“You mark so easily.”
Rather than answer with words, Tyler nodded. He looked at Blessed, wondering if he had left a corresponding mark, but there wasn’t anything there other than beautiful, burnished skin.
Blessed dropped the end of the leash and walked away.
Unsure what was happening, Tyler stayed right where he was and waited. Eventually, Blessed returned. He was dressed in his clinging pants, his wrist gauntlets, and his massive boots. He lifted up the leash, turned, and strode toward the door.
Tyler followed because he knew if he didn’t the leash would just yank him along anyway. Blessed wouldn’t even have to strain to pull him behind him. He didn’t want to look like a disobedient dog being dragged by an angry master, so he double-timed his steps to keep up with Blessed.
They left the room and went back along the same path the invisible man had led Tyler up. When they reached the lobby, or what Tyler thought of as the lobby, he realized that this time it wasn’t deserted. This time, there were all kinds of curiously formed aliens, and every single one of them seemed to be looking right at Tyler.
Oh, God, please don’t let him sell me off. Tyler glanced at the flash of uniquely structured creatures with skin the color of everything from curdled milk, to dog poo, to a blobulus creature with a sheen like gelatin. Some had one eye, some had two, but most seemed to have at least three. All of them were looking at Tyler, and he really couldn’t tell if they were hungry, horny, or both.
Desperate to stay with Blessed, Tyler kept his steps lively so as not to do anything to piss him off. Distracted by an alien with purple hair that looked like spaghetti, he realized he needed to hustle to catch up or he would have too much tension in his leash.
In his haste to get closer to his angry master, Tyler overcorrected and ran right into Blessed’s back. This threw Tyler off balance, and he stumbled to the floor. The leash went taut, and it pulled right out of Blessed’s hand.
In slow motion, the leash crumpled to the floor.
Tyler’s heart sped up when Blessed turned to glare at him.
Obviously angry, Blessed put his fists on his hips. The hubbub in the general vicinity ceased, and Tyler knew without looking that every eye in the place was riveted. He wanted to utter a thousand apologies, but if he did he would violate Blessed’s order to remain silent. All Tyler could do was look up the powerful length of Blessed’s body and wonder what punishment he would mete out now.
Chapter 10
Blessed wanted to bellow at Tyler, but if he did, he would be displaying emotions around those he did not know. It would be foolish to do so. He reminded himself that a man of power did not yell because he didn’t need to. Everyone within earshot would listen attentively to him even if he whispered. Blessed held his tongue, reeled in his anger, and simply glared at his Earthling.
Slowly, Tyler climbed to his feet.
The hush that had fallen over the room deepened.
Tyler gathered up his leash, and Blessed’s entire body tightened. If he showed defiance here, before all these curious eyes, he would destroy Blessed’s reputation forever. He should have gone over the rules with him. He should have had his devotee question Tyler at length to make sure he understood what was and wasn’t proper form in public. To his further consternation, Blessed’s devotee exited the elevators, entered the main room, and stood as transfixed as the others.
Lowering his head, Tyler offered out the bundled-up leash.
Everyone, including Blessed, heaved a sigh. Some were from disappointment, some, like Blessed’s, were of relief. Tyler had corrected his misbehavior in a curious way by showing his undying loyalty and subservience to Blessed. Moreover, his mark was clearly visible across his slave’s unusually pale flesh, which showed everyone Blessed hadn’t lost his prowess at all.
Once he grasped the leash, he turned and walked away.
Tyler followed right behind, as did Blessed’s devotee. In their wake, the citizens once again resumed their activities. Blessed figured there would be talk of him and his slave, but it would die down quickly, as there was no tale worth repeating.
Since the city of Gerfal was encapsulated, the air was kept at a constant temperature that was tolerated by the many species who made Krase their home. The populace was a collection of those the Krase had conquered, but also their allies. The Krase Empire was vast. Over one hundred worlds made up the core of their dominion. Once a world was inducted into the union, the populace was free to live where they wished. Blessed felt perfectly at ease as he strode along. His city flat wasn’t far from here, so he didn’t bother with transport other than what his own strong legs could provide. His devotee was certainly used to Blessed’s whims if not his pace, so there was nothing—Tyler.
As much as Blessed wanted to wrench his head around and check on his tender Earthling, he didn’t dare allow himself that indulgence. Instead, Blessed kept on walking but turned to give an order to his devotee. While he was looking at his servant, he managed to get a look at Tyler. What he saw made him long for another time of respite in the bathroom.
Tyler’s lips were blue, his skin was so pale it was almost transparent, and he winced each time his bare feet touched the textured material of the walkway. If Blessed were truly indifferent, he would turn around and ignore the suffering of his slave. Blessed tried to do so, but something stopped him in his tracks. Blessed’s devotee stopped when he did and awaited his instructions. With a sigh of relief, Tyler stopped and waited, staring at him. It was clear from his obsessive attention he would do nothing to infuriate Blessed again.
Since he had no good reason to stop, he didn’t offer either man with him an explanation. He was their master and didn’t owe them one. But he felt like he had to at least appear to have a reason. To that end, Blessed considered the entranceways of the nearest buildings. He looked at one and then the other as if debating which to enter. In a city like Gerfal, each massive building was an enclave unto itself. Some were clearly more exclusive than others, such as the place they’d just left, but most along this route were upscale.
The nearest building looked promising in that it had several discrete international symbols placed along the entrance. Most seasoned travelers would know that this establishment provided everything from food to pleasure at a relatively high cost. Relative to the other nearby places, that is. Since Blessed had more funds than he could ever spend in several lifetimes, he wasn’t worried about the price. What he needed was a good excuse to enter. When he saw the small circle with a delicate thread trailing off it, he grinned.
Perfect.
Blessed turned toward the building. He took steps that were less ground eating than normal so that Tyler could keep up without running and doing any more damage to the bottoms of his feet. Devotee dutifully turned. Within moments they were inside the entryway of the building. It was much warmer in here, and the floor was covered with sinfully soft carpet, given how it cushioned Blessed’s footfalls.
“Your graciousness.” A tall, thin Delutian greeted him and bowed twice. “I am Welson. Please tell me what we of Naftedell Building can do for your most welcomed patronage.”
“I require items for my slave.” The symbol on the lower part of the doorway, that of a circle with a thread, symbolized the collar and leash of a slave. Since the auction house was right up the walkway, it wasn’t any wonder someone had the enterprising idea to put a slave outfitter nearby. By catering to exclusive clients, they assured themselves of having only the best citizens enter their building.
“Ah, he is clearly unsuited to the conditions on Krase.” Welson looked Tyler over. “May I?”
Blessed nodded, turned, and removed the leash from Tyler’s collar. He rolled it up and put it on his belt where his throwers usually rested.
Welson moved around Tyler in a wide circle. He considered him from every angle. “He is exquisite.”
Tyler’s gaze darted to Blessed, as if he were waiting to see if he agreed or not, so Blessed gave no reaction at all. He
wasn’t going to let Tyler know how he felt, but the fact was Blessed fully agreed with the merchant. Tyler was stunning. Even cold with a blue stain across his chest and belly, there was just something about him that caused all creatures to look upon him with longing. Maybe it was the fact his skin was so light or that his hair was golden and his eyes blue. Or perhaps it was a combination of all these factors that made him alluring. As soon as the auctioneer had pulled him forth, Blessed had known he would have him no matter what the cost.
“I think he would look wonderful in a modified Terse style.”
Blessed had no idea what that was since he didn’t follow fashion. As a retired warrior, he was allowed to dress in items that closely resembled his uniform.
“You will show me your skill with him and this style with one outfit, and then we shall see.” That way, Blessed wouldn’t be stuck with some horrible clothing that ruined the look of his slave. “I wish for him to look masculine, not…” He trailed off, unsure of the best way to describe the fashion he didn’t like where the males looked like children.
“I will make the most of his features.” Welson bowed twice and then turned toward a large archway. “Follow the floating droid. It will lead you to a room where you can relax while waiting for my first creation.”
Blessed did so with Tyler and devotee in close attendance. Once within the room, he was provided with tempting tidbits, drinks, and even a massage should he need one. Unusually edgy, Blessed chose an elixir known to have relaxing properties. He allowed devotee to have something if he wished, but he declined since he’d eaten while he waited for Blessed to finish his activities with Tyler at the auction house.
Ignoring Tyler became more difficult as he stood silently moving his weight from one foot to the other.
“Sit.” Blessed pointed to the cushioned cube that was in front of his chair.
Tyler did as commanded.
“Show me the bottom of your feet.”
Tyler lifted both of them up at the same time. They were not bloody, but they were angry red and clearly sore. Blessed conferred with devotee and then sent him to fetch a healing salve.
“I do this not out of kindness, but because you were expensive.”
Tyler opened his mouth as if to speak, but ended up closing it and staying silent.
Blessed was relieved. He didn’t want to punish him with pain, and he knew if he went to punish him with pleasure he was going to forget where he was and let loose a cry of possession. Instead, he closed his eyes and tried to rest until his drink came, but he found he was unable to do so. Rising, he paced along the length of the room. Back and forth he went, releasing the energy that seemed to be coiling around his cock. The memory of Tyler’s taste filled his mouth, and he tried to push it away, but he was unsuccessful. He couldn’t remember anything tasting like Tyler’s release. It was salty and yet had a curious kind of sweetness. It was delicious, and he found himself wondering if Tyler had produced another quantity.
Surreptitiously, he looked at his balls, but they weren’t flatter than before. It seemed whether he was full or not his sac seemed about the same size. Blessed realized he could ask, but he did not want to give Tyler any indication that he was interested in doing that to him again. But he was. He would like to do that to him while watching his expressive face.
Devotee returned with the salve and tended to Tyler’s feet. The clothing merchant gave him a pair of socks to keep the healing properties of the cream close to his skin, but Blessed thought his real purpose was to keep a mess off his expensive carpets. Still, it didn’t matter since either way Tyler was taken care of. The last thing Blessed wanted was for any illness to befall him, and it had nothing to do with how much he had cost. Blessed wanted to protect him because he cared. And that was the first slide down the dangerous emotional slope, but he felt powerless to stop his decent.
“I have the first outfit ready for your pleasure, your graciousness.”
“Proceed.”
A group of Delutians similar to Welson entered and surrounded Tyler. Blessed watched as they slid clothing on him, over him, and covered him completely. When they stepped away, Blessed had to take careful control of himself to not display his astonishment. Tyler was more stunning than he ever would have thought possible. Naked, he was riveting, but covered, he had a physical presence that demanded attention.
The tailor had fashioned a shirt that matched the color of Tyler’s eyes. A darker jacket over that drew the eye down and then to the sides of his wide shoulders. The trousers were cut generously and of a fabric that looked soft enough that it would move with his steps, thus plastering it against his body and giving luscious hints of what lay below. Gathered at the ankle, the cuffs of the trousers went into short-rise boots of black. After seeing the finished outfit, Blessed wanted to tear it all right back off.
“And the finishing touch.” Welson put a covering over Tyler’s collar that made it virtually disappear. “This way, he is still controlled, but it doesn’t distract from the visual statement you wish your servant to make.”
Blessed had to agree with that. It was amazing. He ordered more clothing and had devotee stay behind to work out delivery and payment. Blessed wanted to get Tyler home so he could remove his new clothing and have him again.
With his feet clad in the cute little boots, Tyler was now able to walk without issue. Blessed thought he had covered everything very well. He was a private creature who didn’t like the idea of anyone having any idea about his mind. His thoughts, longings, and emotions were deeply personal. The very idea of sharing those with another made him almost ill with fear. And that almost made him stumble. He had always considered himself fearless, especially in the face of the unknown, but now, because of one tiny Earthling, he was practically jumping at shadows. It simply wouldn’t do.
At his building, he entered, crossed the lobby, and took his private lift straight to the top. Once within his private sanctuary, he felt some of his tension dissipate. Here, the colors were sedate and soothing. Nothing too garish, nothing too bold. Blessed liked to be the only thing in his surroundings that stood out. But of course, now that Tyler was here, he would have to share that distinction with him as Tyler definitely contrasted his surroundings.
As he’d requested, his servants had prepared food for the both of them. Blessed looked at the human food and frowned. It looked awful.
“Is this what your kind eats?”
Tyler considered the items and nodded.
“What is it? And yes, you may speak when I ask you a question.” That might be the best order to have with Tyler so that he didn’t feel free to speak his mind whenever he wished. If he did that, Tyler would somehow lure Blessed into another deep discussion that would draw him closer.
“That’s a hamburger, or at least it looks like one. That’s potato salad. This is a chocolate cake.”
All down the row of alien foods, Tyler pointed and explained. Blessed still didn’t want to taste any of the items because he didn’t think they would meet well with his palate. On his side of the serving table there were several of his favorites, almost all of which involved raw meat with rich sauces. There were some dishes that looked a little like Tyler’s salads, but they were raw sea vegetables that were so bitter most alien species couldn’t tolerate them even when they were used as a spice. To drink, Blessed had the elixir of the gods, which was fermented tarrow. It was pungent, sweet, and had an alcohol content that wiped most species out after consuming a small amount.
Tyler had no more desire to try Blessed’s foods than he had to try his, so they ate from their own dishes and kept wary attention on each other.
“What will I do all day?”
“Did I ask you a question?”
“No.” Tyler went back to eating, but he seemed less inclined to continue. It was clear from his expressive features he was sad.
“I will give you chores to do.” Blessed tried to think of some, but the only things that came to mind involved both of them in his pl
ayroom. “You will not be allowed to stagnate.”
Nodding, Tyler set his dish aside.
“You are finished?”
He gave a half of a nod and then stood there, his beautiful eyes hidden by the way he kept his head down.
“Look at me.”
Tyler lifted his head.
“What is wrong with you?”
Tyler didn’t even have to think about what he was going to say. It all came tumbling out effortlessly. “I thought we were connecting in that room. It was enjoyable for both of us, or so I thought, but obviously I did something that sickened you because you left me while you went off to get a break for whatever it was that I did.” Tyler frowned. “Please tell me what I did wrong so that I don’t do it again.”
If he chose to do so, Blessed could make everything all Tyler’s fault. He could blame his moodiness on him, but what purpose would that serve? There had only been the two of them in that room. Blessed didn’t need to save face to himself. But he felt telling Tyler would be too intimate, and he wasn’t certain if he was ready for that or not.
“You pleased me.” Blessed kept his tone neutral.
“Then why did you dump me off as if you were disgusted?” Clearly, Tyler’s feelings had been hurt by Blessed’s actions.
“I wasn’t disgusted. I was done with you.” Blessed’s comment obviously stung Tyler’s pride because he straightened. “You will find that I do not linger once I have had my release. If your kind does, then you will have to tend to yourself in some manner because I will not.”
Rather than argue, Tyler just nodded. “Maybe next time I won’t be so accommodating.”
Blessed narrowed his eyes. “You know what will happen if you defy me.”
Enslaved by a Warrior [Sold! 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Page 6
