Page 63 of Tribute
Aled set his jaw and wrapped his fingers around his shaft. Gods, he was sore. He wasn’t even sure if he’d be able to get hard.
“Do it, Price. I want to see you touch yourself.”
There was a note in Kai’s voice that he had never heard before. When had he started to notice such small things or even care about them? When had he decided he wanted to please this man and make him proud? He reminded himself that it was a classic hostage response to a figure who had the power of life or death over him.
It didn’t matter. In some way, he just wanted Kai toseehim.
His fingers moved up and down his cock as he sought out a familiar rhythm that wouldn’t make him hurt too much, but was guaranteed to make him come. Opening his eyes, he stared at Kai.
“If I survive whatever it is that is coming, Kai Mexr, I’ll never forget you.”
“Trust me, you will be glad to.”
“I don’t think so.” Wetness now coated his fingertips. “You’ve taught me a lot about myself.”
“I’ve taught you to endure.”
“And to sit here in front of another man, getting myself off.”
“Yeah?” Kai moved abruptly and Aled’s fingers froze as he threw something on the bed. “Fuck yourself for me too, then.”
Aled stared at Kai. “Do you want me to come? Or do you want to keep me hard?”
“I want . . .” Kai stood, almost overbalancing him. “Go and shower when you are ready. I have to make the final arrangements for tomorrow.”
Releasing his cock, Aled shoved his palm flat on Kai’s chest. “Don’t walk away from me.”
“Get your fucking hands off me, soldier boy.”
“You made me like this. You can fucking well stand there and watch me finish.”
Kai moved so suddenly that Aled was on his back before he knew it, Kai’s hand wrapped around his cock. Kai also took possession of the dildo.
“That’s what you want? Well, you’re not doing it hard enough for me. Take it like a man.”
Three hard yanks and Aled was coming all over Kai’s fist, the dildo jammed deep inside him as he fought to breathe. So much for honesty. So much for letting Kai know how he felt. He might as well have been talking to himself.
“Now go and shower. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.”
CHAPTER
FIVE
“Fifty years ago, the government began to hear disturbing rumors that whole cities and towns in this remote region were disappearing overnight. Security personnel sent to investigate never returned. Eventually, the government sent their best troops and scientists to see what was causing the disruptions. It emerged that what had been considered a barren planet, ripe for colonization, was in fact home to a native species who were in a hibernation phase many miles underground.”
Kai Mexr looked up from his obviously prepared speech, scanning the assembled trainees. Aled tried to wrap his mind around what Kai had just said.Native species?
“The heat from the cities and towns and the growth of the current population into this region stirred the original inhabitants from their deep slumber. Fearing they were under attack, the species began exterminating what they considered vermin on the surface of their world.”
Kai paused again to let the muttering die down, then continued. “The original species, theUngrich, have the necessary strength to obliterate us completely. Our armies threatened to use their weaponry to take out the core of theplanet and blow it into a million pieces, but it soon became obvious that they didn’t have enough power. An agreement was finally reached. TheUngrichinsisted they were a peaceful race, and asked only that colonization in this area should stop and that they should be allowed to study our species in more detail. In return for the Mitan providing specimens for them to examine, they promised not to destroy any more emerging colonies in other areas.”
Aled shifted uncomfortably in his seat and Kai continued.
“Once a year, on Tribute Day, we honor that promise. And for their part, theUngrichhave kept to themselves and destroyed no more of our colonies. TheUngrichare not humanoid. Their species has no correlation in our world. Their appearance is . . . unusual. They exist in an atmosphere that contains less oxygen than our own, which is why we base the training camp here at this altitude, to help you acclimate. If you accept what they wish to do to you, don’t struggle, and obey their commands, there is a high possibility that because of your training, you will remain intact and will be delivered back to this facility after approximately a week. Your trainers are evidence that you can survive. When you emerge from theUngrichenvironment, you will be given every tool you need to move on from the experience.”
After Kai finished speaking, Aled glanced around at Graif, who was sitting beside him.
“Aliens ?”
