Predator

Chapter 64

Author’s Note: A big thank you to my Rascal and Monte for giving me some ideas to get this chapter started. The 2 of them have helped me make my way almost through this entire fic. If it wasn’t for them, I would not have been able to entertain you with my fantasy as well or as quickly as I did.

A month had passed since Alex, Riddick, and Ioan had visited Ian. Much to her mates and sons’ regret, Alex had yet to make an appearance before her family. Riddick was questioned daily about her absence and found he could provide no answers for her distraught loved ones.

She spent a majority of her time taking care of her children. She spoke lovingly to Tamerlane and Dawn but otherwise remained quiet and withdrawn. He knew she still struggled with her sorrow over Ian’s loss on a daily basis. He could feel her silent suffering and it tore at his heart.

Riddick watched his wife closely. He was worried about her mental and emotional state of being. She seemed to constantly be in a deep state of thought. Her internal war with her inner demons was done without speaking a word but he could see it. He tried to talk to her and found the most he could get out her was a three-word response to his questions. “How are you feeling, baby?”

“I am fine.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“No thank you.”

She would react to him as she always did when he made love to her, passionate and unrestrained, until it was over. She would roll away from him instead of seeking the warmth and comfort of his arms. In fact, she seemed to avoid physical contact as often as possible.

The only exception was her infant children.

Riddick knew she barely left their chambers and when she did she took to the stars instead of visiting her family or the lake. She hadn’t retreated to her private sanctuary since she reconstructed it. That worried him greatly.

Mentally he would keep track of her travels through the heavens. For the first 2 weeks, he saw her unleash the Phoenix force and destroy asteroids, dead moons, or space debris. After awhile, her anger had faded and she would just fly or visit random gas giants.

She finally reached a point where she traveled beyond his ability to track her. Every single time she disappeared off his radar, his anxiety level would rise to the point of panic until he could sense her again.

They were going into her third month of seclusion when one day she surprised him.

~*~

He was sitting in the rocking chair with Dawn in his arms and trying to lull her to sleep. “What are you doing, critter?” Their child was intent on playing. “You just refuse to go to sleep, huh? You are as stubborn as your mother.” He stood her up with her feet on his thighs and bounced her up and down until she giggled. “You are growing like a weed.”

“She is growing at an accelerated rate, isn’t she?” He turned and saw Alex leaning against the wall just inside of the nursery. “She is already twice the size of Tamerlane.”

“It won’t be long before she will be waddling around the palace halls.” He smiled and leaned his forehead against his daughter’s as she placed her small hands on his cheeks. “She won’t want to be carried anymore. She is a very independent child and she could be on soft foods soon.”

“That will be a relief. She is a vampire on my nipples and they are constantly sore.” She smiled as she heard her little girl laugh when her father placed loud kisses all over her face. “She is already self aware and curious of everything around her. She looks at people or things and studies them. I do believe our little Phoenix is growing up.”

“Yes, she is.” Dawn wrapped her arms around Riddick’s neck and he hugged her to his chest. “We both know how beautiful she will be when she grows up. Hell, if the boys didn’t know she was their sister, I could’ve sworn they were going to fight over her.” He glanced up at his mate and his silver orbs sparkled when they caught her obsidian. “Kind of like how we all fight over you.”

“Speaking of that.” She walked determinedly up to him, took a deep breath, and stated flatly. “You need to apologize to the others and tell them you were wrong.”

“I know.” He stood up and bounced Dawn in his arms as he took her to her crib. He gave her a kiss, lay her down, and turned to his mate. “I suppose you want to be there to witness my shame.”

“Oh I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” She replied with her arms crossed over her chest and a devilish grin pulling at the corners of her mouth.

~*~

Alex hung back to avoid being seen by the others as her First mate fidgeted in his chair. He was quiet for a long time while the 5 other men waited. “I asked all of you here because I needed to say something that is long overdue.” His head was down as he spoke and he rested his forearms on his thighs. “I would’ve done it sooner but I was wrapped up with watching over Alex.”

“How is she?” Rhade asked as soon as his mate’s name was mentioned. His concern was evident in his voice.

“She went through a difficult time for a while. I didn’t think she would get past it.” He was silent for a second as he reconciled his thoughts and feelings. “It was hard…very hard when we went to see Ian. She was angry at both of us for what we did and you know what happens when she gets pissed.”

“She kicked both of your asses.” Ares said with a laugh.

“She did.” Riddick nodded and smirked. “For a while there, I didn’t think I would be able to get her to leave his dimension. She fought us tooth and nail to stay there or rewrite time to bring him back. It was bad for all of us but Ian set her on the right path.” He lowered his head and sighed heavily. “I always knew how much they loved each other but I’ve never actually seen a love so strong.”

“She would sacrifice anything for him and he loved her too much to let her. His pure devotion and absolute love for her gave him the influence to get through to her.” He looked back up at them with a shiny tear running down his cheek. “I love Alex. It is something I never thought I could ever feel for a person before I met her. I sure as hell never thought it would be reciprocated but she loves me too. But the way her and Ian feel for each other, I never knew such a thing existed until I saw it. It was beautiful and I can only hope she feels the same way about me someday.”

“That was always Ian’s strength, Riddick, and now it is yours.” Duncan said quietly. “He always knew how to defuse her temper and make her see reason. I imagine that will be a lot harder now that she has merged with the rest of her power but he left that honor to you. He saw something in you the rest of us didn’t after you spent that first night with her. He knew you were the one that she was meant for. You are the only man in all of creation that can control our wife and make her complete. Do not take that trust he placed in you lightly. She is whole again and none of us have ever seen her like this before.”

“Speaking of merging with power, I need to explain something to you guys. Alex merged me with my dark side…my beast recently and I am having a hard time integrating the two.” He glanced up at his friend and furrowed his brow. “Tyr, that is what was wrong with me when you walked into our room that day and I attacked you. If Alex hadn’t done what she did, my beast would’ve killed you. I’m sorry, my friend.”

“I know a little something about one’s darker nature, Riddick. I’ve had to control mine ever since I mated Alex. I forgive you, my brother.” He patted Riddick on the shoulder and leaned back on the couch. “I can imagine you and Alexandra are going through similar experiences. You are both trying to get accustomed to having your full primal sides unleashed.”

“Believe me, she is having an easier run of it than I am. That is why I asked you to come here. I owe all of you an apology.” He glanced up when the others didn’t say anything and took their cue to continue. “I wasn’t in control of myself when I told you that I wasn’t going to share her anymore. She can’t live without you guys in her life and she loves all of us. I can’t…I won’t be responsible for her losing anyone else she loves.”

“You hurt her deeply, Riddick. I felt the pain you inflicted on her heart when you forced her to lie there and accept your selfish demands.” Duncan said in a sharp tone. “You know her heart, right? It is the precious part of her that you and I now share dominion over. You cut her to the quick with your actions.”

“I’m sorry, Duncan. I cannot apologize enough for what I did but I am asking all of you to forgive me.” Riddick hung his head, took a deep breath, and glanced back up at the Immortal. “I promise I will never try to keep her away from any of you again.”

“So you’re saying we get to keep our mate?” Ares asked with a haughty tone. Riddick nodded at the War God. “And we don’t have to wait until you decide when she gets to be with us?” He regarded her First with his arms crossed over his chest and waited until Riddick shook his head no. “I have been waiting for months to be with my mate. I will be by to collect her later.”

“Ares, wait.” Riddick stood as the God of War shot to his feet and defiantly strode to the door. A spike of anger rose in Riddick and was reflected in his voice. “I said stop!” The Olympian halted at the booming voice and turned to face its source. “She will not allow any of us to control her ever again. If you want her company, you are going to have to ask for it and hope she’s in the mood.”

“During the past several weeks since Ian died, she has barely allowed me to touch her. She was livid when I used my dominion over her for my own benefit and forced her to let you go. I don’t think she has gotten over Tyr and Rhade’s assault on her when they were possessed by the Abyss.” He had their full attention now and pressed his point. “I think she has slowly begun to accept Ian’s loss but we have to remember it isn’t just Alexandra that we are dealing with now. She is the Phoenix and she doesn’t like to be controlled.”

“I will concede to going back to the weekly schedule of spending time with her.” Riddick flopped back down into his chair and glanced over each of their faces. “Ultimately, the decision of spending that week with you lies with her. We don’t have a say in it other than asking for her company.”

“I think we understand, Riddick.” Logan said as he stood. “Our woman has her pride.”

“She does at that.” Riddick smirked at Logan before he rose and grasped forearms with the feral mutant. “But once you get her in the mood, she is the woman we all know and love.” He moved to the doorway and threw his parting words over his shoulder as he left the room. “You’re more than welcome to drop by later and see if she even wants to acknowledge your existence, Ares. I wouldn’t hold my breath if I was you.”

~*~

Riddick left the others behind and stopped out in the hall. He placed his hands on his waist, took a deep steadying breath, and hung his head as he exhaled. “You did well but then again they went easy on you.” His head snapped up and saw his love. She was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and the corner of her mouth was pulled up in a smirk. “I could sense how difficult that was for you.”

“I knew it was the right thing to do but something inside of me wanted to rip them apart.” He stalked towards her and ran his nose along her shoulder and neck drawing in her scent. “I…he still considers you solely his and he still doesn’t want to share.”

“You both know better. I belong to all of you but more importantly I belong to myself.” She ran her hand lovingly over his cheek, down to his throat, and her grip tightened on his neck. “We are not the creatures our nature and power drives us to become. Our dark sides do not define us. We are supreme beings with the welfare of creation relying on us. We have family and friends that we love and love us in return. We are not beasts who cannot control our baser instincts.”

“Do you understand?” She could feel a growl reverberate in his throat. She reversed their positions and pinned him against the wall. “My love, you must learn to control it. He is a part of you. You are a part of each other. You always have been but you separated from him because you didn’t want to face the reality of some of the horrors you’ve committed. Well guess what? You don’t know evil until you’ve seen me in action and I’ve learned how to deal with it. Now stop fighting amongst yourselves and be the man I need you to be! Do you understand me?”

“I understand.” He said in a strained voice.

“Good.” She released her hold on his throat and he slumped heavily against the wall. “I need you with me, Richard. I will help you assimilate this as much as possible but you need to reconcile your problems with your past and move on. I have helped you as much as I can in regards to the Furyans, the Necros, Imam, and Jack. There is nothing I can do about the rest.”

“I know, baby.” He glanced up at her and his silver pierced her black. “I saw your history. I was there in the hall during the banquet. I was by your side in Kortoth. I know what you did to the Necromonger armada and I saw what you did to the Abyss. I know the things I’ve done do not compare to yours. I regret not being able to save the Holy Man. I made a promise to myself after Carolyn died that I would do anything to protect him and Jack. I failed miserably.”

“You avenged his murder.” Her features softened as she gazed at his pained expression. “You saved his people. His wife and child are safe. You did right by him. Don’t ever forget that, Richard. Your past was forced on you and you did what was necessary to survive. You are a different man now but I loved you the moment I met you.”

“Thank you, baby.” He smiled at her as his throat tightened with emotion. “I appreciate everything you said. Somewhere in my head I know you’re right but the devil on my shoulder keeps fucking with me. Memories are a bitch though, huh? It must be like that every second of every day for you and you won. I will do my best to deal with it too.”

“That is nice to hear, my love, because I need the whole package. That means all of you. Richard B. Riddick, convict…murderer or Richard B. Riddick, Lord of the Shi’ar Empire and First mate of the Phoenix, it doesn’t matter to me. I found everything I need in you.” She kissed him lightly on his parted lips and backed away with a smile on hers. “I’m going for a quick flight. I’ll see you soon.”

Before he could say a word, she phased through the ceiling and left the atmosphere.

~*~

She returned to their quarters a few hours later to find her mate lying on a fur rug in the nursery. He was on his back tossing Tamerlane up into the air a few inches, catching him, and doing it again. The boy was giggling hysterically. Dawn was lying stomach to stomach with her father and laughing at the show.

Alex watched the tender scene of a father playing with his children with a tear in her eye. No matter how possessive his beast was over her, he had already accepted Tamerlane as a surrogate child and he would never harm him.

Her other mates were an entirely different matter.

She sensed his approach and opened the door before he had the chance to knock. He smiled as he ran his gaze over her form and turned his focus to her beaming face. “I almost forgot how beautiful you are.”

“Are you telling me that you are capable of forgetting me in so short a time?” She gave him a mock frown and backed up to allow him to enter. “Ares, I am insulted.”

“I said almost, my beloved. In truth, I haven’t forgotten how beautiful you are for 6000 years.” He took her hand gently in his and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. “I have missed you, gorgeous.”

“I’ve missed you too, Ares, and you can stop the sweet talk. I know what you are here for.” She took in his furrowed brow and extracted her hand from his grasp. “I was there when Richard talked with all of you. I know you are here to request my company.”

“Alex…”

“I’ll tell you what, Ares, I need to go check on my children. I’ll get back to you later about that.” She smiled nervously at him before she disappeared from the room.

“I told you not to hold your breath.” Riddick said with a smirk and laughed as he went back into the nursery.

~*~

“Are you two decent in there or do I need to come back later?” Alex called out from the sitting room.

“Mom!” Ronon yelled back and ran into the room seconds later. He swept her up in his arms and spun her around in a circle. “By the Progenitor, I missed you!” He set her down and held her at arms’ length to look at her. “How are you doing?”

“I am fine.” She spoke her usual forced response but smiled at her son. He seemed to be more at ease and healing from his emotional ordeal. It took her a moment to realize that she already knew the reason why. “How are Kyra and the baby doing?”

“Kyra is fine. She’s suffering morning sickness and handling it about as well as you did.” He beamed at his mother’s mock pout, took her by the elbow, and led her towards the bedroom. “It appears that my child will gestate faster than the usual 7 months that most Nietzchean infants do. I suppose I have the genetics that I received from you to thank for that?”

“Besides Ioan and Dawn, you are the most powerful of my children. Of course, you have me to thank for that. Your son should be joining us in about 2 months.” They approached the bed and Alex grinned at Kyra. “So how does it feel to be the resident beached whale of the palace?”

“I feel like hammered shit but I’ll survive.” She took Alex’s hand in hers and felt her tense slightly from the contact. Kyra’s shining eyes fixed on her friend’s and she saw the hidden pain reflecting off the pools of black. “How are you feeling?”

“I am fine.”

“You are lying.”

“And you’re prying.” Alex said with a smirk. “That isn’t your style.”

“It is since I met you. I need to concern myself with your welfare. You are the mother of my husband, my surrogate mother, and the grandmother of my child.”

“Now that was just mean.” A look of horror crossed Alex’s face and she flopped down on the bed by Kyra’s side. “Holy shit. I am a fucking grandmother.” She whispered in shock.

“You’re saying that like it’s a bad thing.” Kyra shook her hand to draw her attention and smiled at her when she had it. “At least you’ll be this age forever and never look like a grandmother. You and your grandson will look the same age someday. You’ll be a kickass grandma. You can show him everything and let him see the life you’ve seen. I, on the other hand, will age and eventually die.”

“Now you’re really depressing me. Do me a favor and never try to cheer me up again.” She scowled at the laughing young woman. “You really suck at it.”

“So I’ve been told.” Her smile faded and she cocked her head as she studied Alex’s face. “We haven’t seen you in quite some time. What have you been up to?”

“I needed to put some ghosts to rest. Ian’s loss…my influx of power…it has all weighed heavily on my mind.” She felt her son place a hand on her shoulder and leaned her head to rest her cheek on it. “I have had a long hard road in front of me but I made it to the end. I am sorry if my absence upset all of you.”

“I think we understand, Mom, and there is no reason to apologize to us.” Ronon kissed her upturned cheek and placed his forehead upon it. “We all miss him.” He whispered.

“I know, baby.” She patted the back of his head. “Thank you, love.” He reveled in her touch for a moment before he raised his head. “I think a family get together is in order. We need to celebrate the new addition to the family. What do you think about dinner at the lake tonight?”

“I think it would be wonderful for all of us to have a family dinner there again.” Kyra beamed. “No one has been there since…”

“Since when?” Alex asked when Kyra’s voice trailed off. “I gave everyone permission the last time I took you there.”

“We did not think it was appropriate, mother.” Ronon continued for his silent mate. “No one wanted to visit the lake until you did first.”

“I see.” Alex nodded her head and stood up slowly. “Well we will all get the chance tonight. I have to go.” She walked stiffly away from the bed. “I have something I need to do.”

“Alex…” Ronon hurried after her. “Are you alright?”

“I am fine.” She kissed his cheek and he could swear he saw a tear stream down her face before she turned. “I will see you tonight.” With that said, she vanished from the palace and took to the stars.

“She’s left the planet again, hasn’t she?” Kyra asked her mate as he closed his eyes and tilted his head upwards.

“Yes.” He sighed and opened his eyes. “I don’t know what she does when she leaves here but she spends a lot of time amongst the stars. I think she goes home whenever she misses Ian. She probably feels closer to him when she visits a sun.” He turned sad eyes to his wife and shrugged his shoulders. “She is finding more comfort from a gas giant than in the company of her loved ones.”

“Ronon, that isn’t true. Alex had been with Ian since the dawn of creation. She is dealing with his loss the only way she knows how. Come here.” She patted the bed and he sat beside her. “Baby, she loves all of us but she is a proud woman. I don’t think she wants us all to bear witness to her pain.”

“I know but I miss my mother. I was without her for a majority of my life, love.” He moved into her open embrace and whispered in her ear. “I don’t want to lose her.”

“You won’t, baby. We’ll show her how much she is needed and loved by all of us during dinner.” She kissed his cheek and pulled back to smile at his face. “Why don’t you inform the rest of the family of our plans?” Her hand went to her mouth and she rose from the bed. “I’ll be puking while you make the mental calls.”

~*~

Riddick had just closed his telepathic connection to Ronon and smiled at the boy’s idea. It would be a perfect avenue to surround Alex with her mates and children and try to assimilate her back into her family environment. He wanted to see her happy again. He wanted to see a genuine smile on her face and have her feel comfortable with touch.

He wanted her to stay home and find comfort in him instead of fleeing to the stars.

“My Lord!” Riddick was shaken from his thoughts by Vaako’s deep voice as he stormed into his chambers. “I was just contacted by one of our cruisers patrolling the edge of Ariana space.”

“What did they say?” All of Riddick’s previous thoughts fled his mind and he focused his attention on his Commander. “What the hell is going on?”

“They report a contingent of cruisers with fighter support entering our system.” Vaako stood at attention before his Lord. “What are your orders, Sir?”

“Get a ship prepped for take-off.”

“It is already done, my Lord.” Vaako smirked with his head slightly bowed.

“Good.” They both turned to the door to find Ares and the rest of Alex’s family standing there. “Because we are all going. This is one time that we will not fail to keep our promise to Alex.” He fixed his gaze on Riddick’s. “We will protect our mate and our people at all costs.”

Riddick nodded his head at the War God and grinned. “Let’s go.”

~*~

An hour later, the cruiser bearing Riddick and the Royal Family docked with its Command Carrier. As they disembarked and walked the corridors, Riddick noticed several Necros had been assimilated into the crew. All of the crew, Ariana and Necro warriors alike, nodded their heads as their superiors passed by.

“Report!” Vaako commanded as they entered the Command Deck.

“Two Nietzchean Battle Cruisers have just crossed into our space, Commander.” The Necro manning the long-range sensors spoke up as he continued to scrutinize the screen. “There are four full contingents of fighters running as a defensive escort.”

“Have they tried to contact you?” Riddick asked as he took the Command Chair.

“No, my Lord.” The communications officer said. “They have failed to respond to our hails as well.”

“What are your orders, Lord Riddick?” The weapons officer asked while he kept his eyes glued to the view screen.

“Launch our fighters.” Riddick’s eyes narrowed on the screen before he turned to the weapons officer. “Prepare to engage the enemy.”

“Aye, Sir.”

~*~

Alexandra was currently flying through an uncharted galaxy in the furthest reach of space from Ariana. When she had left the palace and took to the stars, she kept flying with no conscious thought of her destination. It took a moment for her to stop and take in her surroundings before she realized how far she was from home.

‘What are we doing, Phoenix? Why do we keep running like this whenever we cannot cope with our distress?’

‘I think we are doing it subconsciously, Alexandra.’

‘Why?’

‘On some level, we both believe we can still lose control of our power. It is not possible but it is something you have fought with for an eternity. That fear does not just go away even though the circumstances have changed. I also know that we are still in mourning for our beloved.’

‘Ian.’

‘Yes. Look around you, Alex. This is where he was born. We come here when we miss him because we can feel him all around us.’

‘You are correct.’ Alex turned a complete circle to gaze over the stars that she drew upon to birth her first love. ‘This is the place. I didn’t realize it at first but I can see it pass before my eyes as if it happened yesterday.’

‘Time is a relative thing for a creature such as us. You used to believe that your life was too long. That was an inaccurate perception.’

‘I know.’ She sighed heavily. ‘I was thinking about time in a human mindset. It was terribly idiotic of me to do so.’

‘We have a family, Alexandra. Ian gave his life so we could live ours out with them. We need to stop this.’

‘I know…but it is so hard.’

‘I know it is but remember this. We will be with him again…someday.’

‘Yes…he will be at our side again…where he belongs.’ Alex spun around and faced the direction her home world was in space. Galaxies away from Ariana and she could still sense the disturbance. ‘I suppose I have you to thank for that.’ She spoke to her inner power.

‘We are at our best, my dear, and what else can I say other than we are the best at what we do.’

‘You are so full of yourself.’ She chuckled lightly before she focused on the thoughts that assailed her mind. ‘What do those fools think they are doing? Oh, fucking men can be so stupid sometimes.’

‘They think they are being noble. Don’t be so hard on them.’

‘They are fucking up all of my hard work!’ The fiery avatar sprang free of its confines and encased her body. She hurtled through space at her fastest speed knowing that she would arrive too late. ‘Tell me again why I wanted this life?’ Her sentient power laughed within her mind. ‘Bite me, Phoenix.’

Stars streaked by as Alex opened random wormholes to hasten her flight back home. She could not afford to fly through the slipstream in her Phoenix form and risk damaging it. The stream was made for ships to traverse not cosmic entities that burned with the power of a sun.

She focused her mind on the impending battle in her space. She could hear the words leave her mate’s mouth as he spoke them. “Engage the fighters and fire on those cruisers!” She was still several systems removed from her Empire and did the only thing she could from this distance. She reached out with her power and froze all the ships and weapons fire in place.

~*~

“What the fuck is going on?” Riddick yelled out to the weapons officer. “Why aren’t we moving?” He asked the helmsman.

“I do not know, Lord Riddick.” The Necro at helms control responded as he ran a diagnostic on his panel. “There is no mechanical malfunction that explains why we are dead in space.”

“Would you like an explanation for why your ships are not moving and your phasers are offline?” A familiar voice came through the comm channels of every Nietzchean and Shi’ar ship. “I stopped all of you from doing something astronomically stupid.” All eyes were riveted to the wormhole that formed between both fleets and watched as the Phoenix emerged.

She hovered in space before them and opened her wings to their full span. Her head turned towards her Command Carrier and her voice rang throughout the corridors. “Did it ever occur to you that the Nietzcheans did not respond to your hails because the command crew are Necromongers? If you recall correctly, you invaded their space and tried to conquer them. I can imagine they wouldn’t be overly interested in speaking to you right now.”

“As for you.” She glanced at the Nietzchean cruisers and fighters. “How did you think your unannounced arrival into my space would be interpreted?” She waved at the suspended weapons fire between both sides and it disappeared from sight. “Charlemagne, you should have sent word ahead before you came here. It was inappropriate for you to ignore their hails.”

“I apologize, Majestrix.” Charlemagne spoke aloud on his cruiser and it reached her ships through the open comm. “I am unaccustomed to answering to my enemies.”

“You know damn well that if I placed Necromongers on my ships then I have accepted them as members of my armada and my people. I reversed the conversion on the people who wished it and the ones who had a home to return to. The ones who refused the reversal or were homeless were integrated into my fleet. When you speak to one of them, you are speaking to my representatives. Are we clear, Charlemagne?”

“As crystal, Majestrix.”

“Now that we have cleared up this unpleasantness, tell me why you are using a fighter escort to enter my space?”

“I am the Archduke of Jaguar-Sabra Pride. There are several Alphas aboard both of these cruisers.” He said in a high-handed manner. “We do not travel anywhere without a fighter escort.”

“My dear Archduke, consider the fact that Nietzchean territory borders my space and we are, for the present, at peace. Only then will you understand how ridiculous that reasoning is.” She crossed her arms over her chest and her wings followed suit. “You all came here on a peaceful mission and yet you came this close to war between our Empires.” A smirk crossed her face as she shook her head. “Shame on you, Charlemagne. I thought you were smarter than that. Send your fighters back to your space and your cruisers can follow my mate’s into dock.”

The wormhole sealed behind her and, as their attention focused on that event, she sped back to her home.

~*~

Alex was waiting in the Main Hall when she sensed her family and the Alphas approach. “Charlemagne, I would appreciate it if you and the others waited outside for a moment.” She called out before they reached the doors. “I need to speak to my family before I meet with you.”

As soon as the Royal Family entered the room, she telekinetically closed the doors before the Alphas could respond. Her family walked further into the room and saw her sitting at the head of the table. For several of them, this was the first time they had seen her since the battle against the Abyss.

“You look beautiful, my love.” Rhade whispered in awe. His mate’s long thick tresses were pulled up into a ponytail and secured with a gold cuff. She wore a white silk tank that stopped below her breasts and a mid-thigh matching skirt. The Phoenix brand had already burned through the material of her top and flared brightly against the white background. The only other thing she wore was her gold Double Helix. “You are a vision.”

“Thank you, Telemachus.” She blushed for a moment before she forced a serious look on her face. “Now would one of you be so kind as to explain why you almost started an intergalactic war?”

“They entered our space without any explanation whatsoever.” Riddick said as he approached her. “I will not tolerate any apparent threats to you or our people without acting upon it.”

“So all of you decided to hop a ship and rush out there to defend your poor little defenseless woman?” She started to laugh and her First began to growl deep in his throat. “Was that your fabulous plan?”

“It is our right to defend our mate and our children!” Riddick’s temper flared and he closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye. “I will never allow any harm to befall you or my family!” He growled into her face. “I will do everything within my power to prevent you from losing anyone you love again!”

“Is that what this is about?” She said serenely as she brought her hand to his cheek. “You are trying to protect me?”

“We have failed you in every aspect when it came to our promise to protect you and our family. That is something I am having a hard time living with and I can’t stand it! You are my wife! This is my family!” He calmed down and his pained eyes bore into hers. “I swear I won’t ever let you down again.”

“Richard, I do not blame any of you for Ian’s death or that of my unborn child. I blame myself.” She cast her gaze over her mates, children, the Wielders, the Olympians, Kyra, and Vaako. “I made all the mistakes. I planned out my future and those of my children. I decided I was tired of this existence and devised the prophecy. It was all my doing. I failed Ian and my baby…not you. I trust all of you implicitly to protect me, our children, and my people.”

“Thank you, baby.”

“Just try not to destroy my fragile alliances while you strut around like big bad men, okay?”

“Deal.” Riddick smiled and pulled her in for a deep kiss.

“Hold that thought, handsome.” She gasped for breath. “How about we take care of our guests first and we can get back to that after dinner?”

“Deal.”

~*~

Charlemagne, Guderian, Curchulain and a few other Alphas sat around the table and faced the Royal Family. They barely masked the awe on their faces as they stared at Alexandra. Her black eyes and the burning brand of power on her torso were a couple of things that changed about her since they last saw her.

The aura of absolute power that surrounded her had intensified to an infinite degree. It was tangible in the air. It shone in her obsidian orbs. It burned from her chest. It scared the shit out of them.

“So Charlemagne, why don’t you say what you flew all this way to tell me?” The hard edge of her voice belied her power. The way she relaxed back into her chair spoke of her certainty that nothing could ever hurt her and these men did not concern her in the slightest. “It was important enough to almost get yourselves killed and start a war.”

“We came to congratulate you on your victory, my dear. Word of the Abyss’ destruction has spread across several systems. There is actual talk of a truce between the Commonwealth, the Than, the Perseids, and my people. You have made all of this possible, my dear Majestrix.” Charlemagne smiled across the length of the table at her. It faded from his face when he noticed she did not return his elation. “I also would like to extend the sympathies of the Nietzchean Empire for the loss of your First.”

“Thank you, Charlemagne.” She responded without emotion.

“We would like to discuss the possibility of the Shi’ar Empire attending the peace talks.” He continued after several pointed stares from his fellow Alphas. “I think it would be beneficial to all of our people if you joined our alliance.”

“You mean it would be beneficial to all of you to have me as an ally.” Her black eyes narrowed on him and watched the usually calm Archduke squirm in his seat. “After all is said and done, my Empire can survive without assistance from any of you. I destroyed the Magog and they were not even a threat to my people. I eradicated the Abyss and all of you watched safely from your home worlds. The fact of the matter is that you need me. I, on the other hand, do not need any of you.”

“My Lady, please consider…” She raised her hand and stopped him as he began to stammer.

“Relax, Charlemagne. I was just trying to get a rise out of you and it looks like I succeeded.” She smirked at his discomfort and felt the tension in the room lessen. “The Shi’ar Empire would be happy to attend the peace talks. Let me make something real clear to all of you now before we waste our time. If this treaty is agreed to and anyone violates it, my withdrawal will be immediate and my retribution will be final.”

“I promise, if you attend and the treaty is agreed to, we will strive to make a lasting peace.” Bolivar said with confidence and sincerity.

“That is nice to hear but I will not represent my people at the conference. I have a lot of time to make up for with my family. These peace talks do not merit my attendance.” Alex glanced up at Riddick, who stood at her right shoulder, and grinned. He nodded his approval of her mental suggestion. “Commander Vaako will be the voice of the Royal Family.”

“What?” Curchulain yelled indignantly as he stood in outrage. “He is our enemy!”

“Sit down!” Charlemagne shouted at the Dragon. “Curchulain, I would curb my tongue if I was you.”

“I agree.” Guderian chimed in. “You are treading in very dangerous territory by openly defying her.” His eyes met Alex’s and he grinned at her. “I, for one, wouldn’t care in the least if she struck you down for your insolence. It would spare us all the annoyance of dealing with the Drago-Katsov in the future.”

The Dragon Commander glared at Vaako, whose face remained expressionless, before he glanced at Alexandra and slowly took his seat.

“We will show your representative the respect he deserves, Majestrix.” Charlemagne said sweetly as he dismissed Curchulain’s outburst. “He is the Commander of your Fleet and apparently knows your mind. I am sure he will make the correct decisions on behalf of your people.”

“He does know my mind and that of my First. Furthermore, he has fought by my side, protected my family, and mated the Goddess of War.” She cast her glance over their shocked expressions before she continued. “He is a very capable warrior and will ensure my interests in his dealings with the other systems. Do not presume to think otherwise or you will find yourselves in deep shit. Are we clear?”

“As crystal, Majestrix.” Charlemagne said with a bow of his head and the others followed suit.

“Excellent. Feel free to see yourselves out, Gentlemen. I have a dinner to prepare for.” She dismissed them with a wave of her hand, stood, and left the room followed by her family.

Vaako remained behind.

“You heard her.” He sneered at the uncomfortable Alphas. “I will see you all at the talks. Now get the fuck out.”

“As you wish.” Charlemagne said as they rose and were escorted from the hall by some Necromonger troops.

~*~

Riddick and the others had not seen even a glimpse of Alexandra before the scheduled family dinner. They decided to take a chance that she would show up at the lake and did not wait for her. The excitement of the night was infectious and it took them 10 minutes to gather together in the gardens.

“It is a nice night.” Riddick said as he glanced up at the stars. He carried his daughter in his arms and bounced her lightly as she played with his nose. “I say we walk the path to the lake and enjoy it instead of teleporting.” He glanced at Tyr, whom had Tamerlane seated on his shoulders. “What do you think?”

“I agree. Alexandra keeps mental command of the weather on this planet. If she has granted us a cloudless night to view her stars then I think we should take advantage of it.”

They all traversed the path through the gardens into the woods and conversed quietly in small groups. Ronon kept a tight hold on Kyra so that she wouldn’t lose her footing. Athena and Vaako whispered amongst themselves. Ares spoke to the surviving Olympians for the first time since they moved to Ariana.

When they cleared the tree line, all conversations came to a complete stop. The reconstruction of the lake and surrounding area was complete. It was as beautiful as they all remembered. All signs of the muddy crater that Alex’s body had made as she plummeted to the ground was erased from their memories.

The torches were lit and surrounded the food and drinks that were laid out on the blankets. It was apparent to all that she had already arrived but there was no sign of her. As they looked around with a curtain of silence draped over them, the sound of movement in the water drew their attention to the center of the lake.

Ripples on the surface trailed her form as she swam the distance underwater. All eyes remained riveted to the lithe creature as she broke the surface directly before them. Her mates watched the rivulets of water cascade down her curves. Her sons smiled at the comforting sight of their mother after their long separation.

“Good evening.” She smiled at her family and friends as she slipped on her short robe. “Why don’t we all take a seat and enjoy our night together.” She walked up to them and received kisses and hugs from her boys. They each expressed their relief of finally being reunited with her. “I missed you too, my darlings.”

“It has been too long, mother.” Ioan said with a pointed look. “Don’t do it again.” It wasn’t an order but a plea in his tone and eyes.

“I won’t, love.” She caressed his cheek for a moment and turned her gaze to her daughter-in-law. “Kyra, sit down before you tip over. Ronon, help your mate get settled.”

“Thanks.” Kyra said as her husband situated her on a blanket and sat beside her. “This walking in sand crap is a bitch when you’re carrying this frontload.”

“I know exactly how you feel.” Alex laughed as she took a seat between Riddick and Tyr. “That was me not too long ago.”

“Well I think she looks radiant.” Brandon said as he lifted a goblet of wine. “A toast to the expecting parents. May your child know only happy days surrounded by the family who loves him.”

Everyone present lifted their goblets and smiled at the young couple. “Hear! Hear!” They all said in unison.

“Ronon…”

“Yes, Brandon?”

“I want to apologize for the way I acted towards you after you came into our lives.” He said in a genuine tone. “I was jealous. Not of your relationship with Kyra but how closely you bonded with our mother. I’m sorry for my actions and I wanted to thank you for saving my ass during the battle.”

“We both do.” Jesse spoke up. “If it wasn’t for you, we might have died outside of the temple. Thank you, brother.”

“You are welcome, my brothers.” Ronon spoke quietly as the emotions of finally being accepted amongst his siblings washed through him. “I would never want any harm to befall you even if you were acting like asses.”

“Hear! Hear!” Dorian, Dean, and Brennan raised their goblets and spoke in unison.

Laughter rang out amongst all present and the two men accepted the joke in stride. Alex quietly ate her meal listening to the conversations going on around her. She smiled when she sensed Ronon’s elation as his brothers lavished well wishes and gifts on them for his unborn son.

She focused her attention on Kyra for a moment and picked up an errant thought that drew her notice. ‘What the hell?’ She delved into the young woman’s mind and was startled by what she found. ‘By the stars! Why didn’t I ever pick this up before? If Richard ever learns this…’

“My Lady.”

“Yes, Vaako?” Alex pulled out of Kyra’s consciousness and looked at the young Necro.

“I wanted to thank you and Lord Riddick for the opportunity to take place in the peace talks. I will not betray the confidence you have placed on me to see to the Empire’s welfare.”

“I know you will not disappoint Alex or I at the conference, Vaako.” Riddick answered as he draped his arm around his mate’s shoulders. “Alex wouldn’t have given you the responsibility if she didn’t think you could handle it. You have earned your place amongst us. We both trust you.”

“Thank you, my Lord.” He nodded at Riddick and then to Alex. “My Lady.”

“Vaako, I want you to have fun with it. The Nietzcheans are going to be off center with you there.” Alex grinned at him and he returned it. “You will be able to tell if they are sincere in their quest for peace. Shake them up. They are easy to read when they are pissed.”

“I will endeavor to piss them off…a lot and make you proud, my Lady.” He smiled as he bowed at her once again.

“I have no doubts, Vaako.”

~*~

The evening continued with pleasant conversation in between eating and drinking. Riddick and Tyr exchanged a glance behind Alex’s back. They were both monitoring her closely throughout the night. She would answer questions that were directed at her but otherwise scrutinized everyone around her.

“Scott. Logan.” She spoke up after she had focused on the quiet Cyclops for a few minutes. “I have a proposition for the both of you.”

“What is it, darlin?” Logan asked as he narrowed his hazel eyes on his mate.

“For the most part, I am not in danger of losing control of my abilities ever again. I have Richard to balance me out and the others can help if the need arises.” They stared at her curiously as if they did not understand her meaning. “What I am trying to say is that I no longer have a need for you to be my Wielders. I can remove the gauntlets and return you to your time if you so wish.”

“Wait a second, darlin. You don’t know for sure if you don’t need us anymore. Besides I am not just your Wielder anymore.” Logan stood, moved towards her, and knelt. “I am your mate now. You are the woman that I was made to be with and I love you. I will never leave you and I won’t abandon my duty as your Wielder.”

“Fair enough, Logan, and for the record I love you too.” She allowed him to bury his hands in her hair and pull her into a deep kiss. “Scott, there is no need for you to remain here. If Logan is intent on remaining a Wielder, I can replace you with another. You can return home to your beloved at the exact moment that I took you. She will never know that you were gone unless you want to reveal your position as a Guardian of the Universe.”

“I took my position seriously and proudly, Alexandra. If I return to Jean, I will tell her everything about your grand exploits and the good things you achieved.” He stood in his usual leadership position and thought for a moment. “I will tell all of my teammates about the Protector of Life and the great responsibility that she bestowed upon me.”

“Is that your wish, Scott?” She rose to her feet and walked up to him. “Do you want to go home?”

“I would, my Lady, but only if you have a replacement for me.”

“I don’t think that will be a problem.” She took his left forearm in her hands. A glow passed from her palms into the gauntlet until the unbreakable latch snapped open. “It was my greatest honor to entrust you with the safety of everything I love. It is time for you to take care of your love now. Ronon!”

“Yes, Alex.” He jumped to his feet at his mother’s call.

“Come here, my precious.” She turned towards him and waited until he was before her. “I have entrusted you with my daughter’s destiny and I call upon you once again to hold my future in your able hands.” She held the gauntlet open and looked into her son’s awestruck eyes. “Will you accept the position of Wielder?”

“Mom…” Her hopeful eyes bore into his and he placed his forearm in the cuff. “I will watch over you and my sister from now until the end of time.” She smiled brightly and closed the gauntlet on his left arm until the clasp sealed and disappeared. “I love you, Alex.” He pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear. “You are the center of my universe.”

“As you are mine, my precious.” They released their embrace and Alex turned to Scott. “I think it is time for you to say your goodbyes so that you can return to your life.” She pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for everything, Scott Summers. I’ll be looking in on you from time to time.”

“You’re welcome, Alexandra. It was my greatest honor and I don’t regret a moment of it.” He whispered back before they separated. “I look forward to your visits.”

“Me too.” She stepped aside and let her family exchange goodbyes with the young X-Man. “Logan, are you going to say goodbye?” She asked the unusually stoic feral mutant.

“Yeah. I just…never thought I would see him go.” He cleared his throat and tapped Scott on the shoulder. “Hey Scooter.”

“Logan.”

“You make sure you tell everyone that I am alive and happy for the first time in my long life, okay?” He said hesitantly as he stared at the sand at his feet. “Make sure you and Jeannie get married and have the good life that you both deserve, okay?”

“I will, Logan.” He grabbed Wolverine’s forearm and pulled him into a quick manly hug. “You enjoy your life with your mate, Logan. You deserve it, my friend.”

“Thanks, Scoot…um Scott.” Logan grinned at his former nemesis and backed away.

“Have a nice life, Scott.” Alex blew him a kiss and he vanished in a swirl of red energy.

~*~

Everyone had finished eating and settled on the blankets engaged in idle conversation. Alex could tell they were all on eggshells around her and decided to let them off the hook. She could not stand for her loved ones to be so uncomfortable in her presence. “I need to tell all of you something.”

They all grew quiet and looked at her expectantly. “What is it, baby?” Riddick asked when he sensed her unease with the silence.

“I am sorry that I have been gone for so long. I know my absence has upset all of you. It was never my intent to hurt any of you.” Tears welled in her black eyes and she moved her hand to shield them from sight. “It is just…” Her voice caught in her throat and she gave in to her emotions.

“Baby, its okay.” Riddick cupped her chin and gazed into the abyss of her eyes. “Alex, you don’t have to do this.”

“Yes I do.” She said in a small voice and placed her hand over his. “I love all of you with every fiber of my being. Ian was the love of my life. He was a gift that I gave to myself when I was alone in the universe. He is kind of a tough act to follow.”

“Yeah.” Riddick said as he averted his silver gaze. “I kind of get that.”

“No you don’t, my love.” She turned his face toward her with a gentle hand on his cheek. “You are not expected to be anyone other than you. None of you are.” She glanced over her mates’ faces. “I fell in love with all of you for what you are. I do not expect any of you to be Ian.”

“No one can.” She stood up and paced around the picnic area. “I had to deal with my pain in my own way. I am different now and the being I’ve become is a lot more stubborn than the being I was. I’m doing better now.” She stopped and gazed imploringly at her family. “I swear I am. I just needed time to myself but then I realized I was stealing time from all of you. I am so very sorry.”

“Alexandra.” Duncan went to his sobbing mate’s side and took her by the elbows. “As the keeper of your heart, I know how horrible these past months have been for you. Even fully empowered, you are still a creature ruled by your emotions. You don’t need to hide them from us just because you are restored to your original state of being. We are always here for you. If it wasn’t for you, we would have no reason to exist.”

“Duncan…” She began to weep uncontrollably and he pulled her into his arms.

“It’s okay, love.” He ran his hands over her hair and silk-covered back. “Let it out.” He held her flush to his chest and felt the tremors of her sobs pass through him. “I know it hurts.” He whispered. “We talked about this pain the day we met, remember? The loved ones we lost and the ones we survived just because we are immortal. It drew us together.”

“I know it did, Duncan, but I wasn’t supposed to lose him.” She said in a hushed tone. “You don’t know what I almost did to get him back. You would never forgive me if you knew.”

“Alex, I know you better than anyone here and I know exactly what you would do to get him back.” Her eyes snapped up to his and a look of remorse crossed her face. He smiled lovingly at her and ran his fingers into her hair. “I would have forgiven you even if you did it.”

She pulled free from his embrace and furrowed her brow as she took in his serene face. He was serious and it broke her heart to see the acceptance of his near demise in his eyes. Riddick could sense the change in her the second it happened and knew she was about to bolt. He rose to his feet, came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her midsection.

“Fight it, Alex.” He spoke into her ear and felt her shake against him. “Don’t do it, baby. I’m right here.” His deep voice flowed through her and calmed her nerves. He felt the tension begin to bleed out of her tightly coiled body and continued to talk her down. “I’ve got you, baby. I’ll always have you and you’ll always have us. Don’t be surprised that these men would sacrifice anything to see you happy. They love you, Alex.”

“I know they do…” She whimpered.

“Baby, we both know you wouldn’t have done it.” He purred in her ear as he nuzzled her hair. “In the end, you wouldn’t have given them all up. You love them too damn much.” He felt her melt in his arms and turned her around to look in her smoldering eyes. “It is time to stop running, Alex. We need our mate back and your children need their mother.”

“Mother. He is right.” Ioan came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Your First is right. It is time to stop running away from your pain and live with the love that my father left you.”

She listened to her son and heard Ian in his voice. “I promise, Ioan.” She kissed his bearded cheek and whispered in his ear. “I will make you proud, son. You and your father will be proud of me again.”

“I’ve always been proud of you, Mother.” He placed a gentle kiss on her temple and took a step back. “Now go bond with your First mate.” He noticed Riddick’s inquisitive look and smiled at the man. “It is different when she takes you as her First mate than when she just takes you for a mate. You will see for yourself real soon.”

Alex had tears flowing from her eyes as she took Riddick’s hands in hers. Flames slowly began to dance along her flesh. He could sense a combination of anticipation and dread within her as she hesitantly met his silver gaze. “We don’t have to do this now.” She ignored his words as her fire spread over her body and traveled to encase his. “I don’t want you to feel rushed into anything, baby. This might be too soon for you.”

“No.” She shook her head. “It isn’t.” Her flames flared brightly around their forms and began to burn their clothing from their bodies. “This is what you are to me and it is time for you to finally take your place as the one.”

They rose swiftly up into the air above their family and hovered high over the lake. The Phoenix released her avatar and wrapped her wings around her mate. He could feel her power call out to his and pull it to the surface. The blue and red flames coalesced around their bodies until her power filled his form and his flowed into her.

“Alex…” Riddick barely recognized his own voice as the Phoenix force pulsed through his veins. “What is this?”

“This is you and I becoming one.” She flew them into high orbit above Ariana and looked at him with his silver-blue fire in her eyes. She smiled when he opened his and they burned with her red fire. She wrapped her legs around his waist and lowered herself on to his straining erection. “Richard…make love to me, my husband.”

“You don’t need to ask me twice.” He took her mouth in a brutal kiss and pumped into her fiery inner heat. She broke away from his kiss and threw her head back as he drove her to the heights of passion. “Baby, you feel so good around me…inside of me.” His red eyes focused on the glistening skin of her heaving breasts. “Damn it, Alex…you are so fucking beautiful.”

“Richard…you are filling every part of me.” She felt his teeth latch on to her nipple and cried out at the sweet torture as he tugged on the tip. “I can feel you burning…through my…veins. Your power…ahhh!” She clutched his head to her breast as he clamped down on the other hardened peak. “Your power…is…ahhh…flooding…my system.”

“You’re…all around me, Alex.” He buried his face between her breasts and growled as he pounded into her pussy mercilessly. “I can feel your fire…I can feel you in every part of my being.” He heard her breathless cries every time his cock slammed deep into her core. He felt her nails dig into his neck as she clutched him to her. “I want it to feel this way forever.” He continued to drive into her and felt her inner walls begin to flutter around him. “I don’t ever want this to end.”

“It won’t.” She keened as he pushed her over the edge and she screamed his name out to the surrounding stars. “Richard!!!” She spasmed uncontrollably as her orgasm ripped through her entire body.

“Alex!!!” The pressure she applied to his shaft milked him of his essence and he roared her name to the heavens. He held her tight to his body as the both rode out the aftershocks of their ecstasy.

~*~

On the planet below, everyone watching had to shield his or her eyes as a blinding wave of red and blue fire exploded across the night sky.

“I think I could hear her scream his name from here.” Ares said as he drained his goblet.

~*~

It took several minutes before they recovered from their mind-blowing release. Their foreheads were resting against each other’s. Their skin was covered in sweat. Their chests were heaving against each other’s. They shook in each other’s arms. They finally looked into each other’s eyes and noticed they returned to their normal color.

“Is this what its like to be your First mate?” He gasped. “Because if it is, I’ll take the job.”

“Yes it is.” She chuckled lightly from lack of oxygen. “It is yours forever. Are you up for a swim? I don’t know about you but I am burning up.”

“You should know by now that I’d go anywhere with you.” He kissed her parted lips passionately as they plummeted to the lake far below.

~*~

Their family and friends watched as the red and blue fireball streaked down through the clouds and cleaved through the water of the lake. The surface hissed with steam as the cool liquid came into contact with their heated flesh. They stayed submerged for several minutes before they broke the surface still engaged in their kiss.

“I love you, Alex.” Riddick said as he finally released her mouth. “I don’t ever want to be without you again.”

“You won’t be, my love.” She smiled and touched her forehead to his. “And I love you too.”

“I’m done with this dinner thing.” He grinned at her lecherously as his erection returned and he ground it against her pubic bone. “What do you say we retire for the evening?”

“Whatever you say, my Lord.” He swept her up in his arms and walked to the shore. Before he exited the water, she mentally dressed him in a pair of black shorts and a towel appeared around her body. “We are going to call it an evening and turn in.”

“Okay but Dad, you can at least put her down so we can say goodnight.” Dorian said as he pulled his mother from his arms until she landed on her feet. “You look like your old self again.”

“If you call me old again, I will show you the new me.” She beamed at him when his throaty laugh filled her ears. “I love you, Dorian.”

“I love you too, mom.” He placed a quick kiss on her lips, turned her around, and ushered her into Ronon’s arms.

“Hey you.” He picked her up and swung her around in a circle before he pulled her into his embrace. “I love you, Alex.”

“I love you, Ronon.” She gave similar goodbyes to the rest of her sons before she turned to Tyr. “Will you watch the children for us tonight?”

“It would be my pleasure, love.” He kissed her forehead and placed her hand in Riddick’s.

“Ares.”

“Yeah, baby?”

“Come by my quarters in the morning.” She grinned, as his eyes grew large. “We can begin our week together.”

“I’ll be there.”

She turned to follow her mate when her gaze met her daughter-in-law’s. “Kyra.” She smiled sweetly at the young woman but her eyes flickered with flame.

“Alex.” She said hesitantly as she looked around to see if anyone else had seen the fire. She glanced back up at her friend when it appeared everyone else was involved in conversation and did not notice.

‘I know your secret, child.’ Alex spoke into her mind and saw her face lose some of its color. ‘I won’t say a word to Richard because it would tear his heart out. I accepted you into my home and my family. Don’t make me regret it…Jack.’

‘I…won’t. I…promise.’

‘That’s a good girl.’

Riddick swept her up in his arms and held her close to his chest. “You ready beautiful?”

“You bet your gorgeous ass I am.” She giggled and was grinning ear to ear when he teleported them to their chambers.

“So…” Ares filled his goblet and turned to the others. “Whose for sleeping out here since not a one of us are going to get a wink of sleep when those two start with the sex marathon?”

“Speak for yourself, brother dear.” Athena smiled as she snuggled into Vaako’s side. “I have my own place and cannot hear the Creator’s screams from there.”

“So can I crash at the temple, Sis?”

“Not a chance. Vaako and I will be having a sex marathon of our own. Goodnight.” She grinned as the two of them vanished.

“That is a mental picture I did not need.” Ares grumbled. “Logan!” He caught the mutant walking towards the path that led to his home. “Got any room in your cabin?”

“Fuck off, Ares. You get her tomorrow. I have weeks to wait for my turn.” He flipped him the middle claw and kept walking. “Suffer, pig.”

“This sucks.” He mumbled before he teleported home.

The rest of her family started up the path leaving the newlyweds behind. Kyra was so engrossed in thought, she startled when Ronon lifted her up into his arms. “Are you okay, love?”

“Yeah.” She said shakily. “I am fine.”

He held her gently against his chest as he teleported them to their bedroom and placed her in the center of the bed. “Can I get you anything?”

“No thank you.”

~*~

BWAHAHAHA
THE END…FOR NOW