Page 120 of Alien Haven

Mitag loved witnessing the Nobek surrender to the moment. It was only during sex he saw Detodev appear vulnerable. Not helpless, but accepting of what had been given to him and grateful to have it. It was a peek into the feeling soul usually hidden behind Detodev’s implacable shell.

Detodev was barely a year older than Mitag and as susceptible to a quick end. The Imdiko watched for the priceless moment that made getting past the farmer’s formidable defenses worthwhile. The seconds passed and his pace quickened. The steadyclap-clap-clapof their flesh meeting as the Nobek fucked him counted down the seconds.

Detodev’s face squeezed tight, an expression speaking of pain rather than bliss. It lasted a brief instant. A moan left him in a breathy rush. Tension was erased at the first jerk of the thick cock in Mitag, at the first spurt of hot passion filling him. Sweet calm, then utter euphoria suffused the Nobek’s features as he lost himself in climax. It was the joy of the soldier reaching home after years of battle, the place he’d dreamed of and feared he’d never see.

Like he had during such prior transformations, Mitag fell a little more in love with Detodev.

Minutes later, despite initial insistence he had to go home and get some sleep so he could work in the morning, Detodev pinned Mitag, ready for another round. Just as their youth meant speedy ecstasy, it also granted them quick recovery. It was quite late before they’d truly exhausted themselves.

Spooned from behind, Mitag waited for sleep. He was at once satisfied yet already worrying when he could lure Detodev to his bed again. He clutched the thick arms wrapped around him, willing the Nobek to relinquish the reluctance that demanded a new seduction at every encounter.

* * * *

To his chagrin, Ilid’s mother and Dramok father had waited up for him in the rented house’s kitchen. He did his best to answer Diju’s questions about his night on the town offhandedly, but she seized on the companions he’d ended up among and had flown home.

“They must have been very interesting men for you and Jennifer to have stayed out so late. A Nobekandan Imdiko?” Diju all but danced in her delight on the white tile floor amongst the gleaming appliances and a small, cozy table in the middle of the spacious room. “Close to your age, no less.”

“Jennifer had better rapport than I did when it came to Mitag. They’re both interested in clothes and parties. Detodev came off as barely sociable. I think Mitag’s more into him than vice versa. He barely spoke two words at a time to any of us.”

“Oh, what else would you expect from a Nobek? They prefer their actions to speak for them. If he stuck close, he’s interested.”

“It was a random encounter at the bar. He and Jennifer had become acquainted on the farm. He works for Clan Amgar. For all I know, we won’t run across either him or Mitag again soon.”

“You didn’t exchange com frequencies?” At last, disappointment showed up.

As much as he hated to burst his mother’s bubble, it was for the best. Ilid avoided telling her Mitag had his contact information. “I hardly thought a first meeting involving a number of drinks warranted it.”

“Well, what does? Plenty happens between available Kalquorians after a few drinks.”

“I really don’t want to have this conversation with my mother,” Ilid groaned.

“Diju,” Codab spoke quietly from the wooden chair he occupied at the matching table. “He hasn’t reached legal age to clan unless we give permission. There are plenty of Nobeks and maybe even Imdikos for him to meet here. Let him look around.”

“I wasn’t offered the option, nor was I of age to choose to clan,” she returned, glaring at him. “I was nineteen. You were barely twenty-five. It was an arranged clanning.”

“Times have changed. The traditional clan of four isn’t a guarantee any longer, no more than arranged clanships. He deserves the opportunity to forge his own path.” Codab smiled at her, his gaze soft. Arranged or not, their relationship was full of love. Dramok Codab had no problem displaying it.

She continued to scowl, but the heat lessened in the face of his adoring regard. “I want the best for my son. You have to admit, the support of a protector and caregiver can’t be underestimated.”

“I have no complaints. However, Ilid isn’t me. Or you.”

She rolled her eyes and turned to their child. “At least grant them a chance if they make an effort to see you again. They might be perfect for you.”

“All right. If we cross paths, I’ll see if they’re interested in a real outing, where drinking isn’t the main event of the night.” Ilid smiled. Her love was a beacon of warmth in a cold universe. While her meddling wasn’t entirely welcome, he basked in the caring behind it.

“Excellent. I’m going to bed. Codab?”

“In a moment.”

Diju paused long enough to shoot him a suspicious glance. She turned to her son and cupped her palm around Ilid’s cheek. She left them, murmuring good night. They listened to her go up the softly creaking stairs.

As soon as her footfalls quieted, Codab stood and looked at Ilid. The younger man’s heart sank.

Sure enough, his father had read through his attempts to downplay the night. “Were you truly unimpressed by Detodev and Mitag, or is it a matter of what happened to you?”

Ilid knew he had no choice but to confess. “I don’t want a clan. Or at least, I don’t deserve one. I have no right to play the part of a Dramok to fellow Kalquorians.”

“You do fine when it comes to Jennifer.”

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