Cats and Dragons

[Demeter]

Cameo jerked awake when the car stopped. He'd been curled up in the corner of the Jeep, comfortable in the way only cats could be, recovering from his shift of driving. He wasn't used to driving in winter conditions in the Fall and he'd been tense the entire time. Grae had gotten a laugh out if it and Cameo's mutterings about hauling him down to the amazon during the rainy season.

He listened carefully to what Grae had told him. He waited until Grae was done before speaking. "Seems Jaguars and the brood are more similar then I thought. I'm going to give you a quick history lesson. Jaguars are one of the youngest lines of shifters. Back in the 1500's, after the Spanish discovered the resources of South America, the Deities of the Inca and the Maya and all of the other tribes gathered 24 humans and 24 jaguars and turned them into shifters. The humans taught the cats and the cats taught the humans and they engaged in some sort of sneak attack warfare against the settlers. Now, the animal instinct was very strong in these first 48 and cubs quickly followed. Even here the instinct was strong but the human side wanted companionship.

"I don't know how much you know about Jaguars but no female is going to let a male or even another female near her cub. And two males aren't going to be friendly to each other. But they still needed someone to be they're companions. They would find it in the same gender but different race and it was quite often romantic because that is what the human part needed. Now, the virus infected and some of the true bitten, they seem to prefer forming packs and having straight relationships. There is a lot of domestic violence among them. Most of the true borns, we live quiet lives. 

"But what has that got to do with our situation? Well, you see, Grae, my conception was natural, meaning my father boffed my mother, but she's told me that he was in a very committed relationship at the time. So committed that he and his Mutari male lover had appealed to the gods and their souls had been bound together for all time. My conception was agreed on by all three of them. My mother explained that the sex, either in feline form or human, was just a physical act and that my parents had respect for each other and they at least liked each other, there was no attraction between them. Just hormones and a reaction to stimuli."

Cameo leaned forward. "I do not have any problems with you romping with Rhea for the purpose of having children. I've run across a female Jaguar or two so I might have children but I felt no attraction to those females. My instincts reacted to their readiness for breeding even though I'm gay. 

"When you are with Rhea, I'll know that you'll have affection for her and respect but I know that your real desire and lust are roused when you come to me. I know that what you'll really want is me and that your desire is true because you won't be in a fog of instinct driven hormones. I know that when you are with me, when you are inside me, you are showing your true emotions and have no fear of what might happen with a female of the Brood that I approve of and like. Even if we cannot escape our animal instinct, you are mine."

Cameo leaned forward until he was in Grae's face. "So do it, Graethyn'Toril. Make us inseparable. Make it so no one of the brood can tear us apart and I'll appeal to my gods to make you the consort of a Jaguar prince and we will be joined together for eternity. Do it here and now so that nothing can come between us. Do it so that your overbearing bitch of a mother cannot ruin what we have. Do it so a desperate female who can only get a man through trickery cannot keep us apart. Do it so that death cannot separate us."

Cameo grabbed a fistful of Grae's shirt and yanked him against the center console of the Jeep. "Make me the guardian of your soul, Graethyn'Toril and I'll give you mine," he said before pulling the man into a hot, hard kiss. 

[Maira]

The surge of magic that ripped out of his body and surged into Cameo's at the other man's passionate kiss left Grae breathless and more than a little startled. It was supposed to be the dragon that released the magic for the bonding, not the other partner but it seemed that Cameo's heightened emotions on the subject, combined with Grae's desire to do as he asked, was enough to set things in motion.

The jaguar's sharp intake of breath and pain-filled moan told Grae all he needed to know, the magic was too strong. Trying not to panic, he pulled away from Cameo just far enough to be able to see him clearly. He watched as the magic burned through Cameo's body and only when his lover's breath rushed out again and his muscles relaxed did Grae say anything. "I'm sorry, it wasn't supposed to hurt you like that. I've never heard of it hurting anybody before."

As he finished talking, Grae finally closed his eyes and searched his mind for their bond and when he found it he was shocked. New bonds were only supposed to enable a mental communication, and a general awareness of their partner's wellbeing. But Grae could feel in detail the status of Cameo's health and he knew with absolute certainty the location of the jaguar. His eyes flew open at the discovery and asked with confusion, "What did you do?" Then, as he waited for Cameo's answer, another question slipped out, "And what's this about a Jaguar prince?"

[Demeter]

Cameo grinned weakly at Grae as the last tingles of pain left his body. He half crawled over Grae's lap and fumbled for the controls to the driver's chair. In seconds, he had the chair pushed back and reclined. He then finished climbing into Grae's lap to cuddle close to the dragon. He seemed quite shaken at the amount of pain Cameo had just put himself through. Not to mention the Jaguar prince thing. 

He kissed Grae softly and nuzzled him. "I wasn't expect that to happen so fast. I guess invoking the South And Central American pantheons took it out of our control. Made it strong. As for it hurting me, I didn't have time time to warn you. My body doesn't react well to foreign magics when first introduced. The closer to an original one is, the worse it gets and I'm pretty damned close to the original 48. Both my mother and father are part of those first 48 shifters."

He kissed Grae again. His left shoulder blade itched something horrible but he had an idea of what it was. He'd seen the bonding marks on Isis during their previous visit and it pleased him to know that he bore Grae's mark. He looked up at Grae before tucking his head beneath the man's chin. "As for the Jaguar prince bit, that's what you get when one is the offspring of two originals. My bloodline is pure, therefor I'm called a prince."

He settled against Grae's chest, warmed by the dragon's body' and let his mind explore the new pathways connected him to the other man. He'd know where Grae was, the state of his health and he could even feel the simple presence of the man at the back of his skull. Testing out the new abilties, Cameo sent a message to Grae. **We belong to each other now. I love you, Graethyn, with all that I am.**

[Maira]

Grae listened curiously as Cameo explained why he thought their bond was so unusually strong. In a way it made sense, but now he was even more interested in Cameo's heritage and just who these deities were that they could mess with dragon magic in such a way. Hearing why he was considered a prince, Grae wondered if it was in the sense of human and alati royalty, or just a name because of how pure his shifter genes were.

He didn't get long to wonder about those things though, because shortly after Cameo snuggled in closer he felt a gentle touch in his mind and a smile burst onto his face. Cameo's mind voice was almost the same as his speaking voice, just a tad softer and the words that Cameo sent to him made Grae's heart swell. In answer, Grae told Cameo, **We do indeed belong to each other. As far as I am concerned we are mated and dragons mate for life.** Then he pulled the jaguar closer to him and kissed him soundly.

*****

The rest of the trip to Point Hope was filled with the two men testing out their new connection through their bond, speaking most of the way there only in their minds. When they arrived in town, Grae drove to the apartment that Lilia shared with Ben and Isis above Ben's mechanic shop. The apartment that the newly bonded pair would be living in belonged to Lilia so they needed to hit her up for the keys before they could get in and get settled.

When they got to the mechanic shop, they parked the Jeep and then headed directly up the stairs to the apartments above. Grae had seen Ben under a car and he hadn't wanted to bother him so he thought he'd just go surprise Lilia and Isis. He had only managed to rap his knuckles on the door once when Lilia flung it open and launched herself at him. Only Cameo standing behind him, catching him, kept Grae from tumbling into the wall across from the door. "Shit Lilia, I'm happy to see you too," he muttered as he finally extracted himself from his big sister's embrace. When they were both standing, both Brood sniffed the air and looked at each other curiously.

"You're bonded?!" Lilia squeed at the same time that Grae asked in shock, "Isis is pregnant too?!" The two then slipped around each other. Lilia glomped onto Cameo with a bear hug, "Welcome to the family little brother!" Grae hunted Isis down in no time, she was making her own way to the door, and he wrapped her in a gentler embrace, "Congratulations, I'm so excited to be an uncle twice over."

[Demeter]

Cameo broke down the last box and added it to the pile by the door. Grae was out, stocking up on supplies and food while visiting with his sister. Cameo had taken one look at the snow falling outside the window and started that he'd finish up the last few boxes. After stowing the box cutter, Cameo wrapped himself in a blanket that smelled of Grae and settled in front of the thankfully gas fed fireplace. 

After their arrival in Point Hope and the enthusiastic greeting by his new sister-in-law (he had bumped into he wall when she glommed onto him), they'd stayed at the Peytons for the night. Good food, awesome company and a night in a real bed had done much to restore them. 

They hadn't told anyone about the strangeness of their bonding but he'd seen Lilia staring at him with wide eyes when he'd accidentally bared his back to her. It had been right after they'd hauled Grae's massive couch into the apartment. Lilia and Isis were stuck with the lightweight stuff. Lilia had been shelving books when he'd become overheated and pulled his sweatshirt off. The shirt he'd worn under it had been yanked up and, judging from the way she'd started, he knew that the stark white and very defined shape of a sleeping dragon was a surprise to her. Grae had just shrugged when she'd looked at him. 

Cameo had an idea about why it was so strong. He believed that their heightened emotions and desires had been what caused the spontaneous bonding but his Gods had thrown strength behind the bond to weather any coming storms. From what he could tell, what they were doing was very unusual for the brood. There was bound to be some who objected strongly and they would need their strong bond to get through. He had no doubts that Sky already knew they were back in town. 

But those were worries for another day. To him, their bonding was still incomplete. It didn't feel finished and it just didn't seem like what a nirmal bonding would be. There was more that needed to be done. Cameo wanted to mark Grae as his. 

They still had a few days before they were due to start at their jobs and he wanted to spent that time together. They had only known each other for a little while and even though they'd lived in each others pockets for most of that time, there was still more to learn. 

When Grae came through the front door, hauling the grocery bags, Cameo lifted his head before shaking his blanket off. He crossed over to Grae, kissed his cheek and took the bags from him to start unloading them. Working as a team, that task was quickly finished. While Grae hauled the stack of empty boxes down to the Jeep, Cameo curled back up in his blanket. When Grae came back and peeled off his outer wear, Cameo happily let him into the blanket. 

Snuggled together in that blanket was close to heaven. Cameo wiggled around until he could face Grae. He kissed the dragon, a quick peck on the lips, before snuggling close. "I've been thinking, Grae, that this whole bonding thing is, for us, kind if like a marriage. If we follow that, we should be on our honeymoon. Unpacking is not a honeymoon like activity so I want you to take me into that bedroom and make mad, passionate love to me until I can't walk or we have to start work, whichever comes second," he said. 

Cameo grinned when he saw Grae's eyes darken at the idea and the jaguar shuddered when Grae stroked a finger over the mark on his back. "But before you do that, I have something I want to ask you. I can't mark you in the same way you can mark me; Jaguars don't work like that."

Cameo rolled free of the blanket. He fished something out of his pocket and, going down on one knee, held out a ring to Grae. "Would you consent to wearing my ring?"

[Maira]

The reunion with his sister and her new family had been a fun evening and not for the first time he was very glad that his sister was a highly trained chef. The whole trip they'd been living on convenience and simple foods and Lilia's home cooked meal was more than welcome. Not to mention, getting to know his new in-laws was just flat out amusing. Ben was a guy he was sure he'd be able to get along with easily, they both laughed at the same jokes and seemed to think a lot alike. Isis was a bit of a tougher book for Grae to read but that she made Lilia deliriously happy was enough for him.

After that first night, Ben, Lilia, and Isis helped Grae and Cameo move into the vacant apartment above Lilia's restaurant. They'd even stayed to help unpack, and later Lilia ordered take-out and tipped her own waiter who brought it upstairs to the hard-working five a little outrageously. Grae almost objected, but as the waiter left he whispered to Grae, "We all fight over Lilia's calls, its her way of giving us little bonuses here and there." He couldn't help but eye his older sister as she went about dishing up their meal.

The next day Grae woke up and went to make breakfast only to find the fridge empty except for left-overs from their trip and their meal the night before. How they had managed to forget to go grocery shopping he wasn't sure, but suggested they go out first thing. It was snowing again though so Cameo, not unsurprisingly, declined and volunteered to finish unpacking. Grae smiled, and nodded understanding at his lover's aversion to the snow. Cats and cold wet stuff falling from the sky aren't typically a good mix.

He'd spent the late morning grocery shopping with Lilia and was about to head home when she asked him if he had shampoo or dishwashing soap and Grae groaned. Of course he didn't. They'd left all the big bottles of liquids in Washington with the neighbors. Realizing that, he also realized that there were probably a lot of other things they needed for the apartment so he called Cameo to find out just what those were.

By the time he had dropped his sister off, it was surprisingly only lunch time. He parked the car around back of the restaurant and then grabbed out all of the food. The cleaning supplies could wait until after he'd had a meal and hopefully a nap. Even pregnant Lilia was a bit much to handle in big doses and he was worn out from a morning of shopping with her. Once he got the groceries inside, he was greeted with a kiss to the cheek as Cameo snagged some of the bags to help him get things put away. Once the perishables were in no immediate danger of spoiling, Grae carted the broken down boxes down to the Jeep and swapped them out for the cleaning supplies and other household necessities that Lilia had insisted on getting.

Once he was finally inside again, he deposited his other purchases next to the front door and then hauled off his coat and kicked off his shoes. Seeing Cameo holding the blanket up in invitation, Grae hurried across the apartment and slid in with him. That Cameo found him so warm and liked to snuggle him always brought a smile to Grae's lips. He was still smiling when Cameo started talking, still smiling when the jaguar rolled off the couch and crouched on one knee, still smiling when Cameo held out a ring to him and asked him to wear it. Only when the words, the gestures, and the sight of the ring sunk in did the smile slip from Grae's face.

Sitting up straighter on the couch he hurried to pull Cameo up from the floor to sit next to him. He needed him closer, needed to be able to look in his eyes for this. At the same time that he asked, "Do you mean you want us to actually get married?" Grae opened his connection to Cameo wider than he had the entire drive since forming it. He could feel the true, genuine desire behind Cameo's earlier request and when the other man nodded affirmatively at him, Grae knew without a doubt what his answer would be. Before Cameo could even say anything, Grae told him through their connection, **Yes, Cameo, most definitely yes!**

[Demeter]

When Grae pulled him onto the couch, Cameo snuggled into the dragon's lap. He wanted to be as close as possible to his dragon and when be felt the tumble of emotions from Grae through their bond, he couldn't help the answering feelings from rushing the Dragon. When Grae told him yes, Cameo smiled hugely and slipped the ring onto his Dragon's hand before kissing him. 

They sat like that for hours, exchanging soft kisses until Grae murmured that he could no longer feel his legs. Laughing softly, Cameo hauled him off the couch and led him into the bedroom. They loved each other during the long Alaskan night and when they finally drifted off into a deep sleep, they were curled around each other. Cameo, eyes heavy with sleep, took one last look at his man before he dropped into sleep. He purred through the night. 

A few weeks later, they had started to settle in. They'd gotten a few strange looks from the towns people but it didn't matter to them. The people of Point Hope weren't making a fuss over two men being together. They were probably accustomed to it, Cameo often thought, when they had a lesbian sheriff and her lover. Mot to mention the union of Ben, Lilia and Isis. And they hadn't yet had an encounter with Sky. 

But that was about to change, Cameo thought, as they rode out to the holding. Today was the official ceremony of Ben and Lilia's mating and, when he'd tried to wiggle out of attending to avoid a scene with Sky, Lilia had told him that he was going, No ifs, ands, or bets about it. He glanced at Grae and just grinned. With his thumb, he twirled the band that now graced his hand. The ring had been delivered yesterday and they had plans for a union before a justice of the peace in a few weeks. 

He'd wanted to do it sooner but his mother wouldn't heR of it. She wanted to see her baby married. And that would happen if he lived through today. He had no doubts that Sky wouldn't see their matching rings. The woman was decidedly against seeing her children follow their own paths to happiness.

The moment he was out of the truck, Isis swooped down and collected him. After giving him a squeeze, she said that they'd stick together. As the interlopers, they were going to be looked at and studied. Oh, and Lilia wanted her brother. 

Before allowing himself to be dragged off, Cameo kissed Grae. He grinned at the gasps from the few people by the cars. 

[Maira]

Even out at the Holding, Sky heard the rumors. She knew that her son Grae was back in Point Hope, she knew he was living with that feline, and she knew perfectly well that he hadn't even bothered to call and let her know he was nearby. She was going to have to see him at the mating ceremony of Ben and Lilia, another sore spot for her, and she was certain that he planned on bringing his pet with him despite it being completely improper for outsiders to be present at such a sacred ceremony. She supposed, however, that considering the circumstances that had led to Lilia's mating, propriety didn't really matter anymore. What should have been a joyous occasion, the mating of her oldest child and the promise of a new life, was bittersweet for Sky thanks to the rebelliousness of her children and she just wanted to get the embarrassing day over with.

*****

Grae snickered when Isis swooped in to snag Cameo as soon as they arrived at the Holding. Then, just as the feline was being dragged away by the excited succubus, Grae felt himself being grabbed and Cameo laid a kiss on him. The gasps around them made Grae smirk, word would be getting to his mother very shortly that they had arrived and that Grae was kissing a man. Oh the joys of being home.

It didn't take Grae long to arrive at Lilia's den and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, busy getting ready and totally oblivious to his presence. She was a prime example of a happily pregnant Brood. Her skin had a healthy glow to it, making the normally almost invisible scales stand out more clearly, and her hair was shiny and already seemed fuller and longer. "Motherhood suits you big sister," Grae said by way of announcing his arrival. Lilia spun, her dress and hair flowing up around her, and then ran to her brother to be taken into his strong and loving embrace.

"I'm so glad you're here! I was starting to worry that mother had grabbed you and was scolding you for bringing Cameo," Lilia blurted as she pulled back just enough to see her little brother's face. Then, a small moment of panic hit her and she demanded, "You -did- bring Cameo right?! He has to be here Grae, he has to!"

Before Lilia could get too worked up, Grae placed a single finger on her lips and smiled at her before answering, "Don't worry Lilia, Isis already snagged him. My lover is safe with yours." He wasn't sure why his sister blushed at those words but he couldn't keep the light rumbling laugh from escaping at the sight of her now crimson cheeks. When she smacked his shoulder, he just laughed louder and earned a glare from one of Lilia's friends.

Remembering that this was technically supposed to be a very solemn and spiritual occasion, Grae did his best to get his laughter under control. When his mother walked in moments later, a deep scowl wrinkling her forehead he knew that she must've heard him anyway. When Sky gently pried Lilia from him, not even looking in his direction, he watched with a raised eyebrow as she lead Lilia away while whispering something to her too softly for even his dragon hearing to pick up. Only when Lilia stiffened and pulled from her mother's grasp did Grae realize that something wasn't quite right, Lilia's sharp words informed him of just what his mother had been whispering about. "I wanted them here, mother. I told Grae to bring Cameo. Grae has taken him as his bond-partner so you have absolutely no right to even -think- of banning him from -my- mating ceremony."

Grae gawked openly, as did Lilia's friends already gathered in the den, as well as poor Rhea who walked in mid-tirade. The next words out of Lilia, and the look his mother issued him as a result, had Grae backing up a few steps. "If you don't want to see Cameo at my mating ceremony, mother, then -you- need to be the one to stay away."

Suddenly glad for the presence of somebody who knew how to handle, and likely had on her person, firearms, Grae looked to Rhea to make sure she was in cop-mode and was prepared to separate the two women if things came to blows because if he were to get involved, one or both of them would likely try to kill him. Brood males grew up knowing that while they may be bigger and stronger, brood females were by far the fiercer fighters and more likely to kill first and think later. Seeing the intense look on Rhea's face, and her change in posture, Grae felt a bit safer.

*****

Word had indeed gotten to Sky quickly of Grae's arrival with his pet. When she was told that they were engaging in physically intimate acts in public sent a chill of ice up her spine. Today of all days her son was going to rub it in her face that he was cavorting with a male, and a feline at that. Not wanting to confront him, she decided to avoid him and go check on Lilia instead. After all, today was Lilia's special day. Even if Sky didn't like or understand her daughter's chosen relationships, it was still special for Lilia and for that reason alone she was going to ignore Grae's rampant disregard for propriety.

Or at least that had been the plan until, as she approached Lilia's den, she'd heard Grae's loud boisterous laugh. The scowl that took over her face couldn't be helped. Upon entering the den she'd seen Lilia blushing, still in a hug from her brother, and Sky's blood had started to boil. What did he think he was doing getting her worked up when she was trying to prepare for the ceremony? Taking Lilia out of Grae's arms, Sky led her daughter away back toward the other women in the den and as they walked she informed Lilia about what had happened between Grae and his feline and she'd told Lilia that such a creature should not be allowed to attend such a special occasion as a mating ceremony and that he should be asked to leave.

What happened after she'd spoke to her daughter was the last thing she'd expected. Her daughter's words cut like a knife and the only person that Sky could really blame was Grae. This was -his- fault! It was his plaything's presence that was ruining this day, his interactions with the feline that was spreading rumors about the Holding tarnishing their family's reputation. Not caring, or realizing who was present in the den with them, Sky turned her fury on her son. She stalked over to him where he now stood, back pressed into a stone wall, and smacked him hard. Claws tipping her fingers. Snarling at him, "It is your fault, Graethyn'Toril, your fault!"

*****

She was pulling her hand back for another strike when Rhea's hand grabbed Sky's wrist and squeezed. Grae watched, still in shock from the strength of the blow and the pain from the slices in his cheek, as Rhea and two of the other women swarmed Sky and removed her from the den.

He didn't realize that he was bleeding all over his formal attire until Lilia rushed over to him and started fussing about getting a healer and getting him stitched up. He turned to her and asked stupidly, "Why do I need a healer?" Then he looked down, saw the blood coating his shirt, and felt his balance start to falter. Not wanting to embarrass himself, he kept from fainting out of sheer will and forced himself to remain standing by leaning heavily into the wall behind him.

*****

Sky was escorted to the den she shared with her mate, Aro. She was told to stay there through the duration of the mating ceremony if she couldn't behave. Then, Rhea had the gall to pull Aro aside and tell him what had transpired in Lilia's den and informed him that Sky wasn't welcome at the ceremony if she couldn't keep her temper under control and behave herself. She didn't have to be warm and loving, just civil. Once the younger females left, Aro looked at her and asked, astonished, "You struck Graethyn? With claws, Sky? Surely just because he loves differently than we do isn't a reason to maul him?"

The tears that slipped, unwelcome, from her eyes surprised Sky. As did the soft sobs that shook her body. Aro went to her, gathered her in his arms, and kissed her forehead. "I know things were hard for you, love, but you are not your father. We are not that clan. It is okay, here, for our children to love as they see fit. If you can accept Lilia's unusual situation, surely you can accept Grae's as well? Please find it in your heart, my darling, for our daughter will be sad when her memories of this day don't include you."

With her mate's words Sky crumpled. She wept into his chest until she just couldn't anymore. Her past had been hard, it had done more damage to her heart than she'd known. How could she be so awful toward her children?

[Demeter]

Cameo was happy to be dragged away by Isis. They met up with Chastity, the other recent outsider, by the buffet table. Both him and his coworker were watching in amusement as Isis piled a plate with food. She was eating for two, after all, she told them when she saw the looks the two exchanged. He was contemplating his own food choices when he felt it; a sharp, searing pain across his right cheek. Slapping a hand to his cheek, Cameo cursed loud enough to attract the attention of his companions and several of the gathered dragons. 

More then a little surprised when his hand didn't come away bloody, Cameo attempted to figure out what happened. Then it hit him. The bond. Grae. Abandoning his half-full plate, Cameo turned to hunt his partner down. Right now, he didn't give a damn about propriety and solemn occasions; Grae was injured. So focused on where the bond was leading him, Cameo didn't notice Sky being marched across the holding but Isis and Chastity did. 

Cameo marched straight into the lower level den being used by Lilia and her ladies. When he saw Grae, still wearing a bloodied shirt and being tended to by a healer, he growled. None to gently, he snatched the wet cloth from the healer and bumped him out of the way. If Grae needed tending, he was the only one who would be doing it. 

Cameo gently washed the deep claw marks on Grae's face. Beyond asking Chastity if she could go out to the Jeep and get a spare shirt from Grae's overnight bag, Cameo didn't say much. He did, however, growl at the healer who protested his treatment. 

Once the wounds were cleaned, Cameo looked around for a quiet spot to sit with Grae. The wounds were deep and would need to be stitched up. He wanted Grae off his feet for that procedure. Chastity, back with the overnight bag, seemed to understand what he was looking for, pointed out a small bedroom off to the side and Cameo gently tugged Grae in that direction. On his way, he snatched the healer's kit. 

Once he had the bedroom shut off from the others, Cameo turned to face Grae. Seeing that his partner was already seated on the edge of the bed, Cameo gave a little cry of distress and hurried over. His own cheek was still throbbing from the phantom wound. He could just imagine how it hurt Grae. While gently nuzzling the left side of his neck to try and comfort him, Cameo unbuttoned Grae's dress shirt and, after helping him out of it, tossed the bloodied cloth into a corner. 

"Grae, I have to stitch those closed. They are too deep to leave open until the healing kicks in."

At Grae's nod, Cameo sat alongside him and, after digging through the healer's kit, prepped his lover for the procedure. 

***
On the opposite end of the world, Mariana laughed as she listened to her mate. The woman was bitching out the Amazon in general as she struggled to navigate through the jungle. There were times when she wished Mina could take on the form of a jaguar - it would make jungle travel easier but she was enterally thankful that the Gods made it impossible for her to infect her wife. If Mina were a cat, there wouldn't be a them and life without Mina would be worth shit. 

Chica, her cat half, flopped on a branch to wait for their mate to catch up to them. The woman may have only had two feet to travel on but she was speedy. Once Mina appeared, swatting at plant life, Chica hopped down from the branch to rub up against her mate. As much as both she and Mariana wanted to frolic with Mina in the warm waters of the nearby lagoon, they had other things to be doing. Sky had finally been located. 

It seemed like her life was fated to be entwined with the female brood's existence. How else could she explain her eldest daughter being the woman's true mate's bonded partner and her youngest son being the bonded partner and mate to the woman's son? 

She'd always thought that the female brood was a bit of a bitch but the way she reportedly treated Cameo made the blood of both Chica and Mariana boil. How dare that stuck up, holier then thou, cow call their son a pet! He was a product of the finest jaguar shifter blood, damned near royalty among the true born, and she had the nerve to call him some domesticated house cat!

Both cat and woman growled at that thought. Sky's son was damn lucky that their son had chosen him but they weren't about to treat the man like scum. And, oh, were they going to put the bitch in her place. That's why they were dragging Mina through the forest. They were going to shove Sky's past indiscretions in her face and knock her off her high horse. 

With one last head butt to Mina's side, Chica turned back and trotted through the jungle. There were no paths to their destination but she knew the way to the temple well. While Mina clambered over a knot of trees, Chica shimmied through the tangled roots. On the other side of this barrier was Sirius, Sky's true mate. 

After popping out of the tree roots, Chica ran headfirst into Zori. Blinking up at the woman, Chica managed a feline grin. "Good morning, Darling," she sent to the brood. She considered Zori to be one of hers, since Aurelly had raised her, and that allowed for the telepathic communication between the two. "Is your father awake today?" 

***
Cameo sat back against the headboard of Grae's bed. They'd retreated to his den once they could escape the celebrations. He could tell that the party was still going on outside but neither one of them were in a mood to join. 

Grae's head was in his lap and Cameo was running his fingers through the other man's hair. He'd already removed the stitches he'd put in earlier in the day as the brood's healing factor had kicked in. Grae had filled him in on what had happened and Cameo was seething with anger. How dare Sky strike Grae with her claws. 

Growing up, his mother had had enough reasons to swat him but she'd never used her claws. The idea of a parent causing physical harm to their child made his blood boil. Sky had better hope that they never found themselves alone together because he'd show her just what her son's "pet" was capable of. 

But for now, he locked away the rage and focused on comforting Grae. The man still seemed to be in shock; if it was from the wound itself or the fact that his mother had delivered the blow, Cameo didn't know. He just kept on stroking Grae's hair while murmuring I love you's both vocally and through their bond.

[Maira]

The incident with his mother left Grae in a pain-filled haze for the duration of Lilia and Ben's mating ceremony. When it was finally over he and Cameo stayed just long enough to congratulate the newly mated pair, and then Cameo led him away to the quiet of his own den. Once they had retreated and were settled on his bed, Grae's head in Cameo's lap, the brood started to relax and eventually drifted into a dreamless sleep.

*****

Grae wasn't the only one to disappear shortly after the the conclusion of the mating ceremony, Sky too made a quick retreat as soon as she wouldn't be missed. Aro had been correct, Lilia had been happy to see her at the ceremony, but when it was over it was tradition to leave the newly mated pair to celebrate with their peers of their own generation. It also gave Sky a chance to think over what had happened with Grae. She knew she needed to apologize to her son but she was also certain that if she tried anytime soon that Cameo would not allow her near him. At least that is what the looks he'd shot her during the ceremony had indicated.

She had taken herself outside and, in dragon form, was perched on one of the higher crags surrounding the entrance to the Holding. It didn't take long before Aro found her and twined his tail with hers in an obvious display of affection and comfort. *They will all forgive you Sky, but it will take a while. Maybe now would be a good time to give in to your next flight and have another baby. It'll be a fresh start and something happy to focus on until Lilia, Grae and their mates are willing to see past the hurt you caused today.*

Sky laid her head on Aro's neck right in front of his wings and closed her eyes as she thought about his words. Finally she answered him, *I fly in two weeks, the baby will be too close in age to Lilia's and will take away from her special moment as a first time mom. Lets wait until at least the next flight, give a big enough space between them.*

Aro let Sky speak but when she was finished he answered her, *No my love, I think sooner is better. The sooner we start making changes, the easier it will be for the children to see. Let me fly you in two weeks, let us make another baby. We have waited more than long enough for our third.* He felt Sky shift as she started to object and he stopped her, *Be calm, my love, this is the right thing to do.* When her tension eased, Aro laid his own head on her shoulders, twining their necks to match their tails, in a show of love and trust.

*****

Zori had sensed her jaguar grandmother coming and she had gone out to meet her. When Chica bumped into her, Zori couldn't help but smile. At the jaguar's words that sounded in her mind, Zori answered aloud, "He and Mama just returned from a hunt, Lita, I'll let him know you are here." When the jaguar grinned at her again, Zori smiled in return and sent to Sirus, *Lita Mariana is here to see you.*

His answer puzzled her a bit, *Me? Not Aurelly?*

*No, Papa, she asked for you.*

The silence from her father was even more baffling so she just told Chika, "He's expecting you, go on ahead." Then hearing a crash and some cursing coming from a short ways off, she added with a smirk, "I'll wait for Mina."

She watched as the jaguar disappeared into the temple and then turned her attention toward the direction the crashing and cursing had come from. When Mina stumbled out from between some trees, Zori was smirking and the brood hybrid just glared at her. "I honestly don't know how you could grow up here, there isn't enough space to spread your wings for balance, let alone flying." Zori laughed lightly and answered, "You learn to climb the trees like the cats, and launch from there, at a very young age. Trust me." The two women then followed the unmarked path that Chika had taken just moments ago and made their way into the temple which was an entrance for the Holding.

*****

Inside the temple Holding, Sirus told Aurelly of her mother's arrival and looked at her curiously. The older female normally only came calling to visit Aurelly and Zori, his presence was always just expected. The only times she had come to see him were right after he'd been gravely injured by his mate's father, and one other time to give him news that she might have a lead on where said mate had disappeared to. He wasn't injured now so he hoped that she had gotten the confirmation on Sky's whereabouts that she'd been waiting for.

As soon as the jaguar slipped into the temple he jogged over to her and crouched before her, looking intently into her eyes as he waited for her to either shift or tell him telepathically whatever it was she had come to see him about.

[Demeter]

Chica regarded Sirius and wondered just how he was going to take this news. From what Cameo had told them, Sky believed Sirius dead and had moved on with her life. A new mate and two children with the guy, one of which was Cameo's partner. Deciding that Mariana was better for this part of the journey, Chica slipped back and allowed the human control of their shared body. 

Comfortable with her nudity but disliking the cooler air of the temple, Mariana accepted the blanket Aurelly offered her. "I think you know why I am here, Sirius. Long ago, when she first vanished, I promised to tell you if anyone saw her. Well, Sky's been located at a holding in Alaska. Cameo stumbled across her."

She saw how Sirius perked up. "There's more. Sirius, she's taken a new mate and has has two children with him. The younger of the two, a son, is Cameo's mate and bonded partner."
***

Mariana regarded the snow on the ground with a groan. It just had to be a brood from Alaska, didn't it, she thought to herself as she slowly crawled down the stairs of the puddle jumper airplane. Behind her, the rest of her party was having the same thoughts. All of them were from tropic environments and none of them had nice things to say about cold weather.

It had been a week since she's told Sirius about locating Sky. He'd insisted on going to her. She, at the very least, deserved to know that he'd survived the fall that had broken nearly every bone in his body. And she wanted to meet this Grae that had so completely captured Cameo's heart. 

Thus, a trip up to Alaska. It just had to be Alaska...
***

Within the privacy of their den, Cameo slowly drove Grae crazy with kisses while he buttoned the Brood's shirt up. It might not have been what he wished to be doing, but he had his hands and lips on his sexy dragon. Not to mention that if they were any later, Lilia would appear to drag them out for a visit. 

He also wouldn't put it past his sister-in-law to get a cheap thrill out of walking in on them while they were doing it. 
Thus, from a place he didn't know existed, Cameo found the strength to pull away after doing up the last button. He flashed a grin. "That'll have to hold you until we escape from Lilia's clutches and until we get back into town."

The week they'd spent at the holding had been somewhat trying for both of them. They had a fairly active and vocal sex life and while they hadn't curtailed their bedroom (or any other location within the den) activities, they'd had to try and keep the volume down. Stone caves echoed and the whole of the holding didn't need to hear him begging for Grea to go harder, faster and deeper. 

Cameo pulled his shirt over his head. Yes, he'd be pleased to get back to their home. 
****

At least these Alaskan Holding was warm, Mariana thought as she stripped out of her parka. Leading the way, she led her party down a tunnel and into the holding's central crater. Mariana glanced around at the groupings of Brood and their bonded partners that had stopped to stare at them. 

"Eirasky'ravi! I have a couple of bones to pick with you!" Mariana shouted. Even if Sky hadn't heard her, the Brood would know soon enough that she had a visitor. 
***

In the den, Cameo was trying to avoid temptation. Grae, feeling frisky was sucking on his neck while buckling his belt. Cameo could imagine all sorts of things that would be more entertaining then hanging out with the newly weds. While he was happy that Grae had been able to shake off the cloud of misery that had accompanied the strike from his mother, it could have happened at a more opportune time. 

He gasped as Grae grasped and squeezed him through his jeans. "Grae, not now. Lilia will be here any minute to hurry us up," Cameo said even as his head dropped against Grae's shoulder and he bucked his hips into the Brood's caressing hands. He was just about to say screw it and haul Grae back to bed when a very familiar voice acted like a bucket of cold water. 

"Eirasky'ravi! I have a couple of bones to pick with you!"

The sound of his mother's voice coming from the holding proper killed his boner in seconds flat. Squeaking and batting Grae's hands away from undoing his belt, Cameo scampered to the main ledge and peered out. Sure enough, the unmistakable form of Mariana was down there. Groaning, Cameo leaned his forehead against the cool stone of the den's entrance. He should have known That Mariana Zabat would not take kindly to her kid being called a pet but he hadn't expected the woman to show up in Alaska. "What in the hell is my mother doing here?" 

[Maira]

The sudden loss of Cameo directly in front of him finally shocked Grae out of the amorous mood he'd been in. Then he heard Cameo muttering about his mother and that brought the brood to the entrance of his den and he too looked down into the central cavern. He didn't recognize the woman, or the three others standing with her, but he was easily able to see the resemblance between her and Cameo. "Your mother?" he asked, slightly in shock. He didn't think jaguars kept much in touch with their families once they set out on their own. He had no idea that Cameo had told the woman about his own mother's habit of calling Cameo a pet.

*****

Knowing that they would be trying for their third child when she flew in a week had Sky in a frisky mood. Aro wasn't one to object to his mate's advances and when she bolted out of their bed, he just opened one eye to watch her shapely behind disappear out of their bedroom. He didn't know why she'd left so suddenly but he didn't think anything of it right away. It wasn't until he heard yelling from the main cavern, calling his mate out, that he had any inkling something was wrong. Getting up and dressed he made his way down to see what was the matter.

*****

As soon as the unfamiliar jaguars and brood had entered the Holding, whisperings had started among those that saw them. At one point a resident brood that was a friend of Sky's spotted the black brood, a female that could have been Lilia's dark twin, and she'd sent silently to the woman about the strange group's arrival complete with an image of the black brood. That image and message were what had gotten Sky out of bed so suddenly and when the older female jaguar had yelled for her, Sky was already in the cavern and it only took her a moment to make her way through the gathering crowd to face her.

"I don't know who you are, or why you know my full name, but I can take a guess that you are related to my son's bonded partner," Sky answered the woman's challenge calmly. Clearly the other woman had been expecting a scene because when Sky spoke with a cool head, it stalled the other woman's impending tirade just long enough for Sky to add, "I have not been welcoming of Cameo, something I have come to regret greatly and am willing to accept the consequences for. If you'd like, we ca--"

It was during her attempt to get the jaguar woman to go somewhere more private, so that the woman could chew her out like she so clearly wanted to do, that Sky noticed the other three standing behind the woman and it was the sight of them that stopped Sky's words mid-sentence. Sky hadn’t had to think about her past for years. She had finally settled in Alaska, had gotten pregnant with her daughter Lilia and then her son Grae. She had even formally taken the children’s father as her mate. She didn’t know why they couldn’t truly make the magic induced mate-bond, but Sky believed it was because she was just damaged goods. Her past had ruined her enough that her mate’s magic couldn’t take hold on her soul like it should.

But now, standing before her, was a female that could be the dark to her Lilia’s pale. The dragon woman had black hair with a slight sheen of green when she moved and the light hit it a certain way and one of her eyes was a light grey-blue while the other was the color of jade. Next to the woman was another female, this one she thought would be dead by now just due to the passage of time. Aurelly had been her first mate’s bonded partner and when he died her extended lifespan would have gone back to normal. A short distance off was a man that Sky knew to be dead. She’d seen him fall from the sky, a victim of her father’s wrath at her having chosen a mate not approved of by him. A man who appeared to be Rhysirus’Vant was watching her warily and Sky couldn't blame him because she was watching him in a similar manner.

Lost in her memories and growing panic, Sky didn't realize that any of them had been speaking to her. It wasn't until Aurelly reached out gently and took Sky’s arm, giving a gentle squeeze, that Sky’s attention came back to the present and she heard Aurelly say, “You’re not hallucinating, I promise. I’m truly here, and so is Sirus. Your father didn’t succeed in killing him, though it did take many years for him to recover enough to travel. His body was quite broken, probably to the point one or both of you locked down the mating bond so that you wouldn’t be subjected to his pain anymore.”

Before she could think, Sky answered indignantly, “I would never have blocked out my mate Aurelly!” Then, with a choked sob she added, “I felt his pain, every searing detail, and then he was gone. He died Aurelly, he was gone.” Anger and an ages old heartbreak clear in her eyes, she glared at the man who was still staring at her and she accused, “You’re not my Sirus, I felt him die. Maybe you’re a cousin who looks like him and maybe you were able to fool Aurelly but you’re not my Sirus!”

Sirus couldn’t take her anger, couldn’t take her pain, and he wanted to turn and leave but the black haired dragon woman turned to him and begged, “Papa, please… She needs you, can’t you see that?”

Sky snorted haughtily at the younger woman’s words, but when Sirus took a step toward her, Sky’s face blanched. After that first step it was like an avalance and Sirus rushed toward Sky whose arms were, surprisingly to her, wide open for him. As his body met hers and he wrapped his arms about her waist, Sky’s arms closed around his neck. He pulled her into him and lifted her off the ground twirling her like he had when they were both so much younger. Then, as the spinning stopped, Sirus gently laid his lips against hers and without any prompting from either dragon, the magic between them sparked to life once more. The force of it caused Sky to moan into Sirus’s kiss, and caused Sirus’s knees to weaken just enough that he went to his knees still holding her.

“Elders bless it!” Sky breathed in shock as their lips were jolted apart as Sirus went to his knees.
How she was still standing, Sky had no idea. What she did know was that at the base of her skull a long-time lost, but still familiar sensation was blossoming. She could feel his heart beating, nice and strong, and she would have been able to tell with her eyes closed just where he was. She could sense his amazement and she wasn’t sure if it was at the fact that a kiss had knocked him to his knees, or if it was because of who that kiss had just been with. Then, the sweetest sound she’d heard in her entire life, his slightly raspy yet completely warm voice entered her mind and greeted her, *Hello my love. It has been far too long.*

Sky threw herself onto Sirus causing the two of them to tumble to the ground. She was crying uncontrollably now, and Sirus was smiling like a fool, wrapping her in his strong embrace as she cried herself out. Neither of them noticed that a crowd was gathering or that Aro, Sky’s current mate, had joined that crowd.

*****

Aro watched only long enough to figure out what was going on before he turned away in search of some solitude. Sky had told him her tale when they’d met and he had comforted her and even cried with her over the lost mate of her youth and the unwillingly abandoned child of her dead mate’s begetting. Her mate had been a green and any child the two would have had together would have been cursed to be black. Her father had raged over the idea of his daughter producing such wretched creatures and had attacked her mate mid-flight, breaking a wing and sending him tumbling from the skies. And the mate had also had a female bonded partner, a jaguar if he remembered correctly. The clearing that he had just left had present in it everybody that Sky had grieved for, or at least people who could be her long lost family. The egg had apparently survived and hatched healthy if that black haired mirror of Lilia were any indication, and if the man Sky was currently wrapped up in were Sirus, then that meant the woman with the feline presence and scent had to be his bonded partner.

While he and Sky had never been able to form the magic induced mate-bond of their people, they had still made vows and had lived and loved together. Raised two children together. They were even crazy and were talking about trying for a third now that both of their children were grown with mates of their own. And seeing Sky with her first mate left a hollowness in Aro’s chest that made it hard for him to breathe and hard to think. He wouldn’t hold her if she wanted to go with Sirus, but Aro couldn’t imagine his life without Sky in it and uknown to him silent tears were streaming down his cheeks. Magic bond or no, Aro now understood why so many dragons followed their mates into death because to him this truly felt like his life was ending. Without his mate he was nothing, his dreams were nothing, his life was nothing.

*****

It didn't take more than a moment, watching his own mother approach Cameo's, before Grae shifted to his Brood form, gathered up his jaguar mate, and leapt off his den's ledge to glide down to the cavern floor. He needed to be nearby in case his mother did something stupid. As he went he called silently to Lilia, *Cameo's mother is here and I think she intends on ripping Mom a new one, you better get out here to help me.* Yes Lilia was pregnant, but that actually acted in their favor because no matter how pissed off Sky were to get even Grae knew she would never do anything that might result in harm to Lilia's unborn child. Lilia didn't answer with words, but he knew by the quick image she sent him that she was already on the way.

The siblings and their three mates quickly found each other in the crowd and then watched in shock as it was revealed just who the strange people were with Cameo's mother. Lilia and Grae shared multiple shocked glances with each other watching as their mother was reunited with her past. When Sky wound up entangled with the green brood male on the ground, they turned away to give them some privacy and when they did, Lilia spotted their father, his normally proud stature withered and defeated, walking toward the Holding exit.

"Shit!" Lilia cursed as she pointed Aro out to Grae.

His heart breaking for his father, Grae said softly to Lilia, "I'll get him, you go knock some sense into mother." Then, turning to Cameo as he started toward his father, he asked a bit more sharply than he probably meant to, "Did you know about them?"

[Demeter]

Mariana didn't bother to try and stop the nasty little smirk crossing her smirk as she watched Sky's world shatter for a second time. The Brood female had caused her no direct pain but she'd hurt Mariana's childred. First Aurelly, who'd suffered alongside Sirius after the fall and Sky's disappearance. And then with her cutting remarks towards Cameo. Some would say that reintroducing Sky for past in this fashion was cruel but Mariana paid no attention to the idea. Yes, Sky had seen Sirius fall from the sky but instead of going after him, she'd chosen to flee. 

Mariana didn't know how Sirius had survived that great of a fall but she knew without a doubt that his long road to recovery would have been easier if his mate had been there to comfort him. So, with cold eyes, Mariana watched as the brood gathered around the reunited lovers. It was only when some of the brood started whispering about Zori, that she started growling and moved closer to her granddaughter. 
***

A little taken back by the harshness of Grae's voice, Cameo shook his head. "No, I didn't know," he said, "I had no idea that my mother knew yours," he snapped out.
Instead of following Grae to retrieve his father, Cameo went to stand near his mother and to peer at his apparent older sister. 

"I would have told you," he sent, in a hurt tone, through the bond as Grae jogged after Aro. 

***
Levi welcomed the death that the snow would bring. He limped through the drifts, the day old wound on his leg still dribbling blood. He didn't know why he'd fought against that Polar Bear. Surely death by bear would be quicker then freezing to death. Not to mention the notoriety being eaten by a bear would bring. People heard about it all the time; relative nobodies go to the wild and get eaten by a bear and boom, instant fame. 

Then again, there was already enough notoriety attached to his name. Perhaps just disappearing would be for the best. Its not like there was anything left for him in Boston. He'd traded a tattered reputation for death in the Alaskan wilds. The only thing that hurt about leaving Boston behind was that he had to leave the twins behind. 

Levi snorted as he sank down in a drift. This one was deep and his cold body didn't have the coordinate to get out. Satisfied with the sudden appearance of his grave, Levi thought about his twin babies. Grace and Garrett would never know either of his parents. 

Their mother, Shelby, murdered. Their father, himself, a ruined man. His career as a decorated police officer torn asunder as everyone pinned Shelby's death on him. His children yanked from him and given to Shelby's mother. Even after his proven innocence, she wouldn't let him see the babies. No, he got an hours worth of supervised visits a week. 

Most likely, the drinking hadn't helped. Or that he'd opened fire on his commanding officer's car. While the man was in it. 

After that, visitation had been revoked. And he'd been fired. No, there was nothing left in Boston for Levi Wood. Or in life for that matter. Levi was seeking death and Alaska seemed like a good place to do so. 

Levi hunkered down in his snow drift, leg wound staining the ground red, and waited for death to find him. 

Death turned out to be the surprised man who'd just tripped into Levi's grave. "Huh, didn't think grim reapers were real. Oh well, here to take me to hell?" He asked the man. 

[Maira]

Aro had no recollection of leaving the Holding, let alone any idea of just where or how far he had wandered. All he knew was that one moment he was lost in his thoughts and the next he was stumbling over something and landing face first in a snow drift. At the words from a male voice, Aro replied, "Buddy, this -is- Hell." Then he shoved himself up out of the snow and gazed down at the owner of the voice.

The sight of the man temporarily brought Aro out of his pain-filled fog and the growing red stain in the snow around the man alerted him that something was wrong. Without asking any questions, Aro just stepped toward him and hoisted the injured man up onto his shoulder in a fireman's carry. Only once the man was situated did Aro catch his scent. Human. A human would not be welcome in the Holding, Aro knew. Yet strangely he just didn't care and he started trudging back in the direction that his trail through the snow led him.

Grae met him halfway back to the Holding and just gawked as his father continued to trudge past him to the Holding, carrying a bleeding, nearly hypothermic, human back with him.

*****

Zori watched her father's antics, along with the rest of the members of the strange Holding, and when her Lita sidled closer to her Zori was glad for comfort of the woman's familiar presence. She had known her whole life that Aurelly wasn't really her mother, but as the woman had raised her she had always called her Mama. Seeing the woman who was her father's mate caused her chest to tighten and her breathing to speed up. Even knowing the purpose of this trip, Zori was suddenly feeling like her life was falling apart. Without caring how it would look to the strangers surrounding them, Zori took her Lita's hand and rested her chin on the other woman's shoulder and closed her eyes. She really didn't want to be here.

*****

As soon as Grae went off after their father, Lilia had turned her attention back to her mother and the man she was now sitting on the ground with, holding onto for dear life. With a soft groan, Lilia shoved her way through the crowd until she too was inside the clearing around her mother and the strangers. She watched as Cameo slipped toward the older jaguar female then turned her attention back to her mother and whispered, "Privacy for this might be better mother." When Sky didn't acknowledge her, Lilia gently kicked her mother's foot and grumbled, "Mom, get up and go back to my den."

Finally, when Lilia kicked her, Sky came to her senses. She looked around and instantly realized the spectacle they were making. She'd been so lost in Sirus and getting reacquainted with him that she'd totally forgotten they weren't somewhere more appropriate for such an intimate reunion.

At that same moment, Sirus too remembered where they were and he looked immediately to Aurelly, Zori, and Mariana. There was an unfamiliar man standing next to Mariana and Zori, but considering the family resemblance between him and the jaguar woman he was able to guess that the man was Cameo, Mariana's son. Seeing that the people he had come to the Holding with were safe, Sirus turned to Sky and agreed with the pregnant woman, "Privacy would be nice." Sky nodded her agreement then got up, not waiting for him to help her. She'd always been so independent, clearly that hadn't changed.

*****

Grae hadn't even been out of the Holding when Cameo's message came through their bond. What also came through was Cameo's feelings of hurt and immediately Grae felt awful. **I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. My family life just kind of exploded and I've gotta make sure my dad doesn't kill himself over this. I'll be back as soon as I've got him safe.**

When he found his dad, carrying a wounded human, Grae just watched as the older man walked around him back toward the Holding. Clearly the trauma of what had happened with Sky had knocked the sense out of Aro, because if he were in his right mind he never would have taken a human of all things back to the Holding.

[Demeter]

Levi felt annoyed. This man was not a grim reaper. Neither was he one of those psychopathic serial killers that gathered in Alaska and he didn't seem willing to just hand him over to any serial killers either. Not to be deterred from his quest for death, Levi tried to wiggle free. 

Except between the hypothermia and the bloodloss, his wiggling was ineffective against the strength this man displayed. In reality, the wiggles were mere tremors of his muscles and, with what remained of his blood supply draining towards his head, Levi passed out. 
***

When they retreated to the den of the pregnant female, Mariana felt glad of Mina's presence. The brood hybrid was currently drawing much attention then Zori and, as Mina had more exposure to the world, she handled the whispers better. 

With Mina bringing up the rear of the group, Mariana hustled Zori into the den. She idly wished there was a door to slam at the group that followed. That was quickly solved though when one of the female's companions, the one with the purple hair, flicked a finger at the entryway. Anyone approaching now would just slam against a barrier. 

Mariana eyed the woman. She wasn't human, nor was she brood. The hair on the back of Mariana's neck raised as she figured it out. Alati, and a very old one at that. The woman gave her a little finger wave before skipping away. Mumbling, because she hadn't expected that, Mariana went deeper into the den and sat next to Cameo. 

While Aurelly was telling Sky about Sirius survival of the fall, Mariana greeted her youngest son. Cameo was clearly unhappy with her, most likely for showing up out of the blue with the true mate of his new mother-in-law without any warning. 

She ignored his grumbles and yanked him into a hug. She'd introduce him to his sister later. 
***

Cameo squirmed against his mother, trying to twist from her grip. She'd done this since he was fifteen in order to embarrass him and it always worked. He managed to slip from under her arms and he scooted away, glaring and patting his hair back into place. He tried to listen to what was being said but his eyes kept trailing to the other jaguar. His apparent sister. With the exception of Luna, he'd never meet, much less heard about, any of his siblings. 

And he might have gotten a chance to learn about this one but Grae connected with him through the bond. It seemed that Aro was determined to bring an injured human into the holding and if Cameo thought his own introduction to the holding had been hostile, he hadn't seen anything.

Random humans who weren't bonded to a brood were not welcome. 

Slipping away from the group, Cameo approached Rhea and Isis. They stood near the entrance, watching as the curious were zapped by the barrier Isis had cast. While he was curious about that (he didn't think Alati were capable of that), Cameo relayed Grae's message to Rhea. Since the holding's healer had no knowledge of human physiology, he needed a place were he could care for this guy in peace. And Rhea would need to ensure that he got there in one piece. 
***

The surgery to patch the human up last for several hours. With Chastity's assistance, he was able to repair the veins that had been nicked in some kind of animal attack. But that wasn't what worried him. His death walker sense were tingling around him. 

After cleaning up, Cameo approached Aro, who'd remained in the empty den Rhea had located. "I've fixed him up for now. We'll see how he does over night. Aro, are you sure you want to get involved with this guy? He needs help and I could take him down to Anchorage, to one of the bigger hospitals."

For reasons only Aro knew, the older Brood seemed to be more interested in the human he'd tripped over then the fact that his mate was getting snuggly with someone else. "All right," Cameo said when Aro reiterated that he'd look after the stray humam, "but you'll need to look after him closely. He's seeking Death and sooner or later, Death will find him. He's desperate for it. And keep him here in this ground level den. Wouldn't do for him to conveniently trip out of that sky-high den of yours near the rim."

Cameo took his leave then, tell Aro that Chastity would be nearby in case something happened. Outside of the den, Cameo slid back and allowed Shadewell to the front. Shifting into the sleek cat allowed him to scale the side of the holding to Grae's den. Once there, he didn't bother to shift back, he just curled up next to his mate, head on Grae's thigh and purred. 
***

Levi supposed this could be hell. He was in a cave after all but, then again, he didn't think that hell would supply soft blankets or stitch up wounds. "Fuckity," he swore, "still not dead. What does a guy have to do to die around here?" 

He didn't see anyone close by so he crawled from the bed. When his leg throbbed and went out on him, Levi remained sprawled on the floor. "Cop for ten years, shot six times, knifed twice and I don't die. All well and good but when I want to die, nooo...no jacked up, higher the. A kite crooks show up to do the job. Curse my luck," he muttered while pulling himself towards the sound of water. 

Water was good. Water meant he could drown himself. He dragged himself into what turned out to be a wash room that contained the guy who was not a Serial Killer. He appeared to be taking a bath. Gripping the rim, Levi hauled himself up. "Hey, Reaper man. Advanced apologies for disturbing your bath," he said right before dropping, head first, into the hot water

[Maira]

It had been a long and crazy day and by the time Shadewell came padding into his den, Grae was already dozing on the couch. He barely heard the feline enter the high den and only gave a moment's thought to just how he had gotten all the way up. As soon as the big cat curled up next to him on the couch Grae rested a hand on his sleek shoulders and instantly drifted off to sleep.

*****

Aro too had had a very long day and once the human he'd actually stumbled upon was in stable condition, he'd slipped into the den's bathing room to try and soak away some of the stress of the day. He'd barely had a chance to feel his muscles loosen when the human dragged himself into the bathing room. With a raised eyebrow, Aro watched as the man pulled himself up on the rim of the sunken stone pool and then promptly went headfirst into the water.

"Elders bless it," he muttered as he lunged for and then lifted the man bodily out of the warm water. The human spluttered and flailed around, catching Aro's jaw with his elbow which caused Aro to drop him back in the water. "Moron human!" he growled, this time grabbing the man's wrists and dragging him out of the water and back to the den's bedroom. The man immediately tried making his way back to the water, and at a loss of what else to do, Aro slung him over his shoulder, making sure to keep his arms pinned, and went to the front room of the den calling for Chastity who had been sleeping on the couch.

The doc sat up in a haze, yawned and rubbed her eyes, and then demanded, "What did you do to my patient?!" when she saw the human slung over Aro's shoulder.

"-I- saved his suicidal ass, Doc, that's what I did," Aro grumbled, more than a little testy for being accused of harming the idiot human. Not to mention, his jaw was still throbbing.

Chastity just gave Aro a disbelieving look until she directed him to take her patient back to bed. At that time she finally noticed that the brood male's skin was covered with droplets of water and his normally pale skin was slightly pinked from the warmth which made his fine scales all that more clear. As Aro wasn't her patient, her normal doctor's composure slipped a bit and she felt herself blush.

*****

After deciding that until the human could be reasoned with, or until Aro could be reasoned with to send the man elsewhere, that he would remain in restraints, Aro and Chastity both finally got some much needed sleep. Aro crashed on the floor between the man and the bathing room, Chastity slept on the couch that had been scooted to block the door between the bedroom and the front room and exit of the den.

[Demeter]

Levi was annoyed. Actually, he was edging past annoyed and into frustration. Not only were these people refusing to let him die, they'd tied him to the bed and poured nutritional broths down his throat. Growling, Levi tugged at his restraints.

They were trying to preserve his useless life. He'd only spoken to one person since waking up restrained on the bed. With ten years on the force, he'd pegged the tall, blonde woman as a cop the moment he saw her. The only thing he'd told her was to ring up the Boston PD and run his badge number. She'd have the whole sordid story soon enough and perhaps he could get on with dying.

***

Rhea stood outside the den holding the human with Aro, Chas, Grae, and Cameo. She handed a stack of papers to Aro. They were copies of articles from a Boston newspaper. "His name is Levi Wood. He is, or rather was, a detective in the Boston PD. He was dishonorably discharged after taking a few pot shots at his commander's vehicle while the man was in said vehicle. He was apparently drunk at the time but no charges were brought against him. About six months ago, his wife was killed and all the evidence pointed at him, initially.

"Turns out that she committed suicide. She'd had twins only a few months before that and her doc said that the post partum depression was pretty bad. I don't imagine having a cop as a husband helped and she was often alone with a pair of demanding babies. The way Levi tells it, they'd had a fight on the morning of her death. A real knock down, all out fight. Raised voices, plate throwing, furniture shoving fight that included some physical blows. Some pushy-shovey and she got him with her nails. He left the house after that but a few hours later, a neighbor hears the babies screaming. She goes in and find the wife in the kitchen, surrounded by the aftermath of the fight, dead of a knife wound on the kitchen floor.

"The boys who responded knew that she was Levi's wife and man, when the wife of a cop turns up dead? Anyway, everyone thought Levi was good for it until a suicide note turned up in the wife's parent's mail and a reconstruction proved that he wasn't a killer but the damage to Levi's reputation was done. He'd lost custody of the twins at the start of the investigation, very strict visitation rights, took to drinking, was stuck on the desk and off the field. According to the department shrink, he just lost it one day after his commander made some comment. Levi got drunk after that and opened fire. Lost all visitation to his kids after that and was kicked off the force. They lost track of him a month ago."

Rhea paused and looked over her shoulder at the den's entrance. "He hit rock bottom in less then five months. That Boston PD shrink agrees with you, Cameo, he's seeking death."

They stood around for a few minutes, discussing what to do with the man they now knew to be Levi. Cameo still thought he needed to be in a special institution that handled cases like him. Rhea was annoyed because, judging by the wounds, she possibly had a man eating polar bear close to a human population. That probably meant more paper work.

Things might have been determined if Isis hadn't come trotting up just then, telling Aro, Grae and Cameo that they were wanted in Lilia's den. Something about a meeting with the leaders of the Holding. After Rhea and Chastity promised to look after the wayward human, the three followed Isis back.

Mariana sat back to back with Mina in a little alcove in Lilia's den. Even though this holding lacked wifi, they could still read the enovels on their tablets. Zori was sprawled out next to them, the Black Brood exhausted from both the travel and the hostility from some of the members of this Holding. Tablet forgotten for the moment, Mariana looked down at her granddaughter and stroked the woman's hair. There were other things bothering the woman but, so far, she'd only confided in Aurelly.

This Holding was entirely too hidebound, she thought. She remembered the looks of disgust some had tossed at Zori. Of course, Momma Cat Aurelly was quick to growl at any who said a negative word about Zori. Mariana had never been prouder of her first born. She glanced at Aurelly and smothered a laugh. She was leaning against Sirius back, pouting and holding the charger of her own tablet. From the way Sirius was biting his lip, she guessed that he was being subjected to a rant about the lack of nearby electrical outlets.

When her son and the others entered the den, she smiled at Cameo, who glared at her. He was still upset that she'd popped up in Alaska it seemed. She'd been ready to let him marry on his own, despite Mina's "but you can't miss your son's wedding" speech until he'd told her the name of his future mother in law. Sky calling Cameo a pet was enough to get her moving but learning that the female brood had abandoned Sirius, Aurelly and Zori's egg only to start a new family really pissed her off.

She shot a glare at woman (not that she noticed; the only thing she'd payed attention to in the last 24 hours was Sirius, before going back to her tablet. She didn't care about brood politics. She was only staying for Zori and to grill Cameo's future husband. She glanced over at the man in question, noticed the casual way he had an arm around Cameo's waist and gave him a very toothy grin.

'Your mother is starting to scare me.'

Cameo caught the comment and tried not to giggle. He'd learned quickly to be serious around the Holding leaders and the lot of them were crowded into Lilia's den. He glanced at his mother and shook his head. 'She's trying to scare you, I think. This is all Mina's fault, of course. She's made a few of mother's human habits resurface,' he sent back.

Once they were all settled, the leaders made their announcement. The youngest was shoved forward and he cleared his throat before speaking. "Sky, Aro, lately there has been a lot of uproar surrounding your family. First with the...unconventional union of your daughter and then the relationships of your son. We can forgive these things. Even though the relationships are unusual, your daughter is mated to another of the white brood and your son mostly likely won't be producing children with his chosen partner, these things are not outside the laws of the brood.

"However, your relations with this green brood have produced a black, which is unacceptable. The council has decided that the Black Brood named Zori cannot be allowed to stay within the Point Hope Holding. She is already attracting to much attention from the single males and we don't want her polluting the bloodlines here. Additionally, the council has decided that you, Sky, and your true mate are not to be allowed shelter within these walls as well. Your actions, past, present, and future, could influence the young ones to flaunt tradition and break Brood laws as you have done by producing a black. Aro, you as well as your children Grae and Lilia, are welcome to stay or go. I'm sorry, Sky, the council has spoken. You have a week from today to leave."

The council left, leaving a den full of hissing cats and roaring dragons behind.

[Maira]

Aro wasn't sure what Rhea expected him to do with the stack of papers she foisted at him, but after listening to her tale about the moron human he was more intrigued and he supposed the papers filled in whatever details Rhea left out. After a quick look at Chastity, Aro realized that there were probably a lot of details left out because the poor doc was looking rather pale.

Grae only half-listened to what Rhea had to say about their "guest" because his attention was actually more focused on the whispers and looks that the other clan members were shooting in their direction. Because he was watching the crowd already, Grae was the first to spot his new sister-in-law making her way over to them. Her body language, coupled with the weirdness from the clan members, warned Grae that something was up before she even opened her mouth. At the summons to speak with the clan leaders, he felt his natural warmth drain away and a chill race down his spine.

Along with Cameo and his father, Grae followed Isis back to Lilia's den. The crowd inside was a little overwhelming but even so, the look Cameo's mother shot him made his hackles rise. He whispered to his mate just how the man's mother was starting to scare him and Cameo's attempt not to giggle almost succeeded. Almost. Luckily, only those who knew the feline well would probably have recognized the sound for what it really was.

It didn't take long after Isis and the three men arrived at the den that the leaders proceeded with the meeting. Their quick retreat after delivering the verbal blows to the large extended family did not paint the leaders in a very charitable light at all and while Sky, Sirus, Aurelly and Aro weren't terribly surprised the rest of the den's current occupants were left in various stages of shock, anger, and hurt.

*****

Zori had been lounging near Mariana and Mina trying to recover from the stress of their journey so far. She hadn't exactly expected a warm welcome by her biological mother's new people, but she had at least hoped for a little less open hostility. That hadn't been the case, however, and because of that she was just emotionally drained. After hearing the verdict of the clan's leaders, who couldn't even look her in the yes when they gave it, Zori left the main room of the den. She retreated into the small room that Lilia had told her she'd set aside for children she and Isis were carrying. There weren't many decorations in the room yet, mostly boxes of baby clothes, a pair of cribs, and a loveseat in addition to a pair of rocking chairs. Zori curled up on the loveseat, her back towards the door, and forced the ice inside of her to melt and come out as tears instead of dangerous ice magic that might harm Lilia and the rest of their family.

*****

Immediately after the clan leaders left, the intertwined families of dragons and felines errupted into chaos. Lilia sat down in shocked silence and just gawked. What the hell had just happened?

*****

Mina didn't know where to focus her attention, but when Zori got up and left the room she nudged Mariana and whispered, "I'll keep anybody from following, you go to her." When the older woman got up to follow her granddaughter, Mina made sure to position herself in the entrance to the hallway that led back to the living quarters of the den.

*****

Grae had been just as shocked as Lilia to hear the verdict rendered against his mother, her true mate, and his older half sister. Only, instead of her defeated silence and stillness, Grae got angry. Grae got downright furious. Having put up with enough judgmental crap from his mother for years, he just suddenly couldn't take anymore from an outside source. When everybody else seemed to be distracted yelling at Sky for being the ultimate cause of all of this, Grae slipped out of the den. Without looking, he knew that Cameo had followed him out but he didn't slow or wait for his mate. There was something he needed to do and if he wasn't fast enough, the clan leaders would have time to separate and go their own ways.

Only moments after leaving Lilia's den, Grae caught sight of his intended targets and he sprinted to catch up to them. When he knew he'd be within hearing range, he let his vocal cords shift just enough that a loud resounding roar thundered through the Holding, and then let them shift back. When the clan leaders stopped and turned to face their challenger, the baffled looks on their faces caused a smirk to dance across Grae's.

Before any of them had a chance to speak, Grae let into them. "I am greatly disappointed in all of you! Instead of welcoming family into the fold of our Clan you have banished one of your own, her child, and her mate! That is reprehensible!"

Despite his feline grace and silence, Grae heard Cameo stop just behind his right shoulder. Knowing that his mate was with him, fueled his rage at the clan leaders and he barely stopped for breath before continuing his rampage. "EiraSky'Ravi may very well have brought her banishment upon herself with her actions but what has her daughter Zoriona’Eira, an innocent in all of this, done to warrant such harsh judgement?! Not a blasted thing. She was born of two parents, she didn't choose them. She was simply born. Your archaic, hide-bound bull-shit reasons for banishing Zori are just that. Pure and utter bull-shit!"

Grae was trembling now, his rage building more than he had ever experienced before and for the first time in his life he felt the urge to harm another Brood. Cameo's hand grasped his then, as if sensing Grae's inner turmoil, and it settled him enough to see through the rage induced haze. Two of the leaders had taken their Brood forms and were clearly ready for a physical altercation. Grae snarled at them but did not engage.

The oldest of the leaders, one left in human form, gazed intently at her counterparts long enough for Grae to know she was conversing with them telepathically. When her words came he knew there would be no arguing because the four of them had clearly come to a quick agreement. "Since you feel so strongly Graethyn'Toril, you may join your mother, her mate, and your oldest sister in exile. You however must leave the Holding within the next 24 hours because you pose a physical and societal threat to the residents of this Holding."

Grae sneered at them, bowed with a flourish, and answered in a sickeningly sweet tone, "As you wish, oh gloriously hide-bound assholes." Without any further indication that he knew they existed, Grae turned and stormed back toward his own den. Part way there, Lilia demanded, *You said WHAT to the leaders?!* Apparently their father had followed him and relayed the whole incident to those still shouting, growling, and hissing in the den.

When they reached the base of the cliff that held his own den, Grae turned to Cameo and apologized, "I'm sorry I lost you access to the hotsprings," then he shifted into his Brood form and swept his mate up into his arms for the ascent. Not for the first time, he was very glad that he had removed most of his personal belongings years ago when he had moved south to Washington.

[Demeter]

Cameo didn't say a thing when they returned to then den in order to gather up their belongings. He merely nipped Grae's jaw and gave the man a nuzzle as a way of saying that everything was all right. He kept quiet on the way home, letting his partner grouse and grumble about unfair treatment. It wasn't until they were in their own place that Cameo caught Grae in a tight embrace. "You have no idea how proud I am of you right now," he said while pulling Grea towards the couch. They tumbled down onto the worn cushions together. "Oh, and no need to worry about the hot springs. Ben says there's a underground system on the land where he's building a house. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if we barricaded ourselves in it for a little hanky panky every once in a while."

Cameo laughed when Grae growled and dove at him. Really, seeing his dragon go all aggressive about the treatment of the family had been incredibly arousing for the cat and he intended on showing Grae just how proud he was.

Unfortunately, their peace didn't last long. The next day, his mother and Mina popped up on their doorstep. Had he been in cat form, his ears would have been pinned back. It seemed that Mother would have a chance to grill him and Grae after all.

He grumbled at Mina, still blaming her for the resurfacing of Mother's human habits and emotions. As he watched his mother unload a bag of groceries, he shoot a look at Mina. "If we all die of food poisoning, I'm going to haunt your relatives," he hissed.

He warily watched from over Grae's shoulder as his mother invaded the kitchen. Cooking was not a skill set Mariana had and he got nervous when she claimed to be making them some fantastic recipe she'd found online. She'd served all of the previous dates he'd bothered to introduce her too with Domino's pizza. He supposed a fiancé was different. This had to be some sort of test for Grae. Some how much do you love your future mother in law and can you stand her cooking test."

It had to be hard to ruin meatloaf, right?

****

Across town, Isis pouted a little. Zori was even taller then her big sister and Aurally had bigger hips. There was no one to play dress up with. Rhea had offered her empty apartment to Sky and Sirius while Mariana had reportedly barged in on Grae and Cameo. She had invited Zori and Aurally to stay at their place. While Ben and Lilia were out getting food from the resturant, Isis had shown the two women the storage area and both had squealed at the sight of all the vintage clothing and jewelry.

While she patiently packed away clothing, after promising reproductions, she watched as Zori and Aurally draped themselves in her costume jewels. For the first time since her sudden appearance, Zori was smiling and laughing. Isis couldn't help smiling to herself as Zori collapsed into a pile of giggles as Aurally tried on one of her more flamboyant hats.

Snickering, Isis reached up and twisted it 180 degrees. "There. Now its on and facing the right way."

That got Zori launching into a fit of giggles. Aurally watched as her adopted daughter doubled over with laughter. She turned and gave Isis an impulsive hug. "Thank you!" she said.

Isis just squeezed her back. "I know what its like to be rejected like that. Neither of my parents wanted me. It wasn't until Ben came around that someone wanted to know me for me, you know. Now, you and her, are part of this crazy family of misfits."

[Maira]

Zori had been content living in the jungle, hadn't really minded the enforced solitude that her hide color dictated. Everything had been fine until Mariana had brought news that her biological bother was still alive and with her were two siblings that Zori had always secretly longed for. With that one visit, Zori's life had changed in ways that now left her discontent in almost every aspect of her life. Sitting next to her younger sister, her light mirror to Zori's dark, sharing a bowl of popcorn as they watched a new release that Lilia and her new mate Ben had picked up while they were getting dinner, Zori felt the inexplicable need to run from the younger woman. But maybe it wasn't Lilia she wanted to run from, but from the easy acceptance Lilia and Ben were experiencing as new mates. Lilia was glowing with her first pregnancy and it hurt. Zori wasn't allowed intimacy with a male if there was even the slight chance she might concieve. Nor was she allowed to take a male as a mate. She wasn't allowed a normal life, all because her parents loved each other when they shouldn't have.

She wasn't quite sure how she managed, but Zori lasted through the movie, and by the end Lilia had actually curled up against her and was softly snoring. With a small smile, glad that her sister felt comfortable with her despite her hide color, she turned to Ben and joked, "I think you need to take sleeping beauty here to bed." When he lifted his new mate from the couch and took her to their room, Zori removed herself from the couch as well and headed toward the door out of the apartment. Before Aurally or Isis could ask, she explained, "I need some time to think, I'll be back later." She could see the objection clear in Aurally's eyes, but before her adoptive mother could object to her going out alone, Zori slipped out the door and ran down the stairs. She slipped out the back door of Ben's shop into the alley and let her brood form surge to the surface and she was airborne before Ben was even told by Isis that he might need to follow her.

*****

Grae thanked his dragon-born ability to choke down most any meat item, no matter how badly cooked, rotten, or raw. Poor Mina didn't seem to have the same ability however and Cameo seemed quite amused at the woman's attempts to stomach her mate's meal. Normally she helped Mariana on her rare cooking ventures, but this time even Mina had been shooed out of the kitchen. When the meal was over, Grae thanked his future mother in law for dinner, then suggested they all go downstairs for dessert at Lilia's restaurant. Even Mariana looked pleased at this suggestion, apparently making Grae the only one that had actually been able to stomach the meatloaf without much issue.

As they walked down the stairs, Grae ushed the women out first and then followed Cameo out groping his ass as he passed before leaning in and nipping at his neck while sending to him through their bond, **She didn't manage to kill me, or even scare me off a little, so this means we're still allowed to get married right?** His mental voice was tinged with laughter and love for his mate, even more so when Cameo answered with, **I'm still not sure if I'm going to survive that dinner...**

Just as they entered the restaurant, Grae felt a Brood presence shoot through the night sky above them and he glanced upward just in time to see a dark shape blot out some of the stars before it moved on. Knowing that if it had been one of the dragons from the Holding he would have been able to see their white bodies against the night sky, that only left the night-colored Zori and possibly her green father if he were a dark enough shade. Curious why either of them would be out flying alone in strange, and obviously hostile towards them, territory Grae stalled for a moment longer outside before he made a decision.

Peering around the dining room, Grae spotted Cameo and the women and bee-lined toward them. He didn't sit, but instead excused himself from dessert, "I've had a nice time meeting you ladies tonight, but I'm afraid I need to attend to something and I'm going to have to take a rain-check on dessert." He bent down, kissed Cameo square on the lips, and then with a smile for the women, turned and left the restaurant. Not bothering to find a hidden place to shift, Grae rushed through his own transformation to his brood form and launched into the night sky.

*****

While her human body was adapted to the heat of the jungle, her brood form seemed just as suited to the icy Alaskan night. She had learned long ago how to be silent while in flight which turned out to be an equally valuable skill in escaping notice of a town full of humans and Brood as it was in avoiding notice by prey while hunting. She could feel the surprisingly many Brood below her as she flew over the town and then beyond it. She didn't have a plan on where she was flying, but she knew which direction the Holding was and that she wouldn't dare fly in that direction.

Once she had cleared the edge of the town, Zori allowed herself to get lost in the sensations of flight. The air over and under the skin of her wings, the seemingly ever present ice crystals making tiny sharp pains against her body as she rocketted through them, the surprising brightness of the moon, stars and aurora above her dazzling her eyes. Part of her yearned for this starkly beautiful place to be one she could call home, and with that yearning came the pain of knowing that she would never be accepted here. With nobody near to witness, Zori finally let the tears slide from her eyes unhindered.

Lost in her emotions and the beauty of the arctic night, Zori had no idea that she was being followed let alone that most of those following her wished her ill. It wasn't until, in trying to cut off her flight path, that one of her followers crossed between her and the moon that Zori realized she wasn't alone. She didn't even have time to try and evade before a hand wrapped around her tail and yanked downward as the brood holding her folded his wings and plummeted. Her wings held against the force of the fall for two beats before another hand grabbed her right ankle and also yanked her down. Unable to carry that much extra weight, Zori's wings wrenched from their sockets as she tried desperately to stay aloft.