by Olivia Black
He was worried that Eric might hold the public scene against him. It was difficult for non-Noglions to understand the claiming process. A public claiming was necessary. It told the others that Eric was taken, owned. It was a ritual, and Gru couldn't go against a centuries-long tradition.
"Are you okay?"
Eric didn't respond. His gaze remained downcast.
"Eric," Gru said, raising his voice in order to get the young man's attention.
The young man jerked his head up. "Huh?"
"Are you okay?" Gru asked again.
Eric nodded. "I'm just tired."
Gru wasn't sure if he believed Eric, but he decided to accept the young man's answer. He wouldn't force Eric to talk, not right now anyway. So, they walked in silence.
As soon as Gru reached his quarters, he planned to bathe Eric and put him to bed. This whole ordeal was probably a bit overwhelming for the human to handle. Like the other humans brought to Noglion, it would most likely take Eric some time to acclimate to his new environment. Gru just had to be patient.
First, though, Gru had to introduce Eric to his brothers. The three of them couldn't be more different, but Gru knew that Eric would fit right in. Before Gru went to the arena, he'd gone home and had a talk with his brothers. In order to claim a mate, the eldest of the family had to give his consent. Luckily, Finn agreed to let Gru fight for Eric. And now, Eric belonged to the three of them.
The walk home didn't take long. Soon, they arrived at the quarters Gru shared with his brothers. Gru pressed his hand against the wall, and the door slid open. Eric came to a sudden stop as soon as he stepped over the threshold of Gru's home. Eyes wide, the young man stared at Gru's brother.
"He..." Eric started.
"This is my overly competitive younger brother, Khaun."
"He..."
Gru nodded. "He was at the arena."
Khaun grinned. "It's nice to meet you, pet."
Eric didn't say anything. He moved closer to Gru and slipped behind him, as if he were trying to hide. The human put his hands on Gru's back and leaned into him. Gru grinned. He pushed out his chest with pride, grateful and relieved that Eric trusted him.
Khaun didn't take offense. He just started laughing. "You are right, Gru. He is adorable."
Gru smiled. He knew Khaun approved of their mate. The only reason Khaun stepped into the arena was because he had something to prove. The younger male wanted to flex his muscles and fight Gru in front of an audience. Gru didn't hold it against him though. Like him, Khaun was a born warrior.
Khaun gave Gru a knowing look. The male winked before saying, "I'll give you two some privacy." He moved to the side, trying to get another look at Eric. "And I'll see you later, pet."
Khaun retreated to his private room.
"He's gone."
Eric blew out a heavy breath before stepping out behind Gru's back. Gru looked down at the human and raised a questioning brow. Eric shook his head and rolled his eyes heavenward.
"I don't know why I did that."
"You were probably just surprised to see him."
He shrugged.
"Do you want to take a bath?"
He looked up at him and smiled. "Yes, please."
Gru removed the leash from the collar and hung it by the door. He held out his hand, palm up, and Eric took it. Hand in hand, Gru led Eric toward the bathing room.
"I'll give you a tour of your new home later."
As soon as they walked into the chamber, Eric let go of Gru's hand. Gru pulled off his loincloth and unlaced his sandals. He waded through the water and took a seat on one of the carved benches. Gru watched the young man closely. Eric walked around the carved tub. His eyes widened as his gaze moved around the room. Eric ran his hand along the polished stone wall. When he reached the trickling waterfall, Eric held his hand beneath the water. For some reason, the human was really fascinated by water.
Turning on his heel, Eric walked down the stairs, entering the pool. The young man stood in the center of the tub. He bent down, submerging himself beneath the water. Eric stayed under the water for a couple of minutes before standing up.
Eric's face glowed with delight and joy. And Gru's heart clenched. Gru liked knowing that he could make Eric happy. The human's curls were loose, his hair falling in thick waves to his shoulders. Eric's plump lips were drawn into an "O," and his eyes were bright. Gru could easily get lost in the human's blue-gray globes.
"How are you feeling?"
Eric sighed. "Much better." He moved to the bench seat across from Gru and sat down. "So, uh..." He cleared his throat. "Khaun...is he your only brother?"
Gru smiled.
Now, at least, Gru understood why Eric seemed anxious when he saw Khaun. On Noglion, the unmated males of the same familial bloodline shared a mate. Eric knew that he belonged to Gru and the males in his family.
"Is that why you were so nervous when you saw Khaun?"
Eric didn't respond. He pulled his lower lip into his mouth and bit down. But Gru knew that the young man was nervous.
"We have an older brother named Finn."
Eric nodded slowly.
"But I don't think you'll get the chance to meet him. At least, not anytime soon."
"Where is he? Does he live off Noglion?"
Gru knew that he would need to share Finn's story eventually, but he wasn't sure how much to tell the human. Finn was a highly decorated warrior. He traveled the galaxy with his crew. But things changed when Finn's starship was attacked. The male had lost his entire crew, and in the process, Finn sustained terrible injuries. The once virile male now stayed locked inside his room. He rarely allowed for visitors.
"He was injured, and now, he doesn't leave his room."
"Oh." His brows furrowed. "I'm sorry."
Gru didn't know why Eric was apologizing. It confused him. Humans weren't responsible for Finn's injuries. "It's not your fault."
"I know, but I'm still sorry for your brother."
Gru rose from his seated position and walked across the pool. He sat down beside Eric, picked up the young man, and placed him on his lap. Gru wrapped his arms around Eric, holding him close. Eric didn't complain or put up a fight. The human simply placed his head on Gru's chest. Gru moved his hand up and down, rubbing Eric's back.
"I don't want you to worry about my brothers. Khaun and Finn, they would never hurt you."
"I know." Eric's voice was surprisingly confident.
"And they would never force you to do anything, not without your consent."
Eric lifted his head and looked Gru in the eye. "I know. I never thought..."
"I don't want you to be afraid of us," Gru interrupted.
Eric lifted his hand and placed it on Gru's cheek. "I'm not scared of you." As if to prove his point, Eric pressed his lips against Gru's. "I think it's time to return the favor from the starship."
Gru arched a brow.
The human chuckled. "Let me go." He pulled away, and Gru dropped his arms. Eric tapped the edge of the pool. "Sit up here."
Gru moved, sitting on the edge. He spread his legs, and Eric climbed between his splayed thighs. Eric looked up at Gru before slowly leaning forward and wrapping his lips around the head of Gru's cock. Gru gasped as the tip of his shaft was engulfed in wet warmth.
With his eyes wide and completely focused on Eric, Gru watched his pet struggle to take his cock into his mouth. Gru's shaft was too big for much more than the head to be cocooned between Eric's lips. Eric's tongue danced around Gru's cock, licking and stroking. The young man rolled his tongue around the crown, flicking it out, lashing his erection.
Gru forced his hips to remain still when all he wanted to do was surge upward and shove his length down Eric's throat. But he didn't want to choke the human. Eric used both of his hands, twisting his wet palms up and down Gru's dick. With his mouth and hands, the young man used a coordinated assault to drive Gru closer to his release.
He carefully pushed his fingers into Eric's curly hair
. He combed back the strands and stared at the young man's face. His beautiful pet licked his way up Gru's shaft before swirling his tongue around the glans. Gru hissed his pleasure, and Eric looked at him from under long lashes. Eric moaned. And his face was filled with pleasure. The young man was getting off. He liked sucking cock.
Gru prided himself on his self-control, but in this situation, he had none. He didn't want to come, but he couldn't hold back.
With a shout, Gru pulled Eric's mouth off his cock. The human's teeth scraped against his shaft, adding a little pain to his pleasure. Gru's balls emptied in quick bursts of cum shooting out of his dick and splattering Eric's face and chest. Eric didn't seem bothered. If anything, the young man fought against Gru's hold, trying to get closer. Eric kept his mouth open, catching ribbons of cum.
Gru took a deep breath as the orgasm receded. He relaxed his muscles and slouched. Gru moved his hand and smeared his cum across Eric's cheek, over his lips, and down his chest. The young man licked his lips, cleaning off his mouth. It was erotic and sexy. Cupping Eric's face, Gru leaned forward and kissed the human. Tasting his cum on his pet's mouth tasted delicious. He liked the combination of them together.
He licked up one of Eric's cheeks and murmured, "Eric." Then he licked the other one and said, "You're mine."
As Gru licked and kissed his pet, Eric moaned and whimpered. The human moved his hips, his body telling Gru everything he needed to know. Dropping back down into the water, Gru put Eric back on his lap. Wrapping his hand around Eric's cock, Gru jacked the young man's shaft, quickly finishing him off. Eric slammed his eyes shut as he came.
"Gru!" he shouted.
Eric panted, trying to catch his breath. He fell back against Gru's chest, going limp. Gru wrapped his arms around the young man, holding him. He pressed his cheek against the top of Eric's head.
Gru rubbed his face in the young man's hair. The silky-soft strands tickled him. It was a new and foreign feeling since Noglion males didn't have any hair.
Gru reached over and grabbed a bottle of cleaning solution. He poured a generous amount of the liquid gel into his hand. Gru rose to his feet, taking Eric with him. He moved his palms up and down Eric's body, over his chest, and across his abdomen, washing him. Lowering himself, Gru went to his knees before Eric. He took his time, running his hands over the young man's thighs and legs. Eric's muscles flexed, and he shuddered.
Rising to his feet, Gru moved and stood behind his pet. Eric tilted his head back. Gru poured more cleansing solution in his hand and washed his pet's hair. Careful of his sharp nails, Gru combed his fingers through the thick, curly strands and massaged the young man's scalp.
Eric moaned as he leaned into Gru.
"Time to rinse, pet."
Eric lowered himself, dunking his head in the water. Gru helped him rinse the soap out of his hair. After washing and rinsing his pet, they climbed out of the tub and dried off.
Gru kept his hand around Eric while escorting the young man out of the bathing chamber and toward his personal quarters. "This is your room."
Eric glanced up at the male. "My room?"
Gru nodded. "Everyone in the household has their own quarters."
Eric looked surprised. He blinked rapidly, as if he were trying to process Gru's words.
He gave Eric's shoulder a light squeeze. "Get some rest. We can talk in the morning."
"You aren't..."
"Do you want me to stay with you, pet?"
He nodded. "I don't want to be alone."
Gru smiled, pleased with Eric's response. He was hoping that Eric would invite him to stay.
His pet strolled over to the bed. The young man climbed up onto the raised bed and crawled up the center. Eric lay down. He held out his hand in offering. Gru shut the light off and walked toward his pet. He got on the bed and moved close to Eric.
Gru tucked his arm beneath Eric's neck, pillowing the young man's head. With his other hand, Gru pulled up a blanket, covering them both. He stroked Eric's throat, over his chest, and across his flat abdomen, petting and caressing his soft skin. Gru closed his eyes, letting his fingers memorize each line and curve.
It didn't take long for Eric to fall asleep. The young man's breathing changed, and his body fell limp. With his arms wrapped around Eric, Gru rolled onto his back and pulled Eric across his chest. He tightened his hold, enjoying the feel of Eric in his arms.
Gru stared down at his pet, watching the young man sleep. His golden-colored curls framed his heart-shaped face and his lips pinched together, creating an adorable little pucker. And his body...Gru bit off a groan. Eric was lean and muscular yet fragile.
Gru sighed. Eric was truly beautiful.
"You are my heart," he whispered.
Gru wanted to tell Eric all the emotions he was feeling, but he knew the human would never believe him, not yet anyway. Humans were interesting creatures. They needed a lot of time to adjust, and their emotions didn't come quickly. Noglions were the exact opposite. As soon as Gru saw Eric, he knew that the human was meant to be his pet. And his heart wholeheartedly agreed.
Burying his face in the riot of honey-toned curls, Gru closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Chapter Nine
Finn Poez'iq woke with a gasp. His eyes flew open, and he blinked rapidly. It took a moment, but Finn soon realized that he was in his quarters. Drenched in sweat, Finn grabbed hold of the thin blanket and wiped his face. Finn's muscles seized, and he grasped his leg, digging his fingertips into the lumpy flesh as a shot of brutal agony coursed through him. It felt as though a thousand blades were stabbing his calf and thigh and hip.
Fuck. He sucked in a sharp breath and ground his teeth together. Finn sat up and, using his arms, inched backward until his back touched the headboard. He panted heavily, trying to catch his breath. Finn stared down at his damaged leg.
His left thigh had been crushed and torn to shreds. It was a miracle that his leg was still attached to his body. Deep, ugly scars crisscrossed his leg, thigh, abdomen, and chest. It was considered a badge of honor to other Noglion warriors, but it shamed Finn. His injuries were a constant reminder of his crew. They had all been killed in battle, and Finn wished that he would've died alongside his comrades.
Finn rolled out of bed and forced himself to stand. Putting all of his weight on his right leg, he stood beside the bed, holding on to the frame to gain his balance. After several minutes, the male limped toward the adjoining bathroom. With each step, he hissed in pain. It was so overwhelming that Finn dropped down in front of the toilet and he threw up, vomiting up the contents of his stomach.
Six years after the incident, and still, the pain had the power to bring Finn to his knees. It controlled him.
Finn could have surgery. He could live an almost pain-free life, but this was his self-imposed punishment for surviving when so many were killed. He had to suffer. Panting, Finn leaned back against the wall and straightened out his legs.
The sweet-spicy scent of arousal wafted to his nostrils. Finn slowly inhaled, pulling the fragrance into his lungs. His sensitive tongue categorized each smell. There was one scent that stood out among the others. It was foreign and deliciously human. Finn's mouth watered. He wanted to taste the delectable young man.
Finn's shaft stirred and jerked as it hardened. It seemed as though his body wanted the human. And although Finn was curious about the young man, he knew that he was in no shape to even be in the same room with their human mate, Eric.
Reaching out, Finn grabbed hold of a metal rod that was attached to the wall, and using all of his upper body strength, he pulled himself up to his feet. Finn limped as he walked, moving through his quarters. He pressed his hand against the button on the wall, and the door slid open. At this time of night, the household was silent. Placing his hand against the wall for support, Finn walked toward the bathing chamber.
Finn pulled off his loincloth as soon as he stepped over the threshold. He dropped the material to the floor and, taking the stairs, waded i
nto the warm pool. The water instantly surrounded him, and Finn sighed heavily. He sat down on the bench seat and stretched out his legs. Submerged in the water, Finn tapped a button on the floor, and the water started to churn and bubble. The jets worked their magic, massaging his sore body. Finn leaned his head back and closed his eyes, relaxing.
A few minutes later, the door to the bathing chamber opened, and Finn growled, irritated. He knew in an instant that it was Khaun. Damn his brothers. The males wouldn't leave him alone. It didn't matter what he did. Gru and Khaun refused to abandon Finn.
Gru still treated him as if his decisions meant something. He even asked for Finn's permission before claiming a human mate for their family unit. And Khaun, the youngest of the family, always barged in wherever Finn was, entering without permission.
"What do you want?"
Khaun stepped into the room. "The human smells good, doesn't he?"
Finn sighed. "Leave, Khaun. I'm not in the mood to talk."
"I met him briefly," he continued, ignoring Finn. "Eric is exactly the way Gru described."
Gru went into great detail when he spoke about Eric. He described the human as beautiful, delicate, and lovely. With a heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, a pointed chin, and full kissable lips. His skin was tanned, soft, and warm. Gru was desperate to claim the young man. He believed that Eric needed to belong to them. Finn gave his permission for Gru to claim the human when he heard the way his brother spoke of Eric. His voice had been filled with love.
"And his body," Khaun moaned, as if he couldn't wait to get his hands on the human.
"Khaun," Finn warned.
Finn lifted his head and glanced over at his brother. The younger male strolled into the bathing chamber. Khaun removed his loincloth and climbed into the whirlpool. He waded through the water and sat across from Finn.
He leaned back and groaned. "The water feels great."
Finn sighed. He knew he wasn't going to be able to get rid of Khaun anytime soon. His youngest brother was incredibly stubborn. He refused to follow orders.
"How's the leg?"
Finn didn't bother answering his brother's question.
