The Harvest Young- Bound by Love

by M. A. Church

  Neo commed Hamza, sincerely hoping he answered. Otherwise, matters might get a bit intense.

  Chapter Five – Hamza

  “DABBA.” HAMZA fought back the sudden flood of tears just looking for a chance to escape. “Gods, Dabba, it wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

  Whoever had prepared his dabba’s body had done an excellent job with the chemical preservation. His dabba appeared natural. Like at any moment he would sit up. Smile. Or make a lame joke. Gods, his dabba’s jokes were the absolute worst.

  Hamza sniffed.

  The clothes befitted his station, as was right, but the crown was a reproduction. The real one would soon rest on Hamza’s head, and he wasn’t looking forward to that at all. Dabba always complained about the bulk of the formal one, so the one he wore everyday was lighter.

  But no matter how heavy the weight of ruling a planet wore on him, his dabba always made time for not only Hamza, but also Jolak. If there was something bothering Hamza, his dabba thought nothing of taking time out of his busy unit day and getting to the bottom of it.

  But only in private, behind closed doors, did Dabba allow his true personality to shine through. His never-ending support, patience, and faith in Hamza was part of the reason Hamza developed into the male he was.

  He rested his hand on top of his dabba’s. The skin was so cold, and the natural tan of his skin was fading. Once there was life, and now there was not. Only a shell remained. The male he loved was no longer there.

  Hamza wasn’t overly religious, but thanks to his atat, he did believe in the afterlife. Death had come too soon. Hamza was supposed to have years yet with his dabba. Instead, Duran had been cut down, and over the stupidest of reasons. Hamza’s thoughts darkened.

  Those females.

  At his side, his other fist clenched. His tail twitched angrily on the floor, and a growl built in his chest. Muscles tightened then bulked up. The loss of that Ne Reynian battleship was not the fault of the Unity. What had the Bellatrix been carrying to cause such a destructive explosion anyway? He didn’t know, nor did he care.

  “I promise, Dabba, your death will not go unpunished. By the time I’m done, they’ll wish they never moved against Tah’Nar.” He would not be satisfied until their blood dripped from his hands. He wouldn’t stop until nothing of the Ne Reyn remained.

  Hamza’s comm beeped. Unease settled in his gut when Neo’s name flashed up. “What’s wrong?”

  “Thank the gods the comms seem to be functioning better now,” Neo breathed. “Jolak is awake—and I have no idea how considering the strength of the sedative I gave him—and wishes to see Duran. Is he ready for viewing? I hope so, because Jolak isn’t going to take no for an answer.”

  Hamza’s gaze cut to the glass casket. “He is. Neo? I thought he’d sleep all night.”

  “So had I, but he didn’t. So…?”

  “Inform him I’m on my way.” Hamza strode toward the door. He’d said what he needed to say, after all. His promise had been made. Now it was time to carry it through. “I’m leaving now. Do not let Atat leave, if you can.”

  “Why? Is there something else going on? Are there still females—”

  “No, no, nothing like that.” Hamza nodded to the guards outside the room where his dabba lay. “I’ve been informed there’s extensive structural damage, making parts of the palace unsafe. Clean up has started, according to Keyno, but I have no idea if Atat even knows how dreadful things are. I’m sure his sole focus has been on Duran.”

  “Then you better get here in the next ten unit minutes, love. He’s impatient.”

  “I will. Love you.”

  “And I love you.”

  With a silent goodbye to his dabba, Hamza hurried to the room where his atat and Neo were staying. He prepared himself, burying his emotions. So much rested on his shoulders now, and he simply didn’t have time to get bogged down with grief.

  The guards bowed their heads at his arrival. A moment later the door slid open, and there Neo was. Those damn emotions he shoved down tried to bubble up once more. Never had he been so glad to see Neo.

  Neo grabbed him by the hand and pulled him across the threshold. He planted a quick kiss on Hamza’s lips. The warmth of Neo’s body chased away the chill that seemed to have set up permanent residence in his bones. Then Neo stepped away, and Hamza barely caught himself from pulling Neo back. John, Laken, and Kia hesitantly approached, each bowing their heads like the guards.

  Jolak came out of his room. Seeing Hamza, he crossed the floor, his stride purposeful. Briefly he wondered at his atat’s control, especially since Hamza was barely holding on by his fingernails. Then his atat was close enough for Hamza to see the raging pain in Jolak’s eyes. Once more those nasty little emotions tried to revolt and take over.

  Jolak hugged Hamza and stepped back. “Is everything prepared?”

  “It is. Shall we go?”

  Jolak nodded, and everyone followed him out into the hallway, the guards falling in behind. It was a somber group who made their way toward his dabba’s final resting place.

  THE NEXT unit hour passed in a blur. Jolak never left the coffin, speaking quietly to Duran. John, Laken, and Kia huddled off to the side, giving Jolak plenty of space. Every time his gaze wandered toward Kia and Laken, he dragged it away from them. Why did they have to look so Ne Reynian?

  He kept reminding himself they couldn’t help that part of their heritage was Ne Reynian, that they also had Tah’Narian DNA. They couldn’t help the color of their skin, or the color of their eyes, or that they had gills and could breathe under water.

  Jolak turned, leaving the casket. “I’m ready to go now.”

  The trip back was just as quiet. John, Laken, and Kia said their goodbyes and left. Jolak, shoulders drooping, ordered a tray and retired to his room. Hamza wanted to spend time with him, but the exhaustion in Jolak’s eyes was hard to miss.

  “He looked so drained.”

  Neo moved to the kitchen area and ordered final meal. “The fact he was even on his feet is a minor miracle. I imagine the sedative finally overwhelmed his desire to see Duran and has kicked back in. Hopefully he’ll rest until morning.” There was a humming noise and a flash of light signifying the food was ready. He moved the plates onto the small dining table. “Come eat, love.”

  Hamza sat, exhaustion weighing heavily. “I’m not really hungry.”

  “I know, but… try? Just a little. Please?”

  Hamza picked at the meat. “I want to thank you, again, for staying with Jolak. And I’m sorry for sticking that on you. I’m sure you were concerned about your dabba and dad too, and I—”

  “I was, yes, but Dad came by.” Neo cut into the meat he’d chosen for their meal. “It’s fine, Hamza. But I need you to not shut me out. This is hard, I know.” He gripped his knife. “Actually, I don’t know. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but please, let me help you. I’m your mate, and I will always be here for you, but you have to let me.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry.” Hamza forced down the food. “This was so fucking unnecessary.” He tossed his eating utensils down. “And I can’t eat anymore. It’s sitting like a stone in my stomach.”

  Neo pushed up from the table. “Then don’t. Go take a shower, then let’s go to bed.”

  “Yeah.” His clothes were still covered in soot. “I stink.” He considered Neo as he got to his feet. “You already have, I take it?”

  “I showered while I was watching Jolak.” Neo came around the table and took Hamza’s hand. He led him to the small bathroom. “Go on. And make the water as hot as you can stand it. That’ll relieve the tension. Afterwards, I’ll give you a massage. Maybe that’ll help you relax enough to sleep.”

  “That sounds really wonderful.” He needed Neo’s hands on him, badly. Maybe that would help ground him, because right now? He was floating free, cut off and unanchored. “Be right back.”

  “Take your time. Seriously. Just try to leave everything at the bathroom door and le
t your mind rest. Can you do that for me?”

  “I’ll try.” Hamza stumbled into the bathroom, stripped, and dropped his clothes in the garment reprocessor.

  Turning on the shower, he stepped inside. The force pounding against his back was relaxing, but the need to get clean was more important. Quickly he washed his hair, rinsed it, then cleaned his body. Steam rose from the heat, obscuring everything beyond the glass walls surrounding him.

  His mind jumped from one subject to another, unable to stay on any one thought. He leaned his head against the tile wall and tried to clear his mind, but his brain refused to cooperate. His body ached with weariness, but he couldn’t rest. Disgusted, he shut the water off and stepped onto the drying mat. Grabbing a towel, he dried off and wrapped it around his waist.

  He wiped the condensation off the mirror and studied his face. There were slight shadows under his eyes, and his skin had a sallow tint. Even his eyes appeared dull. Sighing, he opened the door and shuffled into the bedroom. A few crystals glowed softly, and the bed was turned down, but Neo had a large sheet spread out over it.

  “Come here.”

  Hamza admired the short robe Neo had changed into. It shimmered in the soft light. A shiver danced across his skin as he stepped toward the bed.

  “Take the towel off, and lie on your stomach, please.”

  A purr rumbled in his chest. He loved it when Neo took command. He stripped, letting the towel drop at his feet, and climbed onto the sheet, lying on his stomach. Crossing his arms, he rested his head against them.

  “Nope, hands by your sides.”

  Hamza unwound his arms.

  “Good.”

  There was a snick, and a light scent filled the room. The bed sank as Neo climbed on and then straddled Hamza’s hips, carefully moving Hamza’s tail out of the way. Naked warm skin touched his, and Hamza groaned. Neo wasn’t wearing anything under that short, sexy robe.

  “This is massage oil.” Neo spread silken wetness across Hamza’s shoulders and down his back. “You won’t be able to smell any lingering traces of it tomorrow morning, but it’ll leave your skin soft.”

  Hamza grunted. Whatever the stuff was, Neo had warmed it before slathering it over his back.

  Neo slid his hands, parallel to each other, down Hamza’s spine, massaging all the way down to his lower back. His tail jerked when Neo smoothed the oil over it too. His breath caught when Neo moved, his robe brushing against Hamza’s hips. Chill bumps popped up as coolness glided against his heated skin.

  His cock perked up, taking an interest.

  The chaotic mess in his head started to quieten as Neo worked his way back up. He paused, then moved Hamza’s hair out of the way, leaned over, and kissed Hamza’s cheek. The sweet gesture made his eyes burn as they suddenly watered.

  Neo straightened and his hands dug into the muscles in Hamza’s neck. He wasn’t being gentle, either. Hamza groaned as his body fought relaxing, but he closed his eyes, letting Neo’s touch calm him.

  Soft grunts escaped as Neo worked him. It hurt as Neo focused on the knots, but when the tension fled, Neo gentled his touch. The headache he didn’t realize was lurking, just waiting to pounce, retreated.

  Neo shifted his weight, leaning over a bit. Hamza bit back a rumbling growl as a hard length skimmed across his ass cheeks. That certainly got his attention. Sparks of pleasure raced through him.

  Neo’s hands continued their magic, massaging one shoulder, then going all the way down to the fingertips. He relaxed into the bedding as Neo moved above him. Gods, that felt good. He drifted as Neo worked, his mind empty finally, even if his cock was confused.

  Peacefulness stole over him. Then Neo scooted down. There was another snick, and lassitude vanished as Neo’s hands gripped Hamza’s ass, spreading the oil and rubbing it into his skin. Some dripped down, the wetness slicking his hole. His cock was suddenly back in the game. Neo kneaded the muscles, working them hard and occasionally spreading his cheeks.

  “Mmm. Such a pretty little hole.”

  His tail snapped up, making his butt tighten. He squirmed, trying to move his dick to a more comfortable position, making his tail wave wildly.

  Lovingly, Neo grabbed the inquisitive thing, kissed it, then moved it out of the way. “Easy there.”

  Hamza didn’t want easy. Fuck that. He wanted hard, and fast, and desperate. His hair moved against his back, tickling his naked skin.

  Neo abandoned Hamza’s ass and moved off Hamza’s legs, settling against him. Hamza finally let the growl out that was lurking. The sound reverberated through the room. He wanted Neo to fuck him, fuck him so hard he couldn’t remember his own name, much less anything else.

  He jerked his arms up and pressed them against the bed. By the gods, he needed Neo to—he collapsed back onto the bed when Neo massaged the skin at the base of his tail. His ass went up, his cock leaked, and he purred, his tail swaying again.

  “Fuck me,” Hamza demanded, spreading his legs. “I need you in me. Now!”

  “So demanding.” Neo nipped Hamza’s ass cheek with his sharp canines, then dragged his scratchy tongue over the small hurt.

  The soft humming pleasure exploded into mind-melting desire as Neo moved between his spread legs. Hamza whined when a slick finger rubbed across his opening. Neo teased him, touching and spreading the oil, but not entering him.

  He was ready to lose his mind, and Neo was just getting started. His ability to control his raging need always surprised Hamza. When Neo topped, he was relentless. Neo’s sole purpose was to destroy Hamza with pleasure.

  “Neo, please. I need you.”

  Neo tapped Hamza’s ass. “Show me what I want to see.”

  Hamza pulled up onto his knees and spread his legs, his tail quivering off to the side.

  Neo hummed. “Nice.” He eased a digit inside.

  Yes. That was what he wanted. He pushed back, taking it farther inside. It felt great, but he needed more. Could Neo sense how desperate he was to lose himself? Maybe so, since he added another. It burned, and Hamza chased the feeling. He needed that slight bit of pain. His cock jerked below him. Feeling wanton, he arched his back as Neo gently moved his two fingers in and out until Hamza relaxed enough.

  Then Neo thrust deeply, twisting and turning, hunting for his hot spot. He yowled when Neo’s fingers nailed it. Neo’s alluring citrusy scent surrounded them, and Hamza’s purr echoed throughout the room. He whined at the abrupt emptiness as Neo’s fingers slid out, but three well-lubed fingers drove sharply back inside his hole. His toes curled at the burn, and his head drooped, his hair pooling on the bed.

  “Wait,” Neo warned. Neo’s fingers tagged his hot spot ruthlessly. “Not yet, love.”

  “But I need to come.”

  “Soon. But not until I’m in you.” Neo slid his fingers free. “I’m going to—” His weight shifted, and the bed bounced slightly. Neo gave a low moan. “There. I’m wet enough.”

  Hamza knew exactly what Neo was doing, and his mind conjured all sorts of interesting images. “You sure you’re—”

  “I’m sure!” Neo shifted forward and leaned over Hamza’s back.

  The warm weight of Neo against his back sent his desire spiraling. Neo’s wet cock brushed against his ass.

  Neo nipped at Hamza’s neck. “Do it.”

  Hamza’s tail whipped around Neo, searching. Neo grabbed Hamza’s tail and helped guide it to where they both wanted it to go. Finally, Hamza found what he was searching for and prodded at Neo’s hole. He kept the pressure up until he slid into Neo’s ass with one long thrust, making sure to rub against Neo’s prostate.

  “Ah, gods, yes. That’s it.” Neo slid his cock up and down Hamza’s ass then caught on the edge of Hamza’s rim. Neo grasped Hamza’s hips and pushed inside him. “Fuck me while I fuck you.”

  Hamza was barely able to concentrate as he was filled, was barely able to keep his tail moving inside Neo, as Neo slammed into him over and over. The only thing that mattered was the slap of skin agains
t skin, the combined scent of their desire. His heart pounded, and sweat dripped off his face. This. This was what he needed.

  “Your scent. Gods have mercy, I love it. Makes me nuts. Makes me want to….” Neo tightened his grip on Hamza’s hips. “Mine. All of you. Mine.”

  Hamza grunted as Neo set a pace that would quickly bring them over the edge. His thrusts were fast, hitting Hamza’s hot spot every time. His hair writhed on his back. Then Neo reached around and rested his hand on Hamza’s lower abdomen. He pushed gently. The pressure was just the right amount, along with the hard thrusts. Waves of prickling heat rolled over Hamza’s skin. Neo’s hips snapped, driving him deeper.

  Hamza rumbled.

  “Yeah, yeah, that’s it. Fuck, that’s good. I’m going to, going to….” Neo swore. “Come with me love.” Neo wrapped a hand around the base of Hamza’s tail and squeezed.

  Hamza’s vision whited out, and his body took over, following Neo’s command. He exploded with a hoarse grunt. Pleasure ripped through him, and his come splashed on the sheet under him. A harsh yowl tore from his throat as Neo pushed inside deeply once more. Hamza held himself still as Neo came, his barb unsheathing and biting into Hamza.

  The sting was delicious.

  “Fuck, I can feel your barb.” Hamza quaked from the slight ‘nip’ as it engaged.

  Shuddering, Neo eased his weight onto Hamza. “Good gods.”

  Arms shaking, Hamza lowered them to the bed. Neo’s weight pinned Hamza below him, but he felt good. Safe. He eased his tail out of Neo.

  “Ah, fuck,” Neo purred. “So good, love. I love feeling you in me while I’m in you.”

  Hamza sighed into the pillow under his head. Neo held him so carefully. Contentment spread through him. His eyes closed, and he jumped slightly when Neo’s barb released. Sleep crept closer. Mind finally quiet, he gave in to it.

  “Roll over, will you? Just a little. I need to remove that sheet, or one of us will be sleeping in the wet spot. Love?”