Clan and Commit (Clan Beginnings Book 7)

by Tracy St. John

  Chapter Twelve

  With Japohn’s presence as their third established, the trio made a point to get all the enjoyment they could out of their vacation. Dantovon’s lax laws on crimes not related to money and profit made it a favorite spot for Kalquorians on the run from their own enforcement. As a bounty hunter of such people, Japohn was familiar with the planet, particularly its capital city Ler. With him acting as tour guide, Bacoj and Vax were able to visit interesting spots and enjoy diversions they’d have never found on their own.

  As the day wore on, Bacoj had to admit the Nobek made the trip far more delightful than if he hadn’t been along, at least from a tourist perspective. Japohn was a genuinely good guy. Maybe even a great guy. However, he was intimidating too, and not simply because he was a Nobek warrior.

  Bacoj’s impression that Japohn possessed a fair amount of experience and confidence hadn’t been misplaced. The Nobek had no problem assuming responsibility for them…responsibility that should have belonged to Bacoj as the Dramok of the group. However, Bacoj was younger by seven years. He felt naïve compared to Japohn, who’d traveled extensively to dozens of worlds. His lack of knowledge no doubt made him appear foolish, so he was afraid to voice his opinions.

  It didn’t help that the instant Bacoj wavered on what they should do next, Japohn swooped in with his opinion. In a matter of seconds, the opinion became an imperative. Bacoj and Vax had to check out a particular club, they had to check out the arena with its top-notch fighters, they had to meet the exotic sex divas of a specific brothel.

  Deep inside, Bacoj knew Japohn was only looking to impress them. He was eager to capitalize on his expertise of the best places where his new friends would have fun. Yet as the Nobek’s assurance grew, he consulted with Bacoj less and less and began to direct their activities as a matter of course.

  Bacoj chafed at his own inability to lead. However, Vax was obviously having the time of his life with Japohn in command. After having Karil’s knife at his throat, the Imdiko was due a fantastic holiday. How could Bacoj stand in the way of that?

  It’s only for a few days, he reminded himself. Though his plans to cement his relationship with Vax on Dantovon weren’t working out as he’d hoped, they’d still be together during the war, and Japohn would be elsewhere.

  The thought of the Nobek off on his own, daring his life to infiltrate enemy sites with no friendly faces for miles around, gave Bacoj a twinge of guilt. Why was he taking out his insecurities on the guy who’d saved Vax’s life? He owed Japohn, and all he could think about was how jealous he was of him.

  Determined to stop being a jerk, Bacoj smiled and agreed to whatever Japohn had in mind for their stay. He only argued when the dinner hour rolled around and Japohn insisted the meal was on him.

  “It would be just my luck that I talk this place up and they screw up our orders and you hate it,” the Nobek argued. “Since I’m pushing for us to eat at this bar, I’ll pay. It’s only fair.”

  His argument made too much sense for Bacoj to debate the matter for long. Yet again, Japohn got his way.

  Bacoj tried to comfort his growing concerns with the fact that the bar Japohn brought them to was far nicer than he’d anticipated. The décor leaned heavily toward sports, particularly shuttle racing. Vids lined up along the walls, showing races throughout the system, including the most prestigious championships. Odds for those who wished to bet were constantly updated as the latest heats readied to commence. The low piped-in music did little to cover the groans and laughter of those who lost and won wagers.

  The menu featured favorite dishes of famous pilots, past and present. The table tops were made of shuttlebody panels, and the long bar in the middle of the space had mementos under clear molding.

  Bacoj enjoyed watching shuttle races, had even toyed with the idea of training to pilot in them. The high mortality rate kept him from acting on the notion—in some leagues, it was perfectly legal to cause opponents to crash. His mother would have had a stroke if Bacoj had decided to pursue such a career.

  As he took in the surroundings, Bacoj noted how Japohn sat with his back to the corner, where he’d requested they sit. He appeared relaxed, smiling as Vax scanned the upcoming races and stats and quizzed Bacoj on which pilots were liable to win. However, Japohn’s gaze constantly swept the room, and he nursed a glass of kloq in the time Vax downed two orders of bohut. Perhaps Japohn’s interest was chiefly in attracting clanmates, but he was taking his bodyguard duties seriously. Bacoj couldn’t deny the Imdiko was secure under Japohn’s watch.

  As if hearing Bacoj’s thoughts, Japohn twitched a nod at him. “Relax. Enjoy yourselves. You have nothing to worry about.”

  Vax was certainly indulging in having a battle-ready Nobek at his side. He gave up on bohut by the glass and ordered an entire bottle, telling Japohn, “You’re not paying for the booze. Dinner is fine, but I’m in the mood to indulge myself in a little drunkenness, so that’s on me.”

  He started placing small bets on the races. Bacoj was more than willing for Vax to let loose after nearly being murdered that morning. He kept an eye on his lover’s gambling, but even when the Imdiko’s eyes turned glassy and his words began to slur, he kept breaking even. His grin was constant, and it was obvious he was having a great evening.

  Their food arrived, and again, Bacoj was impressed with the fare. He and Japohn were laughing more and more as Vax got tipsier. At one point, Vax looked at him worriedly.

  “Am I being stupid? Are you irritated with me?”

  “Not at all. Have fun.” Bacoj chuckled as Vax planted a bohut-scented kiss on his cheek.

  “I’m glad you like this place,” Japohn said as Vax started scrolling through pilot stats again.

  “I have to say, it beats being holed up at the inn. Or heading home to Kalquor.” Bacoj tipped his glass toward the Nobek. “You saved our lives and then our vacation. I still wish you would let me pay for dinner.”

  “I understand, but the answer is no. I’m curious, Bacoj—and I mean no disrespect when I ask this question. How do Dramoks cope when they’re around other Dramoks? Who runs the show then? Or does nothing get done because you’re all so busy arguing with each other?”

  Bacoj had to laugh at that. “We find out who can out-Dramok the rest, I suppose, if rank doesn’t decide.”

  “Ah, rank. Of course. The elusive status that Kalquorians chase as much as Imdikos and female clanmates. Do you think we ever attain enough rank and accolades to be happy? Or are we doomed to pursue it for the rest of our lives, reaching for the next level of superiority?”

  Bacoj gazed at him with surprise. The big lug was a philosopher under all those muscles and that fierce countenance. “I don’t know. I would hope to be content with my accomplishments, once I have a few. Money and accolades are nice, don’t get me wrong, but to do something worthwhile—that’s what I’d prefer to aim for.”

  Japohn smiled, becoming impossibly handsome again. “I agree. I appreciate being told I’m an excellent bounty hunter, but the real pleasure comes from taking dangerous men out of society.”

  “What happened to cracking skulls for the joy of it?” Bacoj teased.

  “Yeah, that’s definitely a perk. Plus I’m paid to do it. Who needs rank when you’ve got that going for you?”

  They laughed and clinked their glasses together. Bacoj eyed the other man with new appreciation.

  He liked Japohn. Perhaps their personalities didn’t mesh easily, but the man had great qualities.

  Vax groaned. “That’s the second time I’ve lost. Maybe I should quit. Any favorites on this race, Bacoj?”

  The Dramok studied the list of pilots on the readout. “Nobek Seher is flying this round. Not a lot of competition for someone of his caliber.”

  “He’s the heavy favorite. His win won’t pay out much. Just enough to put me a little ahead.”

  “Go for it.”

  “Okay. Then I’ll stop.”

  When Seher won, Bacoj and Japohn applauded Vax
’s good fortune. His face flushed with drink, Vax immediately recanted his decision to stop betting.

  Bacoj tried to reason with him. “These next several races will be tight. You’ll hate yourself in the morning if you continue to make wagers.”

  “But I’m ahead. I have room to make a mistake or two.”

  “Enough, Vax. I’m not letting you do something you’ll regret.”

  Taking up Bacoj’s cause, Japohn blocked the Imdiko from using the betting machine, snickering as he fended off Vax’s playful swats. At last Vax gave up, sulking.

  “Ganging up on me. Not nice.”

  Bacoj couldn’t help but hug him. “You’re adorable when you pout. Look at that lower lip sticking out for a mile.”

  Vax shoved at him. “Stop making fun. This is serious. I’m not adorable, I’m grouchy. Am I cute right now, Japohn?”

  “Ridiculously so. There should be a law against how precious a man can be, especially when he’s angry.”

  “I am angry. You stopped me from what I want to do.” Vax crossed his arms over his chest, but his grumpy demeanor was in danger of being ousted by the smile that pulled at his lips. He enjoyed being fussed over.

  “Aw, don’t be mad, sweet Imdiko.” Bacoj nuzzled his neck.

  Vax nuzzled back. He whispered in Bacoj’s ear, “I’m not really mad. I like our bodyguard.”

  “I can tell.”

  “I mean, I like him, Bacoj. Don’t you think he’s hot? So huge and muscle-y. Imagine him naked. I know I am.” Vax’s mischievous grin spoke volumes of what he was contemplating.

  Bacoj glanced at Japohn to see if he’d heard. The Nobek wasn’t looking at them, but his face had reddened significantly. Bacoj choked off a laugh at the other man’s embarrassment.

  Vax snuggled hard against him. He made no pretense at subtlety as he tried to persuade Bacoj to give him what he desired. “Let’s take him back to the inn with us.”

  The Dramok, enjoying Vax’s attempts to convince him, along with Japohn’s discomfort, pretended innocence. “Of course. He’s staying there anyway. We’ll no doubt encounter him at breakfast too.”

  “Nooo, Bacoj. I want to take him to our room. Don’t you have an urge to wallow all over all that Nobek and discover if he’s big everywhere?” In his drunken state, Vax’s voice rose loud enough for half the bar to hear. Many heads turned in their direction. Japohn, who was sipping his kloq, choked.

  Bacoj couldn’t hold off the laughter any longer. “Oh, what the hell. You can invite him spend the night with us.”

  Vax kissed him passionately in gratitude. Japohn appeared simultaneously elated and as if he wished to hide under their table.

  * * * *

  Japohn stepped into a room similar to his own, except for the sizable sunken tub in one corner. He could hardly believe his incredible fortune. He was spending the night with a Dramok and Imdiko. An almost-clan. Him, of all Nobeks.

  Perhaps he shouldn’t have been so surprised. After all, Vax was tipsy, if not outright drunk. The Imdiko’s powers of rational decision-making were suspect.

  Bacoj hadn’t had much to drink though. Not only that, Japohn had sensed him keeping his distance all day. Bacoj had eyed him with a wariness that told Japohn his scant hope of making an impression was more akin to no hope. Yet the Dramok had readily agreed to Vax’s wish for the three of them to spend the night together.

  He’s just indulging Vax. He adores the guy—rightly so. If it were me, I’d say yes to just about anything to make Vax happy.

  Japohn had waited for Bacoj to second-guess the decision, and he feared the worst as the Dramok sidled close to him while Vax moved further into the room ahead of them.

  “I have a warning for you, Nobek.”

  Here it was. Bacoj would tell him not to make anything of the coming tryst, because he wasn’t the Nobek for them. Japohn struggled to keep his expression impassive as the other man whispered in his ear.

  “Vax will pretend to hand you control, but he’ll actually try to call the shots. Don’t be fooled.”

  “He will?” It wasn’t at all what Japohn was expecting Bacoj to say, and he spoke louder than he should have.

  Vax turned to them as he opened a drawer in the wall. “What’re you two talking about?”

  “Who Japohn would have bet on in the next race.” Bacoj grinned, as if he weren’t lying his ass off. “I shared some inside intel on the pilot he chose.”

  “Oh?”

  “It turns out I would have lost that wager.” Japohn played innocent, following the Dramok’s lead.

  “Me too. It’s a good thing you guys didn’t let me bet. Let me see what kind of fun toys a big, tough Nobek might prefer.” Vax rummaged, his attention on whatever was in the drawer.

  Bacoj snickered behind his hand. He whispered to Japohn again. “Let’s put that Imdiko in his place. As our guest, you have first choice.”

  Guest. Japohn wasn’t enthralled with the word that indicated the coming few hours amounted to no more than a one-night stand—but at least he would get the night.

  It’s more than I had any right to hope for. And who knows? Maybe, if I play my cards right, it could last the rest of the vacation. He didn’t dare think beyond that.

  Vax held up a feather the length of his arm. “I wonder if Nobeks are ticklish? Oh, and here’s some nellus-flavored lubricant. Yummy. I wouldn’t mind a taste of that.”

  The idea of Vax licking certain areas of his body was delightful, but Japohn was wise to his ploy to run the show, thanks to Bacoj. He exchanged a smirk with the Dramok before walking over to Vax and the open drawer.

  “That does sound nice. What other party favors are you hiding in there, Imdiko?” He took a long wooden paddle out. “Nice. Oh, and I like the idea of this butt plug inside you too. Hovercuffs. Now we’re talking. And instead of the flavored nonsense, let’s try some of this sensitizing gel?”

  “He’s had experience with that. He says the pleasure is excruciating,” Bacoj offered helpfully.

  “Then we must let him enjoy it again.”

  Japohn was delighted with how wide Vax’s eyes were, the tremor that ran through his body. The crotch of his trousers had grown an obvious lump. The Imdiko wore the most curious expression Japohn had ever seen—anxiety, coupled with obvious desire. That odd mixture sent a bolt of heat into the Nobek’s cocks.

  Vax shot a look of mute supplication at Bacoj. The Dramok joined them, gazing at what Japohn held.

  “That’s a start. These too? I’ve never used the vibrating version of these before.” He drew out fur-covered gloves.

  Japohn pretended his heart wasn’t racing with anticipation, though his cocks were standing at attention. They drew his trousers taut, leaving no doubt about his level of excitement. “Excellent choice. Undress and crawl up on that sleeping mat, Imdiko. We’ll start with discipline, so put your ass in the air.”

  Vax hadn’t been surprised that Japohn might prefer to play rough with him despite the offer for oral pleasuring. What he hadn’t expected was that Bacoj would team up with their bodyguard. Didn’t Dramoks and Nobeks usually wrestle for sexual dominance? He stared at the two men in surprise, noting their expectant grins as they scrutinized him up and down, carnivores eyeing prey.

  Concern unfurled in his gut, joining the arousal making him hard and wet. It mixed into a fretful hunger. Things could become intense with an imposing Nobek and demanding Dramok. Vax wasn’t sure if he could handle what he suspected would be the most extreme encounter of his young life.

  Japohn blinked, as if Vax had done something to surprise him. “Does your lover often need to be spoken to twice, Dramok?”

  “It happens on occasion. I’ll chalk it up to the amount of drinking he did. Try again. If Vax hesitates this time, the discipline will be for punishment instead of play.” Bacoj leered at him.

  “All right. Vax, clothes off and assume the position.”

  Vax’s disquiet spiked. He had no chance against Japohn, at least not physically. Bacoj was a
ll too familiar with his tricks, and his smirk said he’d warn the Nobek if Vax tried any of those.

  Nervous—but incredibly aroused all the same—Vax undressed. Japohn’s avid stare left him feeling weak and vulnerable. And excited. The Nobek’s eager gaze, taking in his nakedness, was almost physical in its intensity. The spicy scent of his and Bacoj’s arousal was thick on the air.

  They followed Vax to the mat, where he climbed up on all fours. He folded his arms on the surface to pillow his head and peeked over his shoulder at Japohn.

  The Nobek stared at his ass, licking his lips. Again, Vax had the impression of a predator readying for the kill. He jumped when Japohn caressed first one cheek of his buttocks, then the other.

  “Spread your legs wider. Let me have a look at that tight hole.”

  The growly voice sent a surge of exhilaration into Vax’s shafts. His breath quickening, he obeyed. Japohn’s calloused thumb traced his entrance, making him clench involuntarily. The Nobek and Bacoj chuckled at the reaction.

  “He’s a bit keyed up, isn’t he?”

  “You’re intimidating. Judging from his erections, he likes that.”

  Vax shivered as he watched Japohn squirt sensitizing gel on the butt plug he’d chosen. He groaned but held still as the Nobek slid it into him. The gel worked fast, and Vax whimpered as the thick bulge at the base pushed past the taut ring of muscle guarding his hole. Japohn seated it within him, and Vax bit his lip. The plug’s girth was on par with some of the men he’d been with in the past. He was achingly full.

  “Good boy,” Japohn said. “Let’s put these cuffs on now.”

  The flexible silver rings were placed around his wrists and ankles. He was allowed to fold his arms under his head again. After pushing Vax’s knees a few inches farther apart, Japohn ordered, “Cuffs, freeze subject in place.”

  Vax pulled experimentally at the restraints. His ankles and wrists were stuck, as if the cuffs were embedded in stone. He couldn’t escape whatever Japohn and Bacoj decided to do with him.