Clan and Commit (Clan Beginnings Book 7)

by Tracy St. John

  Then along came Vax. Meeting an Imdiko worth pursuing and not being able to do so was the shit icing on that day’s crap cake.

  * * * *

  Though he was a stickler for excellent customer service, Vax chafed as the bar grew busier over the next hour. It was only Thirdday, and people would have to go to work in the morning. Yet they flooded in for drinks and conversation, as if a holiday had just begun.

  It figures. A gorgeous Dramok with a story I want to hear sits at the bar, and everyone decides they need a drink.

  He was kept running between the bar and the tables, but Vax managed to keep an eye on Bacoj. He stopped by to check on him as often as he could. Vax grabbed every opportunity to tease the enticing Dramok out of the morose mood that seemed determined to bring him down. Bacoj’s smile was worth the effort. It lit his chiseled features in a way that sent thrills up Vax’s spine.

  His smile, huh? More like those pouty lips.

  The thought of how it would feel to kiss those lips wouldn’t leave Vax alone. He bet Bacoj was a hell of a kisser. How could he not be, with those delicious lips?

  He’d been joking when he’d inferred Bacoj might make him re-think his commitment to building a career before joining a clan, but Vax had no inhibitions about a one-night stand. Or a few-night stands, if the Dramok’s nicely muscled physique delivered on the promise it made. Ancestors help him, did it ever promise enjoyment.

  Vax’s frequent check-ins with Bacoj allowed him to discover they lived in the same cavern complex. That was all he needed to suggest the Dramok escort him home. After all, it made more sense for Bacoj do so than for Deras to go out of his way to be sure Karil wasn’t waiting to ambush him.

  At Vax’s request for an escort, Bacoj’s eyes widened. The grin curling those perfect lips told the Imdiko that if he wished, he’d have company to stay up late with. Maybe all night.

  Vax was ready to grab his new friend and sprint from Duras’s the instant the next shift arrived. “Ready?” Vax asked as he came around the bar. His heart thumped as Bacoj stood, giving him a better view than before. He couldn’t help but rake him with his gaze.

  Taller than Vax, more muscled, Bacoj was all a lusty young fellow who’d not gotten laid in a couple of weeks could hope for. The Dramok was perfectly proportioned, his loose shirt doing nothing to hide his broad shoulders. Vax did appreciate nice shoulders. And wide chests. And strong thighs. And—

  “I hope you like what you see.”

  Vax flushed, realizing he’d stopped and stared for a little too long. He shrugged, grinning sheepishly. “I do. I wonder if you taste as good as you look?”

  “Ancestors, save me.” It was Bacoj’s turn to be awkward. He headed toward the door, walking a little too fast, delighting Vax with overt eagerness. The Dramok hurried so much that he was forced to wait for Vax to join him. It was his turn to blush.

  Before they stepped out of the bar, Bacoj playfully warned, “Don’t make statements you’re not prepared to back up, Imdiko.”

  Or maybe the warning wasn’t playful. Despite his pleasant expression, there was an undercurrent of demanding Dramok in his tone. Vax suppressed a shiver of excitement.

  He decided to keep the teasing to a minimum, at least for the moment. Though his libido was clamoring for him to crawl all over Bacoj as soon as possible, Vax wasn’t entirely focused on the other man’s impressive physical attributes. He wanted to find out what had Bacoj in such a down mood. Instinct told him that while being called to war was a hefty piece of the problem, it failed to account for its entirety. A sorrowful disposition could prove to be a detriment for a fun romp. Or two. Vax hoped to hear what really troubled his new friend so they could get past it and indulge in carnal delights without obstacles.

  The pair left the underground caverns where the bar had its home, reaching the outdoors for a short jaunt to the next cavern complex, where the two men had apartments on different levels. Soon they were making their way down a path through the woods, marked by reflective signs.

  During the day, the tall trees they traveled among would be eye-catching with their rainbow-hued leaves of sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Under the light of three of the five moons that orbited the planet Kalquor, the trees were muted gray-toned versions of themselves. Yet Vax enjoyed walking at night as much as the day. When darkness descended, the reptilian forest drils chirped in a lovely chorus. Calls from unseen animals added a dash of spooky mystery. A breeze whispered secrets as it rustled through the leaves overhead. The air held the perfect amount of autumn coolness for comfortable walking.

  Best of all, Vax was in the company of a stunning young man who’d shown interest in him. Had even offered to punch Karil on his behalf. When Bacoj glanced at him with that lovely smile, it was all Vax could do to not kiss him on the spot.

  Story first. Molest later. With that sage bit of advice to himself, he indulged his curiosity. “It’s your turn. You have a story to tell in exchange for mine.”

  “Mine’s not nearly as dramatic, so it’s hardly a fair trade. Just a disappointing turn of events. As I mentioned before, I was called up today for the war against Earth. I leave in a few weeks.”

  “It’s a bad sign we’re to that point. Last I heard, the military was only asking for volunteers where Dramoks and Imdikos were concerned.”

  “Your breed might be exempt for a little while longer, but I’m to report and get my orders next week.”

  “What’s your part in it? Do you know yet?”

  “Piloting. I’ll be working a shuttle off a supply transport.”

  “That doesn’t sound so bad.” Which meant Bacoj was losing out on something potentially amazing. “What’s the war taking you from?”

  The Dramok’s fists clenched for a moment, confirming Vax’s suspicions. “The chance to attend the best engineering school on Kalquor. I’ve been applying for the last seven years, and I was finally accepted…barely five minutes before I found out I’d been drafted.”

  Bacoj had allowed only the slightest bitterness in his tone, but his expression told Vax the truth. He was shattered over the disappointment.

  “Stupid war,” the Imdiko sympathized. “Can the school defer your entrance until after the war?”

  “I’ll have to ask and hope. The prospects aren’t good, however.”

  “A lot of others will be sent off. You might not lose your place.”

  “Unlikely. Younger Kalquorians still in basic study, within two or three years of fighting age, will be drafted to double up and pursue the essential fields such as engineering. Even if the war ends in a couple of months, they’ll have first choice to stay in the engineering program.”

  “Really? That hardly seems fair.”

  “Fair or not, that’s how it’s done. My Nobek father says that’s what happened before, when we were embroiled in conflicts with Trag and Bi’is.”

  “Maybe the kids won’t opt to remain in the program, clearing the way for you to jump back in.”

  Bacoj shook his head. “Doubtful. My Dramok father was drafted to fight Trag way back in the day. He had to wait two years after he left the military to resume the classes he’d started before being sent off.”

  “And you’ve already waited seven.” Vax winced for his predicament. Poor Bacoj.

  “Everyone with any engineering talent is desperate to get into that school. It’s been my dream since I can remember.” Bacoj was nearly stomping down the path in frustration. “Stupid war is right. And stupid Earth for declaring it.”

  “I’m sorry, Bacoj. That’s a huge shame.”

  The Dramok was silent for a full minute. At last he sighed and drew himself up. His attitude still held a note of tragedy, but his jaw was set. “There’s no use whining over something I can’t control. Besides, you’re the one with real problems.”

  Vax waved his hand in dismissal. “Only when Karil isn’t too stoned to stand up straight.”

  “What about his Dramok? What’s his deal? Does he want revenge too?”

&nb
sp; “Dramok Respel is the least of my worries. As long as nothing I do disrupts his business, he could care less. I doubt he misses Huk.” Vax grimaced, jabbed by pity for his late cousin. Huk had created the awful situation he’d ended up in, but… “Isn’t that awful? To die and not be mourned by your clanmate?”

  “This Respel, he’s not into drugs too?”

  “He stays off the junk, but he’s a dealer. He only cares about the money and keeping the authorities from taking any interest in his activities. In fact, Respel warned Karil to leave me alone so nobody would snoop in his business. Respel told him he’d be fine without a Nobek as well as an Imdiko if it came down to it.”

  “Nice guy,” Bacoj snorted. “Nothing like death threats between lifemates.”

  “He’s afraid I’ll report Karil to the authorities and draw attention to what they do.” Vax swallowed. “I don’t think Respel meant he’d actually kill him, but he might make Karil sorry for disobeying.”

  “Tonight proved Karil’s not listening. Something should be done.”

  “I’ll com Respel tomorrow and tell him I’ll file a complaint against Karil if he doesn’t back off.”

  “That Nobek must have cared greatly for your cousin. Losing him could make him crazy, I suppose.”

  Vax grimaced. “I get the idea that love never entered the picture between those two. It’s Karil’s Nobek pride that makes him belligerent over losing a clanmate he should have kept safe. If he continues ignoring his Dramok, it’s not a good situation for me.”

  Bacoj frowned. “Why don’t you just go to the authorities? Skip the nonsense with Karil’s Dramok?”

  “He hasn’t made any overt threats. He just shows up and glares.”

  “That should be more than enough.”

  “Not according to the law. And I’d hate to make an enemy out of Respel. Huk used to gloat about all the people that got beat up when they made his Dramok mad.”

  Actually, Huk had intimated Respel’s bodyguards and Karil had done a lot worse than beat up others. Vax had chalked it up to empty boasting. Huk had possessed little to brag about, so being clanned to supposedly dangerous men became his sole claim to achieving any sort of status.

  Bacoj scowled. He clearly had more thoughts on the matter of Karil and Respel, but they’d reached the small metal housing of an elevator that would take them underground to the caverns. They stepped in, leaving the tree-lined path behind.

  Tension fled from Vax’s shoulders the moment the shining doors closed out the forest. Despite his surface nonchalance, he’d half-expected Karil to spring out at them during their walk. Guilt pricked him for exposing Bacoj to the risk of a beatdown.

  “Fourth level,” he ordered the conveyance, noting how his companion’s brow rose. Fourth-level apartments weren’t opulent by any means, but few single men of Vax’s age could afford them.

  He smiled, the worries of the evening falling behind him. He hoped he had plenty to look forward to in the hours ahead. Vax was safe in the cavern complex. He was in the company of a handsome Dramok who seemed more than willing to join him for sensual entertainment. The night was shaping up to be a good one.

  Chapter Two

  It took only a few minutes to navigate the cavern’s corridors to reach Vax’s home. From all appearances, it would have seemed to strangers to the area that the residents of the complex must live in caves. The tunnels were rough-hewn, dripping with moisture. They were evidence of the ancient underground river that had formed them eons ago. However, the area was well-lit, dispelling some of the primitive aspect.

  Vax spoke to the door of his apartment, one of hundreds on that level alone. “Open.” When it obliged, he waved for Bacoj to follow him in. “Welcome to my lair. Step into my trap, please.”

  Bacoj chuckled, wiping his feet on the mat just inside before daring to set foot on the cream-colored rug that covered much of greeting room’s floor. He looked around, making no secret of his curiosity.

  Vax glanced about too, though he’d tidied his quarters before leaving for work that morning. Unlike the outside, the apartment was a thoroughly modern living space, with light-paneled walls, three of which were currently black. The fourth was set on a timer for Vax’s return, and it glowed with soft golden light.

  The conversation area in the middle of the rug was made up of black, billowy seating cushions and a sleek white table. Off the kitchen, it was a cozy room to entertain friends with drinks and snacks. Abstract paintings, sporting the same colors of the décor, dotted three of the four walls. On the fourth, a pair of window vids depicted the forest they’d come from minutes before.

  Bacoj appeared suitably impressed. “This is nicer than my place on the sixth level.”

  “Thanks. I decorated it myself.”

  Bacoj made a show of looking Vax up and down, making the Imdiko’s heartbeat quicken. “Home sweet home. You made it, safe and sound.”

  “Thanks for the escort. Stay for a drink?”

  “Just that? Or should I stick around longer? I could make sure Karil doesn’t come busting in.” Bacoj’s smile was cautiously hopeful, friendly without being pushy.

  “Is it my safety you’re worried about, or are you asking to stay for other reasons?” Vax couldn’t help but tease.

  The Dramok shrugged. Bacoj kept up a front of casual interest, not quite managing the nonchalance he might have been trying for. “Only if you want me to. You don’t owe me anything for showing you home.”

  Ancestors, he was perfect. Too perfect. With a sudden flash of insight, Vax wondered if he should ask his companion to stay after all. It wasn’t because of any prudishness; he’d had plenty of men spend a night for erotic entertainment. Sometimes, he let them return for another romp or two. Yet a small voice in his head told him Bacoj might not be so easily cast aside once they’d had their fun.

  Bacoj had a naturally commanding presence, as most Dramoks did. That was to be expected. However, many Dramoks his age hadn’t faced the sort of trials that would knock them down a few essential pegs, showing them that no matter their potential, leadership wasn’t their automatic birthright. Until they encountered such challenges, too many of the breed swaggered around with confidence they hadn’t earned.

  Bacoj showed no sign of the unwarranted smug self-assuredness that had set Vax’s teeth on edge with other Dramoks. It was as if he knew that born leader or not, he was too inexperienced to set the rules.

  He also possessed a vulnerability that made Vax curious to know him better. It was in the cautious manner he’d taken Vax’s arm as they stepped over some roots growing on the forest path, in the doubt that had come through when he spoke of getting into the engineering school. In Bacoj, Vax sensed a fascinating twist of insecurity subtly twined within the expected Dramok self-assuredness.

  Common sense told Vax his greater-than-usual attraction was no big deal. Men were men, fallible creatures who stumbled. Even if Vax let Bacoj stick around for more than a couple of nights of sex, the Dramok would do something sooner or later to remind him to send him out the door.

  Besides, he’ll be shipping out to war soon. He’s no real threat to my plans.

  With that assurance, Vax sidled up to the bigger man and rolled up on his toes to put their lips at the same level. He delivered a slow, sensual kiss that promised everything. He moaned as Bacoj’s hands gripped his ass and kneaded, pulling him close to feel the iron of his excitement.

  He was pleased at the glazed quality of Bacoj’s eyes when their lips parted, though Vax was certain his own gaze was as heavy-lidded. “Do you prefer a slow tour to build the anticipation, or the fast race down the hall that ends up in my sleeping room in record time?”

  “The quicker, the better,” Bacoj answered, kissing down Vax’s throat.

  The Imdiko twisted, breaking his grip and snagging Bacoj’s hand in his own as he did so. He tugged him down the short hallway, bypassing the kitchen and common area. He was gratified when Bacoj didn’t bother to glance at the rest of the place. The Dramok
hurried, eager to get to Vax’s sleeping mat.

  It was a thrill to the ego to be desired to the exclusion of all else. Vax grinned, not disturbed by the petty vanity that exulted in having such proof of his appeal.

  * * * *

  Vax’s sleeping room was all about comfort, a warm embrace of soothing colors, soft furnishings, and low lighting. The sleeping mat wasn’t quite clan-size, but plenty big enough for Bacoj to envision rolling around on it with the Imdiko, their bodies entwined in the most intimate of embraces. Heat poured into his already rigid cocks.

  Yet, standing there next to the knee-high mat while Vax gazed up at him, wet lips parted, Bacoj was abruptly unsure of what to do. He was the Dramok, so it naturally fell to him to take the lead. Vax was an Imdiko, the gentlest breed of Kalquorian, ready to fulfill others’ needs. It should have been an easy situation to navigate.

  Emphasis on the should.

  Vax ran his hands over Bacoj’s chest, down his ribs, and up again. “Mmm, nice muscles. Nice everything. What does the strong, commanding Dramok desire?”

  Strong? Commanding? Bacoj didn’t feel in possession of either of those qualities.

  The categorization tests, taken by all Kalquorian males at the age of five, claimed leadership was Bacoj’s very nature. His birthright. Most of the time, he felt that was true. He was decisive when all the facts were at hand. Yet he became unsure when new circumstances were presented. This was one such situation. Bacoj had never fucked an Imdiko before.

  He needed a few minutes to figure out how to handle someone who wouldn’t fight him for dominance. Playing for time, he said, “Let’s start with what’s off the table, Imdiko. Bondage, pain play, master and slave?”

  “Hmm.” Vax’s touch slid up beneath his shirt, exploring. “Nothing too extreme. Definitely no blood. A little bruising is okay…would you like to spank me?” He abruptly turned his back to Bacoj. He pulled his trousers down to show off lovely, round buttocks.