Bodyguard,lover,and friend

[Last_Rider]

Shad'rae's brain was still a little scrambled, so it took him longer than normal to recognize the direction Tala was heading. When he'd spoken of his people he'd never told her where they lived, so it was just dumb luck she was heading into their territory. He was behind her, hopefully no harm would befall her. If she'd entered with him, it would be awkward, but understandable and he could explain things. Wandering in alone, with his scent all over her? That could be trouble.

The sleek panther moved through the forest, following the tracks as much as the scent now. It became evident when she met some of his people, the scents mixed and their tracks were evident. Most humans didn't come this deep into the forest, any interaction with shifters was closer to the edge and generally on the shifters terms. Here at their home, humans were virtually unheard of. That he'd let Tala put herself in danger was eating at his stomach.

If there were any sentries they didn't make their presence known, letting Shad'rae pass. It didn't take long to find the village, most of the shifters were in a rough circle around the center of the village, where Tala was bound. A swell of anger pulsed in his heart, and the panther jumped over two rows of onlookers, landed in front of Tala, turned to face the group and roared a challenge to them.

Shad'rae had been gone for some time, many of the gathered didn't recognize the black panther as one of their own, or had forgotten his scent. He smelled like a shifter, but beyond that no one seemed to recognize him. Fortunately no one in the crowd accepted his challenge and he stalked back and forth, growling menacingly at anyone who approached Tala's bound form until someone who would know him came forward.

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala watched as the sleek black panther landed in front of her,her heart beat at the sight of Shad'rae. She met his eyes when he briefly glanced at her but then she saw his attention was focused on thsoe around him. She watched as many seemed to not know him but then a older man appeared from a hut,walking slowly over to them. He seemed to recognise Shad'rae before turning to the crowd. Silence fell so Tala assumed it was one of the leaders.

"Before you stand one of your brothers...one who spends more time in the jungle than in the village. But he is a great fighter and protector,you will acknowledge him as such."The man spoke to the group who slowly spread out and walked away. Some remained to watch and see the tied up human.

Tala watched as the older man turned to Shad'rae,his eyes never leaving her love. She could feel the power the older man had and when she looked closer,,it almost looked as if she was looking at an older version of Shad'rae. She frowned because he never talked about his family hardly so she didnt know. She jumped when her arms were freed but the woman who untied her seemed to want to claw her eyes out. "You will remain here until you are called for."She said simply and walked away.

The older man called to Shad'rae and moved off towards the hut,there was no asking he was more or less telling Shad'rae to follow. Once inside the hut the man turned his full gaze on Shad'rae. "Are you a fool?" He growled at him before sitting down on a fur pelt. "Her scent is all over you and yours on her body. You have lain with her..have you mated with her fully?"he asked the questions that needed answering if she were to survive in the village.

He did not give Shad'rae much time to answer before he asked the next question. the words and their possibility hanging iver the hut. "Does she carry your child?"

 

[Last_Rider]

The sleek black cat stalked restlessly, fortunately someone seemed to recognize him. The minute that voice called over the crowed Shad'rae internally cursed. Of all the elders to be here at this moment, why oh why did it have to be his father? Some cruel twist of fate, and he was again face to face with his family. He hadn't talked with Tala about them because they didn't get along, that was the long and the short of it. Shad'rae and his father, Rond'el, had clashed heads over almost everything under the sun when he had lived here.

He didn't shift back into human form until he was certain Tala has unbound and he cast a last threatening growl over his shoulder. It was an unnecessary gesture, Rond'el had spoken and his word would be followed. The sleek form followed the senior Elder, only once inside the hut did he shift back, golden eyes burning into his fathers.

Before he could even begin to answer questions more were hurled at him, his annoyance growing with each passing moment. Rond'el finally paused to take a breath and Shad'rae was able to speak.

"Yes Father, I have mated with her. I seek no other, I loved her from the moment I first laid eyes on her. She is here now because of chance, and her family was killed. I wouldn't have had her introduced this way, but it was out of my hands."

He deliberately didn't answer the last question for a few moments longer.

"And I don't know. If she is I will be happy to have a child of my own. If not, the purpose of having a mate is to have children and we'll get to that point eventually."

It was fortunate no one else was in the hut at that moment, Shad'rae's golden eyes locked with his father's blue ones and the gaze held. The oxygen seemed to be sucked from the room as the silent battle of wills was fought.

 

[Gaias_child]

Rond'el didn't look from his son's gaze,meeting his with an unwavering of his own. "I mean have you mated with her as our people mated for life. Have you bitten her?"He asked the question and could tell from the waver in his son's eyes,he had not. Rond'el sighed and closed his eyes briefly before moving over to stand in front of the fire pit.

"My son, many years we have struggle against one another, I wish for that to cease. Our people grow fewer and we need each other to remain strong."Rond'el took a deep breath and continued. "My time will eventually cease here and you must step up to lead your people in my stead."

Turning Rond'el met his son's eyes once more. "Your mate must be worthy of not just you but those you lead. She must be able to put all other's before herself. Die for your people...die for you." He said the last part softer as memories from a time long ago threatened to clod his gaze.

He began to speak once more when a loud roar erupted from outside the hut,the growl belonged to Triaelle,the shifter who had untied Tala. The roar turned into a growl of pain and then the fighting could be heard tenfold. The sound of skin meeting skin,the grunts from Tala and Triaelle.

Outside Triaelle had moved back closer to Tala her jealousy evident as she sniffed around her. Her eyes narrowed as she stepped back her fingers changing as claws slid into place. "You have lain with him..you have soiled his bloodline."She growled at Tala as she moved a step closer. "He was to be mine..."She added as she began to pant heavily.

Tala stood and rolled her eyes as the woman sniffed her,stepping back she gave Triaelle a drool look. " Smelling others is just really creepy... plus if he was yours why did he come for me."She said a bit too smugly and braced herself for the woman's charge.

Triaelle lunged with a mighty roar,her hands reached out for Tala's throat,the blow didnt land as Tala balled up her fist and connected with the woman's jaw. Triaelle flew off to one side from the force of her body and the punch but was quickly back up onto her feet. Her own clawed hands swinging out to meet Tala's jaw,four furrowed grooves appeared and began to bleed freely acros the already bruised jaw. Tala swore under her breath and dodged the next swing,her feet swiping the ground,taking out Triaelle's feet from under her.

Tala didnt give her time to recover and was on her in a blink of an eye. Her own rage bubbling forth as she straddled the other womans chest. Her fist connecting several times with Triaelle's face. Blood flowed from each of them as they fought,several times their positions were reversed as they fought. Finally Tala had had enough and with a loud battlecry she wrapped her arms around Triaelle from behind and with a hefty drop slammed her to the ground beneath her own body weight. She could feel the air rush from the other woman's body but yet she still refused to give in.

The people around them quieted and parted as Rond'el stepped into the center of the village and looked down at the fighting women." ENOUGH!" he bellowed with a roar causing the birds to scatter into the trees.

 

[Last_Rider]

Rond'el was right to question if Shad'rae had bitten Tala, and had they not been brought into the village earlier than he desired he would have. Unfortunately plans had been derailed when Tala introduced the back of his skull to a piece of lumber. It still pulsed dully behind his ears if his mind dwelt on it for a few seconds.

"I know the requirements of my mate. I would not have chosen her if I was unwilling or unable to bring her here. It was unfortunate coincidence that brought us here at this time, I would have much rather done this later."

Shad'rae's golden eyes closed, his muscled chest raising in a deep breath. The mention of his mother struck a deep chord with him. While he and Rond'el had never been best of friends, the loss of his mother had been like a wedge between them. It had played a large role in his desire to leave the village and sort out the inner turmoil that had been plaguing him.

"It's not as though our kind have never mated with humans, we cannot simply breed within our own kind anymore. Most of the other clans would never consider such a proposition."

Left unsaid between them was Shad'rae's general opinion of the shifters. His spirit was still a bit too wild to be fully accepted into village life. He had always questioned the teachings, been a free thinker. While a strong fighter, Shad'rae always seemed to have too many questions for most shifters tastes.

Their train of thought was interrupted by howls and the unmistakable sound of a fight. Rond'el and Shad'rae hurried out of the tent, and saw Tala and Triaelle engaged in combat. They were an almost unrecognizable mass of hair and half uttered threats. All action ceased when Rond'el roared.

That roar, and the way the whole of the forest seemed to still... Shad'rae could never duplicate it. He'd fought and earned respect, but he had never even approached the power his father had. Rond'el was a forceful and strong leader, everyone knew it.

Shad'rae moved in and separated Tala from Triaelle, Tala's face scratched and seeping blood, Triaelle's a swollen mass with some blood leaking from a few cuts. Shad'rae knew his father wished him to mate Triaelle, but he had never felt a connection with her. She was attractive, a good hunter, a strong fighter. Many shifters would be lucky to have her, but she wasn't what Shad'rae wanted. He pulled Tala back a little, a few other shifters moving to Triaelle, who angrily shrugged them off and silently stalked towards the back of the group.

"Tala is here by my will, and she will remain until she chooses to leave. Any of you who find this distasteful are free to take it up with me."

Shad'rae's golden eyes blazed and swept the gathering, a low growl in his chest. When none rose to challenge he wound his fingers into Tala's.

"Come, we'll need to care for those wounds. I still have a place to stay here."

With a tug he and Tala moved down the line of huts to one of the few on the outskirts, which looked like it hadn't been touched in some time.

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala panted hard as she glared at Triaelle's back,her hands clenched tightly until she felt Shad'rae take one in his. She let him pull her along with him towards the edge of the village to a hut that had seen better days. She stood in the center of the hut while she watched him light the firepit in the center. She shook slightly as her anger began to subside,her gaze lifted to look up at him,ready for any anger he had.

"I should have scratched her eyes out..." Tala whispered under her breath as she reached up at touched the furrows along her cheek. She kept her gaze fixed on his as she knelt down next to the fire.

"I'm sorry... I should have acted more like a lady.."She began to apologise for fighting with Triaelle,looking up at him. " Who was that man.."She asked suddenly knowing in her heart he was a very high up in the village.

Tala suddenly was frightened that she would be asked to leave the village, leave Shad'rae. He was her Shadow..not only in name but in heart. She didnt think she would be able to survive alone without him. He was her only lifeline left on this earth. Her stomach turned and rolled with the very thoughts that flooded her mind. She could feel the panic growing and she began to tremble,could she leave if told too? Could she leave the love of her life behind? Even yet...Would she?

 

[Last_Rider]

The fire lit up easily, while the hut had seen better days it was far from derelict. It simply was unlived in. All of the things Shad'rae had left there were still in place, fortunately that included the healing supplies he always kept on in case of an emergency. He gathered a few basics and returned to Tala, inspecting the shallow cuts.

"Not too bad, probably wont even scar over."

Shad'rae began dabbing at the cuts, using some clean cloth to remove the blood trails that had flowed down her face. It took some doing, but he got her looking presentable again.

"Tala, I've never known you to act like a Lady. It's one of the things I love about you, you fit with me. A "Lady" wouldn't have been able to survive what you've been through."

His eyes were kind as they met Tala's. They darkened slightly at her question, not with anger, simply the long buried emotions.

"Rond'el, is my father and senior of the Elders."

There was a hint of panic in her eyes, and one of his eyebrows raised.

"Worried you'll be forced to leave? That's quite a change from a day or so ago when you brained me with a piece of wood and ran as fast as you could from me."

There was some mirth in his words, mostly there was no malice at all. He thought he understood why she'd done it. He would have done it differently, but she had no desire to truly hurt him.

"They'll decide later. For now you live with me. If they refuse to let you stay we'll leave together."

He caught the hint of resistance in Tala's gaze.

"You are more important to me than this place. It isn't a choice as far as I'm concerned, I only want to be with you. I don't care where, as long as I can call you my own the place is irrelevant."

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala listened to Shad'rae's words,her heart fluttered in her chest as he spoke them. Her eyes met his and she reached out with one small hand and touched his cheek softly. A touch so soft it was almost not felt but she knew he could feel it. She trailed her fingers down his skina nd over his lips,bringing her own lips closer to his. Softly she touched hers to his and felt the fire that she felt each time she had kissed him. Her own body calling out to his as if answering his own needs. She moved closer to him and deepened the kiss,her tongue danced shyly out at first to move over his lips before plunging deeply into his mouth.

Her arms moved and wrapped tightly around his neck,drawing her body and his as close as she could. Her soft mon filled the room around them as she pressed her chest against his. She felt his body calling out to hers,and hers answering his call. His call for his Mate,his beloved. She pulled back then and looked deeply into his eyes,she could see herself mirrored there but she also saw something different,something she hadnt noticed before. A raw need,a need so powerful it could consume them both if it was allowed to be released. She could feelt he Panther side of him wanting out..wanting its Mate.

She stood and with a trembling hand,reached up to the ties at the top of her tunic. She pulled them free,her gaze never leaving his as she felt the tunic slide low on her shoulders but not completly exposing anything yet. She could hear her heart hammering in her chest,she knew what a mating ritual was like for a shifter. He would take her from behind,mount her and thrust deeply. Deep enough to mark her deepest most inner core as his. Planting his seed and hoping it takes hold. His teeth would graze across her shoulder nipping and biting softly. Until the climax hits then the teeth would bury deeply into her skin and muscles marking her for life as his and only his. Her blood flowing into his throat as he held her in place by his bite as he pumped into her body.

Her body wanted this...her heart wanted this...she wanted this. She held a hand out to him,knowing they didnt have much time before he would be called away from her again. Her hand wrapped into his as she walked backwards towards the makeshift bed on the floor by the firepit. She sank down on it dragging him with her until his body covered hers. The tunic was like steel between them and she furiously clawed at the garment to remove it,needing to feel his skin next to hers. "Shad'rae....Please...."Her words came out soft and hurried as she finally felt their bare skins next to each other.

 

[Last_Rider]

The moments after Shad'rae expressed his devotion to her were poignant and filled with subtle tension between them. It wasn't a negative tension, but rather the tension of anticipation. Both knew something was about to happen, but neither could tell who or what would be the first move to break it. Tala leaned forward slightly and touched his face, her delicate fingers sliding down to his lips, his chin. Then her lips found his and the heat flared deep inside of Shad'rae.

He could feel the animal flaring inside him. This wasn't just some passing infatuation or brief surge of interest. Tala pulled at every corner of his soul, inflamed every instinct he'd ever had, nothing else mattered except her. When their kiss broke all that heat, that desire, was evident in his eyes. Their first coupling had been almost innocent, her shyness, his protective instincts. This time would be different.

Tala undid part of her clothing, baring just her shoulders. Amazing that just that little bit of extra flesh would provoke such a powerful response in Shad'rae. He felt the animal inside him stirring, he needed her in the worst way. She tugged him towards the bed, her eyes almost pleading for what was to come. Shad'rae was nervous, he couldn't shift during this mating. It wasn't unheard of for the change to come to two shifters during a mating, but Tala wasn't a shifter. He had no idea how she'd react if he became the panther at some point during this. Shad'rae simply resolved to do everything in his power to avoid it.

Once his body was over hers Tala struggled with her tunic, finally freeing her body of the cloth and tossing it aside. Shad'rae had shed his vest when he was being pulled to the bed, and it didn't take long for him to shed the leggings. Now there was nothing between them, no barrier, just skin on skin. His lips found hers in a heated kiss, a low animal growl rumbling in his throat as she returned the kiss.

His hardness was already pressing to her sex, his breathing deep as his lips devoured her, her lips, her chin, her eyelids, he covered her with passionate kisses. Shad'rae was trying to delay the inevitable in some ways, but he also desperately loved to see her eyes. They writhed together for a long mintue before the animal inside wouldn't be denied anymore. He growled and pulled back enough to roll Tala over. Her hips were elevated just enough, and he gripped his manhood to be sure his aim was true. Then with another growl he pushed as far into her willing body as he could. Instinctively he bent over, his teeth biting the flesh of her left shoulder. The bites weren't hard yet, but with each thrust of his body into her they intensified just a little more.

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala moved with him,her body meeting each thrust with her own,her body reaching for his. Her inner core wrapping around him as they moved together,her hands clawing at his back as she could feel the tightness in him. She let out a small gaso as he flipped her over and lifted her hips for his entry,his shaft buried deep inside her in one swift movement. Her hips thrust back to meet him,her head dropped to the furs. She could feel his teeth against her shoulder,the bites awakening something in her.

Tala could feel him holding back...fighting with himself. She lifted her head to look over her shoulder at him,her eyes meeting his. "Shad'rae..please let go...truly make me yours. I will not be afraid of you."She whispered to him as she turned her head back to rest on the floor and lifted her hips higher,shoving back against him. She squeezed herself around him tightly.

She could feel him growing larger inside of her,large enough to lock deeply inside of her. Her hips twisted on him and her moans filled the air,she didnt care who heard as she felt herself racing towards that summit with him. Her hands clenched the furs under her,her nails digging deeply into the softness.

********

Outside the small hut the lone figure crouched in the shadows,the noises coming from within made her blood boil. Triaelle seethed in anger..she was promised to Shad'rae..he was her chosen. The human was taking all that from her..she would not let that happen. She moved quietly away not wanting to hear the finishing of their mating. She shifted and darted off into the forest,her loud roars filled with anger and grief. She would make sure Shad'rae was hers..one way or another.

 

[Last_Rider]

Shad'rae registered her plea, that she promised she wouldn't be afraid. He wasn't worried about scaring her, he was worried about hurting her. But the more and more they moved together, the more obvious it became he couldn't hold back. There was nothing he could do to stop the change that was coming, Tala would just have to bear it.

He only hoped she could.

Her hips were moving with his, his manhood seeming to swell even more inside her body. He was pressed so deeply inside her, he could feel the knot of muscle at the end of her bumping his head if he gave a powerful thrust. Their bodies were in perfect unison, and Shad'rae let go of everything that had been building inside of him. He didn't shift right away, but he bit more fiercely into her shoulder as it started to wash over him.

It happened in an instant, Shad'rae moved his hands from her body to the furs beside her and then it happened. In the blink of an eye he was the panther, his teeth now sunk deep into her skin as his orgasm washed over him. His hips pumped into her over and over again, the taste of her blood splashing over his tongue as his powerful jaws held her body in place as he vented what seemed like a never ending orgasm into Tala, his Mate.

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala felt him changing...growing around her,inside of her. She screamed out in pleasure as his teeth sank deeply into flesh and muscle. Her body hammered back against him,her inner walls and womb accepting his jetting cum. Each burst sent her into one orgasm after another,his body wrapped around hers as they climbed that mountain together.

She didnt care who heard them,she cried out her pleasure,her love for him. The fire bathed them both in soft flickering light as she collapsed under him,the movement carrying him down with her. His cock still swollen and knotted inside of her own body. Her breathing ragged,her shoulder burned from the bite but she didnt feel much pain. She could feel his rough tongue lapping at the wound almost with regret of hurting her.

She turned her head and looked over her shoulder at him,one hand reachign back to touch his furred face. She rubbed one finger through the blood still coating his snout and mouth. She smiled at him,no words were spoken as she felt him finally softening inside of her. She shifted so he was now beside her,her hand stroking his furred shoulder.

"I love you,Shad'rae. My Shadow."She whispered softly to him as she curled herself closer to his body letting his warmth sooth her as she drifted off into an exhausted sleep.

***************

Rond'el heard the cries of pleasure,the growls of the panther and then he smiled. His son had claimed his mate,a woman as fiery and tempermental as he was. SOmeone he knew would keep his son grounded as his son would her. He had seen this coming,had known about Tala for many years yet said nothing.

He lifted his head as he heard the faint far off howl of Triaelle,she would not deal with this in a good way. She was a very vindictive female,losing something that she thought was hers would not be forgotten. He turned and disappeared into his own hut,softly speaking to his one beloved long gone from his side.

"My love..my dear wife.."He whispered softly to the air around him. "He has claimed her...he has chosen well. She is as spirited as you were. Soon I will join you and he will lead his people to a new life."He smiled as he shifted and curled up beside the firepit and soon the village was once more silent.

 

[Last_Rider]

The intensity of what Shad'rae felt was almost overwhelming. His tongue slipped over Tala's smooth skin as his jaws held her body down while his orgasm spent itself. Her body writhed under him, her hips moving convulsively as her own orgasms crashed through her, her cries loud in the still night.

When it finally seemed to be over, the panther released the grip on her shoulder, his cock still very hard inside her body. He lapped gently at the wounds, regretting any hurt he had caused his Mate. Fortunately Tala didn't seem to be in much pain. In fact she turned and stroked his face, a low purr starting deep in the panthers chest at the touch. Shad'rae couldn't even hear much, the blood was still pounding in his ears following the intensity of their coupling. Finally he felt himself starting to soften, and Tala shifted her position, pulling the large cat down beside her and curling against him.

"I love you, Shad'rae. My Shadow."

Shad'rae licked her face once, then resumed cleaning the bite marks while she drifted off to sleep. He wanted to be sure nothing would happen to her as a result of their Mating this way. Once he was sure he'd done all he could he curled his tail around Tala's body and closed his great golden eyes, purring softly in contentment.

When he woke in the morning, Tala was still curled against him. He gently nuzzled her awake, playfully licking at her nipples with his rougher cat tongue before shifting back and kissing her deeply.

"You're mine now Tala, remember that. I will take no other but you. I will always be near you, and if anything should happen I will find you. Now get dressed, we have things to do."

 

[Gaias_child]

Triaelle ran deep into the forest,her paws digging deeply into the soil as she ran. Her growls and howls echoing around her in her grief and anger,she would get Shad'rae back one way or another. If the human was not around he would see where is rightful place was..by her side. She leapt over rocks and came to a stop,her golden eyes looking over the encampment below her. She knew these humans...their hatred for the Clans around them. She would tell them all about Tala,then she would lead Tala to them.

She shifted and once she was dressed back in her leather tunic she slowly walked into the camp,the men looked at her,knew what she was by the growls she emitted as they moved towards her. They had encircled her,eyeing her wearily. The the circle opened and the giant of a man emerged. He was massive in height,his body rippled in muscle. His bald head held the evident scars of battle along with the skin of his face and chest. His eye were black as night,the malice poured from them.

"Shifter,you dare to come to this camp. My men will tear you apart if I give the signal,so now you have to convince me to spare your life."His voice rumbled deep in his chest. Triaelle swallowed down the slight fear as her eyes looked aorund her.

"I have news,there is a survivor from the last village you attacked. She is now in my viallage and I want her gone."She spoke softly yet firmly. The man before her threw back his head and roared in laughter.

"You mean you want me to take her so you can have the man she is with. You are a jealous bitch arent you. Will do anything to get the man she wants."The man laughed then looked serious at her as he walked over to stand in front of Triaelle. His hand snaked out and wrapped around her neck tightly,cutting off her air. " I would usually just kill someone like you,but the woman you speak of..I want."

"Bring her to me and I will spare your pitiful life. Maybe even spare your village."he whispered deeply to her as he thrust her backwards. Turning his back on her he strode from the circle and out of sight. The men around her moved to allow her to leave but she could feel their eyes upon her back as she shifted and ran back into the forest towards her village and her prize.

************************

Tala stirred as she felt the rough tongue rubbing across her sensitive nipple,she stretched and smiled at Shad'rae. Her arms wrapped aorund his neck as she pulled him down into a deep kiss. His words sunk into her sleep laden brain and she sat up. Her hands searching for her clothes and then frowned when she couldnt find them. SHe noticed a small bundle lying at the foot of the pallet.

She lifted the bundle as she looked up at Shad'rae. Her breath caught as she took in the whiteleather tunic and pants he now wore. He had a band around his forehead that had small gems in it making him look more noble than she had ever recalled. She opened the bundle and gasped at the snow white leather gown that lie there...fringe around the hems and neckline,small gems sewn into the bodice. It was beautiful and she ran a hand over the softness. Her eyes lifted to Shad'rae as she stood and let the softness fall over her head. The gown fit perfectly and hugged her curves just right,yet still was loose enough for her to move freely if need be.

"Shad'rae...Who?"She asked him softly as a small girl entered the hut. She smiled at the child who could have been a porcelain doll but her eyes were the familiar gold of Shad'rae's people. "Lord Rond'el has sent me to request you both to his hut. He wishes to speak to you both. The gown is a gift from him..it belong to his Mate."the child said softly as she looked to Shad'rae as she mentioned his mother. Speaking what she needed to say she bowed quickly and left the hut as quickly and quietly as she had come.

 

[Last_Rider]

Shad'rae had not intended to wear the quasi royal garments again, they fit well in the physical sense but he'd never felt truly right wearing them. When they were left silently at the foot of his bed by a small child he sighed internally, but climbed away from Tala's comforting warmth to don them. They still fit his body, loose in the lower legs but secure around his hips, the tunic showing off his arms and part of his chest. It was with some reluctance that he donned the band, it was too close to a crown for his liking.

When he was finally dressed, eh turned again. This time the child had brought a gift for Tala. He listened as she spoke, it wasn't very like Rond'el to give gifts. At the mention of his mother the emotions swirled around his eyes again. It wasn't just pain or regret or anger, it was all of that and more. There were no real words for it, but Shad'rae had accepted that he would feel this way about it for a while. Healing would come eventually.

The gown was a perfect fit for Tala, and he smiled at her.

"It fits you well. I hate to think of all the men I'm going to have to fight to keep them off you."

His lips found hers in a soft kiss, filled with the love between them and the promise of later. It broke out of necessity and Shad'rae took her hand in his.

"We'd better go see what my Father wants. Though I'd guess he's warmed up to you a little."

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala returned his kiss with just as much love and passion,then took his hand and followed him out into the morning. The village had changed in its opinion of her,some nodded their direction,some smiled at her. The children flitted about her and touched her shyly. One small child tugged on her gown until Tala bent down to her level. The child reached out and touched Tala's cheek softly,smiling. Then she placed her other hand against her stomach and her eyes grew wide. Smiling she looked at Shad'rae and clapped happily as she danced away.

Tala looked up at him as she stood upright,her eyes turning to watch the child disappear into the group near the fire. "What was that all about?"She asked him as they moved closer to his fahter's hut. The door covering drew back before she could hear his answer and Rond'el appeared before them.

"Come...sit before the fire."He said stepping back to let them pass. He clamped a hand on Shad'rae's shoulder in greeting as he passed. "I am sorry for how you were treated last night..."He began as he looked over at Tala dressed in his Mate's gown. He fought the lump that grew in his throat as he continued.

Tala sat next to Shad'rae and kept hold of his hand,her gaze not leaving Rond'els. "It isnt often one of our kind takes a human mate...I knew Shad'rae had chosen you along time ago."He spoke softly at the memory. "he had been ill with a fever,speaking of you the entire time. My son had you in his thoughts even then."He chuckled as he looked over at Shad'rae.

Tala felt his hold on her hand tighten as his father spoke,she could sense he was uneasy and squeezed it back. Rond'el noticed this small movement and nodded. Standing he walked towards the small window opening and peered out suddenly serious once more. "My time is drawing short...soon I will be with your mother..It has been seen."He spoke evenly not looking back at them. " I needed to know that you,son, have found the one you have searched for. Someone who will stand tall beside you and carry on our bloodline. It will be a new improved lineage..one of strong human and panther genes."

Tala felt Shad'rae rise,but she remained sitting trying to figure this all out. " Your children will be the next generation and that is something you must take pride in and defend with your own lives. Because with my passing that leaves only you to carry our blood on."His father spoke as he then turned and looked and them,tears in his eyes. "It has been too long without my beloved...I miss her terribly and ready to be next to her side in the afterlife. Time draws short,exactly when I dont know..it has yet to be seen."He said as the door covering drew back.

the small child that had brought the clothes shied in and stood next to Rond'el,taking his large hand into her small one. "This is Kriela,she is the daughter of the medicing woman. Miriae will see to everything you need in the months to come..."he said smiling down at the child as she smiled at Tala. " She will help you to prepare for the wedding ceremony at the next full moon."He said simply and matter of factly before turning and leading the child out...their meeting was now over.

 

[Last_Rider]

It never ceased to amaze Shad'rae the quasi hypocrisy of so many of the shifters. Just yesterday they could have very well been up in arms over a human being in their village. Now that she was his Mate they were partially obligated to change their stance. It was one of the things Shad'rae had disliked about their kind, their ability to alter their stances so radically and forget everything previous. Ability to change was good, but he would much prefer that they retained some memory of what they felt before and could figure out why it was wrong or right.

Still, the village was a pleasant place this morning, several the younger shifters came out to greet Tala. Few of them had ever seen a human before, though they were so similar in so many ways the novelty wore off rather quickly. The only exception was one who tugged on Tala until she stopped, then placed her hand to Tala's belly. It was more her reaction that surprised Shad'rae, because he knew what it meant. Tala asked him about it, but his answer had to wait because they had reached their destination.

The meeting with his father went about as well as could be expected, and it gave Shad'rae some sense of peace that his father approved of his choice. He didn't need his approval, all he needed was Tala, but it made life much easier now that he had it. When they left with the doll faced child in tow Shad'rae finally had a chance to answer Tala's earlier question.

"Some children are very close to the natural way of things, given her reaction I'd assume she sensed that you're with child."

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala stopped in her tracks at his words,her eyes moving up to meet his. Her hand grasping his arm tightly as she swallowed deeply. "How..I mean..."She spoke moving to look at the child that held tightly to Rond'els arm as they moved ahead of them. She skipped happily beside him as if she had not a care in the world.

Tala knew the possibility was there but for someone as small as this child to just touch her and tell. Her heart hammered in her chest,knowing a child for Shad'rae and her would be a blessing. But she also had to keep her promise to her own family too. Could she put her vow of vengence on hold until after the child was born?

Her head was a whirl of thoughts as they finally drew to a stop before another hut,the child called out happily as she vanished inside. This must be the hut of the medicine woman. Tala moved in front of Shad'rae as they entered,her eyes easily adjusted and saw the older woman sitting on her knees before a pot cooking over the fire. Her hair was marked with grey and when she turned her head and looked at them she could feel the life,the energy surrounding them. Her eyes bore over the men and stopped on Tala,holding her own gaze with hers.

 

[Last_Rider]

"How..I mean..."

Shad'rae chuckled softly.

"I'm no expert on how Tala, but if I were to guess it would have something to do with last night."

He leaned over and affectionately pressed his lips to her left shoulder. The soft white leather separated his lips from the marks he'd made last night, but both knew they were there. His eyes and lips both smiled to her as he sensed a bit of inner turmoil. While he couldn't read her mind he also figured they'd discuss it.

"Then again, the child may have been mistaken. She may have simply sensed the aftermath of our mating and been happy for us. Miriae will know with certainty which."

They followed Rond'el and Kriela until they reached the healers hut. Kriela happily went inside, Shad'rae and Tala both hesitated. None of the memories Shad'rae had of Miriae were terribly pleasant, but he'd also usually been near death's door when they'd met so he couldn't put much stock in those. What he did know was that Miriae was an excellent healer, the fact that he was alive was proof enough.

Once they entered the hut he was caught up in the heady aroma that was coming from the pot. Shad'rae had no idea if it was food or medicine, but it smelled good. He went to his knees, tugging Tala down with him, in a gesture of respect to the venerated healer.

"A pleasure to see you again Miriae."

The older healer smiled sardonically.

"At least this time you're not more than half dead Shad'rae."

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala sank to her knees beside Shad'rae as she watched Kriela hug Miriae before bouncing off into an adjoining room. She looked at Shad'rae when the older woman spoke about himbeing half- dead. She felt her heart hammer knowing he had come close to dying not omce but maybe several times. Her eyes felt Miriae's on her and turned to look at the medicine woman. Miriae held her eyes as she slid to her feet,kneeling in front of Tala.

"You have sen many hardships,there was a recent event. One that broek your spirit."She spoke as she touched the hair Tala had chopped off several days earlier.

Tala swallowed the lump in her throat at the mention of her family. She wanted to pull her eyes from the Miriae's but couldnt...it felt as if everyone in the hut had left but her and Miriae.

The room seemed to fade out around them,as the images began. She couldnt breathe as she watched the giant cat approach her,sleek and golden. Not Shad'rae..who she didnt know. The body was smaller,thinner as if female. The cat stopped in front of Tala,sitting back on its haunches. The green eyes met her own, Tala took in a deep breath and held it. The cat shifted into a shadowy female form and stood before her.

"You are truly of the People...your heart is torn but when the time comes you will choose. Your inner self will emerge to bring forth that which is truly you. You will give yourself for the ones you hold most dear to you."The soft voice floated over her before fading away.

Tala gasped and blinked. Miriae sat in front of her smiling. She turned her head and looked at Shad'rae and Rond'el. They stared at her as if she had grown horns,concern then filled Shad'rae's eyes. "What...just happened?"Tala finally spoke with araspy voice.

Miriae smiled and stood walkingback to stir what was in the pot before lifting it from the fire. "Only what the vapors needed to make happen."She said softly and nodded to Rond'el. She felt as if they had just been dismissed with that look. She still didnt feel all that together,she felt almost disembodied from herself.

 

[Last_Rider]

Shad'rae sat perfectly still as Miriae and Tala began their vision. He'd never had one of his own, never felt it was necessary and Miriae had agreed with his assessment. But kneeling here, watching Tala get part of her future laid out was a totally unnerving experience. His eyes weren't opened to the same thing hers were, but the words were audible enough to his ears. When it mentioned Tala giving herself for others his jaw clenched. Memories of his mother swirled to the surface, he absolutely would not allow harm to come to Tala.

In that moment his eyes did open, for a few moments only, and he saw what Tala was seeing. It almost stopped his heart. Shad'rae knew those green eyes, then golden fur. He could never forget her, no creature should ever forget its own mother.

The vapors shifted and the visions passed. Shad'rae wanted to cry out, to touch her, to hear her voice again. But the vision was only ever that, ethereal and intangible. Only after his head was also clear did he begin processing the rest of the words. Visions were usually like this, gibberish at the time they were given and only clear with hindsight. Usually he found people tried to make them fit what they thought instead of what would be. Even with that knowledge he found his mind trying to decrypt the message hidden in those words.

Sensing this was over, Shad'rae took Tala's hand, bowed his head to Miriae and led Tala back outside.

"Take a few deep breaths, you need to clear your head."

He took his own advice, feeling the headiness slipping away, but the implications of those few minutes weighed on his mind.

"That was a Vision Tala. A glimpse into the future delivered by a spirit of one who has passed on. They're always riddles in so many ways, some people have driven themselves mad trying to truly predict the future. The only part that matters right now is that you belong here, with me."

His lips dropped to hers in a soft reassuring kiss, and they were serenaded with giggles from several children who were playing nearby.

 

[Gaias_child]

Tiraella watched the two move along with Rond'el across the village,her rage simmered as those who cast stones the night before now embraced the human with open arms. She glared at the woman on Shad'raes arm,the children who danced around her knees trying to touch the one who had mated with their future Ruler. A spot that should have been hers,one that still will be hers. She growled low at the careless child who stumbled into her as she played carefree.

"Watch what you are doing, you worhtless cur."She hissed at the child,who peered up at Tiraella with wide,scared eyes. She uttered a soft whimper before scurrying off among the others around them. Several older women gave Trialle a look of disproving but didnt say anything. Most knew how quickly Triaelle was to anger and her wrath was just as swift.

Triaelle moved along the edge of the village,her eyes peering into the shadowed bushes.Her ears picking up the faint rustlings of the approaching men. She smiled to herself,knowing that they would take the human away from here and leave Shad'rae for her to console. She felt the ground begin a slight vibration as the small army of men thundered into the village. Swords drawn and the battle cries upon their lips as they charged into the center of the village.

They swung their blades,taking down any in their way,women or children. none were to be spared. The tallest and largest of them smiled evilly as his eyes met Triaelle's. She felt her chest tighten as the look he gave her told her more than what she could speak...They had tricked her! She let out a howl as her village became a ground of blood and chaos. Those who were strong shifted,men roaring out to the tohers. Women grabbed their children and fled towards the trees for safety.

Tala stumbled as one woman knocked her out of her flightpath,her child grasped tightly in her arms. Tala stared as the sword found the woman,impaling both mother and child together. Tala felt the blood splatter across her face as Shad'rae called out to others. She found a dropped sword and spun,swinging in a deadly arch as one invader tried to grab the small girl next to her. Tala's blade buried deeply into the man's chest as she felt the air rush from her lungs as she peered into the eyes of her own family's killers. The same raiders were now destroying Shad'rae's people. She swung her head aorund looking for him and saw him fighting along side of Rond'el,their bodies sleek and powerful as they defended their people.

Tala looked another direction and her gaze met with Triaelle's and she knew. Triaella howled,thinking it was all Tala's fault her plan backfired. Why her people were dying,why she had to kill the human. Triaelle jumped over one raider,her claws disembowling him as she charged towards Tala. Hate and rage filled her vision,oscuring the club that swung at her head,stars exploded as Triaelle was down with one mighty swing. Unconcious and oblivious to the slaughter of her village,a slaughter she brought among them. A secret she would never tell anyone.

Tala watched Triaelle fall from the blow,dodging one herself as she felt the massive hand grab her by the throat. Her free hand went to the hand squeezing the air from her lungs as she tried to fight. her eyes blurred as she looked deeply into the eyes of Bron. The man who killed her family and assaulted her. She struggled,her hands clawing,her legs lashing out. She was like a wild cat cornered,her cries choked as she tried to call out for Shad'rae.

"Now it is time to finish what we began last time."He sneered into her face as he lifted his hand over her head. The hilt of his sword met her temple and darkness grabbed her quickly,she didnt hear the cries of Kriela. She didnt see the small girl dodging around her attackers towards Rond'el.

**********************************

Soon the battle ended as quickly as it had happened,the Panthers walked slowly aorund the remains of their village. Cries of mourning echoed as they took chart of the dead. The wounded were taken into huts that had survived the fires,moans of pain filled the night air. Triaelle stirred as she felt the wet cloth against her brow and struggled to sit up. All around her was death and destruction,in her crazed brain she still blamed Tala.

Rond'el moved among the survivors of his village,his heart heavy as he held a hand over the deep stab wound in his side. Kriela held tightly to his hand as they looked aorund. "Find Shad'rae and his mate...have them come to me."He spoke softly to Kriela as he sank to the ground next to the door of his hut. Kriela looked into Rond'els eyes and held back a sob. "They took her...the mean men hit her and carried her away."She spoke softly as she watched Shad'rae crossing the village square towards them.

Rond'el felt the clutching around his heart as he recalled another who had been taken in a fihgt many years ago. A fight his own mate had never returned from. His eyes watched as Shad'rae drew near,he could tell from his son's look he was searching for his Mate....Rond'el felt his blood seeping out around his fingers as he tried to quell the flow of blood,blood he knew was the slow ebbing of his life.

***********************

Bron carried Tala easily over his shoulder,he forbid any but him to touch her. He was going to enjoy her body for a long time before he killed her. She was glorious,a woman fighter that one such as he would gladly have fighting by his side. However,she was his enemy,her hatred would be evident when she regain her senses. He knew they had to hurry to the awaiting boats,they could not remain on these lands for much longer. her mate would be coming for her and he wanted a sea between them when he finally discovered where she had went. He smiled as he thought of the hatred the female Panther had for tala when she basically sold her own family out to see her gone from the village. Bron knew he would not keep his proimises to Tiraelle,he would kill all he could,take what he wanted. Tala was what he wanted..now he had her.

He called out orders as they approached the shoreline and the longboats,the massive ship anchored out in the waves waiting for the call to sail out. He tossed Tala into the bottom of the boat,wishing she was awake to see him taking her from her home,her mate. He looked down at her,his own eyes moving over her trim body,the blood from both raiders and defenders still on her skin. Her hair much shorter than he recalled but knew if she was true to her family she had shorn it in mourning. his eyes roamed over her hips and wondered if she carried the seed of her mate. Either way he would have her flesh,her temper would be a welcome challenge in the coming weeks at sea. He looked up once more at the fading shore before lifting his prisoner and climbing the rope up onto the ship deck.

 

[Last_Rider]

It was such a beautiful day, a fact that Shad'rae was just starting to appreciate actually. Having Tala by his side made the sun seem just that much brighter, the laughter of the village that much sweeter. Of course he had work to do, but he and Tala were just taking a few minutes to relax, to smile and laugh. God, how long had it been since they'd laughed? The fact that he even had to ask that question meant it had been far too long. His hand was in Tala's, their fingers interlocked in the most natural way possible. For the first time in a long time Shad'rae thought that life was good.

He should have known better than to tempt Fate like that.

The cry from the sentries was low, and very late. Raiders, the scourge of all living things, came pouring from the woods. For one terrible moment Shad'rae froze, his mind refusing to compute the horror that was bearing down on them. Then he snapped out of it and rushed into action. He and Rond'el instinctively positioned themselves between the bulk of the raiders and the more helpless members of the village. He shifted once, his eyes blazing and his teeth sunk into the man's throat. A true predator would have bit hard enough to snap the neck, Shad'rae didn't. He just punctured the blood vessels and windpipe. As he shifted back he registered the look of horror on the raiders face as his lungs filled with his own blood.

Taking the mans weapon, he faced off against three of them. He dodged and slashed, golden eyes blazing fiercely as they kept coming at him. Shad'rae was actually a careful fighter, despite his rage. The blows weren't all designed to kill, several were deliberately wounds. While there was an element of sadistic glee in that act, it was also practical. Prisoners were valuable. In the heat of battle, the chaotic malestrom of blood and cries, he lost track of Tala. She was strong, Shad'rae knew she could handle herself in battle. For the moment there were others who needed his protection.

Then in an instant it was over. The enemy fled back into the forest. Shad'rae moved as if in a fog, the death around him sticking thickly in his nostrils. Women, children, the helpless and the innocent. These pathetic bastards would pay for this. Despite the rage, he looked for Tala. He needed her, to know she was safe, he'd promised to keep her safe. His strong form found its way to Rond'el and Kriela. The look on their faces said it all. Before they could speak Shad'rae turned to leave.

"No son, not yet."

He hesitated, he could smell his fathers blood. His time was almost over, despite the walls between them it wasn't too much to ask for his son to be there. Shad'rae bit back a sob, but knelt by his father.

"I have to find her Father. I promised her."

It was almost a violation, and for anything less than his Mate Shad'rae would have expected and deserved a rebuke. But Rond'el just nodded. The elder knew all too well the pain of living without your Mate. Instead of arguing he reached up and clasped hands with his son.

"These are your people now Shad'rae, guide them."

Despite it all, Shad'rae felt the tears well up. He had never hated his father, through all the arguments, the fights, the months of silence, he had always loved him. And when Rond'el breathed his last tears fell from Shad'rae's golden eyes.

"Rest father, you've earned peace."

Shad'rae turned to those around him, so much death.

"Tend to our dead and wounded, and repair what damage you can. The elders must be in charge for a while. I must find my Mate, as I know any of you would do. Move the village to the summer grounds as soon as possible, I'm sure the Tiger clan will aid if we need it. I will meet you there as soon as I am able."

His orders given, Shad'rae turned his attention to the prisoners. He needed information. Any other time he might spend weeks slowly dragging everything out of them, but now he had no time. No time for elaborate torture, or even brutal interrogation. This had to end fast. His lithe form moved to the youngest, still a hardened killer, but with ambition.

"Where did they go."

When he got no response he took the mans dagger and moved to the other prisoners. There was nothing fancy, he simply slit their throats. But it wasn't a clean death. Shad'rae didn't sever the major blood vessels and let the dying mans lungs slowly fill with his own blood. He let him sputter and cough, let the terror in his eyes resonate with the rest of them. Then the next one got the same treatment.

"Where did they go."

Shad'rae never made it a question.

"There will be no bargaining, no pleading. You will tell me and I will spare you the agony of a slow death. If you enjoy the thought of spending your last minutes drowning on your own blood then keep your tongue."

It took only one more man gurgling on the ground to break his resolve. The sea?! Shad'rae cursed and spat on the man. He had to move faster than anticipated. There were precious few ways to track a man on the sea, fewer crews who would go in for a fight with a crew of raiders.

"I will spare you a slow death. I can't say the same for those whose care I leave you in."

His golden eyes glanced meaningfully at the rest of the grief stricken villagers. The raiders sobs echoed in Shad'rae's ears as he shifted and bounded through the jungle. The scent was known to him, this was the same group that had attacked Tala's home. How had they been discovered? Questions clouded his mind as the great cat ran and ran through the jungle. There was only one place a ship could be docked, and he made for it.

When he arrived there the ship was already sailing away. For a moment, a single solitary moment, Shad'rae considered it hopeless. The grief, despair, the utter futility of his situation was making the bile rise in his throat and his lungs ache to scream to the heavens at the mess of his life. A single moment contains a world of possibilities and can drag on for eternity if you know how to live in it. This moment of utter despair seemed to drag on and on for Shad'rae.

The moment passed.

The only thing left for the shifter to do was go after them. There had to be a hefty sum on the head of the leader, another piece of information the prisoner had given him. The head of Bron must have been worth something.


***********

It had taken longer than anticipated to find a crew. Shad'rae had spent a full day looking for bounty hunters who would take him on and go after Bron. A full day lost, a full day for those monsters to be with his Mate. It was enough to make his blood boil.

Now Shad'rae stood at the side of the ship, at least he was confident in his choice of crews. They were killers if necessary and greedy to be sure, but every one of them well trained and keeping to their own moral code. The absolute last thing Shad'rae needed was people he couldn't depend on. There was also no doubt about their target. At least a third of the crew had a vested personal interest in bringing down Bron.

With the sea spray clinging to his hair and the salt in his nose, Shad'rae scanned the horizon for the ship. Bron's routes and hideouts weren't hard to find, he relied more on reputation keeping intruders out. His voice was low, but he spoke his vow again.

"I will keep you safe Tala, I will always be with you. Don't give up hope my Mate, I will find you."

 

[Gaias_child]

Tala struggled through the painful haze in her head as she struggled to sit upright. Nausea coursed through her and she moved her head to one side and rid her stomach of what little was there. She dry-heaved for several more minutes before moving slowly as not to aggravate the queasiness from her pounding head. Her eyes moved around her and adjusted to the dank darkness around her. She felt the heavy shackle around her ankle and then the damp floor and mat beneath her. The skittering across the floor told her the rats were not happy with the newcomer in their midst.

Moaning softly she slowly stood,the ankle shackle heavy and biting into her skin as she moved until it drew taunt. She looked up and saw the barred grate above her then felt the swaying of the floor beneath her. She was on a ship! she thought frantically. She reached down and grasped the chain trying to pull herself free,then the low chuckle filled her ears coming from a darkened corner. Spinning around and almost falling from the suddeness of her move. She fought down the vomit she began to feel rising into her throat once more a she peered into the corner. Her eyes went wide as Bron moved out into the small circle of light from a lantern.

"Well now..."His deep voice seemed to fill the small hold around her. "I have you now,finally. I have wanted you since you got free from me several weeks ago. If it wasnt for a female shifter...I would not have found you." He said as he reached out and wrapped his fist into her short hair,yanking her hard against his chest.

His tongue snaked out and trailed over her cheek,before moving to force a kiss on her lips. Tala bit down hard on the offending tongue and felt the blood rush into her mouth. Gagging she spit it into his face as his fist met her cheek. She saw stars as her brain tried to remain alert,he shoved her backwards hard. She hit the outcrop of pegs and felt the skin break just over her hip as she fell to the floor. "BITCH!" He growled at her as he wiped his hand across his mouth,then a more evil smile replace the first.

"Oh Yeah...she was so fired up about getting the man she wanted..."He said slow and even as he sat down on a barrel. "She sold her whole viallage out for me to take you. Sadly, she didnt know what a liar I am."He said before roaring out in laughter.

Tala felt her heart drop as she knew of only one female who would be this cold and deceitful...Triaelle. Her mind cried out for Shad'rae,his father,his people. She let out a cry of frustration and lunged at Bron,her hands clawed. He mearly wrapped his large hand around her wrists and squeezed tightly,bringing a cry of pain from her lips as she felt one small bone crack from the force. He flung her hands away and she grabbed the injured wrist with her good hand as she scooted back until she hit the wall.

"I have a use for you...see I am willing to bet you carry the child of your lover. A child that would be half human and shifter."He began watching her expression as he bent close to her face. "he will bring a good price on the slave market." he added finally before he stood. He reached down and pulled her to her feet by her head and yanked her head back until her neck ached. his lips close to her ear.

"And I know you will do nothing to harm the child growing inside of you...I watched your viallage for a long time before I raided it."he added softly before grabbing her neck tightly. "Your viallage held the children above all others...even your precious father. Too bad your brothers and sisters died before they could live." He said then shoving her hard away from him,her body sagging to the floor. Her wrist throbbed and began to swell as her tears began to run freely down her dirtied cheeks. She watched him leave the storage hold and soon the darkness invaded her space once more,only his fading laughter filled her ears.

She soon touched her still flat stomach and knew the words the child had spoken earlier were true,she carried Shad'raes child...a child she would die to protect. Soon the sleep of exhaustion took her and she became oblivious of the dampness seeping into her clothes and skin as the ship swyaed softly on the swells of the waves.

 

[Last_Rider]

The sea was a giant monotonous place, but within that monotony was an infinite amount of variance. Shad'rae was out of place here, and yet also very much at home. There was some comfort to be had here, working on the rigging, cleaning the ship, doing whatever he could do without getting in the way of the more experienced sailors. Outside of the actions taken during the day, he was tormented by his failure. He had sworn Tala was safe, and now she was anything but safe.

It was a full day and night before they found the island where Bron tended to hide himself. The ship didn't sail straight for it, but rather spent much of the day circling it and preparing the men for battle. They had to be certain Bron was actually here, to know he had no means of escaping them. Shad'rae was going to see to that. As soon as they spotted the cove where the ship was docked he had formed his plan. Take himself and two other men in a long boat. He knew well enough how to sink a ship like this, once it was on its way under the waves they would join in the rest of the fight.

As soon as the moon rose Shad'rae took his men and then began slipping through the water to the main ship. It wasn't too difficult to approach, the deck was almost empty. Only a faint wind rustled the wave tips as the boat moved along the surface of the water. It was a good night for the panther. When they got along side the boat, Shad'rae shifted into cat form and lunged to the side. The ship was easy enough for him to climb, powerful claws digging into the wood and pulling the sleek powerful body up the side of the ship, then over onto the deck. He stayed shifted, silently stalking the two men patrolling. There was only a skeleton crew aboard, but stealth was still important. The great golden eyes marking each movement of the raiders, watching until the moment was just right.

There was no sound as the black cat sailed through the air, claws fully extended. He slammed into the back of one, claws passing straight through either side of the mans neck, severing everything but the bone. No sound was made save the dull thud as he hit the deck. The other barely had time to register the dead man at his feet before powerful jaws clamped over his neck, silencing the scream before it could form in his mind.

And so it went, the sleek black panther moving down from level to level, killing those who got between him and his goal. His goal was the lowest level. Here he could smell Tala, his heart twisting in his chest as he looked around. This place was barely fit for the rats that cowered in the corners, much less his Mate. Soon enough it wouldn't matter though.

Shad'rae shifted back, and found the tool he needed almost right away. He spent the next few minutes making holes near the waterline. Each alone wouldn't make much of a difference, but with all the holes he made it would sink soon enough. The last thing he did was attack a section until a hole was big enough for the panther to slip through. He was almost directly over the long boat, and the feline landed smoothly before shifting back and lending his hands to the oars. They had an assault to join.

Be strong Tala, I'm coming for you.