Page 80 of Clan and Command

Lokmi scowled. “It’s true I like being in control. I never said you weren’t good at giving me pleasure though. You are talented in that regard. As am I, which you’d admit if pride would let you.”

“I’ve had no problem telling you I liked being under your control once you won it from me. Feel free to try to make me submit any time, Chief. Just be ready to fight for it.”

“My pleasure. I owe you for doubting my dominance over Piras.”

“All I know is that our lovely admiral prefers his lovers to exercise absolute control over him. I’m not so sure you managed it this time.”

Lokmi’s face turned red, anger brightening his eyes. Piras decided to end the argument before a real fight broke out. “I’m afraid I’ll have to side with Lokmi on this one. Not for one second did I feel dominant to him. Trust me, his hands and mouth had perfect control over me. I belonged to both of you, not to myself.”

“See? Don’t doubt abilities that are subtler than yours,” Lokmi said. He looked pleased with himself.

Kila acknowledged him with a gracious nod. “Subtle is not my strong suit. However, if Piras is happy, then you can count me contented as well.” The Nobek searched Piras’s face. “It makes me curious, though. Whose technique fits you better?”

Piras held his hands up in a warding off gesture. “No, we’re not doing that. I’m not going to compare the two of you. You each offer something I crave. You’re each perfect in your own way.”

Perfect indeed. Even with the rush of passion finished and his head cleared of wilder drives that could lead to ridiculous notions, Piras knew one thing was sure. He’d found everything he could ever want in the two men.

He took a deep breath, hardly believing he was putting his hopes on the line this way. A moment of terror swept over him at what he was about to do. Hadn’t he learned his lesson the hard way? Hadn’t he sworn to never do this to himself again?

He couldn’t help it. He had to try one more time.

“I want to ask you – both of you – if you would clan with me?”

Kila’s face lit. His mocking grin with that sly upturn of the corners of his mouth widened until his teeth flashed brilliant white in his dark face. He jumped to his feet and yelled, as if he’d run the winning play in a championship kurble match. As if he’d ripped a Tragoom’s head off its body. As if he’d singlehandedly won the war. He pumped both fists in the air, whooping like a wild man for a few seconds.

When he was finished with the outrageous display that made Piras and Lokmi gape, he marched over and lifted Piras to his feet. His arms wrapped around the Dramok in an almost painful embrace. “If that wasn’t clear enough, the answer is yes, my Dramok. Congratulations on figuring out what you should have a long time ago.”

Piras laughed at the crazy brute. “Which is?”

“That I’m the only Nobek for you, of course.”

“How right you are.” Piras kissed Kila’s insufferable smile. “Welcome to my clan, my Nobek.” He gazed into the coarse but still handsome features, searching Kila’s smug face.

Yes. This was right. He was where he was supposed to be, and who he was supposed to be with.

That left one answer hanging, and the silence from the man behind Piras was deafening. A small ache settled in the Dramok’s chest as he and Kila turned their attention to their companion.

Lokmi was getting to his feet. He wore a slight smile, but the overwhelming emotion on his face was one of confusion. It was followed by frustration. Then anxiety.

Piras felt an old, familiar throb of hurt, but he shoved it away with impatience. Lokmi was not Lidon. He most likely had no idea before this moment that he had landed on Piras’s radar as a potential clanmate. He’d been taken by surprise by the abrupt offer, an offer made before he’d gotten to know Piras properly. He and Kila locked horns on more than one occasion, no doubt adding to his reluctance. The invitation to clan had been made too soon, Piras realized.

But damn it, he knew Lokmi was right for him. The Imdiko had demonstrated he could handle Kila as well. Had Piras ruined the one opportunity to clan him by not giving him the time to realize those things?

Piras gave Lokmi an understanding smile and said in a light tone, “Of course we have to have a spoilsport. Way to wreck the celebration, Chief.”

The Imdiko hunched, his brow furrowing. “Damn it. If you knew how hard this is for me. Both to say yes and to say no. I’ve never thought I’d find men I’d want to clan with. I neverwantedto find men to clan with, and you’re fucking that up.”

His words gave Piras a clue as to the biggest objection he fought against. The man was half-Dramok, after all. “I’m not interested in taking away your power, Lokmi.”

“You can’t help but try. Outside of sex, it’s the hallmark of a Dramok, particularly one as demanding as you.”

“No, trying to direct is what being a good Dramok is about. There’s a difference between that and bulldozing over others’ free will.” Piras sighed and shook his head. “Your Dramok side was never honored, Lokmi. Never trained. It’s no wonder you confuse aggression for leadership. I can help you with that.”

Lokmi gave him a disbelieving look. “You’re not known for being democratic or diplomatic, Piras.”

Kila laughed. Piras gave him a shove, but he nodded to acknowledge the truth. “It’s true, to a point. I’m an overbearing leader outside the sleeping room. When I know I’m right, I don’t fuck around with diplomacy. That being said, I’m well aware of my shortcomings.”

“You’re tough, but you’re also hardest of all on yourself,” Kila added. “Chief, I’ve known a lot of Dramoks. I can tell you with full assurance that you won’t find a better mentor than Piras. Don’t emulate his temper, but honor the rest he could teach you.”

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