by L. M. Brown
"I was the worst of fools. Even after he and his friends had used me, I still welcomed Lyndon to my bed. He promised me he'd claim me as soon as his future was secured, but until then we'd have to keep things secret. I believed him and let him fuck me whenever he asked. Eventually, my uncle noticed my belly rounding with my litter. Then Lyndon told him what he had witnessed at my coming of age celebration. My uncle was not best pleased with him for letting me shame myself, but each of Lyndon's friends came forward and backed up his story. I don't know why they didn't tell my uncle that Lyndon had fucked me too. I think one of them was scared of him, but I don't know for sure. It's not like I had the chance to ask."
"Did they have similar markings to Lyndon?"
"Yes, and even though Lyndon had been the only one to take me that way, the others didn't deny his assertion that any of them could have impregnated me. None of them wished to claim me, though. Lyndon told me just before you came in that I was given to them to pay off his gambling debts. I'm just property to Lyndon and I always have been. Why should they want to claim me when I had given myself so willingly to all of them? One of them even told my uncle he wanted a mate who wasn't a depraved little slut. So my uncle had me secluded away until I gave birth. He charged Lyndon with ensuring I kept my legs closed, as he put it."
"And Lyndon continued to take advantage of you," Cal concluded.
"I thought if I let him have what he wanted, he'd change his mind and claim me. Later, when my time approached, I hoped he might love our babes and claim me for their sake. When he didn't, I finally saw him for what he was. But it was too late."
"He was your only food source," Cal concluded, picking up the story from what he already knew.
"I was still what they say I am," Jax whispered. "On the day I came of age, I acted shamefully and now I'm paying the price."
"No." Cal hugged him. "You've paid for your mistakes ten times over. Now it's over and Ty and I are going to take care of you. We've claimed you, like Lyndon should have done, if he had any decency at all."
Jax twisted round to face Cal at least. "Don't you care that I didn't tell you the whole truth last night? I mean, before you and Ty claimed me."
Cal shrugged. "Not a bit."
Jax frowned. "How can you not care that I let four felines—three of them strangers—fuck me over and over on a single night?"
Cal gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Because I'm falling in love with you and have no intention of letting your past drive you into the bed of a feline who treats you as appallingly as Lyndon does."
Jax stared at him for several long seconds. He was completely lost for words.
Cal kissed him again, longer this time. "Now, come on. We need to pack your belongings before Ty wonders where we've got to."
Jax didn't move. "Are you going to tell Ty?"
"Do you want me to?"
"I don't know. What if he doesn't want me when he finds out how I behaved?"
"Ty will still want you," Cal assured him without hesitation. "He's already in love with you."
Jax gave him a doubtful look.
"You can believe me or not, but I've known Ty since he came of age, and I can see the love in his eyes when his gaze is on you. It was there right from the moment your uncle presented you to him in the hall. Believe me, he's fallen for you hard and fast."
"That doesn't mean he won't be angry when he finds out."
"Ty won't be angry, I promise."
"But what if…?"
"Then I'll protect you from him," Cal answered his half-formed question. "Not that it'll be necessary at all. Now come on and help me pack your trunk."
Jax finally got up and went to gather his belongings. Most of his clothes were still in the trunk. He put in the various items he had worn over the last few days, and then straightened them up when Cal saw his efforts and tutted loudly.
Still not satisfied, Cal pulled everything out and started over.
"What's this?" he asked as something long and hard fell to the floor.
Jax's face heated when he realised what it was. "Um… it's a fake phallus. Lyndon must have packed it."
Cal picked it up and studied it with a critical eye. "He fucked you with this?"
"Sometimes."
"Does his cock not work properly?"
Jax snorted out a laugh. "Yes, but he's not that well-endowed. He would stretch me with that so I could take him easier. Or he'd watch me fuck myself with it. Sometimes I used it when I was alone as well."
"You did?"
Jax shrugged. "I'd ache to be entered, my entire body thrumming with desire, and some nights my fingers just weren't enough. I needed more."
"Do you want to bring this with us?" Cal asked.
Jax started to shake his head before changing his mind. "Yes, pack it. Ty and I can use it without risking pregnancy."
Cal placed it in the trunk and carried on packing the clothes and other personal belongings. When they were finally done, Cal took him to his own quarters where he gathered his belongings in a small sack. He said a brief goodbye to Rags and they headed down to find Ty.
Jax tried to shake off the feeling of being watched, but the malevolent presence lingered.
*****
Ty took the contract, which had been returned by Orin, from his mother's hand and turned back to the first page.
"You just need to add your signature on the last page," his mother said. "Then once your father and I have signed it, everything will be official."
Ty batted her hand out of the way and carried on reading. "I want to see if anything has been added. Father always says never to sign anything without reading it through carefully first. Right, father?"
His father grunted from his desk. A man of few words, Timon had let his mate take the lead in most matters for as long as Ty could remember.
When he reached clause eighteen Ty was grateful for his father's lessons. There was a little addition added to the section that he would never agree to. "What's this about Jax's primary food source? Cal and I will be feeding Jax from now on."
His mother offered a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Orin wants to ensure the wellbeing of his nephew. It has therefore been agreed that his primary food source—Lyndon I believe his name is—will join your household for the next three cycles."
"Absolutely not," Ty replied. He grabbed the quill and made to cross through the clause, but his mother took the quill from his hand.
"Orin was quite clear that this is non-negotiable."
Ty tossed the contract onto the desk. "I don't care how clear he was. Lyndon will never be part of my household. I don't want him anywhere near Jax."
"Ty, be reasonable."
"Is there a problem?" Orin stood in the doorway.
"No," Ty's mother said at the same time Ty replied "yes."
"Just going over the finer points of the contract before we make things official," his mother assured him.
Ty snatched up the contract and thrust it at Orin's chest. "Lyndon is not part of this arrangement. I will not have him in my household."
"Lyndon is a loyal and faithful servant." Orin appeared genuinely confused as to the problem.
"Lyndon has been fucking your nephew for cycles," Ty told him. "That ends now."
Orin shook his head. "I see my nephew has been filling your head with his lies. Still, if you will insist on mating with him, you'll come to learn how deceitful he is. Lyndon will be there to ensure his wellbeing, and to return him to his home with myself when you discover Jax's true nature and wish yourself rid of him."
"Even if I were to tire of Jax, your care would be the last place I would wish to see him. For a man who washed his hands of his nephew just a couple of hours ago, you seem rather anxious about his future."
"I was angry, but he's still family. I wouldn't want to see him neglected in favour of your servant."
"Jax will not be neglected, by either myself or Cal."
"I'm glad to hear it. But if you really do have Jax's best intere
sts at heart, you'll agree to Lyndon joining your household. It's not as if I'm suggesting you take him into your bed."
"I should hope not. Not that it makes any difference, I will not agree to this term."
"Ty, might I have a quiet word," his father said.
Had it been his mother who had asked, Ty would have refused, but his father was different. The two of them slipped into the next room where no one could hear them.
"What is it?" he asked.
His father waved him to take a seat. "You seem to be taking this Jax's word as the truth in everything. Can I ask why you favour his word over that of both his uncle and his primary food source? All three are strangers to you."
Ty frowned. Why did he believe Jax over the others? There was only one answer he could give. "Instinct."
His father smiled gently. "Is that all?"
"Jax's words have a ring of truth to them. I believe him, and so does Cal. He isn't what Orin and Lyndon claim him to be."
"Are you absolutely sure about that?"
"Yes."
"I hope so," his father said, "because that man through there is a dangerous enemy to have. Orin controls a large area of the most fertile lands on Furyne and there are rumours…"
"What sort of rumours?" Ty had never met Orin, and while he knew he must be wealthy, all nobles were, he knew little else about him.
"There are those who say the land is so fertile because he and his workers observe the old rituals. Blood sacrifices."
"Are you sure?"
"No, it's only a rumour, and nothing has ever been proved, but when anyone goes to investigate they seem to disappear. Don't get on his wrong side, Ty."
"I don't want Lyndon in my household," Ty repeated. "He's used Jax appallingly over the cycles."
"According to Jax."
"Father, you've seen Jax for yourself. You've seen how small he is compared to other felines. I think it's because he's been practically starved. From what Jax has said, Lyndon is his only food source and he has withheld his cream whenever Jax had displeased him. My instincts are telling me that Jax is telling the truth."
"But he hasn't been entirely truthful, has he?" his father asked. "He was presented as a virgin."
"By Orin, who knew he wasn't. Jax wasn't the one who stood in the hall and declared himself untouched. When the three of us spoke about his virginity, or lack of it, he was completely honest with us."
"I see I'm not going to convince you otherwise, am I?"
"No, you aren't."
His father nodded and drummed his fingers on the arm on his chair. "If Lyndon is truly a non-negotiable part of the deal, he'll have to join your household. If not, Orin can declare the mating null and void."
"He can't do that. We've already claimed each other."
"For common felines claiming might be enough, but you are noble, and a high noble at that. The contract is necessary as it doesn't just involve the continuation of your bloodline. There are other factors, such as property, land, and wealth."
"I'm going to have to let him come with us, aren't I?" Ty said. He didn't know how he was going to break the news to Jax.
"I'm afraid so," his father agreed. "But perhaps we can arrange a compromise?"
"Such as?"
"I know you wanted to have this extended honeymoon in the mountains."
"You agreed to that earlier. Jax and Cal are already packing their belongings."
"I'm not saying you shouldn't go. I like the idea of you setting up a household there. It will be useful to get us ready for the harvest next cycle. But from what I understand from the human settlers, honeymoons are not that long. Perhaps the three of you can go ahead of the rest of the household, for say twenty days, and the others follow later. That gives the three of you some time alone and as well as the opportunity for Jax to ready himself for Lyndon's arrival. By the time the others join you, the three of you will be about ready to renew your marks. If you have changed your mind—no, let me finish—if you have, then Lyndon can return Jax to his uncle at that point."
"Who else you do intend to send with Lyndon?" Ty asked.
"You may choose your own servants. I would suggest six would be enough for the lodge, it isn't very large, after all. More will be needed during the harvest, but I will see to the business of sending those to you."
"And I can choose from any of the servants?"
"Yes. Though I do believe that the young feline Rags is a close friend of your Cal. You might want to consider him for one of your staff."
Ty promised to take that into consideration, though already an idea was forming in his mind. It wasn't something he could discuss with his father, though.
They returned to the neighbouring room and Ty took back the contract. He read the rest, noting a few more additions and alterations, though nothing that bothered him as much as the Lyndon issue.
He grabbed the quill and scribbled his signature at the appropriate place.
"I'm glad to see you've come to your senses," Orin said.
Ty glared at him and stalked away.
Chapter Seven
Ty didn't dare mention the contract until he, Jax and Cal were completely alone. The palace had too many servants for him to risk anyone overhearing what he had to say. He hoped he had done the right thing in signing the contract, especially without discussing the matter with Jax and Cal.
He found his lovers on their way to him. Jax appeared nervous and Ty gave him a quick kiss to try to ease his fears.
"All signed?" Cal asked.
"Yes."
"Did my uncle make any amendments?" Jax asked.
"A few."
"Anything to worry about?" Cal questioned.
Ty wondered whether Cal was reading his mind. "We'll talk on the way to the mountains."
"That doesn't answer my question," Cal pointed out.
Ty glanced around. "Not here. When we're alone there's something I have to discuss with you."
Jax and Cal exchanged a quick glance.
"I see you have something to tell me, too," Ty guessed. "We'll be on our way soon and once we're on the sky car we'll be able to talk without anyone listening in."
Cal nodded and declared his intention to go and say farewell to his family. Jax stayed with Ty, who went to check that the staff had packed everything they needed.
The three of them met again at the palace's private sky car port.
Ty's parents joined them, though Jax's uncle didn't. Lyndon hovered at the back of the group.
"I'll be seeing you soon, Jax," he called as they climbed aboard.
Ty steadied Jax as he stumbled. "Ignore him, Jax. He's just trying to upset you."
Jax took his seat in the spacious car and Cal sat beside him. Ty oversaw the luggage being placed in the lower compartment before he joined them.
Ty waved from the window as they departed, and once they were safely on their way he turned his attention to his mates.
"I have something to tell you," Ty said. He took Jax's hand into his own and held it firm. "Your uncle has demanded that Lyndon joins our household for three cycles."
"No!" Cal's exclamation took Ty by surprise. He had expected a similar response from Jax.
Ty shook his head. "I've signed the contract, not that I was given much choice, but I have no intention of risking Lyndon discovering Jax is carrying his litter."
"How do you intend to do that without breaking the contract?" Cal asked.
"I can't," Ty replied.
"You don't mean you're going to break it?" Jax asked.
"That's exactly what I mean."
"But there'll be consequences if you do," Cal reminded him.
"And far worse ones for us if I don't." Ty smiled at Jax and pulled him into his arms. "I have an idea, but I need all of us to be in agreement."
"I'm sure we will be," Cal replied.
"You haven't heard my idea yet."
"What is it?"
"We go off-world."
Cal frowned. "How will that help? Sur
ely he'll just follow us."
"Not if he can't find us," Ty replied. "We're heading to the mountains. I promised to check in with my parents when we arrived. They're going to give us twenty days to have a honeymoon, which includes the travelling time to the mountains. I suggest we get what we need on the way and then carry on to the other side of the range to the spaceport."
"But the records will show which ship we left on," Cal pointed out.
"Not if we use false names and disguise ourselves."
"Disguises?"
"Yes. If we can hide the fact that Jax and I are noble, no one will take any notice of us. It's not like anyone is really meticulous about keeping records here on Furyne. It's well known as being the slackest in the galaxy in that regard."
"You're going to an awful lot of trouble for me," Jax said.
"You're worth it," Ty assured him, but instead of smiling Jax hung his head. "You are."
Jax glanced at Cal.
"Am I missing something?" Ty asked. "Is this about what you wanted to tell me earlier?"
Jax climbed off his lap and went over to Cal, curling up close to him, as though seeking reassurance.
"You don't have to tell him," Cal said. "I already told you, it's in the past and it won't make any difference to Ty."
Jax shook his head. "No, he deserves to know."
"What is it?" Ty asked.
Jax drew in a deep breath. "Lyndon isn't the only feline I've had sex with."
Ty frowned. "Are you saying Lyndon might not be the father of your litter?"
"No, he's definitely the father," Jax assured him. "It wasn't recent, it was the night I came of age."
Ty wasn't sure what Jax was worrying about, but something was clearly bothering him.
Cal hugged Jax and picked up his story. "Lyndon had gambling debts and he paid them off by offering to let three of his gambling friends fuck Jax."
"He what?" Ty wished they were back at the port so he could pummel Lyndon into the ground.
"They didn't force me," Jax hurriedly interjected. "I was willing, too much so. There were three of them, plus Lyndon, and I played the slut for all of them."
Ty's anger simmered below the surface. "That word has been used a lot the last few days and I'm sick of hearing it applied to you."
