Even with Vax in the sort of danger that required a bodyguard, Japohn was as close to a perfect life for himself as he could imagine.
Not perfect. Not when it’s temporary.
He frowned. The latest fight had ended a minute before, and the combatants for the next match hadn’t come out yet. He used the opportunity to regard his companions. Sadness chased away the joys of the last few hours. This most wonderful holiday would be over within a few days. Barring a miracle, he’d be alone again all too soon.
Vax caught his contemplation, and his bright face shadowed. “What’s with the gloomy mug? You’ve called every fight correctly.”
“It’s nothing.” Japohn forced a smile, realizing he didn’t do that well.
“It doesn’t appear to be nothing.” On the other side of Vax, Bacoj gazed at him, his stare direct. Unwavering.
Often the Dramok seemed unsure of himself, especially when he offered a mistaken observation and Japohn countered with his greater store of experience. Then there were moments when he wore certainty like a second skin, such as when he’d refused to allow Japohn to pay for their tickets to the fights.
Moments such as now. Bacoj skewered Japohn with a steady scrutiny that wordlessly demanded an answer. It was a silent command the Nobek couldn’t fight against.
Japohn swallowed, hating to admit to his greatest weakness. “I don’t work well with others.”
“As you’ve said.” Vax patted his knee.
“And?” Bacoj made that single word a ruthless interrogation.
“It’s just that after spending the last hours with you two, I wish I could do better. I have no hope of winning clanmates, at least not men like you. I’m trying not to think about it.” Japohn used scanning the crowd as an excuse to escape the Dramok’s stare.
“I’m certain you’d do fine with a clan.” Sweet Vax, who was relentless when it came to lifting everyone’s spirits.
“I’d do everything in my power to keep my clan safe, if I were so lucky.”
“Luck has little to do with proving your worth. You’ve proved it to us. It’s too bad the war will send you where we won’t be.”
Japohn turned to the Imdiko with surprise. “Really? You’d give a man like me that kind of chance?”
“Not a man like you. You.”
Bacoj’s jaw tensed. “It’s early to be thinking along those lines. We’ve known Japohn for all of a day.”
“During which he kept me from getting my throat cut, and you from who can imagine what sort of awful death. Karil wouldn’t have let you off without trying to kill you too.” Vax favored the Dramok with his most adoring smile. “You have to admit, a day isn’t much longer than you and I have been with each other. We three connect well.”
Bacoj’s assuredness showed hints of crumbling. “So far, yeah. But as you said, we’re about to be separated from Japohn. Maybe for months. Who can say what could happen in that amount of time?”
“True. So let’s invite Japohn to look us up after the war and go from there.” Vax snuggled against Bacoj, kissing his cheek, appealing to him with that underhanded sweetness he wielded all too well. “What can it hurt to reconnect later down the line? Remember, this is coming from the guy who was all about career before clan.”
Bacoj’s slight scowl told Japohn he was wise to Vax’s machinations. The Imdiko was pushing him away rather than bringing him around to his point of view.
Japohn would have to expose the bald truth, no matter how clumsily he spoke it, or how humiliating it would be if Bacoj rejected him for it. “Bacoj is right, Vax. It’s early to be discussing any long-term relationship. But I can’t help but think about it.” He hunched, meeting Bacoj’s gaze as he did so, willing him to not find him ridiculous. “I saw you at breakfast yesterday, before your run-in with Karil. I couldn’t stop watching you. It’s as if something in me knew—ah, forget it. I don’t know anything.”
It was too much to tell them after all. Japohn knew exactly what he’d felt the moment he’d seen them—an instant infatuation. The ridiculous but insistent notion that Bacoj and Vax might be all he’d ever wanted in lifelong companions. He’d rushed through his breakfast and the conversation with Lomek so he could leave the inn and catch sight of them on the street.
Vax beamed at him. Imdikos fell in love easily, or so Japohn had been told. If it were up to Vax, they’d all three be well on the path to clanship.
Bacoj, though—the remote cautiousness was firmly in position. He couldn’t be blamed for that reluctance. In his place, Japohn wouldn’t have believed a word of his admission either. Yet it hurt to see Bacoj didn’t feel what Japohn did. With so little time to prove himself, it was doubtful Japohn would convince him of it.
He was astounded when the Dramok released a breath, relaxing a touch. “Courtship is worth considering. We can stay in contact. If we’re all still of a mind to do so, we can get together after the war.”
It was a chance, the most Japohn could ask for. His tone warm with gratitude, he said, “I’d appreciate that. Thank you.”
Bacoj smiled and shrugged. Before any further conversation could happen, the lights lowered, and the announcer stepped in the middle of the fighting circle to introduce the next bout.
The fight got underway, the fighters landing punches and kicks that reverberated in the air. Bacoj had no idea if it was a good match or not. His mind was far from the contest. Vax had made his feelings all too plain when it came to Japohn. The Imdiko felt they owed him a fair shake after what he’d done for them. He was right.
However, it was the astonishing vulnerability the Nobek had just shown that had shaken Bacoj. Japohn’s breed wasn’t famous for spouting emotional pleas. It rendered his all the more profound.
Bacoj admired Japohn. Hell, he really liked Japohn, and not just because he’d saved their asses the day before. As far as potential Nobek clanmates went, Japohn checked off the boxes. He was smart and upright as far as honesty went. He’d been quick to admit his issues when it came to working with others and his fear that would keep him from joining a clan. He’d been a good sport about Bacoj getting the jump on him during sex the night before, even congratulating the young Dramok on his ruse.
Bacoj had to admit it was his insecurities as a future clan leader that gave him pause. Especially when it came to someone as assertive as Japohn. Would such a Nobek come to regard Bacoj with contempt? At the very least, strong-willed Japohn might take control over the clan if Bacoj proved a weak leader.
Why shouldn’t Japohn do such a thing? He was older. More experienced. The more he thought about it, the more Bacoj wondered how he could dare to claim leadership over a man like Japohn.
He fretted over the matter during the rest of the fight card. When the last bout ended, spectators streamed out of the arena. It had been a large, appreciative crowd, and the walkways leading to the exits were clogged within seconds. The din of cheers and boos had been replaced by loud conversation. The three Kalquorians remained in their seats, waiting for the rest to disperse.
As they sat, debating the referee’s calls in the final match, their coms went off at the same moment with text messages. They stared at each other in surprise, then laughed as they dug their devices out.
“Probably a weather alert or something of that nature. No other reason for them to all signal at once,” Japohn opined.
Bacoj checked the frequency on his readout. Anticipation mixed with dread as he opened the text. “Not for me. It would appear I’ve got my war assignment after I finish basic training.” He read the message quickly. “Supply ship 626706.”
“Me too. Perfect.” Vax grinned and put his com in its pouch.
“Um.” Japohn glanced from his com to them, his expression nervous, but cautiously amused.
“What’s up? Did they also send you your assignment?”
“That would be affirmative.”
“Where are you off to?” Vax craned his neck, trying to read Japohn’s message.
“My actual object
ive will be classified, so they won’t give me that ahead of deployment.”
“Oh. So what’s up?”
“After training, I’m flying on several vessels to reach my assignment. Guess what my first ride, lasting an entire month, is?”
Vax gaped. “You’re kidding. Our supply transport?”
“Can you believe it? The odds against me ending up on your ship must be astronomical.”
“This is a sign. We’re meant to get to know you better.” Vax gave Bacoj a significant stare.
The Dramok wasn’t a big believer in fate, but he owed Japohn a chance. Bacoj couldn’t let his self-confidence issues stand in the way of that, no matter how heavy his gut felt at the prospect.
“We’ll use the time to examine our compatibility. We’ll see how it goes.”
Japohn’s gaze filled with gratitude. “I’ll do whatever it takes to prove myself to you guys. Ancestors. Mother of All. What an amazing coincidence.”
Bacoj barely kept from wincing, afraid he was leading the Nobek on. How crushed would Japohn be if it didn’t work out? What if Vax became attached to him, but Bacoj couldn’t accept they’d be clanmates for the rest of their lives?
Vax was obviously delighted, hugging Japohn with unrestrained excitement. “Be advised, I expect regular foot rubs, doting expressions of how wonderful I look, especially when I’ve just woken up…”
“Oh boy.” Bacoj rolled his eyes dramatically, playing along in order to put the best face possible on the unforeseen circumstances.
“Foot rubs and exclamations on your unceasing desirability are the least of the pleasures I’ll bestow on you, Imdiko,” Japohn laughed. He beamed at them both, as if he’d won a major bet.
Chapter Fourteen
Vax’s mood was experiencing stratospheric highs when they returned to his and Bacoj’s room that evening. Japohn would join them for the first month of deployment. How lucky was that?
Reality intruded when Japohn took him aside while Bacoj spoke on the com to Dantovon’s law enforcement.
“Can I claim an unfair advantage and ask how to win past Bacoj’s obvious distrust?” the Nobek whispered.
Vax took a deep breath. He wanted to give Japohn all the help he could, but it was important not to do it behind Bacoj’s back. He’d have to proceed very carefully. “I don’t think it’s a question of distrust. It’s more an issue of—well, you’re overwhelming. Intimidating, even.”
“I’m not a threat to him. I’m the opposite. I want to ensure you’re both safe from that maniac Karil.” Japohn’s scowl had returned at the idea that Bacoj might fear him in any fashion.
“That’s not what I mean by intimidating. Look, you’re familiar with how Dramoks are, right? They feel responsible for everything. If trouble happens, they wonder what they did wrong. How they failed to keep the situation from going south.”
“I’m not following.”
“Karil getting to us yesterday shook Bacoj. He feels awful that he couldn’t control the situation. His self-confidence took a major hit.”
Japohn nodded, realization dawning. Vax’s conscience gave a twinge, because he wasn’t giving the Nobek the whole story. Yet it wasn’t up to him to share Bacoj’s concerns that he wasn’t ready to lead a clan.
If only his Dramok father hadn’t died when Bacoj was so young. He’d missed out on being raised by the man who should have been the primary example of what a Dramok should be. That loss preyed heavily on Bacoj, making him second-guess himself. Japohn’s predilection to seize control when he wavered wasn’t helping the matter either.
As infatuated as he was with the Nobek, Vax recognized Japohn might not work out as his and Bacoj’s third. It could be their individual peculiarities would cause major problems within a clan relationship; the kinds of problems that would make a lifelong commitment miserable for all those involved.
No, he couldn’t share such details about Bacoj with Japohn. It would be wrong. The two men would have to figure out their relationship themselves—if a relationship happened at all—without Vax’s interference.
Japohn considered the little Vax had offered, his brow furrowing hard as he struggled with the state of affairs. “What do you recommend I do then? I can’t very well wait for Bacoj to make a decision about what action to take if Karil shows up again. Not taking critical steps quickly could mean life or death.”
“A Nobek’s gotta do what a Nobek’s gotta do. Play your protector role by all means. Just let Bacoj assume command in the areas that don’t have to do with keeping us safe.” Vax offered his most conciliatory smile. “You’re used to doing everything your way, but a clan is more of a diplomatic unit. With the Dramok taking the lead.”
“I’ve noticed Bacoj doesn’t often seem confident on that front. At least that’s how he behaves here on Dantovon, probably because he’s not familiar with the area like I am. It’s hard not to step in and point out the appropriate direction when he’s unsure.”
“Again, your experience is somewhat intimidating, especially after what happened with Karil. If you can’t let go of the reins, I doubt Bacoj will warm up as much as you’re hoping.” Vax let a warning tone thread into his statement.
“I could step aside for him, if he’d assert himself a little better. I can see how he’d make a good clan leader. There are moments when he declares he prefers something, and my initial impulse is to make it happen for him.”
“That’s the Dramok in him. You have to show him you’re fine with it.”
As Japohn mused over the advice, Bacoj clicked off his com. The trio met in the center of the room.
“Any good news?” Japohn asked.
“Dantovonian law enforcement is taking our situation seriously since Yas spoke to them. They’ve located the inn where Karil booked a bed. It’s under surveillance, but they haven’t seen him there yet.”
“After meeting Japohn, he probably jumped on the first shuttle off the planet.” Vax smirked. Karil would have to be an unparalleled idiot to believe he could fight and win against their new friend.
Bacoj grinned in agreement. “That would be nice. So, what are we up to for the rest of the night?”
Vax glanced at Japohn, crooking his brow, hoping the Nobek would take his hint.
Japohn glanced from him to Bacoj and shrugged, his manner casual. “I’m up for whatever you decide.”
“What do you think, Vax?”
“I don’t know. We could go back out, I guess. Or sit here and drink ourselves stupid. What is it you command, oh mighty Dramok?”
He hoped he wasn’t being too obvious. Bacoj had figured out his devious maneuvers. Vax’s days of turning circumstances to his own whims were numbered.
He didn’t mind that. Manipulating one-night stands was one thing. Ensuring the pleasure of his chosen mate was another. Real relationships weren’t games.
Especially when Bacoj’s calculating gaze told him exciting activities were about to commence. Vax grew warm in all the right places as the Dramok openly ogled him.
“What do I command? Now that brings up a few ideas.”
Bacoj picked up the bottle of bohut they’d brought to the room and filled a glass. He sat in the chair and stared at Japohn.
The Nobek went on the alert, energy almost visibly snapping around his muscled physique. Vax hoped he wouldn’t fight too hard for dominance, if it came to that. Bacoj needed to be the one in power at this early stage, or Japohn wouldn’t stand a chance of being clanned.
Bacoj’s evaluating inspection turned to Vax. The Imdiko’s heart raced as his lover’s expression took on a deliciously scary darkness. Bacoj’s exacting attentions drove him crazy with lust, and Vax could only imagine what he planned for them tonight.
Bacoj’s tone was pure Dramok when he spoke. “My first command is for you to strip naked, Imdiko.”
“It is, huh?” Despite his flippant reply, Vax was quick to pull his clothes off.
“I do appreciate a Dramok who goes for what he wants.” Japohn’s gaze raked
Vax greedily as the Imdiko exposed himself to their scrutiny.
“Then you’ll appreciate my next order. I seem to remember you have a preference for a well-spanked ass. I enjoy that as well. Sit on the mat. Put yourself over his legs, Vax, and submit to discipline.”
Vax’s cocks, already plump with eagerness, jerked as excitement coursed through his veins. While he’d prefer spanking Japohn—that gorgeous ass would look amazing glowing from punishment—it could set up a power struggle between the other two men. If Japohn was right for them as their Nobek, such scenes had to be avoided. For the moment, anyway.
He did as he was told, draping himself over the rock-hard thighs. He waited, feeling Japohn’s erections poke him in the ribs. Relax. Don’t tense up. Relax. Don’t tense up.
“With your permission, Dramok?” The Nobek’s voice was comically breathy and happy.
“You may begin.”
As he’d been with the paddle the night before, Japohn was thorough with the spanking. His palm was damned near as firm as the wood had been too. When the gasping Vax couldn’t help but writhe violently, Japohn held him down, his huge paw pressing the middle of the Imdiko’s back. The damned bastard didn’t seem to expend any real strength to do so, either. No amount of kicking or twisting could free Vax from the constant splashes of pain against his throbbing rear, from the steady smacks that echoed throughout the room. All the while, Bacoj sat watching and sipping his drink, smiling with pleasure.
Not until Vax’s whimpers were nonstop did he call a halt. “That’s enough. Rub those cheeks. Let the heat sink in deep.”
Vax groaned in agony as Japohn massaged his sore flesh, bringing greater hurt to the fore. Bacoj chuckled, not pitying him in the least. Why should he, when Vax’s primary dripped pre-cum to the floor?
I’m so much more a pain slut than I realized before meeting these two. Vax’s cocks ached with a wonderful need.
“He accepted my direction well, didn’t he?” Bacoj caressed the impressive bulge that had formed at his crotch.
Clan and Commit (Clan Beginnings Book 7) Page 15
