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Arcane Love

Chapter 1

It is the year 2480, and humans have reverted to a simpler way of living. They have forsaken cars and returned to using horses and buggies for transportation on land, and have gone back to using ships with sails instead of using diesel or steam. The earth's dwindling resources simply made it impossible to continue using them for such things. They have, however, kept some conveniences such as plumbing and electricity, although it is now water powered only. The population has grown so immense that people are forced to travel to the last remaining uninhabited islands. Unfortunately, there is a reason for these islands not being inhabited. Some years ago, several new races emerged on the planet. It is unknown where they came from, but on thing was known for certain; they were vicious, feral predators. Tigers, lions, leopards, and other large predatory animals began walking on two legs. There were even rumors of a magical race among them called the Arcane. They were said to have amazing powers, especially in the areas of healing, as well as of great destruction.

Even knowing all this, a group of humans still dared to venture to these islands in hopes of escaping oppression. Among one of such groups was a young woman named Tera Braxton, and her father John Braxton. Tera's mother had died two years earlier from an unknown illness and Tera and her father had decided that they could no longer live where there had been so many memories made. When they arrived on the island that was to be their new home Tera was instantly in love. The shore turned into thick, lush jungle that housed hundreds of birds and animals she had only ever read about.

"Oh father, isn't it beautiful?" Tera exclaimed when they had left the ship with their belongings.

"Yes Tera girl, it is, but remember not to let the beauty of this place blind you to the danger." Her father warned as they made their way up the trail where the humans were building elaborate tree house like communities to protect them from the dangers on the ground. Until it was completed however, small hut like houses were constructed on the forest floor in a large clearing. They found the one that was theirs and quickly settled in.

The first attack that Tera witnessed came so suddenly that people barely heard the scream of the sentry before the tigers were on them. Men grabbed their guns and raced to fight off their attackers. Tera and her father raced to the safety of the completed tree house, and once everyone was up the latter, they pulled it up preventing the tiger men from having easy access. Tera was aghast at the blood shed she witnessed. After the attack was over the dead were gathered and buried and Tera watched in horror as the triumphant men skinned the pelt from one of the tigers. It made her sick. She was aware of the fact that the tigers had attacked them, but this was their land after all. The humans had just shown up and there were rumors that some had even captured cubs and tried to make slaves of them. She didn't really blame the tigers for attacking. Then to add insult to injury, these ignorant bastards were taking the skin from their dead as trophies? She didn't agree with that one bit.

A few weeks went by and Tera made friends quite quickly with the other women of her village. She also made friends with a little girl named Molly Anderson. She was about five years old and had lost her mother to pneumonia on the trip to the island. The ships may have had a doctor on board, but one doctor could only help so many people and he hadn't been able to help Mrs. Anderson. So Molly took to Tera as if she were an older sister, sharing the grief of both of them losing their mothers. Tera was happy to have someone like Molly, for she too still felt the sting of loss when it came to her mother. Molly's father left something to be desired though. Instead of stepping up to comfort and care for his child after his wife's death, he turned to a bottle instead, which left Molly to care for herself. Tera and the other women helped her where they could and taught her things she would need to know.

One rainy day supplies were being passed up the mountain trail in an assembly line. Tera's father was down on the shore unloading the ship while she was up at the top helping sort the supplies. She had just sorted through some fabric when the scream sounded through the air. No one waited to see what it was; they took off towards the tree house. Tera saw the tigers burst from the trees like vicious shadows. She went to run, then noticed Molly who had been left crying by her father. She ran and scooped up the child then ran as fast and hard as she could, knowing the tigers were right behind her.

"It's okay Molly, we're almost there." She tried to hush the crying girl to no avail. What she didn't know was that her actions were being watched.

Dorian Tigralia, leader of the East Tiger Clan, watched the young woman with raven hair and emerald eyes. He had no idea why his gaze was drawn to her, but as soon as he had caught her scent on the air, he'd been watching her, following her every move as intently as if his life depended on it. She had scooped up the child that was clearly not hers and ran. She was different than the other humans. She ran with both grace and agility, and she never looked back. He admired her bravery as well as her determination.

Tera ran, jumping over brush even in her dress. She had never run this fast in her life, but she knew if she didn't Molly would surely die. She had to get her to the tree house, to safety. She could see the tree house, see the ladder, when suddenly the unthinkable happened; she slipped on the now soft ground, going down hard. As she fell, Molly fell further and rolled a distance. Tera hit the ground hard enough to knock the wind out of her. She looked up and saw Molly get to her feet.

"Run Molly! Get to the tree house!" She screamed, willing her to listen, and watched as the child made it to the ladder. Tera climbed to her feet just as the tigers closed in on the tree house and the ladder was pulled up. "Good girl Molly." She was panting as she watched the tigers snarl in anger at loosing their prey. Then they turned and pinned those angry gazes directly on her. Her heart stopped as she looked up at the tree house where she saw many of the women she called friends. They met her gaze and all of them turned away, resigned to the fact that she was about to die. She knew then as her heart sank, that she was alone in this. None of the people in the tree house were capable of helping her. She met the gazes of the tigers and knew she would never out run them, but she had to try. One of them let out a loud roar and she took off into the trees away from the tree house. As she ran she could actually hear them speaking, yelling to each other.

"Let's chase her down before we kill her!"

"Yeah, run her down like a deer, haha..."

She knew she stood no chance of fighting them so she kept running.

"Close in on her."

When the one tiger yelled that she darted to the right to throw them off. It must have worked because she heard curses coming from all directions. She ran as hard as she could into a bunch of brush, but when she burst through, the ground went out from under her feet. She screamed as she realized she had just run off the edge of the cliff. She reached out to grab at anything she could and snagged a root of some sort with both hands. So she dangled there with the rain pelting down on her face as she looked to the sky.

"Please God, I don't want to drown, if I'm to die make it quick." She heard the tigers gather above her laughing.

"Maybe we should start cutting off her fingers and see how long she can hold on?" One suggested as he laughed and they drew nearer.

"No way, I want to taste her flesh." Another remarked.

Tera whimpered as she listened to all the ways they wanted to kill her. Suddenly, drowning didn't sound so bad.

A loud roar broke through the rain and thunder and she heard a firm growl of a voice. "ENOUGH!" Dorian stepped into the area where his men had chased the woman. For some reason every protective instinct he possessed was going off. It made no sense, she was human, but he wanted her safe. Hearing his men speak of killing her infuriated him to an unstable point. He growled at them and they backed up wearily. As he approached the edge he heard her sweet voice. She was praying, not for salvation, but for a quick death. He peered over the edge and met her gaze. Her emerald eyes widened when she saw him, her mouth opening slightly as rain pelted her fair skin. He reached down to her. "Take my hand. I will not let you fall." He said it as kindly as he could though he knew, to a human, his voice was rough and harsh.

Tera was shocked when she heard the male speak to her. She looked at his hand and thought if she could trust him. Then she remembered something her mother had told her. "How do you know you can't trust someone, if you never give them a chance Tera?" She thought on that for a moment, and it wasn't like she had much of a choice, so she reached up with one hand and placed it in his much larger one. To her surprise, he simply lifted her straight up like a rag doll until she was dangling face to face with him. she gasped but didn't look away from that golden gaze.

Dorian was impressed. He could feel her fear, but still she met his gaze. It was something most of his own men couldn't even do. Yet this frail human woman did it even as he held her in the air. He gently set her down before him as he made a decision, then and there. He would find a way to keep this woman at his side. "What is your name human?"

Tera swallowed her fear as she looked up at the, at least, six foot eight inch tiger male before her. "Tera Braxton." She answered and was surprised but pleased to find that her voice was steady and sure.

He nodded at her and began to turn. "Follow me." It was all he said to her before moving back into the jungle.

Tera took one look at the tigers around her and could tell they weren't pleased. This male must be their leader and he looked like her best chance to stay alive. He looked back over his shoulder once and she immediately started following him. The other tigers began grumbling between themselves and talking about how sweet her flesh probably was, so she decided to take a shot at dissuading them. "I promise I'm not as tasty as you think I am. I'm all skin and bones." All of them stopped and looked straight at her, including the one who's saved her. She suddenly wished she had kept quite.

Dorian stepped closer to her, looking at her as if he were studying her. "You understood what they said?"

Tera frowned at him in confusion. "Of course I did. It's as plain as we're speaking now."

Dorian looked at her in surprise when she said that. "They are speaking our native tongue, something humans usually describe as growls and grunts."

Tera was shocked at this. "To me it sounds like English, how strange."

"Strange indeed." Dorian looked at her for a minute more, as if trying to decipher the mystery of her mind, then turned and began walking again. They were silent as they passed right by the human village.

Tera kept quiet as well, as she watched her people gather the dead. She knew if she cried out for help, not only would they kill her, but there would be more blood shed as well. She knew she couldn't risk that. The tigers watched her as if they expected her to scream, but she did not. She caught sight of Molly crying in one of the other women's arms and she smiled sadly to herself. At least Molly was safe. That was all that really mattered. After they'd gotten a safe distance from the humans, the leader stopped again and turned to face her.

"Why didn't you scream for help?" The leader asked her.

Tera blinked up at him at the question. "You would have just killed me and then there would have been more fighting."

"How do you know we're not going to kill you anyways?" The male asked her.

Tera shrugged, matter of fact, and replied, "At least it will only be me then."

Dorian's respect for this woman swelled within him. This frail, tiny human woman was braver than any of the human males he had ever encountered. She had no weapons, no way of defending herself, yet she still refused to call for help simply because she didn't want to see anyone else killed. He wanted so badly to touch her then, to brush the rain soaked hair from her face, but instead he simply nodded in acknowledgement and turned to walk away. She surprised him though with her lack of fear.

"Can I know your name?" Tera asked boldly. All of them stared at her and the leader turned back slowly. She swallowed hard and clasped her hands in front of her. "Or is that something I'm not supposed to know?"

Dorian laughed a deep rumbling sound. This woman was bold, and he liked that, a lot. "My name... is Dorian," He spoke slowly to her putting a bit of a purr into his words, "Dorian Tigralia."

"Dorian..." She whispered it as if trying it out on her tongue. "Thank you Dorian, for saving me back there."

He tilted his head as he examined her in confusion. "Don't thank me so soon Tera. You may not feel the same way later."

Tera's heart sank, but she didn't let him see any reaction. "Never the less, drowning is not how I wanted to leave this world."

Dorian simply nodded to her and continued walking. He could sense her despair, but she refused to show it. For some reason, her actions caused a surge of pride to sweep though him.

It continued to rain all day and the ground became extremely slick and sticky with mud. He heard her fall before he turned to check on her. He saw her on all fours in the mud, her dress coated in it, but she didn't ask for assistance. She simply whipped her hands on her dress and stood. He was continuing on his way when he heard a ripping noise. He spun back around; thinking one of his men was bothering her, but instead saw her ripping the bottom of her dress off. He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow at her actions.

Tera looked up after she threw down what she had removed from her dress to find Dorian watching her. "I kept tripping on it." He seemed to be satisfied with that explanation because they continued on their miserable journey.

The rain finally stopped that night, but the group did not. They kept moving, unconcerned with Tera's fatigue. They came to a huge fallen tree and one by one they lept upon it, not offering to help her. So, she jumped as high as she could and thanked God her mother had encouraged tree climbing when she was younger. When she landed on the other side she blushed when she noticed Dorian watching her. He may have been her captor, but she felt an unnaturally strong pull towards him. she couldn't explain it any more than he was attractive, for a tiger of course, with a lean body and very firm muscles, and that he had saved her. She thought surely, that it would pass when she found out his true intentions.

They had been walking for two days without rest. Every time they ate or drank they never offered Tera any, but she didn't say a word. It was hot and humid in the jungle and she was tired. So when she saw a large leaf, shaped like a natural bowl, with water in it, she couldn't resist. She went to it and was about to take a sip of the refreshing liquid when she heard a snarl moments before claws swiped in front of her face, shredding the leave and causing the water to drain away. Seconds later she heard a second growl as Dorian stepped in and snarled at the other male.

"That's enough Victor. There was no need for that." Dorian exclaimed as he got in the other male's face. The other male he called Victor, looked away and nodded but that was all. Dorian looked at Tera apologetically then continued walking.

Tera wanted to cry. All she had wanted was a sip of water and even that was denied her. She walked for several more hours before her legs collapsed out from under her. She was panting and her body was soaked with sweat. She just wanted to rest for a few moments. The one called Victor came up behind her and nudged her with his foot. "Move human." He growled. When she didn't move or respond he nudged her harder. "I said MOVE!"

"I can't!" She screamed up at him and he was about to hit her when Dorian gripped his arm.

"Leave her along Victor. I will handle this." Dorian growled as he shoved him away. He kneeled down and brushed her hair away from her face. "Tera you must get up."

"I said I can't. I've been walking with no food, no water and no rest for two days. I can't walk anymore." She sounded angry and she was glad because that's exactly how she felt. She didn't give a damn what the consequences were.

Dorian sighed. "It is only a bit further to the village. Please Tera."

The please was what got her. She looked into his serious eyes and sighed in defeat. "Alright, I'll try." She stood, but it took every ounce of her will power. Dorian must have been pleased with this because he nodded his head again and continued. He was true to his word though. Not even ten more minutes went by and they emerged from the jungle into a large clearing with many well made houses. Tera gasped as she saw all the tigers, both male and female, of all different colors. She even saw cubs playing nearby. All action stopped, however, when they caught sight of her. Her scent had been masked by that of the males and the mud covering her. She gulped as all those golden gazes pinned her where she stood.

One of the females approached them and snarled at her. "What is this Dorian? Taking in pets now are we?"

Dorian glared at her. "That's none of your business Alondra."

Victor stepped up then. "Yeah, don't you know, Dorian is tired of fucking tiger females, so he thought he'd try humans." He was being intentionally crude to add to his insult, and it worked very well.

No sooner had the words left Victor'smouth than Dorian spun on him, wrapped his hand around his throat and lifted him off the ground. "Victor, I am tired of your games. Now you will learn to keep a civil tongue or I will cut it out. Do you understand?"

Victor gurgled and gasped with wide eyes but he seemed to get the message. "Yes... I understand." He gasped out.

Dorian simply dropped him, then took hold of Tera's arm and dragged her towards a cage. He had to make a big show of containing her for his clan. "Stay in here for a little while, while I figure out what to do with you." He shoved her in and latched the gate, then walked away.

Tera gasped as she looked around in the cage. It was full of what smelled like feces, so she clung to the cage's door. It seemed to be a holding cage for animals, probably before they killed them. She did not want to be in there.

The one they called Alondra approached her soon after Dorian left. She was a beautiful red tiger with golden green eyes. "You know, I wouldn't blame him for fucking you before he killed you. You are kind of pretty for a human." She taunted, and when Tera blushed, she smiled. "So it's true, you can understand us."

Tera nodded. "Yes, I can understand."

Dorian approached a stand owned by a good friend. "Electra, I need to buy a dress that will fit a human female."

Electra looked past him at the human then back to Dorian, and raised a brow, silently demanding answers later on the subject. "She's a bit small. How about using a child's dress?" She showed him a blue one and he paid her for it.

"It'll have to do. Thanks Electra, I'll talk to you later." Dorian threw the dress over his shoulder and returned to find Alondra taunting his... his what? Captive? Pet? "Alondra, don't you have cubs to tend to?"

She turned and smiled at him. "Of course, but your pet is so interesting, I simply had to see her."

Dorian was not amused by her sweet sarcasm. "You've seen her, now go."

Alondra's smile faded as she walked away. "Have fun you two."

Dorian growled before turning back and opening the cage. He pulled Tera from it. "Come with me Tera."

Tera was so relieved to be out of that cage that she instantly followed him to a very nice house. When he opened the door and went in, she stopped. He looked back at her and motioned with his head for her to follow. "I'm filthy." She explained.

Dorian smiled at her. "So am I. We'll fix that."

Tera shrugged and stepped insided. She was surprised to see a bed, a desk and chair, some cupboards, and a sink. Then she saw a doorway leading to another room. "Did you build this yourself?"

"I did." Dorian replied as he shuffled about.

"It's beautiful." That earned her his attention as he looked at her and raised that eyebrow again. "I mean, cozy."

Dorian smiled at her and shook his head. He'd never thought of his house as beautiful; functional yes, but beautiful? Humans were a strange bunch. "Take off your clothes." He ordered.

"What?" Tera asked as her eyes went wide, the scent of her fear and anxiety filling the room.

Dorian looked back at her and sighed. "Not for that. Contrary to popular belief we're not entirely savages." He showed her a towel as he continued. "You need a bath, and you can't take one with your clothes on."

Some of the panic left her as he explained himself. "Oh, I see. Well, alright." She still turned around and undid her dress letting the tattered remains fall to the floor.

"All of it." Dorian exclaimed as she tried to cover herself. She grumbled but complied. Seeing her fully naked, even dirty, did something to him. He looked her up and down, marveling at her lush curves of her body. He must have looked too long, because when his eyes returned to her face, she was blushing. He cleared his throat which must have sounded like a growl to her because she jumped. He moved closer to her and he swore he heard her heart speed up. He guided her into the other room where his bath tub was, and turned on the water.

Tera was amazed. "You have running water?"

Dorian looked at her and tilted his head. "Yes, why?"

She blushed again. "I'm sorry, I just thought... Well never mind." She succeeded in making him laugh. It was a sound she decided she liked.

"You thought we were too primitive for that right?" Dorian asked still chuckling.

"Maybe."Tera actually smiled at him, which earned her one in return. Once the tub was full, Dorian helped her climb in. it was absolutely massive, but she guessed it had to be to contain Dorian's large frame. Once the warm water hit her skin she sighed and sank into the water. "You can kill me now, I'm happy."

Dorian burst out laughing again as he watched her. "Tera, I'm not going to kill you at all. Do you really think I would have brought you all the way here, and bathed you if I intended to kill you?" When she didn't answer he shook his head. "If I was going to kill you, you'd already be dead. You can always peel the bad stuff off your food."

"Good point." Tera shivered as she admitted then began to rub the dirt off her body. Dorian set a bottle of fragrant liquid on the edge for her.

"It's for your hair and skin." He explained.

She smelled it and was thrilled with the exotic floral scent. It smelled of patchouli and lilies. "Mmm, it smells wonderful. Did you make it?"

Dorian shook his head. "No, a female in the clan made it. She sells it."

Tera began washing with the soap and if felt wonderful on her moisture deprived skin. After she rinsed off she looked up to find Dorian still watching her. "Um, I'm ready to get out now."

"Then get out." He said simply as he held the towel up for her. When she just stared at him he rolled his eyes. "I have already seen you naked. Honestly, I do not understand you humans and your need to hide your bodies."

"It's called privacy.The only one that is supposed to see your body is your spouse, your husband, your... mate." She exclaimed, but still he stood holding the towel. Finally, she sighed in exasperation and stood up, letting the water slide from her body as she climbed out and he wrapped the towel around her.

Dorian was, in that instance, thankful for what little clothing he had on. His body as well as his heart reacted to Tera very quickly. He couldn't understand it, she was human, he shouldn't even like her, much less be attracted to her. He handed her the dress and moved into the other room. "Get dressed and come in here."

Tera didn't hesitate. She slipped the soft thin material of the dress over her head. It fit her but it left little to the imagination when it came to her body and what lay beneath. She decided it was better than nothing and moved into the other room. Dorian was rustling around in his cupboards as she came in, and she saw food. He had made a plate of meat and a fruit of some kind then added a piece of bread. She was surprised when he handed it to her.

"Eat." Dorian said as he pushed the plate into her hands. He had expected her to ask for food or water on the trip back, but she had not. Up until the very end she hadn't complained at all. She had more than earned her food and rest in his eyes.

On closer inspection, Tera recognized the fruit. "I thought you didn't want to kill me. That's poisonous, I can't eat that."

Dorian shook his head. "No, only the flower is poisonous, to protect the fruit from predators the best it can. The fruit itself is not." To prove it to her, he took a bite himself. Apparently, she was satisfied because she tore into the food, and then seemed to realize what she was doing because she stopped and looked at him. "Go on Tera, I know you're hungry. I honestly expected you to ask for something on the trip here."

Between bites she shrugged and explained. "I didn't think I was allowed food or water. Especially after that Victor guy attacked me."

Dorian shook his head and sighed. "Victor is a bully. He hasn't been with us very long and he forgets sometimes that he is not the leader of this clan."

She looked up at him curiously. "Then who is?"

Dorian smiled at her. "Me, I am the leader of this clan. Victor came from another clan."

"You mean there are more of you?" She asked in astonishment.

"Yes Tera, there are dozens of Primal clans on this island. Tiger clans, lion clans, leopard clans and even some wolf clans." Dorian explained as he began to take off his war armor and weapons. He had his back turned to her so he knew when she saw the scars from her gasp.

"What happened to you?" She asked with true concern in her voice.

"When the humans first arrived, I was only a cub. They captured me and tried to make me a slave." He turned to look at her before he continued. "As soon as I was strong enough, I ripped out my master's throat and ran."

Tera closed the distance between them. "A cub? And you're how old now?"

"I will be twenty eight in the summer." Dorian answered as he watched her move closer, inhaling her delectable scent.

"My God, those scars don't look that old. Which means," She paused and looked up into his eyes, her own glazed with tears as the horror of his past burned through her mind. "they must have been bone deep at least."

"I just told you that I ripped a man's throat out as a child... that doesn't bother you?" Dorian was confused by her reaction. He had expected disgust, not sympathy and compassion.

"Bothered? I'm bothered by the entire situation! I'm glad you tore the bastard's throat out. Doing such a thing to a child is unforgivable." Tera was sickened by the thought of how much pain he must have been in and to still escape. That spoke in volumes for how much inner strength Dorian had, and she found herself touching his chest, trying to offer what small comfort she could for the memory. It was there that she found another scar, a puckered circular one. "Now what's this?"

Dorian was in shock. She was touching him, willingly at that. He decided that he liked it a great deal. "Surely you recognize the mark of your own weapons? It's a gunshot wound."

Tera gasped as her eyes went wide. "It's right next to your heart! You shouldn't have survived this."

"I know, believe me I know, but the Creator had other ideas for me I guess. This was my punishment for what I'd done. They shot me and left me to die, but I crawled back to my clan." Dorian spoke quietly as he remembered that night and the days that followed as he refused to give into the darkness that pulled at his consciousness while he crawled back to his people.

"I've never touched one you know." Tera exclaimed suddenly.

"What?" Dorian asked a bit thrown off by his own thoughts.

"A gun, I've never touched one, and until my mother died, my father never owned one. My mother was very against guns. She said that they were good for nothing but death and that saddened her." Tera explained, and she agreed whole heartedly with her mother on the subject.

"I see. Well, your mother was a wise woman then. Humans claim they are for hunting but then they use them for murder and slaughter in the name of humanity." Dorian's words came out bitter, but he felt he had a right to be about that particular subject.

"I am so sorry Dorian. I'm sorry for what they did to you. For you to have been through all that and still be able to show compassion towards me," She paused as emotions overtook her and her eyes misted with tears that would not be denied this time. They spilled down her cheeks as she looked at this strong warrior before her. "You seem to have more humanity than any human I've ever met."

Dorian was astonished at the woman before him. He had captured her and taken her from her home, yet she was crying for him and what he'd been through. He couldn't help but touch her then. He didn't like to see the tears falling from her eyes, so he reached up and gently brushed them away. He must have done something right because she nuzzled into his hand. "We should get some rest. I'm sure you're tired." He finally managed to speak though it was more of a whisper than anything else.

Terra nodded as she pulled herself together and watched him put her dish in the sink before walking to the only bed she'd seen in his home and climbing in it. She simply stood and watched him get comfortable, but when he held his arms out for her, she thought her heart would burst from her chest it was beating so fast. She knew she was blushing. "You want me to... sleep with you?"

"Do you see any other beds in my home Tera?" He said it matter of fact, although there was a slight grin on his face, because it was true.

"I suppose you have a point." Tera swallowed her fears and walked towards the bed into his outstretched arms. He lifted her like she weighed nothing and rolled as he did allowing her to lie on her side facing him. She was completely stiff next to him and her eyes were unnaturally wide. When he looked at her in confusion she explained. "I've never slept with a man before, even clothed."

He chuckled and, marveling when he heard her refer to him as a man, pulled her close, causing her head to rest on his chest. "Just relax Tera, I'm not going to hurt you. Shh, you're safe."

When Tera awoke she knew it was the same day simply because she didn't feel all that rested. She watched as Dorian donned his weapons.

"Can you dance?" He asked without looking up.

"Um, a little bit, yes." She replied still lying on the bed.

"Can you sing?" Still he didn't look up.

"I'm fair I suppose. Why do you want to know?" She sat up then, curious to his plan.

"Good. That's what you'll be doing from now on. Dinner is ready and you are to be the entertainment for the night." He explained as he finally turned to look at her.

"So that female today was right? I really am your pet?" She sat there slightly stunned as she examined the situation.

"Well, pet is a strong word, but I suppose it's better than slave. I certainly won't treat you like a slave." Dorian stated as he extended his hand out for her.

She sighed as she got off the bed, deciding that pet truly was better than slave. She decided that she would do her best and maybe even try to have fun with the dancing. As they walked outside, she couldn't help but gawk at the huge bore they had killed for dinner. "You actually brought one of those things down?! That's amazing. Our best hunters couldn't kill one of those."

"That's because humans rely too much on their guns and do not use their brains." Dorian chuckled at his own joke but he could see Tera didn't find it amusing. He led her over to the large circle where the clan was gathered. Then he introduced her to Ezekiel, who was the musician of the clan. He could play any instrument with ease and finesse. Finally, he announced that Tera would be providing entertainment for the night and gestured her to the center.

Tera was terrified. She had no idea what kind of dance they wanted or how to dance all the time, and Tera would always ask her how she became so good. Her mother would reply. 'It's not something you learn Tera girl, it's something you feel. When you hear the music, you just close your eyes and feel it, then move your body to it.' So, when the tiger named Ezekiel started to play on a wooden flute she did just as her mother said. She didn't really expect to feel anything, but sure enough, she did. Her body began to sway and turn, her feet seeming to move on their own. She used every part of her body to express how the music made her feel. When she opened her eyes she saw all of them watching her with rapt attention, and it only fueled her on. Then she caught sight of Dorian and her heart skipped. Why was that, she wondered. The song ended on a low note so Tera sank to the ground to finish, and when she did she heard applause. Whether it was for her or Ezekiel, she didn't know but it made her feel good none the less. Almost immediately, Ezekiel moved onto the drum, which sounded a lot like bongos. So Tera jumped up and began moving more rapidly and more precise. She thrust her chest and hips, spun around around and threw up her arms until finally that too ended.

This went on for most of the night, until finally after another up beatsong, Dorian announced that it was enough. "It's time to rest now." H stated as he took her hand and lead her away as she panted. Her body was covered in sweat, but to him, it just made her more beautiful. Once back inside his home he handed her a brush that he had purchased for her. "For your hair."

"Thank you." Tera stated as she tried to calm down from the adrenaline rush. She began brushing her hair as she cooled off.

"I thought you said you were only fair? What I saw out there was amazing." Dorian smiled at her as he watched her face blush again.

"Thank you. I haven't danced like that since my mother was alive, and even then it was pre-planned."Tera explained happily.

"Well, I will talk with Ezekiel tomorrow and see if you and he can practice together. How does that sound?" Dorian took his weapons off once again and climbed into his bed wearing only his loin cloth.

"That sounds fine to me." Tera walked to the edge after she set her brush down and waited for him to lift her up. This time he set her on top of him, but she didn't mind. His chest was big enough to use as a furry pillow. "Good night Dorian."

"Good night Tera." He whispered as he stroked her silken hair and fell into sleep.

The next morning Tera woke up alone in the bed. She sat up and looked around, then heard splashing in the next room. She knew she should just stay there, but curiosity got the better of her. After all, he had seen her naked. She slowly crept out of bed and silently made her way to the door way. When she peeked in she got more than she had bargained for. He was out of the tub now facing the door, fully nude. His body was finely toned everywhere and she saw that the tigers were like humans in even more ways than simply being two legged. His manhood hung against his leg as he dried off, and that was all she could take. She covered her mouth to hold in a gasp and ran back to the bed. When he came back into the room he was wearing his loin cloth again.

"Good morning Tera. Did you sleep well?" Dorian asked cheerfully.

All Tera could do was stare at him and nod. She bit her bottom lip as he handed her a plate of fruit.

"As soon as you're done we'll go speak to Ezekiel." He was putting his weapons back on, but when he noticed she wasn't eating he paused. "Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong." She smiled but even she knew it looked fake. Her heart was beating too fast and she felt the blush hot on her face. She just couldn't help thinking how good he'd look nude. Finally, she managed to start eating her food. That must have been good enough for Dorian because he continued putting on his weapons as if nothing had happened. She was entirely too embarrassed to tell him the truth.

After she was finished eating, Dorian took Tera to another house. Ezekiel, a fit, shaggy furred orange tiger greeted them at the door and to her surprise actually shook her hand.

"You were wonderful last night! I've seen some who have trained their entire lives and still not be able to transition that well from song to song." Ezekiel was actually excited to work with Tera. He explained that some people's body and mind just didn't communicate that well together, but Tera's did.

After Dorian was sure Tera was in good hands he waved good bye and went to take care of his daily duties.

After a few hours of practicing, Tera actually found herself having fun. Ezekiel was very energetic, and very passionate about his music. Together, they had a performance lined up that would wow the entire clan. It involved some very sensual dancing as well as fun and high energy dancing; and when he found out Tera could sing, Ezekiel nearly passed out.

"Wow, you can dance AND you can sing?! That's beyond amazing. We just have to incorporate some of that voice in there as well." Ezekiel exclaimed. So they reworked their performance to add some singing parts for Tera. By the time they were finished it was evening and time for Tera to perform.

Everyone had gathered again and was already eating when Tera and Ezekiel came to the circle. Tera entered the center and looked around until she found Dorian, then smiled, and prepared to dance. For some reason, it was very important to her that he be watching her.

When the music started, Tera immediately began to move. At the same time she took a breath and began to sing. All conversations stopped, movement ceased, and all eyes were on her. She sang of love and innocence with a voice that would make an angel weep with joy. When she finished she was surprised to see several of the tigers standing as they applauded, including Dorian. She continued her performance throughout the night, and when she came to the last dance, she had butterflies in her stomach. It was the most provocative thing she'd ever done, but she knew the tigers would like it. She was hoping one in particular would enjoy it as well. She ran her hands up and down her body as she twisted her hips. Some of the moves, she knew, were very suggestive, and she saw many o the males licking their lips. When she looked to Dorian, however, she found he was as cool as ever, showing no signs of male appreciation for her. When she finished though, after the applause ended, Dorian indicated that it was bed time. So, she bowed one last time, waved to Ezekiel, and followed Dorian home. Once inside he silently took off his weapons.

"Did you like the performance?" She finally asked after a long silence.

"It was beautiful Tera. You and Ezekiel work very well together." He replied, but wouldn't look at her. He was having a very hard time controlling his desire to touch her. He was almost afraid to lay in the bed with her. Her performance, especially that last dance, had made his wanting of her almost painful. He crawled into bed and waited for her to come closer.

"Dorian, did I do something wrong?" Tera was worried about the distance he seemed to be trying to achieve. She walked to the bed and he lifted her up without a word, and rolled onto his side. Instead of pulling her close he left a space between them.

"Tera, you did nothing wrong. It's just that..." he paused. He didn't want her to think he was upset, so he decided on truth. "that last dance you did was very, intriguing."

"What does that mean?" she asked curiously.

"It means that any male would have to be dead not to react to it." He grumbled and tried to shift his throbbing erection to get more comfortable. He thought it was almost worth it thought to see that cute blush on her cheeks again.

"Oh, I see. Well, goodnight." Tera closed her eyes and smiled to herself. It seemed her tough warrior wasn't immune to her after all. She fell asleep quite pleased with herself, and was already thinking up more ways to entice him.

Dorian couldn't stand it anymore. When he was sure she was asleep, he scooted closer to her and began stroking her arm gently. Just that simple touch soothed him, yet made him burn for her. He sighed to himself and finally forced himself to go to sleep.

The routine stayed the same for several weeks. Tera would practice with Ezekiel during the day, and perform at night. Sometimes dancing, sometimes singing, and on special occasions she would tell stories to the cubs. She would change the characters from humans to tigers to make them happy and eventually they would fall asleep, allowing their parents to carry them off to bed.

The tigers were pretty comfortable with Tera now and didn't really pay her any attention when she walked around during the day. But she was becoming more and more agitated as the days went by. She was trying hard now to get Dorian to notice her, but he just seemed to ignore her attempts. And to make matters worse, she had seen a few females flirting with him. Although he never seemed to accept any of their offers, he did flirt back, and that infuriated Tera. She knew she had no right to be jealous, she was only a human after all, but she couldn't help it. Something inside her demanded that she get his attention. The situation had become so one sided that she came to the conclusion that all she would ever be to Dorian was a pet. He seemed to enforce that idea each night when he insisted that he should brush her hair.

Finally, one night, Tera decided that she had wasted enough of her heart on Dorian. Instead of performing her sensual dance only in front of him, she moved to other males as well. She caught sight of Dorian out of the corner of her eye and watched as he shifted uncomfortably, a frown on his face. Surely he couldn't be jealous, could he? To test this she actually sat in one of the male's laps as she danced. It was Jarrid, Dorian's second in command. He was a lean, fit male with the same orange coloring as Dorian had. She heard Dorian's snarl a second before he yanked her off Jarrid's lap. She was so stunned all she could do was look up at him in surprise.

"Enough dancing. You're done for tonight!" He was practically fuming with anger.

"But we're not even half done." Ezekiel exclaimed, but one look from Dorian had him bowing his head.

Dorian dragged Tera into the house and without saying a word took off his weapons as she stood there. He cursed and shook his head as he remembered something he needed to discuss with his lieutenants. "I need to go speak with my men. Get in bed. I will be back in a minute." He grumbled as he went out the door.

Tera looked at his weapons on the table. He'd never left her alone and awake in the same room with them before. So, she made her decision, she would die tonight. She picked one of the small daggers off his belt and sat on the edge of the bed with it by her side, and waited.

Dorian knew he had been too harsh with Tera, but seeing her dancing for, then touching, another male had set him off. He sighed to himself as he opened his door and stepped in, vowing that he would apologize. He saw her with her eyes closed sitting on the edge of the bed. "Have you taken to sleeping sitting up?" He tried to joke but she gave no response. "Tera?" He moved closer to her.

He was right in front of her when he heard her whisper. "Forgive me." Tera lunged at him slicing his cheek with the dagger as she screamed her frustrations out. Dorian growled and gripped her arm tightly slinging her around him but making sure not to hurt her. He grabbed her other arm and placed both her hands in one of his using the other to take the dagger from her. He pinned her back against the wall and pressed his knee between her legs lifting her off the ground.

"What is wrong with you?!" He growled as he held her tight. "What were you trying to accomplish with this?" He held the dagger in front of her face.

"Death!" She screamed at him as she struggled against his hold, to no avail.

Dorian stilled at her words, his heart ripping in two. "Why Tera? Haven't I been good to you? Haven't I taken care of you?"

"Yes, yes you have Dorian. You've given me everything a good pet would need." She spit out the word. "But I'm tired of being your pet! I am a woman! I want to be treated like a woman." Tera was crying now as she poured her heart out. "So either kill me or let me go if you still see me as a pet." She barred her neck to him, closing her eyes. "Make it quick."

Dorian set the dagger down and cupped her chin, making her face him. "Tera, you could have plunged a blade into my heart and I still wouldn't have wanted to kill you." He began brushing the tears away from her face. She just looked at him though with a confused frown. "Ever since I laid eyes on you Tera, I have wanted you. Keeping you as a pet was how I justified being close to you." He eased his grip on her arms as he stroked her face. "Everything I've done was so that I could be closer to you, touch you. I was... confused as to how I could be so attracted to a human."

"So you treated me like I'm your property? Yeah, that's a great way to show you're attracted to me. Besides, I've done things to try and get your attention, and you've completely ignored me. You just go off and flirt with the female tigers." Tera was so jealous of them she couldn't see straight, and she was tired of hiding it from Dorian.

"And I never once went off with them, now did I Tera? Do you know why? Because the only female I want in or out of my bed has been a little human female." Dorian saw her soften a bit as his words sunk in. "Believe me, I have noticed every single time you looked at me. Every sultry move you make drives me crazy. But I was so sure you were doing it out of spite. I just knew that if I reacted you would think me... savage." He was stroking her hair again as he too poured his heart out to her.

"Why didn't you say something... anything?" Tera nuzzled into his hand. "I never have thought you savage Dorian, and I never will."

Dorian sighed. "I was waiting for you to say something." He growled then and gripped her hair, causing her to gasp as he tilted her head back. "So, you want to be treated like a woman do you?" Then, quicker than she could blink, he kissed her.

Tera's eyes widened as Dorian's mouth covered her own. He pressed his tongue against her lips prying them open so that he could invade her mouth. She struggled for only a moment, and then gave herself up to his deep kiss. His tongue felt like crushed velvet against her own and she moaned at how good he tasted.

Dorian let a low rumble escape him as he tasted the sweetness of her mouth. Creator knew how long he'd wanted to, but there were other parts of her that he wished to taste as well. He pulled back from the kiss and was thrilled to see her lean forward for more. He had wicked plans for his firey human. He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder.

"Dorian! What are you doing?" Tera squeaked when she was thrown on the bed as she bounced. Then she gasped when he gripped the top of her dress and ripped it off of her. Her entire body came alive as he devoured her with his gaze.

"I'm doing what I should have done your first night here; treating you like a woman." Dorian crawled onto the bed between her legs and licked his way from her stomach up to her neck before whispering to her. "Let me make it up to you."

Tera's heart was pounding so hard in her chest she thought it would burst free. Her eyes fluttered closed as he whispered to her and his whiskers tickled her ear. "Yes." It was all she could manage to say, but it was enough because Dorian began licking back down her body, stopping to caress each breast with his amazing tongue. When he got to her hip she shivered. "What are you doing now Dorian?"

"I'm going to taste you. I've dreamed of this my sweet Tera, just let me make you feel good." His voice was a deep growl but he couldn't help it. He lifted her hips and spread her legs before dipping his head down and running his tongue through her already slick folds.

Tera gasped as unspeakable pleasure raced through her body and mind. She sat up on her elbows to watch him. "Oh Dorian..." She moaned as the warm velvet that was his tongue caressed her most sensitive spots. She finally couldn't stand it anymore and laid back. She reached down and caressed his soft face fur as she bucked her hips into him.

Dorian growled into her as he licked. He decided that he had to be in heaven. He had never taste a female as sweet as his Tera. He felt her body building as he suckled her, so he pressed one of his thumbs against her clit and rubbed.

Tera screamed. Her entire body was exploding with sensation. "Dorian!" She cried out as he kept licking and rubbing, extending the pleasure until she thought she'd die from it. She writhed in his grip, but he held fast. By the time he pulled back she was panting, her entire body limp with satiation, but still she wanted more of him.

Dorian sat back on his haunches and smiled down at her as he caressed her leg. He undid his loin cloth and threw it aside, allowing her to see him hard and ready. She slid her hand up his thigh, and when she ran her fingers over him, he thought he'd pass out. He let his head lay back while she stroked him and made him senseless with need.

Tera stroked and touched him as she became even more excited. She wanted him. She wanted him to take her. She'd wanted to touch him since the day she'd seen him get out of the tub and now she was getting her wish. And his reaction to her touch only fueled her on further. "I thought you'd be different you know."

"Hmm?" Dorian looked down at her flushed face and smiled. "You thought we'd be more animal than man right?"

She bit her lip and nodded. "I want you Dorian, all of you."

He chuckled as he pulled her hand away and stroked her thigh. "All in good time, Tera. You're not ready yet my little virgin."

"How did you know?" Tera looked up at him with pure want in her eyes.

He shrugged. "I could smell and taste that no other male had touched you." And that thought in itself brought on a desperate need to possess her; to claim this female that was his and his alone, and to keep it that way. He slid one of his large fingers into her entrance and watched her eyes widen, her breath catch. "We must get you much more ready than this my sweet."

"Oh God." She arched her back as she spread her legs further for him. And this was only his finger, she thought as her hips began bucking. She watched as he once again covered her with his mouth while keeping his finger in. almost instantly he brought her to release as she cried out for him.

Dorian was so eager to be inside her sweet body, but he wouldn't hurt her. He wanted her to enjoy this because he'd be damned if this was a onetime thing. He was going to do right by her and claim her as his woman.

After he'd worked in another finger and brought her to orgasm again he pulled from her body. She whimpered and watched as he licked her juices from his fingers. "Please Dorian, I can't wait anymore." He voice came out breathy but her need was evident.

He smiled at her eagerness. This is how he wanted her, eager and ready, wanting him. "Alright Tera, but we must do this slowly, okay? I don't want to risk hurting you."

She nodded as she watched him come over her and brace an arm next to her head while using the other hand to align himself with her entrance. She moaned when she felt the head press inside her, but whimpered when he stopped. One look at his face however, proved that it was just as hard, if not harder, for him.

He was shaking, actually shaking. He almost couldn't hold himself back, but looking at her sweet, innocent face gave him the will power. He reached down and rubbed her clit again as he moved the tip of his cock in and out of her. Her sweet little sounds made this torture worth it. He felt her virginity within her and waited until he felt her release. He watched her beloved face as he pushed through and roared in triumph as he began to take her.

She couldn't breath. He was huge and he felt amazing inside her. She saw the need in his eyes as he drove himself into her and almost instantly made her climax again. She clung to his back as he held himself above her. She moaned and screamed out her pleasure, not caring who heard them.

He loved his fireyTera. She made love like a tigress, screaming her pleasure to the night. He even thought he felt her nails on his back. Oh yes, he should have done this much sooner. He licked at her neck but refrained from biting her just yet. After all, she hadn't actually accepted a mate claim from him. He grunted as he nuzzled her neck and threw his head back and roared when he released inside her. It must have done something for her as well, because she released with him, screaming out his name as her body milked him for every ounce of pleasure. While he rested he laid on top of her. "Too heavy?" He managed to get out between gasps?

"No, just perfect."Tera clung to him and nuzzled into his fur. "That was amazing Dorian."

He chuckled. "You have no idea. I hope you're not tired already, I'm only getting started." He looked down to see her eyes wide but a smile playing on her lips.

"Really?"

"Mmhmm." He purred to her as he nuzzled her cheek and his heart soared when he heard her laugh. "I'm going to make love to you all night Tera. Do you think that will make up for taking so long?"

"It's a start." She teased as he kissed her again. True to his word once more, Dorian continued making love to her until the sun started coming up. Only then did they drift off to sleep in each other's arms.

When Tera woke, she was alone. She was worried by this. "Dorian?" She called out to him and was relieved to see him peek through the door of the other room.

"I got you some breakfast Tera." He came out in full war armor and weapons and handed her a plate of fruits. "As well as another dress, since your other one was... damaged."

"Thank you Dorian, and damaged? You mean destroyed right?" She giggled. "Where are you going so early?" She then asked curiously as she nibbled her fruit.

"Hunting." He replied simply.

Tera stopped eating. "For... humans?" She asked cautiously because she didn't know if she could handle the answer if it was.

Dorian chuckled. "No Tera, for food. We take turns hunting everyday so that everyone gets a break. It's my turn to go in a group today." He explained.

"Oh, I see." The tension in her heart eased and she resumed eating as she watched him check his weapons. "I guess I'll go to Ezekiel's after I'm done."

"No, you won't. I've already spoken to him and told him that you won't be performing anymore at night unless you want to." Dorian explained as he smiled at her.

Her heart swelled at his words. He wasn't going to treat her like a pet anymore. He wasn't going to pretend that that was all she was to him. "So, what am I going to do all day while you're gone?"

"Well, I thought you could work with the other females today." He walked over to her and licked some fruit juice off her cheek.

Tera's eyes went wide. "I don't think that's a good idea Dorian. You may not see me as your pet anymore, but they still do. To them, that's all I've ever been. Allowing me to work with them might anger them."

"They will tolerate you because I said so. If they have a problem with my decision, they can take it up with me themselves." Dorian stated plainly.

Tera said nothing more as she ate and then got dressed. When she was finished, she was wonderfully surprised to receive a scorching kiss from Dorian. When they finally came up for air, all she could do was stare at him.

Dorian shrugged. "You had fruit juice on your lips." He smiled as he took her hand and they went outside. He led her over to an area where the females processed grains and other fod stuffs. A single red female with starling burnished gold eyes was sitting, grinding grain by hand. "Good morning Sarah."

"Good morning Dorian." Sarah looked up and was surprised to see the human female with Dorian.

"Sarah, I'd like you to meet Tera; Tera this is Sarah, one of the younger females of our clan." Dorian kept his hand in Tera's and moved her next to him.

"I know who she is Dorian, but what is she doing here?" Sarah asked curiously.

"I want her to work with you today, so she can learn more of our daily activities." Dorian smiled down at Tera as he explained.

Sarah looked extremely worried and uncomfortable. "Dorian, I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, I don't mind, but the others..."

"The others will deal with it." Dorian snapped.

"Of course Dorian." Sarah immediately bowed her head to him. "Can she do anything?"

"I can grind grain by hand." Tera spoke up now that it was on a safer subject. "I used to do it all the time before my father got a machine.

Dorian smiled and nodded to Sarah. "See, she'll do fine."

"Sit down then." Sarah told Tera, and watched as the human sat across from her and smiled before taking some grain and a mortar and pestle and beginning her task.

Dorian crouched down beside her and stroked her face. "I'll be back in a while." Then he whispered, "Then maybe I could treat you like a woman some more."

Tera smiled seductively up at him. "I think I'd like that." Then after one more stroke of her hair he walked off. She watched him leave and sighed.

Sarah was intrigued by this situation as she smelled Dorian all over the woman. "He fancies you I believe."

Tera smiled at her. "I think you're right."

"But how do you feel about him?" Sarah asked, but the blush on Tera's face was answer enough. "You love him, don't you?"

Tera smiled again. "Yes, I do." To her surprise, Sarah smiled back.

For the next few minutes they sat silently grinding the grain. Then a few of the other females started to come over. They were talking so they didn't notice Tera at first, but eventually Alondra did.

"Sarah, what the hell is she doing here?" Alondra snapped as she curled her lip at Tera.

"Dorian said he wanted her to work with us today." Sarah replied, looking very worried.

"Oh no, this just won't do. Pets aren't supposed to do our work." She explained haughtily. "Pets are for children to play with. Zeth, Keira, come here and bring a rope." Her two cubs came running, the boy, Zeth, was about eight and the girl, Keira, was only three. "Now then pet, it's time to serve your purpose." She grabbed Tera and dragged her before her children.

"Alondra stop! Dorian said..." Sarah was cut off by a snarl from Alondra. She cringed and looked down. Alondra was older, and higher in the clan than she was.

"Dorian will get over it. Now, Zeth why don't you tie the rope around her neck like a cute little collar. Make sure it's good and tight too."Alondra crooned to her son.

Tera knew better than to move. She knew Alondra could kill her if she wanted to and without Dorian there to protect her she probably would if she upset her cubs. Zeth came up to her and secured the rope around her neck, leaving some for a leash.

"Good, now Keira what kind of pet do you want her to be?A doggy?" The little girl shook her head no. "Hmm, how about a pony then?" That earned her a squeal of delight. So she picked up her daughter and set her on Tera's back. "Now Zeth, you lead her around." Zeth found a whip like stick and brought it over. By now a large crowd had gathered, and there were several laughing at the scene. Then the boy did something that made everyone go silent. He whipped Tera's legs.

"Move pony." He ordered as blood pooled in the lashes.

Tera gasped at the pain but didn't cry out. If she had fur, she probably wouldn't have bled but she didn't and the boy continued to whip her.

"Alondra, that's enough. She's bleeding!" Sarah pleaded.

"She'll heal. It's just a little blood, barely scratches." Alondra brushed her off as she watched her cubs play.

Tera was shivering by now. The pain of the lashes was radiating through her body. She looked up at the boy, her eyes pleading with him to stop.

"Don't look at me pony." Zeth snarled as he let the whip fly again. It slashed her across her left eye and then she screamed.

The pain was too much on the last assult. She screamed into the air and collapsed, causing Keira to roll off her. She curled into the fetal position and held her hand to her face whimpering.

Dorian heard the scream, as did his men. His heart exploded into a frenzy of worry and rage. "I'll take care of it. You stay with the kill unless I call for you." He growled and took off towards the village. He was leaping from tree to tree and was drawing his long blades as he jumped into the clearing. He landed in a crouch, snarling, and expecting to see enemies. What he did see, made his blood run cold. Tera was lying on the ground, bloody and torn, huddled in a ball.He dropped his blades. Someone could have attacked him then and he wouldn't have cared. He crept up to her and noticed she was holding her face. He growled and she flinched. "Tera? It's okay, it's me Tera." He slowly pulled her hand away to see a huge gash laying open her beautiful face. Her eye was even damaged, the sparkling emerald he so loved, covered in blood. He couldn't contain his rage as he roared. "Who did this!?" He demanded to know then looked over at Alondra and her cubs, noticing the blood covered switch.

Alondra noticed him looking and stood firm. "They're just children Dorian. They were playing."

"Playing?! You call that playing?" Dorian moved in front of her and snarled in her face.

"So they got a little carried away." She refused to back down.

"A little?" Dorian wanted to strangle her, to tear at her. "The moment you saw blood you should have stopped them."

"Dorian." Sarah interrupted. "She's going into shock. We have to stop the bleeding."

Dorian nodded and went to walk away. "You will pay for this Alondra." He snapped.

"She'll heal." Alondra shrugged but stilled when he looked back at her.

"You will still pay for what you did to her." With that he went and gently scooped Tera up into his arms. He felt her trembling from pain and shock, but still she made no noise.

Tera was so cold but she knew she was okay now. Dorian had her. That's all that mattered. She whispered to him. "I tried not to scream. I really tried."

Dorian paused for a moment when he heard her. "You should have screamed the first time he hit you baby." He carried her into the house with Sarah close behind.

The bandaging process was hell. First Sarah had to clean the wounds, and then she bandaged them. Not once did Tera cry out but by the tenseness of her body, Dorian knew she wanted to. Once the bandages were on, Tera relaxed a bit and fell into an exhausted sleep.

Dorian couldn't stop the tears that trailed down his face as he stood next to her. "You were never to know such pain, my sweet Tera. I am so sorry I left you." He wiped his face and looked to Sarah. "Take care of her. I have something I need to take care of."

Sarah nodded as she watched Dorian leave. She could only hope Tera pulled through. Creator only knew what he'd do if she died.

Dorian walked over to Alondra and her cubs. "Send them away Alondra. They don't need to hear this."

Alondra hesitated for a moment but finally sentthem off to play. "So how is you pet?"

Dorian growled. "If I were you, I would keep my mouth shut right now. What you did was brutal, cruel, and completely unnecessary."

"It's no worse than what they do to our kind. Surely you haven't forgotten." Alondra pleaded in her defense.

"We are not like them! I try to teach everyone to be better than that, to show compassion. And here you are teaching your cubs to whip people!" Dorian was in her face now and she was cowering from him.

"If she dies, I'll find you another one." Alondra stated coldly. It was the wrong thing to say because Dorian snarled and wrapped his hand around her throat, lifting her in the air.

"If she dies, YOU die!" He snapped and watched as understanding crept over her terrified face. Suddenly he was brought out of his anger when he heard Sarah calling for him.

"Dorian! Come quickly." She yelled from the doorway to his house.

Dorian practically dropped Alondra as he ran for his house. His heart pounded with dread as he met Sarah at the door.

"You'll never believe it! I almost didn't believe it and I saw it with my own eyes." Sarah was saying frantically as she and Dorian went inside.

He froze in the doorway, his heart practically stopped and he had to remember how to breath. Tera lay on the bed asleep, her skin smooth and unblemished. He turned to Sarah. "How did this happen?"

"Well, I was sitting next to her and she started glowing. Then the glowing turned into a white hot flame of light and when it died down, the bandages and her dress were gone. The wounds were gone as well, but the bed remained untouched. How amazing is that?!" Sarah was ecstatic as she explained the events.

Dorian looked back to the bed, but still he didn't believe it. He had to touch her. He walked over and gently ran his fingers over the now smooth skin of her face. His knees almost buckled under his relief as he leaned forward and nuzzled her hair. "Arcane. That's the only explanation." He stated.

"But that's impossible. The arcane are tigers and lions, not humans." Sarah replied confused.

"How else do you explain it? Not even a mage could heal this completely, and unconscious too. No, she must have arcane in her." He knew he was right. No other race could have performed such a miracle. He saw her stirring from sleep and took her hand.

Tera opened her eyes and knew that she had healed because she could see Dorian with both eyes again. "Dorian..." She whispered and was relieved to see him smile, even if there were tears in his eyes. "I guess my secret is out huh?"

"You are Arcane, right?" Dorian asked in a hushed voice, stroking her hair.

Tera frowned. "Arcane? No, I'm human. I just heal really fast."

Dorian and Sarah shared a look then Sarah explained. "No human could have done what I saw Tera. You have something else in you."

"Well I've always healed quickly but that's all, nothing else." Tera explained.

"It doesn't matter Tera. I don't care what you are. I just thank the Creator that you're alright." Dorian scooped her up into his arms and held her close. "I'll never leave you alone again baby, I swear."

"Dorian, its okay. I knew I'd heal. That's why I tried not to scream." Tera explained as she stroked his face with her hand. "Besides you have to hunt, or someone else won't get a break."

"It never should have happened. I don't care if you knew you'd heal. What if they had killed you? You should have screamed sooner." He nuzzled her and chuffed into her hair. "Let's go get you another dress. I'll let you pick it out this time."

She smiled up at him. "Alright, but you have to let me walk."

He didn't want to, but eventually, he set her down. Sarah went out first, then Dorian took Tera's hand and he walked to the doorway, fully intending to announce that Tera was his woman. He didn't want another one of his clan members touching her, in any way. As they walked outside everyone gasped and stared, not because she was naked, but because she had no marks on her. She stood with her chin up and looked back at every one of them.

They walked over to Electra's stand and even she was speechless. Tera picked out an emerald green dress to match her eyes. Then Dorian paid for it while she put it on.

"There's something we need to do now." Dorian stated as they stood in the center of the village. "Alondra!" He roared for her to come to him.

Alondra had another female hold her cubs as she walked over to them and was shocked to see Tera healed, not a mark on her.

"On your knees Alondra." Dorian snapped and watched her shocked face as she dropped to the ground. Then he addressed Tera. "One of our laws is blood for blood." He took one of his blades out and handed it to her. "You can do as much damage as you want to her as punishment."

Tera took the blade and looked at it. She heard Alondra's cubs crying, trying to get to their mother. Then she looked into Alondra's eyes and saw the fear. She reached out with the blade and made a small cut on her shoulder, then dropped the blade. "There is punishment enough in her own eyes. I will do no more."

Dorian picked up his blade and looked at Tera. "Are you sure?"

Tera's face softened as she looked up at her lover. "Yes Dorian. I don't want there to be so much hate between us."

Alondra's body slumped and tears ran from her eyes as her children ran to her and she held them close. "Thank you. I am truly sorry for what I did Tera. I didn't know he loved you so much." The rest of the clan broke into whispers as they heard this, but no one spoke up.

Zeth stepped closer to Tera then. "I'm sorry missTera. I was mean and that's not good."

Tera crouched down and stroked his face. "It's okay Zeth, at least you learned from your mistake." She was surprised then as he hugged her.

"Thank you for not hurting our mommy." He nuzzled her then ran back to his mother.

Tera stood and faced Dorian smiling. He stroked her face before leaning in and kissing her soundly in front of his entire clan. She didn't mind one bit. Her heart overflowed with lover for her warrior as he held her close.

That night at dinner there was an eerie silence. Tera finally couldn't take it anymore so she asked Ezekiel to play one of the clan's favorite songs. She began to dance and it seemed to lighten the mood. When she was finished she went and sat back down with Dorian while Ezekiel went into another song. The others began to talk again while they ate and Tera was glad she could help ease them. Then Victor decided to come over to them.

"So, Arcane... will you dance for me now? Maybe come to my bed for some real action?" Victor taunted and again silence stole over the clan. They knew he was out of place saying such a thing to a female who had been publicly claimed, and by the clan leader no less.

"I have had enough of your insults Victor!" Dorian growled as he got to his feet preparing to face the other male. He stopped only because Tera stood between them with her hand on his chest.

"Dorian please, let it go." Tera pleaded. She thought he would ignore her request until he huffed and sat back down.

"Unbelievable," Victor griped, "she's already got you whipped." With that he turned and walked away, stalking off into the darkness.

"One day he's going to force me to kill him." Dorian grumbled.

"You said he came from another clan. Is it common to switch clans?" Tera inquired.

"No, it's not. Usually you only switch clans if you marry into another of if you're cast out." He replied. "And considering he's not married, I'm guessing he got cast out. I'm even thinking about it myself."

"Dorian, no. There has to be a reason for the way he's acting. I'm going to talk to him." Tera rose to leave and Dorian gripped her wrist. "Don't worry. He won't hurt me."

"If he does... he will die tonight." With that he released her, trusting in her judgment.

Tera sighed to herself as she followed after Victor. She found him in his house with the door open, the light of a single flame the only thing illuminating his imposing figure. "Victor?"

He turned and smiled a wicked smile at her. "So you decided to take me up on my offer did you?"

Tera knew she had to be cautious, but she wanted to test her suspicions. "It depends; will you take your war armor off to bed me?"

He suddenly looked uncomfortable. "What do you mean?"

Tera approached slowly and let the light illuminate her small frame. "Let's just say I've noticed that you never take it off."

"Of course I do." Victor was quick to refute her claim.

"Not in front of the others you don't. Tell me Victor, why did you leave your other clan?" Tera prodded.

"That's none of your business." He snarled.

"Maybe not, but it is MY business." Dorian stepped from the shadows. "I should have asked you when you first came instead of allowing you your secrecy. It's caused me nothing but grief. Now answer her question." He ordered.

Victor looked from one to the other, then settled his gaze on Tera. "I was once a clan leader."

Tera came closer to him as she listened, then reached up, ever so slowly, for the fastens on his chest plate.

Victor wanted to snarl, to growl, anything to get her to back off, but he knew better. It was one thing to talk big, but if he outwardly threatened this woman, Dorian would kill him. So he watched as she removed his breast plate and gasped when she saw the scars.

"What happened?" Tera asked as her heart squeezed in sorrow.

"The male who challenged me for leadership won. Instead of killing me, which is more common, he let me live. He wanted me to live in shame among my clan." He paused and looked away. "So, instead, I left."

"And came to this clan.Are you wanting to challenge Dorian for the clan?" Tera asked curiously.

"No," He said quickly. "Dorian is... much stronger than I am." He kept his gaze averted from his clan leader, feeling shame swell within him.

Tera observed his tattered chest. The scar tissue was thick and jagged from the other male's claws. "You know, that still doesn't explain why you're such an ass." She stated bluntly, earning her a surprised look from Victor. "I mean, Dorian let you join his clan without even asking where you came from or why. I would think you'd be a bit more thankful."

Victor had to smile. This human, who he had personally bullied was standing in front of him and telling him he was ungrateful. She had guts, that was for sure, but of course she was also right. Dorian had no obligation to take him in, much less without an explanation. Not only had he taken him in, but he'd made him one of his lieutenants as well. And being smart mouthed ass was how he'd repaid him. "Perhaps I'm simply jealous that Dorian found a woman with such fire in her soul." He remarked teasingly.

"Well, you know what they say. There are plenty more fish in the sea." Tera smiled at him, watching as the barriers he had created broke down before her.

"Perhaps." Victor looked to his clan leader, who had been mostly silent, for the first time during the conversation. He passed Tera and approached him. "Dorian, I am..sorry, for the way I have been acting. It is time for me to put the past behind me and work towards the future. I humbly ask you for a second chance." He extended his hand and waited.

"On one condition." Dorian stated. "There's another apology you need to make." He gestured with a nod towards Tera.

Victor turned and looked at the frail human with the fire inside. "Of course; Tera, will you forgive me for being so asinine?" He asked cautiously.

Tera smiled and put her hand on his shoulder. "You've been through a lot Victor. Anyone would have a bit of built up frustration. So yes, I forgive you."

Victor smiled and inclined his head to her, then turned back to Dorian and re-extended his hand.

Dorian took the offered hand. "It's nice to have my other lieutenant back. Get some sleep Victor. I'll see you tomorrow."

Victor watched as Dorian and Tera left together and went back home. Then he too returned to his home for the night.

Once home, Dorian began to take off his armor and weapons as usual. "What a day."

Tera giggled, "Too much excitement for you?"

"Humph, just a little." He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her. "You're worth it thought." He licked at her ear and was delighted when she shivered. "Now, how about I keep my promise from earlier?"

"And which promise would that be?" She looked up at him with a knowing smile.

"The one where I'm to treat you like a woman, and love you like one all night long." Dorian scooped her up as she laughed in delight and carried her to the bed. He made sure that not an inch of her was left untouched by his passion, his love.

The next morning Dorian and Tera bathed together before eating breakfast.

"Last night was wonderful Dorian." Tera crooned as she sat on the bed brushing her hair.

"Mmm, yes it was. If I didn't have to go on patrole this morning you wouldn't be getting out of that bed." He replied with a purr.

Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the house and gunshots rang out. Dorian bolted for the door. "Stay here Tera."

"No! Dorian wait." Tera jumped out of bed and threw her dress on. Dorian had already disappeared out the door. When she opened the door, the sight that greeted her nearly brought her to her knees. Humans had attacked with explosives and were now shooting on sight. She searched for Dorian but instead saw Kiera, Alondra's cub, crying alone and vulnerable. Tera darted for her, scooping the child up and rolling away just as another explosive hit. She saw the males going down, not from bullets, but from bolos, strong ropes with metal balls on the ends, designed to wrap around their legs and trip them up. Once they were down the humans moved in and held guns to their heads while they secured their hands. They were trying to capture them! Tera saw Dorian then. He was surrounded and then went down. She screamed and ran towards him, seeing the one person that could stop this, her father.

"How does it feel beast? How does it feel to be helpless before your enemies?" John Braxton snapped at the large male he and his men had taken down. He smiled in sadistic glee as the male struggled and snarled to no avail. "Now you'll pay for what you did to my girl!" John held the gun out, aimed at the male's head, then froze as he heard a voice he never thought to hear again.

"Father NO! Don't hurt him." Tera ran in front of her father to block the shot. Everyone gasped and became suddenly confused as they saw her alive and seemingly well. All action stopped in the village.

"Tera? I thought you were dead." Her father said through the tears that choked him.

"No Daddy, I'm not. Dorian saved me." Tera explained in a calm, soothing voice.

"Dorian? Who's Dorian?" John asked.

Tera pointed towards her downed warrior. "That's Dorian. Please don't hurt him."

"They have names?" Her father inquired, as he and his men looked to each other in equal amounts of shock.

"Of course they do. They're just like us father. They just have fur." Tera explained.

"No, they're beasts; savage, murdering beasts." He exclaimed. Then he handed his daughter his gun. "Now, kill this beast. Kill the one who took you from me and we can go home."

Tera frowned as she took the gun from her father. She felt the cold weight of it in her hand as she looked to Dorian. Their gazes met and she saw his cool expression. He trusted her, completely and without hesitation. She lifted the gun, pointed it, and then dropped it to the ground. "No father I won't do it. No more violence."

"They attack us all the time!" Her father yelled.

"And why shouldn't they?" Tera spun on her father then. "We invaded their land, took their children for slaves and started killing them on sight! Tell me father, if someone had come to America and done that, what would you have done? What would any of you have done?" She addressed the entire group of humans with her anger. Then she recovered one of Dorian's blades from the ground and went to him.

"Tera, don't, he's dangerous!" John tried to grab her.

Tera quickly dodged his grasp and cut the bonds on Dorian's hands and feet, the draped her small frame over him. "Don't hurt him. If you want to shoot him, then shoot me too."

"Get your damned guns off my daughter!" John yelled at his men. Slowly, they complied, but they took several steps back.

"Tera don't do this. You could get hurt." Dorian pleaded as he lay very still on the ground, not wanting to draw their fire while his love was so near.

"I won't let them hurt you Dorian. This needs to end." Tera nuzzled his back before stepping back so he could stand.

The humans became increasingly nervous as Dorian slowly rose to his full six foot eight inches. Tera moved closer to her father then. "Father, this is Dorian Tigralia, leader of the tiger clan. Dorian, this is my father John Braxton."

Dorian inclined his head to Tera's father, but kept a wary eye on the other men that surrounded him.

"This is all so much to take in. It was supposed to be simple. Come in attack, and leave." John was shaking his head as he tried to sort things out.