by Wayward Ink
“Unjarf.” Sorl tapped the hand holding his arm. “This is Morjen. He is a senior security officer and can help us find out who took you.”
Morjen indicated a nearby desk and they all took a seat.
“I’ve heard a bit about the incident in The Club last night. Just let me retrieve the data on my comp.” After a few moments of tapping, Morjen grunted and looked up again.
“Okay. I have a copy of the medi scanner’s report, and a statement from the club owners, Gerald and Stephen. Now, Unjarf, why don’t you start at the beginning? First, what is your race?”
UNJARF WAS WARY of trusting the rough-sounding male, but Sorl had treated him well and he obviously trusted him, so….
He explained about his race, their abilities, and the mating station. He then told the same brief story he’d told Sorl about how he was taken.
Morjen was silent after he finished, then asked, “Won’t people on the station be missing you? They must have records of who comes of age.”
Unjarf shook his head. “I am an orphan.” He paused when he heard a gasp nearby. “My parents were killed in an animal attack and I do not have other family that is in contact with me. I grew up going from home to home to be fed and clothed. When I came of age, I had no currency and no family to send me to the station. In addition, I have no one who will be looking for me now that I am gone. As far as any records are concerned, I disappeared a long time ago and I no longer exist.”
He startled when a hand rested on his shoulder. Sorl’s familiar voice calmed him. “I will look after you here. Together, we will figure out what you can do.”
Nodding, Unjarf turned to where he guessed the officer still sat. “Do you know anyone who can get this collar off?” He really wanted this thing gone and to be able to—hopefully—sense things again.
Morjen was silent, and Unjarf was thinking he’d left, when at last he spoke. “I may know someone. Hang on.”
Unjarf felt the air stir, and then there was only the noise of the office again.
“I am sure he will know someone, or, if not, at least where we can start looking.”
Unjarf smiled in Sorl’s direction. Then the air moved, telling him someone was in front of him.
“This is Jertek Gourtek,” Morjen said. But he wasn’t directly in front of Unjarf. “He thinks he can get that thing off. Just keep still.”
Someone tugged on the collar. He heard a few words that the translator couldn’t compute and assumed they were curses in Jertek’s language. Jertek moved the collar in a different direction, and then there was a snap and he felt blessed air on his throat. He heard the collar hit the floor moments before his senses came rushing back. He sensed a room filled with people. He felt the familiar presence of a Kerilian sitting next to him. Two other beings were nearby, and he assumed the nearest was Jertek and the other Morjen.
“Thank you,” he said as he ran his hands round his neck.
“You’re welcome,” Jertek said, before moving away.
Sorl touched his arm. “Is there any more you can tell us about the being that took you?”
Unjarf thought hard. “It was definitely a male. He was taller than me and bigger across his upper body area. He did not speak my language because, before he collared me, my senses were translating. Then, after that, the ship’s computer spoke for him.”
Morjen nodded. “That may help. Thank you. Where can I contact you?”
Unjarf didn’t answer. Where would he stay? He had no currency.
“He will be staying with me,” Sorl answered.
Unjarf turned his face toward the ground and let the other two make any arrangements that were needed.
Chapter Four
UNJARF TURNED IN a circle in the middle of The Club. It was nearly time for the evening opening and Sorl had spent the rest of the day after leaving the security office explaining what The Club was and what Unjarf could expect to sense there. Unjarf had been reluctant to go back, but Sorl had to work and didn’t think he should be left alone.
From what he understood, the role of the submissives wasn’t so different from how his race behaved instinctively, so he shouldn’t have much trouble. He’d been told that he was to address any Dom as “Sir” or “Master”. The subs with a collar round their necks were owned by a Dom and so they would only do as their Master said. The subs that were uncollared were free to speak and do as they pleased, as long as they showed respect to the Doms.
Sorl had walked him around the building, and after Unjarf assured him many times he would remember his way, he had left to prepare his work.
“You must be Unjarf. Nice to see you up and about.” The voice caused Unjarf to spin fast on the spot and nearly lose his balance; he had been so absorbed in sensing the things in front of him, he hadn’t been paying proper attention to the rest of the area around.
“Whoa, there.” Warm hands caught him and pulled him against a broad chest. As soon as he had his balance the arms let him go. “I’m Master Steve and the guy behind me is Master Gerry.”
Tipping his head, Unjarf realized these males must be the human partners Sorl had mentioned. “Yes, I am Unjarf, Masters.” He didn’t know what else to say. He hadn’t met so many different races in less than one cycle before.
“Sorl told us he was bringing you this evening. What he didn’t say was what he planned for you to do. Would you rather sit out here in The Club—we can get a sub to sit with you and keep you company—or would you rather sit in one of the back offices and wait for Sorl to finish his shift?”
Unjarf shuddered at the thought of sitting in a room for an unknown amount of time. He had no technology with him and so would not even be able to listen to anything he was familiar with from home. “May I be permitted to stay in The Club, Master? I would enjoy sensing the different races, and perhaps the person you have sit with me could answer a few questions? I believe I will be on this station a while and I would like to find out more about what to expect.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” said another voice that Unjarf assumed was Master Gerry. “Has Sorl gone over the rules of The Club?”
“Yes, Master, he has. And I had a document read to me when the male who took me brought me here. He told me to ignore it and just agree, but I listened and remembered what I was told. It was how I knew to call out the word ‘red’ when I got away from him.”
“That’s good enough. Welcome to The Club then.”
UNJARF LET HIS senses roam the packed club. He’d been introduced to Herig, a human sub hired by The Club to serve drinks. Herig had lent Unjarf some appropriate clothing so he didn’t stand out as much. The cuffs were uncomfortable, and an unpleasant reminder of what had recently happened, but Unjarf decided to tolerate the discomfort if it helped him fit in. Herig had called the clothing he’d given Unjarf shorts. They barely covered what Unjarf wanted them to, and he wasn’t given anything else to wear. But, he was assured that all subs dressed like this and that he looked good in them. Herig’s job for the night was to be Unjarf’s companion and to answer any questions he had.
Unjarf also guessed the sub was his unofficial bodyguard. Morjen stopped by to tell him and Sorl what his plan was for catching the kidnapper. Apparently no one had tried to leave the station that matched Unjarf’s vague description. Morjen believed the male wanted to capture Unjarf again to train and sell. So the security office had decided to mount what he called an “op” to catch the male in the act.
The plan was that Unjarf made sure he was visible for the evening. If and when the male attempted to grab him, officers disguised as club members would apprehend him. Sorl had argued vehemently that it was too dangerous for Unjarf. However, Morjen assured them repeatedly that his officers would have Unjarf in sight at all times, and Unjarf reluctantly agreed. He wanted to be safe, with the male who had taken him arrested, so Sorl had backed down.
“What is the being approaching us now?” Unjarf asked.
“She’s a Frigjern; they live on a planet that’s covered
in water. She’s wearing a mask that allows her to survive in the station’s environment. If I remember correctly, she likes strong male subs, and she teases them with pleasure until they’re begging to do anything she wants. All in all, a fairly good Domme to play with.”
Unjarf sensed the female pass them by and turned his attention to another being approaching from the other side. Male, he thought, and tall. Before he could ask Herig anything, he felt the sub stiffen.
“So, Steven and Gerald finally got some fresh blood, did they?” a booming voice said. “What are you, boy?”
“Sir—” started Herig, but the male cut him off.
“I wasn’t talking to you, Herig. I was talking to the new sub.”
Unjarf realized the male meant him. “I am not a sub here… Sir,” he said, adding the last word in the hope it would please the bigger male.
The being laughed. “Of course you’re not, boy. Now, be a good boy and come with me. I like to break in the new ones first.”
“I am going nowhere with you,” Unjarf stated firmly. “I am not a sub here, as I have already stated, and even if I were, I have the right to say whom I go with. It is part of the contract everyone agrees to when they enter.” He was nervous about standing up to the larger being, but Masters Steve and Gerry had been very clear that Herig and he were to stay together and, unless moving for what Master Steve called “a call of nature”, they were to remain in the seating area. Unjarf had also had the entry document read to him again to make sure he understood how to act in The Club. Herig had answered a lot of his questions before The Club opened and had continued after beings started arriving.
“We’ll see what Steve and Gerry have to say about this,” the male growled, and Unjarf sensed him moving away.
“Wow,” Herig gasped. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone stand up to Yerfon like that before. I thought you said your race liked to please people.”
Unjarf turned his attention to his companion. “My race does like to please; however, I have already been told what is expected of me at this time. Sorl, Master Steve, Master Gerry, and Morjen have all told me that I am to remain here in this area with you at all times.”
“I hadn’t thought of it like that,” Herig mused and fell silent as Unjarf turned his attention back to their surroundings.
Chapter Five
IT SEEMED LIKE many turns had past until a familiar presence approached. Herig and Unjarf had become fast friends. The human was funny, witty, and didn’t seem to be put off by Unjarf’s lack of knowledge of anything outside of his own planet.
Before Sorl could reach them, another presence appeared out of nowhere.
“Are you the new sub everyone’s talking about?” a loud male voice demanded.
“No, I am—” Unjarf started and got no further when a hand clamped down on his arm, dragging him out of his seat.
“Subs do not talk back,” the voice stated harshly, and Unjarf was pushed to his knees. He could hear Herig trying to get the male’s attention. Then he heard flesh smacking flesh, and Herig stopped talking.
“Stop!” Sorl demanded.
“Who are you to tell me what to do?”
“I am the head dungeon monitor for one, and second—he is my sub. I was just getting him a temporary collar until I can get a permanent one. Now, leave them both alone. Herig was asked to keep watch on my sub while I was on duty.”
“Should’ve collared him before working; leaving an uncollared sub sitting around is never a good idea.”
“It would not be a problem if Doms like you asked and listened before grabbing what is not theirs,” Sorl contested. “Now, move.”
SORL COULDN’T EXPLAIN the feelings of possessiveness and protectiveness flooding him when he saw the other Dom grab Unjarf and strike Herig. All he knew was this Dom shouldn’t be in the club.
Holding the brute by his nape, he marched him toward the exit. The guards snapped to attention when they approached the door.
“This male’s membership is revoked. I will get the authorization from the Masters later.”
“Yes, Sir,” one said and escorted the cursing and protesting former member out the club.
Returning to the seating area, he saw Herig helping Unjarf off the floor and back onto the seats. Unjarf was rubbing his arm, and Sorl reached out without thinking.
“Did he hurt you?” he asked, also rubbing where the Dom had gripped Unjarf.
Lightening shot up his arm and lodged in his heart. His vision blurred and his mind went blank before resetting itself.
Mate!
UNJARF STIFFENED AS pain ripped through his head. Mate! The word echoed over and over. Why hadn’t anyone told him how painful it would be?
When the pain receded, he found himself on the floor looking up at the ceiling…. Wait! Looking up!
“I can see!” he said in wonder, lifting his hand and wiggling his fingers.
“Are you okay, my mate?”
Unjarf turned and got his first look at his mate. His skin was dark, his nose was straight, and his eyes were bright.
He realized he hadn’t answered the question. “I think I am fine. I can see you. What is the name of this color?” He ran a finger down Sorl’s cheek.
Sorl gave him a wide, bright smile. His mate was the most beautiful being Unjarf had ever seen. Of course, he was also the first being he had ever seen, but….
“My skin is brown—the same as the bricks on our planet’s streets. Your skin is almost white. Together we are light and dark made one.” The last line was whispered for only Unjarf to hear.
The familiar words from the mating ceremony made Unjarf feel giddy. The entire wording was a lot longer and often tailored to each set of mates, but the last two lines were always the same. Gathering his thoughts, he completed the vow. “Together as one; now, forever, and always.”
The moment was interrupted by loud voices. “Unjarf, Sorl, Herig, what happened? Is everyone okay?”
Unjarf recognized the voices of Masters Steve and Gerry. Two big males came into view and it took a moment for his senses to compensate and tell him which human was who.
“We are all fine,” Sorl called out to the two humans, and they slowed in obvious relief.
AFTER THE MASTERS were reassured that everyone was fine, and that the Dom had been taken care of, Unjarf and Sorl headed home to explore their new relationship. Sorl couldn’t believe the turn his life had taken. When he was exiled, he had resigned himself to never having someone to call his own. Now he had a mate to care for and consider. He would have to teach Unjarf all about life off their home world. He would have to prepare him for all the races he would meet. They would have to discuss if they would stay on the station or if Unjarf wanted to travel. There was so much to think about.
Having heard how Unjarf had stood up to the Dom, he knew his mate wasn’t going to be a pushover. Therefore, Sorl knew all decisions would be joint ones. He never wanted to do anything to make Unjarf think his views weren’t important. Unjarf’s shy nature called to all Sorl’s protective instincts and sent shivers of need and desire down his spine. Yes, they were going to be perfect for each other.
Chapter Six
THE NEXT NIGHT Unjarf was back with Herig in the seating area. He shifted on the seat carefully, trying to ease the pressure on his backside as much as possible without being obvious. He was unsuccessful if Herig’s grin was anything to go by. He, too, had to grin though when he remembered why his ass ached so good. Sorl had sent him high and then eased him back down. They’d talked, loved, and then slept curled around each other.
In the morning, Sorl had explained more about The Club and his job. They’d agreed that they would stay on the station and make it their base. Sorl would take regular vacation time from The Club and they would travel, but they would always come home. Unjarf felt he needed one place he could call home and it was obvious Sorl had already put down roots on the station.
The lightweight metal chain collar Sorl had insisted he wear to keep u
nwanted attention away was a comfort. He was sad, however, that it couldn’t have Sorl’s family symbol on it. Sorl had explained what’d happened and they had agreed to settle for Sorl’s own name being engraved there instead.
He was once again dressed in shorts and cuffs, with his chest bare. This time, though, the clothes were his own. Sorl had insisted on taking him shopping and had bought him an entire new wardrobe. Now that he could see colors, he’d had fun with his mate, picking out clothes. He found he liked bright colors and so his shorts for the night were red and his cuffs matched.
He was about to ask Herig if he wanted to get a drink when he stiffened. He felt a familiar, unwanted presence approaching rapidly from behind with two others. Before he could say anything, something came over his head, along with a smell invading his nose, and everything went black. Unjarf heard shouts erupt around him as he lost consciousness.
UNJARF FELT LIKE he was floating. He could hear talking around him but couldn’t understand what they were saying. Then a familiar voice penetrated the fog in his mind.
“Please, my mate, open your eyes.”
Eyes? He did not have eyes, did he? Unjarf slowly fought the fog and opened his eyes, only to be assaulted by the still-new brightness of lights.
“What happened? The off-worlder, he was here. Where is he?” Unjarf spoke fast, his eyes darting everywhere, his sensitive senses trying to determine who was around him and who may be missing or hurt.
He sensed Herig nearby, with Morjen, Master Steve, and Master Gerry. Sorl’s face slowly came into focus, and he smiled.
“Breathe and slow down,” Sorl told him, and squeezed his shoulder. “The being that tried to take you is in custody. We do not know how he got so close to you and Herig. But he is not coming back.”
Unjarf took a deep breath and relaxed into his mate’s embrace. He couldn’t believe that it was finally over.