Clan and Commit (Clan Beginnings Book 7)

by Tracy St. John

  Afterward, Vax hunched trembling before his lover, wavering as his depleted body threatened to topple over. Bacoj gathered him in his arms, picked him up, and lowered him onto the bed.

  As he curled against the Imdiko, Bacoj chuckled. “Now that’s how it’s supposed to be done. We’ll go again as soon as I’ve recovered.”

  He bit Vax, enslaving him once more, ensuring he’d get every iota of revenge he was due.

  Chapter Five

  Vax left the kitchen after cleaning up from a late breakfast, smiling at the distant sound of water splashing in the shower. Bacoj’s apartment was smaller than his, and it was easy to hear what was going on throughout the place. He imagined the Dramok gleaming with wetness, and a surge of interest twitched his cocks.

  “Haven’t you had enough?” he muttered to them. The incredible sex had done a number on him, but youthful drives persisted. He shook his head at his unrepentant libido.

  He wandered into the common room. Bacoj’s personal entertainment area was far different from his. Like Vax, he had the requisite vid player and sound system, along with a lounger that would have allowed two men to relax while they watched a kurble game or shuttle races.

  Vax doubted Bacoj’s entertainment devices saw much use. Most of the space was utilized as a workshop. Tables had been set up in a maze of workstations. They were covered with wires, computer boards, tools, and various metal components Vax had no names for.

  He turned on bright work lights to see the various projects in progress. Intricate machine models were spotlighted, none of which he could guess the functions of.

  He bent over a cylinder-shaped mechanism the length of his forearm, fascinated. What was this sleek device supposed to be? He noted tiny hover jets and appendages that ended in claws.

  “Uh oh. You’ve seen my secrets. I’ll have to keep you prisoner now.” Bacoj walked in, toweling himself off.

  Vax laughed, but the statement reminded him of how he’d been Bacoj’s prisoner earlier. His shafts did more than twitch. Ugh, why did the man have to be so perfect? If Bacoj didn’t put clothes on soon, Vax would ask for another round…and he was already sore enough.

  Still, it seemed wrong not to go to him and run his hands all over that gorgeous physique. He had it bad for the Dramok, all right.

  Vax forced himself to examine the cylinder instead. “This looks interesting. What is it?”

  “That wonderful device is what won me a place in that engineering school I’ve been trying to get into forever.” For an instant, Bacoj’s expression turned morose, but he shook it off. “It’s a hovering search drone. It has long-range scanners to detect life underground or deep within rubble. It uses five different search protocols instead of the usual two. I figured out how to compartmentalize the various resources so they don’t interfere with each other, the way they would if built into the current drone models. The trick was keeping the device light enough to hover without shuttle-sized jets.”

  “That could do a lot of good, especially in the empire’s mines.”

  “I was inspired when there was a cave-in at the Hodwer Caverns a few years ago. Too many people died, not because they were injured, but because rescuers couldn’t get to them quick enough.”

  Vax smiled at the excitement in his tone, the expression of near-adoration as Bacoj studied the prototype. He was one smart Dramok. Destined for big things, Vax was sure. Sexy as hell. Not to mention, Bacoj would be a terrific clan leader once he a gained more self-confidence.

  The determination to keep all distractions from Vax’s career goals had already been jettisoned. His new goal of keeping Bacoj around until after he’d opened his restaurant in the distant future was crumbling. He wanted this man for his own. Not in a few years, but now.

  Infatuation. That’s all it is. Yet Vax had to admit that maybe Bacoj was too good to pass up, even for a lifelong dream.

  * * * *

  Bacoj sat stiffly in the lobby area of Nepor Resort, waiting for Vax to join him. He tried not to shift too much in a chair that probably cost more than his shuttle. He wished he could pretend to be at ease in the opulent surroundings, reminding himself his parent clan could easily afford to vacation there. However, as dignified and image-conscious as Felac was, she had little use for grandeur for grandeur’s sake. In most respects, she was very down-to-earth. As a young woman, she’d insisted she’d only clan with men who shared her view that there was nothing more indecorous than flaunting one’s financial worth.

  Bacoj agreed with her on that, though he had little financial worth to flaunt at this stage of his life. Being surrounded by luxury that was more about form than function left him uncomfortable. Especially since he was determined to make his own way, with the least amount of financial help from his parents as possible. He’d struggled with that when Felac purchased him a shuttle a couple years ago, but he’d needed it to get to work. Accepting the gift had been a necessary evil in gaining eventual independence. At least they’d agreed on him choosing a reliable secondhand vehicle, so the expense hadn’t been outrageous.

  He glanced around at the fine upholstered chairs, the Joshadan-crafted tables, marble firepits, fountains hand carved by masters, and the lavishly dressed men and women who floated among the extravagance without a second glance. He recognized a few faces. Actors in the popular drama vids, sports stars, major political figures—the cream of the Kalquorian crop, along with dignitaries from other worlds. Living lives he couldn’t imagine.

  Not that I’m jealous. If I could base a career on inventing new devices helpful to the empire, even if it meant remaining in my tiny apartment, I’d be perfectly content.

  He wondered if he’d have the opportunity to continue working on his projects while serving the military. Surely he’d have the downtime to pursue his goals. The trick would be finding materials and workspace. That search drone was close to being as perfect as he could make it. There had to be a way…

  At last he saw Vax approaching from the long hall that led to the rear of the main building, where the resort’s offices were. Relieved, Bacoj stood and waited for him.

  Vax’s smile wasn’t his usual easy beam. It was too tight, not reaching his tear-bright eyes. Bacoj’s heart tugged for the poor Imdiko.

  “My notice is in. My days as the head chef here are numbered.” His joke fell flat.

  Bacoj scowled. “You shouldn’t have enlisted. Definitely not if it had anything to do with me.” Guilt pricked him.

  “They would have drafted me soon anyway. At least this way, I’ll continue to be a cook.”

  His natural ebullience returned as he forced his grief aside and pretended resigning his position hadn’t been that big a deal. Bacoj knew better.

  “It sucks. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to stay close to you, but I wish we were able to do it here at home, while chasing our dreams.”

  Vax brightened with his support. “Yeah, this war nonsense is a bitch.”

  “Understatement of a lifetime.”

  “You’ll make it up to me, right?”

  His leer reminded Bacoj of how they’d woken that morning. Of climbing on top of Vax, holding him down while he put him under his control, then taking advantage of it. His cocks heated.

  Bacoj took Vax’s arm and guided him toward the exit. “I’ll make it up to you as often as you’ll let me.”

  * * * *

  Nobek Karil watched Vax and his Dramok pal emerge from the resort property. It took effort to keep a snarl from erupting on the impassiveness he struggled to maintain. It wouldn’t do to attract attention, especially in the exclusive Bobrol Cavern neighborhood.

  He shrank into an alcove as the pair he’d followed for the past week drew near. He wished the area weren’t so well-lit. If Vax and his young friend Bacoj happened to glance to the side, they’d spot him standing there.

  Killing was easy. He’d proved it time and again, until the act was damned near habit. Karil was reasonably sure that even in his weakened Elate-addicted state, he could
take Bacoj in a fight. Especially if he used his knife. However, the wealthy residents of the area were sure to quickly react and com law enforcement if he did so. There was also a ton of hired security roaming the cavern, thanks to its opulent status. Karil had to admit, he’d been a fool to trail Vax into Bobrol.

  Vax hadn’t given him any chance at a confrontation thus far, however, and honor demanded Karil exact retribution for Huk’s death. It was the only way he could atone for letting his Imdiko clanmate die. With so little in his life to be proud of, Karil had no choice but to seek vengeance. At least then he could claim he was still a Nobek in reality and not just in name.

  Fortunately for him, neither Vax nor Bacoj thought to look for trouble. They continued past his position, intent on each other as they conversed. Karil might as well have been invisible.

  He allowed them to move ahead before he emerged from the alcove to follow them through the warren of caves and buildings that made up the nicest neighborhood in the territory. As he wove through the crowd of affluent Kalquorians, Karil soothed himself by reflecting that sooner or later, he’d find his quarry at a disadvantage. Maybe Vax would break off what had apparently become a romantic relationship, leaving him on his own again. Bacoj was merely an obstacle at this point, a throat to quickly cut if Karil could find a quiet, unobserved way to do it. But Vax…oh, that fine young man deserved to see his death coming. To spend his last moments in terror, pissing himself and begging to be spared.

  Karil enjoyed the thought immensely. His sexes, long deadened to pleasure thanks to his addiction, actually twitched at the thought of hearing Vax’s pleas for mercy.

  No surprise there. Revenge was the ultimate thrill.

  His com went off, and Karil muttered a curse. When he checked the frequency, he cursed again. He tapped the plug hidden in his ear to answer.

  “I can’t speak now, my Dramok.”

  Respel’s growling voice left no doubt as to his frame of mind. “Are you following that damned Imdiko around again? I’ve told you to forget the matter, Karil.”

  “The fucker killed our clanmate.”

  “Huk was a junkie, not worth a second of your loyalty. His addiction would have killed him in the end anyway. It was only a matter of time.”

  Karil couldn’t argue with the truth. In all fairness, he’d had no more love for Huk than Respel did. Grief for their deceased third had nothing to do with Karil’s determination to hold Vax accountable. Respel should have known that.

  “Huk was my Imdiko, and nobody touches what’s mine without paying the price.”

  Respel’s derisive laughter was a bad sign. When Respel started laughing, pain was on the way. “You’re an idiot, and you’re charting the same course to oblivion Huk took. I’m growing tired of your stupidity.”

  “Don’t mock me.” However dangerous his Dramok was, Karil wouldn’t be shaken from what he had to do.

  “I’ll do a damned sight more than mock you, and you know it. Shut your stupid mouth and listen to why I commed in the first place. I received an alert about an hour ago. Certain powers in the military are looking into your health waiver. You might end up drafted into this ridiculous war after all.”

  Karil slowed, letting Vax and his pal move farther ahead as he dealt with the latest shock. “What? You told me you paid the recruiter what he demanded.”

  “I did, but they review deferments when the need for troops is high. It’s likely your profile showed up in a routine audit.”

  “Or someone said something.” Karil’s vision had a reddish tinge as he quickened his pace again. He glared at the back of Vax’s head.

  It was all too clear to him. The bastard had flown to the military reporting station with his new ass-spearing buddy, who’d no doubt been drafted along with the other eligible Dramoks. The smug little shit must have informed on Karil.

  “Fucking Vax. I’ll cut his dicks off and feed them to him.” Karil ignored the startled glance a passing well-dressed Dramok cast his way.

  “That does it.” Respel’s growl turned into a snarl. “I’m cutting your supply. I don’t want your paranoia fucking up my business.”

  “Nothing but business with you. Our Imdiko is dead, and all you think about is profit,” Karil seethed.

  “Don’t fuck with me, Karil. If you do anything to Vax that sends unwanted attention my way, getting your junkie ass shipped off to war will be the least of your—”

  Karil clicked off. He smirked to have shut Respel up.

  He knew he’d pay later. His Dramok’s bodyguards, who were kept off Elate by threats of execution, were more than capable of making Karil sorry for disrespecting their employer. A beating would be getting off easy if Respel decided his Nobek deserved a lesson. And if Karil’s activities sent law enforcement to Respel’s door?

  Karil would disappear, piece by piece, while Respel watched.

  Fuck them all. I’ll claim my vengeance and pay the price later.

  With that in mind, Karil continued to edge nearer to Vax and Bacoj. Close enough to hear their conversation. He wanted to know their plans so he could make his own.

  * * * *

  Bacoj walked alongside Vax, touching his arm lightly simply because he enjoyed even the most casual contact with his lover. They veered into a tunnel that connected the luxurious Bubrol Cavern to the more casual—and comfortable, in Bacoj’s opinion—Ewlairi complex of caves.

  The Dramok noted with some surprise that his spirits had lifted. He was being sent to war. He was missing out on school. However, Vax would be with him for the foreseeable future. It made all the difference.

  Bacoj was even happier when Vax said, “You should meet my parents before we ship out.”

  “I’d be glad to.”

  “In a couple of days? Autumn is busy for my fathers’ survival adventure tour business, but they usually can get away in the middle of the week.”

  “Great.”

  He meant it, despite the surge of nervousness that accompanied the idea of meeting a parent clan’s expectations. Vax was seriously considering him as a future clanmate. There was no other reason for Bacoj to meet his mother and fathers.

  Maybe Bacoj had been looking at being drafted all wrong. He wasn’t a big believer in fate or destiny, but it was tempting to consider the universe might have conspired to send him to war so he could have the chance to be with this Imdiko.

  Laughing, chatting about anything and everything, they passed several storefronts under the light of the setting sun, courtesy of the ceiling vid that depicted the environment outside. Foot traffic was picking up as the workday for most Kalquorians ended.

  Vax motioned toward an eatery they were closing on. Lemanthev music thumped from its environs, and high-spirited men talked loudly of sports and concerts. “This place doesn’t look like much, but the food is good—and cheap. Do you mind if we make it an early night?”

  “Are you in a hurry to go home?” Bacoj liked the sound of that.

  Vax’s chuckle was rueful. “Unfortunately, I’m going to insist we go to our separate apartments tonight. I hate the idea of sleeping alone, but I’ve got a super early morning at the resort tomorrow. There’s a food shipment coming in I have to sort before I start cooking.”

  “Oh.” Just like that, Bacoj’s rollercoaster emotions experienced a downturn.

  Vax snuggled close as they paused in front of the modest building from which delicious scents eddied. “Don’t be mad.”

  “I’m not mad. Just let down. I love being with you. I can’t seem to get enough of it.”

  That earned him a kiss that warmed him from head to toe. Vax regarded him with what Bacoj hoped was adoration. “Same here, but I can’t burn my bridges if I’m to reclaim my job after the war. Even in these last few weeks before we ship out, I need to do my work as well as possible.”

  Bacoj shoved aside the disappointment. “You’re right. If one of us slept over with the other, I could probably let you sleep, but that level of temptation is best not attempted. You’re
impossible to resist.”

  “Oh, you are too smooth, Bacoj.” Vax kissed him again, grinning from ear to ear.

  “That’s why you’ve fallen so hard for my charms.”

  They went into the restaurant, laughing and holding each other.

  Chapter Six

  Karil snapped to attention at the sound of the apartment’s door sliding open. He jolted to his feet, almost knocking off a small, decorative statue from the table in front of the lounger he’d splayed on. The creak of the table as he bumped it sounded loud. He held his breath, listening to hear if any shouts rose.

  Nothing but the quiet muttering of conversation from the greeting room down the hall. They hadn’t heard him.

  The Nobek shook his head, trying to clear it of the entrancing mists that took away all concerns. As he did so, he noticed the injector he’d used earlier, lying forgotten on the lounger cushions. He picked it up and tucked it in a pouch on his belt, congratulating himself on leaving no evidence.

  For a moment, he stood still. Clouds of well-being encroached on his mind again as the voices rose and fell hypnotically in the distance. His body felt weightless to the point of disconnection. He wanted to sit back on the lounger and dive into the euphoria Elate filled him with. It wouldn’t last long, and it was a shame to waste any of the precious minutes allotted to him.

  Stupid Vax. Why couldn’t he have stayed out later?

  The Imdiko’s name sounding in his brain pulled Karil out of the stupor that clawed at him. Elate was insistent, trying to seduce him with its promise of too-brief pleasure. With effort, he pushed its siren song away and trudged across the gently rocking floor toward the open doorway. He tried not to shift his gaze too much, as it caused his surroundings to sway harder.

  Light spilled down the hallway. Straining, he listened to the voices drifting from the greeting room. Hadn’t he heard Vax saying they couldn’t spend the night together? Why were they still talking if Bacoj was to stay in his own home?