Achan's Peace

Achan’s Peace Jade Buchanan The Pridelands 6

Prologue The human stood over him, his rank stench nearly enough to make Achan sick. He didn‟t know what they wanted to do to him, but he realized how desperate they were at this point. He was almost out of hope. He wanted so badly for his family to rescue him but he despaired that they would ever find him. This was all his fault. He shouldn‟t have wandered off. What was going to happen to him? Why hadn‟t his brothers found him yet? Where were they? He was lying on a bed, covered in tiny white flowers. He didn‟t know what they were but the very presence of them was making him crazy. He couldn‟t move because of the ropes holding him down, but every brush of air against his inflamed skin made him wish he could roll over and fuck anything he could find. What was wrong with him? One of the humans—Hunter— crouched beside him, holding his own head against another brutal punch from his brother. Tears dripped from his eyes, the one swollen painfully. Blood coated his split lip and covered his chin. Achan didn‟t understand it. Why would siblings ever treat each other with anything less than respect? Especially Hunter. He‟d been so kind to Achan, even when he still thought he was an animal. Achan just needed to be careful, like Hunter told him. He couldn‟t give away that he wasn‟t exactly as animalistic as the rest of the humans assumed. Hunter had told him that the rest would treat him even worse if they realized he could talk and understand everything they were saying, but Achan didn‟t know how long he could stand this before he cracked. His head was so fuzzy, he couldn‟t hold on to a single thought for more than a moment. He needed to get his senses back. It was going to become dangerous if he couldn‟t pay attention. He couldn‟t afford to mess something up. Shouts sounded behind the closed doors, followed by a sharp, snapping sound that had Achan‟s heart pounding. He knew that roar. Khalid. His brother was here. His brother was here to rescue him! The door slammed open, a lithe figure throwing himself inside. Pran righted himself and snarled, baring his fangs, his snapping roar filling the room. Wait, what was Pran doing here? He shouldn‟t be here since he hadn‟t come to Earth with them. Was he dreaming? “Stay away! I‟ll kill him! I swear it! Stay away!” The human grabbed a knife, holding it to Achan‟s throat. Achan was too insensate to move, though he knew how dangerous this moment was. The human was crazy. But no, it had to be a dream. Pran wasn‟t here in real life so the knife didn‟t exist either. The Tigris was 1

supposed to be back on Himalay. Even if he wasn‟t, there was no way Pran would be here as a rescue party. He hated Khalid and everyone related to him. Pran waited, keeping his gaze on the knife. Achan tensed, unable to move more than a bare inch. His whole body felt weak. “Zach, stop this now. Let him go! Just let him go,” Hunter screamed. It worked as a distraction. The human‟s attention switched for a brief moment, just enough time for Pran to move. He thrust forward, grasping the man‟s knife hand. They grappled briefly for the weapon but Pran prevailed. He grabbed it, twisted it, stabbed it into that soft belly and pulled up hard. Death stared out from the human‟s gaze before he slumped to the ground with a gurgle. Achan whimpered. Khalid was suddenly at his back, grabbing for Achan, releasing him from his bindings and pulling him into his arms. His brother was here. It was going to be okay. Everything would be okay. Khalid would save him.

Chapter One Achan cried out, lost in the twisting landscape of his recurring nightmare. He was lying helpless in that single room, watching with dulled eyes the sight of his captor being gutted by Pran. Khalid moved around the figures and untied Achan‟s bonds while he whispered soothing words of comfort. Slumping against his brother‟s chest, Achan sobbed once before pulling back to gaze up at Khalid. Suddenly, without warning, the human reared up behind Khalid. The knife flashed before it bit deeply into Khalid‟s throat. Blood gushed, hot against Achan‟s fur. He started to scream, reaching out for Khalid as his beloved brother slumped to the side. No, no no no! Khalid! “Khalid! No, Khalid!” “Achan, calm down. Calm down.” Hands grabbed him, trying to hold him in place. Achan screamed, trying to get away. No, they wouldn‟t take him again. He would die before letting them take him again. “Achan, brother, please. You are safe. They will not hurt you again.” The voice pierced his panic, awareness creeping back into his mind. Durai. He was with his oldest brother, back home on Felid. Achan opened his eyes, meeting his brother‟s concerned gaze. The familiar scar that slashed across Durai‟s face grounded him, making Achan realize he was safe. He breathed heavily, then began to cry. Durai‟s arms came around him, rocking him back and forth. “Khalid?” Achan whispered, brushing his cheek against Durai‟s furred shoulder. He needed to see Khalid. Even knowing in his mind that his brother was safe, he still needed to touch him. Make sure. “Our brother is safe and sound. Do you want me to get him? Darren? Please?” A smaller figure moved out from behind Durai. Achan flinched before he recognized the human as his brother‟s mate. It wasn‟t Zach. No, Zach was dead. He would never be able to hurt Achan or his family again. Achan knew that. He just wished his mind would let him remember. Snuggling closer to Durai, he inhaled deeply. The familiar spicy scent of his brother filled the air around him, a visceral reminder that he was home. Khalid entered the room, immediately coming toward Achan. His massive bulk was reassuring, the subtle blend of Tigris and Leo features making him uniquely Khalid. Achan whimpered, leaning toward his brother as Khalid reached him. Rough fingers touched Achan‟s tear-stained cheek. “It was the dream again?” Achan nodded. “I am safe. Unharmed. You see?” Khalid thrust his arms out to either side of himself. Achan opened his mouth, but couldn‟t find the words to acknowledge that everything was really okay. He felt incredibly weak, but he couldn‟t help it. The fear still wouldn‟t leave him, even after seeing his brother in the flesh. “Would it help if we laid here with you?” Durai asked, smoothing back the mane of hair from Achan‟s forehead. Feeling even more the fool, Achan nodded gratefully. Nights like this, he couldn‟t escape the clawing doubt. Both men crawled further into the bed, surrounding him with their arms. He lay back down, inhaling deeply. He was vaguely aware of Darren bending down and kissing Durai before the human walked out of the room. A shadow moved from the corner of the room, Pran materializing before following Darren out of the 2

door and closing the three brothers inside. He hadn‟t even realized Pran had arrived with Khalid, although he wasn‟t surprised. He still felt awkward that Pran had been the one to save his life. Pran had always made it very clear that he despised all the Steinssons. It had turned out that he‟d really been in love with Khalid, but growing up, Achan had always been aware of the threat of the fierce Tigris. It had been Achan‟s kidnapping that had propelled the two to finally acknowledge their mutual love, and now Pran was living on Felid with Khalid. None of them were quite sure how long it would last, but Achan was grateful that Pran wasn‟t in a rush to move back to Himalay. Achan needed Khalid still. He wasn‟t quite ready to give his brother up. He wasn‟t sure what would happen if he had the nightmare and Khalid wasn‟t there to reassure him. Achan didn‟t know what was wrong with him. It had been months since he was rescued, and he still woke up in a cold sweat almost every night. Some nights were worse than others. This one had been bad. Most of the time his family wasn‟t even aware of it. He wasn‟t sure which he preferred. There was no shame in his fear, he knew that, but he should be able to let it go by now. He didn‟t want them to constantly view him as a kit that couldn‟t heal on his own, but he felt safer when he was surrounded by family. Some nights it was Durai and Khalid. Other nights their brother Rais filled in. His sister Zula and his parents had also all taken a turn sleeping beside him. Why was he still having dreams? Khalid hadn‟t died that night. Zach, the horrible human who had been responsible for his kidnapping, had died and so had the rest of his men. Well, not quite all of his men. Hunter had made it out alive. Hunter Miles, younger brother to Zachary Miles, scum of the Earth. That was one place Achan had no intention of ever visiting again. Actually, he really had no intention of ever leaving Felid again. Not if he had anything to say about it. Closing his eyes, he tried to forget his nightmare. He wished he could move on with his life. He just didn‟t know how. *** Hunter stretched, rubbing his aching eyes. They still felt gritty, and he knew he hadn‟t had enough sleep once again. Achan‟s cries had woken him in the early hours of the morning, and he hadn‟t been able to get back to sleep after that. There was just too much moving through his mind. Hunter deeply inhaled the clean air, and marveled at the view, like he always did first thing in the morning. It was almost like he went back home every night, back to that cramped house in Northern B.C., and then woke up in this strange place every morning. He figured he‟d eventually get used to it. Probably. Hopefully. His new home was night and day different from his old home. The area around Fort Nelson, British Columbia was heavily forested. The mountains stretched along the border between B.C. and Alberta, and wildlife was abundant. His father and brother had been Search and Rescue personnel in their spare time, but Hunter had always gravitated more toward computers. He didn‟t have any formal training or anything since he would have had to leave home to go to University, and his dad wasn‟t going to pay for that. There were a lot of things he hadn‟t been able to do back home. Not that things were very much different here. Different setting, maybe, but he still felt as trapped as ever, which might explain why he spent as much time as possible outside. “Morning, Hunter. Did you sleep well?” Hunter shifted in place, finally noticing the lithe figure he‟d missed when he first came out. Rowan was sitting in the shade of one of the trees beside his house, holding a tiny cub in her arms. He knew the little one had just barely been born, but he still marveled at how small she was. “Morning. Well enough, I guess. You?” “Little devil kept me up half the night. I think she‟s teething. Actually, scrap that. I know she‟s teething. I have the bite marks to prove it.” “Teething already? Man, that just seems wild.” Hunter laughed at the imagery. Rubbing his chest, he wandered closer and slid down to sit beside her. Rowan was a fellow human, the first of them to arrive here. The baby in her arms was her daughter, Fiona Gatti. Hunter didn‟t think anyone knew quite what to expect with her. She had a human mother but her father most definitely wasn‟t human. “She looks more like her daddy every day.” Rowan‟s lips curved gently. “He claims she looks like me. I‟m not sure if he‟s trying to tell me I need to wax my upper lip or something. I think she has my eyes, though. Laithe keeps hoping they stay brown and don‟t turn amber as she gets older.” Hunter studied the cub, currently doing a pretty good impression of a sleeping angel. Her rosebud mouth was pursed, and her tiny tail was curled around her mother‟s forearm.

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“You‟re not a little devil, are you, sweeting?” Rubbing the back of his index finger against her downy cheek, Hunter smiled at Rowan. “Her fur has a bit of red in it. Maybe she does look like you.” “I don‟t mind. I kind of like the thought of his daughter looking like him. I haven‟t said anything to the fuzz butts, yet, but I‟m hoping the next one comes out looking like Fahd. He loves Fiona like his own cub, but it would be nice to have a little Fahd running around. I just can‟t believe how quickly time flies. It seems like yesterday that I met them. I never expected my life to change quite like this.” Hunter knew how she felt. It felt like yesterday that he‟d met these guys too. Speaking of which… Hunter stared off to the side where a number of Leo were amassing. Among them was the object of his current frustration. Achan glanced over at him before quickly looking away. His long, slender tail twitched beside him, the tufted end brushing against his knee. Hunter knew enough about the Felidae by now to know that the tail twitching was a sign of nerves. Or possibly arousal, but he wasn‟t sure what to make of that so he‟d go with the nerves. In addition to the tail, Achan just happened to possess the softest pelt of tawny fur over his entire body. A darker mane of hair flowed around his head, reminding Hunter of the big African lions he‟d seen on nature programs. Liquid amber eyes and the cutest freckles across his cheeks made him seem younger, but his lithely muscular frame more than hinted he was all man. Not that Hunter paid attention to that at all. Man, he was hopeless. Utterly and ridiculously hopeless. “Hunt, you think he‟s getting any better?” Rowan shifted, nudging Hunter with her shoulder. “What?” “Achan. I heard him last night again. I think he might be getting worse.” Hunter sighed. “I don‟t know. Maybe.” He didn‟t want to think of that. It was partly his fault the guy was having the nightmares in the first place. Not for the first time he wondered if his continued presence here was actually making things worse. He didn‟t want to leave, but he hated to see Achan like this. The Leo still avoided him for large parts of the time. Hunter was trying not to take it personally. “Where are your men this morning?” Hunter asked, trying to distract her. “Oh, they‟re getting things ready. Some of Fahd‟s relatives are coming to visit Fiona. Apparently they‟re pretty excited about the birth so they want to see her in person and pay their respects. At least, that‟s what Laithe says. All I know is that I‟m freaking out that they‟re going to hate me. It was bad enough meeting all of Laithe‟s family.” “You‟ve never met Fahd‟s family?” “Some of them. Not all, though. Besides, Fahd‟s all nervous about his cousin being here so that just makes everything worse.” Hunter didn‟t even pretend to understand the complexities of everyone‟s relationship to each other, but he was slowly learning. “Ah, crap. Here we go. How do I look?” Rowan squirmed again, this time accompanied by a wail from the bundle in her arms. Frowning, Hunter followed her gaze to a small ship that was landing in the far field. He hadn‟t even been paying attention, but now he realized that Achan wasn‟t the only Leo in the clearing around them. In fact, most of the ones he knew were milling around. “Nawra, let me take Fiona.” Steely arms came down from behind Hunter and Rowan, neatly removing the now squalling baby. Hunter glanced up at Laithe, who was holding his daughter in one massive arm. “Where‟s Fahd?” Rowan asked, bouncing her knees and jiggling Hunter. Damn, now she was making him nervous. He really hoped this went well for her. Laithe pointed back to the ship with his free hand, turning their attention to the furry guy now greeting the disembarking passengers. “Oh shit. Should we be there with him? Crap, they‟re going to hate me, aren‟t they?” Rowan scrambled to her feet, desperately dusting off her legs. Hunter hid his grin as she‟d probably cut him a new one if she saw it. Following her up, he tried to remain unobtrusive. “Nawra, it is not possible for anyone to hate you. Calm yourself. It is Fahd‟s duty to bring his family to us.” Suitably impressed how Rowan melted at the purr in Laithe‟s voice, Hunter decided it was time to leave them behind. Only, he got distracted by one of the men greeting Fahd with a hug.

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Standing head and shoulders above the other man, the newcomer looked close to seven feet tall. His entire body was covered in short, black hair. It was so different from the rest of the Leo that he was used to spending time with. The new guy looked just like Fahd. Like uber-Fahd, if that was even possible. “Who is that?” Hunter strained his neck to see what was going on. Rowan leaned closer to him, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Tafa Morn. Jesus, just look at his scars. He‟s Fahd‟s oldest cousin, here to meet Fiona for the first time. Apparently he‟s like the big brother of the family. Everyone else pretty much listens to him because of his experience. Fahd said he was one of the first to leave Seren to go hunting. That was after Fahd had already come here because of his dad, though. The others with him are a couple aunts, uncles and other cousins. I think that‟s it. There might be a few others that Fahd didn‟t see fit to mention.” “Hunting?” What the hell did that mean? And now that he was actually looking for them, he could see the scars Rowan mentioned, like a thin patchwork of lines through his fur. How did someone get cut up like that? Rowan lifted her hand, tucking hair behind her ear. “Okay, quick biology and history lesson here. Pay attention. The Pardus, of course, are normally a sun-dappled cream color, spotted with black rosettes. The rare exceptions are the Morn clans from the south. Their coats are pitch black, with crescent markings nearly indistinguishable from the rest of their fur. Like my big black fur ball, of course. Anyway, Fahd‟s family is pretty well-known among the Pardus. The Morn clans are more like the Tigris in a lot of ways. Most of them end up becoming mercenaries or bodyguards like Fahd, who protects Laithe. And Fahd‟s father does the same for Laithe‟s father.” Laithe snorted. “You sound like you know more about us than we do, Nawra. Although, it is not just the Morn clans who become bodyguards.” Ignoring her mate, Rowan continued in a whisper, “Tafa is a big-shot warrior. Frankly, he scares the shit out of me, and I haven‟t even met him yet.” Hunter was about to reply when he suddenly noticed they were now the centre of attention. Looked like he didn‟t have to be curious much longer. Fahd and his cousin were headed right for them.

Chapter Two Tafa kept his guard up even knowing his family had his back. He didn‟t like being here. Years ago, it wasn‟t uncommon for the Leo to kill any Pardus they came into contact with, and Tafa was more than aware of the fact that Fahd used to have a rough time of it when he visited other prides. He‟d never understood why his younger cousin would voluntarily accept such an existence until the first time he saw Fahd with Laithe. Now they had a third, Laithe‟s chosen mate. Plus the cub Laithe was holding in one protective arm. As Tafa watched, Laithe pulled the female beside him under his free arm and hugged her to his chest. Tafa studied the petite human beside Laithe, wondering about the family unit they had built. “She is a little thing, barely bigger than a cub, cousin.” Fahd chuckled, hitting him on the shoulder. “Trust me. She is strong enough to dance with Laithe and I.” “I have no doubt. You are happy?” He could see it in his cousin‟s eyes, but he wanted to hear the words. Pausing to stare at his family unit, Fahd sighed. “I never imagined it would be like this, Tafa. I had nearly given up hope.” “Hmm.” “You will like her. I know it. Wait until you see our cub, too. She looks just like Laithe,” Fahd continued, smirking up at Tafa. “Who knows? Maybe you will find your mate here just like I did.” Tafa doubted that would happen, though he hadn‟t given up hope yet. He had been alone much longer than Fahd had, but that wasn‟t unusual among his people. He had always known there was a man waiting for him. He just needed to find him. His gaze moving around the clearing as they walked toward everyone, Tafa mentally sorted out the familiar faces from those he didn‟t know. Inhaling deeply, he let the various scents filter in. “You have quite the menagerie here, cousin.” “I blame Rowan. People tend to gravitate toward her, and once you are part of her family, she does not want to let you go.” “I see. Are the Leo more accepting?” 5

“Laithe is, and through him his family is. Durai‟s Pride is to the left and you know most of them I believe.” Tafa let his gaze move to Durai. Yes, he did know the burly Leo. They‟d met on several occasions, although his family looked slightly different this time than the last time they had come across one another. “Has he joined the Tigris then?” There were an awful lot of the striped men—and women— surrounding the Leos that made up Durai‟s Pride. “It is a long story. Khalid has fully accepted both his natures. It helps that half his family has mated to Tigris. Or human. Although, I‟m not sure what that says about them.” Tafa studied the smaller Leo standing to the edge of Durai‟s large family. He was still too far away to fully scent the man, but there was something about him that captured Tafa‟s attention. He looked like a younger version of Durai, the way the man had looked before he was scarred. “That is the cub who was taken?” Fahd glanced over unobtrusively. “Not a cub, but yes. Achan bears the scars, still. Inside.” Tafa had heard stories about what the young one had gone through even back on Seren. The various factions among the Felidae were divided about the incident—many felt he had been too young to join the rest of the Pride on the journey—but all were glad to see him back home and in one piece. Tafa wasn‟t surprised to hear he carried scars from his ordeal. He would have been more surprised if the cub had just bounced back. Tafa had been in his share of tight spots, fearing his life was at its end, so he understood a little of what Achan might have gone through. “Perhaps…” Tafa raised a brow. “Perhaps?” “Would you talk to him, if Durai allows it? His nights are not very restful. It might help. Our own home is close to Durai‟s abode. I hear Achan some nights and he has woken us up from a sound sleep at times.” That did not sound good. “I will discuss it with Durai. If there is any way I can help, I will do it. I do not like to see one so young dealing with the effects of his captivity.” Matter settled, Tafa turned his attention back to Fahd‟s family. They were finally upon them, Laithe stepping forward to greet him. Tafa let the introductions wash over him, mostly paying attention, but becoming distracted by a heavenly scent. Gaze sliding to the side, he was curious to see a young male human. He didn‟t smell like Rowan, so he wasn‟t family. For the first time, he understood what it was about Rowan that intrigued Fahd so much, though. These humans smelled divine. Interesting. “Tafa, I‟d like you to meet our Rowan. You already know Laithe and he‟s holding his daughter, Fiona.” “Our daughter,” Laithe rumbled. Stepping forward to greet Rowan, Tafa let his lips curl upward at the sight of the tiny cub in Laithe‟s arms. She truly did look like her father right down to the frown creasing her forehead at the moment. “Allow me to present one of our recent guests. Hunter Miles is from Earth, and came here with Durai‟s Pride.” Tafa faced the human directly, fascinated when his base scent grew stronger. Hmm, seemed the human liked what he saw. Definitely captivating. Raising an eyebrow at the smooth hairless arm held out in front of him, Tafa clasped the smaller hand in his own. He had to restrain his growl of intent, but he knew things were about to get very stimulating around here. *** Achan hissed quietly, not liking the sight of Hunter holding the hand of the new Pardus. Not that it was his business, but still… you‟d think Hunter would have better things to do than just sit around and meet people. Who did he think he was? “Are you okay?” Khalid whispered close to his ear. Of course he was okay. Why wouldn‟t he be? Hissing again, Achan lashed his tail. “I am fine.” “Hmm. You certainly look fine.” What did that mean? Turning fully to look up at his annoying brother, Achan curled his lip. “Who does he think he is? What, he just has free rein to go around shaking hands with strangers?” Khalid crossed his arms. “Does he not have anything better to do with his time? Why is he even over there with Rowan? Does he only want to talk to humans now?” Raising a single brow, Khalid stayed silent. “Just look at him! He barely has any clothes on and he is just asking for it, is he not?” 6

“Achan, he has more clothes on than you do.” “That is not the point!” That wasn‟t the point since it was different with the Felidae. They at least had fur. There was something about seeing one of the humans in nothing but a pair of thin pants and all that bare, naked skin… “I do not understand him at all!” Achan muttered. “Why did he even bother coming here if all he is going to do i—” “Enough! How your brothers put up with your craziness, I have no idea.” Pran snarled softly, shaking his head. Startled, Achan glanced over to his right. He hadn‟t even realized the Tigris was standing beside Khalid. Turning around, he realized the rest of his family was doing a very poor job of pretending they couldn‟t hear him. Oh. “Uh…” “You make no sense at all. I do not see why you do not just talk to the blasted human and stop bothering everyone with your mood swings.” Pran rolled his eyes. Khalid put out a hand. “He is not bothering us, Pran. Achan, you know you can talk to us about anything.” Achan hung his head, not wanting to hear where this was going. “But? I hear a „but‟ in there.” “But Pran is right. You do sound confused when it comes to your feelings for Hunter. Maybe it is time you talked to him about what happened.” “Nothing happened. I do not need to talk about anything.” Pran snorted. “That is not what Hunter told me.” Achan froze in place, and felt his ire rising. “What did he tell you?” “I think you know. Something about a kiss?” Oh, he was going to kill Hunter. Flexing his hands, Achan felt his claws press into his skin. The man was going to die. What exactly had he told Pran? Speaking of Pran, he might just be second on Achan‟s list of people who were going to be tortured if he didn‟t get that smirk off his face. How Khalid put up with him on a daily basis was beyond him. “Pran…” Khalid sighed. “What? Does that deserve a punishment? You going to take me back to our home and teach me a lesson?” That was it. He had to leave or he might really try to hurt Pran, and he wasn‟t quite that suicidal yet. He knew he wouldn‟t stand a chance against him, and even if he did have a shot, there wasn‟t any way Khalid would just stand by and let Achan punch his mate. Achan whirled and stalked toward Hunter. He knew just who to take this anger out on. As he came upon the group, watching Hunter sweet talk the big Pardus just made him even more irate. Reaching out, he grabbed Hunter by the shoulder. Ignoring the pleasant tingle from touching the bare skin, Achan growled, “How dare you?” “What? What‟s… Achan?” Hunter frowned in confusion. “If you ever talk to anyone else about us, I will… I will… I do not know what I will do, but it will not be pleasant! Do you understand me?” Hunter gaped at him, opening and closing his mouth. Satisfied, Achan grunted. Issuing a nod to Laithe and the others, Achan whirled around and headed back to his home. *** Hunter winced, watching Achan stalk away. Well, that had gone real well. “You want him. I can see that.” Hunter startled, whipping around to see Tafa staring at him. He wasn‟t sure why it was this guy‟s business, but he didn‟t want to be the one to piss him off so… “It‟s not quite that simple.” The Pardus stared at him, his face giving nothing away. “Why?” “God! Look, you don‟t know what we‟ve gone through. The reason I‟m even here. Just trust me on this. I mean, you just heard him! Achan wouldn‟t… It‟s just too complicated.” “What is so complicated about it? I can see with my eyes that you have some kind of history and, you will have to trust me on this, I can most definitely smell your mutual attraction.” Hunter wasn‟t sure about that. Oh, he knew the Felidae had better sniffers than he did, but there really was too much in the way of him and Achan. Case in point, the way Achan had just freaked out. There might have been some attraction between them at one point, but there was also too much history.

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“Look, what happened to him… I‟m not sure how much you know about it, but it was partly my fault. I hold a lot of blame for what happened to him. You just don‟t understand. And he‟ll never forget that.” It wasn‟t the first time he‟d realized that inarguable truth. *** Hunter exhaled, leaning forward. “It was my fault. I sh-should have stopped him. I should hahave done something.” Pran stared back at him, meeting his gaze. “It was his fault for taking Achan, for abusing him, for beating you. He is the one to blame. Trust me, cub, it will do no good to hold that pain inside you. You must learn to let it go. You will never forget. You should not forget what happened. Keep it, learn from it, but do not let it rule you.” Hunter nodded. They sat in silence for a while, Hunter lost to his own thoughts. Pran was right. He needed to move forward and see what could happen instead of focusing on the past. Speaking of moving forward… “What‟s it like?” he asked. “What is what like?” Pran raised a brow, resignation clear on his face. Hunter didn‟t give a shit, they were stuck here together and he might never get another shot at satisfying his curiosity. Who else could he ask, anyway? “Sex. With one of you.” Pran paused. “Do you not already know?” Well, geez. Was it obvious? Of course he didn‟t know what sex was like. To be honest, it wasn‟t just sex with a Felidae he was curious about. It was kinda sex with anyone at all that he really wanted to know about. He wouldn‟t admit that to this man. Or anyone else. “No.” Although… to be truthful. “I mean, kind of. I—I kissed him.” Huffing, Pran rolled his eyes. “Who?” “Achan. Back in the cabin. Back before all this happened. It was a mistake. I know it. But he was just so… and he smelled so… he was drugged. I know he was. I just… I couldn‟t help myself. Does that make me a bad person?” “You are talking to the wrong person if you expect me to make you feel better. You would be better off talking to Khalid.” “I did.” What did Pran think he was, a complete idiot? Pran most definitely wasn‟t his first choice as a confidant. The man snarled at him every chance he got. He pretty much snarled at everyone, though. Pran had anger issues coming out the ying yang, for sure. “What did he do?” Hunter sighed. “He hugged me, told me it would be all right. That seems to be his comfort of choice. Every time I‟ve freaked out since leaving, he‟s hugged me and told me everything will be all right. I‟m starting to believe him. It‟s just confusing.” *** He wasn‟t any more clear-headed now than he was back then when he‟d first arrived on Felid. When he‟d talked to Pran, he‟d been here less than a day. Months later and things were just as much in a state of transition. Obviously Achan had strong feelings for him, but whether they were more hate than love, Hunter had no clue. Sighing, just about at his breaking point, Hunter turned and walked back inside his small house. He didn‟t even bother saying goodbye to anyone. He just didn‟t know what to do. Should he try to leave? Was that the answer? Or should he just come to the realization that nothing would ever change here unless he moved on emotionally, if not physically? It certainly seemed like Achan wasn‟t going to be able to go forward unless Hunter made a move first. Damn it! Why did things have to be so bloody complicated? Man, he was way too young to be dealing with this shit already. He should be in his first year of University, drinking and partying like everyone else back home. Screw this bullshit stuck on an alien planet with his heart being ripped out every day and not being able to go back to Earth. “Hunter? You okay?” Startled, Hunter whirled around to see Rowan standing in the front entrance to his place. Her two men were behind her and so was the new guy. Great, just what he needed. “I‟m fine.” “Right. Yeah, well, you don‟t really look fine. Can I come in?” “Do I have a choice?” Hunter threw himself down on one of the small couches that made up his tiny living room. Not that he was alone in this shack by himself. Pran and Khalid currently occupied the other bedroom of the abode, which made for some awkward moments for Hunter, but he was slowly getting used to it. He just had to be careful he didn‟t walk into something he didn‟t want to see. Pran seemed the type to gut him if he 8

caught a glimpse of Khalid all nekkid. It was a relatively small building, which made things all the harder to deal with, a small sitting room with low furniture and two bedrooms. A kitchen area was set to the side of the sitting room, and the bathroom was at the back. It seemed strange to Hunter that they lived like this when the Felidae had first come to Earth on great big ships. It was like there were two sides to them: the primitive hunter-gatherers that lived on this planet, and the great technological space-faring folk who explored the skies. Gesturing for the rest of them to take a seat, Hunter waited to see what they wanted. “I have an idea.” Tafa stroked his chin, a small smile appearing on his face. Hunter wasn‟t sure he liked the look of that smile, but at this point he was willing to do anything to move on. For good or bad, he just didn‟t want to continue in this stagnant nonrelationship.

Chapter Three Achan was pissed. He didn‟t want to be here, but he‟d already been told by multiple people that he didn‟t have much of a choice. He wasn‟t going to be nice and happy, though, so they could just deal with it. He wasn‟t sure whose idea this was, and when he found out, he might just have to beat them to death with their own arms. “Achan, keep up. You are falling behind.” Letting out a soft snarl at Tafa‟s words, Achan nevertheless picked up his pace. Hunter didn‟t even turn around to see where he was. Hissing his annoyance, Achan finally caught up to the other two. Someone—no one had been willing to take the credit when he‟d demanded to know—had decided that it would be a brilliant decision for Tafa to take Achan and Hunter out into the woods. He had no idea why. The Pardus hadn‟t even been here for half a day, and already he was leaving his cousin to explore the surrounding countryside. Why Achan had to be dragged into this he still didn‟t know, but both Durai and Khalid had practically forced him out of his door. Up ahead Hunter and Tafa were merrily pacing themselves, completely ignoring Achan. Well, okay, that wasn‟t true. Evidenced by Tafa‟s vocal prodding, they weren‟t about to leave Achan behind here. He wasn‟t sure if that was a good idea or not. He didn‟t know what was wrong with him. Achan hated how irrational he‟d become. The rest of his family obviously saw it, and he didn‟t know how Hunter put up with him most days. Of course, Achan barely stayed in one place long enough for Hunter to even come near him, but he just couldn‟t face the human. He didn‟t blame Hunter for what happened. Heck, in the light of day when his dreams weren‟t riding him, he really didn‟t even blame Zach for what happened. If Achan had been in his shoes, he didn‟t know what he‟d have done. The humans had been out on a hunt that day, shooting animals that looked eerily similar to Achan and his family. Then they‟d come across very different game when they found Achan intoxicated and lying right out in the open. Naturally, they‟d decided to see what he was. Hunter had once mentioned something about a creature called a sasquatch, but it still made no sense to Achan. He‟d discovered after the fact that the yarrow plant he‟d fallen in had caused most of his drugged state. His brothers had come across the same patch that Achan had been hit by, and the others had all exhibited the same altered state. It had made them weak and disoriented, not to mention extremely aroused, just to cap everything off. “Achan, you are falling behind again.” Tafa‟s voice came from up around a bend this time. Achan had a disorienting moment where he wasn‟t quite sure where he was. The shrubs here were nothing like the overgrown forest he‟d been captured in, but he couldn‟t get his mind to notice that. Heart pounding, Achan broke into a run. He came around the bend, panting, to find Tafa and Hunter stopped and waiting for him. “Achan?” Hunter started toward him, a concerned frown furrowing his brow. Achan bent toward the other man, letting Hunter cup his cheek with one lean hand. “Are you okay?” Hunter murmured. Nodding, closing his eyes, Achan finally drew back. Stupid. He was on Felid and nothing would happen to him here. Tafa came closer, interrupting things. “We are nearly at the campsite Fahd told me about. 9

Are you both okay to walk a bit further?” Achan shrugged. “I still do not understand why I am here, but I have no objection to going further along this path. It should only take us another hour before we reach the clearing.” “Yeah, well, at least you know where we‟re going. I can‟t believe this is the first time I‟m actually leaving the village.” Hunter finally took his gaze off Achan, turning around to inspect their surroundings. “This is pretty cool. Thanks for the invite.” “Did he at least tell you why we are here?” Achan persisted. “Achan. Enough.” Tafa growled. “If I wanted you to know, I would have told you. Now, quiet.” “You sound just like Pran. Are you sure you‟re not part Tigris?” Goading the Pardus might not be a good idea, but it wasn‟t like he would do anything to Achan. Not knowing who his older brothers were. Hunter chuckled, turning it into a cough when Tafa glared at him. Achan had to hide his own grin. Tafa huffed out a breath, gesturing for Achan to start walking. “You know where we are headed, so you may as well lead.” Achan passed both men, turning to look back after a few paces. He was disconcerted to see Tafa brush his fingers over Hunter‟s cheek before moving along. Well, then. He couldn‟t figure it out, but the thought of the two of them becoming closer hurt deep inside. Achan had to stop himself from rubbing his chest to ease the sting. He‟d rather sit on hot coals than admit it out loud, but he fully realized he had feelings for Hunter. Complicated, ugly feelings at times because of his connection to Achan‟s kidnapping ordeal, but for the most part they were pure and honest, interest and attraction. He just didn‟t know what to do with them. Something had been started back on Earth that Achan couldn‟t figure out, but the thought of Hunter moving on and finding love, or even sex, with someone else made Achan want to throw up. Achan had a feeling something was going to happen on this trip. Good or bad, he‟d just have to wait and see. *** Hunter was just about ready to throw in the towel when Tafa finally decided to call an end to their marathon walk. Achan had immediately wandered off to see what might be close by to nibble on, leaving Hunter with Tafa a.k.a. The Machine. The man had practically run Hunter into the ground. Achan hadn‟t complained, but Hunter figured he had to be just as exhausted since he‟d refrained from making any funny faces or hissing at Hunter when they‟d found their camp spot for the night. The day Achan didn‟t hiss and snarl at Hunter was something special all right. “Maybe this wasn‟t the brightest idea. Are you sure it‟s going to work?” Hunter tried not to pant. Man, he was out of shape. “It will work.” Tafa didn‟t even bother to look up from where he was stacking their various odds and ends. Hunter watched him for a moment. This really was the first time he‟d been away from the village. He wasn‟t sure what constituted as camping out in the wilderness. Not that they were that far away from the rest of the Felidae, anyway. He crouched down. “Are you sure? Because he seems a little pissed off. I don‟t want to make things worse.” “You know what we agreed upon.” “Yeah, yeah.” He knew. Didn‟t mean he didn‟t think it wasn‟t stupid. “This will work better if you calm down and trust me.” Easier said than done. “I don‟t even know you. That‟s a lot to ask.” “How did you end up here?” Hunter glanced over at Tafa. “What?” “You need to relax. Talk to me.” “Okay. I guess. Yeah, this might go easier if one of us were calm, eh?” “So, how did you end up here?” “What do you mean? You‟re the one that came up with this brilliant idea.” “Here on this planet.” Ah. The story of how he‟d come to be here was a long and convoluted one. Or… maybe not. Either way, it had all started with the redhead Tafa was now related to. Hunter pulled up a nice, comfy spot of grass and gestured beside him for Tafa to take a seat. Tafa shook his head, remaining on his feet. Suit himself. Rubbing his hands together, he tried to find a good place to open his story. “The way I‟ve heard it, Rowan—she who is mated to Fahd—had been living in Calgary when she was swooped up and taken to a faraway planet. She‟d been introduced to an alien race, and ended up mated to two of them.” 10

“I have heard the story of how Rowan came to be amongst Laithe‟s Pride already.” Tafa‟s voice was dry. “Right, anyway, what you might not know is that at the same time that she was picked up and taken to a galaxy far far away, another human named Aaron Coleman had been taken from near a place called Fort Nelson and taken to Himalay, land of the tiger men. There he‟d been auctioned off, the prize in a mate hunt. Luckily for him, Laithe and his buddies had just happened to be planet-side around the time of the hunt. Of course, everyone knows now that it hadn‟t exactly been a coincidence, but through a stroke of luck, Aaron met his two mates.” Hunter looked around to see if Achan had come back yet. This next part might bring up a few bad memories. “Both Rowan and Aaron had been taken abruptly from their homes, but it was Aaron who wanted to go back badly. He knew his family would be looking for him, and he really didn‟t want them to worry, so he‟d convinced his men to travel to Earth so he could pop in and reassure everyone. Laithe couldn‟t take him because Rowan had just let slip about the bun in her oven, so it had fallen to another Pride to make the journey, led by Durai Steinsson.” “Bun in her oven?” A rumbling purr erupted from Tafa‟s throat. Hunter grinned, pleased. “Little Fiona. It‟s a… well, it‟s just a silly expression from back home.” “Hmm.” It was a good thing that Hunter was a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, or the culmination of that particular trip would seem just a bit too farfetched for him to believe. Slowly, one by one, the members of Durai‟s Pride had found their mates on Earth. Some of them had been the instinctive matches that Rowan and Aaron had been claimed by, but others had been purely folks falling in love. Not quite as simple as those determined by fate and pheromones—or the gods the Felidae believed in—but it was the type of love that rooted in place and grew over time. The type of love that Hunter wasn‟t sure he believed was out there for him. “So, in the end, Durai and his family had come to Earth to drop off Aaron for some family time and ended up running straight into a bit of trouble.” “Achan.” “Exactly.” Hunter wasn‟t sure how much Tafa knew about the story, but he just didn‟t know what to say about it. “How do you fit into that?” “I grew up in Fort Nelson. I went to school with some of the others, actually. I‟m a bit younger than they are, but that doesn‟t really matter. I was… out hunting. That day. With my brother.” Hunter ran his hands over his face. Yeah, and that was about all he was going to say on that. “So, you knew Aaron and his family?” “Yeah. You could say that.” Hunter had ended up being introduced to a species of aliens that he‟d only dreamed existed after his brother had captured Achan. He‟d joined them voluntarily after the ill-fated rescue and flown to the far away planet he now called home. Hunter still wasn‟t sure if coming here had been the best idea he‟d ever had. Oh, well. He‟d figure it all out one of these days. At least he wasn‟t the only human here. That might have made things even more awkward. Aaron and his brother Darren—and didn‟t that just produce giggles—had been joined by their cousins Joy and Mike to round out the rest of the human contingent who had fallen in love with various Felidae. Hunter was the only one that wasn‟t currently sexing it up with someone, though. Of course, he didn‟t want to be. Right, he could just keep telling himself that. Although, if this plan of Tafa‟s worked, things might change. “You know, you never said why you‟re involved in this whole thing.” If he really thought about it, it made no sense at all. Tafa didn‟t even know any of them. “I have my reasons.” Hunter stood up, moving right into Tafa‟s personal space. “Yeah, that‟s not good enough. I care about him. What‟s in it for you?” This close Hunter could see the darker patches of the rosettes in Tafa‟s fur, the texture making his fingers curl inward. He couldn‟t figure it out, but there was something about these Felidae that compelled him to touch. Hell, maybe he was a secret furvert, but the thought of what they could do with all that softness against his skin was definitely a turn-on. What he could have with Achan was so much deeper than just an attraction, though. Hell, who was he kidding? It was going to take two of them to actually get anything off the ground. 11

“Let us just say that I do not want to see another Felidae in pain when I believe I can do something to help him.” Hunter shook his head. “I don‟t get it.” “I believe I know what Achan might be feeling. I have been in similar situations in the past, and I think, while he needs time to heal, he also needs something to prod him forward. His brothers are letting him focus too much on the past. He does not need to be coddled right now.” “You really think a little time away from everyone else will help him to start healing?” “There is only one way to find out, is there not?” Hunter hoped Tafa knew what he was doing. “It is getting dark so I think we should find something to eat,” Achan said, coming out of the trees behind Tafa. Shit, Hunter hoped he hadn‟t heard any of that. Jerking away from Tafa, he moved to the other side of the clearing. He brushed his hands over his thighs, then finally glanced up at the silence. Achan was glaring at him, his jaw clenched tight. Great. Well, if whatever Tafa had planned would get the glares to stop, then he was all for it.

Chapter Four “Stop! No, stop!” Achan struggled frantically, startling Hunter awake. “Achan?” Hunter blinked, eyes trying to see in the darkness. They‟d barely gotten to sleep, and already Achan was caught in a nightmare. He‟d figured the dreams wouldn‟t start until morning at least, if they came at all this night. Hunter reached for him, hoping to calm Achan down. Screaming, Achan threw himself to the side and away from Hunter. Stopping before he reached for the Leo again, Hunter could only stare in shock. When would the damned nightmares stop? Tafa pushed Hunter to the side, inserting his solid body in front of him and blocking his view of Achan. Soothing murmurs escaped his throat. Achan burrowed deep into Tafa‟s hold, his hands fisted on the big man‟s back. Small, horrible-sounding whimpers sounded in the otherwise silent night. Concerned, Hunter waited. His eyesight finally righted itself, letting him see Achan‟s face clearly. “You are safe. Shhh, you are safe now,” Tafa rumbled. “H-he k-killed h-h-him…” “Who killed him?” “Hunter,” Achan whispered. “Hunter was killed?” “N-no. He killed Khalid…” Hunter reared back, shocked at the words. Achan was dreaming that he was Khalid‟s dreamkiller? How was he supposed to react to that? Achan slumped against Tafa‟s body, silent now. Tafa glanced over his shoulder. “Perhaps you should get some air, Hunter.” Nodding acceptance, Hunter stumbled to his feet. He didn‟t know what to say. Sure, it was just a dream, but what if it continued? Was he the reason Achan was still having nightmares? Would Achan ever see him and not see Zach? Tafa was right. He needed to clear his head. Turning to leave, he glanced back one last time. “I can‟t…” Achan burrowed deeper in Tafa‟s hold, his hands clenched in the other man‟s fur. “You can‟t what?” Hunter couldn‟t stop the sorrow that filled his voice. “I can‟t be with you.” Rearing back, Hunter grabbed his chest. Ah, man, that hurt. “You just do not understand,” Achan whispered, meeting his gaze. No, they weren‟t doing this. This wasn‟t happening. After everything that they‟d been through together, Achan was not going to shut things down for good. Without even giving Hunter a chance to prove himself? Fuck that. No, he wasn‟t going to let Achan do this. That just pissed him the hell off. “What don‟t I understand? Hell, I‟m probably the only one that does. Oh, poor Achan, stuck with a bunch of nasty humans for a few days. Well, didn‟t that just suck? I feel so sorry for you. Guess what, Princess? 12

I was with Zach for a hell of a lot longer than a few days, and you don‟t see me moping around and hiding from everyone!” Achan growled, baring his teeth. If Hunter didn‟t know better he‟d probably be ready to piss himself at the sight of the glistening fangs. “Shut up,” he hissed. “You don‟t get it, do you? You‟re surrounded by people who love you. They‟d die for you, including me, you stupid fur ball. Do you even know how much that means? Do you even get it? Because I‟m starting to think you don‟t. Yeah, life sucks. Sometimes we get the short straw. Boo fucking hoo. Get over it!” “Shut up!” Achan covered the space between them in seconds, slamming his hands against Hunter‟s chest. The impact smarted, pushing him backward. Hunter stumbled. “No, you‟re going to listen to me for once.” Hunter inhaled, tears filling his eyes. He pushed back, making Achan stumble this time. “You‟re all I have! I can‟t go home. I don‟t even have a home to go back to. My brother‟s dead, his friends are dead. My mom left us so long ago that I can‟t even remember what she looked like. I-I don‟t have anything. God, my dad is so far into the drink, he probably doesn‟t even realize I‟m gone yet, and even if he did, he won‟t care. The last words he said to me were that he hoped the camping trip with Zach worked the faggot out of my system. Shit, Achan, I—you‟re all I have.” “Hunter…” The fight seemed to drain out of Achan. He wilted, hands falling to his sides. Hunter sniffed. He angrily wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand. “Fuck it. I knew this wasn‟t going to turn out right. I really should have learned my lesson back home, eh?” “Hunter?” Hanging his head, Hunter walked away. He couldn‟t deal with this. Nothing was ever going to change. Stupid to think it would. Tafa was wrong, and this trip away from everyone just made everything worse. “Hunter!” Achan grabbed his arm. Hunter whirled around and tried to push Achan away. The man had an iron grip on his arm, not letting go. “God, for once just leave me alone!” “No! You‟ve had your say so now you‟re going to listen to me.” “Oh, so now you want to talk?” Too late. He was done listening. “Let go.” “No!” Achan got right up in his face, hissing. Hunter lifted his free arm, slugging Achan across the face. Oops. He hadn‟t meant to do that. Too late now. He braced himself, waiting for Achan to punch him back. *** Well, this wasn‟t quite how he‟d envisioned this trip, but he was pleased with the direction. Tafa wasn‟t even surprised when Achan let out a yowling roar and took Hunter down to the ground. The two cubs rolled around, both trying to get the upper hand. Hmph. They could use some training in hand-to-hand combat. Neither one was actually getting anything done. Deciding to let them play this one out a bit longer, Tafa took up a relaxed post against the tree beside him. Scratching his back along the bark, he sighed. Durai had asked him what his intentions were when he‟d first approached the Leo with his plan, but he still wasn‟t sure. He had experience with the wounds of war and captivity, true, but he‟d been drawn to Achan from the first moment he‟d seen him. Hunter had been an extra bonus, especially when he realized how much the two men wanted each other. If he could help them in some way to come together, then that would be good enough for him. Although… He wouldn‟t mind seeing what they could offer him. His last battle on Seren had been a very close call. He was getting tired of fighting. Tired of protecting people and territory he had no personal stake in. He just wanted a home, a place to call his own, someone to welcome him at the end of the day. Was that wrong? Could these two young cubs be his future? Oh, now, that was just a poor move. Tafa growled. “Hunter, you will hurt yourself more than you will ever hurt him if you do not learn to shift your weight. Are you trying to break your own knee?” That was it. He would just have to move his schedule up. He could either beat them both into submission, and get them to admit their love for each other, or he could trick them into it. He wasn‟t sure which one would be more fun at the moment. “Achan, do not pull his hair. Fight like a man.” Two voices rained curses down on his head. Achan was louder but Hunter was definitely more creative. He‟d have to remember a few of those. Fed up, Tafa waded into the mock battle. Now they were just playing with each other. Grabbing Achan, he pinched down on the fold of skin behind his neck and pulled up. The Leo immediately went limp, his body boneless and a purr forced out of his mouth. Anticipating Hunter‟s next move, Tafa forced his body into the punch. He threw himself backward, careful to let go of Achan. Landing on his side, Tafa rolled just enough to 13

throw his shoulder out of alignment. The slight pain was unfortunately familiar. Annoying, but it wouldn‟t kill him. He let out a roar, instantly grabbing his arm and rocking back and forth on the ground. As he expected, Achan and Hunter immediately stopped and rushed toward him. “I‟m sorry, oh God, I‟m sorry. Are you okay? Achan, is he okay?” “I do not know. Why should I know? Durai is going to kill me. No, wait, Fahd will kill me.” “No one is going to kill you. They‟re going to kill me! Shit, I can‟t believe I punched Tafa. Oh, man, I might as well just put my neck in the noose now. Does it hurt?” Tafa had to refrain from rolling his eyes. Letting out a whimper, he let his body go limp. “Shit! Shit shit shit. Is he? Do you think he broke his arm? Man, oh God, I can‟t breathe. Achan?” “What do you want me to do?” A soft touch moved along the side of his face. “Tafa? What should I do? What can we do?” “You can…” Hunter leaned down, pressing his palm to the other side of Tafa‟s face. “Anything. I‟ll do anything.” “Kiss it better?” Tafa asked, careful to keep the humor out of his voice. Hunter and Achan reared back so fast they nearly hit heads. “What?” Two voices sounded at once. “It would feel better if you kissed it.” “Well…” Hunter fidgeted. “What, you‟re actually thinking about it?” Achan gasped. “It‟s my fault. What do you want me to do?” A mutinous expression came over Achan. “If anyone is going to kiss it better, then it‟s going to be me.” “You? Why you?” “Because I said so.” “Oh, that‟s real mature. Nice, Achan. Real nice.” Tapping his fingers along his stomach, Tafa wondered how long this was going to take. He might have to practice his patience if he was actually thinking of keeping these two. Make no mistake about it, his attention was caught by both men. Surprising and not what he expected at all when he‟d first come here. Fahd was going to think this was hilarious. Finally letting his smile out, Tafa stared from one cub to the other. “If you really wanted to help, you could do it together. Since the two of you caused this together.” Hunter and Achan exchanged glances over Tafa‟s prone body. He could practically hear their thoughts. They were certainly written clear on their faces. They both leaned down in sync, keeping their gazes locked. Tafa licked his lips. Twin mouths pressed against his cheeks. A purr rumbling up from his chest, Tafa jerked his shoulder, feeling it pop back into place. Before either man could move, he rolled over. Covering Achan and pulling Hunter down beside them, Tafa grinned widely.

Chapter Five Achan gasped, undulating at the feel of Tafa blanketing him. Hunter was a warm body at their side, making Achan throw his head back at the dual sensation. He hadn‟t expected this. Not at all. “Kiss him,” Tafa ordered. “What?” Achan blinked, trying to keep track. Hunter obviously was having no problems following along because he slowly lowered his head. Warm breath ghosted over his lips a second before Achan was consumed with lust. Hunter‟s mouth slanted over his own, drawing whimpering sighs from Achan. Before he could even catch up, one body was sliding off him and another was replacing it. Hunter was smaller and lighter than Tafa but Achan didn‟t care. He clamped his arms tight around Hunter‟s back, opening his mouth and accepting the questing tongue inside. His body felt like it was on fire, arousal flowing through him. His shaft hardened, toes curling as his nerves all woke up at once. They both moaned. Hunter wiggled in place, moving around until their cocks lined up. Finally releasing his mouth, Hunter groaned and started to kiss his way down Achan‟s throat. He bit into the soft muscle, his 14

small teeth pulling on Achan‟s skin. Achan cried out, the sensations nearly too much. Opening his eyes, not even sure when he‟d closed them, he met Tafa‟s heated gaze. Oh. Tossing his head back, Achan cried out. The possession filling Tafa‟s gaze was nearly enough to make him go over the edge. He wasn‟t going to be able to last very long before coming. He‟d never felt this way before, didn‟t know what to do with sensations filling his body. Pleading wordlessly, Achan shivered in Hunter‟s hold. Tafa smiled, a wicked edge that made Achan nervous. One massive arm lifted and slid around Hunter. Tafa pulled and the three of them rolled until they were lying on their sides with Hunter in the middle. Curious to see where Tafa was going to take this, Achan stayed still. Now it was Hunter‟s turn to toss his head when Tafa breathed on the back of the human‟s neck. Achan wondered what that felt like. Hunter looked so fragile compared to them, his hairless body soft and vulnerable. There was a core, though, a solid strength that made Achan realize he was all man. That, more than anything, made Achan want to explore Hunter‟s body. He slid down, pressing his mouth to the straining muscles of Hunter‟s chest. The bare skin was slick against his tongue. Hunter must have liked the feeling because his entire body shook, and a loud keening wail escaped his lips. Glancing over Hunter‟s body, Achan saw Tafa repeat the motion on the back of Hunter‟s neck. This time Hunter froze in place, his eyes wide. His eyelids finally fluttered and his entire body shook again. Oh, Achan liked that. He wondered what it would take for them to send Hunter over just by licking him. Achan knew enough about Hunter to know that the human didn‟t have the same body as he did. It was more than just the obvious lack of fur. His tongue was smooth where Achan‟s was rough, his nipples pale and pink. A sweet flush covered Hunter‟s chest when he was aroused, blushing pink in a way that Achan had never seen before. Now, he had the chance to discover what other differences their bodies held. He wasn‟t afraid this time. He wasn‟t drugged. This was his choice, and for the first time since he‟d arrived on Earth, he felt clearheaded. This was the right choice to make. This here with Tafa encouraging them both was exactly what they needed to happen. For the first time in months Achan wasn‟t hesitating over every decision. He was finally acting like a Leo. His people decided what they wanted and they went after it. They didn‟t second guess themselves. They didn‟t feel guilty over their feelings, and they didn‟t hold back. At least, that was the way things were supposed to be. If there was one thing his mother and his fathers had taught him, it was to trust in himself. He hadn‟t been doing that. Now was the chance to make things right. Pulling back, Achan met Hunter‟s fevered gaze. “Have you ever had sex before?” Hunter panted, eyes crazed. “N-not w-with a person. Toys. I have toys.” Good enough for him. Nodding to Tafa, Achan kissed Hunter. He was vaguely aware of Tafa moving around them, sliding Hunter‟s pants down his legs and disrobing Achan at the same time. Skin to skin, Achan savoured this moment. He wasn‟t going to be able to last long, as much as he wanted to. He at least realized that. Achan might not have had sex before, but he‟d had his share of fooling around when he was younger. Like everyone else in his family, he‟d wanted to explore as much as possible. This would be the first time he‟d actually go the complete distance, though. He felt a tinge of regret that it wasn‟t going to be long and drawn out, but he consoled himself with the thought that they could repeat this—and more—as much as they wanted in the future. Achan wasn‟t going anywhere. “Please…” Hunter gasped. “Please what?” “Hurry up and do something, already. Jeez. I need you.” Chuckling, Achan stroked his fingers down Hunter‟s chest. He teased the small pink nubs, gratified when Hunter gasped. Each touch elicited another response, and Achan gloried in them all. He wanted to learn Hunter‟s body, feel it with every pore he had. He loved how sensitive the small indentation in Hunter‟s belly was. He grinned openly when Hunter shook as Achan teased the thin trail of hair leading to his cock. Pulling away enough to see what he was doing, Achan sifted his fingers through the curls above Hunter‟s shaft. “Why do you have hair here?” “Seriously? You want me to talk now?” “I‟m just curious. It is different.” A large black hand joined his own at Hunter‟s groin, feeling the texture of the springy curls. “It is different. I like it.” 15

Achan groaned now, meeting Tafa‟s gaze. Oh, he wanted to see Tafa touching Hunter. He wanted to see all that dark fur covering Hunter‟s pale body. They were so different from each other. All three of them, actually. Achan reached out and caressed the back of Tafa‟s hand. The fur was like silk, a sensual contrast to Hunter‟s soft skin. Attention wandering back to Hunter, Achan finally reached the object of his fascination. Hunter‟s cock was as hairless as the rest of his body, flushed red and throbbing with every beat of Hunter‟s heart. A drop of pearly liquid hovered at the tip, enticing Achan. He shimmied downward, not even pausing to let Hunter get used to him. Opening up, careful of his fangs, Achan sucked the head of Hunter‟s cock into his mouth. His pre-come was like ambrosia to Achan, sweet and salty at the same time. Instantly he wanted more. He was vaguely aware of Tafa moving back behind Hunter again, but he was too caught up in what he was doing to pay attention. Hunter was babbling, completely incoherent now. Bobbing his head, Achan drew Hunter‟s shaft deeper into his mouth and concaved his cheeks. Drawing back slowly, he let his tongue run along the length of Hunter. The thighs under his hands tensed, Hunter groaning as if he was in pain. Tafa‟s hands joined his own, fingers threading through his until they both clutched each other as much as they were holding onto Hunter. Achan lifted his head, gasping at the sight of the darker man with his head buried against Hunter‟s ass. He was licking up and down Hunter‟s crack, his long tongue stopping to play with the pink hole that was revealed whenever he moved away. Achan couldn‟t look away. It was such a beautiful sight. He wondered what Hunter tasted like. Lifting his body until he hovered over Hunter‟s side, Achan freed his hands and grabbed the back of Tafa‟s head to pull him closer. Their mouths met, tongues dueling. Achan drew in the taste of Tafa mixed with Hunter. He thrust his hips against Hunter, rubbing his aching cock along Hunter‟s leg. Tafa took advantage of his freed hands, sliding one long digit along Hunter‟s ass. He drew back from Achan, holding that finger up to Achan‟s mouth. Wetting it with a twirl of his tongue, Achan watched as Tafa slowly pushed his finger into Hunter‟s ass. Watching the greedy hole suck Tafa‟s finger in made Achan ache. He wanted that. Oh, how he wanted to be there. “Hunter?” he asked. “Yes, yes. Please, yes. I need you, Achan.” Well. That was good enough for him. Achan lifted up, grabbing the back of Hunter‟s head and drawing their mouths together again. He wanted Hunter prepared but if he had to watch Tafa do it he might not be able to hold back. Hunter grew increasingly more aroused. His hips thrust, his body undulating. Needy cries were swallowed by Achan‟s mouth, desperate for more. He loved this. Achan loved seeing him like this. Thankfully, Tafa finally moved up, arranging both men to his liking. They ended up with Tafa sitting on the ground, Hunter‟s head in his lap and nuzzling against the large cock that Achan regrettably hadn‟t paid much attention to. He would rectify that at the quickest opportunity but he couldn‟t be drawn away from his current target. Hunter‟s ass glistened with Tafa‟s spit and a shiny oil that smelled like vanil. Achan didn‟t even want to know where Tafa had gotten that from, but he was grateful the other man seemed to be prepared. If he stopped to think about it, he might wonder why Tafa was so prepared, but right at this moment he was grateful. He couldn‟t hold back now. “Hunter?” he asked, nearly crazed. “God, Achan, stop asking! Fuck me already.” Taking him at his word, Achan lined his cock up and slowly sank it into the tightest, wettest opening he‟d ever imagined. He cried out, nearly ready to come just from the hot fist of pressure. Hunter was so tight, even with all of Tafa‟s preparations. Mindless, he snapped his hips and drove his shaft into Hunter‟s ass. Hunter bucked back at him and they set up a punishing rhythm. Achan couldn‟t hold back. He was too far gone. Hunter didn‟t seem to care, he urged Achan on faster. “Achan, Achan. Oh, fuck me. Please. Oh, you feel so good,” Hunter gasped. Tafa rumbled, his deep sawing purr filling the clearing and competing with Hunter‟s gasping cries and Achan‟s groans of pleasure. Achan saw stars, his hips slapping against Hunter’s once, twice… Crying out, Achan felt his balls draw up tight, pressure starting in his lower back. He leaned over Hunter, pressing his mouth to the back of Hunter‟s neck. He couldn‟t reach Tafa, but he closed his eyes when a heavy hand pressed down on the top of his head and smoothed through his mane. Connected with both of them, Achan finally let himself go, screaming out his release. Hunter was next, his ass clamping down on Achan‟s cock and nearly making him go again. Oh, that felt… Wow. Tafa roared, seed splashing hot against the side of Achan‟s face and running down Hunter‟s back. 16

Achan slumped to the side and carefully withdrew his softening penis. Placing a gentle kiss to the middle of Hunter‟s back, he snuggled up to his human. That was simply amazing. Hunter shimmied around, removing his head from Tafa‟s lap and hugging Achan tightly. Inhaling, Achan purred at the combined scents from all three of them. It felt right. Nothing had ever felt quite so right before. *** Hunter panted for breath. He tightened his hold, bringing Achan closer to his body. He couldn‟t believe that had just happened. This totally wasn‟t what he‟d foreseen when Tafa had first approached him about going off into the woods. He might have just died of nerves if he‟d actually thought this might happen. “Hunter…” “I know.” Achan didn‟t even need to say anything. Hunter didn‟t think he could feel any more at peace than he did right now. This was perfect. Beautiful. And all because of Tafa. Speaking of Tafa… Hunter lifted his head, expecting to see the big Pardus in front of him. Crap, they were alone in the clearing. “Achan, where‟s Tafa?” Achan sat up, looking around. “Gone? Why‟d he go?” “When did he go would be a better question.” Hunter tried to think. “He might have thought we wanted to be alone.” “Well, that is not true.” Pausing before he spoke, Hunter looked into Achan‟s amber eyes. “Do you… ?” “Want Tafa here?” “Yes.” “Yes. Most definitely yes.” Hunter breathed a sigh of relief. “Good.” “It seems things have finally healed between us. I can practically see what you are thinking. Just like when I first met you.” Smiling, Hunter eased Achan down and settled his body on top of Achan‟s. “I thought that might have been a fluke, but it‟s not, is it? I think that‟s what bothered me so much when you were ignoring me. I thought we had a connection, and then it was gone.” It hurt just thinking of it. The wound of that was still too fresh it seemed. “Never again. I will not let that happen again. I am sorry for cutting you out. I do not even know why I did it.” “I do, and it‟s okay. As long as we promise right this minute that we‟re going to work together from now on. I don‟t expect things to be all hunky dory, flowers and butterflies, but I want you to promise me that we‟re going to try as hard as we can to make this work.” Achan lifted his head, kissing Hunter. Pulling away, he whispered, “I promise.” “Oh, thank God. Okay, now let‟s go after the big guy. It‟s time someone took care of him.” Hunter and Achan quietly got dressed, the task made difficult because they kept stopping to touch each other. Kiss each other. “You have his come in your hair, you realize that?” Achan giggled. “You are covered in it too. They will smell us coming a mile away.” “Hmm. Not if we end up just staying here and fucking again. Man, I‟m going to feel that for awhile. Nothing like my toys. Plus we are going to have a talk about a few things that no one thought to tell me about. Do you have any idea what those little bumps on your cock did to me?” “My barbs?” Achan snickered. “I was there, remember. I know exactly what they did to you.” “Hmm.” He ran a hand down Achan‟s arm, pulling the Leo closer to kiss him again. Achan pulled back. “You will need to let me go so we can actually follow him.” “Never. I‟m never letting you go, dork.” “Dork?” “Uh. Term of affection.” Hunter snickered. Right, he was about to gag on the hearts practically circling his head right now. Swatting him off, Achan grabbed hold of Hunter‟s hand and set off in the direction they‟d originally come in. “You think he went all the way back to the village?” “No, I think he was just giving us time to settle. He would not leave us alone and unprotected out here. He will be close enough that he would hear if we yelled out.” Huh, that gave him an idea. Hunter glanced over at Achan, raising a brow. Achan grinned, nodding. Game on. 17

Achan tilted his head back and let out a loud, snapping roar. Hunter wasn‟t even going to try and compete with that one. It didn‟t matter though; within seconds Tafa was in front of them.

Chapter Six Tafa crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing the two troublemakers. “You called?” Hunter started to laugh, bent nearly double. Achan smirked, wiggling his brows. Shaking his head, Tafa tried not to smile. It would only encourage them. They would definitely make life interesting for him. “You weren‟t actually thinking we‟d let you go, were you?” Hunter crossed his own arms, mirroring Tafa. Tafa paused before speaking, studying both men. Under their bravado, he sensed a curious vulnerability. He inhaled, separating the scent of their sex until he could capture their base scents. Well. Maybe he didn‟t have to make this too complicated after all. “You let me go? I think you are both mistaken. It is I who will not let you go. I claimed you from the moment I spotted both of you.” “Is that right?” Hunter smiled, exhaling in relief. Achan leaned against Hunter‟s back, winding his arms around the human. “I do not suppose you have room for one more in your abode? I have a feeling I will be staying longer than anticipated. Someone has to keep the two of you in line, after all.” Hunter growled, the sound similar to a cub. “Keep us in line? Oh, ho. We‟re going to keep you on your feet, old man. Just you wait and see.” Achan giggled. Tafa met Hunter‟s gaze, both men nodding in understanding. Tafa had set out with one main goal when he‟d proposed this little side trip. He‟d wanted to erase the shadows in Achan‟s eyes, bring him some measure of peace. Things wouldn‟t be perfect, automatically, but already Achan seemed stronger. More stable. His mission was a success. His bonus was the care of these two men that tied him up in knots. “It is very clear that you both love each other. I can see it in your eyes. If I could have one wish, it would be that you allow the three of us a chance to find something deep and lasting.” Hunter inhaled, drawing Achan closer to his body. “I had this thought, a while ago. About how all the other humans that came here had found love, some of them right away, and some the type that grows over time and roots deeply inside them. I never thought I‟d have that. I never even dreamed that I could find it with someone from another planet. Whatever happens, I want to explore. I‟ve already been made happier than I ever thought possible because of Achan. I can‟t imagine saying no to you, not after you brought us togeth-” “It‟s not just because of that,” Achan said. “It‟s the way you make us feel. If you hadn‟t come along, I might still be ignoring everything and making everyone miserable. You draw something out of us. Make us better.” “Yeah, what he said.” Hunter grinned. “I‟m in. We‟re in.” Tafa smiled, bending down to meet Hunter‟s upturned face. Achan shimmied around until all three met together, their lips touching gently. Perfect. Simply perfect.

Epilogue Achan paused outside his new home, inhaling deeply. He spotted Tafa off to the side talking with Fahd and Laithe. He wasn‟t sure where Rowan and the little one were, but he knew they wouldn‟t be too far away. Just like he knew Hunter and Tafa were always near him. “You are happy?” Arms came around his body, Khalid resting his chin on the top of Achan‟s head. “I am. You?” Khalid snorted. “I never imagined this, the way all of our lives have diverged and connected even stronger than before. I am very content with the way things are.” “Hmm.” “I must admit I am even happier now that Pran and I have our own home, and you and the Pardus have moved in with Hunter.”

18

“I could not agree with you more.” Achan had quickly realized there was no way for him to live with Durai and Darren or Khalid and Pran while also sharing space with his two men. There simply wasn‟t enough room. It had been a few weeks since they‟d made the change, and Achan was enjoying it more every day. “Have the dreams stopped?” Khalid asked. Sighing happily, Achan curved his lips upward. “Mostly. I have a few bad nights, but it helps to have Tafa and Hunter there. They make me feel safe.” “I am glad for you. Hmm, that reminds me, where is your little human?” Achan reached back and pinched Khalid‟s hip. “None of that. He is inside.” Khalid snickered, finally letting Achan go. “One of your mates is inside all alone, and yet you are out here enjoying the sunny day?” Khalid had a point. “Right. I will see you later, brother.” Letting Khalid‟s boisterous laughter wash over him, Achan turned and barreled into his new home. Almost immediately he came to a stop. Hunter was bent over the dining table, studying what looked like a map. The sight of Hunter practically presenting himself for Achan‟s viewing pleasure made his gut go tight. The relationship he had with both Hunter and Tafa still felt so new, it was hard to believe some days. Hunter kept referring to it as their honeymoon phase, but Achan wasn‟t sure what that meant. They were definitely learning more about each other, though. He was realizing how much he didn‟t know about Hunter, and regretting every moment he‟d ignored the man in the past. They could have gotten to this point a lot faster if he hadn‟t been so obstinate. Or maybe not. It seemed that Tafa was the one thing they‟d needed to finally push them all over into something new. “What are you doing in here?” Achan asked, moving up behind Hunter and sliding a hand down his lean hip. Hunter slid into the motion, turning to face Achan with a sweet smile on his face. “Hey there, handsome. Enjoying yourself?” “Hmm. It would be better if I could spend some time with you.” “Great minds think alike! That was exactly what I was thinking. What say you about another trip into the great wide yonder?” Achan frowned, pulling Hunter into his embrace. He didn‟t think he‟d ever get used to the way Hunter spoke at times. He was starting to sound as bad as Rowan and Aaron. “It depends. What were you thinking of?” “I think we‟re due for a little R and R, just the three of us and a clear night sky. Well, plus some blankets and maybe a tent. I‟m not a huge fan of camping outside. I‟ll do it, but it‟s not quite the most romantic setting there is, and to be completely honest I thi-” Achan leaned in and captured Hunter‟s lips with his own, swallowing the lusty moan that Hunter let out. It was the only sure-fire way to get him to shut up at times, and it also happened to come with a few perks. Hunter fisted his hands in Achan‟s mane, pulling lightly. Groaning deeply, Achan pushed Hunter backward, urging him to sit up on the table behind him. Hunter managed to swipe the map off before he lay down on his back. Achan grinned, quickly disrobing before setting his sights on Hunter‟s flimsy apparel. Hunter‟s soft pants did nothing to hide his firm cock, but the bare skin view was even better. A sawing purr filling his throat, Achan climbed up on the table and straddled Hunter‟s lean belly. He was very grateful in that moment that his fathers built sturdy furniture to last, because he had no intention of getting off this table until they were both sated. Or until Tafa managed to discover that both Achan and Hunter were missing and come to find them. Leaning down, Achan pressed his mouth to Hunter‟s again. They melded skin to skin, Achan blanketing Hunter with his body. Hunter‟s cock pressed up against his ass, making him squirm. He wanted that inside. Now. A heated breath against his lower back was his only warning before a rough tongue swiped up his spine. Achan tossed his head, panting at the sensation. “I-I wondered h-how long it would take you to come inside,” he breathed. Tafa let out a lusty chuckle. “I knew you were up to something in here. Shame on you both for leaving me out.” “Was not leaving you out… I was just keeping him warm for you.” “Hmm. I like the sound of that.” Achan closed his eyes. He undulated his body, glorying in the feel of Hunter below him and Tafa at his back. Tafa stood up, pressing his teeth into Achan‟s shoulder and holding him in place. Achan whimpered. “Oh, I think he likes that, big boy.” Hunter slid his hands along Achan‟s hips. “Get him ready for me?” 19

“It would be my pleasure,” Tafa replied. Oh, this was going to be very, very good. Achan blinked, staring down at Hunter and returning his lover‟s smile. Tafa pressed kisses down his spine, making Achan squirm. “Please…” Finally, Tafa reached his goal and began to lick Achan‟s ass along with a few other things close to his target. Hunter groaned loudly, shifting underneath Achan. “Oh, crap, that‟s not what you‟re supposed to be licking unless you want me to come before I even get in his ass.” Achan chuckled. “I do not mind since I have a backup fuck.” Tafa smacked his ass, causing Achan to shift up against Hunter‟s stomach. His shaft brushed along the firm skin of Hunter‟s belly. Oh, that might not be a good thing. “Be careful, cub. I can make this very long and drawn out before deciding to let you come,” Tafa growled, biting into the firm flesh of Achan‟s ass. Achan wiggled back, trying to entice Tafa to hurry up. “Promises, promises.” A cap sounded in the room, the smell of vanil strong in the enclosed space. Blunt fingers pressed against his hole, teasing Achan open. Staring straight into Hunter‟s gaze, Achan felt his bones go liquid. He always turned into a pile of mush whenever Tafa and Hunter began playing with his ass. Neither of his men seemed to mind. “One of these days I might be able to last longer… I promise. Just not today. I need Hunter in me. Please…” “Shh, I have you,” Tafa promised. Tafa drew Achan‟s body up to a sitting position, supporting him from behind. Achan tossed his head, finally letting it rest on Tafa‟s shoulder. Hunter‟s cock was a fiery brand against his ass. “Slide up, baby. I need to be inside you, too,” Hunter moaned. With Tafa‟s guiding hands, Achan managed to move into a better position and take Hunter‟s shaft deep inside. Shifting his body, he panted at the fullness stretching his ass. Hunter moaned, instantly bucking his hips upward. Achan began a slow slide up and down Hunter‟s cock. His body was supported by Tafa‟s big frame behind him, keeping Achan solidly in place. Hunter started to tense, crying out. Achan grinned, knowing what that meant. Sure enough, Tafa grabbed hold of Hunter‟s hip in one meaty paw and drew them both back closer to the edge of the table. Achan stilled, looking over his shoulder. The sight that greeted him almost had him coming, but he was able to hold off by the slimmest margin. “Oh, that is a pretty sight,” he murmured. Tafa had the fingers of his free hand buried in Hunter‟s ass, preparing him in the same way he‟d just done for Achan. Releasing Hunter‟s hip, Tafa began pumping his own cock with sure and steady movements. The bottle of oil was opened once more, Tafa slicking up his shaft until it glistened in the light. Achan licked his lips, unable to tear his gaze away. Grinning lewdly, Tafa leaned forward and captured Achan‟s lips with his own. He pushed forward at the same time, moving until his chest pressed steady against Achan‟s back. Hunter was crying out below them, arching his back and making Achan‟s ass jiggle with his motions. Oh, that was a very nice feeling. Achan squeezed his internal muscles, so full he could barely take it. Lips pressed to Tafa‟s, Achan let the big man set the pace. Every time he thrust into Hunter, Achan felt it inside him. It was almost like he was being fucked by both men at the same time. Glorious. Consumed with lust, Achan closed his eyes again and let the sensations wash over him. He lost himself in the pleasure, moaning at each touch on his body. Four hands brushed against his skin, awakening nerve endings. He had no idea how much time passed. It could have been minutes, it could have been hours. All he was aware of was the two men with him. His own hands moved over fur and slick, bare skin. Such a contrast, he loved it. Loved them. Achan found his release first, spunk spilling onto Hunter‟s chest and belly. He wasn‟t sure who was next, but when he finally took a deep breath it was to find both Hunter and Tafa breathing heavily. All three men slumped against each other, supporting the others. It was Tafa who finally unwound them all and urged the other two to make their way to their bedroom. When Achan‟s head hit the pillow, he sighed in relief. A warm naked body pressed along his front, hips wiggling against his own. The cold washcloth that cleaned his body was even better. He didn‟t bother to open his eyes, but he did reach up to slide his fingers along the furry hand that cleaned him. His fingers were squeezed before Tafa left. Minutes later he was back, sliding into bed behind Achan and wrapping his arms around both him and Hunter. Achan yawned. “You know what I realized?” 20

“Hmm?” Tafa and Hunter both uttered. “I am thankful for the stars that aligned to bring Laithe to a faraway planet and his mate. If that had not happened, none of this would have occurred. I would not have found you both.” Hunter shifted in place, moving until he gazed at Achan. “You don‟t regret any of it?” “No. I cannot. Everything that has happened has made me who I am at this moment and brought me the two of you. I cannot regret that. I will not.” “I feel the same way, Achan. Hunter.” “Ditto, fur balls.” Hunter sniffed, lifting a hand to brush the tears from his eyes. Achan smiled gently, kissing Hunter before tilting his head and accepting Tafa‟s kiss. He closed his eyes, snuggled warmly between his mates. He was at peace.

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