Page 58 of Clan and Crave

The line between Erybet’s brows deepened inconcern. He met Sletran’s gaze for the first time in weeks. “Reportthen.”

“The problem is fate has granted me thegreatest gift I could hope for: an Imdiko who loves me.”

Surprise drifted across the Dramok’s visagebefore pain shadowed it. Anger lit, a refuge for him to hidebehind. “What the hell is this?”

“This is a wakeup call for you. I won’t letConyod go, not for anything. I can’t.”

“I got the message. You won, I lost.” A growlhad slipped into his voice.

“No one had to lose. With all due respect,sir, if you’d get your head out of your ass, you could have himtoo. It’s clear to me he loves you. If you haven’t figured it out,I have the greatest respect for you, which is at the least a decentfoundation to build more upon.”

Erybet’s anger had become watchfulness. Ahint of hope peeked at the edges. “As I do for you, beyond yourabilities as a soldier. Although the ‘head in my ass’ referencedoesn’t quite ring as high esteem.”

“My regard for you says you can handle ablunt observation.” Sletran allowed the corner of his lips to driftup.

“Your regard has been obvious. I’ve wanted tothank you for speaking on my behalf before the committee, Sletran.It could have cost you.” Erybet’s tone softened.

“I thought those proceedings had been keptquiet.”

“They were, and I don’t know exactly what youreported to them, but I’d heard you’d been called in to answerquestions. Considering Zyrf was reassigned soon afterward and Akrijtook command of my group, I figured you’d spoken well on my behalf.I’m grateful, Sletran. And…and I’ve regretted my blindness whereyour worth as a friend and lover were concerned.”

Sletran’s heart beat faster. Erybet had theexpression of want he’d worn for Conyod, but on this occasion itwas directed at the Nobek.

He kept his tone steady despite the hopeseizing him. “You should consider giving Conyod and I a secondchance.”

Erybet barked a sudden laugh. “I told Conyodhe was naïve to settle for the first likely men he’d encountered.It turns out he wasn’t the fool. I was. There you were all thistime…even discounting Conyod’s obvious devotion to you, I knew whata fantastic Nobek you were, and I just…”

He gestured angrily at himself.

“Don’t feel bad. I spent years seeing Conyodas the traumatized kid I helped instead of the young man he became.Even after he attained maturity, it took me years and a meeting Icursed myself for agreeing to until he showed up. Ancestors helpme, did he ever show up.”

Erybet stepped around his desk and approachedSletran until they stood a mere two feet apart. “You asked me toconsider giving you and Conyod another chance, which is rightly myquestion. Will you give me another chance, Sletran? With aneye toward honoring me by becoming my Nobek, if I don’t fuck upagain?”

Sletran could have grinned from ear to ear.He allowed a smile better suited to a Nobek of his standing. “Evenif it were for only Conyod’s benefit, I’d say yes, but I want youfor myself as well.”

“Thank you.” Erybet’s grin was wide enoughfor both of them.

* * * *

Conyod was alone in Sletran’s quarters. Hehummed as he viewed the virtual tour of the apartment Sletran hadfound for them to possibly move in together. The Nobek had beenright in that it wasn’t fancy, but it was bigger than either oftheir current living spaces. They could make it nice for the coupleof years they’d live in it until their pay grades went up. ThoughSletran didn’t aspire to a rank that would tie him to a computerand endless reports, he was willing to advance to group commanderand maybe a little higher. Conyod had no doubt his lover would earnthe rank sooner rather than later.

The door to the outside opened, and heglanced from the view of the decently sized kitchen of theirprospective new home to greet the Nobek. His jaw dropped.

Erybet stood next to Sletran.

“Look at the stray Dramok I found. Can youbelieve they let his type on these hallowed grounds?” Sletrandemanded of Conyod.

“Hello, Conyod.” Erybet eyed him with thefamiliar warmth the Imdiko had missed.

Conyod rose from the lounger he’d beensitting on. “Erybet. What…hi. How’ve you been?”

He heard how stupid he sounded, but it wasall he could manage to keep the urge to fling himself at thebeautiful man at bay.

“I’ve been lonely. Pissed off at myself forletting the two best potential clanmates I could ask for slipthrough my fingers.”

Two potential clanmates. Conyod lookedat Sletran to confirm his ears weren’t playing tricks on him.

His Nobek nodded. “Like you, I think he’s theright Dramok for us. He’s agreed to give this another shot.”

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