Adverse Effects

by Alicia Nordwell

He practically vibrated with the shudder that worked down his spine when I squeezed. He turned in my arms, and we stepped into the shower together. The treated water came on, running over us in a warm trickle. I’d gotten some of the chemicals in my mouth the first time I took a shower at the residence, so I didn’t try to talk, just scrubbed him with my hands.

  I explored every inch of him as he braced his hands against the wall. His knees shook as I cupped his balls and traced my fingers behind them and into the crack of his ass.

  He was so sensitive.

  Yaseke tried to wash me in return, but I knew I’d explode the first time one of those slim hands touched anywhere near my cock. I took his hands and put them on his nipples, stroking the tight peaks with his fingers until he left them there when I pulled away.

  I was rough as I wiped my hands down my arms and legs and over the short hair on my scalp. A single stroke up and down my cock under the water was all I could take. I tugged on my balls to pull them down and push away some of my need. Yaseke bit his lip as he watched me intently.

  Passing my hand over the sensor, I turned off the water. Screw drying off. I grabbed Yaseke and yanked him over to one of the small beds. It would have to do.

  Unable to wait, I pushed him down until he was flat on his back, the bed barely wide enough to support us both as I knelt between his legs. Leaning over his chest, I buried one hand in his hair and claimed his mouth. Thrusting my tongue in and out, I demanded he take all I had to give him. He sucked on my tongue, moaning. The sound tickled at the bone behind my ear, and my cock jerked, leaking against his hip. He squeezed my biceps, his claws scratching at me. The stinging pain ratcheted up my need.

  I grabbed the bottle I’d pilfered from the kitchen. It was a light oil with a spicy scent. I poured some over my fingers, waiting for a second to make sure it wouldn’t burn. Yaseke stiffened when I traced my fingers around his entrance, slicking the crinkled skin.

  His body accepted me easily as I got him ready. He gasped, in sharp pants, as I sucked hard on his neck. I nipped my way down the tendons to his shoulder, where I bit hard into the muscle as I thrust three fingers inside him.

  “Dade!”

  I loved the sound of my name on his lips. I reveled in the lust I felt, the craving to take him that filled me. I knew the feeling was solely my own, for the first time in a long time.

  My fingers trembled when I grabbed the oil again and poured it over my cock. I used damn near half the bottle as I fumbled it with slick fingers and poured too much, but we could take another shower later.

  I rose up on my knees, pushing Yaseke’s legs back. He slid one hand up my shoulder and neck to my face, cupping my cheek. “Join with me.”

  There was no denying he wanted it. But could I do that? Should I join with him? Did I even have a choice with how strong my desire to consume and possess him was?

  Biting my lip, straining to take my time, I entered Yaseke’s body. Heat and softness enveloped me; then his tight muscles contracted around me as he thrust back against me.

  “Oh, Gods, yes!”

  Pausing, my arms trembling wildly, I waited for him to look at me. “Okay?”

  He nodded quickly. “Move, please.”

  I did. Need finally overcame restraint, and I lost myself in Yaseke’s embrace. I’d wanted him from the first second I saw him, and I’d grown to need him the longer I spent with him. My claim on his body grew with every thrust, with every caress of my hands up and down his sides as he met me, our bodies smacking together.

  I dropped his legs, and he wrapped them around my waist, using his crossed heels behind my back to pull me in harder, faster. I crashed down over him, my weight supported on my fists beside his shoulders.

  His head kicked back and to one side as a fierce vibration rumbled through my chest. My teeth hurt as I gasped for air.

  “Yaseke… I can’t… stop. I need—”

  “Do it!” He brought me down to his neck with one hand, and I didn’t resist. I covered Yaseke’s chest with my palm. His muscles were hot, burning like fire.

  My orgasm roared through me as I sank my fangs deep into his neck. I sucked Yaseke’s blood into my body as I poured my come in his ass in several strong spurts. A bitter tang filled the air when Yaseke arched, and he shouted. Warm come covered his stomach and chest as we rocked together a few more times, drawing out every pleasurable sensation.

  We both shuddered in unison as I pulled out. I licked at his neck, cleaning the small trickles of blood leaking from the tiny punctures. He whimpered when I kissed the marks.

  Mindful of the edge, I flopped down on my side next to Yaseke on the bed. I tugged on his limp body until he was as close to me as possible, and I curled around him. I goggled at him when I saw the symbol on his chest. Where the empty space in his isitziu had been was now a symbol that matched the one on my palm. I had no idea joining would happen that fast.

  Yaseke looked up at me when I stiffened. He lifted his head and looked at his chest.

  He put my hand back over the mark, holding it tight against his filled heart space. “Isit.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Waking up snuggled against Dade on the small bed startled Yaseke. It had been a very long time since he’d spent the night with a lover. Every inch of their bodies touched, and Dade had his arms wrapped around Yaseke like tight bands.

  This was different from any other time he’d ever woken up in someone’s arms, though. This time he was with his isit. He stared down at his chest, at the mark in his heart space. The blue lines started thin, small, jagged swirls curling back on each other in a complicated knot that ended in a thick circle that enclosed the inner symbol but wasn’t quite complete. He put his hand over it, feeling complete for the very first time. Tears stung his eyes. Yaseke laced his fingers into Dade’s hand over his stomach and lifted it to see the matching mark on Dade’s palm. He brought it to his lips and kissed the small gap in the final swirl softly.

  “You awake?” Dade’s voice was gravelly in his ear, and his breath tickled Yaseke’s hair along his neck.

  “Yeah.”

  He wanted to kiss more than Dade’s palm. Turning over in the bed was way harder than he thought it would be, and he almost fell off the edge. Dade grabbed him, one hand on the small of his back, and yanked him close so hard that their chests smashed together.

  “Ow,” he said.

  Dade traced small circles on Yaseke’s bare skin with his fingers. “Sorry.”

  “These beds really are ridiculously small, but….” Yaseke stared up at Dade. He looked so much like a Caeorleian, but the differences were there, in the shape of his eyes and the soft tips of his fingers.

  Yaseke leaned up on his elbow, moving closer. “I wanted to kiss you.” Their mouths collided, the same heat that had led to their second round of passionate sex in the middle of the night still consuming them. Too sore to have sex again, Yaseke still wanted, needed, his isit.

  It was almost shocking how intensely he felt every touch. He licked at Dade’s lips, feeling the soft seam part just far enough for Yaseke to slip his tongue inside the wet heat of his isit’s mouth. A harsh groan vibrated in his throat when Dade instantly clamped down and sucked hard.

  They were both panting when they pulled apart. Dade rolled onto his back as he yanked Yaseke over him. Their cocks rubbed together as his legs fell apart so Yaseke’s smaller body could fit between Dade’s knees.

  “You’re not too sore?” Yaseke gasped as Dade spit in his hand and then closed it around their cocks. Moisture spread over their shafts as he slid them together.

  “Not for this.” Dade’s eyes were half-closed as he slid his hand up and down their lengths. His arms trembling, Yaseke tried to stay still, but the pace was too slow. Thrusting, he pushed into Dade’s tight fist.

  “God.” His back arched and Dade came, hot spurts streaking over his fist. He didn’t stop stroking, and Yaseke pushed into his grasping rhythm, so close. Dade fisted his free hand into Yaseke’s hair, pulling h
im down. They kissed, gasping for air, tongues twining. One final thrust and squeeze finally sent Yaseke hurtling into an orgasm.

  Shouting Dade’s name, Yaseke orgasmed. His whole body shook as the crashing pleasure surged with each shot of come that painted his isit’s stomach.

  The musky scent of sex filled the room. Dade released his tight grip on their cocks, and Yaseke shivered at the sensation. His whole body felt like a live nerve, but he couldn’t hold himself up. He collapsed, squishing their mess between them. His cheek rested on Dade’s chest, his head moving up and down with each of Dade’s harsh breaths. Yaseke could hear the rapid pounding of Dade’s heart slowing gradually.

  Dade stroked his hair. One ear filled with the thrum of Dade’s heart, Yaseke couldn’t understand the mumbled comment his isit made.

  “What?” He lifted his head, exhausted again and ready for a nap.

  “I said, we should get cleaned up. We need to contact Ryker and Seral this morning, right?”

  Sighing, Yaseke nodded. “I guess I got caught up in being here with you. I don’t want to go back and deal with everything.”

  “‘Everything’ being your great-uncle trying to kill us,” said Dade flatly.

  Yaseke pushed back and knelt at the foot of the bed as Dade sat up against the headboard. “Yeah, like my great-uncle trying to kill us. Though… I don’t think that was his guard’s intentions.”

  “Oh? And”—Dade lifted one eyebrow—“why not?”

  “The settings they were using didn’t kill me, but I was knocked out. If they wanted to kill us, I’d be dead. Instead I was stunned.”

  “True.” Dade picked at the come drying on his stomach. “Still, that begs the question of why. What was he trying to do?” He looked up at Yaseke. “I think it has to have something to do with me. There’s no other explanation.”

  Yaseke shifted. “I agree.”

  “Do you think he wanted to keep us from joining?”

  “Just because we spent an hour together?” Frowning, Yaseke considered that. “Like he was jealous? We do have similar isitziu; he may have felt drawn to you, much as I did.”

  Snorting, Dade shook his head. “The only thing I think that bastard is drawn to is power.”

  “You’re probably right. But how would stunning us get him power?” Yaseke stood up; his stomach was starting to itch. “How about we go take a shower, then we can call Seral? He might be able to find out more.”

  “All right.”

  Their shower together consisted of just getting clean. Even with the increased sensitivity and general horniness joining in besedad brought, they were too tired to fool around again. They stood under the warm stream of water for a few minutes, Dade holding Yaseke close. The emotional connection was building between them, and Yaseke found he craved touching Dade.

  “It’s a good thing I can touch you without any problems,” Yaseke said as he dried off. “I can’t seem to keep my hands off you.”

  Dade’s smile was quick. “Me neither. I missed it a lot.” He leaned down and kissed Yaseke. “You can touch me anytime.” His gaze went down to Yaseke’s chest, and he frowned. “You know, it might not be a good idea to let everyone know we’ve done this joining thing.”

  Yaseke didn’t understand. Did Dade want to hide that they were joined in besedad? “Why?” Yaseke asked carefully, trying to keep the hurt out of his tone.

  “Well, the only thing that really makes sense for the attack is that your uncle—”

  “Great-uncle,” Yaseke muttered.

  “Great-uncle—sorry—wanted to keep us apart. He might not be the only one. We should just be careful, that’s all I’m saying.”

  “Seral is mated to a human like you. Why would he have any problems with it?”

  Dade shook his head. “I don’t think he would. It’s just a feeling I have, like we should keep it to ourselves.”

  Yaseke sighed. “Well, that’s not exactly logical, is it?”

  “My feelings have saved my life, and the lives of the men in my squad, many times. I’ve learned not to ignore them,” Dade said quietly.

  “Well, we can keep it to ourselves when we contact Seral, but I don’t have a robe, or even a wrap. How do you plan for me to hide your isitziu in my heart space? It’s not exactly easy to miss.” The mark was quite dark with the thick outer ring. There was no way he’d be able to hide it in person.

  “I don’t know. Let’s just start with the com conversation.”

  Yaseke agreed, though he didn’t really think it was necessary. It took a few minutes to get Fieo on the com, but Yaseke did it. From there, it was only moments before Seral was in front of the com too, with Ryker in tow. There was a lot of confusion and shock when Yaseke revealed that he’d seen Buphet’s men just before he’d been shot. After that point, Yaseke had been unconscious so Dade explained what happened once they entered the river. Once again, Yaseke felt very grateful to Dade for saving him. He hadn’t had to carry Yaseke with him; he could have dropped him and stood a far better chance of outrunning their attackers.

  “I never would have found my way back without you, though,” Dade leaned down to whisper. “Besides, I would never leave you behind. Never.”

  Yaseke looked up in amazement, and Dade grinned at him.

  “You’re so easy to read, even without my ability picking it up.”

  Glancing quickly at the screen, Yaseke looked to see if the males on the other end had heard Dade. Luckily, they were talking amongst themselves as well.

  “What am I feeling now?” Yaseke asked as he looked up at Dade, his heart pounding a little.

  “I love you too,” Dade whispered.

  It was the first time I’d ever said that to another person. Against all logic, I cared more for Yaseke than any other man I’d ever been with. I had nothing else to call it. Yaseke’s gasp was loud in the quiet of the lodge.

  “What? What’s wrong?” Seral demanded to know.

  “Oh.” Yaseke’s isitziu on his face darkened. “Got a splinter in my foot. It’ll just take a second to get out. I’m fine.” He ducked down away from the screen and then turned his face toward me. I watched him mouth, I love you too.

  I held in my laugh at his grin but couldn’t help grinning back.

  “So, Fieo and I are going to send four guards out to get you. It shouldn’t take too long, but they are going to suit up, just in case.”

  “Understood,” I said.

  “Did you find the weapons?” Fieo asked. “There is a cupboard with several pistols.”

  I nodded. “Last night. One has been within reach at all times.” I’d even taken it into the bathroom, though I left it safely on the counter. “I won’t be unarmed again,” I said in warning.

  Seral frowned. “The asheksi won’t like that.”

  “One of your precious asheksi is responsible for the attack on us. Frankly, I could give a flying fuck what they like. I will not have my life, or Yaseke’s, at risk because some old men think it might not look good to have an armed human on their planet.”

  Seral’s smile was fierce. “Well, it’s a good thing you aren’t a human, isn’t it? Keep the pistol on you when the guards get there; they’ll be informed.”

  What do you know? The man really did seem to be all right. “We’ll be here.”

  Yaseke turned off the com. His stomach rumbled.

  “Let’s eat while we wait,” I suggested. “What’s good for breakfast?”

  “I saw some fruit outside. We could go grab some.”

  There were a few wraps in the cupboard. Even with one secured around my waist, there was a lot of skin uncovered. I hated how vulnerable it made me feel, and the pistol wasn’t exactly secure tucked into the waistband.

  The hunting lodge was still within sight when we got to the mae bushes. Pulling off several of the fruit carefully, avoiding the thorns, Yaseke handed me one. It had rained overnight, so I wiped off the leftover raindrops before dropping it into a spare wrap we’d brought. The humidity was bad, the air f
elt very moist, but it wasn’t that hot yet.

  A tree with high roots stood to one side. I sat on one of the roots gingerly, but the bark was smooth. It was actually pretty comfortable. Yaseke leaned against me as we ate the fruit. I could get used to all the fresh food on this planet. I’d never eaten so well.

  I’d just thrown the empty peel of my second mae behind us when I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. Slamming my body against Yaseke, I pushed him down to the ground, landing on top of him.

  “Hey! What the—”

  “Shhh. Be silent,” I hummed quietly.

  We’d landed in the mud. I slid off Yaseke, kneeling up to peer over the bushes, the pistol in my hand. There was something green moving near the lodge, but it was the wrong green to be part of the bushes hiding the path. Then I caught a flash of red. I leaned down to speak next to his ear. “There’s something moving over by the hunting lodge.”

  “Seral’s males are coming. It must be them.”

  Shaking my head, I peeked up again. “Too soon. Besides, they aren’t Caeorleian. Not unless some of you are dark skinned with red hair.”

  Yaseke’s eyes widened, the yellow ringed by a thin circle of white. “Vlrsessiums.”

  “People, animal?”

  “Aliens. They don’t belong on our planet. We have to get out of here!”

  Yaseke tried to get up, but he slipped and fell into the mud on his stomach. He made a sharp sound when he landed, and the dark guy I’d seen whipped his head around, staring in our direction.

  “Holy shit.” That was one ugly son of a bitch. His eyes were glowing red, like coals. He opened his giant, lipless mouth, showing yellow, jagged teeth. There was a loud snarl.

  I didn’t hesitate. Bringing up my gun, I fired at the Vlrsessium. The top of his head exploded, and green goo covered the side of the tree where the hunting lodge was.

  A roar vibrated through the air. Crashing sounds came from our right.

  I jumped to my feet, then bent over and grabbed Yaseke out of the mud.

  “They hunt in groups of four. There are at least three more,” he gasped as we began to run.