Clan and Commit (Clan Beginnings Book 7)

by Tracy St. John

  The Nobek made an effort to appear more pleasant, and the waiter left his selection of plates before hurrying away, hop-crawling on long, thin limbs.

  Japohn dug in. What the inn lacked in appearance and location, it remedied in the kitchen. With an appetite to match his size, Japohn soon polished off round one of breakfast and signaled for the next.

  As another steaming tray of mostly meats arrived, he noticed a pair of Kalquorians entering the dining room. His gaze followed them as they chose a table on the other end of the room.

  They were younger than him. He wasn’t that old himself, but he’d been out of training camp for over a decade. Nobeks tended to mature faster than the other breeds—at least, that was Japohn’s opinion—so the fresh faces of the other two Kalquorians gave them an almost juvenile aspect.

  One was obviously an Imdiko, and adorable to boot. His smile was pure innocence that caused Japohn to smile too. He was pretty sure the other fellow was a Dramok. A handsome fellow. Both were in the prime of life, their expressions belonging to those who’d not encountered too many world-shaking disappointments yet.

  They huddled at their table after putting in their orders, talking and laughing with an intimacy that woke an ache in the Nobek’s chest. They were definitely lovers. Possibly clanmates, since Imdikos didn’t tend to remain unattached long into adulthood.

  Japohn chewed his food absently, observing the happy couple with envy. If life had been different—if he had been different—he could have hoped to attract the good fortune they’d found with each other. Clan. Family. Love.

  I hope you boys appreciate what you appear to have.

  Of course they couldn’t. Most Kalquorians were pack creatures, eager to surround themselves with others. They didn’t know the pain of those whose lots dictated they remain alone. Those like Nobek Japohn, who was forced time and again to anticipate a solitary future because he was driven to do things his way, with a marked inability to compromise.

  He knew his destiny was to remain unclanned. Yet Japohn couldn’t keep from watching the young men and dreaming about what would never be his.

  He was half through his third tray of food—the pair he’d conceived an instant fascination for were finishing their first and probably only plates—when his com went off. He unclipped it from his loaded utility belt. Even when not on a job, Japohn couldn’t stand not having his tools and weapons on hand.

  Except for his percussion blaster. Dantovonian authorities frowned upon anyone roaming their planet armed with anything more lethal than blades. Even when he was on an approved mission that brought him to the otherwise freewheeling world, Japohn was limited in when he could carry such a weapon. Since he wasn’t working, that lovely piece of bedlam was locked tight in his room’s safe. Mother of All save any fool who’d dare to break in and steal it.

  He checked the incoming frequency on his com. A rare grin took over his features.

  His deep rumble of a voice was pitched low when he answered. “Fuck you very much for comming. Allow me to direct you to kissing my ass.”

  Nobek Enforcer Lomek, no doubt still on Kalquor and perhaps sitting at his desk in the precinct, snickered at the greeting. “Shove it in sideways, shithead.”

  “If it’s yours, that would be the only reason I’d notice it’s there.” Japohn laughed quietly.

  The two Kalquorians stood up from their table and left the dining room. He dismissed them from his mind after a brief tug of wistfulness and got down to business.

  “Why are you honoring me with the dulcet tones of your voice, Enforcer Lomek?”

  “First off, congrats on pulling that last guy in. Huna Territory enforcement had been searching for Nobek Gom for six months. Word was Global Security was about to step in and shame the locals.”

  “I live to help enforcement save face.” Japohn tried to sound casual, but pride insisted on sneaking into his tone.

  “You live to make the bounty money. Speaking of which, I have a paycheck for you if you’re not on another case already.”

  Usually, Japohn would have loved to track down whatever criminal Lomek wanted to send him after. However, he was more than delighted to turn the enforcer down that day. “Sorry to disappoint you, old man. I’m taking a well-deserved couple of weeks of vacation before shipping off to war.”

  “No shit. Who’s your commanding officer? I want to send him my condolences when you put him and the rest of your squad in the hospital.”

  Japohn made a rude sound. “My inability to play nicely with others has been taken under careful consideration. They’re placing me in Enemy Infiltration.”

  “Nice. They’ll hand you your assignment and send you off to work independently. Should be a good fit for an ornery cuss such as you.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” More than he could adequately explain. Japohn’s inability to work in a group had kept him out of military service prior to the war. Now it was his ticket in, his chance to at last follow his Nobek father Gir into the ground forces. The tough elder soldier was already fighting through enemy posts in the war, making his family proud.

  It’s finally my turn. By the ancestors, he’d go out there and earn Gir’s—all his parent clan’s—respect in the months ahead.

  Feeling good about himself and life in general, Japohn finished his breakfast and ventured out into the street to see what the day would bring. The sun was bright but not glaring as it would be around midmorning. It was just turning into spring in Ler, so it wasn’t overly hot yet either. In the afternoon, the nearby jungle would swelter. Steam from its dense vegetation would seep as far in as where Japohn was lodged, carrying the choking scent that smelled as green as its source.

  For now, the temporary booths that lined the street early in the morning and during twilight were bustling with food offerings. Light scents of baked goods mixed with the savory aromas of sizzling meats. More delicious smells issued from the various restaurants that dotted among the stores located in the vicinity.

  Alongside quick-grab meals were canopied souvenir booths, which mostly offered cheap wares. Japohn spotted the other two Kalquorians who’d caught his eye in the inn’s dining area. They wandered the souvenir booths, occasionally stopping and discussing whatever trinkets they found interesting.

  Telling himself he should hunt for a gift for his mother’s birthday, though it was still three months in the future, Japohn meandered in the handsome pair’s direction. Why not shop early? It would be difficult to locate a present worthy of Matara Nenap while he was off at war.

  Spare me. You’re playing the lovelorn Nobek, wondering if those delicious men would give you a second glance, if they were to notice you at all.

  Japohn shook his head at his foolishness, but he approached the booths nonetheless. Staying back, so as not to give disappointment a chance to happen. Yet studying them covertly as he scanned the items for sale. He wondered how different life would be if he could get out of his own way when it came to meaningful relationships.

  He couldn’t help but appreciate the Imdiko’s sweet smile. He inwardly applauded the Dramok’s assuredness as he haggled with proprietors. Japohn noted the indulgent attention he favored his companion with.

  That’s right. You make him happy, lucky Dramok. Be grateful you have him.

  Because Japohn was Japohn, a successful bounty hunter recently finished with his latest job, he scanned his surroundings as he moved about, taking in more than the men who’d brought undeniable infatuation to the fore. Inspecting for danger was a natural side effect of his work, even when he had no reason to do so.

  No doubt that was why he quickly homed in on the fourth Kalquorian in the neighborhood. The man was half-hidden behind a building across the street from where Japohn and the lovers perused the sales booths.

  When Japohn noted the other Nobek’s rapt concentration on the twosome, he stepped casually behind a tree, where he could observe the situation. He didn’t question the instinct to do so; Japohn had learned to listen to the hunc
hes that had saved his life more than once. He studied the Nobek who found the oblivious sweethearts as fascinating as Japohn did.

  The man’s appearance screamed junkie. He was underweight to the point of gauntness. Despite the distance that separated them, Japohn detected a tremor running through the guy. His hollowed eyes were wide, and he kept licking his lips.

  A junkie who’d missed his last fix, then. Japohn might have guessed he was scouting for easy marks to rob—and the couple fit that bill—but there were easier targets to steal credits from than a couple of healthy, strong Kalquorians. Especially for someone who appeared as wretched as the Nobek.

  That glittery stare he watched the youngsters with also failed to match up to someone who was desperate for candy money. That was rage. Japohn knew the look well.

  He’s not planning to rob them. What’s his deal?

  As the men moved on, the other Nobek crept after, hiding as much as possible. Japohn considered, wondering if he should call out the stalker. However, the junkie hadn’t done anything to warrant trouble yet. If Japohn confronted him, the other Nobek could easily complain to authorities. Depending on who was on duty, Japohn might have to use a large chunk of his funds to bribe them to let him go—par for the course when it came to dealing with most law enforcement on Dantovon.

  Japohn decided he’d maintain an eye on the situation. Playing secret guardian to a handsome Dramok and Imdiko was as fun as sightseeing. Especially if he had the opportunity to bust some jerk’s head and earn the lovely pair’s respect.

  * * * *

  Karil shadowed Vax and Bacoj, careful to stay out of sight as they leisurely wandered stalls and stores. The young shits played tourists, laughing as if they didn’t have a care in the world. As if Vax hadn’t done the awful things he had.

  How long did they plan to stay? That was the question that kept deviling him. In a couple of days, he’d be strong enough to face them himself. Maybe. Or maybe this was a quick jaunt, and they’d leave the next day. In that case, he’d miss his chance to avenge Huk.

  It was the uncertainty that drove him crazy. Karil had to take advantage of this opportunity he’d been afforded. He was afraid he couldn’t wait for his body to recover enough to take the pair on.

  If he had any sense, Karil would get help to fix the bastard Imdiko. There were thugs on Ler who’d do nasty things for the price of a cheap meal. Yet as addiction’s clamor quieted and his body started to remember its old strength, Karil thought that maybe—if he could catch his quarry unprepared—he could score vengeance in the proper manner, on his own. That would be sweet indeed. He just needed the right opportunity.

  Maybe such a break about to happen. Karil had visited Ler several times in the past, and he knew the section Vax and Bacoj were entering. The oldest part of Ler, it had fallen on hard times as the city’s newer underground center attracted the tourists and more prosperous businesses. As a result, the aging neighborhood had become a hive of lawless activity, where clueless tourists were often beaten and robbed. Sometimes, naïve visitors even lost their lives. Two murdered Kalquorians would be a singular event, but not out of the question.

  Better if he could kill the Dramok and take Vax elsewhere for proper retribution. The vision of having the murdering creep at his mercy made Karil’s long-disinterested cock grow hard with anticipation. However, with honor so close to being recovered, the Nobek was willing to settle for his enemy’s tears as he realized his life was over.

  The prey was journeying ever deeper into the seedy district. The ancestors were smiling on Karil today. He was sure of it. A nasty sneer pulling at his lips, he continued to stalk his targets.

  * * * *

  Bacoj glanced around, uncomfortable with the growing decrepitude of their surroundings. Many of those he could see loitering, mostly Dantovonians, scuttled away at his and Vax’s approach. Others, denizens of several different species, glared with obvious menace until he averted his gaze. Good food smells had been replaced by the stench of rot. The fetid jungle scent was also growing stronger, the wild tangles of growth visible over the roof lines creeping closer as they went on. A couple of abandoned buildings were being reclaimed by nature. A tree dripping vines and moss had erupted through the roof of one. The tents of souvenirs had disappeared, and the few shops that existed showed battered secondhand merchandise in their barred windows.

  Vax avidly checked his handheld as they walked, seemingly unaware of how sordid the setting had become. He was a man on a mission, and the sleazy backdrop was no deterrent to his enthusiastic search for a particular store.

  “How much farther to this shop?” Bacoj asked in an undertone.

  “Up there, at the corner.” Vax glanced at him for an instant, his bright smile almost profane in such an environment. “It would be a miracle to get my hands on arpik and cemir spices. If this guy has them in stock, I’ll be able to perfect my ilicab dish.”

  The real miracle will be if we aren’t robbed of everything down to our fingernails. Bacoj glanced around, his skin crawling. If Vax was wrong and the shop wasn’t where he thought it was, they were getting the hell out of the area as fast as possible. Rare spices weren’t worth this insanity.

  He almost shouted with relief to spot a fellow Kalquorian across the street. He was a big bruiser of a Nobek, who appeared as if he could bench press Bacoj’s shuttle without breaking a sweat. His scowl was less than friendly, but he wore a dignity that made Bacoj think if he heard a scream for help, he’d race to the rescue. He wasn’t looking at Bacoj and Vax, his concentration pointed forward, but it was enough he was within shouting distance.

  Are you sure he’d help you? A brute like that in a place like this probably isn’t searching for arpik or cemir. Hanging out in this neighborhood, the Nobek was liable to be trouble of his own sort.

  It turned out it didn’t matter. Bacoj relaxed when Vax announced, “Here we are.” Best of all, the shop appeared respectable, if aged. Forgetting the huge Kalquorian who might or might not have been salvation in a tight spot, Bacoj followed his friend inside.

  * * * *

  Japohn watched the Nobek addict halt as the pair he’d trailed disappeared into an exotic spices and food shop, first opened when the neighborhood had been far more respectable.

  The worrisome junkie had kept hidden from those he’d trailed, though the Dramok had shown the sense to keep an eye on his surroundings. Junkie or not, the Nobek remembered something of the warrior he was supposed to be, at least where hunting others was concerned. The Dramok hadn’t caught sight of him.

  The other Nobek had not noticed Japohn, however. He hadn’t checked to see if he was being shadowed, killing off any mote of respect the bounty hunter might have had for him. Any warrior worth his breed designation should have been aware of his own vulnerability of being preyed upon while stalking prey. Even now, the idiot wasn’t performing more than a cursory glance at his surroundings. He was far too interested in surveilling the other side of the street to notice Japohn was just around the corner from him.

  Japohn crouched alongside a building, scrutinizing his target with a sick feeling in his gut. Was the other Nobek a loner too? So many with Japohn’s temperament, unable to work in groups, fell into the trap of crime and substance abuse.

  He’d been fortunate in his parent clan, particularly his mother Nenap, a warrior-type in her own right. He silently thanked her, as he had countless times, for making sure his lack of social ability hadn’t put him on a path of self-destruction. He owed her everything he’d become.

  An unwanted stab of pity for the other Nobek, who’d apparently missed out on the support Japohn had enjoyed, was impatiently pushed aside. If the wretch had violence in mind for the men he followed, Japohn couldn’t let empathy stop him from protecting them.

  Chapter Eleven

  Vax realized he was jabbering nonstop as they left the shop, but he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. Not only had he found the spices he’d hoped for, but the ancient Dantovonian who owned the shop h
ad established a business account with him. It would allow Vax to have more rare spices shipped to him on Kalquor at a reduced price. Not being able to use that account for some time due to being away at war wasn’t a problem at all. “When you make your first order, whether in two weeks or two years, I guarantee you’ll receive it at the agreed-upon rate,” the shopkeeper had promised.

  Thinking of the purchases he’d made and how they’d be waiting for him when they returned to the inn, Vax wished he had access to a kitchen on Dantovon. He bubbled with excitement, almost skipping at Bacoj’s side. “Wait until I make you some of these dishes. I’ll be able to perfect them and be among the few chefs who can offer such fare on Kalquor.”

  “I look forward to trying everything.” Bacoj smiled. He was indulgent of Vax’s delight, but he wasn’t condescending. Vax could have kissed him right then and there for not making fun of him.

  It was clear Bacoj wasn’t in the mood for kissing. Despite his warmth toward Vax, his gaze was severe for everyone they passed. It was a questionable part of town to be sure. The Dramok’s obvious protectiveness was endearing to the Imdiko.

  Vax noticed a Dantovonian furtively passing a wrapped packet to an Isetacian. Both were armed with knives, and he had the insight they weren’t trading cookies. There was definitely an element of danger in the area.

  Okay, but we’re minding our own business. Don’t act nosy, and no one will take offense. Getting that spice account was totally worth rubbing elbows with the underbelly of Ler.

  That optimism fled when he felt hot breath on his neck. Something sharp poked painfully against his ribs.

  “What a lovely reunion, Vax. So nice to bump into family.”

  The Imdiko’s heart froze. Bacoj cursed as they both stared at the vicious blade jabbing against him. Karil, smelling as if he’d wallowed in garbage and the nearby jungle, leered at Vax over his shoulder.