“What the?” Jaydon held his head, staring agape when the King let go of the moaning and writhing human. Alex saw Jeff’s eyes, and they were clouding over by gold like if he was a Changeling.
“Get the Masters and let Jeff fuck all that dose out of them.”
Jaydon opened the door, and the Masters entered, looking at Jeff writhing and moaning under the powerful doses.
“Empower him to his new people. Make him strong,” Elakdon said.
The two blue-eyed blinked. “Yes, Nol.” They then took over Jeff who declared he was going to give them so much pleasure they’d fall apart or go insane from it.
The King came to stand next to Alex, and they watched while Jeff was fucking someone and sucking Jaydon’s cock. “Thought he said he wasn’t hungry.”
“Do you understand what just happened?”
“Your dose is strong enough to cause a breeder to change.”
The King nodded. “I asked you earlier if you wanted to be an Incubus, too. Now that you know that I can turn you, give it more thought. In the meantime, I’ll go see if there’s a Royal still awake to help feed Kaydon.”
“Yes, Nol.”
The King left, and Alex took a seat by Kaydon’s bed on the side that would obscure his view of the Empowering of Jeff. But he couldn’t help but smile at the fact that his friend got his wish. He was becoming an Incubus. It did leave Alex with a difficult question to ponder since the King had asked if Alex wanted to become one, too. He’d thought it was hypothetical. Now he’d better come up with an answer.
Chapter Twenty-three
Someone gently prodded Daniel awake, but his brain wanted nothing to do with the real world. He felt high and buzzed like after the Royal Empowerment and the Royal fuck fest. But he did register that he was in his own bed and that he was no longer sticky. He even recognized the touches and scents of his lovers.
“Did you wash me?”
“Yes, boy. Elakdon is back. He’s here.”
As tired as he was, Daniel managed to pry his eyes open and look at the King. He perched on the edge of the bed, smiling.
“Hello, young King. Your injured Cubi have arrived and are sleeping. We have tended to their needs.”
“I should go see them,” Daniel mumbled, but his body didn’t listen. It didn’t want to move.
“Sleep, young King, your people are sleeping, too. And you certainly look like you need it.” Elakdon grinned like he knew exactly how Daniel had been feeding all night. The bed stirred as the King stood. Seldon wrapped Daniel up in his arms again, and sleep took over in seconds.
No one had been hungry that morning. Well, Daniel wasn’t full, and he barely remembered the feeling from his first days. Once the Royal traits took over, it had all simmered down. But the urge and need to be there for his people had intensified, and Daniel left the Royal Quarters without much thought for anything. He’d put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, raked his fingers through his hair, and brushed his teeth. Halfway to the hospital, he noticed he was still in slippers.
Upon rounding the last corner, Daniel saw a Sire in a white dress shirt and jeans, snugging an ass just right, looking through a stack of papers.
“Sire. Will you show me where the incoming Cubi who were hurt yesterday are?”
The man looked at Daniel a few seconds. Then recognition sparked, and he knelt.
“My eyes are human, aren’t they?”
“Yes, My King.”
“I’m too tired to focus.” Yet Daniel tried. “Now?”
The Sire looked up. “They are beautifully golden, My King.”
Daniel smiled. “Thank you, please rise.”
The Sire did and held out his arm. “The three purple-eyes are in the same room down here since they can all feed somewhat normally. All Royals and their Guard Lords and Ladies are assisting with neutralized doses.”
“And the Viking?”
The Sire stopped and looked at Daniel. Then he smiled. “We keep him heavily sedated, and his human lover is with him.” The Sire looked at his watch. “Actually, we invited him to join the staff for breakfast. Would you like to see the Lords and Lady first or the sleeping Viking?”
“Who’s closest?”
“The Lords and Lady. They, too, are having breakfast.”
Daniel chuckled. “Let’s let them have peace and quiet for that then.”
“My King.” The Sire dipped his head and showed Daniel down the hall. “I shall let you visit in private.”
The Sire left, and Daniel entered the room as quietly as possible. The room was semi-dark, and Daniel could see someone in one of the beds. The other one was empty.
The light turned on, and a gruff voice spoke. “Who are you?”
Daniel jumped and turned to face a green-eye he’d never seen before. He only had one eye—the other was gone, and a scar stretched down that side of his face. Daniel stumbled back.
“Nol-Beaudon,” the green-eye acknowledged and bowed his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you by my…appearance. I know I am not the level of attractive you are accustomed to.”
“That’s not it,” Daniel said, taking in the man. He was no taller than five seven, and even the intact side of his face didn’t make Daniel think he’d ever been the level of beauty the Cubi went for and Changed. “I’m young. I’ve never seen someone hurt like you.” Daniel indicated to the scar. “You just surprised me.”
“Then may I advise the young King to prepare himself before he sees Kaydon Ofbradh up close.”
Daniel half-turned, and with the lights on, he could see more. The room was tempered, and Kaydon wasn’t covered, so Daniel could see the sores. His throat tightened, and his breath grew shallow.
“I thought burn victims were always covered in gauze.” Daniel went closer and around the bed trying to mentally prepare himself for the sight. “At least, that’s what I’ve seen on TV.”
“I’m not a doctor, so I might not be able to explain this properly, but since Cubi heal faster, the discarded skin would mean doctors had to change the gauze by the hour. Especially since Kaydon is cared for by Royal doses every hour.”
Daniel remembered Seldon’s back healing, and he loved that it was once again smooth skin he caressed when making love to the big Incubus. “So he’ll heal fully?”
“My King is hopeful, but it will take time. Fire and deep cuts have never been the friends of Cubi. My King is praying to the gods now.”
Daniel looked at the man and pointed to his scar. “How long have you had that?”
“Since before I was turned by My King. Even the bone underneath is damaged.”
“Wow. By what?” Daniel figured it was none of his business. “I’m sorry for my curiosity.” He turned to go sit next to the bed with his new Incubus in it.
“That’s quite alright, young King. My King holds great respect for your lust for knowledge. I am Randr.”
Daniel smiled at the wording, but the smile didn’t stick as he watched the one lying on the bed. In many ways, he reminded Daniel of Marcadon. From what he could see of Kaydon’s face, he too had that rugged beauty. That badass beauty. But it was difficult to see at the moment, and Daniel longed for the Cubus to be well and stunning again. He briefly wondered why he’d feel it so deeply. Why it was almost a yearning when he’d never met the man before. Maybe it was a Royal thing.
Finally, Daniel reached out to caress uninjured skin, and a small grunt escaped the big man. Daniel removed his hand and looked down the body. A boner was rising. Yeah, no wonder, since the guy couldn’t feed properly. Oh, wow, that was a big boner. Daniel would keep clear not to provoke the hunger further.
“My King.”
Daniel looked at Kaydon’s face, finding his one eye slightly open and looking at Daniel. “Hi, Kaydon. You’re with me now. You’re in the new Great House. I’m going to take good care of you.”
“Thank you, My King. I wished I could be more presentable. You’re as beautiful as he claims.” The good half of Kaydon’s face
gave a small smile.
Daniel wondered who he was. Maybe Elakdon? “Don’t think like that. You showed bravery, and your legend precedes you.”
A goofy grin ghosted across the Incubus’ face before a mask of pain overshadowed it.
“Are you hungry?”
“Constantly, but My—Nol-Elakdon fed me shortly before you arrived.”
Daniel glanced to his side and saw a clock radio. Okay, so that was how a sleeping man told time passing. “My dose is far from strong enough to bring you much relief, but I’ll feed you just the same.”
“Thank you, My King.”
“Now sleep. Get better.”
Kaydon blinked slowly like he was ready to nod off again, so Daniel retreated and left him to his restitution.
“My King said his plans were to see you as soon as you woke up. May I take you to him?”
“Thank you, Randr.” Daniel cast a last glimpse on Kaydon as he followed Randr out the door. Kaydon was close to Elakdon, and he almost said My King about him. Randr didn’t use any other title about him. Elakdon was a King loved by his people, and Daniel hoped he could live up to his people needing him to be someone worthy of the same respect and love.
Daniel followed Randr through the Great House and outside. Daniel remembered Elakdon having pointed the way they walked now and asked if he could have a spot there to call his own.
Long before the spot came into view, Daniel could hear singing. It was nothing like any he’d ever heard, and it sounded so soft. They stopped and watched from a distance, and Daniel felt his body sway to the clear and calm tone. Then it changed, and there was an urgency to it all. It changed again, and Daniel’s heartbeat quickened while he noticed Elakdon’s body language grow almost aggressive. Finally, the King raised shaking hands, and his voice wobbled a bit as the rest was sung in an almost longing tone. Daniel’s very soul vibrated, and his heart squeezed at the clear strength in his voice at the final verse, yet Daniel had no idea what it meant because he didn’t understand the language.
“What’s the song about?”
“He’s trying to win favor of the gods on behalf of Kaydon. He’s composed a hymn to tell them about the strength and honor Kaydon has shown. We’ll be singing this song in praise of his deeds in the future to always remember his bravery.”
Daniel loved that idea, and he figured the emotion’s the singing had brought about meant it was communicated on a deeper level than in any man-made language.
“How does he pray to the gods?”
“Like this, but we don’t pray to our gods the way a Christian would. I mention Christian since I believe you are one?”
“Undecided. I guess it’s a…I’m a Christian by culture, I guess.”
“Ah. May I explain it?” Randr pointed to Elakdon, and Daniel nodded. “My King is not praying for the gods to help Kaydon. He is telling them of his bravery to let the gods know that Kaydon is worthy of their respect.”
“And respect will help?”
“Would you aid someone you don’t respect?”
Daniel contemplated the question. “I guess not.”
“We believe that the gods test us to see if we are worthy of their attention, so we never shy away from conflict, adversity, or battle. Once, Odin threw a man into a storm. Upon surviving it and reaching shore, the man asked the All-Father why he had done it. Odin answered that he did it because the man’s enemies couldn’t swim.”
“That sounds…harsh.”
Randr chuckled. “Said the King, risen to power three eye-colors too early to a rule a Kingdom at war. I’d call that a storm.”
It truly brought out the reality of Daniel’s situation, and the story of Odin, throwing a man into a storm, gave him food for thought. Also, the mentality of having to earn the favors of the gods instead of the pray, and you shall receive he’d been brought up with. Prayers had never worked for him. Not that kind, anyway.
Elakdon stopped singing and put the drum down. He then raised a horn and said something. It also sounded like singing, but not like before. He spilled some of the drink on the ground, too, and Daniel asked Randr why.
“Elakdon shares with vætter. They are the nature spirits. We take from nature, so we must give back to nature, too. It’s to show respect and understanding of the cycle of life.”
Elakdon stepped back and packed his stuff away.
“He is done now. We may advance.”
Daniel followed down the slope to a camp with a small strange looking tent. Elakdon stared at the flames, and he looked…sad, his shoulders slumping. Remembering the expression at the news about who had gotten hurt, Daniel figured the old King needed a friend.
“My King.”
Elakdon turned to look at Randr with a sad smile on his face. Then at Daniel. “Did you see him?”
“Yeah. He’s huge.”
The sadness in the smile was replaced by pride. Elakdon took a deep breath and turned back to stare at the flames. Randr stepped up next to Elakdon, and Daniel followed to stand on the King’s other side. He put an arm around his shoulders and squeezed reassuringly.
“A broadsword.” Elakdon chuckled, shaking his head. “Kaydon defended the club armed with a broadsword.”
Daniel chuckled at the mental image which was way more Hollywood inspired than could have been what really happened.
“He sounds very brave,” Daniel said, wondering if it wasn’t fool hearted or stupidly brave.
“He is. And I’ll remind you of a Royal duty now. You must search among your people to find new Guards. All Kingdoms help in training each other’s Guards.”
Daniel stared at his wise old friend, trying to discern whether there was a hint there. “You know him better than I. Would you have chosen him to be a Guard in your Kingdom.”
Elakdon looked at Daniel. “After all I heard happened? Yes.”
“Then I will choose him to be a Guard because I trust your judgment about a man you’ve known for many years.”
The old King smiled proudly and stood. “I promised you two surprises. One of them is at the hospital.” Elakdon held out his arm, and the three of them returned to the building. As they passed through the doors, Randr camouflaged, and Daniel wondered how many a green-eye could hide from.
Elakdon took Daniel back to the hospital and into Kaydon’s room.
“Should we feed him?” Daniel asked.
“Yes. But I see my surprise to you isn’t in here as I thought.” Elakdon left the room again, and Daniel followed. Suddenly, Elakdon spun and covered Daniel’s eyes. Mumbles and hushes sounded, and Daniel chose to stand still and wait. “This is one of my surprises,” Elakdon finally said and lifted his hand. Nothing. Daniel then noticed someone kneeling in front of him, and he looked down finding Alex smiling nervously up at him.
“Alex!” Daniel hugged him, knocking him onto his ass and he followed down, ending up straddling Alex’s legs, still clutching him close. “I’ve been so worried, but I was told that you and the others were taken through the forest and made it to safety.”
“We did.”
Daniel sat back. “You chose freedom, yet you’re back.”
“I want to belong to you. To serve you.”
Daniel cupped Alex’s face and studied him. He couldn’t understand why Alex had come back if he’d been granted his freedom—he hated being with the Cubi. But the desperation in his blue eyes was heartbreaking, so Daniel leaned in and planted a chaste kiss on his lips. “Welcome back, Alex.”
Alex threw his arms around Daniel and hugged him tightly, a quiet sob escaping him.
“Alex is also Kaydon’s lover,” Elakdon said.
Daniel looked up in surprise, finding Elakdon smiling. He then looked at Alex who looked like he wasn’t willing to talk about it at the moment. It could wait until later, Daniel decided and got up.
“Ah, and surprise number two.” Elakdon pointed, and Daniel turned, finding Sire Jaydon and Jeff coming their way. Daniel mostly knew Jeff, but he remembered Sire Jaydon the day Dan
iel had been taught to appreciate the work he did with his own two hands. But something was different, too. Jeff seemed eager as he sped up, almost dragging a grinning Jaydon behind him by the hand.
They both knelt. “My King.”
“It’s so good to see you both safe and unharmed,” Daniel said, squeezing their shoulders. They stood, and Jeff shuffled his feet. He shivered.
“Again?” Jaydon asked, baffled.
“You’re so beautiful,” Jeff said to Daniel, who grinned.
Elakdon finally sputtered laughter. “Figured they’d help you and me feed Kaydon now.”
“That’s feeding hunger,” Daniel mumbled, taking in the sight and scent of Jeff. “You forced it?”
“Mm-hmm.” Elakdon looked quite pleased with himself. “And by the gods, he can suck a cock!”
“I’ve heard.”
“Would you like to try, My King?” Jeff asked, grinning.
“Sure!” Daniel grabbed Alex’s arm, thinking he’d, of course, join them since it was his lover in that room. But that didn’t make sense since Alex had been so reluctant to feed the Cubi. Why would he hook up with one after being set free? Questions to be answered later.
The others entered the room first, and Elakdon pulled at Jaydon’s clothes which left Jeff struggling to get his newly developing Cubus gland under control. Yeah, no such luck.
“I’ll help feed Kaydon now.” Daniel looked at Alex. “Then I’d like to talk to you.”
“Yes, Nol. And thank you.”
Daniel smiled and went to Jeff who plopped to his knees and went for Daniel’s pants. That was a serious hunger.
Elakdon was already inside Jaydon’s ass, both partially clothed and Jaydon bent over the edge of the vacant bed in the room. “Alex, give this to Beaudon. You can’t come in Jeff’s mouth, come in the vial, then release a dose with it fast and shake it up. We need to feed it to Kaydon orally.”
Natural Beauty (The Cubi Book 5) Page 27
