Bond of the Maleri’ 5: Redemption

by Kate Steele

  Jor ended the call and looked down to his blanket covered lap. “I hope you don’t mind my using the comm. The call won’t cost you.”

  Dane stepped into the room and crossed to the sofa. He seated himself beside Jor. “I don’t mind. Tell me about it,” he demanded softly.

  Jor looked up, surprise in his eyes. “Um, I called my friend Chase. He…”

  “No, not that. Tell me about what happened. Why you were banished from Belthola.”

  Jor’s body went rigid, his eyes cold as he shut down, leaving Dane to face a blank wall. He looked away. “You already know what happened. You saw it when the bond formed.”

  “I saw something of it, yes. But I want to hear it from you. Please?”

  Dane’s gentle request loosened Jor’s unyielding stance. He relaxed slightly and took a deep breath but remained silent. Dane thought for a moment that he would refuse but he gave in, again looking down at his lap before speaking. “I was twenty- four. It was the most important assignment I’d ever been given to handle on my own. Two major factions on the planet Mefthru were nearing an internal conflict that could throw their country into civil war. I won’t go into the details of the conflict but suffice it to say I lost my objectivity. Instead of being impartial, I took sides. A man, one of high rank, was taken hostage and killed. It was my fault. If I’d done my job, the hostilities would have ended before things went so far. The Maleri’ Council sent another of my brothers to help when negotiations broke down but it was too late. I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but all Maleri’ are bonded to each other.”

  “They are?” Dane asked, appalled that his relationship with Teleran had been shared among all the Maleri’.

  “Not in the way that mates are bonded. We don’t live inside each other’s heads. It’s a subtler, gentler bonding but it’s also enough to keep us from lying to each other. Not that an honorable man would lie. When Geral arrived, I immediately confessed what I’d done.”

  “And what was it you’d done? Something besides losing your impartiality?”

  Jor nodded, his fists clenching. Dane reached out and took one of Jor’s hands in his own, soothing his fingers over the tight skin of Jor’s hand. Jor let his gaze rest on their hands and again relaxed. “I knew they were going to do something. I didn’t know that taking a hostage was their plan but I knew something was going to happen. I didn’t warn the other side. I let it happen.”

  “How much time passed between when you knew something was going to happen and when it actually did? Days?”

  Jor shook his head. “When negotiations broke down I retreated to the quarters I’d been assigned at a neutral embassy. An hour later the man was dead.”

  Dane frowned. “So you had an inkling of an idea that something bad was going to happen and an hour later it did. How could you possibly hold yourself responsible for that?”

  “If I’d done my job the way I should have to begin with, it wouldn’t have happened!” Jor insisted vehemently.

  “You don’t know that,” Dane shot back. “You may have these wonderful empathic powers but you can’t predict the future. Did you work directly with the person or people who killed the man?”

  “No.”

  “Did you work directly with the man who was killed?”

  “No.”

  “For all you know, the people who did the killing could have been a rogue faction within that particular organization. The man who was killed could have done something to provoke things. Was he considered to be a good man?”

  “There was talk. Rumors of torture and other atrocities the man had ordered done and even participated in.”

  “Oh, my God, Jor! It sounds like his demise at the hands of the other faction was inevitable. Even if you’d gotten both sides of the conflict to come to a peaceful agreement. How many times have fanatics or people who have suffered and want revenge restarted the whole mess all over again by killing someone they think deserves to die? Jor, it wasn’t your fault.”

  “I’m tired of arguing it. Fault or no, I was banished from Belthola and the Maleri’ brotherhood.”

  “For taking sides, but not for causing that man’s death.”

  “Yes.”

  “And how long ago was that?”

  “Fourteen years. I haven’t been home since then.”

  “And yet your banishment was lifted five years ago. And yes, I was eavesdropping.”

  Jor nodded.

  “And so you travel the universe, gambling, drinking a little and helping boys like Val Cammor while wallowing in your pain and waiting to die.” Dane held on tight as Jor tried to jerk his hand away. “Stop that,” he ordered and smiled when Jor subsided. “So you’re thirty-eight.” Dane stated quickly calculating in his head. He continued to pet Jor’s hand. “I’m thirty-five. I’m a doctor. I’ve lived here since leaving Belthola after Tel died, not wanting to go home for fear of the memories. And I’ve been wallowing in my pain and waiting to die.” Dane’s voice shook.

  Jor shook his head, the loose fall of his hair shimmering with the movement. “What are you doing? Why are you doing this?”

  “Because I don’t want to end this way, bitter and alone. I want joy in my life and I’ve decided I want you.”

  “No. Don’t think you can fool me this way. You know what’s going to happen to me unless I’m fully bonded with my mate and you don’t want that on your conscience. This has nothing to do with you. My coming here, this bond between us, was an accident of fate. I don’t want or need your pity,” Jor growled.

  “Then take pity on me,” Dane pleaded softly. “If you don’t touch me, I’m going to explode.”

  Jor met his eyes and Dane opened himself not only to Jor’s physical perusal, but his mental one as well. Dane dropped his shield, leaving himself wide open. The bond flared but met resistance from Jor.

  “Don’t leave me out here alone,” Dane whispered.

  Jor resisted, again shaking his head. Dane could see the fear and longing in Jor’s eyes. He had to make Jor see, had to make him let go. The words formed and Dane spoke them with all the sincerity in his soul.

  “Listen to me. The past is over and done. All that’s left are memories. If they’re good, you treasure them. If they’re bad, you do your best to forget them. And if there’s a lesson to be learned, you learn it and move on. I wasn’t ready to admit that Tel was in the past. I didn’t have the strength to let him be just a cherished memory until you came. I don’t want you to go. I don’t want to live in the past anymore. Neither should you.”

  “Dane,” Jor whispered, his body shaking, “you deserve so much more than me.”

  “Oh, no.” Dane’s voice was sure and steady, his conviction unshakeable. “I deserve you. Just because you’ve spent years beating yourself up for making a mistake and telling yourself that you’re worthless doesn’t make it so. I see your worth and what’s more I feel it,” Dane put a hand to his chest, “here in my heart. You’re kind and generous to a fault, sensitive and caring. And let’s face it, you’re sexy as hell. Are you going tell me I don’t deserve to have a man like that?”

  Jor’s face crumpled, a few slow tears sliding down his cheeks. His shield dissolved and the bond opened between them, wrapping them in silken tendrils of budding need and acceptance. Wordlessly, he reached for Dane.

  Dane opened his arms wide and took him in. “Will you come to bed with me Jorrian?” The head on his shoulder nodded and Dane smiled, stroking his hands down the length of Jor’s back. “I love your hair,” he confessed, his fingers slipping through the heavy strands.

  “You washed the blood out of my hair when I hit my head.”

  “I thought you were still out,” Dane accused, his tone teasing.

  “I was mostly. It felt like I was dreaming. A really good dream.”

  “We’ll have to make it a reality again very soon.” Dane stood and pulled Jor up with him. His blanket slipped and fell to the floor. Dane hummed at the sight. “Oh, I was right. You are beautiful.”


  “Not me. You,” Jor whispered. He raised his hand and tentatively combed his fingers through Dane’s hair. “You’re an angel. My angel.”

  Dane smiled, his eyes dancing, the skin crinkling at their corners. “Me? An angel? Sweetheart, you’re delusional.”

  Jor laughed softly. “Maybe just a little addled. I haven’t felt in my right mind since I met you.”

  Dane’s laugh rang out, low and sweet. He took Jor’s hand and tugged him down the hall to his bedroom. “I think we’re in the same boat.”

  He pulled Jor into the bedroom and closed the door behind them. Doing so made everything feel intimate, so cozy, real and right. Dane’s breathing began to speed up, his eyes on Jor while he unbuttoned his shirt.

  Jor moved to stand before him and brushed his hands away. “Let me.”

  “Yes,” Dane murmured, the sound of Jor’s voice brushing over him, the feel of Jor’s hands making him quiver. His shirt was opened and spread wide. “Want to kiss you,” Dane confessed. “So much. Please.”

  Jor’s hands came up to cup his cheeks. He tilted Dane’s head slightly then took his mouth. Two moans joined and mingled when Jor’s tongue slipped into his mouth. Dane shivered, accepting Jor’s tongue, his hunger rising fast and hard. His head whirled. Jor’s taste was wild, intoxicating. The kiss grew deeper, hotter. Jor devoured him. Dane was no longer leading the way. He’d silently given his permission and Jor was taking charge.

  Jor was hot and hard against him. Hands on Jor’s forearms, Dane pushed into him, rubbing against him, Jor’s groan setting him on fire. Jor’s hands released Dane’s head to wander over his shoulders and down his back. They slid under Dane’s shirt to caress his skin and the sleek line of his spine before returning to his shoulders, pushing the shirt back and off. Dane straightened his arms, letting it slide free then wrapped them around Jor, bringing their bared chests together.

  The touch was electric. Dane’s nipples tightened. He groaned at the sweet pinch. “God, yes. Touch me. Need to feel you,” Dane panted.

  “Shh, I know. I feel it every bit as much as you. Need it every bit as much.”

  “I know you do. We’re a pair, aren’t we? So pathetic.”

  “Hush,” Jor ordered softly. “Not pathetic. Just lost. Until now.”

  He brought their mouths together again, the kisses deep and drugging. Dane went willingly into the fog Jor’s kisses spread over him. Jor’s presence was strong and steady, holding him close and he knew it to be true. He was no longer lost. Dane let himself go, melting into the heat, the need, the sweet flavor of Jorrian.

  Jor’s hands slid over his back one moving down, sliding under the waistband of his pants. A large, warm hand cupped the cheek of his ass and squeezed. Dane pushed into the touch and moaned when Jor’s other hand worked his pants open. Dane’s cock was solid and full, standing tall and begging to be touched. His head rolled back and he pushed into the hand that wrapped around him. His pants slid to the floor.

  “Bed,” Jor insisted, his voice a husky rasp. He released Dane and stepped back.

  Dane’s stomach quivered at the look in those stormy, green eyes. He walked past Jor to the bed and bent to pull the covers back. When Jor’s hands smoothed down his back and over his ass, Dane moaned and arched into the touch.

  “I knew you were a sensualist,” Jor chuckled. “The way you move. You’re like some glorious feline, all sleek muscles and grace.”

  “Can’t help it, it feels good.”

  “Let’s see if we can make it feel better.”

  Dane crawled into the bed and rolled on his back. Jor followed him in and slid between Dane’s thighs laying himself over Dane’s body. He held himself up on his elbows, his hips undulating. Their cocks pressed together, sliding and rubbing. Their gazes locked, Dane could clearly see the growing pleasure in Jor’s eyes. His own need rising fast, Dane pushed up, grinding their bodies together while increasing the friction between them.

  Dane lifted his head, seeking a kiss, and Jor hummed his approval. Their mouths came together, tongues meeting, exploring arousing. Dane knew he was whimpering, moaning, small constant little noises that broadcast his pleasure but he couldn’t stop. It all felt so good. The growing heat had sweat rising. In turn their scents, musky and pure male became more intense, mingling together. But most of all it was the sensation of skin on skin, the weight of Jor pressing against him that had every nerve in his body shooting invisible sparks. Jor released his mouth and moved to his throat, licking and gently biting. Dane tensed, small shudders shaking him.

  “Oh, God, Jor! So gooood,” Dane groaned, his balls pulling up tight.

  “I know, love. So hot. Come for me, Dane, come with me.”

  A whip of white-hot pleasure zipped straight up Dane’s spine. He cried out, his body going rigid when the first hard shot of semen spread wet heat between them. Jor’s mouth slammed down on his and he swallowed Jor’s groan, holding him close. A second spray of heat joined Dane’s. The kiss was almost suffocation in its intensity as they rocked together, slowly coming down from the heights of orgasm. Jor broke the kiss and lay his head on Dane’s shoulder. Dane panted, his mouth open, a half grin stretching his lips. He uttered a short breathless laugh.

  Jor echoed it before rising up. “I hope we’re laughing because that felt so good and not because either one of us did something really amusing. If it’s me, I’m not sure I want to know. It’s been a while since I’ve had sex so I may have forgotten some things. My ego may not withstand the blow.”

  Dane chuckled and reached up to brush Jor’s hair back. “You did just fine and it felt amazing. How’s that for your ego?”

  “Oh, very nice. You keep that up and this having a mate thing won’t be hard at all.”

  “Umm, having a mate won’t be hard but something else is. You never got soft.”

  Jor’s expression was shyly pleased, belying the flush that suffused his cheeks. He reached down and wrapped his fingers around both their cocks. Holding Dane’s gaze he lightly stroked his hand up and down. “I’m not the only one.”

  “No, you’re not,” Dane agreed, his eyes half closing while the need returned. “Jor, uh, baby, please. Fuck me?”

  “With pleasure, love.”

  Dane expected Jor to get straight to it, but instead he leaned in, taking a kiss. It was soft and slow, an exploration of lips and tongue, a sharing of taste. The kisses went on and on, accompanying the gentle, barely there glide of Jor’s hand. Dane floated. The pace was unhurried, undemanding. The pleasure stirred to life, the fire starting as a soft glow that warmed from the inside out.

  Jor fed him kiss after kiss. Unconsciously, Dane started playing with Jor’s hair. He ran his fingers through it, wrapped strands around his fingers and shivered when it sifted down against his chest. One hand cupped the side of Jor’s head and Dane traced the whorls of Jor’s ear with his fingertips. He was unsure when the movement started, the rocking motion of his body pulling him from his Jor-induced trance. The fire had grown from a glow into a flickering flame. The heat was rising.

  He whispered against Jor’s lips. “Soon? Need you.”

  “I know. I just want to love on you for awhile.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” Dane assured him, wiggling his hips a little more urgently.

  “Is this your subtle way of hurrying me up?”

  “Exactly,” Dane admitted with a smile.

  Jor returned his smile and upped the ante with a wink. “All right. If you insist.”

  Dane closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the gentle wash of joy that tightened his chest. Jor’s happiness was palpable. He was inordinately pleased to know that he was responsible for it. Of course it was a two way street. Who’d have believed this guilt-ridden, lonely man could in turn bring such happiness to him? Jor had called him his angel. Dane knew he was no such thing but he was almost sure an angel or two came into the equation somewhere.

  All such thoughts fled when Jor gave their cocks a final stroke, released the
m and sat up on his knees between Dane’s thighs. Dane watched Jorrian’s eyes and caught the flicker of mischief that lit them. Jor reached out, his fingers sliding through the semen that pooled on Dane’s belly. Dane’s muscles rippled at the touch.

  “Will this serve as a proper lubricant?” he asked, rubbing the viscous fluid between his fingers. “It’s still warm.”

  Dane’s stomach tightened. He cleared his suddenly dry throat. “It should work.”

  “I’m glad you approve. Pull your legs back for me, love.”

  Dane bent his legs and lifted them exposing the rounded cheeks of his ass and the tempting valley that lay between. He shivered at Jor’s growl. Jor leaned forward, sliding his tongue the length of Dane’s cock from base to tip. Dane gasped then moaned when a gentle finger circled his puckered opening and lightly teased a few times before sliding in. He moaned again, a thrill of sensation gliding up his spine.

  Jor looked up at him. “Mmm, so hot, Dane. How does it feel?”

  “Good. So good,” Dane breathed, pushing himself down on Jor’s buried finger.

  Jor went back to Dane’s cock taking the plump head inside his mouth. His hum of pleasure sent vibrations straight to Dane’s balls, distracting him as a second finger slid inside with the first. Dane pushed into it, loving the slight stretch and increasing fullness. When Jor’s fingertips brushed his prostate the touch was electric. Dane arched, his hole clamping tight on the teasing fingers.

  Jor lifted up slightly. “I’ll bet you know what that is, don’t you, doctor?”

  “Umm, yeesss. More.”

  “Demanding, aren’t you?”

  “Jor, need it.”

  “I know, love. There’s more, I promise.”

  Jor found Dane’s gland and slid his fingers over it again. Without preamble he deep-throated Dane’s cock and sent a third finger thrusting deep into his hole. Dane retained enough sense to limit his movement to a modified thrash, but the sensations Jor was building in his body were almost overwhelming. He wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or sorry when Jor lifted off his cock with a sucking pop.