"The signs were there. The first time I caught your scent, I realized it was possible. But I was scared. If I was wrong, I could kill you. I nearly did."
Guilt nearly suffocated him, which didn't make sense, so he made an effort to push it away. Probably some side effect of the venom.
"What other signs?"
Essian tucked him closer. "This. Being near me soothed you. Calmed you, even as I excited you."
"You knew?" How humiliating. But he had to admit the truth. Every time he was close to Essian, he felt better.
"Yes. It was the same for me."
Oh. That was far less humiliating. "So, you decided to bite me to test your theory?"
"No, of course not. Do you remember me telling you taste told us the truth?"
Zerek's cock plumped up as those memories returned with full erotic force. "Uh, yes." His voice had thickened. "You know, I'd have been up for a taste test any time during the last month."
Essian groaned. "One of the reasons for fighting before a candidate search is that the fight releases pheromones. My pheromones help intensify the taste, help us to avoid making a mistake. When you attacked me, you triggered my pheromones, which in turn triggered yours. I was drowning in a scent that screamed of true mate, and I had to taste. One touch of my tongue to your skin, and I knew, but I was still afraid of making a mistake."
"Oh. A more intimate taste was required." Zerek had thought he'd long ago lost the ability to blush, but he'd been wrong. The howl of triumph after he'd come in Essian's mouth made more sense, even if he was completely the wrong choice.
"Then, inside your body, I couldn't stop myself from giving you the bonding bite, even though..." Essian turned his face away. "Even though there are still things I haven't told you."
There were a number of things that needed to be addressed, so Zerek had to decide which to choose first.
"How do you know the bonding bite even took?" Essian obviously believed in the true mate thing, but he hadn't told Zerek anything that couldn't be chalked up to pheromones working overtime.
"A real bonding allows us to sense the emotions of our true mate. Which is why a bond gone wrong is a perversion of something sacred. None of those shared emotions will be happy or comforting. Being close to each other is like being stung by insects, rather than soothing."
Pushing against Essian's chest, Zerek raised himself up to stare down at Essian. "You meant these emotions that seem like they're outside my head are yours?"
That might be the most unbelievable thing he'd heard yet, but there was no mistaking the tender look Essian gave him, nor could he explain the buffeting sensation of love, like being stroked with butter soft leather.
Another memory came back to him. "Didn't you say that true mates were equals? We're so far from equals it's not even funny. You're a clan leader and I'm a smuggler."
Essian laughed. "Equals in the relationship, not necessarily equals in life station. You've never once treated me as a superior, nor have you let me treat you as though you didn't deserve equal treatment. You don't know how much I treasure that; it's one of the rewards of a true mate."
Zerek wanted to snort, but he had been adamant about not letting anyone, not even Essian, intimidate him. That didn't mean they were true mates, though. How could it?
"I can sense your disbelief, but there is one other sign of a true bond." Essian grabbed a small hand mirror from the table next to the bed and handed it to him. "Look at your neck."
Zerek shifted to catch the light on his neck. He knew without asking Essian meant the side he'd bitten. A patch of skin was discolored. Except that it matched the mottled bronze and copper of Essian's skin perfectly. Zerek rubbed at it, then licked a finger and rubbed some more, but the color didn't smudge or budge, but merely tingled.
"This is proof your body assimilated and accepted me. My venom will no longer be a danger to you."
Zerek narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Does this mean you intend to bite me again?" He wasn't sure if he was more scared or turned on by the prospect.
"Come here." Essian didn't wait for him to comply, but instead slid around him sinuously, and rubbed a fang over the patch. The arousal that had been on a low simmer since Essian had gotten into bed with him boiled over, sending blood rushing to his cock.
Essian kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry. I only meant to prove a point."
Point proved. Zerek didn't have much choice but to be convinced of the existence of true mates. They still had more to discuss, and Zerek willed his cock to relax, because he didn't think he'd be happy about the conversation to come.
"What else are you hiding?" The guilt was there, under the warm and rosy feelings, now that he was paying attention. If Essian had claimed him earlier, it was possible those loving feelings wouldn't have been there yet to compensate for the stuff Zerek was going to hate. As it was, Zerek didn't think there was much he couldn't forgive, especially now that he'd know if Essian lied. That would be his true mate reward—someone he could trust unequivocally.
"I had always intended to ask you to fight me. As a negotiation. As I did with the other clan leaders."
Again, Zerek was lost in cross-cultural confusion. "Before we even met? Surely the pheromone thing wouldn't have worked if we weren't true mates. What were you hoping to get out of it?"
"You asked me once if the united clans had enough people to go against the Hilruda. The answer is no. We don't. We need to unite with the humans. It's the only way." Essian was convinced he spoke the truth.
"Why me? I'm just a smuggler."
"No. Not just a smuggler. They tell stories about you. Your exploits are well known and you give humans hope for a better life. You're the closest to a human clan leader your people have, and I always intended to come to terms with you. Between your true mate status and Prosst witnessing the fight, the rest of my people will accept you as an honorary clan leader."
"That's what Prosst said he'd witness? The fight? But I didn't win."
Essian flicked his tongue against Zerek's cheek, and Zerek sensed it was an intimacy reserved for lovers and mates.
"You don't need to win, remember? You just need to hold your own, and you did more than that. You impressed both me and Prosst with your determination and stamina. Even before today, I had come to treasure our relationship, and admire your courage, resourcefulness, and conviction."
His reservations were melting under Essian's pride in him, and the thought of throwing off the Hilruda oppressors’ yoke was more important than any other objections he had. "Clan leader. I don't think I'm right for the job, but I'll take it for now. There is one thing I don't understand, though. Humans have been on your planet for a relatively short time. How did the Hilruda survive before? How come my ancestors didn't realize they needed that much energy? Did they sacrifice their own people before the Bitter Silence?"
Essian laughed bitterly. "Sometimes, but it's mostly a case of greed. They don't need anywhere near as much energy as they take, but you humans are so...volatile. They've been salivating for their chance since your people landed. After so many years, they're intoxicated. Addicted. And there's only one outcome."
"Annihilation."
Essian nodded. "Annihilation. Ours or theirs."
"Then let's get back home and start planning our war."
Essian's pleasure in his words was almost like a caress. Home. He hadn't had a home since his grandfather had died, but there was one waiting in the Serpentes stronghold.
"One last thing, Seeker." This time, his emphasis wasn't sneering, but affectionate.
"No. I am Seeker no longer. The quest is done." Essian flicked his tongue over Zerek’s neck.
“You never told me, what was the prophecy exactly?”
“When threefold becomes twofold, seek salvation from the stars above and the ground below. Find redemption in the union of the snake.”
“That’s it? That’s all you had to go on?” Would have taken more faith than Zerek had. “How did you develop a plan from tw
o lines that don’t even mention humans at all?”
Essian hissed joyfully. “I studied more than other Kadrussians, because I was so rarely allowed play time or excursions. The seers fascinated me, and I studied their teachings extensively. The concept of threefold refers to humans settling on our planet. But now, we’re no longer three equal species, so we’ve become twofold again. And the humans came to us from the stars, so that part was clear to me.”
“And the ground below?”
“I found you in the ground below Stony Gate.”
How very literal. “Well, at least I can see why you weren’t sure if you were supposed to find a mate or unite the clans.”
Essian’s expression became quite smug. “Or both.”
Zerek laughed. “Or both. Wily snake.”
Essian nodded, but there was still one thing Zerek had to say on the matter.
"When we get back, we need to deal with whoever suggested you follow that ridiculous plan to turn me over to the Hilruda. You realize they were trying to sabotage your plan, right? They didn't want you to fulfill the prophecy." If it weren't for the unexpected true mate thing, and there was no reason for anyone to anticipate such a thing, Zerek would never have given Essian a chance to explain. He certainly wouldn't have trusted him enough to unite their clans—all of them—against the Hilruda.
"I know." The bitter pain of betrayal was familiar, but the emotion belonged to Essian. "Before we go back and clean house, let me show you how much I love you."
"I love you too." Zerek let Essian coax him onto his back. The enormous task Essian had set himself was now also Zerek's responsibility, and would be part of their lives for years to come. He wasn't about to miss out on the chance for pleasure with his true mate whenever the opportunity presented itself.
He opened up his arms and his heart to the man he'd never thought he'd have.
THE END
About the Author
KC Burn has been writing for as long as she can remember and is a sucker for happy endings (of all kinds). After moving from Toronto to Florida for her husband to take a dream job, she discovered a love of gay romance and fulfilled a dream of her own—getting published. After a few years of editing web content by day, and neglecting her supportive, understanding hubby and needy cat at night to write stories about men loving men, she was uprooted yet again and now resides in California. Writing is always fun and rewarding, but writing about her guys is the most fun she’s had in a long time, and she hopes you’ll enjoy them as much as she does.
Find out more about KC:
Website: http://kcburn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkcburn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkcburn
Check out KC’s other books:
North on Drummond
Rainbow Blues
Some people can't tell the difference between real life and reel life.
Girls on Film
by
Linnea Alexis
Dedication
To Dottie.
Acknowledgements
I want to thank Louisa Bacio for encouraging me to write my story, Christine Ashworth for sharing her knowledge of the movie business, and Tamara Eaton whose edits made my story so much better.
A Note from the Author
“Girls on Film” was one of my favorite Duran Duran songs. Every time I’d hear the song or watch the video, I always imagined how fun it would be to write a story about the movie industry. I got my wish when I became part of the anthology.
~Linnea Alexis
Chapter One
“WHY ARE YOU being such a jerk?”
Sophie Greene threw up her hands in disbelief. She’d rushed over to Greg Vega’s bungalow with the good news that in less than a month her life as Lexi Flash, adult film star, would cease to exist. But instead of sharing her excitement, he started an argument.
“Isn’t this what you wanted?” Her voice caught. “What we wanted? “I thought you’d be happy.”
Greg turned away. “Happy that you’re quitting making those kind of movies? Yes. Happy that you aren’t giving up the notion of being an actress all together? Not so much. And now you’re telling me that you’ve started going on auditions? I thought we’d discussed this. I thought you were quitting acting. Period.”
“Well, you thought wrong. I never said I was quitting acting completely and you know it.” She didn’t come here to argue, she came—bottle of champagne in hand—to celebrate.
“What about your promise to focus on our relationship?” He turned and stared at her with cold, dark eyes that matched his black hair. “What about me?”
So this is what the argument was about. Him. Always him. “What about you? How would you like it if I asked you to quit your job for me?”
“That’s not fair, Sophie.” His voice rose in anger. “My job is important to the company I work for.”
“And my job isn’t? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Your job,” he said, making air quotes, “is frivolous… inconsequential…to anything.”
Her hands flew to her mouth. Is that what he thought about her career? About her? She pushed herself from the sofa and grabbed her handbag from the floor. “Good night, Greg. Keep the champagne.”
“What the hell am I supposed to do with it?”
“Do you really want me to tell you?” She spun around and headed for the door.
They’d been together for two years—long enough to know which buttons to push in an argument. For them, the hot button was her adult film career. She’d finally given him what he wanted…an end to her career as Lexi Flash. Why couldn’t he give her what she wanted and needed—unconditional love and support?
Instead of asking her to stay, he was silent.
She glanced over her shoulder, hoping he’d followed her, or at least looked her way. But he hadn’t budged from the sofa, where he sat—arms crossed in defiance. Jaw clenched. Staring ahead.
Sophie swallowed the lump forming in her throat and raced out the door, slamming it behind her.
Two Weeks Later
SOPHIE TOSSED AND TURNED most of the night. She hadn’t seen Greg in two long weeks. He’d called once and invited her to lunch, but she’d declined because she was heading out the door for an audition and had no idea how long it would take. When she’d asked for a rain check, he abruptly ended their conversation. Why did he act surprised she was still pursuing a film career? Did he suddenly think she’d changed her mind about acting, admit defeat, and run back into his arms?
Auditions for the most coveted roles of the year were starting today. This was it, her big chance to go legit. Besides stressing about Greg, she’d spent most of the night worrying about the audition.
She drove to the audition and lucked out when she found a parking space near the entrance. After slipping on a pair of Oakleys, she stepped out of the parking structure, and smack dab into the center of a swam of paparazzi who hoped to capture money shots of celebrities who’d be reading for starring roles in the most anticipated movie of the decade.
“Smile,” the photographers shouted. “Over here.”
Unable to escape the cameras, Sophie stopped mid-stride to grin at the lenses aimed in her direction. God, she needed this gig. After years of trying to get her foot in the door of a mainstream motion picture studio, she’d finally landed an audition for the lead.
Realizing how important nailing the audition would be for her career, a wave of insecurity swept over her, and brushed away any shred of self-confidence she’d managed to conjure up. As she made her way past the photographers, she prayed her wobbly legs would keep her upright instead of causing her to stumble and fall flat on her face. Would she bomb the audition? Worse yet, would she be recognized as Serena, the half-naked, sword-wielding, on-screen leader of the Pep Squad Girls?
Today, she’d be reading for serious film makers. To separate herself from her adult film persona, Lexi Flash, she deliberately downplayed her curves by slippin
g a black, cropped jacket over a cream-colored blouse and matching flared skirt. Lifting her chin, she swallowed hard and proceeded.
The paparazzi moved closer—calling out more names. When no one shouted “Lexi” or “Serena”, she blew out a breath and her heartbeat returned to normal.
Sophie wanted this role. She needed to be part of a movie where her acting ability was more important than her bra size. Being escorted through the tall, wrought iron gates of Premier Film Studios, she grew light-headed from the excitement of reading for such an important role.
With her portfolio gripped firmly in hand, she, along with a couple dozen other actresses, was ushered into a large room. Each starlet carried a copy of Hearts Abound, hoping to glean inspiration from its steamy pages.
The room was set up with two rows of tan folding chairs, a long table holding a coffee maker, paper cups, and all the fixings to make a decent cup of coffee. Posters of movies produced by the studio lined the walls. Glancing at them, she cringed as she recalled her own life-sized posters where she wore next to nothing in her Serena costume.
She took at seat next to a perky blonde wearing a low cut, skin tight, red dress. Sophie smiled a greeting and set her cell to vibrate. While waiting for her birth name to be called instead of her pseudonym, Lexi Flash, she watched the parade of pretty women march in and out of the casting office, hope or despair showing on their faces.
Sophie pulled a compact from her tote and checked her makeup. After applying another layer of pink lip gloss, she dropped the tube back into her tote. She fluffed her hair, leaned back in the uncomfortable chair, and waited for her name to be called.
“I’m so freakin’ nervous,” Red Dress said, clutching her handbag to her ample bosom. “How about you?”
“A little,” Sophie answered, without admitting she was scared to death. Getting this job would mean an end to making less than stellar films, and be her ticket to the mainstream.
Come Undone: Romance Stories Inspired by the Music of Duran Duran Page 49