Cherished by Two

by Morticia Knight

  “The doctor is finished, Nary.”

  Lasar held one of Nary’s hands in both of his. When his lungs had been declared stable for the time being, and the deep cut on his forehead tended to, he’d been placed on his stomach.

  “Can we go to our home, Ahna? Or are you required to remain here until the Nall releases you?”

  He didn’t dare ask about Chris or Morgan. The only fear or worry he’d detected in Lasar’s spirit had been directed at him. Nary had the sense that he was the only one of them who’d experienced any significant injuries, but he couldn’t take a chance by asking about humans with the doctor and his assistant present.

  Lasar stroked his cheek, his eyes glimmering. “I’ve completed the Nall’s requests. We can go home.” He smiled. “Hallosh, the advisor who I spoke of to you, he took our slaves back there while you were being attended to. So have no fear, my beloved Nasha, our property wasn’t lost or maimed by the attack.”

  Nary held in a sob of relief. “That’s good news, indeed.”

  He couldn’t wait any longer to see Chris, so he pushed up from the floor pillows where he’d been lain out. Lasar grabbed his arm, holding him back from rising.

  “No, Nasha. You will be carried aboard.” Lasar favored him with a stern expression. Nary was quite familiar with it, but it didn’t stop his pride from being impacted.

  “Yes, Ahna.” His spirit calmed immediately. Submitting to Lasar always gave him peace.

  After he was helped onto the hovercraft and they took off, it was only a few parcels of time before they reached the hotel. He endured the support from the doctor’s assistant and the warrior who had accompanied them on the brief journey. However, once he was off the craft, Lasar took over. Neither one of them enjoyed being handled by other males, even when it was necessary.

  “Go easy, Nasha.” Lasar had draped one of Nary’s arms over his shoulder and supported him by the waist with the other. “Perhaps we should ride the box the humans use to carry them to higher floors.”

  Nary scowled. He wasn’t weak. He was a warrior and kept his physique in excellent shape. Why should he use some device made for humans so they didn’t have to train their bodies?

  Lasar squeezed his middle. “I understand about your pride, Nasha, and I do not think you’re weak. But we must go slow while you heal. If your breathing becomes too labored before we reach the top, you will obey me by riding in the box.”

  “Yes, Ahna. I will.”

  Lasar had always honored Nary’s skill as a warrior and had never belittled him because he was a Nasha. He’d never taken the match with his Ahna for granted. The stars knew then, the same way they know everything now. Nary only wished they would reveal everything so he could see which course their destiny would take. Is it like Chris saw? Can it be altered?

  Once they reached the top, Nary making sure he went slowly so that he wouldn’t humiliate himself in front of his Ahna, raised voices could be heard coming from inside their suite. Chris. Nary lurched forward, but Lasar stopped him.

  “No, Nasha. You won’t help by injuring yourself further. I’ll go.”

  Nary used one hand to prop himself against the wall as Lasar rushed ahead. In three strides, Lasar was at their door and he kicked it in, wood splintering, the frame breaking apart as the barrier to their mate crashed to the floor. Chris burst out of the room then raced right past Lasar toward him. Lasar disappeared inside the suite, no doubt ready to take on Chris’ attacker. Nary hadn’t been able to discern the source of Chris’ distress at the sound of the shouting, but he’d known that his mate was extremely agitated.

  Chris halted so abruptly in front of him, he almost pitched over. His forehead was lined with worry, his eyes shining. “Sir, can I…?” He extended his hands, his fingers opening and closing in the air as if trying to grab him.

  Nary reached out and drew him close. He noted how careful Chris was to place his palms on Nary’s chest instead of wrapping them around his waist and touching his back. Chris leaned into him with his cheek pressed to Nary’s body. His body shook as sobs poured from his lips.

  Nary growled. “What happened? Are you hurt?”

  Chris hiccupped a few times, then finally sucked in a breath before he spoke. “No, I’m not hurt. I was just pissed that Hallosh wouldn’t let me go to you, so we were arguing because he was blocking me from leaving. He still doesn’t believe I can connect with you guys like a real soul match can.”

  “You are a real soul match!” Nary sighed, tempering his abrupt reaction. The incident highlighted how difficult it would be to get other Alasharians to understand. He hadn’t seen Advisor Hallosh in a while, but trusted Lasar’s assessment of him being an ally. “All right, pet. We were worried someone was hurting you.”

  Chris peered up at him. “Sorry.” He winced. “All that yelling and crashing probably freaked Morgan out pretty good, too.”

  Nary rubbed Chris’ back. “Come on, we should go inside and check on everyone.”

  “Will you be okay, Sir?” Chris had furrowed his brow, his features clouded with worry.

  Nary gave him a reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine. I’ll rest today then rejuvenate my body tomorrow after the temporary air bladder is replaced by a permanent one. After that, it will be as if nothing ever happened.”

  Chris frowned. “Air bladder?”

  “To replace the damaged lung.”

  “But…you’re sure you’re okay?”

  Nary chuckled. It was great to be back with his other mate, to be holding him close. He kept his arm around Chris as he made his way to their suite.

  Lasar appeared in the doorway with an aggravated expression. “Let me help you, Nasha. It turned out that there wasn’t a need for alarm.”

  “Yes, Chris explained.”

  Lasar pursed his lips. “I’ll have to order this repaired immediately so we can sleep safely.”

  As Lasar moved to the other side of Nary and led him over the threshold. He noted that Lasar made Chris wait, then once Nary was inside, he lifted Chris over the broken pieces of the door then deposited him on the carpet.

  “We had the cuts on his feet and leg fused earlier, but I don’t want to chance him re-opening the wounds.”

  Nary gasped. “I didn’t know you were hurt in the blast, pet. Let me see.”

  Lasar smirked. “Not during the blast, but afterward when he was disobeying his Ahna.”

  Nary allowed himself to be led to the sofa, noting that Hallosh stood in the corner with a somewhat sheepish expression on his face. He held no anger toward him. Hallosh had undoubtedly been following Lasar’s orders to protect Chris and Morgan.

  Nary grabbed Chris’ arms. “Morgan? He’s unscathed?”

  Chris plopped down next to him and laid his head against Nary’s arm. “Totally fine, but he’s upset about what happened to you.”

  “To me?”

  He didn’t begrudge the fact that Morgan didn’t trust aliens and was frightened of them in general. As it turns out, with good reason. But putting the cock ring on Morgan earlier wasn’t something he was very proud of. In his mind, he thought that Morgan must really despise him.

  “Morgan insisted that it was his fault that you were hurt. He knows you were trying to save him and he feels guilty.”

  The last thing Nary wanted was for Morgan to suffer unnecessarily. “Is he here?”

  Chris nodded.

  “Then please bring him to me. I want to assure him that I don’t hold him at fault.”

  Chris rose from the couch, sighing. “I’ll see what I can do. Between the sex party and the explosions, he’s pretty jacked-up right now.”

  Nary didn’t bother to ask. He figured it was yet another human term for being upset. Why can’t they just say what they mean?

  Hallosh cleared his throat. “I’ll head out and see who might be available to repair the door. I’m sure all the builders in the area will be on alert after the attack at the party. Perhaps I can secure one to handle this job.” Hallosh regarded him. “I
’m pleased that you will recover swiftly. I know we will meet again soon.”

  Nary gave a quick nod. “Soon.” He was certain their next meeting would be under even more dire circumstances.

  After Hallosh left, Nary glanced over to see Chris leading his cousin by the hand into the living room. Morgan kept his head bowed and seemed reluctant to be there.

  Nary spoke softly, hoping that he could soothe Morgan’s worries. “Morgan, I’m glad to see you well and that you weren’t hurt in the attack.”

  Morgan’s bottom lip trembled. “I-I’m sorry I ran off like that and that you were injured because of me. It’s just that I was so scared and all I could think of was getting away.” He glanced briefly at Nary then lowered his eyes again. “Chris says you’ll be okay?”

  Nary smiled. He sensed that Chris’ cousin would eventually come to accept him and Lasar. “I will. So, you’re not to worry about anything. It’s over and done with. You’re part of our family now and we’ll always watch out for you.”

  Morgan sniffed. “Thank you. I…I believe you.”

  Nary wanted to shout with joy. It was a beginning. “I appreciate your trust in my words, Morgan.” Nary looked up at Lasar who had his arms crossed as he closely observed the exchange. “Ahna? Should he remain here with us temporarily?”

  Lasar drew his eyebrows together. “Yes, I think that’s wise until after I discover more from the meeting with the Nall tomorrow.”

  Chris gasped. “The Nall? Why does he want to meet? Is it about me and Morgan?”

  Lasar shook his head, but his expression remained grave. “I need to make a report regarding the casualties and aftermath of the attack. The advisory council will be there, as well. I think we should prepare ourselves for battle. The Nall seems bloodthirsty.”

  Nary’s gut clenched. He’ll want to kill humans. Perhaps the slaves, too…

  “Um…” Chris appeared terrified. “That seems bad.” He chucked uneasily. “I’m guessing he’s not going to battle other Alasharians.”

  “Let’s not assume anything negative until we know all the details. Think of this as a good insight into where his mind is at. Remember, Hallosh and the other advisors who are on our side will be there too. Once we’ve had the meeting with the Nall, we can strategize our next move.”

  Chris gave them a weak smile. “Sure. Sounds good. You guys can strategize and we’ll be fine.”

  Lasar arched his eyebrows. “You should steel yourself, boy. Plotting our course won’t be possible without your involvement.”

  Chris groaned, dropping his head back before locking his gaze on Lasar. “Seriously? But…but…”

  Chris let go of Morgan then covered his face with his hands. His cousin stared nervously at him as Lasar approached their mate. He gently pried Chris’ hands away.

  “We can’t put this off, boy. The attack brought this to the forefront of the Nall’s mind. He won’t rest now until he’s eradicated what he perceives the problem to be.”

  Chris grimaced, both fear and resolve etched on his features. “You’re right. And I know this is why you’re both here, to keep me on track and give me strength. There’s no choice but to move forward and do whatever we can to resist the void.” Chris sighed. “However, I’m not super fond of the word eradicated.”

  Lasar yanked Chris into his arms, squeezing his eyes shut as he held him. “And those of us who resist will do everything in our power, even unto death, to keep you safe so that all can be free again.”

  Morgan had gradually worked his way to the other side of a smaller couch and had watched the proceedings with concerned interest. Nary wondered what part Chris’ cousin might play in the coming days.

  Lasar released Chris and gazed down at him, stroking his cheek. “I love you, boy.”

  “I love you, too, Master.” Chris looked his way. “And you, Sir. I was so scared when I saw you in the rubble.”

  Nary gestured for Chris to come sit by his side again. His mate rushed over and cuddled up to him.

  “You mustn’t think about that anymore. I’m fine. We’re all fine now.” Yes, for now.

  Chris nodded but showed no signs of moving away from him.

  Lasar approached them and stroked Chris’ head before letting his hand rest on Nary’s. “We should take final meal then get an early rest. We’ll all need our strength to face tomorrow.”

  Chris lifted his head at Lasar’s words. “Can I make a request?”

  “What is it, boy?”

  Chris squirmed on the couch. “Could you take this butt plug out?”

  Lasar tilted Chris’ chin up with one finger. “Indeed. The next time you wear it will be for our pleasure. Not because of a…so-called party.”

  Chris smiled and Nary felt a measure of relief. At least for one more night, they had one another. And hope.

  * * * *

  Nary sat propped up in their bed and tried to conjure more excuses as to why he was well-rested and should be completely recuperated. Nothing came to mind that he was sure his Ahna would accept. Inactivity frustrated him, as it did most Alasharians. Despite how wonderful Chris had been by serving him food—as interestingly prepared as it was—and by staying nearby in case he needed anything, he longed to do his meditations and body training. Currently Chris was in the kitchen, cleaning up the mess Nary was sure he’d made. He’d heard more than one pan or dish crash to the floor.

  Nary sighed as he reached over to the side table to retrieve his communicator. He anxiously scrolled through his messages but still there was no word from Lasar. He’s been gone several parcels of time. Surely the meeting must be over by now? In truth, such a gathering could take all day considering the seriousness of the matter. Nary kept checking his spirit to see if he could detect a clue as to how things were going with Lasar. He’d been shut out, which only worried him more.

  “Here you go, Sir. I brought you some olar juice.” Chris took a whiff of the glass then wrinkled his nose. “I don’t know how you drink this stuff.”

  He offered it to Nary, who accepted it gratefully. His thirst was stronger than usual, a natural reaction to the healing process. “It’s not on your safe foods list, pet, so you can’t have any.”

  Chris snapped his fingers. “Oh, darn. What a disappointment.”

  Nary tilted his head. He was fairly sure he understood that Chris wasn’t actually disappointed. He coupled Chris’ reaction to the drink with the flat tone of his words and concluded that it was one of the humans’ odd ways of saying they disliked something by voicing the opposite.

  “Will you keep me company, pet?”

  Chris perched on the side of the bed then laid his hand across Nary’s arm. “I’ve wanted to all morning, but I didn’t want to bother you if you needed to sleep.”

  “Not right now. Can you stay a while? Or do you need to be with Morgan?”

  Chris leaned over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “That’s really cool of you, but Morgan’s reading in the bedroom. Actually, he told me I should spend time with you.”

  Nary raised his eyebrows. “Oh? So, you think he’s coming around then?”

  Chris nodded. “I do. I doubt he’ll want to hang out with a bunch of aliens or anything like that, especially after last night, but the reality that there are Alasharians who don’t wish to harm or use him is finally sinking in. Plus, I think I told you before, but he is really shy. He was like that with all humans before the invasion ever happened.”

  “Hmm. He doesn’t seem shy with you.”

  Chris rolled his eyes. “Tell me about it. We’ve lived near each other all our lives, so growing up, I was his safety net. I protected him when bullies would mess with him at school.” Chris snorted. “That didn’t exactly help with his social anxiety issues.”

  “Bullies?”

  “Yeah. People who push other people around, tell them what to do, make fun of them. It’s usually people who have self-confidence issues, so they put others down so they can feel better about themselves.”

  �
�That’s unacceptable behavior. But you protected your cousin?”

  Chris shrugged. “The best that I could. But I couldn’t be there all the time, and he’s dealt with a lot because he’s gay like me.”

  “Bullies don’t like people who are happy?”

  Chris barked out a laugh then bent over, holding his stomach. “Oh God, that was great. No, it’s a term describing guys who are only attracted to men, not to women.”

  Nary frowned. “I don’t understand. Why would bullies go after Morgan for that?”

  Chris rubbed at his forehead. “You see… Well, let’s just say that humans don’t always make sense.”

  Nary shook his head in confusion, the entire explanation about bullies completely ridiculous. “That’s what I’ve said all along. But you make sense, Chris. Except that sometimes you use strange expressions.”

  “Yeah, well. I’d say ‘back atcha’ again, but I don’t want you to come up with a punishment that I don’t like.” Chris grinned. “Unless you feel like spanking me. That’s okay.”

  Nary held in a laugh. “I’m too tired to spank you today, pet, but I’m sure I can work my way up to it again.”

  Nary pondered the story his mate had told him about growing up, and how Chris had protected his cousin. He wondered about all the different things that had happened to Chris as he’d matured, the moments in his life that had made him who he was.

  “Pet, I asked you whether or not you’d had interest in a male before the invasion, but what about other interests? You’re so young. Did you already have a profession, or were you still in training?”

  Chris shrugged and picked at the bed covering. “Sort of. I helped my dad at his car repair shop and I was taking my basic requirements at the community college.”

  “Is a community college a training academy?”