Nikhil(48)

"I... Well, no," Parlan reluctantly answered.

"Does your manno?"

"No."

"Do you know any other True Mates?"

"Of course not, General! There hasn't been one in nearly five-hundred years."

"Then perhaps Squad Leader Nikhil's True Mate is conducting herself properly."

"General! She never presented herself as his True Mate. If she truly were, she would wear his bead proudly for all to see, not hide it in all that... hair."

"How dare you!" Moving quicker than any of them could have anticipated, Mac was around Nikhil, slapping Parlan across the face before anyone could stop her. Her small hand left angry, red slashes across one cheek. "You know nothing about me or my feelings for my True Mate! I wear my hair the way I wish, and Nikhil's bead hangs where it wishes! You have no right to criticize something you know nothing about, and from what I've heard and witnessed, never will, as the Goddess would never bless a self absorbent prick such as you with a True Mate!"

Silence reigned in the room, as everyone including Mac's friends, were shocked at her bare-handed attack on the much larger Parlan. Few attacked an Elite Warrior and lived, especially not a female.

Nikhil was the first to react as Parlan's face swung back to his Mackenzie, pulling her away from the enraged male who this time managed to find the hilt of his sword.

"Parlan! You will stand down!" Treyvon ordered, drawing his own sword as he stepped between Parlan and the couple.

"She had no right!" Parlan sputtered.

"She had every right! You insulted not only her but her bond with her mate. Something you would never do with a male." Treyvon's gaze trailed over the group behind him, frowning when one figure ducked away fearfully. This would not do. "I placed you in charge here because I thought you would treat these survivors with respect. I see now that is untrue." He looked over his shoulder. "Warrior Onp."

"Yes, General." Onp immediately presented himself to his General.

"The care of the survivors is now your responsibility."

"Yes, General. I will not fail you." Onp gave him a slight bow.

"I know you won't, Onp." Treyvon's gaze returned to Parlan. "Parlan, you will now stand the wall."

"But, General...” Parlan started to argue.

"Silence!" Treyvon ordered. "You have dishonored not only your fellow Elite Warriors but also your people as a whole. A True Mate is always honored. I will make sure Minister Stepney knows of this."

"But...”

"Report to Warrior Marr. I will inform him you are coming and why."

Parlan glared at Mackenzie as he released the hilt of his sword, then giving Nikhil wide berth, walked out of the area.

Nikhil gazed down at his Mackenzie. He couldn't believe that she had attacked Parlan, couldn't believe her words or how she defended their bond. Not after what he'd said to her that morning. His Mackenzie might be tiny, but she was fierce.

"Mackenzie." His softly spoken word had her turning to gaze up at him, and he saw her beautiful, brown eyes were still filled with anger.

"He's an ass, Nikhil, and he's wrong. I am proud to be your True Mate." She turned to face him, and the hand that had slapped Parlan rose to rest over his heart. "I know we still have a lot to work out, but if you believe nothing else, believe that."

Nikhil found he could only cover her hand with his and nod, as his throat was too tight to allow words to pass.

"Mac?" The question from Craig had her looking back to her friends. She saw the confusion and worry in their gazes. "Are you alright? What's going on?"

Giving Nikhil's chest a soft caress, she turned and went to them. "Everything is fine. Have you met General Treyvon Rayner?" she asked gesturing to the General.

"Yes. Once. In the mines," Craig said, and Mac nodded.

"He has removed Parlan from being in charge. Now this warrior will be." She gestured to the other male. "Warrior Onp."

Nikhil listened as his Mackenzie spoke to the male that seemed to be the leader of their group, and while he didn't understand her words, he could tell she was explaining what had happened, and that Onp was in charge now from her gestures. He could also tell she was tiring. It was in the way she was starting to lock her knees to keep from swaying, it was in the slightest tremble in her hand as she pointed at Onp, and it was in the slight paling of her skin.

"Mackenzie." He stepped close, offering her his strength and support. ""Come, Little One."

"Just a minute," she said in Kaliszian, then switched back to English. "Jen, it might be best if you stay hidden for a while longer. I'll be back as soon as I can." With that, she smiled up at Nikhil and let him lead her away