Clan and Commit (Clan Beginnings Book 7)

by Tracy St. John

  Karil’s heart stuttered, but he maintained his impassive demeanor. What happened in the secret rooms of the building where Respel conducted business was nothing compared to being sentenced to the Dirty Hole.

  It was where Respel sent his worst enemies. They were chained helpless, sold by the minute to anybody for any activity the buyer wished. The price to partake of an inmate of the Dirty Hole was steep, but some real psychos with unlimited funds were more than happy to pay small fortunes to maim or kill while getting their jollies. Karil had witnessed such an encounter once—the client had enjoyed having an audience while he ‘played’. Karil still had nightmares about that horrific half hour during which the client had enjoyed his sick pleasures, though it had happened over a decade before.

  Karil stiffened his knees, gone weak for an instant at the prospect of ending up as that monster’s victim had. He managed to somehow keep a tremor out of his voice. “Where should I go?”

  Respel’s outward calm wavered. His tone hinted at the bottomless rage that Karil had learned lived permanently within him. “I don’t give a fuck. Get out of my sight, and stay out of my sight. I’m showing this last mercy for what you’ve done for me in the past. This is where it ends.”

  “As you wish.” Karil started to turn, but pain exploded at the backs of his knees. He went down hard. The pair of Nobeks who’d brought him in pinned him to the floor and cuffed his wrists behind his back. They hauled him to his feet, and he glared at Respel in shock and dawning horror.

  Don’t beg for leniency. Show them the Nobek you still are. Don’t beg.

  Instead, he sputtered, “You’d lie to me? That’s beneath even you.”

  The bastard smirked, his ugly fury roiling openly over his expression. “I haven’t lied. You’ll live, but you’ll be made an example of. When they’ve finished with you, you’ll be paraded before the rest who work for me, to remind them who they’d better not fuck with.”

  Respel waved negligently to the thugs holding Karil up. They propelled him through the door that led to shame and agony, where the previous victim continued to scream.

  As Karil was shoved toward the bench where he’d spend the next endless hour chained down next to the other victim—maybe more—he ground his teeth together, determined he would not add his voice to the Imdiko’s pleas for mercy.

  Vax, if it takes me the rest of my life, you will pay for this.

  * * * *

  Sitting in Bacoj’s greeting room, Vax blinked at Investigator Yas. “You still don’t know where Karil is? That’s bad, isn’t it?”

  Yas and Genwa had elected to remain standing for their visit. The Dramok grimaced, looking uncomfortable to be relaying such news. “I can’t tell you if it’s good news or not, Imdiko. Obviously, it’s unfortunate we can’t get our hands on him at this time. It could be he’s gone into hiding off-planet, which means you have nothing to worry about.”

  “Or he might be waiting until he can make another attempt to get to you.” Genwa scowled.

  “So we should be worried.” Bacoj sat next to Vax. He scowled too.

  “An empire-wide alert has been sent out. We’re actively looking for him. But yes, Vax needs to remain on his guard.”

  “Have you given any thought to leaving the area yourself?” Yas asked.

  Before Vax could answer, Bacoj said, “I have money saved, and we have a few weeks until we report to our duty stations. I thought taking a vacation on Dantovon would be nice.”

  “Really?” Vax stared at him in surprise. Worry gave way to delight.

  “Why not? We should have some fun. Take the opportunity to be alone with each other.” His gaze sent warmth through Vax.

  Yas’s relief was obvious. “That’s a good idea. Let me know where you’re staying once you finalize your plans, so I can contact you if needed.”

  After a little more discussion and pleasantries, the officers left. Vax bounced on the lounger’s cushions with childish glee, not caring if he looked ridiculous doing so. “A vacation! I’ve never been on one except with my parents.”

  “Then you’re overdue,” Bacoj chuckled. “Although I’m afraid you’ll have to forget survival adventures. Sleeping indoors on a soft mat, eating in restaurants, touring the sights…not the sweaty, rough outing your fathers would take you on.”

  “I’ll do my best to cope.” He hugged Bacoj.

  “Good. You need to have some fun without feeling like you have to look over your shoulder.”

  “Not to mention I’ve been so focused on saving for my restaurant—but Bacoj, should you really be spending your savings on this? You have school to think about when we come home.” Guilty that his lover would do such a thing tamed Vax’s enthusiasm.

  “I’ll make back what the vacation costs within a few months. Besides, I’m not spending a bundle—I’m afraid this won’t be the most luxurious holiday you’ve ever had, in fact. It won’t be the nicest inn or the finest restaurants.” Bacoj smiled apologetically. “I just want to concentrate on you. On us. I hope that’s okay.”

  For an answer, Vax leapt on him. His ardent kisses soon had Bacoj laughing, then growling with a different sort of excitement.

  They rolled enthusiastically over the lounger, enjoying each other in their favorite fashion.

  * * * *

  Felac sat with Bacoj in his common room, gripping his hand. She was pale. Visibly upset. Bacoj steeled himself, glad Vax was in the shower so he wouldn’t be a witness to the coming scene. He was gladder still that Felac hadn’t arrived until several minutes after their latest romp. It would have been all too embarrassing for her to see their flushed faces, knowing what she’d interrupted.

  She gazed at him now, her usual dignity giving way to hurt. “Why are you running off now when you’re leaving for war so soon? You should be spending time with your parents. We won’t see you for who knows how long?”

  “I explained about Nobek Karil and his obsession with Vax. The man is dangerous, and the more distance we put between us and him, the better.”

  “That’s not all though, is it? I’ve dreaded this day forever, when you leave me behind for others. When I’m no longer the most important person in your life.”

  “I’m not leaving you, my mother. I’m adding to my life…I hope. He’s fond of you, you know.” Maybe if she saw Vax as another potential son, she’d welcome the relationship.

  “Vax is a sweet boy. I could tell he respects his mother.”

  Bacoj wondered if that was a dig, if Felac intimated he didn’t respect her. Fortunately, her next statement eased his concerns.

  “I’m glad he’s been brought up with many of our values. You chose well, my son.”

  “I’m glad you think so. I hope I’m the right Dramok for him.”

  “Of course you are. So protective. Noble and smart. Your father Rilb would have been very proud of you.” Her smile said she was proud too.

  “I wish I’d known him.”

  “As do I. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t regret…” Her voice trailed off, and the well-worn mask of composure slid over her features, hiding the pain. “Take plenty of pictures on your holiday. Stay out of trouble, and keep an eye on your credits. You’ll have dinner with your parents as soon as you return. Bring Vax.”

  “Of course.” An idea occurred to him. “Maybe while I’m on vacation, you’ll track down those old vid recordings of Rilb? You promised you’d show them to me. I feel that I need to see them before I go off to war.”

  Especially now that Bacoj was hoping to start a clan. How successful would he be as a Dramok without Rilb’s guidance? Worry tugged at him.

  Felac studied his face, her eyes brighter than usual. She’d always found a reason to put off digging up the vids of his Dramok father, unwilling to face the painful memories of the clanmate she’d lost. At last, she nodded. “You’re right. You’re a man now, with all the responsibilities that go with it. And you should know Rilb as much as is possible.”

  Bacoj hugged her. He f
elt she was trying to loosen her desperate grip on him at long last, finally recognizing it was necessary.

  “I love you, my mother.”

  Chapter Nine

  Bacoj tried not to gape like the tourist he was, but it was difficult. Ler’s cavern market swarmed with activity, smells, and noises he’d never imagined. Beings from numerous planets jostled the avenues and shops, some crawling along the ceiling or flying over his head. Festive lights of all colors flashed to gain his attention. There were so many, they left him dizzied. Laughter and music swirled, a cheerful background cacophony to the barkers calling for customers to visit their shops and prostitutes promising every pleasure imaginable. Bodily aromas, pleasant and otherwise, weren’t quite canceled out by the scent of food and some sort of floral fragrance, no doubt pumped into the environment.

  It was daylight outside, the afternoon hot and fetid thanks to the nearby jungle, but the caverns were a cool retreat. The party atmosphere tried to trick Bacoj into believing it was late at night. The city of Ler on the planet Dantovon was earning its nonstop festival reputation as far as the young Kalquorian was concerned.

  Vax walked the wide corridor at his side, absorbing his first taste of Ler. “So here we are. Underground. Did we leave Kalquor?”

  Bacoj was concerned until he saw the twinkle in Vax’s eyes. The Imdiko stared with obvious delight at the sex shop displaying hundreds of multicolored dildos shaped with lifelike perfection of various species.

  “No taste too extreme! No holes barred! Indulge your lover with a new toy or yourself with one of our trained sexperts for a personal hands-on demonstration!” the barker for the shop invited.

  “You have to admit, it’s quite a bit louder than our home caverns. Don’t worry. We’ll explore the surface of Ler when the sun goes down and it’s not so blistering hot.”

  “Can you believe this place is supposed to be wilder at night?” Vax’s face was flushed, his head turning this way and that as he tried to take it all in. “Oh, hello.”

  “Hello, Kalquorian.” A pair of silver-skinned Beonods, completely identical except for the fact one had a cock and the other didn’t, stepped forward from a brothel to drape their arms over Vax’s shoulders. They rubbed their slender, naked bodies against his, the male behind him and the female in front. They kissed and caressed the startled Vax, begging him to come inside to play. Beonods were always born as twins, always male and female, and inseparable for life.

  Bacoj chuckled as he worked to untangle the brother and sister from his companion, who was apologizing for not being able to afford their time.

  “Go play the games, win some money, and come back,” the male said, reluctantly withdrawing his seven-fingered hand from inside Vax’s pants. “We adore your kind. You too,” he added, abruptly turning from Vax to plant a kiss on Bacoj. The Beonod’s tongue tickled down his throat before he released the Dramok.

  Sighing, the Beonods withdrew, allowing Bacoj and Vax to stumble on. The Kalquorians stared at each other, snickering in disbelief as they adjusted their trousers.

  “Now that’s a hell of a sales pitch,” Vax said, his voice breathless. “Much more of that, and I’ll need a change of pants.”

  “We should stay closer to the center of the walkway, so we aren’t ambushed again,” Bacoj laughed. “Whew! What a place.”

  They kept exploring, noting shops to visit later, after they’d gotten some sense of all that was offered. The place boggled the mind, and since Bacoj wasn’t sure of what was worth seeing, he strained to see everything.

  If there was a pleasure to be had, sexual and otherwise, Dantovon offered it. One could hop from brothel to brothel using an inclusive pass, which was available in many shops. If an overwrought visitor preferred his companion to the sex workers, there were several ‘relief booths’ available for privacy, charging by the minute. Or tourists could pay to watch others. Several orgy houses lay along the Kalquorians’ path.

  Sex wasn’t the only amusement offered in Ler. Visitors could bet on fights or take part in them. They might compete in other games of skill or chance. There were any number of clubs for music, dancing, and drinking. Restaurants. Stores offering everything from cheap tourist trinkets to the most exclusive designs of weaponry, clothing, and art. Museums and theaters with live performers. Attractions crowded each other, the avenues for entertainment never ending.

  “This place is crazy. Oh, can we try that?” Vax pointed to a zero-g game attraction called Grav Grab. He pulled Bacoj toward it. “I’ve seen vids of these and always wanted a go at playing.”

  They stopped to watch the vid at the front of the chamber, detailing the rules and prizes. Bacoj whistled. “An all-expenses-paid galactic cruise for a month. Luxury shuttles. Designer clothes and furnishings. Amazing prizes if you can avoid the obstacles, guardians, and opposing players to get to them, all while flying around in a zero-g environment.”

  It was expensive to play, however, and the odds for a first-time contestant coming out with something worthwhile were steep. He wondered if they’d blow all their funds the first night, leaving them with nothing to do but eat and fuck in the cheap inn he’d reserved a room in. Not that days of nonstop sex with Vax were a bad thing, but they could have done that on Kalquor.

  “The entrance fee is kind of pricey,” Vax noted. “But not out of reach, thanks to our mothers giving us extra to enjoy ourselves with.”

  “They were generous, but playing this would still put a serious dent in our vacation fund. We’d be on a strict budget from here on out.”

  “I guess we shouldn’t bother.” Vax tried to look as if he didn’t care, but he wasn’t successful.

  “What the heck. We should do at least one irresponsible, outrageous thing while we’re here. Let’s go for it.” Bacoj grinned as Vax threw his arms around him in delight.

  They joined the queue to play, whispering strategy and noting which prizes made the most sense to try for. Vax was practically dancing with excitement, hugging and kissing Bacoj with abandon in anticipation of playing.

  Bacoj decided not to worry about the money they were about to spend. Maybe he wouldn’t have a credit to his name by the time the vacation ended, but looking into his companion’s excited face, Bacoj had no doubt it would be worth it.

  * * * *

  Bacoj had never seen Vax giddy. He’d been such a serious guy on Kalquor, what with concentrating on his career and being stalked by Karil. Now he was almost childlike in his joy. Bacoj was delighted by this side of his lover and the fact he’d been able to help it come out.

  It had started with the zero-g game that afternoon. Among the prizes the players could vie for were surprise bags—small, nondescript bags that gave no hint as to what was inside. The best held money prizes, with varying amounts from one credit to tens of thousands. Some held passes to shows, dinner tokens for restaurants, or granted services in brothels. The majority contained cheap junk that would be left on the game floor rather than taken home.

  Most players zoomed past these unglamorous bags in the pursuit of the big prizes. And while Bacoj and Vax had set their sights on winning a top-of-the-line shuttle, they’d paused to grab every bag they happened upon in their path, securing them on their belts without checking the contents. They’d ended up with a couple dozen of the surprise bags when their allotted five minutes ended in the zero-g chamber.

  They hadn’t won the shuttle or any of the major prizes, but three of the bags yielded decent results. The free dinner token for two at a mid-priced restaurant and a nice handheld from a reputable manufacturer hadn’t recouped the expense of playing, but the credit prize had…and then some.

  “We might not have to touch another cent of our vacation fund,” Vax laughed with delight. “I bet this will pay for our lodgings too.”

  “It will.” Bacoj couldn’t believe their luck. The gamble had actually paid off beyond making Vax happy.

  They enjoyed the dinner they’d won that night, along with a bottle of the second-best bohut avail
able. A concert and mid-tier seats at a shuttle race followed. They finished their first day in Ler still in possession of most of their winnings.

  They reached the inn Bacoj had reserved a room in on the outskirts of Ler, their travel bins having been delivered from the spaceport when they’d landed. He unlocked the door to their quarters, and Vax stepped into the room behind him.

  Bacoj turned up the lights and winced. It was a low-budget room. Not an awful room, not less than he’d expected, but it was certainly nothing special. A large sleeping mat with beige linens and a couple of small pillows. Cheap prints for art. A table showing signs of wear and seating cushions. The carpet was rough beneath his feet when he kicked his shoes off. Their travel bins were tucked in a corner beneath a crack in the wall’s plaster. The sole highlight of the room was a sunken tub, big and deep enough for them to enjoy together.

  If Vax was disappointed, he showed no sign of it. His gaze rested on the purple gift bag in the middle of the sleeping mat. “What’s that?”

  “A surprise.” Bacoj had arranged for it to be delivered before they’d left Kalquor.

  With an anticipatory smile, Vax went to the mat. He opened the bag and peeked in. His beaming grin turned wicked as he began to pull the sex toys out. “You bad, bad Dramok. No wonder you kept putting me off when I wanted to browse the naughty shops.”

  “Couldn’t have you buying things I’d already picked out.” Bacoj smirked. “Now that you’ve seen what we have to work with, we can look for other goodies tomorrow.”

  “Excellent.” Vax’s attention went to the tub. “I’d like to get cleaned up before the real fun commences.”

  “Why can’t we do both at the same time? Since the tub was the big attraction for this room, I made sure all the toys were waterproof.”

  Vax set the gift bag aside and sauntered over to Bacoj. The way he moved, slinking rather than striding, combined with the heat in his gaze, brought Bacoj fully erect in an instant.