutes later, both Thr'ik and Nala were in the healers. She was fine, but he was not. Both of them are lying on the large table, Thr'ik on his stomach with his head comfortably sitting on Nalas chest as Kh’Cho went to work on his rear-end. She gently strokes a side of his face with her hand, calming him as much as she can and it was having a wonderful effect. Every now and then Kh’Cho would try to hold back his laughter, but he just can’t any longer.

“So, may I ask why you skinned his ass?” The healer thrills as he applies a healing gel to the long strip where Nala had skinned of part of his butt. It was a small piece, about three inches wide and five long, it wasn’t deep either but Nala made sure it would scar.

“I warned him to stay away from me but he didn’t listen.” Nala says, still petting Thr’ik and even playing with a few of his tresses to make him feel better.

“So you took a piece of his skin?” Kh’Cho laughs.

“That and a ring from his hair.” Nala laughs holding up the cut end of his black tress, one of his rings in her pocket. Just another to the growing pile. “But I think it will be a wonderful story to tell, one to scare all the other males. ‘The Ooman female will skin your behind if you speak to her on a bad day’!”

“You owe me big time.” Thr'ik purrs, not really paying attention to the pain but to her touches.

“I what?” Nala asks, surprised.

“I missed the last ship back down to the hunt because of you.” He pauses to wrap his arms around her waist. “But you could make it up to me.”

“Oh? And how will I go about doing that?” She asks trying hard to hold back her laughter as his butt looked so funny.

“You can sleep in my bed tonight!” Thr’ik thrills.

“I beg your pardon.” Nala says flatly.

“Instead of you in Dhm'Nis bed tonight, you will give me the honor of sharing my bed.” He lifts his head and looks right into her eyes. “Nothing sexual, I just wish to say that I could not only fight you in the squares, but have you sleep by my side.” Nala sighs and pats him on the forehead.

“Alright. But only tonight.” Nala smiles.

Dhm'Ni had a lot of trouble trying to understand why she was sleeping in his best friends bed and not his, but when news got out about Thr’iks new scar, he could only laugh. That night however was one of the worst Dhm'Ni has had in his entire life, waking in the middle of the night and searching for Nala until he remembered she was with Thr'ik and he couldn’t get back to sleep. She didn’t have it any easier. While Nala and Thr'ik had a hell of a time, it seemed more like a simple sleep-over then an actual necessity to sleep, she still woke from her nightmare. She curled up into Thr'iks arms, imagining he was Dhm'Ni but it didn’t work.

When morning finally comes, Nala kicks Thr'ik really hard because he woke her at the tenth hour, well…he didn’t really. She was coasting. Not really awake, not really sleeping. But as she walks back into her and Dhm'Nis room, she could see he was just getting up but was really tired. All she wants more in this moment was to sleep. Nala walks right up to him, grabs his arm and starts to pull him back into bed.

“What are you doing?” Dhm'Ni yawns quietly.

“Fall asleep with me.” Nala whispers and climbs into bed with him right behind her. Together they bring the heavy fur over their bodies. Dhm'Ni surrounds her with his arm, encasing her completely, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Thr’iks evil.” She decides to declare before they fall asleep.

“You’re the one who skinned his butt.” Dhm'Ni laughs. He tightens his grip on her and in minutes the two were sound asleep.

“” “” “” “”

For the next few days, Nala was feeling rather under the weather. Thinking that she may have gotten a sickness from a hunt, she had gone to Kh’Chos many times but he found nothing wrong. Thinking that it was just nerves from the Elders being due in less then 20 days, Nala thought that it would pass. Lord Khupiee had a fit when hearing about Dyne and would have beat the Young Blood if Nala hadn’t convinced him that the embarrassment he is getting from fellow hunters was enough. Because everyday someone would point out the fact that he had not only gone against Lord Khupiees word once again, but Nala had done what she did. The days were becoming too routine for Nala that she was bored. Even her and Inkles war was winding down. It was obvious she was the winner when Nala had changed all of the measurements to his Awu’asa when it was sent to be cleaned, making Inkle think he had gained a lot of weight.

Everything was fine until one night Dhm'Ni was awoke by Nala whimpering and rolling in her sleep. He would have thought that her dreams were back if he didn’t know the difference between being frightened and being in pain. Nalas face was twisted in distress, even tears were slowly falling from her closed eyes. Dhm'Ni gently grasps her by the shoulder and gives her a shake, her eyes open instantly.

“Nalani, are you ok?” He asks concerned. Nala just lays there for a moment, and then it hits her.

“Oh C’jit!” She yells as she flips over the covers and jumps off the bed. Dhm'Ni just watches her run into the bathroom, not understanding what is happening. When he takes a small breath to ask if something was wrong, he immediately knew that the answer was ‘yes’ as the thickest scent of blood hits him. Dhm'Ni yells for the lights to turn on and he sees blood all over the bed linens where she had been sleeping. Instantly off the bed and at the bathroom door, Dhm'Ni can hear Nala softly cry.

“Nala!” He bags on the door. “Nala, why are you bleeding? Are you injured?” He yells through the door.

“Dhm'Ni…” Her voice sounding shaky. “Dhm'Ni, I need you to go get Kh’Cho.”

“Are you hurt? Nala tell me now!” He roars.

“Do you remember the first day I was ever here, and just after talking to your father we were all in the healers…”

“Yes.” He answers.

“Do you remember me talking about something called a period?” Dhm'Ni takes one gigantic step back from the door and raises his hands in a ‘whoa’ manner. “I’ll take the silence as a yes so please go get him!” She was nearly crying. The next thing Nala hears was the door to their room open and close as she tries to breathe through the pain. This was not normal menstrual cramps. Nala was sure that if she should ever have a child, this is what it would be like. Her whole body in a cold sweat, her eyes couldn’t concentrate and her lower stomach felt like someone was playing ‘operation’ with her insides. As she looks down, Nala sees the tell tale blood but in a greater amount, she shouldn’t be bleeding like this. Just when she starts the bath, a knock at the door nearly makes her fall in the water.

“Nalani?”

“Kh’Cho?”

“Nalani let me in.” Kh’Cho says and she opens the door. She doesn’t, she can’t look at Dhm'Ni as he stares blankly at her with something in his eyes she had never seen before, terror. Why was he so afraid? Did she do something? The door closes before she can really get a look at him and Dhm'Ni was left alone.

“Sya, I should get Sya…” He whispers to himself and runs to the COM. In minutes both Sya and Lord Khupiee were there because her earlier threat is still something they are taking quite seriously.

“You say she was bleeding?” Lord Khupiee asks, also a little uneasy about what is going on.

“Extensively.” Dhm'Ni sighs.

“She said it was normal for her, and that it would cause much pain.” Sya offers.

“But not like this.” Nalas voice interrupts them as she walks out of the bathroom washed and redressed, Kh’Cho right behind her. Everyone is silent as she walks to the newly changed bed and lays down in the fetal position, holding her stomach like it would help even a little. Sya was instantly at her side and gently runs his hand through her hair, bringing some away from her face. Nala smiles up at him but he knew it was a fake one.

“She is fine, but the pain is much more intense then it should be.” Kh’Cho offers as he starts to put together a pain killer of many liquids he was sure would help her.

“Where does it hurt little one?” Sya whispers to her. Nala grabs one of his hands and places it on her lower abdomen, right where the pain is and both of them are shocked at the feeling. Syas heated hand was so soothing to her pains, where as for Sya the feeling of her inner muscles convulsing can be felt with his hands. “It is like she is in labor…” He gasps.

“What?” Dhm'Ni hisses in surprise.

“You have never felt a thing, but when a female is in the beginnings of birth her muscles would contract just like her. Is this normal for you Nala?” He asks gently.

“Yes, but not this hard.” Nala was trying so hard not to cry. She could always handle her periods but this…

“Give me your arm.” Kh’Cho says and she extends it but as he starts to insert a needle, Nala rips her arm away.

“What are you doing?” She yells.

“Giving you a pain killer.” Kh’Cho says surprised.

“No. If you give it to me now it won’t work later. Have you ever wondered why it took so many sedatives to get me down when I got out of your room? What did you tell me? One shot of a half douse and one shot of a full. My body is ADAPTIVE Kh’Cho. It will build up a resistance to it even if is meant to help.” She explains.

“Oh little one.” Sya sighs, never lifting his hand from her skin.

“Alright Nala.” Kh’Cho sighs. “But I suggest you stay in this room until you are better.”

“Why…” Nala trails, wondering if something was wrong with what was happening.

“Because you warned us to stay away from you when this happened.” Lord Khupiee reminded her, only then did Nala see that he was there, giving him a small but amazed smile. “You said it would be the death of any near you.”

“I was kidding.” Nala laughs, her belly hurting even more. “But I’m alright, I just need to sleep.”

“Are you sure?” Sya asks, getting a smile and a nod ‘yes’ from her. He stands and motions for the others to leave and grips Dhm'Nis shoulder before leaving as well. But once they were gone, he doesn’t move. Dhm'Ni just stands there staring.

“I WAS KIDDING!” Nala bursts in a giggle, that soon turning into a moan of pain. At hearing that however, Dhm'Ni rushes to her side, asking if there is anything he could do. Nala nods that he can and takes his hand, pulling him back onto the bed. She turns onto her back as he lay’s on his side next to her.

“Just fall asleep with me.” She sighs and places his hand on the same spot where Sya had. Dhm’Nis whole body freezes at the feeling of her insides contracting, it was an amazing thing to feel. Dhm'Ni calls for the lights to turn off, he pulls up the clean blanket and inches closer to her. Nala raises her head and he slips his other arm behind it for her to rest it on. Just when she thought she was going to be alright, Nala was hit suddenly with a massive cramp, something Dhm'Ni actually felt coming so he instantly starts to purr to her, hoping it would help. When the pain begins to fade, Nala sighs with a smile. She turns her head towards Dhm'Ni, their foreheads touching. “Thank you.” She sighs softly. “Goodnight Dhm'Ni.” She says, he grunts.

“” “” “” “”

Authors note: This chapter is mainly on the development of the relationship (or lack there of) between Dhm'Ni and Nala. Next chapter…The Elders and Patriarch!

A special thanks to:

On ff. net: ben revell, Oak Tree Woman, aquamum, Minkutei, AmeliaLorraine and Hattu.

On aff. net: Lovydovy, chancelor22, Cara (times 2), aquamum (times 2), Death God Dist (you’ll know about Dhyot’te’ka soon) , and Liz.

And I know that my nasty spelling and grammar is just plain nasty! Hahaha. My oops! The last chapter I admittedly and humiliatingly did not really proof read. Hope fully I can get a one of my roommates as a permanent Beta. Sorry for all the messed up stuff! Sometimes I’m just so daft! :) Hahaha

Shameless plug time! YEAY! I have a new original story out. It’s called ‘The house of Alex’ and it’s an erotica/sex story. It’s very graphic and descriptive, so if that’s not your thing steer clear. And if you do decide to read it, I am using the name ‘Kella Matthews’ because I LOVE the name Kella but if using it in both stories in confusing to someone who IS READING BOTH, I will change it just for my readers! Because I love you guys that much!

E.M.