Jodi’s place was by Sevaleth’s side.
Love seemed to have snuck up on him when he wasn’t looking. Not that he minded, just that Jodi always thought he would know the instant it happened. With Sevaleth, it had happened so slowly and sweetly it was like love had always been there. He just didn’t realize it until now. But now that he had, he was even happier that they had embarked on their trek. Working together bonded them tighter than anything else would have. Which wasn’t to say it was all peaches and cream. There had been times when they were tired, cranky, and just generally out of sorts. But then something would happen to remind them how good they really had things. In the end, they would laugh, pull together, and let go of their anger. Each time they refused to bicker over what was essentially meaningless, they grew stronger, and happier.
After his tale was told, wine was shared, then food, then the children were taken off to sleep as the adults stayed to ask more questions. Eventually, everyone was sleepy, and Sevaleth and Jodi were given a place to bunk down. So far, they’d slept on everything from bare ground to the plushest mattresses. All of it had been wonderful. Tonight, they were given a cart filled with hay and covered in blankets and furs. They slept out under the stars.
Just like humans, the Girakor had named their constellations. Most were proud heroes, damsels in distress, or fearsome creatures. The tales were delightful and kept Jodi riveted.
“You look happy, my companion.”
“I am.” Jodi moved closer Sevaleth.
“I must ask if you wish to go home.”
“To the palace?” Jodi asked, straddling Sevaleth’s hips.
“No. To Earth.”
Jodi could tell Sevaleth was very concerned about what he might say. “I miss my mom and dad. And my friends.”
Sevaleth tightened below him.
“But here, I get to have a life unlike anything I could ever have on Earth. I go from place to place, learning new ways, new people, and I explore a world that is utterly alien.”
“You show no fear.”
“I am not afraid because I am with you.”
“I do not know these places either.”
“But that’s just it. It’s new to both of us, but even if there is something hostile, like those purple things, we were prepared because the villagers told us to expect them. All we have to do is ask and listen.” Before they left each village, Jodi asked what they should look for on their journey. He was interested in what foods they might find, but what dangers there might be, too. At the last place, Jodi had forgotten to ask but Sevaleth remembered. It was lucky he had. The villagers had assumed everyone knew about the deceptive purple creatures who looked like hanging fruit but were actually vicious flying rodents. All he and Sevaleth had to do was go around the area where they congregated and never touch one. Once one of them was shrieking, they all flew off the trees and attacked. If there were enough of them, they could kill a man.
“I find I am less afraid to ask now. That is because of you.”
“Me?”
“You made it seem less fearful. I was not less of a man for asking. It is wise to ask when I don’t know.” Sevaleth stroked his hand over Jodi’s hair. “I ask if you will stay with me.”
Jodi knew he wasn’t talking about short term. Sevaleth wanted a commitment. Jodi had never really imagined himself doing such a thing, at least not until he was older, but why wait when he’d already found exactly what he wanted?
“I will stay with you.”
“I will always put your happiness first.”
“I will do that for you, too.”
Sevaleth smiled and then pulled Jodi close. “Did I show you the hero and his slave?”
“Is that a position?” They’d been experimenting with new sexual positions from things they’d heard villagers say.
“It is a constellation.” Sevaleth turned Jodi until he was lying on top of him but with his back to his chest so they could both look up. He carefully traced out the constellation, but Jodi couldn’t really see what he was describing. Much like Earthly constellations, they didn’t make a lot of sense. But that didn’t matter when Sevaleth told him the story of how the slave conquered the hero with his valiant heart.
Gently, Sevaleth penetrated Jodi while they both continued to gaze at the stars. It was soft and sweet, reminding Jodi again why he wished to stay with Sevaleth. When he finally reached orgasm, he pressed his bottom down hard as Sevaleth rocked up, filling him and binding them just a little tighter together.
After a time of enjoying the afterglow, Jodi rolled over, looked down, and whispered. “I love you.”
Sevaleth blinked, clearly surprised, and then his eyes watered. “I love you. I have for so long, but I was afraid to say.”
“Never be afraid to tell me how you feel.” For all his fearsome power, he was vulnerable, and that made Jodi love him more. That night they hardly slept for their talking of everything and nothing.
“Someday, perhaps we can return to Earth to visit. I would like to take you there if I can.”
“I’d like that.” Jodi wasn’t certain Sevaleth actually could go to Earth, but it was a nice thought. “If nothing else, I’d like them to know I’m okay. And that I’m very happy.”
“I was afraid this would drive us apart somehow. That there would be too many difficulties, but you don’t despair. You just make the best of things and keep going.”
“You do that, too.”
“But I am a hardened warrior. It’s expected of me to be able to handle difficulty.”
“Well, I guess I look at this as a long camping trip.” At Sevaleth’s perplexed expression, Jodi explained how on Earth, lots of people chucked civilization to go rough it in the woods. Or the desert, depending on where they lived. “It’s fun. Doing this with you is similar because we don’t know what to expect. Each time we come around a bend, we meet new people, who are excited to meet us. You’re like a celebrity.”
“All heroes would be treated the same.”
“But I’m with you. And I think you’re special.”
“You are special.” Sevaleth kissed Jodi gently. “More special than I can express.”
It seemed to Jodi that Sevaleth looked cross for a moment. “What’s wrong?”
“I wish I was a minstrel. They are very good at making pretty words.”
“All you have to do is look at me, and I know exactly how you feel.”
Sevaleth grinned, and then they snuggled in.
Jodi couldn’t remember ever being in such fantastic shape, or so tan, or so damn happy it was almost insane. Each village had its own traditions and ways, but all of them were impressed with Sevaleth. The best of the land was given to him just to hear his tales. Traveling with Sevaleth truly was like hanging around a celebrity. Jodi felt special by extension.
“I do miss Raptor.”
“Aw.” Jodi yawned. “I’ll bet he doesn’t miss us at all.”
“No? I would think he would have some attachment.”
“If he’s anything like the cats on Earth, he’s pretty happy when we’re there to pet and feed him, but he won’t really miss us.”
“He must miss the warm spot on the bed.”
“Yes. That he certainly misses.” Jodi had been worried about their pet, but De’tambo and Quiddle both swore on their lives to ensure he was well cared for while he and Sevaleth were on their great journey. “I miss our bed sometimes.”
“We can go back whenever you wish.”
“Do you want to go back?”
“I would like to lounge in my pool and have all my favorite foods placed upon my table.”
“But then we’d have to start all over.”
“We could go another direction.” Sevaleth rolled over. “I would like to walk along the edge of the sea.”
“That could be fun.” Jodi had enjoyed their jaunt into the wooded areas of the planet, so seeing something completely different would give him a whole new perspective.
“We would need diff
erent clothing and supplies, but there are more people concentrated there.” Sevaleth smiled as he traced his fingers through Jodi’s hair.
“Can we get a boat?”
“We can.”
“Do you know how to sail?”
“I do not.”
“Then we should do that.”
“You know how to sail?”
“Nope. I’m thinking we should learn how to do that together.”
“I have learned much about you in doing this journey. You like to be challenged.”
“I do.” Jodi kissed him and then rested his head against Sevaleth’s chest. “I think you do as well.”
“Yes.” Sevaleth stroked his hand through Jodi’s sun-bleached hair, soothing him until he fell asleep.
Jodi woke to pale morning light and dozens of furry creatures surrounding him and Sevaleth. Rather than panic, he carefully looked about without moving. They seemed ferret-like with long, slinky bodies, short legs, and little paws. However, Jodi had learned that half the things on Girakor that looked cute and cuddly could actual kill a grown man. He stayed still and realized whatever they were, the animals were sleeping. It seemed unlikely that vicious animals out for blood would curl up with them.
Sevaleth awoke and seemed to be taking the same caution Jodi did. When his gaze met Jodi’s, he quietly asked, “What are these things?” Sevaleth looked at them again then back at Jodi.
“I do not know.”
“What are they doing?”
“Sleeping. I think they came up here for warmth.”
“Then we should give them some.” Sevaleth grinned and slid his hand down to Jodi’s cock.
“How can we do that without waking them?” Jodi reached over for Sevaleth but was unable to get a hold of him given their positions.
“I can tease you and you have to hold very still.”
“Oh, you.” Jodi refrained from any more conversation when he was too busy trying not to move. Sevaleth had gotten very good at making Jodi totally crazy for him within a few strokes.
“You must stay still,” Sevaleth teased, working his hand up and down Jodi’s cock.
“I will get you back, you know.”
“So you say.” Sevaleth gently moved his head closer so he could whisper into Jodi’s ear about all the things he would be doing to him if only they could move.
No matter how he tried to hold still, Jodi couldn’t, and climaxed against Sevaleth’s palm. Amazingly, he managed to do all of this without disturbing their furry friends.
“You are very good.” Sevaleth nuzzled Jodi’s ear.
“Me? You’re the one who can give a hand job without making any motion.”
They were kissing when the young man who had been so keen on listening to Sevaleth the night before popped his head over the side of the cart.
“Oh, there they be!”
Jodi thought he was referring to him and Sevaleth, but he clearly meant their fuzzy companions because he began scooping the creatures out and putting them in a woven cage. As he picked them up, they made a strange cooing noise that sounded a lot like the noise a pigeon might make.
“I think they just wanted to stay warm,” Jodi offered.
“You are lucky that all of them didn’t get out.” He filled up the cage then got another. “The creedles can squish you where you sleep.”
“How many are there?”
“Too many to count.” The boy took the last one, caged it up, and he was off, whistling to himself.
“Oh, man. Please don’t tell me if he’s going to strip those things for fur.”
“I don’t think so.” Sevaleth sat up, wiping his hand in the hay. “They seem more like pets.”
“Let’s just assume that is true and never ask.” Jodi got up, stretched, and then went off to use the bushes while Sevaleth washed his hands. When Jodi caught up to him, he was bathing, so Jodi joined in. They were just getting to the point where Jodi was going to return the favor of a fabulous release when they were interrupted by a call to eat.
“Well, looks like you’ll have to suffer until after breakfast.” Jodi turned and waded to shore before Sevaleth could catch him and kiss him into submission. It was something he was very good at, so Jodi had to move fast. When he got to the beach of the pond, he used his loincloth to dry off then slung it around his hips. Since the air was so lacking in moisture, his clothing and hair was almost dry by the time he returned to the village.
“Wait for me!” Sevaleth called, but Jodi wasn’t fooled.
If he caught up to him, he would crumble his resistance and Jodi would find himself on his back with his legs wrapped around Sevaleth’s hips. So he ran. When he heard Sevaleth swearing behind him, he laughed and ran faster. Right at the edge of the village center, he looked back, saw that Sevaleth was close, so he slowed down just a bit. Now that there were others around, Sevaleth would tone down his lust. Not a lot, but enough that Jodi could resist him if only until after he’d eaten.
One of the things that amazed Jodi about the Girakor was that they didn’t seem to have an issue about same-sex relationships. To them, people loved who they loved. As long as the people were both consenting, no one cared. There were even multiple relationships where several people all shared together in a communal type of arrangement. Jodi hadn’t wanted to do that, and he was glad Sevaleth didn’t, either. He’d jokingly said that Jodi was more than enough for him.
As Jodi walked toward the square in the very heart of the village, he realized almost all the people from last night were gathered around the fire ring. What he saw when he joined them practically made his hair stand on end. He’d only seen one once, but once was enough to burn the image of a Krase warrior into his head forever. When the creature’s red eyes turned Jodi’s direction, he spun on his heel and ran back toward Sevaleth.
Chapter 10
“Run! Oh, God, Sevaleth, we have to run now!”
Sevaleth had thought Jodi was tricking him by running back at him, but clearly, he wasn’t joking. Jodi’s eyes were rounded, and his entire body was straining to get away from whatever was in the center of the village. Rather than stop him and question him, Sevaleth trusted his companion. He turned on his heel and ran beside him.
“What is wrong?”
“A Krase warrior is in the village!”
Sevaleth knew what a Krase warrior was but not how it came to be on his world. The Girakors and the Krase had a wary respect for one another. They stayed out of each other’s way and so far had avoided war. If they had come, then Sevaleth must fight. But first, he had to get Jodi to safety. He was strong and brave, but a Krase warrior could kill him with one blow.
“Go to the cave.”
“Cave?” In his panic, Jodi had forgotten what the villagers had talked about last night. But it suddenly came to him, and he nodded vigorously. “Cave. Yes! We can hide there until he’s gone.”
Sevaleth didn’t correct him because he knew Jodi would not want him to go and fight, especially when his weapon was back with their gear. Jodi hadn’t wanted him to bring his blade, but Sevaleth couldn’t travel without having a weapon of some sort. He wasn’t a hero without a sword. Reluctantly, Jodi had agreed, but then he’d been okay with the notion when Sevaleth used the weapon to discuss bravery and defending others. That was exactly what he had to do now.
Once he had Jodi safe, Sevaleth would circle around, get his sword, and go back to the village. Perhaps the warrior only wanted to talk, but Sevaleth’s gut told him that wasn’t likely. Krase warriors were like the Girakors in that they took what they wanted. It was said the Krase asked first, but Sevaleth wasn’t going to hold his breath waiting for a question.
“Here!” Jodi kept his voice down while he pointed to the opening of the cave that was tucked under the roots of a fallen tree. The people used the area to store food and such from the hot season.
“Go in.”
Jodi dove for the opening but then stopped short. “You’re going back, aren’t you?”
“
I must.”
“You’re retired.”
“A Krase has never walked the surface of my world. There is nothing but evil in his presence.”
“Get in here with me, or I’m going with you.”
“No.” Sevaleth did not want to tie him up, but he would. “I do not lead often, nor do I boss you, but in this, you will obey me.”
“No.” Jodi stood defiantly. “We’re in this together, or we’re not in it at all.”
Sevaleth was on the verge of using his own loincloth to bind Jodi up somehow when Jodi’s eyes widened and his mouth worked without issuing sound. Before he turned around, Sevaleth knew what he’d find there. When he did turn, he found exactly what he’d been expecting.
A Krase warrior stood in the clearing. He wasn’t running after them, but he didn’t need to. Whatever he was holding in his hand could clearly kill the both of them and probably destroy half the forest.
“I have come for the one known as Jodi Weiss.”
Sevaleth’s hands tensed. What could he do against such a powerful enemy when all he had was his hands? If he was closer, he could grasp the warrior’s weapon and possibly use it against him, but Sevaleth was too far away for that.
“Wh—what do you want me for?” Jodi asked.
To Sevaleth’s horror, he realized that Jodi was moving sideways away from Sevaleth’s position, as if he would draw the warrior’s fire! Sevaleth wanted to howl out his frustration, but anything they said or did could give him more information. By moving away, Jodi was telling the Krase warrior without words that he cared about Sevaleth. If he would make himself the only target, it said love very clearly. And then he realized there might be more wisdom to Jodi’s movement than he thought. With the warrior tracking Jodi, Sevaleth might be able to get a weapon of some sort. Even a rock would give him more options than he had right now.
“You will come with me.” The Krase warrior was no fool. He kept his gaze on both of them without moving closer. However, the farther apart Sevaleth and Jodi got, the more difficult it would be for him to keep doing so. Unless his two eyes could look in separate directions, he would lose sight of one of them eventually. “You will stop, Jodi, or I will shoot him.”
Enslaved By a Hero [Sold! 7] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Page 9