Rival

by Tatum Throne

  Kelin looked as though he wouldn’t accept what the com was saying. “We have no choice it is written.”

  Both knew that they couldn’t challenge the Elite. They didn’t have the financial means to do so. In fact, they had no choice in the matter. “Are you going to tell him?”

  “No.”

  “He’s going to know this match is different. You should tell him.”

  Rage moved through Yorn’s body. He could barely contain it as he stepped up in front of Kelin. “Tell him what?”

  “It’s not an option we have in the matter. That you have no choice—”

  “I don’t want to scare him. I don’t want him to be afraid. He won’t attend tonight.”

  “He should see your last moments. Don’t rob him of this moment. He’ll never forgive either of us if you block him from going.”

  It was true. Gage would never forgive him for not allowing him to attend the match tonight. What else was Yorn supposed to do? This was his life even before Gage stepped into it. There was no running from what he was and what he needed to be. This was the way things were, and always would be. He couldn’t change that. But what if he could? What if he had the chance to do it? What if they left the planet? What if they found a way? It was no use having dreams and hopes with his station.

  “Yorn.”

  “Enough.”

  “Yorn.”

  “What am I supposed to do?”

  “Whatever makes you happy?”

  “Happiness isn’t part of the equation for me.”

  “You have to stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about the two men who now depend on you.”

  Shock vibrated through Yorn’s body. He hadn’t thought about it that way. In fact, he hadn’t thought or even considered the possibility that he would one day die in the arena. Now, that the possibility was real and about to happen, Yorn knew there was nothing he could do to stop it from happening. He wanted Gage to be taken care of and his friend, Hunter. “Perhaps you should help them return to their world.”

  “Their world his dying.”

  “So, they can’t stay here. It wouldn’t be safe for them if the Elite found out what they could do. Could you imagine? The other aliens would use them. It isn’t safe.”

  “No. That’s why they need you alive.”

  Yorn didn’t want to have this conversation. He wanted to bury his head. He didn’t want to acknowledge that Kelin was right. He was right. “You will take care of both of them.”

  “Me? I’m not equipped. I can’t earn an income or a place in the arena. They need you.”

  “Think about it.”

  Yorn was thinking too hard about things. That was part of the problem. He needed to be focused for tonight. He shouldn’t be thinking about Gage. He should have been thinking about a way to win the fight. There had to be a way to survive and not get screwed at the end. Still, he wasn’t sure how that was possible.

  “Don’t bring them tonight. I need to get out of here. I only have a few hours before the ceremony starts.”

  “Ceremony?”

  “They’re presenting both of us to the crowd.”

  Kelin cursed. “Figure this thing out.”

  “I’m trying.”

  Before the males could get to the veranda, Yorn turned away, heading through the compound to get ready to leave. It wouldn’t be long before his escorts came to take him to the ceremony. He didn’t want this to be his life, but there was nothing he could do to stop it from happening. As Yorn grabbed his gear, Gage appeared in the doorway. There was cold hard fear in his gaze

  “Kelin said I am not to attend the fight with you tonight.”

  “No. You need to stay here.”

  “What’s going on?”

  Yorn sighed heavily as Gage came in close, wrapping his arms around his waist. He closed his eyes, loving the feel of the male’s warm skin pressed up against his naked flesh. He wanted him one last time before the fight—just one more time. He should have been conserving his energy. Instead, all he could think about was the way Gage’s rock-hard cock was pressed between his ass cheeks. Yorn pulled him around, kissing him hard.

  Their kiss was desperate as Yorn tried to imprint his touch on Gage’s memory. He ripped his lover’s clothes off, dropping them to the floor. There was a look of concern within Gage’s eyes, but that didn’t stop Yorn from stalking closer and pinning him to the bed. He took control of him. He kissed his way down his neck, his chest, and down over his cock. He sucked his cock deep inside his mouth, loving the way it hit the back of his throat.

  Gage cried out as the tip of his cockhead passed down his throat. Yorn flicked his forked tongue around the edge of his cockhead, loving the feel of his hard dick weeping with pre-cum. Their eyes locked as he sucked him hard. He wanted to feel his cum sliding across his tongue. Gage thrust his hips up, shoving his dick deep within Yorn’s mouth.

  It was too much too fast. Yorn wanted to speed things up as much as he wanted to slow things down. He pinned Gage’s wrists to the bed, loving the feel of his cock thrusting deep within his mouth. Yorn’s cock was weeping. His inner cock was starting to protrude before he could stop it from happening. Reluctantly, Yorn released Gage’s cock as he knelt on the bed as he tipped his inner cock up against his rim.

  Lubed and ready to go, Yorn shoved his dick into Gage’s ass with one powerful move that had Gage crying out with a deep guttural breath that sent a shiver of seductive lust rushing through Yorn’s body. His hood had fully retracted to show his talons. He watched as they snaked around Gage’s cock with one talon sucking on the tip of Gage’s cock. He cried out as Yorn’s talons locked down tightly on his throbbing prick.

  Their eyes locked as Yorn pumped his cock in short, hard thrusts, in and out of Gage’s ass. It felt so good to use his energy up on his lover. He wanted Gage to be so twisted up and tired from their session that he wouldn’t be able to walk to the arena. It was the only way to save the man he loved.

  Yes, I love him.

  Even if this was their last moment together, he wanted to show him how good they were together. He wanted him to remember how good things were with him. The thought of Gage moving on after him tore a hole in his heart, but he couldn’t think of that now. Sweat dripped down from Yorn’s brows as the room got hotter and hotter. Gage’s hands gripped and grabbed at his hips as he took him with powerful hits in the ass.

  Before he could even register the move, Yorn was spinning him over, switching positions, causing the talons to tighten down hard on Gage’s dick. A cry of pleasure echoed throughout the room. Yorn pumped his cock in and out of his ass.

  “I’m coming.”

  Gage’s words were like music to his ears. The sweet feel of his orgasm spun through the room. At the same time, Yorn was shocked to feel the cover on his stinger retract, and his stinger start to thrust out, locking onto Gage’s dick. Gage’s eyes went wide with pleasure as he stung him hard, shooting his venom into his bloodstream.

  A cry of pleasure rose within the room as Gage came a second time from the venom working its way through his blood. Yorn felt his forked tongue harden as his tongue started to ejaculate. Sensing his need, Gage leaned down, sucking his tongue as he came hard. The move brought him further over the edge. His inner dick hardened, and he came hard, shooting his spunk deep into his lover’s ass.

  They were both emotionally strung out by the time they finished their long session together. Yorn held him close, loving the feel of his lover’s hand caressing his body. Ever so slowly the talons wrapped around his cock started to retract. Gage held on tight.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  Yorn stiffened. “Nothing.”

  “You’ve never fucked me like this before.”

  “Like what?” Gage sat up on his elbow, making his hair fall across his forehand. “Like you’re saying goodbye.”

  “Gage.”

  “I’m not stupid. If you’re done with me, just tell me.”

  “It’s not that.”


  “Then what is it?”

  Tears filled Gage’s eyes. Yorn didn’t want to scare him. He didn’t want him to be frightened of what could happen tonight. “I’m okay. Everything will be fine.”

  “Then why don’t you want me to attend tonight?”

  “Tonight is different. I don’t want it to scare you.”

  He was hurting Gage. As much as he was trying to make sure he was okay, he was hurting him. Yorn swung his legs from the bed. Out in the hallway, he heard Kelin’s voice. They were here for him. He needed to go before he changed his mind. He glanced back at Gage. He leaned across the bed giving him a powerful kiss. He caressed his jaw, loving the feel of his stubble on his cheek.

  “I will see you soon.”

  Gage looked doubtful as Yorn pulled his lips away. Yorn dressed and grabbed his bag for the night. His body would be prepared for the ceremony tonight. He would be bathed, and painted with the Elite symbols. He wanted to be ready. He wanted to protect Gage and Hunter. Out in the hallway, Yorn glanced at Kelin. “Take care of things for me.”

  “I will.”

  They arrived at the arena minutes later; Yorn was immediately taken to the bathhouse under the arena where he was stripped and washed. Oils were worked into his body. His hair was cleaned and braided in the style of the Elite. He was scrubbed raw. He was oiled again. After the bath, he was dried by the slaves and taken within the room where golden and bronze paint was applied to his body.

  Ornamental rings were placed on his wrists and arms. He was not wearing his leather straps tonight. Yorn felt as though he were being led to his death, but there was nothing he could do to stop it from happening. If only he had a few more moments alone with Gage. He only wished he got to know him and his world before he was taken away. He hoped that Kelin would be able to take care of him for the long haul. He hoped that all of that would happen while he was away.

  When he was ready, he was taken to the arena where the stands were packed. He didn’t sense Gage there. Which was good, he didn’t want the male to watch as he was fucked by the Elite. The crowd was intense, chanting their names at a deafening roar. The horns were blown signaling the start of the presentation. He was brought to the platform where he was presented to the crowd.

  For the first time, he was getting a look at this opponent. A gladiator he hadn’t ever fought before. There was no fear in the gladiator’s eyes. There was only cold hard determination. He was out for blood. Yorn was announced and stepped forward, lifting his arm to the crowd. He was favored by the Elite to win. He wanted to win. Even if it meant he had to sacrifice his body for the night, he would do it if it gave him a moment alone with Gage. If it gave him a chance, he would do it. He didn’t expect Gage to understand their rituals or their world. He had to do this to survive. Torches were lit around the ring.

  The ceremonial horns were blown again. It was time for Yorn to go down to the arena. Just as he did, lightning spiraled across the sky. They never fought during a lightning storm. The crowd seemed to moan at the possibility of a storm hitting the arena. The arena could be closed but knowing the Elite, they would only close the protective covering around the crowd. The gladiators would be forced to fight within the storm. Yorn was ready. He wanted this fight. He wanted to get back to Gage if he could. He just hoped he would.

  * * * *

  Helplessness had flowed through Gage’s body as he watched Yorn taken away for the fight. He went to Kelin, who was locking up the doors for the night. “I want to go.”

  “No.”

  His words were final and spoke volumes on the subject matter. The alien looked as though no one ever challenged him. Hunter watched from across the room. Gage thought about telling Kelin where he could shove it, but he knew he wouldn’t get very far with the alien. He caught Hunter’s eyes and gave him the silent look to meet him in his room. Minutes later, Hunter followed him in.

  “What are we going to do?” Hunter asked.

  Desperation tore through Gage’s heart. He felt as though he had to see Yorn one last time. It was as though he knew he’d never see him again if he didn’t go now. “We need to go to the arena. Now. I have to see him.”

  “How far away is it from here?”

  “Too far. We’ll need to go on foot. If we leave now, we can make it to the arena by the end of the match.”

  “What about Kelin?”

  “What about him?”

  “Is he really going to let us go without stopping us?”

  “Probably not. That’s why we need to go now before he tries to stop us.”

  “Let’s go.”

  Hunter paused in the doorway. “What about the research you collected?”

  “I got it. We need to go if we’re going to make it to the match on time.”

  They headed out into the fading sunlight of the three suns. Off in the distance, the light blue buildings hovered above the sky and lifted high off the ground. The lush green grass was soft beneath his feet. A wind blew through the valley as they headed toward the arena. The arena was huge, looking like one of the coliseums on earth. Lightning spiraled across the sky.

  “The storm is starting,” Hunter said.

  “It’s too soon. I didn’t chart another storm for another three days.”

  “What is this then?”

  “I don’t know.”

  They hurried through the valley. Large birds took flight from a watering hole as they approached it. Hunter stood back. “Are the friendly?”

  “No idea. I’ve never seen them before. Stay close. I don’t want to get caught as we sneak into the arena.”

  Cheering erupted, cascading down the hillside. A chill raced through Gage’s blood. He hoped he wasn’t too late. He felt as though time was running out. He had to see Yorn. They went in through a side entrance bypassing the security at the front. They went through the slave’s entrance, heading down through the undercroft and coming out the other side.

  The slaves had a small viewing area where they appeared to be taking bets about who would win. Gage rushed through the slaves, looking out into the arena. He saw Yorn going after the gladiator with all his power. It was as though he was trying to kill the other gladiator. No other fight had been so brutal. Yorn appeared to be winning despite the number of blows that landed upon his body.

  “What’s going on?”

  One of the slaves looked at Gage as though she was surprised that he had talked to her. She was dressed in a simple white tunic that came down to her knees. “They are fighting to the death.”

  “Fuck.”

  “What’s going on?” Hunter asked.

  “They’re fighting to the death.”

  “I thought you said that Yorn hasn’t ever lost.”

  “No, he hasn’t, but this isn’t like all the other fights. This is different.”

  Gage looked at the woman. “What happens to the winner?”

  She shook her head and wouldn’t meet his gaze. “The winner is taken.”

  All the blood drained from Gage’s head and everything went blurry as he tried to make sense of what he was hearing. If Yorn won the match, he would be taken by the Elite—used for sexual exploitation and gratification. He felt dizzy. He felt sick to his stomach. He felt as though everything he always wanted and needed was slipping through his fingers.

  “No.”

  “What’s wrong?” Hunter asked.

  Gage didn’t want to watch, but he couldn’t pull his gaze away from the blood spilling within the arena. “Yorn’s going to be taken by force if he wins the match.”

  “Oh, God.”

  The crowd was chanting for Yorn to win. The noise was deafening. There was a ringing sound within Gage’s ears. He couldn’t handle the crowd. He couldn’t take the fact that he was going to lose everything he had always wanted. The lightning storm was getting worse outside. It was crashing down upon the arena with a thundering force that shook the entire building.

  “We need to go.”

  “Not yet. I have to kno
w he’s going to be okay.”

  Gage forced his feet to stay planted as he watched Yorn battle for his life. Just as the lightning spiraled across the sky again, a metallic hum echoed through the crowd. Doors above the arena began to close, protecting the Elite from the possibility of getting struck by lightning. Yorn kicked out, shoving the gladiator across the floor to his ass. Yorn looked out across the arena, looking toward where Gage was standing. Gage pressed his palms against the wall next to the window, willing Yorn to see and feel him across the distance.

  Sweat dripped down Yorn’s body. Every one of his muscles was flexed hard. He looked strong and powerful. Gage couldn’t imagine the Elite subjecting him to the torture of being taken against his will. The thought made him sick to his stomach. Yorn was fighting as though he was out for blood. The last time they were together, Yorn had stung him with his stinger. He couldn’t imagine him doing it to one of the Elite. He would be killed and as a result they would kill him. He would be executed by them. The thought of walking away made him feel ill and dizzy. It wasn’t long before the gladiator fell to the ground and didn’t get up. Yorn crossed the arena and finished the job by slamming his sword down upon the alien’s head.

  The ceremonial horns were blown. The fight was over. The slaves rushed across the arena, carrying the dead body of the other gladiator away. Yorn was left. He dropped his blade to the ground, shucking what little scraps of armor he had covering his body. Before Gage could rush over there to protect him, he was standing naked and defiant before the Elite. Sickened and repulsed by what was about to happen, he vowed not to watch. Hunter pulled at his arm just as one of the Elite brought a sword up under his neck. He would be killed before he would be taken. Gage couldn’t stand the idea of watching his alien lover die this way.

  “We need to go if we’re going to catch this lightning storm,” Hunter said.

  Gage knew he had to go now before the storm stopped. If they missed this one, it would be weeks before the next one hit the area. If Yorn died, there wouldn’t be anyone but Kelin to protect him, and Gage wasn’t certain that Kelin could be trusted. That thought had Gage pulling away from the viewing area. The Elite crossed the arena, preparing to take Yorn. They dropped their garments to the ground. Tears rushed through Gage’s eyes. He couldn’t watch as they took him.