Cherished by Two

by Morticia Knight

  Chris gazed up at Lasar, his eyebrows scrunched together, his lips downturned. “What’s that raspy noise he’s making when he breathes? Is he going to be okay?”

  “I think he might have a collapsed lung or two.”

  Chris eyes widened. “Two? How can he breathe at all?”

  Lasar kept his voice calm to help soothe his mate. “Alasharians have four lungs. We’re built to withstand a lot of physical exertion. The second pair of lungs only come into play when we need an extra boost.”

  Chris regarded Nary before glancing up again. “And that would make that weird sound, too?”

  Lasar didn’t want to upset Chris, but he wouldn’t be dishonest with him either. “He may have had one punctured somehow. I don’t see an obvious wound, but I’m not a doctor of medicine.”

  Chris jumped up. “Then we need one right now!”

  “Sit!”

  Lasar’s booming voice elicited an immediate reaction from Chris and he hit the carpet. Nary stirred, a low moan rumbling in his body, even as the rasping continued. Hallosh returned at that moment, holding a tense Morgan in his arms. The fact that Morgan appeared uncomfortable with an alien holding him was hardly surprising to Lasar. What had him puzzled, however, was that Hallosh seemed just as uneasy.

  Lasar tilted his head as he looked up at them. “What is it?”

  In a startling move, Hallosh began to sway. “Where should I put him?” Lasar had the distinct impression that he couldn’t wait to get rid of Morgan.

  “Is he injured?”

  Instead of answering, Hallosh quickly deposited Morgan on the chair that Chris had just vacated. He straightened, exhaling loudly in obvious relief. “Let me find a doctor of medicine for you. I put out an emergency call the moment the first shots were fired, so I will go and determine who has responded.”

  Lasar didn’t have time to worry about Hallosh’s issues with Morgan, or perhaps it was his issues with any human, but he thought he might be able to utilize him to help fulfill the orders from the Nall.

  “That would be excellent. I also have to give a casualty report to the Nall. Perhaps you could assist me with that, as well? I don’t want to leave…” He swallowed hard. Becoming emotional wouldn’t do anyone any good.

  Lasar had taken a sacred vow to his mate, but he’d also taken one as a Rahna. He’d always fought unconditionally to protect all Alasharians, yet the future of his race was dependent on at least one human, and could be threatened by their very own leader. Those of them who could safely rely on each other, who had been shown by the stars to be free from the darkness of the void, needed to take action. And take it soon.

  Hallosh reached down and placed his hand on Lasar’s shoulder. “You have my help in all things.”

  Lasar nodded, the underlying meaning obvious to him. Once he was certain that Nary had been taken care of, a private meeting between Hallosh and the other trusted advisors would have to take place. Lasar had the sense that no more time could be wasted.

  “Morgan?” Chris waved one hand frantically at Morgan, the other gripped Nary’s. “Are you okay? Does anything hurt?”

  From all appearances, other than the few scrapes and a lot of dirt he’d initially noticed, Morgan seemed as if he’d come through the attack all right. He did, however, behave like he might have fallen into shock. Morgan barely reacted to Chris and he shivered with his arms wrapped around his body, knees drawn up to his chin.

  Lasar didn’t dare lower Nary, it was vital that he remain upright. But he also had concerns about Morgan. “Boy? Can you walk, is there glass or anything else embedded in your feet?”

  Chris regarded him with confusion, but checked the soles of his feet, anyway. He scrunched up his face. “Yikes. What a mess.” He regarded Lasar. “I’m sorry, Master. You were right.”

  Lasar arched his eyebrows. Humans were an unknown quantity to him in many ways. Everything he’d been taught and everything he didn’t understand about them ran contrary to what he’d discovered from interacting with Chris, and even from the little bit of exposure he’d had with Morgan.

  “Was I, boy?”

  “Yes. You were trying to keep me from getting hurt, and now, because I cut myself, I’m not much of a help.” Chris sighed. “I was being impulsive. I’m not usually like that so I’m pretty pissed at myself right now.”

  Lasar gave Chris an encouraging smile. “Thank you for willing to be so honest with yourself. I think your punishment is the result of your hasty action. But I’m worried about Morgan. If you’re able to walk, see if you can find something to wrap around him.”

  Chris glanced at Morgan, who wasn’t that far away from where he sat in the chair, but his cousin seemed to have withdrawn inside himself.

  “Yeah, he’s really freaked out.” Chris leaned over to give Nary a kiss on his cheek then lowered his voice. “I love you. Please don’t leave us.”

  Lasar didn’t see an issue with anyone noticing Chris being affectionate with Nary. It stood to reason that if an Alasharian witnessed the moment, that it could easily be explained away as a lusty slave having a strong attachment to an alien who’d sexually satisfied him.

  Chris scrambled to his feet, pain etched in his features as he searched for something to put over Morgan. Lasar tracked his movement around the room as well as Hallosh’s. Fortunately, there was still enough chaos that no one paid much attention to a human slave wandering about. Chris returned a few small parcels of time later with a shawl similar to the one his sister had thrown over Chris earlier.

  “Hey, Morgan, look at me.” Chris had tucked the garment so that it completely covered his cousin, but Morgan didn’t lift his eyes. “Maybe you should come lie down with me over here. I want to be close to Nary.”

  Morgan jerked his head up and his face crumpled. “Oh God, Chris. I’m so sorry! It’s all my fault.”

  Chris wrapped an arm around Morgan’s shoulder. “Hey, don’t say that. None of this is your fault.”

  “If I hadn’t run, he wouldn’t have been chasing after me.” Morgan clutched at Chris’ shoulders. “He grabbed and pulled me away from where the shots were being fired. When the first explosion happened, he curled his body around mine to protect me from being hurt.” Morgan dropped his head into his hands and fell into racking sobs.

  Lasar’s heart lay heavy in his chest. Of course Nary would’ve protected Morgan with no thought to his own life. Lasar would’ve done the same. His new human family still didn’t understand how strong the code of honor for an Alasharian truly was.

  Chris embraced Morgan, then helped him off the chair, whispering words to him that Lasar couldn’t hear. He led Morgan to where Lasar sat with Nary on the floor.

  “Little human, don’t blame yourself.” Lasar gazed upon Morgan with compassion. “Even if Nary had known the outcome, I’m certain he would’ve made the same decision all over again.”

  Morgan nodded, the action barely perceptible. Chris regarded Lasar, his features pained.

  “Thank you for not calling him a slave, Master.”

  Chris’ words hit him like a punch to the gut. No, Morgan wasn’t a slave, and neither was Chris. None of the humans should be.

  Hallosh approached them. “Two doctors of medicine, along with three assistants have arrived. One is on his way over right now.” Hallosh glanced quickly at Chris and Morgan. “To ensure their safety, should I lead them back to your room before the doctor comes over here? Their presence might seem odd, otherwise.”

  “No!” Chris had cried it out, the exact type of attention they couldn’t afford.

  “Hush, boy!” Lasar had growled it through his teeth. “What will it take to get you to understand how dangerous it would be if it were discovered that you’re more than a slave to me or Nary?”

  Chris placed a hand to his forehead as he grimaced. “Shit. Yes, I do, you’re right. It’s just that this mating, soul match-bond thing is making me nutty. It’s like a violent physical reaction at the thought of being separated from him. I don’t unde
rstand this feeling, it’s so strange, so overpowering.”

  Lasar ached for his mate. It would be very difficult for him to go back to their hotel suite, even if it was the best course of action. “Matched lovers experience the need to remain close by when one of the mates is injured. We garner strength from our spirit, which then helps the physical wounds to heal from our healthier partner. If things were different, it would be better for you to stay by his side.” Lasar hated the position they were in. “But we have no other choice. Go with Hallosh. I’ll contact you the moment I have news.”

  Tears fell from Chris’ eyes, but he nodded as he rose, helping Morgan to his feet as well.

  Lasar gazed up at Hallosh. “Thank you for this. Do you have my location programmed in your communicator?”

  “Yes. I’ll be waiting there with them unless you give me other instructions.” Hallosh held up his device. “I’ll also forward this information for your report to the Nall as soon as we arrive.” Hallosh furrowed his brow. “I’ll be required to attend the meeting tomorrow, as well. What will happen to them?”

  Lasar caught Chris’ interested stare. He turned back to Hallosh. “I have no idea.” He swallowed hard. “It depends on what the doctor has to say about Nary.”

  Chapter Nine

  Chris understood why he couldn’t stay with Lasar, why he’d had to leave Nary’s side and wait for them back at the hotel. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t be pissed the fuck off about it. His stomach hurt, his chest ached and his head pounded. He needed his mates, fucking needed them.

  “Chris, would you mind checking on your cousin?” Hallosh cleared his throat. “He ran into that other room and hasn’t come back out. Perhaps he was more injured than you realized?”

  Chris frowned at Hallosh. The guy was weird. Okay, maybe not weird. Just not one of my mates. But Hallosh had been acting strangely around Morgan, almost as if he might catch a disease if he got too close to him or something. And now he’s acting all concerned about him. Chris’ eyes widened, his gut clenching. Oh hell no. Is Hallosh after Morgan? Do advisors get awarded sex slaves? The alien had his mom and sisters as house slaves, so maybe he was allowed one for pleasure too?

  “Uh, sure.” Chris examined Hallosh’s expression carefully. “I’m sure he’s fine, though. Morgan’s just very shy in general, and he’s scared of aliens.”

  “Oh?” Hallosh glanced away. “I wouldn’t want him to unexpectedly fall ill before Lasar returns. I promised him I would look out for both of you.” Hallosh turned to Chris again, his manner almost brusque. “According to him, you’re both his family now, and I must honor that. So, please verify that your cousin isn’t ill or injured.”

  Fine, Mr. Bossy Pants. “Okay, I’ll check on him.”

  Chris worked extra hard to keep as much snarkiness out of his tone as possible. It had been a challenge.

  He gave the door to the bedroom a light knock before entering. “Hey, Morgan. It’s just me.”

  Chris padded over to the bed where Morgan lay curled up on his side. The shawl Chris had found at the gathering was still draped around him, with Morgan clutching at the fabric as if it could protect him from everything that might be a threat. Chris sat on the side next to him.

  “Are you mad at me, Chris?”

  “No, dude. I told you— Hell, even Lasar told you, it wasn’t your fault.”

  Morgan sniffed. “It’s not only that. I was really mean to you about the whole mating thing. I said some awful things.”

  Chris sighed. He didn’t want their relationship to forever be changed because of all that had gone on between them since the invasion. “Look, Morgan, how about we forget all the stuff you said, huh? How could you be expected to understand something that I barely do, and I’m the one who’s experiencing it?”

  “Thank you.” Morgan slid a hand out from under the shawl and grabbed Chris’. “I’m trying, you know. I’m trying not to be scared of the aliens, but I can’t help it.”

  “Alasharians. They’re called Alasharians. And, unfortunately, being scared of some of them is still smart. But Lasar, Nary, and even Hallosh, are ones you can count on to protect you. They’re some of the good ones.”

  Morgan wrinkled his nose. “How do you know you can trust…? What’s his name again?”

  “Hallosh.”

  “Yeah. Him.” Red blossomed under Morgan’s cheeks. “How can you be sure he’s good? He’s not one of your mates.” His eyes rounded. “He’s not, is he?”

  Chris barked out a laugh. “God no, I don’t think I could handle that. I have more than enough love from Lasar and Na—” Tears filled Chris’ eyes. He couldn’t stop checking for Nary’s spirit constantly, and while it was still within reach, it didn’t mean that Nary was out of danger yet.

  Morgan squeezed Chris’ hand. “He’ll be okay.”

  Even if Morgan’s words weren’t necessarily true, Chris appreciated Morgan’s desire to comfort him the best that he could. “Thanks, Morgan. Listen, Hallosh is worried about you. He thought something might be wrong because you came running in here and have been hiding.” Chris chuckled. “I tried to explain how you do that all the time around aliens, but he doesn’t understand, I don’t think. Maybe you could go grab a shower, wash off this grime all over you, and he can see you’re okay. Then maybe he’ll quit bugging me about it.”

  Morgan chewed on his bottom lip and wouldn’t meet Chris’ eyes. “He scares me.”

  Morgan must be thinking the same thing, that Hallosh wants him as a sex slave. “You don’t have to say one word to the guy. If he sees you walking around and I promise him that I checked you out and you’re fine, that should be good enough.”

  Morgan slowly sat up. “Okay. But I’m keeping this on. I’m not going to prance around naked if I’m not being ordered to.”

  Chris led Morgan out of the room, and as they passed by Hallosh on their way to the shower, Morgan kept his eyes trained on the carpet, and Hallosh only glanced at them out of his peripheral vision.

  Something is definitely going on between these two.

  Chris determined that no matter what, Lasar wouldn’t allow Hallosh near his cousin if there was any chance that Morgan could be harmed, so he would leave it at that. Once he’d given Morgan some clean towels, Chris headed back to the living room. He discovered Hallosh pacing about. He jerked his head up as soon as he noticed that Chris was there.

  “Well?” Hallosh demanded.

  Chris arched his eyebrows. He didn’t imagine being rude to Hallosh would win him any points with Lasar, so he tempered his tone. “He’s totally fine, but he needed a shower.”

  Hallosh gave him a curt nod. “Good. Well, perhaps he should have those scrapes tended to? I’m not familiar with how well humans fight off infections.”

  “Uh…sure. But we don’t really have any human stuff like that here, like hydrogen peroxide or whatever. I think if he washes the three miniscule scrapes he has with soap and water he probably won’t keel over.” Chris tried not to groan. I was so close to not being a smart ass. Most of his irritation had to do with the fact that his mate had actual, serious injuries. And why the hell hasn’t Lasar contacted me already?

  Hallosh narrowed his eyes at Chris. “Are you mocking me?”

  Uh-oh. “No, not mocking. Reassuring.” Chris smiled. It was somewhat genuine.

  Chris grabbed his chest right as Hallosh’s communicator chirped to life. Lasar. Hallosh answered in Alasharian and Chris thought for sure he might lose it. He bounced on his toes and chewed on his bottom lip. He could barely keep himself from yelling out and insisting that Hallosh let him speak to Lasar right now. Chris’ jaw dropped as Hallosh disconnected the call without letting Chris talk to Lasar.

  “Why didn’t you let me speak with Lasar?” Chris’ voice was a tad too angry, not only because he was a human, but because he was the human equivalent to a Nasha. I’m epically fucking this up, but I can’t help it.

  Hallosh glared at him. “I’m not bound to answer to you, only to prote
ct you.” He narrowed his eyes at Chris again. “And how did you know that was Lasar? I spoke only Alasharian.”

  Chris narrowed his eyes back. “I would know my mate anywhere.”

  To his surprise, Hallosh’s gaze softened as he slowly sat on the couch. He continued to stare at Chris as if trying to convince himself that Chris was real.

  “I still can’t believe it’s true.” Hallosh shook his head. “What does this mean for our future?”

  Chris sat on the chair across from him, suddenly hyperaware of his own nakedness. He folded his hands in his lap, couldn’t sit still. “I have no idea. But Lasar told me you’re to be trusted, so I think…” He wasn’t sure if he should be so presumptuous with a Nall Advisor, but at some point, those who had resisted the void would need to hear what Chris had to say. “Well, I think I’ll understand things more once the Healer contacts me again.” He shrugged one shoulder. “At least I hope so.”

  Hallosh gaped at him. “So unbelievable. Lasar said he’d come to see you, and I… Well it all seems so crazy.”

  Chris snorted. “Tell me about it.” Lasar’s call nagged at him. “But what about Lasar? What did he say?”

  Hallosh straightened. “Dearest heavens, of course. The doctor of medicine said that Nary will recover, and they’re bringing him here now on a hovercraft.”

  Chris whooped as he shot to his feet. He danced around the room a bit, jumping and shaking his ass until he realized Hallosh was still there and staring at him. Chris abruptly stopped, his face heating to an unbelievable intensity.

  “Why are you turning pink? Are you ill?”

  Chris rolled his eyes. God. Not that again.

  * * * *

  Nary floated in and out of consciousness, but each time he surfaced, he felt stronger than the time before. Lasar’s touch comforted him, but he needed Chris too. I want to leave this awful building and go to my Nasha.

  Once the doctor had filled his lungs with air and inserted the temporary air bladder through his nasal passages, he’d dressed his wounds. The numbing spray had kept him from experiencing the pain from where the doctor had needed to fuse his skin back together. He was still weak from the shock to his system and the loss of blood, but his spirit was getting stronger by the moment and that was all that mattered.