by E J Darling
“I didn’t think he’d go as far as cornering you alone, but–" Teak paused and lowered his head.
“But now you don’t know?”
“No, I don’t. I don’t like loose cannons, Mahla. They’re too unpredictable. I can’t read them.” He pulled her in close and held her tight.
Releasing Teak, Maeve stepped back as she looked up at his beautifully sculpted face. His black hair was pulled halfway up, the way he liked it, and the rest fell down over them both like an inky waterfall. He was stunning. How wrong he was to think he’d taken without her permission that first moment. If he knew all the ways she thought of him when she’d been alone, he’d be speechless. He’d saved her from being beaten and he’d stepped in when Roth had advanced. He was her safety and her strength, but how much could he take before he broke?
“I need to go talk to Keeli. I need to know she’s okay after yesterday.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” His eyes flashed with concern and the black abyss of his eyes were starting to turn back to the bright silver gray she loved.
Maeve thought for a moment before answering. “No, not yet. I’d like to spend some time without a male presence. I don’t know what her mental state is.”
Teak kissed her forehead, then her nose, and finally sipped at her lips before pulling back. “Then go, Mahla. Your friend needs you. I heard crying last night, but I didn’t have the heart to go in there and check on her. Make her feel better when I couldn’t.”
He released her and Maeve walked out of the room, pausing only a moment to take one more look at him before she left. He hadn’t been off doing anything illegal like she’d thought, and she was grateful he’d been there so quickly. She gave him another smile and headed for Keeli’s room, determined to make it there that time.
Reluctantly, Keeli allowed Maeve inside her chambers. She could see the female was suffering inside by the redness of her eyes and the quiet way she walked around the room.
They’d sat at the nice table on her balcony and Keeli poured them both a hot cup of brix, Maeve’s favorite drink to calm the nerves slightly.
“Is Teak really okay?” The hurt was evident in her voice as she looked out over the expansive water.
“Yes, Keeli. He’s fine. There’s more to that story than even I understand fully, but know deep down Zekekiel was not truly the monster he appeared to be in that moment.”
A sigh escaped Keeli’s lips as she began to cry. “I was beaten like that…before. It just hit me harder than I care to admit I guess.”
Maeve reached for the female’s hand and rubbed her thumb against the soft pale flesh there. “I am so sorry you had to go through that, Keeli. That’s terrible.”
“When I saw Zekekiel doing that to Teak I froze. I was taken back to that dark time in my life. All I can think about is him doing that to me, that I have gotten myself into the same situation I was in before.” Her voice shook at the same tempo as her hands, and she brought the cup to her lips, taking a sip. “My old master wasn’t horrible, or so I was raised to believe, but he did cruel things sometimes when he got angry.”
Maeve’s heart wanted to rip itself apart. She was the reason Keeli was here, and even though it had to be someone, she hated that the female had to witness the moment of misplaced cruelty. “Keeli listen. Zekekiel has never done that to any of us before. I promise you that. When I told you on Slave Row my master was gentle and kind, I was not lying. What happened yesterday was partially my fault.” She refused to admit all the blame because frankly, there was still a shit storm coming. Maeve wasn’t even close to being done with The Human Problem as they called it. “I know I cannot change your mind right now but know there is another side that isn’t so grim.”
Keeli nodded and wiped her tears. “Thank you, Maeve. You’re the only one I have, and I consider you a friend.”
More guilt surfaced. She didn’t spend enough time with the female that lived just one door down. She was too busy dealing with work and being wrapped up in Teak to remember to visit her more. That was going to change. “You’re my friend, too. And from now on, you will be seeing me more.”
Just then, a knock came at the door. The two of them looked grimly at one another and didn’t move. There was no telling who it could be, but another knock came, and the door clicked open.
“Knock, knock.” A familiar voice called out. Gilla peaked her head through the crack and searched the room until she found the pair on the balcony. Maeve finally breathed. “I was sent over by a special someone I will not name. But he’s massively built and way too attractive for you Maeve. Also,” Gilla continued without a beat, never giving Maeve the chance to protest her friend’s assessment, “I was told I may be walking into ‘female troubles’. I didn’t know if that meant blood or males, because muscle man says very little, so I brought fresh cloths and frix, just in case.” Gilla held up black strips of cloth in one hand and a bottle of frix in the other.
Maeve pointed to the bottle. “Alcohol, please.”
“As you wish.”
“Are we really doing this right now?” Keeli asked. “What if our masters need us for something and we’re drunk?”
Maeve laughed and twisted the cap off the bottle. There would be no need for glasses at the moment. “I say we get a free pass today.” After everything that had happened, they better get a free fucking pass.
“I do my best work when I’m drunk.” Gilla teased, though Maeve knew she was serious.
Handing over the bottle after a long swig, Maeve passed it over to Keeli who took one swallow and coughed. “That’s strong. How do you both drink that stuff?” She handed it to Gilla next who took a long drink.
“When you’ve got a master riding you every waking moment, you learn a few coping skills.”
“You’re a sex slave like me?”
Gilla looked Keeli up and down and laughed, hiccupping before downing another swig. “No, not like you.”
Keeli looked affronted by the comment and Maeve tried to bite back her smile. “What does that mean?”
“Don’t ever become like me.” Gilla warned. “I smile and I laugh, but there is nothing inside here anymore.” She pointed to her chest.
Maeve laughed, already a bit tipsy after two long drinks. “That’s not true, Gill. You love me. How could you be cold and dead inside when you do that so well?”
“True. But you’re probably the only one I’d die for, not that I plan on dying anytime soon, and thankfully you look to have a savior at your beck and call now. A hot one.”
“Back off, Gill.” Maeve laughed. She knew Teak was hot, but she loved teasing her friend anyways.
“I know, I know. But damn, he’s nice to look at.”
“He is nice to look at, Maeve. I’m sorry.” Keeli added, finally finding her nerve.
Maeve liked that. She was going to need it living here. There wasn’t a single bit of jealousy that rose in her when the females spoke of Teak that way. They were both right, Teak was something else entirely. “Yeah. He is.”
Keeli took a long gulp from the bottle and swallowed down the burning liquid inside. Then, slammed the bottle down on the table. “You know who else is nice to look at? Zekekiel.”
“Holy. Shit.” Gilla gasped, taking the bottle from Keeli’s hand. “Did you just say what I think you did? Maeve did you hear that?”
Maeve gaped at Keeli. “I heard it.”
“What?” Keeli looked between the both of them while they sat there, speechless. “He’s my species…mostly, and I can only imagine what he looks like under those robes. I’ve never been with a Tallek before. I’m curious.” Keeli shrugged.
The logic was there but still Maeve and Gilla didn’t speak for a long minute.
“We are definitely not the same.” Gilla finally whispered, killing the bottle.
Soon, the three of them found themselves lying on their backs, legs propped up on the railing, and killing a second bottle of frix. It was so much stronger than its competitor brix and
the three of them were far too drunk to even move. It felt nice letting go for a while, to enjoy down time with friends that didn’t revolve around work or more work.
“I just think,” Keeli slurred, “that Zekekiel would have a fine shaft. He is…quite a solidly built male.”
“I’m not saying it isn’t true.” Gilla rebutted, also slurring her words to the point of hardly speaking clearly. “I’m just saying that my master is a sniveling little prick, with a sniveling little prick.”
The three of them laughed so hard and loudly, it hurt to breathe.
“Wait!” Maeve called out. “How do you know that?” She’d never seen Zeke in anything but his long shapeless robes. They didn’t give anything away to her knowledge and she’d known him her entire life.
“Because I was summoned,” Keeli said dramatically. “He was wearing normal clothing like you have Teak wearing. Only white.”
“What? You saw him not wearing his robes?”
“Of course.”
“What do you mean of course?” Maeve slurred. “He always wears them! I have literally never in my life seen him without his robes.”
“You’re missing out then.” Keeli laughed.
A noise came from the bedroom, someone cleared their throat, and the three of them lifted their chins, looking backwards. It was hard to make out who it was while they were upside down, but once she saw those long robes, Maeve jumped to her feet. So did the other two.
“Sir,” Maeve sputtered, trying to sober up enough to acknowledge her master respectably. “I apologize. We were just–”
Zekekiel held his hand out, silencing her. “I knocked, but no one answered.”
“Sir.” Keeli whispered. “It is your home. You may go where you please.”
Zekekiel didn’t answer, just turned his attention to the third. “Gilladra?”
“Sir?”
“Do you think you could make it home safely or should I have Yilo escort you?” His voice was calm, but honestly it didn’t calm Maeve’s heart. Since she had no idea how long he’d been standing there, she didn’t know how much he heard. It could have been everything.
Gilla paused a moment and Maeve watched her friend think it over. She took a wobbly step and stopped. “I believe I need an escort, sir.”
“Very well. Yilo?” Zeke called out toward the hallway. “Take Gilladra home safely please.”
Yilo stepped inside the door. “Yes, sir.” He grabbed Gilla’s hand and they walked out together.
Once they were gone, the room went silent. Zekekiel Vint, the master of the silent treatment. “I came to talk to Keeli alone, about what you saw yesterday. But first, Maevelin? If I could have a word?”
Without hesitation, Keeli fled from the room, leaving Maeve alone with her master. He didn’t look pissed, or angry, but his Tallekian traits could hide anything he felt inside.
“Are you okay, Maevelin?”
“I’m drunk, sir. I apologize, but I am fine.”
“That isn’t what I meant. Why don’t you take a seat? I think you’ll feel better.” She did as he asked but he didn’t sit with her, instead he chose to pace the balcony slowly. “Yesterday, was a test of our relationship. First, I need to apologize for that. I am truly sorry for what I had to do. You know I do not take such extreme action on the ones I care for in my home. But, Nathenian Kilper is the head of the council and even I am not immune to his demands. There are things I know you do not understand, which is partially my fault, but my hand is forced the same as anyone’s when it comes to certain things. One of those things is the word of the male who sits highest on my council. If I were to ever go against him, I, you, and everyone in this home would be in jeopardy. I too must play the game.”
Maeve listened intently to everything Zekekiel said. The drunk feeling hadn’t gone away but her mind was still working as he spoke. Later, she’d be able to think about it more, but for now she listened and tried to understand.
“I need you to understand that before anything else. My name holds weight in the galaxy for many reasons, and so does my financial worth. But here, I am a politician first and only. I have no family,” he grimaced, “and no one to share a life with. The only thing I have that means anything to me is what you see here. All of this, all of you, are the only things I have. To keep the status quo, I play my hand carefully. Teakin did what he had to do to spare your pain, and while it’s regrettable, it would have been unforgivable to see you under that rod instead.” Zekekiel paused and stopped his pacing to stare out to the water. He took a breath of the fresh air and allowed the Light Star to beat down on his pale face. “You are important to me.”
“I know that, sir. You’ve put in a lot of time and money in my training and education. I understand a slave’s worth, sir.”
Her master huffed and dropped his head. “Indeed. Worth is everything in this life, I guess.”
Her mind was beginning to clear a bit and Maeve decided to take this moment of mild lucidity, and the false bravado the frix gave her, to get the weight off her chest. “May I ask you a question, sir?”
“One.”
“What is The Human Problem?”
Zekekiel spun towards her, his speed shocking her with a jolt. “Where did you hear that?”
“That’s why I rushed into your office yesterday. It was in my work documents. The classification on it was low enough that it came to my electro pad instead of yours. When I saw it, I couldn’t contain my anger and I didn’t think. I’m sorry, sir. I really am. But if I may speak frankly, it’s disgusting.”
“It’s nothing you need to worry about, Maevelin.”
“Whether that is the case or not, sir, Humans are my people. I am the Human problem.”
Zeke spun again and headed for the bedroom door, hissing curses. “There is a Human problem, Maevelin, but you have no idea the stakes at play.” He reached the door and paused. He didn’t look her way but spoke to her. “Forget you saw that report, and if you can’t, pretend you can.” With that, Zekekiel left the room and slammed the door behind him.
Maevelin wanted to crawl into a ball and cry as she sat there raw in her emotions. She didn’t know what to do with herself but huddled in, wrapping her arms around her middle. A second later, Keeli cracked the door open and stepped in. She guessed she enraged Zekekiel to the point of no longer wishing to speak to anyone.
Nothing would be the same after that conversation.
Twenty-Eight
Teak filtered through the busy port market, his hood up to blend in as much as possible. He had one destination, the tavern where he met Wilsit and his crew the first time.
He missed the fights last night, but it was more than worth it. Sleeping next to Maeve was something he’d needed for a long time and he finally felt rested for the first time since before he was taken into bondage.
Yesterday had been terrible, emotionally and physically, but Roth hadn’t made things any better by putting his hands on Maeve. She didn’t ask why he’d come back to her room, thankfully, because he wouldn’t have had a good answer. He felt her emotions, only slightly, but he had. Not being too far away yet helped, but the moment her heart rate had increased, and that slight bit of fear crept up her spine, he’d known something was wrong. He needed to tell her the entire truth about bonding with him, but there hadn’t been time. Now he feared there wasn’t any. She had to know sooner or later, and later wasn’t given.
There was too much to process in such a short amount of time, but things developed faster with his situation with her and the council members than he thought they would. He couldn’t trust the ones running the planet, which he’d known all along, but now he was nearly certain he couldn’t trust Vint either. Just because the master didn’t want to punish Maevelin, didn’t mean he wasn’t corrupt. It just meant he had an attachment to her that made it hard to harm her. That didn’t mean his political life wasn’t a black mark on his soul.
So, he was going to the only male he knew on the planet that might be able t
o help. Wilsit knew a lot about the goings on here on Ascena Pura, and over the last week of working with him in The Pit, Teak formed an understanding with the odd male. Wilsit and his friends didn’t hide behind a blanket of false morality, and because of their affiliation with Subterranea, Teak had to believe they knew more than they said aloud.
The moment he stepped foot into the tavern, three males at the bar stood up, a warning to be on his best behavior. Teak nodded his head to the bartender, the same one that worked the first day he’d been in there, and he nodded back before jerking his head to the back of the bar. Teak followed the male’s signal and found Wilsit sitting at a table, alone.
Teak ignored the males as they went on alert, only focused on the male in the back. He heard the bartender hiss and the males took their seats again, knowing he posed no threat. He looked around but saw no familiar faces in the patrons. Lissor and Bith were not in sight. He liked those males, too. They spoke their minds and didn’t have a problem settling whatever dispute rose quickly. He respected that.
As he approached, Wilsit smiled with his wide mouth. “We missed you lasst night at the fightss.” He held his hand out toward the chair opposite him. “Ssit.”
Teak did. “Something came up. I apologize. I hope you didn’t lose too many credits.”
Wilsit hissed a laugh. The older male was an intelligent creature and, besides Maeve, was currently the only one that gave Teak any sort of respect. He didn’t know if that respect reached farther than the credits he was earning him, but he was about to test it.
“I am ssmart with my creditss, Kade. I do not bet on the weak.”
Teak smiled. “No, I guess not.”
“Why are you here? Do you think it wisse to be in an esstablisshment owned by a Ballek? What your Tallek masster musst think.”