Clan and Commit (Clan Beginnings Book 7)

by Tracy St. John

  “Let him go. I swear, if you hurt him—” Bacoj started to move but froze when Karil shifted the blade. Its sharp edge pushed against Vax’s abdomen. He yelped in pain as it dug against him, threatening to slice through his shirt and his skin.

  “What are you going to do, Dramok boy? Unless you want to watch his guts hit the street, shut your face and do as I say.”

  Bacoj remained still, though his body thrummed with terrified fury. Vax didn’t dare speak. He barely breathed for fear the knife would cut into him.

  Karil smirked. “That’s what I thought.” He nodded toward the nearby alley, a tight space filled with refuse. “Let’s take a little walk where we can discuss things in private.”

  “Where you can kill us in private, you mean. Fuck no.” Bacoj reached for Vax, but stopped when Karil pressed the knife harder. The Imdiko was forced to cringe against his attacker to keep from being cut.

  Fuck. The bastard was erect, his cocks hard against Vax’s buttocks. He swallowed against a hot tide of nausea.

  Karil sneered at Bacoj. “Take a good look at me, shithead. Do you think I won’t do it in front of everyone if I have to?”

  The knife drew across Vax’s belly, slicing open his shirt. A sting announced flesh had been nicked too, and a yelp escaped the Imdiko. He glanced down, terrified of what he’d see. A slender line of red beaded across his stomach from the shallow cut.

  Bacoj went pale. Holding his hands up in a gesture of surrender, he backed into the alley.

  “Smart boy. You too, Vax. Let’s go.”

  Karil herded them into the alley. Vax had the opportunity to glance down the street, desperate for any sign of help. Others were out there, but if they noticed what was happening between the Kalquorians, they’d elected to ignore it. Even with the sounds Vax had made, nobody paid the slightest attention. He was sure a couple pointedly turned their backs on the scene.

  No aid to be found. Vax’s emotions swirled in hopeless anger and fear. Uppermost was the horror that Bacoj might be killed. It would be Vax’s fault. All because he’d wanted to buy spices. Because he’d insisted on finding one of the few gardeners who successfully grew arpik and cemir.

  No. Karil would murder Bacoj because Vax had gotten tired of Huk’s bullshit and had decided to teach him a lesson. That stupid, hotheaded judgment would cost Vax’s lover his life.

  Tears threatened. This was all Vax’s doing. He had only himself to blame for what was happening.

  They reached the middle of the alley, Karil clinging to Vax, his knife ready to rend him in half. The pressure disappeared from the Imdiko’s abdomen, moving to his throat. Bacoj shouted and lunged, and the blade dug in. Bacoj froze again.

  “Don’t hurt him, Karil. Think about what you’re doing, okay? Is revenge worth prison or execution?”

  “Why yes, it is. Absolutely. This moment is what I’ve been living for these past few months.”

  There was a maddened glee in Karil’s tone that told Vax no argument or begging would make any difference. This was it. His last seconds of life ticked down.

  Vax closed his eyes, not wanting Bacoj’s agony to be the last thing he saw. Instead, he envisioned the happy moments of mere minutes ago—not when he’d discovered those stupid, elusive spices, but when Bacoj had stood next to him, smiling at him, warmth in his eyes.

  I love you, Bacoj.

  Karil jerked. Vax waited for pain, for the knife to slash his throat, but instead, the awful pressure disappeared. There was a grunt and a howl of fury.

  Vax opened his eyes as Bacoj yanked him further down the alley, staring behind the Imdiko. Vax turned to look too, wondering that he was alive to do so. He cringed as he pivoted, expecting to find Karil diving at them, stabbing them as he claimed terrible vengeance.

  Instead, Karil was on the defensive, fending off the biggest Nobek Vax had ever seen. The stranger’s fists were battering rams, pounding Karil’s body with such force that Vax expected to hear bones cracking.

  Karil’s knife flashed in the sunlight, and Bacoj shouted a warning. The unknown Nobek’s hand swept toward it, and the blade went airborne, flying end over end in their direction. It bounced once, and Bacoj swooped to grab it. He thrust Vax behind him, pointing it at the battling Nobeks.

  It was clear Karil was getting the worse part of the fight. Blood dripped from his lip and nose, and his expression was desperate as the other man pressed his advantage. Then the stranger lurched, his arms flailing at empty air as Karil bobbed down and to the side. Vax’s nemesis blurred with a burst of speed. He hurtled from the alley to the street, disappearing in an instant.

  “Damn it!” the hulking Nobek shouted, recovering and making as if he would give chase. Then he checked himself, turning to Vax instead. The bestial features rearranged themselves, transforming from brutish animal to a fierce, but handsome man who gazed at him with concern.

  “Are you all right, Imdiko?”

  Vax touched his throat. He was shocked blood wasn’t pouring from it. He glanced down and noted the cut on his stomach had already clotted. The damage was no worse than a bad scratch.

  “I’m okay.”

  He’d no sooner confirmed it when the stranger dashed off. Vax guessed he was going after Karil.

  Bacoj grabbed him, inspecting Vax’s wound and checking him over. He sagged in relief. “Thank the Mother of All. I’ve never felt so helpless…Vax, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.” His features spasmed in a rictus of agony.

  Vax hugged him. The Dramok was trembling as violently as he was. They clutched each other, like terrified children lost in the woods.

  “This wasn’t your fault, Bacoj. How could you know he followed us here?” He kissed his lover fiercely, once, twice. He kept kissing him, sobbing the entire time. “I thought he’d kill you because of me. All I could hang onto was that I’d die first and wouldn’t have to watch it happen.”

  They clung together, desperately trying to reassure themselves that they’d escaped death. It seemed impossible they were both in one piece. Vax wept, torturing himself with how close he’d come to losing Bacoj.

  After a few minutes, someone cleared his throat. They reluctantly parted to find the big Nobek had returned. He shifted uncomfortably, his grimace making him appear angry and embarrassed all at once. “He got away. I can pick up his trail, unless you’d prefer local law enforcement to handle it? That would probably be best. Dantovonians get prickly about their jurisdiction. Sorry I didn’t catch him.”

  Vax and Bacoj approached the big bruiser. Though he’d initially thought the Nobek was much older, the man’s face wasn’t lined where his scowl didn’t crease it. Vax figured his rescuer was no more than five years his senior. Whatever his age, he’d handed Karil his ass like an experienced warrior.

  Vax bowed with respect, as did Bacoj. The Imdiko managed a smile despite his shaky state. “Thank you, Nobek. You have no idea how grateful I am to you. He would have killed us both.”

  “We owe you everything.” Bacoj glanced at Vax, and fresh agony pinched his features. “I owe you everything.”

  “I’m glad I was in the area to help. I saw him following you, and he looked like bad business, so I—I’m relieved you’re okay.” He stumbled over his words, as if he wasn’t used to talking to people.

  “What can I offer you in gratitude, Nobek—Nobek—?”

  “Japohn.” He appeared surprised, as if the offer of compensation for saving them was unheard of. Then he eased into a smile, and the handsome visage Vax had glimpsed before shone bright. He even appeared wistful. It was an odd expression on such a fierce man. Vax caught himself admiring the strong jawline, the way the Nobek’s dark goatee and mustache contrasted against his white teeth. He had a gorgeous smile.

  “You don’t owe me anything. You being safe and healthy is good enough.” He peered around, checking their environment. Protective Nobek. Vax couldn’t imagine anyone being stupid enough to cross such a muscled beast.

  Mother of All, Japohn was impressive. And stu
nning when he smiled. Vax wondered if tall, dark, and delicious was available to be rewarded in a private manner.

  Hello, libido. Obviously, you’re still intact. Never mind the near-death encounter with Karil, huh?

  The terror of a few minutes ago still held sway, however. Lust was a background response, a distant knee-jerk reaction to realizing he was still alive, thanks to the Nobek stranger. In any event, Vax couldn’t help but appreciate the sheer physicality of the man who’d come rushing to their rescue.

  Meanwhile, Bacoj was insisting on showing his own version of appreciation. “I have to thank you somehow. We won a little money playing Grav Grab last night. Maybe I can spot you a night’s lodging? Let me at least buy you lunch.”

  “I wouldn’t mind lunch with you.” Japohn’s face colored the moment the words left his mouth. He twitched, as if nervous. “First, we should report this attack to the authorities.”

  “Absolutely. Oh, I’m Dramok Bacoj. This is Vax, my intended Imdiko.”

  Japohn bowed, his long, loose hair swinging forward in a black tide as he did so. He shook it back as he stood up straight, that somehow winsome smile softening those strong features yet again. “Despite the nearly tragic circumstances, I’m glad to meet you. This is a bad area, so if you’d allow me to escort you to the nearest law enforcement precinct? I know the safest route.”

  Vax wondered about this Nobek who had such in-depth information on the local enforcement. The guy had saved his and Bacoj’s ass, but that was all they knew about him. “You keep saying things that make me think you’re well acquainted with the ins and outs of Dantovonian law administration.”

  Japohn blinked at him, then he chuckled, perhaps sensing Vax’s delayed concern. “I am, but don’t worry. Officially, I’m one of the good guys.” His eyes twinkled, further contradicting his imposing appearance.

  “What about unofficially?”

  The Nobek’s grin spread wider. “My mother would give you a glowing recommendation.”

  Vax laughed, his concerns easing. In his book, a Nobek who referenced his mother in such a manner had to be a decent sort.

  * * * *

  Bacoj insisted Japohn pick where they would have lunch. The Nobek could have chosen any of the pricier venues Bacoj mentioned, but he’d escorted them to a casual outdoor dining establishment instead. “I can’t relax at those snooty places. The environment here is laid back, but the food is amazing.”

  Bacoj had had doubts despite the obvious popularity of the eatery. The furnishings of the place showed they’d known years of hard use, and the atmosphere was short on ambience. However, Japohn was right about the delicious cuisine. Vax was impressed and had gone as far as to visit the open-air kitchen halfway through the meal, so he could trade pleasantries with the head cook. Japohn had winced when he’d found out Vax was a chef himself.

  “If I’d known, I’d have kept my mouth shut and gone with one of your recommendations.” He gulped his mug of kloq, though the low alcohol content couldn’t have done a lot to calm him. He cast a nervous glance at Vax as the Imdiko and the Plasian cook talked with great animation and large gestures.

  Bacoj tried to reassure him. “Vax isn’t pretentious in the least, even if he does run a resort kitchen. I have to say, this rauger steak is as close to perfection as I’ve ever had.”

  His compliment for the meal was more than justified, but Bacoj caught himself picking at it with less enjoyment than it deserved. He was still rattled over the encounter with Karil. By the ancestors, he’d almost been forced to watch the monster murder Vax. It might be weeks before he recovered his appetite again.

  Vax returned. He beamed at Japohn. “This place is an incredible find. That cook studied with Chef Jhil Cuda, if you can believe it. He could work anywhere, but he’s here!”

  “He’s paid well by the owner. Usually, it takes serious bribery to get in, even for an early lunch like this. He gets a big cut of that.” Japohn was obviously happy to have impressed Vax.

  “How were we so lucky as to snag seats right away?” Vax glanced at the long line of those hoping to score a table.

  The Nobek flushed. “In my work as a bounty hunter, I captured the creep who killed two of the restaurant owner’s wives. There’s always a table waiting for me.”

  “You’re not just our hero, huh?” Vax winked at Bacoj when Japohn ducked his head, reddening at the praise.

  What little appetite Bacoj had dwindled to nothing. Japohn was a hero. He was also self-assured, confident, and able to take control of a bad situation.

  Especially a dangerous situation, which was certainly the type of condition a Nobek should be in charge of. However, it wasn’t only that which bothered Bacoj. Japohn was of the warrior caste, but he was also everything Bacoj wished he were as a Dramok. If he’d possessed a drop of Japohn’s assertive poise, he’d have handled the trouble with Karil better.

  Vax almost died, and there was nothing I could do about it. Bacoj had never felt so inadequate in his life.

  The experience of reporting the altercation to the less-than-impressive Dantovonian authorities had increased Bacoj’s insecurities. They’d been dismissive of his questions of how they’d make sure Karil didn’t get another chance to attack Vax. Nothing he’d said had affected what had been blatant indifference to the danger the Nobek stalker posed.

  It had been humiliating to be disregarded as unimportant. Dramoks were supposed to command respect from the moment they walked into a place. Bacoj had the sense that the Dantovonian officers saw him as a joke.

  He cut off a piece of steak and pushed it around his plate. Conversation had ebbed at the table. Both Vax and Japohn were on their coms, messaging with separate law enforcement entities on Kalquor.

  As Japohn tapped on his device, Bacoj asked, “How much money would it have taken for the locals to be serious about tracking Karil down?”

  The Nobek snorted. Fortunately, his derision wasn’t for Bacoj. “More than the three of us have, combined. The captain of that precinct is new, and he seemed eager to assert his authority. In Ler, that means lining his pockets with as much wealth as possible. Dantovonians believe all Kalquorians are rolling in wealth, and the greedy bastards are thrilled with any excuse to empty our accounts.”

  “Did you know that before we went in?” It would have been nice to be warned. Maybe Bacoj wouldn’t have felt snubbed if he’d understood money made all the difference.

  “Unfortunately, not in this case. I had no idea there was a new captain. If Jytvee were still in charge at the precinct, he’d have had his squads turning Ler upside down, bribes or not. He was a real cop. If you ask me, there are too few of his type on this credit-hungry planet.”

  That made the situation—or at least Bacoj’s ability to impact it—not quite so humiliating. Nonetheless, he bet his father Rilb would have convinced those Dantovonians to get off their asses and arrest Karil.

  “Hmm.” Japohn’s expression darkened, making him slightly less vid-star handsome, but no less striking.

  “What is it?”

  “My informants on Kalquor say Dramok Respel gave Karil the choice of leaving the planet or being executed. It seems he decided his Nobek is too much a problem to keep around. Karil arrived here the day before you did.”

  Bacoj stared. “You mean, it was pure bad luck we ran into him?”

  “That’s my guess. Which is actually a good thing. He’s probably not as well prepared to attack you as I initially thought.”

  He had been prepared enough to almost succeed in killing Vax. Bacoj’s fork clattered against his plate. He set it down. “We should go home. If Karil can’t go to Kalquor, that’s where we need to be.”

  “That’s a shame. Dantovon doesn’t refund vacations if they’re not at fault for your stay going poorly.” Japohn paused, appearing unsure of himself for a change. When he spoke again, he did so haltingly. “If you want, I don’t mind sticking close so you two can stay and have fun.”

  “Oh. Well, I’d hate for us to infr
inge on your holiday.” Bacoj scrambled, trying to figure out how he felt about such a suggestion.

  “You wouldn’t be. I’m here on my own. I have no real plans except to relax and enjoy a brothel or two, some shows, and a little light betting before I’m off to fight the war. It’ll be more fun to hang out with you guys. Especially if I meet up with that junkie again. I didn’t pound on him nearly enough for my tastes.” The words came out in a rush, the Nobek’s expression growing hopeful, especially with Vax beaming at him.

  Bacoj’s uncertainty fled as he saw the ramifications of the offer. He was grateful to Japohn for saving them—they’d be dead if he hadn’t intervened. But this wasn’t the time to become entangled with a Nobek who obviously wanted to be considered as clanmate material. Not when Bacoj hadn’t yet won the Imdiko too perfect to lose.

  This holiday was his chance to spend quality time with Vax. Now that he had to remedy his inability to keep him safe when Karil had shown up out of nowhere, Bacoj was desperate to make a decent case to be Vax’s Dramok. He opened his mouth to politely refuse Japohn.

  Vax spoke first. “Investigator Yas says he’ll contact the local precinct and raise hell with them to track Karil down. See?” He shoved his com with the text conversation open to show Bacoj.

  Bacoj scanned it, then slowed to read the information more carefully. Vax hadn’t shown it to him to underscore Yas’s assertion he’d convince the Dantovonians to take the case seriously. Yas had more to say than that.

  Keep Nobek Japohn near if you decide to finish out your holiday there. He’s among the best bounty hunters Kalquor has. You couldn’t do better than that guy for a bodyguard.

  His heart sinking, Bacoj glanced at Vax. The Imdiko grinned. “Isn’t Japohn great? With him to watch our backs, we don’t have to go home early.” He put his com away. “Thanks, Japohn. You’ve saved our holiday.”

  Japohn was too much a trained warrior to do more than appear pleased, but Bacoj sensed he was fairly bursting with delight. When the Nobek glanced at him for confirmation, Bacoj smiled wanly. “Sure. It’ll be a blast having you along.”