"I have had other options," Rose said blithely. "I talk with many men and I made my choice. Basin and his Brothers have made mistakes, but they have atoned. We enjoy each other and I wish to be with them."

The sound of foot steps got my attention and I turned to see Damien's family and Basin's family come into the hall. They were running and ‘Looked worried.

“You defied us," Hassar said simply, addressing the men. "We invited your families to experience freedom and you have kept a slave-" I shouted, but didn't mean to be so Loud. "I - AM - NOT - A - SLAVE!"

The undercurrent of the men's feelings flowed through me and I felt their pride. I was strong and powerful, certainly a good addition to the family.

“We will separate you permanently," Reed said cooly and I shook my head at her.

“No, you won't, it isn't your place to make my decisions for me. I am not a slave to anyone. Besides that, I am carrying a female and she needs her male breeder. I will not leave these men. They have learned to respect me and love me. Send us out of your camp if you wish, but don't think you have the power to separate us.”

Rose spoke next and what she said stunned me.

“You can't separate mated creatures, anyway. It wouldn't do any good. No matter the distance or the space you put between us, we are bound together. As a family, we are joined."

I turned to look at Rose and she smiled that calm smile she had. I had kept private the bond I shared with my family, even from her. It would have seemed like bragging to tell her what we had, but apparently Rose and her family had the same thing. I should have asked.

"We are not so different," Rose continued, "Paterians and humans. I am part of this family now and I will NOT leave them.”

The Administrators all made a variety of sounds. Humans didn't do that sort of thing, only Paterians did. They thought Rose was lying about having a mate bond. Before Rose or I could correct the Administrators, Kennedy barged into the fight.

“A mate bond with a human is more than possible," Kennedy said putting her hands behind her back and walking between us and the Administrators.

“We know humans share many of our traits. It is not impossible. In fact, my Sisters and I have long thought this a possibility. I will tell you why."

The Administrators Looked livid, but talking out turmoil in the camp was always how it was done. Kennedy's calm demeanor and level speech got their attention. She was handling this correctly.

“We noted how quickly Mama grew," Kennedy said.

“It is unusual for human fetal growth and only matches the rate of growth in one of our mountain cousins."

Kenned paced casually like a Lawyer in a courtroom. She talked about each of Damien's Brothers in turn and discussed their unique family tree. My daughters had put a lot of thought into Damien's family's genealogy for some reason.

“You will note," Kennedy continued, “that Mama, my female breeder, has not seemed overly distracted these Last few moon cycles."

No one cared. The Administrators were still frustrated and angry as Kein placed a hand on my belly. He smiled as I looked at him. Kein rubbed the baby inside gently. Family was always cherished. Any amount of trouble was worth this.

Kennedy would not be ignored, though. She snapped her fingers and demanded attention.

“You all talk to Armant and his family. I know you have surreptitiously kept a watch on these females. No one has ever told you they seemed...strange or confused. Am I correct?" Kennedy asked pointedly.

Hassar looked like she wanted to roll her eyes, but she politely answered we had seemed fine, then added, that was not the point right now. Kennedy disagreed. It was the point, she was building her case.