“Then walking and getting into everything. Yippee.” I pretended angst.
I sat down next to them. My arrival diverted Anrel’s attention from her bunny, and she babbled at me. My heart expanded at her welcome. I picked her up and smooched her sweet round cheeks. She grabbed my hair and tugged until my eyes watered. Strong girl.
“How did the club look?” Betra asked as I put Anrel on the floor. I laid her on her back, and she immediately flipped over on her stomach.
“Beyond help before we reach to Kalquor,” I sighed. “Katrina is heartsick.”
“That’s too bad.” Betra offered a sympathetic frown. “She should have the ceremony on Haven.”
“Haven?” The place sounded familiar, but it was an Earther word.
“The farming colony the empire is setting up for Earthers. It’s within our borders,” he reminded me.
“Oh yeah. Katrina’s son Matthew mentioned going there before she horrified him by joining a clan.”
Betra snorted, but he made no comment on the matter. We all agree Matthew is a self-righteous putz.
I seized on the idea of another venue for Katrina’s clanning since the transport was such a wreck. “Is Haven nice? Is it worth having the ceremony there rather than Kalquor itself?”
Betra shrugged, smiling at Anrel. She’d managed to wrap her fist around the bunny’s leg. She tugged, and he let her win the toy from him. It immediately went in her mouth to be slobbered on.
“I don’t know anything about it except we’re making an unscheduled stop there. I think someone mentioned it was to be developed for off-planet farming before the war. It would have produced alien crops that we’d never plant on Kalquor, but are popular with our people.”
I nodded, having heard a snippet or two myself. “The empire decided it would be a good place to settle Earther evacuees. It’s probably also a play to lure more of our women closer to your planet.”
Betra grinned. “I wouldn’t be surprised. With Haven in the early stages of construction and terraforming, they might have some equipment we can use to keep this poor ship limping along.”
“I suppose with transports to-ing and fro-ing between Haven and Kalquor, someone’s got to have parts.”
“We may get lucky and not need too much from them. Before we reach Haven, we’re docking for a couple of days at a military space station. They have a repair facility, but it’s small-scale. It probably won’t have all we need to reach home.”
I gave him a suspicious gaze. “Why do I feel we’re flying on a wing and a prayer?”
“Because we are.” He grinned. “The space station will give you a chance to witness how Nobeks really train. You’ll see how easy Resan was on you.”
I stood and picked up Anrel. “You spoke the name I refuse to hear. On that note, I’ll be leaving.”
Betra stretched before climbing to his feet. “I need to work anyway. See you tonight.”
I gave him a kiss, reflecting yet again how short our time together was. My mood plummeted as I carried Anrel to the dining room for our lunch.
I’d arranged to com Clan Seot after lunch. Now that we can talk in real time, we take advantage of it.
I was a couple minutes late connecting to their frequency, but I’d had to change Anrel’s diaper. I tried to hurry through it, but she was so cute that I had to stop to kiss her. She squirmed nonstop, determined to roll over. Busy baby.
Finally, I was seated on the floor with Anrel, feeling my tummy squirm the way it always did when I was about to see Clan Seot. They flip my switch.
The instant the vid of the three delicious hunks popped up, I gave them a frantic wave. “I’m sorry I’m late!”
They smiled at me, each man sinfully gorgeous in his own way. Hunky Seot, adorable Cifa, and sexy Larten. They make me believe the prophets love me and want me to have nonstop, sweaty sex.
Yes, I am going to Hell. If that road is paved with Clan Seot, I’ll skip straight down.
Cifa, who has younger siblings he used to babysit, was the first to speak. “Babies and children make you late to everything. You’re worth waiting for,” he cooed to Anrel. “Oh, you too Shalia.” He winked to show he teased.
I laughed with the other two men. Clan Seot loves to bust each other’s chops. I was apparently to be included in that.
“By the ancestors, woman, what have you been doing to your arms?” Seot’s tone was admiring.
I glanced at them, confused as to what he was talking about. I wore a tank top, so they were bare. “What? What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing. I’m admiring the muscles.”
I huffed a disparaging breath, though I was secretly pleased. My arms had gone from sickly twigs to toned in the last few weeks. I don’t want to give credit where it’s due, however. My former trainer is persona non grata.
“Please. You guys have the arms. Boy, do you have the arms.” I ogled with a lascivious leer.
“You look amazing,” Seot asserted. His gaze ran up and down my body. He was overt in his appreciation.
“Gorgeous,” Cifa sighed.
Larten had said nothing thus far. “The Nobek remains silent,” I joked. “He is not so easily impressed.”
The dangerous brute cocked an eyebrow at me. “If you were here, I’d throw you down and show you how amazing I think you look.” One corner of his mouth slid up in an evil smirk. “Words would not be necessary.”
I pretended horror, covering Anrel’s ears. “Larten!”
He grinned, unrepentant. His usual slightly sinister demeanor softened as he gazed at the baby. “Speaking of strong women, I’m impressed at this one pushing herself up.”
“She is!” Cifa was delighted with all things Anrel. This was no exception. “She’ll be crawling before long. What a big girl you are, Anrel.”
“The two of you are finally thriving,” Seot said. “What was this report I heard about you taking on an entire squad of Tragooms?”
“Oh no,” I groaned. “Trust me, the story has been exaggerated to a ridiculous extreme. I didn’t fight an entire squad by myself, and I made so many mistakes I shouldn’t be alive to talk to you. I had more luck than skill.” On the heels of that, I realized my humiliation kept me from showing proper appreciation to one of the men who deserved thanks. I told Larten, “One of the things I did do right was the trick you showed me when facing a bigger opponent. That definitely saved my skin.”
He beamed with pride. “I am glad, Shalia. Did you blood your knife?”
I’d never heard that phrase before, but the meaning seemed clear. “Twice.”
“Yes!” Larten howled, making Seot and Cifa wince. He pounded his feet in quick succession, and I recognized the rhythm of an ancient Kalquorian tribal dance. I had a moment of fear that he would slap the snot out of his Dramok or Imdiko, as that usually happens during such displays.
Instead, he straightened with the happiest smile I’ve ever seen a Nobek wear. Seot and Cifa chuckled at him. Then the Dramok turned to me. “How many Tragooms in total did you kill, Shalia?”
I cringed. I didn’t want to tell him the number. It was embarrassing, more an admission of stupid luck than any real skill. But Seot has a way of looking at me that doesn’t brook any hemming or hawing. When the man asks a question, he expects an answer.
“I was credited with fourteen.”
Cifa’s jaw dropped in comic shock. Larten’s grin grew bigger, though it didn’t seem possible it could. However, Seot nodded, his expression serious while still gentle. “Quite the count. You are to be commended.”
“Commended?” Cifa spluttered. “She deserves the rank of commander.”
“Shalia doesn’t want a lot of attention for this, as much as she warrants it.” Seot’s tone held a hint of warning for his clanmates. “She’s ready to move on and leave that behind her.”
I heaved a breath of relief. With a few short words from me, my Dramok beau understood how I felt. He got it without me laying it out. I could have kissed him for his understanding ... but the
n, I could kiss Seot just for standing around and being gorgeous. Still, I was grateful to him for shutting the conversation down.
To underscore that, I asked Larten, “You do the historical demonstrations? Are you part of that ancestor appreciation society?”
He’d gone back to his dashing and slightly dangerous air. “I am. I can trace my lineage all the way to Itness, father of Princess Gamrec and slayer of The Big Boot during the War of the Breeds.”
My knowledge of Kalquorian history is next to nil. Most of what came out of Larten’s mouth might as well have been spoken in Adraf for all I understood. It was clear this was a matter of pride for the big guy, so I nodded and made impressed sounds.
“It’s great you’re aware of your ancestry,” I said. “I have no clue about anyone in my distant background, except a little about my grandparents.”
“Tradition and honoring our ancestors are good. Thinking about you being here soon is even better.” Larten gave me a looking-over to clue me in on his plans for our future.
I wagged a finger at him but couldn’t keep the naughty grin off my face. “Do I need to cover Anrel’s ears again?”
The rest of our conversation settled into tame catching up. While Clan Seot gives me all sorts of dirty thoughts, it is nice getting to know them outside of rampant lust. I like these guys. I’ve figured out they’ll be a terrific fit for me and Anrel already. Still, they do have some pretty heavy competition from Clan Aslada. I also worry I’ll need to mourn over Betra and Oses before I can commit to a clan.
Clan Seot tempts me to jump in headfirst, but I’m going to be smart about this. For once, I’m going to think things through.
September 6
Hmm. I might have to check my lottery list to find out if I have any potential clans enlisted in Kalquor’s ground troops. Today was an eye-opener.
The Pussy ‘Porter has stopped at a fleet station for our most desperately needed repairs. It’s a military facility, not a fun stop-off like the station in Adraf space. We’re bouncing off the walls with our end destination so close though. The transport is a mess, so we’ve been granted shore leave for a change of scenery. As long as we stay out of secured areas, we can roam around Rel Station all we wish while we’re here.
“It’s not going to have dance clubs or stores with clothes and gifts or anything of that nature,” Betra warned his group before we were turned loose on Rel. “It’s a fleet facility where our destroyers and fighters come for supplies and train ground troops on the protocols they face on board our ships.”
Megan waggled her eyebrows. “Ooh, are we talking young Nobeks?”
“You’ve moved on from Clan Dabil already?” I asked.
“Had to. They were too sweet, especially Tep. I was afraid I’d get attached.”
Betra sighed. “Yes, there are many young Nobeks training here. Very impulsive, very excitable, very physical Nobeks. Just as you ladies like them.”
He was answered with squeals and women nudging each other with lecherous grins. Betra rubbed his palm over his face with resignation. Hey, what did he expect? It was shore leave and the ladies, with their awakened sexuality, needed new blood. I was among the few who kept to her favorites.
Off we went, ready to explore the space station. I took Anrel along because I had no one else to sit with her. Having her with me would also keep Betra and Oses from thinking I was on the prowl. I wasn’t, but I knew there would be plenty of entertainment in watching the rest of my Matara shipmates.
I was right. The station was as cold and functional as Betra had warned us it would be. With all the astonished fleet officers and training ground troops staring at us – and being openly ogled in return – no one cared that there were only two drinking lounges, a custom weapons dealer, a dining hall, and a gym to check out. Most of us settled in the lounges. The fleet personnel who were in there vied to buy rounds of drinks for us. I politely declined since I was bouncing my baby on my knee.
Anrel received a lot of stares from the Kalquorians. They were fascinated with her, probably because they’d not seen any babies in a long time. Particularly a female child that had mostly Kalquorian attributes. I saw men nudge each other, whispering and pointing at my little girl. I had the sense they were eager to protect her, though there were no enemies about. The snarls that nobody roughhouse in our vicinity were the big clue on that.
We watched groups of soldiers run past the lounge in formation, mostly Nobeks. They wore the tiniest, tightest shorts imaginable. I’d seen Larten in such a pair of shorts, and I thought he looked better than any of the youngsters. None of my shipmates had seen my beau, so they had no idea of what they were missing. The trainees in their shorts set off yells and whistles of appreciation from my lusty sisters. More than one nearly tripped over his own feet to see a bunch of females cheering them on. Anrel blinked at the noise and then yelled too, joining in the excitement.
Candy laughed after the first group ran by. “Careful, Shalia. Your daughter is already on the hunt for a sweetheart!”
“No way. I’m going to ask the Temple of Life to establish a convent where members swear to celibacy. Anrel will be the first convert,” I joked.
Another group of nearly naked trainees jogged by, and Candy whooped louder than before. “Hey, handsome! When are you off duty?”
I snickered. “Who are you calling to?”
“Any who will answer me!”
I laughed, but those men were yummy to watch. Good night, where did they get those skin-tight shorts? How did they get them on in the first place? I didn’t ask the obvious question that all the other ladies were no doubt wondering; how difficult would they be to peel off those taut, muscled buttocks? Yow.
Despite my disinterest in sleeping with anyone besides Betra and Oses ... at least until I reached Kalquor and could get my mitts on Clans Seot and Aslada ... I couldn’t deny the eye candy had an effect on me. Acres of muscles on display gets a gal’s motor running.
My fellow Earthers started disappearing on the arms of fleet personnel and ground troop guys not training during that shift. When Candy sidled off, I decided it was time for Anrel and me to return to the transport. My baby girl was yawning in anticipation of her nap. As for her mother, sleep was the last thing I wanted to do. My mind was full of muscled shoulders, wide chests, carved butts, and dual cocks outlined by tight material. Damn, those young Nobeks were incredible. I was hot and flustered.
I returned to the ship, put Anrel in her crib and watched her drift off. I checked the time and grinned as I went to my com.
When I heard Oses’s growly voice answer my com I said, “Tell me you’re not working past your shift. I’m in need of a big, strong Nobek.”
“I’m on my way,” came the blunt answer.
I closed the door between my sleeping room where Anrel dozed and the sitting room. My clothes went flying as I readied for Oses’s arrival.
I was still in my underwear when he stepped in. “Holy smokes, did you run?” I said with a breathless laugh.
“The situation sounded desperate. Did you see something you liked on the space station?”
“Just the shortest, tightest pants in the universe,” I tossed my bra off as he stalked toward me. “You need a pair.”
“You don’t.” He grabbed the waistband of my panties and tore them off me. Glory, hallelujah. “Who has the baby?”
“She’s in the next room.”
“I guess I’ll have to put something in your mouth to keep you quiet then. Down, woman.”
I sank to my knees before him, my insides quivering in anticipation. I bowed my head though I rolled my eyes upward to watch Oses pull his pants open. He revealed two big veined cocks, eager for me. I licked my lips and opened.
Oses grabbed the back of my head forcefully while pushing his front shaft up and out of the way. With a grunt, he slid the smaller in, forcing me take its full length.
I swallowed, refuting the gag reflex that wanted to come. Oses withdrew slowly, his eyes dark as he
watched his shaft emerge. His grip tightened against my scalp. I crossed my wrists behind my back, submitting to his desires.
He showed his fangs. My pussy spasmed to see him animalistic with need. I rubbed my tongue over the underside of the departing prick, knowing how sensitive he was there. He growled at me and swung his hips forward again, filling my mouth full of cock once more.
He pumped, feeding me with his smaller length over and over again. I gloried in the delicious assault, feeling his strength, tasting his sex. How I love being Oses’s to enjoy! I could have knelt there for eternity, letting him fuck my lips. I felt as if I’d been born for this pleasure alone.
His length gave a jerk, and he hissed. He pulled free of my eager devouring and looked about. “The table,” he choked out, giving my hair a careful pull.
Shalia's Diary Omnibus Page 155
