“If they’re so worthless, why is it so important that they’re under our rule?” Renard asked him pointedly.
“To keep the universe from fighting each other of course. Since the apocalypse, we’ve tried keeping the peace between all mutants. Of the planets we’re aware of, the Gocarians, Hunartheons, the Ferolax, and Xeritronians are the most difficult to contain. Doing so makes the universe a better place for everyone.”
“How many times did you rehearse that shit?” Renard snipped at him. He used to believe in that moral clause BS the G-Force spewed, but not anymore.
“I didn’t. It’s what Admiral Wyatt wanted.”
“Yeah it is, but that creed actually meant something to him. He negotiated, not taking planets by brutal force like we did with Xeritron. The Hunartheons were ready to fight us but relented because we basically threated to cut off all trade with them if they didn’t comply.”
“Which keeps the peace.”
“Which means we’re bullies!” Renard griped. “That’s not what Wyatt wanted. He didn’t want us to strongarm people. He wanted to do things the right way. Wyatt wouldn’t have wanted us to care about medals and having contests with who could make a planet bend the fastest.”
“Oh, that’s only for show!” Renard’s father waved his hand.
“Your dog and pony show as they used to say in the Old World. You put all those rules in place. The new members of G-Force take no pride in your creed. They do it for the pay, the benefits, and the accolades, nothing more.”
“And what’s wrong with that? They need incentives!”
“What’s wrong is it makes your creed look fake as hell!” Renard grimaced and leaned back in bed, feeling some discomfort. He grabbed his abdomen, wishing he could roll over and shift to stone again. Anything, to get out of talking to his father and easing his pain.
Renard’s father’s eyes peered at him. He shrugged, then stepped back, putting his hands behind him. “You might have a point, but regardless, we get the job done. And besides that, who doesn’t like medals? You used to love them as a little boy.”
“Well I don’t anymore. This boy has grown into a man that’s ready to stop traipsing all over the universe and make roots. I wanna settle down with Dominic and start a family.”
Renard’s father laughed and shook his head. “With a Gocarian? Other than Xeritronians, they’re the most selfish, unempathetic creatures in the universe.”
“Yeah well Dominic is different.” Renard spat. “Where is he? I wanna see him.”
“I had my men take him back to the planet. You are forbidden from seeing the Gocarian.”
Renard’s brows furrowed. “You can’t fucking do that! I’m a grown man!” He snarled.
“So, you are! A grown man who obviously doesn’t know his place. Not only have you embarrassed me by your actions, you mated with a Gocarian, our enemy, then upset the Hunartheons by killing one of their leaders. You caused trouble in our universe for this bear and it won’t be forgiven! The president has agreed not to throw you in prison, but you are suspended indefinitely!” He snapped.
“I don’t care. I wanna see my man!” Renard yelled. The angrier he got, the more his skin tingled.
“He’s not your man! He’s what you found appealing because you had no one to stick your dick into. And no matter how you think you feel, I will not allow you to be together!”
“Fuck you, Kirk! You can’t hold me here!”
“Oh yes I can because although your aren’t in prison, I will treat you like you are. The guards are outside of this bay. Once you’re released, you won’t be able to leave Damascus. I’m arranging for you to meet with several suitors of our kind because I won’t have my only child mating with some useless Gocarian!” He snapped.
Renard blew out a ragged breath. “Save the extra work because I’m already mated with Dominic!”
“We’ll see. I’ll leave you alone because I wish for you to get better. However, once you do, we’ll talk about your new job in my office, as a general’s assistant. In the meantime, concentrate on getting better from whatever sickness this is. The doctors won’t tell me because of the privacy codes.”
Renard folded his arms and laughed. “You put those codes in place, remember? No G-Force’s injury is to be discussed with anyone regardless of rank? Anyway, get the hell outta my room. I’ve got nothing more to say to you!”
Renard’s father twisted his lips and harrumphed. “I’ll leave now, but I’ll return to check on your progress.” He spun on his heel and left through the sliding doors.
Renard sighed and leaned back on the pillows, wondering what the hell that crazy man had in store for him. He wouldn’t sit here and allow this asshole to rule his fucking life as if he was still a kid.
More than that, what was Dominic doing? Renard hoped things were working out for his lover but knowing what he’d told him, that was wishful thinking.
Chapter Seventeen
Dominic
Dominic’s judgement day had arrived.
Standing in front of Bratzo, and other head council members for his trial wouldn’t be an easy feat, but he must convince them that he couldn’t be in jail.
All five sat in chairs with a table in front of them, stacked with pictures and documents containing Dominic’s record as a ranger as well as everything about his family history. They’d either use it in his favor or against him. Still, his fate depended a lot on the chieftain for the Messoli and not their natural leader. In some ways that was good, but Dominic refused to say it would be a walk in the park with either.
The air in the meeting room was musky and thick. With little to no circulation, the Gocarians distinctive smell overwhelmed Dominic. If only they’d open a window to allow sunlight and fresh air, but knowing their unsympathetic nature, none of that would occur.
Although serving as a ranked officer in the Messoli had been his dreams, all that disappeared when he and Renard became close. Now, only reuniting with his beloved stone face mattered. Not even his people’s thoughts of him since nothing would change their opinion of him anyway.
Despite falling in love with a G-Force captain, Dominic had no reason to change his mind. After dragging him away in cuffs, they locked him in a cell aboard their ship. They spat at him, not even allowing him to use the facilities and instead making him go in a chamber pot in the corner. They barely fed Dominic, just to spite the Gocarian then unceremoniously dumped him on Oncubus’ roof.
Dominic couldn’t wait to share that bit of information with Renard so they could get their revenge on those officers later on.
Even more disturbing but not surprising, his own people didn’t remove the cuffs and put him in the holding cell. Frankly, Dominic was tired of the mistreatment and would gladly leave this part of the universe just to get away from the both of them.
Unfortunately, Dominic’s fate would rest at the hands of Bratzo and his cronies. Not the ideal way to plead for one’s freedom, but he didn’t have a choice.
“Ranger Dominic. While we appreciate you trying to prove yourself and clear your name after you father’s defection, you didn’t bother trying to escape the Hunartheon. Why not?” One of the members with the nameplate, Briggs asked him sternly.
Dominic gulped hard and stared at the floor. He hadn’t slept much, and his stomach roiled, worrying about his lover and himself.
Knowing this could be his end, his palms sweat, wrists aching from the tightly wound bonds cutting off his circulation. The wrong answer could send Bratzo into a hissy fit, meaning Dominic would lose his position and probably be tortured just to prove a point. “I couldn’t…. because. I was trapped in a cage, sir. The monster drugged and raped me, leaving me immobile.”
Bratzo cocked an eyebrow. “Is that all?”
“It was a special drug leaving me powerless. I couldn’t shift or anything.”
The man who’d asked him the question shrugged, not looking impressed. “Fine. I’ve always thought you were a weakling anyway.” He snarled. �
��You never should’ve tried becoming a Messoli, Sutton. A worthless being like you should be working in our food dispensary of something of the like. Not as a ranger!”
“He was your project to begin with, Bratzo!” Another called Tierney called out.
“I know. And I made a big mistake in my decision. Never again, though. Dominic Sutton will be the last Gocarian to make a fool out of me!”
Dominic drew in a breath and closed his eyes. Though he knew man’s assessment of him wasn’t true, he wouldn’t argue it because doing so would earn him an automatic trip to prison and a beating at the hands of fellow rangers.
“That’s not even the worse part.” A council woman inquired. “He allowed a G-Force member to take him halfway across the solar system! Now, what’s your reasoning for that, Sutton? And don’t lie! Tell us you were drugged and raped by him as well, thus cowering your way out on that also and we might give you a pass.”
Dominic gulped and dropped his gaze. He closed his eyes again, remembering those moments with Renard. How the G-Force captain saved him from the Hunartheon, killing the beast, taking him on a journey to Unas where they shared many a sun light together. They ate to their hearts content, enjoying each other’s company and making plans for the future. Throwing him under the bus would take cheapen everything his beloved stone face did for him. It would make his sacrifice of defying his friends and family all a lie.
Dominic couldn’t do that.
He wouldn’t lie just to save his own hide. He had to have faith that one of them might show mercy and allow him to live his life freely to be with his lover. “I… can…not.” He swallowed the lump in his throat and opened his eyes. “I fell in love and claimed the stone face.”
All of the members gasped. The council woman gritted her teeth and pointed her long finger at him. “Disgusting! How dare you make a mockery of the Gocarian way! We’re enemies of the G-Force and always will be!” She snapped.
“So, we are and that will remain. However, Captain Renard is different.” Dominic rubbed Renard’s communicator with his thumb for comfort. The G-Force tried removing it, but he lied saying Renard had given it to him as a gift. Instead, it was his source of strength. All he had to hold on to while he begged for his life. It was the next best thing to Renard himself.
Dominic continued. “He showed me empathy and compassion when he didn’t need to. He supported me, sacrificed his time, his resources, and his own freedom to save me. He’s different from the others, better even. I’ve never been so enamored with anyone in my life.”
The council chatted amongst themselves except for Bratzo who appeared to calm. He narrowed his eyes at Dominic. “Oh Dominic. How could you fall in love with a gargoyle?”
Dominic moistened his lips and exhaled. “Because he’s exactly what I needed in my life. Look just take away everything. My cavern, ship, my position, but please allow me to live my life freely. I’ll give up everything to be with him.”
“What?” Bratzo threw up his hands. “Everything? That’s a pretty big sacrifice my boy. You’re brighter than that. Forget the stone face and work in the food dispensary. We’ll find you a mate if you’re lonely.”
“We will?” Another council person asked.
“Yes. Although I find your words about what he did for you quite charming, I’m sure it’s based on the physical happenings between you. I’ve heard G-Force are quite the specimens in bed.” Bratzo smirked.
The other council people laughed, making snide comments in their native tongue.
Dominic didn’t find anything funny. He straightened while looking at Bratzo directly in the eye. “That’s not why, sir. With all due respect, he loves me.”
While the others stopped talking, Bratzo laughed. “Love? My boy, do you even know what love is?”
“Love isn’t real.” The council woman sneered. “Love is for weaklings!”
“Well if that’s true, then I’m weak for Renard. I love him, and I’ll give up everything on this planet to be with Renard. If you won’t allow that then…” Dominic glanced away from them, then back again. “You might as well kill me. I won’t live on this planet working in your dispensary, slaving away for the rest of my existence.”
“Oh, that could be arranged.” Briggs stood and removed his laser from his side pocket.
“No! Stop right this second!” Bratzo put his hand on his arm. “Now sit. There will be no bloodshed here. I am genuinely intrigued by this boy’s desire to give up everything to be with the stone demon.”
“We all agree he did it because of the stone faces, cock!” One of the other’s chuckled, then they all started making jokes except for Bratzo.
“For your information, I haven’t been fucked by him. He allowed me inside of him.”
“What?” The council woman removed her specs and tossed them aside. “I’ve never known a G-Force, especially not a gargoyle to open his legs for anyone!”
They all started talking again.
“Quiet all of you!” Bratzo yelled. He straightened in the chair. “You’re unbelievable my child. You’re willing to sacrifice me giving you another job, pardoning you from being imprisoned and beaten, because you deserve it, as well as your lovely home and possessions for this stone face?”
“Yes, because I love Renard. Love is sacrifice. Giving up what’s comfortable to be with the person you care for. To make the other person feel good even when they’re down. To defy the odds and the haters to be together. I want that chance with him, Bratzo! I wanna be with him!”
And that’s when it hit Dominic.
Oh Goddess, Renard, I love you!
Dominic truly did despite not hearing it back. Renard didn’t do love, because he’d never been shown it. He probably didn’t know when or how to say it, only using his actions to express it. He’d done that several times over, so why should it upset Dominic that he didn’t say those words?
If only he could get to Renard to assure him that he understood. Hopefully Bratzo would be the one to give him that chance.
“My boy.” Bratzo eyed him confused. “You really should rethink this. Gocarians are hated and feared for a lot of reasons. Reconsider this and live your life the right way. Don’t abandon your heritage for a stone face!” He appeared disgusted.
“I do and I will.” Dominic said defiantly. “My people have always saw me different because of my father. I am not my father.”
“Agreed, but this is a mistake. You won’t be accepted for sure after this.”
“I know, and…” Dominic stopped himself because arguing wouldn’t do any good. No matter what he said, they wouldn’t understand. “Bratzo, please. I beg you.” Dominic dropped to his knees. “I give up everything. My citizenship, my home, ship, job, everything. Just take it away, I don’t care. I need to be with Renard. He’s sick on Damascus and me being here isn’t helping him.”
Bratzo and the others appeared dumbfounded by Dominic’s pleading.
“Please. Do whatever you need to do but let me live freely with my lover.” Dominic held up his cuffed hands for Bratzo to see. He was tired, smelly, and wished for sleep, but if he couldn’t see his lover again, he’d rather die.
Never had Dominic felt that way about anyone. Renard was truly special.
Bratzo nodded his head. “I will allow you to leave.”
“What? This is an outrage!” One of the members stood up as did another who cursed in Gocarian.
“Silence!” Bratzo yelled at them both, making them sit in a hurry. “While I am disappointed in your answer, I will not deny a Gocarian what he wants most. Besides that, Stone needs a home. Yours along with your STAT will do him nicely.” Bratzo cleared his throat. “But you are to leave Gocara and never return. If you do, you’ll be immediately thrown into prison. Do you understand?”
Dominic cried aloud. “Thank you, sir. Goddess bless you!”
“You have thirty days to clear out your cavern and deprogram your STAT. I will have our officer drop you at the planet of your choice, which is?”<
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“Megiddo, sir. I will go there and make a home for myself until my lover is released from the hospital.”
“Bratzo, you have a soft spot for this boy!” Tierney screamed, knocking over a chair while trying to shift.
“You only wanted to fuck him!” Another said, banging his fist on the table.
Bratzo got up and calmly walked over to Dominic. He smiled wryly and placed his hand on his shoulder. “You aren’t as weak as I thought. If it were only my decision, I wouldn’t have been so harsh. You understand, right?”
Dominic nodded. “Yes, and I thank you, sir. Thank you for your mercy.”
“You’re welcome. Are you sure I can’t… convince you to stay?” Bratzo put his hand on Dominic’s chest and patted it.
“I’m sorry, sir. I only love one man.” Dominic smiled and moved back. “I will never forget you for this act of kindness.”
Bratzo harrumphed. “Very well. I’ll have the guards drop you at the cavern. Don’t be surprised if they take liberties to show you their displeasure with my ruling.”
Dominic sighed. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, sir. Thank you again.”
Brazto nodded and left Dominic standing there.
Dominic smiled to himself, thankful that Bratzo granted him his freedom.
However, as footsteps drew closer, his happiness was short lived. Before he could catch his breath, Dominic was kicked in his side, making him fall to his knees.
“Umph.” He grimaced and coughed. Pain surged through his midsection as four guards made him their own personal punching and kicking mechanism.
Exhausted, Dominic didn’t bother fighting back. He closed his eyes, letting the tears well up under his eyelids. His vision blurred and he tasted the blood in his mouth.
Mentally he’d already removed himself from this and into Renard’s arms.
Soon he would see his beloved stone demon again.
Renard
Days had passed. Renard was feeling stronger, but the doctors wouldn’t say when he would be released. He assumed they were prohibited to do so because of the restrictions his father had placed, but he couldn’t be sure. Somehow, he’d need to find out more. Being in one room was making him stir crazy.
Dominic's Star Page 15
