Chapter Eleven

MAYA

Maya led the way back to the Tallstrider settlement, eager to tell the council what had happened. As they emerged from the dense forest into the clearing, however, she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

The once-peaceful settlement had transformed into a fortress. Bigfoot of all ages worked tirelessly, reinforcing dwellings, creating barricades from fallen trees, and positioning lookouts in the highest branches. The usual chatter and laughter were replaced by urgent whispers and the sounds of preparation.

Asha spotted them first and hurried towards them. "You're back," she breathed, relief evident in her voice. "Come, quickly. Ranak is waiting."

As they followed Asha to the center of the settlement, Maya felt the weight of countless eyes upon her. Some gazes held hope, others suspicion, but all carried the same unspoken question: Had she succeeded in turning away the threat?

"Report," Ranak growled, his deep voice carrying across the clearing when they jogged up to him.

Maya took a deep breath, acutely aware of the entire clan hanging on her every word. "The plan worked," she said. "I convinced one of the hunters that it was all an elaborate hoax. He was not happy about being fooled. I think it's safe to say they'll be leaving soon."

A collective exhale rippled through the gathered Bigfoot, but Ranak held up a hand, silencing the murmurs before they could begin. "We wait," he declared. "Until we're certain they've gone, we will remain vigilant."

And so they waited. As night fell, Maya huddled next to Kael near the heart of the settlement. She drew comfort from his solid presence. The night crawled by, punctuated by the soft hoots of owls and the occasional whispered report from the lookouts. Maya dozed fitfully, her dreams a confused jumble of New York skyscrapers and misty forests.

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the canopy, a commotion at the edge of the settlement jolted Maya fully awake. Brokk burst into the clearing, his chest heaving with exertion.

"They're gone," he announced, his voice carrying clearly in the morning stillness. "We tracked them to the edge of our territory. They've packed up their camp and are heading back to the human lands."

The settlement erupted in cheers and cries of relief. Bigfoot embraced one another, their joy palpable after the long night of tension. Kael swept her up in his arms, his rumbling laugh vibrating through her as he spun her around.

As the celebration began to die down, Ranak's voice cut through the noise. "Maya," he said, his tone uncharacteristically gentle. "You should hurry if you want to catch up with the humans. We wouldn't want you to be stranded here."

Maya froze, her heart plummeting. After everything, did Ranak still see her as an outsider? Before she could respond, Kael stepped forward, his arm protectively around her waist.

"If Maya leaves," he declared, his voice steady and determined, "I will go with her. Whether it's back to my hunting cave or all the way to New York City, we will remain together."

A shocked silence fell over the clan. Maya's mind whirled at the implications of Kael's words. She couldn't help but indulge in a brief, ridiculous fantasy of Kael in New York City. She pictured his massive frame trying to squeeze into the narrow seats of a Broadway theater. Or perhaps he'd climb the tower in Times Square where the ball drops on New Year's Eve, giving King Kong a run for his money. At the very least, she knew he'd love all the food— she could just imagine his delight at discovering pizza or hot dogs from a street vendor.

But as amusing as the image was, Maya knew in her heart that she couldn't ask Kael to leave his home. And if she was honest with herself, she didn't want to leave either. Even though it lacked creature comforts, Maya was greatly comforted by these creatures.

Before she could voice these thoughts, Asha stepped forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "My dear," she said, her voice dripping with feigned innocence, "I'm confused. Why would you send away our son's mate? Especially when she has so clearly passed all three trials?"

Ranak's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about, woman? She's only completed one trial."

Asha's smile widened. "Oh, but that's where you're wrong, my love. Let's review, shall we? First, the ancestors granted her knowledge of our language. You've all heard her speak it fluently. Second, she mastered our silent communication and signs. She knew where our camp was both times she returned here."

Maya realized she had known where the camp was when she first spotted Eric and his hunters, and she had led the way back to the camp last night. She would never have to be afraid of being lost in the woods ever again.

Ranak growled, his frustration evident. "Fine, but what about the third trial? She hasn't had time for that."

Asha placed a gentle hand on Maya's stomach. "Oh, my dear husband, that's where you're most wrong of all." She turned to address the entire clan, her voice ringing out clear and strong. "Maya is carrying my grandchild. I'd say that's going to be trial enough, wouldn't you?"

The world tilted on its axis as Maya processed Asha's words. Pregnant? Her? It had only been a few days. How could Asha possibly know if she was pregnant. She barely had time to register the shocked gasps and excited murmurs of the clan before a tremendous thud shook the ground beside her.

Kael, her strong, brave mate, had fainted dead away, his massive form hit the forest floor like a fallen redwood.

Ranak stood frozen, his mouth opening and closing wordlessly as he struggled to comprehend this new development. Maya, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach, searched within herself, reaching out with that newfound sense that connected her to Kael. And there, impossibly small yet undeniably present, she felt it—a new life, a perfect blend of human and Bigfoot.

A wave of emotion washed over Maya—shock, joy, fear, and above all, an overwhelming sense of rightness. This, she realized, was what she had been searching for all her life. Not just proof of Bigfoot's existence, but a new family to fill the void in her life when her parents had passed away.

As the clan erupted in excited chatter around her, Maya knelt beside Kael, gently cradling his head in her lap. She reached out through their bond, sending waves of love and reassurance. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, focusing on her face with a mix of awe and trepidation.

"Is it true?" he rumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Maya nodded.

His answering smile was brighter than the morning sun filtering through the trees. He sat up, pulling Maya into a gentle but fierce embrace, his large hand coming to rest protectively over her still-flat stomach.

A shadow fell over them, and Maya looked up to see Ranak standing there, his usual stern expression replaced by one of uncertainty ... and was that a hint of shame?

"Maya," he began, his gruff voice uncharacteristically soft. "I owe you an apology. I've been blind to your true worth, to the strength of your bond with my son and with our clan. Can you forgive an old fool?"

Maya felt the last piece of her heart, the part that had still felt like an outsider, slot into place. She stood, Kael rising protectively beside her, and met Ranak's gaze. "There's nothing to forgive," she said simply. "We're family now."

Ranak nodded solemnly, then did something that caused another ripple of shock through the watching clan—he smiled. It transformed his entire face, years of worry and sternness melting away. He turned to address the clan, his voice booming with pride. "My people, let us welcome Maya, truly welcome her—as one of our own. And let us celebrate the new life that will soon join our tribe."

The clearing erupted in cheers and congratulations. Maya found herself passed from one Bigfoot embrace to another, accepting words of welcome and blessings for her unborn child. Through it all, Kael remained a constant presence at her side, his love and pride radiating through their bond.

As the impromptu celebration began to wind down, Maya and Kael found a quiet moment alone. They sat together at the base of an ancient tree, Maya nestled comfortably in Kael's lap.

"Are you happy?" Kael asked softly, his large hand gently caressing her stomach. "This isn't exactly the life you planned for yourself."

"This is better than anything I could have planned. I've found my purpose, my home, my family. I have no regrets."

Kael's answering smile was tender and full of love. "Nor do I," he rumbled. "Though I must admit, I'm a bit terrified of becoming a father."

"Me too," Maya said. "Besides, I have a feeling your mother won't let us fail."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the clan go about their day with a newfound sense of peace and joy. Maya's mind wandered, contemplating the incredible journey that had led her to this moment. A mischievous thought crossed her mind, and she couldn't help but giggle. Kael looked down at her, one eyebrow raised in question.

"I was just thinking," Maya explained, her eyes twinkling with humor, "do you think the clan would mind if I snuck off to do one last podcast?"

Kael snorted and shook his head.

Deep within her, that tiny spark of new life pulsed with promise, a beautiful blend of two worlds. The forest sighed contentedly around them, welcoming its newest member and the promise of a future where humans and Bigfoot might once again live in harmony. Maya reveled in pure, unadulterated happiness. She was home. She was loved, and she was exactly where she was meant to be.