by Cree Storm
Petree placed a hand on Spencer’s arm, “It’s okay, Spencer.”
“No, it isn’t. If I’m not mistaken, Caliph Redmen said he would personally ensure that no one was rude or aggressive towards us, if we agreed to come here and bring hope to his people. Yet, here this shit stands here, having the gall to look down on you, as if you were nothing more than dog shit. Well, fuck him and anyone else that thinks they’re better than you, because they have fucking wings and you don’t. How many of these people would have been willing to lose their wings, just so these unappreciative bastards can find their Viatas once more? None. That’s why the gods came to you, Petree. Your willingness to sacrifice for these judgmental pricks still makes me awed. When Madame Pele and the god Aumakaua came to you and offered you peace, or a wingless existence, maybe you should have walked through that waterfall. Because from the way these assholes look at you, I don’t think they were worth the sacrifice,” Spencer spat out.
“What’s going on over here?” Hron asked angrily.
Petree opened his mouth to speak, but Spencer jumped in before the man could. He needed to cause a scene. It was the only way to get those prints, and as much as Spencer hated the attention, he had little choice if he was going to get into Tumm’s computer. “This cretin, is insulting Petree, that’s what.”
“I did no such—”
“Don’t even give us your bullshit,” Spencer snapped, then said in a high-pitched tone, “How does a Nakaka go about losing his wings? Why would the gods bless you when you don’t represent us?” Spencer felt Throg next to him, as he asked, “What the fuck do you call that if not rude and insulting?”
Hron gave a low growl as he wrapped his arm around his Viata, “Is this true? Did you insult my Viata?”
“What’s going on over here. Quid, what the hell did you do now?” Caliph Redmen snarled.
The Nakaka’s eyes widened, and the panic was clear. “I... I didn’t mean... I apologize, Petree. I...”
Before the man could say whatever the hell he was going to say, Spencer felt himself being pulled away by Throg. His mate whispering, “Hurry with whatever you need to do.”
“I can’t do it right here, Throg. I need somewhere private.” Spencer whispered back.
Throg led Spencer to a small room, talking low as if to calm him down, and maybe in a way he was. “I’m sorry I allowed Tumm to touch on me so much, my Salvator. I know it couldn’t have been easy to watch, and trust me it wasn’t easy for me to do. I could feel your distress, and there was nothing I wanted more than to rip the fucker’s arm off and beat him with it, but I needed to get this for you, and could see no other way.”
Spencer almost laughed, since those were almost the same words he had spoken to Petree not more than five minutes ago, except it wasn’t Tumm that was going to be beaten with that arm. “I understand, but you’re right. I didn’t like it, and my sloth liked it even less.”
Throg lightly kissed Spencer’s lips, “I’m sorry my Salvator. I promise, when we are home once again, I will make this all up to you.” Then, he kissed him once again.
Spencer melted into the kiss, reluctant to let the man’s lips go. However, they had a task to complete, and Spencer wanted to get it done and get home to collect on that promise. “Let me have the glass.”
Pulling out a roll of clear tape and wrapped it around the glass, gently pulling the tape off. When he looked at it the thumbprint was clear. “This will do it.”
Throg smiled, “Good. Now what?”
“Now I have to get to Tumm’s room. I hate that you had our room placed directly across from his, but I’m glad. It should allow me to get in and get out quickly,” Spencer stated.
“I’ll have Nas go with you and keep watch,” Throg said, ready to call the ancient guard in.
Spencer shook his head, “Not a good idea, my warrior. I think it needs to be Torro or Mennen. An ancient guard will bring too much attention. His duty would be to help you guard the Caliph and his mate, not me.”
Nodding, Throg said, “I would rather have one of my men, but I’ll let Groth know.”
Looking around, Spencer saw Tumm watching them. He hissed low, before Throg could press the com link, “Tumm is watching. I’ll press the com, you look at me, and talk as if you’re saying something to me.”
Throg gave a small nod as Spencer brought his hand up as if caressing his mate’s face, stopping just at his ear and pressing. He must have hit the right thing, because in seconds Throg was saying, “Groth, I need Mennen or Torro to go with my mate to Tumm’s room.”
The Nakaka must have said something back, because Throg was placing his hand on Spencer’s, and bringing the man closer, taking his lips into a deep, bone-melting kiss once more. Gods, Spencer could kiss this man for hours and never get tired of it, his cock thickening, making him uncomfortable, and almost pained.
Pulling back, Spencer panted, “We have to stop, or... I’m gonna explode right here.”
Throg looked at him hungrily, but nodded. Once he was under control, he said, “I hate not going with you.”
“I know, but you have to keep Tumm busy, so I can do what I need to do,” Spencer whispered.
“I hate it, but I know you’re right. Go. Do what you need to do. I want to get the hell out of this place and get home.” Throg softly said, his tone indicating exactly what he wanted to do with Spencer when they did get home.
Spencer turned with Throg, seeing Mennen walking their way. He also noticed Tumm watching him closely, and the look on the man’s face showed just how unhappy with Spencer he was. Pretending he didn’t notice, Spencer said to Mennen, loud enough for Tumm and a few others to hear, he said, “Mennen, I would like to go to my room, if you don’t mind.”
“Are you unwell, Spencer?” Tumm asked, without missing a beat.
“Just tired, Spencer answered. Who knew pregnancy could be so exhausting?” Spencer said, placing a hand over his stomach to emphasize his condition.
Tumm looked at where Spencer’s hand was placed, and the brief look of disgust lasted barely a moment, but it had been there. “Yes, I can only imagine.”
Spencer nodded, “I wish I could have. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy, even if this pregnancy wasn’t planned. I’m thrilled to be able to bring hope to your people.”
“Not planned? I don’t understand,” Tumm said in confusion.
Knowing this was his out, Spencer said, “I’ll let Throg tell you all about it. I’m going to go and lie down for a bit.”
Throg leaned in and kissed his cheek, “Rest well, Spencer.”
Hating that he had called him that instead of Salvator, he nodded, and turned. Spencer understood that Throg couldn’t really call him Salvator and still maintain the image of interest in Tumm, but that didn’t mean he had to like it.
When they were out of earshot, Spencer muttered, “Let’s get this shit over with, before I kill that fucker for touching what’s mine.”
Just as Spencer made it to the double staircase, a loud, “Spencer, wait up. Please.”
Spencer stopped, and turned to see the asshat from earlier making his way towards him.
The man looked stiff and uncomfortable, and it took a moment before he said, “I wanted to apologize to you for what I said earlier. My bluntness has gotten me in trouble more than once, but I hadn’t meant my questions the way they sounded.”
“It’s fine, Quid. Just understand, when Petree willingly gave up his wings, he knew what that meant to the Nakaka. However, he felt it was far more worth it if it meant that his people would once again be able to not only find their Viatas, but procreate and bring new life to your kind. He is one of the most selfless men I know, and I witnessed his willingness to do anything for anyone. When you insult him you insult many, and that is not a healthy or safe thing to do. Because, there are more than just Hron willing to lay their lives on the line to protect that Nakaka, and I’m one of them. Now I’m tired, so you have a good night.” Spencer said, walking up the stairs.
“I’ll be right here,” Mennen stated, taking position in front of the door.
“I think it might be better if you stand in front of mine and Throg’s room, Mennen. It’s going to look odd for you to stand here,” Spencer suggested.
The man didn’t say anything as he repositioned himself, and Spencer quietly made his way into Tumm’s room.
CHAPTER 17
Throg pulled back slightly from Tumm’s grasp, hating the feel of the man’s hands on him. If this had to continue for much longer, it was going to make Throg puke.
“So, you’ve mated? And with a shifter? Does that even count as a Viata?” Tumm asked.
“What do you mean?” Throg asked, wanting to knock the fucker’s teeth out, for even suggesting Spencer wasn’t his.
Shrugging, Tumm said, “You know as well as me, Throg, we’ve only ever found our Viatas in other Nakaka. Isn’t it odd that all of a sudden that changes?”
“Not really. As Hron said, maybe the gods felt if we were diverse in our Viatas, then that would keep us safer, because we are not connected,” Throg said, trying to keep his anger out of his tone.
Tumm traced a finger up and down Throg’s forearm asking, “Are you happy with a shifter being your Viata? Wouldn’t it be better to have another Nakaka at your side?”
“I never thought I would have a Viata. Being an ancient guard, it isn’t something I gave a lot of thought to,” Throg answered as best he could, the threat of killing the man right there, becoming stronger with each touch the man placed on his body.
“So, is having a Viata like they say... all-consuming? I mean wouldn’t you rather have a Nakaka by your side?” Tumm asked, in what Throg only could assume was supposed to be a sensual voice, but all it did was irritate Throg.
Knowing he couldn’t give a truthful answer, Throg shrugged, “I wouldn’t know how having a Viata is supposed to be with other Nakaka. The sex is off the charts, but it doesn’t stop me from doing my duties to our people.”
“I’ve always found you sexy, Throg, and I’ve wanted you for what seems like a lifetime. I know you’re mated now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have the pleasure of another of your kind. I would...”
Tumm stopped talking, and Throg noticed he was looking behind him. He couldn’t turn to see who he was watching, but whoever it was had Tumm becoming extremely nervous, causing the man to pull back, stammering, “I... I uh... I’m sorry, Throg. Maybe we can talk later. I need to go.”
Tumm turned and walked away. Throg turned and didn’t see anyone that might cause such a reaction. Pressing his com link, Throg asked, “Nas, who was behind me just now?”
“Caliph Redmen was talking with Hron, and he seemed to be very interested in your and Tumm’s interactions,” Nas answered immediately.
Throg looked around and found that Caliph Redmen was indeed looking in his direction, and didn’t look happy at all with whatever he was seeing. He then looked to see where Tumm had gone, but didn’t find him anywhere. Pressing his com link, Throg anxiously asked, “Did anyone see where Tumm went?”
“Negative,” Groth answered.
“He didn’t leave the building, “Torro answered.”
“The last time I saw him he was heading towards the stairs,” Nas answered.
Shit! If the man was going to his room, Spencer would be in big fucking trouble if he was still there. “Please Gods, let him have finished.” Throg begged, to no one but himself and the gods who might be listening.
Rushing towards the stairs, he hissed, “Torro, Groth, I need you to ground zero. Nas, stay down here and make sure no one follows us upstairs.”
Taking the steps two at a time, Throg made it to the third floor, leading to the room Spencer was currently occupying, trying to gather the needed intel on the hate groups trying to destroy the Nakaka, and as much as Throg knew that information was needed, it wasn’t worth the risk to his Viata and unborn chickpea.
Running quickly, Throg saw someone talking with Tumm. The man looked as if he was flirting with Tumm, and Throg didn’t know what to think about it, until Mennen glanced his way and using his eyes, indicated that Spencer was still in Tumm’s room. Well shit, now what? Throg thought to himself. Then gave a small nod to Mennen, so the man would know he understood the silent message. Hearing the others coming up fast, Throg turned and indicated to the men to stop and be silent. Spencer was still in Tumm’s room, and damned if Throg was going to allow anyone to inadvertently put Spencer into harm’s way more than he already was. Now how the hell was he going to help his mate out of that room?
Tumm said something to Mennen and then stepped to his door and placed his hand on the knob. Nug and his brother stepped out of another room, and Throg watched as Nug’s brother seemed to shrink back a bit when he noticed Tumm.
Nug looked at his brother curiously, saying, “It’s okay, Nub, that’s only Mennen and Throg.”
Tumm turned to see Throg standing there, and looked both surprised and pleased. “Well hello, Throg.”
Thinking quickly, Throg remembered something said to him by Spencer, when they spoke of the attack on his people. They used the oldest trick in the book—sex.
Clearing his throat, Throg didn’t have to even try for a deeper tone he hoped would sound sexy to the man. “I didn’t like how you left us. I thought we were having a conversation worth pursuing.”
Tumm’s eyes darkened, and the look of lust was evident. It made Throg’s skin crawl, but the idea of his Viata and unborn chickpea being hurt, damn near made him puke. If it meant getting closer to this fucker, then that was exactly what Throg was going to do. The image of his mate bleeding and dying had him moving forward, ready to do what needed to be done.
“Throg, Groth is going to go outside and watch your back from Tumm’s balcony. You’re going to have to distract the man long enough for Groth to get into place. If he sees Spencer, he’ll get the man out of there,” Hron whispered in his ear.
Giving a small nod of understanding, Throg made sure not to take his eyes off of Tumm. However, Nug took that opportunity to come closer as well. “What are you doing, Throg? You need to go see Spencer, not canoodle with the likes of this guy.”
“This is none of your concern, Nug. Get your ass out of here,” Throg said, wanting the smaller Nakaka out of harm’s way in case all hell broke loose.
The little shit shook his head and marched right up to Throg, waving his finger in Throg’s face. “I will not. Spencer is my friend, and I’m not going to stand here and watch you flirt, and make out with another Nakaka, as if Spencer means nothing to you. You need to go to your Viata, Throg, and leave this dried-up crap pile alone.”
Tumm snarled, and started towards Nug, as if to hurt the tiny Nakaka. “I’m going to snap your fucking neck for speaking to me that way.”
Nug rushed behind Throg shouting, “Touch me and Groth will rip your arm off and beat you with it until you’re dead. He’ll... he’ll pin you to the wall and tear off your wings like a fly.”
Throg grabbed Tumm before the man could put a hand on Nug, softly saying, “Let me take care of this and we can go and... talk.”
The suggestive way Throg said the word talk made it clear exactly what kind of talk Throg was indicating. Tumm stood up tall and lifted his chin still looking as if he was going to strike Nug. That would not bode well for the man, considering Nug wasn’t lying when he said he was under Groth’s protection, and the Nakaka would rip Tumm’s head from his shoulders if he even touched Nug.
Thankfully, Tumm nodded and Throg called Nub to them. He did as Throg ordered, making a wide berth around Tumm, before standing next to his brother.
It was freaky how identical Nug and Nub were. They were both no more than five foot three and weighed maybe one thirty. They both had short, spiked, light-brown hair and they bo
th had the most beautiful Persian-green flying-lemur-style wings. However, where Nug was annoying, mouthy and confrontational, Nub seemed more like Jory, docile and quiet... almost fearful of confrontation.
Throg looked directly at Nug, “Do you remember us talking before coming here.”
Nug nodded and opened his mouth, but before he could say anything that might let Tumm know they were onto him, Throg quickly said, “We need to all do our part in making sure everything and everyone is taken care of. That includes you and your brother. I know what Spencer is to me, Nug, and what I do or don’t do, is not something you should concern yourself with. As his friend, I would think you would understand that things are not as they seem, and let it go.”
Throg gave Nug a pointed look. “You know why we came here, Nug, and I’m trying to do my part... do what it is I was created to do, but I can’t do that if you insult Tumm and he harms you, or your brother, as he could rightfully do being an ancient’s oldest son. Now, Spencer is where he needs to be, and I’m where I need to be. No matter what happens, I swear to you Spencer will no longer be in harm’s way.”
Nug’s eyes widened when he realized what Throg was trying to say. He nodded, “I hear you Throg. I don’t like it, but... but...”
“Good.” Throg said before Nug could say another word. “You and Nub head down and mingle for a bit. I know Groth would be very upset if any harm were to come to you.”
Nug looked at Tumm and then Throg several times. Throg was getting nervous that the little Nakaka was going to argue, but instead he nodded and took his brother’s hand, “Come on Nub. I need to find Groth.”
Nub didn’t argue as he allowed himself to be led away. Throg gave a mental sigh of relief, and then turned back to Mennen. “You have a man to guard, and I expect you to do just that.”
“Yes, sir.” Mennen said, correctly understanding the underlined message. No matter what happened Spencer was his to keep safe.
Throg looked at Tumm, “Why don’t we go...”
Shaking his head, Tumm said, “Come with me. We can have privacy in here.”
