Wishes

by J. C. Owens

  ostentatiously for meals, were really to pander to him and he made sure he took little time and indicated his readiness to continue immediately.

  Kanar seemed proud of that and would put a hand on his shoulder and then seek a long kiss. No doubt he thought this praise for Auri’s determination, and Auri made no protest, remained pliant and submissive.

  By the time the sun began to set, they reached a village of some sort and were greeted exuberantly by the residents. Several of those there were human, their interest in the newcomer evident. The young man’s discomfort and shame were only heightened by their presence, and he stood with eyes lowered, hoping against hope he would be left alone. Kanar took his arm as people crowded closer and held him in the circle of his arms, making it very clear he had been claimed and was not available to the eager males of the village.

  Auri tried to ignore the ruckus around him, but a glint of metal caught his eye and he looked up, his breath catching as he saw the corner of a hoverbike half hidden by the corner of a dwelling.

  Hope…

  * * * A feast was held that night in their honor, the villagers exuberant at the presence of Kanar and his warriors and the news their leader had taken another mate. Auri could not understand most of the comments, but one of the Felin held his human mate, two more cuddling close, another bringing food. Auri stared at the humans in horror, realizing it was true— the males all belonged to one Felin.

  The humans looked anything but distressed with their situation. Their expressions were calm and peaceful, even toward each other, and their eyes were full of love when they looked upon their lord. For the Felinian’s part, his face was soft with affection and caring, one hand rubbing softly, lovingly over each mate in turn.

  Auri swallowed hard, paling with comprehension as he shot a glance at Kanar. Dear gods…

  “Hello?”

  Auri jumped and turned in Kanar’s embrace to face the newcomer. Kanar growled a little, but after seeing who it was, he merely chuckled and turned back to his conversation.

  The human man held out his hand in greeting and, after a moment’s hesitation, Auri accepted the handshake, his look wary and closed.

  The man was about Auri’s height, slim and with long blond hair held back with ornate bindings, his brown eyes clear and friendly. He seemed perhaps thirty or so, but then Auri was not good at ages.

  “I am happy to meet you Auri-dei.”

  He smiled at the perplexed look that greeted the name. “The ‘dei’ is an honorific to denote your position as officially mated.”

  Auri’s lips thinned, but he made no comment.

  The older man tilted his head slightly, perhaps seeing something in Auri’s eyes that told him all was not well with the new “dei.”

  “I am Talan, first mate of Mesai, guardian of this village.”

  Auri decided “guardian” must be equivalent to mayor or village elder. He nodded but made no comment.

  Talan sat beside him and smiled. “You are a quiet one. What group did you come with?”

  Auri stared at him in confusion, trying to understand the question. “I came with no group. Unless you mean the crew of the Hagan Fell, my ship.”

  Talan frowned. “But…there were no colonists with you?”

  Things clicked for Auri then. Kaseer had said groups came to be mates, and this must be what Talan assumed.

  “No, I did not come to stay here.” He glanced at Kanar, then lowered his voice, bitterness evident. “I was forced to stay.”

  Talan’s brows rose into his hairline. “Forced? But that cannot be.”

  “I assure you, it can.” Auri met the puzzled eyes with coldness. “They may be your people now, but I have had no choice from them.” His expression changed and after assuring himself Kanar was deep in conversation, he leaned forward and whispered, “Help me. You are human. Help me escape.”

  Talan looked horrified and leaned back. “No. You are mistaken. Things are just strange, that is all. You will adjust.”

  Auri stared at him in disappointed anger. “Adjust to sexual slavery? I don’t think so.” He turned away then, dismissing the other man as useless to his cause.

  He felt Talan leave shortly after and kept his head down, not meeting anyone else’s eyes. He did not want any more discussions on how lucky he was, how he would “adjust” to his new circumstances. Blind fools if they thought their “king” so good, so unable to commit a crime as to kidnap a man from his people. Even if it was the people who had so eagerly given him up.

  He felt a headache forming and rubbed his forehead wearily. The night wore on endlessly and he began to droop against Kanar, unable to hold himself upright anymore.

  The Felin looked down at him and frowned in concern at his dull eyes. “Your head hurts, my mate?”

  Auri was not sure how the Felin knew this, but he only nodded.

  “I will be ready for bed soon. Go with Kaseer to the washrooms to refresh yourself, and when you return I will have a healer give you something.”

  Auri nodded, rising with leaden limbs to follow Kaseer from the room. He was guided along hallways, and then the Felin gestured to a door. “I will wait here, Auri-dei.” His look was concerned. “Your headache will be cured by the healer shortly.”

  Auri wondered how the hell they knew his pain, but thinking was too hurtful by far, and he simply nodded with as little movement as possible and went into the room, the door shutting gently behind him.

  He washed his face and hands with cold water, finding a cloth to hold against his brow, sighing with what small relief it granted him. His eyes opened warily against the painful light, his thoughts vague and dim, then suddenly his attention sharpened at something in the mirror.

  He turned his head with difficulty and looked up. A grate.

  He looked toward the door, then carefully turned on the tap so water was running gently, loud enough to hear beyond the door.

  Gaining purchase on the side of the privacy enclosure for the toilet, he climbed up slowly, trying to make no noise to alert his guard. The grate moved easily enough, and he swung up into the space, carefully replacing the grate and tightening the loose screws so no one could follow. Crawling along the simple vent, he reasoned it had to go directly outside.

  Sure enough, it led to the edge of the building and, peering out, he could see no one close by, though it was dark. He took the chance, knowing he had little time before Kaseer would become suspicious at the long-running water.

  The grate came off with only a small noise and he slid down the side of the building, grimacing as his skin scraped on the wood. He crouched in the lee of the wall, listening and watching, heart pounding.

  Nothing. He crept forward, blessing his skills as a warrior, and began to angle toward where he thought he had seen the hoverbike, stopping only briefly when he spied laundry hanging on a line.

  He found a shirt and pants near to his size and donned them, hiding the Felin clothing he had been wearing under a nearby bush. Faster then, he rounded a corner, his eyes shining as he spied the hoverbike gleaming in the moonlight.

  He approached cautiously but there did not seem to be anyone nearby, and at last he laid hands on his salvation.

  There was no key, but that was no barrier to him. His misspent youth as a street kid came in as a lifesaver now, and he rewired the bike in moments. Straddling the machine, he looked around again then, crossing his fingers and breathing a prayer, he pressed the start button.

  The sound was inordinately loud in the peace of the night, and his heart stopped as the engine hesitated, but then it roared into life and he did not pause, but kicked it into gear and gunned it, grinning as it leapt forward, showing a goodly amount of power. He did not glance back, hoping there were no other vehicles immediately available. His eyes instead stayed glued on the compass built into the

  handlebars.

  The west…and freedom.

  Chapter Four

  “Hey Auri!” Auri turned with a grin, watching his friend Jesan a
pproach with the ever-present shadow of the shy Neel close behind.

  “We’re going to the bar. Coming?” Auri stretched tired muscles, considering. “You buying?”

  “Cheap bastard.” Jesan’s tone was full of fond exasperation. “I suppose I can sub you this paycheck. I think I owe you from the last one, so…” His sigh was hard done by. “Come on, Auri. The engine can wait until tomorrow. Stop being such a hard ass. The captain is hardly going to complain, you being his golden boy and all.” The gibe was accompanied by an overdone wink that got an eye roll from Auri.

  “Sure, tell him that next time he bypasses my raise.” The tone was wry. “Fine, I’ll come, but stay out of trouble. Last time I had to save your ass after you started that fight, and if it had not been for Neel here…”

  Neel blushed profusely at mention of his valiant attempt at fighting: breaking a bottle over the head of the assailant who had threatened Auri.

  “The boy needed to learn technique and I provided the opportunity. You can thank me later.” Jesan put an arm around both their shoulders and steered them through the double doors. “You know things are never boring with me.”

  “You’ve got that right,” Auri muttered with feeling. “Sometimes I could use a little boredom, all right? I am tired and cranky with the heat. Take it easy tonight, OK?

  Jesan waved a breezy hand in response. “No problem, my friend. Easy it is.”

  Auri wished he felt more confident in that answer but could only roll his eyes at Neel who grinned quietly, shaking his head.

  The bar was busy already, even this early, and it took all Jesan’s charm and skill to claim a booth and to get the waitress’s attention. She brightened when she saw them, bringing their usuals and putting out vibes that distinctly spoke of her desire to serve them much more than drinks and food. Jesan flirted right back, but her eyes most often went longingly to the quiet, dark-haired mechanic. Auri sat back once he had chosen his food, and his gaze ran lazily over the bar’s patrons as he listened with half an ear to Jesan’s obvious come ons. He hoped when his friend finally did manage to get time with the waitress he would take Neel. The boy needed some guidance his first time.

  He lifted his drink to his lips, then froze as he caught sight of a certain uniform.

  Empire.

  He swallowed hard, then carefully turned in his seat, casually ensuring his back was to the booth where several Empire soldiers sat.

  His heart pounded and sweat formed on his palms while he chastised his fears. It had been two years now. They would not even remember him, much less be searching for him…surely.

  Neel leaned over and touched his arm, concern in his eyes.

  “Are you OK, Auri? You just went very pale.”

  Auri smiled with his lips and shook his head faintly, one hand shielding his eyes from scrutiny. “I’m fine, kid. Just overly tired, I guess. Need some food. Didn’t eat today.”

  Neel nodded uncertainly, but his worried eyes stayed on Auri, probing the other man’s sudden change of manner.

  Auri took another swallow of his drink, stiffening as he saw one of the Empire soldiers pass by them on his way to the toilets at the back of the room. The man’s eyes passed casually over them and he continued on while Auri fought a sudden desire to flee the place, to get out.

  “Do you know him?” Neel’s voice broke into his inner conflict, making him start.

  He met the younger man’s eyes, trying to control his own emotions enough to answer convincingly. “No, just don’t like Empire toadies much.”

  Neel’s eyes narrowed, but he did not pursue the matter, though Auri knew the younger man did not completely believe him. The food arrived and gave him an excuse to lower his eyes and concentrate on the table without being suspicious about it. He was well aware when the soldier returned, but he went by with no perceivable pause, so Auri breathed a sigh of relief, assured his own paranoia was at work. There was no reason to assume these men were anything but what they seemed—a group of off-duty soldiers out to have some fun at the local bar.

  Even if it was strange that the Empire would be present here at all…

  Not one of their usual stops or haunts. He licked his lips and tried to calm his racing heart.

  Just chance.

  Nothing else.

  * * * Neel and Auri supported Jesan between them on the way back to their apartment, shaking their heads ruefully.

  As usual, their friend had drunk too much, even if his two friends had managed to keep him from fighting. Auri had cursed him under his breath the whole time, praying the Empire soldiers had not paid more than undue attention to the slight altercation. He had tried to keep his back to them the whole time, no matter what, but their presence made him tense with a fear he thought he had finally left behind.

  They entered the run-down building and made it to the top floor, four flights up, with difficulty. They could not remember the last time the elevator actually worked. They undressed Jesan and let him fall into bed, not bothering to cover him up, for it was so bloody hot in the room they were already sweating themselves.

  Auri collapsed on the ratty couch, head resting on the back, breathing a sigh of relief. Back home, safe for the moment.

  “Auri, what was going on tonight?” Neel’s voice intruded on his peace and he grunted, but the younger man was not put off.

  “Don’t try to tell me it is nothing. You have been strung tight as a wire ever since. What is going on?”

  Auri debated lying, but he was greatly fond of Neel; the kid was a good friend, always looking out for Jesan and Auri even though they were older than him. He cooked for them when they would have starved otherwise, and often his hard-earned money went toward little treats for the three of them. His heart was generous and open and Auri loved him for it, felt protective and defensive of him, for he never wanted Neel to have to suffer the hardness of the worlds.

  Never have to suffer like Auri had.

  He sighed a little, opened his eyes to face the concern on the younger man’s face. “I used to be one of them.”

  Neel’s expression indicated shock. “An Empire soldier?”

  “An Empire flyboy. I served for several years as low man, then got a promotion to first lieutenant on a diplomatic ship.”

  Neel stared at him in silence. “Why the hell are you here in this shithole then? You could be anywhere you want with that experience. An officer, no less. Damn.”

  Auri sat up, letting his hands drape over his knees, his gaze fastened on them.

  “Something happened and I…left them.” His lips twisted bitterly. “They proved they were not worthy of my loyalty.” He looked up into Neel’s wide green eyes, trying to suppress all the emotions rushing back at the return of painful memories.

  He thought Neel would probe, but the boy turned out to be much more sensitive than that.

  “They hurt you…” The boy’s voice was soft. “I see it in your eyes, a great sadness, a pain. I wondered sometimes what you had in your past that affected you so strongly, but I never wanted to ask.” He was silent for a moment. “Those soldiers today, do you think they are after you? Is that why you were so nervous?”

  Auri shrugged, trying to make light of his own fears. “I doubt it. It has been two years since… I don’t think it would still be an issue.”

  He tried to hide the way his fingers clenched white around each other. Neel shook his head and stood up then and laid a hand on Auri’s shoulder. “How about a little bit to eat? I know it is kinda late, but food always helps.”

  Auri dredged up a smile at Neel’s practical frame of mind. “Sounds good. Anything you cook, I’ll eat.” He roused himself enough to rise and follow Neel into the tiny kitchen. He propped one hip on the chipped counter, arms folded over his chest, and watched the younger man at work.

  “I appreciate that you cook for us, Neel. I hope you know that,” he said quietly, suddenly worried he did not say this enough. “Jesan and I damn near starved before you came.” He did not add that N
eel had also made sure liquor was not readily available either. It had been a hard haul for Auri to overcome his propensity to drink heavily after his escape, and now he would only drink if Neel was present, knowing his young friend would not allow him to overindulge. He had been perilously close to becoming an alcoholic. It had drawn him and Neel closer, for before he had not opened to Neel’s overtures of friendship, too withdrawn into himself to be able to open to anyone, even the outgoing Jesan who had first taken him under his wing.

  Neel looked up with a bright smile and nodded. “I like to cook, and you guys make it more fun. You always appreciate what I make and watching you both bolt it down makes me proud.”

  Auri tousled his hair with a fond hand. “You’re good for us, kid. A breath of life in tired old guys.”

  Neel snorted. “Old, my ass. You are maybe five years older, Auri. Don’t pull the dad routine on me.”

  Auri grinned and turned away as he heard a knock on their door. Probably the old lady down the hall. She could never sleep and always seemed to have something vital to say if she saw the light on under their door, no matter the time of night. He shook his head fondly. He and Jesan and now Neel had taken her under their wing, and she seemed to think of the three of them as her honorary grandsons.

  He swung open the door with a soft smile of greeting that turned to instant horror as he beheld the Empire soldiers, eight in all, hands on weapons. The foremost grinned at him, a tight, cold smile that warmed his eyes not at all.

  “Hello, Lieutenant Auri, we’ve been looking for you.”

  He tried to slam the door, but they threw their weight behind it and he was flung back against the wall, grunting as the first one rammed a shoulder into his chest.

  He fought then like a wild thing, as they tried to pin him down, and dimly he heard Neel’s voice raised in anger, but slowly and surely their sheer numbers wore him down, until he lay, cheek against the floor, gasping for breath. From the corner of his eye, he could see their leader preparing a syringe and he tried to struggle again, though it was useless. A hand roughly pushed up the short sleeve of his shirt and he jerked as the needle plunged into his skin. He gritted his teeth against the pain as the fluid was pushed into his body, stinging fiercely, then metal retracted from his skin and he lay there, panting, dazed with horror.