Unlikely Bonds

Chapter 24: Life Can Begin

***AUTHOR'S NOTE***

I started to post this in mini chapters, but I said what the hell. Let me save them a few clicks and annoying ads. But, this is it y'all. It only took me two damn years, but I powered through to finish for you. If you're not satisfied with it, the shove it. Lol. My loyal ones appreciate the effort and y'all are the real MVP's for sticking through it. But don't worry. I'm several chapters in for Baaul. I'll start posting soon for you! Like the first book in the series, it will be 3rd POV so we get both perspectives!

Thanks guys and love you!

***END AUTHOR'S NOTE***

I found Volok leaping after a male with half his foot missing. Immediately, I drew my bow and sent a hail of arrows at him. Two pinned him to the tree he was climbing up. Volok took advantage of the time I gave him to slam his fist into the Yautja’s exposed back. He ripped his spine out just like he had with Uathan.

A sound behind me allowed me to turn and bring up my bow just in time to block another male's sword. This one was made from fine metal. I loosed an arrow straight into his face and ran to Volok who was choking a second male with the spine he just obtained.

I lept off his back, twirling in the air to face them both. I drew back on my bow and sunk five arrows into the male just as the spine broke apart, the pieces slicing into the male's main artery.

Volok roared savagely. He looked at me with a sense of such pride and I understood then what Baaul meant. Ending a life together with your mate was a level unlike any other. Paya, I wanted him deep inside of me already.

“Did I see Xai'an?” He asked, not even winded.

I nodded and explained what happened. I felt his surprise when I mentioned what happened with my mother. Then he threw back his head and laughed. I'd never tire of that sound. “You truly are her child. I must thank her for bearing you once this is over.”

I smiled at him and he ran a large hand over my face. I loved that it was sticky with the blood of our enemies. He leaned in to press his head onto mine, purring softly. I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his mask. “Let's finish this so you can rut me.”

Volok laughed again and nodded.

~~~

I looked up to the glowing ceiling of the valley, evidence of dark plums of smoke rising in satisfying tufts. I was covered in so much blood, grime and meaty bits that you couldn't even see my skin. My legs kicked childishly over the cliff as I waited for Baaul and my brothers to come up with the report of the battle.

Though Anak had been compiling an army here, most were maimed, disfigured or simply unable to do actual battle. They stood no chance against our reinforcements. Their slaughter had been swift and clean.

“I thought I'd find you here.” Volok purred as he phased into view. Without the threat of battle, he did not wear his mask or heavy armor. He came to sit next to me and I leaned my head against his shoulder.

“I grew tired of sitting around.” I told him.

“So did I. The Elders were not very happy about your father's trip. He's been arguing with them for the last few hours.” He said.

I nodded. That didn't surprise me. My father always had a stubborn streak and Anak's betrayal of him only heightened that stubbornness toward authority. It wouldn't surprise me if my father took a seat in the council in the coming years in order to ensure he would never have to answer to anyone ever again.

“They'll get over it or he'll kill them. I'm not worried about it.” I shrugged.

“He'll probably have to do the latter. They might have forgiven his transgression if he hadn't brought your mother.”