As for the trouble Ospar and Jol had feared might come to the priest, Rivek had no anxiety. He’d not been threatened since the syndicate Nobeks’ visit, and he didn’t expect there would be. As a temple master, he was not worth intimidating.
All in all, Rivek found no downsides to letting the relationship run its course. His tranquility was intact, despite the distraction of infatuation. Making love to the compatible Ospar and Jol was pure joy.
Rivek could fall in love. The idea of something more committed, more permanent in the future—perhaps it would make his journey to enlightenment more difficult, but not impossible. He hoped not, anyway. The idea of leaving Ospar and Jol behind hurt more and more as the weeks passed.
Time would tell. Rivek was willing to discover what the future held with the pair of amazing men who’d rumbled into his life.
Chapter 23
It was another beautiful summer day. Rivek sat in his consultation chamber, planning a series of classes on social responsibility. Ospar’s growth as a person devoted to community and Empire had inspired Rivek. He outlined the curriculum he hoped to present to other masters, inviting their thoughts, insight, and suggestions.
Rivek was pleased that it wasn’t only the ambitious Ospar benefiting from their friendship. They inspired each other on important matters.
Like all participants in a serious relationship should. Rivek shook his head at himself. He was getting in deep, all right. The question was how it would end…or if it would end.
He was researching a particular point of how doing for others enhanced one’s own well-being when a priest trainee showed up at his door.
“Hello, Byk,” Rivek greeted his visitor.
“Good afternoon, Master Rivek.” The young man, clad in beige and russet robes bowed. “I am sorry to interrupt you, but you have a visitor from the territorial council. And his associates.” The fresh-faced Byk, usually as merry as could be imagined, appeared uncomfortable.
The territorial council? Confused by the situation and concerned by Byk’s muted countenance, Rivek stood. “Show them in.”
He understood the reason for Byk’s unease as Dramok Lanjur, Ospar’s opponent in the election, came in and offered him a bow. It wasn’t Lanjur himself who would have bothered the boy, Rivek decided. More likely, he was upset by the three vicious-looking Nobeks that followed the councilman into the chamber. With their heavy browbones, grim countenances, and badly scarred skin wherever it showed, they made the pair who had accosted Rivek several days before seem as sweet as Byk himself. One leered at the Imdiko, his gaze raking the youth in an inappropriate manner.
Rivek smiled at the anxious aspirant. “Thank you for showing the gentlemen in. You are excused to return to your duties.”
Byk cast a last worried glance at Rivek and scurried away.
Rivek returned Lanjur’s bow, noting his strong bearing. Dramok Lanjur was moving into the latter years of middle age, his squarish body strong in the simple but well-cut clothing he wore. Indeed, the whole aspect of him showed him to be at the height of his powers, in mind and strength. His features were too rugged to be handsome, but it was striking. Pleasing even, with the warm expression Lanjur wore. If not for the brutish Nobeks in his company, Rivek would have been at ease with the politician.
Lanjur came to the middle of the room in response to the priest’s welcoming gesture. “Master Rivek, this is a pleasure.”
“And for me. Would you and your associates care to relax?” He motioned to the comfortable seating area. His first meeting with Ospar and Jol at that very table flashed through his mind. If not for the terrible trio of Nobeks, Rivek might have chuckled at the memory of his lovers sniping back and forth as they consulted about their clanning ceremony.
The councilman moved to the seating cushions. “I will, thank you. Nobeks are not much for lounging about, however.” He didn’t bother to check with his security attachment. They may as well have been part of the furniture for all the notice he gave them.
“No, they are not. Something to drink? A snack?”
“No, but thank you. I won’t take up a great deal of your time, Master.” Lanjur settled on a cushion, his back to the wall. The Nobeks ranged on either side, two of them between the Dramok and Rivek.
If the bodyguards hadn’t been so terrifying, Rivek would have found it amusing that they treated him as a potential threat. He still believed his assertions to Jol and Ospar that no one would bother to attack an Imdiko priest, but the trio gave him a twinge of anxiety nonetheless.
Breathing soft and steady, Rivek settled across the table from Lanjur. He smiled, inviting his guest to state the reason for the surprising visit, so far from the territory’s government seat.
Lanjur’s pleasant demeanor persisted. “I never would have figured Ospar for a spiritual man. You’ve had quite a bit of influence on him, judging by the causes he’s taken up.”
Rivek chuckled. “I wish I could claim some responsibility. However, I’ve found as we’ve grown in our friendship that Ospar is very much his own man.”
The councilman’s laugh was polite, with no real feeling behind it. “He didn’t have a lot of interest in politics and the burden of the common man until he started coming around you.”
“On the contrary. As the director of Itga and a representative of mining safety, he concerned himself with the welfare of his workers. His scope of concern for the typical Kalquorian has merely widened in recent weeks.”
Something behind Lanjur’s easiness curdled. Rivek saw anger flit beneath the practiced pleasantness. “Master Rivek, I represent the people as well. People from all social strata.”
“As befits an elected official.”
“Some are willing to do what they have to in order to get by. Others work hard for their success and have gained considerable influence. Power. Money. As Ospar has.”
Rivek’s smile was beginning to feel as pasted on as Lanjur’s appeared. “How lovely for them. I hope they are the kind of men who use their gains to benefit those not so fortunate.”
“They could. They’ve been known to be generous to those who deserve it.” The politician looked about the simple chamber. “Like a temple and its priests, perhaps. I’m sure you have your own causes you’d like implemented in your community.”
A bribe. A show of strength to intimidate. That’s all this is. “That is very kind. What would have to happen in order to secure these donations?” Let him come right out and say it.
A devious expression turned Lanjur’s attitude cruel. “Nothing of consequence. It would be to the overall good, however, if Ospar realized how little he knows of governance. The territory is not a private business, after all. He should stick with what he knows, what he’s talented at.”
“Perhaps he wouldn’t agree. He’s quite stubborn.”
Another moment that Rivek was able to discern anger simmering below the surface of Lanjur’s friendliness. “Then you could help him by helping me. Sharing his activities—and his Nobek’s—would give me the ability to plan my own strategy. The council seat would remain mine, allowing me to continue to benefit everyone who deserves it. Ospar could return to doing what he does best, where he will remain happy. And healthy.” He glanced at the looming Nobeks.
A flare of unaccustomed fury seared Rivek’s chest, surprising him. A sense of protectiveness rose within him. It was a good thing he was no fighter. The urge to—to—to do something was strong. Rivek wasn’t sure what, since he abhorred violence. Yet he had the most unpriestly impulse to make Lanjur regret his oblique warning.
Instead, he steadied himself and responded in a mild tone. “I should hope Ospar would be content wherever life takes him.”
“He will be, as long as you do your part. If not—well, he got lucky during the Eruz affair. It would be a shame for his luck to run out. His Nobek’s too. What do you say, Master? For the benefit of us all, especially your friends?”
There it was. Not a threat against him, but against Ospar and Jol. An overt
attempt at intimidation to get Rivek to turn on the two men who at times meant more than his long-sought enlightenment. A statement that his refusal to act against their interests could result in their deaths.
Despite seldom-felt wrath firing his temper, Rivek kept his tone quiet. “For the benefit of all, you say? Oh, most certainly, I am for that.” He couldn’t stop himself from narrowing his eyes at Lanjur. Let him receive a warning in kind. “As to your offer—you’d best begin to consider your post-public servant life. With Ospar rising in the polls as he is, you’ll be in the private sector soon.” Rivek rose to his feet.
Lanjur’s face reddened. One Nobek took a step forward, his gaze deadly. Lanjur lifted a hand, and the glowering brute stepped back again.
They have this terrorizing act down to an art. Rivek had believed for a split second that the Nobek could indeed live with the dishonor of striking a priest.
He’d had all he could stomach of the coercion and bullying. He bowed, pretending to be as unflappable as possible. “Thank you for a most illuminating conversation. And good luck to you in your fairly-fought election, Councilman.”
Lanjur stood, glowering at him still. Rivek had the realization that he was not used to being denied what he wanted. Was this how he’d remained on the council for so long?
He had no time to consider the question. Lanjur was stepping around the table, moving towards the door, which Rivek had left open the entire meeting. Continuing to glare, the Dramok said, “I’d hoped for better sense from a priest of your standing, Master Rivek. I am most dreadfully sorry for whatever may come of your misplaced loyalty to Dramok Ospar.”
Rivek gestured towards the door. “Good day, Councilman.”
He remained in place, smiling gently as ever. As the group left, the Imdiko did not waver, even with the Nobeks staring at him as if marking him for horrible death. It was only when they were out of sight, Lanjur’s echoing footsteps fading in the distance, that the knots in his shoulders unraveled. Rivek hadn’t realized how tense he was until that moment.
He breathed out, coaxing his muscles to relax more. “That was interesting.”
* * * *
Ospar’s campaign headquarters was bustling as ever when Rivek arrived that afternoon. Volunteers of all breeds and ages answered and made coms, tapped on computers, and rushed here and there and everywhere, weaving around desks, tables, and chairs. It was an industrious place where people were intent on their goal to send Ospar to the territorial council. For all the work they did, there was no lack of laughter and conversation rising above the coms buzzing for attention.
The energy was frenetic for Rivek, as enlivening as it was. He preferred the relative quiet in Ospar’s office, especially when the Dramok ordered the door closed after he and Jol greeted the priest with affectionate embraces. More than affectionate, in fact. The way Ospar and Jol grabbed him and held him close was almost as if they were relieved to see him. As thankful as he’d been when Lanjur and his goons had left the temple.
Jol searched his face. “Something has happened. Tell us about it.”
Was he that transparent to them? It was as if they were already aware Rivek had been confronted again.
They hung onto every word as Rivek told of Lanjur’s visit. Ospar turned an ashen face to his Nobek. “They’ll go after him. They’re already doing so. This threat cannot go unanswered.”
Jol’s expression was thunderous. Usually when he was displeased, he exhibited a cold demeanor. This was different. The bodyguard looked rabid with fury, as animalistic as the thugs that guarded Lanjur. The appearance of Jol’s fangs completed the terrifying picture.
Rivek had stopped breathing. Forcing himself to calm, he said, “It wasn’t a warning to me. Their posturing in my direction qualified more as a joke. It’s you Lanjur wants to harass. He’s coming after you.”
Jol brought himself back to a more civilized appearance with effort. His fangs folded, allowing him to speak clearly, though still with a hint of a snarl. “These people are nothing to laugh at, Rivek. They may have tried to menace Ospar and me through you, but do not doubt you’re in danger. They might attack you because you are important to us.”
As always, Rivek’s heart warmed that Jol held him with such esteem. “We’ve discussed the unlikelihood of that before. I’m a priest. I’m barely involved in any fashion that makes a difference to whether Ospar wins or loses the election.”
Ospar moved close, as if to reassure himself of Rivek’s safety. “You don’t have to be an active participant of my run for office. Our affair is more than enough to put you in danger.”
“No self-respecting man would attack me.” He didn’t add that he doubted Lanjur’s muscle had a lot of self-respect. Nonetheless, they followed the councilman, and he wouldn’t countenance such a thing. Lanjur struck him as having some dignity.
“Believe it or not, my naïve friend, there are those who would beat you bloody for the pleasure of hurting me.” Ospar appeared sickened at the thought.
Rivek sighed. He had wanted to warn them, not make them worry over him. Yet he could tell there would be no convincing them how unlikely it was that the syndicate would target him.
How did they sleep at night? They stirred up so much trouble for themselves that they saw peril everywhere, ready to descend on everyone.
Jol’s temper threatened to descend into chaos. His operatives had known the second Lanjur and his syndicate minders had arrived at the temple. The guards had managed to stay close to Rivek’s chamber, ready to act the moment they believed trouble to be afoot. Thank the ancestors the priest had chosen to leave his door open during Lanjur’s meeting, affording them better opportunity to guarantee his safety.
Jol had thought he’d done his best to watch out for Rivek, fearing the Imdiko would be targeted. His best had not been sufficient, however. Not by far. Yet Jol’s hands were tied when it came to keeping his friend safe.
He’d wanted to set up monitoring equipment in the priest’s private chamber. A listening device, at the very least. He’d considered doing so, but Rivek wouldn’t have agreed to it. As a temple master, he was confided in by others who expected their secrets to go no farther than his ears alone. In respect to them, he’d have rebuked Jol for suggesting such a thing.
Jol could have set up such surveillance without Rivek’s knowledge. Though the idea had occurred to him, he’d balked. Even to protect Rivek, it was wrong to spy in such a manner. The Imdiko would find it bad enough when he found out Jol had security around him all the time already, watching for trouble.
It drove Jol crazy that he couldn’t watch over Rivek in person, not when Ospar remained a target for the syndicate. The Nobek had to concentrate his personal energy on his clanmate, first and foremost. He wasn’t in any position to insist on an armed bodyguard for Rivek, forcing such a precaution on the Imdiko against his wishes. Not when they weren’t clanned to each other.
In Jol’s heart, Rivek meant the world to him, as much as Ospar did. There has to be some way of keeping them both safe. A temporary solution had occurred, offering him more control over the priest’s protection.
“I need you to do a favor for me, Rivek.”
The Imdiko beamed at him. “If it is in my power, consider it done.”
“Sleep at our home every night, at least until the election is over. I would feel better having you nearby, where I can watch over you.”
Rivek’s expression softened as it frequently did when Jol made an effort to protect him. The priest saw how he cared, that Jol would do whatever it took to keep him secure.
Nonetheless, Rivek rebuked him. “Shouldn’t you discuss such arrangements with your Dramok before offering them?”
Ospar waved off the concern. “He doesn’t have to, not in a situation like this. It would be a burden off my mind if you would stay with us. Please.”
Relief filled Jol that Ospar was making a big deal out of the matter. His Dramok was more charming and persuasive than an angry and worried Nobek could be.
He shot his clanmate a grateful look.
Ospar upped the offer with a naughty grin. “Besides, it will give us many more opportunities to indulge in certain entertainments. Unless you’re spending nights with other Dramoks and Nobeks you haven’t told us about? Rivek, you aren’t letting others enjoy your cabinet, are you?” He gave him a hurt look that was outrageously doleful. Jol would have laughed if he’d not been so upset.
“Enjoy others, when I’ve only begun to scratch the surface with you?” Rivek leered.
Jol’s cocks twitched at the lascivious gaze the Imdiko leveled at Ospar. Despite weeks of romping with Rivek in imaginative encounters, the man’s sexual appetite never failed to impress the Nobek. Who would have guessed priests could be so lecherous? Especially this delicious example.
Rivek proved himself to be as salacious as ever as he contemplated the offer. “Stay in your home until the end of the election. Several weeks of your nightly company. In your bed. I can’t say I wouldn’t appreciate the perks, though I don’t agree that I need a bodyguard.” He straightened and nodded. “I’ll say yes to your proposal—on one condition.”
Jol’s hair rose at the way Rivek looked him over. Only the ancestors knew what the man had in mind, but the Nobek was willing to bet it would be erotic as hell. He swallowed. “What are your terms?”
“That you audition some of those ‘entertainments’ right now.” To underscore what he meant, Rivek stroked himself through his robes.
The sight brought Jol’s shafts to raging erection. He was angry at the threat to Rivek, and anger added potency to a Nobek’s sexual excitement. Jol was no exception to his breed when it came to that. He filled with a rush of heat that made his lengths full with eagerness.
Rivek grinned, as if he intuited what was happening to Jol. “Do you see something you want? I know I do. Come here and let me play with you.”
Jol didn’t require a second invitation. He was before Rivek, his front plastered to the Imdiko’s, in less than a second. The priest’s mouth warmed his. The slide of his raspy tongue and the wet warmth consumed Jol.
Clan and Conscience Page 26
