Alien Redemption [Clans of Kalquor 06]

by Tracy St. John

  “There you are. Rub it, my love. Take yourself right to the edge.”

  Rachel stroked her clit and shuddered as rivulets of pleasure streamed through her. Her sex was melting under her touch. She thrust within and caressed, her hands matching rhythm. Her hips swung back and forth, propelling her towards bliss. And through it all, she felt Conyod’s gaze burning her, watching as she performed for him under his command.

  Her legs shook, quaking, threatening to spill her to the floor. Heat licked through her loins.

  Rachel knew her own body. She knew what felt best, and she gave it to herself. Raw, carnal need drove her, and she worked her pussy harder and faster. She was filling up, getting ready to overflow. The dam holding climax back was cracking under the pressure, getting ready to give way…

  “Stop, Ray-Ray. Stop now.”

  The firm voice stilled her hands without her thinking about it. She was close. Too close.

  She tried to get her hands to move again, to take her over the brink. They were frozen, held utterly still by instinctive obedience to that voice that commanded her.

  “Take your hands away.”

  Rachel whimpered a protest, but her rebel hands were not hers to rule. Fingers slid free of her pussy and clit, leaving her empty and wanting.

  “Kneel and give them to me. Put your fingers in my mouth.”

  Rachel didn’t so much kneel as collapse. Conyod caught her falling body easily, gently lowering her to sit on his chest. His mouth opened for her offering, and she put the fingers that had been in her depths so recently into his mouth.

  His tongue twined sinuously over the trembling digits, claiming every drop of honey. The feel of it made Rachel’s eyes roll. Her hips rolled a little, grinding her pussy and clit against his chest. She was in agony. She wanted to come so damned bad.

  He released her fingers. His hands gripped her hips, lifting and pressing her back. “Fuck me, my beauty. Put my cocks in you and fuck me.”

  Rachel’s hands shook hard, and she scrabbled desperately for the twin prods that Conyod held her over. She managed to aim the tips of him at their intended entrances. He slowly lowered her, letting her weight press him inside. She sobbed unselfconsciously, grateful to feel him forging into her, stretching her wide, promising to release the built up tension that made arousal an agony.

  Slivers of delight flew through her as his front cock met her cervix and her clit rubbed against his groin. She cried out and her hands slapped down on his chest, her fingernails digging into the skin.

  He hissed as his cocks jerked in reaction. “Yesss. That’s it. Feel me filling you up completely. Now fuck me, good and hard.”

  Rachel got her feet under her, framing Conyod’s waist as she squatted over him. Bracing herself, she tilted her hips up, releasing all but the tips of him in a delicious slide. She slammed back down, making his body move hard against her clit, the sensitive spot inside her sheath, and her cervix. They both shouted.

  Conyod rose up, his mouth surrounding her breast. He bit down, his fangs piercing the soft flesh. Rachel screamed and rode him with fierce abandon.

  She pounded her pussy against the Imdiko, riding him with desperate force. Rising, falling, rising, falling, creating a cacophony of sensation inside. The constant pressure was driving her upward, sending her flying into nirvana. She knew when she fell from the heights, she’d be destroyed. She didn’t care. Euphoria from Conyod’s bite made her own demolition unimportant.

  The climax began, a bright bubble inflating in her belly, growing larger and larger until it reached capacity. It burst suddenly but in slow motion, sending her senses flying in all directions. She felt it with crystalline clarity, every drop of her essence moving outward, flinging to the outermost borders of existence. Then it all drew back in, returning to the core of her body to do it once more. Then again. Then again.

  The pulses were ebbing, allowing Rachel to return to some semblance of herself when Conyod arched beneath her, howling. His cocks pulsed hard, adding a second and third heartbeat to her sagging body. As she wilted over him he pulled her close, holding her tight to his chest as he jerked his hips desperately, emptying himself into her.

  They lay gasping for a long time after that, neither possessing the strength to move. Rachel was good with that. If the world had ended right then and there with her draped over Conyod, his body still melded with hers, that would have suited her just fine.

  Chapter 18

  Breft scowled at his com, as if Raxstad could see his displeasure as well as hear it. “What do you mean you can’t locate Nobek Akrij?”

  Raxstad’s voice was as clear as if he was in the room and not talking from his shuttle. “He’s not at the military base. His aide said he never showed up. He’s also not at home. I’m checking around other known haunts, but I’m coming up empty so far.”

  Erybet was tense. The last thing he needed was more drama. At least he’d gotten to see Sletran for a few minutes and that had been a positive encounter. Despite being clad in a ill-fitting tan detention uniform, the Nobek looked better than he had in a long time. Discovering he wasn’t behind the serial killings and opening up about New Bethlehem had gone a long way to easing Sletran’s emotional agony. Erybet had agreed with Degorsk and Breft that it was still too early to tell him about Akrij’s supposed treachery. They needed the full story first.

  Before Breft could respond to Raxstad’s report, another Nobek officer poked his head in through the open door. “Sir, Lidon is back with Kivokan and Trusec. He put the Dramok in Interrogation Twelve and the Imdiko in Three.”

  Breft nodded. “Thank you. Raxstad, Akrij’s clanmates were just brought in. Keep looking, and I’ll see what I can get from them.”

  “Copy that.”

  Emperor Bevau’s look was thunderous. “My call must have warned him. He’s on the run.”

  Breft signaled for calm. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, my emperor. After all, he’s not an official suspect yet as far as the murders are concerned. We’ll see what his clanmates know.”

  He rose from his chair and headed for the door. “We’ll start with the Imdiko. Follow me.”

  Erybet fell in behind Bevau and Clajak as they marched down the corridor. Breft led them to the area marked ‘Interrogation’, where Erybet had visited his Nobek earlier.

  Lidon was outside Room Three when they entered the area. He hurried to them, meeting them halfway.

  In a low undertone he told Breft, “The Imdiko is very upset. He has cried twice since he was picked up.”

  Breft started. “He’s crying? Does he show signs of being abused?”

  Lidon shook his head. “Not physically. He seems extremely sensitive though. Childlike, even though he’s close to my age.” The Nobek blew out a breath. “If Degorsk is still around, he could tell you better than I. I’d like my Imdiko to see this one after you’re done for trauma support.”

  Breft’s eyebrow lifted. “If Trusec is forthcoming, I have no intentions of being harsh.”

  Lidon snorted. “I have no doubt of that, sir. It’s just ... there’s something … off about this man. Almost as if his mind is unfinished, for lack of a better description. Or perhaps I’m not used to such weak Imdikos. Some hearts bleed more than others from lesser cuts, I suppose.”

  “Quoting from the Book of Life?”

  “From bitter experience. However, I’ve never seen anyone like this. That his Dramok is a psychiatrist, and a celebrated one at that, makes Trusec’s mental condition scandalous, in my view.”

  Lidon’s comment that some hearts bled more than others was still ringing in Erybet’s mind.

  His entire clan had done more than their share of suffering. No one was immune.

  Hadn’t he met Trusec when accompanying Conyod to some hospital social function? Or maybe it had been a military conference. Erybet tried to visualize a face to go with the name, but all he could recall was a smallish figure standing between Kivokan and Akrij.

  Lidon was still talking, and
Erybet made himself attend to the conversation. “…very protective instincts for Trusec. Kivokan even threatened a couple of officers with a knife when they held the Imdiko’s arm to keep him from running away.”

  “That is abnormal behavior,” Breft agreed. “If your clanmate is still available, I have no problem with him doing a mental health assessment on the Imdiko after we’re done.”

  Lidon stepped aside. As the group passed, he said into his com, “Degorsk, have you left yet or are you still terrorizing everyone with your bad jokes?”

  “No, I’m telling them the saddest story I know, the one about the first time you begged me for sex.”

  Clajak and Bevau snorted suppressed laughter, and even Erybet couldn’t help the shocked grin that hit his face. Breft shot them all a warning glare, though his mouth was twisting, fighting the frown he forced it into.

  They made themselves sober and entered the room where Akrij’s Imdiko waited. Erybet joined the emperors in standing against one wall as Breft sat across the table from a smaller than average man. A man whose eyes were wide and round with the fear of a child. Erybet knew Lidon had at least fifteen years on him, and he’d said Trusec was his age. To Erybet, he looked much younger, younger than Conyod even. His hair was fixed in intricate braids that held it off his face. The design was too perfect in the back for him to have done it himself.

  Erybet tried to imagine himself or Sletran fixing Conyod’s waist-length hair for him. The idea had him wanting to grin again, though the expression would no doubt have a horrified quality this time.

  Trusec half-rose as he recognized Clajak and Bevau. “The emperors are here too? But why? I’ve done nothing wrong to any person or the Empire!”

  Even Trusec’s voice had an immature quality, sounding querulous like that of a five-year-old about to be punished. A very terrified five-year-old. Erybet questioned Lidon’s assessment that the Imdiko hadn’t been physically abused at some point. He did agree that something was terribly wrong with him though.

  Breft held up a hand and spoke soothingly. “No one has accused you of anything, Imdiko.

  You’re not even under arrest. I simply need to ask you a few questions about your Nobek.”

  Erybet was impressed with the gentleness Breft showed, especially since he was an undoubtedly ferocious example of his breed. One didn’t reach his rank at his age in an organization like Global Security without a generous streak of ruthlessness. Perhaps he used what he’d learned from parenting? It was an interesting thought.

  Trusec sat down, but he wasn’t anywhere near calmed yet. His tone still tremulous, he asked, “Where is Akrij? I want his permission to talk to you first.”

  Erybet made a noise of disbelief. It caught the Imdiko’s attention, and he looked at him.

  Trusec said, “Do I know you? Where is my Nobek?” Before Erybet could speak, the Imdiko turned his attention back to Breft. “And what have you done with my Dramok?”

  Breft switched tactics, going with a firm, authoritative demeanor. “Trusec, I need you to calm down and answer my questions. The sooner you do that, the sooner you can see Dramok Kivokan.”

  The Imdiko sucked in his lower lip. His voice was quieter though still afraid. “But I don’t know anything. Really.”

  Breft gave him a stern face. “Then you have no reason to be upset. Tell me, did Akrij ever speak to you concerning New Bethlehem?”

  Trusec looked blank. “What’s New Bethlehem?”

  The others exchanged stunned looks. Everyone knew about New Bethlehem.

  Bevau stepped forward. “I realize Akrij’s involvement on New Bethlehem is supposed to be a secret. But since I’m the one who gave the final order to keep it quiet, you are allowed to discuss it with us.”

  Trusec offered him a hopeful smile. “He obeyed your order, my emperor. He never breathed a word to me about it. I don’t know what it is.” All spoken with pride and not a single trace of subterfuge.

  Erybet stared at the Imdiko. What the hell was going on with this man? He could only come up with one possible explanation: that Trusec had suffered abuse in the very distant past, something so horrific that his clanmates had become overprotective to the point of emotionally crippling him. Could they have somehow sheltered him so completely that he had no idea of New Bethlehem at all?

  If Breft felt any of the same horror and confusion, he hid it well. Keeping his voice even, he asked, “How has Akrij been since getting back from the war?”

  Trusec shrugged. “The same as before, I guess. He keeps me safe.”

  “He’s not gone into any rages? Never made you feel afraid?”

  The Imdiko gave Breft a horrified look. “Absolutely not! I never feel threatened with my Nobek.” His lip trembled and his eyes filled with tears. “Why are you doing this to me? When can I see Kivokan?”

  “I’m almost done. You’re being very helpful, Trusec. Would you like a sweet drink?”

  The man blinked at him. He licked his lips. “Kivokan doesn’t like me to. He says they aren’t good for me.”

  “All right, I don’t want to get you into trouble. Let me know if you change your mind. Tell me, does Akrij go off by himself a lot? Does he disappear or spend a lot of time away from home?”

  Trusec thought about that. He scrubbed at his eyes, his brow furrowing. “I don’t think he sleeps well. He goes out for walks in the middle of the night or he takes the shuttle out for a drive. Kivokan says not to bother him about it.” Trusec huffed at Breft. “Anyway, going out isn’t illegal, last I heard.”

  Breft shook his head. “No, it’s not. That’s perfectly fine. Do you know where he goes?”

  “No.”

  “You’ve never asked him?”

  Trusec rolled his eyes. “If I needed to know, he’d tell me. He is an important man. Some stuff he does is top secret.”

  Erybet thought, All the times I wished Conyod would simply accept that very explanation.

  Thank the ancestors he’s not anything like this man. His guts curdled at the idea.

  Breft kept the questioning going. If he shared Erybet’s disgust for Trusec’s demeanor, he didn’t show it. “Has Akrij ever gone out for longer than a few hours at a time? Like a whole day?”

  “Not to my knowledge. He’s usually at the base during the day, as far as I know.” Trusec considered. “He misses evening meal sometimes and doesn’t come home until after I’ve gone to bed. And sometimes when he goes out at night, he doesn’t come back until after work hours the next day.”

  “Are you sure he’s going to work every day?”

  Trusec snorted. “Well, not every day. Some days he has off and the clan spends time together.”

  “I meant on his regular duty days. You know for a fact he goes to the base?”

  “Of course he does. Where else would he be?”

  Breft touched his com. “Lidon?”

  The Nobek stuck his head through the door. “Right here. Dr. Degorsk is here too.”

  “Good, we’ll need him now. Can you check to make sure Akrij reported for all his shifts since—” Breft threw a look in Trusec’s direction and considered his request. “Since the trouble started?”

  Lidon gave him an intent look. “I’ll need high-level military clearance for such an inquiry.”

  “So you will.”

  Bevau nodded at Breft’s questioning glance. “You’ve got it.” He and Lidon left the room.

  Degorsk walked in, his expression pleasant and consoling all at once as he looked at Trusec.

  Trusec fidgeted. He started to look weepy again. “When can I see Kivokan? You said if I answered your questions I could see him.”

  “Soon,” Breft assured him. “You did very well and I appreciate your cooperation. I have to speak to him first. Meanwhile, Dr. Degorsk is going to sit with you. Thank you for answering my questions, Imdiko.”

  He stood, handing his chair over to Degorsk and waving at Erybet and Clajak to follow him.

  As Erybet left the room, Trusec’s voice rose in a
wail.

  “I don’t want a doctor. I want my Dramok.”

  Degorsk’s voice was all comfort. “I know Trusec, but he has to answer questions too. Did you know I work with your Dramok at the hospital? We’re on the same team.”

  “Oh?” Cautious hope. “What was your name again?”

  The Imdiko’s voice faded as Erybet hurried down the hall at Emperor Clajak’s side. The emperor caught his glance and rolled his eyes. “I don’t know about you, but I’m taking my Imdiko out for dinner tonight in appreciation for not being on the same level as my children.”

  Erybet shook his head. “Why would a doctor of Kivokan’s caliber not help Trusec?”

  “Or perhaps be the reason he’s that way?” Breft added. “Unfortunately, that is not our concern at this time. We need to concentrate on getting information on Akrij.”

  Movement right behind made Erybet jump. He jerked around to find Bevau had returned.

  “Sorry about that, Erybet. Breft, Lidon’s checking Akrij’s work attendance. I also have the military police searching the base for him just in case he’s somewhere on the premises. If they find him, they’ll bring him here.”

  “Thank you, my emperor.” Breft slowed as they approached Room 12. “All right, here we go again. By the ancestors, I hope Kivokan can offer us something more concrete than Trusec.”

  “At least he won’t cry,” Clajak muttered. “I hope.”

  They walked in the room to find Kivokan pacing back and forth. He immediately lit into Breft, not even acknowledging the fact he had two emperors standing there as well.

  “This is outrageous! Your men pulled me out of my job in front of my subordinates. The whole hospital will be talking. Then I find my Imdiko scared out of his wits in their shuttle.

  Where the hell is Trusec? How dare you separate us!”

  His face was so flushed in his rage that he was nearly purple. Erybet wondered if Conyod had ever seen him this way. Conyod was no Kivokan fan; he had gone on more than one rant about the man’s unpopular push to mindwipe the most ‘troublesome’ Mataras. The descriptive word as much a sore spot with Erybet’s Imdiko as the proposed solution.