Page 77 of Matthew

The freedom to be himself, with no fear of repercussions. Was that what this Baknu proposed? A life on Kalquor itself, out of reach of Earth’s judgment? His soul cried for the sweet promise of no more lies, no more pretending, no more nightmares—and no more loneliness.

He fought off impossible hope and spoke, the words fish hooks tearing his throat. “Not possible.”

“Entirely possible. You just have to take a chance.” Takat’s regard was gentle. The men’s attention was riveted on him again, as if they’d forgotten Iliana stood there.

“Are you really going extinct?” Gabriel wasn’t sure where the words came from.

“Within three hundred years, or so the rumors say.” Baknu stepped closer to him, close so Gabriel caught the scent of his cologne. Sweet. Cinnamon-y. Like candy. Or pastry. Can I have a lick?

“Well, good luck with surviving. I’m not in the market for a husband, let alone three. Gabriel, did your visitor take off?” Iliana wandered off, dismissing the Kalquorians.

Gabriel had no answer. He was stuck in place, unable to move as the alien trio shifted nearer to him. Close enough to touch, to run his hands all over those powerful physiques. Prophets, he wanted to. So bad, it hurt.

It was impossible, though. It had to be impossible.

Kisk of the knowing wink smiled down on him. “What about you, Gabriel? Are you in the market for a clan?”

“I—I won’t leave my sister. Not for anything.” Fish hooks tearing at this throat again, bleeding tears to wash his aching heart.

They exchanged glances. Baknu nodded. “Then we’ll have to see what we can do to sweeten the bid for her. A boy as lovely as you, so devoted and loyal, deserves a clan to keep him happy and safe.”

Gabriel tried to respond. He stood there, mute and aching for what was so close but eternally out of reach.

They backed away. Bowed. “We’ll see you again soon, Gabriel.” A promise as they left the shop, their gazes lingering on him until they passed out of sight.

He resisted running to the door to watch them go, that glimmer of a paradise forever denied him. He stayed rooted to the spot instead…barely.

* * * *

As he led his clan along the shopping deck’s concourse, Dramok Baknu let his surroundings wash over him. The hum of shoppers’ hover carts, the whir of winged aliens flying overhead, conversations in multiple tongues, the brightly flashing window vids of various stores hawking their wares…all a fuzzy background to the lasting mind’s-eye image of a lovely male face with startling blue eyes, framed by carelessly styled hair as black as his own. A young man whose mere appearance had shook him with the force of thunder.

Gabriel.

Kisk’s deep voice startled Baknu from the spell the Earther had cast. “The order is to get her by any means possible.”

“We’re not abducting the girl. We agreed, right, my Dramok?” Takat had framed it as a question, but it was a demand. Spoken through a mouthful of whatever the Imdiko snacked on.

“The Royal Council, Imperial Clan, or whoever gave the order can fuck themselves in an open airlock all the way to Trag and Bi’is before I stoop to kidnapping.” Baknu snorted at the idea.

Kisk grinned, his naturally feral features more dangerous for the expression. “My attitude towards politicians in general. That can’t be legal, according to our charter with the Galactic Council of Planets. Kidnapping Earthers. Ha! It’s a joke.”

“The boy, on the other hand…whew. I’d commit felonies for a night with him. Don’t ask me what I’d do for more than one night.” Takat licked his lips at the thought.

“Sex with other menisa felony, according to his world. I bet he’s never been with anyone.” A delicious shiver raced down Baknu’s spine. Gabriel had exhibited naked desire, mixed with a compelling lack of hope at their offer. The sudden vision of proving to the boy he could give in to his cravings, of holding him close, of watching him crumble as his longings were fulfilled—

“An innocent. Imagine being his first,” Takat breathed. For once, he wasn’t eyeing the food kiosks they passed like a desperate lover.

“Trust me, I’m imagining it.” Kisk barked laughter, his spicy-sweet arousal scent the strongest of the trio.

“We all are.” Baknu’s voice was quiet as he considered Gabriel. The situation with Iliana, though he refused to consider hauling her to Kalquor against her will, demanded careful musing as well.

Takat was more impatient. “We have to convince the sister it’s in her best interests to go to Kalquor. Even if it’s just to evaluate her options. If she’ll go, Gabriel will tag along.”

Baknu made a noncommittal noise. Takat knew as well as he did that if Iliana went to Kalquor, she’d be unable to leave the empire afterward. Earth wouldn’t forgive such a transgression. Her own people would hunt her like an animal.

He weighed possible scenarios that would lure the woman to accept the empire’s offer, simultaneously admiring the attributes he’d noted Gabriel possessed. Such a beautiful young man, his well-tailored clothing hinting at the trim physique they covered. The tough façade he’d confronted them with when he’d thought his sister was in danger had fallen apart quickly. In its place had risen sweetness, vulnerability, and longing. The wistful yearning with which Gabriel had gazed at him sent a pang through Baknu’s heart. He had the outrageous urge to fix all that was wrong in the Earther’s life.

The sensible Dramok had never believed in love at first sight. Lust…sure, that was a given. Natural. Lust had been the sole initial drive when it had come to getting acquainted with his clanmates. Love had happened in its due course once the base urges had been satisfied, allowing him to contemplate the personalities beyond the delicious bodies he was eager to fuck.

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