Lanius, though savage, was not an unintelligent man. It was through his military guidance that his tribe lasted so long against the Legion. And though he tried and tried he could not for the life of him figure out why the Courier hadn't solicited him yet. Was he not the most powerful man in the Legion? Was that not what females wanted? The alpha? That's the way mates were decided in nature. She had every reason to want him! But she didn't.

The past few weeks had especially taken a toll on his relationship with Vulpes. Before the Couriers arrival, Lanius was able to disagree with Vulpes's methods but still respect him as a fellow Legionary. But that was before the Couriers arrival. Now Lanius couldn't stand the man, because no matter how random the Couriers sexual conquests seemed to be, she always made time for Vulpes.

What was so great about Vulpes anyway? He wondered. He was the head of the Frumantarrii, an alpha in his own respective group, but still a mere beta compared to Lanius. He just didn't get it.

And then it came to him. Why hadn't he thought of it before? It was so simple.

Nipton.

Through Nipton Vulpes had shown his dominance, given his offering, essentially wooed the Courier. Well two could play at that game...

The Courier had often wondered about Lanius. Being the most powerful man in the Legion made him attractive enough to her, even without having ever seen his real face. If only she could see under that mask…She would certainly bed him if she thought he would accept, but he was always so silent around her. Most men of the Legion were easy to read when it came to that sort of thing. It's not like they were raised to hide their lust for women. But Lanius always wore that damn mask; it was impossible to tell if he was looking at her lustfully, or at all.

"Oh, well." she thought "If he wanted me he'd make his intentions clear…right?" After all, why would the most powerful man in the Legion be scared of a woman?

The Courier laughed at such a silly thought.

Lanius was proud of himself. Soon the Courier would recognize his worth as a man and never even think of seeking Vulpes's touch again. He found the two chatting near the dinner tables and confidently marched towards them. He heard Vulpes speak (something along the lines of "My lord.") but paid him no mind. Instead he wordlessly thrust his gift forward to the Courier. In his hand were the heads of the four Fiend leaders of the Mojave, their hair tied to each others to keep them all in one bundle. To a casual onlooker it appeared as if he were a gentleman presenting a lady with flowers.

The Courier stood silently staring at the heads, her mouth hung open slightly in confusion. She then glanced at Vulpes who returned her confused gaze, then looked back at the heads.

"You are a savage on the battlefield and a wondrous sight to behold." Lanius spoke. "This land was conquered thorough your sweat and blood, and these things," he alluded to the Fiends "tainted your Mojave. Now they are no more."

Slowly the Courier realized that she was receiving a gift.

"Oh!" She said, taking the bundle and shaking her head. "You'll have to forgive me, I forget myself. After so much time in the Profligate cities it's hard to remember what a true offering looks like…Thank you."

Lanius twitched nervously under his armor. Did his plan work? Had he proven himself to her? His plan could not fail, especially in front of him.

"I'll go put these in my tent now…Would you like to join me?" She asked smoothly.

"That would be acceptable." Lanius replied, smiling beneath his mask. He was sure to shoot one triumphant look towards a stunned looking Vulpes before he followed her.

Vulpes couldn't actually see it beneath themask, but that didn't matter to Lanius

End.

A/N: I just want to give a really big thank you, thank you, thank you! To all the people who read, reviewed, alerted, and favorited this story. It really means a lot to me.