Gentle Beast

by Margaret Afseth

  Twila laughed. “Oh, human. Nyle. You will need to become less inhibited. You are as bad a Jabek.”

  His mind had gone to the very act.

  “Bu…but,” stuttered Nyle. “In front of the kids?”

  “No, of course not. Momma Dia and Kimon have a sound proof ante, a room into which they go when they need to be apart, but…sometimes when a female goes into heat unexpectedly, things can happen…elsewhere.”

  Nyle turned a beet red. “Ah…ah, can’t we sleep in the ante?”

  “What for? No, Dia would not permit that. When there are multiple mated couples in a nest, only then do they take turns.”

  Nyle was saved further embarrassing discussion, when Jabek and Kaudy scampered excitedly into the room.

  “Daddy!” exclaimed Kaudy exuberantly. “They have gardens! Right here on the ship! And a park…and a running track…and hydroponics’ sheds…flowers, and large fruit trees from the Noor planet, and…”

  “Okay, munchkins. Calm down,” Nyle laughed. “So you like it here?’

  “Oh, yes, daddy! I never want to go back.”

  “Not even to…”

  “No way! Momma’s a cruel devil compared to Jabek’s mom.”

  Twila suddenly came alert.

  What is this?

  “Her mother lives?”

  “We’ve been divorced for years. She kicked me out before Kaudy was born.”

  “And usually my mom won’t even let us see each other,” Kaudy broke in.

  “Then how did you come to be with your father?”

  “Daddy stole me away from her,” Kaudy said proudly. “We escaped!”

  When Twila turned on him, Nyle was looking decidedly uncomfortable.

  “You stole her from her mother!”

  “You don’t understand. She’s kept her isolated; punishes her for things she does when with me. If we have fun together, Seline keeps her in her room for weeks after.”

  Twila frowned. “She is bad momma?” she questioned, shocked beyond measure. Never in her wildest dreams would a Feline abuse a female, let alone a young one.

  She watched as memories of past goings on sped rapidly through Nyle’s mind. It had her turning, and probing the thoughts of the young girl to verify.

  “Beast of a female!” Twila spat harshly, after reading the girls unpleasant experiences. “She shall never again see you! This I promise!”

  At her outburst, she felt Nyle relax. And Twila quickly changed the subject to prevent further tension. She had quickly realized Kaudy wasn’t the only one who had been battered.

  I will need to tread lightly with this one. He will expect ill treatment from me.

  ****

  “Jabek, time to bathe,” his mother ordered. “Take Nyle with you into the male pool. I will care for Kaudy.”

  “Don’t you want to bath together?”

  “Jabek, you know the rules. We have not yet mated, so we cannot bathe together. And you are only guardian to your female. Now go.”

  Twila pushed the garments she’d gotten from the replicator into his hands. “These are for the human. Go.”

  “Yes, momma.”

  Jabek reached out and took the human by the hand, led Nyle toward the far wall where the door slid open to admit them to his side of the baths.

  This male was only slightly taller than he was. To Jabek, Nyle seemed more like a teen companion than an adult. He had seldom had another, other than his mother’s brothers, to bathe with, and this was an experience he was looking forward to.

  He was also excited at being the teacher here.

  When the panel slid shut, Nyle stood where he’d left him. The man was gazing about in obvious surprise at his surroundings.

  “I thought cats don’t like water?”

  Jabek growled deep in his throat. “Never call us cats, human. Cats are primitives! We the Feline are the civilized species.”

  “Oh…kay. What do I call you then? Noor?”

  “Noor is a derogatory term.”

  Nyle huffed. “Just what am I to call your mother, then?”

  “Momma, is to be called ‘Mistress’ by you. And any male is ‘sir’.”

  “Even you?”

  “You may call me by my name. Jabek.”

  “Okay. And how does this work in here? I don’t see any showers.”

  We don’t need showers!

  The huge, treated, recycling, water-filled, rectangular basin was twenty feet across, forty feet wide, and ten feet deep. The side platforms were tiled and circled the enclosure, except for at the far end where a five-foot waterfall poured from the back wall.

  Jabek shrugged.

  Why would you need showers? I suppose that's a human thing.

  “First, we disrobe,” he explained, as if the man were simple. “We soap up, then enter the pool, make our way to the waterfall, and rinse off. Some prefer to swim over…”

  “Felines swim?”

  Jabek shook his head. “Most Felines hate water. Momma Dia had this made just for us. She and poppa Kim won’t touch the pools. Her fosters are mixed Noor; we love the water. We heal with it. Our injuries quickly close when washed with water. When Dia realized this, she immediately did research into the nature of Noors; then had the pools made, but always from the first, she does not like to take part in our cleansing ritual.”

  “So…you have the capacity to instantly heal yourself?” clarified Nyle. “Wish I could do that. Okay. So, I strip first. And I take it, none of you are the least bit self-conscious?”

  That made Jabek laugh. He’d been bathing with his uncles since he was born.

  Saying nothing, he slowly began removing his leggings, all the while watching the human take off one piece of clothing at a time.

  Gosh, but they wear a lot of unnecessary garments. All Feline males need are leggings.

  “You are different,” Jabek noted. “Your manhood is on the outside.”

  Nyle’s features turned a darker hue. “I guess. So, where are yours?”

  “Inside; seed sacks to each side; tool under the flap of skin. See.”

  Jabek unabashedly pressed with both hands on either side of the slight lump on his abdomen, causing his instrument to peek out. “And when we satisfy the female, being a shape-shifter Noor, I will be able to lengthen or shorten as the she needs. I’m told, humans are inadequate in this respect.”

  This time Nyle went completely red in the face, but it didn’t stop his next question.

  “I know you’re just a kid and all, but would you know…are the females different than a human woman?”

  Jabek took offence at the first part of the enquiry. “As soon as we reach fifteen, we are all fully educated on pleasure techniques, and the anatomy of the female. And yes, both females that are pure Feline, and those of Noor-half, resemble a human female.”

  “But do they have…multiple nipples?”

  Jabek grinned. He was watching the man’s mind. “Feline or Noor-half have only two. They are small chested, and most Feline males are not attracted to the size; only when she goes into heat does his imagination seek to picture her. The Feline females will often bear twins. My twin was miscarried, before we were born. It was a female. The Roog had momma and poppa captive…”

  “Ja…bek! That will be enough!” came Twila’s voice from the air about them. “When Nyle is educated tomorrow, his knowledge will surpass yours, so you have no need to elaborate. And…when we are mated, he will become your new poppa. He will then be the teacher, not the other way around. Show respect, male! Or I will be forced to punish.”

  Nyle grinned. Jabek faded for a second, but his indignation brought him back swiftly.

  “Momma!” he scolded. “Stop watching! I’m an adult male!”

  “Then act like it. Adults do not manipulate themselves, nor do they discuss the using of a female.”

  Nyle’s grin widened. “Pretty hard to hide, when she can keep track of you so well,” he observed, tongue in cheek.

  Jabek hissed. “Momma, sta
y out of my mind!”

  “And you stay out of the human’s. Give him privacy!”

  ****

  When they left the bath, Twila had a light lunch of sandwiches already prepared for them. She and Kaudy were now in pyjamas: leggings with a loose fitting top.

  They ate sitting cross-legged on the floor.

  “My brothers are all away at the moment,” Twila excused. “And momma Dia and poppa Kim have decided to eat elsewhere to give us time to get acquainted somewhat before they introduce themselves. They will join us during rest period.”

  “Dia is the head of your nest? I understand Feline are matriarchal, are the Noor as well?”

  “They were, but as there are so few of us, and no pure Noor among us, or even in existence, we remain under Feline headship. By universal law, a species is not permitted a distinction unless there are at least ten individuals, and even then, depending upon their ability and age, they do not pick a ruler.”

  “So, how does the Feline system work?”

  “Tomorrow my elder foster will teach you, but…I suppose I can give you a quick overview. Our queen matriarch, Kei, rules all twelve planets with some fifty trillion subjects on each. She has underling males, who carry out and enforce the rules, laws, and see to the functions of society; also close associate males who mete out discipline and protect her. She has a mate, and he may disagree with her, give her suggestions, or correct her, but of course, again, that would be done in private.”

  “How can she possibly oversee and police so many, and be certain total justice is received by all?”

  Twila chuckled. “You think of us according to your human societal experience, but the planet you come from is one of the most undisciplined in the universe. In our world we have integrity and accountability, no crime is tolerated, none exists. All are honest…well most are. Bom is our one exception, as he refuses to be a part of either Feline or Roog worlds, of which, he is of both…I fear I’ve gone off track. It would be best if Liam were to give you this summary.”

  “How does your immediate family discipline work? Who’s responsible for that?”

  “Dia, mostly, but Kimon, or eldest male present, will discipline the males…”

  “So, right now, is that me? Or Jabek?”

  “Jabek is youngest male in the nest. He may never correct…unless he were to have a family of his own. Liam will teach you this. Allow the females to discipline if it should be necessary. That is the safest.”

  “But…what if there is abuse within the family?”

  “One hiss from Dia and no one crosses her. But you speak of physical and sexual.” Twila shook her head. “Such things are none existent in our society. These crimes are instantly punished by death, meted out by the adult males of the nest. That is why it is essential all males be trained in diplomacy, the laws, and defence protection procedure.”

  “Sounds very harsh to me.”

  “You have grown up in a very violent society. To balance our strict rules, Felines are very affectionate creatures. We cuddle a lot, interact and do things together. We use touch for comfort, and as a Noor-half this is crucial to me. Noor means light, the good side of creation, and they were well named. As for the act of procreation, it is permitted only to those who are mated.”

  “So what are you saying; there is no hitting, fighting, child abuse or say, incest?”

  Twila visibly shivered. “Not in a Feline family. Sometimes rape from outside the nest, but the males of the family punish that with instant death…unless the female intercedes and will have him. Our efforts go to keeping each other protected, and happy with an agape type love.”

  “So you have no criminals?”

  Twila sighed. “Nyle, you are most hard to appease. I grow tired of your constant questions. In any society there are those who break the rules in a minor way…Now, I would very much like to retire, for I am very weary. I’ve worked a full shift. Tomorrow Liam will educate you, and there will be no further need for questions.”

  Twila rose, and stowed away their dishware. Jabek and Kaudy lay down on the bed mat. Enfolding her with his arms and legs about her, the boy slipped behind her. Kaudy fit perfectly, they were like two spoons in a drawer, but the action made Nyle extremely nervous.

  “Do not fret so, Nyle,” Twila admonished. “He is well behaved. In spite of his actions in the bath, he has been trained in self-control, and he will have me to deal with should he do wrong.”

  Nyle sighed.

  Will I ever get used to their way of doing things?

  “I suppose you expect the same from me? I mean, the self-control bit…”

  “Yes. Until heat takes me, or I willingly give myself to you. And advances will be futile, so do not attempt them.”

  Oh, boy. How am I ever going to do that?

  “Remember, rape is punishable by death,” Twila added, as an additional incentive.

  She lay down upon the mat. “I know you are human and your body temperature is less than mine, so I will extend my Noor aura of warmth to include you. Usually, the male keeps the female warm, but I will be the one tonight to see we remain comfortable. Any other time, the heat of the others will do it for you.”

  “You still want me behind you, like Jabek?”

  “Yes, please. It is a comfort thing.”

  For Nyle, the night was a long one, and he was surprised he slept at all, but he must have dozed off eventually, as he started awake, when the two pure Felines joined them. By then, he was sleepy enough, that he drifted quickly out again.

  CHAPTER 23

  After many days of dozing and being pampered by Loki, Althea became strong enough to wander about the room and explore while he was away. Usually, she wrapped the sheet about her, but one day when he returned, Loki brought a small shift with him.

  He lifted her up on the counter by the sink, and proceeded to draw it over her head. When she had slipped her arms in the tattered sleeves, he set her on the floor, and stepped back to examine her.

  Disappointment mirrored on his face.

  Althea knew she was skinny, still just skin and bones. Self-consciously, she pulled at the shirttail; it barely covered her bottom.

  “Too small,” observed Loki.

  ****

  It is more than too small. It's also too tight, showing every curve. And those naked pale legs will easily attract the males in the medical wards. I don’t need to be fending them off.

  This just won’t do. She needs leggings.

  He was a poor judge of size, having had only experience with Twila when she was small.

  More said, 'bring your pet to me,' and he’ll give me anything I want.

  More was partial toward Loki, but still he was only a Root, and could not be trusted.

  However, Loki decided to take the chance.

  “Come with me,” he ordered. “They will consider you my pet, so walk behind me. They’d wonder if I were to carry you. Stay real close on my heels. Where we are going isn’t safe.”

  I’d better not take her through the female breeding stalls; a human might recognize her. The shorter route through the stud cells is quicker, though it is no safer. But, surely the male humans have had no experience with her. They won’t be likely to recognize.

  ****

  Althea could feel their eyes following her. The men in the cages were muscular and well fed, but their thoughts and motions were lascivious: one at the fringes of her sight was doing something unmentionable through the bars; and two others were like engaged, one positioned behind the other. All the men were naked.

  She did her best not to look at them.

  “Hey, Healer. You got a pet now? Give her to me. I know what to do with her. Don’t you want little ones?”

  A second objected. “She’s too skinny. No tits to her.”

  “Better if the top is flat; more fire underneath,” laughed another.

  Althea could feel their lust, their arousal. She shivered, tried to fight the tears, but they betray her, falling hot and fast, until s
he was sobbing brokenly. Against all her efforts, her body began to shake uncontrollably. And Loki was getting farther and farther away, as he sped up to get passed the area more quickly.

  There's no way I can keep up!

  So, she grabbed at the tip of his long sweeping tail, as it swung back and forth. For a second Althea thought she had stopped him, for Loki halted abruptly. Suddenly, like a rope, his powerful tail circled her waist; a second later she was rising through the air, and next, was in his arms.

  In her ear, Loki hissed. “Sometimes, I am glad I am in this belt. It dulls my abilities, so I feel less of their hunger, but oh, oh, I forgot, your senses are enhanced. I am so sorry, little she. We will never come this way again.”

  Althea clung to him, sobbing into his shoulder. Her trembling hadn’t quite stopped, as they entered the storerooms.

  ****

  “Huh!” thundered the Root. “So this little mite is your new pet. The garment did not fit?”

  “Little tight; little small,” Loki rumbled. As her face was buried against him, it sounded much more formidable, almost angry.

  “Set it down; let it choose. I give it whatever it want.”

  She clung to him, not wanting to be set free, but Loki insisted on putting her down. After being placed on the dirt floor, Althea gazed about at the counters of produce.

  “Bring her in here,” the Root ordered, and headed off in another direction. Althea made certain she followed close on Loki’s heels. “Just got new shipment of property,” the large tree creature revealed. “The human can have anything it want.”

  “More…will that be docked from my food ration?”

  “Nah, nah, More’s in a good mood. Store closed; it sleep break now; dogs go away. Ha! In good mood. Yes! Healer can have anything; my treat.”

  “Go for it, little she,” Loki encouraged with a gesture. “I’ll look too, seeing More is being generous.”

  Althea circled the tables, until suddenly something caught her eye.

  From a distance away, Loki suggested: “Look for leggings, little she. You need leggings. And something more loose for top.”

  But Althea was more interested in what she saw on a table by the wall, and she kept it in sight, as she searched the garments at her disposal, looking for what Loki wanted.