Dominic's Star

by Michael Mandrake

  “Good, because we might need to—”

  A sound of something pinging off the nearby tree cut Renard’s statement.

  “Shit! Go hide somewhere or try getting back to the ship while I stall ‘em!”

  “What? I’m not leaving you to deal with these rodents! We can take these bastards!” Renard beat his chest and roared again, louder this time making the ground tremble.

  Another noise that made Renard duck his head. “Did you listen to what I said earlier? Now, go on, man! Hide!”

  Dominic lumbered behind some bushes, but not far from where Renard was. Why he was scared of some little rodent faced asshats, Dominic didn’t know. Both of them were big enough to take a bunch of them out with no problem.

  Nevertheless, Dominic and his beast were excited to be out in the open. His injuries healed the moment he completed the transition. Although Dominic was sorry about alerting the rodents, he didn’t feel the least bit of guilt.

  Renard

  Why didn’t I mind my own business?

  Renard flexed his fingers to stop his own shift from happening. If only he’d gone with his first mind to ignore the Hunartheon and not try playing hero, he wouldn’t have the G-Force and all their allies after him.

  Sometimes being the good guy just didn’t fucking pay.

  Renard glanced over his shoulder again, making sure the bear was out of sight. Of course, the beast in Dominic wished to stay and fight, but Renard didn’t want him taking on these little critters in his condition.

  When Renard looked straight ahead, he noticed a small army of almost 30 Abugendi dressed in battle gear and holding weapons. The jerks were quick to respond to any threats, making Renard wonder why they wanted the G-Force protection in the first place.

  “Halt!” That was Batsung speaking from somewhere in back. They parted like the sea, letting their leader and what might be Renard’s former friend come to the front. “Captain.”

  “Yes, sir.” Renard nodded and folded his arms.

  “We heard a noise coming from this area. Can you tell me what that might’ve been?”

  “Oh, um…” Renard scratched the back of his neck. “That was me, just uh, yawning.”

  Batsung narrowed his eyes and drew up his lips into a snarl. “Really?”

  “Really, I uh… didn’t get much rest in the inn and…”

  “Where is your shifter friend?” Batsung cut him off.

  “Oh, just uh… taking a p… erm, using the washroom.”

  Batsung appeared suspicious. “He couldn’t wait until he got back to the inn?”

  “I… I guess not. He has problems with his, er… you know.”

  “Is he going to clean up after himself?”

  “I’m sure he is. You guys can go back to working now. No use getting hasty.”

  “I want to see him first!”

  “What, you don’t believe me?” Renard cocked an eyebrow.

  “It’s him that worries me, Captain, not you.” Batsung said matter-of-factly.

  “He’s harmless. You’ve got nothing to worry about. I’m taking care of him.” Renard said, backing away from Batsung. “Uh I’m gonna find him and we’ll get going.” Renard glanced to his left then again to his right to find the damn bear. “Dominic, we gotta scramble.”

  “Renard. Where is the shifter?” Batsung barked.

  “Dominic? We gotta get out of here.” Renard whispered. “I’m looking for him now so we can go.” Renard said quickly, still searching for Dominic.

  Batsung and the other soldiers continued watching Renard as they spoke in their own language. Renard didn’t really understand what they were saying, but he supposed they might’ve been discussing how Renard was trying to fool them by acting dumb.

  Is this what being interested in someone does to you?

  If so, Renard was ready to ditch the whole fucking idea. Normally, he wouldn’t give a shit, especially not a Gocarian, but dammit his feelings for Dominic had gotten in the way of his better judgement.

  “Dominic?” Renard continued whispering, seemingly into the air. “Didn’t you hear me?”

  “I did, but I can’t shift back.”

  “What do you mean? I told you—”

  “I’m sorry. I’ve been trying ever since you started talking to those rat-faced fuckers, and nothing is happening.”

  “Fuck!” Renard looked to his left, seeing the brown paw peeking out from under a bush.

  “Captain? Where is your friend?” Batsung called out to Renard.

  Renard didn’t answer. Instead, he stood next to Dominic, still in animal form. “We’ve gotta get out of here.”

  “Did they give you food?”

  “I have no idea, and seeing that I’m trying to trick them, I don’t really have time to ask.”

  “Dammit, I’m hungry.” Dominic’s stomach growled as if on cue.

  “Well you’re gonna have to try quelling that shit for now.” Renard peered from behind the bush, looking at the Abugendi, still talking amongst themselves. “Shit. They’re not moving. We’re gonna have to make a run for it.”

  “No, we stay and fight these assholes, then run!”

  “Fuck no! I already told you…”

  “I know what you told me, but I hate running. We can take all these jerks out easy.”

  “That’s not the fucking point.”

  “Dammit, Renard, I’m telling you.”

  “I’m the one in charge here, so we’re running. Again, no more killing, all right? Let’s just get out of here.”

  “Captain, my patience has run thin. I tried to give you and your friend a chance, but you do not comply, so I’ll have to shoot. On the count of 3. 1…2…”

  “Go!” Renard pushed Dominic out of the bush and both of them scampered in the opposite direction.

  “3!”

  Shots fired over their heads. Both of them ducked, then dove behind another set of bushes.

  “Shit.” Renard sat on the ground and flexed his fingers. “I’ll shield us with my arm. It’s our only chance.”

  “What? How, will you—”

  “Stone, remember?” Renard said with a smirk, then closed his eyes, thinking of his other body that needed to come to the surface. He growled, then re-opened his eyes while his arm turned to stone. It would be enough to deflect the pellets the Abugendi were using, nothing more. No doubt Renard would need to heal the moment they were up in the air. “Go, Dominic!”

  Dominic did, running quickly through the woods.

  Renard followed, shielding him as best he could with his arm, while the other parts of his human body got hit. If he were still quick as solid rock, he would’ve completely changed.

  The shit hurt, but not enough to wound him indefinitely. Good thing he wouldn’t have an issue healing once they were aboard.

  As the shots continued, they made it to Baal.

  Renard placed his human hand on the panel, and they quickly bolted up the steps, closing the door behind them.

  Dominic ran towards the back of the craft, growling.

  “Stay back there and try changing back!” Renard yelled. “Baal. Get us off this planet, girl.” He slapped a few of the controls, hoping she’d be strong enough to carry this extra weight.

  The Abugendi hadn’t given up, still hitting the ship with all their weapons, but the pellets could only go so far. Thank goodness it wasn’t bullets or both of them would’ve been goners.

  Once Baal was safely in space, Renard put the craft on autopilot to begin the healing process. He leaned back in the chair, trying to concentrate on the pain, making it subside. The rest of his body would need that as well, but for now he needed to stay conscious for him and Dominic’s sakes.

  “Hey. I’m baaaack.” Dominic came into the cockpit, putting a bottle of water in front of Renard’s face.

  “Thank fuck. I was worried your bear weight would send us falling into the universe’s abyss.” Renard grabbed it with his other arm and drank the liquid in one gulp.

  “On
ce I ate, I was able to shift.”

  “So, they gave us food then?”

  “They did. Enough to last for quite a while. I left you some this time.”

  “Good. But you’ll probably need more.” Renard said, knowing that was true.

  “I think I’m solid for at least another few days. Shifting makes me hungrier.”

  “Ah, I see. Well, I’m glad you’re human and uh…” Renard took a moment to check out Dominic’s clothing. “You… you look great in that outfit.”

  Dominic looked down at himself and shrugged. “It’s only a shirt and jeans. No biggie.”

  “Can’t you just accept the complement?”

  “I can, but I’m telling you I’m not wearing anything special.”

  Renard half laughed and chucked the empty bottle into the trash. “Whatever. I’m not sure where we’re headed just yet. I checked my communicator and there’s a bounty on my head and yours, but this one says I kidnapped you.”

  Dominic leaned back in the chair. “Well, you kind of did.” He placed his hands behind his head.

  Renard’s eyebrows fused together. “What? I rescued you.”

  “Yes, but… my planet will say otherwise. I told you, Gocarians are prideful creatures. When we get captured, we’re supposed to find our way out of it without interference.”

  “Well, you weren’t in a position to do that being drugged.”

  “I know that, but they don’t. Anyway, if you wanna rest, I can watch over this heap.”

  Renard shook his head vehemently and rubbed his arm with his human hand. “No way. I won’t have you trying to figure out how to turn us back around towards Gocara.”

  Dominic frowned, eyes narrowing. “Wait, how did you…”

  “Oh, did I tell you my special ability was to read minds? All gargoyles have one or another special ability.” Renard laughed.

  Dominic snickered. “Yeah, I kind of did, actually. What’s my mind saying now?”

  “That you’re gonna try distracting me with your devilish charm and push a few buttons.”

  Apparently, Renard had the right idea. Dominic cocked an eyebrow. “Okay, I was thinking—”

  “And I’m telling you it wouldn’t work. My board only responds to me.”

  “But it’s not waterproof?”

  “My ship isn’t for klutzes.”

  “Nor for other people, I suppose, but…” Dominic gasped, eyes widening. “Ah shit, you’re hurt.”

  Renard grimaced when the discomfort in his leg increased. Throbbing was a natural occurrence while he healed, which is why he wanted to change into the stone but wouldn’t with Dominic in such close proximity. The bear would probably freak out. “I’m not gonna die, so…”

  “Good, because I can’t control Baal.” Dominic snorted.

  “Nah, I’ll be fine. Just sitting still is a big help.”

  “You sure you don’t wanna rest?”

  “I do, but I can’t trust you not to try anything.”

  “You just said only you can control the board?”

  “I did, but that doesn’t mean you won’t do something else to kill us both.” Renard said harsher than he would’ve liked.

  “So, you don’t trust me?” Dominic dropped his gaze and sighed.

  “Give me one reason I should especially after I read your mind?”

  “’Cause we’ve been roomies for days.” He sounded hopeful.

  “And yet, you still feel I’m an enemy. Look, Dominic.” Renard grimaced while sitting up in the chair. “I do like you, but we have a long way to go before we can break through that wall of suspicion.”

  “I get it.”

  “Good.”

  “And how much do you like me?”

  “Enough to keep you out of prison.”

  Dominic shook his head. “And you’re avoiding turning back because of your father.”

  “Yes. He’s a cocky asshole who’d sell his soul for more medals if he could.”

  “And what is his son?”

  Renard thought a second and moistened his lips. He hated talking about himself, but he figured while they were having this chat he might as well be truthful. “Renard is a man who only wants to be appreciated.”

  “I appreciate you.”

  “I’m glad, because you’re costing me quite a bit. I’ve ruined two friendships because of you.”

  “But you gained one, Renard. We may not trust each other fully yet, but knowing how you risked everything for me, I’ll never be able to repay you.”

  Renard wiped the perspiration off his forehead. “I don’t need that from you, Dominic.”

  “What can I give you, then? I can’t just sit here, eat your food, get free rides on your heap…”

  “She’s not a heap —” Renard said in annoyance.

  “Oh yeah she is, but I thank her for getting us out of Abugendi and Megiddo alive. Anyway, like I was saying, what can I do to earn my keep?”

  “Try not to be annoying and give me every reason to trust you.”

  “I can do that.” Dominic rose from the chair then knelt on the side of Renard. “Are you sure that’s all you want?”

  Fuck.

  This was it. Renard’s chance to get close to Dominic or piss him off with a denial. While part of him wished to take the man over his lap and kiss the life out of him, the other was hesitant to take this thing further while still on the run. They literally had no place to hide from anyone. The whole universe knew of the bounty.

  “Renard?” Dominic’s blue eyes brightened under the lights.

  Renard swore he saw the universe’s stars dance in them, but then again, the ship’s roof covering wasn’t opened, and hadn’t in several cycles. “I…um…” Renard swallowed hard and dropped his gaze, eyeing Dominic’s lips. “Fuck, I…”

  “Dude, you really suck at this. I’m offering myself up to you and you’ve got nothing to say.”

  “I’m not a poet or a romantic, dammit.” Renard growled and blinked sweat from settling in his eye. “If you’re trying to coerce me, take the damn lead.”

  “Oh yeah? But what if I wanted you to?” Dominic twisted his lips.

  Renard didn’t think twice. Wanting him, he clasped Dominic’s hand with his good arm, yanking him in for a kiss. Their bodies crashed together like two meteorites clashing together in the universe, exploding, making a fire that wouldn’t be put out. Renard continued to pull until the bear shifter fell on his lap with their mouths still attached. Immediately he sensed the heat from the bear through his clothes, making him sweat more.

  Damn.

  While their lips remained locked, Renard’s skin tingled, quickly healing until the stone on his arm had finally changed to flesh. Seemingly, the embrace with Dominic had sped up the healing process, leaving Renard with barely any pain at all. With that happening, he wrapped both arms around Dominic’s waist, cradling the shifter close to him. If only he didn’t have to figure out what their next destination would be so he could take Dominic to bed where he’d been wanting to for days. Who knew what Renard would feel the next sun light, but for now, he elected to enjoy this hot moment between them.

  “Well, well, well, isn’t this cozy.” Another voice sounded off in the distance, making Renard jolt away and look around. When he spotted the unexpected visitor holding a gun in his direction, he regretted getting lost in Dominic.

  Shit.

  Renard shook his head, eyeing Dominic who appeared to be in a daze. He sat him up straight and patted his back. “Get your head out of the clouds babe, we got a visitor.” Then he raised his hands.

  Renard had yet another difficult decision to make and he wasn’t prepared for it.

  Chapter Nine

  Dominic

  “Holy shit on a cracker.” Dominic held his hands in the air, but he didn’t get up from Renard’s lap.

  “You could say that since you’re in deep shit now.” The Abugendi critter said, pointing a gun at them.

  “How the hell did you get on the ship?”
r />   Renard sighed. “He had to sneak past me when I was guarding the entrance.”

  The Abugendi warrior shook his head. “Nope. I rode in Dominic’s bag of clothes. You’ve got great fashion sense.”

  “Did you chew holes in my clothes too, asshole! If so, I’ll make you buy new ones!”

  The man hissed at him. “Even if I did, I wouldn’t buy you a damn thing. You Gocarians are cocky jerks that think you can take over the universe. It’s a wonder why a G-Force Captain would want to be bothered with you, but I suppose Renard has lower standards than others.”

  “Wait, what the hell?” Dominic almost ran after the guy.

  “No, Dominic. Stay calm. Let’s do what the man says and find out what he wants.” Renard said calmly.

  Dominic didn’t want to follow those orders, but he did as asked for now. He wasn’t sure how the fucker managed to stay in those bags when he shook them out, but then again, hedgehogs weren’t that big.

  Still, he’d be damned if he’d allow a rodent to ruin his time with Renard. They were on the cusp of something and Dominic wished to take it further.

  No matter what the Captain said, it was time for Dominic to prove his worth.

  “So, are you ready to do what I ask?” The warrior asked.

  “It truly depends.”

  “On what, shifter?” The Abugendi warrior barked.

  “If I’m in the mood for having a fucking rodent for dinner or not!” Dominic snickered. His kind didn’t usually eat other shifters, but he didn’t take being threatened lightly.

  “Nah, nah, Dominic, I already told you—”

  “I know, Renard but you’re the one in deep shit with the Fed, not me. My people will be impressed if I make mince meat out of this hog!”

  “Dominic! I swear if you hurt a quill on his head!” Renard sounded angry.

  Dominic peered at him, seeing the gargoyle’s face redden. Dominic could give a shit if he was mad. He wasn’t going to play games when it came to his life or Renard’s. “What are you gonna do to me? We just kissed. You said you liked me.”

  Renard looked away from him. “I do, but we’ll have a problem if you hurt him. He’s under my protection.”

  “He’s pointing a fucking gun at us, Renard, so I’d say he’s more of a threat!”