Anatu My brother's mate said that Steve was a manual worker! The land had blessed him with the ability to grow food and tend to the land. After a long time talking and convincing my father that Steve was a perfect match for me. Father has allowed Steve to remain. I know Daddy and Zefer are not happy with this match, they would rather see me married to someone like a warrior. But the second my eyes saw Steve walking out of the kennel ... I knew that this was the right choice. The female serfs washed my husband, I could feel my jealousy grow, only calming down once the serf's hands were off my mate. After this I was convinced that no one was going to touch Steve but me. My jealousy was about to explode. The entire time, Steve's eyes were only on me. I do not think he even registered that Zefer was glaring at him in a murderous way. After he was fed my father summoned the both of us. My hands were sweaty and my nervousness spiked. Father's words were law. And nothing the hybrid could convince my father of anything if my father saw Steve decrepit. Before we reached my father's throne room, I instructed Steve on proper greetings! He is expected to bow. Answer questions promptly! And most of all never lie … my father will know right away. Steve appeared so terrified, so much I thought he would pass out! I was not sure if this could work in my favour or not. Daddy has always liked telling everyone what to do without question! And I am confident Steve will do that! Then again so do the hunters! Huffing out, we waited for my daddy to acknowledge our presence, as he continued with the paperwork. I Was about to say something when Steve grasped my hand, “your father is busy … be patient!” My father did not lift his head as he spoke. “You could learn a lesson from your mate, my dear daughter!” My father's eyes were locked on Steve. “Know this boy… If Merna did not speak so highly of you, I would have ripped your head off your shoulders. So I will give you the only warning son … if my baby girl comes crying to me, it will be a toss up between Zefer and myself as to who will mutilate you in the most painful way!” Crying out, “Daddy!” I pouted.“Sir, I will worship the ground Anatu walks on!” Steve spoke out of term. “I do not need you to worship the ground my daughter walks on!” My father stood up. “What can a farm hand DO but feed my daughter. She needs someone who can protect her! Anatu, why could you not have chosen a warrior for a mate?” “Sir!” Steve took a step forward, “I can learn how to fight! If that is what you wish! I can work in the field and learn to protect Anatu! What kind of man would I be if I could not defend my family?” “Boy, you are going to regret saying that!” My father's eyes were glowing red. This is when I knew I had to fear for my mate's life. I wanted to grab my mate quickly and take him far away from my father. My father was intimidating when he was in the best of moods. I do not know if the glowing eyes were meant to scare my mate. Since I was a child, I had never known my father to joke around. There my husband stood unfazed by my father's glowing eyes. “There is a good chance sir I may lose my life … but I will die first before harm comes to Anatu!” Steve had proclaimed to my father. My father gave him a menacing smile, “I am going to hold you to that boy!” Black thick smoke engulfed us. When it subsided we found ourselves at the edge of the fighting pit. I wrinkled my nose at the sight of blood all over the sand. The males might have loved this, but I on the other hand did not. “This man here thinks he can learn how to fight!” Father yelled at the hunters who were in the area. In the middle of the fighting pit stood my father and Steve. Tears started to roll down my face. I knew exactly what my father was going to do. My father was initiating Steve into the group. If the candidate could last two minutes in the ring and not die, he was taken in as a fresh recruit. If the initiate died like the majority of the human borns did … that was it! I ran to my father pleading, “Daddy … you promised!” “That was before your mate decided to say he was willing to learn how to fight and protect my daughter!” My father pointed outwards. “Anatu … leave.” My father explained the rules like he always did. I was proud of my mate! The whole time this was going on he did not flinch. Only nodded his head in understanding. The two fighters could not have weapons, only attacking and defending themselves with their body. Steve was to either get his opponent out of the ring in two minutes, submit or last two minutes. Translation, there was no chance Steve was going to get his opponent out of the ring. The opponent will not submit. And my father was hoping Steve would be killed in two minutes. I swear if Steve makes it out alive, I am going to teach him the art of shutting up. It is the process of sealing the upper and lower lips together. Father called on Zordon. He was fae, not much older than myself. I did not know much about him, except his family were exiled and came to my father for refuge. With granting the family asylum, all males born for the next two generations had to join my father's army. Zordon was still low ranking and had only been in my father’s army for a century, still, he was a well experienced fighter. Steve took off his clothing only wearing his loincloth. When both males were in the centre of the pit, “Start the timer!” My father yelled. I was sure that I was about to be mateless until my father was disappointed at finding out that Steve could indeed defend himself. I was not sure what type of fighting style my mate was using but it was effective. Steve may not have won the sparring match but he won my father over, for now! “BOY!” My father roared at him, “What fighting skill was that?” Putting back on his robe, “mix martial arts sir!” huffing, “I focus more on the Jiu- jitsu aspect of fighting!” My father only nodded his head, “I will give you your schedule once it is ready!”